The invention relates to a modular compressor assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 . The invention further relates to an air supply system and a vehicle.

Compressor assemblies for vehicles, such as commercial vehicles or passenger vehicles, are generally known. Such compressor assemblies are configured to provide pressurized air for different applications and systems in a vehicle such as cabin leveling systems, air suspension systems, brake systems and the like.

Electrically driven compressors, so-called E-compressors, are generally known. E-compressors are typically driven by a dedicated electric motor instead of exclusively by the drivetrain of the vehicle. E-compressors are particularly suitable for electrically powered vehicles such as electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles or hybrid vehicles combining combustion and electric propulsion means. Such electrically powered vehicles already have a source of electric power on board vehicle that can be used for supplying the E-compressor with electric energy, in particular independent of a drivetrain of the vehicle.

Compressor assemblies can still be improved, in particular with respect to a compact layout, noise and vibration characteristics as well as an efficient operation.

It is therefore desirable to address at least one of the above problems. In particular, it is an object of the invention to improve compressor assemblies with respect to overall size, noise and vibration emission characteristics as well as efficiency of operation. In accordance with the invention, the object is solved in a first aspect by a modular compressor assembly as proposed according to claim 1 .

A modular compressor assembly is proposed, in particular for a vehicle, comprising: at least one compressor module for providing pressurized air, an air processing module comprising an air dryer, an electric motor module, arranged in a motor housing, for driving the at least one compressor module, an inverter module, adapted to provide electric energy to the electric motor.

According to the invention, it is proposed that the at least one compressor module, the air processing module, electric motor module and the inverter module are mounted to each other so as to form an integral unit.

The invention is based on the finding that by providing a modular compressor assembly in form of an integral unit, significant saving of space and weight is achieved. This is because in contrast to conventional compressor assemblies, where said components are provided as single entities, an integral unit provides for a higher degree of integration and thus, requires less space and weight, as the components are installed closer to each other and can make use of a common installation and/or fixation structure. Also, less piping and wiring in between the modules is needed because of the more compact layout of the integral unit. This further results in an increase in efficiency, as energy losses, in particular pressure losses, are decreased due to the shorter distances in between the components, i.e. modules, of the modular compressor assembly.

Further, a modular structure of the at least one compressor module, the air processing module, electric motor module and the inverter module results in a better exchangeability of single components. This in particular facilitates the repair and diagnosis, as single modules can be exchanged and/or examined. The expression "modular" implies that at least the electric motor module and the first compressor module and the second compressor module are mechanically fixed to each other, in particular that at least two or all modules of the compressor assembly, including the air processing unit and the inverter, are mounted to each other so as to form an integral unit. The mounted connection is preferably releasable, meaning that the connection can be released and reassembled as is required in a non-destructive manner. In particular, the inverter is adapted to provide electric energy to the electric motor in the form of an alternating current, in particular by transforming direct current from an energy source, such as a battery or fuel cell, into alternating current. In particular, the compressor assembly is adapted to receive air at an intake port and to provide the pressurized air at a pressure port.

Further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims and show particularly advantageous possibilities to realize above described concept in light of the object of the invention and regarding further advantages.

In accordance with a further development, it is proposed that at least one of the modules, preferably all modules of the modular compressor assembly, are mounted to a support structure. In particular, the modular compressor assembly or the support structure comprises at least one vibration reducing element, adapted to mount the modular compressor assembly to a vehicle in a vibration reducing, in particular vibration absorbing, manner. In particular, a vibration reducing element is an elastic element such as a rubber disc. By means of a support structure, an even more compact and stable design of the modular compressor assembly is achieved. In particular, the support structure comprises a support base. One or more components of the modular compressor assembly can be mounted to the support base, wherein the support base is adapted to be mounted to the vehicle. By means of a support structure with a support base, the complete modular compressor assembly can be mounted to the vehicle via one mechanical interface, namely the support base. The support structure, in particular the support base, can comprise one or more fixation flanges, adapted to fix one or more components of the modular compressor assembly to the support structure. Preferably, a fixation flange is arranged between the compressor module and the motion output side of the electric motor, resulting in a first fixation flange between the first compressor module and the first motion output side, and a second fixation flange between the second compressor module and the second motion output side. In particular, a fixation flange is held by a clamp or screw force created by the fixation of a compressor to the electric motor, or in a positively locking manner, or through a combination of such mechanisms. Preferably, a compressor is fixed to the electric motor by means of screws.

In particular, the support structure comprises an oil reservoir, in particular arranged in the support base.

In accordance with a preferred development, it is proposed that the modular compressor assembly comprises a first compressor module and a second compressor module, wherein the first compressor module has a first drive input side comprising a first driveshaft, wherein the first drive input side is arranged facing a first motion output side of the electric motor module and the second compressor module has a second drive input side comprising a second driveshaft, wherein the second drive input side is arranged facing a second motion output side of the electric motor module. In particular, in a mounted state modular compressor assembly, the first drive input side is in contact with the first motion output side, and the second drive input side is in contact with the second motion output side.

The development is based on the finding that compressors driven by an electric motor can provide a greater freedom of design of a compressor assembly. It has been found that - due to using the dedicated electric motor - it is beneficial to drive both a first compressor module and a second compressor module with that one electric motor. The development has further recognized that, through the use of the first and second compressor module a relatively large compressor capacity, that is a relatively large volume available for compressing air, can be achieved with relatively little dimensions of the modular compressor assembly and relatively low noise generation, as the occurring forces and the mechanical load are distributed to several, in particular two, compressor modules. Also, with such arrangement of a first and second compressor module, a relatively high amount of pressurized air can be generated with a relatively low rotational speed of the electric motor module, resulting in a further reduction of noise and vibration.

In accordance with a further preferred development, it is proposed that the first compressor module and the second compressor module are arranged in such a way that the first drive input side and the second drive input side face each other.

The development has recognized that, through such facing arrangement of the first and second drive input side of the compressor modules, an even more compact layout of the modular compressor assembly is possible, advantageously resulting in further reduced lengths of connections, in particular wirings or fluid conduits such as pipes or hoses for air or coolant such as water. In particular, relatively short air and cooling conduits can be realized with such a facing arrangement.

The development has further recognized that, through such facing arrangement of the first and second drive input side of the compressor modules, the first and second compressor modules can be arranged in a balanced manner, in a way that the kinematics of the first and second compressor modules - at least partially - oppose each other, resulting in an at least partly in an extinction of - in particular radial - accelerations occurring during the operation of the modular compressor assembly. Such extinction leads to an advantageous reduction of vibration and noise during operation. In accordance with a further preferred development, it is proposed that the first driveshaft and the second driveshaft are arranged in an angle of smaller than or equal to 30°, preferably smaller than or equal to 10°, most preferably coaxially with respect to a rotational axis.

In accordance with a particularly preferred development, it is proposed that the first drive input side and the second drive input side are arranged symmetrically with respect to a rotational symmetry axis or with respect to a symmetry plane disposed in between the first compressor module and the second compressor module. In accordance with a particularly preferred development, it is proposed that the first compressor module and the second compressor module are arranged symmetrically with respect to a rotational symmetry axis or a symmetry plane disposed in between the first compressor module and the second compressor module.

Through a symmetric arrangement of the first compressor module and the second compressor module, in particular with respect to the symmetry plane, in particular through a coaxial alignment of the first and second driveshaft, a balanced arrangement and therefore an improved extinction of radially opposing, dynamic forces can be realized in an improved manner.

Particularly preferred, the first and second compressor module are arranged on opposing sides of the electric motor module.

In accordance with a particularly preferred development, it is proposed that a first driveshaft of the first compressor module and a second driveshaft of the second compressor module are coupled to a rotor of the electric motor.

Through such, in particular direct, coupling, the balancing of the compressors, in particular of their driveshafts, can be further improved and a more simple and robust design of the modular compressor assembly can be achieved, in particular as no further gears or transmission elements are necessary. In accordance with a particularly preferred development, it is proposed that the first compressor module and the second compressor module are reciprocating compressors and the driveshaft is a crankshaft.

In accordance with a preferred development, it is proposed that the first compressor module and the second compressor module comprise an even number of pistons, in particular two pistons. Preferably, the first compressor module and the second compressor module each comprises two cylinders, resulting in a total amount of four cylinders.

Each cylinder comprises a piston, driven by the crankshaft. A relatively high amount of cylinders, in particular an amount of four cylinders, advantageously results in a relatively low rotational speed for generating a relatively high amount of pressurized air, further reducing noise and vibration during operation of the modular compressor assembly. In particular, by such design, also the air intake and air discharge noise is reduced, as the overall volume of pressurized air is distributed to several, in particular two, compressor modules.

In other developments, the first compressor module and the second compressor module can be of a different kind of rotationally driven compressors known in the art, for example radial or axial compressors or other turbine type compressors, rotary screw compressors, Roots-type compressors, scroll-type compressors or the like.

In accordance with a particularly preferred development, it is proposed that the driveshafts, in particular the pistons, of each compressor module and/or of the complete modular compressor assembly are arranged in a balanced manner so as to achieve an extinction of dynamic radial counterforces, preferably arranged in a Lanchester compensating manner.

Through such balanced arrangement, it is possible to arrange the moving components of each compressor, and/or of both compressors in a balanced manner, reducing unbalanced masses and therefore, reducing the generation of vibrations and noise. In particular, the electric motor comprises a rotor extending continuously from the first motion output side through a stator of the electric motor to a second, opposing motion output side. In developments, the first and second driveshaft can be connected integrally to the rotor, in particular made of one part.

In developments with reciprocating compressor modules, the crankshaft is preferably configured in a balanced manner, in particular such that a crankpin for a first piston of a compressor is arranged radially opposing to a crankpin for a second, neighboring piston of that compressor. Radially opposing in particular implies that a first crankpin is shifted by 180° around the rotational axis with respect to the second crankpin. Optionally, the crankshaft can comprise counterweighs for further balancing. Additionally or alternatively, a first crankpin of a first crankshaft for one or more pistons of a first compressor module can be arranged radially opposing to a second crankpin of a second crankshaft for one or more pistons of a second compressor module, in order to achieve an overall balancing of the modular compressor assembly.

Preferably the first crankshaft and the second crankshaft are arranged symmetrically with respect to a symmetry plane disposed in between the first compressor module and the second compressor module.

In accordance with a preferred development, it is proposed that the air processing module is arranged on a further, air processing side of the electric motor module, wherein in particular the air processing side is perpendicular to the motion output sides. Via such arrangement, the lengths of the air conduits, in particular air pipes or hoses, can advantageously be reduced. In particular, the air processing side, and thus the air processing module, is arranged in between two planes formed by each motion output side, and therefore between the first and second compressor module.

In accordance with a preferred development, it is proposed that the inverter module is arranged on a further, inverter side of the electric motor module, wherein in particular the inverter side is perpendicular to the motion output sides and opposite of the air processing side. In such development, the inverter module is advantageously located in between the two planes formed by each motion output side, and therefore between the first and second compressor module. Through such arrangement, the length of cooling conduits, in particular cooling pipes or hoses, can be reduced, in particular in developments where the first and second compressor module, as well as the inverter module, is connected to a cooling circuit.

In accordance with a preferred development, a resonator module is proposed, pneumatically connected to an intake port of the modular compressor assembly and to an compressor intake of the compressor modules, in particular a first compressor intake of the first compressor module and a second compressor intake of the second compressor module. Preferably, the resonator module is designed by means of geometric features such that noise, that is generated in the intake path of the modular compressor assembly, is reduced.

The expression "side", for example as in "motion output side", "air processing side", "inverter side", “top side” or “bottom side” does not necessarily imply an even surface of the electric motor, but merely expresses the fundamental orientation. Hence, the actual surface of the electric motor housing can be curved or shaped otherwise.

Preferably, the compressor module has an output pressure between 8 bar and 17 bar, more preferably between 11 bar and 14 bar, most preferably of 12.5 bar.

In a second aspect of the invention, an air supply system for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle or a passenger vehicle, is proposed, comprising a modular compressor assembly according to the first aspect of the invention. In particular, the vehicle is configured as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle or a fuel cell vehicle.

In a third aspect of the invention, a vehicle, in particular commercial vehicle or passenger vehicle or trailer, is proposed, comprising a modular compressor assembly according to the first aspect of the invention and/or an air supply system according to the second aspect of the invention.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, a compressor assembly is proposed, comprising a first compressor and a second compressor, wherein the first compressor has a first drive input side comprising a first driveshaft, wherein the first drive input side is arranged facing a first motion output side of an electric motor and the second compressor has a second drive input side comprising a second driveshaft, wherein the second drive input side is arranged facing a second motion output side of the electric motor. Preferably, the first and second compressor are arranged symmetrically with respect to the electric motor, most preferably coaxially with respect to a common rotational axis of the electric motor, the first driveshaft and the second driveshaft.

It shall be understood that the modular compressor assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the air supply system according to the second aspect of the invention, the vehicle according to the third aspect of the invention and the compressor assembly according to the fourth aspect of the invention comprise identical or similar developments, in particular as described in the dependent claims. Therefore, a development of one aspect of the invention is also applicable to another aspect of the invention.

The aspects of the disclosure may be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they just show details to improve the understanding of the claims, while other details are left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts. The individual features of each aspect may each be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features and/or technical effect will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the illustrations described hereinafter which show in: Fig. 1 : A first perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 2: a second perspective view of the preferred embodiment shown in

Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 3: a schematic view of the arrangement and orientation of the components of a modular compressor assembly according to the concept of the invention,

Fig. 4: a schematic view of a possible crankshaft layout within the scope of the invention,

Fig. 5 a schematic top view of a vehicle with an air supply system, comprising a modular compressor assembly according to the concept of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a modular compressor assembly 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in the form of an integral unit 101 . The modular compressor assembly 100 comprises an electric motor module 140, arranged in a motor housing 154, wherein the electric motor 140 module is arranged at the center of the modular compressor assembly 100. The modular compressor assembly 100 comprises a first compressor module 20.1 and a second compressor module 20.2. The first compressor module 20.1 and the second compressor module 20.2 are each in the form of a reciprocating compressor 21 , wherein each compressor module 20.1 , 20.2 comprises two pistons 26, each arranged in a cylinder 27. Consequently, the modular compressor assembly 100 comprises a first piston 26.1 in a first cylinder 27.1 and a second piston 26.2 in a second cylinder 27.2, both arranged in the first compressor module 20.1 , and a third piston 26.3 in a third cylinder 27.3 and a fourth piston 26.4 in a fourth cylinder 27.4, both arranged in the second compressor module 20.2. The first compressor module 20.1 is arranged at the first motion output side 142.1 of the electric motor module 140. The second compressor module 20.2 is arranged at a second motion output side 142.2 of the electric motor module 140 (not visible here as it is behind the air processing module 40). The second motion output side 142.2 is arranged opposed to the first motion output side 142.1 in the direction of a rotational axis AR. The rotational axis AR describes the rotational axis of a rotor 150 of the electric motor module 140, wherein the rotor 150 is not visible in Fig. 1 , as it is inside the motor housing 154. The first compressor 20.1 and the second compressor 20.2 are arranged symmetrically on a first motion output side 142.1 and a second motion output side 142.2, respectively, in particular along the rotational axis AR. The first compressor 20.1 has a first drive input side 22.1 comprising a first driveshaft 23.1 , here a first crankshaft 24.1 . The second compressor 20.2 has a second drive input side

22.2 comprising a second driveshaft 23.2, here a second crankshaft 24.2. “Comprising” in this context means that the driveshaft 23 is extending from, or accessible on, the drive input side 22. Each drive input side 22 is facing the corresponding motion output side 142. Here, the first drive input side 22.1 is facing the first motion output side 142.1 , and the second drive input side 22.2 is facing the second motion output side 142.2. The first and second driveshafts

23.1 . 23.2 are not visible in Fig. 1 as they are arranged inside the first and second compressor 20.1 , 20.2. In the embodiment shown here, the first driveshaft 23.1 and the second driveshaft 23.2 are directly connected to the rotor 150, such that the first and second driveshaft 23.1 , 23.2 are also arranged along the rotational axis AR. In particular, the first and second driveshaft 23.1 ,

23.2 are fixed to the rotor 150 by means of a flange or the like shaft connection, or are formed as an integral part. The rotational axis AR, the vertical module axis AM or the third axis AT can be a rotational symmetry axis for the arrangement of the compressor modules 20, 20.1 , 20.2, meaning that a number of compressor modules 20, 20.1 , 20.2, in particular two, are arranged around said axis AR, AM, AT.

The first compressor module 20.1 comprises a first compressor head segment 50.1 with a first compressor intake 28.1 adapted to receive uncompressed air L. The first compressor intake 28.1 is pneumatically connected to an intake port 32 of the modular compressor assembly via a resonator 220. The second compressor module 20.2 comprises a second compressor head segment 50.2 comprising a second compressor intake 28.2 adapted to receive uncompressed air L. The second compressor intake 28.2 is pneumatically connected to the intake port 32 via the resonator module 220. The first compressor head segment 50.1 further comprises a first compressor outlet 52.1 which is adapted to provide pressurized air DL generated by the first compressor module 20.1 . The first compressor outlet 52.1 is pneumatically connected to a pressure port 30 of the modular compressor assembly 100 via a first outlet connection 54.1 and an air processing module 40. The second compressor head segment 50.2 further comprises a second compressor outlet 52.2 which is adapted to provide pressurized air DL generated by the second compressor module 20.2. The second compressor outlet 52.2 is pneumatically connected to the pressure port 30, via a second outlet connection 54.2 and also via the air processing module 40. In particular, as shown here, the first outlet connection 54.1 and the second outlet connection 54.2 are merged by means of a T-part 56 prior to the pneumatic connection to the air processing module 40.

The air processing module 40 comprises an air dryer 42 adapted to dry the pressurized air DL generated by the compressor modules 20.1 , 20.2. Preferably, the air dryer 42 is a regenerative air dryer.

The pressure port 30 is adapted to provide pressurized air DL with an output pressure PO, generated by the modular compressor assembly 100 to one or more pneumatic systems of the vehicle 1000 (not shown).

The modular compressor assembly 100 comprises a support structure 290. The support structure 290 comprises a support base 292, which serves as the mechanical basis for fixing the components of the modular compressor assembly 100, in particular to a vehicle 1000. Each component of the modular compressor assembly 100 can be fixed directly or indirectly to the support structure 290, so as to form an integral unit 101 . In the embodiments shown, the support structure 290 comprises two fixation flanges 294, namely a first fixation flange 294.1 and a second fixation flange 294.2. A fixation flange 294 is attached in particular perpendicular to the support base 292 and adapted to be held in a clamped and/or positively locking manner in between the compressor housing 62 and the motor housing 154. Here, the first fixation flange 294.1 is held between the first compressor housing 62.1 and the motor housing 154, and the second fixation flange 294.2 is held between the second compressor housing 62.2 and the motor housing 154.

Further, the support structure 290 comprises an amount of six vibration reducing elements 298.1 , 298.2, 298.3, 298.4 , 298.5, 298.6, adapted to attach the support structure 290, and thus the complete modular compressor assembly 100, to the vehicle 1000 in a vibration reducing, in particular vibration absorbing, manner. Preferably, the vibration reducing element 298 comprises an elastic material such as rubber. In other embodiments, the number of vibration reducing elements 298 can vary.

Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B show different rear views of the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in a simplified manner, in particular without the resonator module 220 for a better overview. In both views, an inverter module 180 is visible, that is attached to the electric motor module 140 on an inverter side 146, wherein the inverter side 146 is opposite to the air processing side 144.

The first compressor module 20.1 comprises a first cooling plate 60.1 , arranged between a first compressor housing 62.1 and the first compressor head segment 50.1 , and the second compressor module 20.2 comprises a second cooling plate 60.2, arranged between a second compressor housing 62.2 and the second compressor head segment 50.2.

The cooling plates 60.1 , 60.2 are adapted to cool down the pressurized air DL generated by the compressors 20.1 , 20.2.

The second cooling plate 60.2 comprises a coolant inlet port 262, adapted to receive coolant from a coolant source 270 such as a vehicle cooler. The second cooling plate 60.2 is connected in a fluid transferring manner via a coolant connection conduit 264 to the first cooling plate 60.1 . In the embodiments shown, the second cooling plate 60.2 is connected via the second cylinder head segment 50.2, the coolant connection conduit 264 and the first cylinder head segment 50.1 to the first cooling plate 60.1 . The first cooling plate 60.1 is connected via an inverter cooling conduit 266 to the inverter module 180 for transferring coolant for cooling down the inverter module 180 during operation. The inverter module 180 comprises a coolant outlet port 268 for passing the coolant back to the coolant source 270. A coolant flow is established from the coolant source 270 via the coolant inlet port 262, the second cooling plate 60.2, the coolant connection conduit 264, the first cooling plate 60.1 , the inverter cooling conduit 266, the inverter module 180 and the coolant outlet port 268 back to the coolant source 270, with these components forming a cooling circuit 260. The conduits described in this text can be made of any suitable materials such as plastic, metal or the like and also can be formed as a flexible hose. The term "conduit" can be understood broadly as any connection suitable for transferring fluids such as gases or liquids. The support base 296 can comprise, as shown here, an oil reservoir 254.

Fig. 3 shows a strongly schematic manner the basic arrangement of components of a modular compressor assembly 100 according to the concept of the invention. The electric motor module 140 in its motor housing 154 is arranged in the center of the modular compressor assembly 100. A first compressor module 20.1 is arranged on a first motion output side 142.1 and a second compressor module 20.2 is arranged on a second motion output side 142.2, wherein the second motion output side 142.2 is arranged on the opposing side of the first motion output side 142.1 . The first compressor module 20.1 and the second compressor module 20.2 are arranged symmetrically around the electric motor module 140, along a rotational axis AR. With respect to a vertical module axis AM arranged in the center of the electric motor module 140, the electric motor module 140 comprises a top side 148 and a bottom side 149. In preferred embodiments, a resonator module 220 is arranged on the top side 148. A support structure 290, in particular a support base 292, can be arranged on the bottom side 149. With respect to a third axis AT perpendicular to the rotational axis AR as well as perpendicular to the module axis AM, the electric motor module 140 comprises an air processing side 144 and an opposing invertor side 146. In preferred embodiments, an air processing module 40 is arranged on the air processing side 144, and an inverter module 180 is arranged on the inverter side 146.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates one out of many possible configurations of compressors 20 for a modular compressor assembly 100 according to the concept of the invention. In the embodiments shown, a rotor 150 of the electric motor module 140 is arranged in the center. A first driveshaft 23.1 of a first compressor module 20.1 in the form of a first crankshaft 24.1 is attached to the rotor 150 on a first axial end arranged on the first motion output side 142.1 , and a second driveshaft 23.2 of a second compressor module 20.2 in the form of a second crankshaft 24.2 is attached to the rotor 150 on a second, opposing axial end, arranged on the second motion output side 142.2. Each crankshaft 24 comprises two crank pins 25. The first crankshaft 24.1 comprises a first crank pin 25.1 A, assigned to a first piston 26.1 and a second crank pin 25.1 B, assigned to a second piston 26.2. The second crankshaft 24.2 comprises a first crank pin 25.2A, assigned to a third piston 26.3 and a second crank pin 25.2B, assigned to a fourth piston 26.4. For each crankshaft 24.1 , 24.2, the crank pins are arranged in a balanced manner, in particular as shown here, radially opposing. Further, the first crankshaft 24.1 is arranged symmetrically to the second crankshaft 24.2 with respect to the electric motor module 140.

Preferably, each compressor module 20 comprises two cylinders 27, each with a reciprocating piston 26. A piston 26 for example can have a diameter of 75 mm and a stroke of 42 mm, which results in a total capacity of the four cylinders 27 (assuming a total of four cylinders) of 744 cm ³ .

The size of the modular compressor assembly 100 in particular depends on the size of the electric motor module 140. In embodiments, the dimensions of the modular compressor assembly 100 for example can amount to 600 mm (along the rotating axis AR) x 550 mm (along the module axis AM) x 487 mm (along the third axis AT). Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 1000 comprising a modular compressor assembly 100 according to the concept of the invention. The depicted vehicle 1000 comprises two axles 530, a front axle 532 and a rear axle 534, wherein the front axle 532 is driven by a vehicle engine 1102, providing a drive motion MD via a driveshaft 1104 and a differential gear 520. In other embodiments, the drivetrain can be different, such as a single drive motor attached to each axle 530 or wheel 540. Wheels 540 are attached to the front axle 532 as well as to the rear axle 534. In particular, the vehicle engine 1102 is an electric vehicle engine 1110, which is powered by an electrical energy source 1200, for example a battery 1202 or a fuel cell 1204 or a combination of both.

The vehicle 1000 can be an electric vehicle 1002, a hybrid vehicle 1004 combining combustion and electric drive means, or a fuel cell vehicle 1006. Independent of such mode of propulsion, the vehicle 1000 can be a commercial vehicle 1012 or a passenger vehicle 1014 or a trailer 1016.

The main components of the modular compressor assembly 100 are shown schematically, with the rotational axis AR indicated. The orientation of the rotational axis AR and thus, the modular compressor assembly 100, can vary depending on the available space and installation position in the vehicle 1000, and is here - as an example - substantially parallel to a vehicle axis AV of the vehicle 1000.

List of reference signs (part of the description)

20 compressor module

20.1 . 20.2 first, second compressor module

21 reciprocating compressor

22 drive input side

22.1 . 22.2 first, second drive input side

23 driveshaft

23.1 . 23.2 first, second driveshaft

24 crankshaft

24.1 . 24.2 first, second crankshaft

25 crank pin

25.1 A first crank pin of the first crankshaft

25.1 B second crank pin of the first crankshaft

25.2A first crank pin of the second crankshaft

25.2B second crank pin of the second crankshaft

26 piston

26.1 - 26.4 first to fourth piston

27 cylinder

27.1 - 27.4 first to fourth cylinder

28.1 . 28.2 first, second compressor intake

30 pressure port

32 intake port

40 air processing module

42 air dryer

50.1 . 50.2 first, second compressor head segment

52.1 . 52.2 first, second compressor outlet

54.1 . 54.2 first, second outlet connection

56 T-part

60.1 . 60.2 first, second cooling plate

62 compressor housing

62.1 . 62.2 first, second compressor housing 100 compressor assembly module 01 integral unit 40 electric motor module 42.1 , 142.2 first, second motion output side 44 air processing side 46 inverter side 48 top side 49 bottom side 50 rotor 54 motor housing

180 inverter module 20 resonator module 54 oil reservoir 60 coolant circuit 62 coolant inlet port 64 coolant connection conduit 66 inverter cooling conduit 68 coolant outlet port 70 coolant source 90 support structure 92 support base 94 fixation flange 94.1 , 294.2 first, second fixation flange 96 support base 98 vibration reducing element

298.1 - 298.6 first to sixth vibration reducing element

520 differential gear

530 axle

532 front axle

534 rear axle

540 wheels

1000 vehicle

1002 electric vehicle

1004 hybrid vehicle 1006 fuel cell vehicle

1012 commercial vehicle

1014 passenger vehicle

1016 trailer

1102 vehicle engine

1104 driveshaft

1110 electric vehicle engine

1200 electrical energy source

1202 battery

1204 fuel cell

AM vertical module axis

AR rotational axis

AT third axis

AV vehicle axis

DL compressed air

L uncompressed air

MD drive motion

PO output pressure