Skateboard platform for electric vehicles

Abstract

An example skateboard platform for an electric vehicle is disclosed, including a skateboard frame and a battery assembly, the skateboard frame including a central module, a front module connected to a front portion of the central module, and a rear module connected to a rear portion of the central module; the battery assembly is mounted on the skateboard frame, wherein the battery assembly is detachably connected to the central module.

Description

[0001] Citations of relevant applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0063642, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 17, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a skateboard platform for electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, with increased awareness of the environmental crisis and the depletion of oil resources, research and development of environmentally friendly electric vehicles have been actively underway. Electric vehicles include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

[0005] Electric vehicles include battery packs mounted on the vehicle body. A battery pack (also called a "battery stack") includes a battery housing in which multiple battery modules, cooling channels, and other electrical / electronic components are assembled. Each battery module includes multiple battery cells.

[0006] To develop custom-built vehicles (PBVs) that meet various customer needs (flat floors, expanded interior space, etc.), an electric vehicle is being researched and developed in which one or more superbody units with various structures or shapes share a common skateboard platform. This superbody is also known as a "top hat," and the superbody can be of various body types, such as crossovers, sedans, and coupes.

[0007] A skateboard platform consists of a skateboard frame and a battery assembly mounted on the frame. However, conventional skateboard platforms have a structure where the battery assembly overlaps with the frame, which increases weight and cost, and creates unnecessary space between the frame and the battery assembly in terms of layout. As a result, the manufacturing cost and weight of electric vehicles are relatively increased.

[0008] The information described above in this background section is provided to aid in understanding the background of the inventive concept, and may include any technical concept known to those skilled in the art that is not considered prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure relates to a skateboard platform for an electric vehicle. A specific embodiment relates to a skateboard platform for an electric vehicle in which a battery assembly is integrally connected to a central module of the skateboard frame.

[0010] The embodiments disclosed herein can solve the problems existing in the prior art, while maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a skateboard platform for electric vehicles that allows battery components to be integrally connected to a central module of the skateboard frame, thereby increasing the overall rigidity of the vehicle body through which the battery components are evenly distributed and reducing the total number of components, thus reducing weight and cost.

[0012] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an exemplary skateboard platform for an electric vehicle may include a skateboard frame and a battery assembly. The skateboard frame includes a central module, a front module connected to the front of the central module, and a rear module connected to the rear of the central module. The battery assembly may be detachably connected to the central module.

[0013] The battery assembly may include an upper panel, a lower panel located below the upper panel, and a plurality of battery modules disposed between the upper panel and the lower panel, and the upper panel and the lower panel may be detachably connected to a central module by fasteners.

[0014] The central module may include a pair of central side members, each extending in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle; and the upper panel and the lower panel may be detachably connected to the pair of central side members by means of the fasteners.

[0015] The upper panel may have a pair of sidewalls facing the exterior of the vehicle, and a pair of upper flanges extending from each sidewall toward the exterior of the vehicle; and the pair of upper flanges may be connected to a pair of central side members by fasteners.

[0016] The sidewalls can extend from each side edge of the upper panel to the top surface of the central side member, and the upper flange can extend from the bottom end of the sidewalls to the central side member, and the upper flange can be connected to the top surface of the central side member by fasteners.

[0017] The central side member may have a mounting surface recessed from its top surface to its bottom surface, and the upper flange of the upper panel may be connected to the mounting surface by fasteners.

[0018] The upper sealing member can be inserted between the upper flange and the top surface of the central side member.

[0019] The sidewalls can extend from each side edge of the upper panel to the bottom surface of the central side member, and the upper flange can extend from the bottom end of the sidewalls to the central side member, and the upper flange can be connected to the bottom surface of the central side member by fasteners.

[0020] The skateboard platform may further include a central floor panel arranged on the upper panel.

[0021] The central floor panel and the upper panel can form a unified one-piece structure.

[0022] A pair of upper body frame members can be arranged on a pair of central side members, and the central floor panel and the pair of upper body frame members can form a unified one-piece structure.

[0023] The lower panel may have a pair of side edges facing the outside of the vehicle, and a pair of lower flanges extending from the pair of side edges toward the outside of the vehicle, and the pair of lower flanges may be connected to a pair of central side members by fasteners.

[0024] The lower flange can be connected to the bottom surface of the central side member via fasteners.

[0025] The lower sealing member can be inserted between the lower flange and the bottom surface of the central side member.

[0026] The skateboard platform may further include a reinforcing plate that overlaps with and stacks on the lower panel, and the reinforcing plate may have multiple protrusions extending upwards to the upper panel.

[0027] A pair of upper body frame members can be arranged on a pair of central side members. The upper panel can have a pair of upper flanges, and the lower panel can have a pair of lower flanges. Each upper flange can be connected to the top surface of the corresponding central side member, and each lower flange can be connected to the bottom surface of the corresponding central side member. The central side members can be detachably connected to the upper body frame members, so that the battery assembly can be detachably connected to the upper body frame members together with the central side members.

[0028] The upper panel may have a pair of upper flanges, the lower panel may have a pair of lower flanges, and each upper flange and each lower flange may be detachably connected to the bottom surface of the corresponding central side member by fasteners, so that the battery assembly may be detachably connected to the central side member.

[0029] The skateboard platform may further include a first connecting part and a second connecting part, wherein the first connecting part connects the rear end of the front module and the front end of the central module by an interference fit, and the second connecting part connects the front end of the rear module and the rear end of the central module by an interference fit.

[0030] The first connecting portion may include a first engaging portion and a first recess. The first engaging portion is disposed on the front end of the central module, and the first recess is disposed in the rear end of the front module. The first engaging portion may be received in the first recess.

[0031] The second connecting portion may include a second engaging portion and a second recess, the second engaging portion being disposed on the front end of the rear module and the second recess being disposed in the rear end of the central module; and the second engaging portion may be received in the second recess. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The above and other objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0033] Figure 1 A vehicle body structure for an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein an upper body is selectively assembled to a skateboard platform;

[0034] Figure 2 A plan view of a skateboard platform for an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 3 Showing Figure 2 A perspective view of the skateboard frame for a skateboard platform used in electric vehicles;

[0036] Figure 4 Showing along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken by line AA;

[0037] Figure 5 Showcasing skateboard frame and battery components with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The separation of the upper body frame components of the skateboard platform for electric vehicles is shown.

[0038] Figure 6 Showing along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken by line BB;

[0039] Figure 7 Showing along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view captured by line CC;

[0040] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a skateboard platform for an electric vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0041] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a skateboard platform for an electric vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0042] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a skateboard platform for an electric vehicle according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of well-known technologies associated with this disclosure will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the essential points of the disclosure.

[0044] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe elements in exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the inherent characteristics, sequence, or order of the corresponding elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Such terms as defined in general dictionaries should be understood to have the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field, and should not be understood to have an ideal or overly formal meaning, unless expressly defined in this application as having such a meaning.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle body structure for an electric vehicle may include a skateboard platform 10 and one or more upper bodies 7 and 7a, which are selectively assembled onto the skateboard platform 10.

[0046] The upper bodies 7 and 7a can also be referred to as "top caps". One or more upper bodies 7 and 7a with various structures and shapes can be selectively assembled to the skateboard platform 10, so that various upper bodies can share a common skateboard platform 10. Figure 1 Examples of car-type superbody 7 and minivan-type superbody 7a selectively assembled to skateboard platform 10 are shown. The superbody can be of various body types, such as crossover, car, hatchback and minivan.

[0047] Reference Figures 2 to 4 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a skateboard platform 10 for an electric vehicle may include a skateboard frame 11 and a battery assembly 12, which is detachably mounted on the skateboard frame 11.

[0048] The skateboard frame 11 can be a high-rigidity chassis frame to ensure the overall rigidity of the vehicle body. According to an exemplary embodiment, the skateboard frame 11 may include a front module 20, a central module 30, and a rear module 40.

[0049] The front module 20 may include a pair of front side members 21; a front bumper 22 disposed at the front end portion of the front module 20; and at least one front crossbeam 23 connected to the pair of front side members 21. The pair of front side members 21 may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the vehicle, and each front side member 21 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The front bumper 22 may be connected to the front end portions of the pair of front side members 21, such that the front end portions of the pair of front side members 21 can be connected via the front bumper 22 in the width direction of the vehicle. The front crossbeam 23 may extend in the width direction of the vehicle, and both end portions of the front crossbeam 23 may be connected to the rear end portions of the pair of front side members 21, such that the rear end portions of the pair of front side members 21 can be connected via the front crossbeam 23 in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0050] The central module 30 may include a pair of central side members 31 and a plurality of central crossbeams 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e connecting the pair of central side members 31. The pair of central side members 31 may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the vehicle, and each central side member 31 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each of the central crossbeams 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e may extend in the width direction of the vehicle, and the plurality of central crossbeams 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Two end portions of each of the central crossbeams 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e may be connected to the pair of central side members 31, such that the pair of central side members 31 may be connected in the width direction of the vehicle via the plurality of central crossbeams 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e. The multiple central crossbeams 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d and 32e may include a front central crossbeam 32a arranged at the front of the central module 30, a rear central crossbeam 32e arranged at the rear of the central module 30, and multiple middle central crossbeams 32b, 32c and 32d arranged between the front central crossbeam 32a and the rear central crossbeam 32e.

[0051] The rear module 40 may include a pair of rear side members 41; a rear bumper 42 disposed at the rear end portion of the rear module 40; and a plurality of rear crossbeams 43 and 44 connecting the pair of rear side members 41. The pair of rear side members 41 may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the vehicle, and each rear side member 41 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each of the rear crossbeams 43 and 44 may extend in the width direction of the vehicle, and the plurality of rear crossbeams 43 and 44 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Two relatively close end portions of the rear crossbeams 43 may be connected to the front end portions of the pair of rear side members 41, such that the front end portions of the pair of rear side members 41 are connected via the rear crossbeams 43 in the width direction of the vehicle. Two relatively distant end portions of the rear crossbeams 44 may be connected to the middle portions of the pair of rear side members 41, such that the middle portions of the pair of rear side members 41 are connected via the rear crossbeams 44 in the width direction of the vehicle.

[0052] A skateboard platform 10 for an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion connects the rear end portion of the front module 20 to the front end portion of the central module 30 by an interference fit, and the second connecting portion connects the front end portion of the rear module 40 to the rear end portion of the central module 30 by an interference fit.

[0053] The first connecting portion may include a first engaging portion 35 and a first recess 25. The first engaging portion is disposed on the front end of each central side member 31 of the central module 30, and the first recess is disposed on the rear end of each front side member 21 of the front module 20. The first engaging portion 35 may include a plurality of first protrusions 35a that extend from the front end of the central side member 31 toward the front of the vehicle and have a cantilever structure, and the plurality of first protrusions 35a may be spaced apart from each other. Because the first protrusions 35a of the first engaging portion 35 are slidably or retractably received in the first recess 25, the front side member 21 may be temporarily engaged with the front end of the central side member 31. Because the plurality of first protrusions 35a extending in a cantilever manner are spaced apart from each other, the plurality of first protrusions 35a may be easily received in the first recess 25 of the front side member 21. With the first engagement portion 35 received in the first recess 25, the first engagement portion 35 and the first recess 25 can be connected by adhesives, welding, fasteners (bolts, rivets, etc.), and thus the front module 20 can be easily and securely connected to the front of the central module 30.

[0054] The second connection portion may include a second engagement portion 46 and a second recess 36. The second engagement portion is disposed on the front end of each rear side member 41 of the rear module 40, and the second recess is disposed on the rear end of each central side member 31 of the central module 30. The second engagement portion 46 may include a plurality of second protrusions 46a that extend from the front end of the rear side member 41 toward the front of the vehicle and have a cantilever structure, and the plurality of second protrusions 46a may be spaced apart from each other. Because the second protrusions 46a of the second engagement portion 46 are slidably or retractably received in the second recess 36, the rear side member 41 may be temporarily engaged with the rear end of the central side member 31. Because the plurality of second protrusions 46a extending in a cantilever manner are spaced apart from each other, the plurality of second protrusions 46a may be easily received in the second recess 36 of the central side member 31. With the second engagement portion 46 received in the second recess 36, the second engagement portion 46 and the second recess 36 can be connected by adhesives, welding, fasteners (bolts, rivets, etc.), and thus the rear module 40 can be easily and securely connected to the rear of the central module 30.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the battery assembly 12 can be directly connected to the skateboard frame 11. Specifically, the battery assembly 12 can be detachably connected to the central module 30 of the skateboard frame 11. Because the direct connection of the battery assembly 12 to the skateboard frame 11 ensures the overall rigidity of the vehicle, the overall rigidity of the vehicle body can be improved, and this overall rigidity can be evenly distributed through the battery assembly 12, making the vehicle body design easier. Furthermore, because the battery assembly 12 is directly connected to the central side member 31 of the central module 30, the number of components can be reduced, and weight and cost can be lowered.

[0056] The battery assembly 12 may include an upper panel 51, a lower panel 52 located below the upper panel 51, and a plurality of battery modules 53 or a plurality of battery cells disposed between the upper panel 51 and the lower panel 52. The upper panel 51 and the lower panel 52 may be connected to the central side member 31 of the central module 30 by fasteners.

[0057] Multiple battery modules 53 can be arranged between the upper panel 51 and the lower panel 52. The multiple battery modules 53 can be received within the receiving space defined by the upper panel 51, the lower panel 52, and the pair of central side members 31. (See reference...) Figure 2 Multiple battery modules 53 can be arranged between multiple central crossbeams 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e so as not to interfere with the multiple central crossbeams 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, and 32e. According to an exemplary embodiment, each battery module 53 may include multiple battery cells, and a predetermined number of battery cells may form a single battery module 53.

[0058] Additionally, the battery assembly 12 may further include cooling channels 54 to prevent the multiple battery modules 53 from overheating. The cooling channels 54 may be arranged to contact the multiple battery modules 53, and the multiple battery modules 53 may be maintained at a suitable temperature by coolant passing through the cooling channels 54.

[0059] The upper panel 51 can serve as an upper cover and the floor of the vehicle body, covering the tops of multiple battery modules 53. The upper panel 51 may have a front edge facing the front of the vehicle, a rear edge facing the rear of the vehicle, and a pair of side edges facing the left and right sides of the vehicle.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment, the upper panel 51 may have a front wall (not shown) facing the front of the vehicle, a rear wall (not shown) facing the rear of the vehicle, and a pair of side walls 51a facing the left and right sides (exterior) of the vehicle. The front wall may extend from the front edge of the upper panel 51 to the lower panel 52, and the rear wall may extend from the rear edge of the upper panel 51 to the lower panel 52. The pair of side walls 51a may extend from the side edges of the upper panel 51 to the lower panel 52, respectively.

[0061] Each sidewall 51a may face the exterior of the vehicle and each central side member 31 of the central module 30. The sidewall 51a may be parallel to the inner side surface of the central side member 31. A pair of upper flanges 51b may extend from the pair of sidewalls 51a toward the exterior of the vehicle. Each upper flange 51b may extend from the bottom end of the corresponding sidewall 51a toward the exterior of the vehicle, and the pair of upper flanges 51b may be connected to the central side member 31 of the central module 30 by fasteners. Specifically, each upper flange 51b may be connected to the corresponding central side member 31 by fasteners. Figure 4 The left side wall 51a and the upper left flange 51b located on the left side of the upper panel 51 are shown. Although not shown, the right side wall 51a and the upper right flange 51b may also be located on the right side of the upper panel 51.

[0062] The lower panel 52 can serve as a lower cover for supporting and covering the bottom of multiple battery modules 53. The lower panel 52 may have a front edge facing the front of the vehicle, a rear edge facing the rear of the vehicle, and a pair of side edges facing the left and right sides (outside) of the vehicle. The lower panel 52 may have a pair of lower flanges 52b extending outward from the opposite side edges of the vehicle. Figure 4The lower left flange 52b is shown on the left side of the lower panel 52, but the lower right flange 52b can also be located on the right side of the lower panel 52. Each lower flange 52b can extend from each side edge of the lower panel 52 outwards from the vehicle, and the lower flange 52b can be connected to the corresponding central side member 31 of the central module 30 by fasteners.

[0063] Reference Figure 4 The sidewalls 51a of the upper panel 51 extend vertically from each side edge of the upper panel 51 to the top surface of the central side member 31, and the upper flange 51b extends horizontally from the bottom end of the sidewalls 51a toward the central side member 31. The upper flange 51b can be aligned with the top surface of the central side member 31, and the upper flange 51b can overlap with the top surface of the central side member 31. The upper flange 51b and the top surface of the central side member 31 can be connected by upper bolts 55a. The lower flange 52b can be aligned with the bottom surface of the central side member 31, and the lower flange 52b can overlap with the bottom surface of the central side member 31. The lower flange 52b and the bottom surface of the central side member 31 can be connected by lower bolts 56a. The upper flange 51b and the lower flange 52b can be spaced apart from each other by a gap corresponding to the thickness of the central side member 31, and the central side member 31 can serve as a sidewall between the side edge of the upper panel 51 and the side edge of the lower panel 52. The upper sealing member 55b can be inserted between the upper flange 51b and the top surface of the central side member 31, and the lower sealing member 56b can be inserted between the lower flange 52b and the bottom surface of the central side member 31, so that the side of the upper panel 51 and the side of the lower panel 52 can be connected to the central side member 31 in a sealing manner.

[0064] As described above, the battery assembly 12 can be connected to the pair of central side members 31 via the upper flange 51b of the upper panel 51 and the lower flange 52b of the lower panel 52, so that the pair of central side members 31 can serve as a pair of sidewalls located on the left and right sides of the battery assembly 12. That is, the battery assembly 12 can be integrally connected to the central side members 31 of the central module 30.

[0065] The front portion of the upper panel 51 and the front portion of the lower panel 52 can be sealed together, and the rear portion of the upper panel 51 and the rear portion of the lower panel 52 can be sealed together. For example, the front wall of the upper panel 51 and the front edge of the lower panel 52 can be sealed together, and the rear wall of the upper panel 51 and the rear edge of the lower panel 52 can be sealed together. Because the upper panel 51 and the lower panel 52 are connected to the corresponding central side members 31 by sealing members 55b and 56b, the front portion of the upper panel 51 and the front portion of the lower panel 52 are sealed together, and the rear portion of the upper panel 51 and the rear portion of the lower panel 52 are sealed together, the battery assembly 12 can have a receiving space defined by the upper panel 51, the lower panel 52, and the pair of central side members 31, and therefore multiple battery modules 53, cooling channels 54, etc. can be received in the receiving space.

[0066] Reference Figure 4 A pair of upper body frame members 8 can be set at the bottom edge of each upper body 7 and 7a. Figure 4 A left upper body frame member 8 is shown located at the left bottom edge of each upper body 7 and 7a. Although not shown, a right upper body frame member 8 may be located at the right bottom edge of each upper body 7 and 7a. Specifically, each upper body frame member 8 may be a side beam extending along each bottom edge of the upper body 7 and 7a. Each upper body 7 and 7a may have a door opening 6 in which a door is mounted, and a sealing member 9 (e.g., a weatherstripping) may be mounted along the edge of the door opening 6.

[0067] The skateboard frame 11 can be connected to the upper body frame member 8 via multiple fasteners 14 and 15, and the bottom surface of the upper body frame member 8 can rest on or be supported on the top surface of the skateboard frame 11. (See reference...) Figure 4 Each central side member 31 of the skateboard frame 11 can be connected to the corresponding upper body frame member 8 by a plurality of fasteners 14 and 15, and the bottom surface of the upper body frame member 8 can be placed on or supported on the top surface of the central side member 31.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment, when viewed from the cross-section of the upper body frame member 8 and the central side member 31, the plurality of fasteners 14 and 15 may include a plurality of outer bolts 14 relatively close to the exterior of the vehicle and a plurality of inner bolts 15 relatively close to the interior of the vehicle. The plurality of outer bolts 14 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the plurality of inner bolts 15 may be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each outer bolt 14 may be spaced apart from and aligned with a corresponding inner bolt 15 along the width axis of the vehicle. In particular, each outer bolt 14 and its corresponding inner bolt 15 may be symmetrical about each other with respect to the vertical central axis of the upper body frame member 8 and the central side member 31. Therefore, the upper body frame member 8 and the central side member 31 can be connected with a uniform connecting force by the outer bolts 14 and their corresponding inner bolts 15.

[0069] Reference Figure 5 The battery assembly 12 can be integrally connected to the central side member 31, and the plurality of outer bolts 14 and the plurality of inner bolts 15 can be detached from the upper body frame member 8 and the central side member 31, so that the central side member 31 can be separated from the upper body frame member 8, and the battery assembly 12 together with the central side member 31 can be quickly and easily separated from the upper body frame member 8, thus enabling a replaceable battery system.

[0070] In recent electric vehicles, replaceable battery systems are being researched and developed. These systems help reduce the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) and taxes by installing small-capacity batteries at the time of vehicle sale, which can then be replaced with larger-capacity batteries based on customer demand. Furthermore, replaceable battery systems can reduce vehicle manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for charging systems such as fast-charging equipment, and allow for the replacement of discharged battery modules with charged ones in a relatively short time (within one to two minutes) in areas with insufficient fast-charging infrastructure.

[0071] Reference Figure 6 The front crossbeam 23 can support the bottom of the front portion of the battery assembly 12. Each end portion of the front crossbeam 23 can be connected to the bottom end of the corresponding front member 21, and therefore the bottom surface of the front crossbeam 23 can be aligned with the bottom surface of the front member 21. That is, the bottom surface of the front crossbeam 23 can be flush with the bottom surface of the front member 21. In particular, the front portion of the lower panel 52 of the battery assembly 12 can be placed on the front crossbeam 23, and therefore the front portion of the battery assembly 12 can be stably supported by the front crossbeam 23.

[0072] Reference Figure 7 At least one rear crossbeam 43, adjacent to the central module 30, can support the bottom of the rear portion of the battery assembly 12. Each end portion of the rear crossbeam 43 can be connected to the bottom end of the corresponding rear member 41, and thus the bottom surface of the rear crossbeam 43 can be aligned with the bottom surface of the rear member 41. That is, the bottom surface of the rear crossbeam 43 can be flush with the bottom surface of the rear member 41. The rear portion of the lower panel 52 of the battery assembly 12 can be placed on the rear crossbeam 43, and thus the rear portion of the battery assembly 12 can be stably supported by the rear crossbeam 43.

[0073] Reference Figure 8 The skateboard platform 10 for an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a central floor panel 57 disposed on the upper panel 51 of the battery assembly 12. Because the central floor panel 57 overlaps with and stacks on the upper panel 51, the central floor panel 57 may increase the rigidity and strength of the vehicle body and / or the battery assembly 12. The central floor panel 57 may have a pair of sidewalls 57a facing the exterior of the vehicle, and a pair of flanges 57b extending from the pair of sidewalls 57a toward the exterior of the vehicle.

[0074] The central floor panel 57 may have a front edge facing the front of the vehicle, a rear edge facing the rear of the vehicle, and a pair of side edges facing the left and right sides (outside) of the vehicle. Each sidewall 57a may extend from the side edge of the central floor panel 57 to the lower panel 52, and each flange 57b may extend from the bottom end of the corresponding sidewall 57a outwards from the vehicle. The sidewalls 57a of the central floor panel 57 may overlap with the sidewalls 51a of the upper panel 51, and the sidewalls 57a of the central floor panel 57 may be parallel to the sidewalls 51a of the upper panel 51. The flanges 57b of the central floor panel 57 may be aligned with the top surface of the central side member 31. The flanges 57b of the central floor panel 57 may overlap with the upper flanges 51b of the upper panel 51, and the flanges 57b of the central floor panel 57 may be parallel to the upper flanges 51b of the upper panel 51. The flange 57b of the central floor panel 57, together with the upper flange 51b of the upper panel 51, can be connected to the top surface of the central side member 31 via an upper bolt 55a. According to... Figure 8 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the central floor panel 57, together with the battery assembly 12, can be integrally connected to the central side member 31 of the skateboard frame 11.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, the central floor panel 57 and the upper panel 51 can form a unified one-piece structure, and thus the central floor panel 57 and the upper panel 51 can form a double-layered plate structure that overlaps each other.

[0076] According to another exemplary embodiment, the central floor panel 57 and the upper panel 51 can be provided as separate parts, and thus the central floor panel 57 and the upper panel 51 can be connected together using fasteners, welding, etc.

[0077] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 8 The central side member 31 may have a mounting surface 31a recessed from its top surface to its bottom surface, and the upper flange 51b of the upper panel 51 and / or the flange 57b of the central floor panel 57 may be connected to the mounting surface 31a by upper bolts 55a.

[0078] Reference Figure 8 The battery assembly 12 may further include a reinforcing plate 58 disposed on the lower panel 52. Because the reinforcing plate 58 overlaps with and stacks on the lower panel 52, the reinforcing plate 58 can increase the rigidity and strength of the lower panel 52. The reinforcing plate 58 may have multiple protrusions 58a extending upwards to the upper panel 51, and the reinforcing plate 58 can further increase the rigidity and strength of the lower panel 52. The reinforcing plate 58 may have a pair of flanges 58b extending outwards from its two side edges. Each flange 58b of the reinforcing plate 58 may overlap with the lower flange 52b of the lower panel 52, and the flanges 58b of the reinforcing plate 58 may be parallel to the lower flange 52b of the lower panel 52. The flanges 58b of the reinforcing plate 58, together with the lower flange 52b of the lower panel 52, can be connected to the bottom surface of the central side member 31 by a lower bolt 56a. The lower sealing member 56b can be inserted between the flange 58b of the reinforcing plate 58 and the bottom surface of the central side member 31.

[0079] According to an exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing plate 58 and the lower panel 52 can form a unified one-piece structure, and thus the reinforcing plate 58 and the lower panel 52 can form a double-layered plate structure that overlaps each other.

[0080] According to another exemplary embodiment, the reinforcing plate 58 and the lower panel 52 can be provided as separate parts, and the reinforcing plate 58 and the lower panel 52 can be connected together using fasteners, welding, etc.

[0081] Reference Figure 4 The upper panel 51 can be a flat plate, and the upper panel 51 can be flush with the top surface of the upper body frame member 8 or the top surface of the sealing member 9. Therefore, a flat floor for the vehicle can be easily formed.

[0082] Reference Figure 4The lower panel 52 can be a flat plate, and the lower panel 52 can be slightly lower than or flush with the bottom surface of the central side member 31 of the central module 30. Therefore, even if the lower part of the battery assembly 12 is exposed to the outside, the flat lower panel 52 can prevent it from affecting the appearance of the vehicle.

[0083] Figure 9 A skateboard platform for an electric vehicle is shown according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown, each sidewall 51c of the upper panel 51 extends from each side edge of the upper panel 51 to the bottom surface of the central side member 31, and the sidewall 51c of the upper panel 51 may be parallel to the inner side surface of the upper body frame member 8 and the inner side surface of the central side member 31. An upper flange 51d extends horizontally from the bottom end of the sidewall 51c outwards from the vehicle. The upper flange 51d may be aligned with the bottom surface of the central side member 31, and the upper flange 51d, together with the lower flange 52b of the lower panel 52, may overlap with the bottom surface of the central side member 31. The upper flange 51d and the lower flange 52b may be connected to the bottom surface of the central side member 31 by bolts 55c. A sealing member 55d may be inserted between the upper flange 51d and the lower flange 52b, such that the upper flange 51d of the upper panel 51 and the lower flange 52b of the lower panel 52 may be connected in a sealing manner.

[0084] Figure 10 A skateboard platform for an electric vehicle is shown according to another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. (See also...) Figure 10 The central floor panel 57 can be arranged on the upper panel 51, and the central floor panel 57 can be integrally connected to the upper body frame member 8. That is, because the central floor panel 57 is connected to the upper body frame member 8 instead of the battery assembly 12, the upper panel 51 of the battery assembly 12 can be used only as an upper cover to cover the top of the multiple battery modules 53, and the central floor panel 57 can be used only as the floor of the vehicle body.

[0085] According to an exemplary embodiment, the central floor panel 57 and the upper body frame member 8 can form a unified one-piece structure. The central floor panel 57 may have a pair of sidewalls 57c disposed on its two side edges, and each sidewall 57c may be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the vertical axis of the upper body frame member 8. The bottom end of the sidewall 57c may be integrally connected to the upper body frame member 8.

[0086] According to another exemplary embodiment, the central floor panel 57 and the upper body frame member 8 can be provided as separate components, and each flange of the central floor panel 57 can be connected to the top surface of the upper body frame member 8 using fasteners, welding, or the like. The flanges of the central floor panel 57 can extend from the bottom end of the side wall 57c outwards from the vehicle. The flanges of the central floor panel 57 can be aligned with the top surface of the upper body frame member 8, and the flanges of the central floor panel 57 can overlap with the top surface of the upper body frame member 8.

[0087] according to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the upper panel 51 and lower panel 52 of the battery assembly 12 can be easily and quickly separated from the central side member 31 when the bolt 55c is detached from the central side member 31. Because the battery assembly 12 can be easily and quickly separated from the central side member 31 by the detachment of the bolt 55c, a replaceable battery system can be realized.

[0088] As described above, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a skateboard platform for an electric vehicle can allow battery components to be integrally connected to a central module of the skateboard frame, thereby increasing the overall rigidity of the vehicle body through the uniform distribution of battery components and reducing the total number of components, thereby reducing weight and cost.

[0089] Furthermore, because the battery assembly is integrally connected to the central module of the skateboard frame, standardization of a common skateboard platform can be easily achieved. The skateboard platform according to the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can easily respond to design changes in vehicle specifications / sizes (full width, wheelbase, etc.). For example, the dimensions, structure, and shape of the skateboard frame and battery assembly can easily change with design variations in vehicle specifications / sizes (full width, wheelbase, etc.).

[0090] Specifically, because the battery pack is fastened between the pair of central side members (which are side structural members of the vehicle body), these central side members can serve as two sidewalls of the battery pack, ensuring sufficient lateral stiffness and strength. That is, the pair of central side members can jointly support the lateral loads of both the vehicle body and the battery pack. Since no separate reinforcement is needed to increase the stiffness and strength of the battery pack, its structure is simplified, which is beneficial for protecting the battery module. The battery pack can be securely protected by the central side members (i.e., structural members of the vehicle), thus improving its crashworthiness and reducing its weight and cost.

[0091] The battery assembly can be easily and quickly separated from the central side component, making it easy to realize a replaceable battery system.

[0092] Furthermore, the battery assembly can be integrally connected to the skateboard frame via a central side member, and the skateboard frame can be quickly and easily separated from the upper body frame member. This facilitates the implementation of a replaceable battery system, enabling a BaaS (Battery as a Service) business model that allows for the replacement of battery packs of various capacities. By promoting the implementation of replaceable battery systems, the total cost of ownership of electric vehicles can be minimized in areas where fast-charging equipment and charging infrastructure are not available.

[0093] While this disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto. Various modifications and alterations may be made thereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A skateboard platform for an electric vehicle, the skateboard platform comprising: A skateboard frame and battery assembly, the skateboard frame including a central module, a front module connected to the front of the central module, and a rear module connected to the rear of the central module. The battery assembly is mounted on the skateboard frame, and the battery assembly includes an upper panel, a lower panel located below the upper panel, and a plurality of battery modules disposed between the upper panel and the lower panel. The battery assembly is detachably connected to the central module; The central module includes a pair of central side members, each of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle. The upper panel and the lower panel are detachably connected to the pair of central side members by fasteners; The upper panel has a pair of sidewalls facing the outside of the electric vehicle and a pair of upper flanges extending from each sidewall toward the outside of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the pair of upper flanges are respectively connected to the pair of central side members by fasteners.

2. The skateboard platform according to claim 1, wherein, The sidewalls extend from the side edges of each of the upper panels to the bottom surface of the central side member; The upper flanges extend from the bottom end of the sidewall toward the central side member; and The upper flanges are respectively connected to the bottom surface of the central side member by the fasteners.

3. The skateboard platform according to claim 1, wherein, The sidewalls extend from the side edges of the upper panel to the top surface of the central side member; The upper flanges extend from the bottom end of the sidewall toward the central side member; and The upper flanges are connected to the top surface of the central side member by fasteners.

4. The skateboard platform according to claim 3, wherein, Each of the central side members has a mounting surface that is recessed from the top surface of the central side member toward the bottom surface of the central side member, and The upper flanges of the upper panel are respectively connected to the mounting surface by fasteners.

5. The skateboard platform according to claim 3, wherein, A pair of upper sealing members are respectively inserted between the upper flange and the top surface of the central side member.

6. The skateboard platform according to claim 1, wherein: A pair of upper body frame members are arranged on the pair of central side members; The upper panel has a pair of upper flanges; The lower panel has a pair of lower flanges; Each of the upper flanges is connected to the top surface of the corresponding one of the central side members; Each of the lower flanges is connected to the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the central side members; and The central side member is detachably connected to the upper body frame member, such that the battery assembly, together with the central side member, is detachably connected to the upper body frame member.

7. The skateboard platform according to claim 1, wherein: The upper panel has a pair of upper flanges; The lower panel has a pair of lower flanges; and Each of the upper flanges and each of the lower flanges are detachably connected to the bottom surface of the corresponding one of the central side members by fasteners, such that the battery assembly is detachably connected to the central side member.

8. The skateboard platform according to claim 1, wherein the skateboard platform further comprises a central floor panel disposed on the upper panel.

9. The skateboard platform according to claim 8, wherein the central floor panel and the upper panel form a unified one-piece structure.

10. The skateboard platform according to claim 8, wherein: A pair of upper body frame members are arranged on a pair of central side members; and The central floor panel and the pair of upper body frame components form a unified one-piece structure.

11. The skateboard platform of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing plate overlapping and stacked on the lower panel, wherein, The reinforcing plate has multiple protrusions extending toward the upper panel.

12. A skateboard platform for an electric vehicle, the skateboard platform comprising: A skateboard frame includes a central module, a front module connected to the front of the central module, and a rear module connected to the rear of the central module; as well as A battery assembly is mounted on the skateboard frame, wherein the battery assembly is detachably connected to the central module, the battery assembly includes an upper panel, a lower panel located below the upper panel, and a plurality of battery modules disposed between the upper panel and the lower panel, the upper panel and the lower panel being detachably connected to the central module by fasteners; The central module includes a pair of central side members, each of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle. The upper panel and the lower panel are detachably connected to the pair of central side members by fasteners; The lower panel has a pair of side edges facing the exterior of the electric vehicle and a pair of lower flanges extending from the pair of side edges toward the exterior of the electric vehicle; and The pair of lower flanges are respectively connected to the pair of central side members by fasteners.

13. The skateboard platform according to claim 12, wherein, The lower flanges are connected to the bottom surface of the central side member by fasteners.

14. The skateboard platform according to claim 13, wherein, A pair of lower sealing members are respectively inserted between the lower flange and the bottom surface of the central side member.

15. A skateboard platform for an electric vehicle, the skateboard platform comprising: A skateboard frame includes a central module, a front module connected to the front of the central module, and a rear module connected to the rear of the central module; A battery assembly is mounted on the skateboard frame, wherein the battery assembly is detachably connected to the central module; A first connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion connects the rear end of the front module and the front end of the central module by an interference fit; and The second connecting part connects the front end of the rear module and the rear end of the central module by an interference fit. The battery assembly includes an upper panel, a lower panel located below the upper panel, and a plurality of battery modules disposed between the upper panel and the lower panel. The central module includes a pair of central side members, each of which extends in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle. The upper panel and the lower panel are detachably connected to the pair of central side members by fasteners; The upper panel has a pair of sidewalls facing the outside of the electric vehicle and a pair of upper flanges extending from each sidewall toward the outside of the electric vehicle. Furthermore, the pair of upper flanges are respectively connected to the pair of central side members by fasteners.

16. The skateboard platform according to claim 15, wherein, The first connecting portion includes a first engaging portion and a first recess, the first engaging portion being disposed on the front end of the central module, and the first recess being disposed in the rear end of the front module; and the first engaging portion is configured to be received in the first recess.

17. The skateboard platform according to claim 15, wherein, The second connecting portion includes a second engaging portion and a second recess, the second engaging portion being disposed on the front end of the rear module and the second recess being disposed in the rear end of the central module; and the second engaging portion is configured to be received in the second recess.

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