Structural assembly for electric vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a structural assembly for an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle includes a pair of opposing longitudinal outer side members, a plurality of cross members, a pair of opposing longitudinal inner side members, a housing, and a plurality of bushings. The cross-member extends in a transverse direction of the electric vehicle and includes a first cross-member and a second cross-member fixed to the pair of opposing longitudinal outer longitudinal members. The pair of opposed longitudinal inner stringers is located inside the pair of opposed longitudinal outer stringers and between the first cross member and the second cross member. The pair of opposed longitudinal inner side members are secured to the first cross member and the second cross member to form a box. The housing is connected to the housing and is configured to be connected to the motor. The bushing is at least partially supported by the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a structural assembly for an electric vehicle, and more particularly, to a structural assembly supporting a motor of the electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Electric vehicles differ from conventional motor vehicles in that they are powered by one or more rechargeable battery packs having, for example, lithium-ion batteries or any other suitable power storage unit. In some electric vehicles, an attachment structure, such as a crossbeam and / or a plate, is separate from the vehicle frame and is used to support one or more electric modules (e.g., a charger or a motor) of the electric vehicle. In one example, the attachment structure may be attached to the left and right longitudinal rails of the vehicle frame and may support a charger that charges the power storage unit of the battery pack. It may be challenging to integrally form the attachment structure into the structure of an existing vehicle.

[0004] The teachings of the present disclosure address these and other problems with attachment structures for electric vehicles. Summary of the invention

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] In one form, the present disclosure provides an electric vehicle comprising a pair of opposing longitudinal outer longitudinal beams, a plurality of cross beams, a pair of opposing longitudinal inner longitudinal beams, at least one housing and a plurality of bushings. The plurality of cross beams extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle and include a first cross beam and a second cross beam fixed to the pair of opposing longitudinal outer longitudinal beams. The pair of opposing longitudinal inner longitudinal beams are located inside the pair of opposing longitudinal outer longitudinal beams and between the first cross beam and the second cross beam. The pair of opposing longitudinal inner longitudinal beams are fixed to the first cross beam and the second cross beam to form a box. The housing is connected to the box and is configured to be connected to the motor. The plurality of bushings are at least partially supported by the housing.

[0007] In a variation of the electric vehicle of the above paragraphs that can be implemented individually or in any combination: the multiple bushings include a first group of bushings and a second group of bushings, the first group of bushings have a first stiffness, and the second group of bushings have a second stiffness, the first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness; each bushing in the first group of bushings has a first diameter, and each bushing in the second group of bushings has a second diameter, the second diameter is greater than the first diameter; each bushing in the first group of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction, and each bushing in the second group of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction; each of the multiple cross beams includes a plurality of reinforcing members arranged therein; also includes a motor, the motor is fixed to the case; and a motor shield, the motor shield is connected to the motor and is located at a position further back than the first cross beam and the second cross beam, the motor shield is configured to be more inclined than the motor to the rear. The invention further extends downward; a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket being arranged between the pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams and being fixed to the second and third beams of the plurality of cross beams; each of the pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams includes a plurality of reinforcing members arranged therein; the pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams are spaced apart from the opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams; the plurality of cross beams are welded to the opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams; the first cross beam has a trapezoidal cross-section; the housing includes a plurality of housings, the plurality of housings are connected to the housing and are configured to be connected to the motor; a plurality of first fasteners, the plurality of first fasteners extending through corresponding first bushings of the first group of bushings and being configured to extend through the motor to fix the corresponding first bushings to the motor; and a plurality of second fasteners, the plurality of second fasteners extending through corresponding second bushings of the second group of bushings and the housing to fix the corresponding second bushings to the housing.

[0008] In another form, the present disclosure provides an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; a plurality of cross beams; a pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams; at least one housing; a first set of bushings; a plurality of first fasteners; a second set of bushings; and a plurality of second fasteners. The vehicle body comprises a pair of opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams. The plurality of cross beams extend in the transverse direction of the electric vehicle and are fixed to the opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams. Each of the plurality of cross beams comprises a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams are located inside the opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams and between two of the plurality of cross beams. The pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams are fixed to the two cross beams to form a box. The housing is connected to the box and is configured to be connected to the motor. The first set of bushings is at least partially supported by the housing. The plurality of first fasteners extend through corresponding first bushings in the first set of bushings and are configured to extend through the motor to fix the corresponding first bushings to the motor. The second set of bushings is at least partially supported by the housing. The plurality of second fasteners extend through corresponding second bushings in the second group of bushings and the housing to secure the corresponding second bushings to the housing. The first group of bushings has a first stiffness, and the second group of bushings has a second stiffness. The first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness.

[0009] In a variation of the electric vehicle of the above paragraphs that can be implemented individually or in any combination: each bushing in the first group of bushings has a first diameter, and each bushing in the second group of bushings has a second diameter, the second diameter being larger than the first diameter; each bushing in the first group of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a vertical direction, and each bushing in the second group of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction; each longitudinal inner beam in the pair of opposing longitudinal inner beams includes a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein; the plurality of cross beams are welded to the opposing longitudinal outer beams; and the pair of opposing longitudinal inner beams are spaced apart from the opposing longitudinal outer beams.

[0010] In another form, the present disclosure provides an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle comprising: a vehicle body; a plurality of cross beams; a pair of opposing longitudinal inner longitudinal beams; at least one housing; a first set of bushings; a plurality of first fasteners; a second set of bushings; and a plurality of second fasteners. The vehicle body includes a pair of opposing longitudinal outer longitudinal beams. The plurality of cross beams extend in the transverse direction of the electric vehicle and are fixed to the pair of opposing longitudinal outer longitudinal beams. Each of the plurality of cross beams includes a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The pair of opposing longitudinal inner longitudinal beams are located inside the opposing longitudinal outer longitudinal beams and between two of the plurality of cross beams. The pair of opposing longitudinal inner longitudinal beams are fixed to the two cross beams to form a box. Each of the pair of opposing longitudinal inner longitudinal beams includes a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The housing is connected to the box and is configured to be connected to the motor. The first set of bushings is at least partially supported by the housing. The plurality of first fasteners extend through corresponding first bushings of the first set of bushings and are configured to extend through the motor to fix the corresponding first bushings to the motor. The second group of bushings is at least partially supported by the housing. The plurality of second fasteners extend through corresponding second bushings in the second group of bushings and the housing to secure the corresponding second bushings to the housing. The first group of bushings has a first stiffness, and the second group of bushings has a second stiffness. The first stiffness is greater than the second stiffness. Each bushing in the first group of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a vertical direction. Each bushing in the second group of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various forms of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including a structural assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a bottom perspective view of a portion of a vehicle frame of a vehicle;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a top view of a portion of a vehicle frame of a vehicle;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 1An exploded top perspective view of the structural assembly;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 An exploded bottom perspective view of the structural assembly;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of a portion of a structural assembly;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A bottom view of the structural assembly;

[0020] Fig. 8A yes Figure 1 Along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the structure assembly taken along line 8-8;

[0021] Figure 8B yes Fig. 8A A cross-sectional view of region 8B in FIG.

[0022] Figure 8C yes Fig. 8A a cross-sectional view of region 8C in FIG. 8 ; and

[0023] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 Along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the structural assembly taken along line 9-9.

[0024] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0026] refer to Figure 1, a vehicle 10 such as an electric vehicle is provided. In the example provided, the electric vehicle is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In other examples, the electric vehicle may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) or a fuel cell vehicle, etc. The vehicle 10 includes a battery pack or battery structure 12, a vehicle frame 14 and a structural assembly 16. The battery pack 12 may be rechargeable and may include a lithium-ion battery or any other suitable power storage unit. The battery pack 12 may be disposed at different locations of the vehicle 10 and may be mounted to the vehicle frame 14. In this way, the battery pack 12 is supported by the vehicle frame 14 and is away from the passenger compartment (not shown) and cargo compartment (not shown) of the vehicle 10, and therefore, does not occupy space that could otherwise be used for passengers or cargo. The battery pack 12 powers a motor 15 to drive a set of wheels 20a, 20b. In the example provided, the wheels 20a, 20b are rear wheels, and the motor 15 is also referred to as a rear motor 15, but other configurations may also be used. Similarly, the battery pack 12 can power a second motor (not shown) to selectively drive a different set of wheels 24a, 24b. In the example provided, the wheels 24a, 24b are front wheels, but other configurations can also be used. In some forms, the battery pack 12 includes an outer support frame (not specifically shown) and a pair of battery holder longitudinal members (not specifically shown). The pair of battery holder longitudinal members extend along opposite sides of the outer support frame and are fixed to the outer support frame and the vehicle frame 14.

[0027] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The vehicle frame 14 is made of a metal material such as steel and is the main supporting structure of the vehicle 10, to which various components are directly or indirectly attached. The vehicle frame 14 includes a front end 22 ( Figure 1 ), a pair of lower side rails or longitudinal outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b and cross members or cross members 30a, 30b, 30c. The front end 22 includes, in particular, a bumper 32 that extends in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 10. The pair of longitudinal outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b are spaced apart from each other. In some forms, the pair of longitudinal outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b are spaced apart from, for example, an outer support frame of the battery structure 12. In this way, components such as electrical conduits (not shown) can extend, for example, along the outer support frame of the battery structure 12 and the pair of outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b.

[0028] Each outer longitudinal beam 28a, 28b is elongated and extends along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 10. In some forms, the outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b are fixed to the corresponding battery holder longitudinal members with mechanical fasteners. The outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b may include a cavity having one or more compression tubes or compression limiters 29 ( Figure 3). The compression tube 29 inhibits deformation of the longitudinal longitudinal beams 28a, 28b. Additionally or alternatively, each outer longitudinal beam 28a, 28b may include other reinforcement structures (not shown) disposed within and fixed to the outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b to further provide reinforcement for the outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b.

[0029] Additional references Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the cross members 30a, 30b, 30c are structural members extending in a transverse direction Y relative to the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 10 and connecting the outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b to each other. The cross members 30a, 30b, 30c are spaced apart from each other along the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 10. The cross members 30a, 30b are fixed to the outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b to form a box structure 38 that supports the rear motor 15. In some forms, two adjacent cross members located near the front of the vehicle 10 (i.e., positioned more toward the front of the vehicle 10 than the battery pack 12) and fixed to the outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b at the front of the vehicle 10 can form a box structure that supports the front motor (not shown).

[0030] like FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, each cross member 30a, 30b, 30c has a U-shaped cross section, a V-shaped cross section, or a trapezoidal cross section, and includes a main body 60a and a pair of outer flanges 60b extending from the main body 60a. The main body 60a defines a channel 62, one or more reinforcement members 64 ( Figure 3 8) are located in the channel to strengthen the cross members 30a, 30b, 30c. In the example shown, at least a portion of the reinforcement member 64 is fixed to the body 60a, for example, via welding. That is, each reinforcement member 64 includes a cylindrical sleeve 70 and a plurality of wing plates 72, which extend from the sleeve 70 and are fixed (e.g., welded) to a pair of vertical walls 63b and / or horizontal walls 63a of the body 60a of the cross members 30a, 30c. The sleeve 70 is threadedly engaged with the fastener 87 and rotatably supports the fastener 87.

[0031] In the example shown, the body 60a of the beams 30b, 30c includes a pair of vertical walls 63b and a horizontal wall 63a, thereby giving the beams 30b, 30c a generally rectangular shaped (although bottom open) cross-section. In the example shown, the body 60a of the beam 30a includes a vertical wall 63b, a horizontal wall 63a, and an inclined wall 63c (i.e., inclined relative to the vertical wall 63b), thereby giving the beam 30a a trapezoidal shaped (although bottom open) cross-section. The cross-sections of the beams 30a, 30b, and 30c are also commonly referred to as hat-shaped. The beam 30a including a trapezoidal shaped cross-section enhances the rigidity of the beam 30a. Although the beam 30a is shown and described as having a trapezoidal shaped cross-section, it should be understood that in some forms, the beams 30b, 30c may also include a trapezoidal shaped cross-section without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. As used herein, the terms "vertical walls" and "horizontal walls" refer to the cross-sections of these walls relative to each other. Figure 7 The XYZ coordinate system shown in is substantially vertical and substantially horizontal, wherein the horizontal direction is parallel to the XY plane and the Z axis corresponds to the vertical direction. "Substantially vertical" and "substantially horizontal" as used herein referring to vertical walls and horizontal walls mean that these walls may not be absolutely or completely vertical or horizontal.

[0032] The body 60a of each cross member 30a, 30b, 30c includes a lower flat horizontal wall 63a including a plurality of apertures 66 ( Figure 4 ). The hole 66 may have an oblong or circular shape. The fastener 87 extends vertically through the corresponding hole 66, the sleeve 70 of the corresponding reinforcement member 64, the corresponding second bushing 44b in the set of second bushings 44b, and the corresponding shell 42a, 42b, 42c, thereby fixing the corresponding reinforcement member 64, the box structure 38, the corresponding second bushing 44b, and the corresponding shell 42a, 42b, 42c to each other. In some forms, the hole 66 may have a rectangular shape or another suitable shape configured to receive the fastener 87. The flange 60b can be fixed to the vehicle floor (not shown), thereby fixing the structural assembly 16 to the vehicle floor.

[0033] The mounting bracket 34 is disposed between a pair of opposing longitudinal inner longitudinal beams 36a, 36b and extends generally in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. In some forms, the ends of each mounting bracket 34 may be angled inwardly toward the center of the vehicle 10. In the example shown, the mounting bracket 34 is fixed to the cross beams 30b, 30c. In some forms, for example, the mounting bracket 34 is fixed to the cross beams 30b, 30c using mechanical fasteners or any other suitable attachment means (such as welding). In the example shown, a suspension system (not shown) is fixed to the vehicle frame 14 via the mounting bracket 34, and the wheels 20a, 20b of the vehicle 10 are fixed to the vehicle frame 14. The suspension system provides a smooth ride by absorbing the energy of various road bumps while driving. The suspension system includes various components, such as upper and lower control arms, shock absorbers, and ball joints. It should be understood that the vehicle 10 of the present disclosure may be a unibody structure or a body-frame separation structure without departing from the principles disclosed herein.

[0034] refer to Figures 4 to 7 , the structural assembly 16 is positioned adjacent to the battery pack 12 and supports one or more components of the vehicle 10, such as the rear motor 15. In this way, a separate subframe mounted to the vehicle frame 14 and supporting one or more components of the vehicle (such as the rear motor 15) can be omitted, thereby reducing the weight of the vehicle 10. The structural assembly 16 includes a pair of longitudinal outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b, cross beams 30a, 30b, 30c, a pair of opposing longitudinal inner longitudinal beams 36a, 36b, a plurality of housings 42a, 42b, 42c, a first set of bushings 44a and a second set of bushings 44b. The pair of longitudinal inner longitudinal beams 36a, 36b are located inboard of the pair of opposing longitudinal outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b and are spaced apart from the pair of longitudinal outer longitudinal beams 28a, 28b. The pair of opposing longitudinal inner longitudinal beams 36a, 36b are located between the cross members 30a, 30b and are welded to the cross members 30a, 30b. In some forms, the pair of opposing longitudinal inner rails 36a, 36b are secured to the cross members 30a, 30b using mechanical fasteners such as bolts, screws or rivets or using any other suitable attachment means. The length of the pair of opposing longitudinal inner rails 36a, 36b is shorter than the length of the cross members 30a, 30b, 30c and shorter than the length of the pair of longitudinal outer rails 28a, 28b.

[0035] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5, for example, each inner longitudinal beam 36a, 36b has a U-shaped cross-section or a V-shaped cross-section, and includes a main body 50a and a pair of outer flanges 50b extending from the main body 50a. The main body 50a defines a channel 52, and one or more reinforcing members 54 are located in the channel to reinforce the inner longitudinal beams 36a, 36b. In the example shown, at least a portion of the reinforcing member 54 is fixed to the main body 50a, for example, via welding. That is, each reinforcing member 54 includes a cylindrical sleeve 46 and a plurality of wing plates 48, which extend from the sleeve 46 and are fixed (e.g., welded) to the vertical wall 53a and / or the horizontal wall 53b of the main body 50a. The sleeve 46 is connected to the fastener 57 ( Figure 6 ) threadably engages and rotatably supports the fastener 57.

[0036] The body 50a includes a lower flat horizontal surface 53b including a plurality of holes 56 ( Figure 4 ). The hole 56 may have an oblong or circular shape. The fastener 57 extends vertically through the corresponding hole 56, the sleeve 46 of the corresponding reinforcement member 54, the corresponding second bushing 44b and the corresponding shell 42b, 42c, thereby fixing the corresponding reinforcement member 54, the inner longitudinal beam 36a, 36b, the corresponding second bushing 44b and the corresponding shell 42b, 42c to each other. In some forms, the hole 56 may have a rectangular shape or another suitable shape configured to receive the fastener 57. The pair of outer flanges 50b can be fixed to the vehicle floor (not shown), thereby fixing the structural assembly 16 to the vehicle floor.

[0037] refer to Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , each housing 42a, 42b, 42c is made of a metal material such as aluminum or steel, and is mounted to the box structure 38. That is, the housing 42a is mounted to the cross beam 30b of the box structure 38, the housing 42b is mounted to the cross beam 30a and the inner longitudinal beam 36a of the box structure 38, and the housing 42c is mounted to the cross beam 30a and the inner longitudinal beam 36b of the box structure 38. Each housing 42a, 42b, 42c includes one or more cylindrical portions 80 and a plurality of flanges 82. Each cylindrical portion 80 is located between two flanges 82 and defines an opening.

[0038] The first group of bushings 44a is disposed in the respective housings 42a, 42b, 42c and has a stiffness less than that of the second group of bushings 44b. Each bushing 44a in the first group of bushings 44a has a cylindrical shape and extends in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. In some forms, one or more bushings 44a extend in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle 10, and one or more bushings 44a extend in the transverse direction Y of the vehicle 10. In some forms, each bushing 44a may extend in the vertical direction Z, and each bushing 44b may extend perpendicular to the vertical direction Z. The diameter of each bushing 44a in the first group of bushings 44a is greater than the diameter of the second group of bushings 44b.

[0039] Each bushing 44a is press-fitted into the opening of the cylindrical portion 80 of the corresponding housing 42a, 42b, 42c. Each bushing 44a includes an inner sleeve 86a, an elastic body 86b and an outer sleeve 93. The inner sleeve 86a is cylindrical in shape and is made of a metal material. The inner sleeve is attached to (e.g., press-fitted) the elastic body 86b and defines an opening extending therethrough.

[0040] Elastic body 86b can be incorporated into outer sleeve and molded into outer sleeve, and can be cylindrical shape.Elastic body 86b is also arranged between inner sleeve 86a and outer sleeve 93.When force is applied to elastic body 86b, elastic body 86b elastic deformation, and once force is removed from elastic body 86b, described elastic body just returns to its original shape.In the example provided, elastic body 86b is made of elastomeric materials such as polyurethane, silicone or rubber.In the example shown, elastic body 86b is made of pattern and / or profile different from the elastic body 90 of liner 44b.That is to say, in the example shown, elastic body 86b can include groove and / or recessed portion, and does not have constant / uniform cross-sectional area.In some forms, elastic body 86b includes constant / uniform cross-sectional area.

[0041] The outer sleeve 93 can be press-fitted onto the elastic body 86b so that the outer sleeve 93 accommodates the elastic body 86b and the inner sleeve 86a. The outer sleeve 93 is also attached to the corresponding housing 42a, 42b, 42c. For example, the outer sleeve 93 can be press-fitted into the central opening of the cylindrical portion 80 of the corresponding housing 42a, 42b, 42c. The fastener 89 extending horizontally through the corresponding bushing 44a in the first set of bushings 44a in the housing 42a also extends through the rear motor 15, thereby fixing the housing 42a and the rear motor 15 to each other. The fastener 89 extending horizontally through the corresponding bushing 44a of the first set of bushings 44a in the housing 42b, 42c also extends at least partially through the motor shield assembly 96 to fix the housing 42b, 42c and the motor shield assembly 96 to each other. For example, the fastener 89 can be a screw or a bolt.

[0042] Each bushing 44b is press-fitted into the opening of the corresponding flange 82 of the housing 42a, 42b, 42c. Each bushing 44b also has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction Z. Fig. 8A and Figure 8C Each bushing 44b is mechanically coupled to the box structure 38 and includes an inner sleeve 91 and an elastic body 90. The inner sleeve 91 is cylindrical in shape and is made of a metal material. The inner sleeve 91 is attached to (eg, press-fitted) the elastic body 90 and defines an opening extending therethrough.

[0043] The elastic body 90 can be incorporated into the inner sleeve 91 and molded into the inner sleeve, and can be a cylindrical shape. The elastic body 90 is also arranged between the inner sleeve 91 and the corresponding flange 82. When force is applied to the elastic body 90, the elastic body 90 elastically deforms, and once the force is removed from the elastic body 90, the elastic body just returns to its original shape. In the example provided, the elastic body 90 is made of an elastomeric material such as polyurethane, silicone or rubber, and the elastomeric material is harder than the elastomeric material of the elastic body 86b. The diameter of the elastomer 90 is less than the diameter of the elastomer 86b. The elastomer 90 can also have a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the elastomer 86b. In some forms, the elastic body 86b of the bushing 44a is harder than the elastic body 90 of the bushing 44b. In some forms, the diameter of the elastic body 86b is less than the diameter of the elastic body 90.

[0044] An optional motor shield assembly 96 may be secured to the rear motor 15 and may be configured to protect debris and other objects from the rear motor 15. The motor shield 96 may be located further rearward than the crossbars 30a, 30b, 30c and may extend further downward than the rear motor 15 and the structural assembly 16. An example of such a motor shield is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 366,416, filed on the same date as the present application and entitled “ELECTRIC VEHICLE HAVING MOTOR SHIELD,” which is commonly owned with the present application and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0045] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values ​​indicating mechanical / thermal properties, composition percentages, dimensions and / or tolerances or other characteristics when describing the scope of the present disclosure should be understood to be modified by the word "about" or "approximately". Such modifications are desirable for a variety of reasons, including: industrial practice; material, manufacturing and assembly tolerances; and testing capabilities.

[0046] As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical "or", and should not be construed to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0047] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore, variations that do not depart from the essence of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations should not be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] According to the present invention, there is provided an electric vehicle having: a vehicle body including a pair of opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams; a plurality of cross beams extending in a transverse direction of the electric vehicle and fixed to the opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams, each of the plurality of cross beams including a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein; a pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams located inside the opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams and between two of the plurality of cross beams, the pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams being fixed to the two cross beams to form a box; at least one housing connected to the box and configured to be connected to a motor of the electric vehicle; A first group of bushings, the first group of bushings being at least partially supported by the at least one housing; a plurality of first fasteners, the plurality of first fasteners extending through corresponding first bushings in the first group of bushings and being configured to extend through the motor to secure the corresponding first bushings to the motor; a second group of bushings, the second group of bushings being at least partially supported by the at least one housing; and a plurality of second fasteners extending through corresponding second bushings in the second group of bushings and the housing to secure the corresponding second bushings to the housing, wherein the first group of bushings have a first stiffness and the second group of bushings have a second stiffness, the first stiffness being greater than the second stiffness.

[0049] According to an embodiment, each bushing of the first set of bushings has a first diameter and each bushing of the second set of bushings has a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter.

[0050] According to an embodiment, each bushing of the first set of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a vertical direction, and wherein each bushing of the second set of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0051] According to an embodiment, each of the pair of opposing longitudinal inner rails includes a plurality of reinforcement members disposed therein.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the plurality of cross beams are welded to the opposing longitudinal outer beams.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the pair of opposing longitudinal inner longerons are spaced apart from the opposing longitudinal outer longerons.

[0054] According to the present invention, an electric vehicle is provided, which comprises: a vehicle body, the vehicle body comprising a pair of opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams; a plurality of cross beams extending in the transverse direction of the electric vehicle and fixed to the pair of opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams, each of the plurality of cross beams comprising a plurality of reinforcing members arranged therein; a pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams, the pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams being located on the inner side of the opposite longitudinal outer longitudinal beams and between two of the plurality of cross beams, the pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams being fixed to the two cross beams to form a box body, each of the pair of opposite longitudinal inner longitudinal beams comprising a plurality of reinforcing members arranged therein; at least one shell, the at least one shell being connected to the box body and configured to be connected to a motor of the electric vehicle; a first set of bushings, the first set of bushings being at least partially composed of The at least one housing support; a plurality of first fasteners, the plurality of first fasteners extending through corresponding first bushings in the first group of bushings and configured to extend through the motor to secure the corresponding first bushings to the motor; a second group of bushings, the second group of bushings being at least partially supported by the at least one housing; and a plurality of second fasteners, the plurality of second fasteners extending through corresponding second bushings in the second group of bushings and the housing to secure the corresponding second bushings to the housing, wherein the first group of bushings have a first stiffness and the second group of bushings have a second stiffness, the first stiffness being greater than the second stiffness, and wherein each bushing in the first group of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a vertical direction, and wherein each bushing in the second group of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Claims

1. An electric vehicle comprising: a pair of opposed longitudinal outer stringers; a plurality of cross beams extending in a transverse direction of the vehicle and including a first cross beam and a second cross beam fixed to the pair of opposing longitudinal outer side beams; a pair of opposed longitudinal inner longitudinal beams, the pair of opposed longitudinal inner longitudinal beams being located inboard of the pair of opposed longitudinal outer longitudinal beams and between the first cross beam and the second cross beam, the pair of opposed longitudinal inner longitudinal beams being fixed to the first cross beam and the second cross beam to form a box; at least one housing connected to the case and configured to be connected to a motor of the electric vehicle; as well as A plurality of bushings are at least partially supported by the at least one housing.

2. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of bushings include a first group of bushings and a second group of bushings, and wherein the first group of bushings have a first stiffness and the second group of bushings have a second stiffness, the first stiffness being greater than the second stiffness.

3. The electric vehicle of claim 2, wherein each bushing in the first set of bushings has a first diameter and each bushing in the second set of bushings has a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter.

4. The electric vehicle of claim 2, wherein each bushing in the first group of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a vertical direction, and wherein each bushing in the second group of bushings has a cylindrical shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction.

5. The electric vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising: a plurality of first fasteners extending through respective first bushings of the first set of bushings and configured to extend through the motor to secure the respective first bushings to the motor; as well as A plurality of second fasteners extend through respective second bushings of the second set of bushings and the housing to secure the respective second bushings to the housing. 6 . The electric vehicle of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of beams includes a plurality of reinforcement members disposed therein.

7. The electric vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: the motor fixed to the housing structure; A motor shield is connected to the motor and is located further rearward than the first beam and the second beam, the motor shield being configured to extend further downward than the motor.

8. The electric vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a mounting bracket disposed between the pair of opposing longitudinal inner rails and fixed to the second and third rails of the plurality of rails.

9. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of opposing longitudinal inner rails includes a plurality of reinforcement members disposed therein.

10. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the pair of opposing longitudinal inner rails are spaced apart from the opposing longitudinal outer rails.

11. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of cross members are welded to the opposing longitudinal outer rails.

12. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first beam has a trapezoidal-shaped cross section.

13. The electric vehicle of claim 1, wherein the at least one housing comprises a plurality of housings connected to the case and configured to be connected to the motor.

14. The electric vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a vehicle body, the vehicle body including the pair of opposing longitudinal outer rails.

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