Chassis of electric work vehicle including sub-frame overlapping battery housing

Abstract

To provide an electric work vehicle such as an electric tractor.SOLUTION: An electric work vehicle includes a chassis, a battery housing, and a front axle. The chassis has a sub-frame, and the sub-frame is mounted on a front axle and supports the battery housing. When the electric work vehicle is viewed from the front surface, a part of the sub-frame overlaps a part of the battery housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1J

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electric vehicles (EVs) such as electric tractors. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more prevalent as the industry transitions from internal combustion engines to fully electric motors powered by battery systems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electric work vehicle, such as an EV tractor.

[0004] A preferred embodiment of the present disclosure provides an electric work vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The electric work vehicle includes a chassis, a battery housing, and a front axle. The chassis has a subframe that is attached to the front axle and supports the battery housing. When the electric work vehicle is viewed from the front, a portion of the subframe overlaps with a portion of the battery housing.

[0006] The subframe may be connected to the battery housing. A portion of the battery housing may be disposed above the subframe in the up-down direction of the electric work vehicle. A portion of the battery housing may be disposed rearward of the subframe in the front-rear direction of the electric work vehicle.

[0007] The electric work vehicle may further include a cooling structure. The subframe may have a recess, and at least a portion of the cooling structure may be disposed within the recess of the subframe. The cooling structure may include a fan. The cooling structure may have at least one support attached to the recess of the subframe.

[0008] The subframe may have a ramp connected to the battery housing, the ramp including a first opening covered by a removable plate. The ramp may include a second opening connected to a first air duct. The first air duct may further be connected to a battery housing opening.

[0009] The subframe may include a third opening further connected to a second air duct, the second air duct may further connected to a battery housing opening.

[0010] The ramp may include a fourth opening. At least one electrical cable may pass through the fourth opening.

[0011] The electric work vehicle may further include a side housing to which the subframe is connected. The side housing may be connected to the inclined portion of the subframe.

[0012] The electric work vehicle may further include an evaporator. The subframe may have a first inclined portion connected to the battery housing and a second inclined portion connected to the battery housing. The evaporator may be disposed between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion.

[0013] The electric work vehicle may further include an evaporator housed within the subframe.

[0014] The chassis may include an intermediate frame attached to a rear portion of the battery housing, the intermediate frame may be made of metal.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electric work vehicle.

[0016] The above and other features, elements, steps, configurations, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seen from the left front. [Figure 1B] 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seen from the right front. [Figure 1C] 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seen from the left rear. [Figure 1D] 1 is a perspective view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seen from the right rear. [Figure 1E] 1 is a front view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1F] 1 is a right side view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1G] 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1H] 1 is a plan view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1I] 1 is a bottom view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1J] 1 is a bottom view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with certain components removed for illustrative purposes; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the mid-frame, battery housing, front frame, and rear frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a rear perspective view of a battery housing and a front frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a battery housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a left side view of a battery housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a right side view of a battery housing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the mid-frame, battery housing, front frame, and rear frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the mid-frame, battery housing, front frame, and rear frame of the electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] 1 is a perspective view of an intermediate frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seen from the left front. FIG. [Figure 7B] 1 is a perspective view of an intermediate frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seen from the left rear. FIG. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a front view of an intermediate frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the mid-frame of the electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8C] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the intermediate frame of the electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8D] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the mid-frame of the electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8E] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an intermediate frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8F] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the mid-frame of the electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a left front perspective view of an intermediate frame housing components of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an intermediate frame housing components of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10A]FIG. 2 is a left front perspective view of an intermediate frame housing components and connections to the components of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10B] 1 is a left rear perspective view of an intermediate frame housing components and connections to the components of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 is a left front perspective view of a mid-frame of an electric vehicle including a motor cover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 1 is a front view of a mid-frame of an electric vehicle including a motor cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the front frame of the electric vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] 1 is a perspective view of a front frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left front. [Figure 12C] 1 is a perspective view of a front frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left rear. [Figure 12D] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a front frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view of a front frame and components provided on the front frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left rear. FIG. [Figure 14A] 1 is a perspective view of a front frame and an air duct of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left front. FIG. [Figure 14B] 1 is a perspective view of a front frame and an air duct of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the left rear. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The electric vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention may be a tractor or other agricultural vehicle, however, any desired type of electric vehicle is applicable to and can be utilized with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] 1A to 1I show an electric vehicle 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of the vehicle 1 as viewed from the front left and front right, respectively. FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the vehicle 1 as viewed from the rear left. FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the vehicle 1 as viewed from the rear right. FIG. 1E is a front view of the vehicle 1. FIGS. 1F and 1G are side views of the vehicle 1, respectively. FIGS. 1H and 1I are plan and bottom views of the vehicle 1, respectively.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIG. 1A to FIG. 1H, a vehicle 1 includes a left front wheel 2L, a right front wheel 2R, a left rear wheel 4L, and a right rear wheel 4R. However, a vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited to four wheels, and may include any suitable number of wheels. For example, a vehicle according to a preferred embodiment may include only three wheels by removing one of the four wheels described above, a fifth wheel (e.g., an additional wheel aligned with one of the four wheels, or a wheel provided at the front or rear of the vehicle), a pair of central wheels, and the like, for a total of six wheels. In another preferred embodiment, a vehicle may utilize tracks (crawlers) instead of wheels.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 2 for example, the vehicle 1 includes an intermediate frame 6, a battery housing 8 attached to the front of the intermediate frame 6, a front frame 10 attached to the battery housing 8, and a rear frame 12 attached to the rear of the intermediate frame 6. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1I for example, the front axle 3 is connected to the left front wheel 2L and the right front wheel 2R, and the front axle 3 is connected and supported by the front frame 10, and similarly, the rear axle 5 is connected to the left rear wheel 4L and the right rear wheel 4R, and the rear axle 5 is connected and supported by the rear frame 12.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front axle 3 includes a left axle housing 3L and a right axle housing 3R, as shown in Fig. 1I. The left axle housing 3L accommodates a first electric motor 14 (left front wheel electric motor) connected to a first gear device 15 to drive the left front wheel 2L, and the right axle housing 3R accommodates a second electric motor 16 (right front wheel electric motor) connected to a second gear device 17 to drive the right front wheel 2R. For example, as shown in Fig. 1J, the first electric motor 14, the second electric motor 16, the first gear device 15, and the second gear device 17 are illustrated, and the left axle housing 3L and the right axle housing 3R are omitted for the sake of explanation.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear frame 12 includes a first motor housing portion 12-1 housing a third electric motor 18 (left rear wheel electric motor) connected to a third gear set 19 to drive the left rear wheel 4L, and a second motor housing portion 12-2 housing a fourth electric motor 20 (right rear wheel electric motor) connected to a fourth gear set 21 to drive the right rear wheel 4R. Preferably, the rear frame 12 also includes a third motor housing portion 12-3 housing a fifth electric motor 22 connected to a fifth gear set 23 to drive a first component (e.g., power take-off (PTO)) of the electric work vehicle, and a fourth motor housing portion 12-4 housing a sixth electric motor 24 connected to a sixth gear set 25 to drive a second component (e.g., a hydraulic device) of the electric work vehicle, as shown in, for example, FIG. 1J and FIG. 2. The third electric motor 18, the fourth electric motor 20, the fifth electric motor 22, and the sixth electric motor 24 are shown, for example, in Figure 1J, from which parts including the rear frame 12 have been removed for purposes of illustration. In the bottom view of Figure 1J, the sixth electric motor 24 overlaps the third electric motor 18.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery housing 8 includes a first battery housing section 26, a second battery housing section 28, a third battery housing section 30, a fourth battery housing section 32, and a fifth battery housing section 34, which are each shown by dashed lines in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, the first battery housing section 26 and the second battery housing section 28 are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the vehicle, and the third battery housing section 30 and the fourth battery housing section 32 are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the widths of the first battery housing section 26, the second battery housing section 28, the third battery housing section 30, the fourth battery housing section 32, and the fifth battery housing section 34 in the vehicle width direction are equal or substantially equal to each other. FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B show the battery housing section 8 with the battery housing section cover removed for the purpose of explanation.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the first battery accommodating section 26 and the second battery accommodating section 28 are included in the first battery accommodating section 8-1 (rear battery accommodating section), the third battery accommodating section 30 and the fourth battery accommodating section 32 are included in the second battery accommodating section 8-2 (front upper battery accommodating section), and the fifth battery accommodating section 34 is included in the third battery accommodating section 8-3 (front lower battery accommodating section). In a preferred embodiment, the width of the first battery accommodating section 8-1 is equal to or substantially equal to the width of the second battery accommodating section 8-2, and the width of the third battery accommodating section 8-3 is smaller than the width of the first battery accommodating section 8-1 and the width of the second battery accommodating section 8-2. Preferably, the rear surface of the third battery accommodating section 8-3 is disposed apart from the front surface of the first battery accommodating section 8-1. In a preferred embodiment, the rear surface of the second battery accommodating section 8-2 intersects with the middle portion of the first battery accommodating section 8-1 in the front-rear direction of the electric work vehicle in a top view and a side view.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4, 5A and 5B, each of the first battery housing section 26, the second battery housing section 28, the third battery housing section 30, the fourth battery housing section 32 and the fifth battery housing section 34 includes a plurality of battery module housing compartments, each adapted to receive a battery module. In a preferred embodiment, each of the third battery housing section 30 and the fourth battery housing section 32 includes a greater number of battery module housing compartments than each of the first battery housing section 26 and the second battery housing section 28. Preferably, the fifth battery housing section 34 includes a fewer number of battery module housing compartments than each of the first battery housing section 26 and the second battery housing section 28.

[0027] 6A and 6B are left and right side views, respectively, of the intermediate frame 6, the battery housing 8, the front frame 10, and the rear frame 12 shown in, for example, FIG. 2. A front portion of the intermediate frame 6 is attached to a rear portion of the battery housing 8, and a rear portion of the intermediate frame 6 is attached to a front portion of the rear frame 12. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the intermediate frame 6 is disposed between the battery housing 8 and the rear axle 5 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The chassis of the vehicle 1 may include the intermediate frame 6 and the front frame 10.

[0028] As described above, the rear frame 12 may include the first motor housing 12-1 that houses the third electric motor 18, the second motor housing 12-2 that houses the fourth electric motor 20, the third motor housing 12-3 that houses the fifth electric motor 22, and the fourth motor housing 12-4 that houses the sixth electric motor 24. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the first motor housing 12-1, the second motor housing 12-2, the third motor housing 12-3, and the fourth motor housing 12-4 are preferably disposed in the rear direction of the intermediate frame 6. Therefore, each of the third electric motor 18, the fourth electric motor 20, the fifth electric motor 22, and the sixth electric motor 24 is preferably disposed rearward of the intermediate frame 6 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more inverters 13 are connected to, attached to, or supported by the battery housing 8, as shown, for example, in Figures 6A and 6B. For example, the one or more inverters 13 may include a first inverter 13-1, a second inverter 13-2, a third inverter 13-3, a fourth inverter 13-4, a fifth inverter 13-5, a sixth inverter 13-6, and a seventh inverter 13-7. Preferably, the first inverter 13-1, the third inverter 13-3, the sixth inverter 13-6, and the seventh inverter 13-7 are disposed on the left side of the battery housing 8, as shown in Figure 6A. Preferably, the second inverter 13-2, the fourth inverter 13-4, and the fifth inverter 13-5 are disposed on the right side of the battery housing 8, as shown in Figure 6B. 6A and 6B, the seventh inverter 13-7 can be attached to the left cover of the fifth battery accommodating section 34, the first inverter 13-1, the third inverter 13-3 and the sixth inverter 13-6 can be attached to the left cover of the second battery accommodating section 28, and the second inverter 13-2, the fourth inverter 13-4 and the fifth inverter 13-5 can be attached to the right cover of the first battery accommodating section 26. However, the total number of inverters 13 is not limited, and the inverters 13 may be provided at other positions within the vehicle 1.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first inverter 13-1 may power the first electric motor 14, the second inverter 13-2 may power the second electric motor 16, the third inverter 13-3 may power the third electric motor 18, the fourth inverter 13-4 may power the fourth electric motor 20, the fifth inverter 13-5 may power the fifth electric motor 22, and the sixth inverter 13-6 may power the sixth electric motor 24. A seventh inverter 13-7 may power other components of the electric vehicle 1, such as a cooling device such as a radiator / condenser fan 111 shown in FIG. 13.

[0031] Fig. 7A is a perspective view of the intermediate frame 6 as viewed from the front left, and Fig. 7B is a perspective view of the intermediate frame 6 as viewed from the rear left. Fig. 8A is a front view of the intermediate frame 6, Fig. 8B is a rear view of the intermediate frame 6, Fig. 8C is a left side view of the intermediate frame 6, Fig. 8D is a right side view of the intermediate frame 6, Fig. 8E is a top view of the intermediate frame 6, and Fig. 8F is a bottom view of the intermediate frame 6.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 7A to 8F, the intermediate frame 6 includes a main wall 61 having an outer surface (rear surface) 61-1 and an inner surface (front surface) 61-2. The main wall 61 has a curved or rounded shape to distribute stress. The outer surface 61-1 has a concave shape, and the inner surface 61-2 has a convex shape. The intermediate frame 6 includes an interior space defined by a wall portion 62. The wall portion 62 may include a first upper wall portion 62-1, a second upper wall portion 62-2, a right wall portion 62-3, a left wall portion 62-4, a first lower wall portion 62-5, and a second lower wall portion 62-6. One or more of the above walls 62 may be configured at the ends of the main wall 61.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more bolting portions 67 may be provided along multiple edges of the main wall 61, as shown in, for example, Figures 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B. The bolting portions may include a first (upper right) bolting portion 67-1, a second (upper center) bolting portion 67-2, a third (upper left) bolting portion 67-3, a fourth (lower right) bolting portion 67-4, a fifth (lower center) bolting portion 67-5, and a sixth (lower left) bolting portion 67-6. That is, the intermediate frame 6 may include four bolting portions 67 at each of the four corners of the main wall 61, and may include two bolting portions 67 at the middle portions of each of the upper and lower edges of the main wall 61. Each of the bolting portions 67 may include one or more bolt holes, and the intermediate frame may be attached and fixed to the battery housing 8 by inserting a bolt through the bolt hole.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in Figures 7A and 8A, the first upper wall portion 62-1 and the second upper wall portion 62-2 are spaced apart from each other via the second (upper middle) bolt fixing portion 67-2, and the first lower wall portion 62-5 and the second lower wall portion 62-6 are spaced apart from each other via the fifth (lower middle) bolt fixing portion 67-5.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the walls 62 is curved. For example, as shown in Fig. 7A, Fig. 8A, and Fig. 8C to Fig. 8F, the first upper wall 62-1, the right wall 62-3, the left wall 62-4, the first lower wall 62-5, and the second lower wall 62-6 each have a curved shape. Depending on the shapes of the main wall 61 and each wall 62, the intermediate frame 6 may have an asymmetric shape in a plan view.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate frame 6 may also include one or more openings 63. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the openings 63 may be provided in the main wall 61 and may be located along one or more of the first upper wall portion 62-1, the second upper wall portion 62-2, the right wall portion 62-3, the left wall portion 62-4, the first lower wall portion 62-5, and the second lower wall portion 62-6. The openings 63 allow for the passage of cables, coolant lines, refrigerant lines, oil passages, etc., as will be described below with reference to Figures 10A and 10B.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIG. 7B and FIG. 8B, the intermediate frame 6 may include a recess 64 on the outer surface (rear surface) 61-1. The third motor housing 12-3 may be fitted into the recess 64, and at least a part of the outer shape or periphery of the recess 64 may match or fit the shape of the mounting surface of the third motor housing 12-3. The intermediate frame 6 further includes a motor mounting portion 65 that may be circumscribed in the recess 64. The fifth electric motor 22 may be mounted to the intermediate frame 6 at the motor mounting portion 65 as shown in FIG. 10B. The motor mounting portion 65 may include a shape that matches or fits the shape of the peripheral portion of the fifth electric motor 22. At least a part of the outer shape or periphery of the recess 64 or the outer shape of the motor mounting portion 65 may at least partially match or fit the periphery of a gear device, for example, the fifth gear device 23 or a reduction gear device (reduction gear) connected to the fifth electric motor 22.

[0038] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an intermediate frame 6 that houses components of the vehicle 1, as viewed from the left front, and FIG. 9B is a plan view of the intermediate frame 6. As shown in FIG.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9A, for example, the intermediate frame 6 can accommodate the converter 72, the pump 81, the first hydraulic manifold 82, and the second hydraulic manifold 83. Each of the converter 72, the pump 81, the first hydraulic manifold 82, and the second hydraulic manifold 83 can be partially or completely disposed within a space defined by the concave shape of the inner surface 61-1 of the main wall 61. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, the converter 72 can be completely disposed within a space defined by the concave shape of the inner surface 61-1 of the main wall 61. However, a portion of the pump 81 may extend beyond each of the first upper wall portion 62-1 and the first lower wall portion 62-5, and a portion of the second hydraulic manifold 83 may extend beyond the second upper wall portion 62-2.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the converter 72 may include an electrical converter, such as a DC-DC converter, which may be a down-converter for converting the battery voltage of one or more batteries contained in the battery housing 8 to a lower voltage. At least one surface of the converter 72 may be partially or completely covered by an insulating barrier 73, as shown in FIG. 9A. The insulating barrier 73 may be a structure including a flat plate or a textured plate. The insulating barrier 73 may include an insulating material, for example an electrically insulating material. Alternatively or additionally, an insulating barrier may be provided between the second upper wall portion 62-2 and the second lower wall portion 62-6, partially or completely covering the space between them. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the converter 72 may be replaced by another electrical component.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pump 81 may be a coolant pump. A first hydraulic manifold 82 may be provided to control the distribution of the coolant and a second hydraulic manifold 83 may be provided to control the return (recovery) of the coolant. The first hydraulic manifold 82 and the second hydraulic manifold 83 may each include one or more directional control valves. As an example, the coolant may be water.

[0042] 10A and 10B are perspective views from the left front and left rear showing connections to components housed in mid-frame 6 of vehicle 10. FIG.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 10A, a duct passage (duct channel) 74 and covers 75, 76 may be connected to or supported by the intermediate frame 6. The duct passage 74 may be provided in front of the converter 72, and the duct passage 74 may be a passage for an electric cable or the like. The covers 75, 76 may be for protecting the electric cable or the like. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the duct passage 74 and the covers 75, 76 guide the electric cable or the battery string. The intermediate frame 6 may be provided with a bracket 79 as shown in FIG. 10A. The bracket 79 can fix and protect the converter 72 in the intermediate frame 6.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 10A and 10B, a first electric cable 77 and a second electric cable 78 may pass through one of a plurality of openings 63 in the intermediate frame 6. The first electric cable 77 may be a positive (+) connection wire from the converter 72 to a power distribution unit or the like. The second electric cable 78 may be a negative (-) connection wire from the converter 72 to a power distribution unit or the like. Additional electric cables may be disposed within and / or pass through the intermediate frame 6. For example, one or more openings 63 in the intermediate frame 6 may provide a passage for an electric cable connected between one of the plurality of inverters 13 and one of the third electric motor 18, the fourth electric motor 20, the fifth electric motor 22, and the sixth electric motor 24.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown for example in FIG. 10A, the intermediate frame 6 may house a coolant supply line 84 supplying coolant from a pump 81 to a first hydraulic manifold 82. A plurality of coolant inlet lines, coolant outlet lines, coolant return lines, and / or coolant distribution lines 85 may connect to one or more of the pumps 81, the first hydraulic manifold 82, and the second hydraulic manifold 83. The one or more coolant lines 85 may pass through one or more openings 63 in the intermediate frame 6. At least one of the coolant lines 85-1 may be provided to supply coolant to the converter 72. By way of example, the coolant is water.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more further coolant or refrigerant lines 86 may pass through one or more openings 63 in the intermediate frame 6 without being directly connected to any of the pump 81, the first hydraulic manifold 82 and the second hydraulic manifold 83. For example, the one or more further coolant or refrigerant lines 86 may connect between a heat exchanger and the component to be cooled.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIG. 10B, the fifth electric motor 22 is mounted on the motor mounting portion 65 of the intermediate frame 6 (as shown in FIG. 7B and FIG. 8B). The fifth electric motor 22 is connected to a fifth gear train 23, which can drive an electric vehicle component, such as a power take-off (PTO) component. As shown in FIG. 10B, a plate 90 at least partially covers the fifth electric motor 22. The plate 90 may be provided between the fifth electric motor 22 and the fifth gear train 23. The plate 90 may constitute a bearing block or a bearing carrier.

[0048] 11A and 11B are a perspective view and a front view of the motor cover 66 housed in the intermediate frame 6, as viewed from the left front.

[0049] 11A and 11B , for example, the motor cover 66 may be disposed on the inner surface (front surface) 61-2 of the main wall 61 so as to cover a part of the motor mounting portion 65 disposed on the inner surface (front surface) 61-2 of the main wall 61. The motor cover 66 may isolate and protect the converter 72 from the fifth electric motor 22 and mounting parts of the fifth electric motor 22.

[0050] Fig. 12A is a left side view of the front frame 10, Fig. 12B is a perspective view of the front frame 10 as viewed from the left front, Fig. 12C is a perspective view of the front frame 10 as viewed from the left rear, and Fig. 12D is a plan view of the front frame 10. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the front frame 10 and components attached to the front frame 10 as viewed from the left rear. Figs. 14A and 14B are perspective views of the front frame 10 and additional components attached to the front frame 10 as viewed from the left front and left rear, respectively.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front frame 10 includes at least a first recess 101, a second recess 102, and an inclined portion 103, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 12A to 12C.

[0052] The first recess 101 includes a first recess 101-R provided on the right side of the front frame 10 and a first recess 101-L provided on the left side of the front frame 10, as shown in, for example, Figures 12B, 12C, and 13. The first recess 101 can receive and support one or more components of the vehicle 10, for example a cooling structure of the vehicle 10. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first recess 101 can receive a radiator / condenser fan 111, as shown in, for example, Figure 13. The radiator / condenser fan 111 can be secured to the front frame 10 by one or more struts 112 that attach to the front frame 10 at the first recess 101.

[0053] The second recess 102 includes a second recess 102-R provided on the right side of the front frame 10 and a second recess 102-L provided on the left side of the front frame 10, as shown in Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C. The second recess 102 can receive one or more components of the vehicle 10. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second recess 102 can receive the front axle 3, and the front frame 10 can be supported by the front axle 3 at the second recess 102, as shown in Fig. 13.

[0054] 12B to 12D and 13, the inclined portion 103 includes an inclined portion 103-R provided on the right side of the front frame 10 and an inclined portion 103-L provided on the left side of the front frame 10. The inclined portion 103 is angled in a direction away from the main body of the front frame 10. Specifically, the inclined portion 103-R provided on the right side of the front frame 10 extends in the rear right direction of the vehicle 1, and the inclined portion 103-L provided on the left side of the front frame 10 extends in the rear left direction of the vehicle 1.

[0055] 12A to 12C, the inclined portion 103 includes a first opening 104, a second opening 105, and a third opening 106. The inclined portion 103 may include a fourth opening 107.

[0056] The first opening 104 is preferably larger than each of the second opening 105, the third opening 106, and the fourth opening 107. Thus, the first opening 104 provides access to the interior components of the vehicle 10. The first opening 104 can be covered with a removable plate 108, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B.

[0057] The second opening 105 may define a portion of the first air flow path. As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the second opening 105 may communicate with a first air duct 115. The first air duct 115 may connect to the first opening of the battery housing 8. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first air duct 115 is attached to the sloped portion 103, such that the first air duct 115 completely covers or surrounds the first opening 105.

[0058] The third opening 106 may define a portion of the second air flow path. As shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the third opening 106 may communicate with a second air duct 116. The second air duct 116 may connect to a second opening in the battery housing 8. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second air duct 116 completely covers or surrounds the third opening 106.

[0059] The fourth opening 107 may accommodate cables, coolant lines, refrigerant lines, oil lines, etc. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more high voltage cables may pass through the fourth opening 107.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more evaporators 113 can be housed at least partially within the front frame 10, as shown, for example, in Figures 13, 14A, and 14B. The evaporators 113 can be located directly between the inclined portion 103-R on the right side of the front frame 10 and the inclined portion 103-L on the left side of the front frame 10.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 1 may include one or more side housings 120, as shown in, for example, Figures 1A to 1D, 1F, 1G, 13, 14A, and 14B. As shown in Figures 13, 14A, and 14B, the side housing 120 may be disposed adjacent to or directly connected to the inclined portion 103 of the front frame 10. Although only a single side housing 120 having an inclined portion 103-R provided on the right side of the front frame 10 is shown in Figures 13, 14A, and 14B, a side housing 120 having an inclined portion 130-L provided on the left side of the front frame 10 may be similarly provided. For example, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the first air duct 115 may be disposed adjacent to the side housing 120 or directly connected to the side housing 120.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery housing 8 at least partially surrounds the front frame 10, as shown in, for example, Figures 4, 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B. More specifically, the third battery housing 30, the fourth battery housing 32 and the fifth battery housing 34 are each disposed above the front frame 10, and the fifth battery housing 34 can be attached to the upper part of the front frame 10. Each of the first battery housing 26 and the second battery housing 28 can be disposed in a rear portion of the front frame 10, in particular, in a rear portion of the inclined portion 103 of the front frame 10. Each of the first battery housing 26 and the second battery housing 28 can be coupled to the inclined portion 103 of the front frame 10. The outer edges of each of the first battery housing 26 and the second battery housing 28 can be aligned with the outer edges of the inclined portion 103 of the front frame 10.

[0063] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that variations and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be determined solely by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1 vehicle 2 Front wheels 3 Front Axle 4 Rear Wheel 5 Rear Axle 6 Intermediate Frame 8 Battery Housing 10 Front frame (subframe) 12 Rear frame 13 Inverter 14,16,18,20,22,24 Electric motor 15,17,19,21,23 Gearing 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, Battery compartment 61 Main wall 62 Wall 63 Opening 64 Recess 65 Motor mounting part 66 Motor cover 67 Bolt fixing part 72 Converter 73 Insulation Barrier (Insulation Structure) 74 Duct passage (duct channel) 75,76 Cover 77,78 Electrical cables 79 Bracket 81 Pump 82,83 Hydraulic manifold 84,85,86 Coolant lines 90 Plate 101,102 Recess 103 Slope 111 Radiator / Condenser Fan 112 Post 104, 105, 106, 107 Openings 108 Plate 115,116 Air duct 120 Side housing

Claims

1. A chassis, A battery housing; A front axle; The chassis has a subframe, the subframe is attached to the front axle and supports a battery housing; When the electric work vehicle is viewed from the front, a portion of the subframe overlaps with a portion of the battery housing.

2. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the subframe is connected to the battery housing.

3. The electric work vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein a portion of the battery housing is disposed above the subframe in the up-down direction of the electric work vehicle.

4. The electric work vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein a portion of the battery housing is disposed rearward of the subframe in the front-rear direction of the electric work vehicle.

5. Further comprising a cooling structure; The subframe has a recess, The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the cooling structure is disposed within the recess of the subframe.

6. The electric work vehicle according to claim 5 , wherein the cooling structure includes a fan.

7. The electric work vehicle according to claim 5 , wherein the cooling structure includes at least one support pillar attached to the recess of the subframe.

8. the subframe has an inclined portion connected to the battery housing; The electric work vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the ramp portion includes a first opening covered by a removable plate.

9. The electric work vehicle according to claim 8 , wherein the inclined portion includes a second opening connected to the first air duct.

10. The electric work vehicle according to claim 9 , wherein the first air duct is further connected to a battery housing opening.

11. The electric work vehicle according to claim 9 , wherein the subframe includes a third opening further connected to the second air duct.

12. The electric work vehicle according to claim 11 , wherein the second air duct is further connected to a battery housing opening.

13. The electric work vehicle according to claim 11 , wherein the inclined portion includes a fourth opening.

14. The electric work vehicle of claim 13 , wherein at least one electrical cable passes through the fourth opening.

15. The electric work vehicle according to claim 8 , further comprising a side housing to which the subframe is connected.

16. The electric work vehicle according to claim 15 , wherein the side housing is connected to the inclined portion of the subframe.

17. Further comprising an evaporator; the subframe has a first sloped portion connected to the battery housing; the subframe has a second sloped portion connected to the battery housing; The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the evaporator is disposed between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion.

18. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , further comprising an evaporator housed within the subframe.

19. the chassis has an intermediate frame attached to a rear portion of the battery housing; The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate frame is made of metal.

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