Layout of electric components in electric work vehicle
The electric vehicle's symmetric inverter and motor layout, combined with a rear power distribution unit and additional batteries, addresses power distribution challenges, enhancing efficiency and performance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024186356
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-07
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-23
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing electric vehicles, particularly tractors, face challenges in efficiently distributing power to multiple motors and components while maintaining a balanced and efficient layout, which can impact performance and functionality.
The electric vehicle incorporates a symmetrically arranged system of inverters and motors, supported by a chassis, with a power distribution unit located on the rear surface of the battery housing, and additional batteries attached behind the seat, ensuring balanced power distribution and efficient component integration.
This configuration enhances power distribution efficiency, allowing for seamless operation of multiple motors and components, improving the overall performance and functionality of the electric vehicle.
Smart Images

Figure 2025078599000001_ABST
Abstract
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 invention provides an electric work vehicle such as an EV tractor.
[0004] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an electric vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] The electric work vehicle includes a chassis, a battery housing that houses a plurality of battery modules, an electric motor, and at least one inverter. The battery housing is supported by the chassis. The at least one inverter is electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules and the electric motor. The at least one inverter is attached to a side surface of the battery housing that faces the width direction of the electric work vehicle.
[0006] The at least one inverter may include a first inverter and a second inverter. The side surface of the battery housing may include a first side surface, and the battery housing may further include a second side surface facing in a direction opposite to the first side surface, and the first inverter may be attached to the first side surface, and the second inverter may be attached to the second side surface. The first inverter and the second inverter may be disposed symmetrically with respect to a center line of the electric work vehicle.
[0007] The at least one inverter may further include a third inverter and a fourth inverter. The first inverter and the second inverter may be disposed symmetrically about a center line of the electric work vehicle, and the third inverter and the fourth inverter may be disposed symmetrically about the center line of the electric work vehicle.
[0008] The electric work vehicle may further include a first motor and a second motor. The first inverter may supply power to the first motor, and the second inverter may supply power to the second motor.
[0009] The electric work vehicle may further include a first wheel on a first side of the electric work vehicle and a second wheel on the first side of the electric work vehicle. The first motor may drive the first wheel, and the second motor may drive the second wheel.
[0010] The electric work vehicle may further include a third motor and a fourth motor. The at least one inverter may include a third inverter and a fourth inverter. The third inverter may supply power to the third motor, and the fourth inverter may supply power to the fourth motor.
[0011] The electric work vehicle may further include a third wheel on a second side of the electric work vehicle, and a fourth wheel on the second side of the electric work vehicle. The third motor is and the fourth motor may drive the fourth wheel.
[0012] The electric work vehicle may further include a power take-off motor. The at least one inverter may include a fifth inverter, and the fifth inverter may supply power to the power take-off motor.
[0013] The electric work vehicle may further include a hydraulic control lever. The fifth inverter and the hydraulic control lever may be provided on the same side of the electric work vehicle with respect to a center line of the electric work vehicle.
[0014] The electric work vehicle may further include a hydraulic pump. The at least one inverter may include a sixth inverter, and the sixth inverter may supply power to the hydraulic pump.
[0015] The first inverter and the second inverter may be disposed symmetrically about a center line of the electric work vehicle. The third inverter and the fourth inverter may be disposed symmetrically about the center line of the electric work vehicle. The fifth inverter and the sixth inverter may be disposed symmetrically about the center line of the electric work vehicle.
[0016] The electric work vehicle may further include a radiator fan. The at least one inverter may include a seventh inverter, and the seventh inverter may supply power to the radiator fan.
[0017] The electric work vehicle may further include a power distribution unit located on a rear surface of the battery housing. A front surface of the power distribution unit may be located rearward of a rearmost surface of the at least one inverter. A rearmost surface of the power distribution unit may be located rearward of a front surface of the at least one inverter.
[0018] The electric work vehicle may further include a battery that is not housed in the battery housing.The electric work vehicle may further include a battery that is attached behind a seat of the electric work vehicle.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, an electric vehicle can be provided.
[0020] 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]
[0021] [Figure 1A] 1 is a left front perspective view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a right-front perspective view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C] 1 is a left rear perspective view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 1D] 1 is a right rear perspective view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [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 top view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1I] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1J] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with certain elements omitted for purposes of illustration. [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] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the battery housing and front frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [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 intermediate frame, battery housing, front frame, and rear frame of the electric vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a left-front perspective view of a mid-frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of the intermediate frame of the electric vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; [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 intermediate frame of the electric vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8C] FIG. 2 is a left side view of an intermediate frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8D] FIG. 2 is a right side view of an intermediate frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8E] FIG. 2 is a top 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 intermediate frame of the electric vehicle according to the 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 top 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 electric vehicle components and connections to the components according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10B] FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of an intermediate frame housing electric vehicle components and connections to the components according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11A] FIG. 1 is a left-front perspective view of a mid-frame of an electric vehicle including a motor cover according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 1 is a front view of an intermediate 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] FIG. 2 is a left front perspective view of a front frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12C] FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of the front frame of the electric vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12D] FIG. 2 is a top view of the front frame of the electric vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of a front frame of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and components provided on the front frame. [Figure 14A] FIG. 2 is a left-front perspective view of the front frame and air duct of the electric vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14B] FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of the front frame and air duct of the electric vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15A] FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of a wire harness of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B] 1 is a left side view of a wire harness for an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15C] 1 is a right side view of a wire harness of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15D] 1 is a top view of a wire harness for an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 16A] 1 is a right rear perspective view of an electric vehicle including a battery bracket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 16B] 1 is a right-rear perspective view of an electric vehicle including a battery bracket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with certain elements omitted for purposes of illustration; [Figure 16C] FIG. 2 is a right rear perspective view of a battery bracket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17A] 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle including a power distribution unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17B] 1 is a right side view of an electric vehicle including a power distribution unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18A] 1 is a front view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the outer cover partially removed; [Figure 18B] 1 is a front view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with the outer cover completely omitted. [Figure 18C] 1 is a top view of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the outer cover completely omitted. [Figure 19A] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle including a covered side opening according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19B] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle including a side opening with the cover omitted according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20A] FIG. 2 is a left rear perspective view of the cooling and hydraulic paths of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20B] FIG. 2 is a right rear perspective view of the cooling and hydraulic paths of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20C] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing a battery housing, cooling paths, and hydraulic paths of the electric vehicle according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged left side view of an electric vehicle and a charging port according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21B] FIG. 2 is an enlarged right side view of an electric vehicle and a charging port according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22A] FIG. 2 is a left front perspective view of an electric vehicle and a charging cable connection portion according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22B] FIG. 2 is a right rear perspective view of an electric vehicle and a charging cable connection according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23A]FIG. 2 is an enlarged left side view of an electric vehicle and a charging cable connection portion according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23B] FIG. 2 is an enlarged right side view of an electric vehicle and a charging cable connection portion according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0022] 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 used with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] 1A-1I show an electric vehicle 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views from the front left and front right of the vehicle 1, respectively. FIG. 1C is an isometric view from the left rear end of the vehicle 1. FIG. 1D is an isometric view from the rear right end of the vehicle 1. FIG. 1E is an isometric view from the rear right end of the vehicle 1. 1 is a front view of vehicle 1. Figures 1F and 1G are side views of vehicle 1. Figures 1H and 1I are top and bottom views of vehicle 1, respectively.
[0024] 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 except one of the four wheels described above, include a fifth wheel (e.g., an additional wheel aligned with a set of the four wheels described above, or a wheel provided at the front or rear of the vehicle), or include a pair of central wheels to provide a total of six wheels. In another preferred embodiment, tracks can be used instead of the wheels.
[0025] 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, a front axle 3 connected to a left front wheel 2L and a right front wheel 2R is connected to and supported by the front frame 10, and a rear axle 5 connected to a left rear wheel 4L and a right rear wheel 4R is connected to and supported by the rear frame 12.
[0026] 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 train 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 train 17 to drive the right front wheel 2R. The first electric motor 14, the second electric motor 16, the first gear train 15 and the second gear train 17 are shown, for example, in Fig. 1J, in which the left axle housing 3L and the right axle housing 3R are omitted for illustrative purposes.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear frame 12 includes a first motor housing 12-1 for housing a third electric motor 18 (left rear wheel electric motor) connected to a third gear set 19 to drive a left rear wheel 4L, and a second motor housing 12-2 for housing a fourth electric motor 20 (right rear wheel electric motor) connected to a fourth gear set 21 to drive a right rear wheel 4R. Preferably, the rear frame 12 also includes a third motor housing 12-3 for housing a fifth electric motor 22 connected to a fifth gear set 23 to drive a first electric vehicle component (e.g., a power take-off (PTO)), and a fourth motor housing 12-4 for housing a sixth electric motor 24 connected to a sixth gear set 25 to drive a second electric vehicle component (e.g., a hydraulic device), 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 Fig. 1J, which for purposes of illustration omits elements including the rear frame 12. In the bottom view of Fig. 1J, the sixth electric motor 24 overlaps the third electric motor 18.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the battery housing 8 includes a first battery accommodating portion (battery housing portion) 26, a second battery accommodating portion (battery housing portion) 28, a third battery accommodating portion (battery housing portion) 30, a fourth battery accommodating portion (battery housing portion) 32, and a fifth battery accommodating portion (battery housing portion) 34, each of which is shown by a dashed line in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, the first battery accommodating portion 26 and the second battery accommodating portion 28 are adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction, and the third battery accommodating portion 30 and the fourth battery accommodating portion 32 are adjacent to each other in the vehicle width direction. In a preferred embodiment, the widths of the first battery accommodating portion 26, the second battery accommodating portion 28, the third battery accommodating portion 30, the fourth battery accommodating portion 32, and the fifth battery accommodating portion 34 in the vehicle width direction are equal or substantially equal to each other. 4, 5A and 5B show the battery housing 8 with the battery receiving portion cover omitted for the sake of explanation.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, 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 spaced 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 part of the first battery accommodating section 8-1 in the longitudinal direction of the electric vehicle in a top view and a side view.
[0030] 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 house a battery module. In a preferred embodiment, each of the third battery housing section 30 and the fourth battery housing section 32 includes more 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 fewer battery module housing compartments than each of the first battery housing section 26 and the second battery housing section 28.
[0031] 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.
[0032] As described above, the rear frame 12 may include the first motor housing portion 12-1 that houses the third electric motor 18, the second motor housing portion 12-2 that houses the fourth electric motor 20, the third motor housing portion 12-3 that houses the fifth electric motor 22, and the fourth motor housing portion 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 portion 12-1, the second motor housing portion 12-2, the third motor housing portion 12-3, and the fourth motor housing portion 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 in the rear of the intermediate frame 6 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1.
[0033] 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 FIGS. 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, as shown in FIG. 6A, 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. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 6B, 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. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A and 6B, the seventh inverter 13-1 is disposed on the left side of the battery housing 8. Alternatively, the inverter 13-7 may 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 may 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 may 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.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first inverter 13-1 may provide power to the first electric motor 14, the second inverter 13-2 may provide power to the second electric motor 16, the third inverter 13-3 may provide power to the third electric motor 18, the fourth inverter 13-4 may provide power to the fourth electric motor 20, the fifth inverter 13-5 may provide power to the fifth electric motor 22, and the sixth inverter 13-6 may provide power to the sixth electric motor 24. The seventh inverter 13-7 may provide power to other components of the electric vehicle 1, such as cooling structures such as 111 shown in FIG. 13 and described in further detail herein.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first inverter 13-1 and the second inverter 13-2 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the vehicle 1. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third inverter 13-3 and the fourth inverter 13-4 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the vehicle 1. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fifth inverter 13-5 and the sixth inverter 13-6 can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the vehicle 1.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first motor housing 12-1 and the second motor housing 12-2 can be disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line of the vehicle 1. Therefore, the third electric motor 18 and the fourth electric motor 20 can be disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line of the vehicle 1.
[0037] Fig. 7A is a left front perspective view of the intermediate frame 6, and Fig. 7B is a left rear perspective view of the intermediate frame 6. 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.
[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 7A-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 walls 62. The walls 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 these walls 62 may be formed by ends of the main wall 61.
[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more bolting portions 67 may be provided along the edge 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 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 through which a bolt can be inserted to attach and fix the intermediate frame to the battery housing 8.
[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 8A, a first upper wall The first upper wall portion 62-1 and the second upper wall portion 62-2 are spaced apart from each other by a second (upper middle) bolt fastening 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 by a fifth (lower middle) bolt fastening portion 67-5.
[0041] 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, each of 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 has a curved shape. Depending on the shapes of the walls 61 and 62, the intermediate frame 6 can have an asymmetric shape in a plan view.
[0042] 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 may pass cables, coolant lines, refrigerant lines, oil lines, etc., as described below with respect to Figures 10A and 10B.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate frame 6 may include a recess 64 on the outer surface (rear surface) 61-1, as shown in, for example, Figures 7B and 8B. The third motor housing 12-3 may fit into the recess 64, and at least a portion of the outer shape or periphery of the recess 64 may match or follow the shape of the mounting surface of the third motor housing 12-3. The intermediate frame 6 further includes a motor mount 65, which may be circumscribed in the recess 64. The fifth electric motor 22 may be mounted to the intermediate frame 6 with the motor mount 65, as shown in Figure 10B. The motor mount 65 may include a shape that matches or follows the shape of the periphery of the fifth electric motor 22. At least a portion of the periphery shape of the recess 64 or the shape of the motor mount 65 may at least partially match or follow the periphery of a gearing, for example, the fifth gearing 23 or a reduction gear connected to the fifth electric motor 22.
[0044] 9A and 9B are a left front perspective view and a plan view of the intermediate frame 6 that houses the components of the vehicle 1. FIG.
[0045] 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, the pump 81 can partially extend beyond each of the first upper wall portion 62-1 and the first lower wall portion 62-5, and the second hydraulic manifold 83 can partially extend beyond the second upper wall portion 62-2.
[0046] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the converter 72 may include an electrical converter, such as, for example, 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 shape or a textured plate shape. The insulating barrier 73 may include an insulating material, for example an electrically insulating material. Alternatively or additionally, an insulating barrier may be provided that partially or completely spans between the second upper wall portion 62-2 and the second lower wall portion 62-6. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the converter 72 may be replaced by another electrical component.
[0047] 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 of the coolant. The first hydraulic manifold 82 and the second hydraulic manifold 83 may each include one or more directional control valves. By way of example, the coolant may be water.
[0048] 10A and 10B are left front and left rear perspective views showing connections to components housed in the mid-frame 6 of the vehicle 1. FIG.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ductway 74 and covers 75, 76 can be connected to or supported by the intermediate frame 6, for example as shown in Fig. 10A. The ductway 74 can be provided in front of the converter 72, and the ductway 74 can be a passage for electrical cables or the like. The covers 75, 76 also provide protection for the electrical cables or the like. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ductway 74 and covers 75, 76 guide the electrical cables or the battery strings. The intermediate frame 6 can also be provided with a bracket 79, as shown in Fig. 10A. The bracket 79 can secure the converter 72 within the intermediate frame 6.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second electric cables 77 and 78 may be routed through one of the openings 63 in the intermediate frame 6, as shown, for example, in Figures 10A and 10B. The first electric cable 77 may be used as a positive (+) connection from the converter 72 to a power distribution unit or the like. The second electric cable 78 may be used as a negative (-) connection from the converter 72 to a power distribution unit or the like. Additional electric cables may be disposed within or routed through the intermediate frame 6. For example, one or more of the openings 63 in the intermediate frame 6 may provide a passage for an electric cable connected between one of the 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.
[0051] 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 the pump 81 to the first hydraulic manifold 82. A plurality of coolant inlet lines, coolant outlet lines, coolant return lines, and / or coolant distribution lines 85 may be connected to one or more of the pump 81, the first hydraulic manifold 82, and the second hydraulic manifold 83. One or more of the coolant lines 85 may pass through one or more of the 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 may be water.
[0052] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more further coolant or refrigerant lines 86 may be passed through one or more of the 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, one or more further coolant or refrigerant lines 86 may be connected between the heat exchanger and the component to be cooled.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown for example in FIG. 10B, the fifth electric motor 22 is attached to the intermediate frame 6 by a motor mount 65 (shown in FIGS. 7B and 8B). The fifth electric motor 22 is connected to a fifth gear train 23, which can drive components of the electric vehicle, such as power take-off (PTO) components. As shown in FIG. 10B, a plate 90 at least partially covers the fifth electric motor 22. The plate 90 can be provided between the fifth electric motor 22 and the fifth gear train 23. The plate 90 can form a bearing block or a bearing carrier.
[0054] 11A and 11B are a left front perspective view and a front view of the motor cover 66 housed within the intermediate frame 6. FIG.
[0055] 11A and 11B , for example, the motor cover 66 can be disposed on the inner side (front side) 61-2 of the main wall 61 so as to cover a portion of the motor mount 65 located on the inner side (front side) 61-2 of the main wall 61. The motor cover 66 can isolate and protect the converter 72 from the fifth electric motor 22 and mounting parts of the fifth electric motor 22.
[0056] Fig. 12A is a left side view of the front frame 10, Fig. 12B is a left front perspective view of the front frame 10, Fig. 12C is a left rear perspective view of the front frame 10, and Fig. 12D is a top view of the front frame 10. Fig. 13 is a left rear perspective view of the front frame 10 and components provided on the front frame 10. Figs. 14A and 14B show left front and left rear perspective views, respectively, of the front frame 10 and additional components provided on the front frame 10.
[0057] 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.
[0058] 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 install and support one or more components of the vehicle 1, for example a cooling structure of the vehicle 1. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first recess 101 can install a fan 111, as shown in, for example, Figure 13. The fan 111 can be attached to the front frame 10 by one or more struts 112 that are attached to the front frame 10 at the first recess 101.
[0059] As shown in Fig. 12B and Fig. 12C, 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. The second recess 102 can accommodate one or more components of the vehicle 1. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 13, the second recess 102 can accommodate a front axle 3, and the front frame 10 can be supported by the front axle 3 in the second recess 102.
[0060] 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 so as to move 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.
[0061] 12A to 12C, the sloped portion 103 includes a first opening 104, a second opening 105, and a third opening 106. The sloped portion 103 may include a fourth opening 107.
[0062] 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 can provide an access point to the interior components of the vehicle 1. The first opening 104 may be covered by a removable plate 108, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B.
[0063] 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 inclined portion 103, such that the first air duct 115 completely covers or circumscribes the first opening 105.
[0064] 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 circumscribes the third opening 106.
[0065] The fourth opening 107 may pass cables, coolant lines, refrigerant lines, oil lines, etc. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more high voltage cables may be passed through the fourth opening 107.
[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, Figures 13, 14A, and 14B, one or more center evaporators 113 can be housed at least partially within the front frame 10. The center evaporator 113 may be disposed directly between the inclined portion 103-R provided on the right side of the front frame 10 and the inclined portion 103-L provided on the left side of the front frame 10.
[0067] 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 provided with an inclined portion 103-R on the right side of the front frame 10 is shown in Figures 13, 14A, and 14B, it is also possible to provide an additional side housing 120 provided with an inclined portion 103-L on the left side of the front frame 10. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, 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.
[0068] 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 accommodating section 30, the fourth battery accommodating section 32 and the fifth battery accommodating section 34 may each be disposed above the front frame 10, and the fifth battery accommodating section 34 may be attached to the upper portion of the front frame 10. Each of the first battery accommodating section 26 and the second battery accommodating section 28 may be disposed in a rear portion of the front frame 10, in particular, behind the inclined portion 103 of the front frame 10. Each of the first battery accommodating section 26 and the second battery accommodating section 28 can be coupled to the inclined portion 103 of the front frame 10. The outer edges of each of the first battery accommodating section 26 and the second battery accommodating section 28 can be aligned with the outer edges of the inclined portion 103 of the front frame 10.
[0069] Fig. 15A is a left rear perspective view of the wire harness 210 of the vehicle 1. Figs. 15B and 15C are left and right side views of the wire harness 210, and Fig. 15D is a top view of the wire harness 210.
[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, Figures 15A to 15D, the vehicle 1 may include a wire harness 210 for providing a power distribution path between each inverter 13. The wire harness 210 may include an input 213 and an output 214 of each inverter 13.
[0071] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 1 may include at least one power distribution unit (PDU), for example as shown in Figures 15A to 15D. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 1 may include a first PDU 220 (e.g., a positive PDU) and a second PDU 230 (e.g., a negative PDU). Each of the first PDU 220 and the second PDU 230 may be connected to each of the inverters 13 by a wire harness 210.
[0072] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, Fig. 15B, the first inverter 13-1 may include an input 213-1 for receiving power from the first PDU 220 and / or the second PDU 230. The first inverter 13-1 may include an output 214-1 for outputting power to the first electric motor 14 housed in the left axle housing 3L.
[0073] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, Fig. 15C, the second inverter 13-2 may include an input 213-2 for receiving power from the first PDU 220 and / or the second PDU 230. The second inverter 13-2 may include an output 214-2 for outputting power to the second electric motor 16 housed in the right axle housing 3R.
[0074] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example as shown in Fig. 15B, the third inverter 13-3 may include an input 213-3 for receiving power from the first PDU 220 and / or the second PDU 230. The third inverter 13-3 may include an output 214-3 for outputting power to the third electric motor 18 housed in the first motor housing 12-1.
[0075] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, Fig. 15C, the fourth inverter 13-4 may include an input 213-4 for receiving electric power from the first PDU 220 and / or the second PDU 230. The fourth inverter 13-4 may include an output 214-4 for outputting electric power to the fourth electric motor 20 housed in the second motor housing section 12-2.
[0076] 15C, the fifth inverter 13-5 may include an input 213-5 for receiving electric power from the first PDU 220 and / or the second PDU 230. The fifth inverter 13-5 may also include an output 214-5 for outputting electric power to the fifth electric motor 22 housed in the third motor housing section 12-3.
[0077] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example as shown in Fig. 15B, the sixth inverter 13-6 may include an input 213-6 for receiving power from the first PDU 220 and / or the second PDU 230. The sixth inverter 13-6 may also include an output 214-6 for outputting power to the sixth electric motor 24 housed in the fourth motor housing 12-4.
[0078] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example as shown in FIG 15B, the seventh inverter 13-7 may include an input 213-7 for receiving power from the first PDU 220 and / or the second PDU 230. The seventh inverter 13-7 may also include an output 214-7 for outputting power to a cooling structure, such as the fan 111 shown in FIG 13.
[0079] Fig. 16A is a right rear perspective view of battery bracket 310 included in vehicle 1. Fig. 16B is an enlarged view of Fig. 16A, with some members omitted from Fig. 16B for the sake of explanation. Fig. 16C is a right rear perspective view of battery bracket 310.
[0080] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 16A and 16B, for example, the battery bracket 310 may be disposed behind a seat 320 of the vehicle 1. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 16C, for example, a disconnect switch 312 may be provided on the battery bracket 310 to allow easy disconnection of the battery housed by the battery bracket 310.
[0081] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, vehicle 1 may further include a battery 315 (shown in dashed lines) that is attached to the vehicle by a battery bracket 310, as shown in, for example, FIG. 16B. That is, battery bracket 310 may hold and secure additional battery 315. Thus, vehicle 1 may include a battery that is not housed in battery housing 8. Additional battery 315 may be, for example, a 12V battery.
[0082] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, Figures 16A and 16B, the vehicle 1 may include one or more operating levers 330. The one or more operating levers 330 may include, for example, hydraulic operating levers. As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the one or more operating levers 330 may be disposed on the right side of the vehicle 1, i.e., on the right side of the seat 320. Thus, the one or more operating levers 330 may be provided on the same side of the vehicle 1 as the second inverter 13-2, the fourth inverter 13-4, and the fifth inverter 13-5.
[0083] Fig. 17A is a left side view showing the position of the first PDU 220 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 17B is a right side view showing the position of the second PDU 230 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0084] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example as shown in Fig. 17A, the front surface 220F of the first PDU 220 may be located rearward of the rearmost surface 13-1R of the first inverter 13-1. Furthermore, the rearmost surface 220R of the first PDU 220 may be located forward of the frontmost surface 13-3F of the third inverter 13-3 and the frontmost surface 13-6F of the sixth inverter 13-6. Thus, the first PDU 220 may be positioned so as not to overlap any of the inverters 13 in the vertical direction.
[0085] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example as shown in Fig. 17B, the front surface 230F of the second PDU 230 may be located forward of the rearmost surface 13-2R of the second inverter 13-2. Furthermore, the rearmost surface 230R of the second PDU 230 may be located forward of the frontmost surface 13-4F of the fourth inverter 13-4 and the frontmost surface 13-5F of the fifth inverter 13-5. Thus, the second PDU 230 may be positioned to overlap one or more of the inverters 13 in the vertical direction.
[0086] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first PDU 220 may be a negative PDU and the second PDU 230 may be a positive PDU. Each of the first PDU 220 and the second PDU 230 may be disposed at the rear of the battery housing 8. In particular, the first PDU 220 may be disposed at the rear of the third battery housing 30 and the second PDU 230 may be disposed at the rear of the fourth battery housing 32.
[0087] Fig. 18A is a front view of the vehicle 1 with the outer cover 400 partially omitted. Figs. 18B and 18C are a front view and a top view of the vehicle 1 with the outer cover 400 completely omitted.
[0088] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 1 may include an outer cover 400, as shown for example in Figure 18A. The outer cover 400 may form a bonnet for the vehicle 1.
[0089] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 1 may include a cooling member attached to a front surface of the battery housing 8, for example as shown in Figs. 18A-18C. In particular, the cooling member may be attached to a front surface of at least one of the third battery housing section 30, the fourth battery housing section 32, and the fifth battery housing section 34 of the battery housing 8. The cooling member may be attached to the battery housing 8 by one or more mounting brackets 419, as shown in Fig. 18C. Alternatively or additionally, the cooling member may be attached to the front frame 10 by one or more struts 112 that attach to the front frame 10 at the first recess 101, as shown in Fig. 13.
[0090] The cooling members include air-cooled members and liquid-cooled members. The air-cooled members may include a fan 111, a dryer 414, and a condenser 416. The liquid-cooled members may include a radiator 412, a surge tank 413, and a heat exchanger 415. As shown in FIG. 18C, a fan motor 411 may be attached to the front of the fan 111, and the fan motor 411 may receive power from the seventh inverter 13-7. The fan 111 may be, for example, a radiator / condenser fan. The heat exchanger 415 may be, for example, an oil heat exchanger / cooler.
[0091] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 18C for example, the fan 111 is disposed in front of the radiator 412 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 18C for example, the radiator 412 is disposed in front of the condenser 416 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1.
[0092] 19A and 19B are left side views of the side opening 402 of the vehicle 1. FIG.
[0093] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 19A and 19B, the outer cover 400 may be provided with at least one side opening 402. For example, the outer cover 400 may be provided with a side opening 402 on each of the left and right sides.
[0094] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in Fig. 19A, the side opening 402 may be covered by an opening cover 403. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the opening cover 403 is structured to allow air to flow through the side opening 402. The opening cover 403 may be, for example, a mesh panel.
[0095] The opening cover 403 is omitted in Fig. 19B for the sake of illustration. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in Fig. 19B, the front edge 402F of the side opening 402 may be located forward of the front surface 8F of the battery housing 8. The front surface 8F of the battery housing may be formed by the front surface of the third battery accommodating section 30 and / or the front surface of the fourth battery accommodating section 32.
[0096] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the side openings 402 can provide an inlet path for air to cooling components such as the fan 111 , the radiator 412 , and the condenser 416 .
[0097] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle 1 may include one or more front openings provided on the front side of the outer cover 400. The one or more front openings may provide an exhaust path for air from cooling members such as the fan 111, the radiator 412, the condenser 416, etc. The one or more front openings may be provided only on the front side of the outer cover 400, or may extend partially onto the side of the outer cover 400. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, the front openings 401 may be provided below the headlights 404 of the vehicle 1, as shown in FIG. 1E and FIG. 18A.
[0098] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 2 to 4, the third battery accommodating section 30 and the fourth battery accommodating section 32 are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the vehicle 1, and the fifth battery accommodating section 34 is located below the third battery accommodating section 30 and the fourth battery accommodating section 32. Thus, the upper part of the battery housing 8 (including the third battery accommodating section 30 and the fourth battery accommodating section 32) may overlap the lower part of the battery housing 8 (including the fifth battery accommodating section 34) in the width direction of the vehicle 1 and extend beyond the lower part. That is, the battery housing 8 may be provided in a "T" shape with gaps located on the sides of the fifth battery accommodating section 34. These gaps may at least partially overlap one or more cooling members such as the fan 111, the radiator 412, and the condenser 416 in the front view of the vehicle 1. Furthermore, these gaps may be located adjacent to the opening 402 of the outer cover 400, and these gaps may be aligned with further openings provided in the front surface of the outer cover 400.
[0099] Fig. 20A is a left rear perspective view of the cooling paths and hydraulic paths of the vehicle 1. Fig. 20B is a right rear perspective view of the cooling paths and hydraulic paths of the vehicle 1. Fig. 20C is a left side view of the battery housing 8.
[0100] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more center evaporators 113 may be housed at least partially within the front frame 10, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 13, 14A, 14B, and 20A-20C.
[0101] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example as shown in Figures 20A to 20C, one or more front evaporators 513 may be disposed at the front upper portion of the battery housing 8. In particular, the one or more front evaporators may be provided in front of the third battery accommodating section 30 and / or the fourth battery accommodating section 32.
[0102] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, Figures 20A to 20C, one or more rear evaporators 523 may be disposed at the rear lower portion of the battery housing 8. In particular, the one or more rear evaporators 523 may be provided on the rear surface of the third battery accommodating section 30 and / or the fourth battery accommodating section 32, and on the upper surface of the first battery accommodating section 26 and / or the second battery accommodating section 28. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the rear evaporator 523 may be accommodated in or disposed under the dashboard of the vehicle 1.
[0103] As described above with respect to FIG. 9A, the intermediate frame 6 may house a pump 81, a first hydraulic manifold 82, and a second hydraulic manifold 83. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pump 81 may be a coolant pump. The first hydraulic manifold 82 may be provided to control the distribution of the coolant, and the second hydraulic manifold 83 may be provided to control the return 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.
[0104] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example as shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, a hydraulic pump 530 and a hydraulic filter 531 may be disposed at the rear of the vehicle 1, ie, behind the battery housing 8 and the intermediate frame 6.
[0105] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIGS. 20A to 20C, the hydraulic system of the vehicle 1 may include a hydraulic steering controller 550, a hydraulic brake controller 560, and a hydraulic steering rack 570. The hydraulic steering controller 550, the hydraulic brake controller 560, and the hydraulic steering rack 570 are arranged one or more so that the driver of the vehicle 1 can control the steering and braking of the vehicle 1. may be connected by multiple oil lines.
[0106] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more oil lines may be connected to the drivetrain gearing of the vehicle 1 .
[0107] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 20A, for example, the compressor 580 may be provided below cooling members such as the fan 111, the radiator 412, the surge tank 413, the dryer 414, the heat exchanger 415, and the condenser 416. The compressor 580 may be accommodated in the front frame 10. The compressor 580 may be, for example, an air compressor.
[0108] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 20A and 20B for example, the flow of coolant in vehicle 1 may pass from pump 81 to inverter 13 and motor housing 12, and then to radiator 412. That is, the coolant output from pump 81 may be taken to cool inverter 13 and electric motors 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24. After cooling inverter 13 and electric motors 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, the coolant may pass through radiator 412 before returning to pump 81.
[0109] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of charging ports 430 may be provided at the rear of an outer cover 400 of a vehicle 1, as shown in, for example, Figures 1A-1D and 1F-1H. The plurality of charging ports 430 may include a charging port 430L provided on the left side of the outer cover 400 and a charging port 430R provided on the right side of the outer cover 400. The outer cover 400 may form a bonnet of the vehicle 1.
[0110] FIG. 21A is an enlarged left side view of charging port 430L provided on the left side of outer cover 400. FIG.
[0111] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown for example in Fig. 21A, charging port 430L provided on the left side of outer cover 400 may include a first charging port 431 and a second charging port 432. First charging port 431 may be provided with a port cover 441, which is shown in an open state in Fig. 21A. Similarly, second charging port 431 may be provided with a port cover 442, which is shown in an open state in Fig. 21A.
[0112] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 21A for example, the charging port 430L provided on the left side of the outer cover 400 may extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 above the main upper surface 405 of the outer cover 400. That is, at least a portion of each of the first charging port 431 and the second charging port 432 may be disposed at a position higher than the main upper surface 405 of the outer cover 400. The outer cover 400 may include an inclined surface 406L extending at least above the first charging port 431. The inclined surface 406L may also extend at least partially above the second charging port 432.
[0113] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each charging port 430L may be disposed forward of the first PDU 220 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1, as shown in FIG. 21A, for example.
[0114] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 21A for example, each charging port 430L may be disposed forward of the manual service disconnect plug 221 in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle 1. The manual service disconnect plug 221 may be disposed on the left side of the vehicle 1. The manual service disconnect plug 221 can disconnect the connection of the battery contained within the battery housing 8 of the vehicle 1. As shown in FIG. 21A , the manual service disconnect plug 221 may overlap the first PDU 220 in the fore-aft direction of the vehicle 1.
[0115] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, Figures 1A, 1C, and 21A, vehicle 1 may include a body opening 490 and a step 491 to assist a driver or operator of vehicle 1 in entering and exiting the vehicle. Body opening 490 and step 491 may be located on the left side of vehicle 1.
[0116] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown, for example, in Figures 1A, 1C, and 21A, each of the first charging port 431, the second charging port 432, the manual service disconnect plug 221, the body opening 490, and the step 491 may be located on the left side of the vehicle 1.
[0117] FIG. 21B is an enlarged right side view of charging port 430R provided on the right side surface of outer cover 400. FIG.
[0118] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 21B, for example, charging port 430R provided on the right side of outer cover 400 may include a third charging port 433 and a fourth charging port 434. Third charging port 433 may be provided with a port cover 443, which is shown in an open state in Fig. 21B. Fourth charging port 434 may be provided with a port cover (not shown).
[0119] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 21B, for example, the charging port 430R provided on the right side of the outer cover 400 may extend in the vertical direction of the vehicle 1 above the main upper surface 405 of the outer cover 400. That is, at least a portion of each of the third charging port 433 and the fourth charging port 434 may be disposed at a position higher than the main upper surface 405 of the outer cover 400. The outer cover 400 may include an inclined surface 406R extending at least above the third charging port 433. The inclined surface 406L may also extend at least partially above the fourth charging port 434.
[0120] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, Figures 1F, 1G, 21A, and 21B, charging port 430R may be disposed below upper end 492U of steering wheel 492 of vehicle 1. Charging port 430L may be disposed below upper end 492U of steering wheel 492. Furthermore, even if the tilt angle of steering wheel 492 is changeable, charging ports 430R, 430L are preferably disposed below upper end 492U of steering wheel 492.
[0121] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, Figures 1F, 1G, 21A, and 21B, the charging port 430R may be disposed above the upper end 404U of the headlight 404 of the vehicle 1. The charging port 430L may be disposed above the upper end 404U of the headlight 404. Furthermore, even if the tilt angle of the steering wheel 492 is changeable, it is preferable that the charging ports 430R, 430L are disposed below the upper end 492U of the steering wheel 492.
[0122] 1F and 1G, for example, a hood 400 of a vehicle 1 includes a center line 400CL located between a front surface 400F and a rear surface 400R of the hood 400 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1. The charging ports 430R, 430L may be disposed between the center line 400CL and the rear surface 400R of the hood in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 1.
[0123] The above-described features regarding the positions of charging ports 430R, 430L enable vehicle 1 to avoid impairing the visibility of the driver or operator of vehicle 1. Also, the work of mounting a front loader on vehicle 1 can be facilitated.
[0124] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each charging port 430R may be disposed in front of second PDU 230 in the front-rear direction of vehicle 1, as shown in FIG. 21B, for example.
[0125] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 1H, for example, charging port 430L provided on the left side of outer cover 400 may be disposed symmetrically with respect to center line CL of vehicle 1 relative to charging port 430R provided on the right side of outer cover 400. That is, first charging port 431 may be located symmetrically with respect to center line CL relative to third charging port 433, and second charging port 432 may be located symmetrically with respect to center line CL relative to fourth charging port 434.
[0126] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Fig. 21B, for example, height 433H of third charging port 433 may be shorter than height 434H of fourth charging port 434 in the vertical direction of vehicle 1. Furthermore, fourth charging port 434 may be located closer to steering wheel 492 and the driver's seat or operating seat of vehicle 1 than third charging port 433.
[0127] Figures 22A and 22B are respectively a left front perspective view and a right rear perspective view of a charging cable connection part attached to vehicle 1. Figures 23A and 23B are respectively enlarged left and right side views of the charging cable connection part attached to vehicle 1.
[0128] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in Figures 22A and 23A, the first charging cable connection portion 451 may be connected to the first charging port 431, and the second charging cable connection portion 452 may be connected to the second charging port 432. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, for example, as shown in Figures 22B and 23B, the third charging cable connection portion 453 may be connected to the third charging port 433, and the fourth charging cable connection portion 454 may be connected to the fourth charging port 434. Each of the first charging cable connection portion 451, the second charging cable connection portion 452, the third charging cable connection portion 453, and the fourth charging cable connection portion 454 may be connected to an external power source for charging the battery accommodated in the battery housing 8 of the vehicle 1.
[0129] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the first charging port 431, the second charging port 432, and the third charging port 433 may be a DC charging port. Thus, each of the first charging cable connection 451, the second charging cable connection 452, the third charging cable connection 453, and the fourth charging cable connection 454 may be connected to an external DC power source. Preferably, one or more of the first charging port 431, the second charging port 432, and the third charging port 433 are compatible with DC fast charging. As an example, one or more of the first charging port 431, the second charging port 432, and the third charging port 433 may comply with the GB / T charging standard.
[0130] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fourth charging port 434 may be an AC charging port or a combination AC and DC charging port. Thus, the fourth charging cable connection 454 may connect to an external AC power source or an external DC power source. As an example, the fourth charging port 434 may comply with the Combined Charging System (CCS) Combo 1 (CCS1) standard.
[0131] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the first charging port 431, the second charging port 432, the third charging port 433, and the fourth charging port 434 may function as a discharging port. That is, the vehicle 1 is used to supply power to other devices by discharging power from one or more of the first charging port 431, the second charging port 432, the third charging port 433, and the fourth charging port 434.
[0132] 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, and therefore the scope of the invention is to be determined solely by the claims which follow. [Explanation of symbols]
[0133] 8 Battery Housing 13-1 to 13-7 Inverters (1st to 7th inverters) 14,16 Electric motor
Claims
1. A chassis, a battery housing that houses a plurality of battery modules, the battery housing being supported by the chassis; An electric motor; An electric work vehicle comprising at least one inverter, the at least one inverter is electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules and the electric motor; An electric work vehicle, wherein the at least one inverter is attached to a side of the battery housing facing in a width direction of the electric work vehicle.
2. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one inverter includes a first inverter and a second inverter.
3. the side of the battery housing includes a first side; The battery housing further includes a second side facing in a direction opposite to the first side, the first inverter is attached to the first side; The electric work vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the second inverter is attached to the second side surface.
4. The electric work vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the first inverter and the second inverter are disposed symmetrically with respect to a center line of the electric work vehicle.
5. The electric work vehicle of claim 2 , wherein the at least one inverter further includes a third inverter and a fourth inverter.
6. the first inverter and the second inverter are disposed symmetrically with respect to a center line of the electric work vehicle, The electric work vehicle according to claim 5 , wherein the third inverter and the fourth inverter are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line of the electric work vehicle.
7. Further comprising a first motor and a second motor, the first inverter supplies power to the first motor; The electric work vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein the second inverter supplies electric power to the second motor.
8. A first wheel on a first side of the electric work vehicle; a second wheel on the first side of the electric work vehicle; the first motor drives the first wheel; The electric work vehicle according to claim 7 , wherein the second motor drives the second wheel.
9. Further comprising a third motor and a fourth motor; the at least one inverter includes a third inverter and a fourth inverter; The electric work vehicle according to claim 8 , wherein the third inverter supplies power to the third motor, and the fourth inverter supplies power to the fourth motor.
10. A third wheel on a second side of the electric work vehicle; a fourth wheel on the second side of the electric work vehicle, the third motor drives the third wheel; The electric work vehicle according to claim 9 , wherein the fourth motor drives the fourth wheel.
11. Further comprising a power take-off motor; the at least one inverter includes a fifth inverter; The electric work vehicle according to claim 9 , wherein the fifth inverter supplies electric power to the power take-off motor.
12. It also has a hydraulic control lever, The electric work vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the fifth inverter and the hydraulic control lever are provided on the same side of the electric work vehicle with respect to a center line of the electric work vehicle.
13. Further comprising a hydraulic pump; the at least one inverter includes a sixth inverter; The electric work vehicle according to claim 11 , wherein the sixth inverter supplies power to the hydraulic pump.
14. the first inverter and the second inverter are disposed symmetrically with respect to a center line of the electric work vehicle, the third inverter and the fourth inverter are disposed symmetrically with respect to the center line of the electric work vehicle, The electric work vehicle according to claim 13 , wherein the fifth inverter and the sixth inverter are disposed symmetrically about the center line of the electric work vehicle.
15. Equipped with a radiator fan, the at least one inverter includes a seventh inverter; The electric work vehicle according to claim 13 , wherein the seventh inverter supplies power to the radiator fan.
16. The electric work vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a power distribution unit located on a rear surface of the battery housing.
17. The electric work vehicle according to claim 16 , wherein a front surface of the power distribution unit is located rearward of a rearmost surface of the at least one inverter.
18. The electric work vehicle according to claim 16 , wherein a rearmost surface of the power distribution unit is located rearward of a frontmost surface of the at least one inverter.
19. The electric work vehicle according to claim 1 , further comprising a battery not contained in the battery housing.
20. The electric work vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a battery mounted behind the seat of the electric work vehicle.