Electric vehicle body structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a body structure of an electric vehicle, which is capable of protecting a battery pack from external impacts. The body structure of one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery frame including a first subframe extending in a first direction which is the width direction of the vehicle and a third subframe extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and connected to the first subframe, and having a battery area which is a battery accommodating space formed inside, a floor portion to which the battery frame is connected and which is arranged above the battery accommodating space, a battery unit including a cross member extending in the first direction and arranged on the floor portion, and a body arranged on the battery unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a body structure for an electric vehicle, and more particularly to a body structure for an electric vehicle that can protect a battery pack from external impacts, and an electric vehicle having the body structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, a body-on-frame vehicle is formed by assembling a frame that forms the lower part of the vehicle with a body that includes the passenger seating space. The frame and body are assembled using mount bushings.

[0003] This method not only prevents vibrations and shocks generated on the road surface from being directly transmitted to the vehicle body, improving passenger comfort, but also has the advantage of separating the manufacture of the frame and the body, allowing them to be assembled in their final vehicle state. However, there is a problem in that the connection between the frame and the body using mount bushes is less rigid than connections using welding or mechanical joining.

[0004] In addition, because the frame and body are separated during a collision, there is a possibility that the ability to absorb collision energy and resist deformation may be reduced.When performing crash analysis (CAE) on vehicles with existing body-on-frame structures, the crash performance of the body structure shows good results in terms of marketability, but there is a problem in that frame deformation cannot be completely suppressed.

[0005] Furthermore, unlike conventional body structures, electric vehicles typically place the battery inside the frame, making it difficult to protect the battery from a collision in a conventional body-on-frame vehicle structure without additional reinforcement.

[0006] Furthermore, if the frame is widened to its maximum extent in the width direction of the vehicle to form a frame path and the lateral members between the longitudinal members are removed in order to secure battery space, it becomes more difficult to prevent frame deformation due to an external collision.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a vehicle body structure that can solve the above-mentioned problems in electric vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0093234 (Published on July 5, 2022) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle body structure that maximizes battery space, enhances impact absorption, maximizes structural rigidity, and is lightweight, as well as to provide a modularized vehicle body structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a body structure of an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle configured as follows.

[0011] The body structure of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery frame including a first subframe extending in a first direction, which is the width direction of the vehicle, and a third subframe extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and connected to the first subframe, and having a battery area, which is a battery accommodating space, formed inside; a floor portion coupled to the battery frame and arranged on the battery accommodating space; a battery unit including a cross member extending in the first direction and arranged on the floor portion; and a body arranged on the battery unit.

[0012] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the body structure of an electric vehicle includes a battery area in which a battery is installed, a battery frame positioned along the periphery of the battery area, and a sill side portion that is disposed in contact with the battery frame in a first direction, i.e., the width direction of the vehicle, and extends in a second direction, i.e., the length direction of the vehicle.

[0013] The battery frame may be formed by combining a plurality of subframes, and the subframe may include a first subframe extending in the first direction, a second subframe at least partially parallel to the first subframe, a third subframe extending in the second direction, and a fourth subframe at least partially parallel to the third subframe, which are integrally connected to form a closed cross section, and may further include a floor portion covering one open side of the battery frame.

[0014] In addition, the floor portion further includes a flange formed to protrude further than the battery frame in the first direction or the second direction, and at least a portion of the sill side portion can abut against the flange.

[0015] The vehicle may further include a cross member fixed to the floor portion, positioned outside the battery area, and extending in the first direction.

[0016] A body structure of an electric vehicle according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a battery frame defining an interior space on a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction intersecting each other, a battery pack accommodated in the interior space, a battery unit including a floor portion coupled to the battery frame and positioned on the battery pack, and pillar brackets installed on the floor portion, and a body positioned on the battery unit and coupled to the battery unit via the pillar brackets.

[0017] An electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack, a battery frame that forms a closed cross section around a battery area in which the battery pack is located, a sill side portion that is fixed by contacting at least a portion with the battery frame, a bottom portion that covers one open side of the battery area formed by the battery frame and fixes the battery pack located inside, a floor portion that is located on another open side of the battery frame and covers it, cross members that are fixed at regular intervals to the floor portion, are located outside the battery frame, and extend in a first direction, which is the width direction of the vehicle, a pillar bracket that is fixed to the floor portion and is located away in the first direction from the position where the cross member is fixed, a front frame that is provided on at least one of the sides of the battery frame that are parallel to the first direction, and a rear frame that is provided on another side of the battery frame and is located on a plane parallel to the side on which the front frame is located, and is connected to the pillar bracket and extends in a third direction, which is the height direction of the vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] With the above-described structure, the present invention can provide a lightweight vehicle body structure that ensures structural rigidity against collisions.

[0019] The present invention provides a modularized vehicle body structure, which can provide economic benefits through ease of management and simplified parts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an existing body-on-frame vehicle structure. [Figure 1b] 1 is a diagram showing the state in which the frame and the vehicle body are joined together in an existing body-on-frame vehicle structure, viewed from bottom to top. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a body structure of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded view of a body structure of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion taken along line II' in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a battery frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sill side portion according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a cross member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a sill side bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10a] 1 is a view showing a state in which a body of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is being assembled, in which a pillar portion is installed on a pillar bracket. [Figure 10b] 1 is a view showing a state in which a body of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is being assembled, in which a dash assembly is installed; [Figure 10c] 1 is a view showing a state in which a body of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is being assembled, in which a side inner assembly is installed; [Figure 10d] 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a body of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is being assembled, in which a side outer assembly is installed; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the concept of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, and a person skilled in the art who understands the concept of the present invention may easily propose other degenerate inventions or other embodiments within the concept of the present invention by adding, changing, or deleting other components within the same concept, which may also be considered to be within the concept of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of an existing body-on-frame vehicle structure, and FIG. 1b shows a view of the state in which the frame and the vehicle body are joined together in the existing body-on-frame vehicle structure, viewed from bottom to top.

[0023] In a conventional body-on-frame vehicle, a frame 10 is formed by combining a longitudinal member 11 extending in the length direction of the vehicle with a transverse member 12 extending in the width direction of the vehicle, and a body 20 including a lower member 21 corresponding to the bottom of the passenger seating space is formed on the top of the frame 10. The two are then combined via mount bushings 30 to form the conventional vehicle body structure 1.

[0024] However, because electric vehicles must be equipped with a battery pack, there must be a battery area in which the battery pack is installed. To maximize this, the vehicle must have as wide an area as possible in the width direction, and the structural rigidity must not be weaker than before, so the frame itself must be lightweight due to the weight of the battery pack.

[0025] Even in the case of a vehicle structure connected by mount bushings 30, there is a problem that the frame warps or distorts significantly in pillar side collisions and small overlap collisions, which are part of vehicle crash characteristic tests. Furthermore, if a battery pack is installed in an existing vehicle body structure 1 as is, the warping or distortion described above will cause serious problems with battery stability.

[0026] The present invention aims to solve the above problems by providing a body structure for an electric vehicle that maximizes the battery area, has good structural rigidity, and is lightweight, and also aims to provide an individual body frame that can be used for various vehicle types.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the body structure of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 shows a partially exploded view of the body structure of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the portion indicated by line II' in FIG. 2.

[0028] The body structure 2 of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention can include a battery unit and a body.

[0029] The battery unit includes a battery frame 100, a sill side portion 200, a floor portion 300, and a cross member 400. The body is disposed on the battery unit and forms a space in which passengers can ride.

[0030] In the present invention, the width direction of the vehicle is defined as a first direction, the length direction of the vehicle is defined as a second direction, and the height direction of the vehicle is defined as a third direction.

[0031] The battery accommodating space where the battery or battery pack is located is defined as a battery area 900. The battery or battery pack can be installed in the battery area 900.

[0032] The battery frame 100 may be positioned along the periphery of the battery area 900. The battery frame 100 may be integrally connected along the periphery of the battery area 900 to form a loop structure.

[0033] The battery frame 100 includes a first sub-frame 111 extending in a first direction, which is the width direction of the vehicle, and a third sub-frame 113 extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and connected to the first sub-frame 111, and can form a battery area 900, which is a battery accommodating space, inside.

[0034] The sill side portion 200 may be disposed in contact with the battery frame 100 in a first direction, which is the width direction of the vehicle, and may be formed to extend in a second direction, which is the length direction of the vehicle. The sill side portion 200 is disposed in contact with the side surface of the battery frame 100 and is fixed in contact with the battery frame 100, thereby providing an effect of increasing structural rigidity.

[0035] The floor portion 300 is formed to cover one open side of the battery frame 100. The floor portion 300 can serve as the floor of the interior space of the vehicle in the completed vehicle body structure. The floor portion 300 may be coupled to the battery frame 100 and disposed above the battery accommodating space.

[0036] The cross member 400 may be fixed to the floor portion 300, positioned outside the battery area 900, and extended in the first direction.

[0037] Therefore, the cross member 400 can be disposed on the floor portion while extending in the first direction.

[0038] Since a battery pack needs to be located in the battery area 900, the cross member 400 can play a role in reinforcing the floor portion 300 in the first direction outside the battery area 900.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle body structure of the present invention can be modularized. The vehicle body structure 2 of the electric vehicle can be modularized by further adding a body including pillar brackets 510 and pillar portions 550, a front frame 600, and a rear frame 700.

[0040] A front frame 600 may be positioned in a second direction based on the battery frame 100. The front frame 600 may be a frame that forms the front portion of the vehicle.

[0041] The rear frame 700 may be located in a second direction based on the battery frame 100, and may be located in the opposite direction to the front frame 600. The rear frame 700 may be a frame that forms the rear portion of the vehicle.

[0042] In an existing vehicle frame 10 (see FIG. 1a), a longitudinal member 11 (see FIG. 1a) is present by connecting one or more members in the second direction, but in an electric vehicle, a battery area 900 exists, and a battery frame 100 can be positioned to maximize this. Also, like the length in the second direction formed by the longitudinal member 11 (see FIG. 1a), a front frame 600 and a rear frame 700 can be coupled to the battery frame 100, thereby replacing the existing frame 10 (see FIG. 1a) formed including the longitudinal member 11 (see FIG. 1a) and the lateral member 12 (see FIG. 1a).

[0043] In this case, the front frame 600 and the rear frame 700 can be made different depending on the vehicle model, while maintaining one or a few structures including the battery frame 100. In other words, the modularization can provide the effects of improving productivity and reducing costs.

[0044] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a pillar bracket 510 and a pillar portion 550 may be further provided.

[0045] The body may be disposed on the battery unit and may be formed to surround a passenger boarding area, which is a space in which passengers can board.

[0046] For example, the body may include the pillar portion 550, the dash assembly 560, the side inner assembly 570, and the side outer assembly 580. The body may also include an upper member that is supported by the pillar portion 550 and closes the upper portion of the passenger boarding area.

[0047] In the existing vehicle body structure, the existing body 20 includes a structure that closes the lower part of the passenger boarding space, including the lower member 21, but the body according to one embodiment of the present invention does not require a structure that closes the lower part of the passenger boarding space because it has a floor portion 300 of the battery unit.

[0048] The pillar portion 550 may be extended in a third direction, which is the height direction of the vehicle, to form a passenger space. The pillar portion 550 may be a component that is conventionally included in the body 20 (see FIG. 1a) and may form a side wall of the vehicle. The pillar portion 550 may be fixedly coupled to the pillar bracket 510.

[0049] If the overall frame of the vehicle is completed by connecting the body 20 (see FIG. 1a) directly to the frame 10 (see FIG. 1a) with the mounting bush 10 (see FIG. 1a), according to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery frame 100 can be manufactured by connecting a bracket including the pillar bracket 510 to a structure including the battery frame 100, and then sequentially connecting other frames, pillar parts 550, or assemblies.

[0050] The pillar bracket 510 has a shape to which the pillar part 550 can be connected or joined, and when an A-pillar is joined, it can be an A-pillar bracket 511 that fits the shape, and when a C-pillar is joined, it can be a C-pillar bracket 512 that fits the shape. The pillar bracket 510 can be fixedly joined to the floor part 300. In this case, the joining can be strong by welding or mechanical joining.

[0051] As a result of the configuration of the pillar bracket 510 and the pillar part 550, similar to the above-mentioned effects, the height and shape of the vehicle can be varied by varying the pillar bracket 510 and the pillar part 550 depending on the vehicle model while maintaining one or a few structures including the battery frame 100. Therefore, the effects of improved productivity and cost reduction due to modularization can be provided.

[0052] In consideration of the shape of the vehicle body, the pillar bracket 510 may be fixed to the floor portion 300 and positioned away from the position where the cross member 400 is fixed in the first direction. The interior space formed by the pillar bracket 510 together with the battery frame 100 and parts of the front frame 600 and rear frame 700 is the space where passengers board, so ensuring as large a space as possible can increase passenger satisfaction. Therefore, by fixing the pillar portion 550 to the pillar bracket 510 and positioned away from the position where the cross member 400 is fixed in the first direction, it is possible to ensure as large a passenger boarding space as possible.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery frame according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the battery frame according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Depending on the structural characteristics of the vehicle, there may be a restriction that the length of the battery frame 100 in the first direction must not exceed the width of the vehicle. Therefore, the length of the battery frame 100 in the first direction is set as close as possible to the width of the vehicle, but must not cause a structural collision with other structures constituting the vehicle.

[0055] As an example, the battery frame 100 may be composed of a plurality of subframes 110. The subframe 110 may be formed by integrally connecting a first subframe 111 extending in the first direction, a second subframe 112 at least partially parallel to the first subframe 111, a third subframe 113 extending in the second direction, and a fourth subframe at least partially parallel to the third subframe 113, to form a closed cross section. The first subframe 111 and the second subframe 112, and the third subframe 113 and the fourth subframe 114 may have a symmetrical structure to each other.

[0056] The closed cross section, which is a cross section seen from the third direction, may be formed into a cross section close to a rectangle, but the cross section shape is not limited to a rectangle and can be made into various shapes. The connecting portions of the subframe 110 can be formed to be rounded or inclined to connect smoothly and improve workability.

[0057] Furthermore, the battery frame 100 may include a first surface 121 formed adjacent to the battery area 900 and having a certain length in a third direction, which is the height direction of the vehicle, a second surface 122 formed at least partially parallel to the first surface 121 and spaced a predetermined distance from the first surface 121, a third surface 123 connecting the first surface 121 and the second surface 122, and a fourth surface 124 at least partially parallel to the third surface 123, and may be configured so that a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first surface 121 to the fourth surface 124 forms a closed cross section.

[0058] Therefore, the first sub-frame 111 and the second sub-frame 112 may have a cross section cut in the second direction that is a closed cross section made up of the first surface 121 to the fourth surface 124 as described above. The third sub-frame 113 and the fourth sub-frame 114 may have a cross section cut in the first direction that is a closed cross section made up of the first surface 121 to the fourth surface 124 as described above.

[0059] The shape of the closed cross section is not simply a polygon, but at least a part of the groove 125 is bent or folded, and the groove 125 can be continuous in the second direction.

[0060] If the closed cross section formed by the first surface 121 to the fourth surface 124 is a cross section close to a rectangle, a groove portion 125 is formed in which at least a portion of the first surface 121 is bent or folded toward the second surface 122, and the groove portion 125 can also be formed so as to be continuous in the second direction.

[0061] The above-described structure of the groove portion 125 can provide the effect of increasing the energy absorption capacity due to an external force in the first direction.

[0062] The battery frame 100 may be manufactured through a process in which two plate materials are joined after being folded or bent. At this time, the plate materials are joined at the joint portion 130 to form a closed cross section. When the battery frame 100 is manufactured by processing the plate materials as described above, the manufacturing process can be made more convenient.

[0063] Alternatively, it may be formed as a single piece by extrusion without a joint 130 .

[0064] Alternatively, the battery frame 100 may be integrally formed with a portion open, and have an open cross section rather than a closed cross section.

[0065] Furthermore, since the interior has a hollow closed cross section, other reinforcing members may be added inside to reinforce the strength.

[0066] The battery frame 100 of the present invention has a loop structure, which provides the effect of forming a battery area 900 (see Figure 4) as wide as possible in the first direction, which is the width direction of the vehicle, and the loop shape is fixed as a single unit, which increases rigidity against distortion.

[0067] Furthermore, the interior of each sub-frame of the battery frame 100 can be formed hollow, which allows for a reduction in the weight of the vehicle.

[0068] The following description will be focused on the case where the battery frame 100 has a shape close to a rectangle, but is not limited to a shape having a rectangular cross section.

[0069] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a sill side portion according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] For example, the sill-side portion 200 may include a first sill-side 210 and a second sill-side 220 that is in contact with the first sill-side 210 and forms a hollow portion 240 that is continuous with the first sill-side 210 in the second direction. In this case, at least a portion of the first sill-side 210 may be fixed in contact with the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4). In other words, at least a portion of a first portion of the first sill-side 210, which is a surface parallel to the third direction, may be fixed in contact with a second surface 122 (see FIG. 6) of the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4).

[0071] The first sill-side 210 may be the sill-side portion 200 located closest to the battery region 900 (see FIG. 4).

[0072] For example, the subframe 113 may be positioned in contact with the third subframe 113 (see FIG. 5) or the fourth subframe 114 (see FIG. 5) and may be formed continuously in the second direction. The cross-sectional shape may be continuous in the second direction, and the plate may be bent or folded multiple times toward the battery region 900 (see FIG. 4). First sill side flanges may be formed at both ends in the third direction, parallel to the third direction.

[0073] The second sill side 220 may have a shape symmetrical to the first sill side 210, or may simply be bent or folded toward the outside of the vehicle opposite the battery area 900 (see FIG. 4). Similar to the first sill side 210, the second sill side 220 may also have second sill side flanges formed on both ends parallel to the third direction, and the first sill side flange and the second sill side flange may be fixed after coming into contact with each other.

[0074] However, the first sill side flange and the second sill side flange may not be parallel to the third direction but may be at a certain angle, and in this case, the first sill side flange and the second sill side flange may be in contact with each other. In other words, even if the first sill side flange and the second sill side flange are not parallel to the third direction, they can be formed so as to be in contact and fixed.

[0075] When the first sill side 210 and the second sill side 220 abut and are fixed together, the cross section viewed from the second direction may be a closed cross section, and a hollow portion 240 may be formed along the second direction.

[0076] The hollow portion 240 may be provided with a sill side reinforcement portion 230 that helps absorb impacts from the outside of the vehicle.

[0077] The sill side reinforcement part 230 is located between the first sill side 210 and the second sill side 220, and includes a fixed part 231a that contacts and is fixed to the first sill side 210, and a bent part 231b that bends toward the second sill side 220, so that the sill side reinforcement part 230 can absorb impact in the first direction. The sill side reinforcement part 230 may be formed of a plurality of reinforcing members instead of one reinforcing member.

[0078] For example, the first reinforcing member 231 may be fixed to the first sill side 210 and bent toward the second sill side 220, and the second reinforcing member 232 may be fitted and coupled to the first reinforcing member 231 and formed to have a narrower width in the third direction than the first reinforcing member 231. The second reinforcing member 232 may also be bent in the first direction or toward the second sill side 220. The second reinforcing member 232 may be in contact with the second sill side 220 or may be positioned at a predetermined distance. When the second reinforcing member 232 is in contact with the second sill side 220, an effect of immediately transmitting and absorbing an external force in the first direction can be provided, and when there is a predetermined distance, an effect of convenience in manufacturing can be provided.

[0079] The first reinforcing member 231 and the second reinforcing member 232 may have concave-convex portions (not shown) that have valleys and peaks parallel to the first direction and are shape-coupled to each other. The valleys and peaks of the concave-convex portions may have a predetermined angle with the first direction but are not parallel to the second direction. The sill side reinforcing portion 230 may be formed such that the above-described shape is repeated or continued in the second direction. In this case, the first sill side 210 or the second sill side 220 of the sill side portion 200 may be continuous in the second direction for a length equal to or shorter than the length of the continuous portion.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the sill side portion 200 is fixed in contact with the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4), so that in the event of a side collision, the force is transmitted to the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4), and because the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4) has a loop shape, it is possible to provide the effect of dispersing the collision in all connected directions. In addition, the force can be primarily absorbed by the sill side reinforcement located inside the sill side portion 200, which can be effective in a side collision.

[0081] The first sill side 210 may have a lead-in groove 211 that is drawn in the second direction. A coupling shape 212 may be formed in consideration of the case where the sill side portion 200 is coupled to the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4) via a sill side bracket 800 (see FIG. 4) described below.

[0082] However, the shape is not limited to the above and can be changed in various ways depending on the design.

[0083] 4, the floor portion 300 may be formed to include a portion horizontal to the closed cross section formed by the first sub-frame 111 (see FIG. 5) to the fourth sub-frame 114 (see FIG. 5) so as to cover an open side of the battery frame 100. The floor portion 300 may be formed in a plate shape. The floor portion 300 may further include a flange 330 formed to protrude further than the battery frame 100 in the first direction or the second direction, and at least a portion of the sill side portion 200 may abut against the flange 330.

[0084] In the existing vehicle body structure 1 (see FIG. 1a), the lower structure 21 (see FIG. 1a), which is a structure corresponding to the floor section 300, is attached to the body 20 (see FIG. 1a) and is not attached to the frame 10 (see FIG. 1a). Therefore, when connected by the mount bush 30 (see FIG. 1b), it deforms separately from the frame 10 (see FIG. 1a), making it difficult to reinforce the frame 10 (see FIG. 1a) against collisions, including side collisions.

[0085] However, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the floor portion 300 is fixed to one open side of the battery frame 100, thereby providing the effect of adding rigidity to prevent deformation of the battery frame 100 itself upon impact.

[0086] The battery frame 100 and the floor part 300 can be firmly connected by mechanical connection or welding. For the mechanical connection, connection holes can be formed in each of the battery frame 100 and the floor part 300, and the battery frame 100 and the floor part 300 can be fixedly connected by pins or nuts and bolts that pass through the connection holes.

[0087] As an example, the floor section 300 may be formed to include a first step 310 formed in parallel at a predetermined interval in the third direction, which is the height direction of the vehicle, in the battery area 900, and a second step 320 that is continuous with the first step 310 and has a different height in the third direction.

[0088] The second section 320 may be fixed to the battery frame 100. Specifically, the second section 320 may be welded to the third surface 123 (see FIG. 6) of the battery frame 100, or may be mechanically connected to a first connection hole formed in the second section 320 and a second connection hole formed in the third surface 123 (see FIG. 6) using a pin or a nut and bolt. The welding may be spot welding. The connection may not be one, but may be formed continuously at regular intervals along the third surface 123 (see FIG. 6) of the battery frame 100. This connection may not be easily separated and may serve to enhance the rigidity of the battery frame 100.

[0089] In addition, the first and second stages 310 and 320 are formed to have different heights in the third direction, which can contribute to the discharge of heat generated in the battery to the outside.

[0090] A flange 330 may be further formed on the floor portion 300. The flange 330 may be formed to protrude beyond the battery frame 100 in the first direction or the second direction. For example, the flange 330 may be formed to extend from the second section 320 and protrude beyond the battery frame 100.

[0091] At least a portion of the sill side portion 200 may be in contact with the flange 330 of the floor portion 300. A portion of the first sill side 210 may be joined to the flange 330. The joined portion of the first sill side 210 may be any one of the surfaces of the multiple bent portions.

[0092] As yet another example, flange 330 of floor portion 300 may be formed extending at a predetermined angle rather than parallel to the second direction. In this case, it may also abut against a portion of first sill side 210. Alternatively, in this case, the portion of floor portion 300 abutting flange 330 may be the first side sill flange that is not parallel to the third direction but is angled.

[0093] FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a cross member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] The cross section of the cross member 400 as viewed in the first direction may be a U-shape with an open bottom, or a completely closed rectangular shape. To add rigidity in the first direction, the surface parallel to the floor section 300 (see FIG. 2) may include a fold or bent portion. For example, a cross groove 401, which is a groove that is drawn inward, may be further formed on the highest surface in the third direction.

[0095] The cross member 400 may be strongly connected to the floor section 300 (see FIG. 2) by mechanical bonding. The cross member 400 and the floor section 300 (see FIG. 2) may be joined by welding or the like after they come into face-to-face contact. That is, if the surface of the cross member 400 fixed to the floor section 300 (see FIG. 2) is an open U-shape, the cross member 400 may be formed with a cross member flange 402 that comes into contact with the floor section 300 (see FIG. 2), and the surface of the cross member 400 and the surface of the floor section 300 (see FIG. 2) may come into contact and be joined via the cross member flange 402.

[0096] By forming the cross member 400 as described above, the cross member 400 is not located in the battery area 900 (see Figure 4), thereby maximizing the battery area 900 (see Figure 4) and reinforcing the rigidity against external forces in the first direction.

[0097] A plurality of cross members 400 may be provided. In this case, the cross members 400 may be fixed to the floor portion 300 (see FIG. 2), and may be arranged continuously in the first direction and at regular intervals in the second direction. However, the intervals are not limited to the above-mentioned regular intervals, and may be set differently depending on the design.

[0098] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a sill side bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a sill side bracket 800 may be included. The sill side bracket 800 may be located on one side of the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4), and the sill side bracket 800 and the sill side portion 200 (see FIG. 4) may be fixed together. The sill side bracket 800 may serve to fix the sill side portion 200 (see FIG. 4) so ​​that it can abut against the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4).

[0100] For example, the sill side bracket 800 may be positioned between the third sub-frame 113 (see FIG. 5) and the fourth sub-frame 114 (see FIG. 5) of the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4) and the sill side portion 200 (see FIG. 4). At least a portion of the sill side bracket 800 may support the sill side portion 200 (see FIG. 4) in the third direction.

[0101] The sill side bracket 800 extends in the second direction like the sill side portion 200 (see FIG. 4), and a cross section viewed from the second direction may include a first flat portion 810 having parallel surfaces so as to be in close contact with one of the sub-frames 110 (see FIG. 5) of the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4), and a second flat portion 820 having a bent shape so as to support the first sill side 210 (see FIG. 4). The first flat portion 810 may be a surface that at least partially contacts the second surface 122 (see FIG. 6). The second flat portion 820 extends from the first flat portion 810 and may support the first sill side 210 (see FIG. 4) in a third direction. A bent portion 830 may be formed between the first flat portion 810 and the second flat portion 820.

[0102] When viewed from the battery area 900 (see FIG. 4), the subframe 110 (see FIG. 5) of the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4), the first flat portion 810 of the sill side bracket 800, and the first sill side 210 (see FIG. 4) are positioned in this order and are welded to their respective contact surfaces, or second connection holes may be formed through the subframe 110 (see FIG. 5), the first flat portion 810, and the first sill side 210 (see FIG. 4), and they may be fastened together with pins or bolts and nuts.

[0103] The second flat portion 820 of the sill side bracket 800 is bent from the first flat portion 810 to support the first sill side 210 (see FIG. 4) in the third direction. The second flat portion 820 and the first sill side 210 (see FIG. 4) can also be contact-coupled. The second flat portion 820 and the first sill side 210 (see FIG. 4) can be in contact and not fixed. However, they can be fixed. If they are fixed, a third connection hole is formed through the first sill side 210 (see FIG. 4) and the second flat portion 820, and they can be fixed together with a pin or a bolt and nut.

[0104] As an example, the sill side bracket 800 may be short rather than long in the second direction. That is, the first flat portion 810 and the second flat portion 820 may be formed and short, not continuous in the second direction. In this case, a plurality of sill side brackets 800 may be fixed to each other for stable fixation.

[0105] By providing the sill side bracket 800, the sill side portion 200 (see FIG. 4) and the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4) are stably fixed together, providing the effect of improving rigidity against external forces in the first direction. In addition, by modularizing the battery frame 100 (see FIG. 4) and the sill side portion 200 (see FIG. 4), it is possible to provide the effect of enabling the bodies of various vehicles to be assembled in an assembly manner.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery frame 100 may further include a bottom (not shown) that covers one side of the battery area 900 and fixes the battery pack.

[0107] The bottom part covers the remaining area of ​​the battery area 900 that is not covered by the floor part 300, and can fix the battery pack located inside.

[0108] Figure 10 shows the state in which the body of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention is being assembled, where Figure 10a shows the state in which the pillar section is installed on the pillar bracket, Figure 10b shows the state in which the dash assembly is installed, Figure 10c shows the state in which the side inner assembly is installed, and Figure 10d shows the state in which the side outer assembly is installed.

[0109] The electric vehicle body structure 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a dash assembly 560, which may be located between the plurality of pillar brackets 510. The plurality of pillar brackets 510 may be the same bracket. As an example, an A-pillar bracket 511 may be installed parallel to one end of the battery frame 100 in the second direction, with the dash assembly 560 fixed therebetween. The dash assembly 560 may then be coupled to a flange 330 (see FIG. 4) formed in the second direction of the floor portion 300. In this case, they may be firmly coupled by welding.

[0110] The body structure 2 of the electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a side inner assembly 570 including a first sill side 210, which is fixed to the pillar bracket 510 and can be fixed at both ends in the first direction of the battery frame 100.

[0111] In the electric vehicle body structure 2 according to one embodiment of the present invention, a side outer assembly 580 may be coupled to both ends in the first direction of the side inner assembly 570. The side outer assembly 580 may include a second sill side 220.

[0112] The side inner assembly 570 and the side outer assembly 580 may be sequentially welded to a subframe having an axis in the first direction of the sill side portion 200. Therefore, a connecting member such as the existing mount bush 30 is not required.

[0113] Conventionally, a vehicle structure is fabricated by joining a frame 10 (see FIG. 1a) and a body 20 (see FIG. 1a) corresponding to a particular vehicle model. However, the present invention allows for the fabrication of a vehicle structure by joining each frame to the pillar section 550, sill side section 200, and other vehicle structures by welding or mechanical bonding via individual brackets based on modularized individual frames. Therefore, while providing economic and management benefits such as cost reduction and ease of management through modularization, it also provides functional benefits such as optimizing the internal structure and strengthening collision rigidity.

[0114] In a conventional vehicle structure, a body 20 (see FIG. 1a) includes a lower member 21 (see FIG. 1a) corresponding to the lower part of the interior space of the vehicle structure, but in the present invention, a floor part 300 that is connected to the battery frame 100 in the third direction is present, so a separate lower member 21 (see FIG. 1a) for the lower part of the interior space does not need to be included. Therefore, since there may not be a portion where a connection is to be made over a large area, welding can be performed simply and quickly by spot welding, which has the advantage that mechanical connection such as bolting is also possible.

[0115] Hereinafter, in the body structure of an electric vehicle according to still another embodiment of the present invention, the parts described in the body structure of an electric vehicle described above will be referred to.

[0116] The body structure of an electric vehicle according to yet another embodiment of the present invention includes a battery frame 100 that defines a battery area 900, which is an internal space in which an internal battery is located, on a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction that intersect each other, a battery pack accommodated in the internal space, a floor section 300 coupled to the battery frame 100 and disposed on the battery pack, a battery unit including pillar brackets 510 installed on the floor section 300, and a body that is disposed on the battery unit and coupled to the battery unit via the pillar brackets 510.

[0117] Unlike conventional vehicle body structures that are connected using mount bushings, the body of one embodiment of the present invention is connected to the battery unit using pillar brackets, which maximizes the area in which the battery is located while providing increased structural rigidity.

[0118] Hereinafter, with regard to the electric vehicle, the parts explained in the body structure 2 of the electric vehicle will be referred to.

[0119] The electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack, a battery frame 100 forming a closed cross section around a battery area 900 in which the battery pack is located, a sill side part 200 that is fixed to the battery frame 100 by contacting at least a portion thereof, a bottom part that covers one open side of the battery area 900 formed by the battery frame 100 and fixes the battery pack located inside, a floor part 300 that is located on another open side of the battery frame 100 and covers it, and a floor part 300 that is fixed to the floor part 300 at regular intervals and fixes the battery pack to the outside of the battery frame 100. a pillar bracket 510 fixed to the floor portion 300 and positioned away from the position where the cross member is fixed in the first direction; a front frame 600 provided on at least one of the side surfaces of the battery frame 100 parallel to the first direction; a rear frame 700 provided on another side surface of the battery frame 100 and positioned on a plane parallel to the side surface where the front frame 600 is located; and a pillar portion 550 connected to the pillar bracket 510 and extending in a third direction which is the height direction of the vehicle.

[0120] In the electric vehicle described above, the battery area 900 is maximized in the first direction, and the rigidity and absorption capacity against external forces in the first direction are good, thereby providing the effect of reducing distortion and deformation of the battery frame 100. In addition, the vehicle can be modularized, which improves the convenience of manufacturing and parts storage, thereby providing an economically efficient effect.

[0121] Furthermore, the vehicle body structure can be formed using steel material with relatively good rigidity, which provides the advantage of being lighter in weight while maintaining the same rigidity as other conventional materials.

[0122] The present invention has been described above with a focus on the embodiments, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified and implemented by those skilled in the art without changing the technical concept of the present invention as claimed in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1: Conventional body structure 2: Electric vehicle body structure 10: Frame 11: Vertical member 12: Transverse member 20: Body 21: Lower member 30: Mount Bush 100: Battery frame 110: Subframe 111: First subframe 112: Second subframe 113: Third subframe 114: 4th subframe 121: 1st page 122:Second side 123:Side 3 124:Side 4 125: Groove 130: Joint part 200: Silside section 210: First Silside 211: Retractable groove 212: Combined shape 220: Second Silside 230: Sill side reinforcement 231: First reinforcing member 231a: Fixed part 231b: Bent part 232: Second reinforcing member 240: Hollow part 300: Floor section 310: 1st stage 320: 2nd stage 330: Flange 400: Cross member 401: Cross groove 402: Cross member flange 510: Pillar bracket 511: A-pillar bracket 512: C-pillar bracket 550: Pillar section 560: Dash assembly 570: Side inner assembly 600: Front frame 700: Rear frame 800: Sill side bracket 810: First flat section 820: Second flat section 830: Bending part 900: Battery area

Claims

1. a battery unit including: a battery frame including a first subframe extending in a first direction that is a width direction of a vehicle; and a third subframe extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction and connected to the first subframe, the battery frame having a battery area that is a battery accommodating space formed therein; a floor portion coupled to the battery frame and disposed above the battery accommodating space; and a cross member extending in the first direction and disposed on the floor portion; and A body structure for an electric vehicle, comprising: a body disposed on the battery unit.

2. a battery frame defining a battery area in which a battery is mounted and positioned along the periphery of the battery area; and A body structure for an electric vehicle, including: a sill side portion arranged in contact with the battery frame in a first direction, which is the width direction of the vehicle, and extending in a second direction, which is the length direction of the vehicle.

3. The battery frame is A plurality of subframes are joined together to form a The subframe comprises: a first subframe extending in the first direction, a second subframe at least partially parallel to the first subframe, a third subframe extending in the second direction, and a fourth subframe at least partially parallel to the third subframe, which are integrally connected to form a closed cross section; The body structure of an electric vehicle according to claim 2 , further comprising: a floor portion covering one open side of the battery frame.

4. The floor portion is Further including a flange formed to protrude further than the battery frame in the first direction or the second direction, The body structure for an electric vehicle according to claim 3 , wherein at least a portion of the sill side portion abuts against the flange.

5. The body structure of an electric vehicle according to claim 3 , further comprising: a cross member fixed to the floor portion, positioned outside the battery area, and extending in the first direction.

6. The battery frame is a first surface formed near the battery area and having a certain length in a third direction, which is a height direction of the vehicle; a second surface formed parallel to the first surface and spaced a predetermined distance from the first surface; a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface; and a fourth surface parallel to the third surface; 3. The electric vehicle body structure according to claim 2, wherein a cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the first to fourth surfaces forms a closed cross section.

7. The electric vehicle body structure according to claim 6 , wherein a groove is formed by bending or folding at least a portion of the first surface toward the second surface, and the groove continues in the second direction.

8. The sill side portion is First Silside; a second sill side that is in contact with the first sill side and forms a hollow portion that is continuous with the first sill side in the second direction, The body structure for an electric vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the first sill side is fixed in contact with the battery frame.

9. The sill side portion is First Silside; a second sill side that is in contact with the first sill side and forms a hollow portion that is continuous with the first sill side in the second direction, The electric vehicle body structure according to claim 6 , wherein at least a portion of a first portion of the first sill side, which is a surface parallel to the third direction, is fixed in contact with the second surface.

10. The floor portion is First stages formed in parallel at a predetermined interval in a third direction, which is a height direction of the vehicle, in the battery area; and a second step continuous with the first step and having a different height in the third direction; the flange extends from the second stage; The body structure of an electric vehicle according to claim 4 , wherein the second stage is fixed to the battery frame.

11. the battery frame is formed to include a third surface fixed to the second step of the floor portion, 11. The body structure of an electric vehicle according to claim 10, wherein the second section and the third surface are welded together or mechanically connected to each other by a pin or a nut and bolt in a first connecting hole formed in the second section and a second connecting hole formed in the third surface.

12. A sill side bracket is located on one side of the battery frame, The body structure for an electric vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the sill side bracket and the sill side portion are fixed together.

13. The sill side bracket is 13. The body structure of an electric vehicle according to claim 12, further comprising: a first flat portion that is a surface that is at least partially in contact with the second surface; and a second flat portion that extends from the first flat portion and supports the sill side portion in the third direction.

14. The sill side reinforcement portion located between the first sill side and the second sill side is a portion that is fixed to the first sill side in contact with the first sill side and that is bent toward the second sill side; The body structure for an electric vehicle according to claim 8 , which absorbs an impact in the first direction.

15. The body structure of an electric vehicle according to claim 2 , wherein a front frame or a rear frame extending in the second direction is welded to one surface of the battery frame.

16. 4. The body structure of an electric vehicle according to claim 3, wherein a pillar bracket that connects pillars positioned in a third direction, which is a height direction of the vehicle, is mechanically fixed to a portion of the floor portion.

17. A plurality of the pillar brackets are provided, The electric vehicle body structure according to claim 16, further comprising a dash assembly positioned between the pillar brackets.

18. A battery region in which the battery is located is defined; a battery frame formed by connecting a first subframe extending in a first direction that is a width direction of the vehicle, a second subframe at least partially parallel to the first subframe, a third subframe extending in a second direction that is a length direction of the vehicle, and a fourth subframe at least partially parallel to the third subframe, the battery frame being formed by connecting a first subframe extending in a first direction that is a width direction of the vehicle, the second subframe at least partially parallel to the third subframe; a first sill side that is positioned in contact with the third sub-frame or the fourth sub-frame and is formed continuously in the second direction; a sill side portion including a second sill side that is in contact with the first sill side and has a hollow portion formed therein when being coupled to the first sill side; Covering the open side of the battery frame, at least a portion of which is in contact with the sill side portion; and In the battery area, a first stage is formed in parallel with the battery frame at a predetermined interval in a third direction, which is a height direction of the vehicle; a second stage is continuous with the first stage and has a different height in the third direction; and a floor portion having a flange formed to protrude beyond the battery frame in the first direction and extending from the second stage, the floor portion being fixed to the battery frame at the second stage; a plurality of cross members fixed to the floor portion, continuous in the first direction, and spaced at regular intervals in the second direction; and A body structure for an electric vehicle, comprising: a first reinforcing member located in the hollow portion formed by the first sill side and the second sill side, fixed to the first sill side, and bent toward the second sill side; and a second reinforcing member fitted and coupled to the first reinforcing member, formed to have a narrower width in the third direction than the first reinforcing member, and comprising a sill side reinforcing portion that is continuous in the second direction.

19. A pillar bracket fixed to the floor portion is further provided, The pillar bracket is The body structure of claim 18 , wherein pillar portions extending in the third direction and forming a passenger space are connected.

20. a sill side bracket positioned between the third sub-frame and the fourth sub-frame of the battery frame and the sill side portion, 19. The body structure of an electric vehicle according to claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the sill side bracket supports the sill side portion in the third direction.

21. a battery unit including: a battery frame defining an interior space on a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction intersecting each other; a battery pack accommodated in the interior space; a floor portion coupled to the battery frame and disposed on the battery pack; and a pillar bracket installed on the floor portion; and a body disposed on the battery unit and coupled to the battery unit via the pillar bracket;

22. Battery pack; a battery frame that forms a closed cross section along a periphery of a battery region in which the battery pack is located; a sill side portion that is fixed to the battery frame while at least a portion of the sill side portion is in contact with the battery frame; a bottom portion that covers an open side of the battery area formed by the battery frame and fixes the battery pack located therein; a floor portion located on another open side of the battery frame and covering the other open side; cross members fixed to the floor portion at regular intervals, positioned outside the battery frame, and extending in a first direction, which is a width direction of the vehicle; a pillar bracket fixed to the floor portion and positioned away from a position to which the cross member is fixed in the first direction; a front frame provided on at least one of the sides of the battery frame parallel to the first direction; a rear frame provided on another side of the battery frame and positioned in a plane parallel to the side on which the front frame is positioned; and a pillar portion connected to the pillar bracket and extending in a third direction, which is a height direction of the vehicle.

Images