Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of sub-frame assemblies for mounting electric drivetrains of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
A sub-frame assembly is configured to be secured on a chassis of the vehicle and further configured to facilitate the mounting of the electric drivetrain. The existing sub-frame assembly is able to support an electric drive at three support locations on longitudinal members and cross members of the sub-frame assembly. However, the sub-frame assembly is unable to accommodate a drivetrain having four support locations. The existing sub-frame assembly is suitable for only a single type of vehicle having three support locations. The existing sub-frame assembly cannot be used on different types of vehicle applications having four support locations. This increases inventory required while assembling the vehicle. Moreover, the support locations have sleeves configured on top of longitudinal members of the sub-frame assembly. This reduces the available packaging space in the vertical direction which poses an assembly constraint during packaging operation. As the frame assembly is displaced in the vertical direction during motion of the vehicle, the available packaging space is reduced further. In some instances, interference of the sub frame assembly is observed with other vehicle components which is highly undesired.
There is therefore, felt a need of a sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain, that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain that can support different types of vehicles.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain that can support vehicles having more number of support locations.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain that reduces inventory required for assembly of the entire vehicle.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain that is manufactured of commonly available sheet metal/stamped/press-worked child parts.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain that offers relative ease of packaging of complicated 5-link suspension and 3-point mounting configuration as well as 4-point mounting configuration.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain that offers increased structural strength in supporting heavier electric drivetrains having high power producing capacity.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain that requires less packaging space and one that avoids interference of parts during vehicle motion.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure discloses a sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain. The sub-frame assembly is configured to be secured on a chassis of a vehicle and further configured to facilitate the mounting of the electric drivetrain. The sub-frame assembly is defined by a cage configuration having a pair of longitudinal members, and a pair of cross members. The sub-frame assembly comprises a pair of first-openings, a plurality of second-openings, a plurality of sleeves, a first-mounting means, a second-mounting means. The pair of first-openings, is configured on each of the longitudinal members. The plurality of second-openings, is configured on at least one of the cross members. The plurality of sleeves, is configured to be received within each of the pair of first-openings, and the plurality of second-openings, respectively. The first-mounting means, is configured to be secured within each of the plurality of sleeves, provided within the pair of first-openings, and further configured to mount either operative side portions of the electric drivetrain thereon. The second-mounting means, is configured to be secured within each of the plurality of sleeves, provided within the plurality of second-openings, and further configured to mount an operative front-rear portion of the electric drivetrain thereon. The pair of first-openings, and the plurality of second-openings, are configured to secure the electric drivetrain in an operative configuration.
In an embodiment, the plurality of sleeves is mounted within each of the pair of first-openings and the plurality of second-openings by means of welding, interference fit or any combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the plurality of the second-openings includes three second-openings provided on at least one of the cross members. Each of the second-openings is secured with the plurality of sleeves.
In an embodiment, the first-mounting means and the second-mounting means are configured to be fastened within the plurality of sleeves by screwing, welding, interference fit or any combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the pair of first-openings and the plurality of second-openings are configured to selectively form a three-point mounting configuration, and a four-point mounting configuration for securing the electric drivetrain in an operative configuration.
In an embodiment, the first-mounting means is secured to the pair of first-openings of the pair of longitudinal members, and the second-mounting means is secured to one of the plurality of second-openings of the cross members to define the three-point mounting configuration.
In an embodiment, the first-mounting means is secured to the pair of first-openings of the pair of longitudinal members, and the second-mounting means is secured to the plurality of the second-openings of the cross member to define the four-point mounting configuration.
In an embodiment, the axis of the pair of first openings lies parallel to either of the axes of the cross-members.
In an embodiment, each of the plurality of second openings is located at a predetermined distance with respect to the edge of the longitudinal members.
In an embodiment, the plurality of second openings have a predetermined interspacing therein between.
In an embodiment, the sub-frame assembly is configured to support the electric motor drive having producing power in the range between 50-80 KWh.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain, in accordance with an embodiment of the prior art;
Figure 2 shows another view of the sub-frame assembly of figure 1 with the electric drivetrain mounted thereon;
Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 shows a top view of the sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain in a three-point configuration thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 5 shows a top view of the sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain in a four-point configuration thereof, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10, 20 – pair of first openings
10’, 20’, 50’ – sleeves of the prior art
12, 22, 42, 52, 62– plurality of sleeves
14, 24 – first mounting means
40, 50, 60 – plurality of second openings
44, 54, 64 – second mounting means
70 – bracket
72 – first end of bracket
74 – second end of bracket
110’, 120’ – cross members of the prior art
110, 120 – cross members
130’, 140’ – longitudinal members of the prior art
130, 140 – longitudinal members
200’ - electric drivetrain of the prior art
200 - electric drivetrain
1000’ – sub-frame assembly of the prior art
1000 – sub-frame assembly
L – operative longitudinal direction
T – operative transverse direction
V – operative vertical direction
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," “engaged to,” "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
Referring to the figure 1, a sub-frame assembly 1000’ for mounting an electric drivetrain 200’ is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the prior art. The sub-frame assembly 1000’ is configured to be secured on a chassis of a vehicle and further configured to facilitate the mounting of the electric drivetrain 200’. As shown in the figure 1 of the prior art, the sub-frame assembly 1000’ is unable to accommodate an electric drivetrain having four support locations. The sub-frame assembly 1000’ includes longitudinal members 130’, 140’ and cross members 110’, 120’ defined by a cage configuration. A pair of first openings is configured on the longitudinal members 130’, 140’. A second opening is configured on the cross member 110’ located on the operative rear side of the sub-frame assembly 1000’. The sub-frame assembly 1000’ of the prior art is able to support an electric drive at the three locations of the pair of first openings and the second opening. However, the sub-frame assembly 1000’ of the prior art has a capacity to support only one type of motor mounting. Multiple motor mountings cannot be supported by the sub-frame assembly 1000’ of the prior art. Moreover, the sub-frame assembly 1000’ of the prior art is suitable for only a single type of vehicle. The sub-frame assembly 1000’ of the prior art cannot be used on different types of vehicle applications. Figure 1 depicts the 3-point motor mounting of the prior art. Sleeves 10’, 20’ on the operative front side are configured to support operative side portions of the electric drivetrain 200’. Sleeve 50’ on the operative rear side is configured to support operative front-rear portion of the electric drivetrain 200’. The sleeves 10’, 20’ are press-fitted while the sleeve 50’ is an integral part of the cross member 110’, and is welded rigidly to the cross member 110’. However, the sub-frame assembly 1000’ of the prior art having the sleeves 10’, 20’, 50’ is suitable for solely for a single type of motor mounting and also for a single type of vehicle. The sub-frame assembly 1000’ of the prior art having the sleeves 10’, 20’, 50’ cannot be used for multiple motor mountings i.e. electric drivetrain mountings and multiple vehicle applications. Still further, the sleeves 10’,20’ lie on an operative top side of the longitudinal members 130’,140’. Therefore, the vertical packaging space required is more. Not only this, when the vehicle is in motion, the sub-frame assembly 1000’ interferes with the other vehicle components resulting in collision of sub-frame assembly 1000’ with the surrounding parts. This occurrence of rattling is highly undesirable. The present disclosure aims to solve the above mentioned problems.
Referring to the figures 2-7, a sub-frame assembly 1000 for mounting an electric drivetrain 200. The sub-frame assembly 1000 is configured to be secured on a chassis of a vehicle, and further configured to facilitate the mounting of the electric drivetrain 200. The sub-frame assembly 1000 is defined by a cage configuration having a pair of longitudinal members 130, 140 and a pair of cross members 110, 120. The sub-frame assembly 1000 comprises a pair of first-openings 10, 20, a plurality of second-openings 40, 50, 60, a plurality of sleeves 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, a first-mounting means 14, 24, and a second-mounting means 44, 54, 64.
The pair of first-openings 10, 20 is configured on each of the longitudinal members 130, 140. The plurality of second-openings 40, 50, 60 is configured on at least one of the cross members 110, 120. The plurality of sleeves 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62 is configured to be received within each of the pair of first-openings 10, 20 and the plurality of second-openings 40, 50, 60 respectively. The first-mounting means 14, 24 is configured to be secured within each of the plurality of sleeves 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62 provided within the pair of first-openings 10, 20. The first-mounting means 14, 24 is further configured to mount either operative side portions of the electric drivetrain 200. The second-mounting means 44, 54, 64 is configured to be secured within each of the plurality of sleeves 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62 provided within the plurality of second-openings 40, 50, 60. The second-mounting means 44, 54, 64 is further configured to mount an operative front-rear portion of the electric drivetrain 200 thereon. The pair of first-openings 10, 20 and the plurality of second-openings 40, 50, 60 are configured to secure the electric drivetrain 200 in an operative configuration of the sub-frame assembly 1000. As the pair of first-openings 10, 20 and the plurality of second-openings 40, 50, 60 are configured within the longitudinal members 130, 140, the requirement of packaging space in the operative vertical direction V reduces. In contrast to the prior art of the figures 1 and 2, the pair of first-openings 10, 20 and the plurality of second-openings 40, 50, 60 are not attached on an operative top of the sub-frame assembly 1000. This offers technical advancement to the sub-frame assembly 1000 of the present disclosure.
Each of the plurality of sleeves 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62 is mounted within each of the pair of first-openings 10, 20 and the plurality of second-openings 40, 50, 60 by means of welding, interference fit or any combination thereof.
In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures 3-5, the plurality of the second-openings 40, 50, 60 includes three second-openings 40, 50, 60 provided on at least one of the cross members 110, 120, and each of the three second-openings 40, 50, 60 is secured with the plurality of sleeves 42, 52, 62.
In an embodiment, the first-mounting means 14, 24 and the second-mounting means 44, 54, 64 are configured to be fastened within the plurality of sleeves 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62 by screwing, welding, interference fit or any combination thereof.
In an embodiment as shown in figure 3, the pair of first-openings 10, 20 and the plurality of second-openings 40, 50, 60 are configured to selectively form a three-point mounting configuration and a four-point mounting configuration for securing the electric drivetrain 200 in an operative configuration of the sub-frame assembly 1000.
In an embodiment, the first-mounting means 14, 24 is secured to the pair of first-openings 10, 20 of the pair of longitudinal members 130, 140, and the second-mounting means 44, 54, 64 is secured to one of the plurality of second-openings 40, 50, 60 of the cross members 110 to define the three-point mounting configuration, as shown in figure 3. This facilitates supporting one kind/type of vehicle having three support locations. The axis of the pair of first openings 10, 20 lies parallel to either of the axes of the cross-members 110, 120. The axis of the plurality of second openings 40, 50, 60 lies parallel to either of the axes of the longitudinal members 130, 140.
In an embodiment as shown in figure 4, the first-mounting means 14, 24 is secured to the pair of first-openings 10, 20 of the pair of longitudinal members 130, 140, and the second-mounting means 44, 64 is secured to the plurality of second-openings 40, 60 of the cross member 110 to define the four-point mounting configuration, as shown in figure 4. This facilitates supporting another kind/type of vehicle having four support locations.
In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of second openings 40, 50, 60 is located at a predetermined distance with respect to the edge of the longitudinal members 130, 140. The plurality of second openings 40, 50, 60 have a predetermined interspacing thereinbetween.
In an embodiment, the sub-frame assembly 1000 is configured to support the electric motor drive 200 having producing power in the range between 50-80 KWh.
In an embodiment, the second-mounting means 44, 54, 64 includes a bracket 70 having a first end 72 configured to be connected to one of the plurality of sleeves 12, 22, 42, 52, 62, and a second end 74 configured to connected to the electric drivetrain 200.
In an embodiment, the sub-frame assembly 1000 is a rear sub-frame assembly 1000 of an electric vehicle.
The sub-frame assembly 1000 facilitates mounting electric drivetrains having distinct configurations. More particularly, electric drivetrains with three-point mounting configuration as well as four-point mounting configuration. The sub-frame assembly 1000 of the present disclosure can be used in two different electric vehicles having different set of specifications as discussed below.
In one embodiment, the application is an electric vehicle having multi-link rear suspension having 5-seater seating capacity and gross vehicle weight in the range of around 2400 kg and electric drivetrain having power in the range of 50 - 60 kWh with 3-point motor mounting arrangement.
In another embodiment, the application is an electric vehicle having multi-link semi-active suspension having 7-seater seating capacity and gross vehicle weight in the range of around 3000 kg and electric drivetrain having power in the range of 70 - 80 kWh with 4-point motor mounting arrangement.
This imparts interchangeability of construction to the sub-frame assembly 1000. Thus, the need to use separate sub-frame assemblies for different vehicles is eliminated. Moreover, the construction of the sub-frame assembly 1000 offers increased structural strength which is suitable for supporting low power electric drivetrain as well as high power electric drivetrain, as discussed above.
Both the vehicles in the above discussed embodiments have distinct ground clearance values. Thus, the position of the sub-frame assembly 1000 with respect to the vehicle differs between the two embodiments as discussed above. Despite the different requirements of vehicles, this present disclosure sub-frame assembly 1000 fulfils the functional requirement of both these vehicles, especially with two different electric motor mounting arrangements.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a sub-frame assembly for mounting an electric drivetrain that:
• can be used for supporting different types of vehicles;
• offers support to vehicle having increased number of support locations;
• eliminates need for separate sub-frame assemblies;
• can accommodate electric drivetrains with increased power;
• is inexpensive to manufacture as sheet metal/stamped/press-worked child parts are employed instead of costly aluminum casting;
• reduces the required inventory as a common sub-frame assembly is used for distinct vehicles;
• offers relative ease of packaging of complicated 5-link suspension and 3-point mounting configuration as well as 4-point mounting configuration; and
• reduces requirement of packaging space and one that avoids interference of parts during vehicle motion.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element or group of elements.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, apparatus, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A sub-frame assembly (1000) for mounting an electric drivetrain (200), said sub-frame assembly (1000) configured to be secured on a chassis of a vehicle and further configured to facilitate the mounting of the electric drivetrain (200), said sub-frame assembly (1000) defined by a cage configuration having a pair of longitudinal members (130, 140) and a pair of cross members (110, 120), said sub-frame assembly (1000) comprising:
• a pair of first-openings (10, 20) configured on each of the longitudinal members (130, 140);
• a plurality of second-openings (40, 50, 60) configured on at least one of the cross members (110, 120);
• a plurality of sleeves (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62) configured to be received within each of said pair of first-openings (10, 20) and said plurality of second-openings (40, 50, 60) respectively;
• a first-mounting means (14, 24) configured to be secured within each of said plurality of sleeves (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62) provided within said pair of first-openings (10, 20), and further configured to mount either operative side portions of the electric drivetrain (200) thereon; and
• a second-mounting means (44, 54, 64) configured to be secured within each of said plurality of sleeves (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62) provided within said plurality of second-openings (40, 50, 60), and further configured to mount an operative front-rear portion of the electric drivetrain (200) thereon,
wherein said pair of first-openings (10, 20) and said plurality of second-openings (40, 50, 60) are configured to secure the electric drivetrain (200) in an operative configuration.
2. The sub-frame assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of sleeves (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62) are mounted within each of said pair of first-openings (10, 20) and said plurality of second-openings (40, 50, 60) by means of welding, interference fit or any combination thereof.
3. The sub-frame assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said plurality of second-openings (40, 50, 60) includes three second-openings (40, 50, 60) provided on at least one of the cross members (110, 120), each of said second-openings (40, 50, 60) secured with said plurality of sleeves (42, 52, 62).
4. The sub-frame assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first-mounting means (14, 24), said second-mounting means (44, 54, 64) are configured to be fastened within said plurality of sleeves (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62) by screwing, welding, interference fit or any combination thereof.
5. The sub-frame assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of first-openings (10, 20) and said plurality of second-openings (40, 50, 60) are configured to selectively form a three-point mounting configuration and a four-point mounting configuration for securing the electric drivetrain (200) in an operative configuration.
6. The sub-frame assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first-mounting means (14, 24) is secured to said pair of first-openings (10, 20) of the pair of longitudinal members (130, 140), and said second-mounting means (44, 54, 64) is secured to one of said plurality of second-openings (40, 50, 60) of the pair of cross members (110) to define said three-point mounting configuration.
7. The sub-frame assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first-mounting means (14, 24) is secured to said pair of first-openings (10, 20) of the pair of longitudinal members (130, 140), and said second-mounting means (44, 64) is secured to the pair of said plurality of second-openings (40, 60) of the cross member (110) to define said four-point mounting configuration.
8. The sub-frame assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein axis of said pair of first openings (10, 20) lies parallel to either of the axes of the cross-members (110, 120).
9. The sub-frame assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of second openings (40, 50, 60) is located at a predetermined distance with respect to the edge of the longitudinal members (130, 140).
10. The sub-frame assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of second openings (40, 50, 60) have a predetermined interspacing therein between.
11. The sub-frame assembly (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sub-frame assembly (1000) is configured to support the electric motor drive (200) having producing power in the range between 50-80 KWh.

Dated this 13th day of February, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
OF R.K.DEWAN & CO.
AUTHORIZED AGENT OF APPLICANT
TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI