Description:ORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)
A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR A CHARGING UNIT AND A VEHICLE THEREOF
APPLICANT: TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
2
A MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR A CHARGING UNIT AND A VEHICLE THEREOF
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a vehicle, and more particularly, relates to a mounting assembly for a charging unit of vehicle having one or more batteries.
BACKGROUND 5
[0002] Conventionally, vehicles with internal combustion engine needs fuel and fuel tank assembly to operate. With growing technology in automobiles, electric vehicles are coming into market. The electric vehicles work on the principle of charging of the one or more batteries placed in these electric vehicles. Thus, the one or more batteries need to have a charging unit mounted 10 at a location which can be easily accessible.
[0003] In existing electric vehicles, the charging unit is located below the driver’s seat which poses a disadvantage of having an increased wire length from the charging unit to the one or more batteries. The increased wire length causes higher potential voltage drop across the length of the wire and 15 additionally causes issues pertaining to entangling of wires which also results in wear and tear of the wires and impacting the charging and performance of the vehicle in long run. Effective wire routing is a critical aspect of any vehicle’s electrical system, and three wheeled type vehicles are no exception. The successful functioning of electrical components relies on the reliable 20 transmission of electrical signals. Therefore, manufacturers of automobiles must ensure that the wiring harness is well-organized, securely fastened, and protected from external elements and potential hazards.
[0004] In some of the existing vehicles, charging unit is open to atmosphere and results in entry of external elements such as dust, dirt, mud etc which also 25 deteriorate the charging performance. The entry of water, mud, dirt, and dust can lead to reducing the efficiency of the charging unit which further deteriorate the life of the vehicle as well which adds to frequent servicing and increased
3
maintenance requirements. Exposed charging units which are visible from external environment pose a threat to the rider and users as entry of water to exposed charging units can also lead to electric shock and in severe cases can cause accidents and injuries along with heavy casualties as well. Also, charging unit without door having a lockable feature give a perception that the charging
5 unit is weak, and no protection has been provided to such naked charging units. [0005] Additionally, in existing vehicles, charging unit is placed near the wheels close to ground which poses a disadvantage of more dirt splash in the charging unit which may result in damaging the charging unit.
[0006] In conventional vehicles, the charging unit is typically located in the 10 front part of the vehicle's hood. This placement has the drawback of exposing it to dirt and dust while the vehicle is in motion, making it more susceptible to damage in case of accidents.
[0007] Another problem with the existing locations of charging unit is the electric vehicles need to be design in a separate assembly line and due to 15 intricate positioning and operations of the charging unit, the entire frame structure and chassis needs to be redesigned for electric vehicles. Thus, no modularity can be imagined with respect to IC engine vehicles.
[0008] Thus, mounting assembly for charging unit with a door having lockable feature is required to charge the one or more batteries and to prevent 20 the entry of water, mud, dirt, and dust is desired. It is also desired to have a charging unit which looks strong and aesthetically appealing. Thus, a charging unit which can overcome above mentioned disadvantages is desired and required.
SUMMARY 25
[0009] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. 30
4
[00010]
According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure provides a mounting assembly for a charging unit of a vehicle. The mounting assembly comprises at least one mounting bracket, one or more charger mounting brackets, and a female charging plug. The at least one mounting bracket being connected to a mounting frame of the vehicle. The one or more 5 charger mounting brackets being connected to the at least one mounting bracket. The female charging plug being located between the one or more charger mounting brackets. Herein, the charging unit being located in left side of the vehicle and the left side being seen from the driver’s perspective.
[00011] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure 10 provides a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a first portion, a second portion, one or more batteries and a mounting assembly for a charging unit. The second portion being adjacent to the first portion. The one or more batteries being located in the second portion. Herein, the mounting assembly being provided on a left outer panel in a left side of the second portion, below a soft top, and 15 above a left rear wheel, wherein the left side being seen from the driver’s perspective.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
20
[00012] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.
[00013] The detailed description is described with reference to the 25 accompanying figures, which is related to a movable load-carrying device which can be a multi wheeled vehicle being one embodiment of the present subject matter. However, the present subject matter is not limited to the depicted embodiment(s). In the figures, the same or similar numbers are used throughout to reference features and components. 30
5
[00014] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00015] Fig. 2 illustrates a close view of the second portion of the vehicle showing a charging unit with a closed door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. 5
[00016] Fig. 3 illustrates a close view of the second portion of the vehicle showing a charging unit with open door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00017] Fig. 4a illustrates a front perspective view of the charging unit of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. 10
[00018] Fig. 4b illustrates a rear perspective view of mounting bracket for the charging unit of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00019] Fig. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the charging unit of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. 15
[00020] Fig. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the charging unit of the vehicle illustrating one or more charger mounting brackets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00021] Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded view of mounting assembly for the charging unit of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present 20 subject matter.
[00022] Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the one or more charger mounting brackets, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
25
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00023] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect 30 to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems
6
may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. 5 [00024] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “preferred embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular 10 feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00025] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in 15 many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00026] The present subject matter is further described with reference to 20 accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as 25 specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00027] Various features and embodiments of the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. It is contemplated that the concepts of the present subject matter may be applied to any kind of vehicle within the spirit and scope of this subject 30 matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the
7
present subject matter which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places. [00028] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting assembly for a charging unit to charge one or more batteries for a vehicle at a location which is easily accessible. It is also an object of the present invention 5 to have the mounting of the charging unit at a location which provides a reduced
wire length from the charging unit to the one or more batteries. The reduced wire length prevents potential voltage drop across the length of the wire and additionally prevents issues pertaining to entangling of wires which also results in wear and tear of the wires and impacting the charging and performance of 10 the vehicle in long run. It is also an object of the present invention to have the charging unit with a door having a lockable feature to prevent entry of external elements such as dust, dirt, mud etc to prevent deterioration of the charging performance. It is also an object of the present invention to prevent the entry of water, mud, dirt, and dust in order to prevent frequent servicing maintenance 15 requirements. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a more robust mounting for charging unit having a door with lockable feature to give it a more aesthetic look. Another object of the present application is to have a charging unit which will restrict the direct visibility of female charging plug of the vehicle. Further, the same will also look strong and aesthetically appealing. 20
[00029] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00030] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely 25 illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. 30
8
[00031] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. More specifically, Fig. 1 illustrates a charging unit (114) to charge one or more batteries of the vehicle (100). Fig. 1 also illustrates a first portion (110) and a second portion (112) of the vehicle (100). The first portion (110) is located in front side of the vehicle (100). The 5 second portion (112) is located at a rear side of the vehicle (100). Fig. 1 also illustrates a F-R axis showing front rear direction of the vehicle. The first portion (110) and the second portion (112) are separated by a partition wall (150). The first portion (110) is to accommodate a driver of the vehicle (100) and the second portion (112) is to accommodate passenger of the vehicle (100). 10 The second portion (112) also accommodates one or more batteries (not shown) of the vehicle (100). The charging unit (114) is located on a left outer panel (172) in a left side of the second portion (112), below a soft top (170), and above a left rear wheel (140), herein the left side is seen from the driver’s perspective.
[00032] Fig. 2 illustrates a close view of the second portion of the vehicle 15 (100) showing a charging unit (114) with a closed door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The charging unit (114) is located on left side of the second portion (112) of the vehicle (100) herein, the left side is seen from driver’s perspective. In one of the embodiments of the present application, the charging unit (114) is provided with a door (120) having a lock 20 (202).
[00033] Fig. 3 illustrates a close view of the second portion of the vehicle (100) showing a charging unit (114) with open door, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Further, Fig. 3 illustrates a female charging plug (415) in the charging unit (114). The female charging plug (415) 25 is the part of the plug that has slots or openings to receive the prongs or pins of a male charging plug. Further, the male charging plug is the part of the plug that has prongs or pins that are designed to be inserted into a corresponding receptacle such as female charging plug (415).
[00034] Fig. 4a illustrates a front perspective view of the charging unit (114) 30 of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject
9
matter. The charging unit (114) comprises at least one mounting bracket (410) which is connected to a mounting frame (420) of the vehicle (100). Further, the charging unit (114) comprises one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) which are connected to the at least one mounting bracket (410). Female charging plug (415) has also been illustrated between the one or more charger 5 mounting brackets (412a, 412b). Fig. 4a also illustrates a charging cable (450) connecting the charging unit (114), more specifically, female charging plug (415) of the charging unit (114) to the one or more batteries of the vehicle (100). [00035] Fig. 4b illustrates a rear perspective view of mounting bracket (410) for the charging unit (114) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an 10 embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 4b further illustrates parts of the at least one mounting bracket (410). The at least one mounting bracket (410) comprising a base portion (410b). The base portion (410b) has a first end (410bf), a second end (410bs), and a central opening (410o). The second end (410bs) is placed diagonally opposite to the first end (410bf). The central 15 opening (410o) is placed between the first end (410bf) and the second end (410bs) of the base portion (410b). The at least one mounting bracket (410) also at least one protruding arm (410a). The at least one protruding arm (410a) is extending from the at least one end (410bf, 410bs) of the base portion (410b). Herein, the at least one protruding arm (410a) is connected to the mounting 20 frame (420).
[00036] Fig. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the charging unit (114) placed inside the second portion (112) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 5 further illustrates the charging cable (450) connected to the charging unit (114) at one end and to the 25 one or more batteries (not shown) to other end. Further, the mounting frame (420) is connected to the second portion (112) of the vehicle (100) in such a way that the same is not visible from the outside of the vehicle (100).
[00037] Fig. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the charging unit (114) of the vehicle (100) illustrating one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 30 412b), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 6
10
further illustrates the at least one mounting bracket (410) which is connected to the mounting frame (420) of the vehicle (100) and the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) which are connected to the at least one mounting bracket (410). In one of the embodiments of the present application, the mounting frame (420) has been illustrated to have a L shape structure. The 5 L shape structure comprises an upper vertical end and a lower horizontal end. As illustrated, the at least one protruding arm (410a) is connected to one of the upper vertical end of the L shape mounting frame (420) and one of lower horizontal end of the L shape mounting frame (420). Further, Fig. 6 illustrates the charging cable (450) connected to the charging unit (114) at one end and to 10 the one or more batteries (not shown) to other end. [00038] Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded view of mounting assembly for the charging unit (114) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 7 further illustrates the at least one mounting bracket (410) which is connected to the mounting frame (420) of the vehicle 15 (100) and the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) which are connected to the at least one mounting bracket (410). Fig. 7 also illustrates the charging cable (450) connecting the charging unit (114), more specifically, female charging plug (415) of the charging unit (114) to the one or more batteries of the vehicle (100). It also illustrates the female charging plug (415) 20 located between the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b). The female charging plug (415) is provided with a front end and a rear end herein the front end is connected with male charging plug and the rear end is connected with a charging cable (450). The charging cable (450) is able to connect the rear end of the female charging plug (450) to the one or more batteries of the vehicle 25 (100).
[00039] Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 8 further illustrates charger mounting bracket (412a) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b). The charger 30 mounting bracket (412a) comprising a first portion (412af), a second portion
11
(412as), a third portion (412at), a fourth portion (412au) and a first protruding extension (805a). The first portion (412af) is configured to have one or more openings (802a). The second portion (412as) is extending vertically upward from the first portion (412af). The third portion (412at) is extending away in a different plane from the second portion (412as). The fourth portion (412au) is 5 configured to have a first opening (801a). The first opening (801a) is configured to connect the charger mounting bracket (412a) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) with the at least one mounting bracket (410). Herein, the first portion (412af), the second portion (412as), the third portion (412at), the fourth portion (412au) and the first protruding extension (805a) 10 being integrally attached to each other. [00040] Fig. 8 further illustrates charger mounting bracket (412b) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b). The charger mounting bracket (412b) comprising a primary portion (412bp), a secondary portion (412bs), a tertiary portion (412bt), a quaternary portion (412bq) and a second protruding 15 extension (805b). The primary portion (412bp) is configured to have plurality of openings (802b). The secondary portion (412bs) is extending vertically downward from the primary portion (412bp). The tertiary portion (412bt) is extending away in a different plane from the secondary portion (412bs). The quaternary portion (412bq) is configured to have a second opening (801b). The 20 second opening (801b) is configured to connect the charger mounting bracket (412b) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) with the at least one mounting bracket (410). Herein, the primary portion (412bp), the secondary portion (412b), the tertiary portion (412bt), the quaternary portion (412bq) and the second protruding extension (805b) being integrally attached 25 to each other. Fig. 8 also illustrates that the first protruding extension (805a) faces away from the at least one mounting bracket (410) and the second protruding extension (805b) faces towards the at least one mounting bracket (410).
[00041] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 in combination illustrates the one or more openings 30 (802a) and the plurality of openings (802b) which are configured to
12
accommodate the female charging plug (415). Herein the female charging plug (415) comprising one or more openings which are coaxial with the one or more openings (802a) of the charger mounting bracket (412a) and the plurality of openings (802b) of the charger mounting bracket (412b) and all openings are connected using one or more fastening units (702a). 5 [00042] In an embodiment, the at least one mounting bracket (410) comprising a base portion (410b) and at least one protruding arm (410a). The base portion (410b) comprising a first end (410bf), a second end (410bs), and a central opening (410o). The second end (410bs) is placed diagonally opposite to the first end (410bf). The central opening (410o) is placed between the first 10 end (410bf) and the second end (410bs) of the base portion (410b). The at least one protruding arm (410a) is extending from the at least one end (410bf, 410bs) of the base portion (410b). Herein, the at least one protruding arm (410a) is connected to the mounting frame (420). In a preferred embodiment, the first end (410bf) is placed in upper edge at extreme left corner at rear side of the at least 15 one mounting bracket (410) whereas the second end (410bs) is located in lower edge at extreme right corner at rear side of the at least one mounting bracket (410). The first end (410bf) and the second end (410bs) is provided with an opening which is coaxial with opening of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b). The at least one mounting bracket (410) and the one or 20 more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) are connected together by fastening means (701a, 701b).
[00043] In an embodiment, the mounting frame (420) is configured to have a L shape structure. The L shape structure comprises an upper vertical end and a lower horizontal end. Herein, the at least one protruding arm (410a) is 25 connected to one of the upper vertical end of the L shape mounting frame (420) and one of lower horizontal end of the L shape mounting frame (420). The mounting frame (420) provides structural support for mounting of the charging unit (114).
[00044] In an embodiment, the central opening (410o) is configured to 30 accommodate the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b). The
13
central opening (410o) is present in centre of the at least one mounting bracket (410). The central opening (410o) provides sufficient space to accommodate the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b). The central opening (410o) also serves as a window to access the female charging plug (415) and charging cable (450) in case of minor servicing issues. 5 [00045] In an embodiment, charger mounting bracket (412a) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) comprising a first portion (412af), a second portion (412as), a third portion (412at), a fourth portion (412au) and a first protruding extension (805a). The first portion (412af) is configured to have one or more openings (802a). The second portion (412as) is 10 extending vertically upward from the first portion (412af). The third portion (412at) is extending away in a different plane from the second portion (412as). The fourth portion (412au) is configured to have a first opening (801a). The first opening (801a) is configured to connect the charger mounting bracket (412a) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) with the at least one 15 mounting bracket (410). Herein, the first portion (412af), the second portion (412as), the third portion (412at), the fourth portion (412au) and the first protruding extension (805a) being integrally attached to each other. The first protruding extension (805a) provides structural integrity to the charger mounting bracket (412a). 20
[00046] In an embodiment, charger mounting bracket (412b) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) comprising a primary portion (412bp), a secondary portion (412bs), a tertiary portion (412bt), a quaternary portion (412bq) and a second protruding extension (805b). The primary portion (412bp) is configured to have plurality of openings (802b). The secondary 25 portion (412bs) is extending vertically downward from the primary portion (412bp). The tertiary portion (412bt) is extending away in a different plane from the secondary portion (412bs). The quaternary portion (412bq) being configured to have a second opening (801b). The second opening (801b) is configured to connect the charger mounting bracket (412b) of the one or more 30 charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) with the at least one mounting bracket
14
(410). Herein, the primary portion (412bp), the secondary portion (412b), the tertiary portion (412bt), the quaternary portion (412bq) and the second protruding extension (805b) being integrally attached to each other. The second protruding extension (805b) provides structural integrity to the charger mounting bracket (412b). 5 [00047] In an embodiment, the one or more openings (802a) and the plurality of openings (802b) are configured to accommodate the female charging plug (415), herein the female charging plug (415) comprising one or more openings which are coaxial with the one or more openings (802a) of the charger mounting bracket (412a) and the plurality of openings (802b) of the charger mounting 10 bracket (412b) and all openings are connected using one or more fastening units (702a).
[00048] In an embodiment, the female charging plug (415) is provided with a front end and a rear end. The front end is connected with male charging plug and the rear end is connected with a charging cable (450). The charging cable 15 (450) is able to connect the rear end of the female charging plug (450) to the one or more batteries of the vehicle (100).
[00049] In an embodiment, the female charging plug (415) is configured to have a cap. This cap is designed to shield the female charging plug (415) when the vehicle (100) is not actively in a charging mode, i.e., when the male charging 20 plug is not connected to the vehicle (100). Furthermore, one end of the cap is equipped with a string or thread, allowing it to be securely attached to one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) using a cap connector. This ensures that the cap remains in place and doesn't get misplaced. The cap provides an additional protection to the female charging plug (415). Thus, the 25 cap as an additional protection increases the life and durability of the charging unit by preventing entry of external elements like dust, dirt, water etc. in case the cover door (120) remains open or broken.
[00050] In an embodiment, the mounting assembly for the charging unit is located immediately below a junction formed between the soft top (170) and 30 the left outer panel (172). This location is advantageous to the user as it provides
15
ease of accessibility to the user. For example, if the charging unit is located near rear wheels close to ground, the charging unit becomes prone to damage by entry of dirt splash or by hitting of stones which further deteriorate the life of the charging unit. Therefore, the location claimed in present subject matter advantageously provides better durability of the charging unit. In an 5 embodiment, the mounting assembly is provided with a cover door (120) having a lock (202) to cover the mounting assembly after charging is completed. The cover door (120) covers the charging unit (114) when not in use. The cover door (120) with the lock (202) provides a more secure feel to the user. [00051] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is a 3 wheeled passenger 10 vehicle. In an embodiment, the position of the charging unit (114) in the 3 wheeled passenger vehicle is kept same as of location of fuel injection port in IC engine 3 wheeled passenger vehicle which provides advantage of modularity. Thus, both IC 3 wheeled passenger vehicle and electric vehicle can be manufactured in same assembly line as there is no major change in layout of 15 vehicle such as chassis or frame structure which further saves time and cost of the vehicle.
[00052] In an embodiment, the position of the charging unit (114) inside the second portion (112) is not visible to the passenger sitting inside the vehicle (100). Thus, the passenger can use luggage compartment without disturbing the 20 mounting assembly for the charging unit (114).
[00053] In an embodiment, the mounting assembly for the charging unit (114) being provided on a right outer panel (172) in a right side of the second portion (112), herein the right side being seen from the driver’s perspective.
[00054] The present subject matter may be implemented in any multi 25 wheeled vehicle. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the present invention, and corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments depicting a multi wheeled vehicle. The one or more batteries provides power supply to various electrical components, such as the head light, tail light, and the like of the vehicle. 30
16
[00055]
Thus, the present subject matter offers an advantage of providing a mounting assembly for a charging unit of a vehicle which can charge the one or more batteries of the vehicle at a location which is easily accessible. Another advantage of the present subject matter is to have the mounting of the charging unit at a location which provides a reduced wire length from the charging unit 5 to the one or more batteries. The reduced wire length prevents potential voltage drop across the length of the wire and additionally prevents issues pertaining to entangling of wires which also results in wear and tear of the wires and impacting the charging and performance of the vehicle in long run. Another advantage of the present subject matter is prevention of deterioration of the 10 charging performance by providing a charging unit with a door having a lockable feature to prevent entry of external elements such as dust, dirt, mud etc. Another advantage of the present subject matter is prevention of frequent servicing maintenance requirements by preventing the entry of water, mud, dirt, and dust by having a door with lockable feature and a cap for additional 15 protection for cases where door remains open. Another advantage of the present subject matter is providing a more robust mounting assembly for charging unit having a door with lockable feature to give it a more aesthetic look. Another advantage of the present application is having a charging unit which will restrict the direct visibility of female charging plug of the vehicle. Further, the same 20 will also look strong and aesthetically appealing. Additionally, the present location of the charging unit provides an advantage of modularity which saves time and cost of vehicle manufacturing and assembly. Another advantage of the present subject matter is the specific location of the charging unit which is not in front direction of the vehicle thus prevents the entry of water, mud, dirt, stone 25 hitting and dust during vehicle running condition.
[00056] While certain features of the claimed subject matter have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such 30
17
modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the claimed subject matter. , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A mounting assembly for a charging unit (114) of a vehicle (100), the mounting assembly comprising: 5
at least one mounting bracket (410), the at least one mounting bracket (410) being connected to a mounting frame (420) of the vehicle (100);
one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b), the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) being connected to 10 the at least one mounting bracket (410); and
a female charging plug (415), the female charging plug (415) being located between the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b);
wherein, the charging unit (114) being located in left side of 15 the vehicle (100), wherein the left side being seen from the driver’s perspective.
2. The mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the at least one mounting bracket (410) comprising: 20
a base portion (410b), the base portion (410b) comprising:
a first end (410bf);
a second end (410bs), the second end (410bs) being placed diagonally opposite to the first end (410bf); and
a central opening (410o), the central opening (410o) being 25 placed between the first end (410bf) and the second end (410bs) of the base portion (410b);
at least one protruding arm (410a), the at least one protruding arm (410a) being extending from the at least one end (410bf, 410bs) of the base portion (410b); 30
19
wherein, the at least one protruding arm (410a) being connected to the mounting frame (420).
3. The mounting assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the mounting frame (420) being configured to have a L shape structure, the L shape structure 5 comprising an upper vertical end and a lower horizontal end wherein, the at least one protruding arm (410a) being connected to one of the upper vertical end of the L shape mounting frame (420) and one of lower horizontal end of the L shape mounting frame (420).
10
4. The mounting assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the central opening (410o) being configured to accommodate the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b).
5. The mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, charger mounting 15 bracket (412a) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) comprising:
a first portion (412af), the first portion (412af) being configured to have one or more openings (802a);
a second portion (412as), the second portion (412as) being 20 extending vertically upward from the first portion (412af);
a third portion (412at), the third portion (412at) being extending away in a different plane from the second portion (412as);
a fourth portion (412au), the fourth portion (412au) being configured to have a first opening (801a), the first opening (801a) being 25 configured to connect the charger mounting bracket (412a) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) with the at least one mounting bracket (410); and
a first protruding extension (805a);
20
wherein, the first portion (412af), the second portion (412as), the third portion (412at), the fourth portion (412au) and the first protruding extension (805a) being integrally attached to each other.
6. The mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, charger mounting 5 bracket (412b) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) comprising:
a primary portion (412bp), the primary portion (412bp) being configured to have plurality of openings (802b);
a secondary portion (412bs), the secondary portion (412bs) being 10 extending vertically downward from the primary portion (412bp);
a tertiary portion (412bt), the tertiary portion (412bt) being extending away in a different plane from the secondary portion (412bs);
a quaternary portion (412bq), the quaternary portion (412bq) being 15 configured to have a second opening (801b), the second opening (801b) being configured to connect the charger mounting bracket (412b) of the one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) with the at least one mounting bracket (410); and
a second protruding extension (805b); 20
wherein, the primary portion (412bp), the secondary portion (412b), the tertiary portion (412bt), the quaternary portion (412bq) and the second protruding extension (805b) being integrally attached to each other.
25
7. The mounting assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more openings (802a) and the plurality of openings (802b) being configured to accommodate the female charging plug (415), wherein the female charging plug (415) comprising one or more openings which are coaxial with the one or more openings (802a) of the charger mounting bracket (412a) and the 30
21
plurality of openings (802b) of the charger mounting bracket (412b) and all openings are connected using one or more fastening units (702a).
8. The mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the female charging plug (415) being provided with a front end and a rear end wherein the front 5 end being connected with male charging plug and the rear end being connected with a charging cable (450) wherein, the charging cable (450) being able to connect the rear end of the female charging plug (450) to the one or more batteries of the vehicle (100).
10
9. The mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the female charging plug (415) being configured to have a cap, the cap being configured to shield the female charging plug (415), the cap being equipped with a string or thread, allowing it to be securely attached to one or more charger mounting brackets (412a, 412b) using a cap connector. 15
10. A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a first portion (110);
a second portion (112), the second portion (112) being adjacent to the first portion; 20
one or more batteries, wherein the one or more batteries being located in the second portion (112); and
a mounting assembly for a charging unit (114);
wherein, the mounting assembly for the charging unit (114) being provided on a left outer panel (172) in a left side of the second 25 portion (112), below a soft top (170), and above a left rear wheel (140), wherein the left side being seen from the driver’s perspective.
11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the mounting assembly being located immediately below a junction formed between the soft top 30 (170) and the left outer panel (172).
22
12.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein, the mounting assemblybeing provided with a cover door (120) having a lock (202) to cover themounting assembly after charging is completed.
5
Dated October 25, 2023