Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to mounting arrangements used in a vehicle.
More specifically, it pertains to a mounting assembly for mounting electric and/or
electronic devices on the vehicle.
5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Over the past few years, the public transport means and/or cargo transport
means have become predominant means which include light commercial multi
wheeled multi-track vehicles. For public transport and/or cargo transport, such
10 vehicles operate day and night on roads and number of the vehicles are increasing
on road with time especially in developing countries as such vehicles are one of the
economical modes of transport. Generally, such a vehicle includes a body mounted
onto a chassis structure, which is compartmentalized into a driver compartment
and/or a passenger compartment for accommodating passengers, for example a
15 three-wheeler passenger vehicle. Such a vehicle can include a driver compartment
mounted on the chassis structure and a loading compartment for transporting
load/cargo, for example a three-wheeler passenger cargo vehicle. The vehicle can
also include a rear bumper for withstanding impact forces during a vehicle collision.
[0003] In the vehicle, several electrical and/or electronics devices such as an
20 electric fuse, a DC-DC convertor, control unit etc., and other components such as
batteries are mounted on the chassis. To mount these devices and/or components,
the chassis is provided with mounting arrangements, such as mounting brackets,
frame structures and the like, which accommodates and secure the devices on the
vehicles. Typically, in the existing r vehicle, for mounting the electric fuse and the
25 DC-DC convertor, two separate mounting bridge members and mounting brackets
are used. The mounting bridge members are joined between a floor of the chassis
and a cross member configured adjacent to the floor, and the mounting brackets are
joined to the mounting bridge members. These mounting bridge members and the
mounting brackets are then used to accommodate and hold the electric fuse and the
30 DC-DC convertor. Joining of the mounting bridge members to the floor of the
chassis and the cross member is done through a welding process using a welding
3
torch. However, due to the space constrains and/or packaging constrains, use of the
welding torch for welding of the mounting bridge members between the floor of the
chassis and the cross member is very difficult, i.e., due to inaccessibility of the
welding torch to reach the specific welding points, welding of the mounting bridge
members on the chassis is cumbersome 5 and time consuming. Furthermore, welding
of the mounting brackets on the mounting bridge members is also difficult and
complex process. This eventually takes much more manufacturing time and
manufacturing resources which result in increased delay in the vehicle
manufacturing and manufacturing cost. Further, accessibility issues arises when the
10 servicing is required to the electrical components, like the DC-DC converter and
the electric fuse, which are mounted onto the vehicle chassis due to the space
constraints in the proximity of the existing mounting brackets which are mounted
between the chassis floor and the cross member.
[0004] In addition, the assembly of the electric fuse and the DC-DC convertor into
15 different places using different brackets also leads to delay in the communication
between the different circuit components of the vehicle electric system which then
leads to delay in the signal processing. Also, due to the space constrains, there is
difficulty in routing the wiring harnesses and requires sharp bending of the harness
which is very difficult. In addition, the bending radius and length of the wiring
20 harness used to connect the different electric components of the vehicle electric
circuit system also gets increased due to mounting places of the DC-DC convertor
and the electric fuse at different places.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need of a simple and cost-effective solution which can
obviates the above-mentioned problems.
25
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present disclosure discloses a simple and cost-effective mounting
assembly, for mounting electric and/or electronic devices on the vehicle, which can
obviate the above-mentioned problems and other problems in known arts. The
30 proposed mounting assembly can mount multiple devices on one mousing bracket
4
and allow effective routing of wiring harnesses in the vehicle while reducing the
wiring harness length with required/optimized bending radius.
[0007] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the proposed
mounting assembly for mounting the one or more devices on the vehicle, includes
one or more mounting columns coupled 5 to a chassis of the vehicle and a mounting
bracket configured to accommodate and hold the one or more devices. Each of the
mounting columns includes one or more mounting points. The mounting bracket
includes a plurality of bracket members, including one or more first bracket
members and at least one second bracket member, coupled to each other. The
10 second bracket member is project towards a rear end of the vehicle. At least one of
the first bracket members and the second bracket member is coupled to the
mounting points of at least one of the mounting columns.
[0008] Each of the one or more first bracket members includes a plate portion, a
first flange protruded from a first end of the plate portion in a first direction, a
15 second flange protruded from a second end of the plate portion in a second direction
that is opposite to the first direction, and a third flange protruded from a third end
of the plate portion. The second end is opposite to the first end. The third end is
adjacent to the first end and the second end of the plate portion.
[0009] The first flange of each of the first bracket members includes one or more
20 first mounting holes. In addition, the first flange of each of the first bracket members
is provided with one or more first connecting members configured with the one or
more first mounting holes. Besides, the second flange of each of the first bracket
members comprises one or more second mounting holes.
[0010] In an embodiment, one of the one or more devices is secured to the first
25 flange of at least one of the first bracket members through first connecting units.
[0011] In an embodiment, the second flanges of the first bracket members are
coupled to the corresponding mounting columns through second connecting units.
[0012] In an embodiment, the first bracket members are arranged to define a gap
therebetween and the first flanges of the first bracket members face each other.
30 [0013] Further, the second bracket member includes a body portion, two opposite
wall portions protruded from opposite sides ends of the body portion, a fourth flange
5
and a fifth flange. The fourth flange and the fifth flange are protruded from the two
opposite wall portions in opposite directions. In addition, the fourth flange and the
fifth flange of the second bracket member are coupled to the third flanges of the
first bracket members.
[0014] The body portion of 5 the second bracket member includes one or more third
mounting holes. In addition, the body portion is provided with one or more second
connecting members configured with the third mounting holes. Besides, the body
portion of the second bracket member includes an aperture.
[0015] In another embodiment, another device of the one or more devices is
10 coupled to the body portion of the second bracket member through third connecting
units.
[0016] Furthermore, the mounting columns includes a pair of spaced mounting
columns. The mounting columns are extended along a front-rear direction of the
vehicle. The mounting points includes one or more fourth mounting holes provided
15 on a rear portion, projected towards the ear end of the vehicle, of each of the
mounting columns.
[0017] In an embodiment, each of the mounting columns is provided with third
connecting members configured with the corresponding mounting points.
[0018] In an embodiment, the one or more devices can include at least one of an
20 electric fuse, a DC to DC converter, and a control unit of the vehicle.
[0019] In an embodiment, the mounting columns can be located proximal to one of
longitudinal side ends of the chassis.
[0020] 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
25 described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent
by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0021] Further, it is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are
not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
30
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
6
[0022] The proposed invention is described with reference to an exemplary
embodiment of a mounting assembly for mounting one or more devices on a vehicle
with the accompanying figures. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of
the present embodiments are described with reference to the following figures,
wherein like reference numerals 5 refer to like parts throughout the various views
unless otherwise specified.
[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a vehicle, in accordance with
one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0024] Fig. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a mounting assembly for the
10 vehicle, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] Fig. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of mounting columns of the
proposed mounting assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention.
[0026] Fig. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a mounting bracket of the
15 proposed mounting assembly, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention.
[0027] Fig. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the mounting assembly with an
electric fuse and a DC-DC converter secured on a chassis of the vehicle, in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.
20 [0028] Fig. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of an electric fuse depicting
mounting holes on a base of the electric fuse, in accordance with one or more
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
25 [0029] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to
provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. One skilled in the relevant
art will recognize, however, that the techniques described herein can be practised
without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components,
materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations
30 are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.
7
[0030] Various features and embodiments of the present disclosure here will be
discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing
description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right
directions as seen from a rear portion 5 of the vehicle and looking forward. However,
it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present disclosure may be applied to any
vehicle without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed
explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present disclosure which
constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
10 [0031] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the
accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely
illustrate the 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
15 principles, aspects and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific
examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0032] Further, various embodiments disclosed herein are to be taken in the
illustrative and explanatory sense, and would in no way be construed as limiting the
present disclosure. All joinder references (e.g., attached, affixed, coupled,
20 connected, etc.) are only used to aid the reader’s understanding of the present
disclosure, and may not create limitations, particularly as to the position orientation,
or use of the system and/or methods disclosed herein. Therefore, joinder references,
if any, are to be construed broadly. Moreover, such joinder references do not
necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected to each other.
25 [0033] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”,
“second”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical
terms, should also be taken as identifiers, to assist the reader’s understanding of the
various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present
disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or
30 preference, of any element, embodiment, variation, and/or modification relative to,
or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
8
[0034] It will also be appreciated that one or more of the elements depicted in the
drawings/ figures can also be implemented in a more separated or integrated
manner, or even removed, or rendered as inoperable in certain cases, as is useful in
accordance with a particular application. The embodiments of the present invention
will now be described in detail 5 with reference to the accompanying drawings.
However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure explained herein relate to a
mounting assembly for mounting one or more devices on a vehicle. The mounting
assembly comprises mounting columns coupled to a chassis of the vehicle and a
10 mounting bracket configured to accommodate and hold the one or more devices,
such as but not limited to, a DC-DC convertor, an electric fuse and a control unit of
the vehicle. The mounting assembly of the present disclosure aims to solve above
mentioned problem by mounting the DC-DC convertor and the electric fuse onto
same mounting bracket which is designed and machined in such a way as to
15 incorporate both the electric circuitry components without resulting into the
complication of the components. In addition, the disclosed mounting assembly with
its improved mounting arrangement can mount different types of the DC-DC
converters and the electric fuses which can get attached onto the mounting bracket
using multiple mounting points provided onto the mounting bracket. Furthermore,
20 the disclosed mounting assembly can also solve the problem associated with the
increased wiring harness length and bending radius of the wiring harness, by
allowing routing of the wiring harness through a space adjacent to the mounting
bracket and by locating the DC-DC converter and the electric fuse onto the same
mounting bracket near other electrical and electronic components, such as motor,
25 batteries, an electric junction and the like of the electric circuitry system of the
vehicle, thereby reducing required length and the bending radius of the wiring
harness. Furthermore, the disclosed mounting assembly can also solve the
abovementioned problem of inaccessibility of the welding torch which is used to
weld the existing mounting bridge structure and additional mounting brackets used
30 to mount the DC-DC convertor and the electric fuse. This problem can be solved
by securing the mounting columns on a floor of the vehicle through spot welding
9
and then securing the mounting bracket, which is used mount both the DC-DC
convertor and the electric fuse, on an extended portion of the mounting columns
through connecting units, such as but not limited to threaded fasteners. Moreover,
the abovementioned problem of inaccessibility of the DC-DC convertor and the
electric fuse for servicing can 5 be solved by mounting the DC-DC convertor and the
electric fuse proximal to one of longitudinal side ends of the chassis through the
mounting assembly, therefore the DC-DC convertor and the electric fuse can be
easily accessed by removing and/or opening a side body panel/wall of the vehicle.
[0036] At least one object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting
10 assembly for mounting one or more devices on a vehicle, which addresses several
critical issues associated with conventional mounting arrangements/structures. The
mounting assembly is configured to efficiently mount two or more devices on single
mounting bracket and manage wiring harness routing within the vehicle.
[0037] Another object of the mounting assembly of the present disclosure is to
15 provide a mounting bracket that can mount different types of devices, such as but
not limited to, DC-DC converters, the electric fuses, and control units, thereby
eliminating requirement of different mounting brackets for mounting different
devices.
[0038] Further, another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and
20 easy to implement mounting assembly for mounting the devices on vehicles, which
requires less packaging space and optimizing space usage, therefore the present
disclosure aims to improve the overall efficiency, easy to access the devices,
serviceability, and aesthetic appeal of the vehicle's electrical systems.
[0039] Fig. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a vehicle (100) , in accordance
25 with an embodiment of the present invention, for example, the vehicle (100) is a
three-wheeled passenger type vehicle, a three-wheeled cargo type vehicle, a four
wheeled type vehicle, a multi axle type vehicle, or the like. In one of the
embodiments of the present disclosure the vehicle (100) may be an Electric Vehicle
(EV), a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) based
30 vehicle and have components suitable for traction. The vehicle (100) generally
includes a chassis (101) (hereinafter, also referred to as ‘frame structure’
10
interchangeably), a front cowl (102), a front wheel (103), a wheel cover (104), a
front suspension unit (105), a windscreen (106), a headlamp assembly (107), a
handle bar assembly (108), a floorboard (109), a driver seat (110), a driver backrest
(111), at least one passenger seat (112), a rear body panel (113), a pair of rear wheels
(114), a rear suspension (115), a soft-top (116), 5 and a power-train assembly (not
shown). The vehicle (100) is divided into two compartments along the line X-X’, a
front cabin (118) defining the driver’s compartment (118) and a rear cabin (119)
defining the passenger’s compartment.
[0040] In another embodiment, the vehicle (100) can include two compartments
10 along the line X-X’, a front cabin (118) defining the driver’s compartment (118)
and a loading compartment for transporting load/cargo (not show) on a rear side (R)
behind the front cabin (118) of the vehicle (100).
[0041] The chassis (101) extends from a front side (F) of the vehicle (100) towards
the rear side (R) of the vehicle (100) to support the mentioned elements of the
15 vehicle (100). The front cowl (102), at its lower end, is connected to the front wheel
(103) such that the wheel cover (104) is disposed in between. The front suspension
unit (105) supports the front wheel (103) and connects the front wheel (103) to the
frame structure (101). An upper portion of the front cowl (102) supports the
windscreen (106) that provides a front view from inside of the vehicle (100). The
20 headlamp assembly (107) is disposed on at least a portion of the front cowl (102)
of the vehicle (100). The handlebar assembly (108) is disposed behind the front
cowl (102) in the front cabin (118). The floorboard (109) extends from a bottom
portion of the front cowl (102) towards the rear side (R) of the vehicle (100) and
supported by the chassis (101). The floorboard (109) extends from the driver
25 compartment (118) to the rear cabin (119) to provide leg space to passenger as well
as the driver. The driver seat (110) and the driver backrest (111) are disposed in the
driver compartment (118), whereas the at least one passenger seat is disposed in the
rear cabin (119). The rear cabin (119) is covered by the rear body panel (113) such
that the soft-top (116) connects a top end of the front cowl (102) and a top end of
30 the rear body panel (113). The soft-top (116) is adapted to provide a top cover for
the front cabin (118) and the rear cabin (119). The rear body panel (113)
11
accommodates the pair of rear wheels (114) supported on the chassis (101) through
a rear axle (not shown) and the rear suspension (115).
[0042] Referring to Fig. 2 where a mounting assembly (200) for mounting one or
more devices (502a, 502b) (as shown in Fig. 5) on the vehicle (100) is shown. The
mounting assembly (200) includes 5 one or more mounting column (201a, 201b), for
instance a pair of mounting columns (201a, 201b), coupled to the chassis (101) of
the vehicle (100), and a mounting bracket (202) coupled to at least one of the
mounting columns (201a, 201b). The mounting bracket (202) is configured to
accommodate and hold the one or more devices (502a, 502b). The one or more
10 devices (502a, 502b) can be, but not limited to, an electric fuse and a DC to DC
converter, and a control unit of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the devices
(502a) can be an electric fuse and the devices (502b) can be a DC to DC converter.
Thus, the mounting assembly (200) enables mounting of the electric fuse and the
DC to DC converter on the single mounting bracket (202), thereby eliminating
15 requirement of multiple mounting brackets. In an embodiment, the one or more
devices (502a, 502b) comprises at least one of an electric fuse, a DC to DC
converter, and a control unit such as Vehicle Control Unit, Motor Control Unit, or
the like of the vehicle (100).
[0043] The mounting bracket (202) includes a plurality of bracket members (203a,
20 203b, 204), such as but not limited to one or more first bracket members (203a,
203b) and at least one second bracket member (204). The bracket members (203a,
203b, 204) are coupled to each other. In addition, the second bracket member (204)
is designed such that a portion of the second bracket member (204) is project
towards a rear end (R) of the vehicle (100). Besides, at least one of the first bracket
25 members (203a, 203b) and the second bracket member (204) is coupled to at least
one of the mounting columns (201a, 201b).
[0044] In an embodiment, each of the first bracket members (203a, 203b) includes
a plate portion (205), a first flange (206) and a second flange (207). The plate
portion (205) is a plate shaped structure, and the first flange (206) and the second
30 flange (207) are protruded from opposite ends of the plate portion (205). Each of
12
the first bracket members (203a, 203b) further includes a third flange (208) that is
configured adjacent to the first flange (206) and the second flange (207).
[0045] Further, the first flange (206) of each of the first bracket members (203a,
203b) includes one or more first mounting holes (209). The second flange (207) of
each of the first bracket 5 members (203a, 203b) includes one or more second
mounting holes (210).
[0046] In an embodiment, the first bracket members (203a, 203b) can be made of
a sheet metal, alloy, or the like. For instance, the first bracket members (203a, 203b)
is made of steel.
10 [0047] In another embodiment, the first bracket members (203a, 203b) can be made
of suitable polymeric materials.
[0048] Further, the second bracket member (204) includes a body portion (212),
two opposite wall portions (213a, 213b) protruded from opposite sides ends of the
body portion (212), a fourth flange (214) and a fifth flange (215). The fourth flange
15 (214) and the fifth flange (215) are protruded from the two opposite wall portions
(213a, 213b) in opposite directions. In addition, the body portion (212) of the
second bracket member (204) includes one or more third mounting holes (216).
[0049] In addition, the fourth flange (214) and the fifth flange (215) of the second
bracket member (204) are coupled to the third flanges (208) of the first bracket
20 members (203a, 203b).
[0050] In an embodiment, the second bracket member (204) can be made of a sheet
metal. For instance, the second bracket member (204) is made of metal or alloy.
[0051] In another embodiment, the second bracket member (204) can be made of
suitable polymeric materials.
25 [0052] Referring to FIG. 3 where a top perspective view of the mounting columns
(201a, 201b) of the proposed mounting assembly (200) are shown. The mounting
columns (201a, 201b) are extended along a front-rear direction of the vehicle (100).
The mounting columns (201a, 201b) are welded to a floor (304) of the chassis (101)
of the vehicle (100). The mounting columns (201a, 201b) can be easily welded to
30 the floor (304) of the chassis (101), as a portion, particularly a front portion, of each
of the mounting columns (201a, 201b) extends over the floor (304). For instance,
13
the mounting columns (201a, 201b) can be made of steel or alloys. In another
embodiment, the mounting columns (201a, 201b) can be easily connected to the
floor (304) of the chassis (101) using means such as but not limited to bolting.
[0053] For instance, the mounting columns (201a, 201b) can be made of any
5 suitable metal or metal alloy.
[0054] In addition, a rear portion (302) (indicated by a dotted box in Fig. 3) of each
of the mounting columns (201a, 201b) is extended/projected beyond the floor (304)
the chassis (101) towards the rear end (R) of the vehicle (100). Besides, each of the
mounting columns (201a, 201b) includes one or more mounting points (301), such
10 as fourth mounting holes (301), on the rear portion (302).
[0055] Referring to Fig. 2 to FIG. 4, the first flange (206) of each of the first bracket
members (203a, 203b) is protruded from a first end (401) of the plate portion (205)
in a first direction, whereas the second flange (207) are protruded from a second
end (402) of the plate portion (205) in a second direction that is opposite to the first
15 direction. The second end (402) is opposite to the first end (401). In addition, the
third flange (208) of each of the first bracket members (203a, 203b) is protruded
from a third end (403) of the plate portion (205). The third end (403) is adjacent to
the first end (401) and the second end (402) of the plate portion (205). Besides, the
first flange (206), the second flange (207) and the third flange (208) can be extended
20 in different planes.
[0056] Further, the first bracket members (203a, 203b) are configured spaced apart
and arranged to define a gap (211) therebetween. Besides, the first flanges (206) of
the first bracket members (203a, 203b) face each other.
[0057] Furthermore, the first flange (206) of each of the first bracket members
25 (203a, 203b) is provided with one or more first connecting members (404)
configured with the one or more first mounting holes (209). For instance, the first
connecting members (404) can be weld nuts.
[0058] In another embodiment, the first connecting members (404) can be internal
threads provided with the one or more first mounting holes (209).
30 [0059] Moreover, each of the first bracket members (203a, 203b) includes a notch
(405) in between corresponding the first flange (206) and third flange (208). The
14
notches (405) can facilitate reduction in materiel of the first bracket members (203a,
203b), thereby reducing the material cost as well as weigh of the mounting assembly
(200). In addition, the notches (405) can allow flow of air across the first bracket
members (203a, 203b) to facilitate cooling of the one or more devices (502a, 502b)
5 mounted on the mounting bracket (202).
[0060] In an embodiment, the notches (405) can allow routing of wiring harnesses
wiring harnesses (506) (shown in Fig. 5) used to connect the devices (502a, 502b)
to other electric devices and/or electric machines of the vehicle (100).
[0061] In an embodiment, the fourth flange (214) and the fifth flange (215) of the
10 second bracket member (204) can be spot welded to the third flanges (208) of the
one or more first bracket members (203a, 203b).
[0062] In another embodiment, the fourth flange (214) and the fifth flange (215) of
the second bracket member (204) can be joined to the third flanges (208) of the first
bracket members (203a, 203b) through fasteners selected from a group including
15 screws, nails, nuts, bolts, washers, anchors and rivets.
[0063] In another embodiment, the first bracket members (203a, 203b) and the
second bracket member (204) can be an integral part.
[0064] In an embodiment, the second flanges (207) of the first bracket members
(203a, 203b) are coupled to the corresponding mounting columns (201a, 201b) to
20 enable mounting of the mounting bracket (202) on the mounting columns (201a,
201b).
[0065] Furthermore, the body portion (212) of the at least one second bracket
member (204) includes an aperture (217). The aperture (217) can allow routing of
the wiring harnesses (506) used to connect the one or more devices (502a, 502b) to
25 other electric devices and/or electric machines of the vehicle.
[0066] In another embodiment, the aperture (217) can receive a portion of the one
or more devices (502a, 502b) configured on the mounting bracket (202).
[0067] In another embodiment, the aperture (217) can allow flow of air through the
second bracket member (204) to facilitate cooling of the one or more devices (502a,
30 502b).
15
[0068] In another embodiment, the aperture (217) can facilitate reduction in
materiel of the second bracket member (204), thereby reducing the material cost as
well as weigh of the mounting assembly (200).
[0069] In addition, the third mounting holes (216) holes are provided around the
aperture (217) on 5 the body portion (212). The third mounting holes (216) can be
arranged in a regular pattern or in an irregular pattern. Besides, the body portion
(212) is provided with one or more second connecting members (218) configured
with the one or more third mounting holes (216). For instance, the second
connecting members (218) can be weld nuts provided on a surface facing towards
10 the front end (F) of the vehicle (100)
[0070] In another embodiment, the second connecting members (218) can be
internal threads provided with the third mounting holes (216).
[0071] As shown in Fig. 5, one device (502a) of the devices (502a, 502b), for
instances the electric fuse, can be secured to the first flanges (206) of the first
15 bracket members (203a, 203b) through first connecting units (501). The first
connecting units (501) can be threaded bolts, screws and the like. For instance,
while mounting the electric fuse, the first connecting units (501) can be inserted
through fuse mounting holes (602a, 602) (shown in Fig. 6) provided on a base (603)
of the electric fuse (502a), then inserted though the first mounting holes (209) on
20 the first flanges (206) and further screwed to the first connecting members (404) to
rigidly secure the electric fuse (502a) on the mounting bracket (202). In addition,
the multiple first mounting holes (209) at different locations on the first flanges
(206) can allow mounting of different types of electric fuses and/or other devices
on the mounting bracket (202).
25 [0072] In another embodiment, the device (502a) or the electric fuse can be secured
to the first flanges (206) though any other suitable joining means, such as but not
limited to, glue/adhesive, welding, and the like.
[0073] In addition, as shown in Fig. 5, another device (502b), for instance a DC to
DC converter, is secured to the body portion (212) of the second bracket member
30 (204) through third connecting units (504). For instance, the third connecting units
(504) can be threaded bolts, screws, and the like. While mounting the device (502b),
16
the third connecting units (504) can be inserted through mounting holes provided
in the DC to DC converter, then inserted through the third mounting holes (216) on
the body portion (212) and further screwed to the second connecting members
configured with the body portion (212) to rigidly secure the DC to DC converter on
5 the mounting bracket (202).
[0074] In addition, the multiple the third mounting holes (216) at different locations
on the body portion (212) can enable mounting of different types of DC to DC
converters or other devices on the mounting bracket (202), thereby avoiding need
of different types of mounting brackets for mounting different devices This, helps
10 in bringing modularity for an original equipment manufacturers (OEM).
Accordingly, this mounting assembly (200) can be used for different variant of
vehicles for mounting different types of devices.
[0075] In another embodiment, the device (502b) or the DC to DC converter can
be secured to the body portion (212) though any other suitable joining means, such
15 as but not limited to, glue/adhesive, welding, and the like.
[0076] Furthermore, mounting of the DC to DC converter (502b) and the electric
fuse (502a) adjacent to each other on same mounting bracket (202) reduces the
length of the wiring harnesses (506a) required to connect the DC to DC converter
(502b) and the electric fuse (502a) to other electrical and electronic components,
20 such as motor, batteries, an electric junction and the like of the electric circuitry
system. Further, mounting of the electric fuse (502a) and the DC-DC converter
(502b) onto the same mounting bracket (202) near other electrical and electronic
components of the electric circuitry system of the vehicle (100) can also reducing
required length and the bending radius of the wiring harnesses (506).
25 [0077] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket (202) can be located on a left side
or a right side of an auxiliary battery (not shown) of the vehicle (100) to mount the
electric fuse (502a) and the DC-DC converter (502b) on either side of the auxiliary
battery.
[0078] In another embodiment, the mounting assembly (200) or the mounting
30 bracket (202) can be located on a left side or a right side of a primary battery (not
17
shown) of the vehicle (100) to mount the electric fuse (502a) and the DC-DC
converter (502b) on either side of the primary battery.
[0079] In another embodiment, the mounting assembly (200) or the mounting
bracket (202) can be located on a left side or a right side of an electric junction (not
shown) of the electric circuitry 5 system of the vehicle (100) to mount the electric
fuse (502a) and the DC-DC converter (502b) on either side of the electric junction.
[0080] In another embodiment, the mounting assembly (200) or the mounting
bracket (202) can be located on a front side or a rear side of an electric motor (not
shown) of the vehicle (100) to mount the electric fuse (502a) and the DC-DC
10 converter (502b) on the front side or the rear side of the electric motor.
[0081] In another embodiment, the mounting assembly (200) or the mounting
bracket (202) can be located on a front side or a rear side of an electronic control
unit (not shown) of the vehicle (100) to mount the electric fuse (502a) and the DCDC
converter (502b) on the front side or the rear side of the electronic control unit.
15 [0082] Referring to Fig. 2 to Fig. 5, in an embodiment, the second flanges (207) of
the first bracket members (203a, 203b) are coupled to the corresponding mounting
columns (201a, 201b) through second connecting units (503). For instance, the
second connecting units (503) can be threaded bolts, screws, and the like Each of
the mounting columns (201a, 201b) is provided with third connecting members (not
20 shown) configured with the corresponding fourth mounting holes (301). For
instance, the third connecting members can be weld nuts provided on a surface
facing the ground.
[0083] In another embodiment, the third connecting members can be internal
threads provided with the one or more fourth mounting holes (301).
25 [0084] While mounting the mounting bracket (202) on the mounting columns
(201a, 201b), the second connecting units (503) can be inserted through second
mounting holes (210) of the second flanges (207) of the first bracket members
(203a, 203b), then inserted through the fourth mounting holes (301) on the
mounting columns (201a, 201b) and further screwed to the third connecting
30 members provided with the fourth mounting holes (301) to rigidly secure the
mounting bracket (202) on the mounting columns (201a, 201b).
18
[0085] In another embodiment, the second flanges (207) of the first bracket
members (203a, 203b) can be welded to the corresponding mounting columns
(201a, 201b) to join mounting bracket (202) on the mounting columns (201a, 201b).
[0086] In an embodiment, the mounting columns (201a, 201b) can be located
proximal to one of longitudinal 5 side ends of the chassis (101) to enable mounting
of the DC to DC converter (502b) and the electric fuse (502a) near one of the
longitudinal side ends of the vehicle (100). Mounting of the devices/ the DC to DC
converter (502b) and the electric fuse (502a) near one of longitudinal side ends of
the chassis (101) can facilitate easy accessibility of the DC to DC converter (502b)
10 and the electric fuse (502a) for servicing and/or maintenance. The electric fuse
(502a) and DC to DC converter (502b) can be easily accessed by removing and/or
opening a side body panel/wall of the vehicle (100).
[0087] In another embodiment, mounting of the electric fuse (502a) and DC to DC
converter (502b) on the mounting bracket (202) near a right longitudinal side end
15 of the chassis (101) allow routing of one or more of the wiring harnesses (506)
through a space (507) adjacent to the mounting bracket (202) on right side, thereby
providing required space for bending the wire harnesses (506) and reducing the
bending radius as well as length of the wiring harnesses (506).
[0088] Referring to Fig. 6 where a side perspective view of an electric fuse (502a)
20 without cover is shown. In an embodiment, the electric fuse (502a) includes fuse
mounting holes (602a, 602b) on a base (603) of the electric fuse (502a). The
mounting holes (602a, 602b) are provided diagonally on two opposite sides of the
base (603) to allow mounting of the electric fuse (502a) on the first flanges (206)
of the first bracket members (203a, 203b).
25 [0089] According to the above disclosure, the present disclosure provides various
advantages. The invention allows easier access to the one or more devices (502a,
502b), such as but not limited to, the electric fuse and the DC-DC convertor of the
vehicle (100) from the longitudinal side end of the vehicle by removing the side
panels of the vehicle. The present disclosure reduces the numbers of mounting
30 brackets from two to one mounting bracket by mounting the DC-DC convertor
(502b) and the electric fuse (502a) adjacent to each other onto single mounting
19
bracket (202) without resulting into the complication of the devices and/or
components. The mounting bracket (202) with multiple mounting openings at
different locations on the first flanges of the first bracket members and the body
portion of the second bracket member can mount different types of the DC-DC
converters and the electric fuses on 5 the vehicle. In addition, the present invention,
by mounting the DC-DC converter and the electric fuse onto the same mounting
bracket (202) near other electrical and electronic components, such as motors,
batteries, electric junctions, and the like of the electric circuitry system of the
vehicle, reduces length and the bending radius of the wiring harnesses. Besides,
10 reduction in the wiring harness length prevent the wiring harnesses from
overheating, abrasions and getting moisture. Thus, the present disclosure provides
a simple, a cost-efficient and compact mounting assembly for mounting the electric
fuse, the DC-DC convertor and other devices and/or components of the vehicle.
This configuration will enable ease of accessibility for manufacturing/ service/
15 inspection of the vehicle (100) and/or electric fuse (502a), the DC-DC convertor
(502b), other devices and/or components of the vehicle.
[0090] In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with
reference to specific embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or otherwise
implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of
20 the disclosure. Accordingly, this description is to be considered illustrative and is
for the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the manner of making and using
various embodiments of the disclosure. It is to be understood that the forms of the
disclosure herein shown and described are to be taken as representative
embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials processed or steps may be substituted
25 for those representatively illustrated and described herein. Moreover, certain
features of the disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features,
all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after having the benefit of this
description of the disclosure. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”,
“incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, and “is”, used to describe and claim the
30 present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely
20
allowing for items, components, or elements not explicitly described also to be
present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.
[0091] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure,
including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice
5 the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing
any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the
claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such
other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have
structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if
10 they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the
literal language of the claims.
List of References
Reference
Numeral
References
100 Vehicle
101 Chassis
102 Front cowl
103 Front wheel
104 Wheel cover
105 Front suspension
unit
106 Windscreen
107 Headlamp
assembly
108 Handle bar
assembly
109 Floorboard
110 Driver seat
111 Driver backrest
112 Passenger seat
113 Rear body panel
114 Rear wheels
115 Rear suspension
116 Soft-top
118 Front cabin
119 Rear cabin
F Front side
R Rear side
200 Mounting assembly
(201a, 201b) Mounting columns
202 Mounting bracket
(203a, 203b) First bracket
members
204 Second bracket
member
205 Plate portion
21
206 First flange
207 Second flanges
208 Third flanges
209 First mounting
holes
210 Second mounting
holes
211 Gap
212 Body portion
(213a, 113b) Opposite wall
portions
214 Fourth flange
215 Fifth flange
216 Third mounting
holes
217 Aperture
218 Second connecting
members
301 Mounting
points/Fourth
mounting holes
302 Rear portion
304 Floor
401 First end
402 Second end
403 Third end
404 First connecting
members
405 Notches
501 First connecting
units
(502a, 502b) Devices
503 Second connecting
units
504 Third connecting
units
506 Wiring harnesses
507 Space
(602a, 602) Fuse mounting
holes
603 Base , Claims:We Claim:
1. A mounting assembly (200) for mounting one or more devices (502a, 502b)
on a vehicle (100), the mounting assembly (200) comprising:
one or more mounting columns (201a, 201b) coupled to a chassis
(101) of the vehicle (100), each 5 of the one or more mounting columns (201a,
201b) comprising one or more mounting points (301); and
a mounting bracket (202) configured to accommodate and hold the
one or more devices (502a, 502b), the mounting bracket (202) comprising a
plurality of bracket members (203a, 203b, 204), including one or more first
10 bracket members (203a, 203b) and at least one second bracket member
(204), coupled to each other,
wherein the at least one second bracket member (204) is project
towards a rear end (R) of the vehicle (100); and
wherein at least one of the one or more first bracket members (203a,
15 203b) and the at least one second bracket member (204) is coupled to the
one or more mounting points (301) of at least one of the one or more
mounting columns (201a, 201b).
2. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the
one or more first bracket members (203a, 203b) comprises:
20 a plate portion (205);
a first flange (206) protruded from a first end (401) of the plate
portion (205) in a first direction;
a second flange (207) protruded from a second end (402) of the plate
portion (205) in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite
25 to the first direction; and
a third flange (208) protruded from a third end (403) of the plate
portion (205);
wherein the second end (402) is opposite to the first end (401), and
wherein the third end (403) is adjacent to the first end (401) and the
30 second end (402) of the plate portion (205).
3. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first flange
(206) of each of the one or more first bracket members (203a, 203b)
23
comprises one or more first mounting holes (209), wherein the first flange
(206) of each of the one or more first bracket members (203a, 203b) is
provided with one or more first connecting members (404) configured with
the one or more first mounting holes (209), and wherein the second flange
(207) of each of the one 5 or more first bracket members (203a, 203b)
comprises one or more second mounting holes (210).
4. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein one device
(502a) of the one or more devices (502a, 502b) is secured to the first flange
(206) of at least one of the one or more first bracket members (203a, 203b)
10 through first connecting units(501).
5. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second
flanges (207) of the one or more first bracket members (203a, 203b) are
coupled to the corresponding mounting columns (201a, 201b) through
second connecting units (503).
15 6. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first
bracket members (203a, 203b) are arranged to define a gap (211)
therebetween and the first flanges (206) of the one or more first bracket
members (203a, 203b) face each other.
7. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least
20 one second bracket member (204) comprises a body portion (212), two
opposite wall portions (213a, 213b) protruded from opposite sides ends of
the body portion (212), a fourth flange (214) and a fifth flange (215), and
wherein the fourth flange (214) and the fifth flange (215) are protruded from
the two opposite wall portions (213a, 213b) in opposite directions.
25 8. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fourth
flange (214) and the fifth flange (215) of the at least one second bracket
member (204) are coupled to the third flanges (208) of the one or more first
bracket members (203a, 203b).
9. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the body
30 portion (212) of the at least one second bracket member (204) comprise one
or more third mounting holes (216), wherein the body portion (212) is
provided with one or more second connecting members (218) configured
24
with the one or more third mounting holes (216), and wherein the body
portion (212) of the at least one second bracket member (204) comprise an
aperture (217).
10. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein another device
(502b) of the one 5 or more devices (502a, 502b) is coupled to the body
portion (212) of the at least one second bracket member (204) through third
connecting units (504).
11. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or
more mounting columns (201a, 201b) are extended along a front-rear
10 direction of the vehicle (100), and wherein the one or more mounting points
(301) includes one or more fourth mounting holes (301) provided on a rear
portion (302), projected towards the rear end (R) of the vehicle (100), of
each of the one or more mounting columns (201a, 201b).
12. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the
15 one or more mounting columns (201a, 201b) is provided with third
connecting members configured with the corresponding mounting points
(301).
13. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in 1, wherein the one or more
devices (502a, 502b) comprises at least one of an electric fuse, a DC to DC
20 converter, and a control unit of the vehicle (100).
14. The mounting assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or
more mounting columns (201a, 201b) are located proximal to one of
longitudinal side ends of the chassis (101).