Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a motor cover for an electric motor. More Particularly, the present invention relates to the motor cover for the electric motor of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles having an electric motor as a prime mover, are becoming increasingly popular in recent past. The electric motor is adapted to provide motive force required for movement of the vehicle. Typically, the electric motor is provided with a motor cover for preventing environmental impact. The motor cover may be adapted to enclose the electric motor for protection against environmental impact. However, due to enclosure of the electric motor by the motor cover, ventilation of the electric motor may be compromised, consequently, affecting performance of the electric motor.
[003] In order to overcome the aforesaid limitation pertaining to ventilation, a cooling system or a cooling mechanism may be coupled to the electric motor. However, such a cooling system increases weight in the vehicle, inherently affecting performance of the vehicle, which is undesirable. Moreover, addition of the cooling system to the electric motor makes the vehicle expensive. In some instances, the cooling system due to inefficient operation may ineffectively cool the electric motor, which may result in reduction in motor efficiency. Such a scenario translates to inefficient performance of the vehicle.
[004] Additionally, the conventional motor cover only protects the electric motor. Thus, cables originating from the electric motor for connecting a battery module or any other electrical components which are susceptible to bad weather and rodents are unprotected by the motor cover. Further, the motor cover is used as an identifier of a brand of the vehicle and also as a reflector for improving visibility of the vehicle. However, in poor lighting conditions, visibility of the brand is affected, while also affecting capabilities of the motor cover as the reflector.
[005] Furthermore, the conventional motor cover may be provided with a rear fender, in order to cover a top portion of a rear wheel of the vehicle. However, the motor cover is incapable of acting as a hugger for the rear fender of the vehicle since the hugger is mounted on a swing arm. As such, a separate hugger is required to be installed on the motor cover that connects with the rear fender, which increases part count and consequently assembly time of the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[006] Thus, there is a need to provide a motor cover for an electric motor which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect of the invention, a motor cover for an electric motor of a vehicle is disclosed. The motor cover comprises a first cover. The first cover comprises a first portion adapted to be mounted on a top portion of the electric motor. The first cover comprises a second portion extending upwardly and rearwardly from the first portion to form a rear fender. The motor cover comprises a second cover adapted to be mounted to the electric motor. The second cover is configured to be attached to the first cover for enclosing the electric motor. The motor cover comprises a hugger member coupled to the second portion and to the second cover.
[008] In an embodiment, the second cover comprises an opening. The opening is adapted to enable airflow into the electric motor for ventilation of the electric motor.
[009] In an embodiment, the opening is provided at the top portion of the electric motor.
[010] In an embodiment, the motor cover comprises a cable cover. The cable cover has a first end coupled to a battery module and a second end coupled to the second cover. The cable cover is adapted to route one or more cables extending from the battery module to the electric motor.
[011] In an embodiment, the second end of the cable cover is mounted to the second cover through an opening.
[012] In an embodiment, the motor cover comprises one or more illumination devices. The one or more illumination devices are mounted onto at least one of the first cover and the second cover.
[013] In an embodiment, the second portion is integrated to the first cover. The first cover is removably attached to the second cover through one or more fasteners.
[014] In an embodiment, the hugger member is attached to the second portion and to the second cover through one or more mounting members.
[015] In an embodiment, the hugger member is integrally coupled to the second portion and to the second cover.
[016] In an embodiment, the second portion extends upwardly and rearwardly from the first portion for covering a top section of a rear wheel of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of an electric motor depicting an exploded view of a motor cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first cover of the motor cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second cover of the motor cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a hugger member of the motor cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the motor cover mounted onto the electric motor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a right-side view of the motor cover mounted onto the electric motor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a rear-perspective view of the motor cover mounted onto the electric motor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a front perspective view of the motor cover mounted onto the electric motor including a cable cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The present invention relates to a motor cover for an electric motor of a vehicle. The motor cover is capable of enclosing the electric motor and providing ventilation to the electric motor through an opening. The motor cover is also capable of protecting one or more cables from environmental damage. Further, the motor cover is capable of aiding a rear fender via a hugger member without increasing part count of the vehicle.
[019] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an electric motor 102 of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The electric motor 102 is adapted to generate motive force required for movement of the vehicle. The electric motor 102 may be a Direct Current (DC) electric motor or an Alternating Current (AC) electric motor. Accordingly, based on the type of the electric motor 102, the electric motor 102 is connected to a suitable battery source such as an AC battery source or a DC battery source disposed in the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle such as a motorcycle or a scooter or a bike. The electric motor 102 is enclosed within a motor cover 100 for ingress protection. The motor cover 100 also provides protection to cables that are connected to the electric motor 102.
[020] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the motor cover 100 comprises a first cover 104 adapted to be mounted on a top portion 102a of the electric motor 102. In an embodiment, the top portion 102a refers to a circumferential portion of the electric motor 102 that is above a central axis (not shown) of the electric motor 102. In the present embodiment, the top portion 102a of the electric motor 102 is considered along an up-down direction (not shown) of the vehicle. The first cover 104 comprises a first portion 104a (also shown in Figure 6) which conforms to contours of the top portion 102a of the electric motor 102. In other words, the first portion 104a of the first cover 104 conforms to a curvature and length of the top surface 102a of the electric motor 102, thus, ensuring ease of mounting and assembly of the first cover 104 onto the top surface 102a of the electric motor 102.
[021] In an embodiment, the first cover 104 is mounted onto the top portion 102a of the electric motor 102 through mounting onto a front portion 124a of a cover variator 124. Accordingly, the first cover 104 is provided with one or more mounting projections 128 which engage with one or more mounting feature 130 of the front portion 124a of the cover variator 124 of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the one or more mounting projections 128 are provided onto a left side surface (not shown) of the first cover 104. In an embodiment, the cover variator 124 is mounted on one of the left-side and the right-side of the electric motor 102.
[022] Further, the first cover 104 comprises a second portion 110 to form a rear fender that is adapted to cover a top portion (not shown) of a rear wheel (not shown) of the vehicle. The second portion 110 extends upwardly and rearwardly from a rear end 104b (as shown in Figure 6) of the first portion 104a in a front-rear direction (not shown) of the vehicle. The second portion 110 extends upwardly and rearwardly to be positioned above the rear wheel and to cover the top portion of the rear wheel. The dimensions of the second portion 110 are provided such that the top portion of the rear wheel is covered for preventing splashes of mud or water to a rear end of the vehicle, during rotation of the wheel.
[023] In an embodiment, the second portion 110 is integrated to the first portion 104a. In other words, the second portion 110 and the first portion 104a form a single piece construction. In another embodiment, the second portion 110 may be mounted to the rear end 104b of the first portion 104a, through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening, welding, brazing and the like.
[024] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the motor cover 100 comprises a second cover 106 adapted to be mounted to the electric motor 102. The second cover 106 covers a side portion 102b (as shown in Figure 1) and partially a bottom portion 102c (as shown in Figure 1) of the electric motor 102. In an embodiment, the term “side portion” refers to at least one of a right-side and a left-side of the electric motor 102. In another embodiment, the term “bottom portion” refers to the circumferential portion that is below the central axis of the electric motor 102. In the present embodiment, the second cover 106 is mounted onto the electric motor 102, for covering the right-side and partially the bottom portion 102c of the electric motor 102. In another embodiment, the second cover 106 may be adapted for covering the right-side, the left-side and the bottom portion 102c of the electric motor 102. The second cover 106 also conforms to the contours of the electric motor 102, for ensuring mounting.
[025] Further, the second cover 106 is adapted to be mounted onto the electric motor 102 through the first cover 104. The second cover 106 is provided with one or more mounting brackets 126 that engage with the one or more mounting projections 128 (shown in Figure 2) provided on a right-side surface (not shown) of the first portion 104a. The one or more mounting brackets 126 are engaged through fasteners 118 (as shown in Figure 1) or through other conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as clamping, snap-fitting and the like. The second cover 106 upon mounting onto the first cover 104 encloses the electric motor 102.
[026] In an embodiment, the second cover 106 is mounted onto the front portion 124a of the cover variator 124, for mounting the second cover 106 onto the electric motor 102. In an embodiment, a left-side surface (not shown) of the second cover 106 comprises one or more mounting features 130. The one or more mounting features 130 engage with the one or more mounting features (not shown) of the front portion 124a of the cover variator 124. As such, the second cover 106 upon mounting onto the cover variator 124 and the first cover 104 encloses the electric motor 102.
[027] Further, the second cover 106 comprises an opening 112. The opening 112 is adapted to enable airflow into the electric motor 102 for ventilation of the electric motor 102. The opening 112 is provided at the top portion 102a of the electric motor 102. As a result, airflow is enabled into the electric motor 102 for cooling, thereby eliminating need of an additional or external cooling mechanism. In one embodiment, the opening 112 is formed on the second cover 106 through a cutout provided on a top surface 106a. A rim surface of the cutout engages with the front portion 124a of the cover variator 124 in order to form the opening 112. In an embodiment, the opening 112 is located strategically on the second cover 106 such that, air enters the electric motor 102 through the opening 112 during operation of the vehicle.
[028] The motor cover 100 comprises one or more illumination devices 116. The one or more illumination devices 116 are mounted onto the first cover 104 and the second cover 106. The one or more illumination devices 116 are mounted on an outer surface (not shown) of the first cover 104 and the second cover 106. The one or more illumination devices 116 illuminate and provide visibility to oncoming traffic or a passer-by. In the present embodiment, the one or more illumination devices 116 are mounted on the outer surfaces through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening, gluing, snap-fitting and the like. In an embodiment, the illumination devices are one of reflectors that reflect received light, light emitting diodes, and glow in the dark materials. The one or more illumination devices 116 consists of a brand engraving for enabling identification of a brand of the vehicle. Further, the one or more illumination devices 116 function as hazard lights to alert the oncoming traffic and safeguard a user of the vehicle in case of vehicle breakdown.
[029] Referring to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figures 1-3, the motor cover 100 comprises a hugger member 108 that is coupled to the second portion 110 and to the second cover 106. The hugger member 108 is a structural member that is adapted to support the second portion 110. As the hugger member 108 is a part of the motor cover 100 that is coupled to the first cover 104 and the second cover 106, the vehicle does not require additional parts to support the second portion 110.
[030] Further, the hugger member 108 comprises a first mounting member 120a adapted to be mounted onto the second portion 110 and a second mounting member 120b adapted to be mounted onto the second cover 106. The first mounting member 120 may be mounted to the second portion 110 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening, snap-fitting, clamping and the like as per mounting requirement in the motor cover 100. Also, the second mounting member 120b is mounted onto the second cover 106 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening, snap-fitting, clamping and the like as per mounting requirement in the motor cover 100. In an embodiment, the second portion 110 comprises a first slot 122 at a bottom portion of the second portion 110, which engages with the first mounting member 120a of the hugger member 108 for mounting. In another embodiment, the second cover 106 comprises a protrusion 132 (shown in Figure 6) at a bottom portion of the second cover 106. The hugger member 108 comprises a second slot 120b that is configured to receive and lock the protrusion 132 thereby attaching to the second cover 106. In one embodiment, the one or more mounting members 120a, 120b are various locators and fasteners.
[031] Further, the motor cover 100 comprises a cable cover 114 (as shown in Figure 8). The cable cover 114 is adapted to route one or more cables (not shown) extending from a battery module (not shown) and/or electrical components of the vehicle to the electric motor 102. The cable cover 114 has a first end 114a coupled to the battery module disposed in the vehicle. In an embodiment, the cable cover 114 is coupled to the battery module through conventional coupling techniques known in the art such as clamping, press-fitting, fastening and the like. The cable cover 114 has a second end 114b coupled to the second cover 106 through the opening 112. In an embodiment, the second end 114b of the cable cover 114 is coupled to the second cover 106 through conventional coupling techniques known in the art such as clamping, press-fitting, fastening and the like. In one embodiment, the cable cover may be shaped as a hollow cuboid, cylinder, and the like. However, the shape and dimensions of the cable cover 114 may be considered as per design feasibility and requirement of the cables to be routed. The cable cover 114 encloses and protects the one or more cables routed to the electric motor 102, thereby ensuring protection against damage due to rodents and environmental impact.
[032] In an embodiment, the cable cover 114 is mounted onto the second cover 106 through the opening 112 wherein the second end 114b of the cable cover 114 accommodates a portion of the opening 112 for mounting. As such, a remainder portion of the opening 112 is available upon mounting of the cable cover 114 for ventilation of the motor cover 100. of the second cover 106.
[033]
[034] Referring to Figures 5-7, in conjunction with the Figures 1-4, an assembled view of the motor cover 100 onto the electric motor 102 is provided. During an assembly of the motor cover 100 onto the electric motor 102, the first cover 104 is mounted on the top portion 102a of the electric motor 102 through mounting onto the front portion 124a of the cover variator 124. The first cover 104 has the one or more mounting projections 128 which engage with the one or more mounting features 130 of the front portion 124a of the cover variator 124. The second portion 110 is integrated to the first portion 104a and extends upwardly and rearwardly to cover the top portion of the rear wheel.
[035] The second cover 106 is mounted onto the electric motor 102 for covering the right-side and partially the bottom portion 102c of the electric motor 102. The second cover 106 has the one or more mounting brackets 126 that engage with the one or more mounting projections 128 provided on the right-side surface of the first portion 104a of the first cover 104. Simultaneously, the second cover 106 is mounted onto the front portion 124a of the cover variator 124 through the one or more mounting features 130, thereby enclosing the electric motor 102. The opening 112 is formed on the second cover 106 through the cutout provided on the top surface 106a to enable ventilation for the electric motor 102. The hugger member 108 is assembled with the first cover 104 and the second cover 106. The hugger member 108 has the first mounting member 120a that is mounted onto the second portion 110 and the second mounting member 120b that is mounted onto the second cover 106.
[036] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of the hugger member being coupled to the second portion and the second cover enables support to the second portion without increasing the parts count of the vehicle. Thus, swing arm dynamics are carried out by the motor cover. Consequently, an assembly time of the vehicle is reduced. Further, the one or more cables extending from the battery module to the electric motor are protected by the cable cover of the motor cover. Also, the one or more illumination devices double up as an identifier and a hazard light thereby alerting the passers-by. Moreover, the aspect of the opening of the second cover allowing airflow to provide ventilation to the electric motor helps in eliminating reduction in vehicle performance and is beneficial to the user. Thus, the motor cover as disclosed in the present invention is an effective, efficient, and attractive solution over the conventional motor covers.
[037] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100-motor cover
102-electric motor
102a-top portion of the electric motor
102b-side portion of the electric motor
102c-bottom portion of the electric motor
104-first cover
104a-first portion of the first cover
104b-rear end of the first cover
106-second cover
106a-top surface of the second cover
108-hugger member
110-second portion of the first cover
112-opening
114-cable cover
114a-first end of the cable cover
114b-second end of the cable cover
116-illumination devices
118-fasteners
120a, 120b-mounting members
122-first slot
124-cover variator
124a-front portion of the cover variator
126-mounting brackets
128-mounting projections
130-mounting features
132-protrusion , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A motor cover (100) for an electric motor (102) of a vehicle, the motor cover (100) comprising:
a first cover (104) comprising:
a first portion (104a) adapted to be mounted on a top portion (102a) of the electric motor (102); and
a second portion (110) extending upwardly and rearwardly from the first portion (104a) to form a rear fender;
a second cover (106) adapted to be mounted to the electric motor (102), the second cover (106) configured to be attached to the first cover (104) for enclosing the electric motor (102); and
a hugger member (108) coupled to the second portion (110) and to the second cover (106).

2. The motor cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cover (106) comprises an opening (112), the opening (112) being adapted to enable airflow into the electric motor (102) for ventilation of the electric motor (102).

3. The motor cover (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the opening (112) is provided at the top portion (102a) of the electric motor (102).

4. The motor cover (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a cable cover (114), the cable cover (114) having a first end (114a) coupled to a battery module and a second end (114b) coupled to the second cover (106), wherein the cable cover (114) being adapted to route one or more cables extending from the battery module to the electric motor (102).

5. The motor cover (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second end (114b) of the cable cover (114) is mounted to the second cover (106) through an opening (112).

6. The motor cover (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises one or more illumination devices (116), the one or more illumination devices (116) being mounted onto at least one of the first cover (104) and the second cover (106).

7. The motor cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the second portion (110) is integrated to the first cover (104); and
the first cover (104) being removably attached to the second cover (106) through one or more fasteners (118).

8. The motor cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hugger member (108) being attached to the second portion (110) and to the second cover (106) through one or more mounting members (120a, 120b).

9. The motor cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hugger member (108) is integrally coupled to the second portion (110) and to the second cover (106).

10. The motor cover (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (110) extending upwardly and rearwardly from the first portion (104a) for covering a top section of a rear wheel of the vehicle.

Dated this 28th day of March 2023
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471