CLIAMS:We claim:

1. A mounting assembly (100) for an engine (E) of a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
at least one support member (101) having a first end (101a) and a second end (101b) connectable to longitudinal members (102) of the vehicle, wherein the at least one support member (101) extends in a substantially inverted U-shape between the longitudinal members (102); and
a plurality of provisions (109) provided on the at least one support member (101) for mounting the engine (E) between the first end (101a) and the second end (101b) through a plurality of brackets (103);
wherein, the plurality of provisions (109) are provided in at least three locations on the at least one support member (101).

2. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one support member (101) is configured by fixing a plurality of members (108a and 108b).

3. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one support member (101) comprises at least one first flange (104a) at each of the first end (101a) and the second end (101b).

4. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one second flange (104b) fixed to each of the longitudinal members (102) for connecting the at least one first flange (104a) provided at each of the first end (101a) and the second end (101b) of the at least one support member (101).

5. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claims 4, wherein the first (104a) and second flanges (104b) are interconnected by a plurality of first fastening members (105a).

6. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one bush (106) provided in each of the plurality of provisions (109) to facilitate damping.

7. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one support member (101) supports the engine (E) at the plurality of provisions on each side of the engine (E) and top portion of the engine (E).

8. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one support member (101) comprises at least one extended member (107) on either ends.

9. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one provision (109) of the plurality of provisions (109) is provided on the at least one extended member (107).

10. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of brackets (103) are provided on the engine (E).

11. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of brackets (103) are connected to the at least one support member (101) through at least one second fastening member (105b).

12. A vehicle comprising mounting assembly (100) for an engine (E) as claimed in claim 1.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to field of automobile engineering. Particularly, present disclosure relates to a mounting assembly used for supporting components in a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure disclose a mounting assembly for supporting an engine on a chassis of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally all automotive vehicles comprises of a prime mover such as engine which consists of a system of mechanical parts that produces reciprocating motion, which in turn converts it into a rotary motion in order to propel the vehicle. The power which is generated by the engine is transferred to the transmission and then to wheels of the vehicle through specific gear ratios. The gear ratios provide a specific torque based on the requirement to a driveshaft, the driveshaft then transmits the torque to the wheels of the vehicle, which, when applied to road, moves the vehicle. The different components which are aiding for the movement of the vehicle together called as powertrain of the vehicle. The powertrain mainly consists of an engine, a transmission and a driveshaft. The engine and transmission of the powertrain are mounted on the vehicle chassis, and are supported by a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly acts as a supporting member to the engine and the transmission and holds the engine rigidly onto the vehicle chassis. In addition to supporting the engine, other principal function of mounting assembly includes vibration isolation. The conventional mounting assemblies comprise of a plurality of engine mounts which are connected to the support member provided in the vehicle and the bracket provided in the engine. The engine mounts supports the engine by securing the engine to the chassis. The plurality of engine mounts are provisioned with a rubber bushing for damping the vibrational energy created by the powertrain of a vehicle.

Currently, the mounting assembly including three or four point mounts which are used in almost all the automobile to support the powertrain in the vehicle. Generally, in three point mounting assembly, two mounts are installed on the engine and third mount is installed on transmission. To mount such three point mounting assembly a cross member is provided in the vehicles between two longitudinal members. Such cross members are large structure and are designed to support the weight of the engine. The engine mounts will be provided on the cross member and the engine will be supported by the engine mounts through mounting bushes. However, the cross member provided in the vehicle is heavy cross member which is primarily used for supporting engine mount. Though such heavy cross members have sufficient strength to support the engine and also absorb the engine vibrations and transfer it to chassis of a vehicle, they are very heavy. Thus, adds weight to the vehicle curb weight, also the heavy cross members are expensive. Further, the existing mounting assembly is complex in nature and this increases the assembly time considerably. In addition to the above, it will be difficult to replace the cross member which is provided between the vehicle if such cross members fail due to collision.

In light of the foregoing discussion, it is necessary to develop an improved mounting assembly for the engine of the vehicle to overcome one or more limitations stated above.

OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCLOSURE:

One non-limiting object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting assembly for an engine of a vehicle which supports the engine in at least three locations.

One non-limiting object of the present disclosure is to provide a mounting assembly for an engine of a vehicle which is easy to assemble.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by an assembly as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as claimed in the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a mounting assembly for an engine of a vehicle. The assembly comprises of at least one support member having a first end and a second end connectable to longitudinal members of the vehicle. The at least one support member extends in a substantially inverted U-shape between the longitudinal members and a plurality of provisions provided on the at least one support member for mounting the engine between the first end and the second end through a plurality of brackets. Further, plurality of provisions are provided in at least three locations on the at least one support member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one support member is configured by fixing a plurality of members.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one support member comprises at least one first flange at each of the first end and the second end.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting assembly comprises of at least one second flange fixed to each of the longitudinal members for connecting the at least one first flange provided at each of the first end and the second end of the at least one support member. The first and second flanges are interconnected by a plurality of first fastening members.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting assembly comprises of at least one bush provided in each of the plurality of provisions to facilitate damping.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one support member supports the engine at the plurality of provisions on each side of the engine and top portion of the engine.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one support member comprises at least one extended member on either ends and at least one provision of the plurality of provisions is provided on the at least one extended member.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the plurality of brackets are provided on the engine and each of the plurality of brackets are connected to the at least one support member through at least one second fastening member.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a vehicle comprising mounting assembly for an engine as explained in previous paragraphs.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates front view of the mounting assembly for an engine of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates perspective view of the mounting assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates front view of the mounting assembly for an engine of a vehicle which supporting the powertrain, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other mechanism for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its assembly and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

To overcome one or more drawbacks mentioned in the background, the present disclosure provides an improved mounting assembly for the engine of a vehicle. In the vehicle mounting assembly is provided to serve two principal functions: one is vibration isolation, and the other is to secure the engine to the chassis. The mounting assembly comprises a support member which extends between the longitudinal members of the chassis of a vehicle. The support member is configured to support the engine of the vehicle from at least three locations, such that the engine is held securely on the vehicle chassis. Further, the support member comprises a plurality of provisions to support the engine. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the provisions are provided on either sides as well as top portion of support member to secure the engine. The engine is secured to the support member through a plurality of brackets which are provided on the engine, wherein the brackets are fastened to the provisions provided in the support member. Further, the mounting assembly comprises at least one bush provided in each of the plurality of the provisions to support the engine and to facilitate damping of vibrations created by the engine. This mounting assembly reduces the assembly time, also referred as takt time, during assembling of the vehicle, considerably. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the provisions provided on the sides of the engine optimize the kinetic energy distribution.

The terms such as top, bottom, sides, upper and lower are used with respect to particular orientation of the assembly as shown in the figures of the present disclosure. Hence, such words should not be construed as limitation to the present disclosure, as the same may be varied depending on the orientation of the assembly.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

Henceforth, the present disclosure is explained with the help of figures of a mounting assembly for the engine of a vehicle. However, such exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art can envisage various such embodiments without deviating from scope of the present disclosure. Further, it is to be noted that the mounting assembly is used in the powertrain of vehicles. However for the purpose of simplicity the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating a front view and perspective view of a mounting assembly (100) for the engine of a vehicle. The mounting assembly (100) is provided to serve the purpose of vibration isolation, and to secure the engine to the chassis. The mounting assembly (100) comprises of a support member (101) of predetermined shape for supporting the engine. The support member (101) comprises of two ends, first end (101a) and second end (101b). The first end (101a) and second end (101b) of the support member (101) are connectable to longitudinal members (102) of the vehicle, and is configured to secure the engine with the longitudinal members (102). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the support member (101) extends in a substantially inverted U-shape or substantially parabolic shape between the longitudinal members (102). Such that the support member (101) overhangs from the first end (101a) to the second end (101b). Further, the support member (101) is made of plurality of members (108a and 108b) which are connected together. In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the support member (101) is made of two pieces. Further, the first end (101a) and second end (101b) of the support member (101) are provisioned with at least one first flange (104a) to connect the support member (101) to the longitudinal members (102) of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1 each ends of the longitudinal members (102) are provisioned with at least one second flange (104b). The support member (101) is connected to the vehicle longitudinal members (102) by interconnecting the first flanges (104a) provided on first and second end (101a and 101b) of the support member (101) with the second flanges (104b) provided on longitudinal members (102). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first flanges (104a) and second flanges (104b) are interconnected by means of a first fastening member (105a).

The mounting assembly (100) further comprises a plurality of flange connectors (110) which connect the second flanges (104b) to the longitudinal members (102). The second flange (104b) at either ends of the support member (101) is welded to one end of the flange connectors (110) and other end of the flange connectors is welded to the longitudinal members (102). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second flanges (104b) are supported on the vehicle longitudinal members (102) with predetermined angle. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the support member (101) is made by fixing plurality of members (108a and 108b). Of the plurality of members (108a and 108b), one member (108a) is connected to the first end (101a) and the other member (108b) is connected to the second end (101b). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the members (108a and 108b) are pipes.

The mounting assembly (100) further comprises a plurality of provisions (109) provided on the support member (101) for connecting the engine (E) [shown in FIG.3]. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the support member (101) comprises at least three provisions (109) in which two provisions are provided in sides and one provision is provided in top surface of the support member (101). In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, any number of provisions which is more than three provisions (109) can be provided on the support member (101) to hold the engine based on the weight and design of the engine. Further, the support member (101) comprises at least one extended member (107) on either sides [shown in FIG. 2], and at least one provision (109) of the plurality of provisions is provided on the extended member (107) to connect the engine. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the extended member (107) is a gusset member, and is designed to support the engine weight. The extended member (107) is fixed to the support member either permanently through a permanent joining methods such as welding, or removably by fastening through fasteners. The mounting assembly (100) further includes at least one mounting bush (106) [interchangeably referred as bush] provided in each of the plurality of provisions (109). The bush (106) is mounted in the provision (109) such that it absorbs the vibrations generated by the engine and thus dampens vibrations to be transmitted to the chassis of a vehicle. As shown in FIG. 2 the at least one mounting bush (106) is provided in the provisions (109) provided at sides of the support member (101), and the provision (109) provided on top portion of support member (101). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the provision (109) provided on top of the support member (101) is provided at connecting junction of the member (108a) which extends from first end of the support member (101) and the member (108b) extends from second end of support member (101). Further, the mounting assembly (100) comprises of a plurality of brackets (103) for connecting the engine (E) to the support member (101). The brackets (103) are provided in predetermined locations on the engine such that the brackets (103) mate with the plurality of provisions on the support member (101). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the brackets (103) are connected to the support member (101) by means of second fastening member (105b). The brackets (103) act as connecting members between the engine of a vehicle and the support member (101) in the mounting assembly (100).

FIG. 3 is an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure which illustrates the front view of a mounting assembly (100) supporting the engine (E) of a vehicle with powertrain. The powertrain refers to the engine (E) and transmission of a vehicle. The engine (E) of powertrain is provided with a three point mounting arrangement (100) which supports the engine (E) at either sides as well as top portion of the engine (E). In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting assembly (100) supports the engine (E) and dampens the vibrations produced by powertrain through a bush (106). Further, the brackets (103) are provided on the engine (E), and the brackets (103) form an integral part of the engine (E). The brackets (103) connect the engine (E) and the support member (101) through the second fastening members (105b).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting assembly (100) for the engine of a vehicle, comprises a mount bush provided near the top portion of the engine close to TRA (Torque Roll Axis) and will restrict torque due to engine roll and excessive powertrain movement.

It is to be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art would design the mounting assembly in any shape, dimension and configuration to support the engine on the vehicle chassis without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Also, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Advantages:

The present disclosure provides a mounting assembly for the engine of a vehicle, which provides a weight effective solution as compared to conventional mounting assembly with the elimination of a heavy cross member. This reduces total curb weight of the vehicle, thereby improves efficiency of the vehicle. Also, the assembly reduces the cost of the mounting arrange used for supporting the engine.

The present disclosure provides a mounting assembly for the engine of a vehicle, which has a support member with simple structure, which leads to reduction in assembly time of the engine onto the vehicle. This also makes the assembly simple and easily accessible for the mechanic for repair and adjustment.

The present disclosure provides a mounting assembly for the engine of the vehicle, which comprises a bush type mounting, and has tuning ability in X, Y and Z direction. This provide better vibration damping in the vehicle, thereby reduces the vibrations transferred to the vehicle body.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Mounting assembly
101 Support member
101a First end of the support member
101b Second end of the support member
102 Longitudinal members
103 Brackets
104a First flange
104b Second flange
105a First fastening members
105b Second fastening members
106 Bush
107 Extended member
108a and 108b Member
109 Provision on the support member
110 Flange Connectors
E Engine