[001] The subject matter in general relates to mounting of powertrain. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to a mounting structure for mounting the powertrain.
BACKGROUND
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter.
[003] A conventional engine mounting structure is configured to connect a body side bracket to a transmission extension case in automobile. The body side bracket is of the vehicle body and the transmission extension case is of the vehicle engine and therefore, essentially the rear engine mount is used to connect the vehicle body to the powertrain.
[004] During the normal working of an automobile, the engine powertrain vibrations travel from the transmission extension of the engine side to the body side bracket. The load and vibrations get transferred through the rear engine mount. However, with the weld bead present, the main load and vibrations travel through the weld bead, which results in the premature failure of the rear engine mount.
[005] Furthermore, a rubber bushing is press fitted into the circular ring to dampen the vibrations. However, with the rigid and sharp circular shape of the circular cylinder, it is difficult to move the rubber busing inside the circular cylinder during press-fit operation.
[006] There have been attempts made to overcome the above problem in some of the patents such as JP03966140B2, JP6045129U and US5295653A.
[007] FIG. 1 shows a mounting bracket as disclosed in the patent JP03966140B2. A pair of cylindrical fitting retainers 22 are formed protruding towards the same axial direction in each support portion 20. The rigid outer cylinder 12 of an engine mount 10 is pressed inside the fitting retainer that holds the fitting condition of engine mount. A through-hole 26 and a pipe 28 are fixed to a companion member. For attaching and fixing cylindrical vibration proof rubber e.g. engine mount or suspension bush to attachment portion at engine side of vehicle. As such, to affix the support portions 20 to each other, JP03966140B2 makes use of nut and bolt arrangements which makes the mounting bracket of JP03966140B2 complex, time consuming to assemble and costly. Furthermore, the problem of premature failure of the mounting bracket is not solved, since the load transfer now takes place through the numerous jigs and fixtures, which only increases the existing risk of failure if not lessen it. Also, the cylindrical fitting retainers 22 are sharp and solid, and the existing problem of moving the outer cylinder 12 in and out of the cylindrical fitting retainers 22 still exist.
[008] FIG. 2 shows a bracket as disclosed in the patent JP6045129U. The bracket is formed with board body pair 4A and 4B. Each board body 4A, 4B are identical in shape and are formed by press molding. Each board body 4A, 4B consists of a circular retention opening 41 and defines margin wall 411 which projects from the board surface. Lower half of each board body 4A, 4B comprises the rectangular leg section 42, 43. The board bodies 4A, 4B are attached to each other using screws that are configured to be received by the rectangular leg section 42, 43. Thus, JP6045129U too replicates the problems faced by JP03966140B2.
[009] FIG. 3 shows a vibration insulator as disclosed in the patent US5295653A. The vibration insulator is provided which includes a vibration insulator section 1 having an outer cylinder 11, a rubber member 13 which is vulcanization-bonded to the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 11 and an inner cylinder 12 supported by the rubber member 13, and a bracket for supporting the vibration insulator section 1, with the thickness of the bracket material being made as small as possible. The bracket is composed of a pair of sheet-metal bracket members 2, 3 holding the axial ends of the vibration insulator. The bracket members 2, 3 include plate-like base sections 25, 35 axially opposed to each other, cylindrical sections 22, 32 which extend axially outward from the base sections 25, 35 and into which the end portions of the outer cylinder 11 are forced, abutting sections 21, 31 extending radially inward from the end edges of the cylindrical sections 22, 32 and abutting the end surfaces of the outer cylinder 11 and joint sections 23, 24, 33, 34 joining the bracket members 2, 3 to each other. In the patent US5295653A, the vibration insulator section 1 is placed within the bracket members 2, 3, rather than being press fitted. Furthermore, the use of screws and other jigs and fixtures to assemble the vibration insulator along with the bracket is as same as in JP03966140B2 and JP6045129U.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the state of the art, some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to propose an engine mounting structure that connects a body side bracket to a transmission extension case in an automobile.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to propose an engine mounting structure that eliminates the transfer of load and vibrations through weld joints or beads.
[0013] Also one object can be to limit vibration transfer the body panel and cabin noise can be reduced.
[0014] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to propose an engine mounting structure that facilitates the easy insertion of a rubber insulator during press-fit operation.
[0015] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0016] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to an engine mounting structure that is used to connect a body side bracket to a transmission extension case in an automobile. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0017] The present invention relates to an engine mounting structure to connect a body side bracket to a transmission extension case in an automobile. The engine mounting structure comprises a pair of power train mounting structures. Each of the power train mounting structure comprises a cylindrical housing and a mounting bracket. Inner portion of the cylindrical housing has a larger diameter than the diameter of a middle portion of the cylindrical housing. The inner portions of the cylindrical housings face each other when the pair of the power train mounting structures are connected to form the engine mounting structure. Outer portion of the cylindrical housing smoothly curves outwards along the circumferential direction to form a flange. The mounting bracket comprises a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion extends from the flange along a first direction. The second portion extends from the first portion in a direction away from the inner portion of the cylindrical housing. The third portion extends from the second portion to define a triangular shape such that apex of the third portion is away from the second portion. The third portion is substantially parallel to the first portion. The cylindrical housing and the mounting bracket form a single component.
[0018] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 discloses a mounting bracket as disclosed in the patent JP03966140B2;
[0021] FIG. 2 discloses a bracket as disclosed in the patent JP6045129U;
[0022] FIG. 3 discloses a shows a vibration insulator as disclosed in the patent US5295653A;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an engine mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 5 is an orthographic view of a cylindrical housing of the engine mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the engine mounting structure from a back portion, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the engine mounting structure along with a rubber insulator, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0027] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the engine mounting structure in contact with the body side bracket and the transmission extension case, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0028] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily 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
[0029] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0031] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “consisting” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0032] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0033] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0034] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0035] Referring to FIGs. 4 and 5, disclosed is an engine mounting structure 600 configured to connect a body side bracket 102 (shown in FIG. 8) to a transmission extension case 104 (shown in FIG. 10) in an automobile (not shown). An automobile can be any wheeled motor vehicle that a person skilled in the art shall be able to apply the concept as discussed in the present invention.
[0036] The engine mounting structure 600 comprises a pair of powertrain mounting structures 602. The powertrain mounting structure 602 comprises a cylindrical housing 604 and a mounting bracket 606, wherein the cylindrical housing 604 and the mounting bracket 606 form a single component, which is the powertrain mounting structure 602. The powertrain mounting structure 602 is made of a single mold, without having the need for the cylindrical housing 604 and the mounting bracket 606 to be connected to each other using welding or other conventional joining process.
[0037] The cylindrical housing 604 defines an inner portion 702, a middle portion 704 and an outer portion 608. The inner portion 702 is the portion of the cylindrical housing 604 that faces the inner portion 702 of the other cylindrical housing 604 when the pair of the powertrain mounting structures 602 are brought together to form the engine mounting structure 600. Consequently, the outer portion 608 is the portion of the cylindrical housing 604 that forms the extreme end when the pair of the powertrain mounting structures 602 are brought together to form the engine mounting structure 600.
[0038] In an embodiment, the inner potion 702 of the cylindrical housing 604 has a larger diameter than the diameter of a middle portion 704 of the cylindrical housing 604. The outer portion 608 of the cylindrical housing 604 smoothly curves outwards along the circumferential direction to form a flange 706.
[0039] In an embodiment, flaring operation is performed on the inner portion 702 of the cylindrical housing 604 such that the inner portion 702 has the larger diameter than the middle portion 704. A person skilled in the art shall be able to relate various flaring techniques that can be used to obtain the inner portion 702 of the cylindrical housing 604 as described.
[0040] In an embodiment, deep draw operation is performed on the outer portion 608 of the cylindrical housing 604 such that the outer portion 608 smoothly curves outwards to form the flange 706. A person skilled in the art shall be able to relate various deep drawing operations that can be used to obtain the outer portion 608 of the cylindrical housing 604 as described.
[0041] The mounting bracket 606 comprises a first portion 610, a second portion 612 and a third portion 614. The first portion 610 extends from the flange 706 along a first direction 616. In an embodiment, the first direction 616 is directed towards the transmission extension case 104.
[0042] The second portion 612 extends from the first portion 610 in a direction away from the inner portion 702 of the cylindrical housing 604. The second portion 612 also extends away from the axial direction of the cylindrical housing 604. The first portion 610 and the second portion 612 combine together to define an L shape, wherein the angle between the portions 610, 612 is right angle or obtuse when seen from the outer portion 608 of the cylindrical housing 604.
[0043] The third portion 614 is configured to extend from the second portion 612, wherein the third portion 614 defines a triangular shape. The triangular shape of the third portion 614 is such that the apex 618 of the third portion 614 is away from the second portion 612. The third portion 614 is substantially parallel to the first portion 610, wherein the surface planes of the first portion 610 and the third portion 614 may be either parallel to each other or may be angled to each other. The third portion 614 and the second portion 612 combine together to define an L shape, wherein the angle between the portions 612, 614 is right angle or obtuse when seen from the inner portion 702 of the cylindrical housing 604.
[0044] In an embodiment, the first portion 610, the second portion 612 and the third portion 614 combine together to define substantially an S shape. A person skilled in the art will be able to attribute the various shapes of “S” to the mounting bracket 606.
[0045] The engine mounting structure 600 comprises a first connecting bracket 620 that is configured to connect the mounting brackets 606 to each other. The first connecting bracket 620 is configured to connect a front portion 622 (also shown in FIG. 10) of the mounting bracket 606 to each other. The first connecting bracket 620 is welded to the inner surface of the first portions 610 such that the weld beads 624 on the mounting brackets 606 face each other.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, the engine mounting structure 600 comprises a second connecting bracket 802 configured to connect the mounting brackets 606 to each other. The second connecting bracket 802 is configured to connect a back portion 800 (also shown in FIG. 10) of the mounting brackets 606. The second connecting bracket 802 is welded to the inner surface of the first portions 610 and the second portions 612, such that the weld beads 624 on the mounting brackets 606 face each other.
[0047] In an embodiment, the first connecting bracket 620 and the second connecting bracket 802 are similar in shape.
[0048] In an embodiment, the second connecting bracket 802 is larger in size than the first connecting bracket 620. The second connecting bracket 802 is therefore welded in a few more extra spots on the mounting brackets 606 than the first connecting bracket 620.
[0049] The connecting brackets 620, 802 are welded to the pair of the mounting brackets 606 such that a gap 708 (shown in FIG. 5) is maintained between the cylindrical housings 604 of the pair of mounting brackets 606. Thus, the cylindrical housings 604 of the mounting brackets 606 are not in touch or contact with each other when the mounting brackets 606 are combined to each other to form the engine mounting structure 600.
[0050] The mounting bracket 606 defines a plurality of holes 804. In particular, the third portion 614 of the mounting bracket 606 defines the plurality of holes 804. The holes 804 are used to affix one end of the engine mounting structure 600 to the transmission extension case 104.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 7, the engine mounting structure 600 further comprises a rubber insulator 900 configured to dampen the vibrations. The rubber insulator 900 is configured to be received by the cylindrical housing 604. The gap 708 (shown in FIG. 5) that is maintained between the cylindrical housings 604 of the pair of the mounting brackets 606 is inversely proportional to push out load of the rubber insulator 900. If the push out load requirement of the rubber insulator 900 from the cylindrical housing 604 is less, the gap 708 is increased, thereby decreasing the resting surface required by the rubber insulator 900. On the contrary, if the push out load requirement of the rubber insulator 900 from the cylindrical housing 604 is more, the gap 708 is reduced, thereby increasing the resting surface required by the rubber insulator 900.
[0052] In an embodiment, the smoothly outward curved outer portion 608 of the cylindrical housing 604 and the flange 706 facilitate for easy insertion of the rubber insulator 900. The increased diameter of the inner portion 702 of the cylindrical housing 604 eliminates the rubber insulator 900 getting stuck while sliding into the cylindrical housing 604.
[0053] FIG. 8 discloses the attachment of the engine mounting structure 600 to the body side bracket 102 and the transmission extension case 104. The engine mounting structure 600 comprises an inner sleeve 710 (shown in FIG. 7), wherein the inner sleeve 710 is configured to pass through the rubber insulator 900. The sleeve 710 connects the engine mounting structure 600 to the body side bracket 102 using a plurality of bolts.
[0054] The engine mounting structure 600 comprises a plurality of bolts 1002. The bolts 1002 are configured to be received by the holes 804 defined by the third portion 614 of the mounting bracket 606. The bolts 1002 are configured to connect the engine mounting structure 600 to the transmission extension case 104.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0055] The present disclosure proposes an engine mounting structure that connects a body side bracket to a transmission extension case in an automobile.
[0056] The present disclosure proposes an engine mounting structure that eliminates the transfer of load and vibrations through weld joints or beads.
[0057] The present disclosure proposes an engine mounting structure that facilitates the easy insertion of a rubber insulator.
[0058] Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0059] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0060] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0061] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0062] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims:We claim:
1. An engine mounting structure (600) to connect a body side bracket (102) to a transmission extension case (104) in an automobile, the engine mounting structure (600) comprising:
a pair of powertrain mounting structures (602), wherein each of the powertrain mounting structure (602) comprises,
a cylindrical housing (604), wherein,
an inner portion (702) of the cylindrical housing (604) has a larger diameter than the diameter of a middle portion (704) of the cylindrical housing (604), wherein the inner portions (702) of the cylindrical housings (604) face each other when the pair of the power train mounting structures (602) are connected to form the engine mounting structure (600); and
outer portion (608) of the cylindrical housing (604) smoothly curves outwards along the circumferential direction to form a flange (706); and
a mounting bracket (606), wherein,
the mounting bracket (606) comprises a first portion (610), a second portion (612) and a third portion (614), wherein,
the first portion (610) extends from the flange (706) along a first direction (616);
the second portion (612) extends from the first portion (610) in a direction away from the inner portion (702) of the cylindrical housing (604); and
the third portion (614) extends from the second portion (612) to define a triangular shape, such that,
apex (618) of the third portion (614) is away from the second portion (612); and
the third portion (614) is substantially parallel to the first portion (610); and
the cylindrical housing (604) and the mounting bracket (606) form a single component.

2. The engine mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engine mounting structure (600) comprising a first connecting bracket (620) and a second connecting bracket (802) configured to connect the mounting brackets (606) to each other.

3. The engine mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first connecting bracket (620) is configured to connect the front portion (622) of the mounting brackets (606), wherein the first connecting bracket (620) is welded to the inner surface of the first portions (610) such that the weld beads (624) on the mounting brackets (606) face each other.

4. The engine mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second connecting bracket (802) is configured to connect the back portion (800) of the mounting brackets (606), wherein the second connecting bracket (802) is welded to the inner surface of the first portions (610) and the second portions (612), such that the weld beads (624) on the mounting brackets (606) face each other.

5. The engine mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the connecting brackets (620, 802) are welded to the pair of the mounting brackets (606) such that a gap (708) is maintained between the cylindrical housings (602) of the pair of mounting brackets (606).

6. The engine mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the engine mounting structure (600) comprising a rubber insulator (900) configured to be received by the cylindrical housing (602), wherein the gap (708) maintained between the cylindrical housings (602) of the pair of the mounting brackets (606) is inversely proportional to push out load of the rubber insulator (900).

7. The engine mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engine mounting structure (600) comprising a rubber insulator (900) configured to be received by the cylindrical housing (602).

8. The engine mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the engine mounting structure (600) comprising an inner sleeve (710) configured to pass through the rubber insulator (900) so that the sleeve (710) connects the engine mounting structure (600) to the body side bracket (102).

9. The engine mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (606) defines a plurality of holes (804).

10. The engine mounting structure (600) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the engine mounting structure (600) comprising at least one bolt (1002) configured to be received by the holes (804), wherein the bolt (1002) is configured to connect the engine mounting structure (600) to the transmission extension case (104).