Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, relates to a mounting structure for a motor assembly of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In a vehicle for example, but not limited to, a three-wheeled electric vehicle or a four wheeled vehicle, a motor and a reducer differential assembly (e-Access) are connected by a swingable arrangement and the power is transferred from the motor to the reducer differential assembly by a belt connection. The electric powertrain assembly is connected to a chassis frame through a top mounting U-bracket and one or more isolated dampers for better and smooth drive. The electric powertrain system is located below the chassis frame and inside of a cabin assembly. Further, the motor is placed vertically to improve ground clearance. Furthermore, the reducer differential system is placed in middle of the vehicle. Thus, both left and right hand sides connecting rods are having the same length. A rear battery pack assembly is placed above the chassis frame and inside the cabin assembly.
[003] In one kind of motor mounting in an existing vehicle, the vehicle comprises a chassis including a rear frame portion; an electric motor as prime mover connected to the chassis and to a rear drive transmission system. The vehicle further comprises an electric battery module for powering the electric motor. The electric battery module comprises a battery and its frame structure is mounted to the chassis. A portion of the electric motor is disposed below a rear frame portion of the chassis.
[004] In another kind of motor mounting in a vehicle, a conversion / retro fitment device is provided. The conversion / retro fitment device converts an internal combustion vehicle into an electric vehicle by replacing the internal combustion engine with an electric vehicle conversion / retro fitment device inside the vehicle, without making any major modifications to the system. The electric vehicle conversion device is fitted inside the vehicle by connecting the device to an existing axle and a mounting structure.
[005] In yet another kind of motor mounting in a vehicle, a modular electric axle head assembly is provided. The modular electric axle head assembly comprises a gear assembly including a gear assembly housing defining a hollow portion therein, a first gear shaft having a first gear, a second gear shaft having a second gear and a third gear. A portion of the second gear is drivingly connected to the first gear and the third gear, and a portion of the gear assembly is disposed within the hollow portion of the gear assembly housing. A motor assembly having an output shaft is drivingly connected to a portion of the gear assembly. A first mounting assembly has a portion integrally connected to the modular electric head assembly and a portion integrally connected to a support member of the vehicle. A portion of the third gear is drivingly connected to a pair of drive shafts.
[006] The aforesaid prior arts of motor mounting assemblies include one or more limitations. In a case where a front portion of the motor is connected to the frame member through an isolated damper, the frame member receiving the front mounting of the motor assembly has a tubular bracket welded to it. This leads to decreased dimensional stability of the tubular bracket in the frame assembly.
[007] Furthermore, when the design of a mounting structure has been simplified, it does not meet the required stiffness. This would lead to failure of the motor front mounting arrangement in the frame assembly.
[008] Thus, there is a need in the art for providing a mounting structure for a motor assembly of a vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[009] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a mounting structure for a motor assembly of vehicle. The vehicle may be a three-wheeler vehicle or a four wheeler. In an example, the three-wheeler vehicle may be a cargo truck, an auto-rikshaw, other three-wheeler variant vehicle, a three-wheeler passenger vehicle, and the like. The vehicle may be an internal combustion (IC) engine-driven vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV), or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The vehicle of the present subject matter hereinbelow has been explained with respect to a three wheeled vehicle however, the implementations of the present subject matter may be implemented in other variants of a three-wheeler vehicle, including an auto-rikshaw, other three-wheeler variant vehicle, three-wheeler passenger vehicle, a cargo truck, and the like. The mounting structure comprises a plate member in a predetermined shape. The plate member comprises a first portion. The first portion being configured to connect with a central long member of the vehicle. The central long member being extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The plate member further comprises a second portion. The second portion being distal to the first portion. The second portion being configured to connect with the motor assembly of the vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, the plate member being a U-shaped cross section. The plate member comprises a base plate and two side plates being extending from the base plate, thereby forming the plate member having the U-shaped cross section.
[011] In a further embodiment, the base plate at the first portion of the plate member has a width W1 and the base plate at the second portion of the plate member has a width W2. The width W1 being greater than the width W2.
[012] In a further embodiment, the first portion of the plate member being connected to the central long member through welding or fasteners or any other known means.
[013] In a further embodiment, the second portion of the plate member comprises one or more mounting pins.
[014] In a further embodiment, the one or more mounting pins being disposed laterally between the base plate and the two side plates. The one or more mounting pins being disposed at the second portion of the plate member.
[015] In a further embodiment, the one or more mounting pins of the second portion of the plate member being connected to the motor assembly through a bracket member. The bracket member comprises one or more dampers.
[016] In a further embodiment, the bracket member comprises a first end. The first end that comprises one or more mounting holes, such that the one or more mounting pins being inserted into the one or more mounting holes for joining the bracket member with the plate member.
[017] In a further embodiment, the bracket member comprises a second end. The second end being opposite to the first end and comprising the one or more dampers of the bracket member. Further, the one or more dampers being connected to the motor assembly.
[018] In a further embodiment, the plate member comprises an elevation difference between the first portion and the second portion. The elevation is a smooth down elevation from the first portion to the second portion.
[019] In a further embodiment, the plate member comprises at least one hole in the first portion and at least one hole in the second portion. The holes are used in a welding fixture for assuring position of the mounting structure.
[020] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame that includes a plurality of long members extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle and at least one cross member extending in a vehicle width direction between the plurality of long members. The plurality of long members comprises a central long member. The vehicle further comprises a powertrain assembly that includes a motor assembly being disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle. The vehicle further comprises a bracket member. The bracket member being adapted to connect a top portion of the powertrain assembly with the central long member. The vehicle further comprises a mounting structure comprising a plate member in a predetermined shape. The plate member comprising a first portion being configured to connect with the central long member of the vehicle. The central long member being extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, and a second portion being distal to the first portion. The second portion being configured to connect with the motor assembly.
[021] In an embodiment, the bracket member being adapted to connect the top portion of the powertrain assembly with the central long member is U-shaped bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[022] 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 shows a top view of a frame of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a portion of top view of the frame of the vehicle shown in Figure 1 and a magnified view of a portion of a mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a bottom perspective view of a rear portion of the frame of the vehicle with the mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a side view of the rear portion of the frame of the vehicle with the mounting structure as shown in Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 shows another perspective view of the rear portion of the frame of the vehicle with the mounting structure as shown in Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 shows a side view of a powertrain assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 shows a rear perspective view of the powertrain assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 shows a front perspective view of a portion of a bracket member with a damper, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 shows a front perspective view of a portion of the powertrain assembly and bracket members, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 shows a cross section view of the damper connected to the bracket member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 shows a rear perspective view of the frame of the vehicle with the mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 shows a side view of the frame shown in Figure 11, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 shows a perspective magnified view of a rear portion of the frame of the vehicle showing the mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 shows a sectional view of the mounting structure shown in Figure 14, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 shows another perspective view of the mounting structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[023] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a three-wheeled vehicle like a passenger carrier three-wheeled vehicle or a luggage or load carrier three-wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to other type of vehicles like a four-wheeled vehicle which may be driven by an Internal Combustion (IC) engine and/or electric batteries capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[024] Present invention broadly relates to a vehicle. More particularly, relates to a mounting structure for a motor assembly of a vehicle.
[025] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a frame 16 of an exemplary vehicle like a three-wheeled vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 may be driven by a power source like the IC engine (not shown) and/or the electric batteries (not shown).
[026] In an embodiment, the frame 16 of the vehicle 10 comprises a plurality of long members 14 extending in a front-rear direction “D1” of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the plurality of long members 14 comprises a central long member 14A. In some embodiments, the plurality of long members 14 may also be referred as a chassis of the vehicle 10 and may be made of a high strength steel material that is known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment as shown in Figures 1, 2, 11 and 14, the central long member 14A is extending in the front-rear direction “D1” of the vehicle 10. The frame 16 of the vehicle 10 further comprises at least one cross member 14B extending in a width direction of the vehicle “W” between the plurality of long members 14. In some embodiment of the present invention, the cross member 14B may be made of a high strength steel material, known in the art.
[027] Referring to Figures 1 – 7, and 9, the vehicle 10 further includes a powertrain assembly 18. The powertrain assembly 18 includes, one or more components including, but not limited to, a motor assembly 12, belt drives (not shown) and a differential assembly (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the motor assembly 12 is disposed at a rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10.
[028] In an embodiment shown in Figures 3 – 7 and 9, the vehicle 10 includes a bracket member 114, for connecting a top portion “T” (shown in Figure 5) of the powertrain assembly 18 with the cross member 14B and/or the long member 14 of the vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket member 114 is a U-shaped bracket member.
[029] Referring again to the Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 further includes a mounting structure 100 for mounting the motor assembly 12 with the frame 16 of the vehicle 10, more particularly with the center long member 14A of the vehicle 10.
[030] As shown in Figures 1 – 5 and 11 – 15, in some embodiments of the present invention, the mounting structure 100 comprises a plate member 104 (shown in Figures 14 - 16) in a predetermined shape. In an embodiment, the plate member 104 comprises a first portion 106 and a second portion 108 (shown in Figure 14). The first portion 106 is configured to connect with the central long member 14A of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the first portion 106 of the plate member 104 is connected to the central long member 14A through one or more fabrication methods including, but not limited to, welding and fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 106 of the plate member 104 is connected to the central long member 14A through welding process. In some embodiment, the mounting structure 100 can be an integrated part of the central long member 14A. Thus, the method of fabrication is not meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention.
[031] In an embodiment, the second portion 108 of the plate member 104 is distal to the first portion 106. The second portion 108 is configured to connect with the motor assembly 12 of the vehicle 10.
[032] As illustrated in the embodiments, the plate member 104 is having a U-shaped cross section. In some embodiments, the plate member 104 of the mounting structure 100 may be formed by a metallic material such as, but not limited to, steel or the same kind of alloy. The plate member 104 is manufactured by a forging process, moulding process, pressing process and forming process or the like known process available in the art. As clearly shown in Figures 14 and 15, the plate member 104 comprises a base plate 104A and two side plates 104B, 104B’ which are extending from the base plate 104A. Thus, forming the plate member 104 having the U-shaped cross section. In one embodiment, the base plate 104A at the first portion 106 of the plate member 104 has a width “W1”. Further, the base plate 104A at the second portion 108 of the plate member 104 has a width “W2”. In the illustrated embodiments, the width “W1” is greater than the width “W2”. Further, the widths “W1” and “W2” may vary depending upon the requirement and model of the vehicle 10.
[033] Further, as shown in Figure 16, the plate member 104 includes an elevation difference “E” between the first portion 106 and the second portion 108. More specifically, a smooth down elevation is there from the first portion 106 to the second portion 108.
[034] In some embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the plate member 104 includes at least one hole 106a in the first portion 106 and at least one hole 108a in the second portion 108. As illustrated in Figure 16, the base plate 104A of the plate member 104 includes at least one hole 106a in the first portion 106 and at least one hole 108a in the second portion 108. Further, both the holes 106a, 108a are used in welding fixture for assuring position of the mounting structure 100.
[035] In an embodiment, the second portion 108 of the plate member 104 comprises one or more mounting pins 110 (clearly shown in Figures 14 and 15). The one or more mounting pins 110 are disposed laterally between the base plate 104A and the two side plates 104B, 104B’ and are disposed at the second portion 108 of the plate member 104. The one or more mounting pins 110 at the second portion 108 of the plate member 104 are connected to the motor assembly 12 through the bracket member 112 (shown in Figures 2 – 5). In an embodiment, the bracket member 112 comprises one or more dampers 112B (shown in Figures 7 - 10) connecting the motor assembly 12.
[036] In one embodiment shown in Figures 8 - 10, the bracket member 112 comprises a first end 112C. The first end 112C comprises one or more mounting holes 112A, for accommodating the one or more mounting pins 110. That is to say, the one or more mounting pins 110 are inserted into the one or more mounting holes 112A of the bracket member 112 for joining the bracket member 112 with the plate member 104 of the mounting structure 100. The bracket member 112 further comprises a second end 112D which is opposite to the first end 112C. The second end 112D of the bracket member 112 comprises the one or more dampers 112B. In some embodiments of the present invention, the one or more dampers 112B are connected to the motor assembly 12.
[037] Advantageously, the mounting structure disclosed in the present invention reduces weight of the frame, thereby reducing overall weight of the vehicle. Accordingly, it will increase average (fuel average) in case of IC engine vehicles and range (battery range) in case of EV or Hybrid engine vehicles. Further, the mounting structure disclosed in the present invention improves stiffness of the mounting brackets in the frame and the motor assembly. Also, the mounting structure improves dimensional consistency and stability, thereby improving durability and manufacturability.
[038] The present invention further eases manufacturing and provides cost reduction, due to reduction in weight of the motor assembly.
[039] The present invention provides solution to the problems of the prior arts. The problems of the prior arts includes inconsistent dimensions possible due to type of construction and process, more weight in the motor and frame assemblies, breakage in frame, vibration transferring to the frame mounting member.
[040] The aforesaid problems of the prior arts are solved by the mounting structure (may also be called as a connecting member) from the central long member that contains contours and holding mounting bushes to suit a front portion of a motor mounting.
[041] The motor assembly mounting at its front portion with the central long member is simplified by using the mounting structure welded to a rear end of the central long member which has two bushes helping in reducing the dimensional inconsistency and has firm support from the heavy central long member of the frame. Thus, the overall construction helps in improving dimensional stability without increasing the weight in the frame and the significant improvement in the stiffness of the mounting structure.
[042] The mounting structure which is welded to the central long member of the frame through one or more isolated dampers will arrest the motor assembly twisting torque and absorb the vibrations.
[043] In the solution available in the art, the front mounting structure of the motor assembly had solid plate and the tubular member in the frame assembly which receives the motor mounting was rectangular in shape and the bracket welded on tube was thick tubular section, which were leading to increase in weights of both frame and motor assembly. Whereas the mounting structure in the present invention helps to reduce the weight of those sub systems and improve stiffness.
[044] 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 and Characters / Signs:
10: Vehicle
12: Motor assembly
14: Plurality of long members
14A: Central long member
14B: Cross member
16: Frame
18: Powertrain assembly
100: Mounting structure
104: Plate member
104A: Base plate
104B, 104B’: Side plates
106: First portion of the plate member
106a: Hole
108: Second portion of the plate member
108a: Hole
110: Mounting pins
112: Bracket member
112A: Mounting holes in the bracket member (112)
112B: Damper
112C: First end of the bracket member (112)
112D: Second end of the bracket member (112)
114: Bracket member
D1: Front-rear direction of the vehicle
W: Width direction of the vehicle
W1: Width of first portion 106
W2: Width of second portion 108
E: Elevation difference
R: Rear portion of the vehicle
T: Top portion of the powertrain assembly
, Claims:1. A mounting structure (100) for a motor assembly (12) of a vehicle (10), the mounting structure (100), comprising:
at least one a plate member (104) in a predetermined shape, the plate member (104) comprising:
a first portion (106), the first portion (106) being configured to connect with a central long member (14A) of the vehicle (10), wherein the central long member (14A) being extending in a front-rear direction (D1) of the vehicle (10), and
a second portion (108), the second portion (108) being distal to the first portion (106), wherein the second portion (108) being configured to connect with the motor assembly (12) of the vehicle (10).

2. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate member (104) being a U-shaped cross section, and wherein the plate member (104) comprises a base plate (104A) and two side plates (104B, 104B’) being extending from the base plate (104A), thereby forming the plate member (104) having the U-shaped cross section.

3. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base plate (104A) at the first portion (106) of the plate member (104) has a width (W1), wherein the base plate (104A) at the second portion (108) of the plate member (104) has a width (W2), and wherein the width (W1) being greater than the width (W2).

4. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (106) of the plate member (104) being connected to the central long member (14A) through welding or fasteners.

5. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (108) of the plate member (104) comprises one or more mounting pins (110).

6. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more mounting pins (110) being disposed laterally between the base plate (104A) and the two side plates (104B, 104B’) and wherein the one or more mounting pins (110) being disposed at the second portion (108) of the plate member (104).

7. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more mounting pins (110) of the second portion (108) of the plate member (104) being connected to the motor assembly (12) through a bracket member (112), and wherein the bracket member (112) comprising one or more dampers (112B).
8. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bracket member (112) comprises a first end (112C), wherein the first end (112C) comprises one or more mounting holes (112A), wherein the one or more mounting pins (110) being inserted into the one or more mounting holes (112A) for joining the bracket member (112) with the plate member (104).

9. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bracket member (112) comprises a second end (112D), wherein the second end (112D) being opposite to the first end (112C) and comprising the one or more dampers (112B) of the bracket member (112), wherein the one or more dampers (112B) being connected to the motor assembly (12).

10. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate member (104) comprises an elevation difference (E) between the first portion (106) and the second portion (108), and wherein the elevation is a smooth down elevation from the first portion (106) to the second portion (108).

11. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate member (104) comprises at least one hole (106a) in the first portion (106) and at least one hole (108a) in the second portion (108), and wherein the holes (106a, 108a) are used in a welding fixture for assuring position of the mounting structure (100).

12. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame (16) comprising a plurality of long members (14) extending in a front-rear direction (D1) of the vehicle (10) and at least one cross member (14B) extending in a width direction (W) of the vehicle (10), wherein the at least one cross member (14B) being disposed between the plurality of long members (14), wherein the plurality of long members (14) comprises a central long member (14A);
a powertrain assembly (18) comprising a motor assembly (12), wherein the powertrain assembly (18) being disposed at a rear portion (R) of the vehicle (10);
a bracket member (114), the bracket member (114) being adapted to connect a top portion (T) of the powertrain assembly (18) with the cross member (14B) and/or the long member (14); and
a mounting structure (100), the mounting structure (100) comprising:
at least one a plate member (104) in a predetermined shape, the plate member (104) comprising:
a first portion (106) being configured to connect with the central long member (14A) of the vehicle (10), wherein the central long member (14A) being extending in the front-rear direction (D1) of the vehicle (10), and
a second portion (108) being distal to the first portion (106), wherein the second portion (108) being configured to connect with the motor assembly (12).

13. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plate member (104) being a U-shaped cross section, and wherein the plate member (104) comprises a base plate (104A) and two side plates (104B, 104B’) being extending from the base plate (104A), thereby forming the plate member (104) having the U-shaped cross section.

14. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the base plate (104A) at the first portion (106) of the plate member (104) has a width (W1), wherein the base plate (104A) at the second portion (108) of the plate member (104) has a width (W2), and wherein the width (W1) being greater than the width (W2).

15. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first portion (106) of the plate member (104) being connected to the central long member (14A) through welding or fasteners.

16. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second portion (108) of the plate member (104) comprises one or more mounting pins (110).

17. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the one or more mounting pins (110) being disposed laterally between the base plate (104A) and the two side plates (104B, 104B’) and wherein the one or more mounting pins (110) being disposed at the second portion (108) of the plate member (104).

18. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the one or more mounting pins (110) of the second portion (108) of the plate member (104) being connected to the motor assembly (12) through a bracket member (112), and wherein the bracket member (112) comprising one or more dampers (112B).

19. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the bracket member (112) comprises a first end (112C), wherein the first end (112C) comprises one or more mounting holes (112A), wherein the one or more mounting pins (110) being inserted into the one or more mounting holes (112A) for joining the bracket member (112) with the plate member (104).

20. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the bracket member (112) comprises a second end (112D), wherein the second end (112D) being opposite to the first end (112C) and comprising the one or more dampers (112B) of the bracket member (112), wherein the one or more dampers (112B) being connected to the motor assembly (12).

21. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bracket member (114) being adapted to connect the top portion (T) of the powertrain assembly (18) with the cross member (14B) and/or the long member (14) is U-shaped bracket.

22. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plate member (104) comprises an elevation difference (E) between the first portion (106) and the second portion (108), and wherein the elevation is a smooth down elevation from the first portion (106) to the second portion (108).

23. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plate member (104) comprises at least one hole (106a) in the first portion (106) and at least one hole (108a) in the second portion (108), and wherein the holes (106a, 108a) are used in a welding fixture for assuring position of the mounting structure (100).

24. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the vehicle (10) being a three wheeled vehicle or a four wheeled vehicle.