CN118679093A - Vehicle with a wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle (10). A vehicle (10) includes a frame (100), the frame (100) having a pair of long members (110) extending in a vehicle front-rear direction (F-R) and a first cross member (112) extending in a vehicle width direction (W) between the long members (110). The vehicle (10) includes a seat assembly (200), the seat assembly (200) being disposed on the first cross member (112) at a rear portion (10R) of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further includes a first bracket (130), the first bracket (130) being mounted to the first cross member (112). The first bracket (130) is adapted to receive a junction box (132) and one or more electrical components (134, 136).

Description

Vehicle with a wheel

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a vehicle and, in particular, to the arrangement of components of a vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle.

Background

In a vehicle in which a dedicated access door is provided in the passenger compartment for accessing electronic components, the overall strength of the passenger compartment is reduced. The overall strength of the cabin decreases with an increasing number of such access doors. To compensate for the decrease in strength, cabin reinforcements are often employed to reinforce the area around the access door, which increases the weight of the vehicle. The use of cabin reinforcements also increases the operating costs, material costs and manufacturing costs, thus increasing the overall cost of the vehicle.

Control units of a vehicle, such as a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) or a Motor Control Unit (MCU), are expensive components. In vehicles with an open cabin structure or an easily accessible cabin, in particular in three-wheeled or other soft-top vehicles, the control unit must be mounted in a safe position. Conventionally, the control unit is placed under the passenger seat within the passenger compartment and is easily accessible through a dedicated access door provided on the seat frame supporting the front end of the passenger seat. The accessibility of the control unit makes it vulnerable to theft. Even if it is necessary to protect the control unit from the risk of theft, it cannot be placed in a position that makes maintainability difficult.

Vehicles include many electrical and electronic components that communicate with each other through cables. In modern automobiles, many electrical and electronic components perform complex processes in terms of performing functions, such as determining the power generated by a prime mover and changing the operating conditions of the prime mover accordingly, determining the power to be transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle under different operating conditions and changing the transmitted power, determining the operating conditions of the vehicle and other external factors and activating/deactivating various safety mechanisms in the vehicle, operating many electrical loads in the vehicle, and the like. In particular to electric vehicles, electronic components such as MCUs and VCUs are connected by a plurality of long cables/CAN to an electric motor that generates motive force for vehicle propulsion. The use of lengthy cables results in higher delays, higher transmission losses, heating of the cable, and inefficiency in the overall transmission of the electrical signal. Routing of lengthy cables also complicates the assembly process and increases time and cost. It would therefore be advantageous to locate many of the electrical and electronic components of a vehicle in close proximity to each other to reduce the length of the required cable. However, when the electronic components are placed close to the prime mover (whether an electric motor or an internal combustion engine) to reduce the cable length, heat dissipation from the prime mover will affect the performance, durability, and reliability of the electronic components. It is therefore proposed to position the electrical and electronic components at an optimal distance from the prime mover in order to eliminate the effect of heat dissipation, while keeping the length of the cable to a minimum.

In addition, certain components of the vehicle, such as auxiliary batteries, fuses and any other electrical components that require periodic maintenance or replacement to power the 12V/24V electrical loads of the vehicle, need to be easily accessed through an access door to facilitate maintenance. This also enables the user to remove or replace these components by themselves without having to bring the vehicle to a service center. This easy accessibility is advantageous in cases where immediate intervention is required to limit further damage to vehicle components or emergency maintenance is required. For example, if the fuse is blown and the power in the vehicle is cut, the user should be able to replace the fuse without pulling the vehicle to a service center. When the auxiliary battery enters the deep discharge mode, the user should be able to easily disconnect and reconnect the battery to prevent battery depletion and consequent damage.

There is therefore a need in the art for a vehicle with an optimal arrangement of vehicle components that addresses at least the above-mentioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame having a pair of long members extending in a vehicle front-rear direction and a first cross member extending in a vehicle width direction between the pair of long members. The vehicle further includes a seat assembly disposed on the first cross member at the rear portion of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a first bracket mounted to the first cross member. The first bracket is adapted to receive the junction box and one or more electrical components.

In an embodiment, the first stent has a wavy profile comprising a pair of peaks (crest) and valleys (gauge) on either side of each of the peaks. The valley is adapted to be fastened to the first cross member. The junction box is mounted to the valley. In another embodiment, one or more electrical components are mounted to the pair of peaks. In a further embodiment, one or more electrical components are mounted to the valley.

In an embodiment, the one or more electrical components include a fuse.

In another embodiment, the one or more electrical components include a DC-DC charging relay.

In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a second bracket mounted to the first cross member. The second bracket is adapted to receive the first control unit.

In an embodiment, the first control unit comprises a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU).

In yet another embodiment, the vehicle includes a second cross member extending in the vehicle width direction between the pair of long members. The second cross member is disposed rearward of the first cross member.

In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a third bracket mounted to the second cross member. The third bracket is adapted to receive the second control unit.

In an embodiment, the third bracket comprises a first sub-bracket mounted to the second cross member. A first sub-mount extends downwardly from the second cross member and is adapted to receive a first end of the second control unit. The third bracket further includes a second sub-bracket mounted to the second cross member opposite the first sub-bracket. A second sub-mount extends downwardly from the second cross member and is adapted to receive a second end of the second control unit.

In an embodiment, the second control unit comprises a Motor Control Unit (MCU).

In yet another embodiment, the vehicle includes one or more U-brackets mounted to the second cross member. One or more U-shaped brackets are adapted to route cables.

In yet another embodiment, a seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat frame disposed to a frame of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle to support a front end of the seat.

In a further embodiment, the seat frame has a cutout portion that at least partially overlaps the junction box and the one or more electrical components when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction. The cutout portion is adapted to be covered by a cover member. By opening the cover member, the junction box and the one or more electrical components can be accessed through the cutout portion.

In yet another embodiment, the vehicle includes one or more bus bars adapted to electrically connect one or more electrical components to each other and to the junction box.

In an embodiment, the vehicle includes a prime mover that generates motive power for the vehicle. The prime mover is mounted to the frame and positioned rearward of the first cross member when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

In yet another embodiment, the vehicle includes a battery holder mounted to the first cross member. The battery holder is adapted to receive an auxiliary battery.

In an embodiment, the battery holder includes a pair of spaced apart wire members and a stay provided on the pair of wire members. The stay includes a primary support member adapted to support a rear portion, a base portion, and side portions of the auxiliary battery. The support bar further comprises a secondary support member attached fixed to the lower portion of the primary support member and adapted to support a base portion of the auxiliary battery. The brace further includes a clamping member detachably attached at one end thereof to the primary support member and at the other end thereof to the secondary support member. The clamping member is adapted to secure the auxiliary battery to the stay.

In an embodiment, the pair of linear members are mounted to the first cross member.

In another embodiment, the pair of linear members are sandwiched between the first cross member and the first bracket.

In yet another embodiment, the pair of linear members and the first bracket are secured to the first cross member by a common fastener.

Drawings

Reference will now be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are intended to be illustrative, and not limiting. While the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 shows a top perspective view of a portion of a passenger compartment of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3 shows a top perspective view of a frame assembly at a rear portion of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the arrangement of components of a vehicle at the rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 5 shows a top perspective view of a frame assembly and the arrangement of components of a vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 6 shows a left side view of the arrangement of components of a vehicle at the rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of the arrangement of components of a vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 8 shows a side perspective view of a portion of a passenger compartment of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a front perspective view of the arrangement of components of a vehicle at the rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 10 shows a rear perspective view of a frame assembly and an exploded view of components of a vehicle disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 11 shows a front view of the arrangement of components of a vehicle at the rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 12 shows a rear view of the arrangement of components of the vehicle at the rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 13 shows a top view of a frame assembly and an exploded view of components of a vehicle disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 14 shows a top perspective view of a frame assembly and an exploded view of components of a vehicle disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 15 shows a front perspective view of the arrangement of components of a vehicle at the rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 16 shows a bottom perspective view of the arrangement of components of a vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 17 shows a rear perspective view of the arrangement of components of a vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 18 shows a top perspective view of the arrangement of the frame assembly and the components of the vehicle at the rear portion of the vehicle, wherein the vertical planes X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 are arranged in the vehicle front-rear direction, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 19 shows a right side cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the frame assembly and components of the vehicle at the vertical plane X1 at the rear portion of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 20 shows a right side cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the frame assembly and components of the vehicle at the vertical plane X2 at the rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 21 shows a right side cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the frame assembly and components of the vehicle at the vertical plane X3 at the rear portion of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 22 shows a right side cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the frame assembly and components of the vehicle at the vertical plane X4 at the rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 23 shows a right side cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the frame assembly and components of the vehicle at the vertical plane X5 at the rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 24 shows a right side cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the frame assembly and components of the vehicle at the vertical plane X6 at the rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 25 shows a right side cross-sectional view of the arrangement of the frame assembly and components of the vehicle at the vertical plane X7 at the rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The various features and embodiments of the present invention herein will be apparent from the following further description thereof, which is set forth below. The present invention relates generally to a vehicle and in particular to the arrangement of components of a vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle. In the exemplary embodiment that follows, the vehicle is a three-wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure herein may be applied to any vehicle, such as a four-wheeled vehicle, that is capable of adapting to the present subject matter without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to fig. 1 to 3, the vehicle 10 includes a frame 100 having a pair of long members 110 spaced apart from each other and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction F-R. The vehicle 10 also includes a prime mover (not shown) that generates power to propel the vehicle 10. The prime mover includes an internal combustion engine or an electric motor for driving the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 also includes one or more front wheels 14 and two or more rear wheels 16. The pair of long members 110 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R are substantially parallel to each other. The frame 100 also includes cross members 112, 114, 116 extending laterally between the pair of elongate members 110. In an embodiment, the cross members include at least a first cross member 112 and a second cross member 114. The second cross member 114 is disposed rearward of the first cross member 112. In the embodiment, the prime mover is mounted to the frame 100 and is positioned rearward of the first cross member 112 as viewed in the vehicle width direction W.

The vehicle 10 also includes a steering assembly (not shown) operatively connected to the front wheels 14 and a front suspension (not shown) adapted to support the front wheels 14 of the vehicle 10. An upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28, and the front fender 28 is mounted to a lower portion of the front suspension at an end of a steering shaft (not shown). The vehicle 10 further includes a steering apparatus (not shown) that is fixed to the upper bracket (not shown) and is rotatable about the axis of the steering shaft to both sides of the vehicle 10.

The front portion of the frame 100 is adapted to support a plurality of body panels (not shown) to form the cab 20. The operator's compartment 20 is adapted to receive a driver's seat 25 and steering equipment. The cab 20 includes a pair of head lamps 30 on a front face thereof. The rear wheels 16 of the vehicle 10 are covered by a rear fender 38 disposed above the rear wheels 16. The rear wheels 16 are rotated by driving force delivered through a vehicle powertrain (not shown).

At the rear portion 10R, the vehicle 10 further includes a passenger compartment 22, the passenger compartment 22 being comprised of a plurality of panels (not shown), including, but not limited to, side panels, a rear panel with a tailgate, and a seat base. The panels are joined together by spot welding or any other manufacturing method known in the art. The passenger compartment 22 includes a seat assembly 200 for providing a seat for a passenger. In an embodiment, the seat assembly 200 includes a seat frame 210 disposed on the frame 100 and a seat 220 disposed above the first cross member 112. The seat frame 210 supports the front end of the seat 220. The seat frame 210 is also provided to the front of the first cross member 112.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the arrangement of components of the vehicle 10 at the rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The first bracket 130 is mounted to the first cross member 112. The first bracket 130 is adapted to receive a junction box 132 and one or more electrical components 134, 136. In an embodiment, the first stent 130 is formed to have a wavy profile including a pair of peaks 135 and valleys 137 (shown in fig. 13 and 15) on either side of each peak 135.

Fig. 18 shows a top perspective view of the arrangement of the frame assembly 100 and components of the vehicle 10 at the rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10, with the vertical planes X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 arranged in the vehicle front-rear direction, according to an embodiment of the invention. The vertical planes X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction W. In an embodiment, valley 137 is adapted to be fastened to first cross member 112 (shown in fig. 20 and 22) by means of fastener 1371, first bracket 130 being mounted to first cross member 112 by fastener 1371. In another embodiment, junction box 132 is mounted to valley 137 (shown in fig. 14 and 24) by means of fasteners 1321. In a further embodiment, one or more electrical components 134 are mounted to a pair of peaks 135 (shown in fig. 14, 21, and 23) by means of fasteners 1341. In an embodiment, the one or more electrical components 134 include fuses. In a further embodiment, one or more electrical components 136 are mounted to the valley 137 (shown in fig. 14 and 25) by means of fasteners 1361. In the embodiment shown in fig. 4, one or more electrical components 136 are mounted near junction box 132. In an embodiment, the one or more electrical components 136 include a DC-DC charging relay for DC charging. In yet another embodiment, one or more electrical components 134, 136 and junction box 132 are electrically connected to each other using one or more bus bars 133. In an embodiment, one or more bus bars 133 are fastened to junction box 132 and/or one or more electrical components 134, 136 (shown in fig. 23 and 24) using fasteners 1331.

The vehicle 10 includes a second bracket 140 mounted to the first cross member 112. The second bracket 140 is adapted to receive a first control unit 142. In an embodiment, the second bracket 140 is any mounting bracket known in the art. In another embodiment, the first control unit 142 is mounted to the second bracket 140 (shown in fig. 19) using fasteners 1421.

Fig. 6 shows a left side view of the arrangement of components of the vehicle 10 at the rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the arrangement of components of the vehicle 10 at the rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 also includes a third bracket 150 mounted to the second cross member 114. The third holder 150 is adapted to receive a second control unit 152. In an embodiment, third bracket 150 is provided to the rear of second bracket 140 and the side of the prime mover.

In an embodiment, the third bracket 150 includes a first sub-bracket 155 mounted to the second cross member 114. The first sub-mount 155 extends downwardly and is adapted to receive the first end 152a of the second control unit 152. In another embodiment, third bracket 150 further includes a second sub-bracket 155 mounted to second cross member 114 opposite first sub-bracket 156. A second sub-mount 156 extends downwardly and is adapted to receive a second end 152b of the second control unit 152. In an embodiment, the first control unit 142 includes a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). In another embodiment, the second control unit 152 includes a Motor Control Unit (MCU).

Fig. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of a passenger compartment 22 of a vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to fig. 2 and 8, the seat frame 210 includes a cutout portion 212, which cutout portion 212 at least partially overlaps the junction box 132 and the one or more electrical components 134 when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R. The cutout portion 212 is adapted to be covered by a cover member 215. In an embodiment, by opening the cover member 215, the junction box 132 and the one or more electrical components 134 may be conveniently accessed through the cutout portion 212. Further, the first control unit and the second control unit cannot be easily accessed through the cutout portion 212.

Fig. 9 shows a front perspective view of the arrangement of components of the vehicle 10 at the rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of a frame assembly 100 and an exploded view of components of the vehicle 10 disposed at a rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes a battery holder 160 mounted to the first cross member 112. The battery holder 160 is adapted to receive an auxiliary battery (not shown). The auxiliary battery supplies power to the 12V/24V electrical load in the vehicle 10.

In an embodiment, the battery holder 160 includes a pair of spaced apart linear members 163 and a stay 165 disposed on the pair of linear members 163. The stay 165 includes a primary support member 166, the primary support member 166 being adapted to support a rear portion, a base portion, and side portions of the auxiliary battery. In an embodiment, the main support member 166 includes a back support portion that is attached and fixed to the pair of linear members 163, a bottom support portion that is attached and fixed to the bottom end of the back support portion and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R. The main support member 166 also includes two side support portions each of which is respectively attached and fixed to the left and right side ends of the rear support portion and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R. In another embodiment, the main support member 166 is made of metal rods that are attached to each other to reduce weight. The stay 165 further includes a secondary support member 167 that is attached and secured to a lower portion of the primary support member 166. The secondary support member 167 is adapted to support a base portion of the auxiliary battery. In an embodiment, the secondary support member 167 has a rectangular hollow configuration with upwardly convex edges. The secondary support member 167 is attached and secured to the bottom support portion of the primary support member 166. The stay 165 further includes a clamping member 168, the clamping member 168 being removably attached at one end 168a thereof to the primary support member 166 and at the other end 168b thereof to the secondary support member 167. In an embodiment, one end 168a of the clamp member 168 is removably attached to the back support portion of the main support member 166. The clamping member 168 is adapted to secure the auxiliary battery to the stay 165. The auxiliary battery may be removed from the battery holder 160 by disassembling one end 168a and/or the other end 168b of the clamping member 168. In an embodiment, the auxiliary battery can be easily accessed through the cutout portion 212 by opening the cover member 215.

In an embodiment, the pair of linear members 163 are mounted to the first cross member 112 to mount the battery holder 160 to the first cross member 112. In another embodiment, the pair of linear members 163 is sandwiched between the first cross member 112 and the first bracket 130. In yet another embodiment, the pair of linear members 163 and the first bracket 130 are fastened to the first cross member 112 (shown in fig. 10, 20, and 22) by a common fastener 1371.

In an embodiment, fasteners 1321, 1331, 1341, 1361, 1371, and 1421 comprise bolts secured at their distal ends with nuts. In another embodiment, fasteners 1321, 1331, 1341, 1361, 1371, and 1421 comprise rivets.

Fig. 11 shows a front view of the arrangement of components of the vehicle 10 at the rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the embodiment, one or more electrical components 134 and the battery holder 160 are disposed between the first control unit 142 and the junction box 132 when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R. In another embodiment, the one or more electrical components 134 overlap one linear member 163 among the pair of linear members 163 of the battery holder 160 when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R. In yet another embodiment, the junction box 132 is disposed between one or more electrical components (134, 136).

Fig. 12 shows a rear view of the arrangement of components of the vehicle 10 at the rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10 according to the embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes one or more U-brackets 170 mounted to the second cross member 114. In an embodiment, one or more U-shaped brackets 170 are welded to the second cross member 114. One or more U-shaped brackets 170 are adapted to route cables 172 (shown in fig. 16 and 17). As shown in fig. 16, each of the one or more U-shaped brackets 170 includes a first end 170a and a second end 170b. In an embodiment, the first end 170a and the second end 170b are attachedly secured to the second cross member 114 to mount one or more U-shaped brackets 170 to the second cross member 114.

In an embodiment, a mounting bracket adapted to mount the main contactor relay 146 is mounted to the first cross member 112 (shown in fig. 4) at a rear of the second bracket 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the main contactor relay 146 is at the rear of the first control unit 142.

Advantageously, the present invention provides a vehicle wherein the vehicle component is disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle. By avoiding the use of dedicated access doors provided in the passenger compartment for access to the electronic components, the overall strength of the passenger compartment is improved and the use of passenger compartment reinforcements is limited. This reduces the weight and cost of the vehicle. By limiting access to the control unit, the likelihood of theft of the control unit is greatly reduced. Since the electric and electronic components are disposed at an optimal distance from the prime mover so as to eliminate the influence of heat dissipation while keeping the length of the cable to a minimum, durability and reliability of the electric and electronic components are improved. The close arrangement of the electrical and electronic components in the vehicle allows for the use of a strong bus bar to connect the electrical and electronic components rather than crimping the wires, thereby making the electrical connection between the electrical and electronic components stronger. The close arrangement of the electrical and electronic components in the vehicle also allows for the use of shorter cables, thereby improving the efficiency of communication between the electrical and electronic components. This also eliminates the need for complex wiring, thereby saving cost and time during vehicle assembly. Easy serviceability is enhanced because electrical components that require periodic maintenance or replacement are readily accessible through the access door. For example, if the fuse is blown and the power in the vehicle is cut off, the user may replace the fuse without pulling the vehicle to a service center. When the auxiliary battery enters the deep discharge mode, the user can easily disconnect and reconnect the battery to prevent battery exhaustion and consequent damage. In addition, the use of a common bracket for mounting the electrical components eliminates the need for a dedicated mounting bracket. This also increases ease of assembly by eliminating alignment issues that exist when a dedicated mounting bracket must be attached to the frame.

While the invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of reference numerals

10-Vehicle

10R-rear portion of vehicle

14-Front wheel

16-Rear wheel

20-Cockpit

22-Passenger cabin

25-Driver seat

28-Front mudguard

30-Headlight

38-Rear mudguard

100-Frame

110-A pair of long members

112-First cross member

114-Second cross member

116-Cross-member

130-First support

132-Junction box

1321-Fastener for mounting a junction box

133-Busbar

1331-Fastener for fastening bus bars

134-One or more electrical components

1341-Fastener for mounting one or more electrical components

136-One or more electrical components

1361-Fastener for mounting one or more electrical components

135 Peak of first stent

137-Valley of first bracket

1371-Fastener for fastening a valley of a first bracket

140-Second support

142-First control unit

1421-Fastener for mounting a first control unit

146-Main contactor relay

150-Third support

152-Second control unit

155-First sub-mount of the second control unit

156-Second sub-mount of the second control unit

160-Cell holder

Linear member of 163-battery holder

Stay for 165-cell holder

166-Stay main support member

Secondary support member for 167-stay

Clamping member for 168-stay bar

U-shaped bracket of 170-stay bar

172-Cable

200-Seat assembly

210-Seat frame

212-Cutout portions in the seat frame

215 Cover member

220-Seat.

Claims (25)

1. A vehicle (10), comprising:

A frame (100), the frame (100) having a pair of long members (110) extending in a vehicle front-rear direction (F-R) and a first cross member (112) extending in a vehicle width direction (W) between the long members (110);

-a seat assembly (200), said seat assembly (200) being provided on said first cross member (112) at a rear portion (10R) of said vehicle (10); and

A first bracket (130), the first bracket (130) mounted on the first cross member (112) and configured to receive a junction box (132) and one or more electrical components (134, 136).

2. The vehicle (10) of claim 1, wherein the first bracket (130) has a contoured profile comprising: a pair of peaks (135); and a valley (137) on either side of each peak (135).

3. The vehicle (10) of claim 2, wherein the valley (137) is configured to be secured to the first cross member (112).

4. The vehicle (10) of claim 2, wherein the junction box (132) is mounted to the valley (137).

5. The vehicle (10) of claim 2, wherein the one or more electrical components (134) are mounted to the pair of peaks (135).

6. The vehicle (10) of claim 2, wherein the one or more electrical components (136) are mounted to the valley (137).

7. The vehicle (10) of claim 5, wherein the one or more electrical components (134) include a fuse.

8. The vehicle (10) of claim 6, wherein the one or more electrical components (136) include a DC-DC charging relay.

9. The vehicle (10) of claim 1, comprising a second bracket (140), the second bracket (140) mounted to the first cross member (112) and configured to receive a first control unit (142).

10. The vehicle (10) of claim 9, wherein the first control unit (142) includes a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU).

11. The vehicle (10) according to claim 1, comprising a second cross member (114), the second cross member (114) extending between the pair of long members (110) in the vehicle width direction (W) and being disposed behind the first cross member (112).

12. The vehicle (10) of claim 11, including a third bracket (150), the third bracket (150) mounted to the second cross member (114) and configured to receive a second control unit (152).

13. The vehicle (10) of claim 12, wherein the third bracket (150) includes: a first sub-mount (155), the first sub-mount (155) being mounted to the second cross member (114) and extending downwardly, the first sub-mount (155) being configured to receive a first end (152 a) of the second control unit (152); and a second sub-mount (156), the second sub-mount (156) being mounted to the second cross member (114) opposite the first sub-mount (155) and extending downwardly, the second sub-mount (156) being configured to receive a second end (152 b) of the second control unit (152).

14. The vehicle (10) of claim 13, wherein the second control unit (152) includes a Motor Control Unit (MCU).

15. The vehicle (10) of claim 11, comprising one or more U-shaped brackets (170), the one or more U-shaped brackets (170) mounted to the second cross member (114) and configured to route a cable (172).

16. The vehicle (10) of claim 1, wherein the seat assembly (200) includes a seat frame (210), the seat frame (210) being disposed to the frame (100) at the rear portion (10R) of the vehicle (10) to support a front end of a seat (220).

17. The vehicle (10) of claim 16, wherein the seat frame (210) has a cutout portion (212), the cutout portion (212) at least partially overlapping the junction box (132) and the one or more electrical components (134) when viewed in the vehicle fore-aft direction (F-R), the cutout portion (212) configured to be covered by a cover member (215).

18. The vehicle (10) of claim 17, wherein the junction box (132) and the one or more electrical components (134) are accessed through the cutout portion (212) by opening the cover member (215).

19. The vehicle (10) of claim 1, comprising one or more bus bars (133), the one or more bus bars (133) configured to electrically connect the one or more electrical components (134, 136) to each other and to the junction box (132).

20. The vehicle (10) of claim 1, including a prime mover to generate motive power for the vehicle (10), the prime mover being mounted to the frame (100) and positioned rearward of the first cross member (112) when viewed in the vehicle width direction (W).

21. The vehicle (10) of claim 1, including a battery holder (160), the battery holder (160) mounted to the first cross member (112) and configured to receive an auxiliary battery.

22. The vehicle (10) of claim 21 wherein the battery holder (160) includes a pair of spaced apart linear members (163) and a strut (165) disposed on the pair of linear members (163), the strut (165) having:

A main support member (166), the main support member (166) configured to support a rear portion, a base portion, and a side portion of the auxiliary battery;

a secondary support member (167), the secondary support member (167) being attached fixed to a lower portion of the primary support member (166) and configured to support the base portion of the auxiliary battery; and

-A clamping member (168), the clamping member (168) being detachably attached at one end (168 a) thereof to the primary support member (166) and at the other end (168 b) to the secondary support member (167) and configured to fix the auxiliary battery to the stay (165).

23. The vehicle (10) of claim 22 wherein said pair of linear members (163) are mounted to said first cross member (112).

24. The vehicle (10) of claim 23 wherein the pair of linear members (163) are sandwiched between the first cross member (112) and the first bracket (130).

25. The vehicle (10) of claim 24, wherein the pair of linear members (163) and the first bracket (130) are secured to the first cross member (112) by a common fastener (1371).