Mounting arrangement
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- GB · GB
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-15
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a mounting arrangement. Aspects of the invention relate to a vehicle body assembly and to a vehicle. BACKGROUND It is known to provide arrangements for mounting vehicle drive units to a vehicle body assembly (i.e. to the body structure of a vehicle). For vehicles such as electric vehicles that do not have an internal combustion engine, there is a challenge to accommodate key components within limited confines of space. For example, there is a need to make effective use of limited space to effectively support an electric drive unit within the vehicle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a mounting arrangement, a vehicle body assembly and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting arrangement for mounting an electric drive unit (EDU) to a vehicle body structure, the mounting arrangement comprising: a support structure arranged to be coupled to a vehicle body structure and to support an EDU; a body mounting bracket configured to connect the support structure to the vehicle body structure; and an EDU mounting bracket configured to connect the EDU to the support structure; wherein the EDU mounting bracket and the body mounting bracket are arranged such that at least a portion of the EDU mounting bracket is interposed between the support structure and the body mounting bracket. The EDU mounting bracket may be arranged to face a first surface of the support structure, and the body mounting bracket may be arranged to extend over the first surface of the support structure and over the EDU mounting bracket such that at least a portion of the EDU mounting bracket is interposed between the support structure and the body mounting bracket. Advantageously, the EDU mounting bracket is effectively “sandwiched” between the support structure and the body mounting bracket, resulting in a compact and robust means of coupling the support structure to the vehicle body structure and electric drive unit. The “sandwiched” arrangement reduces the number of fixings required to secure the support structure to the vehicle body structure and the electric drive unit, as a single fixing element can be utilised to secure the two mounting brackets to the support structure. The body mounting bracket may comprise at least one fixing aperture arranged to align with at least one corresponding fixing aperture of the EDU mounting bracket, and with at least one corresponding fixing aperture of the support structure, so as to define at least one common fixing aperture configured to receive a fixing element and connect the body mounting bracket and the EDU mounting bracket to the support structure. Advantageously, the common fixing aperture is multi-purpose, in that it serves to connect both the brackets to the support structure. In this way, the number of apertures and fixing elements is reduced, resulting in an assembly that is simpler, has less parts, whilst maintaining a robust connection between the mounting brackets and the support structure. The at least one fixing aperture of the support structure may be configured to define a threaded bore in the support structure. Advantageously, a threaded bore allows for the secure fastening of the brackets to the support structure using a threaded fixing element. In this way, the assembly is simple to assemble and disassemble, which is important for maintenance, repairs, and replacements. The at least one fixing aperture of the support structure may be configured to define a blind bore in the support structure. Advantageously, the structural integrity of the connected brackets and support structure is improved, as the exposure of a fixing element received in the bore to the outside environment is reduced, reducing the likelihood of the fixing element becoming damaged. The at least one common fixing aperture may be arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the first surface of the support structure. Advantageously, a fixing element can connect the brackets and support structure in a perpendicular direction, improving the stability and structural integrity of the connection between the support structure and the brackets. The body mounting bracket, the EDU mounting bracket and the support structure may define four common apertures to connect the body mounting bracket and the EDU mounting bracket to the support structure. Advantageously, the provision of four common apertures improves the distribution of stress more evenly across the joined components, enhancing stability of the joint. Having multiple common apertures provides redundancy for the connection in the case one of the fastenings fails, reducing the need for maintenance. The body mounting bracket and the EDU mounting bracket may be located at or toward a lateral edge of the support structure. Advantageously, locating the brackets at a lateral edge of the support structure avoids a concentration of weight acting on a central area of the support structure, thereby improving weight distribution acting on the support structure. In addition, such an arrangement assists in preventing excitation vibrations in the support structure and creates space on the support structure for mounting additional components thereon (e.g. in the central area). The body mounting bracket may be configured to extend over the EDU mounting bracket so as to shroud at least a portion of the EDU mounting bracket. Advantageously, the body mounting bracket acts as a protective cover for the EDU mounting bracket, providing protection from damage. The body mounting bracket may comprise a body connection portion configured to couple the body mounting bracket to a vehicle body structure, the body connection portion being shaped so as to complement contours of a surface of the vehicle body structure, in use. Advantageously, the arrangement of the body connection portion can be substantially flush to a surface of a vehicle body structure to which it is mounted, providing for a robust connection between the support structure and the vehicle body structure. Optionally, the body connection portion is configured to couple the body mounting bracket to a suspension tower of a vehicle body structure. Optionally, the body connection portion is shaped so as to complement contours of a surface of the suspension tower, in use. The body connection portion may comprise a first transverse section intended to locate in use at a first longitudinal position of a vehicle body structure, and a second transverse section intended to locate in use at a second longitudinal potion of the vehicle body structure, spaced apart from the first longitudinal position, wherein each transverse section comprises at least one fixing aperture for securing the body mounting bracket to the vehicle body structure. Advantageously, the provision of fixing apertures at two different longitudinal positions improves the distribution of stress more evenly across the joined components, enhancing stability of the joint between the body mounting bracket and a vehicle body structure. Moreover, having multiple sections that are securable to the vehicle body structure provides redundancy for the connection in case one of the fastenings fails, reducing the need for maintenance. At least one of the first and second transverse sections may be arranged to extend into a gap formed between the support structure and the vehicle body structure in use. Advantageously, the gap between a vehicle body structure and the support structure allows for simpler assembly of the mounting arrangement, as the support structure can be introduced in an upward direction. Moreover, the gap facilitates for deviations in the size of the support structure (e.g. allows for deviations that occur during manufacture, or changes to the design of the support structure). The extension of the transverse members in the gap provides additional support to the support structure. At least one of the first and second transverse sections of the body connection portion may be configured to extend into the gap so as to be substantially flush against a surface of the vehicle body structure in use, and such that there is a clearance between the support structure and the respective transverse section. Advantageously, the positioning of the transverse section(s) allows for design fluctuations (e.g. change of dimension of the support structure), while allowing for simpler assembly of the mounting arrangement. At least one of the first and second transverse sections may comprise a fixing aperture arranged in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first surface of the support structure. Advantageously, the strength of the connection between the support structure and a vehicle body structure is further improved. The body connection portion may comprise a first tab extending from an edge of the first transverse section, and a second tab extending from an edge of the second transverse section. At least one of the first and second tabs may comprise a fixing aperture arranged to define a non-perpendicular angle relative to a plane defined by the first surface of the support structure. Advantageously, the provision of an angled fixing aperture can assist in distributing the load of the body mounting bracket and the support structure more evenly relative to a vehicle body structure, while allowing for enhanced structural integrity between the bracket and vehicle body structure. The body mounting bracket may comprise at least one pin configured to be received in a complementary recess on the first surface of the support structure so as to align the body mounting bracket relative to the support structure. Advantageously, the pin / recess arrangement facilitates precise arrangement of the body mounting bracket relative to the support structure, improving ease of assembly and enhancing stability of the assembly. The EDU mounting bracket may comprise an EDU connection portion configured to connect the EDU mounting bracket to an EDU, the EDU connection portion extending toward a second surface of the support structure, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, such that the EDU is connected to the EDU connection portion proximal to the second surface of the support structure. Advantageously, an EDU can be effectively coupled to the support structure via the EDU connection portion of the EDU mounting bracket, allowing for a robust connection of the EDU to the support structure. In use, the first surface may be an uppermost surface of the support structure, with the second surface being a lowermost surface. In this way, the EDU mounting bracket can extend beneath the support structure such that the EDU is supported beneath the support structure. The body mounting bracket may be a first body mounting bracket, and the vehicle body assembly may further comprise a second body mounting bracket, and wherein the EDU mounting bracket may be a first EDU mounting bracket, and the vehicle body assembly may further comprise a second EDU mounting bracket, wherein the first body mounting bracket and the first EDU mounting bracket are located at or toward a first lateral edge of the support structure, and the second body mounting bracket and the second EDU mounting bracket are located at or toward a second, opposing, lateral edge of the support structure. Advantageously, providing two body mounting brackets and two EDU mounting brackets increases the robustness of the connections between the support structure, the vehicle body assembly, and the EDU. Locating the brackets at opposing edges of the support structure improves the weight distribution acting on the support structure, avoiding a centralised load. The second body mounting bracket and the second EDU mounting bracket may be arranged such that at least a portion of the second EDU mounting bracket is interposed between the support structure and the body mounting bracket. Advantageously, the brackets at both edges of the support structure are arranged in a “sandwiched” configuration, resulting in a compact arrangement at either edge of the support structure that requires fewer fixing elements. The second body mounting bracket may comprise at least one fixing aperture arranged to align with at least one corresponding fixing aperture of the second EDU mounting bracket, and with at least one corresponding fixing aperture of the support structure, so as to define at least one common fixing aperture configured to receive a fixing element and connect the second body mounting bracket and the second EDU mounting bracket to the support structure. Advantageously, a common fixing aperture is provided at either lateral edge of the support structure, thereby reducing the number of fixing elements required to secure brackets at each lateral edge. The body mounting bracket may comprise a first support structure connection portion for connecting the body mounting bracket to the support structure. The body mounting bracket may comprise a body connection portion configured to couple the body mounting bracket to a vehicle body structure. The first support structure connection portion and the body connection portion may be integrally formed. Generally, the bracket may be formed by casting and the bracket may be formed of a single cast piece. The bracket may therefore be substantially formed of a single piece of metal. The single piece may include the transverse sections and the tabs in addition to the above-mentioned features. The EDU mounting bracket may comprise a second support structure connection portion for connecting the EDU mounting bracket to the support structure. The EDU mounting bracket may comprise an EDU connection portion configured to connect the EDU mounting bracket to an EDU. The EDU connection portion and the second support structure connection portion of the EDU mounting bracket may be integrally formed. According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle body assembly is provided comprising: the mounting arrangement as disclosed herein; and a vehicle body structure coupled to the mounting arrangement. Such a vehicle body assembly benefits from the advantages of the mounting arrangement outlined above. The body mounting bracket may comprise a body connection portion configured to couple the body mounting bracket to the vehicle body structure, the body connection portion being shaped so as to complement contours of a surface of the vehicle body structure. The vehicle body structure may include a suspension tower. The body connection portion may be configured to couple the body mounting bracket to the suspension tower. The body connection portion may be shaped so as to complement contours of a surface of the suspension tower. The body connection portion may comprise a first transverse section arranged to locate at a first longitudinal position of the vehicle body structure, and a second transverse section arranged to locate at a second longitudinal potion of the vehicle body structure, spaced apart from the first longitudinal position, wherein each transverse section comprises at least one fixing aperture for securing the body mounting bracket to the vehicle body structure. At least one of the first and second transverse sections may be arranged to extend into a gap formed between the support structure and the vehicle body structure. The support structure is arranged to be spaced apart from the vehicle body structure so as to define a gap therebetween. At least one of the first and second transverse sections are arranged to extend into the gap. At least one of the first and second transverse sections of the body connection portion may be configured to extend into the gap so as to be substantially flush against a surface of the vehicle body structure, and such that there is a clearance between the support structure and the respective transverse section. The arrangements disclosed herein benefit from the advantages of the mounting arrangement outlined above. According to a further aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided comprising: the vehicle body assembly as disclosed herein; and an electric drive unit (EDU) coupled to the mounting arrangement. Such a vehicle benefits from the advantages of the vehicle body assembly outlined above. The EDU mounting bracket may comprise an EDU connection portion configured to connect the EDU mounting bracket to the EDU, the EDU connection portion extending toward a second surface of the support structure, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, such that the EDU is connected to the EDU connection portion proximal to the second surface of the support structure. Advantageously, an EDU can be effectively coupled to the support structure via the EDU connection portion of the EDU mounting bracket, allowing for a robust connection of the EDU to the support structure. In use, the first surface may be an uppermost surface of the support structure, with the second surface being a lowermost surface. In this way, the EDU mounting bracket can extend beneath the support structure such that the EDU is supported beneath the support structure. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in anyway and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a vehicle; Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of a vehicle body assembly; Figure 3A shows a front view of a vehicle body assembly; Figure 3B shows a top view of the vehicle body assembly of Figure 3A; Figure 4A shows a perspective view of the vehicle body assembly of Figure 3A; Figure 4B shows a zoomed-in perspective view of the vehicle body assembly of Figure 3A; Figure 5A shows a zoomed-in front view of the vehicle body assembly of Figure 3A; Figure 5B shows a schematic cross-sectional view through plane B of Figure 4A; Figure 6A shows a cross-sectional front view of a mounting arrangement; Figure 6B shows a cross-sectional side view of a mounting arrangement; Figure 7 shows an exploded view of a mounting arrangement; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a body mounting bracket. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that is powered by electrical power alone and has no internal combustion engine. The vehicle 10 has an electric machine arranged to provide propulsive torque to the wheels of the vehicle. In some cases, the vehicle 10 may have two or more electric machines, such as a first electric machine to provide torque to the front wheels and a second electric machine to provide torque to the rear wheels. The electric machines may be powered by batteries, which may be arranged between the wheels, e.g. underneath a passenger compartment. In some arrangements, the batteries may locate in a front structure of the vehicle, ortoward a rear of the vehicle (e.g. in the boot ortrunk). The electric machines may be electric motors or motor-generators and may also be referred to as electric engine. The vehicle 10 has at least one vehicle drive unit 150. The drive unit 150 is an electric drive unit (EDU). The EDU 150 may contain an electric machine and one or more drivetrain components. The vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body assembly 100. The vehicle body assembly 100 includes a vehicle body structure 12 that provides structural support for the vehicle 10 and includes further vehicle components. The vehicle body structure 12 includes for example, a vehicle frame onto which further vehicle components are mounted. The vehicle body structure 12 includes a plurality of parts permanently coupled together for example using rivets (e.g. self-pierce rivets) or welding, and as such may also be referred to as a body structure 12. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the vehicle body assembly 100 viewed from the front of the vehicle 10. In Figure 2, the vehicle body assembly 100 includes the EDU 150 coupled to the vehicle body structure 12, although it should be appreciated that the vehicle body assembly 100 may be provided separate to the EDU in some arrangements. The vehicle body structure 12 includes a portion of the vehicle frame which extends generally forward along the vehicle 10. The portion of the vehicle body structure 12 may extend along a first and a second side of the EDU 150 as shown in Figure 2. The portion of the vehicle body structure 12 shown in Figure 2 may be two suspension towers (i.e. one on each side of the EDU 150). The vehicle body assembly 100 includes a mounting arrangement 14 configured to mount the EDU 150 to the vehicle body structure 12. The mounting arrangement 14 will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Figures 2 to 7. As is shown in the figures, the mounting arrangement 14 includes a support structure 16, a body mounting bracket 18 and an EDU mounting bracket 20. The support structure 16 is coupled to the vehicle body structure 12 and at least partially supports the EDU 150. The support structure 16 defines a central longitudinal axis A. In some arrangements, the central axis A is coaxial with a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10, which assists in an even distribution of the weight of the mounting arrangement 14 about the centre of the vehicle 10. The support structure 16 has a first surface 16a. The first surface 16a may be an upper surface when the support structure 16 is located as intended within a vehicle 10 or a vehicle body assembly 100. The first surface 16a may be configured to support further components thereon. In this way, the support structure 16 may allow components of the vehicle 10 to be packed thereon, improving the amount of storage space in the vehicle 10. The support structure 16 may also be configured to support components from a second surface 16b opposite to the first 16a (i.e. an underside surface when the support structure 16 is located within a vehicle 10). The support structure 16 therefore has mounting points on the first and / or second surfaces 16a, 16b for mounting auxiliary components. The first surface 16a defines a plane upon which components may be mounted. The first surface 16a may be substantially planar. The support structure 16 is arranged above the electric drive unit 150. The support structure 16, which may also be referred to as a crash protection frame or a tray, may be arranged to transfer a frontal force on the vehicle into a bulkhead (not shown) in front of a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The support structure 16 may add significant strength to the front of the vehicle and may distribute forces from frontal collisions such that they are transferred more evenly into the body structure. The body mounting bracket 18 is configured to connect the support structure 16 to the vehicle body structure 12. The body mounting bracket 18 may be a stiff structure to provide effective support to the support structure 16 and improve vertical bending strength of the support structure 16. The body mounting bracket 18 may include a first support structure connection portion 18a for connecting the body mounting bracket 18 to the support structure 16, and a body connection portion 18b for connecting the body mounting bracket 18 to the vehicle body structure 12. The first support structure connection portion 18a and the body connection portion 18b may be integrally formed in some arrangements, but it will be appreciated that the body mounting bracket 18 may also be formed of multiple separate components. In the illustrated arrangements, the body mounting bracket 18 is connected to a suspension tower or turret of the vehicle body structure 12 (e.g. via the body connection portion 18b). In this way, any discussion regarding the connection between the body mounting bracket 18 and the vehicle body structure 12 may be referring to a connection between the body mounting bracket 18 and a respective suspension tower of the vehicle body structure 12. The EDU mounting bracket 20 is configured to connect the EDU 150 to the support structure 16. The EDU mounting bracket 20 may include a second support structure connection portion 20a for connecting the EDU mounting bracket 20 to the support structure 16, and an EDU connection portion 20b for connecting the EDU mounting bracket 20 to the EDU 150. The second support structure connection portion 20a and the EDU connection portion 20b may be integrally formed in some arrangements, but it will be appreciated that the EDU mounting bracket 20 may also be formed of multiple separate components. The EDU mounting bracket 20 may extend toward the second surface 16b of the support structure 16 (e.g. via an aperture through the support structure 16) such that the EDU 150 is connected to the EDU mounting bracket 20 proximal the second surface 16b. Put another way, the EDU connection portion 20b may hang down from the second support structure connection portion 20b to a position beneath the support structure 16. The EDU 150 may be supported generally beneath the support structure 16 by the EDU mounting bracket 20. The EDU connection portion 20b may be coupled at a lower end to a subframe 22. The subframe 22 may be coupled to the vehicle body structure 12 at any suitable location. The EDU mounting bracket 20 may include a series of rubber bumpers 52 to abut against the EDU 150 and reduce vibrations transferred from the EDU 150 to the support structure 16. Although two rubber bumpers 52 are shown in Figure 2, it will be appreciated that the EDU mounting bracket 20 may include any number of rubber bumpers 52. The provision of the bumpers 52 assists in isolating the EDU from the support structure 16 and assists in meeting the necessary noise, vibration and hardness (NVH) criteria for the vehicle. The EDU 150 may be fastened to the EDU mounting bracket 20 using at least one fastener and may further include an insert (not shown) between the EDU 150 and the EDU mounting bracket 20. Providing an insert such as a rubber insert may help to isolate or decouple the EDU from the vehicle body structure 12, reducing the transmission of any vibration from the EDU 150 and thus assist in meeting the NVH criteria for the vehicle. As is best seen in Figures 3A and 3E3, the body mounting bracket 18 and the EDU mounting bracket 20 are each located at or toward a lateral edge of the support structure 16. It should be understood that the term “lateral edge” refers to an edge of the support structure 16 that extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A, i.e. a side of the support structure 16. Locating the brackets 18, 20 in such a way avoids the weight of the brackets 18, 20 acting completely on a central region of the support structure 16 (i.e. closer to the longitudinal axis A), providing for a better weight distribution. In addition, such an arrangement assists in preventing excitation vibrations in the support structure 16 and creates space on the support structure 16 for mounting additional components thereon (e.g. compared with the brackets 18, 20 being located toward the centre of the support structure 16). In the figures, two body mounting brackets 18 and two EDU mounting brackets 20 are provided (e.g. a first and a second body mounting bracket 18, and a first and a second EDU mounting bracket 20 may be provided to couple the support structure 16 to different areas of the vehicle body structure 12 and the EDU 150). As can be seen, a first body mounting bracket 18 and a first EDU mounting bracket 20 is provided at or toward a first lateral edge of the support structure 16, and a second body mounting bracket 18 and a second EDU mounting bracket 20 is provided at or toward a second lateral edge of the support structure 16. The second lateral edge is opposite to the first lateral edge (e.g. being toward opposite sides of the vehicle 10 or the vehicle body structure 12). As is best seen in Figure 3B, the body mounting brackets 18 (and the EDU mounting brackets 20 located thereunder, see Fig. 3A) may be arranged substantially symmetrically about the longitudinal axis A. The first body mounting bracket 18 may be connected to a first suspension tower, and the second body mounting bracket 18 may be connected to a second suspension tower that is positioned at an opposite side of the vehicle body structure 12 to the first. The first and second body mounting brackets 18 may be substantially the same and the first and second EDU mounting brackets 20 may be substantially the same. In view of this, only one of each bracket 18, 20 will be discussed in detail. It should be appreciated that the first and second brackets 18, 20 may be arranged in substantially the same way, but may have some slight differences. For example, one of the body mounting brackets 18 may include a strap 24 for securing vehicle components (e.g. a low-voltage battery) to the support structure 16. It will be appreciated that in some arrangements, only one of either bracket may be provided, i.e. the support structure 16 may be coupled to only one side of the vehicle body structure 12 and / or the EDU 150, or the support structure 16 may be coupled to an opposite side of the vehicle body structure 12 and / or the EDU 150 via different means, e.g. bolts, welding, or the like. The EDU mounting bracket 20 and the body mounting bracket 18 are arranged such that at least a portion of the EDU mounting bracket 20 is interposed between the support structure 16 and the body mounting bracket 18, as can best be seen in Figures 4B and 5A. Put another way, the EDU mounting bracket 20 is positioned between the support structure 16 and the body mounting bracket 18 so as to be effectively sandwiched between the support structure 16 and the body mounting bracket 18. As can be seen, the EDU mounting bracket 20 is arranged to face the first surface 16a of the support structure 16. In some arrangements, the EDU mounting bracket 20 is arranged to contact, abut or be substantially flush with the first surface 16a of the support structure 16. In some arrangements, the first surface 16a may include a series of raised bosses. The EDU mounting bracket 20 may be mounted on the first surface 16a, e.g. via the raised bosses. The body mounting bracket 16 is arranged to extend over the first surface 16a and over the EDU mounting bracket 20. In some arrangements, the body mounting bracket 16 abuts an upper surface of the EDU mounting bracket 20. In this way, the EDU mounting bracket may have a first surface (e.g. a lower surface) that abuts the support structure 16, and a second surface (e.g. an upper surface) that abuts the body mounting bracket 20. As shown in Figures 4A to 5B, the first support structure connection portion 18a extends over the first surface 16a and over the second support structure connection portion 20a. In this way, the second support structure connection portion 20a is interposed between the first support structure connection portion 18a and the support structure 16 (i.e. the first surface 16a of the support structure 16). The body mounting bracket 18 (e.g. the first body mounting portion 18a) may be configured to extend over the EDU mounting bracket 20 (e.g. the second support structure connection portion 20a) so as to shroud at least a portion of the EDU mounting bracket 20. For example, as shown in Figure 3B, the EDU mounting bracket 20 may not be visible from a top view of the mounting arrangement 14, as it is substantially covered by the body mounting bracket 18. This arrangement makes effective use of space available on the first surface 16a of the support structure 16, freeing up space on the surface 16a for additional components, while also providing a protective cover for the EDU mounting bracket 20. As best shown in the schematic of Figure 5B, alongside the cross-sectional views of Figures 6A and 6B, the support structure 16, the body mounting bracket 18 (e.g. the first support structure connection portion 18a) and the EDU mounting bracket 20 (e.g. the second support structure connection portion 20a) each include at least one fixing aperture 26, 28, 30. The fixing aperture 26 of the support structure 16 is arranged to align with the fixing aperture 28 of the body mounting bracket 18 and with the fixing aperture 30 of the EDU mounting bracket 20 so as to define at least one common fixing aperture 32. The common fixing aperture 32 is thereby formed by aligning corresponding apertures of the support structure 16 and mounting brackets 18, 20. The common fixing aperture 32 is configured to receive a fixing element 34 to connect the support structure 16 to the brackets 18, 20. In this way, a single fastener may be used to couple the support structure 16, the body mounting bracket 18 and the EDU mounting bracket 20. In the figures, the fixing element 34 is a screw or a machine screw, but the fixing element 34 may be any suitable element, e.g. a bolt. Each fixing aperture 26, 28, 30 defines a bore that extends into a respective mounting bracket 18, 20 or support structure 16. The bores each define a central bore axis. The fixing apertures 26, 28, 30 align such that the central bore axes of each bore are coaxial so as to define a common bore axis C. In this way, the common fixing aperture 32 defines a single bore having a bore axis C. A fixing element 34 may be introduced into the common fixing aperture 32 along the common bore axis C, e.g. passing first through the fixing aperture 28, then passing through fixing aperture 30 and then passing into fixing aperture 26. The fixing aperture 26 of the support structure 16 defines a blind bore in the figures, such that the common fixing aperture 32 is a blind bore having an open end through the body mounting bracket 18, a closed end in the support structure 16, and an intermediate bore extending therebetween defined by the fixing aperture 30 of the EDU mounting bracket 20. In an alternative arrangement, the fixing aperture 26 of the support structure 16 may define a bore that extends completely through the support structure 16. One or more of the fixing apertures 26, 28, 30 may define a threaded bore. In some arrangements, a thread is located in the fixing aperture 26 of the support structure 16. In this way, the fixing aperture 26 defines a fitment bore, e.g. a bore configured to provide a tight or interference fit with the fixing element 34. The fixing aperture 28 of the body mounting bracket 18 and the fixing aperture 30 of the EDU mounting bracket 20 may be dimensioned to define a clearance between the respective bracket 18, 20 and the fixing element 34 located therein. In this way, the fixing element 34 can be securely fitted in the fixing aperture 26 of the support structure 16 while the clearance in the other fixing apertures 28, 30 can account for any deviation (e.g. misalignment of the bores and / or of the fixing element 34) during assembly. In the figures, the mounting brackets 18, 20 are arranged relative to the support structure 16 such that the common fixing aperture 32 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first surface 16a of the support structure 16. Put another way, the common bore axis C may intersect the plane defined by the upper surface 16a of the support structure 16 at an angle of approximately 90°. In the view of Figure 5E3, two common apertures 32 are visible. It should be appreciated that any number of common apertures 32 may be provided, e.g. one, two, three, or more. In the illustrated arrangement, four common apertures 32 and four fixing elements 34 are provided (see Figure 3B and Figure 7). The body mounting bracket 18 will now be discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 8 in combination with Figures 3A to 6. The first support structure connection portion 18a may include a region that is intended to be substantially parallel with the first surface 16a of the support structure 16. The fixing apertures 28 of the body mounting bracket 18 may extend through the substantially parallel region (i.e. so as to assist in providing the common aperture 32 which is substantially perpendicular). The substantially parallel region may provide the shroud function over the EDU mounting bracket 20. The body mounting bracket 18 may extend from a lateral edge of the support structure 16 in a generally outboard direction. The body connection portion 18b may be shaped so as to complement contours of a surface of the vehicle body structure 12 (e.g. contours of a surface of a respective suspension tower). In this way, regions of the body connection portion 18b can abut or be substantially flush with a surface of the vehicle body structure 12. The body connection portion 18b may include various different components having differently contoured surfaces that are complimentary with various surfaces of the vehicle body structure 12. The body connection portion 18b includes a first transverse section 36a for locating at a first longitudinal position of the vehicle body structure 12 (i.e. a first position in the direction defined by the longitudinal axis A, or the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10 or vehicle body assembly 100), and a second transverse section 36b for locating at a second longitudinal position of the vehicle body structure 12. The first and second longitudinal positions are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. As can be seen in the figures, the transverse sections 36a, 36b extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first surface 16a of the support structure (e.g. in a substantially vertical ordownward direction). The provision of the two transverse sections 36a, 36b facilitates a robust connection between the bracket 18 and the vehicle body structure 12. In some arrangements, only one transverse section is provided, or more than two transverse sections are provided. At least one of the transverse sections includes a fixing aperture 38 for securing the body mounting bracket 18 to the vehicle body structure 12. The fixing aperture 38 may be threaded. The fixing aperture 38 is arranged in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first surface 16a of the support structure 16. Put another way, the fixing aperture 38 defines a bore that extends through a respective transverse section 36a, 36b. The bore defines a bore axis that is substantially parallel with the plane defined by the first surface 16a. In the illustrated arrangement, the first and the second transverse sections 36a, 36b each include a fixing aperture 38. It will be appreciated that any number of fixing apertures 38 may be provided on the first and / or second transverse sections 36a, 36b. In the illustrated arrangement (see Figure 7), three fixing apertures 38 are provided on the second transverse section 36b, and two fixing apertures 38 are provided on the first transverse section 36a. The arrangement of fixing apertures 38 assists in providing a robust connection and improves the durability of the bracket. As is best seen in Figure 5A, the support structure 16 is arranged relative to the vehicle body structure 12 such that there is a gap 40 present therebetween. The gap 40 is present between a transverse edge of the support structure 16 and the vehicle body structure 12. The gap 40 allows for simpler assembly of the mounting arrangement 14, as the support structure 16 can be introduced in an upward direction. Moreover, the gap 40 facilitates for deviations in the size of the support structure 16 (e.g. deviations that may occur during manufacture of the support structure 16). At least one of the transverse sections 36a, 36b may extend into the gap 40. In the illustrated arrangement, both the first and second transverse sections 36a, 36b extend into the gap 40. As can be seen, the transverse sections 36a, 36b extend from an area proximal the first surface 16a of the support structure 16b toward a region proximal the second surface 16b through the gap 40. Put another way, the transverse sections 36a, 36b extend in a generally downward direction through the gap 40 such that a lowermost end of the transverse sections 36a 36b is beneath the support structure 16. At least one of the first and second transverse 36a, 36b sections extends into the gap 40 so as abut a surface of the vehicle body structure 12, and such that there is a clearance between the support structure 16 and the respective transverse section 36a, 36b. In the illustrated arrangement, both the transverse sections 36a, 36b are substantially flush with a surface of the vehicle body structure 12. Both the transverse sections 36a, 36b are spaced apart from a transverse edge of the support structure 16 so as to define a clearance therebetween. In this way, the transverse sections 36a, 36b can be seen as not completely occupying the gap 40, but being spaced apart from the support structure 16 in an outboard direction. In this way, there is tolerance in the system for design fluctuations (e.g. change of dimension of the support structure 16), while allowing for simpler assembly of the mounting arrangement 14. Returning to Figure 8, the body connection portion 18b includes a tab 42 extending from an edge of at least one of the first transverse section 36a and the second transverse section 36b. In the figures, a first tab 42a extends from the first transverse section 36a and a second tab 42b extends from the second transverse section 36b. The tabs 42a, 42b may extend from an uppermost edge of the respective transverse section 36a, 36b. The tabs 42a, 42b may extend from the transverse sections 36a, 36b in a generally outboard direction (i.e. away from the support structure 16). The tabs 42a, 42b may be configured to abut a respective surface of the vehicle body structure 12. The tabs 42a, 42b may define a substantially angular surface, i.e. the surface of the tabs 42a, 42b defines an angle, e.g. a non-perpendicular angle, relative to the plane defined by the first surface 16a. The angled surface of the tabs 42a, 42b may assist in the tabs being substantially flush with a respective surface of the vehicle body structure 12. For example, as is clearest in Figure 4B, the tab 42a is substantially flush with a surface of the vehicle body structure 12 that defines a non-perpendicular angle relative to the plane defined by the first surface 16a (i.e. substantially the same angle as that defined by the surface of the tab 42a, 42 b). At least one of the tabs 42a, 42b includes a fixing aperture 44 for securing the body mounting bracket 18 to the vehicle body structure 12. The fixing aperture 44 may be threaded. The fixing aperture 44 is arranged to define a non-perpendicular angle relative to the plane defined by the first surface 16a of the support structure 16. Put another way, the fixing aperture 44 defines a bore that extends through a respective tab 42a, 42b. The bore defines a bore axis that defines a non-perpendicular angle relative to the plane defined by the first surface 16a. In the illustrated arrangement, the first and the second tabs 42a, 42b each include a fixing aperture 44. It will be appreciated that any number of fixing apertures 44 may be provided on the tabs 42a, 42b. In the illustrated arrangement, one fixing aperture 44 is provided on each tab 42a, 42b. As discussed herein, the term “non-perpendicular angle” relates to an angle that is not 90°, e.g. greater than or less than 90°. In the illustrated arrangement, the non-perpendicular angle defined by the tabs 42a, 42b and the fixing apertures 44 is less than 90°. The angle may be 45° in some arrangements. In some arrangements, the angle is less than 45°, e.g. less than 40°, less than 30°, less than 20°, less than 15°. In some arrangements, the angle is between 10° and 20°, e.g. between 12° and 18°. In some arrangements, the angle is 0° (e.g. so that the tabs 42a, 42b and / or the fixing aperture 44 are parallel with the plane defined by the first surface 16a). In the illustrated arrangement, the angle defined by the tabs 42a, 42b is substantially the same as the angle defined by the fixing apertures 44. It will be appreciated that the angle may be any suitable angle to facilitate a robust connection between the tabs 42a, 42b and the respective surface of the vehicle body structure 12. In some arrangements, the angle defined by the tabs 42a, 42b and the fixing apertures 44 is 90°. In the illustrated arrangement, the transverse sections 36a, 36b are integrally formed with each other and with the respective tab 42a, 42b. The components may be separate in other arrangements. The body mounting bracket 18 may include a locating arrangement to assist in correctly locating the body mounting bracket 18 relative to the vehicle body structure 12 and / or the support structure 16. In the illustrated arrangement, the locating arrangement includes one or more pins 46, 48 on the body mounting bracket 18 that are configured to be received in a complimentary recess 50 on the support structure 18 and on the vehicle body structure. One or more pins 46 may be provided on the first support structure connection portion 18a for aligning with a complimentary recess 50 on the first surface 18a of the support structure 18. One or more pins 48 may be provided on the body connection portion 18b (e.g. on the tabs 42a, 42b) for being received in a complimentary recess (not shown) on the vehicle body structure. Although not shown, a similar locating arrangement may be provided on the EDU mounting bracket 20 for aligning the EDU mounting bracket 20 relative to the EDU and to the support structure 16. It should be appreciated that any suitable locating arrangement may be provided on any respective surface of the mounting arrangement 14. It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application. It should also be noted that whilst the appended claims set out particular combinations of features described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the particular combinations hereafter claimed, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features herein disclosed.
Claims
1. A mounting arrangement for mounting an electric drive unit, EDU, to a vehicle body structure, the mounting arrangement comprising:a support structure arranged to be coupled to a vehicle body structure and to support an EDU;a body mounting bracket configured to connect the support structure to the vehicle body structure; andan EDU mounting bracket configured to connect the EDU to the support structure;wherein the EDU mounting bracket is arranged to face a first surface of the support structure, and the body mounting bracket is arranged to extend over the first surface of the support structure and over the EDU mounting bracket such that at least a portion of the EDU mounting bracket is interposed between the support structure and the body mounting bracket.
2. The mounting arrangement of claim 1, wherein the body mounting bracket comprises at least one fixing aperture arranged to align with at least one corresponding fixing aperture of the EDU mounting bracket, and with at least one corresponding fixing aperture of the support structure, so as to define at least one common fixing aperture configured to receive a fixing element and connect the body mounting bracket and the EDU mounting bracket to the support structure.
3. The mounting arrangement of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the body mounting bracket and the EDU mounting bracket are located at or toward a lateral edge of the support structure.
4. The mounting arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the body mounting bracket is configured to extend over the EDU mounting bracket so as to shroud at least a portion of the EDU mounting bracket.
5. The mounting arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the body mounting bracket comprises a body connection portion configured to couple the body mounting bracket to a vehicle body structure, the body connection portion being shaped so as to complement contours of a surface of the vehicle body structure, in use.
6. The mounting arrangement of claim 5, wherein the body connection portion comprises a first transverse section intended to locate in use at a first longitudinal position of a vehicle body structure, and a second transverse section intended to locate in use at a second longitudinal position of the vehicle body structure, spaced apart from the first longitudinal position, wherein each transverse section comprises at least one fixing aperture for securing the body mounting bracket to the vehicle body structure.
7. The mounting arrangement of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first and second transverse sections are arranged to extend into a gap formed between the support structure and the vehicle body structure in use.
8. The mounting arrangement of claim 7, wherein at least one of the first and second transverse sections of the body connection portion is configured to extend into the gap so as to be substantially flush against a surfaceof the vehicle body structure in use, and such that there is a clearance between the support structure and the respective transverse section.
9. The mounting arrangement of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein at least one of the first and second transverse sections comprises a fixing aperture arranged in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first surface of the support structure.
10. The mounting arrangement of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the body connection portion comprises a first tab extending from an edge of the first transverse section, and a second tab extending from an edge of the second transverse section, wherein at least one of the first and second tabs comprises a fixing aperture arranged to define a non-perpendicular angle relative to a plane defined by the first surface of the support structure.
11. The mounting arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the body mounting bracket comprises at least one pin configured to be received in a complementary recess on the first surface of the support structure so as to align the body mounting bracket relative to the support structure.
12. The mounting arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the EDU mounting bracket comprises an EDU connection portion configured to connect the EDU mounting bracket to an EDU, the EDU connection portion extending toward a second surface of the support structure, the second surface being opposite to the first surface, such that the EDU is connected to the EDU connection portion proximal to the second surface of the support structure.
13. The mounting arrangement of any preceding claim, wherein the body mounting bracket is a first body mounting bracket, and the mounting arrangement further comprises a second body mounting bracket, and wherein the EDU mounting bracket is a first EDU mounting bracket, and the mounting arrangement further comprises a second EDU mounting bracket, wherein the first body mounting bracket and the first EDU mounting bracket are located at or toward a first lateral edge of the support structure, and the second body mounting bracket and the second EDU mounting bracket are located at or toward a second, opposing, lateral edge of the support structure.
14. A vehicle body assembly comprising:the mounting arrangement according to any preceding claim; and a vehicle body structure coupled to the mounting arrangement.
15. A vehicle comprising:the vehicle body assembly of claim 14; andan electric drive unit coupled to the mounting arrangement.