A TRANSMISSION CASING FOR SUPPORTING A TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001 ] The present invention relates to a transmission casing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a transmission casing for supporting a transmission assembly of an electric vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] In conventional vehicles/ hybrid vehicles having an internal combustion engine as a power source, a transmission casing supports a transmission assembly having a large number of moving components such as gears, shafts, and the likes. Also, oil circulating parts for lubricating components of the transmission assembly are also supported by the transmission casing. In order to support moving parts as well as oil circulating parts of the transmission assembly, the transmission casing of conventional vehicles/ hybrid vehicles is generally made of rigid materials such as metal which can withstand weight of the transmission assembly as well as vibrations of the transmission assembly during operation of the vehicle. However, transmission casings made of metal are heavier and generally difficult to handle. Also, transmission casings made of metal increases the overall weight of the vehicle as well as overall cost of the vehicle, which is undesirable.

[003] With the advent of electric vehicles, number of moving parts in a transmission assembly have been reduced as compared to number of moving parts in the conventional vehicles/hybrid vehicles. Also, many moving parts of transmission assembly is now being mounted on a prime mover forming part of the prime mover itself. Owing to reduction in number of moving parts in the transmission assembly of the electric vehicles, the weight of the transmission assembly as well as vibration produced by the moving parts in the transmission assembly is also considerably less. In view thereof, there is a need felt to provide a light weight transmission casing for the electric vehicles which can withstand weight and vibrations of the transmission assembly, as well as is aesthetically appealing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] In one aspect of the present invention, a transmission casing for supporting a transmission assembly of an electric vehicle is disclosed. The transmission casing comprises a first member and a second member. The first member is arranged on the electric vehicle and the second member is removably attached on the first member. The second member comprises at least a first part, a second part and a third part. The second part is removably attached to the first part and the second part is removably attached to at least one of the first part and the second part.

[005] In an embodiment, the first part is made of metal, the second part is made of plastic and the third part is made of plastic.

[006] In an embodiment, the first part is made of first plastic material, the second part is made of second plastic material and the third part is made of the second plastic material wherein the first plastic material is higher in grade than the second plastic material.

[007] In an embodiment, the first part comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is the surface which faces the transmission assembly enclosed and supported in the transmission casing. The outer surface is opposite to the inner surface and has a cavity for storing one or more components. The one or more components may include one or more light emitting diodes and wiring harness to connect the one or more light emitting diodes to the vehicle. The one or more light emitting diodes are assembled in the cavity by means of one or more snap lock fitting mechanisms. The intensity, blinking frequency and/or colour of the one or more light emitting diodes is controlled by a vehicle control unit mounted on the vehicle based on speed of the electric vehicle.

[008] In an embodiment, the outer surface of the first part can be divided into at least a first portion and a second portion. The second part is mounted on the first portion of the first part and the third part is mounted on the second portion of the first part.

[009] In an embodiment, the second part and the third part are assembled together. The second part and the third part are assembled together by means of one or more snap fit locking mechanisms.

[010] In an embodiment, the second part and the third part are assembled on the first part by means of one or more snap fit locking mechanisms.

[01 1 ] In an embodiment, the second part and/or third part comprises one or more ribs.

[012] In an embodiment, each of the second part and the third part comprises a groove for accommodating the one or more light emitting diodes.

[013] In an embodiment, the second part comprises a logo illuminated by the one or more light emitting diodes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[014] 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 is a schematic left side view of an electric vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 and Figure 3 are exploded views of a second member of the transmission casing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second member of the transmission casing, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the second member of the transmission casing, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the first part of the second member, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a side perspective view of first member of the transmission casing, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[015] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. It is to be understood that a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to a vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction while a lateral/transverse axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral/width direction. Arrows provided in the left corner of figures depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rearward direction, an arrow UP denotes upward direction, an arrow DW denotes downward direction, as and where applicable. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is only for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[016] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an electric vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the electric vehicle 100 is a scooter type vehicle. The electric vehicle 100 has a prime mover (not shown) that is disposed behind a floorboard 102 and below a seat assembly 104 and/or a storage bin (not shown). The prime mover is an electric motor adapted to provide motive force for movement of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle 100 has a front wheel 106, a rear wheel 108 and a frame member (not shown) for supporting different parts of the electric vehicle 100 and covered with one or more front panels 110, rear panels 112, left panels 1 14 and right panels (not shown).

[017] A head pipe (not shown) connects to the frame member. The head pipe supports a steering shaft [not shown] and a front suspension [not shown] attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket [not shown]. The front suspension support the front wheel 106. The upper portion of the front wheel 106 is covered by a front fender 1 16 mounted to the front suspension. In an embodiment, the front fender 1 16 is movable along with the front wheel 1 10, during travel over undulations on a road surface. A rear fender 126 is also disposed above the rear wheel 108. A handlebar 1 18 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the electric vehicle 100. A headlight (not shown), a visor guard 120 and instrument cluster (not shown) is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe.

[018] A rear suspension (not shown) is provided to the rear wheel 108 for dampening vibrations induced during travel of the electric vehicle 100 over undulations on the road surface. A taillight unit 122 is disposed at the end of the electric vehicle 100 and at the rear of the seat assembly 104. A grab rail 124 is also provided for facilitating the grip and/or balance to a pillion rider on the electric vehicle 100 during movement. The rear wheel 108 is arranged below the seat assembly 104 and adapted to receive the motive force from the prime mover. A suitable transmission assembly (not shown) is provided for transferring the drive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel 108 for driving the electric vehicle 100.

[019] The transmission assembly of the electric vehicle 100 include components such as gears and belts which are used to transmit power from the prime mover towards the rear wheel 108. The transmission assembly is supported and enclosed by a transmission casing 200. The transmission casing can be provided on either left side or right side of vehicle based on orientation of the prime mover. In Figure 1 , the transmission casing is shown on left side of the electric vehicle 100. The transmission casing 200 is generally made of a first member 202 (shown in Figure 7) and a second member 204 (shown in Figure 2-6) and the transmission assembly is enclosed and supported between the first member 202 and the second member 204 of the transmission casing 200. The first member 202 of the transmission casing 200 is mounted on the frame member of the electric vehicle 100 and the second member 204 is mounted on the first member 202 of the transmission casing 200. In one non-limiting example, the first member and the second member are assembled with each other at peripheral surfaces using one or more fasteners. The first member of the transmission casing is generally made in a single piece and is made of metal.

[020] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are exploded views of a second member 204 of the transmission casing 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the second member 204 of the transmission casing 200, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic side view of the second member 204 of the transmission casing 200, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2, 3, 4, and 5 shall be discussed together. [021 ] As shown, the second member 204 of the transmission casing 200 is made of a first part 204a, a second part 204b and a third part 204c. However, this should not be construed as limiting and the second member 204 can be made of more than three parts. The second part 204b is mounted on the first part 204a. The third part 204c can either be mounted on the first part 204a or the second part 204b or partially on the first part 204a and partially on the second part 204b. As the second member 204 of the transmission casing 200 is made in different parts, the process of manufacturing, transporting, handling and assembling the second member 204 becomes simple as well as cost effective. [022] In an embodiment, the first part 204a of the second member 204 comprises an inner surface (not shown) and outer surface 206. The inner surface of the first part faces the transmission assembly. The outer surface 206, being a surface opposite to the inner surface, comprise a cavity 208 for housing one or more components of the transmission assembly such as one or more light emitting diodes 210 and wiring harness of the one or more light emitting diodes 210. The placement of the one or more light emitting diodes 210 in the cavity 208 protects the light emitting diodes 210 and the wiring harness of the light emitting diodes 210 from the moving parts of the transmission assembly such as gears. The one or more light emitting diodes 210 are assembled in the cavity 208 using one or more locking mechanisms such as, not being limited to, snap fit locking mechanisms.

[023] The one or more light emitting diodes 210 are in communication with a control unit (not shown) of the electric vehicle. The one or more light emitting diodes 210 increases the aesthetics of the electric vehicle 100 and may also be used to alert peer riders/pedestrians in vicinity of the electric vehicle 100. The intensity, blinking frequency, and color emitted by the one or more light emitting diodes 210 may be controlled by the control unit of the electric vehicle 100 based on speed of the electric vehicle 100. In one non-limiting example, the blinking frequency of the one or more light emitting diodes 210 may increase with increase in speed of the electric vehicle to alert the peer riders/pedestrians in vicinity of the electric vehicle 100. In another non-limiting example, the color of the one or more light emitting diodes 210 may change to red color when the speed of the electric vehicle 100 is greater than a pre-defined speed to alert the peer riders/pedestrians. In another non-limiting example, the intensity of light emitted by the one or more light emitting diodes increases with increase in speed of the electric vehicle 100 to alert the peer riders/pedestrians in the vicinity of the electric vehicle 100. [024] In an embodiment, the second part 204b is adapted to cover at least the cavity 208 of the first part 204a. The second part 204b may also comprise a groove 212 adapted to accommodate the one or more light emitting diodes 210 located on the outer surface 206 of the first part 204a. The second part 204b is mounted on the first part 204a using one or more locking mechanisms such as, not being limited to, snap fit locking mechanisms. The second part 204b may also comprise one or more provisions for mounting a logo 216 which is capable of being illuminated by the one or more light emitting diodes 210.

[025] In an embodiment, the third part 204c may comprise a groove 214 adapted to accommodate the one or more light emitting diodes 210 located on the outer surface 206 of the first part 204c. The third part 204c is mounted on the first part 204a and/or the second part 204b using one or more locking mechanisms such as, not being limited to, snap fit locking mechanisms.

[026] In an embodiment, the second part 204b and the third part 204c may also be assembled together prior to mounting on the first part 204a. The second part 204b and the third part 204c are assembled together using one or more locking mechanisms such as, being not limited to, snap fit locking mechanisms.

[027] In an embodiment, the first part 204a is made of metal, the second part 204b is made of plastic and the third part 204c is made of plastic. In one non-limiting example, metal may be cast iron or aluminum and plastic may be reinforced plastic like carbon fibre, glass fibre, polyamides, ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PP (PolyPropylene) reinforced with glass fibre. In an embodiment, the first part 204a is made of first plastic material and the second 204b and third part 204c is made of the second plastic material wherein the first plastic material is higher in grade than the second plastic material. In one non limiting example, the second plastic material may be reinforced plastic like carbon fibre, glass fibre, polyamides, ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PP (PolyPropylene) reinforced with glass fibre. It should be understood that use of plastic in manufacturing second member 204 of the transmission casing 200 decreases overall weight of the transmission casing 200. The plastic parts of the second member 204 may be provided with one or more ribs 218 to increase the stiffness of the transmission casing 200 as well as capability of the transmission casing 200 to withstand vibrations and operational forces during operation of the transmission assembly.

[028] Figure 6 is a schematic side view of the first part 204a of the second member 204, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[029] The first part 204a of the second member 204 is generally made of metal or high grade plastic as the inner surface of the first part 204a encloses and supports the transmission assembly of the electric vehicle 100. The outer surface has the cavity 208 for storing one or more components of the vehicle such as, not being limited to, one or more light emitting diodes 210 and wiring harness of the light emitting diodes 210. The first part 204a of the second member 204 is assembled on the first member 202 using one or more fasteners. The second part 204b of the second member 204 is mounted on the first part 204a by means of locking mechanisms such as, not being limited to, snap fit locking mechanisms, The third part 204c of the second member 204 may also be mounted on the first part 204a by means of locking mechanisms such as, not being limited to, snap fit locking mechanisms.

[030] Figure 7 is a perspective side view of first member 202 of the transmission casing 200, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

[031 ] The first member 202 of the transmission casing 200 is generally made of metal and is mounted on the frame of the electric vehicle 100. The first member has an outer surface (not shown) and inner surface 202a. The inner surface 202a of the first member 202 faces the transmission assembly. The peripheral surface of the first member 202 receives the peripheral surface of second member and is fastened with a plurality of fasteners. io

[032] The claimed features/method steps of the present invention as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the technical problem of transmission casing, being made in a single part, which increases the overall weight and cost of the vehicle has been solved by the present invention.

[033] In the present invention, the transmission casing 200 is made of a first member 202 and a second member 204 wherein the second member 204 is made of at least a first part 204a, a second part 204b and a third part 204c. As the second member 204 of the transmission casing 200 is made in different parts, the process of manufacturing, transporting, handling and assembling the second member 204 becomes simple as well as cost effective.

[034] Further, at least the second part 204b and the third part 204c of the second member 204 of the transmission casing 200 are made of plastic which reduces the overall weight and cost of the transmission casing 200, thereby reducing the overall weight and cost of the electric vehicle 100.

[035] Furthermore, one or more light emitting diodes 210 are mounted on the second member 204 of the transmission casing 200 which increases aesthetic value of the electric vehicle 100 and can also alert peer riders/pedestrians of speed of the electric vehicle 100

[036] Furthermore, the logo provided on second member 204b of the transmission casing 200 and capable of being illuminated by the one or more light emitting diodes 210 increases aesthetic value of the electric vehicle 100.

[037] Furthermore, as the second part 204b and third part 204c are removably mounted on the first part 204a, the process of assembling, disassembling and maintenance of the transmission assembly as well as transmission casing becomes simple and cost effective. [038] Furthermore, the wiring harness of the light emitting diodes 210 are provided in the cavity 208 of the first part 204a which is partially or fully covered by the second part 204b such that wiring harness is not visible from outside the vehicle, thereby increasing aesthetic appeal of the electric vehicle 100.

[039] Furthermore, mountings are not visible on the plastic parts of the second member 204 which makes the second member 204 visually appealing.

[040] Furthermore, the plastic parts of the second member 204 are designed such that it can withstand external impacts in case of accidents/collisions.

[041] 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

100- electric vehicle

102- floor board

104- seat assembly

106- front wheel

108- rear wheel

110-front panels

112-rear panels

114-left panels

116- front fender

118- handlebar

120- visor guard

122- tail light unit

124- grab rail - rear fender - transmission casing - first member a- inner surface - second member a- first part b- second part c- third part - outer surface of first part- cavity - light emitting diodes - groove of second part- groove of third part-logo - ribs