Subframe and suspension assembly

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a rear subframe and suspension system. The subframe may be configured to accommodate one or two electric motors for propelling an automobile. The subframe may be configured such that the motor(s) is inserted through the front end of the subframe. The subframe may substantially surround the motor. Braces may be the coupled to the subframe to secure the motor within the subframe. The subframe may further include built-in motor mounts. An independent rear suspension system and rear steering system may also be coupled to the subframe.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A rear subframe and rear steering assembly system comprising:
 at least two castings extending in a longitudinal direction and spaced apart from one another in a lateral direction;   the at least two castings coupled together by a laterally extending front cross-car extrusion and a laterally extending rear cross-car extrusion, the rear cross-car extrusion spaced away from the front cross-car extrusion in the longitudinal direction to define an area that is bounded by the at least two castings, the laterally extending front cross-car extrusion, and the laterally extending rear cross-car extrusion;   a laterally extending roll bar coupled to the at least two castings and positioned over the area to define a motor receiving volume configured to contain at least one motor; and   a rear steering actuator mounted to a rear facing surface of the rear cross-car extrusion.   
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising two track rods coupled to opposite sides of the rear steering actuator and extending laterally away from the rear steering actuator, the track rods including at least one curved section extending in the longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the two track rods are each respectively coupled to two different knuckles with a pin that extends upward through an underside of the knuckle. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11 , further comprising two steering knuckles coupled to each casting, the steering knuckles including a wheel mount, the track rods coupled to the steering knuckles at a location below the center of the wheel mount when the viewed in the lateral direction. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein each steering knuckle includes a rear lever portion extending in the longitudinally direction and coupled to one of the track rods. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the steering knuckles are coupled to the castings with at least one lower semi-trailing arm. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising a wind-up link connecting the steering knuckle to the lower semi-trailing arm, the wind-up link positioned behind the rear lever portion when the viewed in the lateral direction. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising two upper control arms hingedly connected to each casting and extending laterally away from the casting and positioned in-line with the cross-car roll bar when viewed from above. 
     
     
         18 . A method of installing an electric motor in a rear subframe:
 inserting at least one electric motor into a front side of the rear subframe configured to at least partially surround the electric motor on all sides except for the front side; and   securing at least two braces to the subframe to close the front end and at least partially surround the electric motor on all sides.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising securing the electric motor to at least a portion of a built-in motor mount in the subframe 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein inserting at least one electric motor into a front side of the rear subframe comprises inserting two electric motors.