A power unit locking device in a saddle-riding type vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a saddle-riding type vehicle (100). More specifically, the present invention relates to a power unit locking device (400) in a saddle-riding type vehicle. The power unit locking device (400) locks a power unit (201) to a utility box (204) of the vehicle (100), and the utility box can be accessed only when a seat assembly (150) of the vehicle (100) is in an unlocked state. This makes the power unit (201) inaccessible from the outside and eliminates the possibility of the lock on the door of the tray structure that usually houses the battery being tampered with.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a saddle-riding type vehicle. The present subject matter particularly but not exclusively relates to a power unit locking device in a saddle-riding type vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, considering the adverse impact on the environment, the demand for controlling vehicle emissions has been increasing. As a result, the use of alternative fuels has been given sufficient consideration to replace or reduce emissions. Due to environmental issues, the development and widespread use of zero-emission vehicles (such as electric vehicles) are slowly becoming the norm in daily life.

[0003] Electric vehicles rely on power sources such as batteries, which can be lithium-ion batteries, lead-acid batteries, or fuel cells. Since the vehicle needs to operate for a longer time, a more efficient battery is required, which can drive the vehicle for at least 4 - 6 hours. After 4 - 6 hours, either the battery is replaced with a new fully charged battery or the vehicle is taken to a charging station. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004] A detailed description is described with reference to embodiments of a saddle-riding type vehicle and the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, the same numerals are used to refer to similar features and components.

[0005] Figure 1 A left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 A perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0007] Figure 3 A perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0008] Figure 4 A side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0009] Figure 5 A rear side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0010] Figure 6 A rear side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0011] Figure 7 A power unit locking device according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0012] Figure 8 A power unit holder according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0013] Figure 9Shows a power unit according to an embodiment of the present subject matter and the power unit in a loaded state within a power unit retainer.

[0014] Figure 10 Shows the loading / unloading positions of a power unit according to an embodiment of the present subject matter within a power unit retainer.

[0015] Figure 11 Shows a flowchart for engaging a power unit locking device according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0016] Figure 12 Shows a flowchart for disengaging a power unit according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. Detailed Description

[0017] An electric vehicle powered by a removable battery pack does not need to bring the vehicle itself to a charging point, which is not feasible in cases where the charging point is not accessible, such as if the charging point is in a residential building without infrastructure for transporting the vehicle from one point to another. Thus, the removable battery pack eliminates the need to move the vehicle during battery charging. Additionally, due to limitations on the maximum distance that can be traveled on a single charge, it is typically not feasible for the user to wait at the charging station for an extended period to recharge the battery before continuing the journey. Thus, an exchange system has become a viable option.

[0018] One technique in the prior art discloses a battery module for a vehicle that includes a tray structure for holding one or more vehicle traction batteries. The module also includes a positive conductor and a negative conductor connected to the traction battery, and both conductors are movable with the tray. Further, a door is provided in the vehicle that is hingedly attached to the vehicle body and can be closed to prevent any environmental exposure or any longitudinal movement of the tray. Compared to two - and three - wheel vehicles, reliable and secure locking of battery units in four - wheel vehicles is less complex. Such vehicles, which mainly have an open structure, are vulnerable to theft and tampering of battery units, which is undesirable. There is a conflicting need for an exchange system, namely easy access to, removal of the battery versus a configuration that makes the battery unit safe and not easily accessible to avoid theft and tampering.

[0019] Since a removable tray is provided, it is necessary to restrict access to the battery pack and prevent battery theft, which can be a daunting task. The battery needs to be locked in a clandestine manner such that any attempt at theft and tampering is thwarted. Thus, an improved layout configuration for two - and three - wheel vehicles is needed to be able to safely and reliably package the battery unit while also enabling easy servicing, charging, etc.

[0020] The present subject matter provides a power unit having an improved locking device in a saddle-ride type vehicle. The power unit locking device according to the present invention locks the power unit to a utility box of the vehicle, and the utility box can be accessed only when the seat assembly of the vehicle is in an unlocked state. This makes the power unit inaccessible from the outside and eliminates the possibility of the lock on the door of the tray that houses the power unit being tampered with.

[0021] Another embodiment of the present subject matter discloses a cover front portion having a cutout to dispose the power unit inside a cavity formed between the seat assembly and the utility box. The cover front portion is configured to receive a grille cover hingedly mounted thereon.

[0022] Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter discloses a power unit holder configured with one or more grooves. The grooves are capable of receiving rolling devices. The rolling devices are needle-type rollers, which helps in easily loading and unloading the power unit.

[0023] Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter discloses a latching device provided on the power unit, and the latching device is capable of being coupled to the power unit locking device. The latching device is either a detachable unit or an integral unit. Further, the latching device is a hollow structure.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present subject matter discloses a power unit locking device having a head portion, a main male connector, and an auxiliary male connector. The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description and the drawings merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements can be designed, although not explicitly described or shown herein, but these arrangements cover the principles of the present subject matter. Further, all statements herein reciting the principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter and their specific examples are intended to cover their equivalents.

[0025] Figure 1 A left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. The illustrated vehicle (100) has a frame assembly (105) schematically shown (shown in dashed lines). In the present embodiment, the frame assembly (105) is a step-through type and includes a head tube (105A) and a main frame (105B) extending rearwardly and downwardly from a front portion of the head tube (105A). The main frame (105B) extends rearwardly in an inclined manner to a rear portion of the vehicle (100).

[0026] The vehicle (100) includes a prime mover connected to a frame assembly (105). In one embodiment, the structural member (135) is a rigid member made of metal. In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor (120) is hub-mounted to a wheel of the vehicle (100). In another embodiment, more than one electric motor is mounted on the wheels of the vehicle. In the depicted embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes at least two wheels, and the electric motor (120) is hub-mounted to the rear wheel (125) of the vehicle. The front wheel (110) is rotatably supported by the frame assembly (105) and is connected to a handlebar assembly (130) that enables the vehicle (100) to be steered. The handlebar assembly (130) may provide support to a master cylinder assembly (not shown) that is used in the braking system of the vehicle (100). Additionally, the master cylinder assembly also provides support for a mobile device holder without affecting the functionality of the master cylinder assembly. The support means for the mobile device may be a holder that can be positioned on either side of the speedometer without affecting the visibility of the speedometer.

[0027] Furthermore, the vehicle (100) includes a high-capacity on-vehicle battery (not shown) that drives the electric motor (120). The high-capacity battery may include one or more high-capacity battery packs or one or more low-capacity batteries. The high-capacity battery may be disposed at the front portion, rear portion, or middle of the vehicle (100). The high-capacity battery is supported by the frame assembly (105), and the vehicle (100) includes a plurality of body panels mounted to the frame assembly (105) for covering various components of the vehicle (100). The plurality of panels includes a front panel (140A), leg shields (140B), an under-seat cover (140C), and left and right side panels (140D). A glove box may be mounted to the leg shield (140B).

[0028] The floor (145) is provided at the straddle portion defined by the main frame (105B). The seat assembly (150) is provided behind the straddle portion and is mounted to the main frame (105B). The seat assembly (150) that extends in the longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle (100) enables a user to operate the vehicle in a riding posture. One or more suspensions connect the wheels (110), (125) to the vehicle (100) and provide a comfortable ride. The vehicle (100) includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components, which include a headlight (155A) movably supported on the head tube (105A), a taillight (155B), a starting motor (not shown), a horn, etc. The housing of the headlight (155A) and the housing of the combined instrument can be plastic welded to achieve a seamless finish. In addition, the vehicle (100) includes a main control unit (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the vehicle (100), including the functions of the electric motor (120), the charging of the battery, the charging of the high-capacity battery by the electric motor operating in the generator mode, and any other operations related to the operation of the vehicle (100).

[0029] Figure 2 A perspective left front view of the vehicle (100) is shown, with some parts omitted for clarity. The rear portion of the vehicle (100) located below the seat assembly (150) and above the floor (145) is protected by a cover front portion (202). The cover front portion (202) is provided with a cutout (206). A power unit (201), such as a battery pack, is provided below the seat assembly (150) and is disposed downward from a multi-purpose box (204) assembled through an opening (206) of the cutout provided in the cover front portion (202) (see Figure 5 ).

[0030] The power unit (201) is provided with a grip handle (203) to enable easy removal and assembly of the power unit (201) through the cutout (206) provided in the cover front portion (202). The body of the power unit (201) is molded in a shape complementary to that of the cover front portion (202).

[0031] Figure 3 A perspective view of the vehicle (100) according to another embodiment is shown and is configured with a grille cover (207). The grille cover (207) covers the power unit (201) from any external impact or direct contact with the user's body. The grille cover (207) is hingedly mounted on the cover front portion (202). According to an alternative embodiment, the power unit (201) itself can be configured to integrally have a grille cover, eliminating the need for a separate grille cover (207).

[0032] Figure 4A side view of a vehicle (100) is shown, in which a power unit (201) is mounted below a seat assembly (150) and on the front side of the seat assembly (150).

[0033] Figure 5 A front perspective view of the vehicle (100) is shown, with some parts omitted for clarity. A multi-purpose box (204) is disposed on a pair of side rails (211), and the side rails form part of the frame structure of the vehicle (100). The multi-purpose box (204) includes a front support structure (205) that provides support for the seat assembly (150).

[0034] Figure 6 A rear side view of the vehicle (100) depicting a power unit locking device (400) is shown. The power unit (201) is disposed below the multi-purpose box (204), and the multi-purpose box (204) is disposed below the seat assembly (150) (not shown). According to one embodiment, the bottom surface (204b) of the multi-purpose box (204) (see Figure 7 ) is inclined with respect to the ground to accommodate vehicle components. In another embodiment, the bottom surface (204b) of the multi-purpose box (204) is parallel to the ground. The power unit (201) is disposed in a cavity (304) formed below the seat assembly (150) and adjacent to the multi-purpose box (204) through a cutout (206) provided on the front portion of a cover (202). A power unit retainer (301) disposed inside the cavity (304) enables the power unit (201) to slide into the cavity (304). The power unit retainer (301) is adaptively disposed inside the cavity (304) by mounting the power unit retainer (301) to a rear frame structure (303). The power unit retainer (301) obtains additional support from an angled bracket (305). The angled bracket (305) is pivotally mounted on the frame structure and is disposed above a swing arm (306) to provide sufficient working clearance for the swing arm (306) and is disposed in front of a rear wheel well. The power unit (201) is locked to the multi-purpose box (201) by a power unit locking device (400).

[0035] Figure 7Shows an enlarged view of a power unit locking device (400) capable of locking a power unit (201) to a multi-purpose box (201). The bottom surface (204b) of the multi-purpose box (204) is perforated or configured with an opening to form an access device (204a) for inserting the power unit locking device (400) to pass through the bottom surface (204b) of the multi-purpose box (201) and couple with a latch device (404) provided on the power unit (201). In one embodiment, the latch device forms part of the body of the power unit (201) and is thus an integrated unit, while in another embodiment, the latch device (404) is a separable unit capable of being detachably configured to the power unit (201) and is thus a detachable unit.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the latch device (404) is a hollow structure and is capable of receiving a main convex coupler (403) of the power unit locking device (400). The power unit locking device (400) includes a head portion (401) that can be lifted to unlock the power unit (201) or can be pressed forcefully to lock the power unit (201) to the multi-purpose box (204). In addition, the latch device (404) includes an auxiliary convex coupler (407) that couples with a concave coupler (406) provided in the power unit (201). The power unit locking device (400) restricts any lateral movement of the power unit (201) and restricts the position of the power unit (201) in a safe and stable manner to a desired position. Thus, the power unit locking device (400) allows the power unit (201) to be locked and also eliminates vibrations of the power unit (201) that may be caused during vehicle movement.

[0037] The power unit locking device (400) is at least partially disposed within the multi-purpose box (204) such that in order to access the power unit (201), the seat assembly (150) first needs to be unlocked. As long as the seat assembly (150) remains locked, the power unit (201) cannot be removed from the power unit holder (301). In this way, the present invention ensures that the power unit (201) remains inaccessible from the outside and continues to be firmly held in the locked state. In another embodiment, the power unit locking device (400) is a power coupler for the power unit (201), and the power coupler can be a docking connector or a manual connector such that the power unit only functions when assembled to the vehicle and is made inoperative when removed from the vehicle or the coupler.

[0038] Figure 8The power unit holder 301 is shown, which enables the power unit 201 to slide into the cavity 304. The power unit holder (301) is enclosed from three vertical sides and is open from a fourth side facing the front vertical side of the vehicle (100), and enables the power unit (201) to be loaded or removed from the front side. According to this embodiment, the power unit holder (301) is also open from the top side, at which the power unit (201) is in abutting contact with the bottom surface (204b) of the multi-purpose box (204), so as to enable the power unit to be rigidly held in a desired state. When the loading and unloading of the power unit (201) are completed, there will be some resistance generated by the friction between the contacting surfaces (i.e., the power unit (201) and the power unit holder (301)). In order to eliminate the resistance problem when loading the power unit (201) into the power unit holder (301) and unloading it from the power unit holder (301), the rolling device (302) is arranged in the groove (311) formed on the surface of the power unit holder (301). When the loading or unloading of the power unit (201) is completed, the rolling device (302) starts to rotate. The rolling device (302) assists the loading and unloading process of the power unit (201) in the power unit holder (301) by eliminating the resistance generated between the power unit (201) and the surface of the power unit holder (301). Since when the vehicle (100) is in a moving state, the arrangement of the rolling device (302) will cause an undesired vibration movement of the power unit (201); the power unit locking device (400) helps to keep the power unit (201) rigidly fixed in a position and restricts any undesired vibration or oscillatory movement of the power unit. According to one embodiment, the rolling device (302) is a needle-type roller.

[0039] Figure 9 The power unit (201) and the power unit (201) in the loaded state within the power unit holder (301) are shown. The power unit locking device (400) keeps the power unit (201) stationary within the power unit holder (301).

[0040] Figure 10 The loading / unloading position of the power unit (201) within the power unit holder (301) is shown when the power unit is about to slide into the holder (301) or be taken out from the secure and stable holder (301).

[0041] Figure 11A flowchart showing the engagement of the power unit locking device (400) in a vehicle (100) is presented. In step 701, the seat assembly (150) of the vehicle (100) is unlocked through authorized access of a seat locking system (not shown), and subsequently the power unit (201) is slid into the retainer unit (301). In step 702, the power unit locking device (400) is positioned in the access device (204a) of the multi-purpose box (204) by passing the locking device (400) through the bottom surface (204b) of the multi-purpose box (201). Then in step 703, the power unit locking device (400) is coupled to a latch device (404) provided on the power unit (201). According to one aspect of the present invention, referring to Figure 12 , these steps are performed in the reverse manner to disengage the power unit (201). In step 801, the seat assembly (150) is unlocked. In step 802, after opening the multi-purpose box (204), the power unit locking device (400) is first disengaged, and subsequently in step 803, the power unit (201) slides out of the retainer unit (301).

[0042] List of Reference Numerals

[0043] Vehicle (100)

[0044] Frame assembly (105)

[0045] Head tube (105A)

[0046] Main frame (105B)

[0047] Structural member (135)

[0048] Electric motor (120)

[0049] Rear wheel (125)

[0050] Front wheel (110)

[0051] Handlebar assembly (130)

[0052] Front panel (140A)

[0053] Under-seat cover (140C)

[0054] Left and right side panels (140D)

[0055] Leg shield (140B)

[0056] Floor (145)

[0057] Headlight (155A)

[0058] Electric motor (120)

[0059] Seat assembly (150)

[0060] Cover front part (202)

[0061] Cutout (206)

[0062] Power unit (201)

[0063] Multi - purpose box (204)

[0064] Grip handle (203)

[0065] Grille cover (207)

[0066] Front support structure (205)

[0067] Power unit locking device (400)

[0068] Bottom surface (204b)

[0069] Power unit retainer (301)

[0070] Rear mounting suspension structure (303)

[0071] Swing arm (306)

[0072] Latch device (404)

[0073] Main male connector (403)

[0074] Auxiliary male connector (407)

[0075] Head part (401)

[0076] Rolling device (302).

Claims

1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100), wherein the two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprises: A rear portion, wherein the rear portion comprises a seat assembly (150), wherein the seat assembly (150) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) is unlocked by an authorized access device; A multi-purpose box (204) disposed below the seat assembly (150) and behind the front cover (202); And A power unit (201) disposed below the multi-purpose box (204); the power unit (201) is locked to the multi-purpose box (204) by a power unit locking device (400), wherein the power unit (201) is configured with a latch device (404) to couple with the power unit locking device (400), wherein at least a portion of the power unit locking device (400) is received in the latch device (404) of the power unit (201), wherein a bottom surface (204b) of the multi-purpose box (204) forms an access device (204a) for engaging the power unit locking device (400), and the power unit (201) is disposed within a cavity (304) passing through the front cover (202), wherein the power unit locking device (400) comprises: a head portion (401), a main male coupler (403), an auxiliary male coupler (407), and wherein the main male coupler (403) is received in the latch device (404) of the power unit (201), and wherein the auxiliary male coupler (407) is coupled to a female coupler (406) disposed in the power unit (201).

2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the front cover (202) comprises a cutout (206) to dispose the power unit (201) inside the cavity (304), the cavity (304) is formed below the multi-purpose box (204), and the front cover (202) is configured to receive a grille cover (207), wherein the grille cover is hingedly mounted on the front cover (202).

3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the power unit (201) is disposed in a power unit holder (301), wherein the power unit holder (301) is configured with one or more grooves (311), wherein the one or more grooves (311) are configured to receive rolling means (302), and the rolling means (302) is a needle-type roller.

4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 3, wherein the power unit holder (301) is disposed inside the cavity (304).

5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 3, wherein the power unit retainer (301) is mounted on the rear mounting suspension structure (303) and supported by an angled bracket (305), wherein the angled bracket (305) is pivotally mounted on the frame structure of the two-wheeled vehicle (100), and the angled bracket is disposed above the swing arm (306) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100).

6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the latch device (404) is one of a detachable unit and an integrated unit; and the latch device (404) is a hollow structure.

7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the power unit (201) is configured with an integrated grille cover (207).

8. A method of engaging a power unit (201) in a two-wheeled vehicle (100), the method comprising the steps of: unlocking the seat assembly (150) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) by an authorized access device; positioning a power unit locking device (400) in an access device (204a) in a multi-purpose box (204), the power unit (201) being locked to the multi-purpose box (204) by the power unit locking device (400), wherein the power unit (201) is configured with a latch device (404) to couple with the power unit locking device (400), wherein at least a portion of the power unit locking device (400) is received in the latch device (404) of the power unit (201), wherein a bottom surface (204b) of the multi-purpose box (204) forms the access device (204a) for engaging the power unit locking device (400); and coupling the power unit locking device (400) with a latch device (404) provided on the power unit (201), wherein the multi-purpose box (204) is disposed below the seat assembly (150) and behind a cover front portion (202), and the power unit (201) is disposed in a cavity (304) passing through the cover front portion (202), wherein the power unit locking device (400) includes: a head portion (401), a main male coupler (403), an auxiliary male coupler (407), and wherein the main male coupler (403) is received in the latch device (404) of the power unit (201), and wherein the auxiliary male coupler (407) is coupled to a female coupler (406) provided in the power unit (201).

9. A method of disengaging a power unit (201) in a two-wheeled vehicle (100), the method comprising the steps of: unlocking the seat assembly (150) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) by an authorized access device; disengaging the power unit locking device (400), the power unit (201) being locked to the The multi-purpose box (204) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100), wherein the power unit (201) is configured with a latching device (404) for coupling with the power unit locking device (400), wherein at least a part of the power unit locking device (400) is received in the latching device (404) of the power unit (201), and wherein a bottom surface (204b) of the multi-purpose box (204) forms an access device (204a) for engaging the power unit locking device (400); and sliding the power unit (201) out of the power unit holder (301), wherein the multi-purpose box (204) is disposed below the seat assembly (150) and behind the cover front part (202), and the power unit (201) is disposed in a cavity (304) passing through the cover front part (202), wherein the power unit locking device (400) includes: a head part (401), a main convex coupler (403), an auxiliary convex coupler (407), and wherein the main convex coupler (403) is received in the latching device (404) of the power unit (201), and wherein the auxiliary convex coupler (407) is coupled to a concave coupler (406) disposed in the power unit (201).

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