Two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

The present subject matter generally relates to a vehicle (100). The present subject matter particularly relates to a charging inlet assembly (200), the charging inlet assembly (200) including one or more structural members removably mounted on one another such that if one of the structural members is damaged, the charging inlet does not need to be removed from the vehicle (100), and the damaged structural member can be removed and replaced with a new part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a vehicle. The present subject matter specifically but not exclusively relates to a charging inlet assembly for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In the automotive industry, electric vehicles have been introduced to control air pollution caused by vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. Currently, electric vehicles are divided into two categories, namely pure electric vehicles and extended electric vehicles (also known as hybrid vehicles). Electric vehicles have a main electric drive device with an associated energy storage device. In recent years, due to high oil prices and the environmental impact of pure gasoline fuel-consuming vehicles, electric vehicles have become quite popular. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present subject matter relates to a two-wheeled vehicle having a charging inlet assembly. The charging inlet assembly is capable of receiving a power source connector leading to an external power source such as a power station. The charging inlet includes a plurality of structural members removably mounted on one another in a hierarchical manner such that if one of the structural members is damaged, the charging inlet does not need to be removed from the vehicle, and the damaged structural member can be removed and replaced with a new part.

[0004] Furthermore, the plurality of structural members are an upper member and a lower member. The upper member is provided with one or more protrusions on its outer peripheral surface to lock with a rear inlet panel. An entry prevention device is provided between the upper member and the lower member to prevent water from entering the charging inlet assembly, wherein the entry prevention device is received in a groove formed around the periphery of the lower surface of the upper member. A cover member is rotatably mounted on the upper member by a hinge. In addition, a terminal unit is provided on the lower side to cooperate with a charging gun. Description of the Drawings

[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to embodiments of a scooter and the accompanying drawings. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features and components.

[0006] Figure 1 A left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0007] Figure 2 A rear portion of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0008] Figure 3 A charging inlet assembly in an open state according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0009] Figure 4 An exploded view of a charging inlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown;

[0010] Figure 5 Shows a charging inlet assembly with the lid member in the closed state according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] Figure 6 Shows the open state of the lid member of the charging inlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figure 7 Shows the open state of the lid member of the charging inlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0013] Figure 8 Shows an exploded view of the charging inlet assembly on the rear portion of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0014] Figure 9 Shows a charging inlet assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. Detailed Description

[0015] An electric vehicle is provided with a power source such as a battery to supply power to a prime mover such as an electric motor to run the vehicle. The battery in an electric vehicle requires a charging system for charging purposes, and the charging system can be an on-vehicle charging system or an off-vehicle charging system. When the battery discharges after consumption and needs to be recharged, an on-vehicle charging system or an off-vehicle charging system can be used. The battery can be charged at a charging station or at home with a power source. However, most charging stations have problems associated with slow charging processes, non-standardized charging inlets, the size and weight of the charging inlets, and customizing charging inlets for specific models of electric vehicles.

[0016] In addition, compared to three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles, two-wheeled vehicles are more compact in size, and it means that more than two riders face the challenge of removing and reinstalling the battery required for charging. Therefore, this requires an on-vehicle charging system that can be accommodated inside the body of a two-wheeled vehicle together with the battery.

[0017] The on-vehicle charging system in a two-wheeled vehicle requires a charging port to charge the on-vehicle battery. The on-vehicle charging system can use alternating current or direct current, or a combination of both alternating current and direct current. The charging inlet provided in the vehicle to facilitate the battery charging process is also referred to as a charging inlet. A charging gun is engaged with the charging inlet to initiate the charging process. To protect the charging inlet from any environmental factors such as dust or water, it is necessary to cover the charging inlet. It is also important that the charging inlet should be protected against any unauthorized access to eliminate the possibility of damaging the charging inlet.

[0018] In three-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles that accommodate three or more commuters, state-of-the-art technology provides a hinged or rubber cover that closes the charging inlet, as well as a separate body panel that is rotatably mounted therewith to cover the charging inlet. However, in the case of two-wheeled vehicles, the charging inlet only has a snap-on plastic cover, which is prone to opening and damage during unauthorized access or over time with use.

[0019] Furthermore, during the process of plugging and unplugging the charging inlet, the charging inlet remains exposed to dust and water, so it is necessary to provide a prevention mechanism that can prevent dust and water from entering even during the charging process. Additionally, at the same time, the prevention mechanism should be repairable because frequent charging processes involve plugging and unplugging processes, which ultimately lead to wear and tear of the devices used as the prevention mechanism. Therefore, an improved solution is needed to overcome all of the above problems and other problems of the prior art.

[0020] The present subject matter provides a charging inlet assembly in a two-wheeled vehicle to solve the above problems. The charging inlet assembly according to the present invention is capable of receiving a power source connector leading to an external power source such as a power station. The charging inlet assembly includes one or more structural members that are removably mounted on each other such that if one of the structural members is damaged, the charging inlet does not need to be removed from the vehicle, and the damaged structural member can be removed and replaced with a new part.

[0021] Furthermore, another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a charging inlet assembly having a closable cover member that is rotatably mounted on one of the structural members by a spring-loaded hinge. The closable cover member is locked by a mechanical lock or an electronic lock.

[0022] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides one or more structural members that are removably arranged in a layered manner. The structural members are an upper member and a lower member, wherein the upper member is provided with a pair of protrusions for locking with the rear inlet panel of the vehicle.

[0023] Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter provides an ingress prevention device that is accommodated between the upper member and the lower member to prevent water from invading the charging inlet assembly. The ingress prevention device is accommodated in a groove formed peripherally on the lower surface of the upper member.

[0024] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a cover member that is rotatably mounted on the upper member by a hinge, and the cover member can be locked by a mechanical or electronic device. The cover member is locked by a mechanical latch. The locking device for the cover member can be manually operated with a physical key or electronically operated by an electronic key such as a key fob.

[0025] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a switch unit disposed on an upper region of a charging inlet assembly. The switch unit continuously senses an open or closed state of a lid member. When the lid member is in a closed state, the switch unit gives an indication to a driver by using an indicator light of an LED lamp or an audio indication such as a buzzer.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments of features of the foregoing and other advantages of the present subject matter will be described in detail below with reference to embodiments of a two-wheeled saddle-type motorcycle and the accompanying drawings. From the description set forth below, various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become apparent. On the contrary, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that the specification and the drawings merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements can be designed, although they are not explicitly described or shown herein, but these arrangements incorporate the principles of the present subject matter. In addition, all statements of the principles, aspects and examples of the present subject matter enumerated herein and their specific examples are intended to include their equivalents. In addition, it should be noted that terms such as "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front", "forward", "backward", "downward", "upward", "top", "bottom", "external", "internal" and the like are used herein based on the state shown or the standing state of the two-wheeled vehicle on which the driver rides. In addition, the arrows in the upper right corner of the figures in the accompanying drawings depict the directions with respect to the vehicle, where arrow F represents the front direction, arrow R represents the rear direction, arrow T represents the upward direction, arrow D represents the downward direction, arrow R represents the right side, and arrow L represents the left side. In addition, it should be understood that the wording and terms used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be considered restrictive.

[0027] 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. 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 backward and downward from a front portion of the head tube (105A). The main frame (105B) extends obliquely backward to a rear portion of the vehicle (100).

[0028] The vehicle (100) includes one or more prime movers, such as an electric traction motor, connected to a frame assembly (105). In a preferred embodiment, an electric motor (not shown) is hub-mounted to a wheel of the vehicle (100). In another embodiment, more than one electric motor is mounted to the wheels of the vehicle. In the depicted embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes at least two wheels, and an electric motor 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.

[0029] In addition, the vehicle (100) includes a high-capacity on-vehicle battery (8) that drives the electric motor. The high-capacity battery may include one or more high-capacity battery packs or one or more low-capacity single cells. The high-capacity battery may be disposed in the front portion, rear portion, or center 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 that are 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 (not shown). A glove box may be mounted to the leg shield (140b). The battery (8) forms part of a charging circuit that also includes a relay box (7), a vehicle control unit VCU (4), and a charging inlet assembly (200). A charging gun (1) is inserted into the charging inlet assembly (200) to charge the battery (8). The VCU (4) is the main control unit that controls the overall operation of the vehicle (100), including the normal operation of the electric motor, the charging of the battery (8), the driving of a load by the battery (8), the charging of the high-capacity battery (8) by the electric motor, and the charging of the charging gun (1) by an external power source such as a power station. The battery (8) may be mounted with a hinge mechanism to allow easy access and easy maintenance. The vehicle control unit VCU (4) may be mounted under the seat assembly (150) or beside a side rail (not shown) of the seat assembly (150), or between a utility box (not shown) and a side panel (not shown), or in front of a rear shock absorber (not shown). The vehicle control unit VCU (4) may be mounted using a U-shaped metal bracket. In addition, the battery (8) is placed inside a battery box (not shown), and flexible lugs are used on the battery box to suppress noise and vibration during vehicle movement.

[0030] 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 main frame (105B) mount is provided in the rear portion and can be used as a common mount for the battery (8) or the engine (in the case of a hybrid vehicle). The seat assembly (150) extending in the longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle (100) enables the user to operate the vehicle in a saddle 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, including a headlight (155A) movably supported on the head tube (105A), a tail light (155B), a starter motor (not shown), a horn, etc. The housing of the headlight (155A) and the housing of the instrument cluster can be plastic welded to achieve seamless polishing. The vehicle (100) can be a two-wheeled saddle-type vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle.

[0031] Figure 2 A perspective view of the rear portion of the vehicle (100) is shown. The rear portion includes a seat assembly (150) and a grip (160) provided behind the seat assembly (150), which can support a rear seat rider when the vehicle is in a riding state. A charging inlet assembly (200) has been provided below the grip (160). The charging inlet assembly (200) is provided under a rear inlet panel (201), and the rear inlet panel 201 is provided with a cut out for accessing the charging inlet assembly (200).

[0032] Figure 3 A perspective view of the charging inlet assembly (200) assembled on the vehicle is shown and is shown in an open state. According to an alternative embodiment, the position of the charging inlet assembly (200) can be conveniently provided on the left or right side of the vehicle, regardless of the problems associated with the charging inlets provided in existing vehicles, while overcoming the problems of the prior art.

[0033] Figure 4A exploded view of a charging inlet assembly (200) is shown. The charging inlet assembly (200) includes a plurality of structural members that are removably arranged and stacked one on top of another. The charging inlet assembly (200) is a vehicle charger socket that is capable of operating under alternating current or direct current or a combination of both. The charging inlet assembly (200) is connected to a battery (8), and for charging purposes, it is not necessary to remove the battery (8). The structural members are an upper member (14) and a lower member (12). This allows for easy repair when any one of the structural members in the charging inlet assembly (200) is damaged. It is not necessary to remove the entire charging inlet assembly (200), only the damaged part needs to be removed or replaced. The upper member (14) and the lower member (12) are removably mounted on each other such that an ingress resistance means (16) is accommodated between the upper member (14) and the lower member (12). The ingress resistance means (16) can be an annular seal to prevent water from entering the charging inlet assembly (200) when the charging gun is in the plugged-in state during the charging state. The ingress resistance means (16) is accommodated on a groove formed in the perimeter on the lower surface of the upper member (14). The charging inlet assembly (200) can be accessed through a cutout (202) provided in Figure 3 the rear inlet panel (201) shown. The cutout can be circular or polygonal, such as square or rectangular.

[0034] The upper member (14) is provided with a pair of protrusions (14a, 14b) on its outer circumferential periphery, and this outer circumferential periphery engages with the rear entrance panel (201) to be locked. In addition, the cover member (15) is rotatably mounted on the upper member (14) by a hinge pin (20) loaded by a spring (18) on a hinge joint (19). The cover member (15) is provided with an insertion member (17) which is provided on the closing surface of the cover member so as to block any entry of dust or water when the cover member (15) is in the closed state. In addition, according to different embodiments, the cover member (15) can be locked by a mechanical or electronic device. According to the current embodiment, the cover member (15) is locked by a mechanical latch (5a). The rod (22) is actuated by a locking device (9). The locking device (9) can be manually operated with a physical key or electronically operated by an electronic key such as a keyfob. The mechanical latch (5a) is engaged or disengaged by a lock (5). The mechanical latch (5a) is connected to the lock (5) by a locking cable (5b). The lock (5) can be provided separately, or the lock (5) can be integrated with a seat lock (not shown) of the vehicle (100). If the lock (5) cannot be operated due to loss of power or a key, a mechanical control cable (9a) can be used to disengage the lock (5). The terminal unit (13) is firmly provided together with the lower member (12). During the charging process, the charging gun (1) is plugged onto the terminal unit (13).

[0035] Figure 5 The charging inlet assembly (200) is shown with the cover member (15) in the closed state. The cover member (15) according to the present embodiment is complementary to the rear entrance panel (201). The charging inlet assembly (200) according to the present invention does not require a separate panel, but forms an integral part of the rear entrance panel (201) to close the charging inlet assembly (200). The cover member (15) eliminates the problem of having multiple covers for the charging inlet assembly (200), while it does not compromise the aesthetics of the vehicle (100).

[0036] Figure 6 The open state of the cover member (15) of the charging inlet assembly (200) is shown.

[0037] Figure 7A top view of a charging inlet assembly (200) is shown, where the cover member (15) is in an open state. According to one embodiment, the upper member (14) is additionally provided with a plurality of LED modules (40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d) located at each corner of the upper member (14) to illuminate the charging inlet assembly (200) during the charging process to indicate whether the battery is charging. Further, according to this embodiment, the terminal unit (13) is a multi-phase connector, which is a three-phase charging connector also known as a second type connector. During charging of the battery in the vehicle (100), the terminal unit (13) mates with the charging gun (1). The combo connector is compatible with both alternating current and direct current for charging the battery. The terminal unit (13) has two additional phases including a ground. Further, the terminal unit (13) according to another embodiment additionally has a proximity guide pin (P3) and a control guide pin (P1). The proximity guide pin (P3) is used to detect when the charging cable is connected and helps prevent any accidental movement of the vehicle by stopping the power supply to the vehicle drive system. The control guide pin (P1) monitors the ground wire, and if there is any fault in the ground wire, the control pin disconnects the power supply of the power source and prevents any accident that may occur due to the absence of a ground (protective ground) function. The pins P5 and P6 of the terminal unit (13) are DC lines (positive and negative lines respectively), the pin P4 is an AC line, the pin P2 is a power ground, and the pin P7 is a neutral pin.

[0038] Further, according to one embodiment, a switch unit (400) is additionally provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper member (14) of the charging inlet assembly (200) and close to the hinge of the cover member (15). The switch unit (400) continuously senses the open or closed state of the cover member (15). When the cover member (15) is in the closed state, the switch unit (400) is configured to trigger an audio and / or visual indication to the driver through an indicator such as an LED light or a buzzer on the instrument panel (not shown) of the vehicle (100) to emit a beep indicating the safe closure of the charging port opening. When the switch unit (400) senses the open state of the cover member (15), the indicating unit or alarm is actuated.

[0039] Figure 8 An exploded view of the charging inlet assembly (200) on the rear portion of the vehicle (100) is shown. The charging inlet assembly (200) is provided below the rear inlet panel (201) and a gasket (203) surrounding the charging inlet assembly (200).

[0040] Figure 9 A charging inlet assembly (200) is shown, which has a groove on the upper member (14) to accommodate the access prevention device (16).

[0041] List of reference numerals

[0042] Vehicle (100)

[0043] Frame member (105)

[0044] Head tube (105A)

[0045] Main frame (105B)

[0046] Rear wheel (125)

[0047] Handlebar assembly (130)

[0048] Front panel (140A)

[0049] Leg shield (140B)

[0050] Under-seat cover (140C)

[0051] Seat assembly (150)

[0052] Wheels (110), (125)

[0053] Headlamp (155A)

[0054] Tail lamp (155B)

[0055] Charging inlet assembly (200)

[0056] Washer (203)

[0057] Rear entry panel (201)

[0058] Cover member (15)

[0059] Switch unit (400)

[0060] Neutral pin (P7)

[0061] AC line (P4)

[0062] DC lines (P5, P6)

[0063] Control guide pin (P1)

[0064] Proximity guide pin (P3)

[0065] Terminal unit (13)

[0066] Charging gun (1)

[0067] Upper member (14)

[0068] Lower member (12)

[0069] LED modules (40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d)

[0070] Cover member (15)

[0071] Mechanical control cable (9a)

[0072] Lock (5)

[0073] Mechanical latch (5a)

[0074] Locking device (9)

[0075] Rod (22)

[0076] Insertion member (17)

[0077] Hinge joint (19)

[0078] Hinge pin (20)

[0079] Spring (18)

[0080] A pair of protrusions (14a, 14b)

[0081] Entry prevention device (16)

[0082] Grip (160)

[0083] Battery (8)

[0084] Vehicle control unit VCU (4)

[0085] Relay box (7)

[0086] On-board charger OBC (3).

Claims

1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100), the two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprises: a rear portion, the rear portion including a seat assembly (150); handles (160), the handles (160) being provided at the rear end of the seat assembly (150) to provide support for a rear seat rider; and a charging inlet assembly (200), the charging inlet assembly (200) being located on the rear portion, wherein the charging inlet assembly (200) includes: a plurality of structural members removably arranged in a layered manner, wherein the plurality of structural members are an upper member (14) and a lower member (12); wherein the upper member (14) is provided with one or more protrusions (14a, 14b) on the outer peripheral surface to lock with a rear inlet panel (201); an entry prevention device (16), the entry prevention device (16) being provided between the upper member (14) and the lower member (12) to prevent water from entering the charging inlet assembly (200); wherein the entry prevention device (16) is received in a groove formed in the periphery around the lower surface of the upper member (14); a cover member (15), the cover member (15) being rotatably mounted on the upper member (14) by a hinge (19); and a terminal unit (13), the terminal unit (13) being provided on the lower side to cooperate with a charging gun (1).

2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the charging inlet assembly (200) is located below the handles (160).

3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the charging inlet assembly (200) is firmly provided under a rear inlet panel (201), wherein, the charging inlet assembly (200) can be accessed through a cutout (202) provided in the rear inlet panel (201).

4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cover member (15) is locked by a mechanical device, wherein, the mechanical device is a mechanical latch (5a) of a locking member (5), and the locking member (5) is integrated into a seat lock of the vehicle (100).

5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 4, wherein the cover member (15) is locked by an electronic device, wherein, the electronic device is a key fob for actuating the mechanical latch (5a) of the locking member (5).

6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the upper member (14) is provided with a plurality of LED modules (40a, 40b, 40c and 40d) for visually indicating the charging state of the vehicle, wherein, the plurality of LED modules (40a, 40b, 40c and 40d) are provided at each corner of the upper member (14).

7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein a switch unit (400) is provided on the upper member (14) to detect a closed state or an open state of the cover member (15), wherein, When the switch unit (400) senses the open state of the cover member, the indicating unit is actuated. Wherein, the indicating unit is an LED or a buzzer on the instrument cluster.

8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the switch unit (400) is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper member (14) and close to the hinge member.

9. A charging inlet assembly (200) for a vehicle (100), the charging inlet assembly (200) comprising: a plurality of structural members removably arranged in a layered manner, wherein, the plurality of structural members are an upper member (14) and a lower member (12); wherein, the upper member (14) is provided with a pair of protrusions (14a, 14b) on the outer peripheral surface for locking with the rear inlet panel (201); an entry blocking device (16), the entry blocking device (16) being accommodated and disposed between the upper member (14) and the lower member (12) to prevent water from entering the charging inlet assembly (200); wherein, the entry blocking device (16) is accommodated in a groove formed in the periphery around the lower surface of the upper member (14); a cover member (15), the cover member (15) being rotatably mounted on the upper member (14) by a hinge (19); and a terminal unit (13), the terminal unit (13) being disposed on the lower side for mating with a charging gun (1).

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