Saddle type vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a saddle type vehicle (100). The saddle type vehicle (100) comprises a head pipe (102), a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe in a vehicle front-rear direction and a side tube extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main frame in a vehicle 5 up-down direction. The saddle type vehicle (100) further comprises a control unit (108) securely mounted on a pre-defined portion between the main frame (104) and the side tube (106). The saddle type vehicle (100) is adapted to mitigate overheating of the control unit (108) by enabling efficient cooling, thereby not only improving the performance of the control unit (108) 10 but also facilitating ease of serviceability and assembly.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION:

[0002] SADDLE TYPE VEHICLE

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a control unit in the saddle type vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006]

[0002] As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain prominence in the automotive industry, optimization of their electronic control systems becomes important. An Intelligent Vehicle Control Unit (iVCU) is a critical component responsible for controlling the electronic control systems and for managing various vehicle functions. However, integration of iVCU within vehicle architecture faces significant challenges. Conventionally, the iVCU is positioned in proximity of a vehicle battery in the rear portion of the vehicle or below the seat assembly. However, both configurations present drawbacks that compromise the performance, serviceability, and overall balance of the vehicle.

[0007]

[0003] The conventional placement of the iVCU in proximity to the battery results in an imbalanced center of gravity (CG) due to uneven weight distribution in the rear portion of the vehicle. Further, positioning the iVCU below the seat assembly inhibits adequate heat dissipation, leading to potential damage to the unit. Furthermore, this leads to restricted airflow and limited heat dissipation capacity, increasing the risk of overheating and potential damage to the iVCU when placed below the seat assembly. Such a disposition of the iVCU also poses challenges in terms of accessibility and serviceability, as accessing the iVCU necessitates the removal of the entire seat assembly, thus increasing maintenance time and complexity. Additionally, positioning the iVCU in the rear portion of the vehicle results in uneven weight distribution, potentially affecting stability and handling characteristics of the vehicle.

[0008]

[0004] Moreover, finding a convenient location for both the iVCU and a battery of the vehicle represents quite a difficult task due to packaging constraints persisting in the saddle type vehicle. Problems are usually encountered during design of the wiring system, in particular for finding a convenient path for the electrical cables due to the packaging constraints in the saddle type vehicle.

[0009]

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for a saddle type vehicle that addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011]

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle has a head pipe, a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe in a vehicle front-rear direction and a side tube extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main frame in a vehicle up-down direction. The saddle type vehicle further has a control unit securely mounted on a pre-defined portion between the main frame and the side tube.

[0012]

[0007] In an embodiment, the main frame has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extending rearwardly from the head pipe in a vehicle front-rear direction. The second portion extends downwardly from the first portion of the main frame in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0013]

[0008] In an embodiment, the pre-defined portion being between the second portion of the main frame, the side tube and below a seat assembly.

[0014]

[0009] In an embodiment, the control unit being mounted on the second portion of the main frame.

[0015]

[0010] In an embodiment, the side tube being opposite to the second portion, the control unit being mounted on the side tube.

[0016]

[0011] In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle has a seat assembly. The seat assembly extends rearwardly from the main frame in the vehicle frontrear direction. The control unit being disposed below a front portion of the seat assembly in the vehicle front-rear direction.

[0017]

[0012] In an embodiment, the seat assembly has a seat rail extending rearwardly from the main frame in the vehicle front-rear direction. The control unit being disposed below the seat rail in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0018]

[0013] In an embodiment, the control unit being securely mounted at an angular orientation ranging between 35-40 degrees with respect to a vehicle vertical axis.

[0014] In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle has at least one mounting unit. The at least one mounting unit being configured to engage with the control unit.

[0019]

[0015] In an embodiment, the control unit being an intelligent vehicle control unit (iVCU).

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]

[0016] 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.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a left-side view of a saddle type vehicle, depicting a control unit being disposed on a rear portion of a main frame of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the control unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a mounting bracket for supporting the control unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025]

[0017] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a control unit in the saddle type vehicle. In an embodiment, the control unit may be an intelligent Vehicle Control Unit (iVCU) of the vehicle. The saddle type vehicle is adapted to mitigate overheating of the control unit by enabling efficient cooling, thereby not only improving the performance of the VCU but also facilitating ease of serviceability and assembly.

[0026]

[0018] In the present disclosure, arrow indications provided in Figures pertain to directional indications of the saddle-type vehicle. As such, the terms “front side”, “rear side”, “right side”, “left side”, “upside” and “downside” respectively correspond to front, rear, right, left, up and down sides of the saddle-type vehicle, until and unless specified otherwise.

[0027]

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a left-side view of a saddle type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 100 (hereinafter referred to as ‘vehicle 100’) is a motorcycle or a scooter type vehicle.

[0028]

[0020] The vehicle 100 comprises a head pipe 102, a main frame 104 and a side tube 106. The head pipe 102 is located at a front side (not shown) of the vehicle 100 in a vehicle front-rear direction. The head pipe 102 supports a steering shaft (not shown) of the vehicle 100. The main frame 104 extends rearwardly from the head pipe 102 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The side tube 106 extends rearwardly and upwardly from the main frame 104 in a vehicle up-down direction.

[0029]

[0021] As shown in Figure 1 , the main frame 104 comprises a first portion 104a and a second portion 104b. The first portion 104a extends rearwardly from the head pipe 102 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The second portion 104b of the main frame 104 extends downwardly from the first portion 104a of the main frame 104 in the vehicle up-down direction. The side tube 106 is opposite to the second portion 104b of the main frame 104. One end of the side tube 106 is affixed to one or more seat rails 112 and another end of the side tube 106 is affixed to the second portion 104b of the main frame 104. The one or more seat rails 1 12 extend rearwardly from the main frame 104 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The one or more seat rails 1 12 are adapted to support a seat assembly 1 10 of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the main frame 104 is adapted or is capable of supporting the seat assembly 1 10 of the vehicle 100. Further, a rear wheel (not shown) is arranged below the seat assembly 1 10 and adapted to receive motive force from a prime mover (not shown) of the vehicle. A suitable transmission assembly (not shown) is provided for transferring the motive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel for driving or movement of the vehicle 100.

[0022] Further, the vehicle 100 comprises a control unit 108. The control is disposed below a front portion of the seat assembly 1 10 in a vehicle up- down direction. As such, the control unit 108 is securely mounted on a predefined portion between the main frame 104 and the side tube 106 through a conventional mounting technique known in the art such as fastening, clamping and the like. The pre-defined portion is an area defined or provided between the second portion 104b of the main frame 104, the side tube 106 and below the seat assembly 1 10. In an embodiment, pre-defined portion is between the second portion 104b of the main frame 104, the side tube 106 and below the one or more seat rails 1 12. The control unit 108 is disposed below the one or more seat rails 1 12 in the vehicle up-down direction. The term “front portion” corresponds to a forward part or fore-front part of the seat assembly 100. In an embodiment, the “front portion” of the seat assembly 110 may be the portion that is above the area defined or provided between the second portion 104b of the main frame 104 and the side tube 106.

[0030]

[0023] In an embodiment, the control unit 108 is securely mounted on the side tube 106. In another embodiment, the control unit 108 is securely mounted on the second portion 104b of the main frame 104. The control unit 108 is securely mounted at an angular orientation (depicted as ‘a’) ranging between 35-40 degrees with respect to a vehicle vertical axis (A- A’). The control unit 108 is disposed in proximity to a battery (not shown), wherein the battery is disposed in a front portion (not shown) of the vehicle.

[0024] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1 , the control unit 108 is an intelligent Vehicle Control Unit (iVCU) of the vehicle 100. iVCU is a component within a vehicle's electronic system responsible for managing and controlling various aspects of the vehicle's operations. The iVCU controls critical systems such as engine operation, transmission control, braking dynamics, and suspension control of the vehicle 100. The iVCU facilitates seamless operation of safety features like adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance systems, seamless communication with external networks enabling autonomous driving and smart transportation systems.

[0031]

[0025] The control unit 108 comprises a mounting surface 1 16 adapted to affix on a portion of the side tube 106 of the vehicle 100. The mounting surface 1 16 of the control unit 108 includes a provision (e.g. a mounting provision such as bracket or a slot) to engage with a mounting unit 114. On the mounting surface, the control unit 108 may comprise an operational unit such as Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and other electronic components enclosed within a casing 120.

[0032]

[0026] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the mounting unit 1 14 is depicted. The mounting unit 1 14 is configured to engage with the control unit 108. The mounting unit 1 14 is configured to have a predetermined shape adapted to be mounted onto the side tube 106, while also supporting the control unit 108. In the present embodiment, the mounting unit 1 14 comprises a first unit 122, a second unit 124 and a third unit 126. The second unit 124 is sandwiched between the first unit 122 and the third unit 126. The second unit 124 is provided with one or more slots 1 18. The one or more slots 1 18 engage with the slots (not shown) on the mounting surface 1 16 of the control unit 108 through fasteners (not shown) for enabling mounting of the control unit 108 onto the side tube 106 of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the first unit 122 and the third unit 126 of the mounting unit 114 is provided with one or more ribs 128 to enhance the overall stiffness and structural rigidity of the mounting unit 1 14 and also enhance support to the control unit 108.

[0033]

[0027] In an embodiment, during assembly, the mounting unit 1 14 is detachably attached to the side tube 106 of the vehicle 100 through the first unit 122 and the third unit 126 of the mounting unit 1 14. Subsequently, the one or more slots on the first side surface 1 16 of the control unit 108 is aligned with the one or more slots 1 18 in the second unit 124 of the mounting unit 1 14 and fastened using fasteners, thereby securing the control unit 108 onto the side tube 106 of the vehicle 100.

[0034]

[0028] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. The present invention the control unit is disposed below the front portion of the seat assembly enabling efficient heat dissipation and cooling, thereby improving the performance of the control unit. Further, such a disposition of the control unit enables ease of service, assembly and disassembly resulting in reduced manufacturing cost, service time and manual effort. Moreover, the disposition of the control unit below the front portion of the seat assembly as claimed in the present invention leads to proper functioning and improved performance of the control unit by providing adequate cooling by the atmospheric air. Optimizing the performance of the control unit contributes to overall efficiency, reducing energy consumption and emissions, thus promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, the disposition of the control unit between the main frame and the side tube also maintains the vehicle center of gravity (CG) adding to the stability and balance of the vehicle. Properly balanced vehicle CG and ergonomic design ensure a comfortable ride for the user, minimizing fatigue and enhancing overall driving experience.

[0035]

[0029] 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.

[0036] List of Reference Numerals

[0037] 100: Vehicle

[0038] 102: Head pipe

[0039] 104: Main frame

[0040] 104a: First portion

[0041] 104b: Second portion

[0042] 106: Side tube

[0043] 108: Control Unit

[0044] 110: Seat Assembly

[0045] 112: Seat rails

[0046] 114: Mounting Unit

[0047] 116: First side surface of the control unit

[0048] 118: Slots

[0049] 120: Casing

[0050] 122: First unit of mounting unit : Second unit of mounting unit: Third unit of mounting unit: Ribs

Claims

WE CLAIM:1 . A saddle type vehicle (100), comprising: a head pipe (102); a main frame (104) extending rearwardly from the head pipe (102) in a vehicle front-rear direction; a side tube (106) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main frame (104) in a vehicle up-down direction; and a control unit (108) securely mounted on a pre-defined portion between the main frame (104) and the side tube (106).

2. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the main frame (104) comprises a first portion (104a) and a second portion (104b), the first portion (104a) extending rearwardly from the head pipe (102) in a vehicle front-rear direction, and the second portion (104b) extending downwardly from the first portion (104a) of the main frame (104) in the vehicle up-down direction.

3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the predefined portion being between the second portion (104b) of the main frame (104), the side tube (106) and below a seat assembly (1 10).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (108) being mounted on the second portion (104b) of the main frame (104).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the side tube (106) being opposite to the second portion (104b), the control unit (108) being mounted on the side tube (106).

6. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a seat assembly (1 10), the seat assembly (110) extending rearwardly from the main frame (104) in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the control unit (108) being disposed below a front portion of the seat assembly (110) in the vehicle front-rear direction.

7. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the seat assembly (110) comprises a seat rail (1 12) extending rearwardly from the main frame (104) in the vehicle front-rear direction, and the control unit (108) being disposed below the seat rail (1 12) in the vehicle up- down direction.

8. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit (108) being securely mounted at an angular orientation ranging between 35-40 degrees with respect to a vehicle vertical axis (A-A’).

9. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one mounting unit (114), the at least one mounting unit (114) being configured to engage with the control unit (108).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the control unit (108) being an intelligent vehicle control unit (iVCU).

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