A vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a vehicle (100) that comprises a first compartment (102) disposed in front portion of the vehicle (100) and a second compartment (104) disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle (100). The first compartment (102) and the second compartment (104) being separated by a partition wall (103). The second compartment (104) includes one or more energy storage units (202), one or more motoring units (110) and a first control unit (112) operatively coupled to the one or more motoring units (110). The first control unit (112) being disposed behind the one or more energy storage units (202) and the one or more motoring units (110). The strategic location of the first control unit (112) provides reduced wire length leading and thereby preventing power losses and entanglement of wires, and strategically avoid heat zones of the vehicle (100).

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION: A VEHICLETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to an automotive industry, and more particularly, relates to a cargo vehicle having one or more control units.BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, vehicles with internal combustion engine needs fuel and fuel tank assembly to operate. With growing technology in automobiles, electric vehicles are coming into market. The electric vehicles work on the principle of charging of the one or more batteries placed in these electric vehicles. In existing electric vehicles, one or more control units such as vehicle control unit, motor control unit and the like are provided. The Motor Control Unit (MCU) is an electronic module that interfaces between the one or more batteries that are DC power sources and the motor that is AC. Major purpose of the MCU is to control the vehicle’s speed and acceleration based on throttle input. The functions of a motor control unit include starting and stopping the motor, controlling the direction and speed, regulating torque, protecting the motor, providing feedback, sequence control, ensuring efficiency, load matching, and including safety measures.

[0003] Conventional vehicles provide control unit behind one or more rear wheels that makes the control unit vulnerable and prone to dust, dirt, mud splash etc. Additionally, in conventional vehicles, control unit is distantly located with respect to motor, which poses a disadvantage of having an increased wire length from the control unit to the vehicular component such as motor. The increased wire length causes higher potential voltage drop across the length of the wire and additionally causes issues pertaining to entangling of wires which also results in wear and tear of the wires and impacting the performance of the control unit and the vehicle in long run. Effective wire routing is a critical aspect of any vehicle’s electrical system, and three wheeled type vehicles are noexception. The successful functioning of electrical components relies on the reliable transmission of electrical signals. Therefore, manufacturers of automobiles must ensure that the wiring harness is well-organized, securely fastened, and protected from external elements and potential hazards.

[0004] In some of the existing vehicles, the control unit is open to atmosphere and results in entry of external elements such as dust, dirt, mud etc which also deteriorate the performance. The entry of water, mud, dirt, and dust can lead to reducing the efficiency of the control unit which further deteriorate the life of the vehicle as well which adds to frequent servicing and increased maintenance requirements. Exposed control units which are visible from external environment pose a threat to the rider and users as entry of water to exposed motor units can also lead to electric shock and in severe cases can cause accidents and injuries along with heavy casualties as well.

[0005] Another problem with the existing locations of control unit is the electric vehicles need to be design in a separate assembly line and due to intricate positioning and operations of the charging unit, the entire frame structure and chassis needs to be redesigned for electric vehicles. Thus, no modularity can be imagined with respect to IC engine vehicles.

[0006] The major issue lies with the location of motor control units (MCUs) for vehicles due to the challenge of multiple conflicting requirements. On one hand, the MCU needs to be strategically placed near the motor and power distribution unit (PDU) to minimize wiring harness length, thereby reducing power losses and voltage drop. On the other hand, the MCU must be located away from the high heat zones of the motor and PDU to avoid thermal damage and ensure optimal performance. Additionally, the placement must account for protecting the MCU from external environmental factors such as stone impacts, dirt, dust, and mud splashes during vehicle operation. Therefore, there is a need to find an optimal location that addresses both electrical efficiency and physical protection, while managing thermal concerns, which presents a complex design dilemma that requires careful consideration of electrical layout of vehicles.

[0007] Thus, the one or more control units need to be strategically placed to avoid increased wire length and thereby power losses and voltage drop along with protecting the control unit from stone hitting, dirt, dust and mud splashes during vehicle running condition, and protecting the MCU from heating issues..SUMMARY

[0008] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

[0009] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment being disposed in a front portion of the vehicle. The second compartment being disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle. The first compartment and the second compartment being separated by a partition wall. The second compartment comprises one or more energy storage units, one or more motoring units and a first control unit. The first control unit being operatively coupled to the one or more motoring units. Herein, the first control unit being disposed behind the one or more energy storage units and the one or more motoring units.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first compartment being a driver’s compartment and the second compartment being a load deck compartment, herein the first control unit being placed behind one or more rear wheels and below a load deck of the vehicle.

[0011] In an embodiment, the first control unit being connected to a power distribution unit. The power distribution unit being in the second compartment of the vehicle. The power distribution unit receives an input from the one or more energy storage units and supplies an output to the first control unit.

[0012] In an embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a frame assembly. The frame assembly comprises one or more longitudinal members extendingalong the length of the vehicle and one or more cross members disposed laterally between the one or more longitudinal members.

[0013] In an embodiment, the one or more cross members comprising a first cross member, a second cross member and a third cross member. The first cross member being located behind one or more energy storage units. The second cross member being disposed behind the first cross member and being configured to mount one or more motoring units. The third cross member being disposed behind the second cross member and being configured to mount a first control unit.

[0014] In an embodiment, the first control unit and the one or more motoring units being placed offset from central axis XX of the vehicle, and the first control unit and the one or more motoring units being disposed along a same line.

[0015] In an embodiment, a secondary control unit being operably connected to the first control unit.

[0016] In an embodiment, a first input being transmitted from the one or more energy storage units to the power distribution unit and to the first control unit via a first transmission cable routed along an internal surface of one or more longitudinal members.

[0017] In an embodiment, a second input being transmitted from the first control unit to the one or more motoring units via plurality of transmission cables extending forwardly from the first control unit towards the one or more motoring units.

[0018] In an embodiment, the second cross member being provided with one or more dampening members.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings whichare given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.

[0020] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures, which is related to a movable load-carrying device which can be a multi wheeled vehicle being one embodiment of the present subject matter. However, the present subject matter is not limited to the depicted embodiment(s). In the figures, the same or similar numbers are used throughout to reference features and components.

[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates a top view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0022] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle showing a first control unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0023] Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0024] Fig. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.

[0026] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “preferred embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment s) or example(s) may includea particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0027] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0028] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0029] Various features and embodiments of the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. It is contemplated that the concepts of the present subject matter may be applied to any kind of vehicle within the spirit and scope of this subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present subject matter which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.

[0030] It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle having one or more control units at a location which prevents potential power drop. It is also an object of the present invention to have the first control unit at a location which provides a reduced wire length from the first control unit to vehicular component such as motor. The reduced wire length prevents potential voltage drop across the length of the wire and additionally prevents issuespertaining to entangling of wires which also results in wear and tear of the wires and impacting the performance of the vehicle in long run. It is also an object of the present invention to have the first control unit at a location that prevents entry of external elements such as dust, dirt, mud etc to prevent deterioration of the component performance. It is also an object of the present invention to prevent the entry of water, mud, dirt, and dust to prevent frequent servicing maintenance requirements. Another object of the present application is to have the first control unit at a location that does not expose the component to stone hitting, mud splashes etc. Another object of the present invention is to strategically position the one or more control units to enable better heat dissipation. Therefore, the present invention aims to position the one or more control units to minimize wiring harness length, thereby reducing power losses and voltage drop, and safely located away from the high heat zones to avoid thermal damage and ensure optimal performance.

[0031] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.

[0032] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0033] Fig. 1 illustrates a top view of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) may be a threewheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle and may also be a multi-axled vehicle in different embodiments, the present invention is applicable in different types of vehicles, wherever there is a need of one or more control units. In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure the vehicle (100) may be an Electric Vehicle (EV), a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)based vehicle and have components suitable for traction. In one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, in case of three wheeled cargo vehicle a cargo deck assembly is disposed on the rear side of the vehicle for providing space for accommodating cargo in the three wheeled cargo vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) is provided with a floorboard which is disposed on a frame assembly of the vehicle (100).

[0034] More specifically, Fig. 1 illustrates the vehicle (100) comprising a first compartment (102) and a second compartment (104). The first compartment (102) being a driver’s compartment and the second compartment (104) being a load deck compartment. The first compartment (102) being disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (100) and the second compartment (104) being disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle (100). The first compartment (102) and the second compartment (104) being separated by a partition wall (103). The second compartment (104) includes one or more energy storage units (shown in Fig. 2), one or more motoring units (110) and a first control unit (112) operatively coupled to the one or more motoring units (110). The first control unit (112) being disposed behind the one or more motoring units (110). Fig. 1 further illustrates the vehicle (100) comprising a frame assembly that comprises one or more longitudinal members (120, 122) and one or more cross members (130, 132, 134). The one or more longitudinal members (120, 122) extending along length of the vehicle (100) and the one or more cross members (130, 132, 134) being disposed laterally between the one or more longitudinal members (120, 122). In an embodiment, the one or more motoring units (110) being placed offset from central axis XX of the vehicle (100). The first control unit (112) and the one or more motoring units (110) being disposed along a same line.

[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle (100) showing a first control unit (112), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the second compartment (104) comprising one or more energy storage units (202), one or more motoring units (110), and the first control unit (112). In an embodiment, the one or more energy storage units (202)being placed longitudinally behind the partition wall (103). In another embodiment, the one or more energy storage units (202) being placed horizontally. In an embodiment, the first control unit (112) being disposed behind the one or more energy storage units (202) and the one or more motoring units (110). By placing the first control unit (112) behind the one or more energy storage units (202) and the one or more motoring units (110), the first control unit (112) is provided with better air ventilation. Fig. 2 further illustrates the first control unit (112) being connected to a power distribution unit (114) located in the second compartment (104) of the vehicle (100). The power distribution unit (114) receiving an input from the one or more energy storage units (202) and supplying an output to the first control unit (112). Therefore, the optimized location of the first control unit (112) ensures that the energy storage units (202), the first control unit (112) and the power distribution unit (114) are electrically connected, without the need for placing the first control unit (112) in the vicinity of the high heat producing zones of the energy storage units (202) and the power distribution unit (114), and reducing the total length of the wire thereby preventing issues pertaining to entangling of wires which also results in wear and tear of the wires and impacting the performance of the vehicle in long run.

[0036] As illustrated in both Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the frame assembly of the vehicle (100) comprises one or more longitudinal members (120, 122) and the one or more cross members (130, 132, 134). The one or more cross members (130, 132, 134) further comprise a first cross member (130), a second cross member (132) and a third cross member (134). The first cross member (130) being located behind one or more energy storage units (202). The second cross member (132) being disposed behind the first cross member (130) and being configured to mount the one or more motoring units (110). The third cross member (134) being disposed behind the second cross member (132) and being configured to mount the first control unit (112). In an embodiment, a secondary control unit (140) being operably connected to the first control unit (112). In an embodiment, the first control unit (112) being a motor control unit and thesecondary control unit (140) being a vehicle control unit. In an embodiment, first input being transmitted from the one or more energy storage units (202) to the power distribution unit (114) and to the first control unit (112a) via a first transmission cable routed along an internal surface of one or more longitudinal members (120, 122). Therefore, by disposing the first control unit (112) on the third cross member (134), there is enough space between the first control unit (112) and the heat zones created by the energy storage units (202) and the one or more motoring units (110). However, by disposing the first control unit (112) on the third cross member (134) which is adjacent to the second cross member (132), the wire harnessing length between these components is reduced. In an embodiment, the first control unit (112) receives a secondary input ranging from 10V to 15V from the secondary control unit (140). In a preferred embodiment, the second cross member (132) being provided with one or more dampening members (225) to allow vertical movement of the one or more motoring units (HO).

[0037] Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 3 clearly illustrates the first control unit (112) being placed behind of one or more rear wheels (302) and below a load deck of the vehicle (100). The one or more motoring units (110) transfers power to the one or more rear wheels (302) to achieve vehicle propulsion. To achieve enhanced performance and meeting cooling requirements, the first control unit (112) being placed at a location that allows higher air flow for better heat dissipation. In an embodiment, the first control unit (112) being provided with heat dissipating member. The heat dissipating member includes fins that provide larger surface areas for heat dissipation and thereby prevents overheating.

[0038] Fig. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 4 clearly illustrates a second input being transmitted from the first control unit (112) to the one or more motoring units (110) via plurality of transmission cables (402) extending forwardly from the first control unit (112) towards the one or more motoringunits (110). In an embodiment, wire length between the first control unit (112) and the one or more motoring units (110) ranging from 530 to 590 mm.

[0039] In an embodiment, the first control unit (112) being located in rear side of the vehicle (100). This location is advantageous as it provides ease of accessibility, ease of assembly and ease of serviceability.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is a 3 wheeled cargo vehicle. Thus, both IC vehicle and electric vehicle can be manufactured in same assembly line as there is no major change in layout of vehicle such as chassis or frame structure which further saves time and cost of the vehicle.

[0041] In an embodiment, the position of the first control unit (112) inside the second compartment (104) is not interfering with the load deck of the vehicle (100).

[0042] The present subject matter may be implemented in any multi wheeled vehicle. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the present invention, and corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments depicting a multi wheeled vehicle. The one or more batteries provides power supply to various electrical components, such as the head light, tail light, and the like of the vehicle.

[0043] Thus, the present subject matter offers an advantage of providing a vehicle having first control unit at a location which is easily accessible. Another advantage of the present subject matter is to have the first control unit at a location which provides a reduced wire length from the first control unit to the one or more motoring units. The reduced wire length prevents potential voltage drop across the length of the wire and additionally prevents issues pertaining to entangling of wires which also results in wear and tear of the wires and impacting the performance of the vehicular components and vehicle in long run. Another advantage of the present subject matter is prevention of deterioration of the first control unit by placing at a location that prevents entry of external elements such as dust, dirt, mud etc. Another advantage of the present subject matter is prevention of frequent servicing maintenance requirements by preventing the entry of water, mud, dirt, and dust. Additionally, the presentlocation of the first control unit provides an advantage of modularity which saves time and cost of vehicle manufacturing and assembly.

[0044] While certain features of the claimed subject matter have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising: a first compartment (102), the first compartment (102) being disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (100); a second compartment (104), the second compartment (104) being disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle (100), wherein the first compartment (102) and the second compartment (104) being separated by a partition wall (103), wherein the second compartment (104) comprising: one or more energy storage units (202); one or more motoring units (110); and a first control unit (112), the first control unit (112) being operatively coupled to the one or more motoring units (HO), wherein the first control unit (112) being disposed behind the one or more energy storage units (202) and the one or more motoring units (110).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first compartment (102) being a driver’s compartment and the second compartment (104) being a load deck compartment, wherein the first control unit (112) being placed behind one or more rear wheels (302) and below a load deck of the vehicle (100).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first control unit (112) being connected to a power distribution unit (114), the power distribution unit (114) being in the second compartment (104) of the vehicle (100), the power distribution unit (114) receiving an input from the one or more energy storage units (202) and supplying an output to the first control unit (112).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (100) comprising a frame assembly, the frame assembly comprising: one or more longitudinal members (120, 122) extending along length of the vehicle (100); one or more cross members (130, 132, 134) being disposed laterally between the one or more longitudinal members (120, 122).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more cross members (130, 132, 134) comprising: a first cross member (130), being located behind the one or more energy storage units (202); a second cross member (132) being disposed behind the first cross member (130) and being configured to mount the one or more motoring units (110); and a third cross member (134) being disposed behind the second cross member (132) and being configured to mount the first control unit (112).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first control unit (112) and the one or more motoring units (110) being placed offset from central axis XX of the vehicle (100), and wherein the first control unit (112) and the one or more motoring units (110) being disposed along a same line.

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a secondary control unit (140) being operably connected to the first control unit (112).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first input being transmitted from the one or more energy storage units (202) to the power distribution unit (114) and to the first control unit (112a) via a first transmission cable routed along an internal surface of one or more longitudinal members (120, 122).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a second input being transmitted from the first control unit (112) to the one or more motoring units (110) via plurality of transmission cables (402) extending forwardly from the first control unit (112) towards the one or more motoring units(HO).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second cross member (132) being provided with one or more dampening members (225).

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