VEHICLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to an electronic equipment charging device (EECD) for a saddle type vehicle and more particularly to an installation mechanism of such a device on a body panel of said two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] Generally, a battery assembly plays a very critical role for the functioning of a vehicle. The battery assembly supplies the required electrical energy to the vehicle for its operation. The vehicle requires an electric supply from the battery for various operations such as providing electrical power to the starter system, display on instrument cluster and powering the light and the sounds system. Moreover, in an electric vehicle the whole power supply for the vehicle operation is done through the battery operation. Thus, battery for a vehicle forms one of the most important elements and many a times the rider may be stranded due to fault in the battery, or an accident can take place if the warning systems working on the electric supply of the battery stops working.

[0003] In addition to it, the vehicle is provided with electronic equipment charging device (EECD) which is connected to the battery. The EECD is provided to help the rider to charge a device by connecting it to the EECD while he/she is riding. Hence, the EECD is provided for the riderDs convenience to make the ride better and smoother. Thus, the EECD should also be provided in such a manner which causes least discomfort to the rider and is easily accommodated in the vehicle as well. However, it is the mounting and location of the EECD that plays an important part. The EECD comprises of various wiring, switches and circuits, hence needs to be placed in a safe and stable location such that it does not gets entangled or breaks down. In furtherance to it, it should be placed in an ideal location which is easily accessible by the rider. However, in a known state of art that is not the case, as the EECD is placed and mounted in locations where the number of failure modes and probability of breakdown increases. Moreover, it is not easy for the rider to easily access it, be it in a riding state or idle state.

[0004] Thus the present system provides stable and easily accessible mounting location for the EECD. In addition to it, the present subject matter provides a simple and secure mounting for the EECD which is tamper proof & does not create a hindrance for the vehicle or any other part mounted on it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a cover fuel tank in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the cover fuel tank in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an EECD in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00010] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the cover fuel tank in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter

[00011] Fig. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the cover fuel tank in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates the mounting arrangement of EECD with the cover fuel tank in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00013] Typically, a two-wheeled vehicle comprises of a frame assembly extending rearwardly from a head tube. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front wheel is connected to a front portion of the frame assembly through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). The frame assembly comprises of an engine assembly coupled to it. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides forward motion to the vehicle. A muffler assembly is provided at a lateral side of the vehicle mounted to the frame assembly or the vehicle through a mounting bracket. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.

[00014] Moreover, when it comes to the electrical supply requirement of a vehicle, a battery is added to fulfill it. The battery caters to the need of various electrical operations such as providing electrical power to the starter system, display on instrument cluster and powering the light and the sounds system, and in an electric vehicle the whole power supply for the vehicle operation is done through the battery operation. In addition to it, an EECD is added to the vehicle to fulfill the changing needs of the rider. The EECD is provided to establish a secure electrical supply for charging a device connected to it. The EECD derives its power from the battery and helps in charging of the device connected to it.

[00015] In one of the known arts the EECD is placed in an instrument cluster or the vehicle headlamp housing. However, the instrument cluster or the vehicle headlamp housing is mounted on the vehicular front and accommodates speedometer which receives electronic signal inputs from various parts of the vehicle. This makes the speedometer area clumsy. Further, the speedometer is installed in a portion of headlamp housing. During normal course of usage of the vehicle, when the headlamp is in D OND state, a large amount of heat is generated which may damage the electronic equipment charging device and render it unusable. Hence, installation of an electronic equipment charging device in the region surrounding the headlamp housing becomes difficult owing to clustered signal cables in that region and generation of a large amount of heat. In addition to it, when the EECD is provided at such a location, it becomes hard for the rider to access it, since it is placed at a substantial distance from the rider. Hence, it is desired to locate and install the electronic equipment charging device to a location where installation is easier and the charging device can be installed without fouling with other parts or components of the vehicle.

[00016] Hence, it is an objective of the present subject matter to provide a stable and safe mounting for the EECD, such that neither does it interferes with any other part, nor is there any possibility of damage to it or any other part as such. In addition to it, the EECD is disposed at such a location which is comfortable and easy for the rider to access.

[00017] In an embodiment in accordance with the present subject matter, a two- wheeled vehicle is employed with a frame assembly which functions as a skeleton for the whole vehicle. All the systems and assemblies for the vehicle such as handlebar assembly, headlamp unit, front fork, engine assembly etc. are mounted over the frame assembly. The frame assembly comprises of at least one head tube disposed at a front portion of the vehicle. Furthermore, the frame assembly comprises of a front sub frame assembly connected to the head tube and extending in a rearward direction. In addition to it, a rear sub frame is provided connected to the rear end of the front sub frame assembly and extending in a rearward direction along the vehicle length.

[00018] In an embodiment, a storage unit is mounted on the frame assembly in a front portion of the vehicle. In furtherance to it, the storage unit is covered by a cover storage unit. The vehicle is also provided with a battery to meet its electrical supply needs. Moreover, the vehicle comprises of an electronic equipment charging device (EECD) which the rider can use to connect his/her electronic device and charge it. The EECD is also connected to the battery and derives its electric power from it.

[00019] In an embodiment, the EECD is located on the cover storage unit of the vehicle. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, an EECD aperture is provided on the surface of the cover storage unit near the rider end, wherein the EECD is inserted through it. According to an aspect of the present subject matter, the EECD aperture is provide in a close proximity to the rider for an easy access of the EECD. A plurality of mounting arrangements is provided on the inner surface of the cover fuel tank through which the EECD is mounted on it. According to an aspect of the present subject matter, the protruding portion of the EECD is in the same line as that of the outer surface of the cover storage unit. Thus, the EECD is in the same line as that of outer surface of the cover storage unit and nothing protrudes out. The EECD body is disposed below the cover storage unit and thus is hidden. In another embodiment, the power train for the vehicle can be an electric motor or a hybrid one. Also, a storage unit may be disposed in front of the rider which may be used for fuel storage like gasoline, LPG, fuel cell, battery, utility items etc.

[00020] Thus, the present subject matter provides a safe and secure mounting for the EECD such that the possibility of damage and interference with other parts is reduced. In addition to it, an ample amount of space is provided for the EECD, and the EECD is located at such a place which is easily accessible by the rider.

[00021] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.

[00022] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated R direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow Rh denotes right side, an arrow Lh denoted left side, as and where applicable.

[00023] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (10), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. However, the present subject matter can be used for multi-wheeled vehicles comprising of two-heeled and three-wheeled vehicles. Henceforth, for the purposes of this application the multi- wheeled vehicle may be referred as a two-wheeled vehicle or a vehicle. The vehicle (10) includes a frame assembly (not shown) that extends from a head tube (7), which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (10). The frame assembly includes a mainframe (not shown) comprising a main tube extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube (7) and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube (7). The frame assembly may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. An internal combustion engine (5) is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly. The internal combustion engine (5) acts as the power unit of the vehicle (10), wherein the power unit may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm assembly is swingably connected to the main frame of the frame assembly and rear portion of the swing arm assembly rotatably supports a rear wheel (3). The rear wheel (3) is functionally coupled to the internal combustion engine (5) through a transmission system. A rear fender (4) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (3) covers at least a portion of the rear wheel (3). Further, the swing arm assembly is coupled to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). A pair of front forks (not shown) supports a front wheel (6) and is steerably supported by the head pipe. A handlebar assembly (1) is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front fork. Further, a front fender assembly (11) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (6) and the front fender assembly (11) is mounted to the front forks (7).

[00024] A storage unit (9) is mounted to the main tube of the frame assembly and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly (1). A seat assembly (2) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly (1) and supported by the pair of rear tubes. Further, the vehicle (10) comprises a visor assembly (12) that is disposed forwardly over the headlamp (8). A tail cover assembly (13) is disposed rearwardly of the side panel assembly (not shown) and extends along the pair of rear tubes thereby covering at least a portion of the pair of rear tubes. The tail cover assembly (13) extends towards a rear portion of the frame assembly and the tail cover assembly (13) is adapted to accommodate a pillion handle (14) attached to its side.

[00025] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of the cover storage unit (20), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the cover storage unit

(20) envelopes the fuel tank (9). The cover storage unit (20) comprises of an outer surface

(21) , and in addition to it comprises of a rider end (22) disposed near the rider. Moreover, the cover storage unit (20) comprises of a head tube end (23) disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (10) near the handle bar assembly (1). In an embodiment, the cover fuel tank (20) comprises of an aperture (24) through which an electronic device is accommodated. The electronic device is an electrical equipment charging device and may be refereed as EECD. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the aperture (24) is disposed on the rider end (22). The aperture (24) is used to accommodate EECD (shown in Fig. 4). Hence, aperture (24) may be interchangeably used as EECD aperture (24) over the rest of the application. Thus, the present system makes it easier for the rider to access the EECD.

[00026] Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the cover storage unit (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the cover fuel tank (20) comprises of an inner surface (31) with a rider end (22) and head tube end (23). In an embodiment, a plurality of mounting arrangements (32, 33) comprising a first mounting arrangement (32) and a second mounting arrangement (33) are provided on at least two sides of EECD aperture (24) on the inner surface (31) of the cover storage unit (20). The plurality of mounting arrangements (32, 33) is used to stably mount and hold the EECD to the cover storage unit (20).

[00027] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the EECD (40) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the EECD (40) comprises of an EECD body (41) extending in a straight longitudinal direction and an outer periphery head (42) formed above it. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the EECD body (41) is disposed below the cover storage unit (20), and the outer periphery head (42) is the only thing visible above the cover storage unit (20), such that the outer periphery head (42) lies in the same line as that of the top surface (21) of the cover storage unit (20). In an embodiment, the EECD (40) comprises of an EECD first collar (43) and EECD second collar (44) which overlap with the first mounting arrangement (32) and second mounting arrangement (33) and are fastened using a suitable fastener. The EECD collars (43, 44) comprises of a slot (45) which is coaxially aligned with the plurality of mounting arrangements (32, 33) such that suitable fasteners are inserted through it to mount the EECD to the inner surface (31) of the cover storage unit (20). The EECD body (41) is disposed below the cover fuel tank (20) and thus is hidden. Thus, the EECD collar (43, 44) combined with plurality of mounting assembly (32, 33) enable a secure mounting of the EECD (40) to the inner surface (31) of the cover storage unit (20).

[00028] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the cover storage unit (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the EECD (40) comprises of a connector (51) provided to connect the electronic device and EECD (40) for charging. In furtherance to it, the EECD aperture (24) comprises of a lid (52) to protect the connector (51) against ingress of water, dust and moisture. In an embodiment, the EECD lid (52) is equipped with a torsional spring which releases the torsion so as to close said EECD lid (52) when the EECD connector (51) is not in use. According to one embodiment of the invention, the EECD lid (52) is arranged to open in a downward to upward direction on its opening and operation.

[00029] Fig. 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of the cover fuel tank (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the EECD aperture (24) is provided on the outer surface (21) of the cover fuel tank (20), whereas the EECD body (41) is disposed below the cover fuel tank (20). A relief (61) is provided on the fuel tank (9) to accommodate the EECD body (41). In an embodiment, a wiring (62) is connected to the EECD body (41) to supply power to the EECD (40), the connector (51) to be precise. In an embodiment, the outer surface (21) of the cover fuel tank (20) is formed along a curved plane A- AD. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the outer periphery head (42) of the EECD (40) is also disposed along the same curved plane AAD. Thus, the EECD (40) seems to be formed and placed along the same surface as that of the outer surface (21) of the cover fuel tank (20) and protrudes till the curved plane AAD. Hence, the present feature enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. In addition to it, a straight plane BBD passes through a mid-portion of the cover fuel tank (20) highlighting the rider end (22) formed on a rear side towards the rider and head tube end (23) formed on a front side of the cover fuel tank (20). As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the EECD aperture (24) is formed on the rider end (22) such that the EECD (40) is disposed towards the rider for easy access. The axis BBD is disposed at a predetermined distance Y upstream of the rider seat structure from the rear end of the storage unit. In an embodiment, the distance Y is limited up to 400 mm.

[00030] Fig. 7 illustrates the mounting arrangement of EECD (40) with the cover fuel tank (20) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the EECD (40) is mounted onto the cover fuel tank (20). The inner surface (31) of the cover fuel tank (20) comprises of a plurality of mounting arrangements (32, 33) onto which the EECD is mounted. In an embodiment, the EECD body (41) comprises of first collar (43) and second collar (44) which are assembled onto the plurality of mounting arrangements (32, 33) through fasteners (71, 72). The slots (45) provided in the EECD collars (43, 44) are coaxially aligned with the mounting arrangements (32, 33) such that the fasteners (71, 72) are inserted through it and tightened to stably hold the EECD (40) to the cover fuel tank (20). The outer periphery head (42) of the EECD (40) lies on the same curved plane AAD as that of the outer surface (21) of the cover fuel tank (20), and the connector (51) is exposed for the rider to use and connect his/her device to it. The lid (52) is provided to cover the connector (51) and protect it from dust and mud.

[00031] Thus, the present subject matter provides a location and mounting arrangement for the EECD (40). The EECD (40) is mounted on the cover fuel tank (20), wherein an EECD aperture (24) is provided to insert the EECD (40). According to an aspect of the present subject matter, the EECD body (41) lies below the cover fuel tank (20) and its outer periphery head (42) lies in the same curved plane as that of the outer surface (21) of the cover fuel tank (20).

[00032] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.