TECHNICAU FIEUD

[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a housing unit in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0001] Conventionally, most of vehicles are propelled by an internal combustion engine which use fossil fuels as a source of energy. The gases formed by combustion of the fossil fuels within the internal combustion engine are exhausted from such vehicles to the atmosphere, which leads to increased air pollution in the atmosphere.

[0002] Presently, in view of the same, electric vehicles using electrical energy as a source of power are used as a substitute for the vehicles using fossil fuels. However, such electric vehicles are required to be equipped with energy storage units having a large capacity in order to propel the vehicles through large distances. So, the electric vehicles typically include an electric motor and drive train supported on a frame and enclosed in a body, which propel the vehicles through large distances. Energy storage units are connected to the electric motor to provide power thereto. Further, electric vehicles (EVs) are currently experiencing increasing demand due to the growing lack of fossil fuels and carbon dioxide emissions from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The EV fully utilizes an electric drive motor that operates from the power stored in the energy storage unit to power the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to a layout of a two wheeled straddle type vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0004] Fig.l is a side view of a saddle type vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention. [0005] Fig.2 is a side view of a frame with housing unit as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Fig.2a is a perspective view of a storage box with arrester as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Fig. 2b is a side view of perspective view of a storage box with arrester as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Fig. 2c is a left side view of housing unit as per another embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a housing unit as per one embodiment of the present invention

[00010] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a battery housing unit 200 from top view, as per another embodiment of the present invention

[00011] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of housing unit 200 from bottom view, as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[00012] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of a holding assembly from left side, as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[00013] Fig 6(a) illustrates a detail view of a holder floor support member from left side, as per another embodiment of the present invention.

[00014] Fig 7 illustrates a sectional view of a holder, as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[00015] Fig 7(a) illustrates a sectional view of the battery holder, a sectional view of a holder, as per one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00016] Typically, in straddle type scooter vehicle, a frame assembly includes a front zone and a rear zone. The front zone supports a steering assembly along with a front telescopic suspension of the vehicle. The front zone includes a head tube, a main frame structure that provides stiffness and strength for withstanding the forces acting thereon. The rear zone includes a rear wheel, and a rear suspension assembly connected. A power unit is mounted swingably in the rear zone of the straddle type vehicle. Therefore, the rear zone and front zone are subjected to various forces from the front and rear wheel through the suspension and from the power unit in addition to the payloads arising out of the occupants & goods. Moreover, the vehicle is provided with style parts or body panels that are mounted to the frame assembly for providing utility space and aesthetic appeal, while being able to withstand vibrations. The front zone and rear zone of the frame assembly also includes various electrical components as per the requirements in the vehicle.

[00017] Further, electrical system of the straddle type vehicle has evolved over the years and it assimilates automatic computer control of the automotive systems. Earlier the straddle type vehicles comprised of basic wiring technologies that were used for distributing power to the other parts of the straddle type vehicle and today’s electrical system comprises of the sensors, actuators, energy storage unit etc.

[00018] It is customary for the electrical components to be disposed in the vehicle by taking several factors into consideration like in a rigid fashion, unmovable except by removal or adjustment through use of tools, good handling performance of the vehicle which is achieved by even distribution of weight in the vehicle to maintain desired location of the centre of gravity (CG) of the vehicle. A rigid mounting is necessitated to prevent undesirable displacement or loosening of the electrical components like energy storage unit or a pack of energy storage unit, or any other electrical equipment. Further, the rigid structure is necessitated to prevent one of the pluralities of equipment from interfering or damaging another of the plurality of components by change in position or angle of any of the plurality of components with respect to each other. Taking another factor into consideration, the disposition of electrical components together either in the rear zone of the frame assembly of the vehicle or in the front zone of the frame assembly of the vehicle leads to uneven distribution of weight in the vehicle. The uneven distribution of the weight results in the poor and / or undesirable disposition of the CG of the vehicle. The poor CG of the vehicle leads to poor handling performance of the vehicle, leading to customer dissatisfaction. So, while disposing the electrical components in the vehicle, one has to take cognizance of good handling performance of the vehicle to ensure the customer satisfaction. Typically, in a straddle type vehicle, the electrical components have to be disposed without any interference from the surrounding components and also should not compromise with the efficiency and functionality of the surrounding components. Also, the electrical component like the one or more energy storage unit, being considerably heavy & often bulky, have a challenge to dispose on the vehicle while maintaining a compact packaging, layout and desired handling of the vehicle. The challenge is further complex for a straddle type vehicle which has increasingly less space in the layout to configure additional parts.

[00019] There is always a contradicting challenge of providing a stable mounting structure for the electrical component unit like the energy storage unit, and at same time enabling ease of assembly, access for manufacturing & service as well as access to cooling air. For example, disposing the energy storage unit away from the main structural members of the frame vehicle viz., power unit etc. leads to voltage drop, thus, tend to decrease the efficiency of the energy storage unit and also leads to any undesirable bends in the routing of the high current carrying wire. Multiple means are provided on the vehicle structure to mount the electrical component which makes the system design complex, costly, difficult to manufacture & undesirable. Typically, the electrical components are disposed on the vehicle structure with plurality of mounting means that eat into additional valuable layout space of the vehicle, adds to cost, increases number of parts & aggravates the ease of assembly as well as access to tools for mounting the battery unit to the vehicle.

[00020] Additionally, there also exists a challenge of configuring such critical electrical components in a theft proof & tamper proof manner. However, since vehicle is provided with compact layout having different essential components conventionally disposed, there exists a constraint of having sufficient space for configuring electrical components like the energy storage units. Therefore, there exists a challenge of achieving a compact layout of a straddle type vehicle where the electrical components like the energy storage units need to be disposed in close proximity of the power unit in a secure, safe manner while still being easy for assembly and service.

[00021] Typically, as per known art, a frame assembly having rear frame member includes a housing unit. The housing unit includes a top housing unit and a bottom housing unit detachably attached with each other. One or more energy storage unit is housed inside the housing unit. During vehicle running condition, the entire weight of the plurality of energy storage unit transfers load to the top housing unit of the housing unit, which may lead to failure of the top housing unit. Hence, for safely securing the housing unit, additional supporting component like a clamp assembly along with a hook is used. However, this configuration has its own disadvantages that it increases chances of misalignment of the top housing unit and bottom housing unit and eats storage space of the storage box, Further, the configuration as disclosed also necessitates requirement of additional component such as the clamp assembly, additional number of fasteners, leading to increased weight and increases complexity in the assembly. The presence of additional clamp assembly increases overall weight of rear portion of the vehicle. Also, the rear frame member having complex structure is connected to a main frame at multiple locations. This increases number of joint in the frame assembly and thus increases the manufacturing time of the vehicle.

[00022] Hence, there exists a contradictory challenge of designing a secure housing unit for electrical components for a compact two wheeled vehicle, which can ensure safety and ease of assembly to the user having two wheeled vehicles without any major change in layout design and manufacturing set-up of the vehicle.

[00023] Therefore, there is a need to have an improved housing unit, for housing electrical components for example, plurality of energy storage units which securely as well as safely protects the electrical components while maintaining the conventional layout of the vehicle. There is a need to have a solution for safe & secure housing unit for the electrical components which is easy to access or service while overcoming all of the above problems and other problems of known art. [00024] The present invention provides a solution to the above problems while meeting the requirements of minimum modifications in vehicle, at low cost with ease of accessibility and maintaining the stiffness of the housing unit etc.

[00025] With the above objectives in view, the present invention discloses a straddle type vehicle and more particularly an improved mounting of the housing unit which securely protects the electrical components while maintaining the stiffness of the housing unit.

[00026] As per one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprising a frame assembly, side panels, and a front panel is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a main frame member, a head tube and a pair of rear frame members which extends inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main frame wherein the main frame defines a step through portion. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the main frame is mounted to the head tube of the frame assembly and extends downwardly where a floorboard member is connected to the main frame of the vehicle. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, a cross tube floor board frame member is mounted in between the pair of floorboard members to provide strength to the mounting of floorboard member.

[00027] As per one aspect of the present invention, a storage box is disposed between the rear frame members of the straddle type vehicle. A housing unit is disposed substantially below the storage box. A housing unit includes one or more arrester units, for example, a laterally disposed arrester unit, longitudinally disposed arrester units, with respect to a bottom portion of the storage box, extended vertically downward from the bottom portion of the storage box, a holder for holding electrical component like one or more energy storage units, a detachable attached support member. The one or more arrester units are integrally attached with the bottom portion of the storage box in the vehicle. In another implementation, the one or more arrester units are detachably attached with the bottom portion of the storage box with various attachment means like fasteners. As per one aspect of the present invention, a laterally elongated member is disposed in between the arrester units and integrally attached with ends of the longitudinally disposed arrester units. The longitudinally disposed arrester units and the laterally elongated member includes multiple ribs for dissipating heat generated from an electrical component like energy storage units. [00028] As per one aspect of the present invention, the holder of the housing unit is disposed below the storage box, where the bottom portion of the storage box acts as a top covering member for the holder. The laterally disposed arrester unit supports the holder of the housing unit from rear side of the vehicle, arresting movement of the holder with respect to the movement of the vehicle. As per one aspect of the present invention, a front portion of the housing unit includes a plurality of inclined members, which are supported to the cross tube floor board frame member, ensuring support to the holder of the housing unit from front side of the vehicle. A pack of energy storage unit is disposed inside the holder, where the holder is supported by the supporting member having U shaped profile, from bottom and rear side of the holder. The supporting member is detachably attached with a pair of rear frame member. Thus, the above configuration restricts undesirable movement of the housing unit in any direction with respect to the movement of the vehicle.

[00029] As per another aspect of the present invention, a holder is disposed on a supporting member of housing unit in the vehicle. The supporting member has a pair of horizontally extended members attached to the cross tube floor board frame member of the frame assembly and extending rearwardly, where they are attached with the detachable support member having U shaped profile. The supporting member having U shaped profile is being integrally attached with a left and right rear frame member. As per another aspect of the present invention, plurality of vertical and longitudinal arrester units and plurality of lateral arrester units are provided on the holder to facilitates resting of the holder with the supporting member of the housing unit. This configuration ensures disposition of the housing unit in the vehicle with decreased number of components.

[00030] Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the vehicle and looking forward. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. [00031] The present invention is now described briefly in connection with the rendered drawings. It should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the description.

[00032] In the ensuing exemplary aspects, the vehicle is a straddle type electric vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be applied to any of the straddle type vehicle including hybrid electric vehicles.

[00033] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary straddle type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 illustrated, has a step-through type frame assembly 105. The step-through type frame assembly 105 includes, a front frame member 105A, a mid-frame member 105B and a pair of rear frame member 105C. One or more suspensions 110A connect a front wheel HOB, and a handlebar assembly HOC forming a steering assembly 110 of the vehicle. The steering assembly 110 is rotatably connected through the front frame member 105A. The mid-frame member 105B is connected to the front frame member 105A and is extending rearwardly downward from the front frame member 105A. Further, the pair of the rear frame member 105C are connected to the mid-frame member 105B through one or more frame tubes extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the mid-frame member 105B towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100.

[00034] The vehicle includes a power unit (115) comprising at least one of an internal combustion (IC) engine assembly 115 and a traction motor 120, for example a brush less direct current (BLDC) traction motor 120, is coupled to a rear wheel 125 through a transmission assembly (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the traction motor 120 is hub mounted on the rear wheel 125 and the IC engine 115 is mounted to a swing arm (not shown), which is swingably connected to the frame assembly 105 through a toggle link. An onboard battery drives the traction motor 120.

[00035] Further, the frame assembly 105 is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel 135A, a leg shield 135B, an under-seat cover 135C, and a left and a right-side panel 135D, mounted on the frame assembly 105 and covering the frame assembly 105 and parts mounted thereof. [00036] A front fender 140 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 110A. In the present embodiment, the front fender 140 is integrally formed with the front panel 135A. A floorboard 145 is provided at the step-through space and mounted to the mid-frame 105B, wherein a rider can operate the vehicle 100 in a seated position by resting feet on the floorboard. Further, the floorboard 145 is capable of carrying loads.

[00037] A seat assembly 150 is mounted to the pair of rear frame member 105C. A storage box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly 150 and is supported by the frame assembly 105. A rear fender 155 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 125 and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel 125. One or more suspension(s) 160 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 100 for connecting the swing arm 130 to the main frame 105B thereby providing comfortable ride. The vehicle 100 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 165A, a tail light 165B.

[00038] Fig. 2 illustrates left side portion of the vehicle along with a frame assembly 105 having a housing unit 200, as per one embodiment of the present invention. The housing unit 200 of the vehicle 100 comprises a holder 215, for supporting/holding one or more energy storage units 225, being disposed substantially below a storage box 240 of the vehicle 100 and is at least partially superimposed by the storage box 240 when seen from a top view. The holder 215 is supported against the mid-frame 105B through a cross tube floor board frame member 105D (as shown in fig. 3) at one end and supported through one or more detachable support member 220 on other end, ensuring rigid support to the housing unit. The detachable support member 220 being U- shaped profile is detachably attached to a Left Hand (LH) side and Right Hand (RH) side of the pair of rear frame member 105C. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the housing unit (200) includes one or more arrester units 235 (235A, 235B, 235C) (as shown in fig. 2a) which are integrally attached with the bottom portion 241 of the storage box 240 in the vehicle and extended vertically, to support the holder 215, thereby, arresting free lateral and longitudinal movement of the housing assembly including one or more energy storage units 225, with reduced number of components. The arrester unit 235A is disposed laterally with respect to the bottom portion of the storage box, when viewed from bottom side of the vehicle. The one or more arrester units 235B, 235C are disposed longitudinally with respect to the bottom surface of the storage box in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, when viewed from bottom side of the vehicle. In another implementation, the one or more arrester units with the laterally elongated member, having ribs, are detachably attached with the bottom portion of the storage box with various attachment means like fasteners (as shown in fig. 102b). In another embodiment, the top portion of the housing unit may act as the bottom portion of the storage box in the vehicle. In another embodiment, the storage box acts as a supporting member where the one or more energy storage units are supported by the storage box and is supported by the holder 215 from bottom side of the storage unit 225. In another embodiment, the storage box acts as a supporting member from top and rear side, where the one or more energy storage units are supported by the storage box from rear and top side and is supported by the holder 215 from remaining side of the storage unit 225. As per on embodiment of the present invention, a laterally elongated member 250 is disposed in between the one or more arrester units 235 with respect to the bottom portion 241 of the storage box 240 and integrally attached with ends of longitudinally disposed arrester units 235B, 235C to provide desired stiffness to the one or more arrestor units 235 A, 235B and 235C. The longitudinally disposed arresters 235B, 235C and the laterally elongated member 250 includes multiple ribs 255 for heat dissipation which is generated from an electrical component like one or more energy storage units, ensuring optimum temperature of the energy storage units inside the housing unit, thereby increasing life expectancy of the electrical components like energy storage units. The configuration of housing unit as per present invention ensures ease of accessibility, ease of assembly and serviceability of the energy storage units disposed inside the holder of the housing unit.

[00039] Fig. 2(c) illustrates left side view of housing unit 200, as per one embodiment of the present invention. The housing unit 200 of the vehicle 100 comprises the holder 215 (as shown in fig. 2) for supporting the one or more energy storage units 225, where the housing unit 200 is disposed substantially below the storage box of the vehicle. The holder 215 of the housing unit 200 is supported against the mid-frame 105B at one end and supported through one or more detachable support member 220 on the other end. The holder of the housing unit is detachably attached to a lateral support member 215A of the support member 220, with various attachment means like fasteners, ensuring rigid support to the housing unit from rear side of the vehicle. The one or more detachable support member 220 having U-shaped profile is attached to the pair of rear frame member 105C. The holder 215 is supported by the one or more arrester units 235 that arrest the lateral and longitudinal movement of one or more energy storage units 225. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the housing unit is disposed inclinedly with respect to a ground plane axis of the vehicle, where the housing unit is tilted towards the front side of the vehicle, ensuring restriction of housing unit with surrounding components.

[00040] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of housing unit 200, as per one embodiment of the subject matter. The housing unit 200 of the vehicle 100 comprises the holder 215. The holder 215 is supported to the mid-frame 105B through a cross tube floor board frame member 105D. A front side of the housing unit 200 includes a plurality of inclined members 300, which are supported on the cross tube floor board frame member 105D, ensuring rigid support of the holder of the housing unit from front side of the vehicle. The holder 215 provides an access to the one or more energy storage units 225 through the mid frame, eliminating requirement of additional support member for providing a robust support to the holder 215. The housing unit 200 achieves a complementary connection with the frame 105. The configuration as discussed also ensures that the housing unit is disposed in proximity of the power unit, thereby, eliminating voltage drop in the wire, thus increases overall efficiency of the one or more energy storage units.

[00041] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective top view of a portion of the vehicle showing the battery housing unit 200, as per another embodiment of the present invention. The housing unit 200 of the vehicle 100 is attached to the cross tube floor board frame member 105D at one end through various attachment means like one or more stoppers 215C, when vehicle is viewed from front side, eliminating requirement of additional component to provide rigid attachment of the housing unit with the cross tube floor board frame member 105D.

[00042] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective bottom view of a portion of the vehicle disclosing the housing unit 200 from bottom view, as per one embodiment of the present invention. The housing unit 200 of the vehicle 100 comprises the holder 215 supported by one or more detachable support member 220 from rear side of the vehicle., thereby eliminating requirement of additional components for rigidly supporting the housing unit with the frame assembly. The one or more detachable support member has U-shaped profile and is mounted on RH side and LH side of the pair of rear frame member 105C with various attachments means like mounting bracket, a U- shaped hook. Further, one or more laterally disposed vertically extended holder support member 515 of the holder 215 is supported on the one or more detachable support member 220. Further, a pair of resting rails 505 are provided on the mid frame 105D and is extended rearwardly, to be attached with the one or more detachable support member 220 of the frame assembly. A bridge member 502 is disposed between the resting rails 505. The housing unit 200 is disposed on the resting rails 505, where a pair of longitudinally disposed holder support members 501 are supported on the resting rails 505. This configuration ensures rigid support of the housing unit 200 in the vehicle and also arrests the movement of the housing unit in any direction with respect to the movement of the vehicle.

[00043] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of a holding assembly from left side, as per one embodiment of the present invention. The housing unit 200 of the vehicle 100 depicts the holder 215 comprising the one or more energy storage units 225. The holder 215 is placed on the resting rails 505 supported by one or more stoppers 215C (as shown in fig. 4) at one end and by holder support member 220 at the other end. The holder is further supported/arrested by the arrester unit 601, arresting lateral and longitudinal movement of one or more energy storage units 225. As per an additional embodiment, a cushion member 600 is provided below the storage box 240 to cushion the housing unit 200 disposed on the resting rails 505. As per an embodiment, the bottom surface profile of the storage box 240 conforms to the rectangular form of the energy storage unit 225 thereby achieving a secure and stable holding of the energy storage unit 225. The cushion member 600 arrests the forward movement of the housing unit 215 during an incidence of sudden braking and ensures an efficient packaging of the one or more energy storage units 225 in the holder 215. As per another embodiment of the present invention, the housing unit 200 is disposed inclinedly with respect to a ground plane axis of the vehicle, when viewed from side view. The front portion of the housing unit is tilted towards the mid frame of the frame assembly 105, restricting interference of holder with the surrounding components in the vehicle.

[00044] Fig 6(a) illustrates a detail view of a holder floor support member from left side, as per another embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment, the housing unit 200 is supported by a mid-frame support member 602 disposed on the cross tube floor board frame member 105D. The mid-frame support member 602 provides connection between the holder resting rails 505 and the mid-frame 105B. The mid-frame support member 602 further comprises an elastic absorber 250, ensuring restriction of transmission of jerk or vibrations from the frame 105 to one or more energy storage units 225.

[00045] Fig 7 illustrates a sectional view of a holder, as per one embodiment of the present invention. The holder 215 is provided with one or more energy storage units 225. In a preferred embodiment, two energy storage units (battery 1 and battery 2) are parallelly disposed provided with adequate fitment in the holder. The disposition of two energy storage units within one holder ensures availability of power for the vehicle 100 for a longer duration of time.

[00046] Fig 7(a) illustrates a sectional view of the holder, a sectional view of a holder, as per one embodiment of the present invention. The holder 215 is provided with one or more energy storage units 225. In the embodiment, a set of spacers are placed at both ends of the energy storage units to ensure efficient packaging of one energy storage unit 225 within the holder. The spacer fills any form of extra space in the holder and arrest any possible lateral or longitudinal movement of the energy storage unit 235 in the holder 215.

[00047] The invention helps in overcoming the problem of theft or tampering of the electrical components, reducing wiring losses, increasing the accessibility of the electrical components while maintaining the conventional capacity of the storage box in the vehicle, maintaining overall weight and width of the vehicle and ultimately makes it cost effective.

[00048] Advantageously, the embodiments of the present invention, describes the potential modifications in the mounting of the housing unit to securely place the electrical components.

[00049] Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbol:

Fig. 1:

100: Straddle type Vehicle

165 A: Headlight

135 A: Front Panel

105: Frame Assembly

105 A: Front Frame Member

140: Front Fender

110: Steering Assembly

110A: One or more suspensions

110B: a front wheel

HOC: a handlebar assembly

105B: a mid-frame member

145: Floorboard

135B: Rear Panel

135C: Under Seat Panel

150: Seat Assembly

105C: a pair of rear frame member

160: One or more Suspension

155: Rear Fender

125: Rear Wheel

120: Motor

115: Power Unit (IC)

Fig. 2

240: Storage Box

235 (235A, 235B, 235C): Arrester Units 200: Housing unit

220: one or more detachable support member 225 : One or more energy storage units 215: Holder

Fig. 2a:

241 : Bottom Portion of the Storage Box 255: Ribs 250: Lateral Elongated Member

Fig. 2c:

215 A: Base Member

Fig. 3:

300: Inclined Portion Fig. 4:

215C: Stopper Member

Fig. 5:

515: one or more laterally disposed vertically extended holder support member 501 : a pair of longitudinally disposed holder support member 505: a pair of resting rails

502: bridge member

Fig. 6:

600: Cushion Member 601 : Arrester Member 602: mid-frame support member