TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter, in general, relates to a straddle type vehicle, and, in particular relates to packaging layout of the straddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent times there is an increased demand to control emissions from automobiles, in view of stringent emission norms. As a result, a number of hybrid and electric vehicles are seeing the light of the day in order to minimize the amount of emissions. Generally, existing hybrid vehicles configured to be powered either by an internal combustion engine or electric motor or both, are replacing normal engine powered vehicles. For example, driving on terrain or for long distances, an internal combustion engine can be used and for shorter distances electric propulsion system can be used. However, incorporation of both internal combustion engine and electric motor assembly in the hybrid two-wheeled vehicle makes the system bulky and more complex. Thus, electric vehicles have gained popularity in recent years as the potential replacement for internal combustion vehicles, since they promise zero emission from electric drive system, and a break away from oil dependency.

[0003] Typically, electric vehicles are powered using an electric drive system having the electric motor as a powering source, one or more energy storage devices including batteries for powering the electric motor and a controller. The controller manages the operations of the electric motor and said one or more energy storage devices disposed on the vehicle. Positioning of said one or more energy storage devices on the electric motor driven two- wheeled vehicle is a critical task due to limited availability of space.

[0004] Conventionally, in an existing electric two-wheeled vehicle, said one or more energy storage devices are disposed within a utility box area below the seat. Positioning of said one or more energy storage devices including a battery pack inside the utility box leads to wastage of space that could have been used for storing other articles. This structure also prevents the dissipation of heat that is generated during charging and discharging of the battery pack resulting in decreased efficiency. Also, the energy storage device like battery being heavy in mass, there exists a challenge of achieving optimum mass center disposition of the vehicle to achieve good riding performance & comfort.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved vehicle layout that can address above mentioned as well as other related problems, for example where the power unit (battery, internal combustion engine or both) can be provided compact layout without making the vehicle bulky. It should also be easy serviceable and also have a good cooling mechanism for all parts mounted within the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The description is described with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a front-left plan view of a straddle type vehicle in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of the straddle type vehicle in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates a front view of the straddle type vehicle in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

[00010] Fig. 4 illustrates a rear-left plan view of the straddle type vehicle in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

[00011] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the straddle type vehicle in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

[00012] Fig. 6 illustrates a rear view of the straddle type vehicle in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION

[00013] The following specification describes the invention. Flowever, the following description does not limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is completely dependent on the claims.

[00014] In summary the present invention provides a layout for a straddle type vehicle (hereinafter vehicle) facilitating a compact, easy serviceability, a highly effective natural cooling of electrical, electronic and mechanical components of the vehicle, rider comfort and safety, and external damage protection for one or more illumination and indicating units of the vehicle. The vehicle is provided such that a frame disposed around a power unit to improve the stiffness of the frame and to provide a secured packaging of the power unit. The power unit mounted surrounded by the frame at a floorboard location such that the vehicle is easily modifiable from electric vehicle to internal combustion vehicle.

[00015] The vehicle also includes a front panel that covers a front portion of the frame. The front panel includes a vertical slit to increase the air circulation around a headlamp and around a number of electrical components disposed in front portion of the vehicle. Additionally, the front panel has an aerodynamic shape and covers the frame such that air is directed away from the frame in order to decrease the air resistance.

[00016] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the vehicle with a side panel covering the side of the vehicle frame, to guide the air directed away by the front panel towards a transmission system on one side and towards a motor on the other side to improve the cooling of the vehicle.

[00017] It is another objective of the present invention to provide the vehicle with a charging assembly above the power unit and in front of the rider for ease of charging of the power unit disposed surrounded by the frame, and over the casing formed for the power unit mounting between a left and a right member of the frame to reduce the wiring harness required from the charging panel to the power unit.

[00018] It is another objective of the invention to provide the vehicle with a power- supply illumination guide including a first illuminating guide disposed at a charging dock of the charging assembly, a second illumination guide disposed at a power unit casing surrounding the power unit, and a third illumination guide disposed on a transmission system transferring the power to a rear wheel. The power-supply illumination guide indicates the power supply health of the vehicle indicate the flow of the power used for the vehicle traction.

[00019] It is an objective of the invention to provide the vehicle with one or more illumination and indicator units mounted securely within the front panel and the side panel to provide an effective damage protection for the one or more illumination and indicator units. Additionally, it is an objective of the vehicle to provide a turn-signal lamp cover for damage protection from an outside impact of the vehicle.

[00020] It is an objective of the invention to provide an offset single rear suspension unit aligned with the frame and at least a portion of the side panel to increase the space on a rear side of the vehicle and to balance the mass distribution of the major components of the vehicle around the longitudinal mid plane of the vehicle, thereby improve the disposition of center of gravity of the vehicle. It is an additional objective of the invention to be have a layout of the vehicle where the one or more components forming a substantial mass elements of the vehicle are disposed substantially below a force transfer line of the vehicle perpendicular to the steering pivot axis of the vehicle.

[00021] It is an objective of the invention to provide a rear protection cover for a rear brake assembly of the vehicle, the rear protection cover being mounted between the transmission system and a rear wheel in order to secure the rear brake assembly.

[00022] It is an objective of the vehicle to provide a motor mounted on a swing arm, disposed opposite to the offset single rear suspension unit to improve the center of gravity of the vehicle. The motor is being provided with a cover for the protection of wiring harness and hoses disposed on the rear side of the vehicle.

[00023] It is further an objective of the invention to provide a coolant tank disposed opposite to the rear suspension unit, above the cover of the motor, and below a storage unit. The position of the coolant tank improves the center of gravity of the vehicle and reduces the wiring harness and hose length for a compact packaging of the vehicle.

[00024] It is an objective of the invention to provide a seat over the storage unit, the seat being slightly inclined forward along the frame decreasing the distance between the handle bar and the rider to improve grip of the rider. The slight inclination of the seat also improves approachability for the charging dock of the charging assembly for the vehicle.

[00025] It is an objective of the invention to provide a vehicle layout such that an electric vehicle is convertible to an internal combustion engine by keeping the frame, the front and side panel, and the transmission system intact and by only replacing electric power source by the fuel based power source.

[00026] The above-mentioned objectives of the invention do not limit the scope of the subject matter. The scope of the claimed subject matter shall only depend of the claims to be provided. [00027] Referring to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 different embodiments of the straddle type vehicle (hereinafter‘vehicle’) (100) are shown. The vehicle (100) includes a front wheel (101), a front panel (102), a headlamp (103), a front suspension system (104), a front brake assembly (105), a handle bar assembly (106), a frame (107), a number of internal electrical and electric components (not shown), a side panel (108), a floorboard (109), a seat (110), a storage unit (not shown), a power unit (not shown), a charging assembly (111), a transmission system (112), a power-supply illumination guide (113), a swing arm assembly (114), a motor (115), a motor cover (116), a coolant tank (not shown), a rear wheel (117), a rear suspension (118), a rear brake assembly (119), a rear brake cover (not shown), a rear panel (120), a tail lamp assembly (121), one or more turn signal lamps (122).

[00028] The front wheel (101), the front panel (102), the headlamp (103), the front suspension system (104), the front brake assembly (105), the handle bar assembly (106), the frame structure (107), the number of internal electrical and electric components (not shown), the side panel (108), the floorboard (109), the power unit (not shown), the charging assembly (111) are disposed on a front part F of the vehicle 100.

[00029] The seat (110), the storage unit (not shown), the transmission system (112), the swing arm assembly (114), the motor (115), the motor cover (116), the coolant tank (not shown), the rear wheel (117), the rear suspension (118), the rear brake assembly (120), the rear brake cover (not shown), the rear panel (121), the tail lamp assembly (122), the one or more turn signal lamps (123) are disposed on a rear part (R) of the vehicle (100). The power-supply illumination guide (114) is disposed partially in the front part (F) of the vehicle (100) and partially disposed in the rear part (R) of the vehicle (100).

[00030] Referring to Fig 2, the frame (107) includes a front portion (not shown), a center portion (107C), and a rear portion (not shown). The front portion (not shown) is disposed in a front part F of the vehicle (100) and is covered with the front panel (102), the center portion (107C) is disposed in the front portion (F) and is disposed above the floorboard (109), and the rear portion (not shown) extends in upward direction towards the rear part R of the vehicle (100) and is covered by the rear panel (120). In an embodiment, the center portion (107C) of the frame (107) is an exposed part of the vehicle (100); however, the vehicle layout may include one or more covering members for the center portion of the frame. In an embodiment, the center portion (107C) of the frame (107) is substantially disposed around an axis (A- A’), such that the rear suspension (118) is aligned substantially to the axis (A- A’) and the center portion (170C) of the frame (107) and the axis (A-A’) lies substantially orthogonal to a steering axis (P-P’) passing through a steering axis and the front wheel (102). The axis (A-A’) intersects an axis (D-D’), which passes through axle of the front wheel (101) and the axle of rear wheel (117), at a location behind the axis of rear wheel (117) as seen in side view of the vehicle (Fig. 4). The forces from the rear wheel (117) are transferred to the rear suspension (118) along this axis (A-A’) that spreads the forces along the frame (107) through the center portion (107C). This provides abetter rear suspension for the vehicle (100) resulting in good dynamic performance of the vehicle (100) in terms of its ride, handling as well as anti-squat behavior along with good durability of the structural parts of the vehicle.

[00031] Further, in an embodiment, one or more units defining a substantial mass of the saddle type vehicle are disposed in a triangle (Tl) formed by the axis A-A’, the axis D-D’ and an axis X-X’, which is a vertical line passing through the axis of front wheel (102). The one or more units defining the substantial mass may include the front panel (102), the headlamp (103), the front suspension system (104), the front brake assembly (105), the front (not shown) and the center (107C) portion of the frame (107), a number of internal electrical and electric components (not shown), the side panel (108), the floorboard (109), The power unit (not shown), the charging assembly (111), the transmission system (112), the power-supply illumination guide (113), the swing arm assembly (114), the motor (115), the motor cover (116), the coolant tank (not shown), the rear wheel (117), the rear suspension system (118), the rear brake assembly (119), the rear brake cover (not shown), and many more disposed therein.

[00032] As per another aspect of the present invention, the rear portion (not shown) of frame (107) and the seat (110) of the vehicle (100) are substantially parallel to an axis (B-B’) that passes through the axis of the front wheel (102) and a rear point (110R) of the seat (110) where an axis (Z-Z’) intersects axis B-B’. The axis Z-Z’ is a vertical line passing through the axis of the rear wheel (117) of the vehicle (100).

[00033] Thus, the disposition of the vehicle layout is so achieved that the rear potion (not shown) of the frame (107), which is aligned substantially along axis B- B’, is substantially at an acute angle e.g. 45 degrees to the axis A. Therefore, the center portion (107C) and the rear portion (not shown) of the frame (107) are disposed such that the intersection of the axis (A-A’) and (B-B’) is substantially disposed near to an axis (Y-Y’) that passes through a front edge (110F) of the seat (110). As per another aspect of the layout, the rider as well as the pillion seat are disposed substantially in a triangle (T2) formed by the axis (B-B’), (Y-Y’) and (C- C’). The axis (C-C’) being a straight horizontal line passing through the intersection point of the axis (Z-Z’) and (B-B’). As per another aspect of the present invention, the floor board (109) is disposed that the lowermost portion of the floorboard (109) lies below the below the line (D-D’).

[00034] Further, in the center portion (107C) of the frame (107) includes one or more arms to form a housing structure (S) for the power unit (not shown). Said one or more arms may include an upper arm (124 A) and a lower arm (124B) forming the housing structure (S) for the power unit (not shown). In another embodiment, the center portion (107C) may include only lower arm (124B) to define the support member for the housing structure (S) for the power unit (not shown). In a preferred embodiment the power unit is a battery, however the power unit may include an internal combustion engine or any other power source. For the explanation purpose, the provided description takes an example of the battery as the power unit, and the invention is described accordingly. The battery is disposed/secured within the housing structure (S) such that the housing structure (S) along with the floorboard (109) such that the floor board acts as a base for disposing the power unit (not shown) defined by the center portion (107C) of the frame structure (107). This housing structure increases the stiffness of the frame (107) and provides a secure packaging to the battery or the power unit. The packaging of the battery is such that the vehicle (100) can be modified from an electric vehicle to an internal combustion engine type vehicle only by replacing the battery to the IC engine and keeping the structure of the frame (107), the front panel (102), and the transmission system (112) intact.

[00035] Referring to Fig. 3, the front panel (102) covers the front portion (not shown) of the frame (107) includes a vertical slit (125), which facilitates air circulation behind the front panel (102). The headlamp (103) is disposed within the vertical slit (125) of the front panel (102). The front panel (102) is housing the headlamp (103) in such a way that in case of any external force impact, the force will be distributed throughout the front panel (102) to safeguard the headlamp (103). Additionally, the air circulated through the vertical slit (125) improves the cooling of the headlamp (103) and the number of electrical and electronic components disposed in the front portion (F) of the vehicle (100). Additionally, the front panel (102) includes a left portion (102L) and a right portion (102R), such that each of the left portion (102L) and right portion (102R) include an inclined an upper part (102U) and a lower part (102B). The inclined upper part (102U) and the lower part (102B) extend backwards on outermost sides forming one or more side extensions (1020) of the front panel (102) to define an aerodynamic shape of the front panel (102). This specified aerodynamic shape of the front panel (102) directs the approaching air away from the vehicle body and the frame (107) in order to decrease the air resistance while driving. Additionally, the side extensions (1020) of the front panel (102) assembly direct the air towards the rear side (R) of the vehicle (100).

[00036] Referring to Fig. 3 in view of Fig. 5, in an embodiment, the layout of the vehicle (100) includes the front panel (102) split such that the left portion (102L) and right portion (102R) start to separate away from each other in a Y portion such a starting position of the separation is disposed substantially upstream of the mid region of a lateral axis M-M’ and a lateral axis N-N\ The lateral axis M-M’ is a lateral line that passes through the front wheel (101) and the lateral axis N-N’ is a lateral line that passes through a top end of a pivot tube of vehicle (100)

[00037] As per another aspect of the present invention, the width (W) of the front panel (102) is substantially equal to a distance (D) between inner potion of a left and right handle grip (106G) of the handle bar assembly (106). In an embodiment, lower edges 126 of a handle bar front cover (106C) of handle bar assembly (106) to be substantially parallel to inclined upper part (102U) of the front panel (102) as seen in the front view of the vehicle. This enables the smooth exit of the frontal drag air to flow with minimum resistance to the forward motion of the vehicle & thus achieving maximum mileage.

[00038] Referring to Fig. 4, the side panel (102) includes a left side panel (108L) and a right side panel (108R) disposed on left and right sides of the vehicle (100) respectively. Each of the left side panel (108L) and the right side panel (not shown) define a first air guide (127), a second air guide (128), and a third air guide (129). The first air guide (127) extends rearwards from the side extensions (1020) of the front panel (102) to integrate with the second air guide (128). The second air guide (128) extends downwards from the first air guide (127) to integrate with the third air guide (129). The third air guide (129) extends rearwards from bottom portion of the second air guide (128) towards the rear part (R) of the vehicle (100).

[00039] The first air guide (127) receives the air directed rearwards by the front panel (102) and directs the air towards the second air guide (128) and the frame (107). The frame (107) may include one or more cutouts (130) through which the air enters and circulates around the components disposed the covered portion of the vehicle (100). The second air guide (127) further directs the air towards the battery housing structure (S) and facilitates battery cooling. The second air guide (128) also directs the air towards the third air guide (129). The third air guide (129) directs the air towards the transmission system (112) on left side of the vehicle and towards the motor (115) on right side for cooling of the tran mi sion system (112) and the motor (115).

[00040] Referring to Fig. 5 along with Fig. 4, the charging assembly (111) is disposed on a cover (131) that is disposed above the center portion (107C) of the frame (107). The cover (107C) defines an upper surface of the battery housing structure (S), thus the charging assembly (111) is disposed above the battery. This specified position of the charging assembly (111) reduces the required wiring harness for battery charging. The charging assembly (111) includes a charging dock (132), a first illumination guide (133) surrounding the charging dock (132), and a charging display panel (134). The first illumination guide (133) illuminates on detection of a charging source i.e. as the power flow to the battery starts. The first illumination guide (133) indicates the functional health of the charging assembly

(111).

[00041] Additionally, Fig. 5 shows the seat (110) disposed on the rear side (R) of the over the storage box (not shown). Referring back to the Fig. 4 in view of Fig. 6, the seat is slightly inclined forward along the frame (107), towards the cover (107C). The mentioned inclination of the seat (110) decreases the distance between the handle bar assembly (106) and the rider to improve grip of the rider. This inclination of the seat (110) also improves approachability for the charging dock (132) of the charging assembly (111). In an embodiment, width of the power unit or energy storage device disposed substantially in the central portion of the vehicle (100), is substantially equal to the width of the handle bar front cover (106C) and substantially lower than the width of the seat (110).

[00042] Referring back to Fig. 4, the power-supply illumination guide (113) includes the first illumination guide (133), a second illumination guide (135), and a third illumination guide (136). The first illumination guide (133) is disposed at the charging dock (132) of the charging assembly (111). The second illumination guide (135) is disposed at a side cover (137) of the battery housing stmcture (S) and indicates state of charge (SoC) level of the battery. The third illumination guide (136) is disposed on the transmission system (112) and indicates about transfer of power to the rear wheel. The power-supply illumination guide (113) indicates the power supply health of the vehicle indicating the flow of the power during vehicle traction.

[00043] Referring back to Fig. 4, the rear suspension (118) is shown disposed in an offset position on left side of the vehicle (100). A rear suspension (118) is mounted aligned to left side of the center portion of the frame (107). The position of the rear suspension (118) on the left side increases the space on the right side of the vehicle (100). The mounting of the rear suspension (118) in line with the frame (107) and the transmission system (112) facilitates better stability by supporting swinging of the transmission system (112) and provides providing a mounting space in other side.

[00044] Referring back to Fig. 4 the motor (115) is disposed on the swing arm assembly (114) opposite to the rear suspension (118) in said mounting space. The motor (115) includes one or more covers (116) surrounding the motor (115). The one or more covers (116) may include a side cover (not shown) and a top cover (not shown). In an embodiment, the side cover shields the exposed portion of the motor (115) and fixed to a connecting structural member (not shown) of the swing arm assembly (114) on one side, to mount the motor (115) on the transmission system (112). Other side of the motor (115) is directly mounted onto the transmission system (112). The top cover is fixed on the upper portion of the motor (112) and is structured to route and house the wiring harness and the hosepipes disposed in the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (100).

[00045] The coolant tank (not shown) disposed above the one or more covers (116) e.g. the top cover (not shown) of the motor (111) and opposite to the rear suspension (118). In an embodiment, the coolant tank is disposed below the storage unit in a contour provided by the storage unit. In another embodiment, the coolant tank may have a filling access through the storage unit or from the side of the coolant tank. The position of the coolant tank (not shown), the motor (111), and the rear suspension (118) with respect to each other improves the center of gravity and stability as this layout facilitates load balancing on the rear portion of the vehicle.

[00046] Referring to Fig. 6, the turn-signal lamp (122) is disposed within a casing (138) formed by the rear panel (120) of the vehicle (100). In as embodiment, the casing includes a first side (139) and a second side (140) integrally attached to form a L shaped case. The turn signal lamp (122) is positioned inside the L shaped case on the first side (139) such that any external force spreads over the outer periphery of the L shaped casing along the first side (139) and the second side (140) to safeguard the turn signal lamp (122).

[00047] Further, the rear brake cover (not shown) for a rear brake assembly (119) of the vehicle is shown in Fig. 6. The rear brake cover (not shown) is mounted between the transmission system (112) and a rear wheel (117) over the rear brake assembly (119). In an embodiment, the rear brake cover is mounted over a disc brake of the rear brake assembly (119) to protect the disc brake from the mud, water splash and any other foreign element to improve the life of the disc brake as well as any accidental collision or impact from the rear vehicle which can damage the safety feature of the vehicle. [00048] The above description is an exemplary description of the intended invention and does not limit the scope. 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. List of reference numerals:

100 Vehicle

F Front part of 100

R Rear part of 100

101 Front wheel of 100

102 Front panel of 100

102L Left portion of 102

102R Right portion of 102

102U Upper part of 102L and 102R

102B Lower part of 102L and 102R

1020 Side extensions of 102

103 Headlamp of 100

104 Front suspension system of 100

105 Front brake assembly of 100

106 Handle bar assembly of 100

106G Left and right handle grip of 106

106C Handle bar front cover of 106

107 Frame of 100

107C Center portion of 107,

108 Side panel of 100

108L Left side panel of 108

108R Right side panel of 108

109 Floorboard of 100

110 Seat of 100

110R Rear portion of seat

110F Front edge of seat Charging assembly of 100

Transmission system of 100

Power- supply illumination guide of 100

Swing arm assembly of 100

Motor of 100

Motor cover of 100

Rear wheel of 100

Rear suspension of 100

Rear brake assembly of 100

Rear panel of 100

Tail lamp assembly of 100

Turn signal lamps of 100

Upper arm of 107C

Lower arm of 107C Vertical slit of 102

Lower edges of 106C

First air guide of 108

Second air guide of 108

Third air guide of 108

One or more cutouts of 107C

Cover disposed above 107C

Charging dock of 111

First illumination guide of 113

Charging display panel of 111

Second illumination guide of 113

Third illumination guide of 113

Side cover of S

Casing formed by 120

First side of 138

Second side of 138

Width of 102

Distance between inner potion of 106G s Housing structure formed by 124 A and 124B

Axis A- A’, B-B’, C-C’, D-D, E-E\ X-X’, Y-Y’, P-P’

Tl Triangle formed A- A’, D-D’, X-X’

T2 Triangle formed by B-B’, Y-Y’ and C-C’