Description:

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and particularly to a vehicle having a bank angle sensor disposed on the frame body.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] In a vehicle, particularly a saddled type vehicle, safety and stability plays a crucial role and to enhance safety and stability, there is provided a bank angle sensor which is designed to detect the inclination or tilt of the saddled type vehicle. The data collected from the bank angle sensor is then used to trigger safety mechanisms or alert systems to enhance rider safety.

[003] In one of the common prior art techniques, the bank angle sensor is positioned at about a rear end of the vehicle and under the seat. However, placing the bank angle sensor at about the rear end of the vehicle and under the seat might result in a slight delay in detecting bank angle changes, especially during rapid maneuvers. Furthermore, if the bank angle sensor is not properly placed, it may fail to provide correct readings at higher speeds (RPM), leading to vehicle stalling. Additionally, the bank angle sensor is susceptible to damage in the event of a rear-end collision of the vehicle.

[004] In another common prior art techniques, the bank angle sensor is positioned inside an instrument cluster, which is disposed on the steering handle bar of the vehicle. However, placing the bank angle sensor inside the instrument cluster location may not accurately represent the overall tilt of the vehicle, particularly during extreme banking angles. Moreover, placing the placing the bank angle sensor within the instrument cluster add complexity to the design and increase repair costs if the sensor malfunctions.

[005] In yet another common prior art techniques, the bank angle sensor is positioned on the front fork. However, placing the bank angle sensor on the front fork may not be effective in detecting bank angles during sudden stops or skids, potentially leading to delayed safety interventions. Furthermore, exposure to road debris and environmental factors could impact the back sensor sensor’s accuracy.

[006] In still another common prior art techniques, the bank angle sensor is positioned inside an Anti-lock Braking System of the vehicle. However, placing the bank angle sensor inside the Anti-lock Braking System increases a complexity placing the bank angle sensor, routing wires to the bank angle sensor. Also, any malfunction in the Anti-lock Braking System could affect the functionality of the bank angle sensor.

[007] In conclusion, the choice of the bank angle sensor's position in a two-wheeler involves one or more disadvantages as described above and therefore, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[009] Accordingly, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a frame body comprising a head pipe; an upper frame extending from the head pipe in a rearward direction; a first seat frame extending from the upper frame in a rearward direction and being disposed on a first side of the upper frame; a second seat frame extending from the upper frame in a rearward direction and being disposed on a second side of the upper frame; a first lower frame extending from one of the head pipe and the upper frame in a downward and rearward direction; a first pivot frame extending from the upper frame in the rearward and downward direction; and a second pivot frame extending from the upper frame in the rearward and downward direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the first pivot frame and the second pivot frame are spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the frame body supports at least one front ground engaging member, at least one rear ground engaging member, a rider seat, a fuel tank and a rear cushion. In an embodiment of the invention the vehicle further comprises a bank angle sensor disposed on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the first seat frame and the second seat frame support the at least one seat.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the rear cushion comprises a first end and a second end and wherein the first end is coupled to the frame body at a location below the rider seat.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the bank angle sensor is disposed below the rider seat and ahead of a front edge of the rider seat.

[0013] In still another embodiment of the invention, the bank angle sensor is disposed on the frame body at a first location where the first seat frame and the second seat frame are coupled to the upper frame.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first end of the rear cushion is coupled to frame body at a second location where the first seat frame and the second seat frame are coupled to the upper frame and the bank angle sensor is disposed on the frame body at a first location where the first seat frame and the second seat frame are coupled to the upper frame, wherein the second location is below the first location in a vehicle height direction.

[0015] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the bank angle sensor is disposed on a cross member, the cross member being connected to the first seat frame, the second seat frame, and the upper frame.

[0016] One of the advantages of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the bank angle sensor is located very close to center of gravity of the vehicle and hence, there is very less delay in detecting bank angle changes even during rapid maneuvers.

[0017] Another advantage of the is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the bank angle sensor is not susceptible to damage in the event of a rear-end collision of the vehicle.

[0018] Yet another advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the output of the bank angle sensor accurately represents the overall tilt of the vehicle, even during extreme banking angles, sudden stops, and skids.

[0019] Still another advantage of the invention is that disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion is substantially easy.

[0020] Still another advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, routing wires to the bank angle sensor becomes substantially easy.

[0021] A further advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the chances of bank angle sensor malfunctions get substantially reduced.

[0022] Another advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor in the middle of the vehicle requires a smaller length of wire harness connection with the vehicle ECU and battery (not shown) when the ECU and battery is centrally located. If the bank angle sensor is installed on the rear frame, the harness connection to the ECU would need to be longer. Therefore, the central location reduces the overall cost and material.

[0023] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the need to replace the bank angle sensor gets reduced compared to placing the bank angle sensor inside the instrument cluster or insider the Anti-lock Braking System.

[0024] Another advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the bank angle sensor is less susceptible to road debris and foreign contaminants and hence, an accuracy of the back sensor sensor’s output increases.

[0025] Yet another advantage of the invention is that least number of additional elements are needed for disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion.

[0026] Still another advantage of the invention is that a cost and a time involved in disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion is substantially low.

[0027] All of the above factors contribute to increasing a safety of the rider of the vehicle.

[0028] All of the aforesaid factors also contribute to reducing a cost of the vehicle.

[0029] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0030] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0031] Figure 1 represents a side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 2 represents a perspective view of the frame body of the vehicle showing particularly the location of the bank angle sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 3 represents a side view of the frame body of the vehicle having the fuel tank, the seat, the front ground engaging member, the rear ground engaging member and the rear cushion attached thereto and showing particularly the location of the bank angle sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0034] Figure 4 represents a top view of a portion of the frame body showing particularly the location of the bank angle sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0036] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0037] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0038] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0039] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0040] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0041] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0043] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0044] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0045] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.

[0047] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0048] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a body frame (12). The body frame (12) rotatably supports a front ground engaging member (14) and a rear ground engaging member (16). In particular, the front ground engaging member (14) is rotatably supported by a bottom end of a front fork (18) and a top end of the front fork (18) is coupled to a steering handle bar (20). The front fork (18) is coupled to the body frame (12) and especially a head pipe (102) (best seen in Figure 3) forming part of the body frame (12).

[0049] The vehicle (10) further comprises a front fender (22) positioned above the front ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight (24) positioned between the steering handle bar (20) and the front fender (22). The vehicle (10) further comprises a power unit (26) supported by the body frame (12). The power unit (26) generates a power which is transmitted to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (16). In particular, the power unit (26) transmits the power to the rear ground engaging member (16) vide a transmission system (28).

[0050] The vehicle (10) furthermore comprises a rear fender (30) positioned above the rear ground engaging member (16). The vehicle furthermore comprises a tail light (32) positioned above the rear ground engaging member (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises a seat (34) positioned above the body frame (12) and providing a seat for at least a driver of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a rear cushion (36) connecting the rear ground engaging member (16) and the body frame (12). The vehicle (10) further comprises an exhaust pipe (38) coupled to the power unit (26). The exhaust pipe (38) functions to reduce exhaust noise, temperature, and harmful contents of the exhaust gas emitted by the power unit (26) prior to releasing the exhaust gas into the atmosphere.

[0051] The vehicle (10) further comprises a fuel tank (40) supported by the body frame (12). The fuel tank (40) is located between the steering handle bar (20) and the seat (34). The fuel tank (40) stores a fuel which is supplied to the power unit (26). The power unit (26) is disposed below the fuel tank (40). The fuel tank (40) comprises a fuel pump (42) which is located at least partly within the fuel tank (40) and at least partly outside the fuel tank (40). The fuel pump (42) functions to withdraw the fuel as stored in the fuel tank (40) and supply the same to the power unit (26). The vehicle (10) further comprises a swing arm (46) which connects the rear ground engaging member (16) to the body frame (12). The vehicle (10) further comprises a bank angle sensor (44) disposed on the frame body (12) and below the fuel tank (40). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may include other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0052] Now referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a perspective view of the frame body (12) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The frame body (12) comprises a head pipe (50); an upper frame (52) extending from the head pipe (50) in a rearward direction; a first seat frame (54) extending from the upper frame (52) in a rearward direction; and a second seat frame (56) extending from the upper frame (52) in a rearward direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the first seat frame (54) and the second seat frame (54) are spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the first seat frame (54) is disposed so as to extend on a first side of the upper frame (52) while the second seat frame (56) is disposed so as to extend on a second side of the upper frame (52). The first seat frame (54) and the second seat frame (56) support thereupon the seat (34).

[0053] The frame body (12) further comprises a first lower frame (58) extending from one of the head pipe (50) and the upper frame (52) in a downward and rearward direction. The body frame (12) further comprises a first pivot frame (60) extending from the upper frame (52) in the rearward and downward direction; and a second pivot frame (62) extending from the upper frame (52) in the rearward and downward direction. In an embodiment of the invention the first pivot frame (60) and the second pivot frame (62) are spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction. The frame bod (12) further comprises a cross member (64) which is connected to the first seat frame (54), the second seat frame (56), and the upper frame (52).

[0054] Although not shown, it may be noted that the power unit (26) gets located such that the upper frame (52) is located above the power unit (26), the first lower frame (58) gets located in front of the power unit (26), first pivot frame (60) gets located behind the power unit (26), and the second pivot frame (62) gets located the behind the power unit (26). The power unit (26) is then coupled to the first lower frame (58), the first pivot frame (60), and the second pivot frame (62).

[0055] Now referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the positioning of the bank angle sensor and the manner in which the bank angle sensor is coupled to the frame body (12) is explained. Now referring to Figure 3, it can be seen that the rear cushion (36) comprises a first end (70) and a second end (72). The second end (72) of the rear cushion is coupled to the swing arm (46) and the first end (70) is coupled to the body frame (12). In an embodiment of the invention, the bank angle sensor (44) disposed on the frame body (12) below the fuel tank (40) and above the first end (70) of the rear cushion (36). More particularly, the bank angle sensor (44) is disposed on the body frame (12) so as to be below the rider seat (34) and ahead of a front edge (74) of the rider seat (34).

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bank angle sensor (44) is disposed on the frame body (12) at a first location (66) where the first seat frame (54) and the second seat frame (56) are coupled to the upper frame (52).

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is demonstrated in Figure 3, the first end (70) of the rear cushion (36) is coupled to frame body (12) at a second location (68) and the bank angle sensor (44) is disposed on the frame body (12) at a first location (66), the second location (68) being below the first location (66) in a vehicle height direction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is demonstrated in Figure 4, the first location (66) at which the bank angle sensor (44) is disposed forms part of the cross member (64), which is connected to the first seat frame (54), the second seat frame (56), and the upper frame (52).

[0058] One of the advantages of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the bank angle sensor is located very close to center of gravity of the vehicle and hence, there is very less delay in detecting bank angle changes even during rapid maneuvers.

[0059] Another advantage of the is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the bank angle sensor is not susceptible to damage in the event of a rear-end collision of the vehicle.

[0060] Yet another advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the output of the bank angle sensor accurately represents the overall tilt of the vehicle, even during extreme banking angles, sudden stops, and skids.

[0061] Still another advantage of the invention is that disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion is substantially easy.

[0062] Still another advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, routing wires to the bank angle sensor becomes substantially easy.

[0063] Another advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor in the middle of the vehicle requires a smaller length of wire harness connection with the vehicle ECU and battery (not shown) when the ECU and battery is centrally located. If the bank angle sensor is installed on the rear frame, the harness connection to the ECU would need to be longer. Therefore, the central location reduces the overall cost and material.

[0064] A further advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the chances of bank angle sensor malfunctions get substantially reduced.

[0065] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the need to replace the bank angle sensor gets reduced compared to placing the bank angle sensor inside the instrument cluster or insider the Anti-lock Braking System.

[0066] Another advantage of the invention is that by disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion, the bank angle sensor is less susceptible to road debris and foreign contaminants and hence, an accuracy of the back sensor sensor’s output increases.

[0067] Yet another advantage of the invention is that least number of additional elements are needed for disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion.

[0068] Still another advantage of the invention is that a cost and a time involved in disposing the bank angle sensor on the frame body below the fuel tank and above a first end of the rear cushion is substantially low.

[0069] All of the above factors contribute to increasing a safety of the rider of the vehicle.

[0070] All of the aforesaid factors also contribute to reducing a cost of the vehicle.

[0071] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0072] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame body (12) comprising a head pipe (50); an upper frame (52) extending from the head pipe (50) in a rearward direction; a first seat frame (54) extending from the upper frame (52) in a rearward direction and being disposed on a first side of the upper frame (52); a second seat frame (56) extending from the upper frame (52) in a rearward direction and being disposed on a second side of the upper frame (52), the first seat frame (54) and the second seat frame (56) supporting the at least one seat (34); a first lower frame (58) extending from one of the head pipe (50) and the upper frame (52) in a downward and rearward direction; a first pivot frame (60) extending from the upper frame (52) in the rearward and downward direction; and a second pivot frame (62) extending from the upper frame (52) in the rearward and downward direction; the first pivot frame (60) and the second pivot frame (62) being spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction; the frame body supporting at least one front ground engaging member (14), at least one rear ground engaging member (16), a rider seat (34), a fuel tank (40) and a rear cushion (36) having a first end (70) and a second end (72); and
a bank angle sensor (44) disposed on the frame body (12) below the fuel tank (40) and above the first end (70) of the rear cushion (36).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bank angle sensor (44) being disposed below the rider seat (34) and ahead of a front edge (74) of the rider seat (34).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bank angle sensor (44) is disposed on the frame body (12) at a first location (66) where the first seat frame (54) and the second seat frame (56) are coupled to the upper frame (52).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end (70) of the rear cushion (36) is coupled to frame body (12) at a second location (68) and the bank angle sensor (44) is disposed on the frame body (12) at a first location (66), the second location (68) being below the first location (66) in a vehicle height direction.

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bank angle sensor (44) is disposed on a cross member (64), the cross member (64) being connected to the first seat frame (54), the second seat frame (56), and the upper frame (52).