Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to provision of a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) in the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in conventional saddle type vehicles, a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) is provided. A TCU is a device which is embedded in the vehicles and connects the vehicle to a remote server or a cloud. The TCU facilitates in controlling the wireless tracking, diagnostics and management of the vehicle data communication. The TCU is used to implement functions such as automated emergency calling, crash notifications, tow alerts, vehicle tracking, and the like. Also, the TCU is provided with the GPS tracking facility to detect the live location of the vehicle. The TCU helps in translating the vehicle data into the significant information and transfers the data to vehicle controllers and dashboard. Therefore, it is necessary to select the location of the TCU in the vehicle such that the TCU is safely deployed in the vehicle.
[003] However, in conventional saddle type vehicles, especially motorcycle type vehicles, the TCU is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle i.e., in front of the head pipe and behind the head light. Such a disposition leads to a lot of clutter in the front portion of the vehicle. Further, the disposition of the TCU in the front portion of the vehicle leads to the signal interference by the metal objects, leading to the significant data loss. In other conventional vehicles, the TCU is disposed in the packaging space below the fuel tank. However, for saddle type vehicles, the packaging space just below the fuel tank of the vehicle is completely visible and easily accessible. Therefore, if the TCU is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle below the fuel tank, the TCU remains easily accessible and susceptible to theft. Once the TCU is removed from the vehicle, the vehicle electronic control unit immobilizes the vehicle engine. Thus, theft of the TCU may completely incapacitate the vehicle.
[004] Further, in a motorcycle type vehicle wherein the packaging space is limited, the constraints in packaging of the TCU do not allow usage of unused dead space within the vehicle for packaging of the TCU, leading to further packaging constraints.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle has a head pipe and a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe. The main frame includes a pair of left frame members extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe and a pair of right frame members extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe. Further, a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) is configured for transmitting and receiving vehicle data. Herein, the TCU is mounted on the main frame of the vehicle, and the TCU is disposed on an outer side of the pair of left frame members in a vehicle width direction.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the pair of left frame members has an upper left member and a lower left member, and the pair of right frame members has an upper right member and a lower right member.
[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the TCU is mounted on the lower left member, and the TCU is disposed on an outer side of the lower left member in the vehicle width direction.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket is configured to be attached to the lower left member, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to receive the TCU.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a mounting boot, the mounting boot has one or more stoppers configured to securely receive the TCU, wherein the mounting boot is configured to be removably attached to the mounting bracket.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the TCU is disposed above the lower left member in a vehicle side view.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a fuel tank, wherein the fuel tank is supported on the main frame and the TCU is disposed below the fuel tank in the vehicle side view.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has an internal combustion engine disposed between the pair of the left frame members and the pair of the right frame members, and a radiator mounted on the lower left member and the lower right member, wherein the radiator is disposed forwardly of the internal combustion engine in the vehicle side view.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the TCU is disposed rearwardly of the radiator in the vehicle side view.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has an Electronic Control Unit, the Electronic Control Unit is configured to control the internal combustion engine, and the Electronic Control Unit is mounted on the pair of left frame members, wherein the TCU is disposed downwardly of the Electronic Control Unit in the vehicle side view.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a left style panel, the left style panel is configured to be attached to the pair of left frame members, wherein the TCU is disposed between the left style panel and the pair of left frame members in the vehicle width direction.
[017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the TCU is disposed at a predetermined angle from a horizontal plane in the vehicle side view.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[018] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a left perspective view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a left side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) disposition in the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[019] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to mounting of a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) in the saddle type vehicle.
[020] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The saddle type vehicle 10 includes a power unit for providing traction force to the vehicle 10. In a preferred embodiment, the power unit comprises an internal combustion engine 12 that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the internal combustion engine 12 is a single-cylinder type internal combustion engine. The saddle type vehicle 10 further includes a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame structure, a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 40. The frame structure includes a head pipe 22 (shown in Figure 2), a main frame 24 (shown in Figure 2), a down tube (not shown), and a pair of left and right rear frames (not shown). The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front forks 26 (not shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front forks 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted on the lower portion of the telescopic front forks 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A head light 32, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The down tube may be located in front of the internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantly downward from the head pipe 22. The main frame 24 is located above the internal combustion engine 12 and extends rearward from the head pipe 22. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at a rear portion of the main frame 24. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[021] The fuel tank 40 of the saddle type vehicle 10 is mounted on the main frame 24. The pair of left and right rear frames are joined to the main frame 24 and extend rearward to support the seat assembly 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame structure to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to a rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension (not shown). A taillight unit (not shown) is disposed at the end of the saddle type vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. The rear wheel 16 arranged below the seat assembly 18 rotates by the driving force of the internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender (not shown) is disposed above the rear wheel 16 and is configured to cover the rear wheel 16.
[022] Further, an exhaust pipe (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle 10 extends vertically downward from the internal combustion engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the internal combustion engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[023] The saddle type vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 50 connected to the head pipe 22 of the frame structure and extending in the vehicle width direction. The handlebar 50 can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10 during vehicle turning movements. The saddle type vehicle 10 further includes a left style panel 160 attached to the pair of the left frame members 24A.
[024] Furthermore, in an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises of a rotary electric machine (not shown). The rotary electric machine is connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine 12. In an embodiment, the rotary electric machine is an ACG machine or magneto that is configured to rotate with the crankshaft and convert rotational energy into electric energy to provide electrical power to vehicle components and charge a battery of the vehicle 10.
[025] Figure 2 illustrates a left side view of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the main frame 24 extending rearwardly from the head pipe 22. Herein, the main frame 24 has a pair of left frame members 24A (shown in Figure 3) extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 22 and a pair of right frame members 24B (shown in Figure 3) extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 22. As illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) 100. The TCU 100 is configured for transmitting and receiving vehicle data. In an embodiment, The TCU 100 transmits and receives vehicle data from a remote server and processes the vehicle data as per requirement. As illustrated, the TCU 100 is mounted on the main frame 24 of the vehicle 10. As further illustrated in Figure 3, the TCU 100 is disposed on an outer side of the pair of left frame members 24A in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the dead space on the outer side of the pair of left frame members 24A in the vehicle width direction, which was conventionally left unutilised, is utilised in the present invention for the disposition of the TCU 100.
[026] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Figure 4, the pair of left frame members 24A includes an upper left member 24A’ and a lower left member 24A’’, and the pair of right frame members 24B includes an upper right member (not shown) and a lower right member (not shown). Herein, the upper left member 24A’ and the lower left member 24A’’ extend rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 22 and extend overlapping each other in a vehicle top view. As illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the TCU 100 is mounted on the lower left member 24A’’. Further, the TCU 100 is disposed on an outer side of the lower left member 24A’’ in the vehicle width direction. As further illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the TCU 100 is disposed above the lower left member 24A’’ in a vehicle side view.
[027] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) 100 disposition in the saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As specifically referenced in Figure 5, to provide for mounting of the TCU 100, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a mounting bracket 130. The mounting bracket 130 is attached to the lower left member 24A’’. The mounting bracket 130 is configured to receive the TCU 100. The mounting bracket 130 is configured to support the TCU 100 by means of one or more attachment provisions such as fasteners.
[028] As illustrated in Figure 5, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises a mounting boot 140. The mounting boot 140 has one or more stoppers 150 to securely receive the TCU 100. The mounting boot 140 is configured to be removably attached to the mounting bracket 130. The provision of the mounting boot 140 and the stoppers 150 ensure that the TCU 100 is securely mounted on the mounting bracket 130, and any vibrations or lateral movement of the TCU 100 is absorbed.
[029] Reference is made to the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, wherein as illustrated, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the fuel tank 40 being supported on the main frame 24. As illustrated, the TCU 100 is disposed below the fuel tank 40 in the vehicle side view. This leads to the utilisation of packaging space available below the fuel tank 40 for the packaging of the TCU 100.
[030] As further referenced in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the internal combustion engine, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the internal combustion engine 12 and the internal combustion engine 12 is disposed between the pair of the left frame members 24A and the pair of the right frame members 24B. The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a radiator 120. The radiator 120 is provided for providing heat exchange for a coolant fluid circulating through the internal combustion engine 12, thereby cooling the internal combustion engine. As illustrated. the radiator 120 is mounted on the lower left member 24A’’ and the lower right member. Herein, the radiator 120 being disposed forwardly of the internal combustion engine 12 in the vehicle side view. In that, the TCU 100 is disposed rearwardly of the radiator 120 in the vehicle side view. Thus, the dead space behind the radiator 120, which was conventionally left unutilised, is utilised in the present invention for the disposition of the TCU 100.
[031] The saddle type vehicle 10 further comprises an Electronic Control Unit 110. The Electronic Control Unit 110 is configured to control the internal combustion engine 12. Herein, as referenced in Figure 3, the Electronic Control Unit 110 is mounted on the pair of left frame members 24A. Further, as illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the TCU 100 is disposed downwardly of the Electronic Control Unit 110 in the vehicle side view. Such a disposition of the TCU 100 allows for effective utilisation of unused dead space for packaging the TCU 100 and allows for the TCU 100 to be provided in a location wherein the TCU 100 is not easily accessible by the user thereby preventing theft of the TCU 100 from the vehicle.
[032] In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises a left style panel 160. The left style panel 160 is configured to be attached to the pair of left frame members 24A. Herein, the TCU 100 is disposed between the left style panel 160 and the pair of left frame members 24A in the vehicle width direction. Thus, the TCU 100 is covered by the left style panel 160, thus restricting the accessibility of the TCU 100 as required. Further, since the TCU 100 is disposed between the left style panel 160 and the pair of left frame members 24A, one face of the TCU 100 faces the left style panel 160 which is a plastic part, and other face of the TCU 100 face the pair of left frame members 24A which is a metal part. To ensure proper functioning of the TCU 100, it is ensured that the signal emitting face of the TCU 100 faces the left style panel 160. Such a disposition allows for no signal interference of the TCU 100 with any metal parts or surface and hence allowing for reduced data loss in the vehicle communication.
[033] As further illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 2, the TCU 100 is disposed at a predetermined angle from a horizontal plane (X-X’) in the vehicle side view. In an exemplary embodiment, the TCU 100 is disposed at an angle of 30-40 degrees from the horizontal plane. Such a disposition allows the accumulated water and mud particles to be rolled down due to the angle.
[034] Advantageously, the present invention provides for a saddle type vehicle in which the TCU is located in the packaging space available on the outer side of the main frame of the vehicle and below the fuel tank, such that the location of the TCU allows for efficient utilization of the available dead packaging space. The present invention allows for the utilisation of the dead space while placing the TCU in the inaccessible area to avoid theft of the TCU. Further, the TCU is disposed such that the signal transfer is at high quality without any interference and data loss.
[035] The efficient packaging of the TCU allows for the reduced wiring harness length since the TCU is placed in the proximity of the Electronic Control Unit and connects the instrument cluster and the speedometer. This leads to cost saving not only in terms of length of cable, but also in terms of reduced copper losses, leading to better overall vehicle efficiency. Further, due to the disposition of the TCU on the main frame of the vehicle, the data transmission rate is faster and the accessibly of the TCU becomes difficult thereby avoiding the theft of the TCU from the vehicle. The TCU is protected against the external environmental conditions as well due to the left style panel. The TCU is now accessible only to the authorized servicemen at the time of the servicing of the vehicle by removing the left style panel and thereby ensuring the safety of the TCU.
[036] Further, by provision of the mounting bracket, the location of the TCU in the present invention makes assembly easier and less sophisticated. In addition, the disposition of the TCU is interchangeable between the left frame members and the right frame members of the vehicle.
[037] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10: Saddle Type Vehicle
12: Internal Combustion Engine
14: Front Wheel
16: Rear Wheel
18: Seat Assembly
22: Head Pipe
24: Main Frame
24A: Left Frame Member
24A’: Upper Left Member
24A’’: Lower Left Member
24B: Right Frame Member
26: Front Forks
28: Front Fender
32: Head light
34: Swing arm
40: Fuel Tank
50: Handlebar
100: Telematics Control Unit (TCU)
110: Electronic Control Unit
120: Radiator
130: Mounting Bracket
140: Mounting Boot
150: Stoppers
160: Left Style Panel 
, Claims:1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (22);
a main frame (24) extending rearwardly from the head pipe (22), the main frame (24) having a pair of left frame members (24A) extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe (22) and a pair of right frame members (24B) extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe (22); and
a Telematics Control Unit (TCU) (100) configured for transmitting and receiving vehicle data, the TCU (100) being mounted on the main frame (24) of the vehicle (10), and the TCU (100) being disposed on an outer side of the pair of left frame members (24A) in a vehicle width direction.

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of left frame members (24A) comprise an upper left member (24A’) and a lower left member (24A’’), and the pair of right frame members (24B) comprise an upper right member and a lower right member.

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the TCU (100) is mounted on the lower left member (24A’’), and the TCU (100) being disposed on an outer side of the lower left member (24A’’) in a vehicle width direction.

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a mounting bracket (130), the mounting bracket (130) configured to be attached to the lower left member (24A’’), the mounting bracket (130) being configured to receive the TCU (100).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, comprising a mounting boot (140), the mounting boot (140) having one or more stoppers (150) configured to securely receive the TCU (100), and the mounting boot (140) being configured to be removably attached to the mounting bracket (130).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the TCU (100) is disposed above the lower left member (24A’’) in a vehicle side view.

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a fuel tank (40), the fuel tank (40) being supported on the main frame (24), wherein the TCU (100) is disposed below the fuel tank (40) in a vehicle side view.

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, comprising an internal combustion engine (12) being disposed between the pair of the left frame members (24A) and the pair of the right frame members (24B); and a radiator (120), the radiator (120) being mounted on the lower left member (24A’’) and the lower right member, wherein the radiator (120) being disposed forwardly of the internal combustion engine (12) in a vehicle side view.

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the TCU (100) is disposed rearwardly of the radiator (120) in the vehicle side view.

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, comprising an Electronic Control Unit (110), the Electronic Control Unit (110) being configured to control the internal combustion engine (12), and the Electronic Control Unit (110) being mounted on the pair of left frame members (24A), wherein the TCU (100) is disposed downwardly of the Electronic Control Unit (110) in the vehicle side view.

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a left style panel (160), the left style panel (160) configured to be attached to the pair of left frame members (24A), wherein the TCU (100) is disposed between the left style panel (160) and the pair of left frame members (24A) in a vehicle width direction.

12. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the TCU (100) is disposed at a predetermined angle from a horizontal plane (X–X’) in a vehicle side view.