Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a charging unit in the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In recent years, the rapid advancement of wireless mobile communication technology has led to the widespread use of rechargeable portable devices, particularly mobile phones. Consequently, the need for charging mobile phones has become an essential requirement, even when users are on the move. To enable this requirement, two-wheeled vehicles are equipped with mobile phone charging port, allowing users to connect their devices via a charging jack and charge these using a wired connection. Usually, the charging port and mobile device holder are located near the handlebar in the two-wheeled vehicles. This exposes the mobile phone to potential damage from environmental factors such as rain, dust, mud and dirt, compromising the device's integrity and functionality.
[003] To overcome these limitations, the conventional wired charging method is replaced with wireless charging technology providing improved charging experience by eliminating the hassle of wires. However, the implementation of wireless charging in two-wheeled vehicles has proven to be a challenge. Existing wireless charging solutions require precise alignment between the mobile device and the charging pad for optimal charging efficiency. These solutions typically work within very limited distances, often just a few centimeters, making it difficult to charge devices consistently and efficiently within the confined spaces available on two-wheeled vehicles.
[004] Further, in typical riding conditions, users need to park the vehicle and manually access the mobile phone to locate the charger on the charging device. Thus, there is need for a charging method that eliminates the necessity of placing the mobile device directly adjacent to the charger and enable seamless charging even when the portable device is securely placed in the rider's pocket or pillion rider's pocket. Especially, it is crucial to have an efficient and reliable wireless charging mechanism where in protection to the rechargeable portable device is of utmost importance.
[005] Thus, there is a need 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 located towards a front side of the vehicle, a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe in a vehicle front-rear direction, a down frame extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe in the vehicle front-rear direction, a pair of seat rails extending rearwardly from the main frame in the vehicle front-rear direction and a seat disposed on the pair of seat rails. The saddle type vehicle further has a charging unit configured to inductively couple magnetic energy to transmit charging power to a rechargeable portable device. Herein, the charging unit disposed on the vehicle within a pre-defined distance from the seat.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the pre-defined distance being 30 centimetres.
[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a fuel tank mounted on the main frame. Herein, the charging unit disposed on the fuel tank.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a securing apparatus for mounting the charging unit on the vehicle. Herein, the securing apparatus includes at least one of a fastening device and a snap fit mechanism.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the charging unit comprises an internal charge receiver and a power transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit charging power to the rechargeable portable device.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the internal charge receiver configured to receive electric power from a power supply of the vehicle.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the charging unit comprises a Magnetic Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO) system.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank comprises a fuel inlet. Herein, the charging unit disposed between the fuel inlet and the seat.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a a cowl having a left side panel and a right side panel. Herein, the charging unit mounted on at least one of the left side panel and the right side panel.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a a left side pillion handle and right side pillion handle. Herein, the charging unit mounted on at least one of the left side pillion handle and the right side pillion handle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] 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 side view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a left top perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates another top view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a charging unit on the saddle type vehicle.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of the saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 1, the saddle type vehicle 100 includes a frame structure. The frame structure includes a head pipe 114, a main frame (not shown), a down frame (not shown) and a pair of seat rails (not shown). The head pipe 114 is located towards a front side of the saddle type vehicle 100. The main frame extends rearward from the head pipe 114 in a vehicle front-rear direction. The down frame extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 114 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The pair of seat rails extends rearwardly from the main frame in vehicle front-rear direction.
[019] Further, the saddle type vehicle 100 includes an internal combustion engine (not shown) that is disposed below the main frame. Preferably, the internal combustion engine is a single-cylinder type internal combustion engine. The main frame is located above the internal combustion engine and extends rearward from the head pipe 114. A fuel tank 102 is mounted on the main frame. The fuel tank 102 includes a fuel inlet 110 (shown in figure 2). A visor guard 116 and a head light 118 are arranged in front portion of the head pipe 114 when seen in a vehicle rear-front direction. The saddle type vehicle 100 further includes a vehicle body cover, also known as a cowl 108. The cowl 108 includes a left side panel 108a (shown in figure 3) and a right side panel 108b (shown in figure 3) covering the Internal Combustion engine from lateral sides. A pair of left and right seat rails are joined to main frame and extend rearward to support a seat 106 (shown in figure 2). The seat 106 may include two distinct seats i.e. a rider seat 106a and a pillion seat 106b. The seat 106 may also be an integrated seat accommodating the rider and the pillion. A taillight unit 120 is disposed at a rear end of the saddle type vehicle 100. Further, a left side pillion handle 112a is provided on the left side of the seat 106 and a right side pillion handle 112b is provided on the right side of the seat 106. The pillion handle 112a, 112b also known as the passenger grab handle or rear grab rail, provide a secure and stable grip for the pillion rider.
[020] As further illustrated in Figure 1, the saddle type vehicle 100 further has at least one charging unit 104. The charging unit 104 is disposed on the vehicle 100 within a pre-defined distance from the rider seat 106a. The pre-defined distance being 30 centimetres. The charging unit 104 may be a Magnetic Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO) system configured to inductively couple magnetic energy to transmit charging power to a rechargeable portable device (not shown). The charging unit 104 comprises an internal charge receiver and a power transmitter being configured to wirelessly transmit charging power to the rechargeable portable device.
[021] The Multiple Input Multiple Output charging technology is a wireless charging method that utilizes multiple transmitter and receiver coils to improve charging efficiency. MIMO charging systems employ the principle of spatial multiplexing to transfer power wirelessly. In MIMO charging, the charging unit is equipped with multiple transmitter coils, while the receiving devices such as rechargeable portable devices like smartphones are equipped with multiple receiver coils. By using multiple coils, MIMO charging can deliver power to the receiving devices from different angles and positions, allowing for greater flexibility in device placement.
[022] Herein, as referenced in Figure 2, the charging unit 104 is disposed on the fuel tank 102. Specifically, the charging unit 104 is disposed between the fuel inlet 110 and the rider seat 106a. Such a disposition of the charging unit 104 enables placing the rechargeable portable device securely in the rider's pocket during charging, protecting it from potential damage caused by environmental factors such as sun, rain, dirt, mud and dust. Further, such charging unit 104 eliminates the requirement for precise alignment between the charging unit and the rechargeable portable device. As a result, the charging process is more efficient and reliable, ensuring a seamless charging experience for the user.
[023] As further illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle type vehicle 100 further has cowl 108. The cowl 108 includes a left side panel 108a and a right side panel 108b covering the Internal Combustion engine from lateral sides. The charging unit 104 may be mounted on at least one of the left side panel 108a and a right side panel 108b such that the pre-defined distance between the charging unit 104 and the rechargeable portable device is 30 centimetres. This eliminates the need for a wireless charging stand on the handlebar, reducing clutter at the front of the vehicle, reducing hassle relating to wires and enhancing its aesthetic appeal. This feature also enables charging of portable device even when the device is placed in pocket of the rider eliminating the need to place the rechargeable portable device adjacent to the charging unit. Further, a securing apparatus is used for mounting the charging unit 104 on the vehicle 100. The securing apparatus includes at least one of a fastening device and a snap fit mechanism.
[024] In an embodiment, as referenced in Figure 3, the pillion handle that includes a left side pillion handle 112a is provided on the left side of the seat 106 and a right side pillion handle 112b is provided on the right side of the seat 106. Further, the charging unit 104 is mounted on at least one of the left side pillion handle 112a and the right side pillion handle 112b. Such a disposition of the charging unit on the pillion handle will provide a charging unit 104 within 30 centimetres distance from the rechargeable portable device placed in the rider’ pocket or the pillion rider’s pocket. The distance between the charging unit 104 and the rechargeable portable device is a critical boundary condition considered for mounting of the charging unit 104 on the vehicle 100.The optimal distance is 30 centimetres between the location of the charging unit 104 and the rechargeable portable device.
[025] Furthermore, by mounting the charging unit 104 on at least one of the left side pillion handle 112a and the right side pillion handle 112b ensures that the charging unit 104 is positioned within a predefined 30 centimetres distance from the seat 106. Such a disposition of the charging unit 104 on the pillion handle 112a, 112b enables efficient charging in case of integrated seat assembly. The charging unit mounted on the pillion handle 112a, 112b will also enable efficient charging in case of two distinct seats i.e. a rider seat 106a and a pillion seat 106b. Thus, the rechargeable portable device is adequately protected by placing it securely in the rider's or pillion rider's pocket during charging, protecting it from potential damage caused by environmental factors such as sun, rain, dirt, mud and dust.
[026] Advantageously, the present invention provides for a saddle type vehicle in which the charging unit is strategically positioned within a predefined distance from the seat. This eliminates the need for a wireless charging stand on the handlebar, reducing clutter at the front of the vehicle, reducing hassle relating to wires and enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The present invention effectively eliminates any potential distractions for the user, unlike the conventional placement of the charging port on the handlebar, which can cause distractions and pose a risk to the user's safety. Therefore, the disposition of the charging unit within a predefined distance from the seat provides enhanced comfort and improved user experience of the vehicle.
[027] Further, in the present invention, the wireless charging unit eliminates the requirement for precise alignment between the charging unit and the portable device. As a result, the charging process is more efficient and reliable, ensuring a seamless charging experience for the user. This feature not only improves the overall comfort of the user while charging their portable devices but also simplifies the charging process by eliminating the need for precise placement on the charging unit.
[028] Furthermore, the portable device is adequately protected by placing it securely in the rider's or pillion rider's pocket during charging, protecting it from potential damage caused by environmental factors such as sun, rain, dirt, mud and dust. This eliminates the need for placing the portable device adjacent to the charging unit. In addition, the wireless charger unit is located on the vehicle near the rider position, facilitating ease of charging the rider’s portable device while driving the vehicle without removing it from their pockets. This added convenience significantly enhances the overall user experience.
[029] Moreover, the charging unit is mounted on to the vehicle via minimal use of fasteners making assembly easier and less sophisticated. Also, optimizing the cable length used herein leading to cost saving in terms of length of cable required.
[030] 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
100: Saddle Type Vehicle
102: Fuel Tank
104: Charging Unit
106: Seat
106a: Rider Seat
106b: Pillion Rider Seat
108: Cowl
108a, 108b: Pair of side panels
108a: Left side panel
108b: Right side panel
110: Fuel Inlet
112a, 112b: Pair of pillion handles
112a: Left side pillion handle
112b: Right side pillion handle
114: Head pipe
116: Visor guard
118: Head light
120: Tailgate unit , Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A saddle type vehicle (100), the saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a head pipe (114), the head pipe (114) being located towards a front side of the vehicle (100);
a main frame, the main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe (114) in a vehicle front-rear direction;
a down frame, the down frame extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe (114) in the vehicle front-rear direction;
a pair of seat rails, the pair of seat rails extending rearwardly from the main frame in the vehicle front-rear direction;
a seat (106), the seat (106) being disposed on the pair of seat rails; and
a charging unit (104), the charging unit (104) being configured to inductively couple magnetic energy to transmit charging power to a rechargeable portable device, wherein the charging unit (104) being disposed on the vehicle (100) within a pre-defined distance from the seat (106).

2. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined distance being 30 centimeters.

3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a fuel tank (102), the fuel tank (102) being mounted on the main frame, wherein the charging unit (104) being disposed on the fuel tank (102).
4. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a securing apparatus for mounting the charging unit (104) on the vehicle (100), wherein the securing apparatus includes at least one of a fastening device and a snap fit mechanism.

5. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging unit (104) comprises an internal charge receiver; and a power transmitter being configured to wirelessly transmit charging power to the rechargeable portable device.

6. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the internal charge receiver being configured to receive electric power from a power supply of the vehicle (100).

7. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging unit (104) comprises a Magnetic Multiple-In Multiple-Out (MIMO) system.

8. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the fuel tank (102) comprises a fuel inlet (110), wherein the charging unit (104) being disposed between the fuel inlet (110) and the seat (106).

9. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a cowl (108) having a left side panel (108a) and a right side panel (108b), wherein the charging unit (104) being mounted on at least one of the left side panel (108a) and the right side panel (108b).

10. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a left side pillion handle (112a) and right side pillion handle (112b), wherein the charging unit (104) being mounted on at least one of the left side pillion handle(112a) and the right side pillion handle (112b).
Dated this 12 day of July 2023

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471