Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a vehicle. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to disposition of at least one electrical component in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In recent past, safety of a user of a vehicle is given paramount importance in automotive industry. Many systems and features have come in place to make the vehicle safer and secure in the critical situations. One such feature in the vehicle is an Anti-lock braking system (ABS) unit. The ABS unit is provided to a braking system of the vehicle and is adapted to prevent slipping and/or skidding of a wheel. The slipping and/or skidding results when friction in brakes of the braking system become more than friction between the wheel and a ground surface. In conventional vehicles, the brake lever is directly connected with an actuator, where the force applied on the brake lever is directly transferred to the brakes without any control. Thus, the ABS unit applies pressure onto the brakes of the braking system in pulses, rather than applying the pressure all at once (as done in conventional vehicles) thereby preventing locking up of the wheel. Such control over the braking system in pulses, ensures that the wheel is always rotating thereby facilitating grip to the user even on slippery ground surfaces.
[003] Typically, the ABS unit is provided with a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module. The HECU module is adapted to operate the ABS unit for controlling operation of the braking system of the vehicle. In other words, the ABS unit applies pressure to the braking system in pulses based on operation of the HECU module, for controlling operation of the braking system.
[004] The location of the HECU module in the vehicle is critical vis-à-vis the location of the ABS unit. This is due to the fact that, pipes extend from the HECU module to the ABS unit for controlling operation of the braking system. As such, the HECU module should be placed in such a way that vibrations do not affect its performance, while ensuring that the pipes do not interfere with other parts during steering of the vehicle. Additionally, finding a convenient location for both the ABS unit and a battery of the vehicle represents quite a difficult task due to packaging constraints persisting in the saddle type vehicle. Moreover, problems are usually encountered during design of the wiring system, in particular for finding a convenient path for the electrical cables due to the packaging constraints in the saddle type vehicle.
[005] Furthermore, the HECU module also comprises a motor unit that is adapted to pump hydraulic fluid through the pipes for controlling operation of the braking system. During operation of the pump, vibrations to the frame might be induced, which may cause discomfort to the user, which is undesirable. Additionally, there are instances where pipes of the HECU module get significantly affected by the steering, by abutting with vehicle body during steering. Such a scenario may prove catastrophic to the user and the passenger of the vehicle. Further, mounting of HECU module at the rear end of the saddle type vehicle requires use of plurality of mounting and guiding provisions to connect pipes from HECU to the ABS unit. Such a mounting of the HECU at the rear end of the saddle type vehicle tends to increase overall weight of the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[006] In view of the above, there is a need for a vehicle, that addresses at least some of the limitations mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a frame assembly, a first member positioned centrally about a width direction (A-A’) of the vehicle and a control unit mounted onto the first member. The control unit is laterally positioned onto one of a left side and a right side of the first member when viewed in a vehicle longitudinal direction (X-X’).
[008] In an embodiment, a control unit is mounted on a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is attached to the first member. The mounting bracket is adapted to receive and elastically support the control unit onto one of the right side and the left side of the first member when viewed in said vehicle longitudinal direction (X-X’).
[009] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket is fastened onto a side face of the first member.
[010] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket is a pre-defined shape. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket is configured to have one or more locating pipes and one or more supporting bosses. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket is connected to the first member via one or more cushion members to reduce vibrations.
[011] In an embodiment, the control unit is adapted to overlap onto the first member when viewed in a vehicle sideward direction.
[012] In an embodiment, the control unit is positioned in front of the frame assembly such that an ignition lock unit overlaps with the control unit when viewed in a top view of the vehicle.
[013] In an embodiment, the control unit is positioned in front of the frame assembly in a castor angle zone (Z) of the vehicle, wherein the castor angle zone (Z) being a region defined by an axis (B-B’) and a vertical axis (Y-Y’). In an embodiment, the axis (B-B’) is passing axially through a headtube of the frame assembly and the vertical axis (Y-Y’) passes through a centre of the wheel.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMAPNYING DRAWINGS
[014] 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 is a perspective view of a vehicle depicting a frame member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a partial right-side view of the frame member supporting a control unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a partial top view of the vehicle depicting an electronic component being connected to a frame assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a partial front view of the frame assembly supporting the control unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a partial view of the frame assembly supporting the control unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a downtube depicting mounting of the control unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket for supporting the control unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket for supporting the control unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a front view of the mounting bracket for supporting the control unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a right-side view of the down tube of the frame assembly supporting the control unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to disposition of an electrical component. In an embodiment the electrical component may be a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module in the vehicle. The disposition prevents interference of the HECU module with wiring of the vehicle during steering, while retaining performance characteristics of the HECU module and handling of the vehicle. Such a disposition also ensures that vibrations induced in the vehicle during vehicle running condition, do not interfere with performance of the HECU module.
[016] In the present disclosure, arrow indications provided in Figures pertain to directional indications of the vehicle. As such, the terms “top side”, “bottom side”, “left side” and “right side” respectively correspond to top, bottom, left and right sides of the vehicle, until and unless specified otherwise.
[017] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a frame assembly 102 of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle can be a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle or a multi-wheeled vehicle as per requirement. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a saddle type vehicle. The frame assembly 102 comprises a head tube 150 and a down tube 116 extending downwardly and rearwardly along a front-rear direction of the vehicle 100 from the head tube 150. The down tube 116 extends rearwardly upto a cross tube 124. The cross tube 124 is adapted to support a floorboard (not shown) of the vehicle. From the cross tube 124, a left side tube 112 and a right side tube 114 extends rearwardly upto a rear end (not shown) of the vehicle 100. The left side tube 112 and the right side tube 114 are adapted to support transmission assembly (not shown) of the vehicle and a luggage compartment (not shown) of the vehicle 100. Also, the left side tube 112 and the right side tube 114 are adapted to support a seat member (not shown) of the vehicle 100. A cross member 126 adjoins the left side tube 112 and the right side tube 114.
[018] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the frame assembly 102 comprises a first member 104 positioned in front of the frame assembly 102. Particularly, the first member 104 is positioned in front of the head tube 150 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the first member 104 is mounted in front of the head tube 150 such that the first member 104 does not overlap with the head tube 150 when viewed in a vehicle sideward direction (or a side view) of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the first member 104 is mounted at a top portion (not shown) of the head tube 150. In an embodiment, the first member 104 is mounted substantially in front of the head tube 150 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening, clamping and the like.
[019] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the first member 104 is mounted in front of the head tube 150 and positioned centrally about a width direction A-A’ of the vehicle 100. The width direction A-A’ corresponds to a left-right direction of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the first member 104 is disposed in front of the head tube 150. In an embodiment, the first member 104 is an electrical component holding part. The electrical component holding part also contains a battery (not shown) positioned in front of the head tube 150. The battery is also positioned centrally to the width direction A-A’ of the vehicle 100.
[020] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 in conjunction with Figures 1-3, the first member 104 is also adapted to support a control unit 106 of the vehicle 100. The control unit 106 is mounted laterally onto one of a left side 104a (as shown in Figure 4) and a right side 104b (as shown in Figure 5) of the first member 104. Such a disposition of the control unit 106 on one of the left side 104a and the right side 104b of the first member 104 ensures that the control unit 106 overlaps the first member 104 when viewed in a side view of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the control unit 106 is positioned in front of the frame assembly 102 such that an ignition lock unit 144 (as shown in Figures 1-3) overlaps with the control unit 106 in a top view of the vehicle 100.
[021] In an embodiment, the control unit 106 is a Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module of the vehicle 100. The HECU module is in communication with an Anti-lock Braking System (not shown) unit of the vehicle 100 and is adapted to control operation of the ABS unit of the vehicle 100. Accordingly, a braking system (not shown) of the vehicle 100 is controlled based on actuation of the HECU module. In an embodiment, the HECU module comprises a motor unit (not shown) or a hydraulic pump unit (not shown). The HECU module is positioned in front of the head tube 150 or the frame assembly 102 such that, axis (not shown) of each of the motor unit or the hydraulic pump unit are oriented in a vehicle longitudinal direction X-X’ or a front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. Such an orientation of the motor unit or the hydraulic pump unit ensures that the HECU unit is disposed or oriented laterally in front of the head tube 150 or the frame assembly 102.
[022] Referring to Figure 6 in conjunction with Figures 1-5, an exploded view depicting mounting of the control unit 106 with the first member 104 is provided. As depicted, the control unit 106 is supported elastically onto the first member 104 through a mounting bracket 108. The mounting bracket 108 is mounted on the left side 104a or the right side 104b of the first member 104 based on the position of control unit 106. For supporting the control unit 106, the first member 104 is adapted to receive the mounting bracket 108. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 108 is secured onto the first member 104 through conventional securing techniques known in the art such as fastening, clamping and the like. The control unit 106 is mounted onto the mounting bracket 108, and thus ensuring mounting between the first member 104 and the control unit 106.
[023] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 108 is mounted onto a side face 110 of the first member 104. As such, if the mounting bracket 108 is disposed on the left side 104a or on the right side 104b of the first member 104, the mounting bracket 108 is mounted on a left side face (not shown) or a right side face (not shown) respectively of the first member 104. In an embodiment, the mounting bracket 108 is mounted onto the side face 110 of the first member 104 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art.
[024] Referring to Figures 7-9 in conjunction with Figure 6, the mounting bracket 108 is depicted. The mounting bracket 108 is configured to have a predetermined shape adapted to be mounted onto the first member 104, while also supporting the control unit 106. In the present embodiment, the mounting bracket has an L shaped cross section.
[025] The mounting bracket 108 comprises a first portion 128 and a second portion 130 extending perpendicularly or laterally from the first portion 128 to form an L-shaped cross-section. In the present embodiment, the first portion 128 acts as a portion adapted to engage with the first member 104, while the second portion 128 acts as a portion adapted to receive and support the control unit 106.
[026] In an embodiment, the first portion 128 is provided with one or more locating bosses 120 and one or more locating pips 122, wherein each of the one or more locating pips 122 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “locating pip 122”) is capable of being inserted into a component box of the first member 104, while each of the one or more supporting bosses 120 (hereinafter interchangeably referred to as “locating boss 120”) rests on face of a boss (not shown) provided on the first member 104. The supporting boss 120 prevents bending of the mounting bracket 120 in the event of a moment induced on the mounting bracket 108 during movement of the vehicle 100. Additionally, ribs 132 are provided along sides of the first portion 128 and the second portion 130. The ribs 132 enhance the overall stiffness and structural rigidity of the mounting bracket 108 also enhance support to the control unit 106. The first portion 128 is also provided with one or more slots 134. The one or more slots 134 engage with slots (not shown) on the side face 110 of the first member 104 for enabling mounting of the mounting bracket 108 onto the first member 104.
[027] In an embodiment, the one or more slots 134 engage with an opening (not shown) on the side face 110 of the first member 104 through fasteners 138 (as shown in Figure 6). Additionally, the first portion 128 also comprises one or more first apertures 140. The one or more first apertures 140 are adapted to engage with a side surface 106a (shown in Figure 6) of the control unit 108. In an embodiment, the one or more first apertures 140 engage with the side surface of the control unit 108 through a first locating nut 148 (shown in Figure 6).
[028] In an embodiment, the second portion 130 comprises one or more second apertures 136 adapted to engage with a bottom surface 106b (shown in Figure 6) of the control unit 108. In an embodiment, the one or more second apertures 136 engage with the bottom surface through a second locating nut 142 (shown in Figure 6). The engagement of the one or more first apertures 140 through the first locating nut 148 along with the one or more second apertures 136 with the second locating nut 142 securely engages the control unit 106 on the mounting bracket 108. In an embodiment, one or more first apertures 140 and the first locating nut 148 are engaged with one another through fastening. In another embodiment, the one or more second apertures 136 and the second locating nut 142 are engaged with one another through fastening. Further, one or more cushion members 118 (hereinafter selectively referred to as “cushion member 118”), preferably made of rubber material is attached to the second locating nut 142, thereby dampening vibrations that are transmitted to the control unit 106. Consequently, the performance characteristics of the control unit 106 are unaffected due to the vibrations that are generated in the vehicle 100 during operation. Also, the cushion member 118 elastically supports the control unit 106 onto the mounting bracket 108. Consequently, the cushion member 118 ensures that vibrations transferred to the frame assembly 102 will be to a minimum thus preventing any discomfort to a user or a passenger of the vehicle 100.
[029] Referring to Figure 10 in conjunction with Figures 1-9, the disposition of the control unit 106 is depicted. As shown, the control unit 106 is positioned in front of the frame assembly 102 in a castor angle zone Z of the vehicle 100. The castor angle zone Z is a region between an axis B-B’ of a wheel 146 passing through the frame assembly 102 and a vertical axis Y-Y’ passing through a centre of the wheel 112. The vertical axis Y-Y’ is the axis oriented along a top-bottom direction of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the wheel 146 is a front wheel of the vehicle 100.
[030] In an embodiment, during assembly, the one or more first apertures 140 are oriented and fastened to the side surface 106a of the control unit 106 through the first locating nut 148. Subsequently, the one or more second apertures 136 are oriented and fastened to the bottom surface 106b of the control unit 106 through the second locating nut 142 and the cushion member 118, thereby securing the control unit 106 onto the mounting bracket 108. Thereafter, the locating boss 120 and the locating pin 122 are oriented on the side face 110 of the first member 104. At this scenario, the one or more slots 134 are fastened onto the side face 110 of the first member 014 through the fastener 138, thereby mounting the mounting bracket 108 onto the first member 104. Consequently, the control unit 106 gets mounted onto the first member 104.
[031] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of mounting the control unit on one of the right side and the left side of the first member that is centrally mounted on the frame assembly, mitigates interference of wires during steering of the vehicle. Additionally, the cushion member ensures that the control unit is elastically mounted onto the mounting bracket. The cushion member also ensures that the vibrations from the frame assembly are dampened, thereby ensuring that performance of the control unit due to the vibrations is unaffected.
[032] 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.

Reference Numerals and Characters
100 – Vehicle
102 – Frame assembly
104 – First member
104a – Left side
104b – Right side
106 – Control unit
108 – Mounting bracket
110 – Side face
112 – Left side tube
114 – Right side tube
116 – Down tube
118 – Cushion member
120 – Locating boss
122 - Locating pin
124 – Cross tube
126 – Cross member
128 – First portion
130 – Second portion
132 – Ribs
134 – One or more slots
136 – One or more second apertures
138 – Fasteners
140 – One or more first apertures
142 – Second locating nut
144 – Ignition lock unit
146 – Front wheel
148 - first locating nut
150 - Head tube
A-A’ – Width direction
B-B’ – Axis
Y-Y’ – Vertical axis
Z – Castor angle zone
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle (100), comprising:
a frame assembly (102);
a first member (104), the first member (104) being positioned centrally about a width direction (A-A’) of the vehicle (100); and
a control unit (106) being connected to the first member (104), the control unit (106) being laterally positioned onto one of a left side (104a) and a right side (104b) of the first member (104) when viewed in a vehicle longitudinal direction (X-X’).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises said control unit (106) being mounted on a mounting bracket (108), said mounting bracket (108) being attached to the first member (104), the mounting bracket (108) being adapted to receive and elastically support the control unit (106) onto one of the right side (104b) and the left side (104a) of the first member (104) when viewed in said vehicle longitudinal direction (X-X’).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the mounting bracket (108) is attached onto a side face (110) of the first member (104).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the mounting bracket (108) being configured to have a pre-defined shape.
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said mounting bracket (108) being configured to have one or more locating pips (122) and one or more supporting bosses (120).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said mounting bracket (108) being connected to said first member (104) via one or more cushion members (118) to reduce the vibrations.

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (106) is adapted to overlap onto the first member (104) when viewed in a vehicle sideward direction.

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (106) is positioned in front of the frame assembly (102) such that an ignition lock unit overlaps with the control unit (106) when viewed in a top view of the vehicle (100).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (106) is positioned in front of the frame assembly (102) in a castor angle zone (Z) of the vehicle (100), the castor angle zone (Z) being a region defined by an axis (B-B’) and a vertical axis (Y-Y’).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said axis (B-B’) is passing axially through a headtube (150) of the frame assembly (102) and said vertical axis (Y-Y’) passing through a centre of the wheel (146).
Dated this 03rd day of November 2023
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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