Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having a frame assembly for mounting multiple electrical components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Two-wheeled vehicles often face challenges in accommodating multiple components including electrical/electronic components. Existing two-wheeled vehicles with double frame assembly i.e., frame having double main tubes, provide more packing space whereby numerous electrical/electronic components are typically disposed below a seat of the vehicle. Depending upon the requirements of weight reduction and increased efficiency, vehicles with single frame assembly are preferred over the vehicles with double frame assembly. However, such vehicles have been observed as lacking sufficient space below the seat in disposing multiple electrical components. Further, owing to existing vehicle configuration, it remains a huge challenge in disposing multiple electrical components without adding significant weight to the vehicle.
[003] Furthermore, it has also been observed that owing to existing vehicle configuration and placement/positioning of electrical components, long electrical wires are required to connect the components with each other due to which resistance is increased and a huge power transmission loss is caused. Further, such disposition of components tends to reduce the efficiency of the electrical components of the vehicle and sometimes also negatively affects the centre of gravity of the vehicle.
[004] In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide a saddle-type vehicle which may overcome at least the above-mentioned drawbacks/disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect of the invention, a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The saddle-type vehicle includes a frame assembly having a head tube and a main tube. The main tube extends rearwardly from the head tube in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The main tube includes a first portion and a second portion. The main tube extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head tube in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The second portion extends rearwardly and upwardly from the first portion in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a first electrical component and a second electrical component. The first electrical component is mounted on a first surface of the first portion of the main tube. The second electrical component is mounted on a second surface of the first portion of the main tube. The first surface and the second surface being on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis passing through the first portion of the main tube.
[006] In an embodiment, the second surface being opposite to the first surface. The second electrical component being disposed opposite to the first electrical component.
[007] In an embodiment, the first electrical component being a control unit.
[008] In an embodiment, the second electrical component being a converter.
[009] In an embodiment, the bottom surface of the first portion being a surface facing a front wheel of the vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, each of the upper surface and the bottom surface being configured to receive attachment means.
[011] In an embodiment, the first electrical component being heavier than the second electrical component.
[012] In an embodiment, the first electrical component and the second electrical component being inclinedly disposed on the main tube.
[013] In an embodiment, the first electrical component being disposed in proximity to a portion of a junction of the head tube and the main tube.
[014] In an embodiment, the second electrical component being disposed in proximity to a front shock absorber attached to the head tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] 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 side view of a saddle-type vehicle illustrating the mounting configuration of electrical components on a frame assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle illustrating the electrical components in a disassembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having a frame assembly configured to mount multiple electrical components.
[017] In the present invention, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to a vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle, defining a vehicle width direction. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Arrows provided in the top right corner of figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes a front direction, an arrow R indicates a rearward direction, an arrow Up denotes an upward direction, an arrow Dw denotes a downward direction of the vehicle
[018] Figure 1 is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle 10 illustrating the mounting configuration of electrical components on a frame assembly of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle illustrating the electrical components in a disassembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle 10 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 10 includes a frame assembly 11, a front wheel 18 and a rear wheel 34. The front wheel 18 and the rear wheel 34 are supportably attached to the frame assembly 11. The frame assembly 11 includes a head tube 14 and a main tube 20. The main tube 20 is attached to the head tube 14 and extending rearwardly from the head tube 14. The main tube 20 includes a first portion 20a and a second portion 20b. The first portion 20a extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head tube 14 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. The second portion 20b extends rearwardly and upwardly away from the first portion 20a in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. A seat is supportably attached to the second portion 20b of the main tube 20.
[019] The head tube 14 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a front shock absorber 16 being attached to the steering shaft. The vehicle 10 includes a clamp bracket 15 rotatably attached to the head tube 14. The clamp bracket 15 being configured to supportably receive the front shock absorber 16. The front shock absorber 16 supports the front wheel 18. An upper portion of the front wheel 18 is covered by a front fender 17 mounted on the front shock absorber 16. The head tube 14 being configured to receive components such as a headlamp unit (not shown), turn signal lamps and an ignition unit etc.
[020] A handlebar 12 having handgrip portions 13 adapted to rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 10. The rear wheel 34 is arranged below the second portion 20b of the main tube 20 and located below the seat 30. Further, a rear shock absorber 32 is provided to the rear wheel 34 for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 10 over undulations on the road surface. The vehicle 10 includes a swing arm bracket 38 attached to the main tube 20 through an attachment member 28. The attachment member 28 is attached to a portion of the second portion 20b of the main tube 20 and extending downwardly from the second portion 20b of the main tube 20. The swing arm bracket 38 being configured to supportably receive the rear wheel 34. The rear wheel 34 is covered by a rear fender 36 from above. The rear fender 36 is supportably attached to the rear shock absorber 32. A support stand 40 is attached to the attachment member 28.
[021] The rear wheel 34 is adapted to receive the motive force from a prime mover (not shown). The prime mover includes but not limited to, an electric motor. The electric motor receives the power from a battery pack disposed in the vehicle 10. The driving force from the prime mover is transmitted to the rear wheel 34 for driving the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting example, the electric motor is attached to an axle of the rear wheel 34 for directly transmitting the driving force.
[022] In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes a longitudinal axis (A-A’) passing through the first portion 20a of the main tube 20. A first electrical component 50 being mounted on a first surface 21 of the first portion 20a of the main tube 20. A second electrical component 60 is mounted on a second surface 22 of the first portion 20a of the main tube 20. The first surface 21 and the second surface 22 being on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (A-A’) (shown in Figure 1) passing through the first portion 20a of the main tube 20. The second surface 22 being opposite to the first surface 21. The second electrical component 60 is disposed opposite to the first electrical component 50.
[023] In an embodiment, the bottom surface 22 being a surface facing a front wheel 18 of the vehicle 10.
[024] In an embodiment, the first electrical component 50 being disposed in proximity to a portion of a junction 19 of the head tube 14 and the main tube 20. The second electrical component 60 being disposed in proximity to the front shock absorber 16.
[025] In an embodiment, the first surface 21 of the first portion 20a of the main tube 20 being an upper surface of the main tube 20. Similarly, the second surface 21 of the second portion 20b of the main tube 20 being a bottom surface of the main tube 20.
[026] In a further non-limiting example, the first electrical component 50 being a control unit. The control unit includes, but not limited to, a vehicle control unit configured to control operations and performance of the vehicle 10 and includes controlling the electric motor by regulating the speed and torque output of the electric motor. The control unit manages power delivery to the electric motor to control acceleration, deceleration, and overall speed of the vehicle. The control unit also being configured for battery management of the vehicle 10 and monitors the battery status, including charging level, temperature, and safety of the battery pack of the vehicle 10. The control unit is also configured to provide thermal management of components of the vehicle 10. The control unit regulates thermal conditions within the vehicle 10, particularly in relation to the electric motor and the battery, to prevent overheating and maintain optimal operating temperatures. Further, the control unit enables connectivity features, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing the vehicle 10 to communicate with an external device such as a smartphone or external devices or systems.
[027] In another non-limiting example, the second electrical component 60 being a converter. The converter includes, but is not limited to, a DC-DC convertor. The DC-DC converter being configured to transform the high-voltage direct current from the battery pack into a lower-voltage DC power needed for various auxiliary systems and components of the vehicle. The DC-DC converter provides voltage regulation, supplying power to low-voltage systems such as lighting, instrumentation, and communication systems, charging and also providing isolation and protection against voltage fluctuations.
[028] In an embodiment, each of the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 being configured to receive attachment means. The attachment means include, but are not limited to, a mounting bracket, fasteners, adhesives etc. The attachment means being configured to supportably mount the first electrical component 50 and the second electrical component 60 on the main tube of the vehicle 10.
[029] In an embodiment, the first electrical component 50 and the second electrical component 60 being inclinedly disposed on the main tube 20.
[030] In an embodiment, the first electrical component 50 being heavier than the second electrical component 60.
[031] In an embodiment, due to the configuration of frame assembly 11 and placement of the control unit and the DC-DC converter on the first surface 21 and the second surface 22 of the first portion 20a of the main tube 20, the wire routing length is reduced, and an ease of wire routing is provided to operably connect the control unit and the DC-DC converter with each other and also with other electrical components of the vehicle 10 such as the headlamp, Turn Signal Lamp (TSL) etc. The placement of the control unit in proximity to the junction 19 and locating DC-DC converter opposite to the control unit reduces transmission losses due to reduced wire routing length. Further, the first surface 21 of the first portion 20a of the main tube 20 provides a stable mounting location while accommodating the weight of the control unit which weighs approximately twice the weight of the DC-DC converter. The second surface 22 thereby balances the frame weight and prevents tilting of the frame in a front portion of the vehicle 10 by mounting the DC-DC converter unit opposite to the control unit.

[032] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle-type vehicle which provides efficient utilization of space on the single frame assembly, providing a designated location for mounting a plurality of electrical components without significantly increasing the vehicle’s weight. The present invention resolves the space constraint challenges associated with single frame assembly vehicles, allowing for the seamless integration of multiple electrical components while maintaining the vehicle’s weight efficiency and structural integrity. The present invention significantly ensures a more efficient and compact disposition of electrical components in proximity with each other, thereby improving the overall performance and functionality of such vehicles. The present invention provides positing of the electrical components on the main tube of the singe frame assembly, optimizing utility space and leg space within the vehicle. Further, proximity of electrical components near the junction of the headtube and the main tube reduces power loss due to minimized wire length and also contributes to improved functionality and performance. Additionally, disposition at such a location allows efficient cooling of the electrical components via natural air circulation. This configuration and placement of the electrical components also enables easy assembly and servicing of both the electrical components. Furthermore, placement of the DC-DC Converter and control unit in the front portion of the vehicle not only streamlines the overall system but also aids in packaging other components of the vehicle.Owing to the configuration of the frame assembly including the disposition of the first electrical component and the second electrical component on the main tube, the frame weight of the vehicle is also balanced due to which the center of gravity of the vehicle is maintained resulting into an improved handling and stability of the vehicle.

[033] 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. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (10) comprising:
- A frame assembly (11) having: a head tube (14), and a main tube (20) extending rearwardly from the head tube (14) in a front-rear direction of the vehicle (10), the main tube (20) having a first portion (20a) extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head tube (20) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle (10);
- a first electrical component (50) mounted on a first surface (21) of the first portion (20a) of the main tube (20); and
- a second electrical component (60) mounted on a second surface (22) of the first portion (20a) of the main tube (20), the first surface (21) and the second surface (22) being on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis (A-A’) passing through the first portion (20a) of the main tube (20).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second surface (22) being opposite to the first surface (21).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second electrical component (60) being disposed opposite to the first electrical component (50).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrical component (50) being a control unit.

5. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second electrical component being a converter.

6. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second surface (22) being a surface facing a front wheel (18) of the vehicle (10).

7. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein main tube (20) comprises a second portion (20b) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the first portion (20a) in the front-rear direction of the vehicle (10).

8. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first surface (21) and the second surface (22) being configured to receive attachment means.

9. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrical component (50) being heavier than the second electrical component (60).

10. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrical component (50) and the second electrical component (60) being inclinedly disposed on the main tube (20).

11. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrical component (50) being disposed in proximity to a portion of a junction (19) of the head tube (14) and the main tube (20).

12. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second electrical component (60) being disposed in proximity to a front shock absorber (16) attached to the head tube (14).

Dated this 08th day of November 2023
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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