Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the saddle-type vehicle having an acoustic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Acoustic devices play a pivotal role in safeguarding the safety and enriching the user experience within the realm of saddle type vehicles including electric vehicles (EVs). These devices, comprising horns, speakers, and a variety of auditory warning systems, serve multifaceted purposes. Acoustic devices are indispensable for alerting pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users to the presence of electric two-wheelers, offering an auditory beacon especially valuable in scenarios where visual cues fall short. Typically, electric vehicles employ electronic horns designed to produce distinct sounds that attract attention without being overly disruptive.
[003] Moreover, acoustic devices extend beyond mere signaling. They are instrumental in providing safety alerts to riders, notifying them of low battery levels, component malfunctions, or other critical system issues, thus facilitating swift responses to ensure safety and avert potential accidents. Additionally, some electric two-wheelers incorporate built-in speakers or audio systems, allowing riders to indulge in music, podcasts, or navigation instructions, thereby enhancing the overall riding experience.
[004] Recently, there has been a growing trend among consumers in the automotive sector towards electric vehicles, with their expectations surpassing traditional vehicle options due to the clear advantages offered by EVs. These expectations encompass various factors such as safety and convenience features like ample legroom, voice-guided navigation, and easy vehicle maneuverability. Safety, in particular, is paramount for consumers, who prioritize their well-being while using these vehicles. In addition to the sturdy construction of the vehicle itself, ensuring customer safety involves the integration of effective human-machine interfaces within the vehicle.
[005] As safety standards evolve, vehicle manufacturers are incorporating advanced electronics like radar systems, acoustic devices, inertia measuring units, and hydraulic electrical control units into their designs. However, accommodating these components poses challenges due to space limitations within the saddle-type vehicles. Packaging an acoustic device, for instance, requires careful consideration to ensure it is placed in a location that allows for optimal emission of acoustic frequencies. This necessity for space-efficient packaging is especially pronounced in sleek electric vehicle designs, where aesthetics of the vehicle is a significant consideration.
[006] Moreover, the placement of acoustic devices must be strategic to prevent interference from other nearby devices, as overlapping frequencies during operation could lead to user dissatisfaction or inconvenience.
[007] It has been observed that in existing configuration of the vehicle, the acoustic device is installed with a pivoting mechanism such as a vehicle's steering system which emits sound frequencies that move along with this pivoting body, causing a delay in the sound pattern. To address this issue, speaker delay sensors are employed in existing vehicles which unfavourably increases costs and additional components. Further, such arrangements are complex and fails to provide efficient operation of the acoustic device in generating the sound.
[008] In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide a saddle- type vehicle which overcomes at least the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[009] In one aspect of the invention, a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The saddle-type vehicle includes a frame assembly. The frame assembly has a head tube, and a pair of main frame members. Each of the pair of the main frame members extends rearwardly from the head tube in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The saddle-type includes an acoustic device being disposed in a region surrounded by a portion of each of the headtube and the pair of main frame members. The acoustic device is supportably attached to an inner side of one of the pair of main frame members.
[010] In an embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle includes a first mounting bracket for mounting the acoustic device on the inner side of one of the pair of main frame members. The first mounting bracket includes a base portion and a wall portion. The base portion extends in a vehicle-width direction. The wall portion extends upwardly from one of a peripheral sides of the base portion. The wall portion is oriented to face the inner side of one of the pair of main frame members.
[011] In an embodiment, the base portion of the mounting bracket includes an annular portion. The annular portion is configured to receive the acoustic device.
[012] In an embodiment, the annular portion of the base portion includes a pair of protrusions. Each of the pair of protrusions extends away from an upper peripheral side of the annular portion and configured to lockably engage with an outer surface of the acoustic device when the acoustic device is received inside the annular portion.
[013] In an embodiment, the wall portion includes a plurality of mounting recesses. The plurality of mounting recesses is configured to receive fastening means for attaching the mounting bracket to the inner side of one of the pair of main frame members.
[014] In an embodiment, the vehicle includes a first imaginary line passing vertically through a center of the base portion of the first mounting bracket and forms an acute angle with a second imaginary line passing vertically through a center of the head pipe when seen from a side of the vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, the acoustic device is offset in a left-side of the secondary imaginary line of the head pipe when seen from a front of the vehicle.
[016] In an embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle includes a rear shock absorber being supportably attached to a rear portion of each of the pair of main frame members. The rear shock absorber includes a mounting axis configured to intersect with a third imaginary line passing from a bottom face of the base portion and extending in a rear-front direction of the vehicle and forming a vertex with the third imaginary line in a region of the headpipe when seen from the side of the vehicle.
[017] In an embodiment, a front portion of one of the pair of main frame members includes an opening for routing a wiring harness of the acoustic device.
[018] In an embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle includes a second mounting bracket for mounting a vehicle battery charger. The second mounting bracket includes an attachment portion. The attachment portion is configured to be attached to the inner side of one of the pair of main frame members and being located close to the wall portion of the first mounting bracket. The attachment portion of the second mounting bracket is inclinedly disposed with respect to the base portion of the first mounting bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[019] 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 1a is a schematic view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1b is a side view of the frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle illustrating a first mounting bracket for mounting an acoustic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1c is an exploded view of the front portion of the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2a is a side cross-sectional view of the main frame member illustrating the disposition of the first mounting bracket on the main frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2b is a top cross-sectional view of a front portion of the frame assembly illustrating disposition of the acoustic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the front portion of the main frame member illustrating the attachment of the first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the acoustic device illustrating a structure of the first mounting bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5a and Figure 5b are cross sectional views of the acoustic device illustrating the attachment of the acoustic device with the first mounting bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates an angular disposition of the acoustic device with respect to a head pipe axis of the frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an angular disposition of the acoustic device with respect to a head pipe axis of the frame assembly and the mounting axis of the rear shock absorber, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[020] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having an acoustic device being secured to an inner side of one of pair of main frame members. Such configuration of the vehicle makes efficient use of space available withing the vehicle while rendering protection to the acoustic device and ensuring an optimal performance of the acoustic device in terms of sound production and without any interference from other components of the vehicle.
[021] Figure 1a is a schematic view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[022] 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 the figure 1a 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.
[023] The vehicle 10 includes a frame assembly 100, a front wheel 18 and a rear wheel 32. A handlebar 12 is rotatably mounted on a headtube 110 (shown in Figure 1b) of the frame assembly 100. A front panel 14 is disposed in a front side of the vehicle 10 and is supportably attached on the frame assembly 100. A rear panel 15 is provided opposite to the front panel 14 and is facing a rider side of the vehicle 10.
[024] The vehicle 10 includes a pair of front forks 16. Each of the pair of front forks 16 includes an upper end and a lower end. The upper ends of the pair of front forks 16 being attached to a steering shaft (not shown). The lower ends of the pair of front forks 16 attached to the front wheel 18 of the vehicle 10. The front wheel 18 is covered by a front fender 17 supportably attached to the pair of front forks 16.
[025] The vehicle includes a seat 24 and a pillion handle 26 being attached to the frame assembly 100. A floorboard assembly 20 is provided in a space between the rear panel 15 and the seat 24. The vehicle 10 includes a prime mover 28 for providing rotational force to the rear wheel 32. The prime mover includes but is not limited to an internal combustion engine or an electric motor.
[026] The vehicle 10 includes an acoustic device 200. In a non-limiting example, the acoustic device includes a speaker for emitting the sound generated by the acoustic device 200. The acoustic device 200 is electrically connected to a power source of a vehicle 10 through a wiring harness. The power source includes a battery (not shown).
[027] Referring to Figure 1b and figure 1c, the frame assembly 100 includes a head tube 110, a pair of main frame members 120 and a pair of down frame members 150. The pair of main frame members 120 includes a right main frame member 120a and a left main frame member 120b. Each of the pair of the main frame members 120 extends rearwardly from the head tube 100 in a front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. Each of the pair of main frame members 120a, 120b includes an outer surface 121 and an inner surface 122.
[028] In an embodiment, the frame assembly 100 includes a head tube 110 split into a first portion 110a and a second portion 110b. The first portion 110a and the second portion 110b are configured to be attached to each other through fasteners to form a structure of the head tube 100. The fasteners include a nut and/or bolt arrangement. The pair of main frame members 120a, 120b includes front ends being integrally attached to a junction (J) of each of the first portion 110a and the second portion 110b of the head tube 110.
[029] In an embodiment, each of the pair of down frame members 150 extending downwardly from the headtube 110 and joined to rear ends of one of the main frame members 120a, 120b. The frame assembly 100 includes a cover plate 152 extending between the pair of main frame members 120 and is supportably attached to each of the pair of down frame members 150 and the pair of the main frame members 120a, 120b.
[030] Each of the down frame members 150 includes a portion extending along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Said portions are interconnected through a base plate 155 attached to each of the down frame members 150. The base plate 155 along with the downframe members 150 constitute a cradle structure for receiving the battery of the vehicle 10 (shown in Figure 1a). In such condition, an upper side of the battery is covered by the cover plate 152.
[031] In an embodiment, the frame assembly 100 includes a pair of seat frame members 160 attached to a portion of each of main frame members 120a, 120b. The seat 24 is attached to the pair of seat frame members 160. As shown in Figure 1b, a rear shock absorber 30 is attached to the main frame members 120 and the internal combustion engine 28.
[032] In an embodiment, the frame assembly 100 includes a cross member 170 configured to be attached to an intermediate portion of each of the pair of main frame members 120a, 120b.
[033] The vehicle 10 includes a first mounting bracket 130 for mounting the acoustic device 200 on the inner side 122 of one of the pair of main frame members 120a, 120b. The first mounting bracket 130 has a base portion 131 and a wall portion 134. The base portion 131 extends in the vehicle-width direction and the wall portion 134 extending upwardly from one of a peripheral sides of the base portion 131. The wall portion 134 being oriented to face the inner side 122 of one of the pair of main frame members 120a, 120b. The wall portion 134 is configured to attach the first mounting bracket 130 to the inner side 122 of the main frame member 120a.
[034] In another embodiment, the wall portion 134 is attached to the inner side of the main frame member 120b.
[035] Figure 2a is a side cross-sectional view of the main frame member 120 illustrating the disposition of the first mounting bracket 130 on the main frame member 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wall portion 134 of the first mounting bracket is inclinedly disposed with respect to the head tube 110. The wall portion 134 includes an upper mounting recess 135a and a lower mounting recess 135b being located offset from the upper mounting recess 135a. The upper and the lower mounting recesses 135a, 135b are configured to receive the fasteners for attaching the first mounting bracket 130 to the inner side 122 of the main frame member 120a. Such offset configuration of the upper mounting recess 35a and the lower mounting recess 35b provides a stable attachment effect with the inner side 122 of the main frame member 120 in firmly holding the acoustic device 200.
[036] Figure 2b is a top cross-sectional view of a front portion of the frame assembly 100 illustrating disposition of the acoustic device 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Front ends of the each of the main frame members 120a, 120b being attached to a first junction (J1) and a second junction (J2) formed with the head tube 110. A front portion of each of the pair of main frame members 120a, 120b extends slantwise rearwardly in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10 (shown in Figure 1a). Such configuration of the pair of main frame members 120a, 120b creates a space for securing the acoustic device 200 and the acoustic device 200 is disposed in a region surrounded by a portion of each of the headtube 110 and the pair of main frame members 120. Such configuration provides a safe location for disposing the acoustic device 200 and safeguard from an external environment of the vehicle. Further, such disposition allow uniform acoustic frequency emission from the acoustic device 200 without any interruptions.
[037] In an embodiment, a front portion of one of the pair of main frame members 120a, 120b includes an opening (O) for routing a wiring harness (W) of the acoustic device 200.
[038] Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the front portion of the main frame member 120 illustrating the attachment of the first mounting bracket 130 and a second mounting bracket 140, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 (shown in Figure 1a) includes a second mounting bracket 140 for mounting a vehicle battery charger 300 (shown in Figure 6). The second mounting bracket 140 includes an attachment portion 142. The attachment portion 142 is configured to be attached to the inner side 122 of one of the pair of main frame members 120a, 120b. The second mounting bracket 140 is located close to the wall portion 134 of the first mounting bracket 130. The attachment portion 142 of the second mounting bracket 140 is inclinedly disposed with respect to the base portion 131 of the first mounting bracket 130. Due to such disposition, a rear portion of acoustic device 200 overlaps with a front portion of the vehicle battery charger 300 and the second mounting bracket 140 when viewed from the side of the vehicle
[039] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the acoustic device 200 illustrating a structure of the first mounting bracket 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5a and Figure 5b are cross sectional views of the acoustic device 200 illustrating the attachment of the acoustic device 200 with the first mounting bracket 130, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The acoustic device 200 includes an outer surface 201. The acoustic device 200 includes a speaker portion 210. The base portion 131 includes the annular portion 132 for receiving the acoustic device 200. The annular portion 132 of the base portion 131 includes a pair of protrusions 133. Each of the pair of protrusions 133 extends away from an upper peripheral side 132a of the annular portion 132 and configured to lockably engage with the outer surface 201 of the acoustic device 200 when the acoustic device 200 is received inside the annular portion 132. Such configuration of the pair of the protrusions 133 provides a rigid mounting of the acoustic device 200 on the first mounting bracket 130.
[040] In an embodiment, the wall portion 134 has a plurality of mounting recesses 135. The plurality of mounting recesses 135 is configured to receive fastening means 136 for attaching the mounting bracket 130 to the inner side 122 of one of the pair of main frame members 120. The fastening means includes a screw, nut and/or bolt etc.
[041] Figure 6 illustrates an angular disposition of the acoustic device 200 with respect to a head pipe axis of the frame assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A first imaginary line (A-A`) is passing vertically through a center of the base portion 131 of the first mounting bracket 130 and forming an acute angle (?) with a second imaginary line (B-B`). The second imaginary line (B-B`) is passing vertically through a center of the head pipe 110 when seen from a side of the vehicle 10.
[042] In an embodiment, the acoustic device 200 being offset in a left-side of the secondary imaginary line (B-B`) of the head pipe 110 when seen from a front of the vehicle 10 (shown in Figure 1a).
[043] Figure 7 illustrates an angular disposition of the acoustic device 200 with respect to a head pipe axis of the frame assembly 100 and the mounting axis of the rear shock absorber 30, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A third imaginary line (C-C`) passing from a bottom face (131a) of the base portion 131 and extending in the rear-front direction of the vehicle 10. The rear shock absorber 30 is supportably attached to the rear portion 120b of each of the pair of main frame members 120. The rear shock absorber 30 is having a mounting axis (D-D`). The mounting axis (D-D`) intersects with the third imaginary line (C-C’) and forms a vertex (P) with the third imaginary line (C-C`) in a region of the headpipe 110 when seen from the side of the vehicle 10. Such position of acoustic device 200 provides space for effective acoustic frequency emitted from the acoustic device 200.
[001] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle-type vehicle having a frame assembly. The main frame members of the frame assembly are configured in such a way that they create a safe and effective space for accommodating an acoustic device. The acoustic device is mounted to an inner side of the main frame member which enhances protection of the acoustic device from an external environment of the vehicle. The present invention provides a position for locating the acoustic having space for effective acoustic frequency emitted from the acoustic device .
[002] Further, the disposition of the acoustic device ensures that it produces a consistent acoustic frequency when in operation. The present invention provides a mounting bracket for mounting the acoustic device. The structure of the mounting bracket enables a rigid, sturdy, and stable mounting structure for accommodating the acoustic device and further requires lesser fasteners for mounting. As a result, the present invention reduces the assembly time, costs in installing the acoustic device and further provides ease of serviceability of the acoustic device.
[003] 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 – Handlebar
14 – Front panel
15 – Rear panel
16 – Pair of front forks
17 – Front fender
18 – Front wheel
20 – Floorboard assembly
24 – Seat
26 – Pillion handle
28 – Prime mover
30 – Rear shock absorber
32 – Rear wheel
100 – Frame assembly
110 – Head tube
110a – First portion of the head tube
110b – Second portion of the head tube
120 – Pair of main frame members
120a – Right main frame member
120b – Left main frame member
121 – Outer surface of the pair of main frame members
122 – Inner surface of the pair of main frame members
130 – A first mounting bracket
131 – Base portion of the first mounting bracket
131a – Bottom face of the base portion
132 – Annular portion of the base portion
133 – Pair of protrusions
134 – Wall portion of the first mounting bracket
135 – Plurality of mounting recesses
135a – Upper mounting recess
135b – Lower mounting recess
136 – Fastening means
140 – Second mounting bracket
142 – Attachment portion of the second mounting bracket
150 – Pair of down frame members
152 – Cover plate
155 – Base plate
160– Pair of seat frame members
200 – Acoustic device
201 – Outer surface of the acoustic device
210 – Speaker portion of the acoustic device , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (10) comprising:
- a frame assembly (100) having a head tube (110), and a pair of main frame members (120), each of the pair of the main frame members (120) extending rearwardly from the head tube (110) in a front-rear direction of the vehicle (10); and
- an acoustic device (200) being disposed in a region surrounded by a portion of each of the headtube (110) and the pair of main frame members (120), the acoustic device (200) being supportably attached to an inner side (122) of one of the pair of main frame members (120).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a first mounting bracket (130) for mounting the acoustic device (200) on the inner side (122) of one of the pair of main frame members (120), the first mounting bracket (130) having a base portion (131) extending in a vehicle-width direction and a wall portion (134) extending upwardly from one of a peripheral side of the base portion (131), the wall portion (134) being oriented to face the inner side (122) of one of the pair of main frame members (120).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base portion (131) of the mounting bracket (130) comprises an annular portion (132), the annular portion (132) being configured to receive the acoustic device (200).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the annular portion (132) of the base portion (131) comprises a pair of protrusions (133), each of the pair of protrusions (133) extends away from an upper peripheral side (132a) of the annular portion (132) and configured to lockably engage with an outer surface (201) of the acoustic device (200) when the acoustic device (200) is received inside the annular portion (132).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wall portion (134) comprises a plurality of mounting recesses (135), the plurality of mounting recesses (135) being configured to receive fastening means (136) for attaching the mounting bracket (130) to the inner side (122) of one of the pair of main frame members (120).

6. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a first imaginary line (A-A`) passing vertically through a center of the base portion (131) of the first mounting bracket (130) forms an acute angle (?) with a second imaginary line (B-B`) passing vertically through a center of the head pipe (110) when seen from a side of the vehicle (10).

7. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the acoustic device (200) being offset in a left-side of the secondary imaginary line (B-B`) of the head pipe (110) when seen from a front of the vehicle (10).

8. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a rear shock absorber(30) being supportably attached to a rear portion (120b) of each of the pair of main frame members(120), the rear shock absorber having a mounting axis (D-D`) configured to intersect with a third imaginary line (C-C`) passing from a bottom face (131a) of the base portion (131) and extending in a rear-front direction of the vehicle (10) and forming a vertex (P) with the third imaginary line (C-C`) in a region of the headpipe (110) when seen from the side of the vehicle (10).

9. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a front portion of one of the pair of main frame members 120 includes an opening (O) for routing a wiring harness (W) of the acoustic device (200).

10. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a second mounting bracket (140) for mounting a vehicle battery charger (300), the second mounting bracket (140) comprises an attachment portion (142), the attachment portion (142) being configured to be attached to the inner side (122) of one of the pair of main frame members (120) and being located close to the wall portion (134) of the first mounting bracket (130).

11. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the attachment portion (142) of the second mounting bracket (140) being inclinedly disposed with respect to the base portion (131) of the first mounting bracket (130).

Dated this 14th day of March 2024

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

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