Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to a vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively to control unit disposed in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the automotive sector there has been a growing dependency on control 5 units or controller, or other forms of control systems being provided in the vehicle. These control units are ingrained with a specific task and operate towards ensuring user or rider convenience, comfort, safety as well as improving the overall vehicle performance. The numerous control systems or power systems deployed in the vehicle monitor the performance of various ongoing processes and diagnose and 10 control faults accruing for improve automotive performance and safety. The safety facets of present-day technology lead to packaging of several electrical components in the compact vehicle layout to ascertain, monitor, diagnose and control the vehicle operations.
[0003] The control units, also referred to as electronic control unit or electronic 15 control module is an embedded system configured to control one or more electrical systems and subsystems in the vehicle. Common examples of control units used in vehicles include engine control unit, powertrain control unit, transmission control unit, brake control unit, vehicle control unit, suspension control unit, body control unit, battery management system and motor control unit to name a few. 20
[0004] In a compact saddle type vehicle such as observed in but not limited to scooters, trikes and motorcycles while dependency on the electronic control units remain the same, the packaging of the same in a compact layout becomes challenging. Compact vehicle layouts such as in saddle type vehicles packaging of electrical components plays a crucial role in balancing of the vehicle dynamics as 25 well as vehicle performance. The frame assembly of a saddle type vehicle typically comprises a front frame structure and a rear frame structure. The front frame structure and the rear frame structure may be integrated to form the frame assembly and define the length of the vehicle. The front frame structure may comprise a head tube with a main frame member extending rearwardly from the head tube and 30
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connecting to the rear frame structure. The rear frame structure may comprise a pair of seat rails which extend from the main frame structure. [0005] The challenges in disposition of the control units are severe in compact vehicle layouts owing to limited space whilst ensuring vehicle performance and dynamics be maintained. For instance, it is preferred that the control unit be in
5 vicinity of the target actuator or sub-system which the control unit operates with in view of limiting transmission losses for optimizing the vehicle performance. However, the power delivery and elaborate functionality of the target sub-system may not permit disposition of the control unit in its close vicinity, or the frame assembly of the vehicle may not leave any space for accommodation of the control 10 unit.
[0006] An additional concern while disposition of control units in the vehicle layout relate to the maintenance of vehicle dynamics. The disposition of bulky control units away from a centre of mass of the vehicle or leading to formation of an unsprung mass or bending moment disrupts the vehicle dynamics or stability. 15
[0007] Therefore, the accommodation of multiple functioning elements including the control units and subsystems of the automobile within the limited frame without affecting the ergonomics and relative motion between the various parts of a machine, and forces which act on them is a cumbersome task. The position of the functioning elements will affect the serviceability as well as the weight distribution 20 within the vehicle.
[0008] Conventionally in two wheelers, the prime mover and its associated control units are disposed in proximity of the prime mover through various fitments in the front portion of the vehicle. This known configuration tends to clutter the front portion of the vehicle leading to servicing and maintenance issues. 25 Additionally, the provision of fitments increases the overall vehicle weight leading to adverse impacts on the power to weight ratio of the vehicle. Furthermore, owing to market requirements of high power and high torque transmission performance, the prime mover size gets bulkier making disposition of control units in its vicinity non-permissible. 30
[0009] In electric and hybrid vehicle layouts employing energy storage units such as battery packs, the accommodation of the bulky energy storage units in a compact vehicle layout such as in saddle type vehicles is a cumbersome task. Further, in view of ensuring higher vehicle performance and range of distance travelled, the traction battery used as energy storage units are made bulkier to suit the vehicle
5 performance specifications. The disposition of bulky energy storage units compromises the location of other vehicle components and even utility space in the vehicle.
[00010] Therefore, there arises a need in the automotive industry addressing the secure location and efficient packaging of the control units in the vehicle layout. 10 Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY 15
[00011] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter relates to a vehicle. The vehicle comprises a frame assembly, one or more energy storage units, a transmission unit and one or more electrical components disposed in the vehicle. The frame assembly extends along the vehicle length and comprises a front frame portion and a rear frame portion. The front frame portion and a rear 20 frame portion are separated by a central axis XX’ perpendicular to a vehicle longitudinal direction (F-R). In an aspect, a control unit is disposed on a support member. The support member is disposed in a pre-defined region of the rear frame portion.
[00012] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present subject matter 25 provides a support member. The support member comprises a receiving portion and a mounting portion. The receiving portion is configured to receive a control unit (110). The mounting portion is configured to connect the support member to a pre-defined region of a frame assembly of a vehicle. 4
[00013] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONOF THE DRAWINGS 5
[00014] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.
[00015] Figure 1(a) illustrates a side view of the vehicle with the control unit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 10
[00016] Figure 1(b) illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicle with the control unit in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00017] Figure 2 illustrates a rear frame portion of the frame assembly of the vehicle with the control unit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 15
[00018] Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a support member in accordance with some other embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00019] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are 20 discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the system may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented, and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to 25 implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. 5
[00020] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic,
5 property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00021] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with different embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth 10 herein; rather those embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
[00022] The present invention is illustrated with a two wheeled saddle type vehicle. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is 15 not limited to the present illustration and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention can be used with other vehicles such as a motorcycle, scooter, a step-through vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, a multi-axle saddle type vehicle, trikes, a tadpole mobility solution or other forms of two wheeled, three wheeled vehicle or multi-axle vehicles in the automotive industry 20 facing the same technical problem.
[00023] It is an objective of the present subject matter to provide a secure location for a control unit in a compact vehicle layout.
[00024] A compact vehicle layout such as in two wheeled vehicles provide limited space for accommodation of control units. Further, in order to achieve a higher 25 packaging efficiency multiple control units otherwise tasked with specific operations may be integrated to for a single unit. The integration of multiple operations in a single control unit may lead to a bulkier control unit whose accommodation in a compact vehicle layout is challenging. 6
[00025] Known arts tend to dispose the bulky control units off-set to vehicle central axis via a bracket relative to the prime mover, leading to disruption of vehicle dynamics. The packaging of the integrated control unit in an already congested location of the prime mover not only affects serviceability but also creates an unsprung mass which disrupts vehicle dynamics.
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[00026] The present subject matter addresses the same drawbacks otherwise faced by engineers in packaging of integrated control units securely in a compact vehicle layout. The present subject matter provides a rear frame portion of the frame assembly configured to receive the control unit such that its location with reference to the prime mover remains minimum without any disruption of vehicle dynamics. 10
[00027] It is an object of the present subject matter to protect the disposes the control unit of the vehicle.
[00028] The control unit or the integrated control unit, hereinafter referred to interchangeably as control unit, comprises several sensitive electronic circuits, sensors and other components. These sensitive components of the control unit ought 15 to be protected against external impacts or vibrations transmitted onto the vehicle through rugged terrains. The present subject matter provides a secure disposition of the control unit in the rear frame portion, whereby one or more rear frame member partially cover the control unit on either sides. Therefore, any external impact is first absorbed by the rear frame members. 20
[00029] Additionally, the disclosed location of the control unit in the pre-defined region is sheltered from powertrain components such as the transmission unit as well as the movement of the rear wheel relative to the frame assembly. Therefore no interference or potential interference of vehicle components relative to the control unit in the pre-defined region are observed. 25
[00030] It is objective of the present disclosure to securely package the control unit in the vehicle such that transmission losses and signal lags or system latency may be minimized. 7
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[00031] In an aspect, the control unit as per the present disclosure is communicatively connected to at least one of the energy storage unit and the transmission unit of the vehicle. The energy storage unit is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle while the transmission unit may be disposed behind the one or more energy storage units. The one or more connectors connecting the control
5 unit to the one or more energy storage units or transmission unit are high tension cables where an increased length may lead to higher transmission losses and signal lags. The present disclosure provides an optimal location of the control unit in the vehicle where the length of the one or more connectors are optimized to support vehicle performance. 10
[00032] It is an object of the present subject matter to improve serviceability and maintenance of the control unit.
[00033] To this end, the disclosed disposition of the control unit in the pre-defined region of the frame assembly in a rear frame portion ensures that the control unit be protected against external impacts yet be accessible for serviceability. The control 15 unit is mounted on a support member. The support member comprises mounting provisions through which fastening units emerging from the control unit are engaged. The fastening units may be disengaged from a bottom portion of the vehicle or from a top portion after removal of the seating member from the rear frame portion, based on adapted configuration. It is desirable to ensure that the 20 control unit be accessible for serviceability and yet in an inconspicuous location to avoid theft. In an embodiment, access to the control unit may be authenticated only after disengagement of the seat latch engaging the seating member to the rear frame portion.
[00034] Advantageously, the provision of a support member configured to mount 25 the control unit is connected to the left rear frame member and the right rear frame member of the rear frame portion. The support member in this configuration not only mounts the control unit but also functions as a cross member connecting the left rear frame member to the right rear frame member, therefore increasing the
structural rigidity of the rear frame portion with the provision of additional cross members. [00035] The present disclosure by elimination of cross members in the rear frame portion and brackets for mounting multiple control units, yields an improve power to weight ratio. The elimination of multiple brackets and cross members reduces
5 overall part count and component weight therefore improving the power to weight ratio and reducing overall cost associated with the vehicle layout.
[00036] In an embodiment, the control unit is integrated with a sensing unit. The sensing unit may be, but not limited to, a signal conditioning unit, a signal transceiver, an inertial measurement unit, an accelerometer, a geofencing unit, or a 10 gyroscope. The integration of the control unit with the sensing unit in association with the disclosed location improves signal transmission and reception in adjudging at least the vehicle location and orientation. Further, the integration of sensing units with the control unit eliminates the requirement of additional brackets in mounting of the sensing unit whilst maintaining functional sanctity. 15
[00037] In an aspect, the present subject matter addresses concerns of ventilation and thermal regulation pertinent to the control unit.
[00038] As per a preferred embodiment, the control unit is disposed on a support member with the support member being disposed between the left rear frame member and the right rear frame member. The bottom face of the support member 20 alternately referred to as the mounting portion faces the ground permitting sufficient ingress of air for cooling of the control unit through the support member in instances of heating. In an embodiment, the mounting portion of the support member is provided with rib like projections functioning as heat radiating units or fins to expedite cooling of the control unit. 25
[00039] It is an object of the present subject matter to securely protect the control unit against any ingress of mud, water, dust or rain. [00040] The control unit is adequately covered by the left rear frame member and the right rear frame member on either side, with the seating member covering the 9
top portion of the control unit and the support member covering the bottom portion of the control unit. The disclosed configuration shelters the control unit against potential water, dust or rain ingress from the bottom portion of the vehicle. [00041] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with
5 the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00042] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the 10 principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00043] The present subject matter may be implemented in any form of automobile. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the present invention, 15 and corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments depicting a two wheeled vehicle.
[00044] Figure 1(a) illustrates a side view of the vehicle with the control unit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00045] Figure 1(b) illustrates a side perspective view of the vehicle with the 20 control unit in accordance with some other embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00046] For the same of brevity Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b) shall be explained in conjunction. With reference to Figure 1(a) and 1(b), 100 denotes a vehicle, 102 denotes a frame assembly, 102F denotes a front frame portion, 102R denotes a rear frame portion, 104 denotes a headtube member, 106 denotes one or more main 25 frame members, 108 denotes one or more energy storage units, 110 denotes a control unit, 112 denotes a transmission unit, 114 denotes a joining member, 116 denotes a support member and 118 denotes a handlebar assembly. 10
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[00047] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 comprises a frame assembly 102 extending along a vehicle length and comprising a front frame portion 102F and a rear frame portion 102R separated by a central axis XX’. In an embodiment, the central axis XX’ passes through a mid-point of the vehicle 100 dividing the vehicle length into two equal halves. In another embodiment, the central axis XX’ may indicate a
5 region at which the front frame portion 102F connects to the rear frame portion 102R. In an aspect, the central axis XX’ is perpendicular to a vehicle longitudinal direction F-R.
[00048] In an aspect, the frame assembly 102 of the vehicle 100 comprises a headtube member 104. The headtube member 104 may be disposed either 10 perpendicular or inclinedly upwards to the ground surface of the vehicle 100 and is configured to support the handlebar assembly 118 at a top portion and connect to the one or more front wheels of the vehicle 100 through a front suspension assembly (not shown) at a bottom portion. The steering action of the handlebar assembly 118 is transmitted onto the one or more front wheels via the headtube member 104. In 15 an embodiment, a steering rod connecting the handlebar assembly 118 to at least one of the one or more front wheels and the front suspension assembly passes through the head tube member 104. The front portion F of the vehicle 100 comprises at least a handlebar assembly 118 connected to the one or more front wheels of the vehicle 100 and at least a portion of the front frame portion 102F. 20
[00049] In an aspect, the front frame portion 102F a headtube member 104 and one or more main frame members 106. The one or more main frame members 106 extend rearwardly from the head tube member 104. In an embodiment, the one or more main frame members 106 may extend inclinedly and rearwardly towards the central axis XX’. The one or more main frame members 106 forms the front portion 25 F of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the one or more main frame members 106 comprise a left main frame member and a right main frame member extending from the head tube member 104. The left main frame member and the right main frame member may diverge from the head tube member 104 when extending rearwardly as viewed from a top view of the vehicle 100 and connect to the rear frame portion 30
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102R at a rear portion of the left main frame member and the right main frame member. In another embodiment, the left main frame member and the right main frame member are laterally off-set to each other and maintain the lateral distance as they extend rearwardly and join the rear frame portion 102R. In another embodiment, the one or more main frame members 106 comprises a single member
5 of greater diameter or thickness to compensate for stiffness aspects of the frame assembly 102 comprising the left main frame member and the right main frame member. In an aspect, the single member may integrate aspects of the left main frame member and the right main frame member. The single member may extend rearwardly from the headtube member 104 to connect to the rear frame portion 10 102R. [00050] In an aspect, the front frame portion 102F may comprise one or more downtube members extending inclinedly downward and rearwardly from the headtube member 104 below the one or more main frame members 106. In an aspect, the one or more downtube members extend inclinedly upto the central axis
15 XX’ where a rear portion of the one or more downtube members are joined to the rear frame member portion 102R. In another aspect, the one or more downtube members extend inclinedly downward from a front portion of the one or more main frame member 106. In an embodiment, the one or more main frame member 106 and the one or more downtube members are integrated with the headtube member 20 132 to form a single front frame structure.
[00051] In an embodiment, the one or more downtube members comprises a left downtube member and a right downtube member. The left downtube member and the right downtube member may extend downwards whilst maintaining a lateral off-set distance, the left downtube member and the right downtube member then 25 extends rearwardly joining the rear frame portion 102R. In another embodiment the left downtube member and the right downtube member are integrated to form a single downtube member satiating the stiffness requirements of the frame assembly 102 to support the weight of the one or more energy storage units 108 disposed in the vehicle 100. In another embodiment, a tray member is mounted between the left 30
downtube member and the right downtube member over which the one or more energy storage units 108 are disposed. In another embodiment, the one or more downtube members forms a cradle structure with the one or more downtube members first extending downwards perpendicularly to the ground surface, and then extending rearwardly parallel to the ground surface. The one or more downtube
5 members forming a cradle structure may support the one or more energy storage units 108. [00052] In an aspect, the one or more energy storage units 108 of the vehicle 100 is disposed in a region between the one or more main frame members 106 and the one or more downtube members 134. In another aspect, the one or more energy storage
10 units 108 are mounted and supported by the one or more main frame members 106 or a portion of the front frame portion 102F.
[00053] In an embodiment, the front frame portion 102F of the vehicle 100 comprising at least one of the head tube member 104, the one or more main frame members 106 and the one or more downtube members form a backbone frame 15 structure. In an alternate embodiment, the front frame portion 102F comprising at least one of the head tube member 104, the one or more main frame members 106 and the one or more downtube members may form a trellis frame structure having multiple cross members connecting the one or more main frame member 106 to the one or more downtube members. 20
[00054] In an aspect, a rear portion of the one or more main frame members 106 and the rear portion of the one or more downtube members are connected by a joining member 114. The joining member 114 may be disposed in vicinity of the central axis XX’. In another aspect, the rear portion of the one or more main frame members 106 extend downwards towards the rear portion of the one or more 25 downtube members in vicinity of the central axis XX’. The rear portion of the one or more main frame members 106 may now be directly connected to the rear portion of the one or more downtube members eliminating the requirement of the joining member 114. 13
[00055] In an aspect, the rear portion R of the vehicle 100 comprises a rear frame portion 102R of the frame assembly 102 connected to the one or more main frame member 106 in vicinity of the central axis XX’. In another aspect, a front portion (RF) of the rear frame portion 102R connects to the rear portion of the one or more main frame members 106. In another aspect, the front portion (RF) of the rear frame
5 portion 102R connects at a first region to the one or more main frame members 106 and at a second region to a top portion of the joining member 114.
[00056] In an aspect, the vehicle 100 depicted in Figure 1(a) and Figure 1(b) relates to an electric driven vehicle including a hybrid vehicle. The one or more energy storage units 108 relates to a plurality of electrochemical cells configured to convert 10 the stored electrical energy into mechanical work. The one or more energy storage units 108 are connected to a vehicle transmission system depicted by the transmission unit 112 comprising a motor unit. The motor unit may be coupled to a driving wheel of the vehicle 100 such as the one or more rear wheels of the vehicle 100. 15
[00057] While the one or more energy storage units 108 are disposed in the front portion F of the vehicle 100 in the front frame portion, the transmission unit 112 may be disposed in vicinity of the central axis XX’ behind the one or more energy storage units 112. In an aspect, the transmission unit 112 may be equivalent to a swing arm of assembly of the vehicle 100. In another aspect, the transmission unit 20 112 comprises a dc-dc converter.
[00058] In an aspect, the transmission unit 112 is disposed in the front frame portion 102F. The transmission unit 112 may be mounted via at least one of the one or more main frame members 106 and the joining member 114. The transmission unit 112 is disposed ahead of the joining member 114 and below the one or more main frame 25
member 106. [00059] In an aspect, a control unit 110 is disposed on a support member 116. The support member 116 is disposed in a pre-defined region of the rear frame portion 102R. 14
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[00060] Figure 2 illustrates a rear frame portion of the frame assembly of the vehicle with the control unit in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.
[00061] With reference to Figure 2, 202R and 202L denotes one or more rear frame members, 204u and 204l denotes one or more extrusions, and 206A, 206B and 206C 5 denotes one or more cross members. More specifically, 202R denotes a right rear frame member and 202L denotes a left rear frame member, 204u denotes one or more upper extrusions and 204l denotes one or more lower extrusions.
[00062] In an aspect, the rear frame portion 102R extends rearwardly from the front frame portion 102F up to a vehicle length. A front portion RF’ of the rear frame 10 portion 102R connects to the rear portion of the front frame portion 102F. A tail lamp assembly may be connected to a rear portion RR’ of the rear frame portion 102R.
[00063] In an aspect, the rear frame portion 102R comprises one or more rear frame member 202R, 202L. The one or more rear frame members 202R, 202L extends 15 rearwardly in a longitudinal direction up to the vehicle length. The one or more rear frame members 202R, 202L comprises a right rear frame member 202R and a left rear frame member 202L. In another aspect, a pre-set lateral distance is maintained between the right rear frame member 202R and the left rear frame member 202L. In an aspect, the right rear frame member 202R and the left rear 20 frame member 202L may alternately be referred to as seat rails of the vehicle. The right rear frame member 202R and the left rear frame member 202L may extend inclinedly based on the desired rider seat profile in the vehicle 100.
[00064] A rear suspension assembly is connected to the rear frame portion 102R. The rear suspension assembly may comprise a mono-shock suspension member 25 connected between the left rear frame member 202L and the right rear frame member 202R, or a mono-shock suspension member which is laterally off-set to a vehicle central axis and connected to either one of the left rear frame members 202L and the right rear frame member 202R. In an alternate embodiment, the rear suspension assembly comprises at least two suspension members or shock 30
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absorbers connected to the rear frame portion 102R. The rear suspension assembly is connected at one end to the rear frame portion 102R. The rear suspension assembly maintains the disposition of the frame assembly 102 relative to the one or more rear wheels owing to vibrations or road conditions. [00065] In another aspect, a pre-defined gap in a vehicle lateral direction is
5 provided between the left rear frame member 202L and the right rear frame member 202R. One or more cross members 206A, 206B, 206C may be disposed along the width of the rear frame portion 102R between the left rear frame member 202L and a right rear frame member 202R. The pre-defined region of disposition of the support member 116 is between the left rear frame member 202L and the right rear 10 frame member 202R of the rear frame portion 102R. In an embodiment, the support member 116 may be connected to at least one of the one or more cross members 206A, 206B, 206C. In an alternate embodiment, the control unit 110 is an integrated control unit 110 having a multi-purpose. In view of the bulky nature of the integrated control unit 110, the support member 116 may be disposed in a region 15 between successive cross member 206A, 206B, 206C to accommodate the control unit 110.
[00066] The front portion RF’ of the rear frame portion 102R is provided with one or more extrusions 204u, 204l. The one or more extrusions 204u, 204l comprises one or more upper extrusions 204u and one or more lower extrusions 204l. The one 20 or more upper extrusion 204u are disposed above the one or more lower extrusion 204l. The one or more upper extrusion 204u and the one or more lower extrusion 204l extend inclinedly rearwardly to connect to the respective left rear frame member 202L and the right rear frame member 202R when viewed from a vehicle front view. 25
[00067] In an aspect, the one or more upper extrusions 204u extend from a front portion RF’ of each of the right rear frame member 202R and the left rear frame member 202L inclinedly upwards when viewed from a vehicle side view. The one or more upper extrusions 204u may comprise mounting provisions or slots configured to connect the rear frame portion 102R to the front frame portion 102F. 30
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In another aspect, the one or more lower extrusions 204l extends from a front portion RF’ of each of the right rear frame member 202R and the left rear frame member 202L inclinedly downwards when viewed from a vehicle side view. The one or more lower extrusions 204l may comprise mounting provisions or slots configured to connect the rear frame portion 102R to the front frame portion 102F.
5 [00068] In an embodiment, the one or more lower extrusions 204l extend inclinedly towards the vehicle central axis VV’, therefore the gap between the one or more lower extrusions 204l of the right rear frame member 202R and the left rear frame member 202L is lesser than the gap between the one or more upper extrusions 204u of the right rear frame member 202R and the left rear frame member 202L. In an
10 aspect, the vertical distance between the one or more lower extrusions 204l and the one or more upper extrusions 204u of each of the right rear frame member 202R and the left rear frame member 202L referred to as a pre-set gap (d) is configured to receive the control unit 110. The disclosed configuration of the one or more upper extrusions 204u and the one or more lower extrusions 204l permits accommodation 15 of bulky control units such as integrated control units.
[00069] In an aspect, the support member 116 is connected to portion of the one or more lower extrusion member 204l of each of the left rear frame member 202L and the right rear frame member 202R. The pre-defined region is between the one or more upper extrusion 204u and the one or more lower extrusion 204l of the rear 20 frame portion 102R defined by the pre-set gap (d).
[00070] In an embodiment, the front portion RF’ of each of the right rear frame member 202R and the left rear frame member 202L comprises a divergent structure similar to a Y-shape when viewed from a vehicle side view with the upper extrusion 204u and the lower extrusion 204l disposed on opposite ends the divergent 25 structure.
[00071] In a preferred embodiment, the support member 116 is connected to one or more lower extrusions 204l of the rear frame portion 102R. In another aspect, the support member 116 is connected between the left rear frame member 202L and the right rear frame member 202R. The support member 116 in the disclosed 30
configuration inter-operatively functions as a cross member configured to improve the strength and stiffness of the rear frame portion 102R as well as securely mount the control unit 110. [00072] In an aspect,
the rear frame portion 102R is configured to receive a seating member from a top direction of the vehicle 100. The pre-defined region of 5 disposition of the control unit 110 is below the seating member and ahead of a tail lamp assembly disposed in the rear portion RR’ of the vehicle 100.
[00073] In an aspect, the seating member is provided over the one or more rear frame members 202L, 202R and secured to the rear frame portion 102R using a seat latch. The pre-defined region is therefore disposed below the seating member and 10 access to the control unit 110 is accorded only upon disengagement of the seating member via the seat latch.
[00074] Further, in a compact vehicle layout the vehicle components such as suspension, powertrain and prime mover is compactly packaged in the front portion of the vehicle, the disclosed disposition of the control unit 110 in the pre-defined 15 region isolates any undue interference of the vehicle components with the control unit 110.
[00075] Further, the pre-defined region is above the rear suspension assembly and the one or more rear wheels of the vehicle 100, whereby the support member 116 protects the control unit 110 against any potential ingress of mud, water, rain and 20 even interference from the rear suspension assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the pre-defined region of disposition of the support member 116 is such that the bottom portion of the support member 116 opposite to the receiving portion 304 (as elaborated in Figure 3) remains open to the atmosphere. The pre-defined region is above the one or more rear wheels of the vehicle and the transmission unit 112. The 25
disclosed configuration permits adequate air and ventilation of the control unit 110 from a bottom portion of the vehicle 100. [00076] In an aspect, the pre-defined region is below the rider seat. In another aspect, the pre-defined region is behind the central axis XX’ in vicinity of the centre 18
of mass of the vehicle 100. In the event, the control unit 110 comprises sensors such as an inertial measurement unit, an accelerometer or a gyroscope which are configured to sense roll, yaw and pitch the disposition of the control unit 110 in the pre-defined region in vicinity of the centre of mass (which also maps with the centre of gravity) of the vehicle, the accuracy of sensing is improved along the x, y, z axes.
5 In an alternate aspect, when the control unit 110 comprises a telematics unit, a transceiver, a receiver or a geofencing module the disposition of the control unit 110 in the pre-defined region in vicinity of the centre of gravity improves the signal transmission characteristics. In an aspect, the pre-defined region is ahead of a pillion seat of the vehicle 100. 10 [00077] Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a support member in accordance with some other embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00078] With reference to Figure 3, 302 denotes a receiving portion, 304 denotes a mounting portion and 306 denotes one or more mounting provisions.
[00079] In an aspect, the support member comprises a receiving portion 302 and a 15 mounting portion 304. The receiving portion 302 is configured to receive a control unit 110. The mounting portion 304 is configured to connect the support member 116 to a pre-defined region of a frame assembly 102 of a vehicle 100.
[00080] In an aspect, the support member 116 is provided with one or more mounting provisions 306. In an embodiment when the support member 116 may be 20 detachably mounted or connected to the frame assembly 102, the one or more mounting provisions 306 may be configured to receiving one or more fastening units to detachably connect the support member 116 in the frame assembly 102. In another embodiment, the one or mounting provisions 306 are configured to receive fastening units which connect the control unit 110 to the support member 116. In 25 another embodiment, the one or more mounting provisions 306 comprises a first set of mounting provisions which connect the support member 116 to the control unit 110, and a second set of mounting provisions which connect the support member 116 to the frame assembly 102. 19
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[00081] In an aspect, only a portion of the mounting portion 304 is configured to connect to the frame assembly 102, leaving the remnant portion of the mounting portion 304 permitting air cooling and ventilation of the control unit 110. In an embodiment, the remnant portion of the mounting portion 304 is provided with a plurality of heat radiating units or fins which improve cooling of the control unit 5 110 in the event of heating.
[00082] In an aspect, the frame assembly 102 comprises a front frame portion 102F and a rear frame portion 102R. The pre-defined region is the rear frame portion 102R between the one or more rear frame members 202R, 202L of the rear frame portion 102R. 10
[00083] In an aspect, the one or more rear frame members 202R, 202L comprises one or more upper extrusions 204u and one or more lower extrusions 204l extending from a front portion RF’ of the one or more rear frame members 202R, 202L.The pre-defined region is the front portion RF’ of the one or more rear frame members 202R, 202L with the mounting portion 304 of the support member 116 is connected 15 to a portion of one of the one or more upper extrusions 204u and the one or more lower extrusions 204l.
[00084] In an embodiment, the support member 116 is connected to a portion of the one or more lower extrusions 204l. The pre-defined region is between the one or more upper extrusions 204u and the one or more lower extrusions 204l with a pre-20 set gap between the one or more upper extrusions 204u and the one or more lower extrusions 204l accommodating a lateral dimension of the control unit 110. In an aspect, a plastic casing of the control unit 110 is seated on the support member 116 composed of aluminum.
[00085] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 is communicatively coupled to at 25 least one of one or more energy storage units 108, a transmission unit 112 and one or more electrical components disposed in the vehicle 100. The one or more energy storage units 108 and a transmission unit 112 are provided in the front frame portion 102F of the vehicle 100. The control unit 110 is communicatively coupled to at least
21
one of the one or more energy storage units 108, the transmission unit 112 and one or more electrical components disposed in the vehicle 100.
[00086] T
he control unit 110 is disposed behind the one or more energy storage units 108 and the transmission unit 112 with one or more connectors extending from the one or more energy storage units 108 and the transmission unit 112 is routed 5 rearwardly to connect to the control unit 110 disposed in the rear frame portion 102RF.
[00087] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 may comprise at least one of current regulating circuit, voltage regulating circuit, battery management system, current and voltage rectification circuit, temperature sensors and a current breakage circuit. 10
[00088] In an aspect, the control unit 110 may additionally include components such as but not limited to circuit breakers, relays and regulation circuits pertinent to other electrical sub-systems of the vehicle 100 and the low voltage wiring harness of the vehicle 100. The low voltage wiring harness is configured to connect electrical components of the vehicle 100 such as but not limited to control units, 15 lighting units, horn, telematics unit, sensors. In another aspect, the low voltage wiring harness may connect with an auxiliary energy storage unit of the vehicle 100 which is operable at a lower voltage than the one or more energy storage units 108. The one or more energy storage units 108 more specifically may support the traction characteristics of the vehicle. 20
[00089] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit 110 is a motor control unit or an integration of the motor control unit with a vehicle control unit od the vehicle. In conventional vehicle layout the control unit 110 of integrated configuration is disposed in a fuel tank area or above the one or more energy storage units 108 in a vehicle front portion. The front portion of the vehicle is an already congested area 25 and further, the connecting member connecting the transmission unit 112 which is in a mid-region of the vehicle or rear portion of vehicle increases in wiring length leading to deteriorated signal transmission and system latency. The present configuration of disposition of the control unit in the integrated configuration in the pre-defined region ensures optimum length of the connecting member as it is behind 30
22
the one or more energy storage units 108 and the transmission unit 112. Further, serviceability is improved owing to an isolated location of the control unit 110 which is effectively protected against external impacts by the rear frame portion 102R. In an aspect of the present subject matter, a first connecting member connecting the one or more energy storage units 108 to the control unit 110 referred
5 to as direct current line (dc-line) increases against the conventional layout. However, the second connecting member connecting the control unit 110 to the transmission unit 112 referred to as the alternating current line (ac-line) decreases against conventional layouts. In vehicle charging and discharging the ac-line serves more critical than the dc-line owing to its direct impact on vehicle propulsion, 10 therefore any bends or stresses on the second connecting member is to be avoided. The present configuration optimizes the length of the overall connecting member by the reduced length of second connecting member. As an illustration for indicating the optimization of wiring harness length owing to the present disposition of the control unit 110 in the pre-defined region against the conventional practices, 15 the first connecting member (dc-line) length increases by 300mm while the second connecting member (ac-line) length decreases by 500mm, yielding an overall decreases in wiring harness length of at least 200m. [00090] In another preferred embodiment, the control unit 110 of integrated configuration is communicatively connected to vehicle components such as
20 speakers, lighting units, instrument cluster, seat lock, seat actuator and charging port. The disclosed disposition of the control unit 110 in the pre-defined region being in a mid-portion of the vehicle layout in vicinity of the central axis XX’ ensures optimum length of wiring harness connecting to the vehicle components. The provision of the control unit 110 of integrated configuration reduces extensive 25 mounting costs of multiple control units which disrupts packaging in compact vehicle layouts and reduces the overall length of wiring harness connecting the vehicle components.
[00091] A control unit 110 of integrated configuration is typically a bulky component thereby the pre-defined region of disposition with the support member 30
23
116 being connected to the rear frame portion 102R satiates the mounting stability and durability requirements of the control unit 110. Additionally, the pre-defined region being between the left rear frame member 202L and right rear frame member 202R ensures protection of the control unit 110 against sideward impact. The disposition between the one or more upper extrusions 204u and one or more lower
5 extrusions 204l protects the control unit 1110 against any intervention from other components of the vehicle disposed in the vicinity of the control unit 110. [00092] I In an aspect, the pre-defined region of disposition of the control unit 110 as elucidated in the preferred embodiments effectively reduces the overall length of the wiring harness or one or more connecting members communicatively
10 connecting the control unit 110 to at least one of the one or more energy storage units 108 and the transmission unit 112. Additionally, in the event thecontorl unit 110 is configured to communicate between other vehicle components disposed in the front or rear portion of the vehicle 100 with the length of the one or more connecting members remaining optimized. The optimization of length of wiring 15 harness or connecting members leads to efficiency of communication with minimized system latency and transmission losses. Parallelly, a reduction in the length of high voltage connecting members reduces the overall vehicle weight leading to improved power to weight ratio.
[00093] Further, from a serviceability perspective the control unit 110 may be easily 20 accessed by removal of one or more seating members keeping the location inconspicuous yet accessible to authorized technicians. Mere removal of fastening units permits assembly and disassembly of the control unit 110 with reference to the support member 116.
[00094] Further, the configuration of the control unit 110 in integrated 25 configuration reduces the packaging constraints and parts for mounting of the otherwise multiple control units. The disclosed configuration reduces the vehicle weight, number of components and cost.
[00095] In view of addressing the pressing concerns of damage to the control unit 110 the present subject matter provides a secure disposition of the control unit 110 30
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in a pre-defined region of the rear frame portion 102R of the frame assembly 102. The frame assembly 102 may be further covered by cover panels for higher protection to be accorded. The impact loads are absorbed by the frame assembly 102 while water, mud or rain ingress is avoided by the cover panels and the support member 116.
5 [00096] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed structure, the claimed vehicle and structure as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed system enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed system clearly brings an
10 improvement in the protection of the vehicle components as well as the frame assembly against sudden external impacts as the claimed structure and vehicle and constructional features provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[00097] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to 15 delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims. 20
[00098] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of 25 the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional
25
steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of a particular application. [00099] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope
5 of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. , Claims:We Claim:
1.A vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (102), the frame assembly (102) comprising:
a front frame portion (102F); and
a rear frame portion (102R), 5
wherein the front frame portion (102F) and the rear frame portion (102R) being separated by a central axis (XX’) perpendicular to a vehicle longitudinal direction(F-R), and
wherein a control unit (110) being disposed on a support member (116), the support member (116) being 10 disposed in a pre-defined region of the rear frame portion (102R).
2.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front frame portion(102F) comprising:15
a head tube member (104) disposed in a vehicle front portion (F); and
one or more main frame members (106) extending rearwardly from the head tube member (104) up to the central axis (XX’).
20
3.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear frame portion(102R) comprising one or more rear frame members (202L, 202R)connected at a front portion (RF’) to the front frame portion (102F), whereinthe one or more rear frame members (202L, 202R) extend rearwardly up toa vehicle length.25
4.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more rear framemembers (202L, 202R) comprising:
a left rear frame member (202L); and
a right rear frame member (202R), 30
27
wherein a pre-defined gap in a vehicle lateral direction being provided between the left rear frame member (202L) and the right rear frame member (202R), and
wherein the pre-defined region of disposition of the support member (116) being between the left rear frame member (202L) and 5 the right rear frame member (202R) of the rear frame portion (102R).
5.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the left rear framemember (202L) and the right rear frame member (202R) comprising:10
one or more upper extrusion (204u); and
one or more lower extrusion (204l),
wherein the one or more upper extrusion (204u) being disposed above the one or more lower extrusion (204l),
wherein the one or more upper extrusion (204u) and the one 15 or more lower extrusion (204l) extending inclinedly rearwardly to connect to the respective left rear frame member (202L) and the right rear frame member (202R), and
wherein a pre-set gap (d) between the one or more upper extrusion (204u) and the one or more lower extrusion (204l) being 20 configured to receive the control unit (110).
6.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support member (116)being connected to portion of the one or more lower extrusion member(204l) of each of the left rear frame member (202L) and the right rear frame25 member (202R), and the pre-defined region being between the one or moreupper extrusion (204u) and the one or more lower extrusion (204l) of therear frame portion (102R).
7.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (110) being30 communicatively coupled to at least one of one or more energy storage units
28
(108), a transmission unit (112) and one or more electrical components disposed in the vehicle (100).
8.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more energy storageunits (108) and a transmission unit (112) being provided in the front frame5 portion (102F) of the vehicle (100), and
wherein the control unit (110) being communicatively coupled to at least one of the one or more energy storage units (108), the transmission unit (112) and one or more electrical components disposed in the vehicle (100). 10
9.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the control unit (110) beingdisposed behind the one or more energy storage units (108) and thetransmission unit (112), wherein one or more connectors extending from theone or more energy storage units (108) and the transmission unit (112) being15 routed rearwardly to connect to the control unit (110) disposed in the rearframe portion (102RF).
10.The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rear frame portion(102R) being configured to receive a seating member from a top direction20 of the vehicle (100), wherein the pre-defined region of disposition of thecontrol unit (110) being below the seating member and ahead of a tail lampassembly disposed in the rear portion (RR’) of the vehicle (100).
11.A support member (116), the support member (116) comprising:25
a receiving portion (302), the receiving portion (302) being configured to receive a control unit (110); and
a mounting portion (304), the mounting portion (304) being configured to connect the support member (116) to a pre-defined region of a frame assembly (102) of a vehicle (100). 30
29
12.The support member (116) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the frameassembly (102) comprising a front frame portion (102F) and a rear frameportion (102R), wherein the pre-defined region being the rear frame portion(102R) between one or more rear frame members (202R, 202L) of the rearframe portion (102R).5
13.The support member (116) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or morerear frame members (202R, 202L) comprising:
one or more upper extrusions (204u) and one or more lower extrusions (204l) extending from a front portion (RF’) of the one or more 10 rear frame members (202R, 202L),
wherein the pre-defined region being the front portion (RF’) of the one or more rear frame members (202R, 202L) with the mounting portion (304) of the support member (116) being connected to a portion of one of the one or more upper extrusions 15 (204u) and the one or more lower extrusions (204l).
14.The support member (116) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the supportmember (116) being connected to a portion of the one or more lowerextrusions (204l),20
wherein the pre-defined region being between the one or more upper extrusions (204u) and the one or more lower extrusions (204l) with a pre-set gap (d) between the one or more upper extrusions (204u) and the one or more lower extrusions (204l) accommodating a lateral dimension of the control unit (110).