DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present subject matter relates to a battery mounting structure for a saddle type vehicle, more particularly, mounting of the battery mounting structure to provide storage and utility space to a rider.
BACKGROUND
[002] A vehicle provides comfort and ease of transportation to a rider. The vehicle also provides utility space for storing articles during travelling time of the rider. However, in the upcoming advanced vehicle, multiple vehicular components are assembled in the vehicle which reduces the utility space for the rider to store the articles. Hence, a better design of the vehicle is required to have larger storage and utility space in the vehicle for the rider.
BRIEF DESCRIPT ION OF THE DRAWINGS
[003] The present invention is described with reference to figures. This invention is implementable in two-wheeled vehicles. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are outlined in the appended claims.
[004] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of a frame assembly (100) of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[005] Figure 2a illustrates a right perspective view of the frame assembly (100) of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[006] Figure 2b illustrates a right-side view of an integrated battery mounting structure (118) on the frame assembly (100) of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[007] Figure 2c illustrates an exploded view of the integrated battery mounting structure (118) below a storage space (110) of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[008] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the integrated battery mounting structure (118) being disposed in a right side of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[009] Figure 4 illustrates a right-side view of a cover assembly covering the integrated battery mounting structure (118), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[010] Figure 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the integrated battery mounting structure (118), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[011] A vehicle has multiple mechanical, electrical and electronic components which has to be mounted on the vehicle for stable functioning. However, affixing multiple vehicle components consumes a lot of space in the vehicle layout and provides limited storage space for the rider to store his or her belongings.
[012] In the recent times, with the evolution of electric and hybrid electric vehicles, mounting of a battery pack along with an engine is required in a vehicle. However, mounting of the battery consumes space in an already space constraint vehicle layout.
[013] In order to provide efficient location for battery mounting as well as provide adequate utility space for the user, conventionally, as known in the art, the battery box is mounted to a pair of side frames in a two wheeled vehicle. Further, the battery box is conventionally also mounted inside the storage space or utility box as well as behind and below the utility box.
[014] However, in the above stated conventional designs, almost half of the space below the utility box, in the front portion of the vehicle is being occupied by the battery and the battery box which leads to inefficient space utilization and also reduces storage volume of the utility box. Therefore, the rider is unable to carry basic safety amenities such as a helmet which further threatens the safety of the user. Hence, a vehicle design which has more storage space for the rider to store his or her helmet and other belongings is required.
[015] Furthermore, in conventional designs, the battery box is directly mounted at close proximity of the utility box and below the utility box. This location is not preferred because the battery is enclosed in a closed space and the space is entirely trapped by the utility box from two sides and by engine cylinder head on the other side. Therefore, there is no space left for efficient air circulation which overheats and therefore damages the battery.
[016] Further, the battery tends to dissipate heat due to its normal functionality. Under cases, where the battery being situated closer to engine, the temperature around the battery tends to increase further due to the heat generated by normal functionality of the engine. The heat emanated from the engine adds up to the heat being generated by the battery as a part of its normal functionality and thereby overheats the battery due to limited air circulation.
[017] Additionally, there is limited space for mounting of one or more electrical components closer to the battery and the battery box. Due to limited space below the utility box, any upward extension of fuse, relay and other electrical components is not possible to be mounted close to the battery, as they might directly interfere with a bottom portion of the utility box and consequently get overheated due to inefficient air circulation. This is detrimental to the entire functioning of the vehicle.
[018] Additionally, the routing of wiring harness of the electrical components being connected to the battery through various wires is cumbersome as the routing has to be carried out in available limited space. Further, the twisting and sharp bends of the wiring harness occurs frequently, because of which transmission losses through the wiring harness is high.
[019] The location of the battery box being mounted directly below the utility box is such that, the battery box is disposed closer to the engine. The disadvantage associated with the location of the battery box is as explained above, further care has to be taken care to protect the battery, which is critical and to prevent any hazardous incidents. Any short circuit in the wires around the battery is detrimental to the working of the vehicle electricals, engine, and other vehicular components, which affects overall functioning of the vehicle.
[020] The known conventional mounting location of the battery box below the utility box provides poor serviceability to the battery due to lack of accessibility. The location is completely enclosed by body panels. The accessibility of battery for removal of battery from the battery box is cumbersome as the disassembly of the battery involves disassembly of multiple parts in the vehicle as well as body panels of the vehicle. For example, upward sliding/removal of battery from top direction is not possible. Therefore, other provisions to remove the battery from the battery box has to be provided in the battery box. The replacement of any damaged or malfunctioning electrical components in the battery box cannot be carried out due to availability of limited space and complexity in design of removal of body panels.
[021] Additionally, in the conventional design, the servicing of the battery box occurs by removal of one or more side panels and other components packaged between the battery box and the side panels. Therefore, the servicing time consumed is more and the only other option available is by removal of the utility box which not only increases the servicing time but also leads to a complex design which requires a mechanism for a detachable utility box.
[022] Furthermore, the battery box disposed directly below the utility box is also subjected to load being exerted by the seat due to load from the rider being seated on the seat and also if any articles are stored in the utility box. The strength at the mounting zones between the utility box and frame will take all the load being exerted on the utility box, over a period of time, the mounting zones may become weak, leading to failure of mountings.
[023] Hence, it is an object of the present invention to overcome all the above stated and other related problems existing in the prior arts, with respect to optimal localization and accessibility of the battery box and also provide ample utility space for storage to the rider as well as other problems of known art.
[024] It is further an object of the present invention to provide an efficient location for mounting of the battery box without taking up additional space.
[025] It is further an object of the present invention to provide an integrated battery box which provides efficient mounting of various electrical components.
[026] It is further an object of the present invention to strengthen and rigidly fix the integrated battery box on a frame of the vehicle.
[027] It is further an object of the present invention to optimize length of the wiring harness and also to prevent short circuiting of electrical components.
[028] The present subject matter provides an optimum location and mounting arrangement of an integrated battery mounting structure in a depression under a storage space or utility box to provide ample storage space for the user to accommodate one or more helmets.
[029] As per an aspect of the present invention, a saddle type vehicle includes a frame assembly. The frame assembly is configured to have a storage space. The storage space is created within pair of seat rails of the frame assembly. An integrated battery mounting structure is accommodated in a depression formed inwardly in a bottom portion of the storage space. The integrated battery mounting structure extending inwardly in a stepped configuration of the storage space.
[030] As per an embodiment, the integrated battery mounting structure is configured to be mounted on either left or right side of the saddle type vehicle. Further, the integrated battery mounting structure is configured to be mounted on a portion of a lower side tube extending on both left side and right side of the frame assembly.
[031] As per another embodiment, the integrated battery mounting structure is mounted between a portion of the lower side tube extending on both left side and right side of the frame assembly and a portion of an upper side tube extending on both left side and right side of the frame assembly. Further, the integrated battery mounting structure is mounted on the portion of the upper side tube extending on both left side and right side of the frame assembly.
[032] As per another embodiment, the integrated battery mounting structure is mounted below the storage space to a bottom portion of a main tube of the frame assembly. Further, the integrated battery mounting structure comprises a first attachment provision on the portion of the lower side tube on either of said left side and right side of the frame assembly.
[033] As per another embodiment, the integrated battery mounting structure comprises a second attachment provision on the portion of the upper side tube on either of said left side and right side of the frame assembly. Further, the integrated battery mounting structure comprises a third attachment provision to the bottom portion of the main tube of the frame assembly below the bottom region of the storage space.
[034] As per another embodiment, the first attachment provision, the second attachment provision and the third attachment provision attach the integrated battery mounting structure on said frame assembly through lugs. Further, a portion of the integrated battery mounting structure is covered after being disposed behind a primary cover and a remaining portion of the integrated battery mounting structure is covered by a secondary cover of a cover assembly of the saddle type vehicle.
[035] As per another embodiment, the integrated battery mounting structure includes a starter relay receiving portion, a flasher receiving portion, a fuse receiving portion, a battery receiving portion and a TCI receiving portion.
[036] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that the integrated battery mounting structure being secured with more than two attachment provisions provides rigid and stable mounting of the integrated battery mounting structure to the frame assembly and also protects the integrated battery mounting structure from any vibrations being transferred by the engine.
[037] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that the integrated battery mounting structure provides ease of accessibility of the battery and the electrical components for servicing by removing the primary cover and thereby provides a simple design and increases the pace of serviceability of the battery.
[038] In accordance with the present configuration, one of the advantages is that the integrated battery mounting structure is located in a lower region of the vehicle and the primary cover further aids in cooling of the battery in the integrated battery mounting structure due to the natural air flowing in the bottom region of the vehicle which inadvertently cools the battery.
[039] Further advantages are appended in the description of the present invention.
[040] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the 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.
[041] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[042] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification.
[043] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[044] Figure 1 illustrates a right-side view of a frame assembly (100) of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A saddle type vehicle comprising a frame assembly (100) being configured to support a plurality of vehicle components. The frame assembly (100) is configured to have a head tube (112) being disposed in a front portion of the saddle type vehicle. A handle bar assembly (114) being configured to be supported on the head tube (112). A main tube (102) is configured to extend rearwardly downward from the head tube (112) of the frame assembly (100). The frame assembly (100) is configured to have a pair of seat rails (116) extending in a rearwardly upward direction of the saddle type vehicle.
[045] The seat rails (116) being configured to accommodate a seat (not shown) to enable a rider and a pillion rider to sit on the saddle type vehicle. In one embodiment, a hook is provided on an extended portion of a seat base and an add on bracket is provided on a left and right side of a fuel tank cover. The add on bracket is welded to the fuel tank cover or the add on bracket can be detachable. The hook on the seat base gets engaged with the add on bracket provided on the fuel tank cover to restrict the opening up of the seat in an overlapping region between the seat and a fuel tank.
[046] In one embodiment, the handle bar assembly (114) comprising an adjustable rear-view mirror with ball retent mechanism in a mirror stem. The ball retent mechanism, adjusts the length of the mirror in two positions on the mirror stem. The adjustable mirror length and heights provides equal comfort of riding for a short person as well as a tall person as per their preferences.
[047] In another embodiment, the handle bar assembly (114) comprising a headlamp (not shown in the figures) being positioned in the front portion (F) of the vehicle. The headlamp is configured to have a synergistic design between functioning of a low beam, a high beam and a daytime running lights (DRL) for reducing power consumption of a battery of the vehicle and also to provide ease of visibility to the user while riding the vehicle during any time of day and night and during any weather conditions.
[048] A lower side tube (104) being configured to extend laterally downward along an axis C-C’ of the saddle type vehicle. The lower side tube (104) is configured to extend between a front portion (120) of the pair of seat rails (116) and a top portion (122) of a down tube (106). An upper side tube (108) being configured to extend in an upward direction of the saddle type vehicle between the front portion (120) of the pair of seat rails (116) and a bottom portion (124) (as shown in Fgiure 2c) of the main tube (102) of the frame assembly (100). The lower side tube (104) and the upper side tube (108) are configured to be disposed in both left side and right side of the frame assembly (100) of the saddle type vehicle.
[049] A storage space (110) is configured to be formed on an upward portion of the upper side tubes (108). The storage space (110) provides space to the user to store one or more helmets and any other objects not limited to bottles, documents, electrical or electronic gadgets etc. In one embodiment, the electrical or electronic gadgets are provided in a secondary storage space being provided in the rearmost portion of the storage space (110). In another embodiment, the secondary storage space is accessed by opening a lid in the rearmost portion of the storage space (110) to access the electrical and electronic gadgets. The secondary storage space can also be provided as a cut-out portion on a tail cover centre of a rear cover of the saddle type vehicle.
[050] The storage space (110) forms a trapezoidal structure and forms a depression (210) (as shown in figure-2c) inwardly in a bottom region between the upper side tube (108) and the lower side tube (104) of the frame assembly (100). In another embodiment, a holder is provided in a centre portion of the storage space (110) and being provided on the top portion of the storage space (110) or being welded on the upper side tube (108). The holder provides additional support and comfort to a pillion rider being seated on a seat of the saddle type vehicle. In another embodiment, the holder is positioned on the seat such that the portion surrounding the holder being configured to have a logo or a mark to hide the welding details and also prevent exposure of the frame assembly (100) and the storage space (110) to the environment.
[051] An integrated battery mounting structure (118) is disposed in the depression (210) below the storage space (110). The integrated battery mounting structure (118) being designed to extend inwardly in a stepped configuration of the storage space (110). The integrated battery mounting structure (118) is mounted in a caged configuration between the main tube (102), the upper side tube (108) and the lower side tube (104). In one embodiment, the integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to be covered by a rubber or a flexible material for preventing entry of dirt, dust and splashing of water inside the integrated battery mounting structure (118).
[052] Figure 2a illustrates a right perspective view of the frame assembly (100) of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 2b illustrates a right-side view of an integrated battery mounting structure (118) on the frame assembly (100) of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 2a and Figure 2b will be discussed together. The integrated battery mounting structure (118) is disposed in a lower region of the frame assembly (100). The integrated battery mounting structure (118) is mounted on a portion of the lower side tube (104) through a first attachment provision (200).
[053] The integrated battery mounting structure (118) is mounted on a portion of the upper side tube (108) through a second attachment provision (202). The integrated battery mounting structure (118) is mounting on the bottom portion (124) of the main tube (102) through a third attachment provision (204). The first attachment provision (200) and the second attachment provision (202) is configured to be disposed in either of left side or right side of the lower side tube (104) and the upper side tube (108).
[054] The integrated battery mounting structure (118) is fixedly and rigidly mounted through three attachment provisions and also the three attachment provisions provides rigid mounting to the frame assembly (100) without being affected by vibrations during the running condition of the vehicle. Furthermore, due to more than two attachment provisions, including one attachment provision on the main tube (102), the main tube (102) is not loaded by the storage space (110) mountings and therefore provides stable mounting to the integrated battery mounting structure (118).
[055] Figure 2c illustrates an exploded view of the integrated battery mounting structure (118) below a storage space (110) of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the integrated battery mounting structure (118) being disposed in a right side of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 2c and Figure 3 will be discussed together.
[056] The storage space (110) is positioned between the pair of seat rails (116) and the upper side tube (108). The integrated battery mounting structure (118) is positioned in the depression (210) formed in a rear portion of a bottom portion (212) of the storage space (110). The integrated battery mounting structure (118) is configured to be mounted through the first attachment provision (200) on the lower side tube (104) and the second attachment provision (202) on the upper side tube (108). This configuration provides strength and rigidity to the integrated battery mounting structure (118) from the sides. Further, the integrated battery mounting structure (118) is mounted on the bottom portion (124) of the main tube (102) through the third attachment provision (204) which provides strength and stability to the integrated battery mounting structure (118) from vibrations of an engine.
[057] The depression (210) being designed at a base portion of the storage space (110) to accommodate the integrated battery mounting structure (118) and a battery. The depression (210) protects the battery from external damage and also from vibrations and hot exhaust air emanated from the engine. Further, the integrated battery mounting structure (118) is located away from the engine which protects the battery from any leakage from the engine. The first attachment provision (200), the second attachment provision (202) and the third attachment provision (204) being provided to mount the integrated battery mounting structure (118) on the frame assembly (118) through lugs.
[058] Figure 4 illustrates a right-side view of a cover assembly covering the integrated battery mounting structure (118), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame assembly (100) is covered and protected by a cover assembly (400). The cover assembly (400) protects and covers the frame assembly (100) and the storage space (110) from external damage or collisions and also prevent entry of dirt and dust inside the saddle type vehicle. The cover assembly (400) comprising a primary cover (401) and a secondary cover (404). In one embodiment, the cover assembly (400) is attached on the saddle type vehicle through sandwich mount of three or more parts, namely side trim left and right, a cover bottom floorboard and a panel front on the frame assembly (100). With this mounting scheme in place, the requirement of additional separate brackets for individual parts is overcome.
[059] A portion of the integrated battery mounting structure (118) is configured to be covered and is disposed behind the primary cover (401). In one embodiment, a lower portion of the integrated battery mounting structure (118) is covered by the primary cover (401). A remaining portion of the integrated battery mounting structure (118) being covered and disposed behind the secondary cover (404). In one embodiment, an upper portion of the integrated battery mounting structure (118) is covered by the secondary cover (404). The primary cover (401) is further configured to cover a top region of a pillion foot rest (402) in one embodiment. The integrated battery mounting structure (118) is disposed close to the ground for better serviceability.
[060] In one embodiment, a lady pillion footrest is directly mounted on a pillion foot rest bracket on the lower side tube (104). The pillion foot rest (402) is a part of the frame assembly (100). The pillion foot rest (402) is bolted to the lower side tube (104) and the lower side tube (104) is welded on the frame assembly (100). The lady pillion footrest is dual bracket construction.. There is a bracket welded in the pillion foot rest end portion, which is having a lug extension that supports the lady pillion foot rest bracket in vehicle width direction with a bolt. The lady pillion footrest front bracket and rear bracket are bolted on to the lower side tubes (104).
[061] The primary cover (401) is configured to be removed to access or replace the battery being placed in the integrated battery mounting structure (118) during servicing. Further, by removing the primary cover (401) servicing of other electrical components are also carried out. The other electrical components being supported on the integrated battery mounting structure (118). The integrated battery mounting structure (118) being covered by the primary cover (401) which is closer to the ground, also facilitates natural cooling of the integrated battery mounting structure (118) by carrying away the heated air around the integrated battery mounting structure (118).
[062] Figure 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the integrated battery mounting structure (118), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The integrated battery mounting structure (118) is configured to accommodate the battery (not shown in the figures) and other electrical components (not shown in the figures). The integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to include a starter relay receiving portion (500) to receive a starter relay. The integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to include a flasher receiving portion (502) to receive a flasher unit. The integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to include a fuse receiving portion (504) to receive a fuse. The integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to include a battery receiving portion (506) to receive the battery and a TCI (Throttle control unit) receiving portion (508) to receive a TCI unit. The integrated battery mounting structure (118) provides ease of serviceability and ease of access of the battery and the other electrical components and therefore provides faster and easier serviceability.
[063] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Reference Numerals:


100 Frame Assembly
102 Main Tube
104 Lower Side Tube
106 Down Tube
108 Upper Side Tube
110 Storage Space
112 Head Tube
114 Handle Bar Assembly
116 Pair of Seat Rails
118 Integrated battery mounting structure
120 Front portion of the pair of seat rails
122 Top portion of the Down tube
124 Bottom portion of the main tube
200 First Attachment provision
,CLAIMS:1. A saddle type vehicle comprising:
a frame assembly (100), said frame assembly (100) being configured to have a storage structure (110);
said storage structure (110) being configured to be mounted on a pair of seat rails (116) of said frame assembly (100);
wherein
an integrated battery mounting structure (118) being partially accommodated in a depression (210) formed inwardly in a bottom portion (212) of said storage structure (110);
wherein a portion of said integrated battery mounting structure (118) extending inwardly in a stepped configuration of said storage structure (110).
2. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to be mounted on either left or right side of said saddle type vehicle.
3. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to be mounted on a portion of a pair of lower side tube (104), said pair of lower side tube (104) extending on both left side and right side of said frame assembly (100).
4. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to be mounted between a portion of said lower side tube (104) and a portion of an upper side tube, said pair of lower side tubes (104) extending on both left side and right side of said frame assembly (100) and said upper side tube (108) extending on both left side and right side of said frame assembly (100).
5. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to be mounted on said portion of said upper side tube (108), said upper side tube (108) extending on both left side and right side of said frame assembly (100).
6. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to be mounted below said storage space (110), said integrated battery mounting structure (118) being mounted to a bottom portion (124) of a main tube (102) of said frame assembly (100).
7. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said integrated battery mounting structure (118) comprising a first attachment provision (200) on said portion of said lower side tube (104) on any one of said left side and right side of said frame assembly (100).
8. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein said integrated battery mounting structure (118) comprising a second attachment provision (202) on said portion of said upper side tube (108), on either of said left side and right side of said frame assembly (100).
9. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein said integrated battery mounting structure (118) comprising a third attachment provision (204), to said bottom portion (124) of said main tube (102) of said frame assembly (100), below said bottom region (212) of said storage space (110).
10. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said first attachment provision (200), said second attachment provision (202) and said third attachment provision (204) enable mounting of said integrated battery mounting structure (118) to said frame assembly (118) through lugs.
11. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a portion of said integrated battery mounting structure (118) being disposed beneath a primary cover (401) and a remaining portion of said integrated battery mounting structure (118) being covered by a secondary cover (404) of a cover assembly (400) of said saddle type vehicle.
12. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integrated battery mounting structure (118) being configured to include a starter relay receiving portion (500), a flasher receiving portion (502), a fuse receiving portion (504), a battery receiving portion (506) and a TCI receiving portion (508).
13. A battery mounting structure (118) for holding a battery and one or more electronic components as claimed in claim 1; wherein, said storage structure (110) having a first horizontal wall and a second horizontal wall, between said first horizontal wall and said second horizontal wall, a storage space in the storage member being defined, wherein, said storage member having a frame resting portion, said frame resting portion being in contact with said pair of seat rails, wherein, any one side of said frame resting portion having a depression, said depression being a stepped configuration, said depression being configured to accommodate a partial portion of said battery mounting structure (118).