Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A component holder (100), comprising:
a first compartment (200) configured to hold a first component (102), the first compartment (200) having a holding member (214) for securely holding the first component (102) in the first compartment (200); and
a second compartment (300) configured to hold a second component (104).

2. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding member (214) comprises a strap (216) having a first end attached on the component holder (100); and a second end configured to be locked on the component holder (100).

3. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second compartment (300) comprises a plurality of snap locks (310) for securely holding the second component (104) in the second compartment (300).

4. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first compartment (200) comprises at least one guide member (212) configured to receive and guide the first component (102) inside the first compartment (200).

5. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a depth of the first compartment (200) is lower than a depth of the second compartment (300).

6. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first space (110) adjoining the first compartment (200) to mount a third component (112); a second space (120) adjoining the first compartment (200) to mount a fourth component (122); and a third space (130) adjoining the second compartment (300) to mount a fifth component (132).

7. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first compartment (200) has a rectangular-shaped cross-section.

8. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second compartment (300) has a trapezoidal-shaped cross-section.

9. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising curved edges for routing wires from the component holder (100) without damage.

10. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first compartment (200) comprises a back panel (210) having a plurality of perforations (218) for allowing ventilation to the first component (102).

11. The compartment holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of mounting flanges (135) configured for mounting the component holder (100) on any frame structure.

12. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of mounting flanges (135) comprise a first mounting flange (150) provided on a left side wall (206) of the first compartment (200); a second mounting flange (160) extending from a wall (302) of the second compartment (300); and a third mounting flange (140) extending from a right side wall (208) of the first compartment (200).

13. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a side cover mounting member (170) for mounting a left side cover 80A on the frame structure to enclose the first compartment (200), the second compartment (300), the first space (110), the second space (120), and the third space (130).

14. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 12, comprising a reinforcement member (180) extending from the second mounting flange (160) for rigidly supporting the component holder (100) on the frame structure, and providing mounting provisions for other components behind the component holder (100).

15. A saddle-type vehicle (10), comprising:
a frame structure (25) having a main pipe (40) extending rearwardly from a head pipe (22), at least one seat rail (50) extending rearwardly from the main pipe (40), and at least one rear down tube (60) extending between the at least one seat rail (50) and an engine rear mounting bracket (70); and
a component holder (100) having a first compartment (200) configured to hold a first component (102), and a second compartment (300) configured to hold a second component (104), the component holder (100) configured to be mounted on the frame structure (25) underneath a seat (18) in a space defined by a downward extension of the main pipe (40), the at least one seat rail (50), and the at least one rear down tube (60).

16. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the component holder (100) is disposed on a left side of the vehicle (10) when seen in a rear-front direction.

17. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first component (102) comprises a battery.

18. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first compartment (200) comprises a holding member (214) extending from a right side wall (208) of the first compartment (200) to the left side wall (206) of the first compartment (200), thereby securely holding the battery in the first compartment (200).

19. The saddle-type vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first compartment (200) comprises at least one guide member (212) configured to receive and guide the battery inside the first compartment (200).

20. The saddle-type vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first compartment (200) has a rectangular-shaped cross-section to match the outline of the battery.

21. The saddle-type vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first compartment (200) comprises a back panel (210) having a plurality of perforations (218) for allowing ventilation to the battery.

22. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second component (104) comprises an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the EMS (engine management system) of the vehicle (10).

23. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the second compartment (300) comprises a plurality of snap locks (310) for securely holding the ECU in the second compartment (300).

24. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the second compartment (300) has a trapezoidal-shaped cross-section to match the outline of the ECU.

25. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the component holder (100) comprises a plurality of mounting flanges (135) configured for mounting the component holder (100) on the frame structure (25).

26. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 25, wherein the plurality of mounting flanges (135) comprise a first mounting flange (150) configured for mounting the component holder (100) on the main pipe (40); a second mounting flange (160) configured for mounting the component holder (100) on the one of the at least one rear down tube (60); and a third mounting flange (140) configured for mounting the component holder (100) on the one of the at least one seat rail (50).

27. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one rear down tube (60) comprises a left rear down tube (60A); and the at least one seat rail (50) comprises a left seat rail (50A).

28. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 17 and 22, wherein a depth of the first compartment (200) receiving the battery is lower than a depth of the second compartment (300) receiving the ECU.

29. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the component holder (100) comprises a first space (110) adjoining the first compartment (200) to mount at least one of a starter relay or a flasher unit; and a second space (120) adjoining the first compartment (200) to mount at least one of the starter relay or the flasher unit.

30. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the component holder (100) comprises a third space (130) adjoining the second compartment (300) to mount at least one of a vehicle diagnostic coupler or a tool kit of the vehicle (10).

31. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 27, wherein the component holder (100) comprises a side cover mounting member (170) for mounting a left-side cover (80A) on the left rear down tube (60A) to enclose the first compartment (200), the second compartment (300), the first space (110), the second space (120), and the third space (130).

32. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 26 and 28, wherein the component holder (100) comprises a reinforcement member (180) extending between the second mounting flange (160) to a right rear down tube (60B) for supporting the component holder (100) on the frame structure (25).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a component holder for a powered device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In conventional saddle-type vehicles, Engine Management System Electronic Control Unit (EMS-ECU) is positioned in the rear of the vehicle while the engine remains towards the front of the vehicle. Resultantly, the length of the wiring harness connecting the EMS-ECU to the engine is increased, hence increasing the cost, voltage drop across the wiring harness and wastage of battery energy.
[003] In such conventional saddle-type vehicles, the EMS-ECU is also positioned away from the battery, further increasing the length of the wiring harness connecting the EMS-ECU to the battery, hence further increasing the cost, voltage drop across the wiring harness and the wastage of battery energy.
[004] The position of the battery in conventional saddle-type vehicles is proximal to the engine. Such positioning of the battery in the proximity of the engine also exposes the battery to higher temperatures affecting the performance of the battery.
[005] Such separate mountings of the EMS-ECU and the battery also increases the number of parts. The higher number of parts results in greater vibration during the running of the vehicle. In addition to that, the cost and man hours required in their production, assembly, servicing, and maintenance are also increased. Further, in conventional battery holders, the edges of the holder are sharp, increasing the possibility of damage to the wiring harness of the battery and electrical components.
[006] Another issue with conventional mounting of the EMS-ECU is that it can be accessed merely by removing a single cover without having to remove the seat by the vehicle key. Such non-requirement of vehicle key to access the EMS-ECU makes it theft prone. The assembly and replacement of the EMS-ECU in case of theft is cumbersome.
[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a component holder which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed a component holder having a first compartment configured to hold a first component. The first compartment has a holding member for securely holding the first component in the first compartment. The component holder further has a second compartment configured to hold a second component.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the holding member is a strap having a first end attached on the component holder and a second end configured to be locked on the component holder.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the second compartment has a plurality of snap locks for securely holding the second component in the second compartment.
[011] In another embodiment of the invention, the first compartment comprises at least one guide member configured to receive and guide the first component inside the first compartment.
[012] In another embodiment of the invention, a depth of the first compartment is lower than a depth of the second compartment.
[013] In another embodiment of the invention, the component holder has a first space adjoining the first compartment to mount a third component, a second space adjoining the first compartment to mount a fourth component and a third space adjoining the second compartment to mount a fifth component.
[014] In another embodiment of the invention, the first compartment has a rectangular-shaped cross-section, and the second compartment has a trapezoidal-shaped cross-section.
[015] In another embodiment of the invention, the component holder has curved edges for routing wires from the component holder without damage.
[016] In another embodiment of the invention, the first compartment has a back panel having a plurality of perforations for allowing ventilation to the first component.
[017] In another embodiment of the invention, the component holder has a plurality of mounting flanges configured for mounting the component holder on any frame structure.
[018] In a further embodiment of the invention, the plurality of mounting flanges comprise a first mounting flange provided on a left side wall of the first compartment, a second mounting flange extending from a wall of the second compartment; and a third mounting flange extending from a right side wall of the first compartment.
[019] In another embodiment of the invention, the component holder has a side cover mounting member for mounting a left side cover on the frame structure to enclose the first compartment, the second compartment, the first space, the second space, and the third space.
[020] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the component holder has a reinforcement member extending from the second mounting flange for rigidly supporting the component holder on the frame structure, and providing mounting provisions for other components behind the component holder.
[021] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a saddle-type vehicle having a frame structure. The frame structure having a main pipe extending rearwardly from a head pipe, a seat rail extending rearwardly from the main pipe, and a rear down tube provided between the seat rail and an engine rear mounting bracket. Further, a component holder is mounted on the frame structure underneath a seat in a space adjacent to the main pipe and defined by the seat rail, and the rear down tube. The component holder has a first compartment configured to hold a first component, and a second compartment configured to hold a second component.
[022] In an embodiment of the invention, the component holder is disposed on a left side of the vehicle when seen in a rear-front direction.
[023] In another embodiment of the invention, the first component is a battery. In this regard, the first compartment has a holding member for securely holding the battery in the first compartment. Further, the first compartment has at least one guide member configured to receive and guide the battery inside the first compartment. Further, the first compartment has rectangular-shaped cross-section to match outline of the battery. Furthermore, the first compartment has a back panel having a plurality of perforations for allowing ventilation to the battery.
[024] In another embodiment of the invention, the second component is an Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the EMS (engine management system) of the vehicle. In this regard, second compartment has a plurality of snap locks for securely holding the ECU in the second compartment. Further, the second compartment has a trapezoidal-shaped cross-section to match the outline of the ECU.
[025] In another embodiment of the invention, the component holder has a plurality of mounting flanges configured for mounting the component holder on the frame structure.
[026] In a further embodiment of the invention, the plurality of mounting flanges includes a first mounting flange configured for mounting the component holder on the main pipe, a second mounting flange configured for mounting the component holder on the rear down tube, and a third mounting flange configured for mounting the component holder on the seat rail.
[027] In another embodiment of the invention, the rear down tube is a left rear down tube, and the seat rail is a left seat rail.
[028] In a further embodiment of the invention, depth of the first compartment receiving the battery is lower than depth of the second compartment receiving the ECU.
[029] In another embodiment of the invention, the component holder has a first space adjoining the first compartment to mount at least one of a starter relay or a flasher unit, a second space adjoining the first compartment to mount at least one of the starter relay or the flasher unit, and a third space adjoining the second compartment to mount at least of a vehicle diagnostic coupler or a tool kit of the vehicle.
[030] In a further embodiment of the invention, the component holder has a side cover mounting member for mounting a left-side cover to enclose the first compartment, the second compartment, the first space, the second space, and the third space; and a reinforcement member extending between the second mounting flange to a right rear down tube for supporting the component holder on the frame structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[031] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a component holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows an exemplary saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows a front view of the component holder in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 shows the component holder mounted on a frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the component holder mounted on the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the component holder and the components placed therein in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 shows a rear perspective view of the component holder mounted on the frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[032] The present invention relates to a component holder for a powered device. The powered device may be a vehicle, more specifically, a saddle type vehicle, a household power supply, household backup power, etc. More particularly, the present invention relates to a component holder for a saddle type vehicle.
[033] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a component holder 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the component holder 100 has a first compartment 200 and a second compartment 300. The first compartment 200 receives a first component 102 and the second compartment 300 receives a second component 104. In this regard, the first compartment 200 is configured according to shape and configuration of the first component 102. In an embodiment of the invention, the first compartment 200 has a rectangular-shaped cross section. The second compartment 300 is configured according to shape and configuration of the second component 104. In an embodiment of the invention, the second compartment 300 has a trapezoidal-shaped cross section. As shown in the Figure, the first compartment is defined by a bottom wall 202, a top wall 204, a left side wall 206, a right side wall 208 and a back panel 210.
[034] In an embodiment of the invention, as referenced in Figure 3, the first compartment 200 of the component holder 100 has a holding member 214 for securely holding the first component 102 in the first compartment 200. The holding member 214 has a strap 216. In an embodiment of the invention, the strap 216 is a metallic strap. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the strap 216 is a polymer strap. A first end 214A of the holding member 214 is hingedly attached on the component holder 100, and a second end 214B of the holding member 214 is configured to be locked on the component holder 100 such that the strap 216 runs across the face of the first component 102 and thereby securely holding the first component 102 in the first compartment 200. The second end 214B of the holding member 214 may be locked on the component holder 100 by means of a key-lock mechanism 218, thus also making the first component 102 less prone to theft. In an alternate embodiment, the second end 214B of the holding member 214 may be locked on the component holder 100 by means of snap fit mechanism. The holding member 214 securely holds the first component 102 in place, even in case of high vibrations.
[035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second compartment 300 further has a plurality of snap locks 310 for securely holding the second component 104 in the second compartment 300. Snap locks 310 are locks wherein once the second component 104 is pushed into place, the snap locks 310 perform the locking automatically to securely hold the second component 104, and the second component 104 is held in place even in case of high vibrations.
[036] In an embodiment of the invention, a depth of the first compartment 200 is lower than a depth of the second compartment 300.
[037] In an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the Figure 1, and referenced in Figure 3, the component holder 100 further has a first space 110 adjoining the first compartment 200 to mount a third component 112 and a second space 120 adjoining the first compartment 200 to mount a fourth component 122. In an embodiment of the invention, the first space 110 and the second space 120 adjoin the outer surface of the left side wall 206 of the first compartment 200. The component holder 100 further has a third space 130 adjoining the second compartment 300 to mount a fifth component 132.
[038] In an embodiment of the invention, the component holder 100 has curved edges, which allows for routing wires from the first compartment 200 and the second compartment 300 of the component holder 100 without damage from the otherwise sharp edges of the conventional configurations.
[039] In an embodiment of the invention, the back panel 210 of the first compartment 200 is provided with a plurality of perforations 218 so as to allow circulation of air onto around the first component 102 for ventilation thereby preventing overheating of the first component 102. The perforations 218 are provided such that they allow ventilation to the first component 102 without compromising the structural strength of the component holder 100.
[040] The component holder 100 may be mounted on a frame structure of the powered device (battery backup, vehicle, etc.) which has mounting provisions to allow mounting of the component holder 100. One such embodiment of mounting of the component holder 100 on a frame structure 25 of a vehicle is as shown in Figs. 3-7.
[041] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The saddle type vehicle 10 comprises an IC engine 12 that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the IC engine 12 is a single-cylinder type IC engine. The saddle type vehicle 10 further comprises a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame structure 25 (shown in Figure 4), a seat 18, and a fuel tank 20. Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the frame structure 25 includes a head pipe 22, a main pipe 40, at least one rear down tube 60, and at least one seat rail 50. The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 26 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front suspensions 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 30 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to both sides. A head light 32, a visor guard (not shown,) and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The frame structure comprises a front down tube 44 that may be located in front of the IC engine 12 and extends slantingly downward from the head pipe 22. The main pipe 40 of the frame structure 25 is located above the IC engine 12 and extends rearward from the head pipe 22. The IC engine 12 is mounted, at the front, to the front down tube 44 and at the rear the IC engine 12 is mounted to a rear engine mounting bracket 70. In an embodiment, the IC engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the IC engine 12 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the front down tube 44.
[042] The fuel tank 20 is mounted on the horizontal portion of the main pipe 40. Seat rails 50 are joined to the main pipe 40 and extend rearward to support a seat 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame structure 25 to swing vertically, and a rear wheel 16 is connected to a rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension 36 or through two suspensions on either side of the saddle type vehicle 10 (as illustrated in the present embodiment). A taillight unit 33 is disposed at the end of the saddle type vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat 18. A grab rail 37 is also provided on the rear of the seat rails 50. The rear wheel 16 arranged below seat 18 rotates by the driving force of the IC engine 12 transmitted through a drive system (not shown) from the IC engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[043] Further, an exhaust pipe (not shown) of the vehicle 10 extends vertically downward from the IC engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the IC engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler (not shown) is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[044] Figure 3 illustrates the front view of the component holder 100 mounted on the frame structure 25 of the saddle-type vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the first component 102 is a battery. Accordingly, as described hereinbefore, the first compartment 200 is configured to receive and house the battery, as is also referenced in Figure 6. In an embodiment of the invention, the first compartment 200 is configured to house more than one battery. As referenced in Figure 1, the first compartment 200 further has multiple guide members 212 provided on the side walls 206, 208 to guide the first component 102 inside the first compartment 200. In this embodiment, a plurality of channels are provided in the form of guide members 212 inside the right side wall 208 of the first compartment 200. The channels in the form of guide members 212 interlock with corresponding depressions/ protrusions (not shown) provided on external surface of the battery. Such arrangement helps in placing/removal of the battery inside the first compartment 200 with ease.
[045] As illustrated in Figure 3, the first compartment 200 has the holding member 214 for securely holding the battery in the first compartment 200. Further, the first compartment 200 has plurality of perforations 218 to provide ventilation to the battery.
[046] In an embodiment of the invention, the second component 104 is an Engine Management System- Electronic Control Unit (EMS-ECU). The second compartment 300 is configured such that section of the second compartment 300 matches with the contour of the EMS-ECU, thus allowing the second compartment 300 to accommodate the EMS-ECU, as is also referenced in Figure 6. In this embodiment, as is clearly illustrated in Figure 7, the depth of the second compartment 300 is greater than the depth of the first compartment 100, as is required to fully accommodate the EMS-ECU. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the section of the second compartment 300 is a trapezoidal section to match with the trapezoidal outline of the EMS-ECU.
[047] In this embodiment, the second compartment 300 further has plurality of snap locks 310 for securely holding the EMS-ECU in the second compartment 300.
[048] In an embodiment of the invention, the component holder 100 further has the first space 110 adjoining the first compartment 200 to mount the third component 112. In an embodiment, the third component 112 is at least one of a starter relay or a flasher unit. The component holder 100 also has the second space 120 adjoining the first compartment 200 to mount the fourth component 122. In an embodiment, the fourth component is at least one of the starter relay or the flasher unit. The component holder 100 further has the third space 130 adjoining the second compartment 300 to mount the fifth component 132. In an embodiment, the fifth component is at least one of a vehicle diagnostic coupler or a tool kit of the vehicle.
[049] Figure 4 further illustrates the component holder 100 mounted on the frame structure 25 of the vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in the Figure, the component holder 100 is configured to be mounted on the frame structure 25 underneath the seat 18. The component holder 100 is mounted in a space adjacent to the main pipe 40, more particularly a downward arcuate extension of the main pipe 40. As illustrated in the Figure, the space for mounting the component holder 100 is defined by the seat rails 50, and the rear down tubes 60 provided extending from the seat rails 50 to the rear engine mounting bracket 70. In an embodiment of the invention, the component holder 100 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 10, when seen in a rear front direction extending from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle. In that, the component holder 100 is mounted in a space adjacent to the main pipe 40 and defined by a left seat rail 50A and a left rear down tube 60A.
[050] In an embodiment of the invention, the component holder 100 has a plurality of outwardly protruding mounting flanges 135 for mounting the component holder 100 on any frame structure of any powered device. The plurality of outwardly mounting flanges 135 include a first mounting flange 150 that is provided on the left side wall 206 of the first compartment 200, a second mounting flange 160 that extends from a wall 302 (shown in Figure 1) of the second compartment 300, and a third mounting flange 140 that extends from the right-side wall 208 of the first compartment 200.
[051] To facilitate the mounting of the component holder 100 on the frame structure 25 of the saddle-type vehicle 10 as shown in Figure 4, the component holder 100 has the plurality of outwardly protruding mounting flanges 135 configured for mounting the component holder 100 on the frame structure 25 of the vehicle 10. The mounting flanges 135 has through holes such that when the mounting flanges 135 are placed in their desired position on the main pipe 40, the seat rail 50, and the rear down tube 60 respectively, the through holes allow for a fastener to pass through, on to the flanges on the frame structure 25 to be fastened into position thereby allowing for the component holder 100 to be mounted on the frame structure 25. In an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, and referenced in Figure 3, the component holder 100 has the first mounting flange 150 configured for mounting the component holder 100 on the main pipe 40 via a main pipe flange 42, the second mounting flange 160 configured for mounting the component holder 100 on the rear down tube 60 via a rear down tube flange 62, and the third mounting flange 140 configured for mounting the component holder 100 on the seat rail 50 via a seat rail flange 52.
[052] As further illustrated in Figure 5, the component holder 100 has a side cover mounting member 170 (shown in Figure 1) for mounting a left-side cover 80A or a right-side cover of any powered device on its frame structure. In an embodiment of the invention, the component holder 100 has the side cover mounting member 170 for mounting the left-side cover 80A or the right-side cover of the vehicle 10 on the frame structure 25 of the vehicle. The side cover mounting member 170 has a first end 170A having a through hole. In an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 5, and referenced in Figure 2, the first end 170A of the side cover mounting member 170 is configured to abut the left rear down tube 60A such that the through holes allow for a fastener to pass from the left-side cover 80A through the first end 170A of the side cover mounting member 170A on to the frame structure 25 to be fastened into position thereby allowing for the left-hand side cover 80A to be mounted on the vehicle frame structure 25 and thereby enclosing the first compartment 200, the second compartment 300, the first space 110, the second space 120, and the third space 130.
[053] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the component holder 100 and the components 102, 104, 112, 122 accommodated therein, along with the main pipe flange 42, the rear down tube flange 62 and the seat rail flange 52 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[054] As illustrated in Figure 7, the component holder 100 has a reinforcement member 180 extending below the second compartment 200 between the second mounting flange 160 to a right rear down tube 60B for supporting the component holder 100 on the frame structure 25.
[055] Advantageously, the present invention provides a component holder which allows for the EMS-ECU to be placed in vicinity of the engine and the battery hence reducing the length of the wiring harness required to connect the EMS-ECU to the engine and the EMS-ECU to the battery, thereby reducing the cost, voltage drop across the wiring harness and wastage of battery energy. The positioning of the battery in the present invention prevents the battery from being exposed to high temperatures, which it would have been otherwise exposed to if placed in the proximity of the engine, hence improving the battery performance. The provision of perforations for ventilation in the first compartment improves the ventilation for the battery and the ECU aiding natural convention.
[056] Further, the component holder of the present invention, being a singular component holder, not only reduces the vibrations, but also reduces the cost and man hours required in their production, assembly, servicing, and maintenance of the component holder and the components within or on it.
[057] Furthermore, in the present invention, the mounting of the battery and EMS-ECU underneath the seat means that to access the EMS-ECU and the battery, the seat will have to be removed first using the vehicle key, which was otherwise not required to access the EMS-ECU in the prior art. This, in addition to the key-lock mechanism in the holding member, ensures that both the components are less prone to theft.
[058] In addition, space above the battery in the first compartment ensures it can accommodate batteries of different sizes and also allows expansion of the gases in the space, to prevent any catastrophes due to failure of the battery. Guided mounting of the battery and the ECU using the guide members and the snap locks allow for ease in assembly, manufacturing, repair, servicing.
[059] Furthermore, entry of mud, gravel, rainwater, dust into the battery and the ECU is prevented due to its location, the shape of the component holder, and the left cover and the right cover. The mounting of the component holder on one side of the frame structure closer to the engine provides space for mounting other components of the other side of the frame structure in the vehicle. The edges of the battery holder are rounded, preventing cutting of the wiring harness extending from the battery, due to bending at the edges of the holder. The location and the mounting of the component holder on the frame structure in the vehicle balances the centre of gravity of the vehicle in its lateral direction. The EMI/EMC issues between the battery, the EMS ECU and the other controller and components of the EMS are managed by the component holder. The EMI/EMC between the battery and the ECU are also arrested by the component holder and side covers covering the battery and the ECU. Finally, the component holder is modular can be fit to any vehicle or any application with similar mounting provisions on the frame structure.
[060] 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.