Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

A FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

APPLICANT:

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian Company at: “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

 
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two or three wheeled vehicle. For ease of reference both two and three wheeled vehicles are referred together hereinafter as vehicle and/or electric vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a frame assembly of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a layout of an electric vehicle consists of electrical components like motor controller unit (MCU), vehicle control unit (VCU), converters and other mechanical parts like prop stand, Lady pillion foot rest (LPFR) etc. The arrangement of these electrical and mechanical components plays a major role in determining a lateral center of gravity which impacts stability and handling of the vehicle.
[0003] In most known vehicles, the electrical and the mechanical components are located or packaged without considering mass distribution which affects lateral centre of gravity (CG) of vehicle. This can further cause the vehicle to have higher magnitude of lateral centre of gravity & also creates unwanted yaw in the vehicle.
[0004] Closed packaging of the components also create issues in cooling, serviceability and performance of the vehicle as it leads to heating issues and serviceability problems. In case of electric vehicle, the motor controller is usually located in the center of the vehicle, the utility space of the vehicle is also compromised.
[0005] Earlier attempts have been made to address some of the issues like serviceability and accessibility of components by placing the heavier components like motor control unit on the floorboard of the vehicle. This further aggravates the problem of an undesirable centre of gravity. Such location of the motor controller at the centre of the vehicle poses the following problems of instability, poor serviceability, poor cooling of electrical components and compromise in utility space of the vehicle.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide an arrangement configuration of heavier electric and electronic components like motor controller unit with respect to other components including VCU, DC-DC converter, prop stand, LPFR to provide zero lateral center of gravity to the vehicle thereby eliminating the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a frame assembly along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle in one embodiment of the invention.
[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of the vehicle in one embodiment of the invention.
[00010] Figure 3 illustrates a partial rear view of the vehicle without rear body panels in one embodiment of the invention.
[00011] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a frame assembly of the vehicle in one embodiment of the invention.
[00012] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the frame assembly of the vehicle in one embodiment of the invention.
[00013] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the frame assembly of the vehicle in one embodiment of the invention.
[00014] Figure 7 illustrates a side perspective view of the clamping assembly fixed on the frame assembly of the vehicle in one embodiment of the invention.
[00015] Figure 8 illustrates a side perspective view of the clamping assembly of the vehicle in one embodiment of the invention.
[00016] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of the clamping assembly of the vehicle in one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00017] In order to achieve one or more of the above-mentioned objectives and other related objectives, the present invention provides a frame assembly for a vehicle and a two or three wheeled vehicle.
[00018] The frame assembly of the vehicle is configured such that one or more heavy electrical component, for example, the motor control unit, is mounted on one side of the vehicle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle while some mechanical components like prop stand, LPFR along with other electrical/ electronic components, for example, VCUs, converters are packed on other side of the vehicle. This provides a well-balanced configuration and nullifies or substantially reduces the magnitude of lateral centre of gravity. The electrical components in the frame assembly are also placed such that it does not interfere with the mechanical components. The placement of the electronic components on respective sides of the vehicle on the frame also provides ease of access and thus, leads to easier serviceability easier.
[00019] In this way, the above configuration of the frame assembly will achieve enhanced stability, serviceability and improved cooling of electrical components while ensuring the balanced centre of gravity for the vehicle.
[00020] As per one embodiment of the invention, a frame assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The frame assembly comprises of down frame and a main frame. The main frame is attached to the down frame. The frame assembly comprises of at least a pair of rear frames which are being extended in a rear direction of the vehicle. The rear frames are attached to the main frame wherein the pair of rear frames are configured to support a seat of the vehicle. The seat is disposed above an electrical component assembly. The electrical components assembly comprises a plurality of controller units having a first of the plurality of controller units being disposed on a first side of the vehicle. A remainder of the plurality of controller units is disposed on a second side of the vehicle. The first side and the second side of the vehicle are defined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
[00021] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly for the vehicle, the first of the plurality of control units is mounted on one of the pair of rear frames.
[00022] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly for the vehicle, the electrical components assembly includes a battery, a power converter, a relay, a vehicle control unit, a motor control unit and an engine control unit.
[00023] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly for the vehicle, the first of the plurality of the control units is a motor controller unit and the remainder of the plurality of control units include a vehicle control unit and an engine control unit.
[00024] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly for the vehicle, the first side of the vehicle is a right side of the vehicle. The right side is defined by a longitudinal axis of the vehicle when seen in a top-view of the vehicle.
[00025] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly for the vehicle, the remaining set of the plurality of control units is disposed on the left side of the vehicle along with a side stand, a lady pillion footrest and a one or more power converters.
[00026] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly for the vehicle, the first of the plurality of control units is mounted on the rear frame which is on the right side of the vehicle.
[00027] As per another embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly for the vehicle, the first of the plurality of control units is being mounted on the rear frame using a bracket assembly. The bracket assembly further comprises at least one vertical member which is detachably attached to the rear frame. The bracket assembly also comprises at least one horizontal member which is being attached to the vertical member. The vertical member and the horizontal member are configured to support the first set of the plurality of control units using a plurality of first attachment means.
[00028] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly for the vehicle, a battery box is installed between the pair of rear frames. The battery box is configured to support one or more battery. The batteries are secured to the battery box.
[00029] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly for the vehicle, the battery box includes a plurality of mounting means. The battery is secured to the battery box using a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly comprises a mounting strap having two ends and each of the two ends is detachably attached to the mounting means provided on the battery box using s attachment means. Further, at least one end of the mounting strap is attached to the battery box using an elastic member. The elastic member is configured to enable adjustment of a tension in the mounting strap.
[00030] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the frame assembly for the vehicle, the mounting strap includes one or more buckles which are configured to adjust a length of the mounting strap and allow opening and closing of the mounting strap. A one or more magnets are attached to the mounting strap near the buckles. The magnets are configured to allow temporary attachment of the mounting strap to at least a portion of the rear frame in an open condition.
[00031] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a two or three wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises an electrical components assembly including a plurality of controller units which is configured to control an operation of the vehicle or a part thereof. The vehicle also has a frame assembly for providing skeletal support of the vehicle. The frame assembly includes at least one pair of rear frames. The pair of rear frames are being extended in a rear direction of the vehicle. The pair of rear frames are configured to support a seat of the vehicle. The seat is disposed above an electrical component assembly. The electrical components assembly comprises of at least a plurality of controller units. A first of the plurality of controller units being disposed on a first side of the vehicle and a remainder of the plurality of controller units being disposed on a second side of the vehicle. The first side and the second side of the vehicle are defined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
[00032] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the two or three wheeled vehicle, the electrical assembly includes a power converter which is configured to regulate a power flow in the electric vehicle. The power converter is disposed on the second side of the vehicle along with a side stand and a lady pillion footrest.
[00033] As per one embodiment of the invention, in the two or three wheeled vehicle is an electric vehicle that comprises an electric motor which is configured to propel the vehicle. The first of the plurality of controller units is a motor control unit.
[00034] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment in a frame assembly of a two-wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosed invention is not limited to the present embodiments.
[00035] Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 illustrate side, top and open back views respectively of a vehicle 100. The Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3 have been taken together for the discussion. The vehicle 100 comprises an electrical components assembly 300 (shown in Figure 4) that includes a plurality of controller units (301, 303, 304) which are configured to control an operation of the vehicle 100 or a part thereof. A seat 201 is supported by a frame assembly 200 (shown in Fig. 4 in the vehicle 100. A side stand 202 (shown in Fig. 4) and a lady pillion footrest (203) is disposed on one side of the vehicle 100. The vehicle may belong to the group of two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle as long as the vehicle uses the said configuration.
[00036] Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6 illustrate side perspective, top and side view, respectively of a frame assembly 200 of the vehicle 100 (shown in Fig. 1). The Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6 have been taken together for the discussion. The frame assembly 200 comprises of a down frame 200D, a main frame 200M which is attached to the down frame 200D. A pair of rear frames 200R1, 200R2 are extended in a rear direction R of the vehicle 100. The rear frames 200R1, 200R2 are attached to the main frame 200M. The pair of rear frames 200R1, 200R2 are configured to support the seat 201 (shown in Fig. 2). In the electrical components assembly 300, a first controller unit (301) of the plurality of controller units (301, 303, 304) is disposed on a first side of the vehicle 100 while remaining controller units (303, 304) are disposed on second set of the vehicle 100. The first side and the second side of the vehicle 100 are defined with respect to longitudinal axis Y-Y’ (shown in Fig.5) of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the first side of the vehicle is the right side of the vehicle as defined by the longitudinal axis Y-Y’. The first controller unit (301) of the plurality of control units (301, 303, 304) is mounted on one of the pair of rear frames 200R1, 200R2. In this embodiment, the right side (200R2) is used to mount the first of the controller units (301, 303, 304). The said arrangement plays a major role in arriving at zero lateral centre of gravity which achieves stability and handling of the vehicle 100. The electrical components assembly 300 includes a battery 306, a power converter 307, a relay, a vehicle control unit 303, a motor control unit 301, an engine control unit 304. In this embodiment, the first of the plurality of control units (301, 303, 304) is the motor control unit 301 while the remaining plurality of controller units (304, 303) includes the vehicle control unit 303 and the engine control unit 304. The remaining plurality of control units (304, 303) are disposed on the second side (opposite to the first side) of the vehicle 100 along with the side stand 202, the lady pillion footrest 203 and the one or more power converters 307. The second side is the left side of the vehicle 100. As the motor control unit 301 is packaged away from the other electrical components, the serviceability and coupler accessibility are thereby improved. Further, since the motor control unit 301 is a heavy electrical component, this configuration also enables reduced magnitude of lateral centre of gravity because of the balanced distribution of the electrical components on the frame assembly 200. This configuration also leads to ease of assembling of the electrical components. The positioning of the motor control unit 301 also ensures its better cooling as against when it was placed in between other components in the more interior portions of the vehicle. High-heating motor control unit 301 is packaged away from other electrical components to facilitate heat dissipation and thus improved cooling of the electrical components due to natural air flowing. A bracket assembly 400 (shown in Fig 6) is configured to mount the plurality of control units 301, 303, 304 on the rear frames 200R1, 200R2. The bracket assembly 400 comprises of vertical members 400vm and horizontal members 400hm. The vertical member 400vm and the horizontal members 300hm are configured to support the motor control unit 301 on the rear frame (200R2) using a plurality of first attachment means 500. The vertical members 400vm are detachably attached to the rear frame 200R1, 200R2D and the horizontal members 400hm are attached to the vertical member 400vm. First attachment means 500 used herein known in the art such as nuts and bolts are used attaching the above said components. A battery box 305 is installed between the pair of rear frames 200R1, 200R2. The battery box 305 is being configured to support and secure one or more batteries 306.
[00037] Figure 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a clamping assembly 700 being placed on the frame assembly 200 (shown Fig. 6) of the vehicle 100 (shown in Fig. 3). Figure 8 and Figure 9 illustrate a side perspective view and an exploded view respectively of the clamping assembly 700. The Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10 have been taken together for the discussion. The battery box 305 includes a plurality of mounting means 700N. The battery (306) is secured to the battery box 305 using a clamping assembly 700. The clamping assembly 700 comprises of a mounting strap 700m. The mounting strap 700m has two ends and each of the two ends are detachably attached to the mounting means 700N which are provided on the battery box 305 using second attachment means 700am. In this embodiment, the mounting means 700N are configured to include protruding portions on the surface of the battery box 305 wherein the mounting means 700N have openings to receive the attachment means 700am. The second attachment means 700am can be those known in the art such as nuts and bolts. The second attachment means 700am pass through an end of the mounting strap 700m and are secured into the openings of the mounting means 700N. A one end of the mounting strap 700m is attached to the battery box 305 using an elastic member 700e which is a compression spring. The elastic member 700e is configured to enable adjustment of a tension in the mounting strap 700m. The elastic member 700e is disposed between the one end of the mounting strap 700m and the mounting means 700N. The elastic member 700e is in the form of a compression spring through which the second attachment means 700am is passed before securing the mounting strap 700m to the mounting means 700N. As the mounting strap 700m is mounted to the battery box 305 with the help of elastic member 700e, the slackness of the mounting strap 700m can be adjusted by the compression. The mounting strap 700m includes one or more buckles for adjusting a length of the mounting strap 700m and allow opening and closing of the mounting strap 700m. The mounting strap 700m includes one or more magnets 700mag which are attached to the mounting strap 700m near the buckles 700b. The magnets 700mag are being configured to allow temporary attachment of the mounting strap 700m to at least a portion of the rear frame 200R1, 200R2 in an open condition. The magnets 700mag appears stitched to a portion near the area where the buckles 700b are holding the battery 306. This gives the advantage of using the same mounting strap 700m for clamping multiple batteries of different sizes and configuration. Further, the mounting strap 700m can always remain accessible as they are stuck on the rear frame 200R1 200R2 by using the magnets 700mag provided on the buckles 700b. This way any unwanted tangling of the mounting strap 700m with other components can be avoided and they remain easily accessible to a user. This configuration ensures that heavy components like batteries are suitably located between the rear frame 200R1, 200R2 in a central location which also provides a balanced assembly while the weight of the other heavy components like motor control unit 301 on right side of the vehicle is balanced by the counterweight of the other electrical and mechanical components on the other side. This ensures that the vehicle can avoid weight imbalance while ensuring easier accessibility of the components for service and assembly and effective cooling thereof. This configuration and assembly also ensure that the above advantages are realized without altering the vehicular architecture thereby saving costs associated with changing said architecture. While the embodiments have been described with respect to a two wheeled vehicle, the same is not limited to such type of vehicles. The inventive concept and the advantages thereto can be realized by applying the similar principles to a three wheeled vehicle as well.
[00038] The embodiments of this invention are not limited to particularly two-wheeled vehicle and can cover any type of vehicle involving the frame assembly along with the bracket assembly and the clamping assembly. For example, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and ““they”” can include plural referents unless the content clearly indicates otherwise. Further, when introducing elements/components/etc. of the assembly/system described and/or illustrated herein, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there is one or more of the element(s)/component(s)/etc. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional element(s)/component(s)/etc. other than the listed element(s)/component(s)/etc.
[00039] This written description uses examples to provide details on the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
[00040] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. 
List of Reference numerals:

100 Vehicle
200 Frame assembly
200D Down frame
200M Main frame
200R1, 200R2 Pair of rear frames
201 Seat
202 Side stand
203 Lady pillion footrest
300 Electrical components assembly
301, 303, 304 Plurality of electrical components
301 Motor control unit
302 Prime mover
303 Vehicle control unit
304 Engine control unit
305 Battery box
306 Battery
307 Power converter
400 Bracket assembly
400vm Vertical member
400hm Horizontal member
500 First attachment means
700 Clamping assembly
700m Mounting strap
700N mounting means
700am Second attachment means
700e Elastic member
700b One or more buckles
700mag
One or more Magnets

 
, C , Claims:We Claim:
1. A frame assembly (200) for a vehicle (100), the frame assembly (200) comprising:
at least one down frame (200D);
at least one main frame(200M), the main frame (200M) being attached to the down frame (200D);
at least one pair of rear frames (200R1, 200R2), the pair of rear frames (200R1, 200R2) being extended in a rear direction (R) of the vehicle (100) and being attached to the main frame (200M);
wherein
the pair of rear frames (200R1, 200R2) being configured to support a seat (201) of the vehicle (100), the seat (201) being disposed above an electrical component assembly (300), the electrical components assembly (300) comprising at least a plurality of controller units (301, 303, 304);
a first of the plurality of controller units (301, 303, 304) being disposed on a first side of the vehicle (100);
the remainder of the plurality of controller units (301, 303, 304) being disposed on a second side of the vehicle (100); and
the first side and the second side of the vehicle (100) being defined with respect to longitudinal axis (Y-Y') of the vehicle (100).
2. The frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first of the plurality of control units (301, 303, 304) being mounted on one of the pair of rear frames (200D).
3. The frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical components assembly (300) includes a battery (306), a power converter (307), a relay, a vehicle control unit (303), a motor control unit (301) and an engine control unit (304).
4. The frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first of the plurality of the control units (301, 303, 304) is a motor controller unit (301) and the remainder of the plurality of control units (301, 304, 303) comprise a vehicle control unit (303) and an engine control unit (304).
5. The frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first side of the vehicle (100) is a right side of the vehicle (100) the right side being defined by a longitudinal axis (Y-Y’) of the vehicle (100) when seen in a top-view of the vehicle (100).
6. The frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the remainder of the plurality of control units (301, 304, 303) being disposed on a left side of the vehicle (100) along with a side stand (202), lady pillion footrest (203) and one or more power converters (307).
7. The frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first of the plurality of control units (301, 303, 304) being mounted on a rear frame (200R2), the rear frame (200R2) being on the right side of the vehicle (100).
8. The frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein:
the first of the plurality of control units (301, 303, 304) being mounted on the rear frame (200R2) using a bracket assembly (400), the bracket assembly (400) comprising:
at least one vertical member (400vm), the vertical member (400vm) being detachably attached to the rear frame (200R2);
at least one horizontal member (400hm), the horizontal member (400hm) being attached to the vertical member (400vm); and
the vertical member (400vm) and the horizontal member (400hm) being configured to support the first of the plurality of control units (301, 303, 304) using a plurality of first attachment means (500).
9. The frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery box (305) being installed between the pair of rear frames (200R1, R2), the battery box (305) being configured to support one or more battery (306) and the battery (306) being secured to the battery box (305).

10. The frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the battery box (305) includes a plurality of mounting means (700N) and the battery (306) being secured to the battery box (305) using a clamping assembly (700), the clamping assembly (700) comprising:
a mounting strap (700m), the mounting strap (700m) having two ends and each of the two ends being detachably attached to mounting means (700N) provided on the battery box (305) using a second attachment (700am) means; and
at least one end of the mounting strap (700m) being attached to the battery box (305) using an elastic member (700e), the elastic member (700e) being configured to enable adjustment of a tension in the mounting strap (700m).
11. The frame assembly (200) for the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10 wherein the mounting strap (700m) includes
one or more buckles (700b), the buckles (700b) being configured to adjust a length of the mounting strap (700m) and allow opening and closing of the mounting strap (700m); and
one or more magnets (700mag), the one or more magnets (700mag) being attached to the mounting strap (700m) near the buckles (700b) and the magnets (700mag) being configured to allow temporary attachment of the mounting strap (700m) to at least a portion of one of the rear frames (200R1, R2) in an open condition.
12. A two or three wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
an electrical components assembly (300), the electrical components assembly including:
a plurality of controller units (301, 303, 304), the plurality of controller units (301, 303, 304) being configured to control an operation the electric vehicle (100) or a part thereof;
a frame assembly (200) for skeletal support of the vehicle (100), the frame assembly (200) including:
at least one pair of rear frames (200R1, 200R2), the pair of rear frames (200R1, 200R2) being extended in a rear direction (R) of the vehicle (100); wherein
the pair of rear frames (200R1, 200R2) being configured to support a seat (201) of the vehicle (100), the seat (201) being disposed above the electrical component assembly (300), the electrical components assembly (300);
a first of the plurality of controller units (301, 303, 304) being disposed on a first side of the vehicle (100);
the remainder of the plurality of controller units (301, 303, 304) being disposed on a second side of the vehicle (100); and
the first side and said second side of the vehicle (100) being defined with respect to longitudinal axis (Y-Y') of the vehicle (100).
13. The two or three wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein:
the electrical assembly includes
a power converter (307), the power converter (307) being configured to regulate a power flow in the electric vehicle (100);
the power converter (307) being disposed on the second side of the vehicle (100) along with a side stand (202) and a lady pillion footrest (203).
14. The two or three wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12 wherein
the vehicle (100) is an electric vehicle;
the vehicle (100) comprises of an electric motor being configured to propel the vehicle (100); and
the first of the plurality of controller units (301, 303, 304) is a motor control unit (301).
Dated this the 16th day of March 2023

(Digitally Signed)
Sudarshan Singh Shekhawat
IN/PA-1611
Agent for the Applicant