Claims:A saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100), said vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (105) including a head pipe (106);
a panel assembly (170, 171, 172, 173) configured to conceal a front portion of said vehicle (100);
a pair of front suspension assembly (202) suspendingly supporting said front portion of said vehicle (100);
a front wheel (115) supported by said pair of front suspension (202); and
one or more electrical components (201) configured to produce predetermined decibels,
wherein,
said one or more electrical components (201) are disposed in a predetermined area (200) configured between pair of front-lower panels (171) of said panel assembly (170, 171, 172, 173) and said pair of front suspension assembly (202), when viewed from a vehicle front direction.
2. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more electrical components (201) being disposed laterally away from said pair of front suspension assembly (202), when viewed from a vehicle front direction.
3. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame assembly (105) includes a sub-frame member (111) extending downwardly from a portion of said head pipe (106), said sub-frame member (111) includes pair of arms (111a, 111b) including a RH arm (111a) and a LH arm (111b), each of said RH arm (111a) and said LH arm (111b) bifurcating and extending away from each other and extending downwardly from said
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main frame (107), said one or more electrical components (201) being mounted to at least one of said RH arm (111a) and said LH arm (111b).
4. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of said RH arm (111a) and said LH arm (111b) are configured to mount a support structure (203), said support structure (203) being capable of mounting a portion of said one or more electrical components (201).
5. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more electrical components (201) being disposed at a proximity to one or more energy sources (300) of the vehicle.
6. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said panel assembly (170, 171, 172, 173) includes a front panel (170), an inner panel (172) disposed below and behind said front panel (170), and a pair of front-lower panels (171) disposed adjacently to said inner panel (172) when viewed from a front view.
7. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said panel assembly (170, 171, 172, 173) includes a front panel (170) configured to conceal said head pipe (106) at a front portion of the vehicle (100).
8. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more electrical components (201) are disposed substantially along a third lateral axis (Z) extending orthogonally laterally away from a first axis (X) and a second axis (Y) passing centrally through a pair of front fork of the front suspension assembly (202) and substantially tangential to said front wheel (115).
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9. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said front panel (170) being configured to support one or more headlight units (165).
10. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said pair of front-lower panels (171) includes a RH front-side panel (171r) and a LH front-side panel (171l), said pair of front side panel (171) is disposed below said front panel (170).
11. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said one or more electrical components (201) is at least partially overlapping the RH front-side panel (171r) and said LH front-side panel (171l) in a front view, wherein at least a portion of said one or more electrical components (201) being exposed to frontal area of the vehicle (100).
12. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said front panel (170) and said pair of front-lower panels (171) are separated vertically by a centre panel (173).
13. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein a portion of said inner panel (172) being detachably attached to said pair of front-lower panels (172).
14. The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6 or claim 11, wherein said centre panel (173) is detachably attached to a portion of said pair of front-lower panels (172) and said inner panel (173) is detachably attached to a portion of said pair of front-lower panels (172) such that the predetermined area (200) is formed between said centre panel (173), said inner panel (172) and said pair of front-lower panels (172).
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15.The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein aportion of said one or more electrical components (201) being disposed atleast partially overlapping said predetermined area (200) in the vehicle (100).
16.The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein amain body portion (201a) of said one or more electrical components (201) isdisposed behind said pair of front-lower panels (172) and away from said pairof front suspension assembly (202).
17.The saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein amounting portion (201b) of said one or more electrical components (201)being disposed rearwards to said pair of front suspension assembly (202). , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a saddle-type two wheeled vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, to a vehicle layout structure of of the saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle for packaging of one or more electrical components in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In conventional vehicles, one or more electrical components are packaged on frame assembly of the vehicle. The packaging of the one or more electrical components in the vehicle is carried out by taking into consideration the entire layout of the vehicle. The frame assembly configured to support the one or more electrical components are usually covered by plurality of body panels made of plastic or metals and the body panels are fastened at all intended joints. The plurality of body panels should be configured such that they can adequately be covered by the frame along with the mounting brackets as desired, in the vehicle. The one or more electrical components along with their mounting brackets are disposed either on right side or left side of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type two wheeled with accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Figure 1 depicts a left-side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle.
[0005] Figure 2 illustrates a right-side perspective view of a front portion of the vehicle.
[0006] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the vehicle.
[0007] Figure 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a sub-frame member and an exploded view of the electrical component.
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[0008] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of a front portion of the vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In conventional vehicles, in a known art, a saddle type vehicle consists of a motor, batteries, one or more electrical components including a horn assembly etc.
[00010] Generally, all automobile vehicles comprise of a horn assembly to warn others under circumstances wherein the vehicle is approaching another object or in presence of another object, or under circumstances to gain attention to some hazard.
[00011] The horn assembly is required to deliver predetermined performance or higher decibels as configured. The configuration of the horn assembly depends on the internal factors such as space available in the vehicle layout for packaging of the horn assembly but also the external factors like location, mounting, etc.
[00012] In general, the electrical component like the horn assembly is preferably disposed in the front portion of the vehicle, for the noise/sound from the horn assembly to be exposed outside the vehicle. However, the front portion of the vehicle is completely concealed by a panel assembly. The panel assembly includes a front panel, the front panel is configured to cover most of a portion of a front suspension assembly disposed in the front of the vehicle. The suspension assembly is supporting a front wheel and the suspension assembly is adapted to receive articulation from a handlebar assembly. The location and packaging of the horn assembly in the vehicle layout at the front of the vehicle should be such that the articulation of the handlebar assembly and the and wiring harness has to be achieved such that the horn output is not being undesirably affected by wiring harness connecting the horn assembly.
[00013] Further, the horn assembly is preferred to be located at a proximity to one or more energy sources to reduce length of wiring harness and to improve and provide effective routing of the wiring harness routing.
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[00014] Generally, as known in the art, an opening is provided in the front panel for achieving the functionality of the horn assembly to achieve high sound from the horn assembly. However, such an opening is not desirable, as it includes additional process in configuring the front panel to provide the opening and additional cost in involved in producing the front panel with the opening. The same may affect the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle as well as allow undesirable containments in form of mud, water, etc. to enter.
[00015] Further problems involved in packaging of the horn assembly in the front portion of the vehicle include, restriction towards the packaging of other parts to be including one or more controllers, LED (light emitting diodes) lamp, etc. The horn assembly is preferred not to be obstructed by other surrounding parts, as the sound emitted by the horn assembly has to be exposed outside of the vehicle.
[00016] Further known in the art configurations include modifications in the panel assembly of the vehicle and providing exclusive cut outs to accommodate the horn assembly in the vehicle.
[00017] Further, due to complicated vehicle layout and involvement of packaging of one or more electrical components, the horn packaging may also resist the air flow to one or more electrical components or other components lying behind the horn assembly, which may affect the natural cooling which may otherwise was being achieved effectively.
[00018] In yet another known art, the opening is positioned right behind the front fork and therefore the warning sound of the horn may be reduced in reality.
[00019] Therefore, the present subject matter is provided to address all of the above said problems and the problems in the existing art.
[00020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the present subject matter provides saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle, the saddle type vehicle comprising a frame assembly including a head pipe, a panel assembly configured to conceal a
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front portion of said vehicle, a pair of front suspension assembly suspendingly supporting said front portion of said vehicle, a front wheel supported by said pair of front suspension, and one or more electrical components e.g. horn assembly configured to produce predetermined decibels of sound, wherein, said horn assembly is disposed behind a portion of said panel assembly, when viewed from a vehicle front direction.
[00021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the horn assembly is disposed laterally away from said pair of front suspension assembly, when viewed from a vehicle front direction.
[00022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly includes a sub-frame extending downwardly from a portion of said head pipe, said sub-frame includes pair of arms including a RH arm and a LH arm, each of said RH arm and said LH arm bifurcating and extending away from each other and extending downwardly from said main frame, said horn assembly being mounted to at least one of said RH arm and said LH arm.
[00023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one of said RH arm and said LH arm are being configured with a support structure, said support structure is capable of mounting a portion of said horn assembly.
[00024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the horn assembly is disposed at a proximity to an energy source of the vehicle.
[00025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the panel assembly includes a front panel, an inner panel disposed below and behind said front panel, and a pair of front-lower panels disposed adjacently to said inner panel when viewed from a front view.
[00026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the panel assembly includes a front panel configured to conceal said head pipe at a front portion of the vehicle.
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[00027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of front-lower panels includes a RH front-side panel and a LH front-side panel, said pair of front side panel is disposed below said front panel.
[00028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the front panel and said pair of front-lower panels are separated vertically by a center panel.
[00029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of said inner panel is detachably attached to said pair of front-lower panels.
[00030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the center panel is detachably attached to a portion of said pair of front-lower panels and said inner panel is detachably attached to a portion of said pair of front-lower panels such that a predetermined gap is formed between said center panel, said inner panel and said pair of front-lower panels.
[00031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of said horn assembly is disposed beneath said predetermined gap in the vehicle.
[00032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a main body portion of said horn assembly is disposed behind pair of front-lower panels and away from said pair of front suspension assembly.
[00033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a mounting portion of said horn assembly is disposed being said pair of front suspension assembly.
[00034] The further explanation to the above said advantages of the present invention is provided in the detailed description of the figures below. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject
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matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00035] Figure 1 depicts a left-side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle. The vehicle includes a handlebar assembly 110 connected to a front wheel 115 through one or more front suspension(s) 120. A steering shaft (not shown) connects the handlebar assembly 110 to the one or more front suspension(s) 120 and the steering shaft is rotatably journaled about a front frame (not shown). A power source/an energy source 125, for example an engine assembly, or one or more batteries are mounted to the frame assembly (now shown). In the depicted embodiment, the power source/the energy source 125 is disposed below at least a portion of the pair of rear frames (not shown). The power source/energy source 125 is functionally connected to a rear wheel 102 through a transmission system (not shown). The vehicle 100 may include one or more rear wheel(s). Also, the vehicle 100, in case of a gasoline powertrain, includes an exhaust system that helps in dissipation of exhaust gasses from the power source/energy source 125. The exhaust system includes a muffler mounted to the vehicle 100.
[00036] Further, the rear wheel 130 is connected to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). In the depicted embodiment, the power source 125 is swingably mounted to the frame assembly 105 through a toggle link or the like. A seat assembly 135 is supported by the frame assembly 105 and is disposed rearward to the step-through straddle portion 109.
[00037] Further, the vehicle 100 includes a front fender 155 covering at least a portion of the front wheel 115. In the present embodiment, a floorboard 145 is disposed at a step-through portion 109 and is supported by the main frame (not shown) and a pair of floor frame portions (not shown). A rear fender 160 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 102. The vehicle 100 comprises of plurality of electrical/electronic components including one or more headlights 165, a tail light (not shown), a battery (not shown), a transistor-controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not
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shown), an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown). Further, the vehicle 100 may include a synchronous braking system, an anti-lock braking system.
[00038] The vehicle 100 comprises plurality of panels that include a front panel 170 disposed in an anterior portion of a front portion of the frame assembly, a leg-shield 171 disposed in a posterior portion of the front frame. A rear panel assembly 172 includes a right-side panel and a left side panel disposed below the seat assembly 135 and extending rearward from a rear portion of the floorboard 145 towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100. The rear panel assembly 172 encloses a utility box (not shown) disposed below the seat assembly 135. Also, the rear panel assembly 172 partially encloses the power source 125.
[00039] Figure 2 illustrates a right-side perspective view of a front portion of the vehicle. The head tube 106 is disposed in the front of the vehicle. The sub-frame member 111 is extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube 106. The sub-frame member 111 includes a pair of arms: a RH arm 111a and an LH arm 111b bifurcating and extending away from each other. One or more electrical components 201 is mounted to a portion of at least one of the RH arm 111a and the LH arm 111b. The sub-frame member 111 is disposed behind the front wheel 115. According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, as shown in the figure, the one or more electrical components 201 is disposed substantially away from other vehicular parts and components, such that the decibels emitted out of the one or more electrical components 201 is prevented from being obstructed by surrounding parts. In particular, the one or more electrical components 201 is disposed substantially away from the one or more front suspension(s) 120.
[00040] In an embodiment, the one or more electrical components 201 are disposed at a close proximity to one or more energy sources 300. In the present embodiment, the one or more electrical components 201 are disposed in front of the one or more energy sources 300. The electrical wiring connections between the one or more electrical components 201 and the one or more energy sources 300 are of minimum
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length according to the vehicle layout configuration of the present subject matter. The interference losses of the signals passing through the electrical wire connections is minimized, any fire hazards that may occur due to short circuiting is also prevented. The bending/damage of the connecting wires due to interfering with the surrounding parts is eliminated according to the present vehicle layout. Therefore, an efficient, stable and reliable performance of electrical components 201 is achieved.
[00041] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the vehicle. According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, most of the vehicular parts and components are concealed by a panel assembly 170, 171, 172, 173. The panel assembly 170, 171, 172, 173 includes a front panel 170, an inner panel 172 disposed below and behind said front panel 170, and a pair of front-lower panels 171 disposed adjacently to said inner panel 172 when viewed from a front view.
[00042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the panel assembly includes a front panel 170 configured to conceal the head pipe 106 from front direction, at a front portion of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the front panel 170 is configured to support one or more headlight units 165.
[00043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of front-lower panels 171 includes a RH front-side panel 171r and a LH front-side panel 171l, said pair of front side panel 171 is disposed below said front panel 170.
[00044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the front panel 171 and said pair of front-lower panels 171 are separated vertically by a center panel 173.
[00045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of said inner panel 172 is detachably attached to the pair of front-lower panels 171.
[00046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the center panel 173 is detachably attached to a portion of the pair of front-lower panels 171 and the inner panel 172 is detachably attached to a portion of the pair of front-lower panels 171
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such that a predetermined area 200 is formed between the center panel 173, the inner panel 172 and said pair of front-lower panels 171.
[00047] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of one or more electrical components 201, for example, a horn assembly is disposed in the predetermined area 200 in the vehicle 100. The predetermined area 200 is exposed in the vehicle front direction. The predetermined area 200 is a void configured in the vehicle layout such that any other vehicular parts or components in the vehicle layout are disposed substantially away from the predetermined area 200. The predetermined area 200 is configured to let out the decibels emitted out by the horn assembly from the vehicle front direction, such that any instances of diminishing of the noise from the horn assembly is eliminated.
[00048] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the one or more electrical components 201 is disposed such that, the electrical component 201 is substantially laterally away from the vertical axis of front suspension assembly 120 when viewed from a vehicle front direction as depicted in the mentioned figure. The electrical component is disposed substantially along a third lateral axis Z extending orthogonally laterally away from a first axis X and second axis Y passing centrally through a pair of front fork of the front suspension assembly 202 and substantially tangential to the front wheel 115. The first axis X and the second axis Y are parallel to each other and the third axis Z is situated above the front wheel.
[00049] Figure 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a sub-frame member and an exploded view of the electrical component. In an embodiment, the electrical component is the horn assembly 202 comprising a mounting portion 201a. The electrical component 201 is mounted through one or more mounting members 201m. the electrical component 201 is mounted to the sub-frame member 111 through a support structure 203. The support structure 203 is fixedly attached to a portion of at least one of the RH arm 111a and the LH arm 111. The support structure 203 in
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assembled condition is extending laterally away from at least a portion of the sub-frame member 111.
[00050] In an embodiment, the one or more electrical components 201 is disposed at least partially overlapping in a predetermined area 200 configured between pair of front-lower panels 171 of the panel assembly 170, 171, 172, 173 and rearwards to the pair of front suspension assembly 202, when viewed from a vehicle front direction. The predetermined area 200 is configured to expose the decibels generated by the one or more electrical components 201. The one or more electrical components are, for example, one or more horns.
[00051] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of a front portion of the vehicle. The electrical component 201 is disposed such that, the electrical component 201 is substantially laterally away from the axis X and Y of the front suspension assembly 202 when viewed from a vehicle front direction as depicted in the mentioned figure. The electrical component is disposed substantially along a third axis Z extending orthogonally laterally away from first axis X and second axis Y passing centrally through a pair of front fork of the front suspension assembly 202. The first axis X and the second axis Y are parallel to each other and the third axis Z is situated tangentially above the front wheel. As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the electrical components 201, for example, the horn, is at least partially overlapping with at least one of the RH front-side panel 171r and a LH front-side panel 171l when viewed from a front view thereby achieving at least a portion of the electrical component 201 exposed to a frontal area of the vehicle for effective sound levels.
[00052] The advantages obtained due to the present subject matter include preventon of wiring harness damage due to handle bar and front suspension articulation especially in vehicles with a static headlight unit (not labelled) or a static front panel 170. Improves packaging space in the front as horn is moved from front. Cooling issue as horn resists the air flow amd ease of wiring harness routing and improved horn performance.
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[00053] Effective design of vehicle layout configuration is achieved, thus making the vehicle compact. The current layout reduces wiring harness length if battery packaged in the rear side of vehicle. No opening required in aesthetic parts to access the electrical component 201 for servicing, improved horn performance, panel modifications are minimized and better air flow to all the necessary components.
[00054] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.
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