Claims:I/We Claim:

1. A saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a rear panel (120); and a control unit (300);
wherein,
said control unit (300) being disposed substantially at a rear end of said saddle type vehicle (100) and covered by said rear panel (120) of said saddle type vehicle (100),
wherein,
said control unit (300) being in close vicinity of a battery unit (305).
2. A saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a fender unit (140), said fender unit (140) includes a fender upper (140a); and a fender lower (140b),
wherein,
said fender upper (140a) being configured to accommodate a battery unit (305) and a control unit (300).
3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said control unit (300) being an electronic control unit.
4. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fender lower (140b) extends downwardly at least partially rearward of a wheel (145) of said saddle type vehicle (100).
5. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fender upper (140a) being mounted on one or more frame protrusions (115a, 115b) of a rear portion of a frame assembly (115) of said saddle type vehicle (100).
6. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fender upper (140a) being mounted on said one or more frame protrusions (115a, 115b) by means of fasteners or welding.
7. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fender lower (140 b) being mounted on one or more side panel mounting provisions (145e, 145f) provided on one or more side panels (125, 150) of a saddle type vehicle (100).
8. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said battery unit (305) being accommodated substantially centrally of said fender unit (140) in a dedicated housing receptacle disposed in a region Y located above the rear indicator lamps (135).
9. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said battery unit (305) being mounted on said fender unit (140) by means of one or more battery mounting provisions (305a, 305b).
10. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said control unit (300) being accommodated in a region Y’ wherein region Y’ being located on one of a left and right end inside the rear panel (120)
11. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said control unit (300) being mounted on said fender unit (140) by means of one or more ECU mounting provisions (300b).
12. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said control unit (300) and said battery unit (305) being configured on said fender unit (140) in close proximity and separate defined substantially orthogonal regions (Y and Y’).
13. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fender unit (140) includes one or more vertical outer ribbed protrusions (310) running along the length of said fender unit (140) from top to bottom of said fender unit (140) on a surface facing away from a wheel (145).
14. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fender lower (140b) of said fender unit (140) being configured to accommodate one or more rear indicator lamps (135), by means of one or more rear indicator mounting provisions (135a, 135b) along a horizontal plane AA’.
15. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein fender upper (140a) and said fender lower (140b) being integrated as a single piece construction.
16. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein fender upper (140a) and said fender lower (140b) being mounted separately on a rear portion of said saddle type vehicle (100).
17. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said control unit (300) being one of an ISG control unit and a ISG cum EFI control unit.
18. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said ISG control unit being housed towards one of the lateral side receptacles of said fender unit (140).
19. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 18, wherein one of the lateral sides of said fender unit (140) being the lateral side towards which an ISG machine is disposed on an engine.
20. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 17, wherein said ISG control unit being disposed such that one or more ports of said ISG control unit face rearwardly.
21. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said control unit (300) is a battery control unit.
22. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fender upper (140a) being configured to accommodate one or more electrical components.
23. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fender unit (140) includes one or more ribbed inner protrusions running along the length of said fender unit (140) from substantially top to bottom of said fender unit (140) on the surface of said fender unit (140) facing a wheel (145) of a saddle type vehicle (100).
24. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fender unit (140) includes continuous one or more ribbed inner protrusions (335) provided along the length of the battery unit (305) compartment on the inner surface of said fender unit (140).
25. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fender unit (140) includes a cutout portion in a region N of said fender unit (140) wherein region N is one of a left and right region towards the left or right edge of the fender upper (140a).
26. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said cutout portion is L shaped.
27. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said battery unit (305) is located along a central longitudinal axis of said saddle type vehicle (100).
28. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said control unit (300) being disposed adjoining said battery unit (305) with a coupler axis of said control unit (300) being substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis. , Description:Technical Field
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a vehicle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a saddle type vehicle.
Background
[0002] Typically, an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system is coupled with an Electric control Unit (ECU) and uses various sensors to control an internal combustion engine towards reducing emissions, fuel economy as well as meeting drive ability requirements of a vehicle. Further, to reduce excess fuel consumption, an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) is also incorporated in vehicles. The ISG cranks the engine and generates assisting power as well as functioning as a magneto to charge the vehicle battery and / or supply power to one or more electrical loads of the vehicle. In some cases, the ISG is also provided with automatic idle start-stop functionality. Accordingly, when the vehicle momentarily halts, the ISG senses the same and shuts off the engine to save consumption of the fuel. Once the user actuates throttle of the vehicle, the ISG starts the engine immediately thus reducing the fuel consumption. As such, the ISG is also coupled with the ECU which controls the operation of the ISG.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type two wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1a to Fig. 1b illustrates a partial side and perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear view of the rear portion of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the fender unit of a vehicle, when viewed from the rear of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Fig. 5 illustrates a rear view of the fender unit of a vehicle when viewed from inside of the fender unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig. 6a to Fig. 6b illustrates the rear portion of the frame assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded rear view of the rear portion of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the assembly of the fender unit on a frame assembly of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00011] Fig. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of the fender unit of a vehicle when viewed from inside of the fender unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00012] An ECU is a type of a control unit which is an embedded system in automotive electronics that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a vehicle. Conventionally, the electronic engine control unit (ECU) is the central control unit and heart of the engine management system. It controls the fuel supply, air management, fuel injection and ignition. Due to the scalability of its performance, the control unit is also able to control the exhaust system as well as to integrate transmission and vehicle functions. The ECU manages all types of powertrain and topologies such as Gasoline, Diesel, CNG, Ethanol and also Hybrid and Fuel Cell system.
[00013] Therefore, the ECU is capable of managing, prioritizing and implementing nearly all requirements for the engine and overall powertrain in general. Examples of requirements include accelerator pedal position and exhaust system requirements for the mixture composition. Besides combustion relevant functions the electronic control unit also includes security, safety and diagnostics functions.
[00014] Types of ECU include engine control module (ECM), powertrain control module (PCM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), Brake Control Module (BCM or EBCM), Central Control Module (CCM), Central Timing Module (CTM), General Electronic Module (GEM), Body Control Module (BCM), Suspension Control Module (SCM), control unit, or control module. Taken together, these systems are sometimes referred to as the vehicle's computer though technically there is no single computer but multiple ones. Sometimes one assembly incorporates several of the individual control modules. Some modern vehicles can have up to 80 ECUs installed in the vehicle body. Managing the increasing complexity and number of ECUs in a vehicle has become a key challenge for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and hence therefore is a need of an appropriate mounting of the ECU across vehicles given that these need to be packaged into the existing layout constraints of the vehicle. The challenge becomes more complex in case of a saddle type compact vehicle.
[00015] Generally, two wheeler vehicles are provided with an integrated starter-generator (ISG). The ISG is an electrical machine that is capable of performing both the starting and generation operations. Typically, a single control unit is used in such vehicles as an integrated control unit, that can operate both the ISG and also as an engine control unit. There may be a single integrated control unit or two separate control units separately controlling the ISG and the engine depending upon the necessity and the design of the vehicle.
[00016] Usually in such two wheeled vehicle, design of a single integrated control unit makes it larger and bulky requiring considerable space to be accommodated safely as well as securely within the vehicle. Similarly, when two separate control units are used, a separate defined space is required for both the control units controlling the engine and the ISG as well as considerable number of wiring harness.
[00017] Typically, some known arts disclose mounting of the control unit such as an ECU or an ISG control unit below a seat assembly of a vehicle. Some other known arts specifically disclose disposal of the ECU on a middle part of frame of a vehicle, which is usually positioned below the seat cushion, while the inner chamber of the ECU mount is usually sealed by the seat cushion.
[00018] Such disposal of the ECU below the seat of the vehicle occupies considerable space which further compromises with the intended utility space below the seat. This is a major challenge, especially in motor vehicles with a step-through layout as the user expects large amount of utility space below the seat considering the needs of accommodating two helmets or even a full mask helmet or other requirements related to storage.
[00019] Certain known arts also disclose about providing a fuel tank below the seat of the vehicle along with the utility unit. In such vehicles where already the utility space is limited because of the fuel tank presence; an additional provision for providing two control units or a single large integrated control unit either further compromises with the utility space or eats into volume of the fuel tank.
[00020] Also, other known arts disclose about usage of an additional bracket or a cross-member that needs to be provided to mount the control unit such as the ECU(s) or the ISG control unit on to the frame below the seat. In such scenarios if a bracket is provided for mounting the control unit, an extra space needs to be created for accommodating the bracket and the control unit. This extra space is usually between a style panel of the vehicle and the utility space. When such additional bracket is used, it again affects the utility space as the additional bracket accommodated on the style panel runs across the rear frames of the vehicle. Therefore, because of such additional bracket either the utility space is compromised or the style panels of the vehicle are required to be made wider to accommodate the additional bracket.
[00021] Some other known arts disclose about accommodating the control units such as an ECU(s) or ISG itself within the side panels of the vehicle. Again, because of such accommodation within the style panels of the vehicle, the style panels require to be made wider as well as stiffer to accommodate the control unit (s) both of which are undesirable owing to adverse impact on weight and compact vehicle layout.
[00022] Further, such location of the control unit (s) below the seat or within the side panels poses serviceability issue, as the utility box or the side panels or both require to be removed in order to access the control unit (s) making the whole servicing process cumbersome and time consuming.
[00023] Moreover, since in above disclosed known arts usually the electrical components, for example a battery is located at a different location than that of the control unit (s), such a configuration creates the problems in electrical fault detection due to long wiring harness. This is a major challenge because, the battery, ISG controller and the ECU(s) for controlling the ISG and the battery are critical components of the vehicle, and require time to time inspection of electrical connections between them to ensure timely electrical faults detection.
[00024] Hence, there is a need to create an improved layout design for configuring of the control unit (s) in the vicinity of the critical electrical components which overcomes all problems cited above and other problems from known art. The improved layout design needs to be also suitable for a compact saddle type vehicle while eliminating the need of the additional brackets, such that the improved layout achieves ease in accessibility, serviceability as well as fault detection in electrical components is achieved.
[00025] The present subject matter has been devised in view of the above circumstances as well as solving other problems of the known art.
[00026] The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle comprising a rear panel and a control unit. The control unit being disposed substantially on a rear end of saddle type vehicle and covered by the rear panel of the saddle type vehicle. The control unit being configured in close vicinity of a battery unit.
[00027] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the saddle type vehicle includes a fender unit comprising an upper portion of the fender unit and a lower portion of the fender unit. The upper portion of fender unit is covered by a panel rear of the vehicle while the lower portion of the fender unit covers the wheel reel and is exposed.
[00028] As per an aspect of the present embodiment, the upper portion of the fender unit is supported by the rear portion of the frame assembly by means of one or more frame protrusion. The upper portion of the frame unit is either welded to the frame protrusions or secured and fastened by means of fasteners. The lower portion of the fender unit is mounted on mounting provisions provided on the side panels of the vehicle.
[00029] As per another aspect of the present embodiment, the upper portion of the fender unit at substantially center position is designed with a dedicated housing for the mounting of a battery unit. The upper portion on its rearmost region on both sides is configured with a dedicated housing for electrical components such as an ECU unit, an ISG controller, a battery controller or other electrical components such as a fuse, a relay, etc.
[00030] As per another aspect of the present embodiment, the fender unit includes one or more vertical outer or inner ribbed protrusions or both that run along the length of the fender unit from top to bottom of the fender unit.
[00031] As per another aspect of the present embodiment, the lower portion of the fender unit supports one or more rear indicator lamps, by means of one or more rear indicator mounting provisions.
[00032] As per another aspect of the present embodiment, a L shaped cut out is provided on the inner wall of fender unit, which aids in dissipating heat and enables flow of air inside the fender unit from the front portion of the fender unit.
[00033] As per another aspect of the present subject matter the battery unit is located on a central longitudinal axis of the saddle type vehicle.
[00034] As per another aspect of the present subject matter the control unit is disposed adjoining the battery unit with a coupler axis of the control unit being substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
[00035] As per an alternate embodiment, the upper portion of the fender unit is directly attached to the rear portion of the frame assembly.
[00036] As per an alternate embodiment the fender unit at least partially extends to rearward region of a wheel of the vehicle.
[00037] As per an alternate embodiment, the upper and lower portion of the fender unit is integrated as a single piece construction.
[00038] As per an alternate embodiment, the upper and lower portion of the fender unit is more than a single piece construction mounted separately on the rear portion of the vehicle.
[00039] As per an alternate embodiment the control unit is an ECU unit.
[00040] As per an alternate embodiment the control unit is an ISG control unit.
[00041] As per an alternate embodiment the control unit is a battery control unit.
[00042] As per another alternate embodiment the fender unit accommodates a battery unit, a control unit and one or more other electrical components.
[00043] As per an alternate embodiment the fender unit can be fender unit of a front wheel or a rear wheel of the vehicle.
[00044] As per an alternate embodiment the vehicle can be a two wheeler or a three wheeler or a four wheeler vehicle.
[00045] Exemplary embodiments detailing features regarding the aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. 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 matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “down”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom”, “exterior”, “interior” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the two wheeled vehicle with a driver riding thereon. Furthermore, arrows wherever provided in the top right corner of figure(s) in the drawings depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denotes downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denotes left side. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00046] Fig. 1a to Fig. 1b illustrates a partial side and perspective view of a rear portion of a saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle type vehicle 100 includes a frame assembly 115to support different parts of the saddle type vehicle 100. In an upper portion of the frame assembly 115, a handlebar assembly (not shown) is rotatably integrally connected to a steering shaft (not shown). The handlebar assembly is used to steer the saddle type vehicle 100 and is connected to a front wheel (not shown) through the steering shaft and a front fork assembly (not shown). An upper portion of the front wheel (not shown) is covered by a front fender (not shown) which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft (not shown). Further, the front fork assembly is supported on the front fender by means of a brace fender (not shown).
[00047] A seat assembly 105 is placed above the side panel assembly 125, 150 (shown in Fig. 1b). The seat assembly 105 includes a front rider seating portion and a pillion rider seating portion. The pillion rider seating portion is placed on the rear part of the frame assembly 115, where the rear part of the frame assembly 115 is covered by the rear panel 120.
[00048] For the safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, on the rear portion of the two wheeled saddle type vehicle 100 a tail lamp 130 and rear indicator lamps 135 are provided on the rear portion of the rear panel 120. Above the rear panel 120 and behind the seat assembly 105 pillion handle 110 is provided for the pillion rider to grab.
[00049] The suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of the two wheeled saddle type vehicle 100 on the road. A rear suspension system (not labeled), which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the frame assembly 115. The rear suspension system comprises of at least one rear suspension preferably disposed centrally in the longitudinal mid plane of the saddle type vehicle 100. However, in a saddle type vehicle 100 with two rear suspensions, the same may be disposed on the left side and the right side respectively of the saddle type vehicle 100.
[00050] The first power source, for example the engine assembly (not shown) is mounted to a front lower portion of the frame assembly115 by means of an engine mounting bracket (not shown).
[00051] Further, a swing arm (not labeled) extending rearwards is swingably connected to a lower rear portion of the vehicle100. The rear wheel 145 is rotatably supported at a rear end of the swing arm (not labeled). Power from the engine assembly is transmitted to the rear wheel 145 through a power drive mechanism, such as a drive chain, so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel 145.
[00052] A fender 140 for covering an upper side of the rear wheel 145 is mounted to a rear portion of the saddle type vehicle 100 to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating rear wheel 145 from entering a muffler assembly (not shown), the engine assembly and other parts disposed close by. To enhance the overall aesthetics of the saddle type vehicle 100 and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of the saddle type vehicle 100, a plurality of rear covers (not labeled) is attached to a rear portion of the frame assembly 115.
[00053] Area below the seat assembly 105 and the fuel tank assembly (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle 100 is covered on both sides by a side panel RH 150 (shown in Fig. 1b) on right hand side and a side panel LH 125 on the right hand side of the saddle type vehicle 100.
[00054] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear view of the rear portion of a saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present figure illustrates the rear portion of the saddle type vehicle 100 without a rear panel 120 (as shown in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b). The fender unit 140 includes an upper portion of the fender unit, herein called as a fender upper 140a and a lower portion of the fender unit 140, herein called as a fender lower 140b. Since the present illustration illustrates the rear portion of the saddle type vehicle 100 without the rear panel 120 (as shown in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b), therefore the present illustration exposes the fender upper 140a, which is usually hidden behind the rear panel 120. The fender lower 140b is usually an exposed portion without any cover, as in case of the fender upper 140a.The fender lower 140b of the fender unit, is used as a cover over the wheels (front or rear) of the saddle type vehicle 100 to prevent mud, sand and dust being thrown on to the vehicle body, the occupants and the pedestrians.
[00055] The fender upper 140a is supported by the frame assembly 115 on the rear portion adjoining the seat assembly 105 and is disposed between the side panel RH 150 and the side panel LH 125.The fender lower 140b supports one or more rear indicator lamps 135, by means of one or more rear indicator mounting provisions (135a, 135b). The one or more rear indicator mounting provisions (135a, 135b) disposed on the either side of the fender unit 140 along a horizontal plane AA’ (shown in Fig. 3) of the fender lower 140b of the fender unit 140.
[00056] As per an alternate embodiment the fender unit 140 at least partially extends to rearward of a rear wheel 145 of the saddle type vehicle 100.
[00057] Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 illustrates a rear view and a rear perspective view of the fender unit 140 of a saddle type vehicle 100, when viewed from the rear of the saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As per the shown illustrations, the fender unit 140 includes a fender upper 140a and a fender lower 140b integrated as a single piece construction. The fender unit 140 is divided into the fender upper 140a and the fender lower 140b by a middle horizontal plane XX’.
[00058] The fender upper 140a includes a region Y (shown by dotted circle in Fig. 3), a region Y’ (shown by vertical dotted rectangle in Fig. 4) and a region M (shown by horizontal dotted rectangle in Fig. 4). The region Y has an approximately rectangular region or receptacle present at substantially center position of the fender upper 140a that includes a dedicated housing for the mounting of a battery unit 305. The region Y’ is located on one of a left and right end inside the rear panel 120. The region Y’ is a dedicated housing rearwardly present on the right hand upper side of the fender unit 140, for the disposal of a Control unit 300, for example an ECU unit or an ISG control unit, which is disposed along a vertical plane ZZ’. The ECU unit is mounted on the fender upper 140a along a vertical plane ZZ’ by means of a fastener 300a for ECU mounting. This configuration of the disposal of the battery unit 305 in the region Y and the disposal of the control unit 300 in a region Y’ helps in reduction of live wire and wiring harness length, because of the proximity of the region Y and region Y’ while still achieving a safe design. Since, the battery unit 305 and the Control unit 300 generate considerable amount of heat during functioning therefore the present configuration allows both units to be placed in proximity of each other but disposed in separate housings having separate well defined substantially orthogonal regions. Such separation in placement allows both electronic components to function properly without affecting each other functions.
[00059] As per an alternate embodiment the same control unit 300 or a separate control unit (not shown) can be disposed along a vertical plane (not shown), on the left hand upper side of the fender unit 140 adjoining the battery unit 305.
[00060] As per an alternate embodiment the control unit 300 is an ISG control unit. The housing for the ISG control unit is towards one of the lateral side receptacle of the fender unit. Preferably, towards a lateral side on which the ISG machine (not shown) is disposed on the engine (not shown). The ISG control unit is disposed such that ports of the ISG control unit are facing rearwardly. This rearward configuration enables ease of assembly and ease of access for servicing the ISG control unit.
[00061] As per another alternate embodiment the Control unit 300 is a battery control unit.
[00062] As per another alternate embodiment the Control unit 300 is an ECU configured to control ISG as well as EFI functions.
[00063] As per an alternate embodiment other electrical components, for example a flasher, a relay or a fuse can be disposed along a vertical plane (not shown), on the opposite side of the control unit 300 i.e. either on a left hand upper side or on the right hand upper side of the fender unit 140 adjoining the battery unit 305.
[00064] As per another alternate embodiment the fender unit 140 accommodates a battery unit 305, a control unit 300 and one or more other electrical components.
[00065] The region M includes one or more vertical outer ribbed protrusions 310 that run along the longitudinal length of the fender unit 140 and are provided on the upper surface of the fender unit 140 from top to bottom. The region M aids in providing structural strength to the fender upper 140a of the fender unit 140.
[00066] The battery unit 305 is mounted on the fender upper 140a by means of fasteners over battery mounting provisions 305a, 305b. Fig. 4 specifically illustrates the exploded view of the control unit 300 mounted in the region Y’ in the housing 315 by means of a fastener 300a over the mounting provision 300b.
[00067] The fender lower 140b supports one or more rear indicator lamps 135, by means of one or more rear indicator mounting provisions (135a, 135b). The one or more rear indicator mounting provisions (135a, 135b) are disposed on the either side at an approximately mid plane AA’ of the fender lower 140b of the fender unit 140.
[00068] The rear panel 120 (shown in Fig. 2) is mounted over the fender unit 140 by welding or by any known attaching means e.g. fasteners fastened over a plurality of mounting provisions, for example, rear panel mounting provisions 145a, 145b, 145c, and 145d.
[00069] As per another embodiment the fender upper 140a and the fender lower 140b are a two piece construction, mounted separately on the rear portion of the saddle type vehicle 100.
[00070] Fig. 5 illustrates a rear view of the fender unit 140 of a saddle type vehicle 100 when viewed from inside of the fender unit 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The rear view illustrates the fender unit 140 including the fender upper 140a and the fender lower 140b. The fender lower 140b of the fender unit 140 includes a plane portion. The fender upper 140a consists of a battery unit 305 mounting housing and an ECU mounting housing 315 on its upper and side portion, while the lower portion of the fender upper 140a includes one or more ribbed inner protrusion 335. The one or more vertical ribbed inner protrusions 335 run along the length of the fender upper 140a and aid in providing structural strength to the fender upper 140a of the fender unit 140 from the inside of the fender unit 140.
[00071] Fig. 6a to Fig. 6b illustrates the rear portion of the frame assembly 115 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The rear most portion of the frame assembly 115 includes two protruding protrusions, herein called as the frame protrusions 115a and 115b that aid in mounting the upper most portion of the fender upper 140a of the fender unit 140. The fender unit 140 hangs over the two protruded frame protrusions 115a and 115b such that it can be sandwiched mounted in between the rear frame 115 and the rear panel 120 (shown in Fig. 2). The fender unit 140 can be attached to the frame protrusions 115a and 115b or the rear portion of the frame assembly 115 directly. The fender unit 140 can also be fastened by means of fasteners over the frame protrusions 115a and 115b of the frame assembly 115.
[00072] Fig. 7 illustrates an exploded rear view of the rear portion of a saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present figure illustrates an exploded view that shows a rear panel 120 being assembled over the fender upper 140a (shown in Fig. 2) of the fender unit 140 by means of rear panel mounting fasteners 325a, 325b, 325c and 325d.The rear panel 120 assembled over the fender upper 140a of the fender unit 140 ensures that the underlying components such as the battery unit 305, the control unit 300 or other electronic components are protected from environmental factors such as water and dust.
[00073] Along with it, since the battery unit 305 and the control unit 300 along with other electrical components are accommodated on the fender upper 140a of the fender unit 140, this ensures better space utilization while ensuring that the control unit 300 and the battery unit 305 are in close proximity. This close proximity between the control unit 300 and the battery unit 305 eliminates the conventional need of long wiring harness between the two components, thus eliminating wiring harness losses as well as achieving cost effectiveness. Also since the fender upper 140a is covered only by a rear panel 120, and it is easier to remove rear panel 120 as compared to the side panels 125, 150 and utility unit (not shown) (as discussed in known arts), this greatly enhances the serviceability of the control unit (s) and other electrical components disposed therein at the receptacle in fender upper 140b. Therefore the fender unit 140 adds to ease in accessibility, serviceability as well as fault detection in electrical components.
[00074] Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded rear perspective view of the assembly of the fender unit on a frame assembly 115 of a saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The figure illustrates that the fender upper 140a of the fender unit 140 is mounted to the rear portion of the frame assembly 115 by means of the fasteners 325a and 325b through the provisions 145a and 145b. The fender lower 140b of the fender unit 140 is mounted to the side panel LH 125 and side panel RH 150 by means of the fasteners 325c and 325d fastened over the provisions 145e and 145f, herein called as side panel mounting provision 145e and 145f, present over the lower rear most inner portion of the side panel LH 125 and side panel RH 150.
[00075] Fig. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of the fender unit 140 of a saddle type vehicle 100 when viewed from inside of the fender unit 400, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00076] The rear view illustrates the fender unit 140 including the fender upper 140a and the fender lower 140b (shown in Fig. 5). A L shaped cutout is provided on an innerwall of fender unit 140 shown in a region N, which aids in dissipating heat and enables flow of air inside the fender unit 140 from the front portion of the fender unit 140. Region N is one of a left and right region towards the left or right edge of the fender upper 140a.One or more ribbed inner protrusion 335 run along the length of the fender unit 140 from substantially top to bottom and aid in providing structural strength to the fender unit 140 from the inside.
[00077] As per an alternate embodiment continuous one or more ribbed inner protrusion 335 are provided along the length of the battery unit 305 compartment on the inner surface of the fender unit 140 facing the wheel 145 of the vehicle.
[00078] As per an alternate embodiment the fender unit 140 can be fender unit of a front wheel (not shown) or a rear wheel 145 of the saddle type vehicle 100.
[00079] As per an alternate embodiment the vehicle can be a two wheeler or a three wheeler or a four wheeler vehicle.
[00080] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

100: Vehicle
105: Seat assembly
110: Pillion handle
115: Frame assembly
115a, 115b: Frame protrusion
120: Rear panel
125: Side panel LH
130: Tail lamp
135: Rear indicator lamps
135a, 135b: Rear indicator mounting provisions
140: Fender unit
140a: Fender upper
140b: Fender lower
145: Rear wheel
145a, 145b, 145c, 145d: Rear panel mounting provision
145e, 145f: Side panel mounting provision
150: Side panel RH
300: Control unit
300a: ECU mounting fastener
300b: ECU mounting provision
305: Battery unit
305a, 305b: Battery mounting provision
310: Outer ribbed protrusion
315: ECU unit housing
320: Tail lamp housing
325a, 325b, 325c, 325d: Rear panel mounting fastener
335: Inner ribbed protrusion