Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (196), said frame assembly including, a head tube (201), a main frame (202) extending rearwardly from said head tube (201), said main frame (202) accommodating a fuel tank assembly (120), a seat frame (204); said seat frame (204) including rearward extending pair of seat rails, said pair of seat rails including a LH seat rail (301) and a RH seat rail (302); and
an engine assembly (180) disposed below said fuel tank assembly (120);
wherein,
an induction unit (203) being disposed behind said main frame (202) and at least partially between said pair of seat rails (301, 302); and
wherein,
a first control unit (205) being disposed adjoining said induction unit (203) in a vehicle (100) width-wise direction and at least partially below said pair of seat rails (301, 302).
2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first control unit (205) being mounted to said frame assembly (196), and a second control unit (206) being detachably attached upon said first control unit (205).
3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second control unit (205) and said first control unit (206) being disposed rearwardly of an energy storage unit (207) when seen from a side of said vehicle (100).
4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said induction unit (203) includes an air cleaner assembly.
5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said energy storage unit (207) includes a battery unit (207).
6. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first control unit (205) being disposed on a battery holder of a battery unit (207).
7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first control unit (205) is an ISG controller.
8. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second control unit (206) is an EFI-ECU.
9. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second control unit (206) is disposed in an inclined orientation with respect to said first control unit (205).
10. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the connector pins of said first control unit (205), said second control unit (206), and said energy storage unit (207) being disposed substantially orthogonally when seen in a side view of said vehicle (100).
11. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said induction unit (203), said first control unit (205), and said second control unit (206) are disposed in proximity of said seat frame (204) of said vehicle (100).
12. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein a first outermost edge (fe) of said induction unit (203) in widthwise direction and a second outermost edge (se) of said second control unit (206) and said energy storage (207), taken along a vehicle widthwise direction being substantially equidistant ‘e’ from a vehicle longitudinal mid axis LL’ along said vehicle (100).
13. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said induction unit (203) being disposed on a mid-portion of said seat frame (204) substantially along vehicle longitudinal mid axis LL’.
14. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein a energy storage unit (207), a first control unit (205) and a second control unit (206) being disposed on either right side or left side of said vehicle longitudinal mid axis LL’ in the vicinity of said seat frame (204) of said vehicle (100).
15. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein said first control unit (205) and said second control unit (206) along with said energy storage unit (207) being disposed in an area which is covered by a cover frame assembly 170 of said vehicle (100).
16. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second control unit (206) being packaged laterally outside said first control unit (205).
17. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said induction unit (203) extends along both sides of said vehicle (100) longitudinal axis.
18. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first control unit 205 is being placed at least partially in a space below the seat frame 204, particularly at least partially below the RH seat rail 302 and at least partially above a bottom rear frame 303.
19. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said induction unit (203) being disposed at least partially in a first space (208).
20. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein said energy storage (207), said first control unit (205) and said second control unit (206) being packaged at least partially in a second space (208).
21. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first control unit (205) comprises a first wire-out coupler disposed facing towards vehicle rear.
22. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said second control unit (206) comprises a second wire-out coupler (306) disposed facing towards vehicle front. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a two wheeled vehicle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A saddle type vehicle includes a frame assembly including a main frame extending obliquely rearward and downward from a head pipe, and a seat frame extending rearward from the main frame and supporting a riding seat and a pillion seat, wherein a front wheel is supported by a front portion of the vehicle body frame via a front fork, and a rear wheel is supported by a rear portion of the vehicle body frame via a swing arm.
[0003] The main frame of the vehicle serves as a skeletal member that enables mounting of components such as an electronic control unit (EFI-ECU) of the two-wheeled vehicle. The EFI-ECU is an embedded system in automotive electronics that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in the vehicle.
[0004] Conventionally the EFI-ECU is the central controller 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 EFI-ECU is also able to control the exhaust system as well as able to integrate transmission and vehicle functions. The EFI-ECU manages all types of powertrain and topologies such as Gasoline, Diesel, CNG, Ethanol and also Hybrid and Fuel Cell system. Therefore, the EFI-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.
[0005] Types of EFI-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 EFI-ECUs installed in the vehicle body. Managing the increasing complexity and number of EFI-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 EFI-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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] 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.
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a frame assembly of a saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates a rear side perspective view of a frame assembly of a saddle type vehicle in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded rear side perspective view of a frame assembly of a saddle type vehicle in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
[00011] Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of a frame assembly of a saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a frame assembly of a saddle type vehicle in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
[00013] Fig. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a frame assembly of a saddle type vehicle in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] In the known arrangements 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, the EFI-ECU is used in such vehicles as an integrated controller, that can operate both the ISG and also as an engine controller. There may be a single integrated EFI-ECU or two separate EFI-ECUs separately controlling the ISG and the engine depending upon the necessity and the design of the vehicle.
[00015] Usually in such two wheeled vehicle, design of a single integrated control unit makes it larger and bulky requiring considerable space so that it can be accommodated safely as well as securely within the vehicle. Similarly, when two separate EFI-ECUs are used, a separate defined space is required for both the EFI-ECUs controlling the engine and the ISG as well as considerable number of wiring harness.
[00016] Typically, some known arts disclose mounting of the EFI-ECU below a seat assembly of a vehicle. Some other known arts specifically disclose disposal of the EFI-ECU on a middle part of frame of a vehicle, which is usually positioned below the seat cushion, while the inner chamber of the EFI-ECU mount is usually sealed by the seat cushion.
[00017] Such disposal of the EFI-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 desires 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.
[00018] 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 owing to the presence of the fuel tank; an additional provision for providing two EFI-ECUs or a single large integrated EFI-ECU either further compromises with the utility space or eats into volume of the fuel tank.
[00019] Also, other known arts disclose about usage of an additional bracket or a cross-member that needs to be provided to mount the EFI-ECU(s) on to the frame below the seat. In such scenarios if a bracket is provided for mounting the EFI-ECU(s), an extra space needs to be created for accommodating the bracket and the EFI-ECU(s). This extra space is usually between a style panel of the vehicle and the utility space. When such additional bracket is used, it undesirably affects the utility space, since the additional bracket need to be accommodated on the style panel running across the rear frames of the vehicle. As a result of such additional bracket, either the utility space is compromised or the style panels of the vehicle is required to be made wider to accommodate the additional bracket.
[00020] Some other known arts disclose about accommodating the EFI-ECU(s) itself within the side panels or the style panels of the vehicle. Such accommodation within the style panels of the vehicle, necessitates the style panels 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.
[00021] Further, such location of the EFI-ECU(s) below the seat or within the side panels or style panels further poses serviceability issue, as the utility box or the side panels or both require to be removed in order to access the EFI-ECU(s) making the whole servicing process cumbersome and time consuming.
[00022] 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 EFI-ECU(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 and the EFI-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.
[00023] Some known arts disclose the vehicle EFI-ECU and the battery holder being placed adjoining the air cleaner. However, in such vehicles the introduction of another controller, for example, a controller for controlling the ISG, in the same disclosed layout without affecting the configuration of adjoining vehicular components, becomes a challenge. Moreover, the introduction of such extra controller adds a new challenge wherein the controller should not interfere with the functioning of the vehicle EFI-ECU.
[00024] Another known art discloses about disposal of two separate controllers, i.e., an EFI controller and an ISG controller. The separate controllers are disposed on either side of the vehicle separated by a vehicle center line where the battery is located. As per embodiment of the known art the two controllers are also capable of being placed on the same side of the vehicle but on the side opposite to the battery placement. Therefore, in such situations the battery is placed offset from the center line of the vehicle. Thus, this known art only teaches positioning of the two controllers with respect to the position of the battery for the ease of wire routing between the battery and the two controllers.
[00025] However, such solution fails to address the problems with respect to locating an additional controller in a vehicle having a large volume of air cleaner disposed almost offset on one side of the vehicle, without disturbing the conventional layout of the compact vehicle. Such large volume air cleaners, route the tube outlet from the air cleaner to the throttle body without interfering with the single main tube that connects the head pipe and the swing arm. Such routing of the tube outlet however becomes a constraint for the battery positioning and therefore restricts the positioning of the battery from being placed at the center with the two controllers on the either side. Moreover, because of the large space occupied by the air cleaner, a restriction is also posed on placing the battery on one side of the vehicle while placing the other two controllers on the opposite side, as being taught by the known art.
[00026] Another known art also discloses two separate controllers. However, one of the controllers, i.e., the ISG controller is disclosed to be mounted behind an engine cylinder head, while the other controller, i.e., the EFI-ECU is located above the air cleaner of the vehicle. The battery is disclosed to be positioned below the air cleaner of the vehicle. The teaching of such known art suggests compromising the volume of the air cleaner by locating the EFI-ECU above the air cleaner and the battery below the air cleaner. Moreover, locating the ISG controller immediately behind the engine cylinder head leads to heat related problems for the ISG controller.
[00027] Some other known arts disclose disposal of the ISG controller behind the air cleaner while adjoining the canister of the vehicle. Such disposal though protects the ISG controller from being exposed to the heat of the engine, but still negatively impacts the volume of the air cleaner, which is usually considerably reduced to accommodate the ISG controller as a result can significantly compromise on the power output performance of the engine.
[00028] Another known art discloses mounting of the control unit in a space that is formed in front of the engine cylinder head, below the fuel tank and behind the down tube. Even though such a location would be beneficial in not compromising the volume of the air cleaner as discussed above, it would still end up impacting the control unit from the heat generated by the engine due to its proximity with the engine.
[00029] 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 suitable for a compact saddle type vehicle accommodating additional controller other than the EFI-ECU without affecting the existing conventional layout, while accommodating at least two controllers without compromising the air cleaner volume.
[00030] The improved layout design also needs to be accommodating at least two controllers, the battery and the air cleaner in the vehicle rear side without impacting the rear width-wise size of the vehicle and without impacting the routing of wire from each of the three electronic devices. Also, the improved layout design should accommodate the two controllers in such a manner that the wire-out couplers are not affected by water entry, mud splash etc., and ease in accessibility, serviceability as well as fault detection in electrical components is achieved.
[00031] The present subject matter has been devised in view of the above circumstances as well as solving other problems of the known art.
[00032] The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle comprising a first control unit being disposed adjoining an induction unit (including an air cleaner assembly) in a vehicle width-wise direction and below a pair of seat rails. The first control unit is mounted on to the frame assembly, and a second control unit is disposed adjoining the first control unit such that the second control unit being detachably attached upon the first control unit. The second control unit and the first control unit are disposed rearwardly of an energy storage when seen from a side of the vehicle.
[00033] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the second control unit is disposed inclinedly with respect to the first control unit.
[00034] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the induction unit, the first control unit, and the second control unit are disposed in proximity of the seat frame of the vehicle.
[00035] As per another aspect of the present subject matter the induction unit being disposed on a mid-portion of the seat frame.
[00036] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the energy storage, the first control unit and the second control unit being disposed on either right side or left side of a vehicle longitudinal mid axis in the vicinity of the seat frame.
[00037] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the first control unit and the second control unit along with the energy storage being disposed in an area which is covered by a cover frame assembly of the vehicle.
[00038] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the second control unit comprises a second wire-out coupler disposed facing a vehicle front.
[00039] As per another aspect of the present subject matter the first control unit comprises a first wire-out coupler disposed facing a vehicle rear.
[00040] As per an embodiment of the present subject matter the first control unit is mounted on a battery holder of the battery unit.
[00041] As per another embodiment of the present subject matter the energy storage is a battery.
[00042] As per another embodiment of the present subject matter the first control unit is an ISG controller.
[00043] As per another embodiment of the present subject matter the second control unit is an EFI-ECU.
[00044] 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.
[00045] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 includes a frame assembly 196 to support different parts of the vehicle 100. In an upper portion of the frame assembly 196, a handlebar assembly 115 is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft (not shown). The handlebar assembly 115 is used to steer the vehicle 100 and is connected to a front wheel 185 through the steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension system 195.
[00046] An upper portion of the front wheel 185 is covered by a front fender 190 which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft (not shown). Further, the front fork assembly (not labeled) is supported on the front fender 190 by means of a brace fender (not shown).
[00047] In a front portion of the frame assembly 196 a fuel tank assembly 120 is arranged immediately behind the handlebar assembly 115 and is disposed over a first power source, for example an engine assembly 180. A seat assembly 125 is placed behind the fuel tank assembly 120. The seat assembly 125 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 196, where the rear part of the frame assembly 196 is covered by the tail cover assembly 130.
[00048] For the safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlamp assembly 105 that includes a headlamp 110 and front indicator lights 140a are provided in the front portion of the vehicle 100.
[00049] The headlamp 110 assembled with a housing headlamp rear is supported by a front fork lower bracket which has a pivot axis for the head lamp 110 beam adjustment. On the rear portion of the two wheeled vehicle 100 a tail lamp (not labeled) and rear indicator light 140b are provided on the rear portion of the tail cover assembly 130. Above the tail cover assembly 130 and behind the seat assembly 125 a pillion handle 135 is provided for the pillion rider to grab.
[00050] Suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of the two wheeled vehicle 100 on the road. A front suspension assembly 195 serves as rigidity component for the front portion of the vehicle 100 just like the frame assembly 196. The front suspension assembly 195 clamped to the head tube (not shown) through an upper bracket (not shown) and a lower bracket (not shown) is capable of being moved to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension system 160, which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the frame assembly 196. The rear suspension system 160 comprises of at least one rear suspension 160 preferably disposed centrally in the longitudinal mid plane of the vehicle 100. However, in a vehicle 100 with two rear suspensions, the same may be disposed on the left side and the right side respectively of the vehicle 100.
[00051] The first power source, for example the engine assembly 180 is mounted to a front lower portion of the frame assembly 196 by means of an engine mounting bracket (not shown). The engine assembly 180 is partially covered on the lower side of the engine assembly 180 by an engine cover 175. The engine assembly 180 is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not labeled) connected to the engine assembly 180 and a muffler assembly 155 connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler assembly 155 extends rearwards along the right side of the rear wheel 150.
[00052] Further, a swing arm (not labeled) extending rearwards is swingably connected to a lower rear portion of the vehicle 100. The rear wheel 150 is rotatably supported at a rear end of the swing arm (not labeled). Power from the engine assembly 180 is transmitted to the rear wheel 150 through a power drive mechanism, such as a drive chain, so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel 150. A center stand 165 is provided in between the front wheel 185 and the rear wheel 150 for parking the vehicle 100.
[00053] A rear fender 145 for covering an upper side of the rear wheel 150 is mounted to a rear portion of the vehicle 100 to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating rear wheel 150 from entering the muffler assembly 155, the engine assembly 180 and other parts disposed close by. To enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle 100 and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of the vehicle 100, a plurality of rear covers (not labeled) is attached to a rear portion of the frame assembly 196.
[00054] Area below the seat assembly 125 and the fuel tank assembly 120 of the vehicle 100 is covered on both sides by a cover frame assembly 170. The cover frame assembly 170 includes the one or more side covers. XX’ represents vehicle length wise longitudinal direction.
[00055] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a frame assembly 196 of a saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The frame assembly 196 includes a head tube 201. The head tube 201 which supports the front suspension system 195 (shown in Fig. 1), which further supports the handle bar assembly 115 (shown in Fig. 1) in a steerable manner. The head tube 201 further extends rearward and downward of the vehicle 100 forming a main frame 202 of the vehicle 100. The main frame 202 is a tubular structure frame that further extends rearwardly to form a seat frame 204 (shown in Fig. 3) of the vehicle 100. A energy storage unit 207, an induction unit 203, a first control unit 205, and a second control unit 206 are disposed in proximity of the seat frame 204 of the vehicle 100. The induction unit 203 includes an air cleaner (not shown).
[00056] A first outermost edge fe of the induction unit 203 in widthwise direction and a second outermost edge se of the second control unit 206 and the energy storage unit 207, for example, a battery, taken along a vehicle widthwise direction are substantially at equidistant ‘e’ from a vehicle longitudinal mid axis LL’ along the vehicle 100.
[00057] The induction unit 203 (including an air cleaner) is placed on a mid-portion of the seat frame 204 substantially along vehicle longitudinal mid axis LL’. The energy storage unit 207, the first control unit 205 and the second control unit 206 are disposed on a left side of the vehicle longitudinal mid axis LL’ in the vicinity of the seat frame 204 of the vehicle 100.
[00058] As per an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage unit 207, the first control unit 205 and the second control unit 206 being disposed on a right side of the vehicle longitudinal mid axis LL’ in the vicinity of the seat frame 204 of the vehicle 100, in an area which is covered by the cover frame assembly 170 (shown in Fig. 1) of the vehicle 100.
[00059] Fig. 3 illustrates a rear side rear perspective view of a frame assembly 196 of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The main frame 202 of the frame assembly 196 extends rearwardly to form a seat frame 204. The seat frame 204 includes a pair of tubular structures on the left and right of the vehicle 100 extending away from each other in the rearward direction. The left and right tubular structures, namely a LH seat rail 301 (shown in Fig 4) and a RH seat rail 302 (shown in Fig 4) are usually connected by a one or more cross frame (not shown) extending in vehicle width direction. These left and right tubular structures further extend rearward and upward to form the rear frame 210 of the vehicle 100, which supports other units of the vehicle 100 at the rear portion. In between the left and right tubular structure, i.e, the LH seat rail 301 (shown in Fig 4) and the RH seat rail 302 (shown in Fig 4), a first space 209 is formed (depicted by circular dotted lines). The induction unit 203 is disposed in the first space 209 which is present in between the LH seat rail 301 and the RH seat rail 302.
[00060] In the present embodiment, the energy storage unit 207, for example, a battery 207 is disposed on a right side of the vehicle 100. A first control unit 205, for example an ISG controller and a second control unit 206, for example an EFI-ECU is placed one upon another on the same side as that of the energy storage unit 207 in an area which is covered by the cover frame assembly 170 (shown in Fig. 1) of the vehicle 100.
[00061] The first control unit 205 is directly mounted onto one of the tubular seat rail structure of the seat frame 204. The second control unit 206 is further mounted on to the first control unit 205. Both the first control unit 205 and the second control unit 206 are placed such that they are adjoining the energy storage unit 207. Therefore, the ISG controller 205 is placed in between of EFI-ECU 206 and the induction unit 203 (including the air cleaner assembly) and at least partially below the seat frame 204 in the cover frame assembly 170 (shown in Fig. 1).
[00062] Such packaging of the induction unit 203 along with the two control units (205, 206) and the battery unit 207 ensures that the air cleaner volume is not affected by the presence of the ISG controller 205 and the EFI-ECU 206 on one side of the induction unit 207 including the air cleaner.
[00063] Moreover, such layout design enables the battery 207 and the two controllers (205, 206) on one side, counter balances the volume of the induction unit 203 (including the air cleaner) disposed at least partially in the first space 209. Also such the dual offset construction of the induction unit 203 (including the air cleaner) and the battery-controllers, aids in enhancing vehicle 100 handling and maneuverability.
[00064] Moreover, the ISG controller 205 is packaged in such a way that the width at cover frame assembly 170 is maintained lowest for ease of ground reach to the rider.
[00065] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded rear side perspective view of a frame assembly 196 of a saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The present illustration shows a head tube 201 which further extends rearwardly to form a main frame 202, which further extends to form a seat frame 204. The seat frame 204 includes rearward extending the LH seat rail 301 and the RH seat rail 302. The induction unit 203 is disposed at least partially in a first space 208 (shown by dotted circular line in Fig.3) which is present in between the LH seat rail 301 and the RH seat rail 302. The first control unit 205 and the second control unit 206 are placed at least partially below the seat frame 204 on the right hand side of the vehicle 100 in an area which is covered by the cover frame assembly 170 (shown in Fig. 1) of the vehicle 100. The first control unit 205 and the second control unit 206 are disposed substantially along a single lateral axis AA’. Also the placement of both the control units (205, 206) is such that both the control units (205, 206) are adjoining the energy storage unit 207.
[00066] The first control unit 205, for example the ISG controller 205 is positioned at least partially below the second control unit 206, for example the EFI-ECU 206 along single axis AA’. Since the EFI-ECU 206 is packaged laterally outside the ISG controller 205, in the cover frame region, the placement aids in easy assembly and disassembly of the EFI-ECU 206 during servicing. Moreover, since the EFI-ECU 206 is packaged outwardly to the ISG controller 205, it is easier to provide sufficient air flow to bring down the temperature of the ISG controller 205 to an optimum temperature.
[00067] Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 illustrates a side rear perspective view of a frame assembly 196 of a saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present illustration shows that the first control unit 205 is being disposed in a space below the seat frame 204, particularly at least partially below the RH seat rail 302 and at least partially above a bottom rear frame 303. The bottom rear frame 303 is further attached to a bottom RH rail 304 and a bottom LH rail 305 on right and left side of the vehicle 100 respectively. The second control unit 206 is shown detached from the vehicle 100, exposing the first control unit 205 which is placed below the second control unit 206 in the present layout.
[00068] Fig. 6 explicitly shows packaging of the energy storage 207, the first control unit 205 and the second control unit 206 in a second space 208. The second space 208 is depicted by a triangular dotted line formed substantially by the seat rail 204 on the top, bottom rear frame 303 and rear end portion of main frame 202.
[00069] Fig. 7 illustrates a side front perspective view of a frame assembly 196 of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The illustration shows that the battery 207, the first control unit 205, and the second control unit 206 are placed in between the seat frame 204 and the bottom rear frame on the left hand side of the vehicle 100.
[00070] Fig. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a frame assembly 196 of a saddle type vehicle 100 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The illustration shows that the battery 207, the first control unit 205, the second control unit 206 and the engine assembly 180 are disposed on a single lateral axis BB’.
[00071] The presence of the two controllers (205, 206) and the battery unit 207 on one side, further offsets the tube outlet of the air cleaner (not shown) (but included in induction unit 203) to the other side. This ensures that the presence of downwardly extending frame members, i.e bottom RH rail 304 and bottom LH rail 305, in front of the air cleaner do not obstruct the passage of the tube outlet from the air cleaner to the throttle body (not shown) of the engine assembly 180.
[00072] The battery 207, the first control unit 205, and the second control unit 206 are placed in between the seat frame 204 and the bottom rear frame 303 on the right hand side of the vehicle 100. Such layout configuration of the battery 207, the first control unit 205, the second control unit 206 and the induction unit 203 aids in reducing the wire length used in providing electrical connections because of the proximity of all the electrical components with each other.
[00073] The second controller 206, i.e., the EFI-ECU is mounted inclinedly with respect to the first controller 205, the ISG controller, such that the wire-out couplers 306 (shown in circular dotted region) of the EFI-ECU 206 point towards the vehicle front wheel ground touching point. This inclined orientation of the EFI-ECU 206 ensures that the wire-out couplers 306 are not affected by contaminants, such as by the water entry due to mud sloshing as well as enable ease of coupling of wiring harness with the energy storage device 207.
[00074] Also, the wire-out couplers (not shown) of the first control unit 205, i.e., the ISG controller 205 is made to orient towards the rear of the vehicle 100, thus ensuring that the high power cables that are connected to the ISG controller 205 are not running proximal to the low power cables connected to the EFI-ECU 206. As per an embodiment, the couplers of first controller 205 and second controller 206 are oriented orthogonally with respect to each other.
[00075] As per another embodiment, the connector pins of the first control unit 205, the second control unit 206, and the energy storage unit 207 being disposed substantially orthogonally when seen in a side view of the vehicle 100.
[00076] 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: Headlamp assembly
110: Headlamp
115: Handlebar assembly
120: Fuel tank assembly
125: Seat assembly
130: Tail cover assembly
135: Pillion handle
140a: Front indicator lights
140b: Rear indicator lights
145: Rear fender
150: Rear wheel
155: Muffler assembly
160: Rear suspension system
165: Centre stand
170: Cover frame assembly
175: Engine cover
180: Engine assembly
185: Front wheel
190: Front fender
195: Front suspension
196 Frame assembly
201: Head tube
202: Main frame
203: induction unit
204: Seat frame
205: First control unit
206: Second control unit
207: Energy storage
208: First space
209: Second space
210: Rear frame
301: LH seat rail
302: RH seat rail
303: Bottom rear frame
304: Bottom RH rail
305: Bottom LH rail
306: Wire out coupler