Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to provision of an electrical switch in a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in a saddle type vehicle, especially a motorcycle type saddle type vehicle, a brake operating member for operating a rear brake is a brake pedal that is detachably attached on a right side of the vehicle. The brake pedal may be mounted directly on a frame of the vehicle or on a foot peg mounting bracket attached to the frame. Actuation of the brake pedal is detected by a brake switch. Further, the brake switch is connected to a rear brake lamp. The brake switch is an electrical component which detects mechanical motion of a brake lever, and on operation of the brake pedal, the brake switch lights up the rear brake lamp.
[003] In conventional saddle type vehicles, this brake switch is mounted on an especially casted footrest mounting bracket with a portion to receive the brake switch. In this implementation, the brake pedal moves away from the brake switch when pressed, thus actuating the rear brake lamp. The brake pedal stopper establishing contact between the brake pedal and the brake switch is a protrusion in the casted footrest mounting bracket. The brake switch is mounted using M5 screws to the casted footrest mounting bracket. However, in this configuration, since the footrest mounting bracket is especially casted, the footrest mounting bracket cannot be used for any other vehicle, and the brackets needs to be especially casted for each class of vehicle, thus making them highly non-modular. This also has a detrimental effect of the replaceability of the brake pedal and serviceability of the brake switch.
[004] In other conventional vehicles, the brake switch and the pedal stopper are featured on the footrest body and are located in different sides of the pedal, which occupies more space. Such an assembly requires additional parts and resulting in loss of signal due to wear and tear of intermediate parts.
[005] Further, brake switch mounting directly on the footrest mounting bracket or frame requires using fine screws since the brake switch is a small sized component. The small sized screws are difficult in terms of assembly and serviceability. Furthermore, the brake switch is directly exposed to rain and dust ingress, and thus a switch holder to house it and fasten it to the frame/ footrest mounting bracket is required. The finer screws require additional tooling in manufacturing, assembly and servicing facility. In addition, such fine screws and their mounting provisions cannot bear the impact of the brake pedal onto the stopper due to sudden release of the brake or sudden actuation of the brake.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle having a brake pedal for braking operation of the saddle type vehicle and an electrical switch. A switch support bracket has a planar portion for supporting the electrical switch and at least one stopper mounting provision at one end. A stopper member being configured to be disposed in the stopper mounting provision to abut with the brake pedal when the brake pedal being in a resting position. Herein, the stopper member being in communication with the electric switch for actuating the electric switch on detection of operation of the brake pedal.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a brake light in electrical connection with the electrical switch. The brake light being actuated by the electrical switch on the detection of operation of the brake pedal. Herein, on operation of the brake pedal, the brake pedal being displaced from the resting position and contact between the stopper member and the brake pedal being broken.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the switch support bracket being mounted to a frame structure of the saddle type vehicle.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a footrest mounting bracket being mounted to a frame structure of the vehicle for supporting a foot peg. The switch support bracket being attached to the footrest mounting bracket.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a switch holder configured for securely accommodating the electrical switch.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has one or more fasteners configured to be received in one or more through holes on the switch holder and one or more through holes on the switch support bracket, thereby attaching the electrical switch and the switch support bracket on the frame structure of the saddle type vehicle.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has one or more fasteners configured to be received in one or more through holes on the switch holder and one or more through holes on the switch support bracket, thereby attaching the electrical switch and the switch support bracket on the footrest mounting bracket of the saddle type vehicle.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the stopper member being an adjustable screw and the stopper mounting provision has a nut, the screw configured for moving in the nut for tuning the resting position of the brake pedal.
[015] In another aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle having a frame structure, a brake pedal for braking operation of the saddle type vehicle, an electrical switch, and a footrest mounting bracket being mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle for supporting a foot peg. A stopper member being configured to abut with the brake pedal when the brake pedal being in a resting position. Herein, the stopper member being in communication with the electric switch for actuating the electric switch on detection of operation of the brake pedal. The saddle type vehicle further has a switch support bracket. The switch support bracket has a planar portion for supporting the electrical switch, and at least one stopper mounting provision at one end of the switch support bracket. The stopper mounting provision receives the stopper member, wherein the switch support bracket being capable of being mounted on the frame structure or the footrest mounting bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a right side view of a frame structure of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a brake pedal and an electrical switch of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the electrical switch and a switch support bracket in the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a magnified exploded view of the electrical switch and a switch support bracket in the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to provision of an electrical switch on the saddle type vehicle.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 10 includes an internal combustion engine 12 that is vertically disposed or a traction motor (not shown). In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes both an internal combustion engine 12 and an electric motor, wherein the vehicle 10 is a hybrid type of mild hybrid type vehicle. Preferably, the internal combustion engine 12 is a single-cylinder type direct injection internal combustion engine. The vehicle 10 further includes a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame structure 25 (shown in Figure 2), a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 40. The frame structure 25 includes a head pipe 22 (shown in Figure 2), a main frame 24, a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front forks 26 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front forks 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front forks 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A head light 32, a visor guard 33 and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The frame structure 25 having the down tube (not shown) may be located in front of the internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantly downward from the head pipe 22. The main frame 24 of the frame structure 25 is located above the internal combustion engine 12 and extends rearward from the head pipe 22. The internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the rear portion of the main frame 24. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[019] The fuel tank 40 of the vehicle 10 is mounted on the main frame 24. The seat rails are joined to the main frame 24 and extend rearward to support the seat assembly 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame structure 25 to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension 36 or through two suspensions (not shown) on either side of the vehicle 10. A taillight unit 37 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. The rear wheel 16 arranged below the seat assembly 18 rotates by the driving force of the internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive 39 from the internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[020] Further, an exhaust pipe (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle 10 extends vertically downward from the internal combustion engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the internal combustion engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[021] The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 50 connected to the head pipe 22 of the frame structure 25 and extending in a vehicle width direction. The handlebar 50 can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10 during vehicle turning movements.
[022] Figures 2 illustrates the frame structure and Figure 3 illustrate a brake pedal 110 an electrical switch 120 of the saddle type vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the brake pedal 110 for braking operation of the saddle type vehicle 10. Further, as illustrated in Figure 3, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the electrical switch 120. As further illustrated in Figure 3, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a switch support bracket 140 that is configured to support the electrical switch 120. In that, the switch support bracket 140 has a planar portion that supports the electrical switch 120. The switch support bracket 140 further has at least one stopper mounting provision 142 provided at one end of the switch support bracket 140. In an embodiment, the electrical switch 120 is a brake switch.
[023] The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a stopper member 144 that is configured to be disposed in the stopper mounting provision 142. The stopper member 144 is provided such that the stopper member 144 (shown in Figure 4) abuts with the brake pedal 110 when the brake pedal 110 is in a resting position, wherein the stopper member 144 restricts any further movement of the brake pedal 110 in the upward direction. The stopper member 144 is in further communication with the electrical switch 120. In that, when the brake pedal 110 is operated, the brake pedal 110 moves from its resting position and the contact between the brake pedal 110 and the stopper member 144 is broken. When the contact between the brake pedal 110 and the stopper member 144 is broken, the electrical switch 120 is actuated. As and when the brake pedal 110 returns to its resting position, the contact between the brake pedal 110 and the stopper member 144 is established again and the electrical switch 120 is made inactive. Thus, in effect, the stopper member 144 is in communication with the electric switch 120 for actuating the electric switch 120 on detection of operation of the brake pedal 110.
[024] In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a brake light which is housed in the taillight unit 37 of the saddle type vehicle 10. The brake light is in electrical connection with the electrical switch 120. Herein, the brake light is actuated or illuminated by the electrical switch 120 on the detection of operation of the brake pedal 110. As mentioned hereinbefore, on operation of the brake pedal 110, the brake pedal 110 is displaced from the resting position and contact between the stopper member 144 and the brake pedal 110 is broken. Thus, by such a configuration, a single switch support bracket 140 supports the electrical switch 120 for actuating or illuminating the brake light, and supports the stopper member 144 in the stopper mounting provision 142 for restricting the movement of the brake pedal 110 and being in communication with the electrical switch 120. Thus, requirement of two different components for supporting the electrical switch 120 and restricting movement of the brake pedal 110 is eliminated.
[025] In an embodiment, the switch support bracket 140 is mounted to the frame structure 25 of the saddle type vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the switch support bracket 140 is fixedly mounted on the frame structure 25 of the vehicle 10 by means of a welded joint. In such a configuration, requirement of additional screws is eliminated, thus reducing part count while ensuring that the structurally weak finer screws need not be used. In an alternative embodiment, the switch support bracket 140 is detachably attached to the frame structure 25 of the saddle type vehicle 10. This configuration allows the frame structure 25 to be modular and interoperable between different classes of vehicles.
[026] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 3, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a footrest mounting bracket 160 for supporting a foot peg 162. The footrest mounting bracket 160 is mounted to the frame structure 25 of the vehicle 10. A rider plants their foot on the foot peg 162 and operates the brake pedal 110 using the toe portion of the foot. In an embodiment as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the switch support bracket 140 is attached and supported on the footrest mounting bracket 160. In an embodiment, the switch support bracket 140 is fixedly mounted on the frame footrest mounting bracket 160 of the vehicle 10 by means of a welded joint. In such a configuration, requirement of additional screws is eliminated, thus reducing part count while ensuring that the structurally weak finer screws need not be used. In an alternative embodiment, the switch support bracket 140 is detachably attached to the footrest mounting bracket 160 of the saddle type vehicle 10. This configuration allows the footrest mounting bracket 160 to be modular and interoperable between different classes of vehicles.
[027] As further illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a switch holder 170 configured for securely accommodating the electrical switch 120. The switch holder 170 prevents the electrical switch 120 from dust and water ingress. To facilitate the detachable mounting of the switch support bracket 140 on the frame structure 25, the saddle type vehicle 10 has one or more fasteners 180 that are configured to be received in one or more through holes on the switch holder 170 and one or more through holes on the switch support bracket 140. The one or more fasteners 180 pass on to the through holes on the frame structure 25, thereby attaching the electrical switch 120 and the switch support bracket 140 on the frame structure 25 of the saddle type vehicle 10. In an alternative embodiment, to facilitate the detachable mounting of the switch support bracket 140 on the footrest mounting bracket 160, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the saddle type vehicle 10 has one or more fasteners 180 configured to be received in one or more through holes on the switch holder 170 and one or more through holes on the switch support bracket 140. The one or more fasteners 180 pass on to the through holes on the footrest mounting bracket 160, thereby attaching the electrical switch 120 and the switch support bracket 140 on the footrest mounting bracket 160 of the saddle type vehicle 10. Herein, since for mounting the electrical switch 120 either on the frame structure 25 or the footrest mounting bracket 160 does not require any through holes on the electrical switch 120, the requirement of the smaller sized finer screws is eliminated, thus providing greater structural strength to the assembly. In this manner, the switch support bracket 140 is capable of being mounted on the frame structure 25 or the footrest mounting bracket 160 of the vehicle 10.
[028] In an embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 5, the stopper member 144 is an adjustable screw and the stopper mounting provision 142 comprises a nut 146. In that, the screw, which is in abutment with the brake pedal 110, is configured for rotatably moving in the nut 146, as a result of which, the resting position of the brake pedal 110 can be tuned according to vehicle or rider requirement.
[029] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle type vehicle in which the electrical switch and the stopper member are mounted by means of a single switch support bracket. This does not only help in reducing the part count, but also ensures that since the electrical switch and the stopper member are in close proximity, there is no loss in signal and the indication of illumination of brake light is consistent with the operation of the brake pedal.
[030] Further, as the switch support bracket for supporting the electrical switch and restricting the movement of the brake pedal is integrated as single component, the manufacturing variation is controller which allows for positional control of the electrical switch and the stopper member with respect to each other.
[031] Furthermore, as explained above, in case of fixed attachment of the switch support bracket, requirement of additional screws is eliminated, thus reducing part count while ensuring that the structurally weak finer screws need not be used. In case of detachable attachment of the switch support bracket, the configuration allows the footrest mounting bracket or the frame structure to be modular and interoperable between different classes of vehicles. In addition, the stopper member being a screw that is capable tuning the resting position of the brake pedal ensures consistent free play of the brake pedal, while requiring no separate mounting provisions for different components of the footrest assembly. This ensures that the assembly remains compact and modular.
[032] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference numerals
10: Saddle type vehicle
12: Internal combustion engine
14: Front wheel
16: Rear wheel
18: Seat Assembly
22: Head pipe
24: Main frame
25: Frame structure
26: Telescopic front forks
28: Front Fender
32: Head Light
33: Visor Guard
34: Swing arm
36: Mono Rear Suspension
37: Taillight unit
38: Fender
39: Chain Drive
40: Fuel Tank
50: Handlebar
110: Brake Pedal
120: Electrical Switch
140: Switch Support Bracket
142: Stopper mounting provision
144: Stopper Member
146: Nut
160: Footrest Mounting Bracket
162: Foot peg
170: Switch Holder
180: One or more fasteners

 
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a brake pedal (110) for braking operation of the saddle type vehicle (10);
an electrical switch (120);
a switch support bracket (140) having a planar portion for supporting the electrical switch (120) and at least one stopper mounting provision (142) at one end; and
a stopper member (144) configured to be disposed in the stopper mounting provision (142) to abut with the brake pedal (110) when the brake pedal (110) being in a resting position, and wherein the stopper member (144) in communication with the electric switch (120) for actuating the electric switch (120) on detection of operation of the brake pedal (110).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a brake light in electrical connection with the electrical switch (120), the brake light being actuated by the electrical switch (120) on the detection of operation of the brake pedal (110), wherein on operation of the brake pedal (110), the brake pedal (110) being displaced from the resting position and contact between the stopper member (144) and the brake pedal (110) being broken.

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the switch support bracket (140) being mounted to a frame structure (25) of the saddle type vehicle (10).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a footrest mounting bracket (160) being mounted to a frame structure (25) of the vehicle (10) for supporting a foot peg (162), the switch support bracket (140) being attached to the footrest mounting bracket (160).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a switch holder (170) configured for securely accommodating the electrical switch (120).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, comprising one or more fasteners (180) configured to be received in one or more through holes on the switch holder (170) and one or more through holes on the switch support bracket (140), thereby attaching the electrical switch (120) and the switch support bracket (140) on the frame structure (25) of the saddle type vehicle (10).

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, comprising one or more fasteners (180) configured to be received in one or more through holes on the switch holder (170) and one or more through holes on the switch support bracket (140), thereby attaching the electrical switch (120) and the switch support bracket (140) on the footrest mounting bracket (160) of the saddle type vehicle (10).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stopper member (144) being an adjustable screw and the stopper mounting provision (142) comprises a nut (146), the screw configured for moving in the nut (146) for tuning the resting position of the brake pedal (110).

9. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a frame structure (25);
a brake pedal (110) for braking operation of the saddle type vehicle (10);
an electrical switch (120);
a footrest mounting bracket (160) being mounted to the frame structure (25) of the vehicle (10) for supporting a foot peg (162);
a stopper member (144) configured to abut with the brake pedal (110) when the brake pedal (110) being in a resting position, wherein the stopper member (144) in communication with the electric switch (120) for actuating the electric switch (120) on detection of operation of the brake pedal (110); and
a switch support bracket (140) having a planar portion for supporting the electrical switch (120), and at least one stopper mounting provision (142) at one end of the switch support bracket (140), the stopper mounting provision (142) receiving the stopper member (144), wherein the switch support bracket (140) being capable of being mounted on the frame structure (25) or the footrest mounting bracket (160).