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 a control unit in a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in modern saddle type vehicles, a starter machine and a generator machine are integrated to form a single powerful machine that can perform both starter and generator functions. A machine control unit is provided for control of the integrated starter generator machine.
[003] In conventional machine control unit arrangements, since the machine control unit performs dual functions, the machine control unit tends to be bulky and generates greater heat. To allow for adequate dissipation of heat for the machine control unit, the size of the machine control unit needs to be increased to have a larger surface area for heat dissipation. Additional provisions need to be made for providing adequate cooling to the machine control unit. Further, it is necessary that the machine control unit be placed away from the engine to ensure that the machine control unit is not affected by the heat of the engine.
[004] To address this, conventionally, in some vehicles, the machine control unit is accommodated within or around the utility box. This requires the utility box to have a larger width, which results in larger body covers, increasing the overall dimensions of the vehicle. Further in small sized vehicles, such an arrangement poses a challenge in designing the battery layout because a canister system also needs to be accommodated around the utility box. The provision of the machine control unit around the utility box also results in lower air flow around the machine control unit, further exacerbating the heating issues associated with the machine control unit.
[005] The provision of the machine control unit around the limited packaging space around the utility box is a further challenge because accommodation of the machine control unit is accompanied by provision of multiple electrical components such as connectors, wire harnesses and other supporting components. Accommodation of these additional components in an already limited packaging space becomes a further constraint in provision of the machine control unit.
[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. The saddle type vehicle has a main frame extending rearwardly from a head pipe. A pair of left and right rear frames extend rearwardly from the main frame. The pair of left and right rear frames is configured to support a seat assembly. The saddle type vehicle further has a control unit that is configured to control a rotary electric machine of the saddle type vehicle. The control unit is disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames and under the seat assembly.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the rotary electric machine is an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) for the saddle type vehicle.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the seat assembly has a rider seating part and a pillion seating part. The control unit is disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames under the pillion seating part of the seat assembly.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has at least one or more brackets. Herein the at least one or more brackets include a fore bracket and a hind bracket. The fore bracket and the hind bracket are provided on the pair of left and right rear frames to support the pillion seating part. Herein the control unit is disposed between the fore bracket and the hind bracket in a lengthwise direction of the saddle type vehicle.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a rear fender configured to cover a rear wheel of the saddle type vehicle. The control unit is disposed above the rear fender.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the pair of left and right rear frames include a first portion extending rearwardly from the main frame and a rear portion extending rearwardly and upwardly from the first portion to a rear end of the saddle type vehicle. In this embodiment, the control unit is disposed between the left and right rear frames at the rear portion of the pair of left and right rear frames.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a seat latch provided for detaching the seat assembly from the pair of left and right rear frames. Herein the control unit is disposed rearwardly of the seat latch.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit has one or more mounting brackets configured for mounting the control unit to the pair of left and right rear frames.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit has at least one or more connectors. The one or more connectors include a first connector for connecting the control unit to a battery of the saddle type vehicle, a second connector for connecting the control unit to three-phase terminals of the Integrated Starter Generator, and a third connector for connecting the control unit to a Controller Area Network.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit is disposed such that the first connector and the second connector extend towards a front direction of the saddle type vehicle and the third connector extends towards a left side of the saddle type vehicle in a rear view of the saddle type vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] 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 perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a right side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates another right perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates another left side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a rear end of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a control unit of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a control unit in the saddle type vehicle.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The saddle type vehicle 10 includes an internal combustion engine 12 that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the internal combustion engine 12 is a single-cylinder type internal combustion engine. The saddle type vehicle 10 further includes a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame structure, a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 40. The frame structure includes a head pipe 22 (shown in Figure 2), a main frame 24 (shown in Figure 2), a down tube (not shown), and a pair of left and right rear frames 60 (shown in Figure 2). 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 (not shown) and instrument cluster 33 are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The down tube may be located in front of the internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantly downward from the head pipe 22. The main frame 24 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 a 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.
[020] The fuel tank 40 of the saddle type vehicle 10 is mounted on the main frame 24. The pair of left and right rear frames 60 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 to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to a rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension (not shown) or through two suspensions (not shown) on either side of the saddle type vehicle 10. A taillight unit 37 is disposed at the end of the saddle type 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 (not shown) from the internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16 and is configured to cover the rear wheel 16.
[021] 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.
[022] The saddle type vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 50 connected to the head pipe 22 of the frame structure and extending in a vehicle width direction. The handlebar 50 can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10 during vehicle turning movements.
[023] Furthermore, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises of a rotary electric machine (not shown). The rotary electric machine is connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine 12. In an embodiment, the rotary electric machine is an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) that is configured to provide torque to the crankshaft for starting the internal combustion engine 12. Once the internal combustion engine 12 is started, the ISG is configured to rotate with the crankshaft and convert rotational energy into electric energy to provide electrical power to vehicle components and charge a battery of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 10 is a mild hybrid type vehicle wherein the ISG assists the internal combustion engine 12. In this embodiment, the ISG, in addition to performing the starter and generator function, assists the internal combustion engine 12 when required. A hybrid assist functionality controls the saddle type vehicle 10 to rely solely on electric power of the ISG in riding conditions such as coasting or braking, and swiftly restarting the internal combustion engine 12 when required.
[024] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a right perspective view and a right side view of the saddle type vehicle 10 respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the main frame 24 that extends rearwardly from the head pipe 22. Further, the pair of left and right rear frames 60 extend rearwardly from the main frame 24, and the pair of left and right rear frames 60 are configured to support the seat assembly 18. Further, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a control unit 100 that is configured to control the rotary electric machine of the saddle type vehicle 10. The control unit 100 is disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames 60 and under the seat assembly 18.
[025] As explained hereinbefore, in an embodiment, the rotary electric machine is the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) for the saddle type vehicle 10. The control unit 100 controls the Integrated Starter Generator such that during starting of the internal combustion engine 12, the control unit 100 receives power from the battery and provides torque to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine 12. Once the internal combustion engine 12 is started, the Integrated Starter Generator converts rotational energy into electrical energy and the control unit 100 receives this electrical energy from the Integrated Starter Generator and provides the electrical energy for charging of the battery and for powering other vehicle components.
[026] As referenced in Figures 1, 2 and 3, in an embodiment, the seat assembly 18 has a split construction and comprises a rider seating part 18R and a pillion seating part 18P. The pillion seating part 18P is provided rearwardly of the rider seating part 18R. Herein, the control unit 100 is disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames 60 and under the pillion seating part 18P of the seat assembly 18. Since the seat assembly 18 has a split construction, the rider seating part 18R and the pillion seating part 18P are opened and closed independently. Thus, to access the control unit 100, a user can directly access the control unit 100 only by detaching or removing the pillion seating part 18P of the seat assembly 18. Further, if a utility box is required to be accommodated in the saddle type vehicle 10, the utility box is accommodated under the rider seating part 18R, thus avoiding any interference between the control unit 100 and the utility box. In an embodiment, the control unit 100 is disposed below the pillion seating part 18P and above the rear fender 38 of the saddle type vehicle 10. This means that the control unit 100 is not covered by any additional components. This ensures that adequate ventilation is provided to the control unit 100 to allow adequate heat dissipation. In addition, the control unit 100 is directly accessible from above by removing the pillion seating part 18P, and from below by accessing area above the rear fender 38.
[027] As illustrated in Figure 4, in an embodiment, the pair of left and right rear frames 60 comprise a first portion 60A that extends rearwardly from the main frame 24, and a rear portion 60B that extends rearwardly and upwardly from the first portion 60A to a rear end of the saddle type vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 is disposed between the left and right rear frames 60 at the rear portion 60B of the pair of left and right rear frames 60. Such an arrangement allows the control unit 100 to be placed away from the internal combustion engine 12. This ensures that the control unit 100 is not subjected to high temperatures in the vicinity of the internal combustion engine 12.
[028] In the embodiment depicted in Figures 5 and 6, the saddle type vehicle 10 comprises at least one or more brackets 62, 64. In this embodiment, the one or more brackets 62, 64 comprise a fore bracket 62 and a hind bracket 64. The fore bracket 62 and the hind bracket 64 are provided on the pair of left and right rear frames 60. The fore bracket 62 and the hind bracket 64 are provided to support the pillion seating part 18P. As illustrated, the control unit 100 is disposed between the fore bracket 62 and the hind bracket 64 in a lengthwise direction of the saddle type vehicle 10. As referenced in Figure 7, the fore bracket 62 and the hind bracket 64 are provided on the rear portion 60B of the pair of left and right rear frames 60. Such an arrangement ensures that access to the control unit 100 is not hindered by the one or more brackets 62, 64 provided for supporting the pillion seating part 18P.
[029] As further illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, to easily attach of detach the seat assembly 18 from the pair of left and right rear frames 60, or more specifically the pillion seating part 18P from the pair of left and right rear frames 60, the saddle type vehicle 10 has a seat latch 66. The seat latch 66 has a locking and unlocking mechanism for attaching or detaching the seat assembly 18. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 is disposed rearwardly of the seat latch 66.
[030] As illustrated in Figure 8, the control unit 100 comprises one or more mounting brackets 110A, 110B configured for mounting the control unit 100 to the pair of left and right rear frames 60 of the vehicle 10. The mounting brackets 110A, 110B have through holes provided thereon which allow fasteners to pass through to through holes provided on the pair of left and right rear frames 60, thereby mounting the control unit 100 on the pair of left and right rear frame 60.
[031] As further illustrated in Figure 8, to connect the control unit 100 to various vehicle components so as to allow the control unit 100 to function, the control unit 100 has at least one or more connectors 122, 124, 126. The one or more connectors 122, 124, 126 comprises a first connector 122, a second connector 124 and a third connector 126. The first connector 122 connects the control unit 100 to the battery of the saddle type vehicle 10. Thus, power flowing from the battery to the control unit 100 during starting of the internal combustion engine 12, and power flowing from the control unit 100 to the battery during generation operation flows through the first connector 122. The first connector 122 has two pins, wherein one pin is connected to a positive terminal of the battery and other pin is connected to a negative terminal of the battery.
[032] In an embodiment, the Integrated Starter Generator is a three-phase machine. The second connector 124 connects the control unit 100 to three-phase terminals of the Integrated Starter Generator. The power supplied to the Integrated Starter Generator by the control unit 100 thus needs to be supplied in three phases. In addition, the three-phase power generated by the Integrated Starter Generator needs to be regulated and rectified before being transmitted to the battery. Thus, the second connector 124 has three pins, wherein one pin is connected to a first phase of the Integrated Starter Generator, another pin is connected to a second phase of the Integrated Starter Generator, and yet another pin is connected to a third phase of the Integrated Starter Generator.
[033] A third connector 126 connects the control unit 100 to a Controller Area Network and establishes the communication between the control unit 100 and other controllers of the saddle type vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the third connector 126 has eight pins, with dedicated pins for receiving ignition key input when the user desires to start the internal combustion engine 12, for timing the duration required for cranking the internal combustion engine 12, data transfer between the control unit 100 and other controllers, and for controlling the head light 32 of the saddle type vehicle 10.
[034] To accommodate the control unit 100 in a manner which requires lower length of wire harness and causes minimal delay, the control unit 100 is disposed such that the first connector 122 and the second connector 124 extend towards a front direction of the saddle type vehicle 10 and the third connector 126 extends towards a left side of the saddle type vehicle 10 in a vehicle rear view of the saddle type vehicle 10. The first connector 122 connecting the control unit 100 to the battery and the second connector 124 connecting the control unit 100 to the Integrated Starter Generator, wherein both the battery and the Integrated Starter Generator are disposed forwardly of the control unit 100, ensures that there is no unnecessary increment in the length of the wire harness to connect the control unit 100 to the battery and the Integrated Starter Generator. The third connector 126 connects the control unit 100 to the Controller Area Network and establishes the communication between the control unit 100 and at least one other controllers of the saddle type vehicle 10.
[035] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle type vehicle wherein the control unit is disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames and under the seat assembly. The provision of the control unit between the pair of left and right rear frames ensures that the control unit is protected from any side impact. Further provision of the control unit below the pillion seating part of the seat assembly and above the rear fender ensures that adequate air flow is provided to the control unit. This ensures adequate heat dissipation from the control unit, which prevents the control unit from any long-term heat damage and ensures proper functioning of the control unit.
[036] In the saddle type vehicle of the present invention, the control unit can be accessed by removing only the pillion seating part thus ensuring better accessibility and serviceability. Further, in the present invention, the control unit is located far away from the internal combustion engine, and thus the control unit is not subjected to the high temperatures of the internal combustion engine.
[037] Furthermore, the space below the pillion seating part which was left unutilised conventionally, is used to accommodate the control unit. This ensures that there is no interference between the utility box and the control unit, and also allows for more packaging space for other vehicle components.
[038] 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
18P: Pillion Seating Part
18R: Rider Seating Part
22: Head Pipe
24: Main Frame
26: Front Forks
28: Front Fender
32: Head light
33: Instrument Cluster
34: Swing arm
37: Taillight unit
38: Rear Fender
40: Fuel Tank
50: Handlebar
60: Pair of Left and Right Rear Frames
60A: Front Portion of Pair of Left and Right Rear Frames
60B: Rear Portion of Pair of Left and Right Rear Frames
62: Fore Bracket
64: Hind Bracket
66: Seat Latch
100: Control Unit
110A, 110B: Mounting Brackets
122: First Connector
124: Second Connector
126: Third Connector
 
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a main frame (24) extending rearwardly from a head pipe (22);
a pair of left and right rear frames (60) extending rearwardly from the main frame (24), and the pair of left and right rear frames (60) configured to support a seat assembly (18); and
a control unit (100) configured to control a rotary electric machine of the saddle type vehicle (10), the control unit (100) being disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames (60) and under the seat assembly (18).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rotary electric machine comprises an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) for the saddle type vehicle (10).

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat assembly (18) comprises a rider seating part (18R) and a pillion seating part (18P), and wherein the control unit (100) being disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames (60) under the pillion seating part (18P) of the seat assembly (18).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, comprising at least one or more bracket (62, 64), wherein the at least one or more bracket (62, 64) comprises: a fore bracket (62) and a hind bracket (64) provided on the pair of left and right rear frames (60), the fore bracket (62) and the hind bracket (64) provided to support the pillion seating part (18P), and wherein the control unit (100) being disposed between the fore bracket (62) and the hind bracket (64) in a lengthwise direction of the saddle type vehicle (10).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a rear fender (38) configured to cover a rear wheel (16) of the saddle type vehicle (10) and the control unit (100) being disposed above the rear fender (38).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of left and right rear frames (60) comprise a first portion (60A) extending rearwardly from the main frame (24) and a rear portion (60B) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the first portion (60A) to a rear end of the saddle type vehicle (10).

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control unit (100) being disposed between the left and right rear frames (60) at the rear portion (60B) of the pair of left and right rear frames (60).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a seat latch (66) provided for detaching the seat assembly (18) from the pair of left and right rear frames (60), and wherein the control unit (100) being disposed rearwardly of the seat latch (66).

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (100) comprises one or more mounting brackets (110A, 110B) configured for mounting the control unit (100) to the pair of left and right rear frames (60).

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (100) comprises at least one or more connector (122, 124, 126), wherein at least one or more connector (122, 124, 126) comprises:
a first connector (122) for connecting the control unit (100) to a battery of the saddle type vehicle (10);
a second connector (124) for connecting the control unit (100) to three-phase terminals of the Integrated Starter Generator; and
a third connector (126) for connecting the control unit (100) to a Controller Area Network.

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the control unit (100) being disposed such that the first connector (122) and the second connector (124) extend towards a front direction of the saddle type vehicle (10) and the third connector (126) extends towards a left side of the saddle type vehicle (10) in a rear view of the saddle type vehicle (10).