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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] A conventional saddle type vehicle generally comprises of an internal combustion engine, and various electronic components including a Transistor-Controlled Ignition (TCI) unit. Various components are mounted at different locations in the vehicle. The placement of those component plays an important role, especially in saddle type vehicle where space utilization is of vital significance. Making arrangements for cooling of these electronic components is necessary and thus, it is desired that the electronic component is placed in such a location which ensures that the air at ambient temperature flows towards the electronic component. Further, it is vital that the electronic component is positioned such that its performance is not affected by hot air released by the internal combustion engine which operates at relatively higher temperature and dissipates more heat. Exposure of electronic component to high heat may lead to exposure of internal circuit of the electronic component to high heat and improper cooling will lead to degradation and poor performance of the electronic component.
[003] In particular, the TCI which is responsible for providing timed ignition control for providing sparks to the internal combustion engine, is conventionally placed in a position wherein the TCI is not covered by cladding. Such conventional positioning of the TCI makes the TCI susceptible to high levels of dust and water ingress which may cause further degradation of the TCI.
[004] Typically, the TCI is connected with other electronic components and requires long connecting wire, which is associated with increased costs and complexity. In addition, the conventional positioning of the TCI on the inner side of the seat rails and below the seat affects the serviceability of the TCI unit as access to the TCI becomes difficult.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle which can address at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle has a head tube and a main tube. The main tube extends rearwardly from the head tube. A pair of seat rails extends rearwardly from the main tube. At least one electronic component is mounted on one of the pair of seat rails wherein the electronic component is disposed on an outer side of the pair of seat rails in a vehicle width direction.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the pair of seat rails has of a left seat rail and a right seat rail which extend rearwardly from the main tube.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, a left side cover extends along the left seat rail in a vehicle front rear direction and a right side cover extends along the right seat rail in the vehicle front rear direction.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic component is mounted on the left seat rail and the electronic component is disposed between the left seat rail and the left side cover in the vehicle width direction.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the electronic component is mounted on the right seat rail and the electronic component is disposed between the right seat rail and the right side cover in the vehicle width direction.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the electronic component includes a control unit configured for controlling an ignition coil of the internal combustion engine of the saddle type vehicle.
[012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a mounting bracket for mounting the electronic component on at least one of the pair of seat rails.
[013] In another embodiment of the invention, a rider seat is supported on the pair of seat rails wherein the electronic component is disposed under the rider seat.
[014] In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic component is disposed rearwardly and upwardly of the internal combustion engine.
[015] In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic component is tilted at a predefined angle with respect to the pair of seat rails in the saddle type vehicle.
[016] In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic component is tilted towards a front of the vehicle with respect to the pair of seat rails and the predefined angle ranges between 2o to 179o.
[017] In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic component is a Transistor-Controlled Ignition (TCI) unit for controlling the ignition coil of the internal combustion engine of the saddle type vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[018] 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 an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a right side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a side view of an electric component of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates the right side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates another right side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[019] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[020] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle and particularly relates to disposition of an electronic component in a saddle type vehicle. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the saddle type vehicle 100 is a motorcycle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile like a scooter or any other saddle type vehicle capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention. The term ‘vehicle’ has been used below for referring to the term ‘saddle type vehicle’ in favour of brevity.
[021] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 comprises a front wheel 112, a rear wheel 108, a frame structure and a rider seat 102. The frame structure includes a head pipe 202 (shown in Figure 2), a main tube 204 (shown in Figure 2), a down tube 206 (shown in Figure 2), and a pair of seat rails 210, 220 (shown in Figure 3). A headlamp 132 and an instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 202. Further, the head pipe 202 supports a steering shaft (not shown) disposed inside the head pipe 202. A front suspension 120 coupled to the steering shaft (not shown) is provided at a front of the vehicle 100, and the front wheel 112 is supported by the front suspension 120. An upper portion of the front wheel 112 is covered by a front fender 146 mounted to a lower portion of the front suspension 120. A handlebar 124 is operatively coupled to the steering shaft and can rotate about the head pipe 202 for steering the vehicle 100.
[022] The vehicle 100 includes a prime mover that is adapted to provide motive force for movement of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the prime mover is an internal combustion engine 110. A fuel tank 142 is mounted on the main tube 204. An exhaust pipe (not shown) extends vertically downward from the internal combustion engine 110 and then extends below the internal combustion engine 110, longitudinally along length of the vehicle 100 before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The down tube 206 is positioned in front of the internal combustion engine 110 and extends downward from the head pipe 202 in a slanting manner. The main tube 204 of the frame member is located above the internal combustion engine 110 and extends rearward from the head pipe 202. Seat rails 210, 220 are joined to the main tube 204 and extend rearward to support the rider seat 102. A swingarm (not shown) is connected to the frame structure to swing vertically, and a rear wheel 108 is connected to a rear end (not shown) of the swingarm. The swingarm is coupled to the vehicle 100 by a rear suspension (not shown) at a position rearwardly of a pivot point of the swingarm on the frame structure of the vehicle 100. A taillight 154 is disposed at a rear of the rider seat 102. A grab rail 104 is also provided to the seat rails at a rear of the seat 102. The rear wheel 108 arranged below the rider seat 102 rotates by motive force generated by the internal combustion engine 110 transmitted through a transmission (not shown). A rear fender 148 is disposed above the rear wheel 108.
[023] Figure 2 illustrates the head tube 202 and the main tube 204. The main tube 204 extends rearwardly from the head tube 202. The pair of seat rails 210, 220 (shown in Figure 3) extends rearwardly from the main tube 204. As illustrated, at least one electronic component 300 is mounted on one of the pair of seat rails 210, 220. As referenced in Figure 3, the electronic component 300 is disposed on an outer side of the pair of seat rails 210, 220 in a vehicle width direction.
[024] In an embodiment, the electronic component 300 is a control unit which is configured for controlling an ignition coil of the internal combustion engine 110 of the saddle type vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the electronic component 300 is a Transistor-Controlled Ignition (TCI) unit for controlling the ignition coil of the internal combustion engine 110 of the saddle type vehicle 100. The TCI is an electronic ignition system used in the internal combustion engine 110 to provide a high-voltage spark in engine cylinders to ignite the air-fuel mixture.
[025] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the pair of seat rails 210, 220 comprises of a left seat rail 210 and a right seat rail 220 that extend rearwardly from the main tube 204. In this embodiment, the electronic component 300 is disposed on an outer side of the either the left seat rail 210 or the right seat rail 220 in the vehicle width direction.
[026] In another embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 100 has a left side cover 114 (shown in Figure 1) that extends along the left seat rail 210 in a vehicle front rear direction and a right side cover (not shown) that extends along the right seat rail 220 in the vehicle front rear direction. In an embodiment, the electronic component 300 is mounted on the left seat rail 210 and is disposed between the left seat rail 210 and the left side cover 114 in the vehicle width direction. In an alternative embodiment, the electronic component 300 is mounted on the right seat rail 220 and is disposed between the right seat rail 220 and the right side cover in the vehicle width direction. The mounting of the electronic component 300 between the left seat rail 210 and the left side cover 114, or the right seat rail 220 and the right side cover ensures that the electronic component 300 is disposed in a secure location and is protected from dust and water ingress. Further, such a disposition ensures that the electronic component 300, more specifically the TCI unit, can be accessed simply by removing the left side cover 114 or the right side cover, ensuring easy access and better serviceability of the TCI unit.
[027] In a further embodiment, the saddle type vehicle 100 has a rider seat 102 that is supported on the pair of seat rails 210, 220 and the electronic component 300 is disposed under the rider seat 102. As shown in Figure 2 and 3, the electronic component 300 is disposed rearwardly and upwardly of the internal combustion engine 110. The electronic component 300 is disposed under the rider seat 102 to ensure that the air at ambient temperature flows towards electronic component 300. Further, the disposition of the electronic component 300 ensures that performance of the electronic component 300 is not affected by hot air released by the internal combustion engine 110 which operates at relatively higher temperatures and dissipates more heat.
[028] As illustrated in Figure 4, the electronic component 300 being a control unit, comprises at least a rubber boot holder 302 for holding the electronic component 300 on to the left seat rail 210 or the right seat rail 220. The rubber boot holder 302 absorbs the vibrations thus protecting the electronic component 300 from the vibration of the saddle type vehicle 100. The electronic component 300 further has a connector 304 and wires for connecting the electronic component 300 to a main harness. As referenced in Figure 3, in an embodiment, a clamp 260 is provided in the saddle type vehicle 100 which holds the wires connected to the electronic component 300, thereby keeping wires in place and packaging the wires inside the available packaging space. The disposition of the electronic component 300 in the abovementioned location ensures that the complexity of wire routing from main branch of wiring harness and hence is reduced.
[029] In an embodiment, as further illustrated in Figure 5, the electronic component 300 is tilted at a predefined angle with respect to the pair of seat rails 210, 220 in the saddle type vehicle 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic component 300 is tilted towards a front of the vehicle with respect to the pair of seat rails 210, 220 and the predefined angle ranges between 2o to 179o. The titling of the electronic component 300 ensures that water or dust does not get accumulated in the connector 304 of the electronic component 300, preventing the electronic component 300 from degradation. Such a tilt also allows for easier connection of the electronic component 300 to the main harness. Furthermore, the tilting of the electronic component 300 towards the front of the vehicle with respect to the pair of seat rails 210, 220 ensures that better airflow and thus helps in cooling of the electronic component 300 for better performance.
[030] To allow for such a tilted mounting of the electronic component 300 on the vehicle 100, in embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, a mounting bracket 250 is provided for mounting the electronic component 300 on at least one of the pair of seat rails 210, 220. The mounting bracket 250 is mounted on at least one of the pair of seat rails 210, 220 by any fastening means known in the art. The mounting bracket 250 is configured to receive and hold the electronic component 300, thereby securely mounting the electronic component 300 to the left seat rail 210 or the right seat rail.
[031] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle type vehicle in which the electronic component is disposed on an outer side of the pair of seat rails in a vehicle width direction. As the present invention provides a location for mounting the electronic component which protects it from water and dust ingress. The present invention also ensures the minimum impact on nearby parts style panels as it doesn’t hinder the serviceability requirements. The disposition of the electronic component under the rider seat ensures that the air at ambient temperature flows towards electronic component and its performance is not affected by hot air released by the internal combustion engine.
[032] The disposition of the electronic component in the abovementioned location ensures that it reduces the complexity of wire routing from main branch of wiring harness and hence, also reduces the cost. Further, the present invention ensures that the electronic component or the TCI unit can be accessed simply by removing the left side cover or the right side cover, ensuring easy access and better serviceability of the TCI unit.
[033] The tilted orientation also ensures the minimum impact on nearby parts style panels, while protecting the electronic component from any dust and water ingress. The location of the electronic component ensures that there is no hinderance to the other serviceability requirements such as cylinder head cover removability, spark plug servicing, Ignition coil placement, deflector placement, tappet adjusting etc. of the internal combustion engine.
[034] 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
100 - Saddle type vehicle
102 - Rider seat
104 - Grab rail
108 - Rear wheel
110 - Internal combustion engine
112 - Front wheel
114 - Left side cover
124 - Handlebar
132 - Headlamp
142 - Fuel tank
146 - Front fender
148 - Rear fender
154 - Taillight
202 - Head pipe
204 - Main tube
206 - Down tube
210 - Left seat rail
220 - Right seat rail
250 - Mounting bracket
260 - Clamp
300 - Electronic component
302 - Rubber boot Holder
304 - Connector
, Claims:1. A saddle type vehicle (100), said saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a head tube (202);
a main tube (204) extending rearwardly from the head tube (202);
a pair of seat rails (210, 220) extending rearwardly from the main tube (204); and
at least one electronic component (300) being mounted on one of the pair of seat rails (210, 220), wherein the electronic component (300) being disposed on an outer side of the pair of seat rails (210, 220) in a vehicle width direction.

2. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of seat rails (210, 220) comprise of a left seat rail (210) and a right seat rail (220) extending rearwardly from the main tube (204).

3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a left side cover (114) extending along the left seat rail (210) in a vehicle front rear direction, and a right side cover extending along the right seat rail (220) in the vehicle front rear direction.

4. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the electronic component (300) is mounted on the left seat rail (210) and the electronic component is disposed between the left seat rail (210) and the left side cover (114) in the vehicle width direction.

5. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the electronic component (300) is mounted on the right seat rail (220) and the electronic component (300) is disposed between the right seat rail (220) and the right side cover in the vehicle width direction.

6. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component (300) comprises a control unit configured for controlling an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine (110) of the saddle type vehicle (100).

7. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a mounting bracket (250) for mounting the electronic component (300) on at least one of the pair of seat rails (210, 220).

8. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, comprising a rider seat (102) supported on the pair of seat rails (210, 220), wherein the electronic component (300) is disposed under the rider seat (102).

9. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the electronic component (300) is disposed rearwardly and upwardly of an internal combustion engine (110).

10. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component (300) is tilted at a predefined angle with respect to the pair of seat rails (210, 220) in the saddle type vehicle (100).

11. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the electronic component (300) is tilted towards a front of the vehicle with respect to the pair of seat rails (210, 220) and the predefined angle ranges between 2o to 179o.

12. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component (300) is a Transistor-Controlled Ignition (TCI) unit for controlling an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine (110) of the saddle type vehicle (100).