Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a main frame (24) extending rearwardly from a head pipe (22);
a pair of side tubes (50) extending downwardly from a rear section of the main frame (24);
a rear mono-cushion unit (70) disposed in front of a rear wheel (16) between the pair of side tubes (50) and a pair of swing arms (34);
a pair of rear tube frames (80) extending downwardly from a rear portion (60’) of a pair of seat rails (60) and disposed rearwardly to the side tubes (50); and
at least one control unit (82) mounted on one of the rear tube frames (80).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control (82) unit being disposed rearwardly of the side tubes (50) and is in line with a portion of the rear mono-cushion unit (70) in a vehicle side view.

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control unit (82) is an ABS control unit comprising a Hydraulic-Electronic Control unit.

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an L-shaped bracket (84) mounted on one of the rear tube frames (80) and configured to receive the at least one control unit (82), wherein a centre plane parallel to a top face and a bottom face of the at least one control unit (82) is parallel to the rear tube frames (80).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control unit (82) is mounted on a left-hand rear tube frame (80A).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of rear tube frames (80A) comprises a right-hand rear tube frame (80B) and the left-hand rear tube frame (80A), and wherein the right-hand rear tube frame (80B) is capable of supporting an air filter assembly.

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 6, wherein the at least one control unit (82), in a vehicle top view, is centrally aligned with respect to the left-hand rear tube frame (80A) such that an axis (A-A’) passing centrally through the control unit (82) along the length of the left-hand rear tube frame (80A) is in-line with a central axis of the left-hand rear tube frame (80A).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 6, wherein the at least one control unit (82), in a vehicle top view, is offset to the left with respect to the left-hand rear tube frame (80A) such that the axis (A-A’) passing centrally through the control unit (82) along the length of the left-hand rear tube frame (80A) is offset to the left from the central axis of the left-hand rear tube frame (80A).

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 6, wherein the at least one control unit (82), in a vehicle top view, is offset to the right with respect to the left-hand rear tube frame (80A) such that the axis passing centrally through the control unit (82) along the length of the left-hand rear tube frame (80A) is offset to the right from the central axis of the left-hand rear tube frame (80A).

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one control unit (82) is mounted on the right-hand rear tube frame (80B) of the pair of rear tube frames (80).

, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In conventional saddle-type vehicles with a mono rear shock absorber configuration, generally there is lack of space for disposing and mounting of electrical components as compared to saddle-type vehicles with a dual rear shock absorber configuration, where space for disposing and mounting of electrical components is created between the left rear shock absorber and right rear shock absorber above the rear wheel.
[003] It is known that saddle-type vehicles with a mono rear shock absorber configuration require specific type of frame structures which can support the engine and support the mono rear shock absorber behind the engine. The mounting of required electrical components in such frame structures has to be done on locations in the frame structure with a low ground clearance, making the electrical components susceptible to damage. Further, to accommodate a large number of electrical parts, the width of the frame structure needs to be increased which has a detrimental effect on the handling of the vehicle.

[004] The mounting of electrical components in a saddle-type vehicle with mono rear shock absorber configuration, especially an ABS control unit for running the antilock braking system requires the width of the frame structure to be further increased affecting the ground reach for the rider. The ABS control unit is conventionally mounted on a swing arm cross member extending backwards and supporting the rear wheel. The mounting of the ABS control unit on the swing arm cross members not only affects the ground clearance of the vehicle but also exposes the ABS control unit or any other electrical component mounted in its vicinity to mud splatter and possibility of rainwater damaging the electrical components. This leads to the electrical components being vulnerable to damage caused due to impacts as mentioned above requiring frequent servicing.
[005] Further, the electrical components in the conventional saddle type vehicles need to be mounted in such a manner that their weight can counterbalance the weight of other vehicle components to maintain the balance of the vehicle in its width, which further limits the possible locations of mounting of the electrical components.
[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] The present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle having a main frame extending rearwardly from a head pipe, a pair of side tubes extending downwardly from a rear section of the main frame, a rear mono-cushion unit disposed in front of a rear wheel between the pair of side tubes and a pair of swing arms, and a pair of rear tube frames extending downwardly from a rear portion of a pair of seat rails and disposed rearwardly to the side tubes. In an embodiment, an end portion of the pair of side tubes is attached to the pair of swing arms. The pair of rear tube frames are extending downwardly from the rear portion of the pair of seat rails such that the pair of seat rails are disposed adjacently to the rear mono-cushion unit. In an embodiment, the pair of seat rails, the pair of side tubes and the pair of rear tube frames are configured to accommodate the rear mono-cushion unit therebetween in addition to being able to accommodate at least one control unit.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is disposed rearwardly of the side tubes and is in line with a portion of the rear mono-cushion unit in a vehicle side view. In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is an ABS control unit comprising a Hydraulic-Electronic Control unit.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the saddle-type vehicle has an L-shaped bracket mounted on one of the rear tube frames and configured to receive the control unit. In this regard, a centre plane parallel to a top face and a bottom face of the control unit is parallel to the rear tube frames.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit is mounted on a left-hand rear tube frame. Further, the pair of rear tube frames have a right-hand rear tube frame and a left-hand rear tube frame. In an embodiment, the vehicle layout is configured such that an air filter assembly is positioned on the right-hand rear tube frame and the control unit is positioned on the left-hand rear tube frame. This enables balancing of left-right mass of the vehicle.
[011] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the control unit, in a vehicle top view, is centrally aligned with respect to the left-hand rear tube frame such that an axis passing centrally through the control unit along the length of the left-hand rear tube frame is in-line with a central axis of the left-hand rear tube frame.
[012] In an embodiment, the control unit, in a vehicle top view, is offset to the left with respect to the left-hand rear tube frame such that the axis passing centrally through the control unit along the length of the left-hand rear tube frame is offset to the left from the central axis of the left-hand rear tube frame.
[013] In another embodiment, the control unit, in a vehicle top view, is offset to the right with respect to the left-hand rear tube frame such that the axis passing centrally through the control unit along the length of the left-hand rear tube frame is offset to the right from the central axis of the left-hand rear tube frame.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit is mounted on the right-hand rear tube frame of the pair of rear tube frames.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] 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 right-side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a left side view of a vehicle frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a left side view of a vehicle frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a rear-left perspective view of the part of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a front sectional view of the part of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[016] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a saddle type vehicle with mounting provision for at least one control unit.
[017] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a saddle-type vehicle 10 shown in the Figures comprises an IC engine 12 that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the IC engine 12 is a single-cylinder type IC engine. The saddle-type vehicle 10 comprises a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame member (not shown), a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 20. The frame member (not shown) includes a head pipe 22, a main frame 24, a down tube 42, a pair of side tubes 50, and a pair of seat rails 60. The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a pair of front suspension 26 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The pair of front suspension 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 pair of front suspension 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 30 is attached to an upper bracket (not shown) and is rotatable. A head light 32, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The frame member comprises a down tube 42 that may be located in front of the IC engine 12 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe 22. The main frame 24 of the frame member is located above the IC engine 12 and extends rearward from head pipe 22. The IC engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube 42 and a rear of the IC engine 12 is mounted at the rear portion on the side tubes 50. In an embodiment, the IC engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the IC 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 downtube.
[018] The fuel tank 20 is mounted on the horizontal portion of the main frame 24. A pair of seat rails 60 are joined to main frame 24 and extend rearward to support a seat assembly 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arms 34. The rear swing arms 34 are supported by a rear-mono cushion unit 70 of the saddle-type vehicle 10. A taillight unit (not shown) is disposed at the end of the saddle-type vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. A grab rail (35) is also provided on the rear of the seat rails. The rear wheel 16 arranged below seat 18 rotates by the driving force of the IC engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the IC engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[019] Further, an exhaust pipe 40 of the vehicle extends vertically downward from the IC engine 12 and then extends below the IC engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler 44. The muffler 44 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[020] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has the main frame 24 that extends rearwardly from a head pipe 22 and extends over the upper portion of the IC engine 12. In an embodiment of the invention, the main frame 24 extends rearwardly from the head pipe 22 in a downward slope.
[021] As illustrated in in Figure 3, and further illustrated in Figure 5, the saddle-type vehicle 10 further has the pair of side tubes 50 extending downwardly from a rear section of the main frame 24. As seen in Figure 5, the pair of side tubes 50 extend downwardly from the rear section of the main frame 24, first abutting each other and then cleave, running parallel to each other. In an embodiment of the invention, the pair of side tubes 50 has a left-hand side tube 50A and a right-hand side tube 50B. The pair of side tubes 50 pivotally support a pair of swing arms 34 which support the rear wheel 16, each swing arm 34 extending rearwards from each of the side tubes 50.
[022] As illustrated in the Figures 3 and 5, the saddle-type vehicle 10 further has the rear mono-cushion unit 70 disposed in front of the rear wheel 16. The rear mono-cushion unit 70 is disposed between the pair of side tubes 50 and the pair of swing arms 34. In an embodiment of the invention, a front end of the rear mono-cushion unit 70 is supported at a top portion of the pair of side tubes 50 and a rear end of the rear mono-cushion unit 70 is supported on a member (not shown) extending between the pair of swing arms 34. In an embodiment of the invention, the rear mono-cushion unit 70 is centrally disposed in the vehicle width direction. The rear mono-cushion unit 70 acts as the shock absorber for the rear wheel 16 when the saddle-type vehicle 10 is in a running condition.
[023] The saddle-type vehicle 10 further has a pair of seat rails 60 to support the seat assembly 18 extending rearwards from the rear section of the main frame 24, wherein the pair of seat rails 60 run parallelly to each other and are joined at their rear end. The pair of seat rails 60 are positioned substantially above the rear wheel 16. In an embodiment of the invention, the pair of seat rails 60 has a left-hand side seat rail 60A and a right-hand side seat rail 60B.
[024] As illustrated in the Figure 3, the saddle type vehicle 10 further has a pair of rear tube frames 80 extending downwardly from a rear portion (60’) of the pair of seat rails (60) and disposed rearwardly to the side tubes (50). In an embodiment of the invention, the pair of rear tube frames 80 has a left-hand rear tube frame 80A extending between the left-hand side tube 50A and the left-hand side seat rail 60A, and a right-hand rear tube frame 80B extending between the right-hand side tube 50B and the right-hand side seat rail 60B. As further illustrated in the Figures, at least one control unit 82 is mounted on one of the rear tube frames 80. The mounting of the control unit 82 on the rear tube frames 80 is configured to provide the saddle-type vehicle 10 better ground clearance and prevent the control unit 82 from mud splatter and rainwater damage.
[025] In one embodiment of the invention, the control unit 82 is mounted on one of the rear tube frames 80 in such a manner that in a vehicle side view, the control unit 82 is rearwardly of the side tubes 50 and is in-line with a portion of the rear mono-cushion unit 70 when viewed from a side view. Such a mounting configuration enables the control unit 82 to being covered by a cover member (not shown) of the vehicle bodywork, further preventing the control unit from mud splatter and rainwater damage.
[026] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the control unit 82 is an ABS control unit. In this regard, the ABS control unit is a Hydraulic-Electronic Control Unit (HECU) to control the operation of an antilock braking system (not shown). A typical ABS system has the Hydraulic-Electronic Control Unit, a plurality of wheel speed sensors and hydraulic valves within the braking hydraulics. The HECU constantly monitors the rotational speed of the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16. In the braking operation, if the HECU detects the wheel rotating significantly slower than the speed of the other wheel, which corresponds to a condition of impending wheel lock, it actuates the valves to reduce hydraulic pressure to the brake at the affected wheel, thus reducing the braking force on that wheel and resultantly the wheel is allowed to turn faster. Conversely, if the HECU detects the wheel turning significantly faster than the other wheel, brake hydraulic pressure to the wheel is increased so the braking force is reapplied, slowing down the wheel. The proposed mounting location of the HECU provides a natural cooling pathway for the HECU, thereby improving the functionality of the HECU and improving the assembly and serviceability of the HECU.
[027] In an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the control unit 82 is mounted on one of the rear tube frames 80 by means of an L-shaped bracket 84. The L-shaped bracket 84 is configured to be mounted on one of the rear tube frames 80 and receive the control unit 82. The L-shaped bracket 84 is configured such that when the L-shaped bracket 84 having received the control unit 82, is mounted on one of the rear tube frames 80, a centre plane parallel to a top face and a bottom face of the control unit 82 is parallel to the rear tube frames 80. The L-shaped bracket 84 is configured to be mounted on one of the rear tube frames 80 such that the L-shaped bracket lies along the central axis of the rear tube frame 80, in a vehicle top view. In an alternative embodiment, the L-shaped bracket 84 is mounted offset to the left of a vertical plane extending through the central axis of the rear tube frame 80, in a vehicle top view. In another alternative embodiment, the L-shaped bracket 84 is mounted offset to the right of a vertical plane extending through the central axis of the rear tube frame 80, in a vehicle top view. The L-shaped bracket 84 facilitates inclined mounting of the control unit 82. Further, the L-shaped bracket 84 negates the instability in the mounting/loosening of mounting members and reduces the risk of displacing of control unit 82 mounted on the L-shaped bracket 84 due to the inclination. Also, the L-shaped bracket 84 can adequately support the control unit 82, without requiring stable mounting and hence achieves stability of the control unit 82 mounted on the L-shaped bracket 84 in an inclined manner.
[028] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit 82 is mounted on the left-hand rear tube frame 80A extending downwardly from the left-hand side tube 50A and the left-hand side seat rail 60A. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 layout is configured such that an air filter assembly (not shown) is positioned on the right-hand rear tube frame 80B and the control unit 82 is positioned on the left-hand rear tube frame 80A. This enables balancing of left-right mass of the vehicle 10, thereby balancing the weight of the saddle-type vehicle 10 in vehicle width along a centreline of the vehicle extending in the front-rear direction. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the control unit 82 is mounted on the right-hand rear tube frame 80B extending between the right-hand side tube 50B and the right-hand side seat rail 60B. Accordingly, the air filter assembly for the saddle-type vehicle is positioned on the left-hand rear tube frame 80A extending between the left-hand side tube 50A and the left-hand side seat rail 60A.
[029] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit 82 is mounted on the left-hand rear tube frame 80A in manner that in a vehicle top view, the control unit 82 is centrally aligned with respect to the left-hand rear tube frame 80A. More particularly, an axis (A-A’) (shown in Figure 2) passing centrally through the control unit 82 along the length of the left-hand rear tube frame 80A is in-line with the central axis of the left-hand rear tube frame 80A. In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 82 is mounted on the left-hand rear tube frame 80A in manner that in the vehicle top view, the control unit 82 is offset to the left with respect to the left-hand rear tube frame 80A. More particularly, the axis (A-A’) passing centrally through the control unit 82 along the length of the left-hand rear tube frame 80A is offset to the left from the central axis of the left-hand rear tube frame 80B. In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the control unit 82 is mounted on the left-hand rear tube frame 80A in manner that in the vehicle top view, the control unit 82 is offset to the right with respect to the left-hand rear tube frame 80A. More particularly, the axis (A-A’) passing centrally through the control unit 82 along the length of the left-hand rear tube frame 80A is offset to the left from the central axis of the left-hand rear tube frame 80A.
[030] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle type vehicle with a rear-mono cushion unit which allows for the control unit to be mounted on one of the rear tube frames such that the control unit is disposed at a higher ground clearance, protecting it from impact damage and also protecting the control unit from mud splatter and rainwater damage.
[031] Further, the saddle-type vehicle in the present invention eliminates the requirement of widening of the frame structure of the vehicle to accommodate one or more control units, particularly, an ABS control unit in a rear mono-cushion unit configuration, thereby providing for the mounting of the control units without having a detrimental effect on the handling of the vehicle and on the ground reach of the rider.
[032] Furthermore, the saddle-type vehicle in the present invention provides for the one or more control units to be mounted in a manner that their weight can counterbalance the weight of other vehicle components, thereby maintaining the balance of the vehicle in its width.
[033] 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.