Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (10), comprising:
a main frame (24) extending rearwardly from a head pipe (22) in a vehicle front-rear direction, the main frame (24) including a downwardly extending member (24A), a rearwardly extending member (24C), and a horizontally extending member (24B) connecting the downwardly extending member (24A) and the rearwardly extending member (24C);
a floorboard (46) disposed above the horizontally extending member (24B) of the main frame (24);
a panel (60) mounted on a portion of the rearwardly extending member (24C) of the main frame (20), the panel (60) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the floorboard (46) along the rearwardly extending member (24C); and
one or more electronic components (70, 80, 90) are disposed on the panel (60).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more electronic component (70, 80, 90), comprises one or more energy sources (70); and the panel (60) is configured to receive the one or more energy sources (70).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more energy sources (70) are centrally disposed with respect to a vehicle centreline (XY) extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle (10).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) (48) coupled to a crankshaft, the ISG extends outwardly in a vehicle width direction and disposed below the horizontally extending member (24B) of the main frame (24).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ISG (48) is disposed on the left side of the vehicle (10) with the respect to the vehicle centreline (XY), in a vehicle front view.

6. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more electronic components (70, 80, 90) comprises an ISG controller (80) for controlling the ISG (48), and the panel (60) configured to receive the ISG controller (80).

7. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3 or 6, wherein the ISG controller (80) is disposed on a right side of the one or more energy sources (70) in a vehicle front view.
8. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises an engine disposed below the horizontally extending member (24B) of the main frame (24).

9. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electronic component comprises a Fuel Injection-Electronic Control Unit (FI-ECU) (90) for controlling the engine, and the panel (60) configured to receive the FI-ECU (90).

10. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3 or 9, wherein the FI-ECU (90) is disposed below the one or more energy sources (70).

11. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3 or 9, wherein the FI-ECU (90) is disposed in front of the one or more energy sources (70) in a vehicle side view.

12. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3 or 9, wherein the FI-ECU (90) is disposed below and forwardly of the one or more energy sources (70) in the vehicle side view.

13. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more energy sources (70) comprise a battery.
14. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel (60) comprises a plurality of sections (62, 64, 66), each section configured to receive at least one electrical component and the one or more electronic components (70, 80, 90).

15. The saddle-type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel (60) comprises a first section (62) to receive the battery (70), a second section (64) to receive the FI-ECU (90), and a third section (66) to receive the ISG Controller (80).

16. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises a cover member configured to be mounted on the panel (60), wherein the at least one electrical component and the one or more electronic components (70, 80, 90) are disposed inside a space defined by the cover member and the panel (60).

17. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises a plurality of couplers (82) for connecting the one or more electronic components (70, 80, 90).

18. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the plurality of couplers (82) are disposed inside the space defined by the cover member and the panel (60).

, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to packaging of one or more electronic components in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] With increasing number of electronic parts required in saddle-type vehicles, there is a need for the electronic parts to be packaged in a safe and efficient manner. Due to high cost associated with these electronic parts, it is imperative that the electronic parts must not be accessible to unauthorised personnel, and are packaged in a theft-proof configuration.
[003] In conventional saddle-type vehicles with increased number of electronic parts, especially saddle-type vehicles with a floorboard such as a moped or a scooter type vehicle, where floorboard loading space is of enormous importance, the electronic parts are packaged in the utility box for easier servicing. However, to accommodate such packaging of the electronic parts in the utility box, the length and the breadth of the utility box need to be increased, increasing the overall size of the utility box. Resultantly, the floorboard size is reduced, hampering the overall floorboard loading capacity of the vehicle.
[004] Also, the critical electronic parts in the saddle-type vehicle need to be mounted in a way that it prevents direct entry of water in the electronic components, preventing the electronic parts from permanent damage.
[005] Further, in conventional saddle-type vehicles, the known mounting locations of the electronic parts is such as they are distant from each other, or from the battery, or from the vehicle components they are communicating with. This causes voltage drops due to usage of lengthy high current wires connecting the battery to the electronic parts, or the electronic parts to each other, or the electronic parts to vehicle components. For example, when the battery and a control unit for an ISG are distant from each other, the voltage drop caused by the lengthy wire results in drop in efficiency during cranking and charging.
[006] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a saddle-type vehicle which addresses the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] The present invention is directed to a saddle-type vehicle having a main frame extending rearwardly from a head pipe in a vehicle front-rear direction. The main frame includes a downwardly extending member, a rearwardly extending member, and a horizontally extending member connecting said downwardly extending member and said rearwardly extending member. A floorboard is disposed above said horizontally extending member of said main frame. A panel is mounted on a portion of the rearwardly extending member of the main frame. The panel extends rearwardly and upwardly from the floorboard along said rearwardly extending member. One or more electronic component is disposed on the panel.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic component includes one or more energy sources and thus the panel is configured to receive the one or more energy sources. In an embodiment, the one or more energy sources is centrally disposed with respect to a vehicle centreline extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, an ISG is mounted on a crankshaft. The ISG extends outwardly in a vehicle width direction and disposed below the horizontally extending member of the main frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the ISG is disposed on a left side of the vehicle centreline extending in the front-rear direction, in a vehicle front view.
[010] In an embodiment, the one or more electronic components including an ISG controller for controlling an ISG and thus the panel is configured to receive the ISG controller. In an embodiment, the ISG controller is disposed on a right side of the one or more energy sources in a vehicle front view.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle includes an engine disposed below the horizontally extending member of the main frame. In an embodiment, the electronic component includes a Fuel Injection-Electronic Control Unit (FI-ECU) for controlling the engine and the panel is configured to receive the FI-ECU. In an embodiment, the FI-ECU is disposed below the one or more energy sources. In an alternative embodiment, the FI-ECU is disposed in front of the one or more energy sources in a vehicle side view. In yet another alternative embodiment, the FI-ECU is disposed below and forwardly of the one or more energy sources in the vehicle side view.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more electronic components comprise a battery.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the panel has a plurality of sections, each section configured to receive at least one electronic component. In an embodiment, the panel has a first section to receive the battery, a second section to receive the FI-ECU, and a third section to receive the ISG Controller.
[014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a cover member is configured to be mounted on the panel, wherein the electronic component is disposed inside a space defined by the cover member and the panel. In an embodiment, a plurality of couplers connect the electronic components and the plurality of couplers are disposed inside the space defined by the cover member and the panel.

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 left side perspective view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a left side perspective view of a part of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a left side view of one or more electronic units packaged on a panel mounted on the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the saddle-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the panel 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 at least one electronic component.
[017] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The saddle-type vehicle 10 comprises an engine (not shown) that is horizontally disposed. Preferably, the engine 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 (shown in Figure 2) and a fuel tank (not shown). The frame member includes a head pipe 22 (shown in Figure 2), a main frame 24, and seat rails 40. The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a pair of front suspension 26 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 telescopic front suspension 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 30 is fixed to the 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 main frame 24 of the frame member extends rearward from head pipe 22. A rear end of the engine is mounted to a rear engine mounting bracket. In an embodiment, the engine is mounted horizontally with a cylinder block extending forwardly from a crankcase. In an embodiment, the engine is disposed below a portion of the main frame 24.
[018] Seat rails 40 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 member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 34. The rear swing arm 34 are supported by two telescopic rear suspensions 44 (only one shown). 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 36 is also provided on the rear of the seat rails 40. The rear wheel 16 arranged below the seat assembly 18 rotates by the driving force of the engine transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the engine. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[019] Further, an exhaust pipe (not shown) of the vehicle extends rearward from the engine, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[020] Figure 2 illustrates a part 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 a main frame 24 that extends rearwardly from the head pipe 22 in a front-rear direction. The main frame 24 includes a downwardly extending member 24A that extends rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 22. Further, a horizontally extending member 24B (shown in Figure 4) of the main frame 24 extends rearwardly from a rear end of the downwardly extending member 24A and runs substantially parallel to the ground. In an embodiment, the main frame 24 extends rearwardly from a rear end of the downwardly extending member 24A into more than one horizontally extending member 24B running runs substantially parallel to the ground. A floorboard 46 is disposed above the horizontally extending member 24B and runs along the length of the horizontally extending member 24B, substantially parallel to the ground. The floorboard 46 is used as a primary loading space in the saddle-type vehicle 10. Further, a rearwardly extending member 24C (shown in Figure 3) of the main frame 24 extends rearwardly and upwardly from a rear end of the horizontally extending member 24B. The rearwardly extending member 24C is disposed in front of the rear wheel 16. The pair of seat rails 40 extend rearwardly from a rear end of the rearwardly extending member 24C and runs substantially parallel to the ground to support the seat assembly 18 over the rear wheel 16.
[021] Further, as illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) 48 connected to a crankshaft of the engine, which extends outward from one side of the vehicle 10 along the width direction. The ISG 48 acts as a starter for cranking of the engine by drawing power from one or more energy sources 70 (shown in Figure 3), replacing the conventional starter and flywheel configuration. Once the engine is running, the ISG 48 acts as a generator for charging the one or more energy sources 70, replacing the conventional generator and flywheel configuration. The ISG 48 is disposed below the horizontally extending member 24B of the main frame 24. In an embodiment of the invention, the ISG 48 is disposed towards the left side of the centreline of the vehicle 10 in a vehicle front view.
[022] As illustrated in Figure 3, and referenced in Figure 2, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has a panel 60 that is mounted on a portion of the rearwardly extending member 24C of the main frame 24. The panel 60 is mounted such that a lower end of the panel 60 abuts a rear end of the floorboard 46, and the panel 60 extends rearwardly and upwardly from the floorboard 46 along the length of the rearwardly extending member 24C of the main frame 24. In an embodiment of the invention, the panel 60 has a recessed profile along its length wherein on mounting of the panel 60 on the rearwardly extending member 24C, the recess sits atop the rearwardly extending member 24C of the main frame 24. The panel 60 is configured to receive at least one electrical component and one or more electronic components 70, 80, 90, hence providing a packaging thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more electronic components received by the panel 60 are disposed below the seat assembly 18 in a vehicle side view.
[023] In an embodiment of the invention, said electronic component includes one or more energy sources 70 to provide electrical power to the electronic components in vehicle 10, and the panel 60 is configured to receive the one or more energy sources 70. In an embodiment, the one or more energy sources 70 comprise a battery. In an embodiment of the invention, the battery 70 is received by the panel 60 such that when the panel 60 is mounted on the rearwardly extending portion 24C of the main frame 24, the battery 70 is centrally disposed with respect to a vehicle centreline (XY) (as shown in Figure 4) extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10. This ensures that the weight of the battery 70 is equally distributed along centreline of the vehicle 10, thereby improving the overall weight distribution of the vehicle components in the vehicle width direction.
[024] In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the one or more electronic components include an ISG Controller 80 and the panel 60 is configured to receive the ISG Controller 80. The ISG Controller 80 controls the ISG 48 for cranking the engine and during vehicle running condition, ISG controller 80 regulates the power output of ISG 48 for charging the battery 70 and for supplying power to other electrical loads. In an embodiment of the invention, the panel 60 is configured to receive the battery 70 and the ISG Controller 80 together. The battery 70 supplies the power required for cranking the engine and also provides power for other electrical loads. In this embodiment, as is illustrated in Figure 4 and reference to in Figure 3, the ISG controller 80 is disposed on the right side of the battery 70 in a vehicle front view. In this embodiment, the ISG Controller 80 is disposed on the opposite side of the ISG 48 with respect to the centreline (XY) of the vehicle 10.
[025] In the saddle-type vehicle 10, the engine is disposed below the horizontally extending member 24B of the main frame 24. In this regard, in an embodiment of the invention, the one or more electronic components include a Fuel Injection Electronic Control Unit (FI-ECU) 90 and the panel 60 is configured to receive the FI-ECU 90. The FI-ECU 90 is capable of receiving input from various sensors and controls the actuators present in the vehicle 10 connected to the engine, thereby controlling the injection and ignition. In an embodiment of the invention, the panel 60 is configured to receive the FI-ECU 90 and the battery 70. In an embodiment, the FI-ECU 90 is disposed below the battery 70. In an alternative embodiment, the FI-ECU 90 is disposed in front of the battery 70 in a vehicle side view. In yet another alternative embodiment, as is illustrated in Figure 4 and reference to in Figure 3, the FI-ECU 90 is disposed below and forwardly of the battery 70 in the vehicle side view. In an embodiment of the invention, the FI-ECU 90 is received on the panel 60 mounted on the rearwardly extending member 24C of the main frame 24 such that the FI-ECU 90 is centrally aligned along the centreline (XY) of the vehicle 10 extending in a front-rear direction.
[026] In an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 5, the panel 60 has one or more sections, with each section configured to receive at least one electrical component and/or one or more electronic components. This ensures that the electronic components are held in distinct dedicated sections on the panel 60. In an embodiment of the invention wherein the electronic components include the battery 70, the ISG Controller 80 and the FI-ECU 90, the panel 60 has a first section 62 to receive the battery 70, a second section 64 to receive the FI-ECU 90, and a third section 66 to receive the ISG Controller 80.
[027] In an embodiment of the invention, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has a cover member (not shown) that is configured to be mounted on the panel 60. The panel 60 and the cover member mounted on the panel 60 define a space, wherein the electronic components are disposed inside said space defined by the cover member and the panel 60. The electronic parts covered under the cover member can only be accessed by opening the cover member by the vehicle key and hence, the one or more electronic components cannot be accessed by unauthorised persons making the configuration theft proof.
[028] In the embodiment wherein the electronic components include the battery 70, the one or more electronic components include the FI-ECU 90 and the ISG Controller 80, and the one or more electronic components are electrically connected via one or more wiring harness. The ISG 48 is connected to ISG controller 80 via a second wiring harness which is thicker than the common wiring harness. The battery 70 is then connected with the ISG controller 80 via a third harness referred as Battery Cordset, which carries the high current during cranking and charging, and is thicker than the common wiring harness and the second wiring harness.
[029] In an embodiment of the invention, the saddle-type vehicle 10 further has a plurality of couplers 82 for electrically connecting each of the electronic components. The couplers 82 assist the FI-ECU 90 and the ISG Controller 80, which are placed on the panel 60 in accessing their communication lines. Said plurality of couplers 82 also improve the efficiency of communication between the FI-ECU 90, the ISG Controller 80 and the various sensors by preventing signal loss or noise. In this embodiment, the plurality of couplers 82 are also disposed inside the space defined by the cover member and the panel 60, and much like the electronic components, cannot be accessed by unauthorised personnel.
[030] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle-type vehicle with improved packaging of the electronic components and improved routing of the wiring harness. The proximal mounting of the battery 70, the FI-ECU 90 and the ISG Controller 80 reduces the length of wiring harness required to electrically connect the said electronic components. The reduced length of the wiring harness not only reduces signal loss and voltage drop across the harness increasing efficiency during cranking and charging, but also reduces the weight and the cost associated with the additional wiring harness.
[031] The mounting of the electronic components as in the present invention results in a lower space requirement for the accommodation of the electronic components, allowing for the accommodation of electronic components in a compact manner without hampering the loading space available on the floorboard. The vehicle layout of the vehicle as provided by the present subject matter is configured such that the ISG and the ISG Controller are placed on different sides of vehicle with respect to centreline facilitates balancing of the vehicle weight in the vehicle width direction. The position of FI-ECU allows easier accessibility and serviceability, and the mounting at a high ground clearance also prevents direct entry of water on to the electronic components.
[032] Further, the cover member being mounted on the panel makes the electronic components 70,80,90 theft proof, as to access the electronic components 70,80,90 the cover member will need to be removed using the vehicle key.
[033] Furthermore, the wiring harness required to electrically connect the electronic components are not in direct contact with the main frame, which is a metal component, thereby reducing the risk of short circuit in case of damage to wiring harness that may lead to cut in the wiring harness. The location of the couplers inside the space defined by the cover member and the panel, is in the proximity of the electronic components, and hence, communication losses are reduced, and serviceability is made easier.
[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.