TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to vehicles with a step-through type frame assembly and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a step-through type vehicle with an antilock braking system (ABS).
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a bracke control device such as an anti-lock braking system (ABS) are used in automobiles as safety devices. The ABS ensures that the wheels consistently maintain tractive contact with the ground surface when brakes are applied by the driver of the automobile. In general, ABS pervents the wheels of the vehicle from being locked up thereby ensuring the wheels never cease to rotate helping in avoiding skidding.of the wheels. Further, the ABS also offers improved vehicle control and reduces distance generally taken to stop the vehicle on a dry or slippery surface when the brakes are applied by the driver.
[0003] Conventionally, ABS devices are provided in bigger automobiles, for example, cars that run in considerably high speeds. However, as the safety norms to be followed in automobies has increased substantially over the last few years, the need for ABS devices in almost all type of automobiles including two-wheeled vehicles was found very much unavoidable, for example, the European Commission has imposed a mandatory legislation for all new motorcycles above 125cc to include an ABS device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying
figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the
figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used
throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a step-through type vehicle, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] FIG. 2 (a) illustrates a right hand side view of the ABS device mounted
in a step-through type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
subject matter.

[0007] FIG. 2 (b) illustrates a top view of an ABS device mounting assembly in a step-through typle vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] FIG. 2 (c) illustrates a top view of the ABS device mounted in a step-through type vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present • subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] Generally motorcycles are known to include ABS devices. On such motorcycles, the ABS device continuously monitors the speed of the wheels using wheel speed sensors. This enables the ABS device to quickly act in case one of the wheel locks during slippery conditions by controlling the braking pressure delivered to the wheels thereby optimizing the braking effect. This largely enables maintaining the maneuverability and vehicle stability during running conditions, especially in adverse running conditions.
[00010] However, mounting an ABS device in a motorcycle is challenging and has not been as simple as it is in the case of a four-wheeled vehicle. This is because, a two-wheeled vehicle has a body frame that do not completely cover all the components of the vehicle and many components are exposed outside atmosphere and are not covered. Moreover, choosing an optimal mounting location for an ABS device is a challenge because the motorcycle, for example, a step-through type vehicle is already packaged with several components and it is often difficult to accommodate the ABS device. Further, there is always a challenge to accommodate the ABS device in a location that is less exposed to outside atmosphere, for example, any location that prevents entry of dirt particles or other pollutants. This ensures that the functioning of the ABS device including the accuracy of detecting hard braking is not affected. Moreover, optimally locating the ABS device also enable minimizing the occurrence of vehicle imbalance, falling and accidents. More particularly since the ABS device is relatively heavy to be accommodated in the two-wheeled vehicle, it is an object of the present subject matter to provide an optimal location for mounting of the ABS device. For example, the ABS device can be located in such a manner that the left-right weight distribution of the two-wheeled vehicle can be optimized. Further, the

optimal location of the ABS device also ensures that the layout of the two-wheeled vehicle is not affected without adversely upsetting the general appearance and functionality of the two-wheeled vehicle. Moreover, there is also a need to accommodate the ABS device in an optimal location that enables ease of access. For example, it is an object of the present subject matter to provide an ABS device for the step-through type two-wheeled vehicle mounted in an optimal location that enhances the ease of serviceability of the ABS device and the associated components. For instance, an optimal location of mounting the ABS ■ device could ensure that the ABS device can be accessed without having need to dismantle or disassemble other components of the two-wheeled vehicle during regular or occassional service maintenance operations of the two-wheeled vehicle. [00011] The present subject matter is aimed at overcoming the above mentioned problems. For instance, the ABS device of the present subject matter is mounted so as to optimize the lef-right^and front-rear weight distribution of the two-wheeled vehicle body, thereby improving driving stability. More particularly, in . case of a scooter-type two-wheeled vehicle, the optimal location of the ABS device as provided in the present subject matter ensures enhanced drivability and maneuverability. For instance, such scooter-type two-wheeled vehicles includes a mono shock absorber disposed rearwardly of the two-wheeled vehicle underneath a seat structure. The mono shock absorber, for example, is disposed in an inclined manner above an internal combustion engine of the two-wheeled vehicle in a plane perpendicular to ground and a longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, the mono shock absorber is capable of being inclinedly disposed on one side of the longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle, while the other side is left free.
[00012] For example, in an embodiment, the ABS device can be optimally mounted adjacent to the mono shock absorber on the other side of the longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle. For instance, if the mono shock absorber is disposed on a left hand side of the longitudinal axis, the ABS device is disposed on right hand side. Similarly, when the mono-shock absorber is disposed on a right hand side of the longitudinal axis, the ABS device is capable of being disposed on left hand side. Such an optimal location of the ABS device enables lowering the roll and pitch of the two-wheeled vehicle and in turn increasing the overall vehicle stability.

[00013] In another embodiment, the ABS device can be optimally mounted adjancent a front fork of the two-wheeled vehicle depending on the mounting location of the mono shock absorber in order to balance the front-rear weight distribution of the two-wheeled vehicle. For instance, the ABS device can be optimally mounted adjoining a right hand side front fork when the mono shock absorber is mounted rearwardly on the left hand side of the longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle. Similalrly, the ABS device is capable of being mounted adjoining a left hand side front fork when the mono shock absorber is mounted rearwardly on the right hand side of the longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00014] In an embodiment, the present subject matter relates to a step-through type vehicle having a swingable engine. In an embodiment, the present subject matter provides a bake control device for example, an antilock braking system (ABS) comprising an antilock braking system (ABS) device for a step-through
type vehicle having a.swingable.engine .. _
[00015] In an embodiment, the ABS device of the present subject matter includes a hydraulic control device for controlling a hydraulic pressure generated by . hydraulic brake in order to prevent the wheels from skidding. Further, in one embodiment, the ABS device also includes a hydraulic electronic control device (HECU), a master cylinder, one or more brake hoses, one or more brake calipers, and one or more sensors.
[00016] In one embodiment, the ABS includes the hydraulic control device for preventing skidding of wheels during excessive generation of hydraulic pressure while braking. Further, in one embodiment, the ABS device of the present subject matter is disposed at an optimal position aimed at enhancing the compactness of the stepthrough type vehicle, in addition to enhancing the drivability and maneuverability.
[00017] In an embodiment, the ABS device is mounted to a right side rear tube adjoining the mono shock absorber that is mounted to a left hand side of the longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle, and substantially rearwardly upward of the internal combustion engine. For instance, the ABS device is mounted to the right side rear tube by means of one or more mounting brackets. In an
F
embodiment, the one or more mounting brackets used for mounting the ABS device is fastened to the right side rear tube by means of one or more fastening

elements. In another embodiment, the one or more mounting brackets are welded to the right side rear tube and includes one or more slots to enable mounting of the ABS device.
[00018] In another embodiment, the ABS device is mounted to a left side rear tube of the two-wheeled vehicle substantially rearwardly upward of the internal combustion engine, when the mono shock absorber is mounted to the right hand side of the longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle. For instance, the ABS device is mounted to the left side rear tube by means of one or more mounting brackets. In an embodiment, the one or more mounting brackets used for mounting the ABS device is fastened to the left side rear tube by means of one or more fastening elements. In another embodiment, the one or more mounting brackets are welded to the left side rear tube and includes one or more slots to enable mounting of the ABS device.
[00019] In yet another embodiment, the ABS device is mounted to a cross member disposed adjoining^.right hand side.front fork. For instance, in an embodiment, the cross member connects a main tube of the two-wheeled vehicle to a head tube at a position adjoining the right hand side front fork. Such an arrangement ensures that the ABS device is forwardly located on one side of the longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle when the mono shock absorber is rearwardly disposed on the other side of the longitudinala axis of the two-wheeled vehicle, thereby ensuring optimal front-rear weight distribution of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00020] In yet another embodiment, the ABS device is mounted to a cross member disposed adjoining a left hand side front fork. For instance, in an embodiment, the cross member connects, a main tube of the two-wheeled vehicle to a head tube at a position adjoining the left hand side front fork. Such an arrangement ensures that the ABS device is forwardly located on one side of the longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle when the mono shock absorber is rearwardly disposed on the other side of the longitudinala axis of the two-wheeled vehicle, thereby ensuring optimal front-rear weight distribution of the two-wheeled vehicle. For example, when the mono shock absorber is rearwardly disposed on the right hand side of the longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle, the ABS device is mounted on the cross member adjoining the left hand side front fork.

[00021] Further, in-one embodiment, the ABS device of the present subject matter is securely disposed substantially along a vehicle centre line thereby enabling ample protection from external debris such as mud, dust, and slushes. Further, disposing the ABS device at such an optimal location ensure that one or more brake hoses connecting the ABS device to other peripheral components of the vehicle are routed optimally in a manner that any damage occurring to a side frame of the vehicle does not affect or damage the one or more brake hoses. ■ [00022] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00023] FIG. 1 illustrates a step-through type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the step-through type vehicle 100 is a hybrid scooter-type vehicle. The vehicle 100 has a body frame 104 made up of several tubes welded together which usually supports the 'body of the'v^i^'lOOrThe'vehid'e'100'has a steerable front wheel and a driven rear wheel 106. The body frame 104 of the vehicle 100 is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle 100. It is generally convex in shape, as viewed from a side elevational view. The body 1 frame 104 includes a head tube 204 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)), a main frame 206 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) and the main fram 206 further includes a down tube 208 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)). In one embodiment, the down frame 208 is attached to the main frame 202 using appropriate joining mechanism. In an embodiment, the body frame 104 is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers, for example, a front panel, a leg shield, an under seat cover and a side panel. Generally, the body frame .104 can also be reffered to as a vehicle frame 104.
[00024] In one embodiment, the vehicle frame 104' includes a swing arm 102 to provide strength and support to the vehicle 100. In particular, the swing arm 102 of the present subject matter enable mounting of an internal combustion (IC) engine 108. In one embodiment, the swing arm 102 enables mounting of one or more peripheral devices such as a rear suspension device 112, an exhaust device, for example, a muffler (not shown), and a centre stand 110. In another embodiment, the vehicle frame 104 also includes, for example, a handlebar assembly 202 (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) and a seat assembly 116 supported at opposing ends of the vehicle frame 104, defining a floorboard, which is an open area there

between functioning as a step through space. The seat 116 for a driver and a pillion is placed forward to a fuel tank and rearwardly of the floorboard. In one embodiment, the swing arm 102 of the vehicle frame 104 includes the centre stand 110 for supporting the vehicle 100. Further, in one embodiment, a rear fender including a mud flap 114 is placed between the fuel tank and the rear wheel 106 and extending rearwardly downward from a tail lamp assembly 118. For example, the mud flap 114 inhibits rain water or the like from being thrown up by the rear wheel 106 on the IC engine 108 that is placed forwardly of the rear wheel 106. [00025] In another embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a hybrid type vehicle and includes an electromechanical powertrain including the IC engine 108 mounted on the swing arm 102, and a battery (not shown) powering an electrical traction motor. A transmission mechanism, a power coupling mechanism, starter motor and a controller are also provided in the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the engine 108 is a four stroke single cylinder engine. The rear wheel 106 is driven by ..dri.vingJorce,gener£Lted.by.,either the engine 108 or the traction motor.or both.JiL. .,„ one embodiment, the engine 108 is arranged horizontally, that is, its crankshaft is placed at right angles to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the muffler (now shown) mounted on the swing arm 102 is disposed on right side of the vehicle 100, and connects to the engine 108. The exhaust gases entering the muffler from the engine 108 are further oxidized by the secondary air injected through the secondary air intake system to reduce harmful pollutants. [00026] In one embodiment, the rear suspension device 112 mounted on the swing arm 102 enables comfortable steering of the vehicle 100 on the road. For example, the rear suspension device 112 is a hydraulic damped arrangement and is connected to the vehicle frame 104. In an embodiment, the rear suspension device 112 is provided on both left and right side of the vehicle 100. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlight in the front portion of the vehicle 100 and the tail lamp 118 in the rear portion of the vehicle 100 is also provided.
[00027] FIG. 2 (a) illustrates a right hand side view of the ABS device mounting assembly 200 mounted in a step-through type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 2 (b) illustrates a top view of the ABS device mounting assembly 200 in a step-through typle vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 2 (c)

illustrates a top view of the ABS device mounting assembly 300 mounted in a step-through type vehicle 100, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, the ABS device mounting assembly 200 includes an ABS device 218 including a hydraulic control device, an Electronic control device (ECU), a hydraulic electronic control device (HECU), one or more speed sensors, and a plurality of braking hoses. In one embodiment, the ABS device 218 is optimally located on a right side rear tube 210-2 above a rear wheel 106 of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 and on a right hand side of the longitudinal axis L-L' of the two-wheeled vehicle 100. The longitudinal axis L-L' of the vheicle 100 divides the vehicle into a first half (FH) and a second half (SH). In one embodiment, a mono shock absorber 230 is disposed on a left hand side of the longitudinal axis L-L' of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 at a position adjoining the ABS device 218. The optimal positioning of the ABS device 218 adjoining the mono shock absorber 230 ensures that the left-right weight distribution is
.-.. balanced .without adversly affecting the stability of the.tworwheeled vehicle. 100— .
In an embodiment, a centre of gravity (CG) 228 of the vehicle 100 lies at a point '+' denoted in Fig. 2 (b) and Fig. 2 (c). The two-wheeled vehicle 100 achieves an optimal vehicle stability and maneuverability when the left-right weight distribution of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 about the CG 228 is maintained. Optimally mounting the ABS device 218 on the right side rear tube 210-2 as shown in Fig. 2 (a) and Fig. 2 (b) when the mono shock absorber 230 is disposed on a left side of the CG 228 ensures that the left-right weight distribution about the CG 228 is maintained.
[00028] In one embodiment, the ABS device 218 is capable of being mounted on a left side rear tube 210-1 (shown in Fig. 2 (b)), when the mono shock absorber 230 is mounted on right side of the longitudinal axis L-L' of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 thereby ensuring the left-right weight distribution of the vehicle 100 is maintained. In an embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle 100 includes at least one mounting bracket 234 attached to the right side rear tube 210-2 for mounting the ABS device 218. For example, in an embodiment, the mounting bracket 234 is capable of being welded to the right side rear tube 210-2. In another embodiment, the mounting bracket 234 is capable of being fastened to the right side rear tube 210-2 by means of one or more fastening elements (not shown). Further, in an embodiment, the ABS unit 218 is held tightly to the mounting bracket 234 by

means of at least one sleeve. In an embodiment, the main tube 206 of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 includes at least one connecting tube 222 used for mounting a battery holder 214 that houses a battery (not shown). In an embodiment, the location of the battery holder 214 is optimally positioned to coincide with the CG 228 of the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the head tube 204 of the vehicle 100 and the main tube 206 are attached to each other by means of a left side and a right side cross-members 232 that is disposed rearwardly downward from the head tube 204.and joining the main tube 206. In an embodiment, the left side and the right side cross-members 232 joining the head tube 204 at a position adjoining a left side and right side front forks 236 that is disposed downwardly towards a front wheel 130 of the two-wheeled vehicle 100.
[00029] In another embodiment as shown in Fig. 2 (c), the ABS device 318 is disposed, forwardly adjoining the right hand side front fork 236. In an embodiment, the ABS device 318 is mounted to a longitudinal cross member 232. . Intone, embodiment, the ABS device is mounted to the.right.side cr.ossrmember.™ „ 232 positioning adjoining the right hand side front fork 236. Such an optimal location of the ABS device 318 ensures that a front-rear weight distribution of the vehicle 100 about the CG 228 is maintained, when the mono shock absorber 230 is mounted on left side of the longitudinal axis L-L' of the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the left and the right side rear tubes 210-1, 210-2 are connected by means of at least one horizontal member 226.
[00030] In one embodiment, the ABS device 318 as shown in Fig. 2 (c) is mounted to a left side cross-member 232 (not shown) adjoining a left hand side front fork 236 when the mono shock absorber 230 is mounted on right side of the longitudinal axis L-L' of the vehicle 100. Such an optimal location of the ABS device 218 ensures that a front-rear weight distribution of the vehicle 100 about the CG 228 is maintained.
[00031] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Rather, the features are disclosed as embodiments of the ABS device mounting assembly 200, 300 of a step-through type vehicle 100.

1/ We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a body frame (104) including a head tube (204), a main frame (206, 208)
extending rearward from the head tube (204), and a pair of rear tubes (210-1, 210-
2) extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main frame (206, 208);
at least one drive means (108) mounted to said vehicle (100), said at least one
drive means (108) being operationally coupled to a rear wheel (106) of the vehicle
(100);
a front wheel (130) being operationally connected to a handle bar assembly (202)
through a pair of front suspension(s) (236), said front suspension(s) (236) being
disposed on either sides of said front wheel (130);
a rear suspension(s) (230) is operationally connecting the rear wheel (106) to the
body frame (104); and
at least one brake control device (218, 318) being functionally connected to either
of said front wheel (130) or said rear wheel (106) or both of said front wheel (130)
and said rear wheel (106),
wherein
the rear suspension(s) (230) being coupled to at least one of the pair of rear tubes
(210-1, 210-2) and disposed in a first half (FH) of the vehicle about a longitudinal
axis (L-L') of the vehicle (100), and said brake control device (218, 318) being
mounted to the body frame (104) and disposed in a second half (SH) of the
vehicle about the longitudinal axis (L-L') of the vehicle (100).
2. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the rear suspension(s) (230) being
mounted to a first rear tube (210-1) of the pair of rear tubes (210-1, 210-2), and
said brake control device (218) being mounted to a second rear tube (210-2) of the

pair of rear tubes (210-1, 210-2) and disposed substantially opposite to the rear suspension(s) (218) for balancing a right-left weight distribution of the vehicle (100).
3. The vehicle (100) of claim 1 and 2, wherein the rear suspension(s) (230) being mounted to a lateral-cross member (226) connecting the pair of rear tubes (210-1, 210-2) and being disposed in proximity to the first rear tube (210-1) of the pair of rear tubes (210-1, 210-2), and said brake control device (218) being mounted to a second rear tube (210-2) of the pair of rear tubes (210-1, 210-2) and disposed substantially opposite to the rear suspension(s) (234) for balancing a right-left weight distribution of the vehicle (100).
4. The vehicle (300) of claim 1, wherein said brake control device (318) being mounted to a longitudinal-cross member (232) connecting the head tube (204), and the main frame (206, 208) and disposed substantially obliquely opposite to the rear suspension(s) (230) for balancing front-rear weight distribution of the vehicle (100).
5. The vehicle (100) of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the second rear tube (210-2) is provided with at least one mounting bracket (234) for mounting said brake control device (218), said mounting bracket (234) being affixed to the second rear tube (210-2).
6. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said brake control device (218, 318) includes an anti-lock braking system.(ABS) or the like.
7. .,. The vehicle of (100) claim11, wherein the at least one drive means (108)
includes an internal combustion engine (108) and an electric motor.