DESC:A TWO WHEELED VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a vehicle. The present subject matter specifically but not exclusively relates to a charging inlet assembly for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In automobile vehicle industry, electric vehicles have been introduced to control air pollution caused due to IC engine powered vehicles. Currently, the electric vehicles are classified into two groups, namely pure electric and extended electric vehicles (also known as hybrid vehicles). The electric vehicles have a primary electric drive with associated energy storage device. In recent years, electric vehicles have become quite popular due to high oil prices and the environmental impact of pure gasoline fuel consumption vehicles.
[0003] Generaly, an on-board charging system in a two-wheeled vehicle requires a charging port to charge the on-board batteries. The on-board charging system can function on both AC current or DC current or the combination of both the AC as well as the DC current. The charging system is generally provided on the front portion of the vehicle or on the rear portion, behind the pillion seat, of the vehicle.
[0004] In a known art, US20150360576(A1), a power receiving connector for straddle type vehicle, the power receiving connector is provided in the front portion and also in the rear portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type scooter along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a charging inlet assembly in an open condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the charging inlet assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 5 illustrates a charging inlet assembly when a cover member is in a closed condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 6 illustrates an open condition of the cover member of the charging inlet assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates an open condition of the cover member of the charging inlet assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the charging inlet assembly on rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0001] The electric vehicles are provided with a power source such as a battery to power a prime mover such as an electric motor to run the vehicle. The battery in the electric vehicle needs a charging system for charging purpose, which can be an on-board or an off-board charging system. When the battery gets discharged after the consumption and needs to be recharged, then either an on-board or an off-board charging system can be used. The batteries can be charged at the charging station or at home where a power source is available. But most of the charging stations have problem associated with the slow charging process, non-standardized charging inlets, the size and the weight of a charging inlet, custom made charging inlets for specific model of electric vehicle etc.
[0002] Additionally, a two-wheeled vehicle, which is compact in size compared to a three or four wheeled vehicle and meant for more than two riders face challenge of removal of the batteries and re-installation required for the purpose of charging. Therefore, this necessitates an on-board charging system which can be accommodated along with the battery inside a body of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00014] An on-board charging system in a two-wheeled vehicle requires a charging port to charge the on-board batteries. The on-board charging system can function on both AC current or DC current or the combination of both the AC as well as the DC current. A charging inlet provided in the vehicle to facilitate charging process of the battery is also called charging inlet. A charging gun is engaged to the charging inlet to initiate the charging process. In order to protect the charging inlet from any environmental factors such as dust or water, the charging inlet needs to be covered. It is also essential that the charging inlet should be protected from any unauthorized access to eliminate the probability of damaging the charging inlet.
[00015] In three wheeled vehicle or four wheeled vehicle, which accommodate three or more commuters, the state-of-the –art technology provides a hinged or a rubber cover to close the charging inlet and along with that a separate body panel rotatably mounted to cover the charging inlet. Whereas, in case of a two-wheeled vehicle, the charging inlet has only a snap fit type plastic cover which can be easily opened and damaged during unauthorized access or over time with usage.
[00016] Further, during the plugging and unplugging process of charging inlet, the charging inlet remains exposed to dust and water and hence it becomes necessary to provide a prevention mechanism which can prevent the entry of dust and water even during the charging process. Also, at the same time the prevention mechanism should be serviceable as frequent charging process involves plugging and unplugging process which eventually leads to wear and tear of the means used as prevention mechanism. Therefore, there is a need of an improved solution to overcome all above problems and other problems of known art.
[00017] The present subject matter provides a charging inlet assembly in a two-wheeled vehicle to solve the above mentioned problems. The charging inlet assembly as per the present invention is capable of receiving power supply connector leading to an external power supply such as power station. The charging inlet assembly comprises of one or more structural members which are removably mounted on each other such that if one of the structural members gets damaged, the charging inlet need not to be removed from the vehicle and the damaged structural member can be removed and replaced by a new part.
[00018] Further, another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a charging inlet assembly with a closeable cover member which is rotatably mounted on one of the structural member through a spring loaded hinge. The closeable cover member is locked by either mechanical lock or an electronic lock.
[00019] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides one or more structural members removably arranged in a tiered fashion. The structural members are an upper member and a lower member wherein said upper member is provided with a pair of projections to lock with a rear inlet panel of the vehicle.
[00020] Still another embodiment of the present subject matter provides an ingress resistance means accommodated in between the upper member and the lower member to prevent ingress of water into said charging inlet assembly. The ingress resistance means is accommodated in a groove formed around a periphery on a lower surface of said upper member.
[00021] Another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a cover member rotatably mounted on said upper member through a hinge and the cover member can be locked by either mechanical or electronic means. The cover member gets locked by a mechanical latch. A locking device for the cover member can be operated manually with a physical key or electronically through an electronic key such as a keyfob.
[00022] Yet another embodiment of the present subject matter provides a switch unit disposed on the upper region of the charging inlet assembly. The switch unit constantly senses the open or closed condition of the cover member. When the cover member is in a closed condition, the switch unit gives an indication to the driver through an indication light using LED lamp or audio indication such as a beeper.
[00023] The exemplary embodiments detailing features regarding the aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to an embodiment of a two wheeled saddle type motorcycle along with the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter.
[00024] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) illustrated, has a schematically shown frame assembly (105). In the present embodiment, the frame assembly (105) is step-through type includes a head tube (105A), and a main frame (105B) that extend rearwardly downward from an anterior portion of the head tube (105A). The main frame (105B) extends inclinedly rearward to a rear portion of the vehicle (100).
[00025] The vehicle (100) includes one or more prime movers, like an electric traction motor, that are connected to the frame assembly (105). In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor (not shown) is hub mounted to one wheel of the vehicle (100). In another embodiment, more than one electric motor is mounted to wheels of the vehicle. In the depicted embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes at least two-wheels and the electric motor is hub mounted to the rear wheel (125) of the vehicle. A front wheel (110) is rotatably supported by the frame assembly (105) and is connected to a handle bar assembly (130) that enables manoeuvring of the vehicle (100).
[00026] Further, the vehicle (100) includes a high capacity on-board battery (8) that drives the electric motor (120). The high capacity battery may include one or more high capacity battery packs or one or more low capacity cells. The high capacity battery can be disposed at a front portion, a rear portion, or at the centre of the vehicle (100). The high capacity battery is supported by the frame assembly (105) and the vehicle (100) includes plurality of body panels, mounted to the frame assembly (105) for covering various components of the vehicle (100). The plurality of panels includes a front panel (140A), a leg shield (140B), an under-seat cover (140C), and a left and a right side panel (not shown). A glove box may be mounted to a leg shield (140B). The battery (8) forms a part of a charging circuit which also includes a relay box (7), a vehicle control unit VCU (4), a charging inlet assembly (200). A charging gun (1) is plugged into the charging inlet assembly (200) in order to charge the battery (8). The VCU (4) is a master control unit, which takes control of the overall operation of the vehicle (100) including the function of the electric motor, charging of the battery (8), driving of loads by the battery (8), charging of the high capacity battery (8) by the electric motor as well as charging by the charging gun (1) through an external power source such as a power station. The battery (8) can be mounted with a hinge mechanism to allow easy access and easy service. The vehicle control unit VCU (4) can be mounted below a seat assembly (150) or beside the side rail (not shown) of the seat assembly (150), or in between an utility box (not shown) and the side panel (not shown), or front of a rear shock absorber (not shown). The vehicle control unit VCU (4) can be mounted using a U-shaped metallic bracket. Further, the battery (8) is placed inside a battery box (not shown) and flexible lugs are used on the battery box to suppress the noise and vibration during movement of the vehicle.
[00027] A floorboard (145) is provided at the step-through portion defined by the main frame (105B). A seat assembly (150) is disposed rearward to the step-through portion and is mounted to the main frame (105B). The main frame (105B) mounting registers in the rear portion which can function as common mounting for a battery (8) or an engine (in case of hybrid vehicle). The seat assembly (150) that is elongated in a longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle (100) enables the user to operate the vehicle in a saddle ride-type posture. One or more suspension(s) connect the wheels (110), (125) to the vehicle (100) and provide comfortable ride. The vehicle (100) comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight (155A) movably supported on a head tube (105A), a taillight (155B), a starter motor (not shown), a horn etc. A housing of the headlight (155A) and housing of the instrument cluster can be plastic welded for seamless finish. The vehicle (100) can be a two-wheeled saddle type or a three wheeled vehicle.
[00028] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear portion comprises the seat assembly (150), a grab handle (160) disposed behind the seat assembly (150) enabling support for a pillion rider when the vehicle is in a riding condition. Below the grab handle (160) the charging inlet assembly (200) has been disposed. The charging inlet assembly (200) is disposed underneath of a rear inlet panel (201) which is provided with a cut out to access the charging inlet assembly (200).
[00029] Fig. 3 shows perspective view of the charging inlet assembly (200) assemble on the vehicle and is shown in an open condition. As per alternate embodiments, the location of the charging inlet assembly (200) can be conveniently disposed on either left or right side of the vehicle irrespective of the problems associated with the charging inlet provided in the existing vehicles while overcoming the problems of known art .
[00030] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the charging inlet assembly (200) comprising one or more structural members removably arranged and tiered one over another. The charging inlet assembly (200) is an on-board charger socket which is capable of functioning with both AC current or DC current or combination of both. The charging inlet assembly (200) is connected to the battery (8) and does not require removal of the battery (8) for the purpose of charging. The structural members are an upper member (14) and a lower member (12). This allows easy service whenever either of the structural members of the charging inlet assembly (200) gets damaged. The entire charging inlet assembly (200) is not required to be taken out and only the damaged component can be removed or replaced. The upper member (14) and the lower member (12) are removably mounted onto each other such that an ingress resistance means (16) gets accommodated in between the upper member (14) and the lower member (12). The ingress resistance means (16) can be a ring seal to prevent the ingress of water into the charging inlet assembly (200) during charging condition when a charging gun is in a plugged in condition. The ingress resistance means (16) is accommodated on a groove formed around a periphery on a lower surface of the upper member (14). The charging inlet assembly (200) is accessible through a cut out (202) provided in the rear inlet panel (201) shown in Fig 3. The cut out can be of a circular or a polygon shape like a square or a rectangle.
[00031] The upper member (14) is provided with a pair of projections (14a, 14b) on its outer circumferential periphery which engages to get locked with the rear inlet panel (201). Further, a cover member (15) is mounted on the upper member (14) rotatably through a spring (18) loaded hinge pin (20) on a hinge joint (19). The cover member (15) is provided with an insert member (17) disposed on the closing surface of the cover member so as to block any entry of dust or water when the cover member (15) is in a closed condition. Further, as per different embodiments, the cover member (15) can be locked by either mechanical or electronic means. As per the current embodiment, the cover member (15) gets locked by a mechanical latch (5a). The lever (22) is actuated by a locking device (9). The locking device (9) can be operated manually with a physical key or electronically through an electronic key such as a keyfob. A mechanical latch (5a) is engaged or disengaged by a lock (5). The mechanical latch (5a) is connected to the lock (5) through a locking cable (5b). The lock (5) can be provided separate or it can be integrated with a seat lock (not shown) of the vehicle (100). If the lock (5) fails to operate due to loss of power or a key then a mechanical control cable (9a) can be used to disengage the lock (5). A terminal unit (13) is securely disposed with in the lower member (12). A charging gun (1) is plugged onto the terminal unit (13) during charging process.
[00032] Fig. 5 shows the charging inlet assembly (200) where the cover member (15) is in a closed condition. The cover member (15) as per the present embodiment compliments the rear inlet panel (201). The charging inlet assembly (200) as per the present invention does not require a separate panel but forms an integrated part of the rear inlet panel (201) to close the charging inlet assembly (200). The cover member (15) eliminates the problem of having multiple covers for the charging inlet assembly (200) and at the same time it does not compromise with the aesthetics of the vehicle (100).
[00033] Fig. 6 illustrates an open condition of the cover member (15) of the charging inlet assembly (200).
[00034] Fig. 7 illustrates a top view of the charging inlet assembly (200) with the cover member (15) in an open condition. As per an embodiment, the upper member (14) is additionally provided with one or more LED modules (40a,40b, 40c and 40d) located in each corner of the upper member (14) in order to illuminate the charging inlet assembly (200) during the charging process to indicate whether the battery is charging or not. Further, as per this embodiment, the terminal unit (13) is polyphase connector which is a three phase charging connector also called Type 2 connector. The terminal unit (13) mates with a charging gun (1) during charging of the battery in the vehicle (100). The combo connector is compatible with both AC and DC current for charging the battery. The terminal unit (13) has two additional phases including a ground. Further, the terminal unit (13) as per another embodiment additionally has a proximity pilot pin (P3) and a control pilot pin (P1). The proximity pilot pin (P3) is used to detect when the charging cable is connected and helps in preventing any accidental motion of the vehicle by stopping power supply to the drive system of the vehicle. The control pilot pin (P1) monitors the ground wire and if there is any malfunction in the ground wire then the control pin disconnects the power supply from the power source and prevents any accident which may occur due to absence of ground (protective earth) function. Pin P5 and P6 of the terminal unit (13) are DC lines (a positive line and a negative line respectively), pin P4 is an AC line, pin P2 is power earth, pin P7 is a neutral pin.
[00035] Further, as per an embodiment, a switch unit (400) is additionally disposed on the outer circumferential surface of upper member (14) of the charging inlet assembly (200) and in proximity to the hinge of the cover member (15). The switch unit (400) constantly senses the open or closed condition of the cover member (15). When the cover member (15) is in a closed condition, the switch unit (400) is configured to trigger an audio and / or visible indication to the driver through an indication light, such as an LED light, on an instrument cluster (not shown) of the vehicle (100) or a beeper to give an beep indicating the secure closure of the charging port opening. An indication unit or an alarm gets actuated when the switch unit (400) senses an open condition of the cover member (15).
[00036] Fig. 8 illustrates an exploded view of the charging inlet assembly (200) on rear portion of the vehicle (100). The charging inlet assembly (200) is disposed under the rear inlet panel (201) and a gasket (203) surrounding the charging inlet assembly (200).
[00037] Fig. 9 illustrates the charging inlet assembly (200) having a groove (333) on the upper member (14) to accommodate the ingress resistance means (16).

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

vehicle (100)
frame member (105)
head tube (105A)
main frame (105B)
rear wheel (125)
handle bar assembly (130)
front panel (140A)
leg shield (140B)
under-seat cover (140C)
seat assembly (150)
wheels (110), (125)
headlight (155A)
taillight (155B)
charging inlet assembly (200)
gasket (203)
rear inlet panel (201)
cover member (15)
switch unit (400)
neutral pin (P7)
AC line (P4)
DC lines (P5, P6)
control pilot pin (P1)
proximity pilot pin (P3)
terminal unit (13)
charging gun (1)
upper member (14)
lower member (12)
LED modules (40a,40b, 40c and 40d)
cover member (15)
a mechanical control cable (9a)
lock (5)
mechanical latch (5a)
locking device (9)
lever (22)
insert member (17)
hinge joint (19)
hinge pin (20)
spring (18)
pair of projections (14a, 14b)
ingress resistance means (16)
grab handle (160)
battery (8)
vehicle control unit VCU (4)
relay box (7)
on-board charger OBC (3)

groove (333)

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a seat assembly (150) disposed at a rear portion of said vehicle (100);
a grab handle (160) disposed at a rear end of said seat assembly (150) for providing a support to a pillion rider;
a charging inlet assembly (200) located on said rear portion,
wherein, said charging inlet assembly (200) includes one or more structural members (12, 14) removably arranged in a tiered fashion,
wherein, said one or more structural members (12, 14) being an upper member (14) and a lower member (12); and
and an ingress resistance means (16) being disposed in between said upper member (14) and said lower member (12) for preventing ingress of water into said charging inlet assembly (200).

2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said charging inlet assembly (200) being located below said grab handle (160).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said charging inlet assembly (200) being securely disposed underneath a rear inlet panel (201),
wherein, said charging inlet assembly (200) being accessible through a cut out (202) provided in said rear inlet panel (201).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said charging inlet assembly (200) includes

said upper member (14) being provided with one or more projections (14a,14b) on the outer circumferential surface to lock with said rear inlet panel (201); said upper member (14) being provided with a peripheral groove on its surface,
and wherein
said ingress resistance means (16) being accommodated said groove,
a cover member (15) being mounted on said upper member (14) through a hinge (19), said cover being capable of rotating about an axis of said hinge (19) for closing said cut-out (202); and
a charging terminal unit (13) being disposed at the lower side of said lower member (12) to mate with a charging gun (1) for charging.
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said cover member (15) being locked through a mechanical means,
wherein, said mechanical means being a mechanical latch (5a) of a locking member (5).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said cover member (15) being locked through an electronic means,
Wherein, said electronic means being a key fob to actuate a mechanical latch (5a) of a locking member (5).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said upper member (14) being provided with one or more LED modules (40a,40b, 40c and 40d) to visually indicate the charging state of said vehicle (100)
wherein, said LED modules (40a,40b, 40c and 40d) being disposed at each corner of said upper member (14).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a switch unit (400) being provided on said upper member (14) to detect a closed or open condition of said cover member (15),
wherein, an indication unit gets actuated when the switch unit (400) senses an open condition of said cover member,
wherein, said indication unit being either an LED on an instrument cluster or a beeper.
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein a switch unit (400) being disposed on an outer circumferential surface of said upper member (14) and in proximity to said hinge (19).
10. A charging inlet assembly (200) for a vehicle (100), said charging inlet assembly (200) includes;
one or more structural members (12, 14) removably arranged in a tiered fashion,
wherein, said one or more structural members are an upper member (14) and a lower member (12);
wherein, said upper member (14) being provided with a pair of projections (14a,14b) on its outer circumferential surface to lock with a rear inlet panel (201); said upper member (14) being provided with a groove (333) on one of its surfaces
an ingress resistance means (16) being disposed in said groove and between said upper member (14) and said lower member (12) for preventing ingress of water into said charging inlet assembly (200);

a cover member (15) being mounted on said upper member (14) through a hinge (19); said cover member (15) being capable of rotating about an axis of said hinge (19) for closing a cut-out (202) provided on said rear inlet panel (201) and
a terminal unit (13) being disposed at the lower side of said lower member (12) for mating with a charging gun (1).