Claims:We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a head pipe (102);
a down tube (103) extends rearwardly in downward direction;
a central frame member (104) extends horizontally in rearward direction from the down tube (103);
a rear frame member (105) extends upwardly and then rearwardly in upward direction;
one or more seat assembly (106); and
the one or more seat assembly (106) being supported by the rear frame member (105) such that a space being created between the one or more seat assembly (106), the rear frame member (105), and the central frame member (104) to securely mount a storage unit (107).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage unit (107) being configured to be positioned at least partially or completely below the seat assembly (106).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage unit (107) being capable to accommodate one or more power source (108) to drive the two-wheeled vehicle (100).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the storage unit (107) being configured to accommodate a tool kit (not shown) along with the one or more power source (108).
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage unit (107) being configured to have a locking system (not shown).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage unit (107) being securely mounted on the rear frame member (105) from the rear side and a bottom side of the storage unit (107) being supported by the central frame member (104).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage unit (107) being provided with one or more slots (127) to accommodate one or more power source (108).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the storage unit (107) being formed by one or more surfaces (122) to enclose the one or more power source (107).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more surfaces (122) of the storage unit (107) includes a top surface (123), a bottom surface (124), a front surface (125), and a rear surface (126), such that the storage unit (107) substantially forms a trapezoidal shape in a side view of the vehicle (100).
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the rear surface (126) being configured to form a cavity at a middle portion of the rear surface (126) conforming to the profile and contour of the rear frame member (105) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100).
11. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cavity at the middle portion of the rear surface (126), forms a bulged portion (130) inside the space formed by one or more surfaces (122).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively the present subject matter relates to a storage unit mounting on the two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventionally two wheeled vehicles are powered by liquid fuels to run an engine which powers the vehicle for its operation. However, exhausts coming out of the vehicle after burning the liquid fuels are not good for the environment. To eliminate this problem, an electric vehicle is a good alternative. Although, the electric vehicles ensure a safer and cleaner environment as compared to the conventional fuel vehicles but packaging layout of an electric and hybrid vehicle is more challenging as electric power train requires a lot of additional components other than battery. For example, in a conventional single tube frame vehicle, the mounting space for the vehicle components is very limited as there is no space available other than surrounding the single tube frame running from front portion of the vehicle to the rear portion of the vehicle. In such vehicles, the engine is located below a floor board of the vehicle, and a fuel tank, an induction system, an exhaust system, and other related systems are supported by the single tube frame itself. In order to convert these conventional vehicles to electric or hybrid power trains, the entire packaging of the existing vehicle has to be reconsidered for mounting bigger batteries and other electric power train related components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a two-wheeled step through type vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[0004] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled step-through type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0005] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates a side view of the frame assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[0006] Figure 3(a) exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the storage unit.
[0007] Figure 3(b) exemplarily illustrates a top view of the storage unit.
[0008] Figure 3(c) exemplarily illustrates a side view of the storage unit.
[0009] Figure 3(d) exemplarily illustrates a front view of the rear surface of the storage unit having a semicircle.
[00010] Figure 4(a) exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the two-wheeled step-through type vehicle as per another embodiment.
[00011] Figure 4(b) exemplarily illustrates a side view of the two-wheeled step-through type vehicle as per another embodiment.
[00012] Figure 4(c) exemplarily illustrates a rear open view of the storage unit as per another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0001] Generally, while packaging various components of a two-wheeled electric or hybrid vehicle, different mounting locations for the electric power source such as the batteries being mounted in a floorboard, or beneath the floorboard or, in front or rear portion of the vehicle are known. However, the demand for high-output electric power source in the two-wheeled vehicle is increasing rapidly, therefore, due to the limitation on the availability of space in the vehicle, the location of aggregates and layout of the electric power source becomes very crucial. In addition to that, the installation of the power source should be done such that the power source is effectively cooled by natural cooling, and is also safe from external forces that can damage the electric power source.
[0002] Additionally, in two-wheeled vehicles, having single tube backbone frame structure, there is a need to package electric power train components in a compact manner, such that the power source and other related components e.g., motor are being securely mounted to the frame. This requirement necessitates from the need to keep the centre of gravity (CG) in optimized position to ensure good dynamic handling and stability of the vehicle. The motor and the battery unit (power source) are the heaviest parts of any electric vehicle, so they should be mounted securely in an appropriate location to ensure the required size, ease of accessibility and minimum change in layout of the wiring harness. The packaging should be such that the parts of the conventional vehicles, other than power train such as frame, seat, and the like can also be utilized for economical advantage for the manufacturer across different vehicle variant and platform of products. Thus, there is a need of an improved layout design of a backbone type frame vehicle which overcomes above problems and other problems of known art.
[0003] An objective of the present subject matter is to provide a secured mounting for the power source without changing the conventional frame layout of the vehicle. The power source is disposed in the space between a rider seat and a floorboard along the frame of the vehicle. The present subject matter is described using an exemplary two-wheeled step through type vehicle, whereas the claimed subject matter is applicable to any type of two-wheeled vehicle, with required changes and without deviating from the scope of invention.
[0004] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed which comprises of a head pipe, a down tube, a rear frame member, and one or more seat assembly. The down tube extends rearwardly in downward direction. The central frame member extends horizontally in rearward direction from the down tube. The rear frame member extends upwardly and then rearwardly in upward direction, and the one or more seat assembly is supported by the rear frame member such that a space is created between the one or more seat assembly, the rear frame member, and the central frame member to securely mount a storage unit. As per an aspect of the present invention, a storage unit is securely mounted at the space so created.
[0005] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the storage unit is configured to be positioned at least partially or completely below the seat assembly.
[0006] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the storage unit is capable to accommodate one or more power source to drive the two-wheeled vehicle.
[0007] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the storage unit is configured to accommodate a tool kit along with the one or more power source.
[0008] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the storage unit is configured to have a locking system.
[0009] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the storage unit is securely mounted on the rear member from the rear side and a bottom side of the storage unit being supported by the central frame member.
[00010] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the storage unit is provided with one or more slots to accommodate one or more power source.
[00011] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the storage unit is formed by one or more surfaces to enclose the one or more power source.
[00012] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the one or more surfaces of the storage unit includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface, such that the storage unit substantially forms a trapezoidal shape in a side view of the vehicle.
[00013] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the rear surface is configured to form a cavity at a middle portion of the rear surface conforming to the profile and contour of the rear frame member of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00014] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the cavity at the middle portion of the rear surface, forms a bulged portion inside the space formed by one or more surfaces. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an embodiment in a two-wheeled step through type vehicle along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00015] Fig.1 exemplarily illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled step-through type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 has a mono-tube type frame assembly 101 extending from a front portion (F) to a rear portion (R) along a longitudinal axis of the step through type vehicle 100. The frame assembly 101 acts as a skeleton of the vehicle 100. The frame assembly 101 extends from a head pipe 102 in the front portion (F) of the vehicle 100 till the vehicle rear portion (R). A steering shaft (not shown) is inserted through the head pipe 102 and a handle bar assembly 111 is pivotally disposed on it. The steering shaft is connected to a front wheel 112 by a front suspension 113. A front fender 114 is disposed above the front wheel 112 for covering at least a portion of the front wheel 112. The frame assembly 101 includes a down tube 103 extending rearward in downward direction from the head pipe 102. A central frame member 104 extends horizontally in rearward direction from the down tube 103, and a rear frame member 105 extends rearwardly in upward and then rearward direction. The frame assembly 101 forms a substantially horizontal step-through portion with a backbone structure with a floorboard (not shown) to enable step-through mounting of a rider and to assist in carrying heavy loads. A swing arm 116 is swing ably connected to the frame assembly 101. A rear wheel 117 is rotatably supported by the swing arm 116. One or more rear suspension(s) 118 are provided for ensuring riding comfort. The one or more rear suspension(s) 118 are connected to the swing arm 116 at one end and to a portion of a rear frame member 105 of the frame assembly 101 at the other end. A one or more seat assembly 106 is disposed rearwardly of a step-through portion 115 (shown in fig.2) for seating of the rider. The one or more seat assembly 106 includes a rider seat 106(a) and a pillion seat 106(b). Further, the seat assembly 106 is positioned above the rear wheel 117. The vehicle 100 is supported by a centre stand 119 mounted to the frame assembly 101. A storage unit 107 is securely mounted in the space created by the one or more seat assembly 106, the rear frame member 105, and the down tube 103 of the frame assembly 101.
[00016] Fig.2 exemplarily illustrates a side view of the frame assembly 101 of the two-wheeled vehicle 100. The storage unit 107 is configured to accommodate one or more power source 108 which can drive the vehicle 100. The storage unit 107 is configured in the space between the rider’s seat 106(a) (shown in fig.1) and upward portion of the rear frame member 105 of the frame assembly 101. The storage unit 107 is mounted on the rear frame member 105 from the rear side and a bottom side of the storage unit 107 being supported by the central frame member 104 of the frame assembly 101. This layout configuration protects the power source 108 from water, dust, and other environmental factors. In an embodiment, the storage unit 107 can accommodate a tool kit (not shown) along with the one or more power source 108. The storage unit 107 is configured to have a locking system (not shown). The locking system secures the power source 108, tool kit (not shown), and other components accommodated inside the storage unit 107 and thus prevents from theft. This mounting mechanism facilitates in ease in assembly and serviceability of the power source 108. One or more battery cells 120 of the power source 108 is assembled in a single storage unit 107 which saves the space and compactly packages the one or more power source 108. Further, the size of the power source 108 can be increased by extending the size of the storage unit 107 in the forward direction, towards the step through portion 115, enabling addition of more number of battery cells 120 to the power source 108. The mounting of the one or more power source 108 under the rider seat, which is the centre of the vehicle 100, enables to achieve the required centre of gravity (CG) of the vehicle 100. This also helps in equal load distribution throughout the vehicle frame assembly 101. The storage unit 107 is mounted on the rear frame member 105 from its rear side and is supported by the central frame member 104 from the bottom side. The storage unit 107 can be assembled from either side of the step through two-wheeled vehicle 100. The storage unit 107 is mounted on to the frame assembly 101 by means of one or more attachment means 121. However, the storage unit 107 can be welded, bolted, screwed, or fasten to the frame assembly 101 of the vehicle 100.
[00017] Fig.3(a) exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the storage unit 107. Fig.3(b) exemplarily illustrates a top view of the storage unit 107. Fig.3(c) exemplarily illustrates a side view of the storage unit 107. Fig.3(d) exemplarily illustrates a front view of the rear surface 126 of the storage unit 107 having a semi-circular recess which appears as a bulge 130 when seen from the inside of the storage unit. Fig 3(a), Fig 3(b), Fig 3(c) and Fig 3(d) shall be discussed together. The storage unit 107 mounted on the frame assembly 101 (shown in fig.2) includes one or more external wall surfaces 122. The one or more surfaces 122 are formed such that the one or more surfaces 122 forms substantially a trapezoidal shape when seen from the side view of the vehicle. The one or more surfaces 122 includes a top surface 123, a bottom surface 124, a front surface 125, a rear surface 126. The one or more surfaces 122 of the storage unit 107 is provided with one or more slotted lateral recess 127 to increase the stiffness of the storage unit 107. The higher stiffness provides strength and reinforcement to the storage unit 107. The one or more slotted recess 127 also facilitates in locating the one or more power source 108 (shown in fig.2) inside the storage unit 107. The one or more slotted recess 127 keeps the one or more power source 108 (shown in fig.2) at one position when the vehicle 100 is in operation thereby ensuring that the one or more power source 108 (shown in fig.2) is not displaced from its position and is locked in the respective place. The top surface 123 of the storage unit 107 has a flat surface 128 and then the surface extends upwards making a semi curved concave surface 129, and then the top surface 123 extends in a rearward horizontal direction from the front surface 125 to accommodate the one or more power source 108 (shown in fig.2) The front surface 125 is placed substantially vertically and is attached to the top surface 123 at one of its ends. The bottom surface 124 is then attached to a one end of the front surface 125. The top surface 123 is placed substantially horizontally such that it makes a right angle with respect to the front surface 125. The bottom surface 124 is placed horizontally such that the bottom surface 124 makes a right angle with the front surface 125. One end of the rear surface 126 is attached with the bottom surface 124 and the other end is attached to the top surface 123. The rear surface 126 is configured in an inclined position such that it forms an obtuse angle with respect to the bottom surface of the storage unit 107.
[00018] The rear surface 126 of the storage unit 107 is inclinedly configured and is in abutting contact with the rear frame member 105 (shown in fig.2) of the frame assembly 101 (shown in fig.2) at least partially circumscribing it. The rear surface 126 is configured at its central portion along its vertical direction to take shape and contour of the rear frame member 105 so that the rear surface 126 hugs the rear frame member 105. The rear surface 126 is configured to form a recess or bulge 130 at a middle portion of the rear surface 126 so as to be mounted on the rear frame member 105 (shown in fig.2) of the vehicle 100. The slot at the middle portion of the rear surface 126, forms a bulged portion 130, which extends inside the space formed by one or more surfaces 122.
[00019] Fig.4(a) exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the two-wheeled step-through type vehicle 100 as per another embodiment. Fig.4(b) exemplarily illustrates a side view of the two-wheeled step-through type vehicle 100 as per another embodiment. Fig.4(c) exemplarily illustrates a front open view of the storage unit 107 as per another embodiment. Fig 4(a), Fig 4(b), and Fig 4(c) shall be discussed together. As per another embodiment, the storage unit 107 is mounted on the rear frame member 105 (shown in fig.4(b)) from the rear side of the unit 107 and is supported from the bottom side by upward member (not labelled) of rear frame member 105. The storage unit 107 mounted on the frame assembly 101 includes one or more surfaces 122. The top surface 123 has a flat surface 128 and then the surface extends making a semi curved surface (not shown), and then the top surface 123 extends in a rearward horizontal direction from the front side of the storage unit to accommodate the power source 108 (shown in fig.4(a)). The front surface (not shown) is configured vertically and is attached to the top surface 123 at one of its ends. The bottom surface 124 is then attached to a one end of the rear surface 126. The top surface 123 is placed horizontally such that it makes a right angle with respect to the rear surface 126. The bottom surface 124 is placed horizontally such that the bottom surface 124 makes a right angle with the rear surface 126. One end of the rear surface 126 is attached with the bottom surface 124 and the other end is attached to the top surface 123. The rear surface 126 extends vertically in upward direction and then extends inclinedly in rearward direction to form the rear surface 126 of the storage unit 107. Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

List of Reference numerals
100: Two-wheeled vehicle
F: Front portion of 100
R: Rear portion of 100
101: Frame assembly of 100
102: Head pipe of 101
103: Down tube of 101
104: Central frame member of 101
105: Rear frame member of 101
106: One or more seat assembly of 100
106(a): Rider seat
106(b): Pillion seat
107: Storage unit of 100
108: One or more power source of 100
111: Handlebar assembly of 100
112: Front wheel of 100
113: Front suspension of 100
114: Front fender of 100
115: Step-through portion of 100
116: Swing arm of 100
117: Rear wheel of 100
118: One or more rear suspension of 100
119: Centre stand of 100
120: One or more battery cells of 108
121: One or more attachment means of 107
122: One or more surfaces of 107
123: Top surface of 122
124: Bottom surface of 122
125: Front surface of 122
126: Rear surface of 122
127: One or more slots of 107
128: Flat surface of 123
129: Semi curved surface of 123
130: Bulged portion of 126