Abstract: The present subject matter provides a vehicle (100) comprising a frame assembly (101, 102, 103, 104), the frame assembly (101, 102, 103, 104) includes a headtube (101) and a downtube (102, 103). A first portion (102) of the downtube extends inclinedly downwards from the headtube (102, 103), and a second portion (103) of the downtube extends horizontally rearwards from the first portion (102) of the downtube (102, 103). An electrical converter (111) is mounted to the first portion (102) of the downtube (102, 103), such that the electrical converter (111) is facing frontwards in a vehicle (100) front rear direction.
Description:Technical Field of Invention
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle, more specifically the present subject matter is related to an electrical converter disposed in the vehicle.
Background
[0002] A vehicle generally consists of a frame fixed on two or more wheels. At least one of the two or more wheels is a driven wheel, and at least another of the two or more wheels is a steering wheel. The driven wheels are propelled by a power unit. Conventionally, the power unit is an internal combustion engine, which combusts a hydrocarbon-based fuel under high pressure to generate power, which is transmitted through a piston, a crankshaft, and a transmission unit to the driven wheel. The power unit can also be an electric motor, which powers the driven wheel through a transmission unit. In vehicles with more than four wheels, any of the front or rear wheels, or all of the wheels can be driven. In a two wheeled or three wheeled vehicle with an internal combustion engine however, the rear wheels is/are the driven wheels, and the front wheel is the steering wheel. The transmission of power from the power unit to the driven wheel is enabled by one of a chain drive, a shaft drive, or a belt drive system. The wheels are mounted to the frame of the vehicle through suspension systems. The suspension systems are necessary to provide a comfortable ride to the occupants of the vehicle.
[0003] One or more electrical and electronic components are provided in the vehicle to enable the functioning of the various mechanical actuators. The one or more electrical and electronic components include sensors, controllers, and electrical loads. The sensors are configured to generate real time data on various vehicle operating parameters; based on which the controllers generate one or more signals for the actuators of the vehicle, so that the vehicle can run smoothly and without any issues. The controllers may be configured to control and maintain a fuel injection system, an antilock braking system, an emission monitoring system, a telematics unit, a display console, and various electrical other loads in the vehicle such as a headlamp, a tail lamp, turn signal lamps, etc.
[0004] In order to provide adequate power supply to the various electronic and electrical components, the vehicle is provided with a generator and a battery. The battery is used to draw power and start the power unit of the vehicle from a rest state. Then onwards, the rotating crankshaft of the engine can rotate the generator, which generates electricity for the one or more electrical and electronic components of the vehicle and charges the battery. Generally, in vehicles, the generator is an integrated starter generator (ISG). The ISG has a rotating part, which is connected to the crankshaft of the engine. The rotating part of the ISG can rotate by consuming electricity, thereby turning the crankshaft, and starting the engine. Conversely, the rotating crankshaft will rotate the rotating part of the ISG and generate electricity. The current and voltage generated by the ISG while it is functioning as a generator can vary depending on various factors. However, the output required to provide power to the various electrical and electronic components needs to be maintained at a constant level. Therefore, it is imperative that an electrical converter be provided so that the output power can always be maintained at the desired level .
[0005] Generally, a DC-DC converter is provided in vehicles. In smaller two wheeled vehicles, there is not much space available in the two wheeled vehicle where such a converter can be efficiently disposed. It is generally disposed beneath the seat assembly of the vehicle in conventional vehicles. An utility cum storage box, for storing one or more items of the user of the vehicle, is also disposed below the seat assembly of the vehicle. This space is further used to mount various structural components of the vehicle and other electrical and electronic components. Therefore, there is a need to mount the DC-DC converter separately from this portion of the vehicle, as there are too many critical components in the same closed space which can be potentially dangerous to the functioning of the DC-DC converter. Also, the space under the seat assembly prevents any air flow over the DC-DC converter, thus preventing the cooling of the converter.
[0006] In view of the above, there is a need for mounting the DC-DC converter of the two wheeled vehicle at a location on the vehicle where there is sufficient flow of air over the converter so that the converter can be efficiently cooled while in operation, and to avoid disposing the converter in an otherwise tightly packed space.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described below, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0008] In order to address the issues with the existing systems, a DC-DC converter is provided on the vehicle which is disposed on a downtube of a frame assembly of the vehicle. The DC-DC converter is so disposed that it is mounted forwardly of the frame assembly in a vehicle front rear direction, allowing sufficient airflow over the converter while the vehicle is in operation.
[0009] In an aspect, a vehicle comprising a frame assembly is disclosed. The frame assembly includes a headtube and a downtube. A first portion of the downtube extends inclinedly downwards from the headtube, and a second portion of the downtube extends horizontally rearwards from the first portion of the downtube. An electrical converter is mounted to the first portion of the downtube, the electrical converter is facing frontwards in a vehicle front rear direction.
[00010] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a U-shaped mounting bracket when viewed from a side view of the vehicle, the mounting bracket is capable of mounting said electrical converter on said vehicle.
[00011] In an embodiment, the U-shaped mounting bracket has a C-shaped cut away along a length of the U-shaped mounting bracket, the C shaped cut away is configured to conform to the outer periphery of the downtube.
[00012] In an embodiment, the U-shaped mounting bracket is welded to the downtube.
[00013] In an embodiment, the electrical converter is mounted to the mounting bracket using one or more fasteners.
[00014] In an embodiment, the electrical converter has one or more fins for heat dissipation protruding forwardly in a vehicle front rear direction when the converter is mounted on the vehicle.
[00015] In an embodiment, the downtube is configured to have one or more mounting means, at least one of the one or more mounting means is capable of mounting the electrical converter.
[00016] In an embodiment, the electrical converter is mounted at one of an upward part of the first portion of the downtube and a downward part of the first portion of the downtube.
Brief Description of Drawings
[00017] 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.
[00018] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of a two wheeled vehicle from a left side view of the vehicle.
[00019] Figure 2 is an exemplary illustration of the two wheeled vehicle in an isometric view of the vehicle.
[00020] Figure 3 is an exemplary illustration of the electrical converter being mounted on the vehicle in an isometric view of the vehicle.
[00021] Figure 4 is an exemplary illustration of the frame assembly of the vehicle including the electrical converter in an isometric view of the vehicle.
Detailed Description
[00022] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following description thereof, set out hereunder.
[00023] Figure 1 is an exemplary illustration of a two wheeled vehicle 100 from a left side view of the vehicle 100. Figure 2 is an exemplary illustration of the two wheeled vehicle 100 in an isometric view of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 comprises a frame assembly 101, 102, 103, 104, a front wheel 109, a rear wheel 110, a seat assembly 105, and a power unit (not shown). Both the front wheel 109 and the rear wheel 110 are attached to the frame assembly 101, 102, 103, 104 through suspension systems (please add label in the drawings). The frame assembly 101, 102, 103, 104 comprises a headtube 101, a downtube 102, 103, and a rear tube 104. The headtube 101 is configured to enable the mounting of a handlebar 108, a front lamps 106, and an instrument cluster 107, and attaching the handlebar 108 to the front wheel 109 through a front suspension system (add labeling). The downtube 102, 103 extends inclinedly downwards and rearwards from the headtube 101 in a first portion of the downtube 102, and then horizontally rearwards from the end of the first portion 102 in a second portion of the downtube 103. The second portion of the downtube 103 is covered by a footrest assembly 103a, 103b. The footrest assembly, as per the present exemplary illustration, consists of a wall portion 103a and a floor portion 103b. The rear portion 104 of the frame assembly 101, 102, 103, 104 extends inclinedly upwards and rearwards from the end of the second portion of the downtube 103, and then extends horizontally rearwards, to form the skeletal structure of the rear portion of the vehicle 100. The rear portion of the vehicle 100 comprises the seat assembly 105. The rear portion of the vehicle 100 further comprises the pillion handle, and the tail lamp assembly (not shown). According to this exemplary illustration, the power unit of the vehicle 100 is mounted below the second portion 103 of the downtube 102, 103. The power unit is configured to generate rotational power, which is transferred to the rear wheel 110 through one of a chain drive, a belt drive, or a shaft drive. According to the present embodiment being illustrated through the exemplary illustration, the power unit is an internal combustion engine. An internal combustion engine converts burns a hydrocarbon-based fuel in a combustion chamber to generate gaseous pressure, which is translated into rotational motion of a crankshaft, which is used to drive the rear wheel, generally through a transmission assembly. A starter machine is required to start the internal combustion engine from a rest state. This starter machine is generally an electrical machine which is powered by a battery. The battery is also configured to provide power to one or more electrical loads of the vehicle, such as the front and rear lamps. An electrical generator is also provided so that the battery may be charged by the engine when the vehicle is under operation. Generally, an integrated starter generator (ISG) machine is provided on the crankcase of the engine itself. The ISG machine has a rotating part and a fixed part. The rotating part is attached to the crankshaft. When the ISG machine is functioning as a starter, the electrical power from the battery is converted into rotating the crankshaft by the ISG machine. When the ISG machine is functioning as a generator, the rotation of the crankshaft is converted into electrical power, which is used to power the electrical loads of the vehicle 100 while the vehicle 100 is in operation, and charge the battery. One or more electrical and electronic components of the vehicle 100 are disposed below the seat assembly 105. The space below the seat assembly 105 generally consists of a utility box, the one or more electrical and electronic components, and the battery. The space also provides for the mounting of one or more structural components of the vehicle 100. The utility box allows the user of the vehicle 100 to store one or more personal items while using the vehicle 100 in a secured manner. The electrical power generated by the ISG machine is proportional to the rotational speed of the crankshaft, and thus the amount of power varies while the vehicle is in operation. An electrical converter is thus required which will output a constant current and voltage for safely operating the electrical loads of the vehicle, as well as safely charging the battery. In conventional vehicles, a DC-DC converter is provided in the space below the seat assembly 105. However, since the space is so packed with other components, disposing the converter there poses a challenge to the packaging of the various components. Moreover, due to the restricted airflow in the space below the seat assembly 105, the DC-DC converter cannot be cooled effectively. Therefore, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, an electrical converter 111, which according to the present embodiment is a DC-DC converter, is mounted on the first portion of the downtube 102. The electrical converter 111 is mounted such that it has one or more fins protruding forwards in a vehicle front rear direction. The electrical converter 111 is mounted such that it is positioned between the headtube 101 and the footrest 103a, 103b. Additionally, the electrical converter 111 is mounted behind the front wheel 109 of the vehicle 100. The downtube 102 is a two wheeled vehicle 100 may also be configured to mount the fuel tank (not shown) of the vehicle 100. The fuel tank is mounted facing backwards in a vehicle front rear direction. Therefore, as per the present embodiment, the electrical converter 111 is forwards of the fuel tank of the vehicle 100.
[00024] Figure 3 is an exemplary illustration of the electrical converter 111 being mounted on the vehicle in an isometric view of the vehicle 100. The electrical converter is shown to be mounted using a mounting bracket 112. The mounting bracket 112 is U-shaped when viewed from a side view of the vehicle. The mounting bracket 112 is configured to be capable of mounting the electrical converter 111 on the vehicle 100. The downtube 102 is a cylindrical part, and as such is not suitable for mounting an electrical converter 111 without any supporting attachment. The mounting bracket 112, therefore, according to the present subject matter, is configured such that has a C-shaped cut away along a length of the mounting bracket 112, as shown in the exemplary illustration. The C shaped cut away is configured to conform to the outer periphery of the downtube 102. As per another embodiment, a portion of the downtube 102 is cut so that the mounting bracket 111 is attached to the downtube 102 at the cut away portion. As per the present embodiment, the mounting bracket is made of a metallic material, and bracket 112 is welded to the downtube 102. In one embodiment the mounting bracket 112 is integrated to the down tube 102. In another embodiment, the mounting bracket 112 is fastened on the downtube 102 through one or more fasteners. The electrical converter 111 is mounted to the mounting bracket 112 using one or more fasteners 113. The bracket 112 is configured with one or more fastening holes that conform to the one or more fastening holes on the electrical converter 111. The electrical converter 111 has one or more fins for heat dissipation. The one or more fins are protruding forwardly in a vehicle front rear direction when the electrical converter 111 is mounted on the vehicle 100. This allows the air flow to be directed on the electrical converter 111 while the vehicle 100 is in motion, thus cooling the converter 111 more efficiently. The mounting bracket 112, due to its U shape, has a flat base and two perpendicular walls. The bracket 112 is attached to the frame such that the flat base portion of the U shaped bracket 112 is facing forwards, enabling a steady mounting of the bracket 112 to the frame. Since there are no obstructions on the rear side of the bracket 112, it is easier to fasten the electrical converter 111, enabling easier assembly and servicing.
[00025] Figure 4 is an exemplary illustration of the frame assembly 101, 102, 103, 104 of the vehicle 100 including the electrical converter 111 in an isometric view of the vehicle 100. According to the present embodiment, one or more attachment mounts 103-A, 104-A are provided on the frame 101, 102, 103, 104 of the vehicle 100. The one or more attachment mounts 103-A, 104-A enable the mounting of various vehicle 100 components, including the power unit, suspension systems, electrical systems, fuel systems, seat assembly, and the wheels. As can be seen from the illustration in figure 4, the attachment mounts 104-A are attached to the rear portion of the frame assembly 104, and are located directly below the seat assembly 105. As stated above, the space below the seat assembly 105 is utilized to dispose several structural components of the vehicle 100, as well as one or more electrical and electronic components, including the battery, and the utility box of the vehicle 100. Since the space below the seat assembly is so tightly packed with essential components, the electrical converter 111 cannot be mounted therein due to packaging restrictions, and is therefore mounted on the downtube 102 by the mounting bracket 112, and the one or more fasteners 103, which gives the additional advantage of the cooling of the converter 111 due to free flow of air over the heat dissipating fins.
[00026] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable the above-mentioned solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed steps clearly bring an improvement in the functioning of the system itself as the claimed steps provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
List of reference signs:
100 – vehicle
101 – headtube
102 – first portion of downtube
103 – second portion of downtube
103a – wall portion of footrest
103b – floor portion of footrest
103-A – attachment mounts
104 – rear frame
104-A – attachment mounts
105 – seat assembly
106 – front lamp
107 – instrument cluster
108 – handlebar
109 – front wheel
110 – rear wheel
111 – electrical converter
112 – mounting bracket
113 - fasteners
, C , Claims:We claim:
1. A vehicle (100) comprising a frame assembly (101, 102, 103, 104), the frame assembly (101, 102, 103, 104) includes a headtube (101) and a downtube (102, 103), wherein a first portion (102) of the downtube extending inclinedly downwards from the headtube (102, 103), and a second portion (103) of the downtube extends horizontally rearwards from the first portion (102) of the downtube (102, 103),
wherein,
an electrical converter (111) is mounted to the first portion (102) of the downtube (102, 103), the electrical converter (111) is facing frontwards in a vehicle (100) front rear direction.
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a U-shaped mounting bracket (112) when viewed from a side view of the vehicle (112), the mounting bracket (112) is capable of mounting the electrical converter (111) on the vehicle (100).
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the U-shaped mounting bracket (112) having a C-shaped cut away along a length of the U-shaped mounting bracket (112), the C shaped cut away is configured to conform to the outer periphery of the downtube (102).
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the U-shaped mounting bracket (112) is welded to the downtube (102).
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electrical converter (111) is mounted to the mounting bracket (112) using one or more fasteners (113).
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical converter (111) having one or more fins for heat dissipation, the one or more fins are protruding forwardly in a vehicle (100) front rear direction when the converter (111) is mounted on the vehicle (100).
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the downtube (102) being configured to have one or more mounting means (112, 103-A, 104-A), at least one of the one or more mounting means (112, 103-A, 104-A) being capable of mounting the electrical converter (111).
8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electrical converter (111) is mounted at one of an upward part of the first portion (102) of the downtube (102, 103) and a downward part of the first portion (102) of the downtube (102, 103).
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202341016375-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [12-03-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-03-12 |
| 2 | 202341016375-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [12-03-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-03-12 |
| 3 | 202341016375-FORM 18 [12-03-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-03-12 |
| 4 | 202341016375-FORM 1 [12-03-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-03-12 |
| 5 | 202341016375-DRAWINGS [12-03-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-03-12 |
| 6 | 202341016375-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [12-03-2023(online)].pdf | 2023-03-12 |