Claims:We Claim:
1. A saddle type vehicle (100), said vehicle (100) comprising:
frame assembly (200) to provide skeletal support to said vehicle (100);
frame assembly (200) includes head tube (201), upper tube (202), side front tube (203) and side rear tube (204);
an air filter (303) is disposed in the triangular enclosing region formed by said upper tube (202), said side front tube (203) and said side rear tube (204)
comprising battery unit (301) directly mounted to said frame assembly (200) with a web beam clamp structure (302), where said web beam clamp structure is configured with pair of opposing web arms (604, 605), two sub claw arm (606, 607) and third attachment portion (608, 609) in form of a pair of vertical members, where the electrical components (600) are mounted on said web beam clamp (302).
2. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of opposing web arms (604, 605) oriented in lateral width direction of said vehicle (100).
3. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two sub claw arm (606, 607) disposed on either side of the mid plane & on opposite sides of the tail portion (402) of the web beam clamp (302).
4. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said third attachment portion (608, 609) is disposed symmetrical to the mid plane.
5. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery (301) vertical axis (XX’) coincides with the axis of said clamps (302).
6. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said clamp is mounted on to the bridge plate (401) of said frame assembly (200).
7. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery (301) center plane coincides with the center plane of said vehicle (100) at mid-plane (YY’) of said vehicle (100).
8. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery (301) is mounted in a recess portion (304) of said air filter (303).
9. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein said battery (301) is protected by atleast a wall of said recess portion (304) of said air filter (303).
10. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein said wall of said recess portion includes base wall (307), side wall (306a, 306b) and upper wall (305).
11. The saddle type vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein said air filter (303) is configured orthogonally to the base wall of said battery unit (301) and side rear tube (204).
12. The saddle type vehicle as (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said walls of battery unit (301) is parallel to said vertical axis (XX’)
13. A saddle type vehicle (100), said vehicle (100) comprising:
frame assembly (200) to provide skeletal support to said vehicle (100);
frame assembly (200) includes head tube (201), upper tube (202), side front tube (203) and side rear tube (204);
air filter (303) is disposed in the triangular enclosing region formed by said upper tube (202), said side front tube (203) and said side rear tube (204)
comprising battery unit (301) directly mounted to said frame assembly (200) with a web beam clamp structure (302), wherein said battery unit (301) is removed by removing the seat assembly (111) and unhooking said web beam clamp (302).
14. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said battery unit (301) is removed by sliding or displacing said battery unit (301) in a substantially upwardly rearwardly direction.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to the installation of energy source for a saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In conventional saddle type vehicle with an IC engine as powertrain, there exists an energy storage unit e.g. a battery to provide the spark for ignition. Further, the battery is used for powering lights, horns and other ancillary functions. In an EV powertrain vehicle, at least one energy storage unit is implemented to provide energy to various functions of the vehicle like motion, ECU, electrical loads etc. The battery is secured to the saddle type vehicle by using battery holder and a mounting bracket.
[0003] Further, the battery is displaced from the battery holder, when riding over humps or speed breakers because of the inertia of the battery. Moreover, this leads to loosening of connector pins in the electrical wiring and battery has potential to fall out of the battery holder or get loosened during usage owing to road loads & vibrations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig.1 is a side view of a motorcycle type vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig.2 is a perspective view of a frame as per one embodiment of the present invention
[0007] Fig.3 is a perspective view of the frame with battery as per one embodiment of the present invention of the present invention.
[0008] Fig. 3a is the perspective view of the frame illustrating recess portion and wall of air filter as per one embodiment of the present invention
[0009] Fig. 3b is the exploded view of the recess portion of an air filter as per one embodiment of the present invention
[00010] Fig. 4 is a top view of the frame with bridge plate as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00011] Fig.5 is a left view of the frame as per one embodiment of the present invention
[00012] Fig. 5a is a center plane axis view of the vehicle with battery as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00013] Fig.6 is a perspective view of the clamp illustrating the mounting of electrical components as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00014] Fig.7 is a perspective view of the clamp illustrating holes as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00015] Fig. 7a is a perspective view of the frame illustrating hooks as per one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00016] In a saddle type vehicle, when ridden through humps or speed breakers on the road, the battery tends to get displaced from the battery holder and the electrical equipment loosens because of the loosening of the connector pins in the electrical wiring. However, the embodiment in which the battery clamp is provided on the top surface of the battery which secures the battery to the holder by providing a preload and prevents it from displacing out increases the number of parts in the saddle type vehicle, which increases the weight of the vehicle and also increases the assembly time of the vehicle. Moreover, when the battery is located offset from the center plane of the vehicle, it leads to undesirable increase in the mass which hampers the maneuverability of the saddle type vehicle.
[00017] It is customary for the battery and other electrical equipment to be mounted in a rigid fashion, unmovable except by removal or adjustment through use of tools. A rigid mounting is necessitated to prevent the displacing of battery from the battery holders and also to avoid loosening of the electrical equipment. Further, the rigid structure is necessitated to prevent one of the plurality of components from interfering or damaging another of the plurality of components by change in position or angle of any of the plurality of components with respect to each other. Also the energy storage device being considerably heavy & often bulky, has a challenge to dispose on the vehicle while maintaining a compact packaging & layout of the vehicle as well as providing a stable mounting structure while having its mass closer to the center of gravity (CG) of the vehicle.
[00018] The plurality of the components includes the battery and the electrical components, both of which needs to be placed to ensure comfortable and hassle free riding experience for the rider. However, in known art, the battery is typically mounted at the side plane of the saddle type vehicle. The removal and serviceability of the battery is often not easy for a battery disposed under a storage box since it is obstructed at the side by side tubes running across. There is always a contradicting challenge of providing a stable enclosing structure for the battery at same time enabling ease of assembly & access for manufacturing & service. Disposing the battery unit away from the main structural members of the frame tend to improve the ease of access albeit at a compromise of stability & poor vehicle dynamic performance owing to CG of the battery unit being away from the vehicle CG. The deeper the battery unit is disposed into the vehicle, the higher is the difficulty in access & assembly. Additionally, along with battery there is often need to package other electrical components in close vicinity to the battery unit. Multiple brackets are provided on the vehicle structure to mount the battery unit & the electrical components which makes the system design complex, costly, difficult to manufacture & undesirable. Typically, the battery unit is disposed in a battery holder which in turn is mounted to the vehicle structure with plurality of mountings. The battery holder eats into additional valuable layout space of the vehicle, adds to cost, increases number of parts & aggravates the ease of assembly & access to tools for mounting the battery unit to the vehicle.
[00019] Therefore, there is a need to have an improved battery unit mounting structure / holder which overcomes all of the above problems & other problems known in the art.
[00020] The present subject matter discloses a web beam clamp structure to secure a plurality of components including a battery and an electrical component while providing a stable mounting to the battery unit along with battery holder.
[00021] As per an aspect of the present invention, the web beam clamp structure is mounted on to the bridge member of the frame using a single mounting scheme provided at the end of a tail like portion of the clamp.
[00022] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a web beam clamp structure is configured to directly mount the battery unit (without battery holder) which restricts the movement of the battery in the vertical & well as lateral direction when the saddle type vehicle is viewed in the longitudinal axis side view. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the vertical side wall surface of the battery coincides with the at least one of the vertical claw portion of the clamp, to ensure a stable mounting & good stability of the battery unit.
[00023] As per an aspect of the present invention, the web beam clamp structure is capable of mounting at least three electrical components adequately juxtaposed in the vicinity of the battery while ensuring a compact layout & packaging. The present subject matter eliminates the necessity for providing separate / dedicated mounting brackets / schemes for electrical components and thereby reducing overall parts as well as cost of the vehicle.
[00024] As per an aspect of the present invention, the material of the web beam clamp structure used here is the plastic, which ensures the reduction of weight of the saddle type vehicle. Further, as per an aspect of the present invention, the web beam clamp structure is made up of plastic is provided with flanges and ribs for ensuring strength of the clamp.
[00025] As per an aspect of the present invention, the sides of the web beam clamp structure are provided with at least one hole on an at least one tail portion to enable stable attachment of the web beam clamp structure to the vehicle frame structure. As per an embodiment, the tail portion is attached to a cross bridge member of the frame structure disposed substantially under the seating portion. The web beam clamp structure is configured with at least two claw portions one each on the lateral extreme ends of the centrally configured beam portion. Additionally, the web beam clamp structure is configured with at least known attaching mechanism in a substantially orthogonal central disposition on the top portion of the beam & a pair of clip on attachment portions, one each on the lateral side top surface portion of the beam structure in close proximity of the claw portions. The web beam clamp structure so disclosed enables stable mounting of the battery and electrical components, thereby reducing the cost of securing electrical components and reducing assembly time also.
[00026] As per an aspect of the present invention, the center plane of the vehicle coincides with the center plane of the battery, resulting in that the mass center or CG of the battery being in a close proximity to the mass center or CG of the vehicle, which thereby increases the stability and dynamic maneuverability performance of the saddle type vehicle. For ease of reference, the terms web beam clamp structure & clamp are used interchangeably across the specification.
[00027] As per an aspect of the present invention, the battery is directly mounted to the clamp structure and the terminals of the battery are protected by a seat. Further, as per an aspect of the present invention, the air filter is disposed in a juxtaposed orientation with respect to the battery unit & both the air filter & the battery unit being disposed substantially in the central triangular region of the vehicle below the rider seating portion & encompassed by a closed frame portion which forms the substantially triangular enclosing as seen in the side view of the vehicle. The substantially triangular enclosing on the frame structure is constituted by the frame upper tube member, frame side rear tube member & frame side front tube member. The air filter geometry is configured such that it has a recess forming a battery receiving portion which encloses at least one of the left, right and bottom portions of the battery unit thereby protecting it by at least one of the walls of a receiving recess portions of the air filter, thereby reducing the entry of external components in the battery. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, at least one side wall of the battery unit is substantially parallel to the side rear tube of the frame structure. As per an aspect of the present invention, the battery unit receiving recess portion of the air filter assembly has a base portion substantially orthogonal to the vertical axis of the battery unit as well as substantially orthogonal to the side rear tube of the frame structure. As the battery is easily removable by removing the seat and unhooking the clamp, it ensures easy serviceability of the battery.
[00028] The various other features of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings using an embodiment of a two wheeled motorcycle type vehicle. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. With reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views.
[00029] Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuring description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the saddle type vehicle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00030] Fig. 1 is a left side of the motorcycle type vehicle (100) (hereinafter ‘the vehicle’). According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle (100) includes the frame assembly (200) schematically configured to mount the fuel tank (109). In a front portion (F) of the vehicle (100), a steering shaft (not shown) is supported rotatable in a certain range. Further a handlebar (105) is rotatable integrally connected to the steering shaft for steering the vehicle (100) and is connected to a front wheel (108) through the steering shaft. A steering handle (118) is rotatable supported, independently of a front fork assembly (106), on a steering stem provided on the head tube (201) (Fig. 2), an upper portion of the front wheel is covered by a front fender (107) which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft. The front wheel (108) is rotatably mounted on the front portion (F) thereof and a rear wheel (117) is rotatable mounted on a rear portion (R) thereof. Further, the front fork assembly (106) is mounted over the front fender (107). In a portion lying ahead of the front fork assembly (106), a lighting device for example as a headlamp (103), a pair of signaling devices such as turn signal lamps (not shown), a display device such as a speedometer (not shown) are housed by a holding structure (not shown) mounted thereto. The portion, lying at the backside of the vehicle (100), includes the tail lamp (115), a rear fender (116) which prevents the entry of mud and water from getting deflected. An adjustable windscreen (102) is mounted to the front of the vehicle (100). A pair of rear view mirror (104) comprises a casing, the casing having a front mirror for reflecting the image of traffic approaching from behind. A shock absorber (112) is placed which gives better ride experience to the rider. A two legged stand (not shown) is used to support and hold the vehicle (100). The stand (not shown) moves on a pivot (not shown) to take up two positions, one folded up and the other on the ground.
[00031] Further in Fig.1, in the front portion (F) of the vehicle (100), the fuel tank (109) is arranged immediately behind the head tube (201) (Fig. 2) and is disposed over an internal combustion engine (114). A seat assembly (111) is disposed immediately behind the fuel tank (109). A pillion handle (113) is disposed rearward of the seat assembly (111) which is supported on an upper tube (202) and the upper tube (202) (Fig. 2) is supported by side tube (203) (Fig. 2). Suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle on the road. The front fork assembly (106) forms the front suspension system and serves as a rigidity component. An internal combustion engine (114) is mounted to a front lower portion of the vehicle body frame by means of an engine mounting bracket (not shown). An internal combustion engine (114) is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the engine and a muffler (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe.
[00032] Fig.2 is the perspective view of the frame. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly (200) includes the head tube (201), upper tube (202a, 202b), side front tube (203), side rear tube (204), main tube (not shown) and pivot tube (not sown), ensures the strength and support to the vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the engine (114) (shown in fig. 1) is mounted between the downtube (204) and main tube (not shown) through the mounting holes (205a, 205b, 205c), ensures the stability to the engine. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the seat assembly is mounted on the upper tube (202a, 202b), ensures the rigidity to the seat assembly and the dual function carrier cum pillion handle is mounted on the upper tube (202a, 202b), ensures the strength to the mounting structure.
[00033] Fig. 3 is the side view of the frame assembly (200) with battery unit, as per one embodiment of the present invention, includes the battery (301), web beam clamp structure (302) and air filter assembly (303) and the seat assembly (111) on the upper tube (202). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the air filter (303) is disposed in the substantially triangular enclosing region formed by the frame upper tube (202), side front tube (203) & side rear tube (204). The air filter (303) has at least one of its walls substantially parallel to the at least one of the frame tubes. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention the battery (301) mounted in a recess portion (304) of air filter (303) (fig. 3a) and the battery (301) is protected by at least one of the walls of the receiving recess portion (304) of the air filter (303), thereby reducing the entry of external components like dust, water in the battery and eliminates the requirement of new components for a separate battery holder. Moreover, the battery unit is mounted such that it is configured to be easily removable by removing the seat assembly (111) and unhooking the web beam clamp (302), by sliding or displacing the battery unit in a substantially upwardly rearwardly direction (as shown in Fig 3a) ensuring easy serviceability of the battery. This helps in ease of assembly as well as service of the battery unit & other electrical components.
[00034] Fig. 3b is the exploded view of the recess portion (304) of air filter (303), as per one embodiment of the present invention, the base wall (307) of the receiving recess portion (304) of the air filter (303) is configured to be substantially orthogonal to the base wall (not shown) of the battery unit (301) & the battery unit can rest on the base wall (307) of the air filter receiving recess portion (304). As per another embodiment, the base wall (307) of the recess portion of the air filter is configured to be substantially orthogonal to the side rear tube (203) of the frame structure assembly, ensuring easy serviceability of the battery. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the battery unit is also protected by atleast holder (308a, 308b), ensures the strength of the mounting of the battery unit in the recess portion of air filter.
[00035] Fig. 4. is the top view of the vehicle showing the web beam clamp structure (302) in assembled condition. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the web beam clamp (302) includes the tail portion (402) which is mounted on a bridge plate (401) by having any known attaching means with the mounting hole (403) locked with the projected portion on the bridge plate (401), where the bridge plate (401) is installed in between the upper tube (202), ensures the ease of assembly of the battery.
[00036] Fig. 5 is the left side view of the frame assembly (200), as per one embodiment of the present invention, the battery (301) is mounted on the clamp (302) in an axial projection. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical axis (XX’) of battery (301) coincides with the axis of clamp (302), thereby, the sides of clamps restrict the vertical movement of the battery ensuring good stability & mounting of the battery. As per an embodiment, the air filter is configured to circumscribe at least three of the four side vertical walls of the battery unit wherein each of the walls forms planes which are parallel to the axis (XX’). As per an embodiment, the air filter recess portion is configured to have the at least one fourth open side disposed in the rearward direction of the vehicle & in close vicinity to the frame side rear tube
[00037] Fig. 5a is the mid plane axis (YY’) view of the frame assembly (200) as per one embodiment of the present invention, the center plane of the saddle type vehicle (100) coincides with the center plane of the battery (301), thereby, the mass center or CG of the battery being in close proximity to the mass center or CG of the vehicle. Moreover, this embodiment increases the stability and maneuverability of the vehicle.
[00038] Fig. 6 is the perspective view of the web beam clamp structure (302) configured with mounting provisions for electrical components. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the web beam clamp (302) is configured with a pair of opposing web arms (604, 605) oriented in the lateral width direction of the vehicle which constitute the beam portion of the clamp structure. As per another aspect, this beam portion has a downward projecting portion on each end which substantially constitute the primary claw portions. The clamp is configured with two sub claw arm (606, 607) portions disposed on either side of the mid plane & on opposite sides of the tail portion (402) of the web beam clamp (301) & substantially on midway of either half of the beam portion. Additionally, as per another embodiment, the clamp is configured with a third attachment (608, 609) portion in form of a pair of vertical members disposed substantially symmetrically to the mid plane & in dclose vicinity of the mid plane. The primary claw portions (604, 605), the beam, sub-claw arm (606, 607) portions along with the third attachment portion (608, 609) constitute the overall web beam clamp structure with claws. The third attachment (608, 609) portion along with the sub-claw portions (606, 607) are configured to mount the electrical components (600) like USB charger socket (601), & at least one Battery Fuse (602, 603). Moreover, this embodiment eliminates the necessity for providing separate mounting schemes for electrical components and thereby reducing overall cost of the vehicle.
[00039] Fig. 7 is the perspective view of the clamp (302) as per one embodiment of the present invention, the clamp (302) includes the holes (701) configured on at least one of the primary claw portions and web arm with hole (701) forming the beam portion for snap fit. This eliminates the need for the extra components for securing the battery. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the material used for the clamp is plastic, ensuring the least effect on the weight of the saddle type vehicle (100) and the strength of the clamp made of plastic material is maintained by the flanges (702) and ribs (704) (fig. 7a).
[00040] The embodiments explained in Fig. 4. Fig. 6, Fig. 7 of the present invention helps in overcoming the problem of space constraints, minimizing the use of new components and stabilizing the location of battery. The present subject matter overcomes problems in known art & reduces the overall weight of the vehicle and make it cost effective.
[00041] Advantageously, the embodiments of the present invention, describes the potential designs in the mounting of battery with clamp to the frame of the saddle type vehicle. This facilitates the simple and easy mounting of the battery without interfering with the surrounding components.
[00042] Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

List of reference symbol:
Fig. 1:
100: Vehicle
102: Windscreen
103: Headlamp
104: Rear View Mirror
105: Handlebar
106: Front Fork Assembly
107: Front Fender
108: Front Wheel
109: Fuel Tank
111: Seat Assembly
112: Shock Absorber
113: Pillion Handle
114: Internal Combustion Engine
115: Tail Lamp
116: Rear Fender
117: Rear Wheel
118: Steering Handle
200: Frame Assembly
F: Front Portion
R: Rear Portion
Fig. 2:
201: Head Tube
202a, 202b: Upper Tube
203: Side Front Tube
204: Side Rear Tube
Fig. 3:
301: Battery
302: Web Beam Clamp
303: Air Filter
Fig. 3a:
304: Recess Portion.
Fig. 3b:
305: Upper Wall
306a, 306b: Side Wall
307: Base Wall
308a, 308b: Holder
Fig. 4:
401: Bridge Plate
402: Tail Portion
403: Mounting Hole.
Fig. 5:
XX’- Vertical Axis
Fig. 5a:
YY’: Mid Plane Axis
Fig.6
600: Electrical Components.
601: USB Charger Socket.
602: Battery Fuse
603: Battery Fuse
604, 605: web arms
606, 607: sub claw arm
608, 609: third attachment
Fig. 7:
701: Hole
703: Flanges
Fig. 7a:
702: Hook
704: Ribs