DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a charging system for the saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent times there is an increased demand to control emissions from automobiles, in view of stringent emission norms. As a result, a number of hybrid and electric vehicles are seeing the light of the day in order to minimize the amount of emissions. Generally, existing hybrid vehicles configured to be powered either by an internal combustion engine or electric motor or both, are replacing normal engine powered vehicles. For example, driving on terrain or for long distances, an internal combustion engine can be used and for shorter distances electric propulsion system can be used. However, incorporation of both internal combustion engine and electric motor assembly in the hybrid two-wheeled vehicle makes the system bulky and more complex. Thus, electric vehicles have gained popularity in recent years as the potential replacement for internal combustion vehicles, since they promise zero emission from electric drive system, and a break away from oil dependency.
[0003] Typically, electric vehicles are powered using an electric drive system having the electric motor as a powering source, one or more batteries including batteries for powering the electric motor and a controller. Thus, said electric motor is driven by an electric power being supplied from the battery for generating a driving force (torque). Such electric-battery powered vehicles require normally to be charged regularly from a power source separate from the vehicle. This can be done either by parking the vehicle and charging the battery while it remains in the vehicle or by changing the battery for another fully charged battery. However, such batteries are likely to be dropped accidentally by user during removal and transport, it may be damaged by the impact and in addition involve more time and labor in carrying said one or more batteries from vehicle to the charging station.

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 two-wheeled vehicle illustrating the charging unit packaged in at least a portion of said vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the charging unit for the vehicle of Fig.1, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Fig.3 is a perspective view of a charging slot of said charging unit for the vehicle of Fig.1, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig.4 is a perspective view of an external charging device for the two-wheeled vehicle of Fig.1, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved charging system for a two-wheeled vehicle that can facilitate in improving battery performance through proper management of the operating conditions of the battery. Particularly, it an object of the present invention to provide an improved charging system for the two-wheeled vehicle that simplifies the wiring harness in the vehicle, improves the reliability and ease of charging of said one or more batteries being disposed on the vehicle.
[00010] The present invention provides an improved charging system for said one or more batteries disposed on the vehicle. In one embodiment, said improved charging system for said one or more batteries can be charged at a charging station, without involving the necessity of removing the batteries from the vehicle. Thus, as effect a considerable saving of time and labor is achieved, thereby extending the life of the said one or more batteries and additionally maintaining all of the batteries sufficiently charged at all times.
[00011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for arranging a charging unit on the two-wheeled vehicle in which only a limited space is available.
[00012] As per one embodiment, said two-wheeled vehicle comprises a frame structure including a head tube, an upper frame extending rearwardly from the head tube, a lower frame extending obliquely downwardly and comprises a floor frame adapted to support floorboard. In one embodiment, a vehicle body cover is configured for covering said frame structure. The vehicle body cover includes a front body cover covering a front portion of the vehicle and a rear body cover covering a rear portion behind the front body cover of the vehicle. Referring to one embodiment, said front body cover includes a front covering member and a rear covering member. In one embodiment said front covering member is separated from the rear covering member through a gap portion. In one embodiment, said rear body cover includes a pair of left and right side covers and a top cover. As per one embodiment, said top cover of said rear body cover is adapted for covering said upper frame and accommodates a charging slot configured for charging said one or more storage devices on the vehicle.
[00013] In one embodiment, a pair of left and right lid members is formed in at least a portion of each of said pair of left and right side covers. In one embodiment, said pair of left and right lid members is pivotally attached to said at least a portion of said pair of left and right side covers. Further, as per one embodiment, said two-wheeled vehicle comprises said one or more batteries capable of charging and discharging. In one embodiment, said one or more batteries are adapted for powering an electric motor for providing driving force to the vehicle. In one embodiment, said one or more batteries includes at least one primary energy storage device packaged below the floorboard and supported by the floor frame and at least one secondary energy storage device arranged on said floorboard and supported by said pair of left and right lid members. In one embodiment, said one or more batteries are lithium ion batteries. Referring to one embodiment, said pair of left and right lid members, is adapted for accessing said one or more batteries disposed below said main frame and arranged on said floor frame of the vehicle frame structure, during packaging and removal. Further, in one embodiment, said one or more batteries are supported by said each of said pair of left and right lid members.
[00014] Referring to one embodiment, said electric two-wheeled vehicle comprises the charging system configured to charge the in-vehicle one or more batteries with an external charging device. In one embodiment, said vehicle charging system includes a charging unit with a connector plug. As per one embodiment, the charging plug is provided on the wiring harness connecting said charging unit with said one or more batteries being disposed on the vehicle. Further, the charging unit is adapted to electrically couple said connector plug with a cooperating connector of said external charging device for charging of said one or more batteries. Thus, an electric power to operate the vehicle is supplied through the charging unit to said one or more batteries on the vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment, said charging slot of said charging unit includes a lid member capable of opening and closing movement. In one embodiment, said lid member is being hingedly attached to at least a portion of said charging unit. When a recharging cycle is completed, the cooperating connector on the charging device is separated from the connector plug of said charging unit on the vehicle. Hence, on completion of said recharging cycle the charging slot is closed through said closing movement of the lid member. Further, since the charging unit is disposed on said at least a portion of said top cover of said rear body cover of the vehicle and which is located in front position of a vehicle seat assembly, hence, the present invention has the advantage of eliminating the possibility of operating the vehicle during a recharging cycle. That is an important safety feature because it avoids the possibility of damage the charger, the battery, or the vehicle.
[00015] Further, referring to one embodiment, an indicator assembly is disposed in at least a portion surrounding the location of said charging unit on the vehicle. In one embodiment, said indicator assembly includes a plurality of vehicle information display elements. In one embodiment, said plurality of vehicle information display elements includes fuel level information, information concerning operation of the vehicle as well as time, outside temperature and other ancillary electronic displays in the indicator assembly in front of the vehicle operator. As per one embodiment of the present invention, an illumination member surrounds an outer periphery of said charging unit. In one embodiment, said illumination member gets activated when the connector from said charging device is plugged to said charging unit on the two-wheeled vehicle and hence said illumination member indicates that said one or more energy storage devices on the vehicle is in the state of getting charged.
[00016] Referring to one embodiment, one or more control switches are provided in said at least a portion of said top cover of said rear body cover of the vehicle. In one embodiment, said one or more control switches are adapted as a start-stop switch for the two-wheeled vehicle. In another embodiment, said one or more control switches are adapted as a master control switch adapted to control a plurality of electrical circuits on the vehicle.
[00017] The present invention relates to a charging system for one or more batteries on the vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the charging which enable the automated exchange and charging of electric vehicle batteries without removal of said one or more batteries from the vehicle.
[00018] Various other features and advantages of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of orientation of the reference numerals.
[00019] It is to be noted that in the ensuing description, the present invention is usable in a saddle type vehicle exemplified in the form of an electric two-wheeled vehicle.
[00020] Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing 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 two-wheeled 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.
[00021] With reference to FIG.1, a description is made of the electric two-wheeled vehicle (100) (hereinafter “vehicle”) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said vehicle (100) comprises the frame structure (116) extending from the front portion (F) to the rear portion (R) in a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA). In one embodiment, said frame structure (116) includes said head tube, said upper frame extending rearwardly from the head tube, said lower frame extending obliquely downwardly and comprises a floor frame adapted to support floorboard (117). In one embodiment, said vehicle body cover (101) is configured for covering said frame structure (116). The vehicle body cover (101) includes a front body cover (109) covering the front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) and the rear body cover (105) covering the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (100). Referring to one embodiment, said front body cover (109) includes the front covering member (102) and the rear covering member (110). In one embodiment, said rear body cover (105) includes a pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R) and a top cover (118). In one embodiment, said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) is formed in at least a portion of each of said pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R). In one embodiment, said pair of left and right lid members (108L), (108R) are pivotally attached to said at least a portion of said pair of left and right side covers (105L), (105R). Further, a seat assembly (113) is mounted to the rear frame. The seat assembly (113) includes a rider seat (113a) and a pillion seat (113b) A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly. A front fender (103) is disposed above a front wheel (104) and between left and right suspensions supporting the front wheel (104). A rear fender (114) for covering at least a portion of a rear wheel (115). One or more suspension(s)/shock absorbers (112) are provided in a rear portion of said vehicle (100) for comfortable ride. Further, said vehicle (100) comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight (107), a taillight, a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), a starter motor (not shown) and the like. A touch screen LCD unit (not shown) is provided on a handle bar (106) to display various operating modes, power flow pattern and warning signals. Rear view mirrors are mounted on the right and left sides of the handle bar (106). In one embodiment, said vehicle (100) is also provided with hazard lamps (not shown). Said charging system (200) is disposed the at least a portion of said rear body cover (105). The charging system (200) includes a charging unit (301) configured to be disposed on the at least a portion of said rear body cover (105).
[00022] In an embodiment, the charging system (200) is disposed on the top cover (118). More particularly, the charging unit (301) of the charging system (200) is packaged on at least a portion of said top cover (118) of the vehicle body cover (100) and is being adapted to charge said one or more batteries on the vehicle (100), using a cooperating connector (202) of an external charging device (300) (shown in Fig.4).
[00023] In and embodiment, the top cover (118) is top cover (118) being disposed in front of a rider sitting position of the seat (113) and is downwardly sloped towards the seat (113) of the vehicle (100). The charging unit (301) of charging system (200) is disposed above the vehicle longitudinal axis (AA) on the top cover (118), substantially in front of the rider sitting position of the seat (113), such that accessibility of the charging system (200) is very convenient for the rider and the rider continue sitting of the vehicle while charging it. Also the slop of the top cover (118) facilitates a suitable forward inclination of the charging system in which the cooperating connecter (202) can be easily connected.
[00024] Fig.2 & Fig 3 illustrates a perspective view of the charging unit (301) for the vehicle (100) of Fig.1, as per one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to one embodiment, the vehicle charging system (200) is configured to charge the in-vehicle one or more batteries (not shown) with an external charging device (300), using the cooperating connector (202) of the external charging device (300).
[00025] In one embodiment, said vehicle charging system (200) comprises the charging unit (301) including the charging slot (201) with an in-built connector plug (not shown). As per one embodiment, the connector plug is provided on the wiring harness connecting said charging unit (301) with said one or more batteries being disposed in a vertical orientation below the seat (113) in the vehicle (100).
[00026] Further, the charging unit (301) is adapted to electrically couple said connector plug with the cooperating connector (202) of said external charging device (300) for charging of said one or more batteries. Thus, an electric power to operate the vehicle (100) is supplied through the charging unit (301) to said one or more batteries on the vehicle (100). Further, as per one embodiment, said charging slot (201) of said charging unit (301) includes the lid member (201a) capable of opening and closing movement. In one embodiment, said lid member (201a) is being hingedly attached to at least a portion of said charging unit (301). When a recharging cycle is completed, the cooperating connector (202) on the charging device (300) is separated from the charging unit (301) on the vehicle (100). Hence, on completion of said recharging cycle, the charging slot (201) is closed through said closing movement of the lid member (201a). Referring to one embodiment, said one or more control switches (203) are provided in said at least a portion of said top cover (118) of said rear body cover (105) of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, said one or more control switches (203) may be adapted as a start-stop switch for the vehicle (100), as a charging control switch for the battery, or the like. In another embodiment, said one or more control switches (203) includes a master control switch adapted to control a plurality of electrical circuits on the vehicle (203).
[00027] Further, as per one embodiment, the illumination member (201b) surrounds an outer periphery of said charging unit (301). In one embodiment, said illumination member (201b) gets activated when the connector (202) from said charging device (300) is plugged to said charging unit (301) vehicle and hence said illumination member (100) indicates that said one or more energy storage devices on the vehicle (100) is in the state of getting charged.
[00028] Fig.4 is a perspective view of the external charging device (300) for vehicle (100) of Fig.1, as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the vehicle charging system (200) (shown in Fig.1) configured to charge the in-vehicle one or more batteries (not shown) with the external charging device (300) (shown in Fig.4). In one embodiment, the external charging device includes a lower portion (303), a center portion (304), and a top portion (305). The center portion (304) is attached to the lower portion (303) and to the upper portion (304) at one or more points to form a C shape structure. However, in another embodiment, external charging device (300) can form any shape and structure within the scope of present invention.
[00029] In one embodiment, said external charging device (300) includes a supporting member (306) configured to support one or more vehicle accessories or objects (302) such as helmet, while the vehicle is getting charged. In one embodiment, the supporting member (306) is disposed at the upper portion (304) of the external charging device (300). However, in other embodiments, the supporting member (306) may be disposed at one or more locations in the external charging device (300).
[00030] Further, said external charging devices (300) includes a cooperating connecter housing (307) adapted to house the cooperating connecter (202) while not in use. In an embodiment, the cooperating connecter housing (307) is provided on the upper portion (304), however, in another embodiment the cooperating connecter housing (307) may be disposed at one or more locations in the external charging device (300).
[00031] The external charging device (300) includes one or more electric power source (not shown) connected to the cooperating connector (202) such that electric power from the electric power source is supplied to the one or more vehicle batteries through the cooperating connector (202). In one embodiment, said one or more electric power source (not shown) is electrically connected to the cooperating connector (202) through one or more wires (308) or the like.
[00032] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a front portion (F) and a rear portion (R);
a body cover (101) extending from the front portion (F) to the rear portion (R) along a vehicle longitudinal axis (AA); said body cover (101) comprising a front body cover (109) disposed in the front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) and a rear body cover (105) disposed behind the front body cover (109); and
a charging system (200) adapted to supply an electric power to one or more vehicle batteries, from an external charging device (300), said charging system (200) being disposed on at least a portion of said rear body cover (105).
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging system includes a charging unit (301) configured to be disposed on the at least a portion of said rear body cover (105).
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein an illumination member (201b) surrounds an outer periphery of said charging unit (301).
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the charging unit (301) includes a charging slot (201) with an in-built connector plug.
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the charging unit (301) is adapted to electrically couple said in-built connector plug of charging slot (201) with a cooperating connector (202) of the external charging device (300) for charging of said one or more batteries.
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said charging slot (201) of said charging unit (301) includes a lid member (201a) capable of opening and closing movement.
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more control switches (203) are provided in at least a portion of a top cover (118) of said rear body cover (105) of the vehicle (100).
8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said one or more control switches (203) includes a start-stop switch for the vehicle (100).
9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said one or more control switches (203) includes a master control switch adapted to control a plurality of electrical circuits on the vehicle (203).
10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the the external charging device includes a lower portion (303), a center portion (304), and a top portion (305), the center portion (304) being attached to the lower portion (303) and to the upper portion (305) at one or more points.
11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the external charging device (300) includes a supporting member (306) and a cooperating connecter housing (307), the supporting member (306) being adapted to secure one or more object (302) and the cooperating connector housing (307) being adapted to secure the cooperating connector (202).
12. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the external charging device (300) includes one or more electric power source (not shown) connected to the cooperating connecter housing (307).
13. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a front portion (F) and a rear portion (R);
a body cover (101) extending from the front portion (F) to the rear portion (R) along a vehicle longitudinal axis (AA); said body cover (101) comprising a front body cover (109) disposed in the front portion (F) of the vehicle (100) and a rear body cover (105) disposed behind the front body cover (109), the rear body cover (105) including a pair of left and right side covers (105L, right not shown), and a top cover (118); and
a charging system (200) adapted to supply an electric power to one or more vehicle batteries from an external charging device (300), said charging system (200) being disposed on the top cover (118).
14. The vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 13, wherein the top cover (118) is downwardly sloped towards a seat (113) of the vehicle (100).
15. The vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 13, wherein the charging system includes a charging unit (301) disposed on the top cover (118), the charging unit being adapted to be connected a cooperating connector (202) of the external charging device (300).
16. The vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 13, wherein the top cover (118) being disposed in front of a rider sitting position of the seat (113).
17. The vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 15 and claim 16, wherein the charging unit (301) is disposed above the vehicle longitudinal axis (AA) on the top cover, substantially in front of the rider sitting position of the seat (113).
18. The vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 13, wherein one or more battery covers (111) for one or more vehicle batteries is disposed in a vertical orientation below the seat (113).