DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a floor tube assembly for the saddle-ride 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. For example, a typical hybrid vehicles configured to be powered either by an internal combustion engine or electric motor or both, are replacing normal engine powered vehicles.
[0003] A known hybrid vehicle having a dual electric/combustion drive systems face challenges relating to packaging the components of both systems in the space available in the vehicle structure. Electric drive systems require substantial space for batteries and electric motor components. Combustion systems require substantial space for the engine and fuel tank. Batteries and fuel tanks are generally located in interior locations spaced from the perimeter of the vehicle to satisfy test requirements. Availability of protective interior locations for batteries and fuel tanks is limited. Hence, an existing hybrid saddle type vehicle which uses both an engine and an electric motor for generating driving power, it is a challenge to ensure a space for mounting a fuel tank and a battery.
[0004] Conventionally, vehicles such as hybrid saddle type vehicle includes components and systems such as one or more batteries, electric motor, anti-braking system (ABS) and the like to assist in managing vehicle performance and operations. However, due to in-vehicle packaging constraints, the mounting of said electrical and mechanical components on the vehicle increases mechanical complexity and hence may also cause weight and packaging problems.
[0005] Another known saddle type vehicle relates to a battery mounting structure in which a battery is mounted below a floor panel in a vehicle. As one such structure, a battery frame that supports a battery may be fixed to a floor panel via a connecting member. However, in this type of structure, if a joint where the connecting member is joined to the floor panel breaks when a side collision of the vehicle occurs, the battery frame may separate from the floor panel as a result. Thus, an existing arrangement of at least one electrical component including one or more batteries on the vehicle doesnot provide sufficiently stiff structure for supporting said at least one electrical component including the battery and hence results in damage to the component in the case of impact or collisions.
[0006] In another existing saddle type vehicle which is powered by an electrical power source, the mounting of at least one battery with sufficient capacity and starting performance are subject to packaging constraints as it is difficult to mount them in the limited spaces of a saddle type two & three wheeled vehicle.
[0007] Thus, the conventional arrangement of said at least one functional electrical and mechanical component on the vehicle is associated with additional complexity, typical packaging constraints and weight to the vehicle. Further, modifying one or more conventional vehicle systems and units has proven prohibitively expensive for incorporating said at least one electrical and mechanical component thereon.
[0008] Hence, it is desirable to provide an improved structure for the vehicle frame assembly to dispose at least one electrical and mechanical component on the vehicle without increasing the size of the vehicle frame. Further, it is desirable to provide an improved structure for the vehicle frame which can facilitate in improved layout and disposition, compact packaging and cost effective mounting of said at least one electrical and mechanical component on the vehicle. Moreover, it is needed to provide an improved structure for the frame of the saddle type vehicle which can withstand and absorb impacts and protect said at least one electrical and mechanical component from damage. Additionally, the said improved structure for the frame of the vehicle for mounting said at least one electrical and mechanical component thereon should facilitate easy serviceability and maintenance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] 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.
[00010] Fig.1 is a perspective view of a saddle-ride type two-wheeled vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00011] Fig.2 is a perspective view of a frame of the saddle-ride type two-wheeled vehicle of Fig.1 as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00012] Fig.3 is a side view of the saddle-ride type two-wheeled vehicle illustrating a front axle point on a front wheel of the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00013] Fig.4 is a perspective view of the vehicle frame illustrating a floor tube assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention
[00014] Fig.5 is a top sectional view of the floor tube assembly of the vehicle frame of Fig.2, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00015] Fig.6 is an enlarged view of at least a portion of the floor tube assembly of Fig.5 illustrating a joining portion of said floor tube assembly and a main tube as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00016] Fig. 7 is a side view of the vehicle frame illustrating at least one energy storage unit being disposed on said floor tube assembly of said frame as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00017] Fig.8 is an exploded view of a floor panel of the vehicle illustrating said at least one energy storage unit being disposed on said floor tube assembly of the saddle-ride type two-wheeled vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00018] Fig.9 is a perspective view of said at least one energy storage unit being disposed on said floor tube assembly of the saddle-ride type two-wheeled vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00019] Vehicles to be ridden such as motorized scooters, motorcycles, scooter type vehicles have limited space to accommodate one or more electrical and mechanical components on the vehicle. Efficient packaging of said one or more electrical and mechanical components on the vehicle is necessary for an improved performance and operation of the vehicle and additionally to maintain the desired size of the ridden vehicle. In an existing saddle type vehicles, the placement of at least one energy storage unit including one or more electrical and mechanical components has been particularly challenging because of the need for easy handling, assembling and serviceability of said electrical and mechanical components.
[00020] A known hybrid type saddle type vehicle require a relatively heavy battery as an electrical power source for the vehicle. Due to the high weight of the battery, the frame of the vehicle must be accordingly given a rigid and stiff construction in the region thereof where the battery is housed.
[00021] With the above objectives in view, the present invention relates to an improved structure for the frame of the vehicle which provides an improved mounting and layout for disposing said at least one energy storage unit including at least one battery and a fuel tank on the vehicle. Further, the present invention relates to a rigid and improved structure for the frame of the vehicle which is configured for disposing said at least one energy storage unit thereon. Additionally, said frame structure can withstand impact during collision and can minimise damage to said at least one energy unit being disposed thereon.
[00022] The present invention describes an improved structure for the frame of a saddle-ride type vehicle configured to provide an improved mounting structure for at least one energy storage unit on the vehicle. The present invention relates to a support structure for at least one energy storage unit including said at least one battery and said fuel tank on the saddle-ride type vehicle, and to the improved vehicle frame incorporating the novel support structure for said at least one energy storage unit. More particularly, the present invention relates to the support structure for said at least one energy storage unit which is formed, by a portion of the vehicle frame, and to the vehicle frame incorporating same.
[00023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the saddle-ride type vehicle comprises a improved frame extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction. In one embodiment, a front wheel and a rear wheel are supported by said frame. The front wheel contains a front wheel axle point being spaced from a wheel-tangential vertical plane by a predetermined distance. In one embodiment, said frame includes a head tube and a main tube extending downwardly from the head tube to a position behind said front wheel axle point of the vehicle.
[00024] Referring to one embodiment, said frame further comprises a floor tube assembly. The floor tube assembly includes a pair of left and right floor tubes extending from a lower portion of said main tube towards rear of the vehicle. In one embodiment, said lower portion of the main tube comprises a profiled cut-out portion formed therein. The profiled cut-out portion is configured for receiving at least a portion of the pair of left and right floor tubes of said floor tube assembly of said frame. In one embodiment, said floor tube assembly includes a cross-tube joined to both rear ends parts of said pair of left and right floor tubes respectively. The cross-tube is disposed in a vehicle widthwise direction. Further, said floor tube assembly comprises at least one longitudinal cross-beam extending rearward from below a rear end portion of said main tube to said cross-tube and at least one lateral cross-beam being laterally spaced by said pair of left and right floor tubes. As per one embodiment, at least a portion of said at least one longitudinal cross-beam is fixedly attached to at least a portion of said at least one lateral cross-beam.
[00025] As per one embodiment, at least one strengthening member is fixedly attached to at least a portion of a joining area formed through fixedly attaching said pair of left and right floor tubes to said lower portion of the main tube of said frame. In one embodiment, said at least one strengthening member is a gusset plate. As per one embodiment, the floor tube assembly is configured for disposing said at least one energy storage unit thereon. In one embodiment, said at least one energy storage unit is at least one battery housed in a battery casing. In another embodiment of the present invention, said at least one storage unit is the fuel tank. In one embodiment, at least one guiding member is fixedly attached to at least a portion of said floor tube assembly. Further, one or more wire harnesses are routed along said at least one guiding member to said at least one energy storage unit.
[00026] The present invention provides a solution that meets vehicle packaging constraints while maintaining electrical and mechanical characteristics of said at least one energy storage unit used for efficient performance and enhanced functioning of the vehicle. Further, the present invention, discloses said improved frame structure including the floor tube assembly which can protect said at least one energy storage unit from lateral or side impacts caused from collision.
[00027] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved frame structure for the saddle-ride type vehicle which includes the floor tube assembly onto which said at least one energy storage unit including said at least one battery and said fuel tank can be easily mounted or removed from a particular position and maintenance and serviceability can be easily performed.
[00028] The present invention discloses an improved structure for the frame of the saddle-ride type two-wheeled vehicle which provides an improved mounting and disposition of said at least one energy storage unit on the vehicle. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, said improved frame for the saddle-ride type vehicle comprises said floor tube assembly including said pair of left and right floor tubes. In one embodiment, said pair of left and right floor tubes have substantially rectangular cross-section and hence can afford protection during impacts. In addition, said rectangular cross-sectional area for said pair of left and right floor tubes provides a substantially flat impact surface and hence a substantially rectangular impact force-versus-deflection characteristic is achieved.
[00029] Another object of the present invention is to create a space for disposing said at least one energy storage unit on the vehicle without increasing the size of the frame. Further, the present invention provides a region below said floor panel of the vehicle for providing an improved mounting of said at least one energy storage unit thereon. In one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one energy storage unit is said at least one battery housed in said battery casing. In another embodiment of the present invention, said at least one energy storage unit is said fuel tank.
[00030] The present invention describes an improved structure of the frame for the saddle-ride type two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, said frame includes said floor tube assembly. The floor tube assembly is configured for disposing said at least one energy storage unit thereon. In one embodiment, said floor tube assembly defines a space formed below said floor panel of the saddle-ride type vehicle to dispose said at least one energy storage unit on the vehicle. In one embodiment, said at least one energy storage unit includes said at least one battery which is suitable and intended for the storage of electrical energy. In another embodiment of the present invention, said at least one energy storage unit is the fuel tank.
[00031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, said improved frame structure for the saddle-ride type vehicle includes said floor tube assembly, supporting said at least one energy storage unit on said vehicle. In one embodiment, said floor tube assembly includes said pair of left and right floor tubes, said cross-tube, said at least one longitudinal beam and said at least one lateral beam. In one embodiment, said pair of left and right floor tubes have rectangular cross-section and hence a substantially flat impact surface is achieved. Thus, said floor tube assembly can effectively absorb an impact. And therefore, said rectangular cross-section of said pair of left and right tubes provides rigid structure to said floor tube assembly and hence reduces damage to said at least one energy unit disposed thereon. In one embodiment, said at least a portion of said at least one longitudinal beam and said at least a portion of said at least one lateral beam are fixedly attached through welding and hence provides structural support to dispose said at least one energy storage unit on said floor tube assembly. Further, said floor panel is provided on said top portion of said at least one energy storage unit and is mounted to said floor tube assembly through at least one fastener. Thus, said floor tube assembly provides sufficiently stiff structure to the mounting of said at least one energy storage unit on the vehicle and hence prevents it from damage during impact and collisions. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one energy storage unit is said at least one battery being used as a power source for driving a power unit on the vehicle. In another embodiment, said at least one energy storage unit is the fuel tank.
[00032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an improved mounting structure for said at least one energy unit of said saddle-ride type two-wheeled vehicle disposes said at least one energy storage unit including said at least one battery and said fuel tank on said floor tube assembly of the vehicle frame. Further, with the improved structure of the frame for the vehicle, the saddle-ride type vehicle can have a space in below said floor panel of the vehicle for mounting said at least one energy storage unit on the vehicle.
[00033] Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one energy storage unit is accommodated below said floor panel and in the space provided on the floor tube assembly of the vehicle frame of the saddle-ride type vehicle. In one embodiment, said at least one energy storage unit is said at least one battery box and in another embodiment said at least one energy storage unit is the fuel tank.
[00034] 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.
[00035] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the saddle-ride type vehicle, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder. Application of the present invention will be extended to all saddle type two-wheeled and three wheeled vehicles.
[00036] 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.
[00037] With reference to Fig.1, a description is made of the saddle-ride type two-wheeled vehicle (hereinafter “vehicle”) in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said vehicle (1) illustrated, has a step-through type frame (100) (shown in Fig.2). The frame (100) extends from a front portion (F) to a rear portion (R) of the vehicle (1). In one embodiment, the front wheel (2) and a rear wheel (17) are supported by said frame (100). As per one embodiment, the vehicle (1) includes a plurality of body panels for covering the frame (100) and is mounted thereto. In one embodiment, said plurality of body panels includes a front panel (6), a leg shield (10), an under-seat cover (23), and a left and a right side panel (13). Further, a glove box may be mounted to said leg shield (10). In a step through space formed between said leg shield (10) and said under seat cover (23), a floorboard (11) is provided. Further, a seat assembly (12) is disposed above said under-seat cover (23), and is mounted to the main tube (10b). A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly (12). A fuel tank (not shown) is positioned below the utility box. A pillion handle (14) is disposed behind said seat assembly (12). A rear fender (16) for covering at least a portion of a rear wheel (17) is positioned below the fuel tank. One or more suspension(s)/shock absorbers (19) are provided in a rear portion (R) of said vehicle (1) for comfortable ride. Further, said vehicle (1) comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight (7), a taillight (15), 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 (9) to display various operating modes, power flow pattern and warning signals. Rear view mirrors (8) are mounted on the right and left sides of the handle bar (9). In one embodiment, said vehicle (1) is also provided with hazard lamps (not shown). An internal combustion engine (3), hereinafter “engine”, is arranged behind said floorboard (11) and supported between the pair of side frames. Particularly, said internal combustion engine (3) is supported by a swing arm (22). The swing arm (22) is attached to a lower portion of the main tube (10b) by means of a toggle link (not shown). The other end of the swing arm (22) holds the rear wheel (17). The rear wheel (17) and the swing arm (22) are connected to the pair of side frames by means of a pair of shock absorbers (19) provided on either side of the vehicle (1).
[00038] Further in Fig.1, as per one embodiment, said vehicle (1) includes an electric motor (18) mounted on a hub of the rear wheel (17). In one embodiment, said electric motor (18) is powered by a battery (not shown) disposed in a rear portion of the vehicle. A controller (not shown) is also provided to control various vehicle operative modes. The vehicle (1) is configured to be propelled either by the engine (3) alone or by the electric motor (18) alone or by both engine (3) and electric motor (18) simultaneously. At zero vehicle speed, a rider can select any of the following four operating drive modes with the help of a mode switch. The four operating drive modes of the vehicle (1) are: (a) a sole engine mode where engine (3) alone powers the vehicle (1), (b) a sole motor mode where the electric motor (18) alone powers the vehicle (1), (c) a hybrid power mode wherein the engine (3) and the electric motor (18) together power the vehicle (1), (d) a hybrid economy mode wherein only the engine (3) or only the electric motor (18) or both power the vehicle (1) depending on the vehicle operating conditions. In other words, the rear wheel (17) of the vehicle (1) is driven by either the engine (3) alone or by the motor (18) alone or by both the engine (3) and the motor (18) simultaneously. Particularly, power from the engine (3) to the rear wheel (17) is transmitted by a transmission assembly including a drive system as per an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, said electric motor (18) is covered by a motor shroud from at least one side. As per an aspect of the present invention, said motor shroud serves to at least partially encompass/house one or more parts of a drive system (21).
[00039] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the frame (100) of the vehicle (1) of Fig.1 as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the vehicle (1) comprises the step-through type frame (100) extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA) (shown in Fig.1). Referring to one embodiment, the frame (100) includes a head tube (101), a main tube (102), a floor tube assembly (300) extending from a lower portion of said main tube (102) towards rear of the vehicle (1). Further, said floor tube assembly (300) includes a cross-tube (305) (shown in Fig.4) disposed in a vehicle widthwise direction. In one embodiment, a pair of left and right rear frames (103L), (103R) that extend upwards and to the rear of the vehicle (1) and of which the front ends are respectively joined to the left and right ends (305L), (305R) (shown in Fig 5) of the cross-tube (305). In one embodiment, the floor tube assembly (300) and the pair of rear frames (103L), (103R) are joined to the cross-tube (305). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said floor panel (11) of the vehicle (1) is mounted on said floor tube assembly (300) of the vehicle. In one embodiment, said floor tube assembly (300) of the vehicle frame (100) defines a space below said floor panel (11) to dispose said at least one battery box (200) on said vehicle.
[00040] Fig.3 is a side view of the vehicle (1) illustrating a front axle point (Fr) on the front wheel (2) of the vehicle (1) as per one embodiment of the present invention. As per one embodiment, the front wheel (2) contains the front wheel axle point (Fr) being spaced from a wheel-tangential vertical plane (EE’) by a predetermined distance (D). Referring to one embodiment, the frame (100) includes the head tube (101), the main tube (102) extending downwardly from said head tube (101) to a position behind said front wheel axle point (Fr) of the vehicle (1). In one embodiment, said frame (100) comprises the floor tube assembly (300) extending from the lower portion of said main tube (102) towards rear of the vehicle (1). As per one embodiment, said joining area (B) is formed through fixedly attaching said pair of left and right floor tubes (302R), (302L) (shown in Fig.4) of the floor tube assembly (300) to said lower portion of the main tube (102) of said frame (100). Further, said floor tube assembly (300) is configured for disposing said at least one energy storage unit (200) thereon. In one embodiment, said at least one energy storage unit (200) is at least one battery (200) housed in a battery casing (201) (shown in Fig.9) and a fuel tank (not shown).
[00041] Fig.4 is a perspective view of the vehicle frame (100) illustrating said floor tube assembly (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. As per one embodiment, said frame (100) for the vehicle (1) includes the head tube (101), the main tube (102) extending downwardly to a position behind said front wheel axle point (Fr) of the vehicle (1). Further, in one embodiment, said frame (100) comprises the floor tube assembly (300). The floor tube assembly (300) includes said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R) extending from the lower portion of said main tube (102) towards rear of the vehicle (1). Further, said floor tube assembly (300) includes the cross-tube (305) joined to both rear ends parts of said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R) respectively. In one embodiment, said cross-tube (305) is disposed in the vehicle widthwise direction. In one embodiment, the vehicle frame (100) includes said pair of left and right rear frames (103L), (103R) that extend upwards and to the rear of the vehicle (1) and of which the front ends are respectively joined to the left and right ends (305L), (305R) (shown in Fig.5) of the cross tube (305). In one embodiment, the floor tube assembly (300) and the pair of rear frames (103L), (103R) are joined to the cross tube (305). As per one embodiment, said at least one strengthening member (104) is fixedly attached to at least a portion of said joining area (B) formed through fixedly attaching said pair of left and right floor tubes (302R), (302L) to said lower portion of the main tube (102) of said frame (100). In one embodiment, said at least one strengthening member (104) is a gusset plate. As per one embodiment, said floor tube assembly (300) is configured for disposing at least one energy storage unit (200) thereon. Further in Fig.4, as per one embodiment, at least one guiding member (105) is fixedly attached to at least a portion of said floor tube assembly (300). In one embodiment, said at least one guiding member (105) is adapted for demountably securing and routing one or more wire harnesses therealong to said at least one energy storage unit (200) (shown in Fig.7 and Fig.8).
[00042] Fig.5 is a top sectional view of the floor tube assembly (300) of the vehicle frame (100) of Fig.2, as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said floor tube assembly (300) of said vehicle frame (100) includes said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R) extending from said lower portion of said main tube (102) towards the rear of the vehicle (1). In one embodiment, said lower portion of the main tube (102) comprises said profiled cut-out portion (102a) formed therein. In one embodiment, said profiled cut-out portion (102a) is configured for receiving at least a portion of the pair of left and right floor tubes (302R), (302L) of said floor tube assembly (300) of said frame (100). Further, said floor tube assembly (300) includes the cross-tube (305) joined to both rear ends parts of said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R), respectively. As per one embodiment, said at least one longitudinal cross-beam (303) extends rearward from below the rear end portion (102b) of said main tube (102) to said cross-tube (305) and said at least one lateral cross-beam (304) being laterally spaced by said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R). In one embodiment, said at least a portion of said at least one longitudinal cross-beam (303) is fixedly attached to at least a portion of said at least one lateral cross-beam (304).
[00043] Further in Fig.5, referring to one embodiment, said floor tube assembly (300) is configured for disposing said at least one energy storage unit (200) (shown in Fig.7 and Fig.8) thereon. In one embodiment, said at least one energy storage unit (200) is said at least one battery. In another embodiment of the present invention, said at least one storage unit (200) is the fuel tank. In one embodiment, said pair of left and right rear frames (103L), (103R) (shown in Fig.4) that extend upwards and to the rear of the vehicle (1) and of which the front ends are respectively joined to the left and right ends (305L), (305R) of the cross-tube (305). As per one embodiment, said at least one strengthening member (104) (shown in Fig.4) is fixedly attached to said at least a portion of said joining area (B) formed through fixedly attaching said pair of left and right floor tubes (302R), (302L) to said lower portion of the main tube (102) of said frame (100) of the vehicle (1).
[00044] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of at least a portion of the floor tube assembly (300) of Fig.6 illustrating a joining portion (B) (shown in Fig.4) of said floor tube assembly (300) and said main tube (102) as per one embodiment of the present invention. As per one embodiment, said floor tube assembly (300) of said vehicle frame (100) includes said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R) extending from said lower portion of said main tube (102) towards the rear of the vehicle (1). In one embodiment, said lower portion of the main tube (102) comprises said profiled cut-out portion (102a) formed therein. In one embodiment, said profiled cut-out portion (102a) is configured for receiving at least a portion of the pair of left and right floor tubes (302R), (302L) of said floor tube assembly (300) of said frame (100).
[00045] Fig.7 is an isometric view of the vehicle frame (300) illustrating said at least one energy storage unit (200) including said at least one battery being disposed on said floor tube assembly (300) of said frame (100) as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said floor tube assembly (300) includes said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R) extending from said lower portion of said main tube (102) towards rear of the vehicle (1). As per one embodiment, said floor tube assembly (300) includes said cross-tube (305) joined to both rear ends parts of said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R) respectively, said cross-tube (305) disposed in the vehicle widthwise direction.Further, as per one embodiment, said pair of left and right rear frames (103L), (103R) that extend upwards and to the rear of the vehicle (1) and of which the front ends are respectively joined to the left and right ends (305L), (305R) of the cross-tube (305). Further in Fig.7, as per one embodiment, said floor tube assembly (300) is configured for disposing said at least one energy storage unit thereon. In one embodiment, said floor tube assembly (300) is configured for disposing said at least one energy storage unit including said at least one battery (200) below said floor panel (11). Thus, said vehicle frame (100) is modified to dispose said at least one energy storage unit in a space defined by the floor tube assembly (300) below said floor panel (11) of the vehicle (1). Further, in one embodiment, said at least one energy storage unit includes said at least one battery (200) disposed on said floor tube assembly (300) of the vehicle (1). In one embodiment, said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R) have substantially rectangular cross-section and hence can afford protection during impacts and collisions.
[00046] Fig.8 is an exploded view of the floor panel (11) of the vehicle (1) illustrating said at least one energy storage unit (200) including said at least one battery being disposed on said floor tube assembly (300) of the vehicle (1) as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said frame (300) of the vehicle (1) comprises of said floor tube assembly (300). As per one embodiment, said floor tube assembly (300) defines a space below said floor panel (11) of the vehicle to dispose said at least one battery thereon.
[00047] Fig.9 is a perspective view of said at least one energy storage unit including said at least one battery (200) housed in said at least one battery casing (201) and being disposed on said floor tube assembly (300) of the vehicle (1) as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said frame (100) for the vehicle (1) includes said head tube (101) and said main tube (102) extending below from said head tube (101) to the position behind said front axle point (Fr) (shown in Fig.2) of the front wheel (2) of the vehicle (1). In one embodiment, the frame (100) comprises said floor tube assembly (300) extending rearwardly from the lower portion of the main tube (102) of the vehicle frame (100).
[00048] It is advantageous to provide the improved structure for the frame of the saddle-ride type vehicle which provides an improved layout and disposition of said at least one energy storage unit on the vehicle and additionally provides a stiff structure and design of said floor tube assembly of the vehicle frame for incorporating the novel support and mounting structure for disposing said at least one energy storage unit on the vehicle. Further, it is advantageous to provide the disposition of said at least one energy storage unit on the floor tube assembly of the vehicle frame such that the maintenance service for said at least one energy storage unit including said battery and said fuel tank can be performed more easily. Furthermore, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the disposition of said at least one energy storage unit on said vehicle floor tube assembly is reliable, cost effective, and practical within the packaging constraints of the particular vehicle.
[00049] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A saddle type vehicle (1), said vehicle (1) comprising:
a frame (100) extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA), said frame (100) including a head tube (101); and
a front wheel (2) and a rear wheel (15) supported by said frame (100), said front wheel (2) containing a front wheel axle point (Fr) being spaced from a wheel-tangential vertical plane (EE’) by a predetermined distance (D);
wherein said frame (100) includes a main tube (102) extending downwardly to a position behind said front wheel axle point (Fr) of the vehicle (1); and said frame (100) comprises a floor tube assembly (300); and wherein said floor tube assembly (300) includes a pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R) extending from a lower portion of said main tube (102) towards rear of the vehicle (1); and said lower portion of the main tube (102) comprises a profiled cut-out portion (102a) formed therein; and wherein said profiled cut-out portion (102a) is configured for receiving at least a portion of the pair of left and right floor tubes (302R), (302L) of said floor tube assembly (300) of said frame (100).
2. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim1, wherein said floor tube assembly (300) includes a cross-tube (305) joined to both rear ends parts of said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R) respectively, said cross-tube (305) disposed in a vehicle widthwise direction;
at least one longitudinal cross-beam (303) extending rearward from below a rear end portion (102b) of said main tube (102) to said cross-tube (305); and
at least one lateral cross-beam (304) being laterally spaced by said pair of left and right floor tubes (302L), (302R).
3. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least a portion of said at least one longitudinal cross-beam (303) is fixedly attached to at least a portion of said at least one lateral cross-beam (304).
4. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one strengthening member (104) is fixedly attached to at least a portion of a joining area (B) formed through fixedly attaching said pair of left and right floor tubes (302R), (302L) to said lower portion of the main tube (102) of said frame (100).
5. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one strengthening member (104) is a gusset plate.
6. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim1, wherein said floor tube assembly (300) is configured for disposing at least one energy storage unit (200) thereon.
7. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said at least one energy storage unit (200) is at least one battery (200) housed in a battery casing (201).
8. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one energy storage unit (200) is a fuel tank.
9. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim1, wherein said at least a portion of the pair of left and right floor tubes (302R), (302L) of said floor tube assembly (300) includes at least one guiding member (105) fixedly attached thereon.
10. The saddle type vehicle (1) as claimed in claim1, wherein said at least one guiding member (105) is adapted for demountably securing and routing one or more wire harnesses therealong to said at least one energy storage unit (200).