DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a frame structure for the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In many of the developing & under developed countries, a motor vehicle particularly a three-wheeled automotive vehicle is a significant mode of public transportation. It is vastly used as a point to point mode of transport of both goods and persons from one place to other in rural as well as in urban areas. Different models of the three-wheeled vehicle using petrol or diesel are manufactured and sold in the domestic and overseas markets. In addition, there are variants that can run on CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) or LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas). They usually run on 2 stroke engines which are inherently more polluting than the regular 4 stroke engine.
[0003] Various alternative energy vehicles have been proposed to revamp a large section of public transport to extend mileage and reduce emissions problems by replacing conventional fuel based engine operation to electric. Electric three-wheeled vehicle have become one of the preferred modes of transport between short distances and are operating in major urban and suburban areas.
[0004] Generally, the electric conversion of the conventional petrol-diesel three-wheeled vehicle involves removing the entire internal combustion engine from the vehicle, installing the electric motor in its place, and also adding a large bank of batteries. In a known electric three-wheeled vehicle, a basic layout for an electric vehicle is tuned with at least one electrical and electronic component, for example accessory equipment for controlling an electric motor as a power source of the electric vehicle, said accessory equipment being installed between the storage box and the vehicle body cover, different size motors, batteries, and a motor controller for each motor and batteries, wheels and suspension.
[0005] In an existing three-wheeled vehicle, a number of electrical and electronic components are powered by one or more batteries. Generally, one or more electrical and electronic components are mounted on at least a portion of the vehicle in such a manner that at least one of said one or more electrical and electronic components is subjected to dust and rain and thus reduces the efficiency of the vehicle and results in frequent high replacement cost for the one or more electrical and electronic components for the vehicle.
[0006] Although an electric three-wheeled vehicle have numerous advantages over conventional petrol and diesel three-wheeled vehicle, however, it is desirable that the electric three-wheeled vehicle should be cost effective, increases fuel economy with substantial reduction in emissions and simultaneously facilitates better performance and aesthetic modifications with key design features. Further, mounting of said at least one electrical and electronic component on said vehicle should be in such a manner that it is less subjected to rain and wind and subsequently should eliminate high replacement cost for the components on vehicle. Also there exists a challenge in such vehicles where at times there are passengers or goods to carry and at times there is only the rider. Under such variable payload conditions, to enable good performance and stability of the vehicle, there exists a problem of achieving centre of gravity (CG) of the vehicle which is substantially closer to the rider compartment or the passenger compartment irrespective of the payload conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] 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.
[0008] Fig. 1. shows a side view of a three-wheeled vehicle according to the present invention.
[0009] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the three-wheeled vehicle illustrating a rearward portion and an additional storage space behind at least one passenger seat assembly.
[00010] Fig.3 is a perspective view of the three-wheeled vehicle illustrating mounting of at least one electrical and electronic component and said additional storage space in a vehicle rear compartment.
[00011] Fig.4. illustrates a perspective view of the three-wheeled vehicle illustrating said additional storage space behind said at least one passenger seat assembly.
[00012] Fig. 5 shows a rear perspective view of the three-wheeled vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00013] Fig.6. illustrates a rear perspective view of the three-wheeled vehicle illustrating said at least one electrical and electronic component mounted in the rear compartment of the three-wheeled vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] The present invention describes an electric vehicle with an improved frame structure for mounting at least one electrical and electrical component on said three-wheeled. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said improved frame structure protects said at least one electrical and electronic component from dust, wind and rain. Further, the present invention relates to an improved frame structure for said at least one and electrical component which facilitates in increasing storage space on said three-wheeled vehicle.
[00015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the three-wheeled vehicle comprises of a frame structure having a modified semi-monocoque structure. In one embodiment, said semi-monocoque structure includes tubular ladder like frame structure and said tubular ladder like frame comprises of a pair of side rails and said one or more cross-members structurally interconnecting said pair of side rails such that one or more cross-members extend in opposite directions from said pair of side rails. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the three-wheeled vehicle includes two compartments, referred to as a driver compartment and a passenger compartment being supported on the frame assembly, a floor panel rigidly secured to at least a portion of the vehicle frame structure to provide said vehicle frame structure with the semi-monocoque structure, a roof, at least one pillar structure including a first pillar structure and a second pillar structure projecting upwardly from opposite sides of said floor panel, a partition wall extending transversely between said first pillar structure and said second pillar structure and separates said driver compartment from said passenger compartment. The passenger compartment comprises at least one passenger seat disposed therein. In one embodiment, a rear compartment along with the passenger compartment of the vehicle is supported on a pair of rear wheels.
[00016] As per one embodiment, of the present invention, said at least one electrical and electronic component is mounted in said rear compartment of the three-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment, said at least one electrical and electronic component includes a charger, at least one AC/DC converter and at least one relay assembly and at least one controller installed on said vehicle frame structure through at least one mounting bracket. In one embodiment, said rear portion of the frame structure comprises said pair of side rails being laterally spaced by one or more cross members. As per one embodiment said improved frame structure in rear compartment of the vehicle comprises said charger, said at least one AC/DC converter, said at least one relay assembly and said at least controller installed below said one or more cross-members of the vehicle frame structure through said at least one mounting provision such that said rear portion of the vehicle frame structure provides an additional storage space for said vehicle. In another embodiment of the present invention, said charger, said at least one AC/DC converter, said at least one relay assembly and said at least one controller installed above said one or more cross-members of the vehicle frame structure through said at least one mounting provision in the manner such that said at least one electrical and electronic component including said charger, said at least one AC/DC converter, said at least one relay assembly and said at least controller are protected from rain, wind and dust.
[00017] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the improved frame structure for mounting and disposing of said at least one electrical and electronic component on said one or more cross- members of said vehicle frame structure is protected from dust, rain and wind. As per one embodiment, said at least one charger is mounted on said one or more cross members such that the location of at least charging slot provided on the body panel is near to the charger and hence reducing the wiring harness for connecting said charger with said at least one charging slot. In one embodiment, said at least one electrical and electronic component is mounted and disposed in said rear compartment and below said one or more cross-members such that air flow and hence the cooling for said at least one electrical and electronic component through cooling fins provided in said at least one electrical and electronic component takes place in an effective manner. Such disposition enables achieving a centre of gravity (CG) of the vehicle substantially closer to the rider. Furthermore, when the vehicle is loaded with passengers or payload, the centre of gravity (CG) is retained substantially closer to the passenger compartment thereby enabling good handling performance behavior of the vehicle as well as stability. As per another embodiment of the present invention, said at least one electrical and electronic component when mounted below said vehicle frame structure in the vehicle rear compartment through said at least one mounting provision, an upper portion of said one or more cross-members of said rear portion of the vehicle frame structure is utilized as an additional storage space for the three-wheeled vehicle. Such solution enables solving the problems existing in known arts viz. electrical components are well protected from rain, mud etc. as well as enable ease of access, service and maintenance. Further, as per one embodiment, a door panel adapted to access said rear compartment can be further used to access said increased storage space obtained through mounting of said at least one electrical and electronic component below said one or more cross members through said at least one mounting provisions.
[00018] The present invention describes an improved frame structure in the rear compartment of the vehicle. As per one embodiment, said improved frame structure in the rear compartment of the vehicle is capable of increasing storage capacity over fixed storage location systems in the three-wheeled vehicle and additionally provides an improved mounting mechanism in installing said at least one electrical and electronic component on the three-wheeled vehicle.
[00019] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the three-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder. The embodiments described herein apply to an electric three-wheeled vehicle powered by a drive motor. However, the present invention is not restricted in its application and is also applicable to vehicles employing an internal combustion engine or either by an internal combustion engine or the drive motor selectively or by the drive motor alone.
[00020] The three wheeled automotive vehicle is mainly, but not solely, used as a passenger carrier. It is to be noted that “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” wherever referred to in the ensuing description, refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the vehicle and looking forward. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. Various other features of the three-wheeled vehicle according to the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[00021] Fig. 1 shows a schematic side perspective view of an exemplary three-wheeled vehicle (1) (hereinafter “vehicle’). As per one embodiment, the vehicle, referenced by the numeral (1), powered by an electric motor (not shown). The vehicle (1) can be used as a passenger carrier vehicle or a load carrier vehicle. It has a front cowl (6) supporting a windscreen (3). As per one embodiment, the lower portion of the front cowl (6) is connected to a front wheel (8) with a wheel cover (7) disposed in between. A pair of left and right front light assembly (5) disposed on the front cowl (6) of the vehicle (1). A handlebar assembly (4) is present behind the front cowl (6) which is used to operate the vehicle (1). As per one embodiment of the present invention, a floor panel (12) is extending from the bottom portion of the front cowl (6) to the rearward direction of the vehicle (1), supported by a vehicle frame structure (200) (shown in Fig.2, Fig.3). In one embodiment, a bottom portion of a body panel (17) is connected to the posterior portion of the floor panel (12). A hood (2) connects a top portion of the front cowl (6) and a top portion of the body panel (17). In one embodiment, the vehicle (1) is divided into two compartments along the line X-Y, a driver compartment (D) having a driver’s seat assembly (9) in a front portion (F) of the vehicle (1) and a passenger compartment (P) having atleast one passenger seat assembly (13) in a rear portion of the vehicle (1). In one embodiment, said pair of rear wheels (14) are connected to a swing arm through one or more rear suspension(s). The rear suspension includes a shock absorber and a suspension spring unit (15) mounted to the vehicle frame structure (200).
[00022] Further, in one embodiment, at least one pillar structure (11) including a first pillar structure (11) and a second pillar structure (11) projects upwardly from opposite sides of said floor panel (12) and a partition wall (18) extends transversely between said first pillar structure (11 and said second pillar structure (11) and further separates said driver compartment (D) from said passenger compartment (P). As per one embodiment, a charging slot (16) is provided on at least one side of a body panel (17) of the said vehicle (10), and positioned above said pair of rear wheels (14) of said vehicle (10). As per one embodiment of the present invention, a rear compartment (10) along with the passenger compartment (P) of the vehicle (1) is supported on a pair of rear wheels (14) located on either side of the longitudinal axis (AA) of the vehicle (1). In one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one electrical and electronic component including said at least one charger (100), said at least one AC/DC converter (101), said at least one controller (102) and said at least one relay switch assembly (103) is mounted on said rear portion (R) of the vehicle frame structure (200) through said at least one mounting provisions (203).
[00023] Fig.2 is the perspective view of the vehicle (1) illustrating an additional storage space (300) on said rear portion of the vehicle frame structure (200). As per one embodiment of the present invention, a rearward portion (21) extends rearwardly of said at least one passenger seat assembly (13). In one embodiment, a storage space (300) is defined by said rearward portion (21) to the rear of said seat assembly (13). As per one embodiment, said at least one electrical component is mounted below said one or more cross-members (202) of the vehicle frame structure (200) in the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (1). Hence, an additional space formed on an upper portion of said one or more cross-members (202) of the vehicle frame structure (200) is utilised as an additional storage space (300) is formed in the rear compartment (10) of the vehicle (1).
[00024] Fig.3 is the perspective view of the vehicle (1) illustrating mounting of said at least one charger (100), said at least one AC/DC converter (101), said at least one controller (102) (shown in Fig.4), said at least one relay switch assembly (103) below said one or more cross-members (202) of vehicle frame structure in said rear portion (R) of the vehicle (1) through said at least one mounting provision (203). Thus, when said at least one electrical and electronic component including said at least one AC/DC converter (101), said at least one controller (102), said at least one relay switch assembly (103) are disposed below said one or more cross-members (202), said additional storage space (300) over said fixed storage space is formed in the vehicle rear compartment (10).
[00025] Fig. 4a illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle (1) illustrating said at least one additional storage space (300) in a rear portion of the vehicle. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle (1) includes the driver compartment (D) and the passenger compartment (P) being supported on the frame structure (200) of the vehicle (1). As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one electrical and electronic component (100), (101), (102), (103) including said at least one charger (100), said at least one AC/DC converter (101), said at least one controller (102) and said at least one relay switch assembly (103) are mounted on said rear portion (R) of the vehicle frame structure (200) through said at least one mounting provision (203). The three - wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one storage space (300) created above one or more cross-members (202) in said rear portion (R) of the vehicle (1) is adapted for disposing at least one battery (20) therein.
[00026] Further in Fig.4b, as per one embodiment of the present invention said at least one charger (100) is mounted on said one or more cross members (202) such that said at least charging slot (16) formed in at least a portion of the vehicle body panel (17) is in a predetermined proximity to said at least one charger (100), thereby enabling reduced length of the wiring harness. In one embodiment, said pair of side rails (201) are laterally spaced by said one or more cross-members (202). As per one embodiment, said through said at least one mounting provision (203) including said at least one charger (100), said at least one AC/DC converter (101), said at least one controller (102), said at least one relay switch assembly (103) are disposed below said one or more cross-members (202) of the vehicle frame structure (200) in vehicle rear portion (R). In one embodiment, at least one space formed above said one or more cross-members (202) will act as an additional storage space (300) for storing items in said vehicle (1).
[00027] Fig. 5. shows a perspective view of the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (1) illustrating said rear compartment (10) of the vehicle (1). As per one embodiment, a door panel (19) is hingedly attached to said body panel (17) of the vehicle (1) in the vehicle rear portion (R). In one embodiment, said door panel (19) can be manually opened and closed to access said at least one storage space in the rear compartment (10) of the vehicle (1), thereby enabling access to the rear compartment and the electrical and electronic components and additionally facilitating ease of service and maintenance.
[00028] Fig.6a shows a perspective view of the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (1) illustrating at least one electrical and electronic component including said at least one electrical and electronic component (100), (101), (102), (103) including said at least one charger (100), said at least one AC/DC converter (101), said at least one controller (102), said at least one relay switch assembly (103) and said at least one AC/DC converter being mounted below said one or more cross-members (202) in the rear compartment of the vehicle (1). In another embodiment of the present invention, said at least one space above one or more cross-members (202) in said rear compartment (10) can be utilized for disposing at least one battery casing.
[00029] Further in Fig. 6b, as per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one storage space (300) created above said one or more cross-members (202) in said rear portion (R) of the vehicle (1) is adapted for disposing at least one battery (20) therein. As per one embodiment, said at least one battery (20) when disposed on said at least one storage space (300) is vertically offset from a rearward portion (21) extending rearwardly of at least one passenger seat assembly (13) of the vehicle (1). As per another aspect of the present invention, the battery (20) can be a single or modular swappable system to enable ease of access, service & maintenance. Such disposition also enables optimum distribution of the overall weight and centre of gravity (CG)of the vehicle wherein driver is in front compartment, passengers in middle compartment & electronic & electrical parts in the rear compartment. It is an additional advantage of the present invention to be able to optimally distribute the weight of the vehicle with payload such that even when there are no passengers or goods, the CG of the vehicle is substantially closer to the rider compartment & substantially closer to the passenger compartment when loaded with passengers or goods.
[00030] Advantageously, one embodiment of the present invention describes an improved frame structure for mounting said at least one electrical and electronic component in said rear compartment of the vehicle. As per one embodiment, said improved frame structure provides an additional storage space in said rear compartment of the vehicle. Thus, increasing the overall storage capacity of the three-wheeled vehicle.
[00031] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A three - wheeled vehicle (1), said vehicle (1) comprising:
a frame structure (200) extending from a front portion (F) to a rear portion (R) along a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA), said frame structure (200) including a pair of side rails (201) laterally spaced by one or more cross-members (202); and
a front wheel (8) and a pair of rear wheel (14) supported by the frame structure (200);
characterized in that at least one electrical and electronic component (100), (101), (103), (200) is disposed and detachably secured in the vehicle rear portion (R); and wherein said at least one electrical and electronic component (100), (101), (103), (200) is supported by said one or more cross-members (202) through at least one mounting provision (203).
2. The three - wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim1, wherein said at least one electrical and electronic component (100), (101), (102), (103) includes at least one charger (100), said at least one AC/DC converter (101), said at least one controller (102) and said at least one relay switch assembly (103).
3. The three - wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim1 or claim 2, wherein said at least one electrical and electronic component (100), (101), (102), (103) is disposed below said one or more cross-members (202) of the vehicle frame structure (200) in the vehicle rear portion (R) such that an additional at least one storage space (300) is created for storing items on said vehicle (1).
4. The three - wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one electrical and electronic component (100), (101), (102), (103) is disposed above said one or more cross-members (202) of the vehicle frame structure (200) through said at least one mounting provision (203).
5. The three - wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim1, wherein said rear portion (R) of the vehicle (1) includes a door panel (19) being hingedly attached to at least a portion of the vehicle (1) in the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (1) thereby enabling access to the rear compartment and the electrical and electronic components.
6. The three - wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said door panel (19) is manually opened and closed to access said at least one storage space (300) in the vehicle rear portion (R).
7. The three - wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5, wherein said at least one storage space (300) created above one or more cross-members (202) in said rear portion (R) of the vehicle (1) is adapted for disposing at least one battery (20) therein.
8. The three-wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one battery (20) is vertically offset from a rearward portion (21) extending rearwardly of at least one passenger seat assembly (13) of the vehicle (1).
9. The three - wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one charger (100) is mounted on said one or more cross members (202) such that the location of at least charging slot (16) is in a predetermined proximity to said at least one charger (100).
10. The three-wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one controller (102) is disposed between said at least one charger (100), and said at least one relay switch assembly (103) such that said at least one controller (102) is in a close proximity to at least one electric motor (104a) being disposed on a rear wheel axle (104) of said vehicle (1).