Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to positioning of a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) in the saddle-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Saddle-type vehicle, such as a scooter, are trending due to ease of drivability, versatility and convenience with respect to a motorcycle. The scooters are typically provided with a utility box disposed below a seat for storing articles. In accordance with position and size of the utility box, electrical components of the vehicle such as a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), a motor controller and a DC-DC converter are positioned in the vehicle.
[003] In recent past, it has been a constant effort from design engineers to enhance space utilization in the scooters. One such methods of enhancing space utilization in the scooter is to increase storage capacity of the utility box. However, increasing the size of the utility box causes position of the motor controller to be shifted to a left side of the utility box which is nearer to output wires of a motor. Such a shift in position of the motor controller to the left side of the vehicle shifts a Centre of Gravity (CG) of the vehicle towards a left-side. Shifting of CG to the left-side of the vehicle makes tilt towards the left-side during operation. Thus, manoeuvrability of the vehicle becomes challenging, and may also be catastrophic to a rider of the vehicle, which is undesirable.
[004] Further, as the motor controller is mounted on the left-side, the VCU is mounted onto the right-side of the vehicle. The VCU typically connects to a battery module as well as other electrical components of the vehicle. However due to right-side mounting of the VCU, length of the wiring harness required for electrical connection between the VCU and the electrical components increase, making packaging of the wiring harness in the vehicle complex and cumbersome, while being expensive.
[005] Thus, there is a need for a saddle type vehicle, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to positioning of a vehicle control unit (VCU) on a saddle type vehicle frame. A saddle type vehicle has a frame member. The frame member has a headtube, a downtube, one or more floor tubes, one or more sidetubes and a vehicle control unit (VCU). The downtube extends downwards and rearwards from the headtube. Further, one or more floor tubes extends rearwardly from the downtube. One or more sidetubes extends rearwardly and upwardly from the one or more floor bed. Herein, the VCU is coupled with one with one or more electrical components of the vehicle. Thereafter, the VCU is positioned on a left side of the saddle type vehicle when seen from a front- rear direction and mounted onto the one or more sidetubes.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the saddle-type vehicle has a DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter is disposed on the left side of the saddle-type vehicle. Further, the DC-DC converter is mounted on the one or more sidetubes.
[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the DC-DC converter is placed in front of the VCU in a top view of the saddle- type vehicle.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the saddle- type vehicle comprises a motor controller. The motor controller being disposed on a right side of the saddle type vehicle. The motor controller is mounted on the one or more sidetubes through a first mounting bracket.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has one or more sidetubes. The sidetubes have a left sidetube and right sidetube. Therein, the VCU and a DC-DC converter are mounted onto the left sidetube. Further, a motor controller of the saddle type vehicle is mounted onto the right sidetube.
[011] In another embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has a battery unit. The battery unit is disposed below the one or more sidetubes. Further, the battery unit is coupled to the VCU. Wherein, the VCU is being located in proximity to the battery unit.
[012] In another embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle has one or more shock absorbers. one or more shock absorbers are coupled to the one or more sidetubes and to a rear wheel. The one or more shock absorbers have a left shock absorber and a right shock absorber. Therein, the VCU is located in close proximity to the left shock absorber.
[013] In another embodiment of the invention, the VCU is being mounted onto the one or more sidetubes through a second mounting bracket.
[014] In another embodiment of the invention, the second mounting bracket is mounted on to the left sidetube.
[015] In another embodiment of the invention, the saddle type vehicle is capable of being an electric vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a saddle-type vehicle depicting one or more components mounted to a frame member of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a left-side schematic view of the saddle-type vehicle depicting the frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a rear portion of the saddle-type vehicle depicting a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to positioning of a vehicle control unit (VCU) on the saddle-type vehicle. The saddle-type vehicle ensures that a Centre of Gravity is maintained close to centre of the saddle-type vehicle, while enhancing utility space. In the present embodiment, the saddle-type vehicle is a scooter.
[018] In the present disclosure, the terms “front side”, “rear side”, “right side”, “left side”, “up side” and “down side” of the vehicle corresponds to front, rear, right, left, up and down sides of the vehicle, as indicated in Figure 1, until and unless specified otherwise.
[019] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a saddle type vehicle 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The saddle-type vehicle 100 (hereinafter referred as “vehicle 100”) ensures that a Centre of Gravity (CG) is maintained close to centre of the of the vehicle 100, while enhancing utility space. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a scooter-type vehicle. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be an electric scooter-type vehicle.
[020] The vehicle 100 comprises a frame member 102 adapted to support one or more vehicle components. The frame member 102 comprises a headtube 104 adapted to enclose a steering shaft (not shown) coupled to a front wheel 128 of the vehicle 100. A downtube 106 extends downwardly and rearwardly from the headtube 104. One or more floortubes 108a, 108b extend rearwardly and longitudinally from the downtube 106. The one or more floortubes 108a, 108b comprises a left floortube 108a and a right floortube 108b. The one or more floortubes 108a, 108b are adapted to support a floorboard of the vehicle 100.
[021] Further, one or more sidetubes 110a, 110b extend rearwardly and upwardly from the one or more floortubes 108a, 108b. The one or more sidetubes 110a, 110b comprises a left sidetube 110a and a right sidetube 110b. The left sidetube 110a extends upwardly and rearwardly from the left floortube 108a, while the right side-tube 110b extends upwardly and rearwardly from the right floortube 110b. The one or more sidetubes 110a, 110b may be adapted to support a seat member (not shown) of the vehicle 100. At rear ends (not shown) of the one or more sidetubes 110a, 110b, one or more end tubes 130 are provided for structural integrity of the frame member 102.
[022] Further, one or more shock absorbers 122a, 122b are provided in the vehicle 100. The one or more shock absorbers 122a, 122b have one end mounted on the one or more side tubes 110a, 110b and an other end coupled to a rear wheel 124 of the vehicle 100. The one or more shock absorbers 122a, 122b are adapted to dampen the vibrations transferred to the rear wheel 124 from a road surface during operation of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the one or more shock absorbers 122a, 122b comprises a left shock absorber 122a and a right shock absorber 122b. The left shock absorber 122a is coupled to the left sidetube 110a and to a left-side of the rear wheel 124, while the right shock absorber 122b is coupled to the right sidetube 110b and to a right-side of the rear wheel 124.
[023] Further, the vehicle 100 comprises a battery unit 120 mounted to the frame member 102 and disposed below the one or more sidetubes 110a, 110b. The battery unit 120 is adapted to supply electric power to electrical components of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, below the battery unit 120, an electric motor (not shown) is provided. The electric motor may be coupled to the rear wheel 124, for providing motive force to the rear wheel 124 for driving the vehicle 100.
[024] In an embodiment, the one or more floortubes 108a, 108b may comprise a single tube for supporting the floorboard of the vehicle 100. Similarly, the one or more side tubes 110a, 110b may also be made of a single tube for supporting the seat member of the vehicle 100.
[025] Further, the vehicle 100 comprises a motor controller 116 coupled to the electric motor. The motor controller 116 is disposed on a right side of the vehicle 100 (in a top view or a rear view or a front view of the vehicle 100), and is adapted to control actuation of the electric motor as per requirement. In the present embodiment, motor controller 116 is disposed on the right-side of the vehicle 100 through a first mounting bracket 118. The first mounting bracket 118 is thus disposed to align or orient towards the right side of the vehicle 100 for ensuring position of the motor controller 116 on the right side of the vehicle 100. Upon mounting of the motor controller 116, the CG of the vehicle 100 is shifted towards the right side of the vehicle 100.
[026] In the present embodiment, the first mounting bracket 118 is mounted on the right sidetube 110b for ensuring that the motor controller 116 is disposed on the right side of the vehicle 100. The motor controller 116 is fastened to the right side tube 110b through the first mounting bracket 118. In an embodiment, the motor controller 116 is mounted at a central portion (not shown) of the right sidetube 110b. In an embodiment, the first mounting bracket 118 may be mounted on an outer surface of the right sidetube 110b, for ensuring that the motor controller 116 is disposed on the right side of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the first mounting bracket 118 is mounted on an inner surface of the right sidetube 110b for ensuring that the motor controller 116 is disposed on the right side of the vehicle 100. As such, upon mounting of the motor controller 116 on the right sidetube 110b through the first mounting bracket 118, irrespective of mounting surface on the right sidetube 110b, the motor controller 116 is positioned on the right side of the vehicle 100.
[027] In an embodiment, the first mounting bracket 118 comprises a first arm 118a and a second arm 118b mounted onto the right sidetube 110b and coupled to the motor controller 116. Thus, enabling mounting of the motor controller 116 onto the right sidetube 110b of the vehicle 100.
[028] Further, the vehicle 100 comprises a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) 112 that is communicably connected with one or more electrical components of the vehicle. The VCU 112 receives and generates commands from the electrical components such as speedometer, turn signal lamp, Inertial Measurement Unit and the like, for operation as per requirement in the vehicle 100. The VCU 112 is located on the left side of the vehicle 100, in a top view or a front view or a rear view of the vehicle 100. front- rear direction.
[029] In the present embodiment, the VCU 112 is mounted onto the left side of the vehicle 100 through a second mounting bracket 126. The second mounting bracket 126 is thus disposed to align or orient towards the left side of the vehicle 100 for ensuring position of the VCU 112 on the left side of the vehicle 100.
[030] In the present embodiment, the second mounting bracket 126 is mounted on the left sidetube 110a for ensuring that the VCU 112 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 100. The VCU 112 is fastened to the left side tube 110a through the second mounting bracket 126. In an embodiment, the second mounting bracket 126 may be mounted on an outer surface of the left sidetube 110a, for ensuring that the VCU 112 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the second mounting bracket 126 is mounted on an inner surface of the left sidetube 110a for ensuring that the VCU 112 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 100. As such, upon mounting of the VCU 112 on the left sidetube 110a through the second mounting bracket 126, irrespective of mounting surface on the left sidetube 110a, the VCU 112 is positioned on the left side of the vehicle 100.
[031] In an embodiment, the second mounting bracket 126 is a plate-like bracket having a first portion 126a (as shown in Figure 3) mounted to the left sidetube 110a, while a second portion 126b (as shown in Figure 3) engages with the VCU 112. Thus, enabling mounting of the VCU 112 onto the left sidetube 110a.
[032] In an embodiment, the VCU 112 may be mounted at a central portion (not shown) of the left sidetube 110a and may also be disposed opposite to the motor controller 116. Also, the VCU 112 is also positioned proximal to the left shock absorber 122a. In an embodiment, the VCU 112 is mounted on the left sidetube 110a through a two-point mounting technique for ensuring rigidity and structural strength in mounting of the VCU 112.
[033] In an embodiment, the VCU 112 is mounted on the left sidetube 110a such that, wire harness required for connection between the battery unit 120 and the VCU 112, is minimal. In an embodiment, the wiring harness connecting the VCU 112 and the one or more electrical components are connected through hole clips (not shown), thereby preventing contact with sharp edges of the frame member 102 and thus preventing wire cuts.
[034] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the vehicle 100 comprises a DC-DC converter 114 that is capable of temporarily storing electrical energy for modulating direct current (DC) received from the battery unit 120 as per requirement. The DC-DC convertor 114 is mounted onto a left side of the vehicle 100 and in front of the VCU 112 in the top view or in a left side view or a right side view of the vehicle 100. Thus, the VCU 112 and the DC-DC converter 114 are mounted onto the left sidetube 110a, while the motor controller 116 is mounted onto the right sidetube 110b. Such a disposition of the motor controller 116, the VCU 112 and the DC-DC converter 114 maintains CG around the center of the vehicle 100, thereby ensuring stability of the vehicle 100 during operation and manoeuvring.
[035] In the present embodiment, the DC-DC converter 114 is mounted onto the left side of the vehicle 100 through a third mounting bracket (not shown). The third mounting bracket is thus disposed to align or orient towards the left side of the vehicle 100 for ensuring position of the DC-DC converter 114 on the left side of the vehicle 100.
[036] In the present embodiment, the third mounting bracket is mounted on the left sidetube 110a for ensuring that the DC-DC converter 114 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 100. The DC-DC converter 114 is fastened to the left side tube 110a through the third mounting bracket. In an embodiment, the third mounting bracket may be mounted on an outer surface of the left sidetube 110a, for ensuring that the VCU 112 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 100. Alternatively, the third mounting bracket is mounted on an inner surface of the left sidetube 110a for ensuring that the DC-DC converter 114 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 100. As such, upon mounting of the DC-DC converter 114 on the left sidetube 110a through the third mounting bracket, irrespective of mounting surface on the left sidetube 110a, the DC-DC converter 114 is positioned on the left side of the vehicle 100.
[037] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of the VCU on the left side mitigates lengthy wiring harness in the vehicle, and thus simplifies packaging of the vehicle. Also, the VCU and the DC-DC converter being positioned on the left side, and the motor controller being position on the right side of the vehicle ensures uniform distribution of weight in the vehicle. Thus, CG is maintained around the center of the vehicle, thereby ensuring stability of the vehicle during use and during maneuvering. Further, such placement of the VCU, the DC-DC converter and the motor controller better management of space in the vehicle, while also enhancing utility space in the vehicle.
[038] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
100: A saddle type vehicle
102: Frame member
104: Headtube
106: Downtube
108a, 108b: One or more floortubes
110a, 110b: One or more sidetubes
112: Vehicle control unit
114: DC-DC converter
116: Motor controller
118: First mounting bracket
118a: First arm of first mounting bracket
118b: Second arm of first mounting bracket
120: Battery unit
122a, 112b: One or more shock absorber
122a: Left shock absorber
122b: Right shock absorber
124: Rear wheel
126: Second mounting bracket
126a: First portion of second mounting bracket
126b: Second portion of second mounting bracket
128: Front wheel
130: One or more end tubes
, Claims:1. A saddle-type vehicle (100), comprising:
a frame member (102) comprising:
a headtube (104);
a downtube (106) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the headtube (104);
one or more floortubes (108a, 108b) extending rearwardly from the downtube (106); and
one or more sidetubes (110a, 110b) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the one or more floortubes (108a. 108b); and
a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (112) communicably coupled with one or more electrical components of the saddle-type vehicle (100),
wherein the VCU (112) being disposed on a left side of the saddle-type vehicle (100) when seen in a front-rear direction and mounted onto the one or more sidetubes (110a, 110b).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a DC-DC converter (114) being disposed on the left side of the saddle-type vehicle (100), the DC-DC converter (114) being mounted on the one or more sidetubes (110a, 110b).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the DC-DC converter (114) being disposed in front of the VCU (112) in a top view of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a motor controller (116) being disposed on a right side of the saddle-type vehicle (100), the motor controller (116) being mounted on the one or more sidetubes (110a, 110b) through a first mounting bracket (118).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sidetubes (110a, 110b) comprises a left sidetube (110a) and a right sidetube (110b),
wherein the VCU (112) and a DC-DC converter (114) of the saddle-type vehicle (100) are mounted onto the left sidetube (110a); and
wherein a motor controller (116) of the saddle-type vehicle (100) is mounted onto the right sidetube (110b).

6. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a battery unit (120) disposed below the one or more sidetubes (110a, 110b), the battery unit (120) being coupled to the VCU (112), wherein the VCU (112) being located proximal to the battery unit (120).

7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises one or more shock absorbers (122a, 122b) coupled to the one or more sidetubes (110a, 110b) and to a rear wheel (124), the one or more shock absorbers (122a, 122b) comprising a left shock absorber (122a) and a right shock absorber (122b), wherein the VCU (112) being located proximal to the left shock absorber (122a).

8. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the VCU (112) being mounted onto the one or more sidetubes (110a, 110b) through a second mounting bracket (126).

9. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second mounting bracket (126) is mounted to a left sidetube (110a).

10. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 is an electric vehicle.