EP4263334A1

EP4263334A1 - A straddle type motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP4263334A1
Application number: EP21772848.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vishwanath Patil LOHIT; Ramakrishna Naraharasetti; Anu Karthick NARAYANA REDDY
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-15
Filing date: 2021-08-10
Publication date: 2023-10-25
Also published as: WO2022130397A1; CN116601073B; CN116601073A

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a straddle-type vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, to a conduit of the straddle-type vehicle for packaging of one or more electrical components in the vehicle. The conduit (203) being disposed below said one or more connecting frames (107), said conduit (203) being configured with two or more intermediate central portions (203c) disposed parallel to each other along a vehicle central longitudinal axis (LM), said two or more intermediate central portions (203c) are disposed with a cavity (207) therebetween, wherein said two or more intermediate central portions (203c) are configured to support one or more electrical components (204, 205, 206).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates to a straddle-type motor vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, to a conduit of the straddle-type motor vehicle for packaging of one or more electrical components in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In conventional vehicles, one or more electrical components are packaged on frame assembly of the vehicle. The packaging of the one or more electrical components are achieved by mounting the one or more electrical components by means of mounting brackets. The mounting brackets are welded on the frame assembly. The frame assembly consisting of mounting brackets is usually covered by plurality of body panels made of plastic or metals and the body panels are fastened at all intended joints. The plurality of body panels should be configured such that they can adequately cover the frame along with the mounting brackets as desired, in the vehicle. The one or more control units along with their mounting brackets are disposed either on right side or left side of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type two wheeled with accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0004] Figure 1 depicts a side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0005] Figure 2 depicts a side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0006] Figure 3 illustrates a left side view of a conduit as mounted in the saddle type vehicle. [0007] Figure 4 illustrates a left side view of the conduit along with one or more electrical components.

[0008] Figure 5a illustrates a top perspective view of the conduit.

[0009] Figure 5b illustrates a rear perspective view of the conduit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00010] In conventional vehicles, in a known art, a saddle type vehicle consists of a motor, batteries, controllers etc. All of these components tend to generate heat during vehicle running condition which directly affects the efficiency of the vehicle. However, to address the problem of heating up of the electrical components and vehicular components, a cooling system is incorporated in the vehicle.

[00011] A conventional type of vehicle with an air-cooling system, that consists of air duct occupies more space. This air-cooling system that is bulkier, tends to result in a complex vehicle layout with requirement of more space in the vehicle along width and length of the vehicle which is often not feasible. Further, along with being able to accommodate bigger air-cooling system, the one or more electrical components are also to be packaged in the vehicle. The one or more electrical components like charger socket, relays, etc. and electric cables routing. Thus, designing a compact saddle type vehicle with a compact layout packaging is complex often compromising on one or more functions and / or ease of service. High volume manufacturing of such complex layout vehicles is another challenge.

[00012] In order to overcome the above said problem, if the size of the air duct is compromised for packaging of the one or more electrical components in the vehicle, the amount of air passing through the duct is reduced, which affects cooling efficiency and that may lead to overheating of critical electrical components like motor and one or more controllers. The overheating of the critical electrical components leads to undesirable running/usage of the one or more electrical components beyond the allowable working range of the one or more components. This is detrimental to the durability and life of the one or more electrical components, which additionally reduces the efficiency of the vehicle drastically.

[00013] Therefore, the present subject matter is proposed to address the above stated problems by being able to achieve an efficient cooling of the one or more electrical components and other vehicular parts in the vehicle while overcoming above problems and other problems of known art.

[00014] To overcome the above said problems with cooling, an improved cooling system is disclosed as per the present invention. The cooling system layout is configured with a conduit in such a way that a cavity is formed at a central region without compromising on an inlet portion of the conduit. The conduit includes one or more central portions running parallel to each other and divided by the cavity into two paths. The two paths are configured to converge as a single outlet portion.

[00015] The conduit is configured to include the cavity at the central region to accommodate a charging cord, configured to facilitate routing of one or more electrical cables and mounting and obtaining one or more wiring harness through a simpler routing along the one or more central portions along with being able to achieve an efficient cooling functionality of the one or more electrical components and one or more vehicular parts.

[00016] The conduit is packaged in the vehicle, in particular on a bottom portion of a front panel, with the conduit inlet opening being disposed in between a front wheel and a front suspension lower bracket. The conduit extends along a step through portion of the vehicle. The conduit is connected to a portion of a frame assembly and in between two or more central frames. The conduit is configured to extend rearwardly to carry the cool air towards one or more controllers and the motor, which are the critical electrical components in the vehicle [00017] The inlet portion of the conduit is packaged in a position, wherein at least a portion of the inlet portion is disposed behind the front wheel, such that the atmospheric air enters the inlet portion in abundance during vehicle running condition.

[00018] The conduit is configured to include one inlet portion, two or more central portions in the middle of the conduit and an outlet portion that allows the air to flow towards the motor and one or more electrical components.

[00019] In an aspect of the present subject matter, the two or more central portions include one or more openings, disposed substantially in the longitudinal middle region of the intermediate central portions which are provided in order to cool the one or more electrical components that are being supported by the conduit, in particular, in a cavity being configured in the conduit.

[00020] The one or more controllers are packaged at the rear side of the conduit, at a close proximity to the outlet portion of the conduit, such that one or more cooling fins on the controller are facing the one or more openings in the conduit.

[00021] The conduit is configured to include bends, depressions and variable cross section to avoid interferences with various portions of the frame, and surrounding parts in the vehicle. However, the conduit is configured to efficiently provide cooling as desired.

[00022] The conduit is mounted in a front portion of the vehicle, near the inlet to a sub frame of the frame assembly. The conduit is configured to include one or more mountings to the frame assembly, the one or more mountings are provided at the one or more connecting portions of the conduit.

[00023] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, one or more critical electrical parts like relays, fuses are packaged on the conduit, in the cavity. [00024] The cavity in the conduit not only allows the electrical cables to be routed from front to rear side but also the cables can be mounted on the conduit.

[00025] The cavity in the conduit is configured such that the routing of one or more wiring harness is simpler and the length of electrical cables is reduced, as a result reduction in cost is achieved and also the energy losses are reduced thereby enhancing the efficiency. The simpler routing of the wiring harness is achieved by configuring the conduit to enable mounting of the one or more wiring harness and to support the wiring harness. This way, the wiring harness is prevented from interfering with the surrounding parts and an already configured path, in the form of conduit is facilitating the routing of the one or more wiring harness. This provides elimination of additional path that otherwise has to be configured for facilitating routing of the one or more wiring harness.

[00026] The serviceability of the electrical parts is improved in the cooling duct since the electrical cables can be accessed quickly and easily through the cavity.

[00027] The conduit is configured to provide extra space for packaging of small electrical parts like starter relays, fuses, etc.

[00028] The further explanation to the above said advantages of the present invention is provided in the detailed description of the figures below. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[00029] Figure 1 depicts a right-side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle. The vehicle includes a handlebar assembly 110 is connected to a front wheel 115 through one or more front suspension(s) 120. A steering shaft (not shown) connects the handlebar assembly 110 to the front suspension(s) 120 and the steering shaft is rotatably journaled about a front frame (not shown). A power source/an energy source 125, for example an engine assembly, one or more batteries are mounted to the frame assembly (105 now shown). The power source 125 may also include a traction motor either hub mounted or mounted adjacent to the engine assembly. In the depicted embodiment, the power source/the energy source 125 is disposed below at least a portion of the pair of rear frames (108 now shown). However, in an alternative embodiment, the power unit may be fixedly disposed towards front and below the one or more connecting frame (107 now shown). The power source/energy source 125 is functionally connected to a rear wheel 130 through a transmission system (not shown). The vehicle 100 may include one or more rear wheel(s). Also, the vehicle 100 includes an exhaust system that helps in dissipation of exhaust gasses from the power source/energy source 125. The exhaust system includes a muffler mounted to the vehicle 100.

[00030] Further, the rear wheel 130 is connected to the frame assembly 105 through one or more rear suspension(s). In the depicted embodiment, the power source 125 is swingably mounted to the frame assembly 105 through a toggle link or the like. A seat assembly 135 is supported by the frame assembly 105 and is disposed rearward to the step-through portion 109.

[00031] Further, the vehicle 100 includes a front fender 155 covering at least a portion of the front wheel 115. In the present embodiment, a floorboard 145 is disposed at a step-through portion 109 and is supported by the main frame 107 (as shown in Figure 2) and a pair of floor frame portions (not shown). In an embodiment, a fuel tank (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly 135 and behind the utility box. A rear fender 160 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 130. The vehicle 100 comprises of plurality of electrical/electronic components including a headlight 165, a tail light (not shown), a battery (not shown), a transistor-controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown). Further, the vehicle 100 may include a synchronous braking system, an anti-lock braking system.

[00032] The vehicle 100 comprises plurality of panels that include a front panel 170 disposed in an anterior portion of the front frame 106, a leg-shield 171 disposed in a posterior portion of the front frame 106. A rear panel assembly 172 includes a right-side panel and a left side panel disposed below the seat assembly 135 and extending rearward from a rear portion of the floorboard 145 towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100. The rear panel assembly 172 encloses a utility box (not shown) disposed below the seat assembly 140. Also, the rear panel assembly 172 partially encloses the power source 125.

[00033] Figure 2 depicts a side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 has a frame assembly 105 that includes a front frame 106, two or more central frame 107 extending rearwardly downwardly inclined from the front frame 106. The two or more central frame 107 may comprise one or more main frame(s), and pair of rear frames 108 extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main frame 107 and the pair of rear frames 108. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a step through portion 109 supported by a sub- frame member 111 of the frame assembly 105. However, the aspects of the present subject matter are not limited to the depicted layout of the vehicle 100.

[00034] Figure 3 illustrates a left side perspective view of a conduit as mounted in the saddle type vehicle. The conduit 203 is mounted at one or more portions of the frame assembly. The conduit 203 is mounted to a sub-frame 111 at the front portion of the vehicle 100. The conduit 203 is mounted to the sub-frame 111, such that an inlet portion 203 i, at an upstream end of the conduit 203 is disposed below an upper bent portion l l lu of the sub-frame 111. The conduit 203 is split into two or more intermediate central portions 203 c configure downstream of inlet portion 203 i, the two or more intermediate central portions 203 c are mounted to the two or more central frame (107 shown in figure 2) through one or more mounting members 107m disposed on conduit 203. Downstream of the one or more intermediate central portions 203 c, the one or more central portions 203 c merge to form a single downstream portion. A downstream outlet portion 203 o of the conduit 203 is disposed rearwards of the intermediate one or more connecting portions and above the motor 201. The one or more intermediate central portions are configured between a downstream of an inlet portion 203 i and an upstream of an outlet portions 203 o at a downstream end portion of the conduit 203. The atmospheric air flowing through the conduit is directed towards the motor 201 to achieve efficient cooling of the motor 201. Further, the conduit 203 includes a cavity 207 configured to separate the two or more intermediate central portions 203 c. The cavity is configured to support a charging station 204, one or more relays 205 and other electrical components.

[00035] The conduit 203 is extending along a vehicle central longitudinal axis LM in a front to rear direction.

[00036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the conduit 203 includes a cavity 207. The cavity 207 is configured to occupy 3/4th of the central portion of the conduit 203. The cavity 207 is extending along said vehicle central longitudinal axis LM.

[00037] Figure 4 illustrates a left side view of the conduit along with one or more electrical components in a vehicle. The conduit 203 is configured such that most portion of the charging station 204 and the one or more relays 205 are supported and protected by the cavity (207 shown in figure 3). The connecting cables/wires of the charging station 204 and the connecting cables/wires of the two or more relays 205 are accommodated and protected in the cavity and are passed through the cavity for routing of the cables to prevent any sharp bends that might affect the performance of the cables. According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the inlet portion 203 i of the conduit 203 is present above the outlet portion 203 o of the conduit 203. [00038] Figure 5a illustrates a top perspective view of the conduit. The conduit 203 is an elongated structure with a cavity 207 in the middle portion of the conduit 203. The conduit 203 is extending along the vehicle central longitudinal axis as shown in the figure 3. The conduit 203 is a hollow structure. The atmospheric air 208 traversing through the conduit is configured to take two paths inside the conduit around the cavity 207. The atmospheric air that has entered into the inlet portions 203 i is forced to enter into the two or more intermediate central portions 203 c. The atmospheric air with high pressure is then let out of the outlet portion 203 o towards the motor (not shown). Further, as shown in Figure 5b, the two or more intermediate central portions 203c includes two or more holes 203h for the atmospheric air to pass out of the conduit 203. The atmospheric air is let out of the one or more openings and disposed on the bottom side of the conduit 203 wherein the openings 203 h are substantially closer to the rear merging region (not labelled) of the intermediate central portions 203 c and in proximity to the controller 202. Owing to the proposed configuration of the conduit 203, the atmospheric air is directed to flow outwards and downwards from the opening 203h thereby directing the air 203h such that the atmospheric air is directed towards the one or more controllers disposed below the conduit 203.

[00039] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the one or more cables 206 (shown in Figure 4) are routed along the conduit 203. The conduit is configured to include one or more cable holding members 203m for holding the one or more cables in place.

[00040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the two or more intermediate central portions 203 c includes a right arm 203 cr and a left arm 203 cl. One or more of these arms are configured to include one or more cable holding members 203 m.

[00041] In another embodiment the right arm 203 cr and the left arm 203 cl are configured to include the one or more cable holding members 203m. [00042] Althcough the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.

Reference numerals: 111 sub-frame member

100 vehicle 203 conduit

110 handlebar assembly 203 c two or more intermediate cetnral portions

115 front wheel

107m one or more frame mounting

120 front suspensions members

125 power source/energy source 203 o outlet portion

130 rear wheel 204 charging station

105 frame assembly

205 one or more relays

135 seat assembly

LM vehicle central longitudinal

109 step-through portion axis

155 front fender 207 cavity

145 floorboard 203 h one or more holes

107 main frame 203 m one or more cable holding members

140 seat assembly

203 cr right arm

160 rear fender

203 cl a left arm

165 headlight

404 one or more fins

106 front frame

405 power source

171 leg shield

406 one or more wiring harness

172 rear panel assembly holding members

108 pair of rear frames LM longitudinal axis

TR transverse axis

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A straddle-type motor vehicle (100) comprising: a frame assembly (105) including a front frame (106); one or more connecting frames (107) extending rearwardly from said front frame (106); wherein, a conduit (203) being disposed below said one or more connecting frames (107), said conduit (203) being configured with two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) disposed substantially parallel to each other along a vehicle central longitudinal axis (LM), said two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) are disposed with a cavity (207) therebetween.

2. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) are configured to support one or more electrical components (204, 205, 206).

3. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conduit (203) is hollow.

4. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) includes a right arm (203 cr), and a left arm (203 cl), any one of said right arm (203 cr) and said left arm (203 crl) being configured with one or more cable holding members (203m), said one or more cable holding members (203m) enable routing of one or more cables along said any one of said left arm (203cl) and said right arm (203cr).

5. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conduit (203) is configured to facilitate flow of atmospheric air therethrough.

6. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cavity (207) is disposed at a central intermediate region of said conduit (203), said cavity (207) being extended along said vehicle central longitudinal axis (LM).

7. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said cavity (207) is configured to extend along 3/4^th of the central portion of the conduit (203).

8. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more electrical components (204, 205, 206) are disposed in the cavity (207).

9. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said one or more electrical components (204, 205, 206) include a charging station (204), one or more relays (205), and one or more cables (206).

10. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame assembly (105) includes one or more rear frames (108) configured to extend rearwardly from said connecting frames (107).

11. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conduit (203) includes an inlet portion (203i), two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) and, an outlet portion (203 o), said two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) are configured to connect said inlet portion (203i), and said outlet portion (203o).

12. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said inlet portion (203 i) is disposed at a front portion (F) of the vehicle (100), said inlet portion (203 i) is left exposed to the atmospheric air, said two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) is configured to extend along said one or more connecting frames (107), and said outlet portion (203 o) being disposed above a motor (201).

13. The straddle-type motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said outlet portion (203 o) is disposed above and at a close proximity to at least one controller (202). A straddle-type motor vehicle (100) comprising: a front frame (106); one or more connecting frames (107) extending rearwardly from said front frame (106); one or more rear frames (108) extending rearwardly from said connecting frames (107); a floorboard (109) disposed below said one or more connecting frames (107), a controller (202) disposed between said floorboard (109) and said one or more connecting frames (107), and a motor (201) disposed rearwardly to said controller (202), wherein, a conduit (203) being routed between said one or more connecting frames (107) and said controller (202), said conduit (203) being configured with two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) disposed parallel to each other along a vehicle central longitudinal axis (LM) and configured between a downstream of an inlet portion (203 i) and upstream of an outlet portion (203o). The straddle type motor vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein said at least one of said two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) includes one or more openings (203h), said one or more openings (203h) are configured in said conduit (203) to be disposed above and in proximity to said controller (202). A conduit (203) for a straddle type vehicle (100), said conduit (203) comprising: an inlet portion (203 i) at an upstream end; an outlet portion (203 o) at a downstream end, and two or more intermediate central portions (203c) configured to join said inlet portion (203 i) and said outlet portion (203 o), said two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) are disposed substantially parallel to each other with a cavity (207) configured in between.

17. The conduit (203) for a straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said inlet portion (203 i) is disposed above said outlet portion (203 o).

18. The conduit (203) for a straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said two or more intermediate central portions (203 c) include a right arm (203 cr), and a left arm (203 cl), said right arm (203 cr) and said left arm (203 cl) include one or more openings (203h).

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