WO2017163121A1

WO2017163121A1 - A two-wheeled vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2017163121A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/000295
Authority: WO
Inventors: Khandual ANURAG; Surendiran KUMAR; Sridhar Balaguru; Babu RENGARJAN
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2016-03-23
Filing date: 2017-03-23
Publication date: 2017-09-28
Also published as: CN108883801B; CN108883801A

Abstract

The present subject matter provides a two-wheeled vehicle comprising a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a head tube (105A) and a main tube (105B). A traction motor functionally coupled to at least one wheel of said vehicle. The frame assembly further comprises a battery-mounting member (200) comprising a base portion (205) and one or more mounting portion(s) (210A, 210B) connected thereto. The battery-mounting member (200, 300) is at least partially supported by said head tube (105A) through said base member (205). The one or more mounting portion(s) (210A, 210B) are capable of detachably-supporting the one or more auxiliary power source(s) (170A, 170B). The battery-mounting member (200) thereby provides a rigid yet compact battery supporting structure.

Description

A TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to two-wheeled vehicles, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to vehicles incorporating a traction motor.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, in an electric vehicle a traction motor is provided. The traction motor acts as power unit for the vehicle that drives wheel(s) of the vehicle. In a hybrid vehicle, the power unit includes an internal combustion engine along with the traction motor. The hybrid vehicle when operated using only the traction motor, operates similar to the electric vehicle. Typically, an auxiliary power source, for example a battery,- drives the traction motor. The battery provided on the vehicle is of a large size when compared to conventional battery available on a conventional two-wheeler.

[0003] Further, in case of a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through frame assembly, the vehicle comprises of a floorboard and a utility space. Moreover, in case of the hybrid vehicle, the engine is mounted to the frame assembly, which requires space for locating the engine and for parts that work in conjunction with the engine. The aforementioned vehicles viz. electric or hybrid, with a step-through frame assembly requires optimum location of the battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [0006] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates left side perspective view of a portion of the frame assembly employed with a battery-mounting member, in accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter.

[0007] Fig 2 (b) illustrates a right side perspective view of the frame assembly employed with the battery-mounting member, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a)

[0008] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a left side view of the battery mounted to the battery-mounted member.

[0009] Fig. 3 (a) illustrates a left side view of the frame assembly employed with a battery-mounting member, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00010] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a left side perspective view of a front portion of the vehicle in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 (a).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00011] Typically, vehicles with a step-through type frame assembly include a head tube and a main frame. The vehicle may have the engine, which is mounted to the frame assembly. Typically, the engine being the power unit is swingably connected to the main frame. Also, the power unit is coupled to the drive wheel, which is generally the rear wheel. Also, the traction motor is disposed in the rear portion of the vehicle and the traction motor is functionally coupled to the rear wheel. The presence of the power unit and other vehicle parts that work in conjunction with the engine viz. air filter assembly, fuel tank, results in compact package of aforementioned components in the rear portion of the vehicle. To this end, vehicles with traction motor are driven by a high capacity battery. The challenge is to accommodate the high capacity battery within the vehicle without comprising on space of other components.

[00012] Moreover, the step-through type vehicle comprises utility space that is provided below a seat assembly. Therefore, providing the battery below the seat assembly results in comprising the utility space of the vehicle. Also, the battery, provided below the seat assembly is, subjected to heat radiation from the engine that would affect functioning of the battery, especially in case of the hybrid vehicles. Further, the vehicle may have one or more batteries, which are to be replaced for charging or maintenance. Therefore, there is also a need for providing ease of access and mounting.

[00013] Thus, there is a need for a vehicle, which is capable of accommodating the various components of the vehicle, without compromising on the utility space of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle should be capable of providing ease of access to batteries or the like.

[00014] Hence, an objective of the present subject , matter is to provide a two-wheeled vehicle. The said vehicle is employed with a battery-mounting member that is capable of supporting one or more batteries. According to one aspect, the utility space on the vehicle is not compromised. According to another aspect, the battery-mounting member is compact and is of low-cost.

[00015] According to additional aspect, ease of mounting and un-mounting the battery is provided that reduces assembly time and maintenance time. Further, the battery can be cooled naturally, as they are disposed substantially in the front portion of the vehicle.

[00016] In yet another additional aspect, the base portion is secured substantially at a mid-portion along axial length of the head tube. The batteries are disposed on either sides of the mid-portion.

[00017] In an embodiment, a two-wheeled vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a power unit that includes a traction motor. Further, the power unit may include an IC engine. The frame assembly includes a head tube, a main tube extending rearward from the head tube. The vehicle is provided with a battery-mounting member that is adapted to support battery. The traction motor is powered by a one or more battery mounted to the vehicle.

[00018] In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a utility space that is provided below a seat assembly, which is disposed rearward to a handle bar assembly. Further, the vehicle comprises a battery-mounting member that is mounted to the head tube of the vehicle. The battery-mounting member is adapted to support one or more battery of the vehicle.

[00019] In an embodiment, the battery-mounting member comprises a base portion and one or more mounting portion(s). The battery-mounting member is secured to the head tube through the base portion. Further, the mounting portion(s) are extending forwardly from the base portion and extend inclinedly to provide sufficient clearance between batteries required in a mounted condition. In one embodiment, the base portion, the mounting portion(s) are integrally formed.

[00020] In an embodiment, the first mounting portion of the battery-mounting member is provided with one or more battery holder(s) and the second mounting portion is provided with one or more battery holder(s). The battery holder(s) are secured to the battery-mounting member. The battery is provided with mounting slot(s) that are adapted to work in conjunction with the battery holder(s). Further, the battery holder(s) may include an insulating portion that insulates the battery from the frame assembly.

[00021] The battery can be mounted to the battery-mounting member in one or more directions. In an embodiment, the battery is slidably mounted to the battery-mounting member along a lateral direction of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the battery is mounted to the battery-mounting member along a vertical direction.

[00022] The battery-mounting member is provided with one or more support bracket(s) that are secured to battery-mounting member. An impact-absorbing bracket, which is an impact-absorbing bracket, of the one or more support bracket(s) covers at least a portion of the battery thereby acting as a crash guard. Hereinafter, the terms impact-absorbing bracket and the impact-absorbing bracket are interchangeably used. Further, the impact-absorbing bracket restricts impact from reaching the battery. Further, dampers provided on the impact-absorbing bracket dampen any impact from reaching the batteries. Further, the impact-absorbing bracket is adapted to hold a front panel of the vehicle that covers the battery in at least three directions.

[00023] In an embodiment, component-mounting bracket, which component-mounting bracket, of the one or more support brackets is provided that is adapted to mount at least one electrical/electronic component. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical/electronic mounted works in conjunction with the battery and requires proximal connection with the battery. Hereinafter, the terms component-mounting bracket and component-mounting bracket are interchangeably used.

[00024] In an embodiment, the base member, the mounting portion(s) are integrally formed as the battery-mounting member. The support bracket(s) are secured to the battery-mounting member.

[00025] In another embodiment, the support brackets are integrated with the battery-mounting member.

[00026] Furthermore, in an additional embodiment, the front panel of the vehicle is provided with cooling vent(s) that enable cooling of the vehicle naturally thereby resulting in affective functioning of the battery. Moreover, a charging point is provided on the leg shield of the vehicle, wherein the charging point is in proximity to the battery.

[00027] The present subject matter is applicable to vehicles having a step-through type frame assembly incorporating a traction motor, which is an electric mode vehicle and also to hybrid vehicles incorporating a traction motor and an IC engine. ,

[00028] Further, the impact absorbing bracket having thickness substantially lesser than thickness of said battery mounting-member. In another embodiment, the impact absorbing bracket having cross sectional area substantially lesser than cross sectional area of said battery mounting-member. The impact absorbing bracket acts as impact bearing member upon impact thereby reducing said impact from reaching the battery mounting-member. Also, the impact-absorbing bracket can be easily replaced. [00029] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.

[00030] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denoted left side, as and where applicable.

[00031] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary hybrid vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 illustrated, has a frame assembly 105. The frame assembly 105 includes a head tube 105A, a main tube 105B. One or more suspensions 110A connect a front wheel HOB, and a handlebar assembly HOC, forming a steering assembly 110. The steering assembly 110 is rotatably connected through the head tube 105 A. The main tube 105B is connected to the head tube 105A and is extending rearwardly downward from the head tube 105A. Further, one or more rear tubes 105C extend inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main tube 105B towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100. An internal combustion (IC) engine assembly 115 and a traction motor 120, for example a brush less direct current (BLDC) traction motor 120, are coupled to a rear wheel 125 through a transmission assembly (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the traction motor 120 is hub mounted on the rear wheel 125 and the IC engine 115 is mounted to a swing arm 130, which is swingably connected to the main tube 105B using a toggle link. In another embodiment, the traction motor is disposed adjacent to the IC engine. An on-board battery 170A, 170B (shown in Fig. 2 (b)) drives the traction motor 120. Further, the frame assembly 105 is . covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel 135 A, a leg shield 135B, an under-seat cover 135C, and a left and a right side panel 135D, mounted on the frame assembly 105 and covering the frame assembly 105 and parts mounted thereof. [00032] A front fender 140 is covering the front wheel 110A. In the present embodiment, the front fender 140 is integrally formed with the front panel 135A. A floorboard 145 is provided at a step-through space defined by the frame assembly 105 and mounted to the main tube 105B. A seat assembly 150 is mounted to the rear tubes 105C and is hinged to the frame assembly 105. A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly 150 and is supported by the rear tubes 105C and the utility box is accessible in an open condition of the seat assembly 150. A fuel tank (not shown) is positioned below the utility box. A rear fender 155 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 125 and is positioned below the fuel tank and upwardly of the rear wheel 125. One or more suspension(s) 160 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 100 for connecting the swing arm 130 to the mainframe 105B thereby providing comfortable ride. The vehicle 100 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 165A, a tail light 165B, a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown). Further, the vehicle 100 is provided with a battery-mounting member 200.

[00033] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a left side perspective view of the frame assembly 105, in accordance with an embodiment of the subject matter. The frame assembly 105 of the vehicle has a head tube 105A that is having a tubular structure, which can be circular or any other regular or irregular geometric shape. The main tube 105 extends downwardly rearward from a rear portion of the head tube 105A. The main tube 105B includes a tubular shape and the said a front portion of the main tube 105B is secured to the head tube 105A. For example, the main tube 105B is welded to the head tube 105A. At least one gusset(s) 105D is provided that secures the head tube 105 A and the main tube 105B and provides reinforcement.

[00034] The frame assembly 105 is provided with a battery-mounting member 200 that is secured to the frame assembly 105. Specifically, the battery-mounting member 200 is secured to the head tube 105A at a front facing portion of the head tube 105A. The battery-mounting member 200 comprises a base portion 205 and one or more mounting portion(s) 210A, 210B.

[00035] Fig 2 (b) illustrates a right side perspective view of the frame assembly employed with the battery-mounting member in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a). The head tube 105A is having a tubular shape that is having a circular cross-section. A steering shaft (not shown) is disposed rotatably about the head tube 105A. The head tube 105A is made of a rigid material including any known metal. The main tube 105B is having tubular shape with circular cross-section and is secured to the head tube 105A by welding. Further, the at least one gusset(s) 105D is made of metal and is welded to the head tube 105A and the main tube 105B, thereon.

[00036] The battery-mounting member 200 is secured to the head tube 105A through the base portion 205. Further, the battery-mounting member 200 comprises a first mounting portion 210A and a second mounting portion 210B. The mounting portion(s) 210A, 210B are extending forwardly from the base portion 205 and extend inclinedly to provide sufficient clearance between batteries 170A, 170B that are mounted to the vehicle 100. The battery-mounting member is made of rigid material, preferably of any known metal of sheet. Thickness of the sheet metal is preferred in accordance with weight of the battery. In a preferred embodiment, the base portion 205, the first mounting portion 210A, and the second mounting portion 210B are integrally formed.

[00037] The first mounting portion 210A of the battery-mounting member 200 is provided with one _. or more battery holder(s) 215A and the second mounting portion 210B is provided with one or more battery holder(s) 215B. In the present embodiment, the battery hdlder(s) 215A, 215B are T-clamps 215A, 215B. The T-clamp(s) are secured to the battery-mounting member 200. The T-clamp(s) are secured through fasteners or by welding.

[00038] The present embodiment depicts a first battery 170A and a second battery 170B that are extending substantially along a lateral direction of the vehicle. The first battery 170A comprises a mounting slot(s) 170AA that is provided on a side of the first battery 170A facing the battery mounting member 200. Similarly, a mounting slot(s) 170BA are provided on the second battery 170B.

[00039] The mounting slot(s) 170AA, 170BA are adapted to work in conjunction with the battery holder(s) 215A, 215B, which are T-clamps 215A, 215B that enable mounting of the battery 170A, 170B slidably to the battery-mounting member 200 along the lateral direction of the vehicle 100. Further, the battery-mounting member 200 is provided with one or more support bracket(s) 220.

[00040] However, in another embodiment (not shown), the battery 170A, 170B can be mounted from a top portion, wherein the mounting slot(s) are provided on the side of the battery 170 A, 170B facing the battery-mounting member and are extending substantially along a vertical line.

[00041] Fig. 2 ^'(c) illustrates a left side view of a front portion of the frame assembly employed with battery in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (b). The Fig. 2 (c) depicts an enlarged view of a portion of the battery-mounting member 200 and the battery 170A in a mounted condition. The T-clamps 215A engage with the mounting slot(s) 170AA of the battery 170A. In a preferred embodiment, the T-clamps 215A are engagingly coupled with the mounting slot(s) 170AA, thereby enabling secure mounting.

[00042] The battery-mounting member 200 further comprises an impact-absorbing bracket 220 that is connected to one end, which is the second mounting portion in the present embodiment, of the battery-mounting member 200. The impact absorbing bracket 220 extends forward and downwardly of the second battery 170B and extends forwardly of the second battery 170B covering at least a portion of the second battery 170B. The impact-absorbing bracket 220 is made of a rigid material and is secured to the battery-mounting member 200 by fasteners 225. [00043] The impact-absorbing bracket 220 covers the bottom portion and at least a portion of front facing side(s) of the battery 170A, 170B. In addition, the impact-absorbing bracket 220 comprises panel-mounting portion (not shown) that is adapted to mount the front panel 135A to the battery-mounting member 200. The front panel 135A covers the battery 170A, 170B thereby securing the battery from atmosphere and from dust, water, or dirt. Further, the impact absorbing bracket 220 acts crash guard that restricts impact from reaching the battery 170A, 170B. Further, the impact absorbing bracket 220 is having a cross sectional area substantially lesser than the cross sectional area of the battery mounting-member 200, whereby said impact absorbing bracket 220 acts as impact bearing member upon impact. Moreover, the impact-absorbing bracket 220 is easily replaceable. Also, the first support member is provided with panel mounting portions 220A that enable in securing the front panel 135A to the frame assembly 105. Also, a locking system is provided to securely access the batteries, wherein the locking system secures the front panel 135A to the frame assembly 105, thereby avoiding any unauthorized access to the batteries 170A, 170B.

[00044] Also, the base portion 205 is secured to an mid-portion along axial length of the head tube 105 A, wherein the mounting portion(s) 210A, 210B are supporting the batteries 170A, 170B are disposed on either sides Up, Dw of the base portion 205 for balanced weight distribution.

[00045] Furthermore, a cushioning material or damping material can be provided on the impact- absorbing bracket 200 that enables damping of impact. Further, an insulating material is provided about the battery 170A, 170B that eliminates any false contacts.

[00046] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a left side view of the frame assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The battery-mounting member comprises a component-mounting bracket 235 that is mounted to another end of the battery-mounting member 300. In a preferred embodiment, the component-mounting bracket 235 is extending from the top portion of the battery-mounting member 300 and extending upwardly of the battery 170A (not shown). The component-mounting bracket 235 is adapted to mount at least one electrical/electronic component. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical/electronic component working in conjunction with the battery is disposed in proximity and supported by the second support member 235. The second support member is made of a rigid material including synthetic or metal.

[00047] Further, the base portion 205 is disposed substantially inward and the first mounting portion 210A and the second mounting portion 210B are disposed away from the base portion. Also, the mounting portion(s) 210A, 210B are spaced apart either vertically, horizontally, or at an angle to provide clearance between batteries 170A, 170B in mounted condition.

[00048] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a left side perspective view of the front portion of the frame assembly employed with the battery-mounting member and parts mounted thereon. The battery-mounting member 300 is mounted with the first battery 170A and the second battery 170B. Further, a fuse box 180 is mounted to the second support member 235. The fuse box 180 is an electrical device. However, the term electrical is not limiting to electrical components, but also includes electronic components that work in conjunction with the battery. The pair of front fork(s) 110A is connected through a lower bracket HOD. In an embodiment, the battery 170A, 170B are disposed upwardly of the lower bracket HOD thereby eliminating any interference between the battery 170B and the lower bracket 110D .

[00049] The battery 170A, 170B is functionally connected to the traction motor, which is disposed in the rear portion of the vehicle, through a wiring harness (not shown) capable of carrying high current. Therefore, a fuse box 180 is mounted to the component-mounting bracket 235 and is functionally connected to the battery 170A, 170B and disposed in proximity to the battery 170A, 170B. Through the fuse box 180 the battery 170A, 170B is coupled to the loads including a control unit (not shown), the traction motor 120, and direct current load(s). [00050] In case of any malfunction or short circuit, the fuse box 235 blows and isolates the battery 170A, 170B from other components that are functionally connected to the battery 170A, 170B.

[00051] Furthermore, in an additional embodiment, the front panel 135A (as shown in Fig. 1) of the vehicle 100 is provided with cooling vent(s) (not shown) that enable cooling of the vehicle naturally thereby resulting in effective functioning of the battery 170A, 170B. Moreover, a charging point (not shown) is provided on the leg shield 135B of the vehicle 100, wherein the charging point is in proximity to the battery 170A, 170B thereby reducing copper losses, and saving cost due to short wiring lengths.

[00052] . In one embodiment, the vents are extending vertically and are disposed at an inclination. The inclinedly disposed vent enables entry of air and reduces entry of water through the front panel.

[00053] It is an advantage that the frame assembly 105 of the vehicle 100 provided with battery-mounting member 200, 300 provides a compact battery mounting structure. The battery-mounting member 200, 300 is provided on the head tube 105A with minimal affixing portion. This enables in retaining the structural rigidity of the head tube 105A that is one of the loads receiving points of the frame assembly 105. Also, the base member 205 and the arms 210A, 210B are integrally formed to provide rigid structure. Further, the battery-mounting member 200, 300 eliminates any limitation of mounting the battery thereof. It is also another advantage that the battery-mounting member 200 includes an impact-absorbing bracket 220 that is capable of covering the batteries 170A, 170B in one more directions. The impact-absorbing bracket 220 is provided with thickness substantially less than the base member 205, whereby upon impact the impact-absorbing bracket 220 acts as impact receiving portion and enables easy replacement of the first support member.

[00054] Also, the auxiliary power sources, which are batteries, are directly mounted to the battery support member 200, 300. Therefore, the need for additional casing, additional enclosing structures, or the like is eliminated. Thus, the present subject matter provides compact battery mounting structure that can be accommodated in the compact vehicles like two-wheelers. Also, the battery-mounting member being affixed to the head tube of the frame assembly provides rigid structure to support the high capacity batteries. Also, the weight of the batteries is supported by the frame assembly, which is the load bearing and structural member of the vehicle.

[00055] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A two- wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:

a frame assembly (105) including a head tube (105A) and a main tube (105B) extending rearward from a rear portion of said head tube (105 A);

a traction motor (120) functionally coupled to at least one wheel (125) of said vehicle (100); and

one or more auxiliary power source(s) (170A, 170B) operatively connected to said traction motor (120),

wherein

the frame assembly (105) further comprises a battery-mounting member (200, 300) comprising a base portion (205) and one or more mounting portion(s) (210A, 210B) connected thereto, said battery-mounting member (200, 300) being at least partially supported by said head tube (105A) through said base member (205), and said one or more mounting portion(s) (210A, 210B) capable of detachably-supporting said one or more auxiliary power source(s) (170A, 170B).

2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said battery-mounting member (200) is affixed to a front facing portion of said head tube (105A).

3. The two- wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the battery-mounting member (200, 300) is provided with a impact absorbing bracket(s) (220), and said impact absorbing bracket(s) (220) covering at least a portion of said auxiliary power source(s) (170 A, 170B) from one or more directions (Dw, F).

4. The two- wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 3, wherein said impact absorbing bracket(s) (220) is adapted to support a front panel (135A) of said vehicle (100) and said front panel (135A) covers at least a portion of said auxiliary power source(s) (170A, 170B).

5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 3, wherein said impact absorbing bracket(s) (220) is having thickness substantially lesser than thickness of said base member (205), whereby said impact absorbing bracket (220) acts as impact bearing member during impact.

6. The two- wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the battery-mounting member (300) comprises a component-mounting bracket (235) affixed thereof and said component-mounting bracket (235) being adapted to mount at least one electronic component (180) working in conjunction with said auxiliary power source(s) (170A, 170B), whereby said electronic component (180) is disposed in proximity to said auxiliary power source(s) (170A, 170B).

7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein said one or more mounting portion(s) (210A, 210B) are provided with T-clamps (215A, 215B) capable of engaging with mounting slot(s) (170AA) provided on said auxiliary power source(s) (170A, 170B), whereby said auxiliary power source(s) (170A, 170B) are slidably mounted to said T-clamp (215A, 215B).

8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein said base portion (205) is secured to a mid-portion of an axial-length of said head tube (105 A), and said one or more mounting portion(s) (210A, 210B) are extending away from the base portion (205).

9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein said base portion (205), and said one or more mounting portion(s) (21 OA, 210B) are integrally formed.

10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein said frame assembly (105) swingably supports an internal combustion engine (115) connected thereof, wherein said internal combustion engine (115) is functionally coupled to said at least one wheel (125).