WO2019043561A1

WO2019043561A1 - A vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2019043561A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/056532
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amit Dilip Rajwade; Rajesh Sriram; Harne Vinay Chandrakant
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2017-09-01
Filing date: 2018-08-28
Publication date: 2019-03-07

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compact vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200- 4) used for personal transportation. The vehicle includes a front structure (215) 5 having at least a front wheel (115) movably coupled to a steering column at a lower end thereof. A rear structure (220) having at least one rear wheel (125) capable of being rotated by a power unit (180) of vehicle is provided with a seat sub-structure (135) extending longitudinally rearwardly above at least one rear wheel (125). A top structure (208, 209, 211) extending upwardly rearwardly is disposed between 10 the front structure (215) and the rear structure (220). The top structure (208, 209, 211) is provided with a plurality of solar panels (213) extends forwardly downwardly up to a predetermined position, which is inclined at a first predetermined angle allowing a substantially horizontal line of vision (290) for a rider of the vehicle.

Description

A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter, in general, relates to a vehicle and in particular, relates to a compact saddle type vehicle used for personal transportation.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, small sized saddle type vehicles or step through type vehicle and especially vehicles used for personal transportation are made in a manner that only the rider is capable of commuting from one place to another. Such small sized vehicles are also made to accommodate a pillion to the rider. These vehicles are generally provided with two wheels. Though, in certain variants, they can be provided with an additional wheel added either to the front wheel or to the rear wheel or in some cases to both. Such configurations are provided to make the vehicle stand on the wheels instead of a dedicated vehicle support structure such as a center stand or a side stand. Further, addition of one or more wheels to two- wheelers also adds stability and balance while riding than a conventional two- wheeler. All these are achieved without compromising on the overall width and length of a typical two-wheeler, which ensures that the rider can maneuver with same ease as she does on a two-wheeler and the vehicle is more compact than a conventional four-wheeler. Such vehicles are also advantageously provided with a small sized engine. One of the primary features of such a vehicle is that the occupants of the vehicle including the rider are seated on a seating structure that allows the occupants to straddle or step-through to occupy the seat and are sans doors. More often than not, such vehicles are exposed to atmosphere and are not enclosed in nature, and in several instances, do not contain a roof structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. [0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a ste -through type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0005] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a left side perspective view of a vehicle provided with a canopy structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0006] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a left side perspective view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 2 (a) provided with a canopy structure, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 3 depicts another left side perspective view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 2 (b) provided with a canopy structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Fig. 4 depicts a left side perspective view of a vehicle provided with a canopy structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Several attempts have been made in the past to provide compact personal transportation vehicles such as two-wheelers with a roof like structure. However, such attempts have hardly been successful due to various technical limitations.

[00010] One such technical limitation being the bulkier configurations of roof like structures known in the existing art. Such bulkier configurations almost make a two-wheeled vehicle used for personal transportation look like a passenger car, which in turn largely affects design flexibility. Further, such known configurations were much heavier and largely affects the center of gravity of the vehicle due to a larger disposition of mass above the seating position of the vehicle. It is more applicable in case of vehicles provided with two or three wheels only, which makes vehicle handling as much difficult.

[00011] Furthermore, the existing vehicles that are provided with solar panel embedded roof structures are either formed as complete enclosures, which clearly make vehicle handling and vehicle maneuvering difficult, or as extended visor like panels, which leads to various other problems including vibration of panels at high speed and fragile roof structure without proper support. Further, in such vehicles, extension of solar panels throughout the enclosure including the front visor area towards the pillars supporting the roof structure leads to poor corner visibility & accidents. Moreover, widening the pillar area in order to enhance the solar impedance area is also detrimental to safety as it may lead to cascading of the vehicle. Furthermore, reducing the pillar area may lead to loss of solar impedance area around the front portion of the vehicle, which is detrimental too.

[00012] Other than the above stated problems, there are other less concerned but important problems that are associated with the existing solar panel embedded roof structures. These include positioning of rear view mirror assemblies, which are often extended in vehicle widthwise direction, which leads to various safety concerns. Moreover, in many known configurations, the space available for the occupants including the rider and the pillion are often compromised for the sake of increasing area of solar panels in the vehicle. Such vehicles often deviate from the basic requirement of a personal transportation type vehicle like two-wheeler and often end up in increasing the complexity for the user for the sake of providing a roof structure.

[00013] The present subject matter is aimed at providing a compact vehicle used for personal transportation with a canopy structure embedded with solar panels, which overcomes the above stated problems existing in such vehicles known in the art.

[00014] In an implementation, the present subject matter provides a compact vehicle used for personal transportation having a front structure provided with at least a front wheel movably coupled to a steering column at a lower end thereof. The steering column is coupled to a handlebar assembly at an upper end thereof. A rear structure having at least one rear wheel capable of being rotated by a power unit of the vehicle is provided. The rear structure includes a seat sub-structure extending longitudinally rearwardly above at least one rear wheel. A top structure is disposed between the front structure and the rear structure. The top structure extends upwardly rearwardly from the front structure connecting the rear structure. The top structure is provided with a plurality of solar panels capable of receiving solar energy. The plurality of solar panels extends forwardly downwardly up to a predetermined position, which is inclined at a first predetermined angle allowing a substantially horizontal line of vision for a rider of the vehicle.

[00015] In an implementation, the top structure includes a front sub-structure. In one embodiment, the front sub-structure is a windshield member extending upwardly in front of the handlebar assembly.

[00016] In an implementation, the rear structure includes a mounting member capable of receiving one or more portions of said top structure. In one implementation, the top structure includes a rear sub- structure extends rearwardly downwardly and joining the mounting member of the rear structure. Further, in an implementation, the seat sub-structure includes a backrest member extending substantially upwardly from a rearmost portion of the seat sub-structure, and wherein the backrest member is capable of receiving one or more portions of the top structure.

[00017] In an embodiment, the top structure is made of a single piece connecting the front structure and the rear structure of the vehicle. Further, in an embodiment, the mounting member of the rear structure has a slide handle. In an embodiment, the first predetermined angle A, for example a cone of angle, which allows a substantially horizontal line of vision for a rider of the vehicle is substantially more than 10°. In one embodiment, the line of vision of the rider ranges between 0° to 10°.

[00018] Further, in an implementation, the top structure including the plurality of solar panels extends substantially sidewardly downwardly providing a substantially perpendicular angle of incidence of solar rays on the sidewardly extending panels. In an implementation, the top structure is substantially dome shaped and provided with chamfered edges. In an alternative embodiment, the top structure is spheroid shaped without the edges being chamfered. All of the above embodiments, enable maximizing the surface area of exposure thereby increasing the effective energy generation for the vehicle. [00019] In one implementation, the vehicle is an electric operated vehicle, and wherein said power unit is an electric motor. In another implementation, the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, and the power unit includes an engine assembly and an electric motor.

[00020] In an embodiment, the top structure is made of a light weight material selected from a group consisting of composite material like fiber reinforced plastic and polyacrylonitrile, aluminum, sheet metal and plastic.

[00021] Further, in one embodiment, the top structure includes a bottom surface and a top surface, and wherein said top surface is provided with said plurality of solar panels capable of receiving solar energy.

[00022] In an implementation, the top structure includes one or more transceiver members capable of electronically connecting one or more electronic devices of said vehicle to a global communication network.

[00023] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.

[00024] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 has a frame assembly 105 having a step-through type layout. The frame assembly 105 includes a head tube 105A, a main tube 105B extending downwardly rearward from the head tube 105A, and a pair of railing 105C that extend inclinedly rearward. A handlebar assembly 110 is mounted to a steering shaft (not shown). The steering shaft is rotatably supported by the head tube 105A. A front wheel 115 is connected to the handle bar assembly 110 through one or more front suspension(s) 120. A power unit 180 is swingably mounted to the frame assembly 105. In an embodiment, the power unit 180 is an engine functionally coupled to a rear wheel 125. In another embodiment, the power unit 180 is a motor, for example, a hub motor mounted on the hub of the rear wheel 125.

[00025] Further, the rear wheel 125 is connected to the frame assembly 105 through one or more rear suspension(s) 130. In an embodiment, the power unit 180 is swingably connected to the frame assembly 105 through a toggle link (not shown). A seat assembly 135, also referred to as a seat sub-structure 135, is disposed upwardly of the power unit 180 and is supported by the pair of railings 105C. A storage compartment (not shown) provided below the seat assembly 135 are supported by the pair of railing(s) 105C. The utility box is accessible in an open condition of the seat assembly 135.

[00026] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 is provided with plurality of panels 140A, 140B, and 140C. A floorboard 145 is disposed at a step-through space defined by the frame assembly 105. The user can operate the vehicle by resting feet on the floorboard 145, in a sitting position. A front fender 150 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 115. In the present embodiment, the front fender 150 is integrated with the panels 140A. A rear fender 155 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 125. The front fender 150 and the rear fender 155 prevent splashing of dirt on to the vehicle parts and away from the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, a fuel tank (not shown) is supported by the frame assembly 105 and is functionally coupled to the engine assembly 180. The vehicle 100 comprises of plurality of electrical/electronic components including a headlight 160A, a tail light 160B, a battery (not shown), a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown).

[00027] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a left side perspective view of a vehicle 200-1 provided with a canopy structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the vehicle 200-1 includes a top structure 208 extending between a front structure 215 and a rear structure 220 of the vehicle 200-1. In an embodiment, the top structure 208 is made of a single piece adaptable to be joined with a windshield structure 210 of the front structure 215 at a front end thereof. Similarly, in an embodiment, the top structure 208 is adaptable to be joined with an extended backrest structure 206 extending upwardly rearward from a top portion of a backrest structure 204 of the rear structure 220 of the vehicle 200-1.

[00028] In an embodiment, the windshield structure 210 includes a visor capable of shielding a rider of the vehicle 200-1 from wind and sunlight, which otherwise obstructs the rider from maneuvering ahead with ease. In one embodiment, the top structure 208 is joined to the extended backrest structure 206 by means of one or more couplers 212, which apart from providing a rigid joint at the ends also enhances ease of assembly and disassembly. In an embodiment, the extended backrest structure 206 of the rear structure 220 is provided with a transversely extending head rest portion 285, which allows a pillion rider to comfortably rest her head during ride. In an embodiment, the backrest structure 204 and the extended backrest structure 206 are substantially linearly aligned & conjugately juxtaposed in order to economically support the seating position of the pillion rider. In an alternative embodiment, the top structure 208 is enmolded with the front structure 215 and the rear structure 220.

[00029] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a left side perspective view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 2 (a) provided with a canopy structure, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the vehicle 200-2 has a top structure 209 that is dome shaped. In an embodiment, the top structure 209 of the vehicle 200-2 is oval shaped when viewed from the top. Further, in one embodiment, the top structure 209 is embedded with a plurality of solar panels 213. In an embodiment, the top structure 209 is rounded at all corners extending forwardly to join with the windshield structure 210 of the front structure 215, and extending rearwardly to join with the extended backrest structure 206 of the rear structure 220. In an embodiment, the plurality of solar panels 213 are disposed uniformly across an upper surface of the top structure 209 extending forwardly and downwardly to a front most portion 275 and extending sidewardly and downwardly to a sideward portion 280. In an embodiment, the sideward portion 280 of the plurality of solar panels 213 is substantially perpendicular to the angle of incidence of sunlight allowing maximum exposure to sunlight during all positions of sun in a day. In an embodiment, the top structure 209 includes at least one slide handle 270 disposed downwardly from its side surface 295 (shown in Fig. 3) allowing the pillion to hold during riding condition. In one embodiment, the rear structure includes a mounting member 222 capable receiving one or more portions of said top structure 208. In an embodiment, the top structure 209 includes a rear sub-structure 223 extending rearwardly downwardly and joining the mounting member 222 of the rear structure 220.

[00030] Fig. 3 depicts another left side perspective view of the vehicle shown in Fig. 2 (b) provided with a canopy structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the plurality of solar panels 213 embedded to the upper surface of the top structure 209 is uniformly distributed such that a square inch 305 of the plurality of solar panels 213 is capable of generating approximately 0.14 watt of energy. In an embodiment, the plurality of solar panels 213 are closely spaced apart from each other uniformly across the dome shaped top structure 209. In another embodiment, the plurality of solar panels 213 are more densely stacked at the top structure 209, while are not as densely stacked extending forwardly towards the front most portion 275 and a corresponding rearwardly disposed rear most portion (not shown). In one embodiment, the plurality of solar panels stacked in the sideward portion 280 extending downwardly to a side most portion 295 is substantially higher as compared to the plurality of solar panels stacked forwardly extending towards the front most portion 275 and the corresponding rear most portion.

[00031] In an embodiment, the front most portion 275 of the plurality of solar panels 213 are so disposed on the top structure 209 that the positioning of the solar panels 213 do not affect a line of vision 290 of the rider during at any point of time during the ride. In an embodiment, the front most portion 275 is disposed such that the line of vision of the rider ranges from approximately 0° to 10°. In another embodiment, the front most portion 275 can extend downwardly to a maximum predetermined position up to which the line of vision 290 of the rider remains unaffected. In an alternative embodiment, the top structure 213 of the vehicle 200-3 can be of any other shape other than a spheroidal, dome or oval shape, which provides a similarly enhanced area of exposure of the plurality of solar panels 213 to sunlight at any point of time during the day. In an embodiment, the top structure 209 protects the rider and the pillion from direct exposure to sunlight at all time of the day. Similarly, the vehicle 200-3 of the present subject matter is a green vehicle capable of utilizing the power generated by the plurality of solar panels 213 to power various loads of the vehicle 200-3. In an embodiment, the vehicle 200-3 provides an eco-friendly personal transportation means for the user, which generates less pollutants including carbon dioxide. In an embodiment, the present subject matter provides a two- wheeled vehicle with improved range of operation due to the solar panel assembly of the present subject matter. Further, in an embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle of the present subject matter is cost effective and ensures optimal weather protection for the occupant(s) of the vehicle.

[00032] Fig. 4 depicts a left side perspective view of a vehicle provided with a canopy structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the top structure 211 of the vehicle 200-4 is enmolded with the front structure 215 and the rear structure 220. In one embodiment, the top structure 211 of the present subject matter is made of a light weight material selected from a group consisting of composite material like fiber reinforced plastic and polyacrylonitrile, aluminum, sheet metal and plastic. In one embodiment, the top structure 211 of the present subject matter makes the vehicle 200-4 less bulky and compact as a leftmost portion 320 of the handle bar 110 of the vehicle 200-4 extends slightly outside a left structural member 315 of the visor structure 210. Similarly, the rightmost portion (not shown) of the handle bar 110 of the vehicle 200-4 extends slightly outside a right structural member 310 of the visor structure 310. Such an arrangement of the visor structure 210 enables optimal mounting location for a rear-view mirror (LH & RH) (not shown), which enables the rider of the vehicle 200-4 to have an unobstructed rear view without having to unnecessarily make the enmolded top structure bulkier. Similarly, the enmolded top structure 211 of the present subject matter is provided with an aerodynamic design that ensures enhanced vehicle maneuverability at the same time provides an aesthetically pleasing structure for the vehicle 200-4. In an embodiment, the backrest structure 204 includes an extended backrest structure 216 that is rigidly attached to the backrest structure 204. In one embodiment, the extended backrest structure 216 extends rearwardly upward along a vertical plane of the backrest structure 204 in such a manner that it does not obstruct the rear view of the rider. Further, the rear structure 220 is provided with a transversely extending hear rest portion 285. In an embodiment, the extended backrest structure 216 extends rearwardly upward up to a transverse plane containing the head rest portion 285 and after which the extended backrest structure 216 extends in an opposite direction to be enmolded with the top structure 211. In one embodiment, the rear structure 220 is provided with a rearwardly extending pillion grab handle 214. In an embodiment, two pillion grab handles 214 are provided each at left hand side of the seat assembly 135 and at right hand side. The pillion grab handles 214 extends rearwardly co-axially with that of a horizontal axis of the seat assembly 135, such that it is convenient for the pillion rider to hold on to the pillion grab handle 214 while his back is comfortably held against the backrest structure 204. In an embodiment, there is provided a substantial gap between the pillion grab handle 214 and the backrest structure 204 in vehicle width-wise direction such that the pillion rider conveniently holds the pillion grab handle 214 for a longer duration of time during riding.

[00033] Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible within the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, in the light of above disclosure.

Claims

We claim:

1. A compact step through type vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) used for personal transportation, said vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) comprising: a front structure (215) having at least a front wheel (115) movably coupled to a steering column at a lower end thereof, said steering column coupled to a handlebar assembly ( 110) at an upper end thereof; a rear structure (220) having at least one rear wheel (125) capable of being rotated by a power unit (180) of said vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4), said rear structure (220) comprising a seat sub-structure (135) extending longitudinally rearwardly above said at least one rear wheel (125), a top structure (208, 209, 211) is disposed between said front structure (215) and said rear structure (220), said top structure (208, 209, 211) extending upwardly rearwardly from said front structure (215) connecting said rear structure (220), and said top structure (208, 209, 211) is provided with a plurality of solar panels (213) capable of receiving solar energy, said plurality of solar panels (213) extending forwardly downwardly up to a predetermined position, said predetermined position is inclined at a first predetermined angle allowing a substantially horizontal line of vision (290) for a rider of said vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4).

2. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top structure (208, 209, 211) includes a front sub-structure (210), and said front sub-structure (210) is a windshield structure (210) extending upwardly in front of said handlebar assembly (110).

3. The vehicle (100, 200- 1 , 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said rear structure (220) includes a mounting member (212, 222) capable of receiving one or more portions of said top structure (208, 209, 211).

4. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said top structure (208, 209, 211) includes a rear sub-structure (223) extending rearwardly downwardly and joining said mounting member (212, 222) of said rear structure (220).

5. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seat substructure (135) includes a backrest structure (204) extending substantially upwardly from a rearmost portion of said seat sub-structure (135), and wherein said backrest structure (204) is capable of receiving one or more portions of said top structure (208, 209, 211).

6. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top structure (208, 209, 211) is made of a single piece connecting said front structure (215) and said rear structure (220) of said vehicle.

7. The vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said mounting member of said rear structure has a slide handle (270).

8. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first predetermined angle allowing a substantially horizontal line of vision (290) for a rider of said vehicle is substantially more than 10°.

9. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top structure (208, 209, 211) including said plurality of solar panels (213) which extend substantially sidewardly downwardly for maximizing the surface area of exposure and providing a substantially perpendicular angle of incidence of solar rays on said sidewardly extending panels.

10. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top structure (208, 209, 211) is substantially dome shaped and provided with chamfered edges.

11. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle is an electric operated vehicle, and wherein said power unit ( 180) is an electric motor.

12. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, and wherein said power unit (180) includes an engine assembly and an electric motor.

13. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top structure (208, 209, 211) is made of a light weight material selected from a group consisting of composite material like fiber reinforced plastic and polyacrylonitrile, aluminum, sheet metal and plastic.

14. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top structure (208, 209, 211) includes a bottom surface and a top surface, and wherein said top surface is provided with said plurality of solar panels capable of receiving solar energy.

15. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top structure includes one or more transceiver members capable of electronically connecting one or more electronic devices of said vehicle to a global communication network.

16. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top structure (208, 209, 211) is adaptable to be joined with an extended backrest structure (206, 216) extending upwardly rearward from a top portion of a backrest structure (204) of said rear structure (220).

17. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the extended backrest structure (206, 216) of the rear structure (220) is provided with a transversely extending head rest portion (285).

18. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the top structure (208, 209, 211) is joined to the extended backrest structure (206, 216) by means of one or more couplers (212) for providing a rigid joint at the ends and enhancing ease of assembly and disassembly of said extended backrest structure (206, 216).

19. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the backrest structure (204) and the extended backrest structure (206, 216) are substantially linearly aligned and conjugately juxtaposed to ergonomically support the seating position of a pillion rider.

20. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of solar panels (213) are disposed uniformly across an upper surface of the top structure (208, 209, 211) extending forwardly and downwardly to a front most portion (275) and extending sidewardly and downwardly to a sideward portion (280).

21. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top structure (208, 209, 211) is substantially spheroid shaped.

22. The vehicle (100, 200-1, 200-2, 200-3, 200-4) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said extended backrest structure (216) extends rearwardly upward along a vertical plane of said backrest structure (204), and said top structure (211) is enmolded with the extended backrest structure (216).