WO2020255159A1

WO2020255159A1 - A straddle ride-type vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2020255159A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050524
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lakshmanan Subramanian; Anand Motilal Patil; Satyanarayana Murthy YEGGINA; Jayaram S
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2019-06-18
Filing date: 2020-06-12
Publication date: 2020-12-24
Also published as: CN114072326A; BR112021025696A2; CN114072326B; EP3987164A1; CO2021017004A2

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a straddle ride-type vehicle. A frame member including a main frame (107), and the main frame (107) is having a first portion (107A) extending rearward from the head pipe and at least one second portion (107B) extending downward from a rear end portion of the first portion (107A). The power unit (140) is disposed under the first portion (107A) of the main frame (107) and in front of the at least one second portion (107B). An air cleaner (115) having at least a portion of disposed behind the at least one second portion (107B) of the main frame (107). An energy storage unit (125) capable of providing electrical energy to one or more electrical component(s) (146, 147) is disposed between a cylinder head (143) of the power unit (140) and the air cleaner (115), in a plan view of said vehicle (100).

Description

A Straddle ride-type vehicle

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter, in general, relates to a motor vehicle, and, in particular relates, to a saddle ride-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, straddle ride-type vehicle with at least two wheels are used as popular means of transport. In a straddle ride-type vehicle including a power unit like an internal combustion engine that is fixedly mounted to a frame structure, a main frame of the vehicle supports the power unit and other ancillary parts of the vehicle like the at least one front wheel through a front suspension, and the at least one rear wheel through a rear suspension.

[0003] In such straddle ride-type vehicles, the power unit is disposed below at least a portion of the main frame and is disposed ahead of at least another portion of the main frame. The straddle ride-type vehicles with aforementioned configuration are provided with wheels with large diameter. Therefore, the vehicle with larger wheel diameter, unlike the step-through type vehicle - colloquially referred to as scooters, offer riding comfort with better momentum and wheel travel. The power unit drives the at least one rear wheel of the vehicle.

[0004] The power unit includes a starter system like a starter motor or an integrated starter generator that is used for cranking/starting. The starter system is electrically driven by energy storage unit like a battery or the like. Further, the power unit is supplied with air-fuel mixture, the flow of which is controlled by a control device. The control device is disposed in the air intake path that connects an air cleaner with the power unit. Typically, for every liter of fuel consumed by the power unit, large quantity (in liters) of air is to be supplied to the power unit. Thus, the vehicles are accommodated with the air cleaner that is capable of supplying the requisite amount of air for uninterrupted breathing of the engine. Thus, there is a requirement to provide the air cleaner with substantial volume to cater to the engine breathing needs.

[0005] Moreover, the vehicle is provided with various additional electronic/ electrical systems like the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), a fuel injector, a digital instrument cluster etc. are provided for providing safe riding conditions, and to provide better riding response with reduced emissions. Thus, there is need to provide the energy storage device that should be able to cater to reliable working of the various electrical/electronic system on-board.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, similar numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0007] Fig. 1 depicts a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed left side view of a frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Fig. 3 a right side view of the selected parts of the vehicle mounted to the frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00010] Fig. 4 depicts a schematic top view (plan view) of the vehicle with selected parts thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[00011] Fig. 5 depicts a left side schematic view of the vehicle 100 with selected parts thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00012] Generally, the straddle ride-type vehicle accommodates the energy storage device neat the air cleaner, which eats into the volume of the air cleaner. Thus, the air cleaner volume is to be compromised whereby free breathing of the power unit may have to be compromised. Moreover, when accommodating a large size battery, the battery tends to bulge outward whereby an overall vehicle width would be bulging. For example, accommodating of the battery, in spite of eating into the air cleaner volume, would cause bulging whereby the adjacent parts of the vehicle are to be moved outward to reduce interference thereby causing bulging.

[00013] Further, some straddle ride-type vehicles are provided with a mono-shock suspension as it offers good maneuverability and at the same time provides stability due to impact concentration being at one point. Moreover, due to the shorter stroke when compared to a dual shock, the mono-shock suspension offers greater life. However, when the mono-shock suspension is provided in the vehicle, the battery has to be disposed without any interference whereby the bulging of the vehicle occurs due to bulging of the air cleaner or the energy storage unit in lateral direction.

[00014] Typically, the various electrical/electronic systems are disposed substantially on the power unit or in the vicinity of the power unit. However, the energy storage device is disposed away from the electrical/electronic components whereby the electrical cables have to be routed to bypass a portion of the main frame making electrical cables lengthier and may also cause electrical losses or making the electrical cables prone to damage due to interference with other vehicle components which may result in short circuit.

[00015] Thus, there is a need for a straddle ride-type vehicle, which is capable of compactly accommodating the energy storage unit without compromising the air cleaner volume. Further, the straddle ride-type vehicle should be capable of curbing bulging of the vehicle width.

[00016] It is a feature of the present subject matter that the straddle ride-type vehicle includes a frame member. The frame member includes a head pipe and a main frame. The main frame includes a first portion extending rearward from the head pipe and second portion extending downward from a rear portion of the first portion. A power unit is supported from the frame member and the power unit is disposed below the first portion and ahead of the second portion. An air intake path configured to connect an intake portion of the power unit and an air cleaner, wherein at least a portion of the air cleaner being disposed behind the second portion. The intake path includes a control device disposed ahead of a central axis of the second portion, and the control device and an energy storage unit is disposed between a cylinder head of the power unit and the air cleaner in a plan view of the vehicle.

[00017] It is an aspect that the energy storage unit and the control device are compactly disposed within the vehicle without any protrusion of the energy storage unit in vehicle width direction which would have resulted in bulging of the vehicle. [00018] It is an aspect that the control device and the energy storage unit are disposed between a head axis and a front axis, wherein the head axis is passing through a rear portion of a cylinder head of the power unit and the front axis is passing through a front portion of the air cleaner. The head axis and the front axis being taken in lateral direction of the vehicle. Thus, the air cleaner volume is not affected and the air cleaner will be capable of providing air flow for requisite breathing of the power unit. Further, the protrusion of the air cleaner or the energy storage unit in lateral direction of the vehicle is reduced/eliminated whereby bulging of the vehicle width in lateral direction is avoided/curbed.

[00019] It is an aspect that the frame member includes a suspension bracket, provided at a curved portion of the main frame in one embodiment, and a rear suspension is connected between the suspension bracket and a swing arm of the vehicle. The energy storage unit is disposed ahead of the rear suspension when viewed from the side of vehicle. Thus, the protrusion of the energy storage unit in lateral direction resulting in bulging of vehicle width is curbed. Further, the rear suspension like the mono-shock suspension which is provided with pre-load adjustments can be easily accessed by the user. Also, for rear suspension can be easily accessed for servicing as the energy storage unit is not obstructing the rear suspension.

[00020] It is an aspect that in one embodiment, the vehicle includes a dual shock type rear suspension, wherein the suspensions are disposed on either lateral sides of the vehicle and are connected between the seat frame and swingarm. The energy storage unit is disposed ahead of the rear suspension when viewed from the side of vehicle without affecting the position of rear suspension. This would enable in retaining compact layout of the vehicle as rear suspension need not be moved laterally outward.

[00021] It is an aspect that the control device overlaps with at least a portion of at least one seat frame of the frame member whereby the control device is compactly packed in the vehicle. Further, at least one seat frame extending rearward from the main frame is connected to the main frame through a connection portion. The energy storage unit is disposed outward of the at least one seat frame in a plan view of the vehicle whereby the control device can be accommodated below the at least one seat frame whereby any protrusion of the air intake path in lateral direction is curbed. Further, the energy storage unit is securely disposed away from the main frame and the seat frames as the typical frame member is made of metal which is a conducting material that could result in undesired electrical contact.

[00022] It is an aspect that the energy storage unit is disposed laterally adjacent to the connection portion of the seat frame, but with pre-determined working distance without any overlap, whereby the energy storage unit is disposed substantially closer to the vehicle center whereby protrusion of energy storage unit, even with large capacity, is curbed whereby bulging of vehicle width in lateral direction is curbed

[00023] It is an aspect that the energy storage unit is secured to a casing that has one side secured to the second portion of the main frame and another side of the casing is secured to at least one of the at least one seat frame and the first portion. Thus, no major frame member modification is necessitated by the present subject matter as the existing frame member layout can be utilized without comprising on any utility space.

[00024] It is an aspect that the air cleaner includes a lateral outer portion disposed at a first distance from vehicle lateral center or a lateral center of the frame member and the energy storage unit is disposed within the first distance from the vehicle lateral center, considering the same reference point. Thus, any protrusion of the energy storage unit in vehicle width direction is curbed thereby achieving compact vehicle layout.

[00025] It is an aspect that the control device overlaps with at least a portion of the energy storage unit of the vehicle when viewed from side of the vehicle. Thus, the energy storage unit is accessible from one side of the vehicle and the control device can be accessed from another side of the vehicle. Moreover, a swivel member of the control device is disposed outward in the vehicle width direction whereby the access of swivel member for adjustment is also made easy.

[00026] It is an aspect that the energy storage unit is disposed towards one lateral side of the vehicle with reference to vehicle lateral center and the air cleaner has an outlet disposed towards other lateral side thereof whereby the air intake path can be provided on one side with smooth air intake path for smooth air flow. This enables the energy storage unit and the air cleaner, which needs to be functionally connected to the power unit, to be simultaneously disposed in proximity thereof in longitudinal direction. For example, the length of electrical cables for electrical connections with the power unit (say connection with a magneto or an integrated starter generator) can be kept short thereby reducing electrical losses and saving cost. Further, the air cleaner can also be provided nearer to the power unit with reduced pressure drop and with smooth flow.

[00027] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with an embodiment of a two wheeled motor vehicle with the figures in the following description.

[00028] Fig. 1 depicts a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The motor vehicle 100 includes a frame member 105 supporting a front wheel 130 and a rear wheel 133. The front wheel 130 and the rear wheel 133 are rotatably supported by front suspension system 131 and the rear suspension system 134, respectively. In one embodiment, the rear wheel 133 is additionally supported by a swingarm 185. In the depicted embodiment, the rear suspension system 134 is a mono-shock suspension 134 connecting the swingarm 185 to the frame member 105. The front wheel 130 is provided with a front wheel brake 132 and the rear wheel 133 is provided with a rear wheel brake 135 (shown as dotted line). In the present embodiment, the front wheel brake 132 is a disc brake. However, the front wheel brake 132 can be a drum brake or the disc brake, which is actuated using a hydraulic actuation.

[00029] In the present embodiment, a power unit 140 is mounted to a front portion of the frame member 105 and is disposed substantially below a fuel tank 151 and rearward of the front wheel 130. The power unit 140 is coupled to a transmission system (not shown) for transferring power to the rear wheel 133. Further, a control device like a carburetor or a throttle body with fuel injection system or the like (not shown) supplies air-fuel mixture to the power unit 140. Further, the front wheel 130 is pivotally supported by the frame member 105 and a handle bar assembly 150 is functionally connected to the front wheel 130 for maneuvering the vehicle 100. The handle bar assembly 150 supports an instrument cluster, vehicle controls including throttle, clutch, or electrical switches.

[00030] Further, a seat assembly 155 is mounted to the frame member 105 and disposed rearward of the fuel tank 151. The rider can operate the vehicle 100 in a seated position on the seat assembly 155. Moreover, the vehicle 100 includes a pair of rider foot support structure (not shown) extending on either side of the vehicle 100 for the user to rest feet. The foot support structure extends in a lateral direction RH-LH of the vehicle 100 and is secured to the frame member 105 of the vehicle 100.

[00031] Further, the vehicle 100 includes a front fender 160 covering at least a portion of the front wheel 130 and a rear fender 165 covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 133. Also, the vehicle 100 is provided with plurality of panels 170A, 170B mounted to the frame member 105 and covering the frame member 105 and/or parts of the vehicle 100. Also, the vehicle 100 is employed with plurality of mechanical, electronic, and electromechanical system including an anti-lock braking system, a vehicle safety system, or an electronic control system.

[00032] Fig. 2 illustrates a detailed left side view of a frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame member 105 includes the head pipe 106, a main frame 107, at least one seat frame 110, and at least one supplementary frame 111. The head pipe 106 is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle 100 and is configured to steerably support the front wheel 130. The main frame 107 is connected to the head pipe 106 and it extends rearward therefrom and subsequently extends downward. A pivot bracket 109 is secured to a rear lower end portion of the main frame 107.

[00033] The main frame 107 includes a first portion 107A that extends rearwards from the head pipe 106 and a second portion 107B of the main frame 107 extends substantially downward. In one embodiment, a curved portion 108 connects the first portion 107A and the second portion 107B. In one embodiment, the first portion 107 A is a single tubular member and the second portion 107B may be formed by one or more tubular members. In an embodiment, the second portion 107B formed by two tubular member is substantially forming a Y-type joint at the junction joining the first portion 107A & the second portion 107B formed by the two tubular members. In the depicted embodiment, the first portion 107 A and the second portion 107B are integrally formed as a single tubular member.

[00034] The frame member 105 includes at least one seat frame 110 that extends rearward from the main frame 107, wherein the at least one seat frame 110 is capable of supporting the seat assembly 155 (shown in Fig. 1). The seat frame 110 includes a connection portion 110A that connects the seat frame 110 to the main frame 107. In one embodiment, the seat frame 110 is welded to the main frame 107 through the connection portion 110A. Further, the frame member 105 may include at least one supplementary frame that connects the second portion 107B of the main frame 107 to the seat frame 110. In the depicted embodiment, the frame member 105 includes a down frame 113 that extends inclinedly downward from the head pipe 106.

[00035] The power unit 140 (as shown in Fig. 1) is supported on the frame member 105 by the main frame 107 and the down frame 113. Thus, the power unit 140 is substantially disposed below the first portion 107A of the main frame 107 and ahead of the second portion 107B of the main frame 107. The pivot bracket 109 of the frame member 105 has one end of the swing arm 185 connected thereto. The rear suspension 134 connects the swingarm 185 to the frame member 105. In the depicted embodiment, the rear suspension 134 has a top end connected to a suspension bracket 114 disposed in proximity to the curved portion 108 of the frame member 105. A bottom end of the suspension 134 is connected to the swingarm 185 in proximity to a pivot connection between the swing arm 185 and the pivot bracket 109. In another embodiment, the rear suspension may be a dual shock type suspension which is disposed on either side for connecting the swingarm 185 to the seat frame/supplementary frame 110/111 of the frame member 105.

[00036] Fig. 3 illustrates a right side view of the selected parts of the vehicle mounted to the frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The power unit 140 includes a crankcase 141 that is secured to the main frame 107 through the pivot bracket 109 and to the down frame 113. The crankcase 141 supports a cylinder block 142 and a cylinder head 143, wherein the cylinder head 143 is supported on the cylinder block 142. The power unit 140 includes a cylinder axis C-C’, which is the axis of piston movement in a cylinder portion (not shown). The power unit 140 may have a vertical cylinder axis C-C’ or a forwardly inclined cylinder axis C-C’.

[00037] The cylinder head 143 includes an intake port 145, which acts as an air input portion for air-fuel mixture. The terms‘intake port’ and‘input portion’ are interchangeably used. An air intake path 120 connects an air cleaner 115 to the input portion 145 of the power unit 140. The air cleaner 115 includes at least a portion disposed rearward of the main frame 107. In the depicted embodiment, the air cleaner 115 is substantially disposed rearward of the main frame 107, especially the second portion 107B of the main frame 107. The air intake path 120 includes outlet tube 116 of the air cleaner 115. Further, the outlet tube 116 is connected to a control device 117, which is capable of regulating air flow into the input portion 145 of the power unit 140. The control device 117 can be a carburettor or a throttle body that works in conjunction with a fuel injector (not shown). The fuel injector may be installed on the air intake path 120 or on the cylinder head 143.

[00038] In one embodiment, the air intake path 120 is configured to pass by the second portion 107B with the control device 117 disposed ahead of a central axis S-S’ of the second portion 107B. Further, the vehicle 100 includes an energy storage unit 125 having a substantial portion disposed ahead of the central axis S- S’ when viewed from side of the vehicle (as shown in Fig. 3). The energy storage unit 125, which is capable of providing electrical energy to one or more electrical component(s) of the vehicle, is disposed towards other side in lateral direction of the vehicle 100. The one or more electrical component(s) includes a starter motor 147 mounted to the crankcase 141 of the power unit 140, and an alternator current generator (ACG) like a magneto. However, in one embodiment, the starter motor and the ACG can be replaced by an integrated starter generator (ISG) or integrated start stop (ISS).

[00039] Fig. 4 depicts a schematic top view (plan view) of the vehicle with selected parts thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The air cleaner 115 is disposed rearward of the second portion 107B and the energy storage unit 125 is disposed substantially ahead of the second portion 107B. A front axis F-F’, in lateral direction, drawn at a front portion of the air cleaner 115 is rearward of the energy storage unit 125. Thus, the energy storage unit 125 is disposed not to interfere with the volume of the air cleaner 115. Further, a head axis H-FF is taken at rear portion of the cylinder head 143, wherein the control device and the energy storage unit 125 are accommodated between the head axis H-FF and the front axis F-F’ taken at the front portion of the air cleaner 115. Thus, the control device 117 and the energy storage unit 125 are compactly configured within the space formed between the head axis H-H’ and the front axis F-F’ without adversely affecting the size of other elements like the air cleaner 115. The control device 117 and the energy storage unit 125 are disposed between the head axis H-H’, which is passing through a rear portion 143R of the cylinder head 143 of the power unit 140 and the front axis F-F’ passing through a front portion 115F of the air cleaner 115 while at same time the energy storage device is substantially overlapping the control device within the space between F-F’ & H-H’ when seen in side view. The head axis H-H’ and the front axis F-F’ are taken substantially in lateral direction.

[00040] Moreover, the energy storage unit 125 is in proximity to one or more electrical component(s) like starter motor, ACG, and/or ISG thereby reducing wiring length and also reducing electrical losses. The energy storage unit 125 can be at least one of a battery, a fuel cell, or the like

[00041] The energy storage unit 125 is secured to a storage means 126, which can be a bracket or a casing. In one embodiment, the energy storage unit 125 is disposed to be inward with respect to an outer periphery 141 A of the crankcase 141. So, bulging of the vehicle width in lateral direction is curbed. In one embodiment, the air cleaner 115 is having lateral outer portion 115A disposed at a first distance X from a vehicle lateral center L-L’ (which is analogous to a longitudinal plane passing through lateral center of the vehicle). The energy storage unit 125 is disposed within the first distance X from the vehicle lateral center. In the present embodiment, the air cleaner 115 is disposed towards one lateral side RH with the outer portion 115A disposed at the first distance X and the energy storage unit 125 is disposed within the first distance X, from a similar reference point of the vehicle lateral center, on the other lateral side LH of the vehicle 100, whereby the compactness in achieved on either sides due to balance on both sides. Moreover, the present embodiment also provides a center of gravity balance due to the disposition of the air cleaner 115 towards one side and the energy storage unit 125 towards other lateral side. In the depicted embodiment (Fig. 4), the sensor member 119 which is part of the control device 117 is at least partially disposed towards one lateral side with respect to a vehicle lateral center L-L’ and the energy storage unit 125 is disposed towards another lateral side with respect to the vehicle lateral center L-L’ . However, in another embodiment, the air cleaner 115 and the energy storage unit 125 may be disposed towards same lateral side with the energy storage unit 125 disposed within the first distance X. As per another embodiment, the energy storage unit as well as the control device are disposed in a manner such that they are confined inwardly of an imaginary boundary plane formed in substantially vertical direction, which is parallel to the centre plane L-L’ of the vehicle & the imaginary boundary planes are disposed at distance X from the vehicle center plane/line L-L’ .

[00042] The air intake path 120 is disposed to pass by the second portion 107B of the main frame 170, in a plan view of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the air intake path 120 is disposed to extend between the power unit 140 and the air cleaner 115.

[00043] The air intake path 120 connects an output from the air cleaner 115 to the intake port 145 of the power unit 140. In one embodiment, the air intake path 120 may include an intake manifold that connects the control device 117 to the intake port 145. The control device 117 overlaps with at least a portion of at least one seat frame 110 of the frame member 105. In the plan view, the energy storage unit 125 is disposed outward of the at least one seat frame 110. Further, the energy storage unit 125 is disposed laterally adjacent to the connection portion 110A of the seat frame 110.

[00044] The energy storage unit 125 is mounted to a casing 126 that is secured to one or more bracket(s) 128. In the present embodiment, a bracket 128 is secured to the seat frame 110. However, in another embodiment, a bracket may be secured to the first portion 107A of the main frame 107 for mounting the casing 127 thereto.

[00045] The control device 117, in one embodiment, includes is a throttle body, a swivel member 118 and a sensor member 119. As shown in Fig. 4, the swivel member 118 is disposed outward away from the energy storage unit 125 and the sensor member 119 is disposed inward to at least partially face the energy storage unit 125 in lateral direction thereby the protecting the sensor member 119 from any foreign particles or matter like. Thus, the sensor member 119, which is a sensitive electrical component is securely disposed on the air intake path, which in the present embodiment keeps it below the main frame 107 by protecting it from other parts of the vehicle like the fuel tank 151 (as shown in Fig. 1).

[00046] Fig. 5 depicts a left side schematic view of the vehicle 100 with selected parts thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame member 105 is provided with a first bracket 128A provided near the connection portion 110A and a second bracket 128B provided on the second portion 107B of the main frame 170.

[00047] The air cleaner 115 is having at least a portion disposed rearward of the second portion 107B. Further, in one embodiment, the air cleaner 115 is adapted to accommodate the rear suspension 134, which is mono-shock suspension. The air intake path 120 is provided to connect the air cleaner 115 to the power unit 140. In one embodiment, the air intake path 120 is adapted to pass by the second portion 107B with the control device 117 disposed ahead of the second portion 107B. Further, the energy storage unit 125 is having at least a portion disposed ahead of the rear suspension 134 connected to the main frame 107 whereby bulging of the vehicle in width direction is curbed. Further, energy storage unit 125 and the control device are disposed compactly between the head axis H-FF (as shown in Fig. 4) and the front axis F-F’ (as shown in Fig. 4). Thus, the air cleaner 115 can extend on either sides of the vehicle 100.

[00048] As shown in Fig. 5, the vehicle 100 defines a circumferential region CR which is formed by an outward facing periphery, with respect to the power unit 140, of the head pipe 106, the main frame 107, the down frame 113 and the power unit 140. The control device 117 and the energy storage unit 125 are disposed substantially within the circumferential region CR without interfering with other components of the vehicle like the air cleaner 115 or the rear suspension 134. Thus, the vehicle 100 has the energy storage unit for the power unit 140 disposed in the circumferential region CR, wherein ample space is created in the space to accommodate other components like the air cleaner 115 within the region circumscribed by locus formed by CR.

[00049] In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 may include an auxiliary drive unit (not shown), which is capable of assisting the power unit 140 or capable of independently driving at least one wheel of the vehicle 100, whereby the vehicle 100 operates as a hybrid vehicle. In such vehicle, an auxiliary power source is provided for driving the auxiliary drive unit. The auxiliary power source having a capacity equal to or greater than the capacity of the energy storage unit. The auxiliary power source can be accommodated away from the circumferential region and on the at least one seat frame 110. Thus, the vehicle is capable of accommodating the auxiliary power source without affecting the compact layout of the vehicle.

[00050] 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.

List of reference signs:

100 motor vehicle 132 front wheel brake

105 frame member 134 rear suspension

106 head pipe 30 135 rear wheel brake

107 main frame 140 power unit

107 A first portion 141 crankcase

107B second portion 141 A outer periphery

108 curved portion 142 cylinder block

109 pivot bracket 35 143 cylinder head

110 seat frame 143R rear portion (cylinder head)

110A connection portion 145 input portion

111 supplementary frame 146 ACG/ISG

113 down frame 147 starter motor

114 suspension bracket 40 150 handle bar assembly 115 air cleaner 151 fuel tank

115A lateral outer portion 155 seat assembly

115F front portion (air cleaner) 160 front fender

116 outlet tube 170A/170B panel

117 control device 45 185 swingarm

118 swivel member 190 gusset

119 sensor member 191 SAI

120 air intake path X first distance

125 energy storage unit C-C’ cylinder axis

126 casing 50 F-F’ front axis

128/128A/128B bracket H-FF head axis

130 front wheel S-S’ central axis

133 rear wheel

Claims

We claim:

1. A straddle ride-type vehicle (100) comprising:

a frame member (105) including a head pipe (106), and a main frame (107), said head pipe (106) configured to steerably support at least one front wheel (130), and said main frame (107) having a first portion (107 A) extending rearward from the head pipe (106) and at least one second portion (107B) extending downward from a rear end portion of the first portion (107A);

a power unit (140) disposed under the first portion (107 A) of the main frame (107) and in front of the at least one second portion (107B); an air cleaner (115), at least a portion of said air cleaner (115) disposed behind the at least one second portion (107B) of the main frame (107); and

an energy storage unit (125), said energy storage unit (125) capable of providing electrical energy to one or more electrical component(s) (146, 147), said energy storage unit (125) is disposed between a cylinder head (143), of said power unit (140), and said air cleaner (115) in a plan view of said vehicle (100).

2. The straddle ride-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle (100) includes an air intake path (120) configured to connect the air cleaner (115) and an air input portion (145) of the power unit (140), said air intake path (120) includes a control device (117) disposed ahead of a central axis (S-S’) of said second portion (107B), and said control device (117) is at least partially disposed towards one lateral side and said energy storage unit (125) is disposed towards another lateral side with respect to a vehicle lateral center (L-L’).

3. The straddle ride-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control device (117) and said energy storage unit (125) are disposed between a head axis (H-FF) and a front axis (F-F’), wherein said head axis (Fl-FF) is passing through a rear portion (143R) of a cylinder head (143) of said power unit (140) and said front axis (F-F’) passing through a front portion (115F) of said air cleaner (115).

4. The straddle ride-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame member (105) includes a suspension bracket (114) provided on said main frame (107), wherein a rear suspension (134) connected between said suspension bracket (114) and a swing arm (185), swingably connected to said frame member (104), and said energy storage unit (125) is disposed ahead of said rear suspension (134) when viewed from side of said vehicle (100).

5. The straddle ride-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said energy storage unit (125) is disposed outward of the at least one seat frame (110) of said frame member (105) in a plan view of said vehicle (100), and a control device (117) of an air intake path (120) overlaps with at least a portion of at least one seat frame (110), said at least one seat frame (110) extending rearward from said main frame (107) is connected to said main frame (107) through a connection portion (110A).

6. The straddle ride-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said energy storage unit (125) is disposed laterally adjacent to the connection portion (110A) of the at least one seat frame (110).

7. The straddle ride-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said energy storage unit (125) is secured to a casing (126), and said casing (126) has one side secured to said second portion (107B) of the main frame (107) and another side of said casing (126) is secured to at least one of said at least one seat frame (110) and said first portion (107A), and said second portion (107B) formed by two tubular members is substantially forming a Y-type joint at a junction joining said first portion (107 A) and said two tubular members forming said second (107B).

8. The straddle ride-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said air cleaner (115) includes a lateral outer portion (115A) disposed at a first distance (X) from a vehicle lateral center (L-L’) of said vehicle (100) and said energy storage unit (125) is disposed within said first distance (X) from the vehicle lateral center (L-L’).

9. The straddle ride-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control device (117) overlaps with at least a portion of the energy storage unit (125) of said vehicle (100) when viewed from side of said vehicle (100), and wherein a fuel injector is installed on one of an air intake path (120) and said cylinder head (143).

10. The straddle ride-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said energy storage unit (125) is disposed towards one lateral side of said vehicle (100), and said air cleaner (125) has an outlet disposed towards other lateral side thereof.

11. A straddle ride-type vehicle (100) comprising:

a power unit (140) disposed under the first portion (107 A) of the main frame (107) and in front of the at least one second portion (107B); an air cleaner (115), at least a portion of said air cleaner (115) disposed behind the at least one second portion (107B) of the main frame (107);

an air intake path (120) configured to connect the air cleaner (115) and an air input portion (145) of the power unit (140), said air intake path (120) includes a control device (117); and

an energy storage unit (125), said energy storage unit (125) capable of providing electrical energy to one or more electrical component(s) (146, 147), said energy storage unit (125) and said control device (117) are disposed between a cylinder head (143), of said power unit (140), and said air cleaner (115) in a plan view of said vehicle (100),

said control device (117) includes a sensor member (119), and said sensor member (119) is disposed to at least partially face said energy storage unit (125) in lateral direction.

the vehicle (100) defines a circumferential region (CR) which is formed by an outward facing periphery, with respect to the power unit (140), of the head pipe (106), the main frame (107), the down frame (113) and the power unit (140).

12. A straddle ride-type vehicle (100) comprising:

an energy storage unit (125), said energy storage unit (125) capable of providing electrical energy to one or more electrical component(s) (146, 147), said energy storage unit (125) and said control device (117) are disposed between a cylinder head (143), of said power unit (140), and said air cleaner (115) in a plan view of said vehicle (100), and

energy storage unit (125) and said control device (117) are disposed within a circumferential region (CR) formed by an outward facing periphery of the head pipe (106), the main frame (107), a down frame (113), of the frame member (107) and the power unit (140).