VEHICEE

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The embodiments of present disclosure relate to a saddle-ride type vehicleand more particularly to the frame structure of a saddle-ride type electric vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A frame is one of the basic structural members of a vehicle. It supports the load of the various components of the vehicle and the passengers. In addition, it is often subjected to fatigue and impact loads during riding conditions. There are different kinds of frame depending on the type of vehicle. In cars, trucks and jeeps, the frame structure is considerably simpler in terms of shape and design criteria due to the inbuilt stability of such types of vehicles. However, in saddle-ride type vehicles, the design of the frame structure becomes more complicated due to the fact that the frame must be compact and bear the load of all essential as well as auxiliary components. Thus, in saddle-ride type vehicles, the design of the frame is critical due the various dynamic loads as mentioned above, the fatigue loads as well as the impact loads acting on it.

[0003] In a typical saddle -ride type vehicle, the frame is a single integrated structure comprising a front frame that supports a front portion of the vehicle; a downtube extending downwards and rearwards from the front frame portion that typically supports the power unit and other associated components; and a rear frame that support the rear portion of the vehicle. The components of the frame are formed from standardized tubes and are often welded together to form a single integrated structure. In addition, there are various mounting brackets to support other units of the vehicle such as headlamp, suspension, wheels, etc. These mounting brackets are typically welded onto the frame. The advantage of a single integrated structure is the ease of handling a single component in that all the mounting brackets can be welded in a single operation stage. However, the single integrated frame structure mentioned above has the following problems. [0004] Firstly, the process of welding generates substantial amount of heat thereby causing distortion in the dimensions of the brackets. The lengthier the frame, the more the distortion. This impacts the orientation of supported components whichfurther leads to an uneven gap between the components that are mounted on these brackets. In known designs, the variation is such dimensions is accommodated to anextent by the tolerance provided in the individual parts. However, too large tolerances lead to undesirable gap that further leads to rattling of the components. Thus, the functionality of primary components of the vehicle is impacted by such huge variations in dimensions.

[0005] Secondly, there has been an increase in the modular components used in the vehicle, such as the recently developed electronic control units, the sensors, etc. The design of the welding fixture for a single integrated frame becomes complex asthe accessibility for welding the individual brackets becomes more difficult and restricted in case the number of components to be supported increases.

[0006] Thirdly, if the vehicle incurs a damage even on a single portion of the frame due to, say, an accident, the entire frame has to be replaced. This leads to highcost of part replacement for the customers as well as part wastage.

[0007] Fourthly, if it may be so desired to modify layout of the vehicle for different purposes, for example, in a saddle-ride type vehicles used for high-speed rides, the rear frame profile is to be modified to improve the aerodynamics and the seating posture of the rear passenger. For a single integrated frame structure, this means the re-design of the entire frame and the welding fixture to meet the above requirements. This leads to time consuming re-designing of the entire frame for localmodifications.

[0008] Fifthly, since the frame structure is made up of high-strength and high- weight material such as steel to support the above mentioned cmponents, it increases the overall weight of the vehicle. This has significant effect on the performance of the vehicle.

[0009] Attempts have been made to solve some of the above-mentioned failure modes. For example, in known prior art, the portion of the frame that supports the power generating unit is formed separately and mounted onto the front frame portion as a sub-assembly. This eases the handling and assembling of the component. Different size of the power units can also be accommodated, and the welding distortion can be minimised. However, there have been no attempts made to resolve the other failure modes, namely the welding distortions caused due to the lengthier frame structure and there is still a scope to optimise the weight of the frame structure to improve the vehicle performance.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] Considering the above-mentioned failure modes, it is an objective of the current invention to develop a simple frame structure with minimised welding distortions and optimised weight of the frame for better performance of the vehicle.

[0011] It is yet another objective of the current invention to simplify the welding process for the various brackets mounted onto the frame.

[0012] It is yet another objective of the current invention to make the replacementcost of the frame cheaper and easier.

[0013] It is yet another objective of the current invention to design a frame structure capable of accommodating any kind of futuristic requirements as needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The saddle-ride type vehicle, as per the current invention, comprises of a frame structure, the frame structure further comprising of a main frame, a cradle frame, and a posterior frame. The main frame extends markedly longitudinally and supports the front portion of the vehicle. The main frame further comprises a main frame front portion and a main frame rear portion. The cradle frame extends substantially downwards and then substantially rearwards from the main frame front portion and supports at least a middle portion of the vehicle. The posterior frame extends rearwardly from the main frame and supports the rear portion of the vehicle. The posterior frame further comprises of a posterior frame front portion and a posterior frame rear portion. The saddle-ride type vehicle also comprises a power generation unit, such as a battery, for generating the power to operate the vehicle and a power transmission unit, to transmit the power generated by the power generation unit. The power transmission unit further comprises of an electric motor and a motor case wherein the electric motor is partially or wholly disposed within the motor case. The motor case comprises of a top support portion and a bottom support portion such that the top support portion of the motor case is supported partially by the main frame rear portion and bottom support portion of the motor case is supported partially by the cradle frame.

[0015] As per the first embodiment of the current invention, the top support portion of the motor case is partially supported by the posterior frame front portion.

[0016] As per the second embodiment of the current invention, the main frame, the cradle frame, and the posterior frame are essentially made up of steel tubes.

[0017] As per the third embodiment of the current invention, the motor casing is made up of light-weight material, such as aluminium.

[0018] As per the fourth embodiment of the current invention, the power generation unit is a battery assembly.

[0019] As per the fifth embodiment of the current invention, the motor casing is made up of a light-weight material, such as aluminium, that also provides a better strength.

[0020] As per the sixth embodiment of the current invention, the top mounting portion of the motor case partially overlaps with the main frame rear portion in a vehicle side view.

[0021] As per the seventh embodiment of the current invention, the top mounting portion, the main frame rear portion and the posterior frame front portion are mounted together using a fastener, such as, a bolt.

[0022] As per the eighth embodiment of the current invention, the top mounting portion of the motor case partially overlaps with the posterior frame front portion in a vehicle side view.

[0023] In order to clarify the detailed features of the present invention, a detailed description of the invention will be provided. Reference of specific embodiments are illustrated with the help of appended figures. It is to be noted that these figures depict solely the typical embodiments of the invention. The figures are not to be considered as limiting in scope. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 represents a side view of the saddle-ride type vehicle as per the current invention.

[0025] Figure 2 represents a frame structure of the saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the current invention.

[0026] Figure 3 represents side view of the motor case according to an embodiment of the current invention.

[0027] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art shall comprehend that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] For promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specificlanguage will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present invention.

[0029] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0030] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to whichthis invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0033] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] Figure 1 represents a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle (100) as per the current invention.

[0035] The front portion of the vehicle indicates the portion of the vehicle that lies ahead of the rider while the rider is seated on the vehicle. Thus, the direction thata rider faces while being seated on the vehicle is the vehicle front direction. The rear portion of the vehicle indicates the portion of the vehicle that lies behind the rider while the rider is seated on the vehicle. A longitudinal direction is the direction from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle. The middle portion of the vehicle lies between the front portion and the rear portion.

[0036] A saddle-ride type vehicle(l) as per the current invention comprises, interalia, of a power generation (40) that generates the desired power move the vehicleforward, a power transmission unit (50) that supplies the power generated by the power generation unit(40) to a rear wheel of the vehicle, a front wheel that is steerable and controlled by the rider to go in a desired direction using a handlebar unit , a rider seating unit for the rider to sit on and operate the vehicle, a passenger seating unit for a passenger to sit on, a braking system to decelerate or stop the vehicle or to station the vehicle on a slope, a front suspension unit to prevent the transmission of shocks from the front wheel to the other components and passengerof the vehicle, a rear suspension unit to prevent transmission of road shocks from the rear wheel to other components or passengers of the vehicle, a headlight unit forclear visibility to the rider under low-light conditions, a taillight unit for alerting thepassengers of other following vehicles during a full stop or rapid deceleration of the vehicle, other primary components (not shown), other auxiliary components (not shown) and a frame structure that directly or indirectly supports the above mentionedcomponents,.

[0037] Figure. 2 represents the frame structure of the saddle -ride type vehicle according to the current invention. For ease of understanding, a front portion of the vehicle can be considered to be comprising typically of the handlebar unit, the front wheel, the front suspension, the headlight, portion of other surrounding components, etc. Similarly, a middle portion of the vehicle can be considered to be comprising typically of the power generation unit (40), the rider seating unit, a portion of other surrounding components, etc. and the rear portion can be considered to be comprising typically of the passenger seat, the taillight, the rear wheel, a portion of power transmission unit, portion of other surrounding components, etc. The frame structure directly or indirectly supports the front portion, the rear portion, and the middle portion of the vehicle.

[0038] The saddle-ride type vehicle (1), as per the current invention, comprises of a frame structure, the frame structure further comprising of a main frame (10), a cradle frame (20), and a posterior frame (30). The main frame (10) extends markedly longitudinally and supports the front portion of the vehicle. The main frame (10) further comprises a main frame front portion (11) and a main frame rear portion (12). The cradle frame (20) extends substantially downwards and then substantially rearwards from the main frame front portion (11) and supports at least a middle portion of the vehicle. The posterior frame (30) extends rearwardly from the main frame (10) and supports the rear portion of the vehicle. The posterior frame (30) further comprises of a posterior frame front portion (31) and a posterior frame rear portion (32). The saddle-ride type vehicle (1) also comprises a power generation unit (40), such as a battery, for generating the power to operate the vehicle and a power transmission unit (50), to transmit the power generated by the power generation unit. The power transmission unit (50) further comprises of an electric motor (51) and a motor case (52) wherein the electric motor (51) is partially or wholly disposed within the motor case (52). The motor case (52) comprises of a top support portion (521) and a bottom support portion (522) such that the top support portion (521) of the motor case is supported partially by the main frame rear portion (12) and bottom support portion (522) of the motor case is supported partially by the cradle frame (20).

[0039] As per the first embodiment of the current invention, the top support portion of the motor case is partially supported by the posterior frame front portion.

[0040] As per the second embodiment of the current invention, the main frame, the cradle frame, and the posterior frame are essentially made up of steel tubes.

[0041] As per the third embodiment of the current invention, the motor casing is made up of light-weight material, such as aluminium.

[0042] As per the fourth embodiment of the current invention, the power generation unit is a battery assembly.

[0043] As per the fifth embodiment of the current invention, the motor casing is made up of a light-weight material, such as aluminium, that also provides a better strength.

[0044] As per the sixth embodiment of the current invention, the top mounting portion of the motor case partially overlaps with the main frame rear portion in a vehicle side view.

[0045] As per the seventh embodiment of the current invention, the top mounting portion, the main frame rear portion and the posterior frame front portion are mounted together using a fastener, such as, a bolt.

[0046] As per the eighth embodiment of the current invention, the top mounting portion of the motor case partially overlaps with the posterior frame front portion in a vehicle side view. [0047] The main frame, the cradle frame and the posterior frame further have some metal brackets that are either welded on to them or detachably attached using fasteners (not shown). Most of the components of the vehicle are mounted or supported on these welded metal brackets.

[0048] Thus, as per the current invention the posterior frame can be formed separately from the main frame. This minimises the welding distortion that would have been caused if the posterior frame was to be integrated to the main frame.

[0049] Moreover, the access for welding the metal brackets is improved as it is east to handle the main frame, the posterior frame and the cradle frame that are formed separately of each other.

[0050] Also, if there is a damage incurred by any portion of the frame structure, there is no need to replace the entire frame structure. The main frame, the cradle frame or the posterior frame can be independently replaced.

[0051] Also, if there is a localised change in the vehicle layout either due to change of desired vehicle configuration or to accommodate futuristic requirements, only the main frame, the posterior frame or the cradle frame will need to undergo modification - the entire frame structure need not be modified.

[0052] Moreover, the design of the motor case in the current invention is such that the need to have an additional support member between the main frame or the posterior frame and the cradle frame is eliminated. The motor case is efficiently designed to take the load and since the motor case is made up of light-weight material, such as aluminium which also provides a good strength to weight ratio, the overall weight of the frame structure is minimised.

[0053] Thus, the current invention achieves the objective of designing a simpler frame structure that can be easily handled, easily replaced and is flexible to accommodate any local futuristic changes in the vehicle layout.

[0054] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof. [0055] While specific language has been used to describe the invention, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0056] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

REFERENCES

Saddle-ride type vehicle - 1

Main frame - 10

Main frame front portion - 11

Main frame rear portion - 12

Cradle frame - 20

Posterior frame - 30

Posterior frame front portion - 31

Posterior frame rear portion - 32

Power generation unit - 40 <not shown >

Power transmission unit - 50

Electric motor - 51

Motor Case - 52

Top support portion - 521 Bottom support portion - 522