WO2023157011A1

WO2023157011A1 - A vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2023157011A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vinoth Murugan; Ramakrishnan Kuppusamy; Pattabiraman Venugopalan; Venkatesan Palanisamy; Sankar Giritharan
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2022-02-17
Filing date: 2022-11-07
Publication date: 2023-08-24
Also published as: MX2024009658A; CN118679093A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) includes a frame (100) having a pair of long members (110) which extends in a vehicle front rear direction (F-R) and a first cross member (112) which extends in a vehicle width direction (W) between the pair of long members (110). The vehicle (10) includes a seat assembly (200) disposed on the first cross member (112), at a rear portion (10R) of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further includes a first bracket (130) mounted to the first cross member (112). The first bracket (130) is adapted to receive a junction box (132) and one or more electrical components (134, 136).

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

A Vehicle

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle and particularly relates to disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] In vehicles where dedicated service doors are provided in a passenger cabin for accessing electronic components, the overall strength of the cabin is reduced. The overall strength of the cabin reduces with an increase in number of such service doors. To remedy the reduction in strength, cabin stiffeners are generally employed to reinforce the areas around the service doors which increases weight of the vehicle. The use of the cabin stiffeners also increases handling cost, material cost, and manufacturing cost, thus escalating overall cost of the vehicle. [003] A control unit of the vehicle like a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) or a Motor

Control Unit (MCU) is an expensive component. In vehicles having an open cabin structure or an easily accessible cabin, especially in three wheeled vehicles or other soft top vehicles, the control unit has to be mounted at a secure place. Conventionally, the control unit is placed within the passenger cabin underneath a passenger seat and is easily accessible through a dedicated service door provided on a seat frame that supports a front end of the passenger seat. Easy accessibility of the control unit makes it prone to theft. Even though the control unit needs to be protected from the risk of theft, its placement cannot be at a location which makes the serviceability arduous.

[004] The vehicle includes many electrical and electronic components which communicate with each other through electric cables. In modern automobiles complex processes are carried out by the many electrical and electronic components in performing functions like determining the power to be generated by a prime mover and altering the operating conditions of the prime mover accordingly, determining the power to be transmitted to wheels of the vehicle under different operating conditions and altering the power transmitted, determining operating conditions of the vehicle and other external factors and activate/deactivate various safety mechanisms in the vehicle, operate the many electrical loads in the vehicle, etc. Specific to electric vehicles, electronic components like the MCU and the VCU are connected to an electric motor, which generates a motive force for vehicle propulsion, through a plurality of long electric cables/CAN. The use of lengthy electric cables lead to higher latency, higher transmission losses, heating of the electric cables and overall inefficient transfer of electric signals. Routing of lengthy electric cables also makes the assembly process complex and increases the time and cost. Therefore, it would be advantageous to position the many electrical and electronic components of the vehicle in close proximity to each other to reduce the length of the electric cables needed. However, when the electronic components are disposed close to the prime mover, be it the electric motor or an internal combustion engine, to reduce cable length, heat dissipation from the prime mover will affect performance, durability and reliability of the electronic components. Hence, it is advisable to position the electrical and electronic components at an optimal distance from the prime mover so as to eliminate the effects of heat dissipation while maintaining the length of the electric cables at a minimum.

[005] Further, certain components of the vehicle like an auxiliary battery which powers the 12V/24V electrical loads of the vehicle, a fuse and any other electrical component that needs regular service or replacement needs to be easily accessible through a service door for ease of serviceability. This also enables a user to remove or replace these components by oneself without taking the vehicle to a service centre. In scenarios which require immediate intervention to limit further damage to vehicle parts or where emergency maintenance is required, this easy accessibility is advantageous. For example, if the fuse gets blown and the power in the vehicle is cut off, the user should be able to replace the fuse without hauling the vehicle to the service center. When the auxi lliary battery goes into a deep discharge mode, the user should be able to easily disconnect and reconnect the battery to prevent battery drain and consequent damage. [006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a vehicle having optimum disposition of the vehicle’s components, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame having a pair of long members which extends in a vehicle front-rear direction and a first cross member which extends in a vehicle width direction between the pair of long members. The vehicle also includes a seat assembly disposed on the first cross member, at a rear portion of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a first bracket mounted to the first cross member. The first bracket is adapted to receive a junction box and one or more electrical components.

[008] In an embodiment, the first bracket has an undulating profile which includes a pair of crests and a trough on either side of each of the crests. The trough is adapted to be fastened to the first cross member. The junction box is mounted to the trough. In another embodiment, the one or more electrical components are mounted to the pair of crests. In a further embodiment, the one or more electrical components are mounted to the trough.

[009] In an embodiment, the one or more electrical components include a fuse. [010] In another embodiment, the one or more electrical components include a DC-DC charger relay.

[011] In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a second bracket mounted to the first cross member. The second bracket is adapted to receive a first control unit.

[012] In an embodiment, the first control unit includes a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU).

[013] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle includes a second cross member extending in the vehicle width direction between the pair of long members. The second cross member is disposed rearwardly to the first cross member.

[014] In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a third bracket mounted to the second cross member. The third bracket is adapted to receive a second control unit.

[015] In an embodiment, the third bracket includes a first sub-bracket which is mounted to the second cross member. The first sub-bracket extends downwardly from the second cross member and is adapted to receive a first end of the second control unit. The third bracket also includes a second sub bracket which is mounted to the second cross member opposite to the first sub bracket. The second sub bracket extends downwardly from the second cross member and is adapted to receive a second end of the second control unit.

[016] In an embodiment, the second control unit includes a Motor Control Unit (MCU). [017] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle includes one or more U shaped brackets which are mounted to the second cross member. The one or more U shaped brackets are adapted to route a cable.

[018] In yet another embodiment, the seat assembly of the vehicle includes a seat frame disposed onto the frame of the vehicle at the rear portion of the vehicle to support a front end of a seat.

[019] In a further embodiment, the seat frame has a cut-out portion which overlaps at least partially with the junction box and the one or more electrical components when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction. The cut-out portion is adapted to be covered by a cover member. By opening the cover member, the junction box and the one or more electrical components can be accessed through the cut-out portion.

[020] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle includes one or more busbars which are adapted to electrically connect the one or more electrical components with each other and with the junction box.

[021] In an embodiment, the vehicle includes a prime mover to generate motive force for the vehicle. The prime mover is mounted to the frame and positioned rearwardly to the first cross member when viewed in the vehicle width direction.

[022] In yet another embodiment, the vehicle includes a battery holder which is mounted to the first cross member. The battery holder is adapted to receive an auxiliary battery. [023] In an embodiment, the battery holder includes a pair of spaced apart lineal members and a stay disposed on the pair of lineal members. The stay includes a primary support member which is adapted to support a rear portion, a base portion and a side portion of the auxiliary battery. The stay also includes a secondary support member which is affixed to a lower portion of the primary support member and adapted to support the base portion of the auxiliary battery. The stay further includes a clamp member which is detachably attached at its one end to the primary support member and at its other end to the secondary support member. The clamp member is adapted to secure the auxiliary battery to the stay.

[024] In an embodiment, the pair of lineal members are mounted to the first cross member.

[025] In another embodiment, the pair of lineal members are sandwiched between the first cross member and the first bracket.

[026] In yet another embodiment, the pair of lineal members and the first bracket are fastened to the first cross member with a common fastener.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[027] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a portion of a passenger cabin of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of a frame assembly at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the frame assembly and disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a left side view of disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of a passenger cabin of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a front perspective view of disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of the frame assembly and an exploded view of components of the vehicle disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 illustrates a front view of disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates a rear view of disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 illustrates a top view of the frame assembly and an exploded view of components of the vehicle disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 illustrates a top perspective view of the frame assembly and an exploded view of components of the vehicle disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 illustrates a front perspective view of disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 17 illustrates a rear perspective view of disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 illustrates a top perspective view of the frame assembly and disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle with vertical planes X1 , X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 provided in a vehicle front-rear direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 19 illustrates a right side cross sectional view of the frame assembly and disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle at a vertical plane X1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 20 illustrates a right side cross sectional view of the frame assembly and disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle at a vertical plane X2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 21 illustrates a right side cross sectional view of the frame assembly and disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle at a vertical plane X3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22 illustrates a right side cross sectional view of the frame assembly and disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle at a vertical plane X4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 23 illustrates a right side cross sectional view of the frame assembly and disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle at a vertical plane X5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 24 illustrates a right side cross sectional view of the frame assembly and disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle at a vertical plane X6, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 25 illustrates a right side cross sectional view of the frame assembly and disposition of components of the vehicle at a rear portion of the vehicle at a vertical plane X7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[028] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. The present invention generally relates to a vehicle and particularly relates to disposition of the vehicle’s components at a rear portion of the vehicle. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a three-wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile like a four-wheeled vehicle capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.

[029] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the vehicle 10 includes a frame 100 having a pair of long members 110 spaced apart from each other and extending in a vehicle frontrear direction F-R. The vehicle 10 also includes a prime mover (not shown) which generates motive force to propel the vehicle 10. The prime mover includes an internal combustion engine or an electric motor for driving the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes one or more front wheels 14 and two or more rear wheels 16. The pair of long members 1 10 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R are substantially parallel to each other. The frame 100 further includes cross members 1 12, 1 14, 116 that extend transversely between the pair of long members 1 10. In an embodiment, the cross members include at least a first cross member 112 and a second cross member 114. The second cross member 114 is disposed rearwardly to the first cross member 112. In an embodiment, the prime mover is mounted to the frame 100 and positioned rearwardly to the first cross member 1 12 when viewed in a vehicle width direction W.

[030] The vehicle 10 further includes a steering assembly (not shown) operatively connected to the front wheel 14 and a front suspension (not shown) which is adapted to support the front wheel 14 of the vehicle 10. An upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 which is mounted to a lower portion of the front suspension at an end of a steering shaft (not shown). The vehicle 10 further includes a steering device (not shown) which is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about an axis of the steering shaft to both sides of the vehicle 10.

[031 ] A front portion of the frame 100 is adapted to support a plurality of body panels (not shown) to form a driver cabin 20. The driver cabin 20 is adapted to accommodate a driver’s seat 25 and the steering device. The driver cabin 20 includes a pair of headlights 30 on its front face. The rear wheel 16 of the vehicle 10 is covered by a rear fender 38 that is disposed above the rear wheel 16. The rear wheels 16 are rotated by a driving force delivered through a vehicle powertrain (not shown).

[032] At a rear portion 10R, the vehicle 10 further includes a passenger cabin 22 which consists of multiple panels (not shown), including, but not limited to, side panels, a rear panel with a tail door and seat bases. The panels are joined together by spot welding, or any other fabrication method known in the art. The passenger cabin 22 includes a seat assembly 200 for providing a seat for passengers. In an embodiment, the seat assembly 200 includes a seat frame 210 disposed onto the frame 100 and a seat 220 disposed above the first cross member 112. The seat frame 210 supports a front end of the seat 220. The seat frame 210 is also disposed to a front of the first cross member 1 12.

[033] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of disposition of components of the vehicle 10 at a rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A first bracket 130 is mounted to the first cross member 112. The first bracket 130 is adapted to receive a junction box 132 and one or more electrical components 134, 136. In an embodiment, the first bracket 130 is formed to have an undulating profile which includes a pair of crests 135 and a trough 137 on either side of each crest 135 (shown in Figures 13 and 15).

[034] Figure 18 illustrates a top perspective view of the frame assembly 100 and disposition of components of the vehicle 10 at a rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10 with vertical planes X1 , X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 provided in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vertical planes X1 , X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 and X7 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction W. In an embodiment, the trough 137 is adapted to be fastened to the first cross member 112 with the aid of fasteners 1371 (shown in Figures 20 and 22), by which the first bracket 130 is mounted to the first cross member 112. In another embodiment, the junction box 132 is mounted to the trough 137 with the aid of fasteners 1321 (shown in Figures 14 and 24). In a further embodiment, the one or more electrical components 134 are mounted to the pair of crests 135 with the aid of fasteners 1341 (shown in Figures 14, 21 and 23). In an embodiment, the one or more electrical components 134 include a fuse. In a further embodiment, the one or more electrical components 136 are mounted to the trough 137 with the aid of fasteners 1361 (shown in Figures 14 and 25). In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, the one or more electrical components 136 are mounted adjacent to the junction box 132. In an embodiment, the one or more electrical components 136 include a DC-DC charger relay for DC charging. In yet another embodiment, the one or more electrical components 134, 136 and the junction box 132 are electrically connected with each other using one or more busbars 133. In an embodiment, the one or more busbars 133 are fastened to the junction box 132 and/or the one or more electrical components 134, 136 using fasteners 1331 (shown in Figures 23 and 24).

[035] The vehicle 10 includes a second bracket 140 mounted to the first cross member 112. The second bracket 140 is adapted to receive a first control unit 142. In an embodiment, the second bracket 140 is any mounting bracket known in the art. In another embodiment, the first control unit 142 is mounted to the second bracket 140 using fasteners 1421 (shown in Figure 19).

[036] Figure 6 illustrates a left side view of disposition of components of the vehicle 10 at a rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of disposition of components of the vehicle 10 at a rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 further includes a third bracket 150 mounted to the second cross member 114. The third bracket 150 is adapted to receive a second control unit 152. In an embodiment, the third bracket 150 is disposed to the rear of the second bracket 140 and to the side of the prime mover.

[037] In an embodiment, the third bracket 150 includes a first sub-bracket 155 mounted to the second cross member 114. The first sub-bracket 155 extends downwardly and is adapted to receive a first end 152a of the second control unit 152. In another embodiment, the third bracket 150 further includes a second sub bracket 156 mounted to the second cross member 114 opposite to the first sub bracket 155. The second sub bracket 156 extends downwardly and is adapted to receive a second end 152b of the second control unit 152. In an embodiment, the first control unit 142 includes a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU). In a further embodiment, the second control unit 152 includes a Motor Control Unit (MCU). [038] Figure 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a portion of a passenger cabin 22 of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 2 and 8, the seat frame 210 includes a cutout portion 212 overlapping at least partially with the junction box 132 and the one or more electrical components 134 when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R. The cut-out portion 212 is adapted to be covered by a cover member 215. In an embodiment, the junction box 132 and the one or more electrical components 134 can be conveniently accessed through the cut-out portion 212 by opening the cover member 215. Further, the first control unit and the second control unit cannot be easily accessed through the cut-out portion 212.

[039] Figure 9 illustrates a front perspective view of disposition of components of the vehicle 10 at a rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of the frame assembly 100 and an exploded view of components of the vehicle 10 disposed at a rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes a battery holder 160 mounted to the first cross member 112. The battery holder 160 is adapted to receive an auxiliary battery (not shown). The auxiliary battery powers the 12V/24V electrical loads in the vehicle 10. [040] In an embodiment, the battery holder 160 includes a pair of spaced apart lineal members 163 and a stay 165 disposed on the pair of lineal members 163. The stay 165 includes a primary support member 166 adapted to support a rear portion, a base portion and a side portion of the auxiliary battery. In an embodiment, the primary support member 166 includes a back support portion affixed on the pair of lineal members 163, a bottom support portion affixed to a bottom end of the back support portion and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction F-R. The primary support member 166 further includes two side support portions, each affixed to a left side end and a right side end of the back support portion respectively and extending in a vehicle front-rear direction F-R. In another embodiment, the primary support member 166 is made of metal bars affixed to each other for reduction in weight. The stay 165 also includes a secondary support member 167 affixed to a lower portion of the primary support member 166. The secondary support member 167 is adapted to support the base portion of the auxiliary battery. In an embodiment, the secondary support member 167 has a rectangle shaped hollow construction with upwardly raised edges. The secondary support member 167 is affixed to the bottom support portion of the primary support member 166. The stay 165 further includes a clamp member 168 detachably attached at its one end 168a to the primary support member 166 and at its other end 168b to the secondary support member 167. In an embodiment, the one end 168a of the clamp member 168 is detachably attached to the back support portion of the primary support member 166. The clamp member 168 is adapted to secure the auxiliary battery to the stay 165. The auxiliary battery can be removed from the battery holder 160 by detaching the one end 168a and/or the other end 168b of the clamp member 168. In an embodiment, the auxiliary battery can be conveniently accessed through the cut-out portion 212 by opening the cover member 215.

[041] In an embodiment, the pair of lineal members 163 are mounted to the first cross member 112 in order to mount the battery holder 160 to the first cross member 1 12. In another embodiment, the pair of lineal members 163 are sandwiched between the first cross member 1 12 and the first bracket 130. In yet another embodiment, the pair of lineal members 163 and the first bracket 130 are fastened to the first cross member 112 with a common fastener 1371 (shown in Figures 10, 20 and 22).

[042] In an embodiment, the fasteners 1321 , 1331 , 1341 , 1361 , 1371 and 1421 include bolts which are secured with a nut at their distal end. In another embodiment, the fasteners 1321 , 1331 , 1341 , 1361 , 1371 and 1421 include rivets.

[043] Figure 11 illustrates a front view of disposition of components of the vehicle 10 at a rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the one or more electrical components 134 and the battery holder 160 are disposed in between the first control unit 142 and the junction box 132 when viewed in a vehicle front-rear direction F-R. In another embodiment, the one or more electrical components 134 and one among the pair of lineal members 163 of the battery holder 160 overlap with each other when viewed in a vehicle front-rear direction F-R. In yet another embodiment, the junction box 132 is disposed in between the one or more electrical components (134, 136).

[044] Figure 12 illustrates a rear view of disposition of components of the vehicle 10 at a rear portion 10R of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes one or more U shaped brackets 170 mounted to the second cross member 114. In an embodiment, the one or more U shaped brackets 170 is welded to the second cross member 1 14. The one or more U shaped brackets 170 is adapted to route a cable 172 (shown in Figures 16 and 17). As illustrated in Figure 16, each of the one or more U shaped brackets 170 include a first end 170a and a second end 170b. In an embodiment, the first end 170a and the second end 170b are affixed to the second cross member 114 to mount the one or more U shaped brackets 170 to the second cross member 114.

[045] In an embodiment, a mounting bracket adapted to mount a main contactor relay 146 is mounted to the first cross member 1 12 at a rear of the second bracket 140 (shown in Figure 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the main contactor relay 146 is at a rear of the first control unit 142.

[046] Advantageously, the present invention provides a vehicle with disposition of the vehicle components at a rear portion of the vehicle. By avoiding the use of dedicated service doors provided in a passenger cabin for accessing electronic components overall strength of the cabin is improved and use of the cabin stiffeners is limited. This reduces the vehicle’s weight and cost. By limiting access to the control unit the probability of theft of the control unit is greatly reduced. Since electrical and electronic components are disposed at an optimal distance from the prime mover so as to eliminate the effects of heat dissipation while maintaining the length of the electric cables at a minimum, durability and reliability of the electrical and electronic components are improved. The close disposition of the electrical and electronic components in the vehicle allows for the use of sturdy busbars to connect the electrical and electronic components instead of crimped wires making electrical connections between the electrical and electronic components more robust. The close disposition of the electrical and electronic components in the vehicle also allows for the use of shorter electric cables, thus improving communication efficiency between the electrical and electronic components. This also eliminates the need for complex wire routing in turn saving cost and time during vehicle assembly. Since electrical components which require regular service or replacement are easily accessible through a service door, the ease of serviceability is improved. For example, if the fuse gets blown and the power in the vehicle is cut off, the user can replace the fuse without hauling the vehicle to the service center. When the auxiliary battery goes into a deep discharge mode, the user can easily disconnect and reconnect the battery to prevent battery drain and consequent damage. Additionally, use of common brackets for mounting electrical components eliminate the need for dedicated mounting brackets. This also increases the ease of assembly by eliminating alignment issues that exist when dedicated mounting brackets have to be attached to the frame.

[047] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals

10 - vehicle

10R - a rear portion of the vehicle

14 - front wheels

16 - rear wheels

20 - driver cabin

22 - passenger cabin

25 - driver’s seat

28 - front fender

30 - headlights

38 - rear fender

100 - frame

1 10 - pair of long members 1 12 - first cross member

1 14 - second cross member

1 16 - cross members

130 - first bracket

132 - junction box

1321 - fasteners to mount junction box

133 - busbars

1331 - fasteners to fasten busbars

134 - one or more electrical components

1341 - fasteners to mount one or more electrical components

136 - one or more electrical components

1361 - fasteners to mount one or more electrical components

135 - crests of the first bracket

137 - trough of the first bracket

1371 - fasteners to fasten trough of the first bracket

140 - second bracket

142 - first control unit

1421 - fasteners to mount first control unit

146 - main contactor relay

150 - third bracket

152 - second control unit

155 - first sub-bracket of the second control unit 156 - second sub bracket of the second control unit

160 - battery holder

163 - lineal members of the battery holder

165 - stay of the battery holder 166 - primary support member of the stay

167 - secondary support member of the stay

168 - clamp member of the stay

170 - U shaped brackets of the stay

172 - cable 200 - seat assembly

210 - seat frame

212 - cut-out portion on the seat frame

215 - cover member

220 - seat

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A vehicle (10) comprising: a frame (100) having a pair of long members (110) extending in a vehicle front rear direction (F-R) and a first cross member (112) extending in a vehicle width direction (W) between the pair of long members (110); a seat assembly (200) disposed on the first cross member (1 12) at a rear portion (10R) of the vehicle (10); and a first bracket (130) mounted to the first cross member (112) and configured to receive a junction box (132) and one or more electrical components (134, 136).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first bracket (130) has an undulating profile comprising: a pair of crests (135); and a trough (137) on either side of each crest (135).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the trough (137) is configured to be fastened to the first cross member (112).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the junction box (132) is mounted to the trough (137).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more electrical components (134) are mounted to the pair of crests (135).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more electrical components (136) are mounted to the trough (137).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more electrical components (134) comprises a fuse.

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more electrical components (136) comprises a DC-DC charger relay.

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a second bracket (140) mounted to the first cross member (112) and configured to receive a first control unit (142).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first control unit (142) comprises a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU).

1 1.The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a second cross member (114) extending in the vehicle width direction (W) between the pair of long members (110) and disposed rearwardly to the first cross member (112). 1 The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11 comprising a third bracket (150) mounted to the second cross member (114) and configured to receive a second control unit (152). The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 12 wherein the third bracket (150) comprises: a first sub-bracket (155) mounted to the second cross member (114) and extending downwardly, the first sub bracket (155) configured to receive a first end (152a) of the second control unit (152); and a second sub bracket (156) mounted to the second cross member (1 14) opposite to the first sub bracket (155) and extending downwardly, the second sub bracket (156) configured to receive a second end (152b) of the second control unit (152). The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second control unit (152) comprises a Motor Control Unit (MCU). The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11 comprising one or more U shaped brackets (170) mounted to the second cross member (114) and configured to route a cable (172).

16. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the seat assembly (200) comprises a seat frame (210) disposed onto the frame (100) at the rear portion (10R) of the vehicle (10) to support a front end of a seat (220).

17. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the seat frame (210) has a cut-out portion (212) overlapping at least partially with the junction box

(132) and the one or more electrical components (134) when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction (F-R), the cut-out portion (212) being configured to be covered by a cover member (215).

18. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 17, wherein the junction box (132) and the one or more electrical components (134) are accessed through the cutout portion (212) by opening the cover member (215).

19. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising one or more busbars

(133) configured to electrically connect the one or more electrical components (134, 136) with each other and with the junction box (132).

20. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a prime mover to generate motive force for the vehicle (10), the prime mover mounted to the frame (100) and positioned rearwardly to the first cross member (112) when viewed in the vehicle width direction (W). The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a battery holder (160) mounted to the first cross member (112) and configured to receive an auxiliary battery. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the battery holder (160) comprises a pair of spaced apart lineal members (163) and a stay (165) disposed on the pair of lineal members (163), the stay (165) having: a primary support member (166) configured to support a rear portion, a base portion and a side portion of the auxiliary battery; a secondary support member (167) affixed to a lower portion of the primary support member (166) and configured to support the base portion of the auxiliary battery; and a clamp member (168) detachably attached at its one end (168a) to the primary support member (166) and at its other end (168b) to the secondary support member (167) and configured to secure the auxiliary battery to the stay (165). The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the pair of lineal members

(163) are mounted to the first cross member (112).

24. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 23, wherein the pair of lineal members (163) are sandwiched between the first cross member (112) and the first bracket (130). 25. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 24, wherein the pair of lineal members

(163) and the first bracket (130) are fastened to the first cross member (112) with a common fastener (1371 ).