Description:FRAME STRUCTURE FOR TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a frame structure for a two-wheeled vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention relate to the frame structure 5 for routing air around an electric motor for cooling.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicle, such as an electric two-wheeled vehicle, is typically provided with a frame structure that is solid and is a single piece structure. The frame structure can either be a tubular construction or an assembly of aluminium 10 castings to act as a rigid structural member for withstanding intended load and impact. Also, the frame structure acts as a core structural skeletal member for connecting and supporting wheels, suspension, batteries, seatings and other functional and styling parts. The frame structure provides the vehicle strength, rigidity, handling and load bearing capabilities in static and dynamic 15 conditions of the vehicle.
[0003] Typically, an electric motor of the vehicle is mounted onto the frame structure, particularly at a central location of the vehicle in a side view of the vehicle. The electric motor is generally air-cooled and does not have any auxiliary components for cooling the electric motor. In other words, in 20 conventional electric two-wheeled vehicles, the electric motor is either cooled by natural air flow or through radiators with external liquid coolant setups in liquid cooled motors for better performance. As such, the cooling requirements of the electric motor may not be met through air-cooling. Moreover, due to position of the electric motor on the frame structure, the 25 natural airflow may be restricted by batteries, a controller and/or other electric parts positioned in the front of the electric motor during dynamic condition of the vehicle. Consequently, performance of the electric motor is affected due to heating of the electric motor, which is undesirable.
[0004] In order to overcome the aforesaid limitations, liquid cooled electric 30 motors are required. For the liquid cooled electric motors, radiators are
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provided which supply cooling fluid around the electric motor for cooling. However, such an assembly increases the number of parts in the vehicle, consequently, increasing weight of the vehicle. Moreover, increase in the number of parts inadvertently increases the space constraint, cost and maintenance of the vehicle, which is undesirable. 5 [0005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a method and a system for an idle start stop system of a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and other problems of known art.
[0006] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through 10 comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 15
[0007] In one aspect, a frame structure for a two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The frame structure comprises a headtube and a mainframe extending rearwardly from the headtube in a front-rear direction of the two-wheeled vehicle. The mainframe is provided with a first airflow passage. A downframe extends rearwardly from the headtube in the front-rear direction of the two-20 wheeled vehicle. The downframe is provided with a second airflow passage, wherein at least one of the mainframe and the downframe are adapted to support an electric motor of the two-wheeled vehicle. A plurality of snorkel member is mounted to the headtube and is fluidically coupled to at least one of the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage. The snorkel 25 member is adapted to route air around the electric motor through at least one of the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage for cooling the electric motor.
[0008] In an embodiment, the mainframe intersects with the downframe at a junction portion. The junction portion is positioned behind the headtube in 30 the front-rear direction of the two-wheeled vehicle.
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[0009] In an embodiment, the junction portion is provided with one or more inlet ports. Each of the inlet ports is fluidically coupled to at least one of the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage.
[00010] In an embodiment, the snorkel member is fluidically coupled to the one or more inlet ports for routing air into at least one of the first airflow 5 passage and the second airflow passage.
[00011] In an embodiment, the electric motor being surrounded by a casing. The casing is fluidically coupled to the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage, wherein the casing is adapted to receive air routed through the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage for cooling 10 the electric motor.
[00012] In an embodiment, the casing comprises a left casing member mounted on a left side of the mainframe and a left side of the downframe. A right casing member is mounted on a right side of the mainframe and a right side of the downframe. Also, a rear cover is mounted on a rear side of the 15 mainframe and a rear side of the downframe, wherein the left casing member, the right casing member and the rear cover being adapted to surround the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage for guiding the air routed through the snorkel member around the electric motor.
[00013] In an embodiment, the rear cover comprises an outlet port, the 20 outlet port being adapted to discharge the air guided to the electric motor upon cooling.
[00014] In an embodiment, the snorkel member comprises an inlet duct extends rearwardly in a front-rear direction of the two-wheeled vehicle and one or more outlet ducts extends rearwardly from the inlet portion in the front-25 rear direction of the two-wheeled vehicle. Each of the one or more outlet ducts is fluidically coupled to the inlet portion and to the one or more inlet ports, wherein each of the one or more outlet ducts is adapted to route air received by the inlet duct to at least one of the first airflow passage and the second airflow passage through the one or more inlet ports for cooling the electric 30 motor.
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[00015] In an embodiment, the inlet duct is oriented parallelly to a longitudinal axis of the two-wheeled vehicle, while the one or more outlet ducts are inclined at an angle about the longitudinal axis.
[00016] In an embodiment, the inlet duct comprises one or more rib members. Each of the one or more rib members extend along a longitudinal 5 axis on an inner surface of the inlet duct, wherein each of the one or more rib members is adapted to transform flow of the air received in the inlet duct into a laminar flow.
[00017] In an embodiment, the inlet duct is a divergent duct and each of the one or more outlet ducts is a convergent duct. 10
[00018] In an embodiment, the headtube comprises an upper triple clamp and a lower triple clamp. The snorkel member is mounted on the headtube between the upper triple clamp and the lower triple clamp.
[00019] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and 15 explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[001]Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples ofwhich may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended 20 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 is a perspective view of a frame structure of a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present 25 disclosure.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the frame structure without a snorkel member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a top view of the frame structure of the two-wheeled 30 vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
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Figure 4 is a left-side view of the frame structure without the snorkel member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the frame structure with a snorkel 5 member and a motor, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of an electric motor with the casing members, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 10
Figure 7 is a perspective view of an electric motor of the two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a left casing member for the electric motor, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present 15 disclosure.
Figure 9 is a perspective view of a right casing member for the electric motor, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of the rear cover for the electric motor, 20 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 11 is a left-side view of the rear cover for the electric motor, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of the snorkel member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 25
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00020] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers 30 are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While
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examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. 5 [00021]
The present invention relates to a frame structure for a two-wheeled vehicle. The frame structure is provided with a snorkel member mounted to a headtube, which is adapted to route air to an electric motor of the vehicle for cooling. The frame structure is thus adapted to enable air flow to an electric motor, thereby improving motor performance and durability, while reducing 10 part count in the two-wheeled vehicle. In an embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle, is an electric two-wheeled vehicle.
[00022] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) 15 embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 20
[00023] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the 25 present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. 30
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[00024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a frame structure 100 for a two-wheeled vehicle (not shown), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the two-wheeled vehicle (hereinafter referred to as ‘vehicle’) is an electric two-wheeled vehicle, which can be an electric motorcycle.
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[00025] Referring to Figures 3 and 4 in conjunction with Figure 1, the frame structure 100 comprises a headtube 102 adapted to receive and support a steering shaft (not shown) of the vehicle. The steering shaft may be coupled with a handle (not shown) and a front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle. A mainframe 104 extends rearwardly from the headtube 102 in a front-rear 10 direction of the vehicle.
[00026] The mainframe 104 may extend horizontally in the front-rear direction of the vehicle or may extend rearwardly with a downward inclination (not shown) with respect to a horizontal axis B-B’ (as shown in Figure 4) as per design feasibility and requirement of the vehicle. The 15 downward inclination of the mainframe 104 may be considered as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle.
[00027] Further, a mounting provision 142 is provided on a left-side 104a and/or a right side 104b of the mainframe 104, for supporting an electric motor 112 of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the mounting provision 142 may 20 be a slot provided on the left-side 104a and/or the right side 104b of the mainframe 104. The mounting provision 142 is adapted to engage with one or more mounting brackets 144 (shown in Figure 5) of the electric motor 112. In an embodiment, the one or more mounting brackets 144 may be provided to a front face (not shown) and a rear face (not shown) of a top portion (not 25 shown) and/or a bottom portion (not shown) of the electric motor 112. In the present embodiment, the one or more mounting brackets 144 provided at the front face and the rear face of the top portion of the electric motor 112 engages with the mounting provision 142 provided on the left-side 104a and the right-side 104b of the mainframe 104. In an embodiment, the mounting provision 30 142 engages with the one or more mounting brackets 144 of the electric motor
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112 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as fastening, thereby ensuring support to the electric motor 112 by the mainframe 104. The mainframe 104 is provided with a first airflow passage 106 for ensuring airflow to the electric motor 112.
[00028]
In an embodiment, the mounting provision 142 is provided at a rear 5 side 104c (as shown in Figure 4) of the mainframe 104 so that, the electric motor 112 is positioned at a central portion (not shown) of the vehicle. Alternatively, the location of the mounting provision 142 may be considered based on the location requirements of the electric motor 112.
[00029] In an embodiment, the mainframe 104 comprises a top mainframe 10 member 146 (shown in Figures 2 and 3) mounted to the headtube 102 and extends rearwardly from the headtube 102. The top mainframe member 146 may rearwardly extend horizontally or at the downward inclination as per requirement. A left-side mainframe member 148 (shown in Figure 2) is provided with length (i.e. dimension about the front-rear direction of the 15 vehicle) equal to length of the top mainframe member 146. The left-side mainframe member 148 extends vertically downwards from the top mainframe member 146. The height of downward extension of the left-side mainframe member 148 from the top mainframe member 146 may be considered as per design requirements of the mainframe 104. Further, a right-20 side mainframe member 150 (shown in Figure 2) is provided with length equal to the length of the top mainframe member 146. The right-side mainframe member 150 extends vertically downwards from the top mainframe member 146. The height of downward extension of the right-side mainframe member 150 from the top mainframe member 146 may be 25 considered as per design requirements of the mainframe 104. The top mainframe member 146, the left-side mainframe member 148 and the right-side mainframe member 150 form an inverted U-shaped structure or an inverted U-shaped cross-section of the mainframe 104. Between the top mainframe member 146, the left-side mainframe member 148 and the right-30 side mainframe member 150, the first airflow passage 106 is provided in the mainframe 104.
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[00030] In an embodiment, the mainframe 104 may be a hollow tubular member as per design feasibility of the vehicle. In such an instance, a cutout (not shown) may be provided at a bottom portion of the hollow tubular member to form the first airflow passage 106.
[00031] Further, a downframe 108 extends rearwardly from the headtube 102 5 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The downframe 108 may extend horizontally in the front-rear direction of the vehicle or may extend rearwardly with an upward inclination (not shown) with respect to a horizontal axis B-B’ (as shown in Figure 4) as per design feasibility and requirement of the vehicle. The upward inclination of the downframe 108 10 may be considered as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle.
[00032] Further, a mounting unit 152 is provided on a left-side 108a and/or a right side 108b of the downframe 108, for supporting the electric motor 112.In an embodiment, the mounting unit 152 may be an apertureprovided on the left-side 108a and/or the right side 108b of the downframe15 108.The mounting unit 152 is adapted to engage with one or moremounting brackets 144 (shown in Figure 5) of the electric motor 112. Inan embodiment, the mounting unit 152 is adapted to engage with the oneor more mounting brackets 144 provided at the bottom portion of theelectric motor 112. In the present embodiment, the one or more mounting20 brackets 144 provided at the front face and the rear face of the bottomportion of the electric motor 112 engages with the mounting unit 152provided on the left-side 108a and the right-side 108b of the downframe108.In an embodiment, the mounting unit 152 engages with the one ormore mounting brackets 144 of the electric motor 112 through25 conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as fastening,thereby ensuring support to the electric motor 112 by the downframe 108.The downframe 108 is provided with a second airflow passage 110 forensuring airflow to the electric motor 112.
[00033] In an embodiment, the electric motor 112 may be mounted to one of 30 the mainframe 104 and/or the downframe 108. In other words, the electric
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motor 112 may be mounted to the mainframe 104 or the downframe 108 or both the mainframe 104 and the downframe 108. As such, the electric motor 112 may be mounted to the mounting provision 142 or the mounting unit 152 or both the mounting provision 142 and the mounting unit 152. 5 [00034] In an embodiment, the electric motor 112 may be mounted on at least one of the mainframe 104 and the downframe 108 such that, the first airflow passage 106 and/or the second airflow passage 110 are fluidically coupled to an outer surface 160 (shown in Figure 7) of the electric motor 112.Such a construction ensures that the air routed through the first10 airflow passage 106 and/or the second airflow passage 110 are traversedover a plurality of fin members 162 (shown in Figure 7) provided on theouter surface 160 of the electric motor 112, thereby enhancing coolingefficiency in the electric motor 112.
[00035] In an embodiment, the mounting unit 152 is provided at a rear side 15 108c (as shown in Figure 4) of the downframe 108 so that, the electric motor 112 is positioned at a central portion (not shown) of the vehicle. Alternatively, the location of the mounting unit 152 may be considered based on the location requirements of the electric motor 112.
[00036] In an embodiment, the downframe 108 comprises a bottom 20 downframe member 154 (shown in Figure 5) mounted to the headtube 102 and extends rearwardly from the headtube 102. The bottom downframe member 154 may rearwardly extend horizontally or at the upward inclination as per requirement. A left-side downframe member 156 (shown in Figure 5) is provided with length (i.e. dimension about the 25 front-rear direction of the vehicle) equal to length of the bottom downframe member 154. The left-side downframe member 156 extends vertically upward from the bottom downframe member 154. The height of upward extension of the left-side downframe member 156 from the bottom downframe member 154 may be considered as per design 30 requirements of the mainframe 104. Further, a right-side downframe
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member 158 (shown in Figure 5) is provided with length equal to the length of the bottom downframe member 154. The right-side downframe member 158 extends vertically upward from the bottom downframe member 154. The height of upward extension of the right-side downframe member 158 from the bottom downframe member 154 may be considered 5 as per design requirements of the mainframe 104. The bottom downframe member 154, the left-side downframe member 156 and the right-side downframe member 158 form a U-shaped structure or a U-shaped cross-section of the downframe 108. Between bottom downframe member 154, the left-side downframe member 156 and the right-side downframe 10 member 158, the second airflow passage 110 is provided in the downframe 108. [00037] In an embodiment, the mainframe 104 may be a hollow tubular member as per design feasibility of the vehicle. In such an instance, a cutout (not shown) may be provided at a bottom portion of the hollow 15 tubular member to form the first airflow passage 106.
[00038] Referring to Figure 4, the mainframe 104 intersects with the downframe 108 at a junction portion 116. The junction portion 116 is positioned behind the headtube 102 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. At the junction portion 116, the mainframe 104 and the 20 downframe 108 form a V-shaped structure when viewed from a side view of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the junction portion 116 may extend based on the extent of intersection between the mainframe 104 and the downframe 108. The junction portion 116 is provided with one or more inlet ports 118. Each of the inlet ports 118 is fluidically coupled to at least 25 one of the first airflow passage 106 and the second airflow passage 110, so that air from at least one of the first airflow passage 106 and the second airflow passage 110 is routed to the electric motor 112 for cooling.
[00039] In the present embodiment, one inlet port 118 is provided at the junction portion 116. The inlet port 118 is a cutout that is provided at the 30 junction portion 116, which fluidically connects both the first airflow
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passage 106 and the second airflow passage 110. Thus, in the present embodiment, the electric motor 112 receives air from both the first airflow passage 106 and the second airflow passage 110 for cooling. [00040] In an embodiment, multiple inlet ports 118 may be provided in the junction portion 116, wherein one set of inlet ports 118 may be fluidically 5 coupled to only the first airflow passage 106, while another set of inlet ports 118 may be fluidically coupled to the second airflow passage 110, as per design feasibility and requirement. In another embodiment, the location of the one set of inlet ports 118 and the another set of inlet ports 118 may be distinct from one other. 10
[00041] Further, referring to Figures 7-10 in conjunction with Figures 1-6, the electric motor 112 is surrounded by a casing 120 (as shown in Figure 1). The casing 120 is fluidically coupled to the first airflow passage 106 and the second airflow passage 110 so that the air routed through the first airflow passage 106 and the second airflow passage 110 is channelled 15 along the outer surface 160 of the electric motor 112 for cooling. The casing 120 also acts as a wall for ensuring that the air routed through the at least one of the first airflow passage 106 and the second airflow passage 110 is routed to the electric motor 112.
[00042] The casing 120 comprises a left casing member 122 (as shown in 20 Figure 8 ) mounted on the left side 104a of the mainframe 104 and the left side 108a of the downframe 108. The left casing member 122 is adapted to cover the left side 104a of the mainframe 104 and the left side 108a of the downframe 108, so that any gaps provided in the frame structure 100 due to V-shaped profile of the mainframe 104 and the downframe 108 on 25 the left sides 104a, 108a is covered by the left casing member 122.
[00043] In an embodiment, the left casing member 122 comprises a top mounting portion 164, a bottom mounting portion 166 and a body portion 168.The top mounting portion 164 extends upwardly from the bodyportion 168 and adapted to engage with the rear side 104c of the30 mainframe 104. Accordingly, the rear side 104c may be provided with an
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engagement provision (not shown) for engagement with the top mounting portion 164. In an embodiment, the top mounting portion 164 engages with the rear side 104c of the mainframe 104 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as fastening, snap-fitting and the like. In an embodiment, the top mounting portion 164 conforms 5 to contour of the top portion of the electric motor 112. The top mounting portion 164 upon mounting onto the rear side 104c of the mainframe 104 is positioned above the top portion of the electric motor 112 and covers the top portion of the electric motor 112. [00044] Further, the bottom mounting portion 166 extends downwardly from 10 the body portion 168 and adapted to engage with the rear side 108c of the downframe 108. Accordingly, the rear side 108c may be provided with an engagement provision (not shown) for engagement with the bottom mounting portion 166. In an embodiment, the bottom mounting portion 166 engages with the rear side 108c of the downframe 108 through 15 conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as fastening, snap-fitting and the like. In an embodiment, the bottom mounting portion 166 conforms to contour of the bottom portion of the electric motor 112. The bottom mounting portion 166 upon mounting onto the rear side 108c of the downframe 108 is positioned below the bottom portion of the 20 electric motor 112 and cover the bottom portion of the electric motor 112.
[00045] Furthermore, the body portion 168 of the left casing member 122 is adapted to cover the gap between the left side 104a of the mainframe 104 and the left side 108a of the downframe 108. The body portion 168 comprises a top edge 168a adapted to engage with the left-side mainframe 25 member 148 and a bottom edge 168b adapted to engage with the left-side downframe member 156. In an embodiment, the top edge 168a and the bottom edge 168b are engaged to the left-side mainframe member 148 and the left-side downframe member 156 respectively through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as, fastening, 30 snap-fitting and the like as per requirement. Further, a tip portion 168c is provided at a front end of the body portion 168. The tip portion 168c is
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adapted to engage at the location of intersection of the left-side mainframe member 148 and the left-side downframe member 156. The tip portion 168c engages at the location of intersection of the left-side mainframe member 148 and the left-side downframe member 156 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as, fastening, 5 snap-fitting and the like as per requirement. Furthermore, a rear surface 168d is provided to the body portion 168, which is adapted to be placed in front of the electric motor 112. As such, at least a part of a front-left portion of the electric motor 112 is covered by the rear surface 168d. The rear surface 168d conforms to the contour of the front-left portion of the 10 electric motor 112. [00046] Referring to Figure 9, the casing 120 comprises a right casing member 124 mounted on the right side 104b of the mainframe 104 and the right side 108b of the downframe 108. The right casing member 124 is adapted to cover the right side 104b of the mainframe 104 and the right 15 side 108b of the downframe 108, so that any gaps provided in the frame structure 100 due to V-shaped profile of the mainframe 104 and the downframe 108 on the right sides 104b, 108b are covered by the right casing member 124.
[00047] In an embodiment, the right casing member 124 comprises a top 20 attachment portion 170, a bottom attachment portion 172 and a shank portion 174. The top attachment portion 170 extends upwardly from the shank portion 174 and adapted to engage with the rear side 104c of the mainframe 104. Accordingly, the rear side 104c may be provided with an engagement provision (not shown) for engagement with the top 25 attachment portion 170. In an embodiment, the top attachment portion 170 engages with the rear side 104c of the mainframe 104 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as fastening, snap-fitting and the like. In an embodiment, the top attachment portion 170 conforms to contour of the top portion of the electric motor 112. The 30 top attachment portion 170 upon mounting onto the rear side 104c of the
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mainframe 104 is positioned above the top portion of the electric motor 112 and covers the top portion of the electric motor 112. [00048] Further, the bottom attachment portion 172 extends downwardly from the shank portion 174 and adapted to engage with the rear side 108c of the downframe 108. Accordingly, the rear side 108c may be provided 5 with an engagement provision (not shown) for engagement with the bottom attachment portion 172. In an embodiment, the bottom attachment portion 172 engages with the rear side 108c of the downframe 108 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as fastening, snap-fitting and the like. In an embodiment, the bottom attachment 10 portion 172 conforms to contour of the bottom portion of the electric motor 112. The bottom attachment portion 172 upon mounting onto the rear side 108c of the downframe 108 is positioned below the bottom portion of the electric motor 112 and covers the bottom portion of the electric motor 112. 15
[00049] Furthermore, the shank portion 174 of the right casing member 124 is adapted to cover the gap between the right side 104b of the mainframe 104 and the right side 108b of the downframe 108. The shank portion 174 comprises a top peripheral surface 174a adapted to engage with the right-side mainframe member 150 and a bottom peripheral surface 174b 20 adapted to engage with the right-side downframe member 158. In an embodiment, the top peripheral surface 174a and the bottom peripheral surface 174b are engaged to the right-side mainframe member 150 and the right-side downframe member 158 respectively, through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as, fastening, snap-fitting 25 and the like as per requirement. Further, a tip 174c is provided at a front end of the shank portion 174. The tip 174c is adapted to engage at the location of intersection of the right-side mainframe member 150 and the right-side downframe member 158. The tip 174c engages at the location of intersection of the right-side mainframe member 150 and the right-side 30 downframe member 158 through conventional engagement techniques known in the art such as, fastening, snap-fitting and the like as per
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requirement. Furthermore, a rear plane surface 174d is provided to the shank portion 174, which is adapted to be placed in front of the electric motor 112. As such, at least a part of a front-right portion of the electric motor 112 is covered by the rear plane surface 174d. The rear plane surface 174d conforms to the contour of the front portion of the electric 5 motor 112. [00050] Referring to Figure 10 and 11, a rear cover 126 of the casing 120 is depicted. The rear cover 126 is mounted on the rear side 104c of the mainframe 104 and the rear side 108c of the downframe 108 for covering a rear portion (not shown) of the electric motor 112. The rear cover 126 10 along with the left casing member 122 and the right casing member 124 are adapted to surround the first airflow passage 106 and the second airflow passage 110 for guiding the air around the electric motor 112.
[00051] In an embodiment, the rear cover 126 is shaped to cover the rear portion of the electric motor 112. In another embodiment, the rear cover 15 126 comprises a top engagement portion 176 adapted to engage with the rear side 104c of the mainframe 104, and a bottom engagement portion 178 adapted to engage with the rear side 108c of the downframe 108. In an embodiment, the top engagement portion 176 may be sandwiched between the left-side mainframe member 148 and the right-side 20 mainframe member 150, while the bottom engagement portion 178 may be sandwiched between the left-side downframe member 156 and the right-side downframe member 158.
[00052] Further, the rear cover 126 comprises an outlet port 128 adapted to discharge the air guided to the electric motor 112 upon cooling. In an 25 embodiment, the outlet port 128 is provided at a central portion of the rear cover 126. Alternatively, the outlet port 128 may be provided at any location along the rear cover 126 for discharging the air, as per design feasibility and requirement.
[00053] Referring to Figure 12 in conjunction with Figures 1-11, a 30 perspective view of the plurality of snorkel members (114a 114b) is
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depicted. The plurality of snorkel members (114a 114b) is provided in the frame structure 100, specifically the plurality of snorkel members (114a 114b) is mounted on the headtube 102 for routing air into at least one of the mainframe 104 and the downframe 108, for routing air around the electric motor 112. 5 [00054] The plurality of snorkel members (114a 114b) comprises an inlet duct 130 extending rearwardly in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and positioned in front of the headtube 102. The inlet duct 130 comprises an inlet opening 130a adapted to receive ambient air around the vehicle and an outlet opening (not shown). In an embodiment, dimensions and 10 shape of the inlet duct 130 are considered based on the design of the vehicle and/or the volume of air required to be circulated around the electric motor 112 for cooling.
[00055] The plurality of snorkel members (114a 114b) further comprises one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b extending rearwardly from the inlet duct 15 130 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Each of the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b have one end (not shown) coupled to the outlet opening of the inlet duct 130. As such, each of the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b are fluidically coupled to the inlet duct 130. An aft end (not shown) of each of the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b are coupled 20 to the one or more inlet ports 118. The other end of each of the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b comprises a discharge port 180, wherein the discharge port 180 is fluidically coupled to the inlet port 118 upon mounting of the snorkel member 114 onto the headtube 102. As such, each of the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b are adapted to route air 25 received by the inlet duct 130 to at least one of the first airflow passage 106 and the second airflow passage 110 for cooling the electric motor 112.
[00056] In an embodiment, the dimensions and shape of each of the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b are considered based on the design of the inlet duct 130 and/or the vehicle and/or the volume of air required to be 30 circulated around the electric motor 112 for cooling.
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[00057] In an embodiment, the inlet duct 130 is oriented parallelly to a longitudinal axis A-A’ of the vehicle, while the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b are inclined at an angle (not shown) about the longitudinal axis A-A’. The angle of inclination of the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b about the longitudinal axis A-A’ is considered based on position of 5 the one or more inlet ports 118 and/or the inclination of the mainframe 104 and/or the inclination of the downframe 108. In an embodiment, the inlet duct 130 is also inclined about the longitudinal axis A-A’ or horizontal axis B-B’ as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle. 10
[00058] In an embodiment, the inlet duct 130 may be a divergent duct, while each of the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b is a convergent duct. As such, the snorkel member 114 may conform to a profile of a nozzle for routing the air into the mainframe 104 and/or the downframe 108.
[00059] In an embodiment, the inlet duct 130 also comprises one or more rib 15 members (not shown) oriented along the front-rear direction of the vehicle or along a longitudinal axis A-A’ on an inner surface of the inlet duct 130. Each of the one or more rib members is adapted to transform flow of the air received in the inlet duct into a laminar flow. Thus, each of the one or more rib members are adapted to streamline the flow of air into the frame 20 member 100, thereby ensuring uniform cooling of the electric motor 112.
[00060] In an operational embodiment, ambient air enters the inlet duct 130 of the snorkel member 114. From the inlet duct 130, the air is diverted into the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b. Thereafter, the air gets discharged from the one or more outlet ducts 132a, 132b into the one or 25 more inlet ports 118 through the discharge port 180. At this scenario, air is channelled from the inlet ports 118 into at least one of the first airflow passage 106 of the mainframe 104 and the second airflow passage 110 of the downframe 108. Subsequently, air is routed into the casing 120 thereby circulating the air around the electric motor 112, for cooling the 30
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electric motor 112. The air upon circulation is discharged from the casing 120 through the outlet port 128. [00061] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional 5 technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of providing the first airflow passage and/or the second airflow passage fluidically couples the electric motor. Thus, air routed into the first airflow passage and/or the second airflow passage surrounds the electric motor, thereby cooling the electric motor. Also, providing the snorkel member that is fluidically 10 coupled to the first airflow passage and/or the second airflow passage facilitates supply of streamlined air into the frame structure for effective cooling of the electric motor. Furthermore, providing the casing to the electric motor ensures that air is routed around the electric motor without any leakage, thereby effectively cooling the electric motor. Consequently, 15 the motor performance and motor durability are enhanced due to the effective cooling. Moreover, the snorkel member along with the first airflow passage and/or the second airflow passage mitigates the need for liquid cooling systems, thereby reducing part count in the vehicle. Consequently, reducing weight of the vehicle and the costs associated 20 with installation and maintenance of the liquid cooling system. Additionally, air circulation around the electric motor restricts overheating and ensures that heat is dissipated less around parts surrounding the electric motor. Furthermore, the snorkel member, the first airflow passage and/or the second airflow passage are masked in the 25 frame structure and thus enhance aesthetic appeal of the vehicle, while improving packaging of the vehicle.
[00062] 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 modification may be made without departing from 30 the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
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[00063] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, 5 may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00064] List of Reference Numerals and Characters
100
Frame structure
102
Headtube
104
Mainframe
104a
Left side of mainframe
104b
Right side of mainframe
104c
Rear side of mainframe
106
First airflow passage
108
Downframe
108a
Left side of downframe
108b
Right side of downframe
108c
Rear side of downframe
110
Second airflow passage
112
Electric motor
114
Snorkel member
116
Junction portion
118
Inlet port
120
casing
22
122
Left casing member
124
Right casing member
126
Rear cover
128
Outlet port
130
Inlet duct
130a
Inlet opening
132a, 132b
Outlet duct
138
Upper triple clamp
140
Lower triple clamp
142
Mounting provision on mainframe
144
Mounting brackets on the electric motor
146
Top mainframe member
148
Left-side mainframe member
150
Right-side mainframe member
152
Mounting unit
154
Bottom downframe member
156
Left side downframe member
158
Right-side downframe member
160
Outer surface of electric motor
162
Plurality of fin members on electric motor
164
Top mounting portion
166
Bottom mounting portion
23
168
Body portion
168a
Top edge
168b
Bottom portion
168c
Tip portion
168d
Rear surface
170
Top attachment portion
172
Bottom attachment portion
174
Shank portion
174a
Top peripheral surface
174b
Bottom peripheral surface
174c
Tip
174d
Rear plane surface
176
Top engagement portion
178
Bottom engagement portion , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1.A frame structure (100) for a two-wheeled vehicle, the frame structure(100)comprising:
a headtube (102);
a mainframe (104) extending rearwardly from the headtube (102) in a 5 front-rear direction of the two-wheeled vehicle, the mainframe (104) being provided with a first airflow passage (106);
a downframe (108) extending rearwardly from the headtube (102) in the front-rear direction of the two-wheeled vehicle, the downframe (108) being provided with a second airflow passage (110), wherein at least one 10 of the mainframe (104) and the downframe (108) being adapted to support an electric motor (112) of the two-wheeled vehicle; and
a plurality of snorkel members (114a,114b) mounted to the headtube (102), the plurality of snorkel members (114a,114b) fluidically coupled to at least one of the first airflow passage (106) and the second airflow 15 passage (110), wherein the plurality of snorkel members (114a,114b) being adapted to route air around the electric motor (112) through at least one of the first airflow passage (106) and the second airflow passage (110)for cooling the electric motor (112).
2.The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the20 mainframe (104) intersects with the downframe (108) at a junctionportion (116), the junction portion (116) being positioned behind theheadtube (102) in a front-rear direction of the two-wheeled vehicle.
3.The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the junction25 portion (116) being provided with one or more inlet ports (118), eachof the inlet ports (118) being fluidically coupled to at least one of thefirst airflow passage (106) and the second airflow passage (110).
4.The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pluralityof snorkel members (114a,114b) being fluidically coupled to the at30 least one of one or more inlet ports (118) for routing air into at least
25
one of the first airflow passage (106) and the second airflow passage (110).
5.
The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electricmotor (112) being surrounded by a casing (120), the casing (120)being fluidically coupled to the first airflow passage (106) and the5 second airflow passage (110), wherein the casing (120) being adaptedto receive air routed through the first airflow passage (106) and thesecond airflow passage (110) for cooling the electric motor (112).
6.The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the casing(120)comprises:10
a leftt casing member (122) being mounted on a left side(104a) of the mainframe (104) and a left side (108a) of the downframe (108);
a right casing member (124) being mounted on a right side (104b) of the mainframe (104) and a right side (108b) of the 15 downframe (108); and
a rear cover (126) being mounted on a rear side (104c) of the mainframe (104) and a rear side (108c) of the downframe (108);
wherein the leftt casing member (122), the right casing member (124) and the rear cover (126) being adapted to 20 surround the first airflow passage (106) and the second airflow passage (110) for guiding the air routed through the plurality of snorkel members (114a,114b) around the electric motor (112).
7.The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rear25 cover (126) comprises an outlet port (128), the outlet port (128) beingadapted to discharge the air guided to the electric motor (112) uponcooling.
8.The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pluralityof snorkel members (114a,114b) comprises:30
an inlet duct (130) extending rearwardly in a front-rear direction of the two-wheeled vehicle; and
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one or more outlet ducts (132a, 132b) extending rearwardly from the inlet portion in the front-rear direction of the two-wheeled vehicle, each of the one or more outlet ducts (132a, 132b) being fluidically coupled to the inlet portion (130) and to one or more inlet ports (118), wherein each of the one or more outlet 5 ducts (132a, 132b) being adapted to route air received by the inlet duct (130) to at least one of the first airflow passage (106) and the second airflow passage (110) through the one or more inlet ports (118)for cooling the electric motor (112).
9.The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or10 more outlet ducts (132a, 132b) upon coupling with the inlet portion(130)form a yoke portion (134), the yoke portion (134) being adaptedto wrap around the headtube (102) upon mounting of the plurality ofsnorkel members (114a,114b) onto the headtube (102).
10.The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inlet duct15 (130)being oriented parallelly to a longitudinal axis (A-A’) of thetwo-wheeled vehicle, while the one or more outlet ducts (132a, 132b)being inclined at an angle about the longitudinal axis (A-A’).
11.The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inlet duct(130)comprises one or more rib members, each of the one or more rib20 members extending along a longitudinal axis (A-A’) on an innersurface of the inlet duct (130), wherein each of the one or more ribmembers being adapted to transform flow of the air received in theinlet duct into a laminar flow.
12.The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the headtube25 (102)comprises an upper triple clamp (138) and a lower triple clamp(140), the plurality of snorkel members (114a,114b) being mountedon the headtube (102) between the upper triple clamp (138) and thelower triple clamp (140).