DESC:FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to two wheeler vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a frame structure for two-wheeler vehicles such as a scooter or any other two wheeled vehicles.

BACKGROUND

A two-wheeler vehicle such as a scooter has a chassis. The chassis generally includes a main frame that supports a steering system, particularly a handlebar, a suspension system, particularly a fork and rear suspension, engine and other components. The chassis comprises a main frame, a pair of side members extending longitudinally from the main frame and at least one cross member disposed between the side members. Further, the chassis needs to be configured in a way so as to pose minimal hindrance to accessing sub-systems of the two-wheeler vehicle and does not adversely affect the serviceability and maintenance of the two-wheeler vehicle. Chassis having a complicated construction makes it difficult to provide sub systems which feed cooling air to appropriate sub assemblies. Further, the connections between the elements of the chassis having a complicated construction are difficult to configure due to space constraints and other limitations.

In a conventional design, the side members on the rear frame of the chassis are directly connected to the main frame by means of a welded joint which makes it difficult to provide suitable cooling air passage for cooling the engine components in general and transmission components in particular.

Accordingly, there is a need for a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles that not only supports the engine and other vehicle subassemblies but also facilitates fluid flow by configuring a fluid flow duct extending along the chassis

OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:

It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles that facilitates fluid flow by configuring a fluid flow duct extending along the chassis.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles that has rigid configuration.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles that is easy to configure.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles having a fluid flow duct integrated there-with and extending there-along, wherein the fluid may be cooling air for cooling transmission of the two-wheeler vehicle.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles with a fluid flow duct integrated there-with and extending there-along, that is compact in configuration, lighter in weight and cost effective.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a chassis for a two-wheeler vehicle that is simple in construction.

SUMMARY
A chassis for two-wheeler vehicle is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The chassis includes a main frame and a pair of side members. The main frame supports a steering system of the two-wheeler vehicle. The pair of side members extend longitudinally from the main frame along the chassis, wherein either one of the side members has at least one aperture configured thereon for facilitating admission of fluid therein. The pair of side members are of tubular configuration and at least one side member is configured to provide a fluid flow passage extending at least along a portion of the chassis configured thereby to facilitate supply of fluid to a vehicle component mounted on the chassis and connected to the fluid flow passage via a duct.

Typically, the fluid flow passage supplies cooling fluid to the engine of the vehicle connected thereto.

Specifically, fluid flow passage supplies air to the engine of the vehicle connected thereto.

Typically, the fluid flow passage supplies cooling fluid to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) connected thereto.

Specifically, the fluid flow passage supplies air to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) connected thereto.

Generally, the main frame includes a main tube that connects the main frame to the pair of side members by welding.

Typically, the at least one aperture is configured on a rear end portion of either one of the side members for facilitating admission of fluid inside the side members.

Alternatively, the at least one aperture is configured along the length of either one of the pair of side tubes.

Typically, the cross member supports a seat of the two-wheeler vehicle.

Further, the chassis for two-wheeler vehicle includes an inlet connector element configured on either of the side members away from the rear end portion thereof to configure fluid connection between the side members and the engine.

In accordance with another embodiment, the chassis for two-wheeler vehicle includes an inlet connector element configured on either of the side members away from the rear end portion thereof to configure fluid connection between the side members and a CVT duct of a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Still further, the chassis for two-wheeler vehicle includes a pipe bracket and a rubber bellow that configures fluid connection between the inlet connector element and the CVT duct of the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

In accordance with another embodiment, the chassis for two-wheeler vehicle includes an inlet connector element configured on the at least one side member that configures fluid connection between the at least one side member and the engine.

Typically, the CVT duct is of rubber.

In accordance with an embodiment, the fluid flow passage accommodates a filter element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

The objects and features of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which,

Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2a illustrates a side view of the chassis of Figure 1;

Figure 2b illustrates an arrangement of a fluid flow passageway configured in the chassis of Figure 2a for supplying fluid to the transmission of the two-wheeler;

Figure 3a illustrates a top view of a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 3b illustrates an arrangement of a fluid flow passageway configured in the chassis of Figure 3a for supplying fluid to the transmission of the two – wheeler;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A chassis for two-wheeler vehicles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

The main frame, the pair of side members and the at least one cross member are connected so as to provide a stable configuration to the chassis. The main frame further comprises a main tube. The connection between the main frame and the side members is configured by cropping a main tube of the main frame and welding the main frame to tubes of the side frame. The cross member supports the seat unlike the conventional arrangement in which the seat is supported by the side members.

Figure 1 illustrates a top view of a chassis 100 for a two-wheeler vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2a further illustrates the chassis 100 as viewed from the side. The chassis 100 includes a main frame 10, a pair of side members 20a, 20b, and at least one cross member 30. The main frame 10 supports the steering system, particularly the handlebar and the suspension system, particularly, the fork. The main frame 10 further includes a main tube 15 to which the side members are attached. The side members 20a, 20b extend longitudinally from the main frame 10 and the at least one cross members 30 is disposed between the side members. Further, the main frame 10, at least one of the side members 20a, 20b, more specifically, the chassis 100 configures a fluid flow duct that is integrally formed there-with and that supplies cooling fluid, particularly, air to the transmission of the two-wheeler vehicle. An exemplary transmission can be a continuously variable transmission here in after called as CVT 80.

Referring to Figure 2b, an arrangement of the fluid flow passageway configured in the chassis 100 and integrated therewith for supplying fluid to the transmission of the two-wheeler vehicle is illustrated. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the rear end 40 of the side member 20b is open for facilitating admission of cooling air therein and the cooling air passes through the hollow section of the side member 20b. Along the lower end of the side member 20b and away from the rear end 40 there is provided an air inlet connector element, also referred to as an air inlet portion 45. The air inlet portion 45 along the side member 20b is connected to a front case 50 of a transmission case 80 such that the side member 20b, air inlet portion 45 and the front case 50 are in fluid communication with each other so as to supply cooling air to the transmission 80. An exemplary front case can be a CVT duct 50. More specifically, the CVT duct 50 connects the lower end of the side member 20b to the transmission 80. In accordance with an embodiment, the CVT duct 50 is of rubber. The CVT duct 50 used for connecting the lower end of the side member 20b of the chassis to the transmission can be made from any other material and is not limited to rubber. Such a configuration enables receiving cool air from open rear of the side member 20b and supplying the cool air to the transmission, thereby facilitating cooling of the transmission.

In accordance with another embodiment as shown in figure 3a and figure 3b, the fluid flow passage or duct for supplying cooling fluid to the transmission is configured by connecting the side member 20b to a pipe bracket 60 which in turn is connected to the CVT 80 via a bellow or a rubber duct 70. More specifically, referring to Figure 3a, the tube configuring left hand side member 20b is punctured at section 40 to suck air therein and the other end of the tube is connected to inlet tube or pipe bracket 60. Now referring to figure 3b, the inlet of the CVT 80 is connected to one end of the rubber bellow 70, wherein the other end of the rubber bellow 70 is connected to the inlet tube or pipe bracket 60. The air sucked from the rear section 40 of the side tube 20b and passing through the side tube 20b passes through the CVT 80 via inlet tube or pipe bracket 60 and the rubber bellow 70. Such a configuration facilitates reducing the overall length of the cooling fluid passage, thereby reducing the weight. Further, such a configuration facilitates in easy routing of the cooling air to the transmission.

Certain modifications or improvements in the aforementioned embodiments become readily apparent to a person skilled in the art and such modifications and improvements very well fall within the scope of this invention. An opening for drawing the cooling air can be located anywhere along the side tube 20b on the upstream side of the air inlet portion 45. It is possible to draw the cooling air through an opening on the side tube 20a. An opening similar to the air inlet portion 45 can be provided on the side tube 20a through which the cooling air can be fed into the CVT. It is advantageous to use at least a filtering element or a trap anywhere along a fluid path so as to prevent the ingress of dirt, dust or abrasive materials into the CVT. A receptacle can also be provided at a suitable location spatially closer to the filtering element or trap so as to store the foreign material gathered by the filtering element or trap.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The chassis for two-wheeler vehicles in accordance with the present disclosure has several technical advantages including but not limited to the realization of:
• a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles that facilitates fluid flow by configuring a fluid flow duct extending along the chassis;
• a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles that stably supports the other sub-assemblies such as the seat sub-assembly and an engine hanger;
• a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles that has stable and rigid configuration;
• a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles that is easy to configure;
• a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles with a fluid flow duct integrated there-with and extending there-along, wherein the fluid may be cooling air for cooling transmission of the vehicle;
• a chassis for two-wheeler vehicles with a fluid flow duct integrated there-with and extending there-along that is compact in configuration, lighter in weight and cost effective; and
• a chassis for a two-wheeler vehicle that minimizes the air loss due to simpler fluid path.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the invention as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the invention, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:1. A chassis for two-wheeler vehicle, said chassis comprising:
• a main frame adapted to support a steering system of the two-wheeler vehicle; and
• a pair of side members adapted to extend longitudinally from said main frame along the chassis, wherein either one of said side members has at least one aperture configured thereon for facilitating admission of fluid therein;

wherein said pair of said side members are of tubular configuration and at least one side member is configured to provide a fluid flow passage extending at least along a portion of the chassis configured thereby to facilitate supply of fluid to a vehicle component mounted on the chassis and connected to said fluid flow passage via a duct.

2. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid flow passage is adapted to supply cooling fluid to the engine of the vehicle connected thereto.

3. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid flow passage is adapted to supply air to the engine of the vehicle connected thereto.

4. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid flow passage is adapted to supply cooling fluid to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) connected thereto.

5. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid flow passage is adapted to supply air to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) connected thereto.

6. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main frame comprises a main tube adapted to connect said main frame to said pair of side members by welding.

7. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one aperture is configured on a rear end portion of either one of said side members for facilitating admission of fluid inside said side members.

8. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one aperture is configured along the length of either one of said pair of side tubes.

9. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cross member is adapted to support a seat of the two-wheeler vehicle.

10. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprises an inlet connector element configured on either of said side members away from said rear end portion thereof and adapted to configure fluid connection between said side members and said engine.

11. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprises an inlet connector element configured on either of said side members away from said rear end portion thereof and adapted to configure fluid connection between said side members and a CVT duct of a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

12. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 11, further comprises a pipe bracket and a rubber bellow adapted to configure fluid connection between said inlet connector element and said CVT duct of said continuously variable transmission (CVT).

13. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprises an inlet connector element configured on said at least one side member and adapted to configure fluid connection between said at least one side member and said engine.

14. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein said CVT duct is of rubber.

15. The chassis for two-wheeler vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fluid flow passage is adapted to accommodate a filter element.