Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) for a vehicle (10), comprising:
a first member (110) attached to a body of the vehicle (10);
a second member (120) attached to a chassis frame structure (105) of the vehicle (10), the second member (120) being attached to the first member (110);
a third member (130) attached on the first member (110), the third member (130) having a hinge pin (132), the hinge pin (132) being connected to a bush (134) such that the bush (134) is free to rotate on the hinge pin (132);
a fourth member (140) rotatably mounted on the bush (134);
a cam (142) attached at the bush (134), the cam (142) being connected to a clutch cable for actuating a clutch; and
a clutch pedal (150) attached to the fourth member (140), such that operation of the clutch pedal (150) causes the fourth member (140) and the bush (134) to rotate about the hinge pin (132), thereby causing the cam (142) to rotate and actuate the clutch of the vehicle (10).

2. The clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clutch pedal (150), in a non-operation condition, is at an inclination of a first angle (θ1) with a horizontal plane (X-X’) and the first angle (θ1) ranges between 35o-42o.

3. The clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clutch pedal (150), at a fully operated condition, is at an inclination of a second angle (θ2) with a horizontal plane (X-X’) and the second angle (θ2) ranges between 86o-94o.

4. The clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of fasteners (160) for attaching the first member (110) to the body of the vehicle (10), for attaching the second member (120) to the chassis frame structure (105) of the vehicle (10), for attaching the second member (120) to the first member (110), and for attaching the third member (130) on the first member (110).

5. The clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising one or more spacers (116) disposed between the first member (110) and the third member (130), the spacers (116) configured for providing a predetermined horizontal gap between the first member (110) and the third member (130).

6. The clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clutch pedal (150) comprises a stopper (152) configured for inhibiting the movement of the clutch pedal (150) beyond the fully operated condition.

7. The clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (110) comprises a hub portion (112) and an arm portion (114) that extends longitudinally from the hub portion (112) such that width of the first member (110) gradually increases from the hub portion (112) to the arm portion (114), and the hub portion (112) of the first member (110) is attached to the body of the vehicle (10).

8. The clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 7, wherein the second member (120) comprises a transverse portion (122) with one or more keyway slots (122A) and a longitudinal portion (124) with one or more through holes (124A), such that the longitudinal portion (124) of the second member (120) is attached to the arm portion (114) of the first member (110).

9. The clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 7, wherein the third member (130) extends between a first end (130A) and a second end (130B) such that width of the third member (130) increases from the first end (130A) and the second end (130B), and the third member (130) comprises an inner face (131A) and an outer face (131B), such that the inner face (131A) of the third member (130) is attached to the arm portion (114) of the first member (110).

10. The clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 9, wherein the fourth member (140) comprises a plate portion (140A) and a wall portion (140B) extending from the plate portion (140A), such that the plate portion (140A) of the fourth member (140) is rotatably mounted on the bush (134).

11. A three-wheeled vehicle (10), comprising:
a chassis frame structure (105), the chassis frame structure having a head tube (105A), the head tube (105A) extending downwardly and rearwardly, when viewed in vehicle sideward direction;
a hand brake (190), the hand brake (190) being attached to the head tube (105A); and
a clutch pedal mounting assembly (100), the clutch pedal mounting assembly being (100) retrofittably connected to the vehicle (10), the clutch pedal mounting assembly (100) having:
a first member (110) attached to a body of the vehicle (10);
a second member (120) attached to the chassis frame structure (105) of the vehicle (10), the second member (120) attached to the first member (110);
a third member (130) attached on the first member (110), the third member (130) having a hinge pin (132), the hinge pin (132) being connected to a bush (134) such that the bush (134) is free to rotate on the hinge pin (132);
a fourth member (140) rotatably attached on the bush (134);
a cam (142) attached at the bush (134), the cam (142) being connected to a clutch cable for actuating a clutch; and
a clutch pedal (150) attached to the fourth member (140), such that operation of the clutch pedal (150) causes the fourth member (140) and the bush (134) to rotate about the hinge pin (132), thereby causing the cam (142) to rotate and actuate the clutch of the vehicle (10).

12. The three-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the clutch pedal (150) is provided on a left side of the head tube (105A) in a vehicle rear view.

13. The three-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the clutch pedal (150) is disposed further from the head tube (105A) than the hand brake (190) in the vehicle width direction.

14. The three-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the clutch pedal (150), in a non-operation condition, is at an inclination of a first angle (θ1) with a horizontal plane (X-X’), and the first angle (θ1) ranges between 35o-42o.

15. The three-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the clutch pedal (150), at a fully operated condition, is at an inclination of a second angle (θ2) with a horizontal plane (X-X’), and the second angle (θ2) ranges between 86o-94o.

16. The three-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the clutch pedal (150) comprises a stopper (152) configured for inhibiting the movement of the clutch pedal (150) beyond the fully operated condition and the stopper touches the chassis floor in the fully operated condition.

Dated this 07th day of February 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471 , Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A Clutch Pedal Mounting Assembly for a Vehicle

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a clutch pedal mounting assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In conventional three wheeled vehicles, a clutch lever assembled in the handlebar. This clutch lever is operated by hand to engage and disengage clutch whenever required. However, operation of clutch by hand is far more difficult and cumbersome than operation of clutch by foot. Further, usage of hand for clutch operation, especially in passenger and cargo segment three wheelers, mean that hands of the driver are always entirely occupied, which is ergonomically inefficient.
[003] In existing three wheeled vehicles, a head tube is present in the driver cabin which splits the driver cabin into two parts and the driver has to keep their legs on either side of the headtube while riding the vehicle. Since the driver cannot place both their legs on one side of headtube, the clutch pedal, if operated by foot needs to be provided as a separate unit rather than one integrated unit having of brake pedal, clutch pedal and accelerator pedal unit, as is provided in four wheeled vehicles.
[004] Also in three wheeled vehicles, a handbrake lever is provided generally on the front left side of the driver cabin. Since the foot operated brake pedal is provided on the right side of the driver cabin, it is a challenge to accommodate a foot operated clutch pedal near the handbrake lever.
[005] Further, conventional foot operated clutch assemblies need to be manufactured along side the vehicle, and there is no option for providing a retrofit for existing three wheeled vehicle. Further, the clutch pedals for three wheelers are made of sheet metal with a rubber grip provided thereon, which do not allow the driver to slip their foot on the clutch pedal, thereby making driving more tiresome. The provision of a foot operated clutch pedal is further challenging for a three wheeler due to space constraints because provision of the clutch pedal may result in knees of the driver being too close to the handlebar, which is not only an ergonomic issue, but also is a hinderance in turning of the vehicle as the handlebar may hit the driver knees.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a clutch pedal mounting assembly for a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed at a clutch pedal mounting assembly for a vehicle. The assembly has a first member attached to a body of the vehicle, a second member attached to a chassis frame structure of the vehicle and the second member is attached to the first member. A third member is attached on the first member and the third member has a hinge pin. The hinge pin is connected to a bush such that the bush is free to rotate on the hinge pin. A fourth member is rotatably mounted on the bush. A cam is attached at the bush and the cam is connected to a clutch cable for actuating a clutch. A clutch pedal is attached to the fourth member, such that operation of the clutch pedal causes the fourth member and the bush to rotate about the hinge pin, thereby causing the cam to rotate and actuate the clutch of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the clutch pedal, in a non-operation condition, is at an inclination of a first angle with a horizontal plane and the first angle ranges between 35o-42o.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the clutch pedal, at a fully operated condition, is at an inclination of a second angle with a horizontal plane and the second angle ranges between 86o-94o.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the assembly has a plurality of fasteners for attaching the first member to the body of the vehicle, for attaching the second member to the chassis frame structure of the vehicle, for attaching the second member to the first member, and for attaching the third member on the first member.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the assembly has one or more spacers disposed between the first member and the third member, the spacers configured for providing a predetermined horizontal gap between the first member and the third member.
[012] In another embodiment of the invention, the clutch pedal has a stopper configured for inhibiting the movement of the clutch pedal beyond the fully operated condition.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first member has a hub portion and an arm portion that extends longitudinally from the hub portion such that width of the first member gradually increases from the hub portion to the arm portion, and the hub portion of the first member is attached to the body of the vehicle.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second member has a transverse portion with one or more keyway slots and a longitudinal portion with one or more through holes, such that the longitudinal portion of the second member is attached to the arm portion of the first member.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the third member extends between a first end and a second end such that width of the third member increases from the first end and the second end, and the third member has an inner face and an outer face, such that the inner face of the third member is attached to the arm portion of the first member.
[016] In another embodiment of the invention, the fourth member has a plate portion and a wall portion extending from the plate portion, such that the plate portion of the fourth member is rotatably mounted on the bush.
[017] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a three-wheeled vehicle having a chassis frame structure and the chassis frame structure has a head tube extending downwardly and rearwardly. A hand brake is attached to the head tube. A clutch pedal assembly has a first member attached to a body of the vehicle, a second member attached to a chassis frame structure of the vehicle and the second member is attached to the first member. A third member is attached on the first member and the third member has a hinge pin. The hinge pin is connected to a bush such that the bush is free to rotate on the hinge pin. A fourth member is rotatably mounted on the bush. A cam is attached at the bush and the cam is connected to a clutch cable for actuating a clutch. A clutch pedal is attached to the fourth member, such that operation of the clutch pedal causes the fourth member and the bush to rotate about the hinge pin, thereby causing the cam to rotate and actuate the clutch of the vehicle.
[018] In an embodiment of the invention, the clutch pedal is provided on a left side of the head tube in a vehicle rear view.
[019] In another embodiment of the invention, the clutch pedal is disposed further from the head tube than the hand brake in the vehicle width direction.
[020] In an embodiment of the invention, the clutch pedal, in a non-operation condition, is at an inclination of a first angle with a horizontal plane and wherein the first angle ranges between 35o-42o.
[021] In another embodiment of the invention, the clutch pedal, at a fully operated condition, is at an inclination of a second angle with a horizontal plane and wherein the second angle ranges between 86o-94o.
[022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the clutch pedal has a stopper configured for inhibiting the movement of the clutch pedal beyond the fully operated condition, wherein said stopper touches said chassis floor in said operation condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[023] 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 an exploded view of a clutch pedal mounting assembly for a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the clutch pedal mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates another perspective view of the clutch pedal mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates another perspective view of the clutch pedal mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the clutch pedal mounting assembly when a clutch is in a non-operation condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the clutch pedal mounting assembly when a clutch is in a fully operated condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the clutch pedal mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a first member of the clutch pedal mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a second member of the clutch pedal mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a third member of the clutch pedal mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a front view of a three wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a front perspective view of the three wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 13 illustrates a side perspective view of the three wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[024] The present invention relates to a clutch pedal mounting assembly for a vehicle. The present invention further relates to a three wheeled vehicle with the clutch pedal mounting assembly.
[025] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of a clutch pedal mounting assembly 100 for a vehicle 10 (shown in Figure 11). As illustrated, the clutch pedal mounting assembly 100 comprises a first member 110 that is attached to a body of the vehicle 10. Reference is made to Figure 8, wherein in an embodiment, the first member 110 has a hub portion 112 and an arm portion 114 that extends longitudinally from the hub portion 112 such that width of the first member 110 gradually increases from the hub portion 112 to the arm portion 114. Herein, the hub portion 112 of the first member 110 is attached to the body of the vehicle 10. One or more through holes 112A are provided on the hub portion 112 for attaching the first member 110 to the body of the vehicle 10, and one or more through holes 114A are provided on the arm portion 114.
[026] As further illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, the clutch pedal mounting assembly 100 has a second member 120 that is attached to a chassis frame structure 105 (shown in Figure 11) of the vehicle 10. Further, the second member 120 is attached to the first member 110. Reference is made to the embodiment depicted in Figure 9, wherein the second member 120 has a transverse portion 122 with one or more keyway slots 122A and a longitudinal portion 124 with one or more through holes 124A. The through holes 124A in the longitudinal portion 124 align with the though holes 114A on the arm portion 114 of the first member 110, allowing any fastener to pass through and thereby attaching the longitudinal portion 124 of the second member 120 to the arm portion 114 of the first member 110.
[027] As further illustrated in Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3, the clutch pedal mounting assembly 100 has a third member 130 that is attached on the first member 110. In that, the third member 130 has a hinge pin 132 and the hinge pin 132 is connected to a bush 134 such that the bush 134 is free to rotate on the hinge pin 132. Reference is made to the embodiment depicted in Figure 10, wherein the third member 130 extends between a first end 130A and a second end 130B such that width of the third member 130 increases from the first end 130A and the second end 130B. Further, the third member 130 has inner face 131A, an outer face 131B, and one or more through holes 136, which align with the though holes 114A on the arm portion 114 of the first member 110, thereby attaching the inner face 131A of the third member 130 to the arm portion 114 of the first member 110. The assembly 100 is configured such that the second member 120 and the third member 130 are disposed on opposing faces of the first member 110.
[028] The clutch pedal mounting assembly 100 further has a fourth member 140 that is rotatably mounted on the bush 134. A cam 142 is attached at the bush 134 and the cam 142 is connected to a clutch cable for actuating a clutch. Further, a clutch pedal 150 is attached to the fourth member 140 such that operation of the clutch pedal 150 causes the fourth member 140 and the bush 134 to rotate about the hinge pin 132, thereby causing the cam 142 to rotate and actuate the clutch of the vehicle 10. Reference is made to the embodiment depicted in Figure 6, the fourth member 140 has a plate portion 140A and a wall portion 140B extending from the plate portion 140A, such that the plate portion 140A of the fourth member 140 is rotatably mounted on the bush 134.
[029] In an embodiment, the clutch pedal 150 is preferably operated by foot of the driver, such that when the clutch pedal 150 is pressed by the foot of the driver, the clutch is actuated as explained hereinabove. In an embodiment depicted in Figure 5, the clutch pedal 150 is configured such that, in a non-operation condition, the clutch pedal 150 is at an inclination of a first angle (θ1) with a horizontal plane (X-X’). Herein the first angle (θ1) ranges between 35o-42o. Such a disposition of the clutch pedal 150 in the non-operation condition ensures that the knees of the driver do not interfere with the handlebar of the vehicle 10, thus ensuring better riding conditions, especially while turning. Further, in the embodiment depicted in Figure 6, the clutch pedal 150 is configured such that, at a fully operated condition, the clutch pedal 150 is at an inclination of a second angle (θ2) with the horizontal plane (X-X’). Herein the second angle (θ2) ranges between 86o-94o. Such a disposition of the clutch pedal 150 in a fully operated condition ensures better ergonomics and easier clutch pedal 150 operation.
[030] To facilitate the stopping of the clutch pedal 150 at the second angle (θ2) in the fully operated condition, as illustrated in Figure 4, the clutch pedal 150 has a stopper 152 configured for inhibiting the movement of the clutch pedal 150 beyond the fully operated condition. When the clutch pedal 150 is in the fully operated condition, the stopper 150 presses against chassis floor of the vehicle 10, thereby inhibiting movement of the clutch pedal 150. In an embodiment, the stopper 152 is made of rubber.
[031] Further, to facilitate the proper operation of the clutch pedal 150 and allowing for sliding of the driver foot on the clutch pedal 150, the clutch pedal 150 is made of plastic, and has a curved surface at an end of the clutch pedal 150, which allows for driver foot to move on the clutch pedal 150.
[032] Reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 3, wherein as illustrated, the clutch pedal mounting assembly 100 has a plurality of fasteners 160 for attaching the first member 110 to the body of the vehicle 10, for attaching the second member 120 to the chassis frame structure 105 of the vehicle 10, for attaching the second member 120 to the first member 110, and for attaching the third member 130 on the first member 110. Corresponding through holes are provided for fastening as explained hereinabove.
[033] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 7, the clutch pedal mounting assembly 100 has one or more spacers 116 disposed between the first member 110 and the third member 130. The spacers 116 are accommodated between the one or more through holes 136 of the third member 130 and the though holes 114A on the arm portion 114 of the first member 110. The spacers 116 are configured for providing a predetermined horizontal gap between the first member 110 and the third member 130. The provision of the spacers 116 thus allow for variation of the horizontal gap of the clutch pedal 150 from the chassis frame structure 105 as per the requirement of the vehicle 10 or the driver.
[034] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a three wheeled vehicle 10. As illustrated in Figure 11, Figure 12 and Figure 13, The three wheeled vehicle 10 has an Internal combustion engine (not shown) for driving the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 has a front wheel 102, rear wheels 104, a chassis frame structure frame 105, a seat assembly and a fuel tank. In an embodiment, the IC engine is disposed on the chassis frame structure 105 under the seat assembly. The chassis frame structure 105 includes a head tube 105A that extend downwardly and rearwardly when viewed in vehicle sideward direction, a pair of long members that extend in a vehicle front-rear direction. The pair of long members extend in the vehicle front-rear direction substantially parallelly to each other. The chassis frame structure 105 further has one or more cross members that extend transversely between the pair of long members. The head pipe 105A supports a steering shaft and front suspensions attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket. The front suspensions support the front wheel 102. The upper portion of the front wheel 102 is covered by a front fender mounted to the lower portion of the front suspensions at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar is fixed to upper bracket and can rotate to both sides.
[035] A front portion of the chassis frame structure 105 supports a plurality of body panels to form a driver cabin, wherein the seat assembly and the handlebar are disposed inside the driver cabin. A pair of swing arms are configured to extend rearwardly from the chassis frame structure 105 and support the pair of rear wheels 104. Generally, the swing arms are further supported by a dual rear suspension (not shown). In an embodiment, the rear wheels 104 rotate by the driving force of the Internal combustion engine transmitted from differential unit of the Internal combustion engine through propeller shafts.
[036] The three wheeled vehicle 10 has a hand brake 190 that is attached to the head tube 105A. The vehicle 10 further has a clutch pedal mounting assembly 100 as explained hereinbefore. The clutch pedal mounting assembly 100 is retrofittably connected to the vehicle 10. As explained hereinbefore, the clutch pedal mounting assembly 100 has the first member 110 attached to a body of the vehicle 10. The second member 120 is attached to the chassis frame structure 105 of the vehicle 10 and the second member 120 is attached to the first member 110. A third member 130 is attached on the first member 110. The third member 130 has the hinge pin 132 and the hinge pin 132 is connected to the bush 134 such that the bush 134 is free to rotate on the hinge pin 132. The fourth member 140 is rotatably attached on the bush 134. The cam 142 is attached at the bush 134 and the cam 142 is connected to the clutch cable for actuating a clutch. The clutch pedal 150 is attached to the fourth member 140, such that operation of the clutch pedal 150 causes the fourth member 140 and the bush 134 to rotate about the hinge pin 132, thereby causing the cam 142 to rotate and actuate the clutch of the vehicle 10.
[037] In an embodiment, the clutch pedal 150 is provided on a left side of the head tube 105A in a vehicle rear view. In this embodiment, the clutch pedal 150 is disposed further from the head tube 105A than the hand brake 190 in the vehicle width direction. The disposition of the clutch pedal 150 in the non-operation condition and the fully operated condition remain as explained hereinbefore.
[038] Advantageously, the present invention provides a clutch pedal mounting assembly for a vehicle, especially a three wheeled vehicle, which can be operated by foot, and is retrofittable to the existing three wheeled vehicles. Further, the clutch pedal is disposed in such a manner that the knees of the driver do not interfere with the handlebar and the clutch pedal is disposed further away from the hand brake.
[039] Further, since the clutch pedal mounting assembly is made up of simple parts and is retrofittable, the ease of manufacturing and serviceability are improved. Further, the provision of the rubber stopper and the curved surface of the clutch pedal allow for better ergonomics, and for the driver foot to slide along the clutch pedal, thereby improving driver comfort.
[040] 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 the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.