Description: TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a frame assembly. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a frame assembly for a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, a vehicle includes a seat assembly. The seat assembly should be made such that it provides comfort, support, and give ergonomically best posture for the rider and pillion rider while riding the vehicle. It is observed that most of the conventional vehicles have an integrated rider seat and pillion seat wherein a seat lock assembly being provided on a tail cover of the vehicle. However, in the integrated seats, there is no exclusivity of the seat for the rider as well as the pillion rider seat which gives discomfort to the rider of the vehicle as well as the pillion rider. This makes it difficult to achieve ergonomical seating position for the rider as well as the pillion rider. Therefore, it is known in the art to provide a split seat to achieve good ergonomics and to facilitate better handling of the vehicle while riding the vehicle. However, it is a complicated design to provide seat height difference between the seats of the rider and the pillion rider. Further, the height difference forms a step between the rider seat and the pillion seat. More specifically, the step is positioned between the rear end portion of the rider seat and a front end portion of the pillion seat. The step forms a see through gap. Therefore, designers tend to cover the step through a dedicated plastic cover to prevent water and dust ingression. The plastic cover surrounds the rear end portion of the rider seat and the front end portion of the pillion rider seat. Further, the seat lock assembly being provided on the plastic cover to lock the rider seat. It is also known in the prior art to provide cover the gap using a pair of grommet. However, it is a challenge for the designer to provide a seat lock assembly when the grommets being used to cover the see through gap. In addition to this, it is observed that, the conventional tubular frame being manufactured using welding technique. The welding process induces thermal wrappage and stress on the part of the frame assembly. Further, it requires complex manufacturing controls to maintain optimum dimensional accuracy during welding. Therefore, any deviation while fabrication of the frame leads to interface issues while assembling other subsystems and cover members on the frame directly. Importantly, the split seat assembly being directly mounted on the frame assembly and a gap being observed between the dedicated plastic cover member and the split assembly. In another approach as mentioned above, the gap is observed between the rubber grommets and the split seat assembly.
[0003] The above mentioned problems are critical as water and dust ingression can happen through visible gaps which can affect the functioning of the subsystems of the vehicles including electronic components disposed below the spilt seat assembly. Further, the prolonged exposure to such conditions weaken the entire structure of the frame assembly as it is tubular metallic part vulnerable to rusting. This is not preferred as the entire frame may have to replaced in case of breakage of the welded joints due to rusting. The frame is a skeleton of the vehicle therefore any distortion in the frame can make the vehicle unstable and lead to uneven distribution of the load throughout the frame of the vehicle which can also affects the vehicle dynamics including ride handling characteristics.
[0004] The above-mentioned problem as critical and therefore, there is need for a frame assembly being configured to support and ensure even load distribution from an ergonomic seat assembly to ensure safe ride. Thus, there is a need to overcome the above-mentioned problems and other problems of known art.
[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a frame assembly for a vehicle. The frame assembly includes a sub frame assembly. The sub frame assembly includes a pair of first portions, and a second portion. The pair of first portions being extending in a first direction of said frame assembly. Further, the second portion being configured to bridge said pair of first portions. The second portion extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction of said frame assembly. The second portion being integrated to said pair of first portions.
[0007] As per an embodiment, said second portion includes a dipped zone, said dipped zone being configured to have an opening.
[0008] As per another embodiment, said opening being configured to receive a portion of one or more lock assembly.
[0009] As per yet another embodiment, said second portion being configured to support a seat assembly.
[00010] As per an embodiment, said seat assembly includes a pillion seat and a rider seat, said rider seat includes a rider seat front end portion and a rider rear end portion.
[00011] As per another embodiment, said pillion seat includes a pillion seat front end portion and a pillion seat rear end portion.
[00012] As per yet another embodiment, the rider seat rear end portion and a pillion seat front end portion being positioned on a top surface of said second portion.
[00013] As per an embodiment, said frame assembly includes a casted sub frame, said sub frame being composed of a metal selected from a group of lightweight materials including Aluminum.
[00014] As per another embodiment, wherein each of the first portion of said pair of first portions include an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper portion and said lower portion being connected through one or more connecting members.
[00015] As per yet another embodiment, said second portion being integrated to said upper portions of said pair of first portions.
[00016] As per an embodiment, geometrical parameters of said second portion is different from a third portion of said frame assembly, when viewed in an up-down direction of said frame assembly, said third portion being configured to connect rear ends of said pair of first portions.
[00017] As per another embodiment, a fourth portion being disposed below said second portion, said pair of first portions, said second portion, said third portion and said fourth portion forms a predetermined configuration.
[00018] As per yet another embodiment, said predetermined configuration includes a trapezoidal shape when viewed in said up-down direction of said frame assembly.
[00019] As per an embodiment, the sub frame assembly being connected to a main frame assembly using attachment means.
[00020] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detail description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00021] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[00022] Figure 1(a) exemplarily illustrates a left side perspective partial view of a vehicle as per an embodiment of the present invention.
[00023] Figure 1(b) exemplarily illustrates a left side perspective partial view of a frame assembly as per an embodiment of the present invention.
[00024] Figure 2(a) exemplarily illustrates a top view and a localized magnified view of the frame assembly as per an embodiment of the present invention.
[00025] Figure 2(b) exemplarily illustrates a left side view of the frame assembly as per an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00026] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. According to an embodiment, a frame assembly for a vehicle. As per an embodiment, such frame assembly are implemented in any motor vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to non-automotive application without defeating the spirit of the present subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable place or can be implemented in non-automotive application. Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the assembly and looking forward. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis (L-L’) unless otherwise mentioned, refers to a front to rear axis relative to the assembly, while a lateral axis (C-C’) unless otherwise mentioned, refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the assembly.
[00027] An object of the present invention to provide a simple, reliable and cost-effective frame assembly being configured to support an ergonomic seat.
[00028] It is another object of the present invention to provide a frame assembly being configured to accommodate the seat lock assembly and ensuring even load distribution to enhance the safety characteristics of the vehicle.
[00029] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures & embodiment in the following description.
[00030] Figure 1(a) exemplarily illustrates a left side perspective partial view of a vehicle (A) as per an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1(b) exemplarily illustrates a left side perspective partial view of a frame assembly (100) as per an embodiment of the present invention. The figure 1(a) and figure 1(b) shall be discussed together for sake of brevity. The vehicle (A) includes a frame assembly (100) and a seat assembly (102). The seat assembly (102) being mounted on the frame assembly (100). The seat assembly (102) includes a rider seat (102A) and a pillion seat (102B). In the present embodiment, the rider seat (102A) of the seat assembly (102) includes a rider seat front end portion (102AF) and a rider seat rear end portion (102AR). Further, the pillion seat (102B) includes a pillion seat front end portion (102BF) and a pillion seat rear end portion (102BR). The pillion seat (102B) and the rider seat (102A) being in a split seat configuration. The pillion seat (102B) is configured to have one or more mounting points (not shown) to be mounted on the frame assembly (100). The entire rider seat (102A) and the pillion seat (102B) is disposed on the frame assembly (100) of the vehicle (A). In addition to the above, there is a height difference between the rider seat (102A) and the pillion seat (102B). The split type of the seat assembly (102) being configured to maintain the ergonomics and good sitting posture for both the rider as well as the pillion on the vehicle (A). The rider seat (102A) is mounted on the utility box (not shown). The frame assembly (100) includes a sub frame assembly (101) and a main frame assembly (not shown). The sub frame assembly (101) being connected to the main frame assembly (not shown) using attachment means (not shown).
[00031] Figure 2(a) exemplarily illustrates a top view and a localized magnified view of the frame assembly (100) as per an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2(b) exemplarily illustrates a left side view of the frame assembly (100) as per an embodiment of the present invention. The figure 2(a) and figure 2(b) shall be discussed together for sake of brevity. In the present embodiment, the sub frame assembly (101) comprising a pair of first portions (101A), and a second portion (101B). The pair of first portions (101A) being extending in a first direction (L-L’) of said frame assembly (100). The first direction (L-L’) is a longitudinal direction of the frame assembly (100). The second portion (101B) being configured to bridge said pair of first portions (101A). Importantly, the pair of first portions (101A) and the second portion (101B) being integrated to each other. The second portion (101B) is extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction (L-L’) of said frame assembly (100). The second portion (101B) includes a dipped zone (Z). The dipped zone (Z) being configured to have an opening. The opening being configured to receive a portion of one or more lock assembly (101E). In the present embodiment, the dipped zone (Z) is provided in the central portion of the frame assembly (100). The second portion (101B) being configured to support the seat assembly (102). The rider seat rear end portion (102AR) and the pillion seat front end portion (102BF) being positioned on a top surface (TS) of said second member (101B). More specifically, the rider seat (102A) is latched directly on to a second portion (101B) of the sub frame assembly (101). The latching is achieved through the seat latch (not shown) mounted on the second portion (101B). The seat locking and unlocking mechanism can be achieved through a switch or a key (not shown). The switch or the key (not shown) can be placed anywhere on the vehicle (A) suitable for the rider of the vehicle (A) to access. In an embodiment, the seat lock assembly (101E) is detachably attached to the second portion (101B). Thereby eliminating the need of welding the seat latch mounting bracket (not shown), thus avoiding any distortion or any deformation in sub frame assembly (101) due to welded joints. The frame assembly (100) being a casted frame. As per another embodiment, the sub frame assembly (101) of the frame assembly (100) includes a single casted sub frame, and a main frame assembly (not shown) of the frame assembly (100) being a tubular structure. The frame assembly (100) is composed of metallic or nonmetallic materials. In the present embodiment, the metallic material being selected from a group of lightweight materials including aluminum.
[00032] Further, each of the first portion (101A) of the pair of first portions (101A) include an upper portion (101AA) and a lower portion (101AB). The upper portion (101AA) and said lower portion (101AB) being connected through one or more connecting portions (101AC). The connecting portions (101AC) being extending vertically to connect the upper portion (101AA) and the lower portion (101AB) of each of the first portion (101A) of said pair of first portions (101A). In the present embodiment, the second portion (101B) being integrated to an upper portion (101AA) of said pair of first portions (101A). The geometrical parameters of said second portion (101B) is different from a third portion (101C) of said frame assembly (100), when viewed in an up-down direction (Up-Dw) of said frame assembly (100). The third portion (101C) being configured to connect rear ends (101AR) of said pair of first portions (101A). As per the present embodiment, the width (W1) of said second portion (101B) is different from the third portion (101C) of said frame assembly (100), when viewed in an up-down direction (Up-Dw) of said frame assembly (100). The third portion (101C) is a cross portion connecting the rear ends (101AR) of the pair of the first portions (101A) to each other. As per one implementation, the width (W1) of the second portion (101B) is higher than the third portion (101C). Further, a fourth portion (101D) being substantially disposed below said second portion (101B). Importantly, the pair of first portions (101A), said second portion (101B), said third portion (101C) and said fourth portion (101D) forms a predetermined configuration. The predetermined configuration includes a trapezoidal shape when viewed in said up-down direction (Up-Dw) of said frame assembly (100).
[00033] With the above design changes, the following advantages can be obtained such as reliable, cost-effective, light weight frame assembly. The frame assembly being configured to eliminate plurality of child parts including a dedicated plastic cover to cover the step portion. Further, the current invention eliminates the use of lengthier grab rails having rubber grommets which is another approach to hide the see-through gaps. This is achieved due to improved frame assembly being configured to bear the load of the pillion rider as the interface of the rider seat and pillion rider seat positioned on the second portion of the sub frame assembly. Further, the present invention eliminates the welding technique thereby reduces the manufacturing cost and assembly time.
[00034] Further, the frame assembly includes application in the multi-wheeled vehicles like two, three, or four wheeled vehicles as it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

List of reference numerals
A Vehicle
Z Dipped zone
L-L' First direction
C-C' Lateral direction
TS Top surface
100 Frame assembly
101 Sub Frame assembly
101A First portion
101AR Rear end portions of the first portions
101AA Upper portion
101AB lower portion
101AC Connecting portion
101B Second portion
101C Third portion
101D Fourth portion
101E One or more Seat lock assembly
, C , Claims:We Claim:

1. A frame assembly (100) for a vehicle (A) comprising:
a sub frame assembly (101), said sub frame assembly (101) includes
a pair of first portions (101A), said pair of first portions (101A) being extending in a first direction (L-L’) of said frame assembly (100); and
a second portion (101B), said second portion (101B) being configured to bridge said pair of first portions (101A),
wherein said second portion (101B) extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction (L-L’) of said frame assembly (100), and
wherein said second portion (101B) being integrated to said pair of first portions (101A).
2. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion (101B) includes a dipped zone (Z), said dipped zone (Z) being configured to have an opening.
3. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said opening being configured to receive a portion of one or more lock assembly (101E), wherein said one or more seat lock assembly (101E) being detachably attached to said second portion (101B)
4. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion (101B) being configured to support a seat assembly (102).
5. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said seat assembly (102) includes a pillion seat (102A) and a rider seat (102B), said rider seat (102A) includes a rider seat front end portion (102AF) and a rider rear end portion (102AR).
6. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said pillion seat (102B) includes a pillion seat front end portion (102BF) and a pillion seat rear end portion (102BR).
7. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rider seat rear end portion (102AR) and a pillion seat front end portion (102BF) being positioned on a top surface (TS) of said second portion (102B).
8. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame assembly (100) includes a casted sub frame (101), said sub frame (101) being composed of a metal selected from a group of lightweight materials including Aluminum.
9. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first portion (101A) of said pair of first portions (101A) include an upper portion (101AA) and a lower portion (101AB), said upper portion (101AA) and said lower portion (101AB) being connected through one or more connecting members (101AC).
10. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion (101B) being integrated to said upper portions (101AA) of said pair of first portions (101A).
11. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a geometrical parameters of said second portion (101B) being different from a third portion (101C) of said frame assembly (100), when viewed in an up-down direction (Up-Dw) of said frame assembly (100), said third portion (101C) being configured to connect rear ends (101AR) of said pair of first portions (101A).
12. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a fourth portion (101D) being disposed below said second portion (101B), said pair of first portions (101A), said second portion (101B), said third portion (101C) and said fourth portion (101D) forms a predetermined configuration.
13. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said predetermined configuration includes a trapezoidal shape when viewed in said up-down direction (Up-Dw) of said frame assembly (100).
14. The frame assembly (100) for the vehicle (A) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sub frame assembly (101) being connected to a main frame assembly using attachment means.