Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A frame structure (100) for a saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe;
a main frame (24) extending rearwardly from the head pipe;
a first frame (110) extending in a vehicle front rear direction, the first frame (110) extending between a first end (110A) and a second end (110B), the first end (110A) being connected to the main frame (24), the first frame (110) being configured to support a rider seat (18); and
a second frame (120) extending between the second end (110B) of the first frame (110) and a rear end of the saddle type vehicle (10), the second frame (120) being boltably connected to the first frame (110), the second frame (120) being configured to support a pillion seat (20).

2. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first frame (110) comprises a left frame (112) and a right frame (114) that extend substantially parallelly to each other.

3. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first frame (110) comprises one or more cross members (116) extending between the left frame (112) and the right frame (114).

4. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more cross members (116) comprise a top member (116A) configured for supporting the rider seat (18) and a locking mechanism (117) for the rider seat (18).

5. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the left frame (112) and the right frame (114) comprise a recess (150) provided therein for allowing the left frame (112) and the right frame (114) to be held by the rider.

6. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the left frame (112) and the right frame (114) are cast from aluminium.

7. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the one or more cross members (116) are fabricated with steel.

8. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second frame (120) comprises one or more left tubular members (122) and one or more right tubular members (124), such that the left tubular members (122) extend in the vehicle front rear direction parallelly to the right tubular members (124).

9. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second frame (120) comprises one or more hook receivers (126) that configured to engage with one or more hooks provided on the pillion seat (20), thereby supporting the pillion seat (20).

10. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 2 and 8, wherein the first frame (110) comprises a pair of brackets (130), and the second frame (120) comprises a cross bracket (140) extending in the vehicle width direction between the left tubular members (122) and the right tubular members (124), such that the pair of brackets (130) are configured to receive the cross bracket (140), thereby boltably connecting the second frame (120) to the first frame (110).

11. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the left tubular members (122) and the right tubular members (124) are fabricated from steel.
Dated this 25th day of March 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471 , Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a frame structure for saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in saddle type vehicles, especially motorcycle type vehicles, a rear frame is provided that extends from the front frame. The rear frame is further connected to a set of seat rails which then support the rider seat and the pillion seat. However, all these frames are made up of steel or mild steel and are provided as separate elements which are then fastened or welded together. Such a configuration leads to an increase in the weight of the frame, and thus an increase in the overall weight of the vehicle.
[003] In other saddle type vehicles, especially motorcycles with bigger engines, the rear frame is provided as a single aluminium cast frame which extends from the front frame to the rear of the vehicle. Although, provision of a single aluminium cast frame provides improved structural strength, such a single aluminium cast frame has more weight. Further casting a single large aluminium frame is also expensive. Therefore, such an aluminium frame not only leads to an increase in the weight of the vehicle, but also the cost of the vehicle. Increased weight of the vehicle directly impacts the vehicle performance.
[004] Furthermore, the complexity of the tool required for casting and assembly of the single cast aluminium frame is substantially high, which is further associated with increased costs.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a frame structure for a saddle type vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards frame structure for a saddle type vehicle having a head pipe and a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe. A first frame extends in a vehicle front rear direction. The first frame extends between a first end and a second end, and the first end of the first frame is connected to the main frame. The first frame is configured to support a rider seat. Further, a second frame extends between the second end of the first frame and a rear end of the saddle type vehicle. The second frame is detachably connected, for example, boltably connected to the first frame, and the second frame is configured to support a pillion seat.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the first frame has a left frame and a right frame that extend substantially parallelly to each other.
[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the first frame has one or more cross members extending between the left frame and the right frame.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the one or more cross members have a top member configured for supporting the rider seat and a locking mechanism for the rider seat.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the left frame and the right frame have a recess provided therein for allowing the left frame and the right frame to be held by the rider.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the left frame and the right frame are cast from aluminium.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the one or more cross members are fabricated with steel.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second frame has one or more left tubular members and one or more right tubular members, such that the left tubular members extend in the vehicle front rear direction parallelly to the right tubular members.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second frame has one or more hook receivers that configured to engage with one or more hooks provided on the pillion seat, thereby supporting the pillion seat.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first frame has a pair of brackets, and the second frame has a cross bracket extending in the vehicle width direction between the left tubular members and the right tubular members, such that the pair of brackets are configured to receive the cross bracket, thereby boltably connecting the second frame to the first frame.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the left tubular members and the right tubular members are fabricated from steel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a left perspective view of a frame structure for the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a left side view of the frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a first frame and the second frame of the frame structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the first frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates another perspective view of the first frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the second frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a left perspective view of the second frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a frame structure for saddle type vehicle.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 10 includes an internal combustion engine 12 that is vertically disposed or a traction motor (not shown). Preferably, the Internal combustion engine 12 is a single-cylinder type internal combustion engine. The vehicle 10 further includes a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame structure 100 (shown in Figure 2), a rider seat 18, a pillion rider seat 20 and a fuel tank 40. The frame structure 100 includes a head pipe (not shown), a main frame 24, and a down tube (not shown). The head pipe supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front forks 26 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front forks 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front forks 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A head light 32, a visor guard 33 and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe. The frame structure having the down tube (not shown) may be located in front of the internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantly downward from the head pipe. The main frame 24 of the frame structure 100 is located above the internal combustion engine 12 and extends rearward from the head pipe. The internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the rear portion of the main frame 24. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[020] The fuel tank 40 of the vehicle 10 is mounted on the main frame 24. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension 36 or through two suspensions (not shown) on either side of the vehicle 10. A taillight unit 37 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18, 20. The rear wheel 16 arranged below seat 18, 20 rotates by the driving force of the Internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive 39 from the internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[021] Further, an exhaust pipe (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle 10 extends vertically downward from the Internal combustion engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the Internal combustion engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[022] The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 50 connected to the head pipe of the frame member and extending in a vehicle width direction. The handlebar 50 can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10 during vehicle turning movements.
[023] Figure 2 illustrates a portion of the frame structure 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As mentioned earlier, the frame structure 100 has a main frame 24 extending rearwardly from the head pipe. As illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the frame structure 100 has a first frame 110 that extends in a vehicle front rear direction. The first frame 110 extends between a first end 110A and a second end 110B. In that, the first end 110A of the first frame is connected to the main frame 24. The first frame 110 is configured to support the rider seat 18. The frame structure 100 further has a second frame 120 that extends between the second end 110B of the first frame 110 and a rear end of the saddle type vehicle 10. The second frame 120 is detachably, for example, boltably connected to the first frame 110. Further, the second frame 120 is configured to support a pillion seat 20. Such a frame structure 100 allows for separate manufacturing of the first frame 110 and the second frame 120 which can then be bolted together, thus allowing easier manufacturing.
[024] Reference is made to Figure 4, wherein, as illustrated, in an embodiment, the first frame 110 comprises of a left frame 112 and a right frame 114 that extend along the sides of the vehicle and substantially parallelly to each other. In an embodiment, the left frame 112 and the right frame 114 are provided with ribs for increased structural strength. As further illustrated in Figure 4, the first frame 110 has one or more cross members 116 that extending between the left frame 112 and the right frame 114. The one or more cross members 116 thus join the left frame 112 and the right frame 114 and provides structural integrity to the first frame 110.
[025] As illustrated in Figure 5, the one or more cross members 116 have a top member 116A. The top member 116A is specifically configured for supporting the rider seat 18. In that, the rider seat 18 sits atop the top member 116A and is therefore supported by the top member 116A and the left frame 112 and the right frame 114. To further facilitate the supporting of the rider seat 18 on the top member 116A, the top member 116A has a locking mechanism 117. The locking mechanism 117 is a hook receiver formation which is configured to engage with a set of locking hooks provided on the rider seat 18, which are operable by the rider, thereby locking the rider seat 18 in position. Such a locking mechanism 117 prevents unauthorised access to vehicle components within the frame structure 100.
[026] Reference is made to Figure 7 and Figure 8, wherein as illustrated, the left frame 112 and the right frame 114 that are exposed, have a recess 150 provided therein for allowing the left frame 112 and the right frame 114 to be held by the rider. The recess 150 thus acts as a grab portion which can be grabbed by the rider as per requirement. In an embodiment, the recess is covered by a mesh, to prevent any foreign materials from entering inside the frame structure 100, as critical electrical components are packaged beneath and underneath the rider seat 18.
[027] In an embodiment, the left frame 112 and the right frame 114 are cast from aluminium and the one or more cross members 116 are fabricated with steel. Casting of the left frame 112 and the right frame 114 from aluminium results in lower weight of the frame structure 100, and thus, overall vehicle weight.
[028] Reference is made to Figure 5, wherein as illustrated, in an embodiment, the second frame 120 has one or more left tubular members 122, and one or more right tubular members 124. In that, the left tubular members 122 extend in the vehicle front rear direction parallelly to the right tubular members 124.
[029] As further illustrated in Figure 6, to facilitate the boltable connection of the first frame 110 to the second frame 120, the first frame 110 has a pair of brackets 130, each bracket 130 placed on the left frame 112 and the right frame 114. The second frame 120 has a cross bracket 140 extending in the vehicle width direction between the left tubular members 122 and the pair of right tubular members 124. Herein, the pair of brackets 130 are configured to receive the cross bracket 140. A set of through holes are provided on the cross bracket 140 which align with through holes provided on the pair of brackets 130, allowing fasteners to pass through thereby boltably connecting the second frame 120 to the first frame 110.
[030] As illustrated in Figure 9 and Figure 10, the second frame 120 has one or more hook receivers 126 that configured to engage with one or more hooks provided on the pillion seat 20, thereby supporting the pillion seat 20 and locking the pillion seat 20 in position.
[031] In an embodiment, the left tubular members 122 and the right tubular members 124 are fabricated from steel and are covered by body panels. In this manner, left frame 112 and the right frame 114 of the first frame 110 being cast with aluminium, and the left tubular members 122 and the right tubular members 124 being fabricated with steel thus provide an integrated frame structure 100.
[032] Advantageously, the present invention provides for an integrated frame structure which is lighter in weight, since a portion of the frame structure is cast from aluminium. Further, since the complete frame structure is not cast from aluminium but is an integration of aluminium cast and steel fabrication, the tool size required for casting is smaller, and the total amount of aluminium required is lower, hence manufacturing costs are lower.
[033] Further, since the first frame, which is the aluminium part is exposed, and the steel fabricated part, that is the second frame is covered by body panels, the vehicle aesthetics are improved. In addition, the present invention allows for weight of the frame to be reduced, hence reducing overall weight of the vehicle and thus improving vehicle performance.
[034] 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.