DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a motorized vehicle and more particularly to a seating structure for a motorized vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled or a three-wheeled vehicle a body frame extends rearward from a head tube. The body frame acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front portion of the body frame supports one or more front wheel(s) through one or more front suspension(s). Further, the body frame extends rearward towards a rear portion of the vehicle. One or more rear wheel(s) is connected to a body frame through one or more rear suspension(s). A power unit is either fixedly mounted or swingably connected to the body frame of the vehicle. Further, the power unit is functionally connected to at least one wheel of the vehicle, which provides the forward/rearward motion to the vehicle. The forward or rearward motion of the vehicle is achieved by the rotation of the wheels. The vehicle is provided with seat assembly on which the users sits and operates the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a side perspective view with selected parts shown exploded, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1.
[0006] Fig. 3 depicts a side perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1.
[0007] Fig. 4 depicts a top view of the seating structure, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 3.
[0008] Fig. 5 depicts a side view of the seating structure, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 3.
[0009] Fig. 6 depicts a side view of the vehicle showing schematic riding posture of a rider, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00010] Typically, the two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles, which are colloquially referred to motorcycle, scooter, trike, auto-rickshaw etc., are provided with a seat assembly that is used by the rider to operate the vehicle in a seated position. Generally, the vehicle may also include a pillion rider who can also be accommodated on the seat assembly. The seat assembly is disposed rearward to the handle bar of the vehicle. In some vehicles, the seat assembly is disposed rearward to a fuel tank that is mounted to the vehicle. Seat assembly is one of parts of the vehicle that is in contact with the rider apart from the handle bar and the footrests. Moreover, majority of weight of the rider is borne by the seat assembly. Therefore, seat assembly plays an important role in providing comfortable riding posture and riding condition(s) to the user.
[00011] Generally, a single seat assembly is used that is used by both the rider and pillion, which is typically disposed in the rear portion of the vehicle. The single seat assembly is used is generally used in commuter vehicles that are typically operated for short distances and the single seat assembly which is either flat or is having minor curvatures serves the purpose. Whereas, in case of high speed motorcycles, colloquially referred to as sports motor vehicle, a split type seat is used that is having a compact seat for the rider and also the pillion. Moreover, the pillion seat is positioned at a higher height than the rider seat. This type of seat assembly is provided where the rider typically hugs the vehicle with the legs to provide agile posture. These types of seats are less comfortable for long rides. Moreover, there is another category of vehicle where the vehicles are used for long drives, colloquially referred to as cruiser. Such vehicles are generally used for long distance journeys. Such vehicles provide well cushioned wider seats that provide comfortable ride to the user.
[00012] However, in the conventionally known cruiser type vehicles the lack of fairing results in unguided flow of air. As these vehicles are operated for longer distances, the user has to experience a turbulence created by the air flow due to the absence of proper guidance. Also, the user experiences lack of air flow at the rear portion due to the deflection of the air by the user towards a rear portion of the vehicle. This not only offers poor air flow but also causes uneven air flow around the user causing discomfort. The seat posture offered by the conventional seat assembly may offer comfortable seating posture but does not provide any air guidance with reference to the user. The function of the seat assembly is purely limited to the user seating comfort. The seat assembly extending substantially along half the length of the vehicle and disposed in continuation to the side panels and rear cover assembly offers poor air flow path.
[00013] Thus, there is a need for a seat assembly for a motorized vehicle that is capable of providing a comfortable seating posture to the rider and at the same time is capable of providing a smooth air flow during operation of the vehicle improving the riding condition for the user.
[00014] Hence, the present subject matter provides a motorized vehicle. The vehicle provides a seating structure for the rider and also for the pillion. The seating structure is optimal in providing a comfortable seating posture to the rider and the pillion. Also, the seating structure provides optimum air flow about the vehicle and also around the user improving the riding conditions for the user.
[00015] The motor vehicle is preferably a compact motor vehicle mounted with a power unit having an internal combustion (IC) engine with a capacity in the range of 100-600 cubic centimeters, an electric motor, capable of providing torque/power substantially equivalent to the torque/power generated by the aforementioned capacity of the IC engine, or a combination of both.
[00016] The motorized vehicle is provided with a seating structure mounted to a body frame of the vehicle. The vehicle includes one or more wheel(s) supported by the body frame. The power unit is either fixedly mounted or swingably mounted to body frame. The vehicle is provided with a seating structure mounted to the body frame.
[00017] The term ‘motorized’ is not limiting and includes a vehicle including at least one of the IC engine and the traction motor.
[00018] It is a feature that the seating structure incudes a first seating portion and a second seating portion. The first seating portion for the rider and a second seating portion for a pillion rider. The first seating portion is provided with a depression which is having a concave profile when viewed from top. The first seating portion provides a compact seating posture for the rider.
[00019] It is a feature that the seating structure includes a front portion having an upward curvature with a first transition portion and a second transition that defines the concave profile. The front portion is abutting at least a portion of the fuel tank providing a smooth transition therebetween.
[00020] The seating structure includes lateral wing(s) that forms lateral side face(s) thereof. The lateral wing(s) disposed at an inclination with respect to a top surface of the seating structure.
[00021] It is a feature that the seating structure includes a lateral width tapering towards substantial mid-portion thereof in longitudinal direction. The maximum lateral width at the substantial longitudinal center of the seating structure acts as substantial contact point between the rider and the seating structure. Further, from the substantial longitudinal center of the seating structure the lateral width is tapering towards the rear portion aligning with the tapering profile of the rear cover assembly thereby providing aesthetically appealing and aerodynamic design.
[00022] The lateral wing includes a first wing portion and a second wing portion. In one embodiment, the first wing portion is extending at least till the transition edge between the first seating portion and the second seating portion. This first wing portion substantially provides non-interfering side profile for the rider.
[00023] Further, the second wing portion is extending substantially from a longitudinal center towards a rear portion of the seating structure. The second wing portion offers non-interfering seating portion to the pillion rider and is in line with the rear cover assembly profile.
[00024] It is feature that the first wing portion is having a wing width, which is widening from the front portion till a vertex point, which is bottom protruded portion, of the wing portion. Subsequent to the vertex point, the width of the first wing portion is tapering and is inclinedly disposed to offer air flow guidance.
[00025] It is a feature that the wing portion from the vertex point extends towards the rear portion thereof with at least a portion of the second wind portion widening when moving from front to rear. The first seating portion offers comfortable seating posture as the first seating portion offers gradual support with the widening profile and at the same time the first wing portion is widening away from the rider legs portion.
[00026] It is a feature that the overlap between the first wing portion and the second wing portion offers maximum width, with cushioning when seen from side, for the rider at the maximum contact portion.
[00027] The bottom portion of the seating structure includes a curved cross section by virtue of the curved profile of the seat-frame.
[00028] It is a feature that the first wing portion and the second wing portion are substantially having a common edge. The ‘edge’ is used for brevity and may include a surface. The common edge is disposed at a first inclination with respect to an imaginary horizontal line. It is a feature that the first inclined portion acts as an air guiding portion towards the rear side of the rider.
[00029] It is a feature that a side portion of the vehicle that includes a side panel or an exposed sub-frame works in conjunction with the seating structure to offer guided air flow. The air flow deflected from the sub-frame or a side panel is further guided by the first wing portion towards a rear portion of the rider thereby keeping air flow at the rear portion of the rider providing improved riding environment around the rider.
[00030] It is an aspect of the present subject matter that an auxiliary plate is disposed at a transition portion formed subsequent to the first seating portion and the auxiliary plate is disposed at least partially outward with respect to an outer periphery of the transition portion. The auxiliary plate can act as a rear support for the rider. In another embodiment, the auxiliary plate can act as an exit for cooling fan, an access switch, an electrical access switch, or a biometric access switch.
[00031] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction.
[00032] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 includes a body frame 105 that extends from a head tube 105A, which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle 100, extending towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100. The body frame 105 extends in longitudinal direction F-R of the vehicle 100. The body frame 105 may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. A power unit 110 is fixedly mounted to the body frame 105.
[00033] The power unit 100 includes at least one of an internal combustion engine and a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm 115 is swingably connected to the body frame 105 and a rear portion of the swing arm 115 rotatably supports a rear wheel 120. The rear wheel 120 is functionally coupled to the power unit 110 through a transmission system. The transmission system (not shown) includes a chain drive/belt drive, a variable gear ratio system, or an automatic type transmission. A rear fender 125 disposed upwardly of the rear wheel 120 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 120. Further, the swing arm 115 is coupled to the body frame 105 through one or more rear suspension(s) (not shown). In the present embodiment, a mono-shock type rear suspension connects the swing arm 115 to the body frame 105. Similarly, a pair of front forks 130 supports a front wheel 135 and is steerably supported by the head tube 105A. A handlebar assembly 140 is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front forks 130. The handlebar assembly 140 includes a handle bar 141 (shown in Fig. 5) that is having a tapering diameter when moving from lateral center towards lateral sides of the vehicle 100. Further, a front fender 175 covers at least a portion of the front wheel 135 and the front fender 175 is mounted to the front forks 130.
[00034] A fuel tank assembly 150 is mounted to the body frame 150 and is disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly 140. A seating structure 200 including a rider seat is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly 150 and is supported by the body frame 105. The seat assembly may include a pillion seat. Further, a pair of rider foot pegs 165 are mounted to the body frame 105 of the vehicle 100 that enable in supporting rider foot.
[00035] Further, the power unit 110 includes an air-fuel supply system (not shown) that supplies air and fuel thereto. An exhaust pipe (not shown) extends from the engine assembly 110 towards a muffler (not shown) that is disposed adjacently of the rear wheel 120.
[00036] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 includes various electrical and electronic systems including a starter motor (not shown), a headlamp assembly 180, a vehicle control unit, and a tail lamp device 155. The vehicle 100 is provided with a rear cover assembly 170 that is extending downward from the seat assembly 155 and is substantially enclosing the tail lamp device 155. In addition, the vehicle includes safety systems including a synchronous braking system (not shown), and an anti-lock braking system.
[00037] Fig. 2 depicts a rear portion of the vehicle with selected parts, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1. The seating structure 200 is shown exploded. The vehicle 100 includes body frame 105 (shown in Fig. 1) that includes a sub-frame106 that is mounted to a main frame (not shown) of the vehicle 100. The main frame is disposed in the front portion extending from the head tube 105A till a mid-portion of the vehicle 100. The sub-frame 106 extends rearward from the main tube towards a substantially rear portion of the vehicle thereof. The sub-frame 106 includes a pair of rails 107, 108 that are spaced apart in lateral direction RH-LH and extending towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100. The sub-frame 106 is also provided with one or more cross-members 109, 111 that connect the pair of rails 107, 108. In one implementation, the sub-frame 106 is an integrated casted part that is made of any known metal. In a second embodiment, the sub-frame 106 is formed by pair of railings that are tubular members and the cross-members being affixed to the pair of railings. In the present embodiment, a first cross member 109 is disposed substantially a center portion of the sub-frame 109 and a second cross-member 111 is disposed substantially at rear portion of the sub-frame 111. The seating structure 200 is supported by the sub-frame 106 and is detachable by authorized users. Further, the rear portion includes the rear cover assembly 170 that is substantially covering the sub-frame 106 from the lateral sides and at rear portion. In other words, the rear cover assembly 170 extends downward from the downward portion of the seating structure 200.
[00038] In one embodiment, the rear cover assembly 170 includes one or more parts viz. a first side member 171, a second side member 172 that are disposed on either sides with respect to the lateral center of the vehicle 100. The first side member 171 and the second side member 172 are connected together to form the rear cover assembly 170. In a second embodiment, the first side member 171 and the second side member 172 are integrally formed as a single piece.
[00039] Fig. 3 depicts a right side perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1. The seating structure 200 includes a rigid base (not shown) that forms the seat-frame through which the seating structure 200 is mounted to the sub-frame 106. Further, a cushioning material (not shown) is disposed on the top surface of the seat-frame and the cushioning material defines the profile of the seating structure 200. A cover is disposed on the cushioning material for protection and the cover takes the profile of the cushioning material. Therefore, the profile of the seating structure 200 defined herein in analogous to the profile of the cushioning material.
[00040] The seating structure 200 includes a first seating portion 201 for the rider and a second seating portion 202 that can be used for a pillion rider. The first seating portion 201 is provided with a depression 220 which is having a concave profile when viewed from top. The seating structure 200 includes a front portion 205 having an upward curvature and a rear portion 206 at a rear end portion thereof. The front portion 205 extends towards the fuel tank providing front cushioning against the fuel tank 150. The second seating portion 202 is disposed subsequent to the first seating portion 201 in the vehicle longitudinal direction F-R. Further, the seating structure 200 includes lateral wing(s) 215, 216 that forms lateral side face(s) of the seating structure 200. The lateral wing(s) 215, 216 disposed at an inclination with respect to a top surface of the seating structure 200. The second seating portion 202 includes a substantially flat surface 245 for the pillion rider. The seating structure 200 includes the second seating portion 202 having substantially the flat surface 245 and an upper periphery of the front portion 205 also at same height. Also, an upper periphery of the second transition portion 225 and the upper periphery of front portion 205 are at same height providing a comfortable seating portion due to the depression 220.
[00041] Further, considering Fig. 3 in conjunction Fig. 4 illustrating a top view of the seating structure 200. The first seating structure 201 includes the front portion 205 with a forward inclination providing a first transition portion 210 towards the fuel tank 150, wherein the front portion 205 acts as a stopper for the rider to come in direct contact with the fuel tank. The first seating portion 201 includes a second transition portion 225 with a rearward inclination providing a second transition portion 225 between the first seating portion 201 and the second seating portion 202. The second transition portion 225 provides a smooth rearward inclination, which is preferably curvedly provided with a transition edge 226 to the second seating portion 202. The seating structure 200 includes a lateral width W1 tapering towards substantial mid-portion thereof in longitudinal direction F-R. The seating structure 200 is provided with maximum lateral width W1 at the substantial longitudinal center of the seating structure 200 whereby the seating structure 200 provides maximum to the rider thereat. Further, from the substantial longitudinal center of the seating structure 200 the lateral width W1 is tapering towards the rear portion aligning with the tapering profile of the rear cover assembly 170.
[00042] A right side lateral wing 215 includes a first wing portion 230 and a second wing portion 231. The first wing portion 230 is extending from the front portion 205 at least towards the longitudinal mid-portion of the seating structure 200. In the present embodiment, the first wing portion 230 is extending till the transition edge 226 between the first seating portion 201 and the second seating portion 202. Further, the second wing portion 231 is extending substantially from a longitudinal mid-portion towards a rear portion of the seating structure 200. When viewed from top, the first wing portion 230 overlaps with at least a portion of the second wing portion 231, which is referred to as an overlap portion 255. The first wing portion 230 is having a wing width W2, which is widening from the front portion 205 till a vertex point 250 of the wing 215. Subsequent to the vertex point 250, the width of the first wing portion 230 is tapering and is inclinedly disposed. In the present embodiment, the second wing portion 231 is extending from the vertex point 250 towards the rear portion thereof with at least a portion of the second wind portion 231 widening moving from front to rear. Thus, the first seating portion 201 offers comfortable seating posture to the rider as the rider can place the legs without any interference with the seat towards the front, wherein the rider foot pegs are disposed adjacent to a front portion of the power unit 110. The first seating portion 201 with maximum width at substantial longitudinal center of the seating structure 200 offers maximum support to the rider at the maximum stress portion or contact portion between the rider and the seating structure 200. Further, the overlap between the first wing portion 230 and the second wing portion 231 offers maximum width for the wings 215, 216 offering cushioning to the rider. Similarly, the left side lateral wing 216 also includes a first wing portion 235 and a second wing portion 236 that are provided with aforementioned profile. As the seating structure 200 is substantially symmetrical with respect to a lateral center of the vehicle 100, the characteristics of the left side portion are applicable to right side as well.
[00043] Further, the seating structure 200 accommodates an auxiliary plate 240. The auxiliary plate 240 is disposed substantially at the second transition portion 225 thereof. The auxiliary plate 240 is disposed at an angle coinciding with the curvature of the second transition portion 240. In an embodiment, the auxiliary plate 240 is capable acting as a rear support for the rider, wherein the auxiliary plate 240 is provided with a cushioning material.
[00044] In a second embodiment, the auxiliary plate 240 is a meshed member and a cooling fan is provided below the seat assembly, wherein the cooling fan is capable of being operated depending on the riding conditions for providing air flow at the rear side of the user.
[00045] In a third embodiment, the auxiliary plate 240 is disposed substantially inward with respect to the second transition portion 225, wherein the auxiliary plate can operate as a switch wherein the user can selectively open either the seat or any other access points provided in the rear portion. In one implementation, the auxiliary plate 240 can be a biometric switch that enables access to only authorized users. Fig. 5 depicts a side view of the seating structure 200 with the auxiliary plate 240 protruded with respect to the mid-transition portion, in accordance the aforementioned first embodiment.
[00046] The seating structure 200 as depicted in Fig. 5 is having common edge 255 between the first wing portion 201 and the second wing portion 202. The common edge 255 can be a line or a surface. The rear end portion of the first wing portion is disposed at a first inclination a with respect to an imaginary horizontal line H. The first inclination a is at an acute angle in the range of 30-60 degrees. The portion of the first wing portion 230 acts an air deflecting portion as shown in Fig. 6. When viewed from side the front portion 205 and the second transition portion 225 are substantially at same height offering an aesthetically proportional seating structure 200.
[00047] Considering Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the vehicle 100 includes a sub-frame 106 that is partially exposed. In another embodiment, the exposed portion of the sub-frame 106 is replaced with a side panel. The exposed portion of the sub-frame 106 directs air towards the seating structure 200. Further, the first wing portion 230 of the seating structure 200 enables the air flow AF deflected from the sub-frame 106 or a side panel to be further guided by the first wing portion 230 towards a rear portion of the rider thereby keeping air flow at the rear portion of the rider to provide improved riding environment.
[00048] The air flow AF from between the lateral side of the vehicle 100 and the user leg passes towards the sub-frame 106 and is disposed at an inclination. The first wing portion 230 then directs air towards the rear portion of the rider. This provides a smooth air flow AF to the rear portion of the vehicle 100 reducing turbulence.
[00049] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure.

List of reference signs:

100 vehicle
105 body frame
105A head tube
106 sub-frame
107/108 rails
109/111 cross-member
110 power unit
115 swing arm
120 rear wheel
125 rear fender
130 front suspension
135 front wheel
140 handlebar assembly
145 steering assembly
150 fuel tank assembly
155 tail lamp device
165 foot pegs
170 rear cover assembly
171 first side member
172 second side member
175 front fender
180 tail lamp
200 seating structure
201 first seating portion
202 second seating portion
205 front portion
215/216 lateral wing
220 depression
225 second transition portion
226 transition edge
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a body frame (105);
one or more wheel(s) (120, 135) supported by said body frame (105);
a power unit (110) mounted to said body frame (105); and
a seating structure (200) mounted to said body frame (105), said seating structure (200) comprising a first seating portion (201) and a pair of lateral wing(s) (215, 216), said first seating portion (201) forming a concave depression (220) and is disposed in a front portion thereof, and said lateral wing(s) (215, 216) disposed with an inclination with respect to the first seating portion (220) and said lateral wing(s) (215, 216) provided with a width (W2) being maximum at longitudinal center of said seating structure (200).
2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seating structure (200) includes a second seating portion (202) disposed subsequent to the first seating portion (201) in vehicle longitudinal direction (F-R), and said second seating portion (202) extends rearward from a rear portion(s) of said first seating portion (201) and said pair of lateral wing(s) (215, 216).
3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seating structure (200) includes a first wing portion (230, 235) and a second wing portion (231, 236) corresponding to each lateral wing (215, 216) of said plurality of wing(s) (215, 216), said first wing portion (230, 235) extending from a front portion (205) to at least a mid-portion of said seating structure (200) and said second wing portion (231, 236) extending from a rear portion (206) to at least said mid-portion.
4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first wing portion (230, 235) and said second wing portion (231, 236) are having at least an overlap portion (255) when viewed from top of said seating structure (200), wherein the overlap portion (255) is formed by a common edge (255) of said first wing portion (230, 235) and said second wing portion (231, 236), and wherein said lateral wing(s) (215, 216) are provided with maximum width at a region of said common edge (255).
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said common edge (255) is disposed at a first inclination (a) with respect to an imaginary horizontal line (H), wherein said first inclination (a) is an acute angle.
6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first wing portion (230, 235) in conjunction with at least one of a side panel or a portion of a sub-frame (106) of the vehicle (100) disposed downward of said first wing portion (230, 235) guide air flow (AF) towards a rear portion of a rider seated on said first seating portion (201).
7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first seating portion (201) includes a lateral width (W1) tapering towards a substantial mid-portion from a front portion (205) and said lateral width (W2) is maximum at a longitudinal center of said seating structure (200).
8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seating structure (200) includes a second seating portion (202) having substantially a flat surface (245) and an upper periphery of a front portion (205) of said seating structure (200) is at same height as that of an upper periphery of a second transition portion (225) and said second seating structure (202).
9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seating structure (200) includes a second transition portion (225) with a rearward inclination providing forming a transition between a first seating portion (201) and a second seating portion (202), and said transition portion (225) having a rearward inclination, and wherein an auxiliary plate (240) is disposed at said transition portion (225) and said auxiliary plate (240) disposed at least partially outward with respect to an outer periphery of said transition portion (225).
10. A seating structure (200) for a vehicle (100), said seating structure comprising:
a first seating portion (201); and
a pair of lateral wing(s) (215, 216),
said first seating portion (201) forming a concave depression (220) and is disposed in a front portion thereof, and said lateral wing(s) (215, 216) disposed with an inclination with respect to the first seating portion (220) and said lateral wing(s) (215, 216) provided with a width (W2) being maximum at longitudinal center of said seating structure (200), and
an auxiliary plate (240) disposed at a transition portion (225) formed subsequent to said first seating portion (201) and said auxiliary plate (240) disposed at least partially outward with respect to an outer periphery of said transition portion (225).