DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to two-wheeled vehicles and, more particularly but not exclusively, to a steering assembly for the two-wheeled vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a frame assembly supports the vehicle. A front portion of the frame assembly is connected to a steering assembly comprising one or more front suspension(s) to a front wheel. The frame assembly extends rearward of the vehicle, where a rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). Generally, in a two-wheeled motorcycle type vehicle, frame structure is such that an internal combustion (IC) engine is positioned in the forward direction of the vehicle. The IC engine is positioned in a manner such that the cylinder head is either vertical or inclined forwardly.
[0003] Typically, in the saddle-ride type vehicle, a fuel tank assembly is mounted to the frame assembly above the IC engine and an air intake system is disposed below a seat assembly, where the seat assembly is positioned in a posterior portion of the fuel tank.
[0004] Typically, the power/torque generated by the internal combustion (IC) engine is transferred to the rear wheel through a transmission system. The vehicle is maneuvered through the steering assembly connected to the front wheel. The steering assembly may comprise important vehicle related controls like clutch, accelerator, brake, switches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description of a steering assembly 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.
[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of a two-wheeled type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a right side view of steering assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 3 depicts a cross sectional view of a portion of the steering assembly taken along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the arrestor assembly according to an embodiment.
[00010] Fig. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the bottom steering arrestor assembled with the locking member.
[00011] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an arrestor assembly according to an embodiment.
[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates a locking member according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Generally, a frame assembly of the vehicle acts as a skeleton. The IC or the like, which acts as the primary drive source of the vehicle, is mounted to the frame assembly. The IC engine is cranked by using a kick-start mechanism or an electric start mechanism. Air fuel mixture is combusted in a combustion chamber of the IC engine. Generally, a fuel tank supplies fuel to a carburetor or the like. An air induction system provides air to the carburetor or the like.
[00014] Typically, the power/torque generated by the IC engine is transferred to the rear wheel through a transmission system. The rear wheel provides the traction required for motion of the vehicle. The front wheel connected to the steering assembly for maneuvering of the vehicle. The steering assembly comprises a handle bar assembly, a steering shaft, a lower bracket, and an upper bracket. The lower bracket transfers load from the front wheel to the frame assembly.
[00015] Typically, in a saddle-ride type vehicle, the steering assembly with a double steering arrestor comprises a lower bracket, an upper bracket, steering races, balls, an upper dust seal, a lower dust seal, a bottom arrestor, a lock washer, and a top arrestor. The complete steering assembly is integrated in the two-wheeled vehicle frame assembly by a locking member. The upper bracket is positioned between the bottom arrestor, the top arrestor, and a locking member.
[00016] The steering races and the balls used in the steering assembly sustain the load received from the road and provide a smooth rotation of the steering assembly. One or more dust seals are used in the steering assembly to prevent dust entry, water entry and entry of any other foreign particles into the steering assembly, which are detrimental to the durability and to the smooth rotation of the steering shaft. A locking member is placed in between the top arrestor and the bottom arrestor of the steering system with double steering arrestor (a top arrestor and a bottom arrestor) to prevent the loosening of the double steering arrestor and improve the durability of the steering system.
[00017] The locking member comprises of one or more projections protruding outward radially from an outer circumferential surface of the locking member. A few projections out of the one or more projections are bent downwards to be seated in the provisions provided in the bottom steering arrestor. Another few projections out of the one or more projections are bent upwards to be seated in the provisions provided in the top steering arrestor. The projections extending outwardly from the locking member are placed at a predetermined distance from each other. For example, one projection is placed from the other projection at a pre-determined distance to obtain an arrestor nut pitch angle of approximately 45 degrees. While fastening the top steering arrestor on to the steering shaft, it is to be made sure that that the one or more projections of the locking member matches with the one or more provisions on the top steering arrestor. The angle 45 degree provides undesired clearance between the bottom steering arrestor and the top steering arrestor. The undesired clearance is detrimental to the upper bearing assembly and results in malfunctioning of the steering system.
[00018] Hence, an objective of the present invention is to prevent the wearing of the upper bearing assembly by reducing the clearance between the bottom steering arrestor and the top steering arrestor.
[00019] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the above mentioned problem is overcome by providing additional projections in the locking member. The predetermined distance between the projections in the locking nut is reduced to obtain an arrestor nut pitch angle of approximately 22.5 degrees. With an angle of approximately 22.5 degrees, the clearance between the bottom steering arrestor and the top steering arrestor is almost negligible.
[00021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the steering assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle comprises a threaded steering shaft. The steering shaft is threaded at an upper end and a lower end. The threaded portion at an upper end is capable of receiving a bottom steering arrestor. A top steering arrestor is dispose above the bottom steering arrestor. The top steering arrestor and the bottom steering arrestor are restricted to move independently with respect to each other by a locking member. The locking member is disposed between the top steering arrestor and the bottom steering arrestor.
[00022] The locking member comprises a first set of projections and a second set of projections. The first set of projections is bent downwardly so as to be seated in a one or more first provisions provided on a first circumferential surface of the bottom steering arrestor. The second set of projections is bent upwardly so as to be seated in a second set of provisions disposed on a second circumferential surface of the top steering arrestor. The first set of projections and the second set of projections are each bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with respect to a radial surface of the locking member.
[00023] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one of the first set of projections and the second set of projections includes at least a pair of projections disposed at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is approximately 22.5 degrees. During assembly of the top steering arrestor on to the upper portion of the steering shaft, if the one or more second provisions are not matched with a projection of the pair of projections of the second set of projections of the locking member, then the locking member can only be rotated at an angle of approximately 22.5 degrees to achieve the seating of the projection of the pair of projections. By rotating the locking member by only approximately 22.5 degrees, a negligible clearance between the top steering arrestor and the bottom steering arrestor is achieved. Therefore, wear and tear of the steering assembly is reduced to a considerable amount. Hence, a more stable operation of the steering assembly is achieved according to the proposed invention.
[00024] According to another embodiment, the pre-determined distance between the projections extending radially outwards from the locking member is variable.
[00025] The previously mentioned and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00026] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. The figure depicts a front portion F of the vehicle and the rear portion R along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100 from right to left. The vehicle 100 has a frame assembly 105, which acts as the skeleton for the motorcycle 100. The frame assembly 105 includes a head tube 105A, a main tube (not shown) and may have a down tube (not shown). A swing arm 110 is swingably connected to a pivotal point of the frame assembly 105. A rear wheel 115 is rotatably supported by the swing arm. 110. One or more rear suspension(s) 120 connect the swing arm to the frame assembly. A seat assembly 125 is mounted to the frame assembly. A fuel tank assembly 130 is disposed in an anterior portion of the seat assembly 125. An engine assembly 135 is mounted in the anterior portion of the frame assembly 105. The engine assembly 135 includes an internal combustion, a kick-start mechanism, a transmission mechanism for transferring the power to the rear wheel 115, an air-fuel supply mechanism for the IC engine includes a carburetor or the like, and an exhaust mechanism. A steering assembly 200 includes one or more front fork(s) 145. A front wheel 150 is rotatably connected to the one or more front fork(s) 145. The vehicle 100 has various electrical loads including a headlamp 150, a tail lamp 155, and a starter motor (not shown). A front fender 160 covers at least a portion of the front wheel 150. A rear fender 165 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 115. The frame assembly is covered by plurality of panels 170.
[00027] Fig. 2 illustrates a right side view of the steering assembly 200. The steering assembly 200 comprises a steering shaft 220 (not shown) that is rotatably connected to the head tube 105A of frame assembly 105. An upper bracket 210 is mounted with a handle bar assembly 205 to a top portion. A lower bracket 215 is affixed to a bottom portion of the steering shaft 220. A handle bar assembly 205 is mounted to the upper bracket 210. A first front fork 145A and a second front fork 145B are connected to the lower bracket 215 and the upper bracket 210. The front wheel 150 is rotatably connected to the first fork and the second fork therebetween. A steering shaft 220 rotates within an angle with respect to an axis of the steering shaft 220.
[00028] Fig. 3 depicts a cross sectional view of a portion of the steering assembly 200 taken along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100. A steering shaft 220 is rotatably mounted through the head tube 105A. A lower bearing assembly 235A is positioned at a lower end of the head tube 105A. The lower bearing assembly 235A comprises a lower ball(s) and a lower race(s). The lower bracket 215 is positioned below the lower bearing assembly 235A. The lower bracket 215 is affixed to the steering shaft 220. An upper bearing assembly 235B is positioned at a top end of the head tube 105A. The upper bearing assembly 235B comprises an upper ball(s) and an upper race(s). An upper end of the steering shaft 220 is provided with threads. A bottom steering arrestor 230B is positioned above the upper bearing assembly 235B and the bottom steering arrestor 230B is fastened to the steering shaft 220 through the threads. A top steering arrestor 230A is placed above the bottom steering arrestor 230B. A locking member 240 is disposed in between the bottom steering arrestor 230B and the top steering arrestor 230A. The upper bracket 210 is positioned above the top steering arrestor 230A through the threads. An inner diameter of the upper bracket 210 is greater than that the outer diameter of the steering shaft 220 enabling easy assembly of the upper bracket 210. A locking member is positioned above the upper bracket 210 and is fastened to the steering shaft 220 through the threads. In an embodiment, a seal may be provided above the upper bearing assembly 235B assembly to avoid entry of dust and water.
[00029] Fig.4 illustrates an exploded view of the arrestor assembly according to an embodiment. The locking member 240 is placed between the bottom steering arrestor 230B and the top steering arrestor 230A. The locking member 240 prevents independent motion of the top steering arrestor and the bottom steering arrestor. In other words, the locking member 240 locks the bottom steering arrestor 230B and the top steering arrestor 230A to each other and restricts relative motion of the top steering arrestor 230A and the bottom steering arrestor 230B. The one or more projections 240a, 240b extend radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the locking member 240. A first set of projections 240a are bent downwards, preferably at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to get seated in the provisions provided in the bottom steering arrestor 230B. A second set of projections 240b are bent upwards to be seated in the provisions provided in the top steering arrestor 230A. According to the present embodiment, two projections 240b are closely placed from each other to obtain an arrestor pitch angle of approximately 22.5 degrees resulting in a negligible clearance between the bottom steering arrestor 230B and the top steering arrestor 230A. Hence, durability of the top bearing assembly and the steering system is improved.
[00030] Fig. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the bottom steering arrestor assembled with the locking member. It can be depicted from the figure that the downwardly bent first set of projections 240a are seated in the provisions provided in the bottom steering arrestor 230B and the closely placed and upwardly bent second set of projections 240b are accommodated by the provisions provided in the top steering arrestor 230A. According to the present embodiment, the second set of projections 240b can be placed at any angle from the first set of projections 240a. However, the desirable arrestor pitch angle between the projections in the second set of projections 240b is X. During assembly of the locking member 240 and the top steering arrestor 230A, in order to adjust the position of the top steering arrestor 230A to match with the projections of the locking member 240, the top steering arrester 230A may have to be loosened. In the loosening process, a clearance is obtained between the bottom steering arrestor 230B and the top steering arrestor 230A. In order to maintain a negligible clearance, a desirable angle X of approximately 22.5 degrees between the projections of the second set of projections 240b is maintained.
[00031] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an arrestor assembly according to an embodiment. The bottom steering arrestor 230B, the locking member 240, and the top steering arrestor 230A are stacked above each other as illustrated by an axis a and are fastened to the steering shaft 105A. From the figure, it is evident that the first set of projections 240a are seated in the one or more first provisions 230Ba provided on a first outer circumferential surface 230Bb the bottom steering arrestor 230B as illustrated by an axis c. The second set of projections 240b are accommodated by the one or more second provisions 230Aa disposed on a second outer circumferential surface 230Ab of a top steering arrestor 230A as illustrated by the axis b. The first set of projections 240a are preferably bent at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
[00032] Fig. 7 illustrates a locking member according to an embodiment. The locking member comprises of the first set of projections 240a and the second set of projections 240b. The locking member 240 is capable of being disposed around the steering shaft 105A between the bottom steering arrestor 230B and the top steering arrestor 230A. The second set of projections 240b according to an embodiment comprises of projections in pairs placed at a predetermined distance apart from each other. The desired angle X between the pair of projections of the second set of projections 240b is approximately 22.5 degrees.
[00033] Furthermore, the first set of projections 240a at disposed at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with a radial surface 240bc of the locking member 240. The upwardly bent second set of projections 240b is disposed at an angle approximately 90 degrees with respect to the radial surface 240bc of the locking member 240. With the desired angle X, according to the present embodiment, a minimum clearance, and almost negligible clearance is obtained between the bottom steering arrestor 230B and the top steering arrestor 230A.
[0001] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A steering assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100), said steering assembly (200) comprising:
a steering shaft (220) rotatably disposed inside a head tube (105A); and
a steering arrestor assembly (230A, 230B) including a top steering arrestor (230A) and a bottom steering arrestor (230B),
wherein,
said top steering arrestor (230A) and said bottom steering arrestor (230B) are interlocked to each other by a locking member (240) disposed therebetween, said locking member (240) includes a first set of projections (240a) capable of being seated in one or more first provisions (230Ba) disposed on said bottom steering arrestor (230B) and a second set of projections (240b) capable of being seated in one or more second provisions (230Aa) disposed on said top steering arrestor (230A) and wherein, at least one of the first set of projections (240a) and the second set of projections (240b) includes two or more projections (240ba, 240bb) comprising a first projection (240ba) and a second projection (240bb) disposed adjacently to each other and separated by a pre-determined angle (X).
2. The steering assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more first provisions (230Ba) are disposed on a first outer circumferential surface of said bottom steering arrestor (230B).
3. The steering assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more second provisions (230Aa) are disposed on a second outer circumferential surface (230Ab) of said bottom steering arrestor (230B).

4. The steering assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pre-determined angle (X) is approximately 22.5 degrees.

5. The steering assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first projection (240ba) and the second projection (240bb) extend radially outwardly at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.

6. The steering assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first set of projections (240a) are extending upwardly and at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with a radial surface (240bc) of the locking member (240).

7. The steering assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second set of projections (240b) are extending downwardly and at an angle of approximately 90 degrees with a radial surface (240bc) of the locking member (240).

8. The steering assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking member (240) is fastened to the steering shaft (220).
9. The steering assembly (200) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking member (240) is made of a group of metals including steel, cast iron, and aluminium.

10. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising the steering assembly (200) as claimed in any of the preceding claims.