DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a step through type vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a retainer sub-assembly for the step through type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a scooter type vehicle, an engine is situated under-seat horizontally, having cylinder head of the engine facing towards floorboard of the scooter type vehicle. The front portion of the vehicle having the engine under the seat is protected by an under-seat cover to prevent dust and other particles from entering into the engine area during motion of the vehicle. Further, various such panels are used to cover a vehicle body frame and the underlying parts in the two-wheeled vehicle. Further, the panels used to cover the vehicle body include a front panel, rear panel, front cover, rear cover, and other panels. The body panels to cover the body include right side panel and left side panel covering a rear portion of the vehicle. Hence, various panels fitted on to the vehicle conceal all or most parts of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Fig. 1 shows a side perspective view of the scooter type vehicle.
[0004] Fig. 2 illustrates a portion of a vehicle depicting a rear portion of the step-through type vehicle in assembled condition.
[0005] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a retainer sub-assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of a rear portion of the vehicle in assembled condition.
[0008] Fig. 6 illustrates a detailed view of a side panel assembled with the retainer member.
[0009] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a retainer member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the retainer member.
[00011] Fig. 9 illustrates a front view of a retainer member along with a tail lamp assembly in assembled condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00012] The body panels are used to conceal most of the parts of the vehicle. Generally, the body panels are mounted on to a vehicle body frame of the step through type vehicle. The vehicle body frame is a tubular structure formed by welding various tubular structures. Further, the body panels are mounted to the vehicle body frame through various brackets welded on the vehicle body frame. The welded joints in the vehicle body frame along with the welded brackets account to dimensional instability of the vehicle body frame. The vehicle body frame may become unstable over a period upon usage and result in poor reliability. Since, the entire vehicle is supported by the vehicle body frame, stability of the frame is important. Hence, more number of welded joints or welded parts on the vehicle body frame is not desirable in order to maintain long life of the vehicle.
[00013] Further, the welded joints on the vehicle body frame have to be painted post welding to prevent the frame from rusting. Further, the number of brackets used to mount various body panels on the frame leads to increased cost, as the brackets are made of metals. Hence, it is not desirable to have brackets welded on to the frame in order to hold the various panels enclosing the vehicle body frame and various vehicular parts.
[00014] Further, the dimensional instability of the vehicle body frame due to number of welded joints leads to poor fit and finish in the vehicle. The aesthetics of the vehicle are highly affected. The vehicular parts mounted on to the vehicle body frame exhibit fitment variation due to dimensional instability of the vehicle body frame. The fitment variation results in undesired gaps between the parts and results in poor vehicle appearance.
[00015] Further, the stress from the poorly fit body panels may be transferred to surrounding parts leading to failure of the surrounding parts. For example, the fitment variation of the left side panel and the right side panel results in transfer of stress to the tail lamp assembly. The tail lamp assembly fails to function optimally due to the stress received from the surrounding panels. Furthermore, the tail lamp is mounted in between the right side panel and the left side panel at the rear end of the vehicle. In order to accommodate the tail lamp, a complex tail lamp tool has to be adopted to accommodate mountings for the surrounding parts.
[00016] Hence, it is not desirable to have a number of welded parts in the vehicle body frame. Hence, it is an objective of the present invention to reduce number of welded joints on the vehicle body frame. It is another objective of the present invention to provide a retainer member configured to mount a plurality of vehicular parts, thereby reducing number of welded joints on the vehicle body frame. The retainer member capable of mounting the plurality of vehicular parts is configured to be mounted on the vehicle body frame.
[00017] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the retainer member is capable of mounting a right side panel, a left side panel, and a tail lamp assembly to form a retainer sub-assembly. The retainer member along with the left side panel, right side panel, and the tail lamp assembly is assembled to form a sub-assembly, later the sub-assembly is finally assembled on the vehicle during vehicle assembly.
[00018] The proposed invention provides better dimensional stability to the vehicle body frame, further, due to better dimensional stability, fit and finish of the vehicular parts in the vehicle is improved.
[00019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retainer member comprises of a bridge member, an arch-like portion, a pair of downward projections, and a pair of longitudinal projections. The arch-like portion is at a slightly higher plane compared to that of the bridge member. The pair of downward projections extends downwardly from the bridge member. The pair of longitudinal projections extends forwardly/longitudinally from the bridge member. The bridge member comprises of a right side panel mounting portion and a left side panel mounting portion. A bridge member connects the right side panel mounting portion and the left side panel mounting portion.
[00020] Further, the bridge member includes a right side panel mounting portion, a left side panel mounting portion and a tail lamp mounting portion. The right side panel mounting portion is configured to include a first protrusion capable of receiving a right side panel. Similarly, the left side panel mounting portion is configured. The tail lamp mounting portion includes at least one opening capable of receiving the tail lamp assembly at the rear side of the retainer member.
[00021] The right side panel, the left side panel, and the tail lamp assembly are assembled on to the retainer member to form a retainer sub-assembly. The retainer sub-assembly can be directly dropped on to the vehicle during assembly. Thereby, reducing the assembly time. Further, through the retainer sub-assembly, a number of welded joints on the vehicle frame assembly are prevented. Hence, more stability to the vehicle frame assembly is provided. Further, the retainer sub-assembly accounts for improved fit and finish when assembled on to the vehicle body frame. Hence, the appearance of the vehicle is improved.
[00022] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the retainer member is configured to include at least one frame mounting provisions facilitating mounting of the retainer member to the vehicle body frame. According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more frame mounting provisions are provided on the arch-like portion of the retainer member and further, one or more frame mounting provisions are provided on the pair of downward projections.
[00023] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the rear side of the retainer member includes a rear fender mounting portion. The rear fender mounting portion is situated below the tail lamp mounting portion. The rear fender mounting portion is situated in the pair of downward extensions. The pair of downward extensions includes one or more rear fender mounting provisions. The one or more rear fender mounting provisions are capable of receiving the rear fender at the rear side of the retainer member.
[00024] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the retainer sub-assembly facilitates easy servicing of the underlying parts. The right side panel and the left side panel are configured to include at least one mounting structure that is fixedly attached. The mounting structure is an ‘L’ shaped structure. One end of each of the at least one mounting structure is welded to each of the right side panel and the left side panel. The other end of each of the at least one mounting structure is mounted to a top portion of the pair of downward extensions. The top portion of the pair of downward extensions lies at a proximity to the right side panel mounting portion and the left side panel mounting portion. The at least one mounting structure is configured to function as an additional mounting for the right side panel and the left side with the retainer member.
[00025] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in assembled condition, in order to service the underlying parts in the vehicle, the entire sub-assembly may not be removed. Instead, by accessing only the at least one mounting structure, the right side panel or the left side panel can be disassembled and the underlying parts can be accessed. The parts underlying the left side panel or the right side panel include an air filter assembly. Hence, the retainer sub-assembly facilitates easy servicing in assembled condition.
[00026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retainer member is made of synthetic material like plastic. Therefore, the weight of the vehicle including the retainer sub-assembly is reduced considerably. Hence, the user experiences good vehicle handling.
[00027] Furthermore, when viewed from a top direction, the retainer member lies partially above the fuel tank. The retainer member is configured to include a cutout located in a front portion of the arch-like portion. The cutout facilitates to access the fuel tank mounting bracket. Hence, without having to disassemble the retainer member, the fuel tank mounting portion can be accessed easily.
[00028] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00029] Fig. 1 shows a side view of the scooter type vehicle. The vehicle has a body frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together, which usually supports the body of the said vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front wheel 101 and a driven rear wheel 102. The body frame assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. It is generally convex in shape, as viewed from a side elevation view. The said frame assembly includes a head tube (not shown), a main frame and also may have a sub-frame. The sub-frame is attached to the main frame using appropriate joining mechanism. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel 104, an under-seat cover 105, a cooling vent assembly 106, a rear cover 113, a front panel bottom 107, and a side panel 109.
[00030] A handlebar assembly 110 and a seat assembly 103 are supported at opposing ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as floorboard 108, which functions as a step through space. The seat for a driver and a pillion is placed forward to a fuel tank and rear side of floorboard 108. A front fender 111 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender (not shown) is placed between fuel tank and rear wheel 102, and to the outer side in the radial direction of rear wheel 102. Rear fender inhibits rainwater or the like from being thrown up by rear wheel 102.
[00031] Suspensions are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly (not shown) is connected to a front fork 112. The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least one rear suspension preferably on the left side of the vehicle. However, a vehicle with two rear suspensions, namely on the left side and the right side is also possible. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlight 114 in the front portion of the vehicle and a tail lamp assembly 115 in the rear portion of the vehicle is also provided.
[00032] Fig. 2 illustrates a portion of a vehicle depicting a rear portion of the step-through type vehicle in assembled condition. A rear portion assembly of the vehicle comprises of a pair of side panels including a right side panel (not seen) and a left side panel 109. A tail lamp assembly 115 is disposed in between the right side panel and the left side panel 109 and at a rear end of the vehicle. A rear fender 201 is disposed below the tail lamp assembly 115. At a front portion of the assembly, a rear cover 105 is disposed. The rear portion assembly includes a number of panels that cover a rear frame assembly and other underlying vehicular parts. Hence, the fit and finish of the panels in assembled condition has to be good. According to the proposed invention, the rear portion assembly is provided with good fit and finish and improved aesthetics of the vehicle.
[00033] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a rear portion of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle includes a rear frame assembly comprising a pair of rear frames 302, and a cross member 303 disposed in between and at a rear end of the pair of rear frames 302. A right side panel 202, the left side panel 109, and the rear cover 105 are typically used to cover the pair of rear frames 302. A retainer member 301 is disposed at the rear end of the vehicle frame assembly. The retainer member 301 is configured to be mounted on the pair of rear frames 302 and the cross member 303. A tail lamp assembly 115 is disposed at a rear end of the vehicle.
[00034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the right side panel 202, the left side panel 109, and the tail lamp assembly 115 are mounted on to the retainer member 301. Thereby, the number of welded joints on the rear frame assembly is reduced to provide more stable rear frame assembly. A rear fender 201 is disposed below the tail lamp assembly 115. The tail lamp assembly is mounted to a rear portion of the retainer member 301.
[00035] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a retainer sub-assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The retainer sub-assembly 306 includes a retainer member 301, the right side panel 202, the left side panel 109, and the tail lamp assembly 115. The right side panel 202, the left side panel 109, and the tail lamp assembly 115 are mounted on to the retainer member 301 instead of mounting on to the rear frame assembly (not shown) as in the conventional vehicle. Hence, the welding joints on the rear frame assembly are reduced and the dimensional variations of the rear frame assembly are substantially decreased. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the right side panel 202, the left side panel 109, and the tail lamp assembly 115 are pre assembled on to the retainer member 301 and then the entire retainer sub-assembly is dropped on to the vehicle during vehicle assembly process.
[00036] Further, the right side panel 202 and the left side panel 109 is fitted on to the retainer member 301 through at least one mounting structure 304 each fixedly attached to the right side panel 202 and the left side panel 109. The retainer sub-assembly 306 has improved fit and finish and is able to considerably reduce the see through gaps in between the vehicular parts. The retainer member is preferably made of a synthetic material like plastic. Hence, lightweight retainer member 301 accounts to weight reduction in the vehicle. Further, the retainer member 301 made of plastic material is more durable and hence reliable.
[00037] Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of a rear portion of the vehicle in assembled condition. The retainer sub assembly is disposed at a rear end of the vehicle. The retainer member 301 is disposed above a fuel tank assembly 307 and the retainer member 301 partially covers the fuel tank assembly 307. The fuel tank is held in position by a fuel tank bracket 308. The fuel tank bracket 308 can be easily accessed without disassembling the retainer member 301. The retainer member 301 includes a cutout 305 facilitating access to the fuel tank bracket mountings. Hence, through the cutout 305, the adjusting of the fuel tank bracket mountings is carried out conveniently.
[00038] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the right side panel 301, and the left side panel 109 is attached to the retainer assembly 301 through at least one mounting structure 304 disposed on each of the right side panel 202 and the left side panel 109. Furthermore, the rear fender 201 is mounted to the rear side of the retainer member 301.
[00039] Hence, according to the present invention, the retainer member facilitates easy access to the underlying parts, a fuel tank assembly 307 in the present embodiment.
[00040] Fig. 6 illustrates a detailed view of a side panel assembled with the retainer member. The pair of side panels 202 and 109 are attached to the retainer member 301 through an intermediate member 309 and the at least one mounting structure 304. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one mounting structure 304 is disposed on each of the pair of side panels 202 and 109. The at least one mounting structure 304 is an ‘L’shaped structure. The one end 304a of the at least one mounting structure 304 is detachably attached to the left side panel 109. The left side panel 109 includes the intermediate member 309, that is sandwiched in between the left side panel 109 and the at least one mounting structure 304. Hence, the one end 304a is attached to the intermediate member 309. Another end 304b is attached to the retainer member 301. The at least one mounting structure 304 functions as an additional mounting for the pair of side panels 202 and 109. The intermediate member 309 is welded to the surface of the left side panel 109. The intermediate member 309 includes provisions to receive the at least one mounting structure 304 and additionally includes provisions to receive the at least one protrusion 405. Therefore, the left side panel 109 including an intermediate member 309 is attached to the retainer member 301 through the at least one mounting structure 304.
[00041] Therefore, through the intermediate member 309 and the at least one mounting structure 304, the pair of side panels can be easily mounted on to the vehicle without having any welded joints on the vehicle body frame. Therefore, dimensional stability of the vehicle body frame is preserved and a more stable vehicle performance is achieved. Further, better fit and finish is achieved through the retainer-sub assembly in the vehicle. The rear side appearance of the vehicle is improved.
[00042] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a retainer member according to an embodiment of the present invention. The retainer member 301 comprises of a right side panel- mounting portion A, a left side panel- mounting portion B, and a bridge member C is disposed adjoiningly and connecting the right side panel- mounting portion A with the left side panel-mounting portion B. The right side panel-mounting portion A and left side panel-mounting portion B, each includes at least one protrusion 405 capable of receiving the right side panel 202 and the left side panel 109. Further, the retainer member 301 comprises of a pair of downward projections 406 extending downwardly from lateral ends 602 of the bridge member C, the pair of downward projections 406 comprises of at least one rear fender mountings 407 capable of receiving the rear fender (not shown) from the rear side of the retainer member 301.
[00043] Furthermore, the retainer assembly comprises of a pair of forward/longitudinal projections 404 extending forwardly from the lateral ends 602 of the bridge member C. At least one frame mounting provisions 401 are provided in the retainer member 301 to enable mounting of the retainer member 301 with the pair of rear frames (not shown). The at least one frame mounting provisions 401 are disposed on a front portion of a arch-like portion 402 of the retainer member 301. Further at least one frame mounting provisions 401 are disposed each on the pair forward projections 404. The bridge member C is configured to support the arch-like portion 402 extending upwardly from the lateral ends 602 of the bridge member C. The arch-like portion 402 includes a raised portion 402a configured to provide accessibility to the underlying parts or the parts disposed beneath, for example, in the present case, a fuel tank assembly.
[00044] Further, the at least one mounting structure is mounted onto the retainer member through a hole 403 provided on a top surface of a pair of forward projections 404.
[00045] Fig. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the retainer member. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retainer member 301 includes a rear surface 601 configured to support the tail lamp mounting portion D. The tail lamp mounting portion D includes at least one opening 502a, 502b capable of receiving the tail lamp assembly. The rear surface 601 also includes at least one rear fender mountings 401 configured to receive the rear fender assembly.
[00046] Fig. 9 illustrates a front view of a retainer member along with a tail lamp assembly in assembled condition. The retainer member comprises of a plurality of tail lamp mounting-provisions 502 capable of receiving the tail lamp assembly 115 from the rear side of the retainer member 301. Further, the retainer member 301 comprises of a raised portion 402a situated at a slightly higher plane than that of the bride member C of the retainer member 301. The at least one protrusions capable of receiving the right side panel 202 and the left side panel 109 are disposed on lower sides of the retainer member 301. The pair of downward projections each includes rear fender-mountings to receive the rear fender.
[00047] 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 step-through two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a retainer sub-assembly (306), said vehicle (100) comprising:
a pair of rear frames (302) extending inclinedly rearward from a lower frame disposed toward front of the vehicle;
a cross member (303) disposed in between and at a rear end of said pair of rear frames (302), said cross member (303) is configured to cover at least a portion of an upper surface of a fuel tank assembly (307);
a left side panel (109) and a right side panel (202) covering at least a portion of a left side and right side of a rear portion of said vehicle (100);
a tail lamp assembly (115) disposed at a rearmost end and in between said left side panel (109) and said right side panel (202); and
a rear fender assembly (201) disposed below said tail lamp assembly (115),
wherein,
a retainer sub-assembly (306) includes said right side panel (202), said left side panel (109) and said tail lamp assembly (115) mounted on a retainer member (301) capable of being supported on said cross member (303) disposed between said pair of rear frames (302),
said retainer sub-assembly (306) includes a retainer member (301) comprising at least a pair of arms (A, B) including a right side panel mounting portion (A) and a left side panel mounting portion (B) configured to receive a right side panel (202) and a left side panel (109) respectively, a bridge member (C) disposed adjoiningly between said right side panel portion (A) and said left side panel mounting portion (B), and at least one tail lamp mounting portion (D).
2. The step-through two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a retainer sub-assembly (306) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bridge member (C) is capable of supporting a pair of downward projections (406) projecting downwardly from lateral ends (602) of said bridge member (C), said pair of downward projections (406) includes at least one rear fender mounting(s) (407) to receive said rear fender assembly (201).
3. The step-through two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a retainer sub-assembly (306) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bridge member (C) is capable of supporting a pair of longitudinal projections (404) projecting forwardly from said lateral ends of said bridge member (C), said pair of longitudinal projections (404) include at least one frame mounting provision(s) (401), said at least one frame mounting provisions (401) enable mounting said retainer member (301) to said pair of rear frames (302).
4. The step-through two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a retainer sub-assembly (306) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bridge member (C) is configured to support an arch-like portion (402) extending upwardly from said lateral ends (602) of said bridge member (C), said arch-like portion (402) includes a raised portion (402a) configured to enable access to said fuel tank assembly (307).
5. The step-through two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a retainer sub-assembly (306) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tail lamp assembly mounting portion (D) includes at least one opening (502a, 502b) capable of receiving said tail lamp assembly.
6. The step-through two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a retainer sub-assembly (306) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said right side panel mounting portion (A) includes a first protrusion (405a) capable of receiving a right side panel (202) and said left side panel mounting portion (B) includes a second protrusion (405b) capable of receiving a left side panel (109).
7. The step-through two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a retainer sub-assembly (306) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one tail lamp mounting portion (D) is disposed on a rear surface (601) of said retainer member (301).
8. The step-through two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a retainer sub-assembly (306) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said left side panel (109) and said right side panel (202) are attached to said retainer member (301) through an intermediate member (309) and at least one mounting structure (304), said at least one mounting structure (304) is disposed on an inner surface of each of said left side panel (109) and said right side panel (202).
9. The step-through two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a retainer sub-assembly (306) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one mounting structure (304) includes at least one end (304a) detachably attached to each of the left side panel (109) and the right side panel (202) and another end (304b) is attached to said retainer member (301), said intermediate member (309) is sandwiched between the left side panel (109) and the at least one mounting structure (304).
10. The step-through two-wheeled vehicle (100) including a retainer sub-assembly (306) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one mounting structure (304) is an ‘L’shaped structure.