Claims:1. A step-through vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (200) including a down tube (116) extending downwardly from a front portion of said frame assembly (200), said down tube (116) is extending rearwardly to form a pair of floorboard support portion (200s) along a vehicle longitudinal direction (LM);
a rear panel (201) disposed rearwardly to said down tube (116), said rear panel (201) is configured to enclose said down tube (116) from rear direction;
a floorboard assembly (145) supported on said floorboard support portion (200s) of said down tube (116), said floorboard assembly (145) extending along said vehicle longitudinal direction (LM) from a first portion of said down tube (116);
a driving member (125) disposed rearwardly to said floorboard assembly (145) along said vehicle longitudinal direction (LM); and
a cooling duct assembly (202) configured to allow passage of air therethrough from a vehicle front direction to a vehicle rear direction to cool one or more parts of the vehicle,
wherein,
said floorboard assembly (145) is configured to support said cooling duct assembly (202) along said vehicle longitudinal direction (LM).
2. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cooling duct assembly (202) is disposed rearwardly to said down tube (116), said cooling duct assembly (202) is configured to be of ‘Y’ shaped profile when seen from a top view of the vehicle, said cooling duct assembly (202) includes a bifurcated portion comprising a pair of arms (202r, 202l), and a combined stalk portion (204) extending rearwardly from said pair of arms (202r, 202l).
3. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said floorboard assembly (145) includes one or more foot receiving portions (205), said one or more foot receiving portions (205) are disposed adjoiningly and adjacent to said combined stalk portion (204).
4. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein said rear panel (201) includes one or more louvers, said one or more louvers are in line with said one or more intake ports (202i) of said cooling duct assembly (202).
5. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of arms (202r, 202l) are configured to include one or more intake ports (202i) each at a front end (202f), said combined stalk portion (204) is extending rearwardly from said pair of arms (202r, 202l), said combined stalk portion (204) includes an exit port (202o) at a rear end (204r), said exit port (202o) is disposed in front of said driving member (125).
6. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more intake ports (202i) are fluidically coupled to said rear panel (201) and said exit port (202o) is fluidically coupled to an under-seat cover (173) disposed below a seat assembly (135) of the vehicle (100).
7. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said one or more intake ports (201i) being bigger in size as compared to said exit port (202o).
8. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said one or more intake ports (202i) being configured to have a funnel shape.
9. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said floorboard assembly (145) is adapted to facilitate flow of atmospheric air through said cooling duct assembly (202), said cooling duct assembly (202) is formed by at least a portion of said floorboard assembly (145).
10. The step-through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cooling duct assembly (202) is disposed above said floorboard assembly (145).
11. A cooling duct assembly (202) for a step-through vehicle (100), said cooling duct assembly (202) comprising:
a pair of arms (202r, 202l); and
a combined stalk portion (204) extending rearwardly from joining yolk region of said pair of arms (202r, 202l), said pair of arms (202r, 202l) are configured to include one or more intake ports (202i) each at a front end (202f) and said combined stalk portion (204) includes an exit port (202o) at a rear end (202r).
12. The cooling duct assembly (202) as claimed in claim 11, said cooling duct assembly (202) is adapted to be an integrated part of a floorboard assembly (145) of said step-through vehicle (100).
13. The cooling duct assembly (202) as claimed in claim 11, said cooling duct assembly (202) is configured to be supported on a floorboard assembly (145) of said step-through vehicle (100). , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a step-through vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a cooling duct assembly for the scooter type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A saddle type vehicle is provided with several covering members to cover the vehicle and protect the vehicle components from being affected due to environmental conditions. The covering members are mounted exterior or interior to the vehicle particularly to cover the parts/sub systems attached to the vehicle frame. Further, the covering members are also configured to impart a sportier and elegant look to the vehicle. This is because the visual appearance of the vehicle or its display is a significant factor, and a stimulating visual appearance that sets one vehicle apart from the other.
[0003] A scooter type motorcycle is a saddle type vehicle having a swingable engine. Due to requirements of more utility space and leg space in the scooter, the engine is supported on the vehicle frame at a lower rear portion of the vehicle. Particularly, the cylinder head of the engine is substantially covered on all sides by several covering members owing to which it generates significant heat during the engine operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type two wheeled with accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Figure 1 depicts a side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a rear panel as assembled in the saddle type vehicle.
[0007] Figure 3 illustrates a left side perspective view of a front portion of the step through vehicle.
[0008] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of a rear panel as assembled in the saddle type vehicle depicting air flow direction in the cooling duct assembly.
[0009] Figure 5 illustrates a front portion of a left side view of the scooter type vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00010] Generally, a covering member in the form of a lower side cover is provided at a lower portion of the scooter type vehicle to cover a portion of the scooter frame and the cylinder head. The side cover also enhances the vehicle aesthetics. At least one such side cover is present laterally on each side of the scooter type vehicle.
[00011] The present invention discloses a lower side cover assembly to cover a lower side portion of a two-wheeled vehicle. The lower side cover covers the sides of the floorboard disposed in a well-defined gap formed between the handlebar assembly and the seat assembly and the lower side cover is removably attachable to the two-wheeled vehicle. In a conventional two-wheeled vehicle, the lower side cover comprises of relatively even profile from a vehicle front end to a vehicle rear end. The lower side cover prevents see through from the sides of the floorboard and prevents any dust particles or other foreign materials from entering into a vehicle body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle. Further, the lower side cover improves the appearance of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00012] Due to the even profile of the lower side cover, during vehicle running condition, the atmospheric air suddenly leaves the lower side cover surface and creates air turbulence at the local region of the lower side cover. In addition, the lower side cover shears the atmospheric air when the two-wheeled vehicle is in running condition. The shearing of the atmospheric air occurs due to tapering of the lower side cover at the rear end of the vehicle. The even surface and the tapering at the rear end of the lower side cover acts as a disadvantage with respect to directing the atmospheric air towards rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00013] The sheared atmospheric air deprives the lower side cover and the surrounding region including pillion footrest, engine region and air filter close to the engine region from availability of atmospheric air. The aerodynamic drag forces increases as atmospheric air is being sheared away from the body panels of the two-wheeled vehicle instead of atmospheric air hugging the two-wheeled vehicle. Further, the side panel of the two-wheeled vehicle encloses the vehicular parts including the engine region and the air filter. Hence, the vehicular parts at the rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle enclosed by the side panel are deprived of the availability of the atmospheric air.
[00014] Further, the vehicular parts enclosed by the side cover are subject to rapid increase in temperature. In order to maintain normal working condition of the vehicular parts, cooling of the vehicular parts has to be carried out in regular intervals. The atmospheric air should be available in abundance around the region of the vehicular parts enclosed by the side cover.
[00015] The above said problem can be addressed by configuring the side covers of the vehicle, such that the side covers may include one or more cutouts or openings for facilitating entry of atmospheric air. However, such a configuration of the covers of the vehicle would lead to design complexity, entry of dust, mud, etc. increase in cost and may also lead to increase in the size of the cover, as the cover has to accommodate multiple openings. The increase in size of the cover as said above is not desirable, as the bigger panels would make the vehicle look bulkier.
[00016] Further, in order to facilitate traversing of air towards rear side of the vehicle, there have been attempts in the art to configure the frame of the vehicle itself to allow passage of air. However, the entire frame assembly of the vehicle needs re-engineering. Such a frame assembly is bigger as compared to a conventional frame assembly in the vehicle. Therefore, the solution as explained above is not desired.
[00017] Hence, it is an objective of the present invention to have a cooling duct assembly in the vehicle that aids in directing the atmospheric air towards the rear side of the two-wheeled vehicle. Further, it is an objective of the present invention to prevent shearing of the atmospheric air from the vehicle body during vehicle running condition. Furthermore, it is still an objective of the present invention to maintain aesthetics of the two-wheeled vehicle and additionally to maintain good fit and finish.
[00018] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a floorboard assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle is adapted to include a cooling duct assembly to direct the air towards the rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle. The air is thereby made available in abundance at the rear side of the vehicle. The abundant atmospheric air is made use by an air filter located near an engine assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle and/or for cooling one or more parts of the vehicle including a power unit, a motor, a controller, etc..
[00019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the cooling duct assembly is located at an elevation lowermost to the ground. According to yet another embodiment, the cooling duct assembly is located at an elevation uppermost to the ground. The cooling duct assembly located in the desired location according to various embodiments of the present invention ensure that the atmospheric air is directed towards the rear end of the vehicle. The abundant availability of atmospheric air at the rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle is made use by the vehicular parts enclosed by the side cover. Therefore, proper functioning of the vehicular parts is ensured by preventing over heating of the vehicular parts.
[00020] The present subject matter provides a step-through vehicle comprising a frame assembly including a down tube extending downwardly from a head tube, said down tube is extending rearwardly to form pair of floorboard support portion along a vehicle longitudinal direction, a rear panel disposed rearwardly to said down tube, said rear panel is configured to enclose said down tube from rear direction.
[00021] A floorboard assembly supported on said floorboard support portion of said down tube, said floorboard assembly extending along said vehicle longitudinal direction from a first portion of said down tube.
[00022] A driving member disposed rearwardly to said floorboard assembly along the vehicle longitudinal direction.
[00023] A cooling duct assembly configured to allow passage of air therethrough from a vehicle front direction to a vehicle rear direction.
[00024] The floorboard assembly is configured to support the cooling duct assembly along the vehicle longitudinal direction.
[00025] The cooling duct assembly is disposed rearwardly to the down tube. The cooling duct assembly is configured to be in of ‘Y’ shaped profile. The cooling duct assembly includes a bifurcated portion comprising a pair of arms disposed forwardly, and a combined stalk portion extending rearwardly from said pair of arms.
[00026] The floorboard assembly includes one or more foot receiving portions. The foot receiving portions are disposed adjoiningly and adjacent to said combined stalk portion.
[00027] The rear panel includes one or more louvers. The one or more louvers are in line with said one or more intake ports of the cooling duct assembly.
[00028] The pair of arms are configured to include one or more intake ports each at a front end. The combined stalk portion is extending rearwardly from the pair of arms. The combined stalk portion includes an exit port at a rear end. The exit port is disposed in front of the driving member.
[00029] The one or more intake ports are bigger in size as compared to the exit port. In an embodiment, the one or more intake ports are configured to have a funnel shape.
[00030] The floorboard assembly is adapted to facilitate flow of atmospheric air through the cooling duct assembly. The cooling duct assembly is formed by at least a portion of the floorboard assembly. The cooling duct assembly is disposed above said floorboard assembly. The cooling duct assembly is configured to bear one or more loads. The cooling duct assembly is made of any one of a material from a group of metals including steel, iron, alloys, and resin.
[00031] In an embodiment, the cooling duct assembly comprises a pair of arms and a combined stalk portion extending rearwardly from the pair of arms. The pair of arms are configured to include one or more intake ports each at a front end and the combined stalk portion includes an exit port at a rear end.
[00032] The cooling duct assembly is adapted to be an integrated part of a floorboard assembly of the step-through vehicle. The cooling duct assembly being configured to be supported on a floorboard assembly of the step-through vehicle.
[00033] 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.
[00034] Figure 1 depicts a left-side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle. The vehicle includes a handlebar assembly 110 connected to a front wheel 115 through one or more front suspension(s) 120. A steering shaft (not shown) connects the handlebar assembly 110 to the one or more front suspension(s) 120 and the steering shaft is rotatably journaled about a front frame (not shown). A power source/an energy source 125, for example an engine assembly, or one or more batteries are mounted to the frame assembly (now shown). In the depicted embodiment, the power source/the energy source 125 is disposed below at least a portion of the pair of rear frames (not shown). The power source/energy source 125 is functionally connected to a rear wheel 102 through a transmission system (not shown). The vehicle 100 may include one or more rear wheel(s). Also, the vehicle 100 may include an exhaust system that helps in dissipation of exhaust gasses from the power source/energy source 125. The exhaust system includes a muffler mounted to the vehicle 100.
[00035] Further, the rear wheel 130 is connected to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). In the depicted embodiment, the power source 125 is swingably mounted to the frame assembly 105 through a toggle link or the like. A seat assembly 135 is supported by the frame assembly 105 and is disposed rearward to the step-through portion 109.
[00036] Further, the vehicle 100 includes a front fender 155 covering at least a portion of the front wheel 115. In the present embodiment, a floorboard 145 is disposed at a step-through portion 109 and is supported by the main frame (not shown) and a pair of floor frame portions (not shown). A rear fender 160 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 102. The vehicle 100 comprises of plurality of electrical/electronic components including a headlight 165, a tail light (not shown), a battery (not shown), a transistor-controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown). Further, the vehicle 100 may include a synchronous braking system, an anti-lock braking system.
[00037] The vehicle 100 comprises plurality of panels that include a front panel 170 disposed in an anterior portion of a front portion of the frame assembly. A rear panel assembly 171, the plurality of body panels further includes a right-side panel and a left side panel, an under-seat cover 173 disposed below the seat assembly 135 and extending rearward from a rear portion of the floorboard 145 towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100. The under seat cover 173 encloses a utility box (not shown) disposed below the seat assembly 135. Also, the under seat cover 173 is configured to partially enclose the power source 125.
[00038] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a rear panel as assembled in the saddle type vehicle. The rear panel 201 is mounted to a down tube 116 of a vehicle frame assembly. The rear panel 201 is extending from the handlebar assembly (110, in Figure 1) up to the floorboard assembly 145. A cooling duct assembly 202 is extending rearwardly from a bottom portion 201b of the rear panel 201. The cooling duct assembly 202 is configured to allow passage of air therethrough from a vehicle front direction to a vehicle rear direction. The floorboard assembly 145 is configured to facilitate flow of atmospheric air through the cooling duct assembly 202, such that the cooling duct assembly 202 is a part of the floorboard assembly 145.
[00039] According to an embodiment of the present subject matter, the cooling duct assembly 202 includes one or more intake ports 202i each at a front end of the cooling duct assembly 202. A combined stalk portion (shown in figure 2- 204) is extending rearwardly from the pair of arms. The combined stalk portion includes an exit port 202o at a rear end of the cooling duct assembly 202. The exit port 202o is disposed in front of the driving member (as shown in figure 5).
[00040] In an embodiment, the cooling duct assembly 202 is extending rearwardly from a bottom portion 201b of the rear panel 201. The cooling duct assembly 202 is disposed rearwardly to the down tube 116. The cooling duct assembly 202 is configured to include a bifurcated portion, in the shape of Y at a front portion, such that in the bifurcated portion, a portion of the rear panel 201, is accommodated. In particular, a raised portion along a longitudinal direction of the rear panel 201 that is configured to cover the down tube 116 is fluidically connected in the bifurcated portion of the cooling duct assembly 202 to enable smooth flow of air.
[00041] In an embodiment, the down tube 116 extends further rearwardly and forms a pair of floorboard support portions 200s. The floorboard support portions 200s are configured to support the floorboard assembly 145. Any forms of load that is disposed on the floorboard assembly 145 is carried by the pair of floorboard support portions 200s. The cooling duct assembly 202 being part of the floorboard assembly 145 is also configured to bear loads disposed on the floorboard assembly 145 and in turn on the cooling duct assembly 202.
[00042] Figure 3 illustrates a left side perspective view of a front portion of the step through vehicle. In an embodiment, the cooling duct assembly 202 is disposed rearwardly to the down tube 116. The cooling duct assembly 202 is configured to be of ‘Y’ shaped profile when seen from a top view of the vehicle. The cooling duct assembly 202 includes a bifurcated portion comprising a pair of arms 202r and 202l, and a combined stalk portion 204 extending rearwardly from a joining yolk region of a pair of arms 202r and 202l. The pair of arms 202r and 202l includes a gap between the bifurcated portion. In an embodiment, the gap is configured to accommodate a central raised portion (not shown) of the rear panel 201.
[00043] In an embodiment, the one or more intake ports 202i formed at the front region, in particular, at a front end 202f of the duct assembly 202 are bigger in size as compared to said exit port 202o (as shown in figure 2). The front end 202f is facing the rear panel 201.
[00044] In another embodiment of the present subject matter, the one or more intake port 202i are of funnel shape, such that the opening diameter of the one or more intake ports 202i is bigger than the other diameter of the one or more exit ports 202o. The one or more intake ports 202i are configured to be of funnel shaped, to facilitate more intake of the atmospheric air.
[00045] In yet another embodiment, the cooling duct assembly 202 is disposed directly rearwardly to the front fender assembly 155 and the front wheel 115. The front fender assembly 115 is disposed above the front wheel 115 with a predetermined gap (shown in Fig 5) therebetween to facilitate movement of the front wheel 115. The predetermined gap is also configured to allow passage of atmospheric air during the vehicle running condition. The predetermined gap between the front fender assembly 155, the front wheel 115, and the front panel 170 is configured to allow passage of atmospheric air therethrough. The atmospheric air entering through the predetermined gap is received by the cooling duct assembly 202.
[00046] Figure 4 illustrates a front sectional view of a rear panel as assembled in the saddle type vehicle depicting air flow direction in the cooling duct assembly. In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the rear panel assembly 201 is configured to include one or more louvers to receive atmospheric air AF during vehicle running condition. The atmospheric air entering the louvers directly travels into the Cooling duct assembly 202 along the path as indicated by plurality of arrows AF.
[00047] In an embodiment the one or more louvers are disposed in-line with the one or more input ports 201i of the cooling duct assembly 202. The funnel shape of the one or more input ports 201i helps receive more atmospheric air and send out pressurized air through a rear portion of the input port. This way, the atmospheric air is forcibly allowed to travel through the cooling duct assembly 202 towards the rear portion of the vehicle. Further, as per an embodiment, the combined stalk portion 204 is at an elevation as compared to the Y shaped structure. The elevation improves the travelling force of the atmospheric air, further, the elevation is configured such that the air is directly emitted out of the output port 201o onto the power source disposed directly rearwardly to the output port 201o of the cooling duct assembly 202.
[00048] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the combined stalk portion 204 is a single tube that extends rearwardly, from the Y shaped structure of the cooling duct assembly 202.
[00049] In an embodiment, the floorboard assembly 145 includes one or more foot receiving portions 205, the one or more foot receiving portions 205 are disposed adjoiningly and adjacent to said combined stalk portion 204. The cooling duct assembly 202 is configured such that the foot resting portion on the floorboard assembly 145 for the rider is facilitated while being able to function as a cooling duct assembly in addition to bear the load disposed on the floorboard assembly 145.
[00050] Figure 5 illustrates a front portion of a left side view of the scooter type vehicle. In an embodiment, the floorboard assembly 145 includes one or more foot receiving portions that are disposed adjoiningly and adjacent to the combined stalk portion 204. The foot occupying space on the floorboard assembly 145 for the rider remain unaffected by the cooling duct assembly 202. The cooling duct assembly 202 is configured in the floorboard assembly 145 such that the rider is allowed to dispose his/her legs adjacently to the cooling duct assembly 202. Further, the cooling duct assembly 202 is made up of a material from a group of metals including, iron, steel, alloys, etc. The cooling duct assembly 202 is made of resin. The cooling duct assembly 202 is configured to bear any load that is disposed on the floorboard assembly 145. Therefore, the cooling duct assembly 202 is a load bearing member like the rest of the floorboard assembly 145. The cooling duct assembly 202 facilitates the carrying of load on the floorboard assembly 145.
[00051] As depicted in the figure, the atmospheric air is entering from behind the rear wheel 115 into the cooling duct assembly 202 through one or more louvers in the front panel. The air flow direction is as depicted by plurality of arrows traversing towards the power source 125.
[00052] Althcough 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.

Reference Numerals:
100 vehicle
105 frame assembly
106 front frame
107 main frame member
108 pair of rear frames
108a right-side rear frame
108b left-side rear frame
109 step through portion
110 handlebar assembly
111 central frame member
115 front wheel
120 one or more front suspensions
130 rear wheel
135 muffler
140 seat assembly
145 floor board
155 front fender
165 headlight
170 front panel
171 leg shield
172 rear panel assembly
201 second controller
203 one or more auxiliary energy sources

202m one or more mounting members
302 first controller
303 second wiring harness
401 third wiring hanress
402 first wiring harness
405 power source
401asub-power source
404 one or more fins
405 power source
406 one or more wiring harness holding members
LM longitudinal axis
TR transverse axis