DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled motor vehicle, and more particularly to a frame assembly for the two-wheeled motor vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle a frame assembly extends rearward from a head tube. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front portion of the frame assembly connects to a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). 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). A power unit including an internal combustion engine or an electric motor is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels mounted to the frame assembly covers various vehicle parts. The plurality of panels mounted to the frame assembly that cover various parts of the vehicle cover at least a portion of the power unit and other components of 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 two-wheeled motor vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a left side perspective view of a frame assembly 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 (b) depicts an enlarged front view of the frame assembly 200 in accordance with an embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (b).
[0007] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a left side perspective of a frame assembly 300, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly 300, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a).
[0009] Fig. 3 (c) illustrates a top view of the frame assembly 300, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 3 (a).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00010] Typically, in a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through type frame assembly a step-through space is provided above a floorboard. The floorboard enables rider to rest feet on the floorboard and to operate the vehicle by sitting on a seat assembly. Generally, the power unit is disposed below the seat assembly and rearwardly of the floorboard. The power unit includes internal combustion engine that provides mechanical energy produced by combustion air-fuel mixture. Combustion of air fuel mixture results in emission of heat, which affects the engine performance. Moreover, the engine assembly is coupled to a transmission assembly, which is subject to friction thereby resulting in heat generation. The power unit including engine assembly is to be cooled for improving the efficiency of the system. Conventionally, a forced cooling system like a liquid cooling system is provided in the vehicle. However, such cooling systems occupy additional space in the compact vehicle, especially in step-through type vehicles with compact space. Also, such systems are to be driven by the power unit affecting efficiency of the system. Further, in addition, installation of such cooling system increases the weight of the vehicle that further affects the performance of the power unit.
[00011] Also, the vehicle includes a wheel hub provided with brake assembly, which is subject to friction, resulting in heating due to repetitive application of brake. The performance of the brake assembly is also affected due to heating. Moreover, the panels of the vehicle that enclose at least a portion of the engine assembly restrict flow of atmospheric air towards the engine assembly, the transmission assembly, air cleaner assembly, or parts like brake assembly that are subject to heating.
[00012] Thus, there is need for providing flow of fluid like towards toward various parts of the vehicle, without affecting the compact vehicle layout and without increasing weight of the system.
[00013] Hence, it is an object of the present subject matter to address aforementioned and other problems in the prior arts. Accordingly, the present subject matter provides a frame assembly for the vehicle. According to one object, the frame assembly enables airflow towards engine assembly and parts disposed rearwardly of floorboard. The present subject matter provides a frame assembly with air inlets disposed in a front portion of the frame assembly, a passage and one or more air outlets provided on said side frame assembly for providing airflow towards the engine assembly.
[00014] According to one aspect, the frame assembly enables airflow towards the engine assembly and parts including transmission assembly. According to another aspect, the frame assembly enables airflow towards air filter assembly. According to yet another aspect, the frame assembly acts as structural member of the vehicle with integrated cooling. According to additional aspect, underutilized space is utilized without compromising on utility space of the vehicle. According to another additional aspect, performance of the vehicle is improved by cooling the engine effectively.
[00015] In one embodiment, the frame assembly includes one or more side frames that are disposed below the floorboard and extending inclinedly rearward towards a rear portion of the vehicle. Further, the frame assembly includes one or more air inlets that are disposed at a front portion of the side frame members of the frame assembly. One or more passages, which are integrally formed with each of the side frame members, extend along the side frame members. One or more air outlets disposed on surface(s) of the side frame members. The air outlets are disposed in proximity to one or more parts of the vehicle, wherein the parts include the engine, the air filter assembly, or the transmission assembly. The air inlets and air outlets are connected to the passages.
[00016] In one embodiment, the side frame member of the frame assembly are provided with one or more air guide(s) disposed at the air inlets, wherein said air guide(s) are having a front end cross-sectional area substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the side frame members to capture higher air entry therethrough.
[00017] In one embodiment, the frame assembly includes one or more core members. One or more hollow passage(s) are composed of said core members of the side frame members. Further, the core members are provided with independent air outlet(s) to direct air to different parts of the vehicle. Furthermore, the core members are provided with different cross-sectional area depending on volume of air to be supplied to a particular part. In one embodiment, the core members are enclosed by a reinforcing member.
[00018] In one embodiment, the air inlet(s) are provided at a front portion of the hollow passage and the air inlet(s) are disposed at a lower height with respect to the air outlets of the hollow passage, whereby the air inlets are capable of directing cold air through the hollow passage.
[00019] In one embodiment, the frame assembly includes a floor member disposed downwardly of the floorboard is supported by one or more cross members of the frame assembly. The floor member comprises one or more vent(s) that are provided on surface of the floor member. The vents enable flow of air from below the floor member towards rear portion of the floorboard.
[00020] In an embodiment, the frame assembly can have side frame member(s) with any regular or irregular geometrical cross-section. Further, the vents provided on the floor member are provided with one or more filter(s) that enables filtering of dust and dirt. Further, the floor member comprises one or more air guides enabling higher volume of airflow towards the engine assembly that is forwardly inclined.
[00021] It is an advantage that the one or more passages of the frame assembly enable selective supply of air from the air inlet to air outlet.
[00022] It is another advantage that the cold air, which is generally at lower portion, is drawn by the frame assembly and is supplied to the vehicle parts like engine assembly for cooling thereby improving efficiency of the system.
[00023] It is an additional advantage that the compact layout of the vehicle is retained and at the same time the frame assembly, which is load member of the vehicle, enables supply of air to the vehicle parts.
[00024] It is another additional advantage that the side frame members extend substantially in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, wherein the side frame members provide less resistance to flow of air.
[00025] It is yet another advantage that the air outlets are provided on any surface portion of the side frame member, wherein the air outlet is disposed in proximity to the vehicle parts.
[00026] It is yet another additional advantage that the frame assembly can be composed of a lightweight rigid material includes any known metal. In another embodiment, the frame assembly is made of rigid material including polymers, or composite material made of carbon fiber or glass fiber along with any known resin.
[00027] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00028] 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 indicated rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denoted left side, as and where applicable.
[00029] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of a two-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 comprises a frame assembly 200, which is step-through type. A power unit 105 is mounted to the frame assembly 200 of the vehicle 100. The power unit 105 includes at least one of an internal combustion engine 105 or a traction motor. Hereinafter, the terms ‘power unit’ and ‘engine’ are interchangeably used. The power unit 105 includes a starter system 110. Particularly, the starter system 110 includes an electric start system or a mechanical start system that is employed with power unit 105 provided with the IC engine. Through a transmission system 115, a rear wheel 120 is functionally coupled to the power unit 105. The transmission system 115 may include a fixed gear chain drive or continuously variable transmission (CVT) or an automatic manual transmission (AMT). A rear fender 120A covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 120. Further, one or more rear suspension(s) 125 functionally connect the rear wheel 120 to the frame assembly 200.
[00030] A steering shaft (not shown) is rotatably supported by a head tube (shown in Fig. 2 (a)) of the frame assembly 200. A handle bar assembly 130 is connected to the steering shaft. One or more front suspensions 135 rotatably support a front wheel 140 and connect the front wheel to the steering shaft. A front fender 140A covers at least a portion of the front wheel 140. A floorboard 145 is disposed at the step-through space and is supported by the frame assembly 200. A seat assembly 150 may be supported by the portion of the frame assembly 200. In an embodiment, a utility box (not shown) is mounted to the frame assembly 200 and the seat assembly is supported by the utility box.
[00031] In addition, the vehicle 100 has a front panel 135A disposed upwardly of the front fender 140A. A leg shield 135B is disposed rearwardly of the front panel 135A. The front panel 135A and the leg shield 135B cover at least portion of the frame assembly 200 at the front portion of the vehicle 100. A below seat cover 135C is disposed forwardly of the power unit 110 and below the seat assembly 150. A pair of rear panels 135D are disposed below the seat assembly, which are extending downwardly covering at least a portion of the power unit 110. The internal combustion of the power unit 110 will be supplied with air fuel mixture supplied by a fuel tank (not shown) and an air induction system (not shown) that are coupled through a carburetor or a fuel injection system(not shown). The vehicle 100 comprises an auxiliary power source (not shown) that includes a battery or a hydrogen cell or a fuel cell or the like. Further, the traction motor of the power unit 110 is powered by the auxiliary power source mounted to the vehicle 100.
[00032] Further, the vehicle 100 includes various electronic and electrical systems such as a vehicle control unit, an anti-lock braking system, or a synchronous braking system. Also, an electrical starter system, a headlamp 155A, and a tail lamp 155B are provided on said vehicle 100.
[00033] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a left side perspective view of a frame assembly 200 for the vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame assembly 200 comprises a head tube 205 disposed in a front portion of the vehicle, wherein the head tube 205 pivotally support the steering shaft (not shown). Further, a main tube 210 extends rearwardly downward from the head tube 205 towards the floorboard (not shown). In the present embodiment, the main tube 210 extends downwardly of the floorboard 145 (shown in Fig. 1), supporting the floorboard 145. The frame assembly 200 further comprises one or more of side frame members 215A, 215B disposed below the floorboard 145 and extend from below the floorboard 145 inclinedly rearward towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100, which is towards the tail lamp 155B (shown in Fig. 1). The frame assembly 200 includes one or more passages P1, P2 that extend along the side frame members 215A, 215B. In a preferred embodiment, the passages P1, P2 are integrally formed with the side frame members 215A, 215B. The side frame members 215A, 215B are made of a rigid material. The rigid material includes any known metal.
[00034] One or more cross member(s) 220A, 220B, 220C are provided with the frame assembly 200 that are extending in a lateral direction and supporting said side frame members 215A, 215B. In the present embodiment, a first cross member 220A, a second cross member 220B are disposed at the floor board portion and cross members 220A, 220B support the side frame members 215A, 215B and a portion of the main tube 210. The first cross member 220A and the second cross member 220B provide support to the floorboard 145 (shown in Fig. 1) that is subjected to load. In the present embodiment, the side frame members 215A, 215B are hollow type.
[00035] Fig. 2 (b) depicts an enlarged front view of the frame assembly 200, in accordance with the embodiment as depicted in Fig. 2 (a). The engine assembly 105 is swingably connected to the frame assembly 200. In the present embodiment, the engine assembly 105 is forwardly inclined and a cylinder head is disposed rearwardly of the step-through portion SP. Further, the vehicle 100 includes an air filter assembly 160 that is functionally coupled to the engine assembly 105 and the air filter assembly 160 supplies filtered air to the engine assembly 105 to enable combustion. In the present embodiment, the air filter assembly 160 is disposed in proximity to the engine assembly 105 and is positioned upwardly of the transmission assembly 100 (shown in Fig. 1). The air filter assembly 160 comprises of one or more air inlet(s) (not shown) through which air is sucked for filtering. The vehicle 100 comprises of a below seat panel 135C that covers engine assembly 105 from front portion and pair of rear panels 135D that cover at least a portion of the engine assembly 105 from left side and right side.
[00036] Further, the frame assembly 200 includes one or more air inlets 225A, 225B that are disposed at a front portion FP of the side frame members 215A, 215B. The hollow passage(s) P1, P2, which are integrally formed with each of the side frame members 215A, 215B, extends along at least a portion of the side frame members 215A, 215B. Moreover, the front panel of the vehicle 100 disposed forwardly of the head tube is provided with provisions that enable airflow. The frame assembly 200 includes one or more air outlets 230A, 230B disposed on surface(s) of the side frame members 215A, 215B and connected to the passage(s) P1, P2. In the present embodiment, a first air outlet 230A is provided on a inner side surface portion of the side frame member 215A to enables airflow towards the engine assembly 105 for cooling. A second air outlet 230B is provided on outer side surface portion of the side frame member 215B to enable airflow towards the air filter 160 disposed adjacently of the engine assembly 105. Thus, the first air outlet 215A and the second air outlet 215B are selectively disposed to provide air to the power unit 105 and components like air filter 160 that work with the power unit 105. The air outlets 230A, 230B are disposed in proximity to one or more parts of the vehicle, wherein the parts includes the engine 105, the air filter assembly 160, a radiator cooling assembly, or the transmission assembly 110. Air flows through the hollow passage and is dissipated towards the parts. The frame assembly 200 enables flow of air required for air filter assembly 160 and also for cooling of the engine 105 and the transmission system. In another embodiment, the frame assembly 200 is adapted to supply air to the rear wheel or wheel hub that are subjected to friction. In the present embodiment, the frame assembly 200 is made of a rigid material that includes any known metal.
[00037] Fig. 3 (a) depicts a frame assembly 300, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The frame assembly 300 includes a head tube 305. A main tube 310 extend rearwardly downward from the head tube 305 and extends downwardly of the floorboard 145 (shown in Fig. 1), supporting the floorboard 145. The frame assembly 300 further comprises one or more side frame members 315A, 315B that extend from below a floorboard 145 inclinedly rearward towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100, which is towards the tail lamp 155B (shown in Fig. 1). Further, each of the side frame members 315A, 315B includes one or more inner core members 315BA, 315BB (shown in Fig. 3 (b)). In addition, one or more cross member(s) 320A, 320B, 320C are provided with the frame assembly 300 that are laterally connecting said side frame members 315A, 315B. The frame assembly 300 further comprises one or more hollow passage(s) P31, P32, P33, and P34 that are extending from a front portion of the side frame members 315A, 315B to proximity of one or more parts of the vehicle 100, where air outlets 330 are selectively provided on surface portions of the side frame member 315A, 315B to enable selective supply of running air to the various components of the vehicle 100 including the power unit 105 and components disposed in proximity to the power unit 105. In a preferred embodiment, the passages P31, P32, P33, and P34 are integrally formed with one or more core members 315BA, 315BB of the frame assembly 300. Furthermore, the side frame member 315A, 315B are provided with one or more air guide(s) 340A, 340B having a front-end cross-sectional area substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the side frame members 315A, 315B. The frame assembly 300 is made of a composite material including a carbon fiber or glass fiber and a resin.
[00038] Fig. 3 (b) depicts a cross-sectional view of the frame assembly 300, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 (a). The side frame member 315B is provided with a first core member 315BA, and a second core member 315BB that extends along the side frame member 315B. The core members 315BA, 315BB are having a cross-section that is rectangular in shape. However, in another embodiment, a regular geometric shape or irregular shape can be provided.
[00039] The air guide 340B enables in directing greater volume of air towards the hollow passage through the air inlets 325A, 325B, which is integrated with the side frame member 315A, 315B. The air guide 325B is disposed at the front portion FP of the side frame members 315A, 315B that is connected to the hollow passage P31, P32, P33, P34 provided in the frame assembly 300. Air flows through the passage reaching the air outlets 330B. In a preferred embodiment, the air outlets 330B are selectively provided on a surface of the side frame member 315A, 315B, which is in proximity to the engine assembly, the air filter assembly, or the transmission assembly.
[00040] In an embodiment, the core member 315BA, 315BB of the side frame 315B are provided with hollow passage(s) P32, P34 that are integrated with said core members 315BA, 315BB. The core member 315BA, 315BB of the side frame 315B are provided with independent air outlet(s) 330B that are directed to different parts of the vehicle including the engine assembly, the air filter assembly, or the transmission assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the passages P32, P34 are integrally formed with core members 315BA, 315BB of the frame assembly 300. Further, the core members 315BA, 315BB are provided with different cross-sectional area depending on volume of air to be supplied to a particular part. The high cross-sectional area enables higher airflow towards the respective air outlet. The frame assembly 300 enables selective airflow volume to parts of the vehicle.
[00041] In the present embodiment, the frame assembly 300 is made of a composite material including fiber reinforced plastic (FRP), or carbon fiber or glass fiber reinforced by resin. The frame assembly 300 improves efficiency of the vehicle as the weight of the frame assembly 300 is less and also hollow passage(s) P31, P32, P33, and P34 are integrally formed with the frame assembly 300, whereby the engine 105 and parts subject to friction are cooled. Also, the air filter assembly 300 is provided with airflow directed through the frame assembly 300, for effective functioning of the engine 105. The frame assembly 300 further comprises a floor member 345 that is disposed downwardly of the floorboard 145 (shown in Fig. 1).
[00042] In a preferred embodiment, the air inlet(s) 325A, 325B are disposed at a lower height with respect to a height of the air outlets 330A, 330B of frame assembly 300, whereby the air inlets 325A, 325B are capable of collecting and directing cold air through the hollow passage P31, P32, P33, P34 to the vehicle parts disposed in proximity to the outlets 330A, 330B selectively disposed on the surface portions of the frame assembly 300.
[00043] Fig. 3 (c) depicts a top view of the frame assembly 300, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 3 (a). The floor member 345 disposed downwardly of the floor board 145 is supported by at least one of the cross members 320A, 320B and the side frame member 315A, 315B. The floor member 345 is made of a rigid material including a polymer. In an embodiment, the floor member is made of composite material and is integrally formed with the frame assembly 300. The floor member 345 comprises of one or more vent(s) 350 that are provided on surface of the floor member 345. The vents 350 enable flow of air from below the floor member 345 towards the engine 105 (as shown in Fig. 1). In an embodiment, the engine 105 is forwardly inclined and the vent(s) 345 that direct air towards the cylinder head for cooling. Further, the engine assembly 105 includes cooling fins that are disposed on the cylinder head and a cylinder body. The airflow from the vents 345 and the air outlet(s) 330A, 330B direct airflow towards the fins for cooling said engine assembly 105.
[00044] 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. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described. ,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (200, 300) including a head tube (205, 305), a main tube (210, 310) extending rearwardly downward from said head tube (205, 305), and said frame assembly (200, 300) defines a step-through portion (SP) and a floorboard (145) disposed thereat; and
a power unit (105) swingably connected to said frame assembly (200, 300) and disposed rearward of said step-through portion (SP);
characterized in that
said frame assembly (200, 300) includes a pair of side frame members (215A, 215B, 315A, 315B) extending from said step-through portion (SP) inclinedly towards a rear portion (R) of said vehicle (100), and at least one side frame member (215A, 215B, 315A, 315B) of said pair of side frame members (215A, 215B, 315A, 315B) includes one or more hollow passage(s) (P21, P22, P31, P32, P33, P34) extending from a front portion (FP) of said side frame member (215A, 215B, 315A, 315B) along at least a portion of said side frame members (215A, 215B, 315A, 315B), said one or more hollow passage(s) (P21, P22, P31, P32, P33, P34) includes an air inlet (225A, 225B, 325A, 325B) disposed at said front portion (FP) and one or more air outlets (230A, 230B, 330A, 330B), and said one or more air outlets (230A, 230B, 330A, 330B) are selectively disposed on said side frame members (215A, 215B, 315A, 315B) and in proximity to said power unit (105).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more hollow passage(s) (P21, P22, P31, P32, P33, P34) are integrally composed with said side frame members (215A, 215B, 315A, 315B).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said side frame member(s) (315A, 315B) includes one or more core member(s) (315BA, 315BA) defining said one or more hollow passage(s) (P32, P34).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame assembly (200, 300) includes one or more cross member(s) (220A, 220B, 320A, 320B) connected to at least one of said side frame member(s) (215A, 215B, 315A, 315B) and said cross member (s) (220A, 220B, 320A, 320B) are capable of supporting said floorboard (145).
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said side frame member(s) (215A, 215B, 315A, 315B) extend substantially in a longitudinal direction (F-R) of said vehicle (100), said air inlet(s) (225A, 225B, 325A, 325B) are disposed at lower height with respect to said air outlet(s) (230A, 230B, 330A, 330B).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more air outlets (230A, 230B, 330A, 330B) are provided on one or more surface portion(s) of said side frame member(s) (215A, 215B, 315A, 315B) in proximity to at least one of said power unit (105) including a forwardly inclined engine assembly (105), an air filter assembly (160) disposed on one lateral side (LH) connected to said power unit (105), a transmission assembly coupled to power unit (105), or a rear wheel hub.
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more air outlets (230A, 230B) includes a first air outlet (230A) and a second air outlet (230B), wherein said first air outlet (230A) is disposed on an inward surface portion of one side frame member (215A) for cooling said power unit (105) and said second air outlet (230B) is disposed on outward surface portion of other side frame member (215B) for directing air towards an air filter (160).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame assembly (300) further comprises a floor member (345) disposed below said floorboard (145), and supported by at least one of said side frame member(s) (315A, 315B) and said main frame (310), wherein said floor member (345) is provided with one or more vent(s) (350) for direct air towards said power unit (105) disposed rearward of said floorboard (145).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front portion (FP) of said side frame members (315A, 315B) are provided with one or more air guide(s) (340A, 340B), said air guide(s) (340A, 340B) includes a front facing area substantially greater than a cross sectional area of said side frame member (315A, 315B) to enable air entry.
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in 1 or 9, wherein said air guide(s) (340A, 340B) includes at least one filter member capable of blocking dust and dirt from reaching said hollow passage (P31, P32, P33, P34) of said side frame members (315A, 315B).