DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a suspension assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a suspension assembly of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a suspension assembly is provided in a two-wheeled vehicle to absorb and dissipate road shocks experienced by the vehicle while operating on the roads. The suspension assembly provided in the two-wheeled vehicle prevents the shocks and vibrations from reaching the rider or pillion, thereby providing ride comfort to the rider as well as to the pillion. Most often, the vehicle riding on the roads is commonly exposed to mud, dust particles, or any other foreign particles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment.
[0005] Fig. 2(a) depicts a suspension assembly provided in a two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment.
[0006] Fig. 2(b) illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along xx`-axis of the suspension assembly shown in Fig. 2(a).
[0007] Fig. 3(a) illustrates a suspension assembly according to another embodiment.
[0008] Fig. 3(b) illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along yy`-axis of the suspension assembly as shown in Fig. 3(a).
[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates a typical dust tube member and a second end portion employing the mechanism according to an embodiment.
[00010] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a typical dust tube member employing the present invention.
[00011] Fig. 6 illustrates a front view of a dust tube member and top view of the second end portion employing the present invention.
[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a typical dust tube member disposed above a retainer member according to yet another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] There is a possibility that the mud, dust particles, or any other foreign particles may enter into the different parts present in the suspension assembly and gets stored inside a suspension assembly of the suspension assembly. During the vehicle operation condition and during working of the piston rod, the stored mud/dust particles or any other foreign particles present between a compression spring and other parts inside the suspension assembly may tend to enter into the damper body and cause potential damage to the oil seal resulting in oil leakage present inside the suspension assembly (damper). Due to oil leakage, the damping provided by the damper deteriorates and leads to failure of ride comfort.
[00014] The failure of the suspension assembly or poor working of the suspension assembly ceases to provide better ride comfort to the rider and to the pillion. Therefore, with the existing drawbacks in the conventional type suspension assembly, the rider and the pillion during operation of the two-wheeled vehicle are subject to discomfort.
[00015] Typically, during vehicle operating condition, the suspension assembly is exposed to the atmosphere and the mud, dust particles and any other foreign materials present in the atmosphere is deposited in the various parts of the suspension assembly. Further, during servicing of the vehicle and certain conditions like, exposure to rain, the mud and other dust particles flow down from the other vehicular parts due to gravity gets deposited on the second end portion of the suspension assembly. The stagnation of dust particles leads to improper stroking and damage to the piston rod assembly in the suspension assembly. During stroking of the piston rod assembly, the dust particles tend to enter into the damper body leading to contamination and damage to oil seal resulting in oil leakage. The oil leakage leads to poor functioning of the suspension assembly and results in providing poor ride comfort to the rider and to the pillion.
[00016] However, a dust tube member may be provided co-axially inside the compression spring resting on second end portion of the suspension assembly. The drawback involved in the suspension assembly with the dust tube member is that the mud, dust particles and any other foreign materials is deposited at the bottom portion of the dust tube member between the second end portion and the dust tube member. Hence, the disadvantages present in the conventional suspension assembly still prevail. Sometimes, the dust accumulation in the surrounding areas of the dust tube member may be eliminated by providing openings in the dust tube member for mud to escape or drain out. However, the mud draining out under gravity by flow of water during servicing of the vehicle may not be completely effective due to misalignment of the dust tube member. A small amount of mud or dust particles may remain potentially leading to failure of the suspension assembly and providing poor ride comfort. The disadvantages present in the conventional suspension assembly of a two-wheeled vehicle are overcome in the present invention.
[00017] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle, for example, a motorcycle according to an embodiment. The motorcycle according to an embodiment includes a front wheel 101 steered by a handlebar 102 and a rear wheel 103 supported by a swing arm 104. Steering assembly parts including the handlebar 102 and the front wheel 101 are supported for pivotal steering operation on a head pipe 105 at the front end of the vehicle body frame 106. A seat 110 for a driver and a pillion is placed rearward to a fuel tank 114. An engine assembly 113 is disposed below the fuel tank. 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 112 is placed above the rear wheel 103, and to the outer side in the radial direction of rear wheel 103. Rear fender 112 inhibits rainwater or the like from being thrown up by rear wheel 103.
[00018] The swing arm 104 along with a suspension assembly 109 is supported at a front portion thereof for pivotal motion and upward and downward rocking motion on the rear side of a lower portion of the vehicle body frame 106. A suspension assembly including a pair of front forks 108 and the suspension assembly 109 is provided in the two-wheeled vehicle 100 for providing better ride comfort to the rider and the pillion rider. In general terms, the suspension assembly 109 helps cushion vehicles on uneven roads. In the two-wheeled vehicle, suspension assembly reduces the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling. The vehicle body frame 106 includes the head pipe 105, a pair of left and right main frames 107. The head pipe 105 is positioned at a front-end portion of the vehicle body frame 106. The main frames 107 extend in a leftwardly and rightwardly branching state obliquely downwardly rearwardly from a lower portion of the head pipe 105.
[00019] Fig. 2(a) depicts a suspension assembly provided in a two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment. Fig. 2(b) illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along a vertical axis xx`-axis of the suspension assembly shown in Fig. 2(a). A typical suspension assembly 109 includes an elastic member 203 and orifices to control the flow of oil through an internal piston rod assembly 204. The flow of oil is from a canister housing 205 into a damper body. The canister housing 205 is disposed at a first end portion of the suspension assembly 2. In accordance to an embodiment, a second end portion 201 of the suspension assembly 2 is capable of holding the piston rod assembly 204. The suspension assembly 2 is mounted in the two-wheeled vehicle 100 such that the first end portion including the canister housing 205 is bolted to the vehicle body frame and the second end portion 201 is bolted to the swing arm according to an embodiment. The suspension assembly 109 is provided with a dust tube member 202 disposed towards the second end portion 201 of the suspension assembly 109. The dust tube member is disposed upon the second end portion 201 such that at least a portion of the piston rod assembly 204 is covered. The length of the dust tube member 202 can be adjusted such that the dust tube member overlaps the outer diameter of the damper body according to an embodiment (not shown in the Fig. 2b). According to an embodiment, the mud, dust and, other foreign particles deposited at the bottom portion of the suspension assembly 109 collected in the dust tube member 202 is drained out effectively. The misalignment of the dust tube member 202 is prevented according to an embodiment by providing a mechanism that holds the dust tube member in position.
[00020] Fig. 3(a) illustrates a suspension assembly according to another embodiment. Fig. 3(b) illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along yy`-axis of the suspension assembly as shown in Fig. 3(a). The suspension assembly according to another embodiment comprises an elastic member 304 and orifices to control the flow of oil through an internal piston rod assembly 305. In accordance to another embodiment, a second end 306 of the suspension assembly 2 is capable of holding the piston rod assembly 305. The suspension assembly 2 is mounted in the two-wheeled vehicle such that the second end 306 is bolted to the vehicle body frame and the first end 307 is bolted to the swing arm according to an embodiment. In another embodiment, for example, a mono-tube suspension assembly, the second end 306, and the first end 307 are swapped on the vehicle during assembly and the dust tube member 302 is positioned similar to the dust tube member in Fig. 2b i.e. downwards. The suspension assembly 2 is provided with a dust tube member 302 disposed towards the first end 307 of the suspension assembly 2. The dust tube member 302 is disposed upon a retainer member 301. According to an embodiment, the mud, dust and, other foreign particles deposited at the bottom portion of the suspension assembly 109 collected in the dust tube member 302 is drained out effectively. The misalignment of the dust tube member 302 is prevented according to another embodiment by providing a mechanism that holds the dust tube member in position. The mechanism can be understood in detail by the following description.
[00021] Fig. 4 illustrates a typical dust tube member 202 and a second end portion 201 according to an embodiment. It can be observed from the figure that one or more protrusions 401 are provided at a bottom surface of the dust tube member 202 and one or more receiving portions 402 are provided on an inner face 201a of the second end portion 201. The one or more receiving portions 402 are capable of receiving the protrusion 401. Hence, under assembled condition, the dust tube member 202 including the one or more protrusions 401 and is held tightly by the one or more receiving portions 402 provided on the second end portion 201. Therefore, misalignment of the dust tube member 202 is prevented and the dust tube member 202 as disclosed in the present invention achieves an effective drain mechanism.
[00022] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a typical dust tube member 202 including a protrusion 401 and a receiving portion 402 capable of holding the dust tube member in position, thereby preventing misalignment.
[00023] Fig. 6 illustrates a front view of a dust tube member 202 and top view of the second end portion 201. The dust tube member 202 comprises a main body 202a and a base structure 202b including an annular surface 405 comprising one or more drain windows 404 and one or more protrusions 401 capable of being accommodated by one or more receiving portions 402 disposed at a proximity to an outer circumference of the inner face3 201a of the at least one of the first end 307 and the first end 306 of the suspension assembly 109. Hence, effective drain mechanism is achieved according to yet another embodiment.
[00024] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a typical dust tube member disposed above a retainer member according to yet another embodiment. The dust tube member 202 is abutted against at least one of the first end 307 and the second end 306. The dust tube member 202 comprises a main body 202a and a base structure 202b including an annular surface 405 comprising other one or more drain windows 504 and further includes one or more protrusions 401 protruding downwards from the annular surface 405. The one or more protrusions 401 are capable of being accommodated by one or more receiving portions 402 disposed at a close proximity to an outer circumference of the retainer member 301. The one or more protrusions 401 substantially align the other one or more drain windows 504 with the one or more drain provisions 403.
[00025] 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 two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a suspension assembly (109) including a first end (307) mounted to a vehicle body frame (106) and a second end (306) connected to a rear wheel (103) of said two-wheeled vehicle (100);
a retainer member (301) abutted against at least one of the first end (307) and the second end (306)
one or more drain provisions (403) disposed on an inner face (201a) of at least one of the first end (307) and the second end (306); and
a dust tube member (202) abutted against at least one of the first end (307) and the second end (306) along a vertical axis (XX`) of the suspension assembly (109),
wherein,
said dust tube member (202) comprises a main body (202a) and, a base structure (202b) including an annular surface (405) comprising one or more drain windows (404) and one or more protrusions (401) protruding downwards from the annular surface (405), said one or more protrusions (401) are capable of being accommodated by one or more receiving portions (402) disposed at a proximity to an outer circumference of the inner face (201a) of the at least one of the first end (307) and the second end (306), said one or more protrusions (401) substantially align the one or more drain windows (404) with the one or more drain provisions (403).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first end (307) comprises said retainer member (301) and said second end (306) includes said dust tube member (202) comprising the one or more drain windows (404) aligned with the one or more drain provisions (403).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first end (307) includes said retainer member (301) comprising other one or more drain provisions (504) aligned with the one or more drain windows (404) of the dust tube member (202) disposed above said retainer member (301).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more drain provisions (403) and said one or more receiving portions (402) are alternatively disposed and said one or more drain provisions (403) and said one or more receiving portions (402) are of different sizes.
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base structure (202b) is annularly disposed around at least a portion of said main body (202a).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main body (202a) is any one of circular, square, or rectangular shaped.
7. The two-wheeled (100) vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said suspension assembly (109) includes a canister housing (205) disposed in at least one of the first end (307) and the second end (306).
8. A suspension assembly (109) including a first end (307) mounted to a vehicle body frame (106) and a second end (306) connected to a rear wheel (103) of a two-wheeled vehicle (100), said suspension assembly (109) comprising:
a retainer member (301) abutted against at least one of the first end (307) and the second end (306)
one or more drain provisions (403) disposed on an inner face (201a) of at least one of the first end (307) and the second end (306); and
a dust tube member (202) abutted against at least one of the first end (307) and the second end (306) along a vertical axis (XX`) of the suspension assembly (109),
wherein,
said dust tube member (202) comprises a main body (202a) and, a base structure (202b) including an annular surface (405) comprising one or more drain windows (404) and one or more protrusions (401) protruding downwards from the annular surface (405), said one or more protrusions (401) are capable of being accommodated by one or more receiving portions (402) disposed at a proximity to an outer circumference of the inner face (201a) of the at least one of the first end (307) and the second end (306), said one or more protrusions (401) substantially aligns the one or more drain windows (404) with the one or more drain provisions (403).
9. The suspension assembly (109) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said one or more drain provisions (403) are slots comprising any one of circular, square, or rectangular shaped.
10. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein said other one or more receiving portions (402) are any of circular, square, or rectangular shaped.