DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled motor vehicle, and more particularly to a cover member for the two-wheeled motor vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle a frame assembly comprises a head tube and extends rearward. The frame assembly acts as a structural member for the vehicle that supports 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). An internal combustion (IC) engine is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The IC engine is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle components.
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 (a) illustrates a left side perspective view of an exemplary two-wheeled motor vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a left side view of a rear portion of a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 (b) illustrates a left side perspective view of a swing arm with parts disposed thereon, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a).
[0007] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a right side perspective view of the swing arm mounted with parts thereon in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a).
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a cover member, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 4 (a) depicts a right side view of a cover member employed on a vehicle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 4 (b) depicts a left side perspective view of the cover member in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 4 (a).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] Typically, in a two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through type frame assembly, the power unit is disposed rearwardly of a step-through space. The power unit may include at least one of an engine assembly or an electric motor. Generally, in the vehicles with swinging-type power unit, the power unit is functionally coupled to the rear wheel through a drive means that includes a belt drive or a chain drive or the like.
[00012] Further, in vehicles with swinging-type power unit, the drive sprocket is enclosed by a casing, which is to be removed for servicing. Also, this increases the weight of the power unit. Further, the cost is also higher. Furthermore, serviceability of the drive sprocket is time consuming, as the number of parts is more for accessing the drive sprocket. In addition, in case of an exposed chain drive system, the chain drive is subject to rusting thereby reducing the life of the chain. Also, the chain drive system is prone to dust entry, which requires regular maintenance. Moreover, the life of the drive means is also reduced due to aforementioned problems. Further, a rear fender is also included to cover the rear wheel. However, servicing of the individual parts like the sprockets, or the rear wheel requires removal of entire hugger or rear fender.
[00013] Further, the engine assembly is to be compactly packaged to accommodate additional components including air filter assembly, an automatic manual transmission (AMT) or the like, and starter system. This makes mounting of the casing and the rear fender complex. Further, improper mounting may result in vibrations of the casing, the rear fender, or the like.
[00014] Hence, an objective of the present subject matter is to provide a two-wheeled vehicle. Further, the present subject matter provides the two-wheeled vehicle employed with a cover member. According to another object, the cover member enables ease of serviceability and maintenance. According to yet another object, life of the chain member and the cover member of the two-wheeled vehicle is improved.
[00015] The present subject matter provides a two-wheeled vehicle. A power unit is mounted to a swing arm of the vehicle and the swing arm is swingably coupled to the frame assembly. The power unit includes at least one of an internal combustion engine or a traction motor. Further, the swing arm rotatably supports a rear wheel of the vehicle. The power unit is functionally coupled to the rear wheel. Furthermore, one or more rear suspension connects the swing arm to the frame assembly.
[00016] In an embodiment, the power unit comprises of a drive sprocket that is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine assembly of the power unit. In another embodiment, a motor shaft of the electric motor or the like is coupled to the drive sprocket. A driven sprocket is functionally coupled to the rear wheel of the vehicle. Further, a cover member is disposed covering at least a portion of the power unit, chain and at least a portion of the rear wheel.
[00017] In an embodiment, the cover member comprises of a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is enclosing at least a portion of the chain, and extending substantially along longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Further, the first portion covers at least a portion of the driven sprocket. The first portion is sandwiched between the swing arm and the rear wheel. The second portion extends upwardly from a top portion of the first portion adjacently of the rear wheel and covering at least a portion of the rear wheel. Furthermore, the second portion is detachably attached with said first portion. The cover member is made of plastic, fiber reinforced plastic, or the like.
[00018] It is an advantage that the second portion of the cover member is detachable for servicing the rear wheel and the parts in proximity to the rear wheel. The first portion is secured the swing arm and is sandwiched between the swing arm and the rear wheel, whereby the cover member provides a compact layout to accommodate other vehicle components.
[00019] It is an additional advantage that the first portion covers the chain cover from one lateral side thereby protecting the chain. In one embodiment, the cover member is completely enclosing the chain.
[00020] It is an additional advantage that the second member is detachably mounted to the first portion and the first member and the second member are provided with locking portions to engage with the swing arm to provide additional support thereof.
[00021] In an embodiment, the cover member further comprises a third portion that is disposed adjacently forward to the first portion covering at least a portion of the drive sprocket. The third portion is secured to an outer cover of the power unit and supported by the first portion. For example, the outer cover may be a crankcase cover made of a light weight material. Further, the swing arm is provided with one or more brackets that are affixed or welded to the swing arm that are adapted to secure the cover member to the swing arm. In case of vehicle employed with an automatic transmission system, the cover member enables covering of drive sensor(s) thereof.
[00022] In one embodiment, a secondary cover that is adapted to cover exposed portion of the driven sprocket. The secondary cover member enables servicing of the driven sprocket and the chain, thereby eliminating the need for removal of the cover member. Further, the cover member is adapted to support the secondary cover, wherein the secondary cover is secured to the cover member.
[00023] It is an advantage that the drive sprocket or the driven sprockets are serviceable without removing the entire cover member.
[00024] In an embodiment, the cover member is provided with a hump portion(s) that are disposed concentrically about one or more rear suspension(s) of the vehicle. The hump portion enables elimination of interference between the cover member and the rear suspension(s). In an embodiment, the hump portion(s) may be provided adjacently of the one or more suspension mounted on the vehicle. In addition, the hump portion(s) provides possibility to commonise the cover member for vehicle(s) with one or more rear suspension(s) and with varying frame layouts. Further, the cover member is provided with the one or more air vent(s) that is adapted to receiver atmospheric air. The one or more air vent(s) directs air towards the chain, rear wheel hub, and the parts of the rear wheel that are prone to heating.
[00025] In an embodiment, the cover member is provided such that the second portion is detachably attached with the first portion, for example, a snap fit or the like may be used. Further, the cover member is provided with a hugger, which secures the second portion to the swing arm. This arrests downward movement of the cover member. In addition, the cover member is secured to crankcase cover and the swing arm forming closed triangle linkage. Further, the cover member is provided with silent blocks, for example silent block being made of elastic material is provided between the abutting portion of the cover member and the swing arm. This reduces vibrations, thereby reducing noise and improving.
[00026] In another embodiment, the second portion of the cover member extends forwardly downward covering at least a portion of the rear wheel in radial direction. This restricts splashing of the dirt, mud or the like on to the power unit. Further, the second portion of the cover member extends from one side of the rear wheel to other side of the rear wheel. The second portion in this embodiment prevents splashing of mud, dirt or the like on to pillion rider foot or towards an exhaust assembly.
[00027] The present subject matter provides ease of serviceability by removing only the secondary cover for servicing the rear wheel or the parts in proximity to the rear wheel. Further, natural cooling is provided by means of air vent(s) provided on the cover. In addition, the cover member can be adapted to work with mono shock and dual shock suspension system. Furthermore, the cover member enables Moreover, the cover member provides aesthetic appeal, as majority of the majority of mounting points are not exposed.
[00028] The cover member is provided with air vents that enable cooling of the chain and sprocket that are subject to fiction, at the same time reduced entry of dirt, as the air vents are disposed inclinedly.
[00029] 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.
[00030] Fig. 1 illustrates a two-wheeled vehicle 100 with a step-through type frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The step-through type frame assembly includes a head tube 105A, a down tube 105B and one or more rear tube(s) 105C. The frame assembly 105 extends from a front portion to a rear portion of the vehicle 100. Further, a main tube 105B extends downward from a rear portion of the head tube 105A and then a pair of rear tubes 105C extends from a rear portion of the main tube 105B in an inclined manner. A power unit 110 is mounted to a swing arm 115 of the vehicle 100. The power unit 110 includes at least one of an internal combustion engine or a traction motor. One end of the swing arm 115 is swingably connected to the frame assembly 105 and other end of the frame assembly 105 supports a rear wheel 120 rotatably. The power unit 110 is functionally coupled to the rear wheel 120. Further, one or more rear suspension 125 connect the swing arm 115 to the frame assembly 105.
[00031] A steering shaft (not shown) is rotatably disposed about the head tube 105A. A handle bar assembly 130 is connected to the steering shaft. One or more front suspensions 135 connect a front wheel 140 to the steering shaft. The front wheel 140 is rotatably supported by the one or more front suspensions 135. Further, the vehicle 100 comprises a step-through space formed by the frame assembly 105. A floorboard 145 is supported by the main tube at the step-through space. A seat assembly 150 is mounted to the pair of rear tubes 105C. In another embodiment, the seat assembly is supported by a utility box (not shown) that is disposed below the seat assembly. In addition, the vehicle 100 has a front panel 135A disposed forwardly of the head tube 105A. A leg shield 135B is disposed rearwardly of the head tube 105A. The front panel 135A and the leg shield 135B cover at least portion of the frame assembly 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. The pair of rear panels 135D are disposed below the seat assembly 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 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 also 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 available.
[00033] Fig. 2 (a) illustrates a left side view of a rear portion of a two-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A below seat cover member 135C (shown in Fig. 1) is mounted to the frame assembly 105 in a rear portion of the vehicle 100, which is disposed below the seat assembly 150. One end portion 115F of the swing arm 115 is swingably connected to the frame assembly 105. Other end portion 115R of the swing arm 115 rotatably supports the rear wheel 120, wherein the rear wheel 120 is supported by a rear axle of the rear wheel 120. A rear suspension of one or more rear suspensions 125 is disposed on the left side connecting the swing arm 115 and the frame assembly 105. The one or more rear suspensions 125 are disposed adjacently of the rear wheel 120. In the present embodiment, the power unit 110 is mounted to the swing arm 115 and disposed forwardly of the rear wheel 120. Further, an engine assembly of the power unit 110 is forwardly inclined.
[00034] The power unit 110 comprises of a drive sprocket 160 that is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine assembly of the power unit 110. In another embodiment, a motor shaft of the electric motor or the like is coupled to the drive sprocket 160. The drive sprocket 160 is disposed on left side of the power unit 110. Further, a driven sprocket 165 (not shown) is functionally coupled to the rear wheel 120 of the vehicle 100. In a preferred embodiment, the driven sprocket 165 is concentrically disposed about the rear wheel 120 that is supported by the rear wheel axle. Torque and power from the drive sprocket 160 is transferred to the driven sprocket 165 through a chain. A cover member 200 is disposed covering at least a portion of the power unit 110 and at least a portion of the rear wheel 120.
[00035] In one embodiment, a chain 170 functionally connects the drive sprocket 160 and the driven sprocket 165.
[00036] Fig. 2 (b) illustrates a left side perspective view of the swing arm with parts disposed thereon, in accordance with embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a). The swing arm 115 includes a base portion 115B and one or more cross-member 115A disposed at an elevation E from the base member 115B. The cover member 200 comprises a first portion 205 extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100 and enclosing at least a portion of the chain 170. The term chain includes a belt drive or any known drive means. Further, the first portion 205 of the cover member extends rearward towards the driven sprocket 165 covering at least a portion of the driven sprocket 165. A second portion 210 of the cover member 200 extends upwardly from a top portion of the first portion 205 and adjacently of the rear wheel 120 covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 120. The second portion 210 is detachably attached with the first portion 205. The second portion 210 may be integrated with the first portion 205 of the cover member 200.
[00037] Particularly, at least a portion of the cover member 200 is disposed adjacently of the swing arm 115 and the rear wheel 120, therebetween. The first portion 205 of the cover member 200 is secured to a crankcase cover of the engine assembly of the power unit 110. The first portion 205 is provided with one or more mounting portion(s) 240 (shown in Fig. 2 (d)) for securing the first portion 205 to the swing arm 115 using fasteners 170. Further, the cover member 200 is provided with a hump portion(s) 230 that are provided concentrically about the one or more rear suspension(s) 125, wherein said hump portion(s) 230 are inward humps like depressions that are concentric to the rear suspension 125. The hump portion(s) 230 enables elimination of interference between the cover member 200 and the rear suspension(s) 125, which are adjacently disposed to the cover member 200. In an embodiment, the hump portion(s) 230 may be provided adjacently of the one or more rear suspension 125 mounted on the vehicle 100.
[00038] The first portion 205 is disposed on one lateral side of the rear wheel 120 covering at least a portion of the chain 170 and the driven sprocket 165. The first portion 205 is sandwiched between the swingarm 115 and said the rear wheel 120. The second portion 210 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 120 is detachably-mounted to the first portion 205. The second portion 210 is an angular section covering the wheel 120 whereby splashing of dirt is reduced.
[00039] The swing arm 115 is provided with one or more brackets 115AA that are affixed or welded to the swing arm 115. The one more brackets 115AA are adapted to secure cover member 200 to the swing arm 115. The cover member 200 further comprises of a third portion 215 disposed adjacently forward to the first portion 205. Also, the third portion 215 of the cover member 200 is provided with an access portion 235 that is provided for servicing or oiling the drive sprocket 160.
[00040] Further, the vehicle 100 is provided with a secondary cover 220 that is adapted to cover exposed portion of the driven sprocket 165 that is not covered by the cover member 200. The secondary cover member 220 enables servicing of the driven sprocket 165 and the chain, thereby eliminating the need for removing cover member 200. Further, the cover member 200 is adapted to support the secondary cover 220, wherein the secondary cover is secured to the cover member 200 by one or more fasteners.
[00041] Fig. 2 (c) depicts a right side perspective view of the swing arm 115 mounted with parts thereon in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2 (a). The second portion 210 of the cover member 200 extends adjacently upwardly of the rear wheel 120 on the left side and extends towards an opposite side i.e. right side, of the rear wheel 120. Further, the second portion 210 of the cover member 200 covers at least a portion of the rear wheel 120. The cover member 200 covers the rear wheel 120 and is disposed rearwardly of the power unit 110. In the present embodiment, the cover member 200 is provided with mounting portion(s) 240 on one side to enable ease of assembly and disassembly during maintenance.
[00042] Fig. 3 depicts an exploded view of a cover member 300, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. The cover member 300 comprises of a first portion 310 that is extending substantially along longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100 and covering at least a portion of the chain of the vehicle 100. Further, the first portion 305 covers at least a portion of the driven sprocket 165. A second portion 310 of the cover member 300 extends upwardly from a top portion of the first portion 310. The second portion 310 is adapted to cover at least a portion of the rear wheel 120. Furthermore, the second portion 310 of the cover member 310 is provided with a hugger 345 that is adapted to support the second portion 310 of the cover member 300 to the swing arm 115 of the vehicle 100. This prevents downward motion of the section portion 310 of the cover member 300. The third portion 315 of the cover member 300 is disposed forwardly adjacent to the first portion 305 covering at least a portion of the driven sprocket 165. The third portion 315 is secured to the power unit cover of the power unit 110. In the present embodiment, the third portion 315 is fastened to crank case cover (not shown), which is the power unit cover, through one or more fasteners 170.
[00043] Also, in the present embodiment, the second portion 310 includes one or more locking means(s) 360 capable of engaging with the first portion 305 whereby said second portion 310 is secured to the first portion 305. The locking means 360 is provided to snap-fit with apertures provided on the second portion 310.
[00044] Furthermore, the cover member 300 is provided with the one or more air vent(s) 325 that are adapted to receive atmospheric air. The one or more air vent(s) 325 extend from a top portion towards a bottom portion of the cover member 300. The one or more air vent(s) 325 directs air towards the chain and the parts of the vehicle that are in proximity to the rear wheel 120 that are subjected to friction and are prone to heating. The one or more air vent(s) 325 of the cover member 300 enables cooling of aforesaid parts. Further, in one embodiment, the one or more air vent(s) 325 are inclined rearward at an acute angle. In a preferred embodiment, the acute angle is in the range of 10-30 degrees with respect to an imaginary vertical line/axis. This enables maximum airflow. The air vents disposed at an angle of 15 degrees provides optimal performance.
[00045] Further, the cover member 300 is provided with one or more mounting portion(s) 340 that are provide on the first portion 305 for securing the cover member 300 to the swing arm 115. The second portion 310 of the cover member 300 detachably attached to the first portion 305 of the cover member 300 by snap fit or the like. Further, one or more mounting portion(s) 350 are provided on the third portion 315 for securing the third portion 315 to the power unit cover. In addition, the first portion 305 of the cover member 300 is provided with one or more secondary mounting portion(s) 355 that enables securing of the secondary cover 320 to cover member 300.
[00046] Fig. 4 (a) depicts a right side view of a cover member employed on a vehicle, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 4 (b) depicts a left side perspective view of the cover member, in accordance with the embodiment depicted in Fig. 4 (a). The vehicle 100 in the present embodiment is provide with first rear suspension 125A and a second rear suspension 125B disposed on either sides of the rear wheel 120, and connecting the rear wheel 120 to the frame assembly 105. The engine 110 is mounted to the swing arm 115. Also, the swing arm 115 comprises of one or more cross member(s) 115A for supporting the engine 110.
[00047] The cover member 400 comprises a first portion 405 that is provided with a locking member 405A that is extending outward from the surface of the first portion and is resting on the swing arm, thereby restricting any motion of the cover member 400. The cover member 400 further comprises a second portion 410 that extends substantially covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 120 in radial direction of the rear wheel 120. The second portion 410 acts a flap that restricts mud or dirt from falling on to the power unit 110. Further, the second portion 410 extends from one side of the rear wheel 120 to other side of the rear wheel 120, covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 120 on said other side. The second portion of the 410 of the cover member includes a hugger member 410A that is supported by at least a portion of the cross member(s) 115A. Importantly, one portion of hugger member 410A is abutted to one side of the cross member 115A and another portion of the hugger member 410A is fastened to the cross member 115A on another side. Further, the swing arm is affixed with one or more bracket(s) 115BA, 115BB for securing the cover member 400 to the swing arm on said one side.
[00048] Therefore, the one or more bracket(s) 115BA, 115BB enable securing the one side of cover member 400 to the swing arm 115 and the hugger member 410A enables securing the cover member 400 to the swing arm on other sided thereby restricting any movement or rotation of the cover member. Also, vibrations are reduced thereby improving life of the cover member. Also, the splashing of dirt or mud or the like on the pillion rider foot and on to a muffler (not shown), which is disposed on said other side is reduced.
[00049] 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 as claimed in 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) with a frame assembly (105), said two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a swing arm (115) with one end portion (115F) swingably connected to the frame assembly (105) and other end portion (115R) rotatably supporting a rear wheel (120) of the vehicle (100);
a power unit (110) mounted to the swing arm (115) and being disposed forwardly of the rear wheel (120); and
a drive system including a drive sprocket (160) functionally coupled to the power unit (110) and a driven sprocket (165) functionally coupled to the rear wheel (120), and a chain (170) functionally connected to the drive sprocket (160) and the driven sprocket (165),
wherein
said vehicle (100) further comprises a cover member (200, 300, 400) including a first portion (205, 305, 405) and a second portion (210, 310, 410),
said first portion (205, 305, 405) disposed on one lateral side of the rear wheel (120) covering at least a portion of the chain (170) and the driven sprocket (165), and
said second portion (210, 310, 410) covering at least a portion of the rear wheel (120) is detachably-mounted to said first portion (205, 305, 405).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said swing arm (115) includes a cross-member (115A) disposed at an elevation (E) from a base portion (115B) of said swing arm (115), said second member (310, 410) includes a hugger portion (345, 410A) abutting at least a portion of said cross-member (115A).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cover member (200, 300) further comprises a third portion (215, 315) disposed adjacently ahead to the first portion (205, 305) covering at least a portion of the drive sprocket (160), wherein said third portion (215) is secured to an outer cover (110C) of the power unit (110).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover member (300) includes one or more air vent(s) (325) disposed on said first portion (305), said air vent(s) are capable of admitting fluid into the cover member (300) therethrough.
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 4, wherein said air vent(s) (325) are disposed inclined rearwardly at an acute angle with respect to an imaginary vertical line.
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion (210) includes at least one inward hump (230) disposed concentrically about one or more rear suspension(s) (135) of said vehicle (100).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion (210) of said cover member (200) is sandwiched between said swing arm (115) and said rear wheel (120) and said first portion (205) in secured to said swing arm (115).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover member (200, 300, 400) is adapted to detachably-support a secondary cover (220, 320, 420), said secondary cover (220, 320, 420) capable of enclosing at least a portion of said driven sprocket (165).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or 3, wherein said third portion (215) includes an access portion (235) to provide access to said drive sprocket (160) or said chain (170) for servicing.
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second cover (305) includes one or more locking means(s) (360) capable of engaging with said first portion (305) whereby said second portion (305) is secured to said first portion (305).