DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a step through type vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively to a front cover assembly for the step through type vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Typically, vehicle layout design for a step-through type scooter type motorcycle features a step-through frame and a flat surface called as a floorboard used for disposing legs of a rider when the rider puts his/her feet on the floorboard. Further, the scooter features bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanisms.
[0003] Generally, in a step-through type scooter type motorcycle, frame structure is such that an internal combustion (IC) engine is positioned in the forward direction of the vehicle. The IC engine is positioned in a manner such that the cylinder head is either horizontal or inclined forwardly. Typically, in the scooter type motorcycle, an air intake system is disposed below a seat.
[0004] All the vehicular components in the step-through scooter type motorcycle are designed to be packaged inside the body of the vehicle. The vehicle body including plurality of body panels is configured to conceal and protect the vehicular components. Such plurality of body panels should also be designed appropriately to achieve better fit and finish, in addition to better aesthetic appeal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:
[0006] Fig. 1 shows a left side perspective view of the scooter type vehicle.
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of a rear portion of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a detailed view of a left perspective view of the front cover assembly in assembled condition with the side panel.
[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the front cover assembly assembled with the left side panel, the section taken along D-D axis as shown in the Fig. 3.
[00010] Fig. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the floorboard assembly supporting the right front cover and the left front cover.
[00011] Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the left front cover with the left side panel of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00012] Fig. 7aa illustrates a front perspective view of the left front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00013] Fig. 7ab illustrates a rear perspective view of the left front cover.
[00014]
[00015] Fig. 7ba illustrates a perspective view of the right front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00016] Fig. 7bb illustrates a rear perspective view of the right front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00017] Fig. 8 illustrates a front view of the centre front cover of the front cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00018] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle, all or most of the vehicular parts are concealed or covered by a number of body panels. The number of body panels includes a front panel, a rear panel, a front cover, and a rear cover. The front cover is disposed below a seat assembly. Particularly, the front cover is disposed below a rider seating portion of the seat assembly. The front cover also conceals the cylinder head portion of the engine assembly disposed underneath the seat assembly. The front cover assembly prevents the mud, dust, and water particles from entering into the engine assembly region and thereby enhances the durability of the concealed parts including the engine assembly and other surrounding parts. In particular, the front cover also covers one or more electrical components that are disposed underneath the seat assembly and at the proximity to the cylinder head portion of the engine assembly.
[00019] The front cover assembly also supports at least a portion of the right side panel and the left side panel that cover the right side and the left side of a rear portion of the scooter type vehicle. The rear ends of the front cover assembly are detachably attached with the right and left side panels in order to achieve good fit and finish resulting in better aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
[00020] A front cover assembly is known in the art, wherein, the front cover assembly is a single structure with a large surface area. Such a large single structure also includes a large interface area with the right and left side panels of the vehicle. The large interface area leads to difficulty in assembly and manufacturing. The mountings of the large interface area between the front cover assembly and the right and left side panels are towards inside, hence, serviceability of the internal parts becomes difficult with such kind of mountings. Because, whenever there is a need to service the internal parts underling the front cover, the fasteners that are lying inside has to be first accessed, which required special tools and special skills, in addition to increased time consumption. Then, the internal parts are available to be serviced. The so mentioned steps are cumbersome and also in tiresome. The same is not desirable under all the circumstances.
[00021] Further, due to larger interface area, a better fit and finish cannot be achieved. Furthermore, upon usage, which involves, disassembling, and assembling during servicing, the front cover assembly might undergo breakage. This calls a need for replacement of the entire single structure, which increases the cost to the user of the vehicle. Therefore, a front cover assembly with larger surface area is less preferred due to its draw backs as mentioned above.
[00022] It is also known in the art, wherein the front cover assembly includes three different parts instead of a single structure. The three different parts of the front cover assembly includes a right front cover, a left front cover, and a center front cover. In this particular front cover assembly, the left front cover and the right front cover extends along with side panel to a higher extent, in particular, the interface area between the right front cover, the left front cover and the right side panel and the left side panel is more. The higher interface area demands increased number of mountings between the interfacing surfaces in order to achieve better fit and finish and further, in addition, it leads to difficulty in assembling by a single person, for example, an operator assembling the particular part on to the vehicle on the assembly line.
[00023] Further, all the mountings are hidden inside the front cover assembly, which is difficult to access. In case of servicing, the mountings are not easily accessible and therefore include larger servicing time. In this particular known art, the interface area between the right front cover to the right side panel and the left front cover to the left side panel is substantially parallel to the ground. However, the interface is extending beyond a floorboard and a foot peg region, this extended portion is difficult to assemble, manufacture and service.
[00024] Therefore, in order to overcome the above said drawbacks, a front cover assembly is proposed according to the present invention.
[00025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the front cover assembly includes a right front cover, a left front cover, and a center front cover. The interface area of the right front cover, a left front cover and the right side panel and the left side panel is smaller. Further, the interface area between the right front cover, the left front cover, and the center front cover is approximately perpendicular to the floorboard. This ensures that the interface area does not extend beyond the length of the side panels including the right side panel and the left side panel, beyond the floorboard and also beyond the foot peg. Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, by configuring the interface area to be approximately perpendicular to the floorboard, the interface area is disposed at a close proximity to a vehicle center plane. The vehicle center plane approximately penetrates through a vehicle middle portion. This way, by having the interface area at the close proximity to the vehicle center plane, the assembly of the various parts of the front cover assembly and interfacing of the same with the surrounding parts including the pair of side panels is less cumbersome during vehicle assembly.
[00026] Therefore, the assembly procedure of the right front cover and the left front cover with the front cover center is easier, quicker and is simple as compared to the conventional front cover assembly.
[00027] Further, the one or more mountings that enable attachment of the right front cover, the left front cover with the center front cover is provided on an outer surface instead of being hidden. Therefore, accessing the one or more mountings from outside is easier and quicker, which in turn makes the serviceability easy and quick. Furthermore, most of the mountings are around the interfacing area. The interfacing area being disposed at a close proximity to the vehicle center plane
[00028] 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.
[00029] Fig. 1 shows a left side perspective view of the scooter type vehicle. The two-wheeled vehicle 100 has a body frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together which usually supports the body of the vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front wheel 101 and a driven rear wheel 102. The body frame assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. It is generally convex in shape, as viewed from a side elevation view. The body frame assembly includes a head tube 104, a main frame 111 and also may have a sub-frame. The sub-frame is attached to the main frame using appropriate joining mechanism. The body frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel 103, a rear cover 113, a left front bottom panel 105, and a side panel 106.
[00030] A handlebar assembly 109 and a seat assembly 116 are supported at opposing ends of the body frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as a floorboard assembly 108 which functions as a step through space. The seat for a driver and a pillion is placed forward to a fuel tank and rear side of the floorboard assembly 108. A front fender 107 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the two-wheeled vehicle 100 and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 112 is placed between the fuel tank and the rear wheel 102, and to the outer side in the radial direction of the rear wheel 102. The rear fender 112 inhibits rain water or the like from being thrown up by the rear wheel 102. A front cover assembly 115 is disposed rearwardly to the floorboard assembly 108.
[00031] Suspensions are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly is connected to a front fork 118. The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least one rear suspension 117 preferably on the left side of the vehicle. However, a vehicle with two rear suspensions, namely on the left side and the right side is also possible. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlamp assembly 110 in the front portion of the vehicle and a taillight 114 in the rear portion of the vehicle is also provided.
[00028] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of a rear portion of the two-wheeled vehicle. The rear portion of the two-wheeled vehicle is covered by a pair of side panels including the right side panel (not shown) and the left side panel 106, the front cover assembly 115 including the center front cover 115c, the left front cover 115a, and the right front cover (not shown). The right side panel and the left side panel 106 are configured to enclose rearmost portion of the two-wheeled vehicle. The front cover assembly 115 is disposed rearwardly to the floorboard assembly 108. The front cover assembly 115 covers one or more electrical components 201 disposed underneath the seat assembly (not shown). The front cover assembly 115 protects an engine assembly 303 from entry of dust, water particles, and any other foreign materials from entering inside.
[00029] Furthermore, the front cover assembly 115 according to the present embodiment has a smaller surface area. The smaller surface area of the front cover assembly 115 makes it easy to assemble and serviceable. The floorboard assembly 108 includes a rearmost extension 108r.
[00030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the front cover assembly 115 includes at least one interfacing portion 115ap extending angularly upwardly from the floorboard assembly 108. The upwardly extension is restricted till the rearmost extension 108r of the floorboard assembly 108. This way, the front cover assembly 115 is easier to assembly during assembling on to the two-wheeled vehicle 100. In particular, the angular upward extension of the interfacing portion 115ap is disposed at a close proximity to a vehicular center plane P-Q. The vehicular center plane P-Q is the most accessible position in the vehicle due to presence of critical vehicular parts including plurality of electrical components 201, the engine assembly 303 including a cylinder head 303a. These critical vehicular components may have to undergo frequent servicing to ensure proper functioning of the vehicle. The front cover assembly 115 including the left front cover 115a according to the present invention provides better accessibility to these underlying vehicular parts. According to the present invention, the entire front cover assembly need not be removed to access the underlying parts, instead, only the left front cover 115a can be removed easily by accessing the externally visible mountings. Therefore, easier servicing is provided and time consumed to carry out the same functionality is reduced. Therefore, an improved front cover assembly 115 is proposed according to the present invention.
[00031] Fig. 3 illustrates a detailed view of the front cover assembly in assembled condition with the side panel. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the center front cover 115c comprises a provision 202 to receive one or more accessories, like, for example a luggage hook assembly. The provision 202 includes one or more holes 202a capable of receiving atmospheric air. The atmospheric air enters into the one or more holes 202a and is directed towards the concealed one or more electrical components and the cylinder head portion of the engine assembly.
[00032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the right front cover and the left front cover 115a are detachably attached to the center front cover 115c. The detachable attachment is enabled by the one or more mounting members 115ab fastened from outside. Since, the one or more mounting members 115ab are easily accessible from outside, the servicing of the internal vehicular parts concealed by the front cover assembly is enhanced and in addition, the assembly of the front cover assembly is also easier and simpler compared to the conventional front cover assembly.
[00033] The right center cover (not shown) and the left front cover 115a are configured to be attached to the pair of side panels.
[00034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the front cover assembly 115 includes at least one interfacing surface 115bp, 115ap extending angularly upwardly from the floorboard assembly 108. The right front cover 115b and the adjoiningly disposed right peripheral portion 115ca (not shown), and said left front cover 115a and the adjoiningly disposed left peripheral portion 115cb of the center front cover 115c includes the at least one interfacing surface 115bp, 115ap there between respectively.
[00035] Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the front cover assembly assembled with the left side panel, the section taken along D-D axis as shown in the Fig. 3. According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least a left side panel peripheral portion 106ps of the left side panel 106 overlaps with at least a portion of a left front cover peripheral portion 115ap of the left front cover 115a. The overlapping there between is configured to achieve better fit and finish, which in turn enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. The overlapping there between also prevents the entry of mud, dust, and water particles, thereby protecting the underlying internal vehicular parts. Hence, the front cover assembly enhances the durability of the underlying internal vehicular components.
[00036] Furthermore, the one or more mounting members 115ab are readily accessible and the one or more mounting members 115ab also provide additional strength to the overlapping there between.
[00037] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the left side panel 106 also overlaps with at least a portion of the center front cover 115c. The overlapping ensures better fit and finish in the vehicle.
[00038] Fig. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the floorboard assembly supporting the right front cover and the left front cover. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the right front cover 115b and the left front cover 115a includes one or more projections 115ax disposed at the peripheral edges of the right front cover and the left front cover. The one or more projections 115ax enable detachable attachment of the right front cover, the left front cover with the center front cover (not shown).
[00039] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more projections 115ax are capable of receiving one or more fastening members that enable detachable attachment of the right front cover and the left front cover with the center front cover. Furthermore, the various parts of the front cover assembly including the right front cover 115b and the left front cover 115a reduce the bigger surface are of the front cover assembly and thereby making the various parts of the front cover assembly include a smaller surface area which is easier to assemble and also enhances serviceability.
[00040] Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the left front cover with the left side panel of the two-wheeled vehicle. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the left front cover 115a is detachably attached to the left side panel 106 through one or more mounting members 115ab. The left front cover has one or more holes 115h to receive the one or more mounting members 115ab.
[00041] Fig. 7aa illustrates a front perspective view of the left front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. The left front cover 115a includes a peripheral edge towards the center front cover, the inner peripheral edge includes one, or more flat surfaces 115ay configured to achieve good fit and finish with the center front cover. The left front cover 115a includes a smaller surface area compared to the conventional front cover assembly.
[00042] Fig. 7ab illustrates a rear perspective view of the left front cover. The left front cover 115a includes an inner surface 115ar comprising one or more projections 115ax extending outwardly from outer peripheral edge of the left front cover 115a.
[00043] Fig. 7ba illustrates a perspective view of the right front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention and Fig. 7bb illustrates a rear perspective view of the right front cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. The one or more projections 115ax project outwardly from the peripheral edge of the left front cover. The outwardly projection of the one or more projections 115ax enhances better fitment with the center front cover of the front cover assembly and also enables detachable attachment with the center front cover.
[00044] At least a portion of the one or more projections 115ax are attached to an inner surface 115ar disposed on the rear side of the left front cover 115a. The one or more projections 115ax are fixedly attached to the inner surface of the left front cover 115a. Furthermore, each of the left front cover 115a and the right center cover 115b includes one or more flat surfaces 115ay extending inclinedly inwardly from an inner peripheral surface 302. The one or more flat surfaces 115ay prevent any see-through gap between the right center cover 115b, the left center cover 115a and the front center cover 115c. The prevention of the see-through gap prevents any dust, water and other foreign particles from entering there through and reaching critical engine components, which may call for frequent servicing.
[00045] Fig. 8 illustrates a front view of the center front cover of the front cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The center front cover 115c includes left and right peripheral portions comprising a right peripheral portion 115ca and a left peripheral portion 115cb configured to be attached to the left front cover and the right front cover accordingly.
[00046] Therefore, according to the present invention, the front cover assembly does not include a bigger surface area; therefore, breakage of the partial portion of the front cover assembly is prevented. Further, easier assembly is achieved and also enhanced serviceability is achieved.
[00047] Furthermore, the fit and finish between the vehicle body panels is better with the proposed front cover assembly. The better fit and finish enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle and prevents entry of mud, water, and dust particles.
[00048] 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:We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) with a front cover assembly (115), said two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a seat assembly (116) disposed rearwardly to a handlebar assembly (109);
a floorboard assembly (108) disposed in between said seat assembly (116) and said handlebar assembly (109);
at least one foot peg assembly (119) disposed at a proximity to at least a portion of said floorboard assembly (108);
a front cover assembly (115) disposed underneath said seat assembly (116); and
a pair of side panels (106, 301) including a right side panel (301) and a left side panel (106), said pair of side panels (106, 301) are configured to enclose at least a rear portion of said two-wheeled vehicle (100),
wherein,
said front cover assembly (115) includes at least one interfacing portion (115bp, 115ap) extending upwardly angularly from said floorboard assembly (108).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one interfacing portion (115bp, 115ap) is disposed at a close proximity to a vehicle centre plane (pq).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one interfacing portion (115bp, 115ap) is extending upwardly perpendicularly from said floorboard assembly (108).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front cover assembly (115) includes a right front cover (115b), a left front cover (115a) and a center front cover (115c), said right front cover (115b) and said left front cover (115a) are detachably attached to at least a portion of a right peripheral portion (115ca) and at least a portion of a left peripheral portion (115cb) of the center front cover (115c) respectively.
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said center front cover (115c) comprises a provision (202) including one or more holes (202a) configured to receive one or more accessories including a luggage hook assembly and the like.
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said left side panel (106) includes a left side panel peripheral portion (106ps) configured to overlap with a left front cover peripheral portion (115ap) of the left front cover (115a).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said right front cover (115b) and the left front cover (115a) includes one or more projections (115ax) configured to enable detachable attachment with said center front cover (115c).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one of said right front cover (115b) and the left front cover (115a) includes one or more flat surfaces (115ay) disposed on an inner peripheral surface (302).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said right front cover (115b) and said left front cover (115a) each include one or more holes (115h) configured to receive one or more mounting members (115ab) enabling detachably attachment with said center front cover (115c).
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein said right front cover (115b) and the adjoiningly disposed right peripheral portion (115ca), and said left front cover (115a) and the adjoiningly disposed left peripheral portion (115cb) of said center front cover (115c) includes said at least one interfacing portion (115bp, 115ap) there between respectively.
11. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 6, wherein said one or more projections (115ax) are rigidly attached to an inner surface (115ar) disposed on the rear side of the left front cover (115a).
12. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said includes one or more flat surfaces (115ay) are projecting inclinedly outwardly from said inner peripheral surface (302).