Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle frame assembly (100), comprising:
a head pipe (30);
a main tube (104) extending downwardly and rearwardly from said head pipe (30), said main tube (104) extending in a vehicle front-rear direction (D1);
a first cross member (102) extending in a vehicle width direction (W) and connected to the main tube (104);
a second cross member (108) extending in the vehicle width direction (W) and disposed rearward of the first cross member (102);
a pair of spaced apart floorboard tubes (106A, 106B), each of the floorboard tubes (106A, 106B) having a first end (106A’, 106B’) connected to the first cross member (102) and a second end (106A’’, 106B’’) connected to the second cross member (108); and
a side stand bracket assembly (110) disposed at any one end (108A, 108B) of the second cross member (108).

2. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cross member (108) is disposed closer to or at a centre of gravity of a vehicle.

3. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side stand bracket assembly (110) comprises a support bracket (112), a side stand bracket (114), a hook pin (116) and a gusset member (118).

4. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the second cross member (108) comprises at least one open end (108A, 108B), the open end (108B) being covered partially or fully by the support bracket (112) of the side stand bracket assembly (110).

5. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the side stand bracket (114) is adapted to hold a side stand (40) through a fastening member (42) and the hook pin (116), the hook pin (116) being welded onto the side stand bracket (114).

6. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5 comprising a resilient member (120) having a first end (120A) connected to the hook pin (116) and a second end (120B) connected to the side stand (40).

7. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the hook pin (116) comprises a groove (122) at one end (116A), an elongated guide part (124) at another end (116B) and an extended portion (126) between the groove (122) and the elongated guide part (124), the groove (122) being configured to restrain slipping-out of the resilient member (120) during articulation when the side stand (40) is in a non-parking position.

8. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the hook pin (116) is inserted into the side stand bracket (114) in an assembled condition, whereby substantial portion of the hook pin (116) including the groove (122) of the hook pin (116) is positioned beneath the side stand bracket (114).

9. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the extended portion (126) of the hook pin (116) provides a space for articulation of the resilient member (120) during movement from a parked position to the non-parked position of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the resilient member (120) is a spring, the spring being disposed at an interior side (40A) of the side stand (40) in the vehicle width direction (W).

11. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a side stand switch (44) is disposed onto an exterior side (40B) of the side stand (40) in the vehicle width direction (W).
12. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the side stand switch (44) is disposed on one side of the hook pin (116) and the spring is disposed on another end of the hook pin (116).

13. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the side stand switch (44) includes a guide portion (44A) configured to accommodate the elongated guide part (124) of the hook pin (116) during the articulation of the side stand (40) in the non-parked position of the vehicle and deployment of the side stand (40) in the parked position.

14. The vehicle frame assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cross member (108) is configured with a C shaped portion at the end (108B), thereby a C shaped portion of the support bracket (112) is received in the C shaped portion of the second cross member (108) and the one end (116A) of the hook pin (116) is housed by the C shaped support bracket (112).

Dated this 17th day of February 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471 , Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A VEHICLE FRAME ASSEMBLY

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006, Tamil Nadu, India.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle frame assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventional scooters, typically have monocoque or tubular frames. Tubular frames have a front frame and rear frame zones. The front frame is used to carry steering and front suspension and also withstand stiffness and strength requirements. Further, the tubular frames generally consists of a main tube running downward and rearward from a housing steering pivot and further forms an under-bone zone of the front frame by extending rearward till the rear frame.
[003] The rear frame accommodates a powertrain and withstands the payload and rear axle loads. It generally consists of a pair of side tubes extended upward and rearward from the end of front frame. The front frame and rear frame are connected with a rear cross tube which is the fulcrum member for the front and rear loading condition and hence it required to possess a higher strength and stiffness.
[004] The vehicle include a side stand, which helps the vehicle stationary condition when it is no use. During the parking condition the entire vehicle weight is distributed to a front and a rear tire and majorly with the side stand. The side stand should be arranged in such a way that, it should allow to operate without having stuck and hinders and it should allow to withstand the vehicle weight. In case, the side stand is not properly arranged, it directly increases the service intervals of the vehicle.
[005] With the above constraints, packaging/ provision of side stand spring and side stand switch arrangement becomes quite complex and challenging for both the vehicle and frame. The existing vehicles includes one or more limitations like, less packaging space and interference of spring with switch, improper ergonomics, difficult in assembly / disassembly and more service time.
[006] Generally, the side stand should be ideally located at the centre of gravity in the vehicle. If the side stand is not at the CG location/not closest to the vehicle CG, the side stand may not provide appropriate balance to the vehicle in stationary condition. Also, the overall weight of the vehicle would be distributed.
[007] Further, the side stand includes a side stand switch for providing status of side stand in the vehicle. If the side stand in ON, depending on the status of the switch, the engine does not operate and thus the vehicle does not move. The side stand swich is a feature to be provided in the vehicle as per the safety norms. If the side stand switch has to be implemented and mounted on the side stand itself, then packaging of the side stand switch requires more space so that the side stand switch is accessible during servicing. Furthermore, body panel modifications may be required to be able to package the side stand switch within the body panels. Sometimes, the body panel may become big in size, which also increases the width of the vehicle. If the width of the vehicle becomes big, the ground reachability of the pillion rider is affected.
[008] Thus, there is a need in the art for a vehicle frame assembly which address at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[009] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle frame assembly. The vehicle frame assembly includes a head pipe. The vehicle frame assembly further includes a main tube extending downwardly and rearwardly from said head pipe. The main tube is extending in a vehicle front-rear direction. The vehicle frame assembly further includes a first cross member extending in a vehicle width direction and connected to the main tube. The vehicle frame assembly further a second cross member extending in the vehicle width direction and disposed rearward of the first cross member. The vehicle frame assembly further includes a pair of spaced apart floorboard tubes, each of the floorboard tubes having a first end connected to the first cross member and a second end connected to the second cross member and a side stand bracket assembly disposed at any one end of the second cross member.
[010] In an embodiment, the second cross member is disposed closer to or at a centre of gravity of a vehicle.
[011] In a further embodiment, the side stand bracket assembly includes a support bracket, a side stand bracket, a hook pin and a gusset member.
[012] In a further embodiment, the second cross member includes at least one open end, wherein one of the open end being covered partially or fully by the support bracket of the side stand bracket assembly.
[013] In a further embodiment, the side stand bracket is adapted to hold a side stand through a fastening member and the hook pin. The hook pin is welded onto the side stand bracket.
[014] In a further embodiment, the vehicle frame assembly includes a resilient member having a first end connected to the hook pin and a second end connected to the side stand.
[015] In a further embodiment, the hook pin includes a groove at one end, an elongated guide part at another end and an extended portion between the groove and the elongated guide part. The groove is configured to restrain slipping-out of the resilient member during articulation when the side stand is in a non-parking position.
[016] In a further embodiment, the hook pin is inserted into the side stand bracket in an assembled condition, whereby substantial portion of the hook pin including the groove of the hook pin is positioned beneath the side stand bracket.
[017] In a further embodiment, the extended portion of the hook pin provides a space for articulation of the resilient member during movement from a parked position to the non-parked position of the vehicle.
[018] In a further embodiment, the resilient member is a spring. The spring is disposed at an interior side of the side stand in the vehicle width direction.
[019] In a further embodiment, a side stand switch is disposed onto an exterior side of the side stand in the vehicle width direction.
[020] In a further embodiment, the side stand switch is disposed on one side of the hook pin and the spring is disposed on another end of the hook pin.
[021] In a further embodiment, the side stand switch includes a guide portion configured to accommodate the elongated guide part of the hook pin during the articulation of the side stand in the non-parked position of the vehicle and deployment of the side stand in the parked position.
[022] In a further embodiment, the second cross member is configured with a C shaped portion at one end, thereby a C shaped portion of the support bracket is received in the C shaped portion of the second cross member and the one end of the hook pin is housed by the C shaped support bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[023] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the vehicle frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of the vehicle frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the vehicle frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates an assembled view of the vehicle frame assembly shown in Figure 4, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate perspective views of a side stand bracket assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate exploded views of the side stand bracket assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 10 and 11 illustrate perspective views of a support bracket assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a side view of a hook pin, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 illustrates a rear perspective view of the vehicle frame assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 illustrates a magnified view of a portion “A” shown in Figure 13, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[024] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle like a scooter. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[025] The present invention relates to a vehicle frame assembly.
[026] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle frame assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle frame assembly 100 in the illustrated figure is for a scooter type two-wheeled vehicle. It may be contemplated that the vehicle frame assembly 100 including a second cross member 108 may also be applied onto any other similar type two-wheeled vehicles which include a side stand 40 and a side stand switch 44. Thus, the illustrated embodiments of the vehicle frame assembly 100 for the scooter type-two wheeled vehicle are not meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention.
[027] Figure 1 – 5 illustrate various views of the vehicle frame assembly 100, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The vehicle frame assembly 100 includes a head pipe 30 at a front portion of a vehicle (not shown). In an embodiment, the head pipe 30 is a tubular structure which is configured to accommodate a steering shaft (not shown) connected between a handlebar (not shown) and suspensions (not shown) of the vehicle. The head pipe 30 is further connected to a main tube 104 of the vehicle frame assembly 100 through welding using one or more bracket members. In the illustrated embodiment, the main tube 104 is extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe 30. Further, the main tube 104 is extended in a vehicle front-rear direction “D1”.
[028] The vehicle frame assembly 100 further includes a first cross member 102. The front cross member 102 in the illustrated figures is a tubular structure which is extending in a vehicle width direction “W”. The front cross member 102 is connected to the main tube 104 through welding using one or more bracket members. The front cross member 102 is connected to a pair of spaced apart floorboard tubes 106A, 106B. As illustrated in Figures 1 – 5, each of the floorboard tubes 106A, 106B has a first end 106A’, 106B’ connected to the first cross member 102. The first ends 106A’, 106B’ of the floorboard tubes 106A, 106B are connected to the floorboard tubes 106A, 106B through fastening members or through welding process. In an embodiment, the first ends 106A’, 106B’ of the floorboard tubes 106A, 106B include a profile which matches with an outer profile of the front cross member 102, thereby facilitating joining between the floorboard tubes 106A, 106B with the front cross member 102. The floorboard tubes 106A, 106B are further connected to a second cross member 108 of the vehicle frame assembly 100 at a second end 106A’’, 106B’ of the floorboard tubes 106A, 106B.
[029] Referring again to the Figures 1 – 5, the second cross member 108 is extending in the vehicle width direction “W” and disposed rearward of the first cross member 102. In an embodiment, the second cross member 108 is disposed closer to or at a centre of gravity of the vehicle. The second cross member 108 is further connected to side tubes 112A, 112B which are extended towards rearward of the vehicle in the vehicle front-rear direction “D1”. In an embodiment, the second cross member 108 is a tubular structure and includes open ends 108A, 108B at both ends of the second cross member 108. In an exemplary embodiment, the open end 108B is covered partially or fully by the support bracket 112 of a side stand bracket assembly 110 of the vehicle.
[030] The side stand bracket assembly 110 of the vehicle frame assembly 100 is disposed at any one end 108A, 108B of the second cross member 108. In the illustrated embodiments in Figures 1 – 5, the side stand bracket assembly 110 is provided at the open end 108B of the second cross member 108. However, the illustrated embodiment of providing the side stand bracket assembly 110 at the open end 108B should not meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention. Thus, it may also be contemplated that the side stand bracket assembly 110 can be provided at the open end 108A of the second cross member 108.
[031] As shown in Figures 6 – 9, the side stand bracket assembly 110 includes components including, but not limited to, a support bracket 112 (more clearly shown in Figures 10 and 11), a side stand bracket 114, a hook pin 116 (more clearly shown in Figure 12) and a gusset member 118, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The support bracket 112 in the illustrated embodiments of Figures 6 – 11 includes an interior portion 112’ configured for accommodating a substantial portion of the hook pin 116 at an end 116A when assembled. The side stand bracket 114 of the side stand bracket assembly 110 includes a plate like structure having two through holes 114’, 114’’. The through hole 114’ allows an elongated guide part 124 of the hook pin 116 to pass through. The side stand bracket 114 is adapted to hold the side stand 40 through a fastening member 42 (shown in Figure 5) and the hook pin 116 at the through hole 114’’. In the illustrated embodiments in Figures 6 and 7, the hook pin 116 is welded onto the side stand bracket 114.
[032] Referring again to Figure 5, a resilient member 120 is connected between the side stand 40 and the hook pin 116. In the illustrated embodiments, a first end 120A of the resilient member 120 is connected to the hook pin 116 and a second end 120B of the resilient member 120 is connected to the side stand 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient member 120 is a spring, which is disposed at an interior side 40A of the side stand 40 in the vehicle width direction “W”.
[033] Referring to Figures 6 – 9 and Figure 12, the hook pin 116 of the side stand bracket assembly 110 includes a groove 122 at one end 116A, the elongated guide part 124 at another end 116B and an extended portion 126 between the groove 122 and the elongated guide part 124. The groove 122 of the hook pin 116 is configured to restrain slipping-out of the resilient member 120 during articulation when the side stand 40 is in a non-parking position. The term “non-parked position” may be defined as a position of the side stand 40 which is not contacting a ground such that the side stand 40 is in retracted position during movement of the vehicle.
[034] In an embodiment in Figures 6 – 9, the gusset member 118 of the side stand bracket assembly 110 is in a triangular shape, wherein an angular or inclined edge 118’ (shown in Figures 8 and 9) contacts with an inner surface 114’’’ (shown in Figures 7 and 8) of the side stand bracket 114. Further, the gusset member 118 includes a straight edge 118’’ (shown in Figure 8) opposite the inclined edge 118’ which contacts an inner surface 112’’ (shown in Figure 8) of the support bracket 112. In an embodiment, the inclined edge 118’ and the straight edge 118’’ of the gusset member 118 is welded to the inner surface 114’’’ of the side stand bracket 114 and the inner surface 112’’ of the support bracket 112 respectively. Thus, providing an angular arrangement of the side stand bracket 114 with respect to the support bracket 112.
[035] In an embodiment, the hook pin 116 is inserted into the side stand bracket 114 in an assembled condition, whereby a substantial portion of the hook pin 116 including the groove 122 of the hook pin 116 is positioned beneath the side stand bracket 114. Further, the extended portion 126 of the hook pin 116 provides a space for articulation of the resilient member 120 during movement from a parked position to the non-parked position of the vehicle. The term “parked position” of the side stand is defined as a position in which the side stand 40 is in deployed condition, whereby the side stand 40 contacts the ground surface allowing parking of the vehicle during stationary or non-movement condition of the vehicle.
[036] In an embodiment, the vehicle frame assembly 100 includes a side stand switch 44. The side stand switch 44 is disposed onto an exterior side 40B of the side stand 40 in the vehicle width direction “W”. In other words, the side stand switch 44 is disposed on one side of the hook pin 116 and the spring is disposed on another end of the hook pin 116. The side stand switch 44 includes a guide portion 44A configured to accommodate the elongated guide part 124 of the hook pin 116 during articulation of the side stand 40 in the non-parked position of the vehicle and deployment of the side stand 40 in the parked position.
[037] Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the second cross member 108 is cut in such a way to accommodate a joining portion of the support member 112. In an embodiment, the second cross member 108 is cut in C shape to accommodate a C shaped portion of the support member 112. The second cross member 108 cut in the manner as illustrated in a magnified portion “A” in Figure 14 and the C shaped support member 112 is provided to make space for the hook pin 116, so that an end 116A of the hook pin 116 can hold the spring. In other words, the second cross member 108 is configured with a C shaped portion at the end 108B, thereby a C shaped portion of the support bracket 112 is received in the C shaped portion of the second cross member 108 and the one end 116A of the hook pin 116 is housed by the C shaped support bracket 112.
[038] The entire side stand assembly 110 has been disposed inside towards the vehicle frame assembly 100 even in the presence of the side stand switch 44. Thus, there is no change required in the vehicle layout that may affect packaging of other vehicular parts and there is no effect on the overall width of the vehicle.
[039] Advantageously, the vehicle frame assembly having the second cross member in the present invention supports and carries maximum load when the side stand is in the parking condition. Thus, increases the parking stability and durability of the side stand. Further, the vehicle frame assembly as disclosed in the present invention eases serviceability, assembling process, increases durability and reduces part reduction and thus reduces cost.
[040] In the existing system, both the side stand switch and the spring are hung/mounted to the hook pin on the same side. In order to accommodate both the switch and the spring on the same side of the pin, and to package the side stand switch within the body panels, it is preferred that the switch is not exposed to outside, as it is being a sensitive electrical component, and for preventing poor appearance, the side stand switch is desired to be packaged or hidden inside the side panels. To package the side stand switch, the panel size has to be bigger and thus, the vehicle width increases considerably, which is not desirable. In the present invention the side stand switch is disposed on one side of the hook pin and the spring/resilient member is disposed on other end of the hook pin. Therefore, the present invention achieves the mounting of the assembly of the side stand switch and the spring without increasing the width of the vehicle and without making any change in the design of side panels of the vehicle.
[041] The cut portion of the second cross member in C shape is configured to accommodate the C shaped support bracket. Thus, entire side stand assembly has been disposed inside towards the vehicle frame assembly even in the presence of the side stand switch. Thus, there is no change required in the vehicle layout that may affect packaging of other vehicular parts and there is no effect on the overall width of the vehicle.
[042] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.