DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a step-through type two-wheeled and a three-wheeled vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a vehicle frame assembly for the step-through type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, vehicle layout design for a scooter features a step-through frame and a flat surface called as a floorboard used for disposing legs of a rider during vehicle riding conditions. Further, the scooter features bodywork, including a rear panel and body that conceal all or most of the vehicular mechanisms. The rear panel functions as a leg shield in protecting the rider’s legs from front of the vehicle. The rear panel is assembled with a front panel and is mounted on to the frame assembly. Furthermore, the rear panel covers the frame assembly from behind. Therefore, it is important to achieve good fit and finish between various panels of the vehicle. Since, most of the parts in the scooter are concealed by the body, the body parts are to be designed such that they fit onto the body space and on the vehicle frame assembly by achieving optimum utilization of space in the vehicle.
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 the scooter type vehicle.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of a vehicle frame assembly of the scooter type vehicle.
[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates a left side view of a rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with various vehicular parts assembled.
[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with various vehicular parts assembled.
[0008] Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with various vehicular parts assembled taken along RS axis as shown in Fig. 4.
[0009] Fig. 6 illustrates a left perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with various vehicular parts assembled.
[00010] Fig. 7 illustrates a left perspective view of a fuel tank assembly.
[00011] Fig. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of an integrated mounting structure attached to a rearmost end of the pair of rear tubes.
[00012] Fig. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of a detailed view of a portion of a left rear tube.
[00013] Fig. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of a portion of the pair of rear tubes.
[00014] Fig. 11 illustrates a top view of an integrated mounting structure.
[00015] Fig. 12 illustrates an exploded view of an integrated mounting structure.
[00016] Fig. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the integrated mounting structure.
[00017] Fig. 14a illustrates a front perspective view of at least one holding member.
[00018] Fig. 14b illustrates a rear perspective of at least one holding member.
[00019] Fig. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a pillion footrest bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00020] Typically, a vehicle frame assembly, particularly the pair of rear frames of the vehicle frame assembly includes plurality of bridge members disposed across and between the pair of rear frames connecting each rear frame of the pair of rear frames. The plurality of bridge members are welded to the pair of rear frames. The plurality of bridge members is configured to receive various vehicular parts. The vehicle frame assembly may suffer structural instability due to plurality of welded portions.
[00021] Conventionally, a bracket to receive a shock absorber is disposed between pair of rear frames and also includes a bridge member mounted near the bracket used to mount the shock absorber. Conventionally, the bridge member receives most of the loads transferred by the shock absorber and further, the loads are transferred to the vehicle frame assembly.
[00022] It is also known in the art, wherein, a mounting bracket capable of receiving the shock absorber is placed in between the pair of rear tubes and also includes another bridge member disposed at a rear end configured to carry load received from seat assembly, pillion handle assembly, and other surrounding vehicular parts.
[00023] Furthermore, it is also known in the art, wherein, a plurality of shafts is mounted between the pair of rear tubes. The plurality of shafts functions like a cantilever and are not stiffer enough to receive all the loads.
[00024] All of the above stated conventional type vehicle frame assembly suffers structural instability which results in poor fit and finish of the vehicular parts assembled on to the vehicle frame assembly. The poor fit and finish affects the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle and also creates undesired gaps between the vehicular parts and various body panels. The undesired gaps allow mud, dust, water and other foreign particles to get deposited on the internal parts of the vehicle. This further affects the stable functioning of the internal parts of the vehicle.
[00025] Furthermore, due to plurality of welded portions on the pair of rear tubes, the vehicle frame assembly suffers structural instability in vehicle transverse direction due to various loads received from the various vehicular parts supported on the plurality of welded portions in the vehicle transverse direction.
[00026] Further, the vehicle frame assembly also suffers instability in the vertical direction due to various loads acting in the vertical direction. For example, the rear shock absorber mounted in the vertical direction is attached at one end to a portion of the pair of rear tubes. The shocks received by the rear shock absorber from the roads are transferred to the vehicle frame assembly. This further adds to the various welded joints, making it more unstable and weak.
[00027] Furthermore, the various welded joints on the vehicle frame assembly along with plurality of bridge members disposed across the pair of rear tubes adds to the weight of the vehicle frame assembly.
[00028] Hence, it is an objective of the present invention to overcome the above described problems and to achieve a more structurally stable vehicle frame assembly.
[00029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle frame assembly comprises a head pipe, a main tube extending rearwardly inclined from the head pipe in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and a pair of rear tubes extending rearwardly from the main tube. The pair of main tubes is substantially parallel to each other. The pair of rear tubes comprises an integrated holding structure disposed therebetween. The integrated mounting structure is configured to receive various vehicular parts including a pillion handle, a fuel tank, a rear fender, at least one rear shock absorber, a pillion footrest assembly and the pair of rear tubes.
[00030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the integrated mounting structure comprises an upper structure and a lower structure fixedly attached to each other. The integrated mounting structure has a rectangular cross-section. The integrated mounting structure is configured to receive various vehicular parts. For the purpose of which, a plurality of mounting provisions is provided on the integrated mounting structure. Particularly, the plurality of mounting provisions is disposed on the upper structure. The number of mounting provisions includes at least one pillion handle mounting, at least one tail lamp cover mounting, at least one seat-latch mounting, at least one fuel tank mounting, and a utility box mounting.
[00031] Further, the lower structure of the integrated mounting structure is capable of supporting the holding member. The lower portion provides structural stability to the integrated mounting structure and makes it capable of effectively supporting various vehicular parts. The lower structure extends to the maximum length of the upper structure. The upper structure and the lower structure each include one or more lateral ends capable of being attached between and to a rear most ends of the pair of rear tubes. The cross-section of the lower structure of the integrated mounting structure is a ‘U’ shaped structure. The upper portion of the ‘U’ shaped structure is covered by the upper structure.
[00032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the integrated mounting structure includes one or more lateral walls extending downwardly. The one or more lateral walls extend downwardly from an upper wall. The one or more lateral walls include the one or more lateral ends capable of being attached to the pair of rear tubes.
[00033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one holding member is supported by at least a portion of the integrated mounting structure. In particular, the at least one holding member is supported by at least a portion of the lower structure. Further, the at least one holding member is also supported by at least one frame of the pair of rear tubes. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one holding member is supported by at least a portion of left rear tube of the pair of rear tubes.
[00034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one holding member includes two hands extending laterally and at approximately 90 degrees to a central wall. Further, a head wall extends inclinedly upwards from the central wall. The head wall then curves inside such that it is disposed parallel to the central wall. Further, the head wall curves to be in front of the central wall with a gap therebetween. The central wall and the head wall are disposed to be in between the two hands of the at least one rear shock absorber.
[00035] Fig. 1 shows a side view of the scooter type vehicle. The vehicle has a frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together, which usually supports the body of the said vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front wheel 101 and a driven rear wheel 102. The 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 said frame assembly includes a head tube (not shown), a main frame 108 and may have a sub-frame. The sub-frame is attached to the main frame using appropriate joining mechanism. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel 103, a rear cover 104, a front cover 105, and a side panel 106.
[00036] A handlebar assembly 110 and a seat assembly 107 are supported at opposing ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as floorboard 113 that 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 floorboard 113. A front fender 109 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 114 is placed between fuel tank and rear wheel 102, and to the outer side in the radial direction of rear wheel 102. Rear fender 114 inhibits rainwater or the like from being thrown up by rear wheel 102.
[00037] Fig. 2 illustrates a left side view of a vehicle frame assembly of the scooter type vehicle. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle frame assembly 200 comprises a head pipe 118, a main tube 108 extending rearwardly inclined from the head pipe 118 in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a floor board supporting portion 115 extending rearwardly downward in an inclined manner with respect to the main tube 108, and a pair of rear tubes 117 extending rearwardly from the main tube 108. The pair of rear tubes 117 is substantially parallel to each other.
[00038] Fig. 3 illustrates a left side view of a rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with various vehicular parts assembled. According to an embodiment of the present invention, an integrated mounting structure 201 is disposed at the rearmost end of the pair of rear tubes 117. The integrated mounting structure 201 is configured to receive a fuel tank assembly 205 disposed rearwardly to the integrated mounting structure 201. The pair of rear tubes 117 comprises a reinforcing member 202. In particular, the reinforcing member 202 is disposed in between a portion of the pair of rear tubes 117 and the at least one holding member 203. The at least one holding member 203 is capable of receiving at least one rear shock absorber 206. Further, a pillion footrest bracket 204 is disposed adjacently to the at least one holding member 203. A pillion handle 207 is mounted on the integrated mounting structure 201. The pillion handle 207 extends above and rearwardly to the integrated mounting structure 201 and above the fuel tank assembly 205.
[00039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a seat-latch cable 208 is guided through a seat-latch sub-assembly. The seat-latch sub-assembly is supported by the integrated mounting structure 201.
[00040] Fig. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with various vehicular parts assembled. Fig. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with various vehicular parts assembled taken along RS axis as shown in Fig. 4. The integrated mounting structure 201 is configured to support at least a portion of a utility box 301. The utility box 301 extends forwardly to the integrated mounting structure 201 in a vehicle longitudinal direction. In particular, a flat portion 301a of the utility box 301 is supported substantially by the integrated mounting structure 201.
[00041] Further, the utility box 301 is detachably attached to the integrated mounting structure 201 through one or more mounting provisions 207a. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more mounting provisions 207a also include at least one insert 207b.
[00042] Fig. 6 illustrates a left perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle frame assembly with various vehicular parts assembled. The integrated mounting structure 201 is configured to support at least one bracket 302 capable of receiving a tail lamp and a tail lamp cover.
[00043] Fig. 7 illustrates a left perspective view of a fuel tank assembly. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank assembly 205 is attached to the integrated mounting structure 201 through at least one fuel tank bracket 303. The fuel tank bracket 303 extends rearwardly from a bottom surface 201Lw of the integrated mounting structure 201.
[00044] Fig. 8 illustrates a top perspective view of an integrated mounting structure attached to a rearmost end of the pair of rear tubes. The integrated mounting structure 201 comprises at least one pillion handle mountings 201a, at least one fuel tank mounting 201b, and at least one tail lamp cover mounting 201c. The at least one pillion handle mountings 201a is capable of receiving the pillion handle. In the present embodiment, the at least one pillion handle mountings 201a comprises four mounting points. The at least one fuel tank mounting 201b is capable of receiving the fuel tank assembly. Further, the at least one tail lamp cover mounting 201c is capable of receiving a tail lamp cover.
[00045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the integrated mounting structure 201 is capable of supporting a seat-latch sub-assembly 301.
[00046] Further, a left rear tube 117a of the pair of rear tubes 117 is strengthened by a reinforcing member 202. The reinforcing member 202 is enveloping a portion of a below portion of the left rear tube 117a. The reinforcing member 202 strengthens the portion of the left rear tube 117a. Furthermore, the at least one holding member 203 is disposed at a close proximity to the left rear tube 117a.
[00047] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing member 202 is attached to a portion of the right rear tube 117b.
[00048] Fig. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of a detailed view of a portion of a left rear tube. The left rear tube 117a is capable of supporting the at least one holding member 203. The at least one holding member 203 is configured to receive at least one rear shock absorber (not shown). The load received by the at least one rear shock absorber is transferred by the at least one holding member 203 to the left rear tube 117a. The reinforcing member 202 provides enough strength to the left rear tube 117a so that it is capable of withstanding the loads received from the rear shock absorber. A first portion 203a of the at least one holding member 203 is supported by the left rear tube 117a and a second portion 203b of the at least one holding member 203 is supported by the reinforcing member 202. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one holding member 203 is substantially supported at various portions by the left rear tube 117a, and the reinforcing member 202.
[00049] Fig. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of a portion of the pair of rear tubes. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcing member 202 is disposed at a close proximity to the left rear tube 117a. The reinforcing member 202 substantially covers a part of the bottom portion of the left rear tube 117a. The reinforcing member 202 takes the shape of the left rear tube 117a. Further, the at least one holding member 203 is substantially supported by the left rear tube 117a.
[00050] Fig. 11 illustrates a top view of an integrated mounting structure. The integrated mounting structure 201 comprises the at least one pillion handle mounting 201a disposed on either side of the seat-latch sub assembly 301. The seat-latch sub-assembly 301 is attached to the at least one seat-latch mounting 204a disposed on the upper wall 201D. Further, an at least one tail lamp cover mounting 201c is disposed rearwardly to the seat-latch sub-assembly 301. Further, at least one fuel tank mounting 201b is disposed forwardly to the seat-latch sub-assembly 301.
[00051] Further, the at least one holding member 203 is attached to the left rear tube 117a such that it is supported at maximum portions by the left rear tube 117a. Furthermore, the at least one holding member 203 is attached to the left rear tube 117a with a pre-determined gap aa`. The pre-determined gap aa` enables access to the at least one rear shock absorber (not shown), that is mounted to the at least one holding member 203. Furthermore, the pre-determined gap aa` is capable of receiving a tool member to assemble or disassemble the at least one rear shock absorber to and from the at least one holding member 203 respectively.
[00052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one holding member 203 is disposed substantially away from a longitudinal mid-plane LL` of the vehicle 100.
[00053] Fig. 12 illustrates an exploded view of an integrated mounting structure. The integrated mounting structure 201 comprises an upper structure 201E and a lower structure 201F. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper structure 201E and the lower structure 201F are integrally formed. The lower structure 201F has a box like cross-section, for example, the cross-section of the lower structure 201F comprises at least three sides. The lower structure 201F extends to a maximum length of the upper structure 201E. The lower structure 201F is disposed below the upper structure 201E, to provide substantial structural support to the upper structure 201E. Further, the lower structure 201F also supports at least a portion of the at least one holding member 203. Furthermore, in order to provide sufficient strength to the left rear tube 117a, the reinforcing member 202 is disposed at a close proximity to the left rear tube 117a.
[00054] Fig. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the integrated mounting structure. The upper structure 201E covers at least a portion of the lower structure 201F. The lower structure 201F includes at least three walls attached to each other in a ‘U’ shaped structure. The opening portion of the ‘U’ shaped lower structure 201F is covered by the upper structure 201E.
[00055] Fig. 14a illustrates a front perspective view of at least one holding member. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one holding member 203 comprises at least two hands 203C, 203D extending upwardly and at approximately 90 degrees to a central wall 203F. Further, a head wall 203E extends inclinedly upwards from the central wall 203F. Fig. 14b illustrates a rear perspective of at least one holding member. The head wall 203E then curves downwards such that it is disposed parallel to the central wall 203F. Further, the head wall 203E curves to be in front of the central wall 203F with a predetermined clearance CC` there between. The central wall 203F and the head wall 203E are disposed to be in between the at least two hands 203C, 203D of the at least one holding member 203.
[00056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined clearance CC` formed between the central wall 203F and the head wall 203E facilitates mounting of the at least one rear shock absorber (not shown). The rear shock absorber is mounted to the at least one holding member 203 through at least one provision 203aa, 203ab.
[00057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least two hands, 203c, 203D, central wall 203F and the head wall 203E are integrally formed through a process for example, molded.
[00058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the central wall 203F and the head wall 203E are capable of firmly holding the at least one rear shock absorber in assembled condition.
[00059] Therefore, the integrated mounting structure improves stiffness in a lateral direction and in the vertical direction. Thereby withstanding the forces exerted by the rear suspension in the vertical direction.
[00060] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the frame variations that may occur due to weld distortions are prevented to a great extend.
[00061] Furthermore, due to bigger surface area of the integrated mounting structure, the loads that are received from the parts mounted on the integrated mounting structure are evenly distributed.
[00062] Fig. 15 illustrates a perspective view of a pillion footrest bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pillion footrest bracket 204 is a box like structure and includes a right side face 204b and a left side face 204d. The right face 204b and a left side face 204d are separated by two oppositely and perpendicularly disposed walls 204e and 204c. Furthermore, the pillion footrest bracket also includes one or more mounting provisions 204g capable of receiving a pillion footrest assembly (not shown). The pillion footrest assembly is attached thorough one or more mounting members 204h.
[00063] The pillion footrest bracket 204 is capable of withstanding excessive loads exerted by both the legs of the pillion rider. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the right face 204b is capable of being fixedly attached at least a portion of the pair of rear tubes, preferably to at least a portion of the left rear tube 117a.
[00064] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the pillion footrest bracket 204 is disposed below and fixedly attached to a bottom portion of the left rear tube 117a. By doing so, compactness is achieved by preventing the increment of the vehicle frame size in the vehicle width direction. When viewed from the vehicle top direction, the pillion footrest bracket 204 is overlapped by the left rear tube 117a.
[00065] 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 vehicle frame assembly (200) for a scooter type vehicle (100), said vehicle frame assembly (200) comprising:
a pair of rear tubes (117) extending inclinedly rearward from a main tube (108), said pair of rear tubes (117) are substantially parallel to each other,
wherein,
said pair of rear tubes (117) are connected by at least one integrated mounting structure (201) disposed therebetween at a rearmost end of said pair of rear tubes (117), said at least one integrated mounting structure (201) is configured to support at least one of an at least a portion of a utility box (301), at least one of at least one pillion handle mountings (201a), at least one fuel tank mounting (201b), and at least one tail lamp cover mounting (201c).
2. The vehicle frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one integrated mounting structure (201) is configured to support at least a portion of at least one holding member (203) capable of being attached to at least a portion of one of a left rear tube (117a) and a right rear tube (117b) of said pair of rear tubes (117) with a pre-determined gap (aa`) there between.

3. The vehicle frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one holding member (203) is attached to at least a portion of said pair of rear tubes (117), to at least a portion of a reinforcing member (202) attached to at least a portion of the pair of rear tubes (117), and at least a portion of said at least one integrated mounting structure (201).

4. The vehicle frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one integrated mounting structure (201) includes an upper structure (201E) and a lower structure (201F) integrated together.
5. The vehicle frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one integrated mounting structure (201) is capable of supporting a seat-latch sub-assembly (301) through at least one seat-latch mounting (204a) disposed on an upper wall (201D).

6. The vehicle frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one holding member (203) is disposed substantially away from a longitudinal mid plane (LL`) of the vehicle (100).

7. The vehicle frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said integrated mounting structure (201) comprises an upper structure (201E) and a lower structure (201F) formed integrally, said at least one holding member (203) is attached to at least a portion of the lower structure (201F).

8. The vehicle frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said reinforcing member (202) is attached to at least one of said left rear tube (117a) and said right rear tube (117b).

9. A holding member (203) for receiving at least one rear shock absorber (206) for a vehicle (100) comprising:
at least two hands (203C, 203D) extending upwardly and inclinedly to a central wall (203F); and
a head wall (203E) extending inclinedly upwards from the central wall (203F) and parallel to said central wall (203F) with a clearance (CC`) there between.
10. The holding member (203) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said central wall (203F) and the head wall (203E) are disposed in between the at least two hands (203C, 203D), said central wall (203F), said head wall (203e), and said at least two hands (203C, 203D) are integrally formed.
11. The holding member (203) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said at least two hands (203C, 203D) extend upwardly and at approximately 90 degrees to said central wall (203F).
12. The holding member (203) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said predetermined clearance (CC`) between the central wall (203F) and the head wall (203E) facilitates mounting of the at least one rear shock absorber (206) through at least one provision (203aa, 203ab).