DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a vehicle. More particularly but not specifically, the present invention relates to a wheel hugger assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In order to make a vehicle appealing to diverse groups, various models of motorized vehicle designs have been developed. Generally, such motorized vehicle includes an engine block coupled with other components and suspended on a body frame with pair of wheels. Such motorized vehicle, often referred to as a saddle type vehicle, may include a vehicle body cover which surrounds the engine to improve the outer appearance of the vehicle and protect the component elements of the vehicle.
[0003] Generally, in a saddle type vehicle, a vehicle frame assembly acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the 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 swing arm structure at a rear side through one or more rear suspension(s) and a front side of the swing arm structure is connected to a lower portion of the vehicle frame assembly. The swing arm structure acts as a support member for the one or more rear suspensions and other vehicular parts. Further, an internal combustion (IC) engine or traction motor or both are mounted to the vehicle frame assembly of the vehicle. The IC engine is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle.
[0004] Conventionally, in proximity of the swing arm structure and the rear wheel of the vehicle, a wheel hugger and a rear fender is present. Typically, the wheel hugger and the rear fender are positioned over the rear wheel to prevent debris (water, mud, dust etc.) from being thrown onto the rider or onto the follower vehicle as the motorcycle travels over a ground surface. Thus, the disposition of the wheel hugger and the wheel hugger arc angle is critical to get the intended mud protection. Typically, a fender is employed to perform the function of wheel hugger which consumes considerable amount of packaging space in the wheel well of the vehicle. This leads to compromise in the wheel travel and wheel rate of the vehicle leading to poor riding comfort. Also, if the wheel well space in increases, then the seat height of the vehicle goes up which is against the basic requirement of a cruiser type saddle vehicle. Therefore, even with the use of a fender or a wheel hugger, there exists an additional challenge in a cruiser type saddle vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description is given with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle typically called a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of an integrated wheel hugger assembly, according to the embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates the wheel with wired spokes according to the embodiment of the present subject matter as seen from the left side of the vehicle.
[0009] Fig. 4 depicts the exploded view the integrated wheel hugger assembly, according to the embodiment of the present subject matter
[00010] . Fig. 5 depicts a side perspective view of the rear fender in accordance with the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. According to an embodiment, pair of wheels is described here to operate a vehicle. The pair of wheels is installed in a step through type two wheeled vehicle typically called as motorcycle. It is pertinent to note that the pair of wheels may be mounted in two wheeled vehicles in different arrangements. However, in the ensuing description, such pair of wheels is disposed at extreme ends of the step through type two wheeled vehicle. It is contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be applied to other types of vehicles and other types of casting methods within the spirit and scope of this invention. Further "front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen from a rear portion of the vehicle and looking forward. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[00012] In general state-of-art present in motorcycles, it is common practice to provide a fixed or rigidly mounted rear wheel hugger which cannot be replace without disassembling the whole wheel hugger assembly. Further, fixed or rigidly mounted rear wheel hugger causes trouble in serviceability of the vehicle. Furthermore, in the vehicle having large powertrain parts are having the problem in relation with the passage for heat coming out from the powertrain parts. In addition to that the rear wheel is also generating heat due to the continuous friction between the rear wheel and the road on the vehicle is moving.
[00013] Conventionally, in fixed or rigidly mounted rear wheel hugger, the chances of misalignment are very higher sue to some collision, rattling or high vibrations. Such misalignment leads to poor aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. In some cases, misalignment between such body parts also causes entry of external debris or foreign particles through any gaps that may be formed due to the misalignment. Most often, for removing this kind of misalignment one has to disassemble the whole wheel hugger assembly. Furthermore, due to the fixed or rigidly mounted rear wheel hugger when swing arm structure moves up and down due to the variations on the road the rear wheel hugger unable to adjust against that variations. This results a high probability for the rear wheel hugger to come in contact with the rear wheel and make the driving conditions dangerous or unsafe for the rider.
[00014] Further the increased weight of wheel hugger assembly due to addition in number of components hampers the vehicle performance.
[00015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide the wheel for the vehicle, which is capable of overcoming the above-mentioned problems and other problems. For that, the present subject matter is providing a rear wheel hugger which can be easily replaceable by another rear wheel hugger without disassembling the whole wheel hugger assembly. As the rear wheel hugger is independently mounted to the whole wheel hugger assembly of the vehicle by using one or more frame mounting brackets and a plurality of fastening members. Such rear wheel hugger provides an option to user for putting various kind of rear wheel hugger as per the convenience of the user. Further, the rear wheel hugger can be interchangeably termed as the wheel hugger.
[00016] As per another aspect of the present invention, the wheel hugger is disposed substantially downstream of the rear end of the vehicle and behind the rear edge of the tail lamp. At least a portion of the rear hugger overlaps with the tail lamp edge of the vehicle and is disposed substantially below the rear fender as seen from the side of the vehicle. The wheel hugger is assembled on the rear structure of a vehicle preferably on the swing or transmission cover on either side of the vehicle and at least a portion of the wheel hugger extends beyond the rear edge of the rear fender of the vehicle. This enables additional protection of the important electrical components like tail light, turn signal lamps, etc. from being splashed with mud, water and foreign materials.
[00017] As per another aspect of the present invention, the integrated frame mounting bracket is integrated to the end cap, this enables integrated wheel hugger assembly to move in synchronization with the swing arm structure and results in enhancing the safety of the rider.
[00018] In an embodiment, the rear wheel hugger provides effective protection from dirt, mud and foreign particles. As the rear wheel hugger is synchronizing with the swing arm structure, so the rear wheel hugger is not allowing the dirt, mud and foreign particles to hit the pillion rider or to the vehicle coming out from the back of the vehicle.
[00019] It is an aspect of the present subject matter to improve the serviceability of the rear wheel hugger for the required performance from the vehicle.
[00020] It is an another aspect of the present subject matter to provide a rear fender which provides passage to the heat coming out from the powertrain parts and rear wheel of the vehicle.
[00021] It is yet another advantage of the present subject matter that the rear wheel hugger is compact in shape with light weight and high strength is implementable in any vehicle like scooter, motorcycle, a three-wheeler, or a multi-wheeler.
[00022] 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.
[00023] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary motor vehicle (100) typically called a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (105) comprises a head tube (105A), a main tube wherein said main tube extends from a head tube (105A) which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100). The frame assembly (105) extends in longitudinal direction (F-R) of the vehicle (100). The frame assembly (105) may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main tube. A power unit (110) is fixedly mounted to the frame assembly (105).
[00024] The power unit (100) includes at least one of an internal combustion engine and a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm (115) is swingably connected to the frame assembly (105) and a rear portion of the swing arm (115) rotatably supports a rear wheel (120). The rear wheel (120) is functionally coupled to the power unit (110) through a transmission system. The transmission system (not shown) includes a chain drive/belt drive, a variable gear ratio system, or an automatic type transmission. A fender member (125) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (120) covers at least a portion of the rear wheel (120). Further, the swing arm (115) is coupled to the frame assembly (105) through one or more rear suspension(s) (not shown). In the present embodiment, a mono-shock type rear suspension connects the swing arm (115) to the frame assembly (105). Similarly, a pair of front forks (130) supports a front wheel (135) and is steerably supported by the head tube (105A). A handlebar assembly (140) is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front forks (130). Further, a front fender (145) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (135) and the front fender (145) is mounted to the front forks (130).
[00025] A fuel tank assembly (150) is mounted to the frame assembly (105) and is disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly (140). A seat assembly (155) including a rider seat is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly (150) and is supported by the frame assembly (105). The seat assembly may include a pillion seat. Further, a pair of rider foot pegs (165) mounted to the frame assembly (105) of the vehicle (100) that enable in supporting rider foot.
[00026] Further, the engine assembly (110) includes an air-fuel supply system (not shown) that supplies air and fuel to the engine assembly (110). An exhaust pipe (not shown) extends from the engine assembly (110) towards a muffler (not shown) that is disposed adjacently of the rear wheel (120). Plurality of panels (170) covers at least a portion of the frame assembly (105) and one or more vehicle parts.
[00027] Furthermore, the vehicle (100) includes various electrical and electronic systems including a starter system (not shown), a headlamp (175), a vehicle control unit (not shown), and a tail lamp (180). In addition, the vehicle includes safety systems including a synchronous braking system (not shown), and an anti-lock braking system.
[00028] As per an aspect of the present invention, an integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) and the mid portion of a wheel hugger (shown in Fig. 2) is so disposed that it forms a predetermined angle Ø with the longitudinal plane (F-R) having an axis X-X’ passing through the center of rear wheel (120) and the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) respectively of the vehicle (100). The predetermined angle range Ø is from 30 degree to 60 degrees. Additionally, the wheel hugger (shown in Fig. 2) is of an arc length A which is symmetrically disposed on either side of the X-X’ axis. The arc forms an angle of ± 15 degrees with the X-X’ axis which provides the best protection from mud, water splash to the rider, pillion as well as any other traveler trailing behind the vehicle (100). This disposition also enables to avoid congestion of the wheel (120) well space and provides the low seat assembly (155) height layout for a cruiser type vehicle (100) with optimum ride quality.
[00029] Fig. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220), according to the embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction. In present embodiment; a swing arm structure (270) is attached to the frame assembly (105) through a front end axle (250) disposed at a front end (271) of the swing arm structure (270). The swing arm structure (270) is capable of being attached to a rear wheel (120) through one or more slots disposed at a rear end (272) of the swing arm structure (270). Further, the swing arm structure (270) is capable of holding at least one rear shock absorber (not shown) situated in front of the rear wheel (120). Furthermore, the swing arm structure (270) is configured to hold the fender member (125) disposed at the rear end (272) of the swing arm structure (270).
[00030] In present embodiment, an integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) is mounted to an integrated mounting bracket (285) rigidly and integrally secured on the rear end (272) of the swing arm structure (270). The integrated mounting bracket (285) is integrated to the end cap so as to form a single piece. The integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) includes the wheel hugger (280), a bracket (290) having a plurality of mounting provisions (295), and a holder member (shown in Fig. 4). Further, the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) is providing the feature of better serviceability. Moreover, the present subject matter is providing the wheel hugger (280) which can be easily replaceable by another wheel hugger (280) without disassembling the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220). The wheel hugger (280) is independently mounted to the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) of the vehicle (100) by using one or more frame mounting brackets (290) and a plurality of fastening members (not shown). The fastening members are not visible from outside of the vehicle (100). The bracket (290) is configured to attach to the integrated frame mounting bracket (285) and the holder member (296) through the plurality of mounting provisions (295) which is fastened from a top side of the bracket (290).
[00031] In present embodiment, the wheel hugger (280) is also a means to provide effective protection from dirt, mud and foreign particles. As the wheel hugger (280) is synchronizing with the swing arm structure (270), so the wheel hugger (280) is not allowing the dirt, mud and foreign particles to hit the pillion rider of the vehicle (100) or to another vehicle coming out from the back of the vehicle (100). In another embodiment, the wheel hugger (280) may be offset from the X-X’ axis (shown in Fig. 1) with offset of maximum 10 degrees on either side of the X-X’ (shown in Fig. 1).
[00032] Further, in present embodiment, the issue in relation to the misalignment of the wheel hugger (280) is not leading to poor aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (100) or not allowing entry of external debris or foreign particles through any gaps that may be formed due to the misalignment. This is due to the ease in replacing the wheel hugger (280) without disassembling the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220). As per an aspect of the present invention, the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) is coupled to both Left hand and Right hand side of the vehicle structure which provides a robust mounting to the wheel hugger (280). This eliminates possibility of distortion of the hugger parts giving better aesthetics as well, low vibration leading to better durability. The wheel hugger (280) is a separate part coupled to the mounting structure (285) which enables ease of service and low maintainability. Such feature of the vehicle (100) improves the serviceability of the vehicle (100) and saves enormous time of the user. The material used for manufacturing integrated frame mounting bracket (285) and one or more bracket (290) is lighter in weight which includes aluminum.
[00033] Fig. 3 illustrates the wheel with wired spokes (120) according to the embodiment of the present subject matter as seen from the left side of the vehicle (100). Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denotes downward direction. In present embodiment, a saree guard (298) is mounted on the holder member (shown in Fig. 4) by means of a fastening member (not shown). In another embodiment, the saree guard (298) can be replaced by any other part or device in accordance with the requirement of the user without disassembling the whole integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) and such feature makes the vehicle (100) a user-centric vehicle (100). Further, in an embodiment, the connecting arm (shown in Fig. 2) or the integrated mounting bracket (shown in Fig. 2) is of different profile and may not be same and asymmetric in shape on either side of the vehicle 100.
[00034] Fig. 4 depicts the exploded view the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220), according to the embodiment of the present subject matter. In present embodiment, the wheel (120,135) is shown with the integrated mounting bracket (285) which is mounted on the swing arm structure (shown in Fig. 2). Further, the wheel hugger (280) attached to the bracket (290) through a plurality of fastening means (not shown). Further said bracket (290) is connected to the integrated frame mounting bracket (285) and holder member (296) through mounting provision (295). The mounting provision is fastened from a top side of said bracket (290). On the other side of the integrated mounting bracket (285) there is the holder member (296) which is there to hold a guard (298) or a device (298) as per the convenience of the user. One side of holder member (296) is in connection with the bracket (290) and the other side of holder member (296) is in connection with the guard (298) or the device (298).
[00035] Further, the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) is a cantilever assembly in whole. As one side of the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) is rigidly and integrally secured at the rear end (272) of the swing arm structure (270) through the integrated mounting bracket (285) and the other side is hanging in air.
[00036] The integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) includes a wheel hugger (280), a bracket (290) having a plurality of mounting provisions (295), and a holder member (296). Further, the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) is providing the feature of better serviceability.
[00037] The other user-centric feature of the vehicle (100) is that the wheel hugger (280) is easily replaceable without disassembling the whole integrated wheel hugger assembly (220). This provides the user an option to use variety of the wheel hugger (280) as per his convenience or requirement.
[00038] In present embodiment, the integrated mounting bracket integrated with the end cap, Further the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) is mounted to the integrated mounting bracket (285) on the swing arm structure (270) and due to that the wheel hugger (280) is having the capability to move in synchronization with the swing arm structure (270) and results in enhancing the safety of the rider. This synchronization between the wheel hugger (280) and the swing arm structure (270) is required when the swing arm moves up and down due to the variations on the road.
[00039] Fig. 5 depicts a side perspective view of the fender member (125) in accordance with the present subject matter. In present embodiment, the fender member (125) is mounted to a rear frame portion (not shown) of the frame assembly (105) of the vehicle (100) through a rear frame bracket (not shown) welded to the rear frame portion (not shown). The present embodiment discloses a plurality of louvers (302) in the fender member (125) for providing a passage (305) to the hot air coming out from the rear wheel (shown in Fig. 1, 2, 3 and 4). The hot air has been generated from vehicle powertrain parts and additionally from the rear wheel (shown in Fig. 1, 2, 3 and 4) due to continuous friction between the rear wheel (shown in Fig. 1, 2, 3 and 4) and a surface (not shown) on which the rear wheel (shown in Fig. 1, 2, 3 and 4) is rolling on. Besides the mounting of the fender member (125), the rear frame portion of the frame assembly (105) also receives the mounting of the tail lamp (shown in Fig. 1) from the rear side of the vehicle (100). In present embodiment, the fender member (125) is used to support turn signal lights (303), a brake light (304). In another embodiment the brake light (304) is replaced by a license plate illuminator (304).
[00040] While preferred embodiments of the present subject matter have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing the scope and spirit of the present subject matter.

List of references:
100 – Vehicle
105 – Frame assembly
105A – Head tube
110 – Power unit/Engine assembly
115 – Swing arm
120 – Rear wheel
125 – Fender member
130 – Front fork
135 – Front wheel
140 – Handle bar assembly
145 – Front fender
150 – Fuel tank assembly
155 – Seat assembly
165 – Rider foot pegs
175 – Head lamp
180 – Tail lamp
220 – Integrated wheel hugger assembly
250 – Front end axle
270 – Swing arm structure
271 – Front end of swing arm
272 – Rear end of swing arm
280 – Wheel hugger
285 – Integrated mounting bracket
290 – Frame mounting bracket
295 – Plurality of mounting provisions
296 – Holder member
298 – Saree guard
302 – Louvers
303- Turn signal lights
304 – Brake light/ License plate illuminator
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A saddle type vehicle (100) comprising; a frame assembly (105), said frame assembly (105) includes a head tube (105A), a main tube, said main tube extending rearwardly from the head tube (105A);
a swing arm structure (270) pivotally connected to the frame assembly;
a rear wheel (120), said rear wheel (120) attached to the swing arm structure (270);
a fender member (125);
an integrated mounted bracket (285) integrated with end cap, said integrated mounting bracket (285) rigidly secured on a rear end (272) of the swing arm structure (270);
and
an integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) is configured to connect to the swing arm structure (270) through integrated mounting bracket (285), said integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) comprises a wheel hugger (280), a bracket (290), a holding member (296), wherein said wheel hugger (280) is independently mounted to the integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) of the vehicle (100) by using one or more frame mounting brackets (290) and a plurality of attaching members.
2. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bracket (290) is configured to attach to the integrated frame mounting bracket (285) and the holder member (296) through a plurality of mounting provisions (295) fastened from a top side of the bracket (290).
3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear wheel (120) and integrated wheel hugger assembly (220) are disposed so as to have an axis X-X’ passing substantially through their center’s respectively.
4. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wheel hugger (280) is mounted and oriented in predetermined angle range Ø formed between with the longitudinal plane (F-R) and the X-X’ axis.
5. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said predetermined angle range Ø is from 30 degree to 60 degree.
6. The saddle type vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wheel- hugger (280) is of arc length A which is symmetrically disposed on either side the X-X’ axis.
7. The saddle type vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 6, wherein said arc forms an angle of ± 15 degrees with the X-X’ axis.
8. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holder member (296) holds a guard or device (298).
9. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the integrated mounting bracket (285) is of asymmetric profile when seen from the top across the longitudinal plane of the vehicle (100).
10. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fender member (125) having plurality of louvers (302) for providing passage (305) to hot air.