Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for controlling a lean angle of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles, such as three-wheeled vehicles, are typically used for transportation purposes due to their inherent characteristics of being small and fuel efficient, while being easy to drive, manoeuvre and park in crowded areas. As such, the three-wheeled vehicles are popular for transportation purposes. However, the three-wheeled vehicle are typically plagued with stability concerns during an abrupt manoeuvre. Particularly, the stability issues are pronounced when the three-wheeled vehicle is manoeuvred and/or cornered at high speeds.
[003] In order to overcome the stability issues in the three-wheeled vehicle, tilt control mechanisms are developed. The tilt control mechanisms may be a rack and pinion based system which can be mechanically operated or electronically operated for controlling tilting of the three-wheeled vehicle. However, these control mechanism may add undue load onto a pinion of the system. Consequently, affecting durability of the control mechanism during operation. Moreover, the conventional control mechanisms are complex and include larger number of parts, which inhibit maintenance of the vehicle, while also being expensive.
[004] Thus, there is a need for a device for controlling lean angle of the vehicle which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, a device for controlling a lean angle of a vehicle is disclosed. The device comprises a housing mounted to a frame assembly of the vehicle. The frame assembly extends in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. A first member is disposed in the housing and is connected to a stopper member fixed in the housing. The first member is operable relative to the stopper member for setting a threshold lean angle. A first slider assembly is disposed within the housing. The first slider assembly comprises one or more slider members and a support member connected to the first member, wherein the one or more slider members are adapted to displace along with the first member between a first position and a second position. One or more abutment members are disposed within the housing and are slidably mounted to the one or more slider members. The one or more abutment members are positioned corresponding to the position of the one or more slider members. A shaft comprising a first portion disposed within the housing and a second portion coupled to a wheel of the vehicle is also provided. The first portion of the shaft is adapted to be movable within the housing, wherein the first portion abuts the one or more abutment members when the tilting of the wheel reaches the threshold lean angle, thereby controlling leaning of the vehicle.
[006] In an embodiment, the housing comprises a rear cover having a planar surface and a wall provided along a periphery of the planar surface and a front cover. The front cover comprises a level surface and is adapted to engage with the wall to form an enclosure.
[007] In an embodiment, the rear cover comprises an elongated slot. The elongated slot is provided at a central portion of the rear cover for receiving the first portion of the shaft, wherein the first portion of the shaft moves along the elongated slot corresponding to the tilting of the wheel.
[008] In an embodiment, the wall comprises one or more joining members. The one or more joining members are adapted to engage with the stopper member for mounting of the stopper member in the housing.
[009] In an embodiment, the rear cover comprises one or more elongated apertures provided at a bottom portion of the rear cover and positioned below the elongated slot, wherein each of the one or more elongated apertures being adapted to receive and guide the one or more abutment members.
[010] In an embodiment, the first member is coupled to an actuator. The actuator being communicably coupled to a control unit, wherein the actuator being adapted to operate the first member for adjusting the threshold lean angle based on a control signal received from the control unit.
[011] In an embodiment, each of the one or more slider members is connected to the support member through a connecting member. Each of the one or more slider members comprises a narrow surface, an enlarged surface and an inclined surface. Each of the one or more slider members is disposed in the housing such that the narrow surface is positioned proximal to one or more elongated apertures.
[012] In an embodiment, the inclined surface of each of the one or more slider members is provided with at least one projection. The at least one projection is adapted to receive and guide the one or more abutment members in a direction lateral to the direction of movement of the one or more slider members.
[013] In an embodiment, the connecting member comprises a first end and a second end. The first end being integrally coupled to the support member while the second end being integrally coupled to the one or more slider members.
[014] In an embodiment, each of the one or more abutment members comprises a stem portion and a body portion. The stem portion is adapted to be connected to one of the one or more elongated apertures. The body portion is a tapered member comprising an angular surface and a lateral surface. The angular surface is adapted to engage with an inclined surface of one of the one or more slider members. The angular surface is adapted to abut the first portion of the shaft for controlling the lean angle of the vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, the angular surface of each of the one or more abutment members is provided with at least one protrusion. The at least one protrusion is adapted to engage with at least one projection provided on an inclined surface of one of the one or more slider members.
[016] In an embodiment, the one or more slider members comprises a first slider mounted to a right sidewall of the rear cover of the housing and positioned proximal to an elongated slot. A second slider is mounted to a left sidewall of the rear cover of the housing and is positioned proximal to the elongated slot.
[017] In an embodiment, the one or more abutment members comprise a first abutment member mounted to the first slider. The first abutment member is adapted to displace laterally to the direction of displacement of the first slider. A second abutment member is mounted to the second slider. The second abutment member is adapted to displace laterally to the direction of displacement of the second slider.
[018] In an embodiment, the housing comprises a display unit that is adapted to indicate the threshold lean angle set by the first member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[019] 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 is an exploded view of a device for controlling lean angle of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 is a front view of the device without a front cover, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is a front view of the device without the front cover, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device without the front cover, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a front view of the device along with a magnified view of a digital display, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 8 is a front view of the device, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[020] Present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for controlling a lean angle of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be a one-wheeled vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle or a multi-wheeled vehicle as per requirement. The device is adapted to control lean angle of the vehicle, while being reliable and light in construction. Additionally, the device enables adjustment of the lean angle of the vehicle.
[021] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a device 100 for controlling a lean angle of a vehicle. The device 100 is adapted to control the lean angle of the vehicle (not shown) by controlling the lean angle of a wheel of the vehicle, while being reliable and light in construction. Additionally, the device 100 enables adjustment of the lean angle of the vehicle as per requirement. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be a one-wheeled vehicle, a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a trike or a multi-wheeled vehicle as per requirement.
[022] In an embodiment, the term “lean angle” pertains to tiling of a wheel of the vehicle about an axis (not shown) extending along a top-down direction of the vehicle. The tilting of the wheel may occur during cornering or during maneuvering of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the term “threshold lean angle” may be the permissible lean angle for the vehicle during maneuvering.
[023] In an embodiment, the tilting of the wheel of the vehicle during maneuvering may result in tilting of the vehicle. Thus, tilting of the wheel as well as the vehicle are interchangeably used in the present disclosure for the sake of brevity and simplicity. As such, it is to be noted that tilting of wheel may also correspond to tilting of the vehicle, until and unless specified in the present disclosure.
[024] The device 100 comprises a housing 102 mounted to a frame assembly (a portion of the frame assembly depicted as reference numeral “158”) extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment, a bottom portion (not shown) of the housing 102 is mounted onto the frame assembly 158. The housing 102 may also be mounted to the frame assembly 158 through a bracket (not shown), wherein the bracket is mounted to the bottom portion of the housing 102. The housing 102 comprises a rear cover 122 and a front cover 124. The rear cover 122 comprises a planar surface 122a and a wall 122b provided along a periphery of the planar surface 122a. The front cover 124 engages with the wall 122b to form an enclosure. The front cover 124 comprises a level surface 124a and is adapted to be mounted onto the wall 122b to form the housing 102 for supporting components of the device 100. In an embodiment, the front cover 124 engages with the wall 122b through conventional engagement techniques such as a fastening technique, a snap-fit technique, a bonding technique and the like.
[025] The device 100 comprises a shaft 120 having a first portion 120a disposed within the housing 102 and a second portion 120b coupled to the wheel of the vehicle. As such, the tilting movement of the wheel is transferred to the housing 102 through the shaft 120. The first portion 120a of the shaft 120 is adapted to be movable within the housing 102 corresponding to the tilting of the vehicle. In other words, when the vehicle and/or the wheel tilts about a left-side, the first portion 120a moves to a left-side of the housing 102. Also, when the vehicle and/or wheel tilts about a right-side, the first portion 120a moves to a right-side of the housing 102.
[026] In an embodiment, the rear cover 122 comprises an elongated slot 126 provided to the planar surface 122a for receiving the first portion 120a of the shaft 120 into the housing 102. The first portion 120a of the shaft 120 moves along the elongated slot 126 corresponding to the tilting of the wheel. As such, the elongated slot 126 acts as an opening for the housing 102 for receiving the first portion 120a of the shaft 120. The elongated slot 126 acts as a guide way for the first portion 120a of the shaft 120 to move within the housing 102.
[027] In an embodiment, the elongated slot 126 is provided at a central portion of the rear cover 122. Also, as the elongated slot 126 is provided to the rear cover 122, the first portion 120a is received from a rear side (not shown) of the housing 102 (as shown in Figure 2). In an embodiment, the front cover 124 also comprises a slot 150 (as shown in Figure 3) adapted to enable the first portion 120a protrude through the housing 102, when a length of the first portion 120a exceeds a width or thickness of the housing 102.
[028] In an embodiment, the device 100 upon mounting onto the vehicle is positioned such that, the front cover 124 is placed towards a front side of the vehicle, while the rear cover 126 is placed towards a rear side of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the device 100 may be mounted to a steering unit (not shown) of the vehicle. As such, the device 100 is adapted to control the lean angle of the vehicle, when the vehicle is maneuvered.
[029] In an embodiment, the elongated slot 126 is aligned about a front-right direction (not shown) of the vehicle. As such, the first portion 120a moves about the front-rear direction of the vehicle corresponding to tilting of the vehicle. In another embodiment, alignment and/or orientation of the elongated slot 126 may be selected as per design feasibility and requirement of the vehicle.
[030] Referring to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figures 1-3, the device 100 comprises a stopper member 106 is fixed in the housing 102. The stopper member 106 may be an elongated member having a length equal to that of length of the housing 102. The stopper member 106 is aligned horizontally to the housing 102 or aligned about a left-right direction of the vehicle.
[031] In the present embodiment, the stopper member 106 is fixed in the housing 102 through one or more joining members 128 (hereinafter referred to as ‘joining members 128’) provided on the wall 122d. The joining members 128 are guideway members adapted to slidably receive ends of the stopper member 106. In other words, the ends of the stopper member 106 are inserted into the joining members 128, for fixing the stopper member 106 within the housing 102. Alternatively, the joining members 128 may engage with the stopper member 106 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening, welding and the like.
[032] A first member 104 is disposed in the housing 102 and is connected to the stopper member 106 such that, the first member 104 is adapted to operate relative to the stopper member 106. The relative operation of the first member 104 enables adjustment of the lean angle of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the first member 104 is a lead screw member connected to the stopper member 106, through a hole (not shown) provided to the stopper member 106. In an embodiment, the hole is provided at a central portion of the stopper member 106, and thus, the lead screw member 104 is connected to the central portion of the stopper member 106. The lead screw member 104 may also be oriented perpendicularly to the stopper member 106. As such, fastening or unfastening of the lead screw member results in an up-down movement of the lead screw member 104 relative to the stopper member 106. In an embodiment, the first member 104 may be connected to the stopper member 106 at an angle, as per design feasibility and requirement of the device 100. In an embodiment, the first member 104 may be an actuator member or any motion transmitting member as per feasibility and requirement of the device 100. In an embodiment, a nut member (not shown) may be provided to the lead screw member 104, wherein the nut member may be adapted to fasten the lead screw member 104 onto the stopper member 106.
[033] In an embodiment, the first member 104 may be coupled to an actuator (not shown) such as a motor, wherein the motor may be operated for actuating the first member 104. The actuator may be communicably coupled to a control unit (not shown). The actuator is adapted to operate the first member 104 for adjusting the threshold lean angle based on a control signal received from the control unit. In an embodiment, the control unit is adapted to generate the control signal for operating the actuator based on the threshold lean angle selected by a rider of the vehicle. The rider may select the select the threshold lean angle through an instrument cluster of the vehicle.
[034] Further, the device 100 comprises a first slider assembly 108 disposed within the housing 102. The first slider assembly 108 comprises one or more slider members 110, 112 (hereinafter referred to as “slider members 110, 112”) and a support member 114 connected to the first member 104. Each of the slider members 110, 112 is connected to the support member 114 through a connecting member 132 (as shown in Figure 4). As such, actuation of the first member 104 displaces the slider members 110, 112 between a first position FP (as shown in Figure 4) and a second position SP (as shown in Figure 5). In an embodiment, the stopper member 106 is provided with cutouts 152 for enabling the connecting member 132 that is connected to each of the slider members 110, 112 to pass through and engage with the support member 114. In an embodiment, the connecting member 132 is connected to the support member 114 and to each of the slider members 110, 112 through conventional connecting techniques known in the art, such as welding, brazing and the like.
[035] In the present embodiment, as the first member 104 actuates in the top-down direction, the slider members 110, 112 is displaced in the top-down direction. Accordingly, the first position FP may be a top-most position of the slider members 110, 112, while the second position SP may be a bottom-most position of the slider member 110, 112. In an embodiment, the slider members 110, 112 in the first position FP may correspond to a minimum threshold lean angle for the vehicle, while the slider members 110, 112 in the second position FP may correspond to a maximum threshold lean angle for the vehicle. As such, the rider of the vehicle may actuate the first member 104 for displacing the slider members 110, 112 suitably for adjusting the threshold lean angle.
[036] The slider members 110, 112 comprises a first slider 110 mounted on a left sidewall 122c of the rear cover 122. The first slider 110 is positioned proximal to the elongated slot 126. The first slider 110 is connected to the support member 114 through the connecting member 132 provided on the right side of the housing 102, such that, a first end (not shown) of the connecting member 132 is coupled to the support member 114 while a second end (not shown) of the connecting member 132 is coupled to the first slider 110. As such, actuation of the support member 114 through the first member 104, displaces the first slider 110 between the first position FP and the second position SP.
[037] The slider members 110, 112 also comprises a second slider 112 mounted to a left sidewall 122d of the rear cover 122. The second slider 112 is also positioned proximal to the elongated slot 126. The second slider 112 is connected to the support member 114 through the connecting member 132 provided on the left side of the housing 102, such that, the first end of the connecting member 132 is coupled to the support member 114 while the second end of the connecting member 132 is coupled to the second slider 110. As such, actuation of the support member 114 through the first member 104, displaces the second slider 110 between the first position FP and the second position SP.
[038] In an embodiment, the support member 114 may be a rectangular plate member that is connected to the first member 104, and extends along the length of the housing 102. In other words, the support member 114 may extend upto the left sidewall 122d from the left sidewall 122c. The support member 114 may be coupled to the connecting member 132 that is extending from each of the first slider 110 and the second slider 112. Accordingly, displacement of the support member 114 upon actuation of the first member 104 simultaneously displaces the first slider 110 and the second slider 112.
[039] Further, one or more abutment members 116, 118 (hereinafter referred to as “abutment members 116, 118”) are disposed within the housing 102 and are slidably mounted to the slider members 110, 112. The abutment members 116, 118 are positioned corresponding to the position of the slider members 110, 112. As such, the abutment members 116, 118 are positioned proximal to the elongated slot 126. The first portion 120a abuts the abutment members 116, 118 when the tilting of the wheel reaches the threshold lean angle, thereby controlling leaning of the vehicle.
[040] The abutment members 116, 118 comprise a first abutment member 116 mounted to the first slider 110 such that, the first abutment member 116 is adapted to displace in a direction laterally to the direction of displacement of the first slider 110. In the present embodiment, since the first slider 110 is displaced along the top-down direction, the first abutment member 116 is displaced along the left-right direction. The first abutment member 116 engages with the first portion 120a, when the vehicle is tilting towards the right side of the vehicle.
[041] The abutment members 116, 118 also comprise a second abutment member 118 mounted to the second slider such that, the second abutment member 118 is adapted to displace laterally to the direction of displacement of the second slider 112. In the present embodiment, since the second slider 112 is displaced along the top-down direction, the second abutment member 118 is displaced along the left-right direction. The second abutment member 118 engages with the first portion 120a, when the vehicle is tilting towards the left side of the vehicle.
[042] In an embodiment, the rear cover 122 comprises one or more elongated apertures 130a, 130b (hereinafter referred to as ‘elongated apertures 130a, 130b’) provided at the bottom portion of the rear cover 122 and positioned below the elongated slot 126. Each of the elongated apertures 130a, 130b receive and guide the abutment members 116, 118, upon actuation of the slider members 110, 112. In an embodiment, the elongated aperture 130a is provided to the left side of the housing 102, and the elongated aperture 130b is provided to the right side of the housing 102. The elongated aperture 130a is adapted to receive and guide the first abutment member 116, while the elongated aperture 130b is adapted to receive and guide the second abutment member 118. In an embodiment, the elongated apertures 130a, 130b receives the abutment members 116, 118 through conventional engagement techniques such as the fastening technique and the like.
[043] In an embodiment, the configuration and dimensions of the elongated apertures 130a, 130b are selected such that the abutment members 116, 118 are displaced to an aft position (not shown) when the rider selects the maximum threshold lean angle and the abutment members 116, 118 are displaced to a fore position (not shown) when the rider selects the minimum threshold lean angle. As such, based on the maximum and minimum threshold lean angle, the dimensions and configuration of the elongated apertures 130a, 130b are considered for enabling movement of the abutment members 116, 118 corresponding to the displacement of the slider members 110, 112.
[044] Referring to Figure 6 in conjunction with Figures 1-5, each of the slider members 110, 112 (i.e. the first slider 110 and the second slider 112) comprises a narrow surface 134, an enlarged surface 136 and an inclined surface 138. Each of the slider members 110, 112 are disposed in the housing 102 such that the narrow surface 134 is positioned proximal to the elongated apertures 130a, 130b. As such, the connecting member 132 connects with the enlarged surface 136 of each of the slider members 110, 112. Further, the inclined surface 138 of each of the slider members 110, 112 is provided with at least one projection 140 that is adapted to receive and guide the abutment members 116, 118 in a direction lateral to the direction of movement of the one or more slider members 110, 112. As such, the slider members 110, 112 drive the abutment members 116, 118 upon actuation of the first member 104.
[045] Further, each of the abutment members 116, 118 comprises a stem portion 116a, 118a and a body portion 116b, 118b. The stem portion 116a, 118a is connected to the elongated apertures 130a, 130b. The body portion 116b, 118b is a tapered member comprising an angular surface 142 (shown in Figure 1) and a lateral surface 144 (shown in Figure 1). The angular surface 142 is adapted to engage with the inclined surface 138 of the slider members 110, 112. In an embodiment, the angular surface 142 is provided with at least one protrusion 146. The at least one protrusion 146 engages with the at least one projection 140 provided on the inclined surface 138 of the slider members 110, 112. As such, the at least one projection 140 acts as a guideway for the abutment members 116, 118. Additionally, due to inclination of the inclined surface 138, the abutment members 116, 118 are displaced laterally upon displacement of the slider members 110, 112. Also, the lateral surface 144 is adapted to abut the first portion 120a of the shaft 120 for controlling the lean angle of the vehicle.
[046] In an embodiment, the first abutment member 116 comprises the stem portion 116a and the body portion 116b. The stem portion 116a is connected to the elongated aperture 130a. Accordingly, the elongated aperture 130a is adapted to guide the first abutment member 116 through the stem portion 116a. In an embodiment, the stem portion 116a is connected to the elongated aperture 130a through conventional connecting techniques known in the art such as fastening. Further, the body member 116b comprises the angular surface 142 and the lateral surface 144. The angular surface 142 is adapted to engage with the inclined surface 138 of the first slider 110, wherein the protrusion 146 of the angular surface 142 engages with the projection 140 on the inclined surface 138. As such, for enabling engagement between the first slider 110 and the first abutment member 116, the inclination of the angular surface 142 and the inclined surface 138 complement one another.
[047] In an embodiment, the second abutment member 118 comprises the stem portion 118a and the body portion 118b. The stem portion 118a is connected to the elongated aperture 130b. Accordingly, the elongated aperture 130b is adapted to guide the first abutment member 118 through the stem portion 118a. In an embodiment, the stem portion 118a is connected to the elongated aperture 130b through conventional connecting techniques known in the art such as fastening. Further, the body member 118b comprises the angular surface 142 and the lateral surface 144. The angular surface 142 is adapted to engage with the inclined surface 138 of the second slider 112, wherein the protrusion 146 of the angular surface 142 engages with the projection 140 on the inclined surface 138. As such, for enabling engagement between the second slider 112 and the second abutment member 118, the inclination of the angular surface 142 and the inclined surface 138 complement one another. In an embodiment, the inclination of the inclined surface 138 of the slider members 110, 112 and the angular surface 142 of the abutment members 116, 118 is 45 degrees.
[048] Referring to Figures 7 and 8 in conjunction with Figures 1-6, the housing 102 comprises a display unit 148. The display unit 148 is provided at a top portion (not shown) of the housing 102 and is adapted to indicate the threshold lean angle set by the first member 104. As such, the rider may set the threshold lean angle in the device 100, based on the indicator provided in the display unit 148. In an embodiment, engravings 154 (as shown in Figure 8) may be provided to the display unit 148 for indicating the threshold lean angle set by the device 100. In another embodiment, a pointer 156 (shown in Figure 8) may be provided in the display unit 148 for indicating the threshold lean angle set by the device 100.
[049] In an embodiment, the dimensions and construction of the first member 104, the slider members 110, 112 and the abutment members 116 and 118 is selected based on the threshold lean angle required to be set in the vehicle.
[050] In an operational embodiment, the rider firstly determines the threshold lean angle to be set for the vehicle. As an example, the rider may set the threshold lean angle to be 25 degrees. Upon determining the threshold lean angle, the rider may actuate the first member 104 manually. Alternatively, the rider may actuate the first member 104 through the actuator upon selecting the threshold lean value in the instrument cluster of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the rider may actuate the first member 104 based on a current position of the slider members 110, 112. As an example, the rider may actuate the first member 104 for setting the threshold lean angle, when the slider members 110, 112 are in the first position.
[051] Upon actuation of the first member 104, say in an anti-clockwise direction, the support member 114 moves away from the stopper member 106 towards the top direction. Simultaneously, the slider members 110, 112 moves towards the stopper member 106 in the top direction. At the same time, due to upward displacement of the slider members 110, 112, the first abutment member 116 slides towards the right sidewall 122c, while the second abutment member 118 slides towards the left sidewall 122d due to the projection 140 provided in the slider members 110, 112. The displacement of the first abutment member 116 and the second abutment member 118 provides space for movement of the first portion 120a of the shaft 120. As such, when the vehicle is maneuvered, say in a right direction, the vehicle may begin tilting. Accordingly, the first portion 120a may move towards the first abutment member 116.
[052] When the lean angle of the vehicle reaches the threshold lean angle, the first portion 120a contacts the lateral surface 144 of the first abutment member 116. Contact between the first portion 120a and the lateral surface 144 of the first abutment member 116 restricts further tilting or leaning of the vehicle. While restricting leaning of the vehicle, the first abutment member 116 transfers the force exerted by the wheels to the frame assembly 158 of the vehicle. Accordingly, the leaning of the vehicle is prevented, while also enhancing durability of the device 100.
[053] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of the first member coupled to the slider members and the abutment members enables adjustment of the threshold lean angle for the vehicle. Thus, enable the rider to select the threshold lean angle as per requirement. Additionally, adjustment of the lean angle facilitates flexibility of the device. Further, the device being connected to the frame assembly provides a load transfer path for transferring the forces transferred from the wheel to the frame assembly, once the threshold lean angle is reached by the vehicle. Consequently, the durability of the device is enhanced, as the load from the wheels is transferred to the frame assembly.
[054] 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.

List of Reference Numerals and Characters
100 Device for controlling lean angle of vehicle
102 Housing
104 First member
106 Stopper member
108 First slider assembly
110, 112 One or more slider members
114 Support member
116, 118 One or more abutment members
120 Shaft
120a First portion
120b Second portion
122 Rear cover
122a Planar surface
122b Wall
124 Front cover
124a Level surface
126 Elongated slot
128 One or more joining members
130a, 130b One or more elongated apertures
132 Connecting member
134 Narrow surface
136 Enlarged surface
138 Inclined surface
140 Projection
142 Angular surface
144 Lateral surface
146 Protrusion
148 Display unit
150 Slot
152 Cutouts
154 Markings
156 Pointer
FP First position
SP Second position
158 Frame assembly
 
, Claims:1. A device (100) for controlling a lean angle of a vehicle, the device (100) comprising:
a housing (102) mounted to a frame assembly (158) of the vehicle, the frame assembly (158) extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle;
a first member (104) disposed in the housing (102) and connected to a stopper member (106), the stopper member (106) being fixed in the housing (102), the first member (104) being operable relative to the stopper member (106) for setting a threshold lean angle;
a first slider assembly (108) disposed within the housing (102), the first slider assembly (108) comprising one or more slider members (110, 112) and a support member (114) connected to the first member (104), wherein the one or more slider members (110, 112) being adapted to displace along with the first member (104) between a first position and a second position;
one or more abutment members (116, 118) disposed within the housing (102) and slidably mounted to the one or more slider members (110, 112), the one or more abutment members (116, 118) being positioned corresponding to the position of the one or more slider members (110, 112); and
a shaft (120) comprising a first portion (120a) disposed within the housing (102) and a second portion (120b) coupled to a wheel of the vehicle, the first portion (120a) of the shaft (120) being adapted to be movable within the housing (102),
wherein the first portion (120a) abuts the one or more abutment members (116, 118) when the tilting of the wheel reaches the threshold lean angle, thereby controlling leaning of the vehicle.

2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) comprises:
a rear cover (122) having a planar surface (122a) and a wall (122b), the wall (122b) being provided along a periphery of the planar surface (122a); and
a front cover (124) comprising a level surface (124a), the front cover (124) being adapted to engage with the wall (122b) to form an enclosure.

3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rear cover (122) comprises an elongated slot (126), the elongated slot (126) being provided at a central portion of the rear cover (122) for receiving the first portion (120a) of the shaft (120), wherein the first portion (120a) of the shaft (120) moves along the elongated slot (126) corresponding to the tilting of the wheel.

4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wall (122b) comprises one or more joining members (128), the one or more joining members (128) being adapted to engage with the stopper member (106), for mounting of the stopper member (106) in the housing (102).

5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rear cover (122) comprises one or more elongated apertures (130a, 130b), the one or more elongated apertures (130a, 130b) being provided at a bottom portion of the rear cover (122) and positioned below the elongated slot (126), wherein each of the one or more elongated apertures (130a, 130b) being adapted to receive and guide the one or more abutment members (116, 118).

6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (104) is coupled to an actuator, the actuator being communicably coupled to a control unit, wherein the actuator being adapted to operate the first member (104) for adjusting the threshold lean angle based on a control signal received from the control unit.

7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more slider members (110, 112) being connected to the support member (114) through a connecting member (132), and
wherein each of the one or more slider members (110, 112) comprising a narrow surface (134), an enlarged surface (136) and an inclined surface (138), each of the one or more slider members (110, 112) being disposed in the housing (102) such that the narrow surface (134) is positioned proximal to one or more elongated apertures (130a, 130b).

8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inclined surface (138) of each of the one or more slider members (110, 112) is provided with at least one projection (140), the at least one projection (140) being adapted to receive and guide the one or more abutment members (116, 118) in a direction lateral to the direction of movement of the one or more slider members (110, 112).

9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the connecting member (132) comprises a first end and a second end, the first end being integrally coupled to the support member (114) while the second end being integrally coupled to the one or more slider members (110, 112).

10. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more abutment members (116, 118) comprising a stem portion (116a, 118a) and a body portion (116b, 118b), the stem portion (116a, 118a) being adapted to be connected to one of the one or more elongated apertures (130a, 130b),
wherein the body portion (116b, 118b) is a tapered member comprising an angular surface (142) and a lateral surface (144), the angular surface (142) being adapted to engage with an inclined surface (138) of one of the one or more slider members (110, 112), and the angular surface (142) is adapted to abut the first portion (120a) of the shaft (120) for controlling the lean angle of the vehicle.

11. The device (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the angular surface (142) of each of the one or more abutment members (116, 118) is provided with at least one protrusion (146), the at least one protrusion (146) being adapted to engage with at least one projection (140) provided on an inclined surface (138) of one of the one or more slider members (110, 112).

12. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more slider members (110, 112) comprises:
a first slider (110) mounted to a right sidewall (122c) of a rear cover (122) of the housing (102) and positioned proximal to an elongated slot (126); and
a second slider (112) mounted to a left sidewall (122d) of the rear cover (122) of the housing (102) and positioned proximal to the elongated slot (126).

13. The device (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more abutment members (116, 118) comprise:
a first abutment member (116) mounted to the first slider (110), the first abutment member (116) being adapted to displace laterally to the direction of displacement of the first slider (110); and
a second abutment member (118) mounted to the second slider (112), the second abutment member (118) being adapted to displace laterally to the direction of displacement of the second slider (112).

14. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (102) comprises a display unit (148) adapted to indicate the threshold lean angle set by the first member (104).