Claims:We Claim
1. A frame assembly (200) for a saddle type vehicle (100), said frame assembly (200) comprising:
a head tube (201), a centre sub frame (206), and a down sub frame (203)
an engine (125) is mounted with an engine mounting bracket (205);
a reinforcement member assembly (202) integrally attached to said head tube (201) of said frame assembly (200);
said reinforcement member assembly (202) comprising of a pair of sheet metals members (202a, 202b) overlapping and integrally attached with each other.
2. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of sheet metal members (202a, 202b) of said reinforcement member assembly(202) after getting integrally attached forms a box structure.
3. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame assembly (200) includes a rear sub-frame assembly (204), integrally attached with said reinforcement member assembly (202), extending upwardly and rearwardly of said frame assembly (200).
4. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reinforcement member assembly (202) has a convex opening (207), which is attached with said head tube (201).
5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reinforcement member assembly (202) has a circular opening (209), to attach said rear sub-frame assembly (204).
6. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said engine mounting bracket (205) has an opening (211) and a pair of cut out profiles (212a, 212b) to accommodate said centre sub frame (206) and said pair of side frame members (407a, 407b).
7. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reinforcement member assembly (202) includes three portions, an upper portion (302), a lower portion (303) and a side portion (301) forming a triangular shaped profile.
8. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said upper portion (302) has a semi inclined profile (302a) followed by a straight profile (303) extending rearwardly of said frame assembly (200).
9. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7 wherein said side portion (301) has a slanted profile extended and integrally attached to down sub frame (203) of said frame assembly (200).
10. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said lower portion (303) has a horizontal profile extended rearwardly of said frame assembly (202).
11. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said upper portion (302) has a converging profile (601) and said lower portion (303) has an inverted ‘C’ profile (603)
12. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reinforcement member assembly (202) has a cut out profile (208) encompassed by said side portion (301) and said upper portion (302) and bottom portion (303) for load bearing of said frame assembly (200).
13. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said reinforcement member assembly (202) has a tapered profile in a side view with decreasing section modulus from front to rear in a vehicle longitudinal direction.
14. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said rear sub frame assembly (204) has two sides where one side (402) is integrally attached with said reinforcement member assembly (202) and another side (a rearwardly extending part) (409) has a pair of seat rest members (410a, 410b) attached to it.
15. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said rear sub frame assembly (204) has a centrally extending part (402’) is attached with a plurality of ‘C’ shaped mounting members (401a, 401b) to mount a storage unit (103) and a rider seat in said vehicle (100).
16. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said rear sub-frame assembly (204) includes an upward extending part (404), said upward extending part (404) has connecting bridge (405) integrally attached to said upward extending part (404).
17. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said connecting bridge (405) has a profile, where said pair of side frames (407a, 407b) and a pair of suspension mounting bracket (406) are attached.
18. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said rearwardly extending part (409) has a pair of tail cover and guard mounting bridges (408a, 408b) to mount a tail cover of said vehicle (100).
19. The frame assembly (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said rearwardly extending part (409) is attached with a pair of mounting bracket for rear seat rest (410a, 410b).
20. A frame assembly (200) for a saddle type vehicle (100), said frame assembly (200) comprising:
a head tube (201), a centre sub frame (206), and a down sub frame (203);
a single tubular main frame (501) having uniform cross section, integrally attached to said head tube (201) and extending rearwardly of said frame assembly (200); and
a reinforcement member assembly (502) integrally attached between said down sub frame (203) and a main frame (501). , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a frame assembly in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In automobiles, chassis and its systems for a saddle type vehicle typically consists of a frame, a suspension, a pair of wheels and brakes. The chassis determines the main structure of the vehicle, its rigidity & also sets the overall looks of the type of vehicle. The frame must be torsion resistant so that the frame should not buckle on uneven road surfaces and any distortion should not be transmitted to the body parts and other aggregates.
[0003] Generally, in a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle with a frame assembly, the frame assembly extends in longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The frame assembly acts as a structural member and load-bearing member of the vehicle. Also, the drive wheel and the driven wheel are supported by the frame assembly. In a saddle-ride type vehicle, the power unit either is mounted or is low-slung to the frame assembly. Generally, the wheels are connected to the frame through damping members. Moreover, in a vehicle with a step-through type portion, the power unit is swingably mounted to the frame assembly through the damping members, which are typically suspensions. The forces acting on such frame assembly are high due to added weight of the power unit on the rear portion. The suspension plays an essential role in damping the forces acting on the wheels as well as damping the forces from the power unit from reaching the frame assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is explained with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type saddle type scooter along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig.1 is a left side view of a saddle type vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig.2 is a left side perspective view of a frame as per one embodiment of the present invention
[0007] Fig.2a is an assembled view of reinforcement member assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention
[0008] Fig. 2b & Fig. 2c are a sectional view of a frame assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig. 3 is side view of a reinforcement member assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention
[00010] Fig. 3a is cross sectional view of a reinforcement member assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention
[00011] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a rear sub-frame assembly with single tubular member of the frame assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00012] Fig. 4a is the perspective view of the frame assembly of a known art.
[00013] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of frame assembly as per another embodiment of the present invention.
[00014] Fig. 6 is a side view of frame assembly as per another embodiment of the present invention
[00015] Fig, 6a is a cross sectional view of the frame assembly as per another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00016] Typically, a frame assembly is a core structure of a saddle type vehicle. The frame assembly supports at least one power train e.g. an internal combustion engine, providing the hinge points for both front and rear suspension members which is connected to the front and rear wheel respectively, and supports a rider and any pillion or luggage. The frame assembly also supports a steering mechanism, smaller systems like electronics, a fuel lank, and body panels.
[00017] For example, in a saddle type vehicle, the frame assembly generally. comprises a head tube disposed in the front of the saddle type vehicle, a main frame extending gradually downwards towards the rear portion and takes a curve towards the bottom at the middle portion of the saddle type vehicle, a down sub frame extends sharply downwards from the head tube, a pair of upper tubes extend horizontally rearward from the middle portion of the main frame, and a pair of side frames extending from the free end of the main frame to join the pair of upper tubes frames at a point- located at predetermined distance from the starting of the pair of upper tubes frames. The IC engine is mounted between the ends of the down sub frame and the main frame and acts as a stressed member of the part of the frame assembly. A swing arm is further pivotally attached to the end of the main frame to swingably support a rear wheel. The rear wheel is made swingable by loading it to a pair of rear suspension system mounted on the point where the upper tube and the side tube meet. A pillion handle mounting bracket is mounted across the pair of upper tubes at the rear end to support a pillion handle or a carrier to load goods and/or luggage. The pillion handle mounting bracket is also used to mount a tail cover, rear fender, tail lamp, and also acts as a seat rest to support a seat assembly.
[00018] Typically, in the saddle type two-wheeled or three wheeled, the frame assembly acts as the structural member of the vehicle. Also, the frame assembly is the load-bearing member of the vehicle. The frame assembly is one of the heavy parts of the vehicle. With the advancements in technology, the number of components and accessories mounted to the frame assembly are increasing. Therefore, to withstand the weight, the frame assembly may be provided with more thickness or with reinforced parts. However, this increases the weight of the frame assembly affecting the performance of the vehicle due to increased weight.
[00019] Elaborating further, the frame assembly in a saddle type vehicle has a front zone, and a rear zone. The front zone supports steering assembly and front suspensions are connected to the front wheel. The front zone receives forces and shocks from the front wheel due to varying and/or other road conditions. Generally, the front zone consists of a head tube that supports the steering and is subject to the aforementioned forces and shocks. The main frame extending rearwardly and then extended downwardly, named as centre sub frame, where the centre sub frame has a mounting bracket to mount a power unit e.g. an engine, thereon adding extra weight to the front zone. This type of frame is simple in construction and provides the desired strength and stiffness for the frame to deliver the performance and reliability requirements. However, the structure involves using more number of parts especially at junctions where additional stiffening members (tubes/ sheet metal brackets) are used to connect as well as strengthen the joining of the tubes.
[00020] The rear zone is subject to forces from the power train, rear suspension etc. The forces acting on the rear zone are also transferred to the front zone of the frame assembly. Therefore, the front zone should be stiff and meeting strength requirements to withstand the forces acting thereon. The rear zone consists of upper tubes LH (left hand) & RH (right hand), side frames LH & RH and a rear reinforcement member assembly supporting the rear tubes below the seat rest and at the shock absorber mounting where the frame is subjected to tackle loads from rider, pillion and carrier loads. This leads to the requirement of increased number of parts and welding operations, and thus leads to an overall increase in the weight of the frame.
[00021] Generally, the strength required for withstanding the loads is achieved by introducing main frame with higher cross-section. However, such higher cross-section of the main frame affects the space on the vehicle for packaging other components and also increases the weight of the frame assembly which is undesirable. Moreover, gussets are also used to reinforce the main frame. However, the provision of gussets increases the part count of the vehicle and welding of longer gussets or multiple gussets results in distortion of the main frame adversely affecting the assembly and fit of parts to the frame assembly.
[00022] Furthermore, taking another factor into consideration, the saddle type vehicles make use of metal tubes or tubes composed of metal alloys such as steel for forming a frame assembly thereof. The tubes typically form a closed-loop structure to interconnect various parts such as body covers, seat, power train e.g. engine etc. Besides, the tubes act as load bearing members which serve to take the impact while riding on bad roads under various load conditions. However, conventional body frames are prone to having weak joints where the joints act as points of stress. Especially, high stress is developed at the joint between a head tube and the main frame of the frame assembly. As a result, typically a joint between the head tube and the main frame is reinforced by providing additional gussets. However, providing additional gussets leads to an increase in the number of parts, thereby leading to an overall increase in weight of the two-wheeled or three wheeled saddle type vehicles.
[00023] In light of the above circumstances, there is a need to provide lighter frames with optimised load and weight distribution. Vehicle body frames are being increasingly replaced by light weight body frames made of composite materials such as fibre reinforced resin. Particularly, in light weight body frames it is important to optimise load and weight distribution since certain parts of the frame assembly are subjected to greater stress and load and it is necessary to reinforce such parts.
[00024] Moreover, in saddle type vehicles having frame assembly made of light weight material such as fibre reinforced resin, there is a need to provide structural members who serve to receive or guide components of the vehicle such as the storage unit e.g. battery or a fuel tank assembly. Typically, since the energy storage unit is composed of hard material such as steel, resin and the like, care must be taken while assembling the energy storage unit assembly on the main frame of the frame assembly, that there should be no damage to the main frame as well as the storage unit. Further, the main frame should be strong enough to bear the load of storage unit. In such cases, as discussed, the frame reinforcement member assembly is integrally welded between the down sub frame and the main frame, thereby to increase the stiffness and load bearing capacity. This leads to increased weight of the frame assembly and also, put additional load on the frame assembly which is undesirable.
[00025] In known art, to make a lightweight frame assembly, as a rigid frame which is resistant to compressive and shear force, two half shells of a molded or pressed sheet material are secured together. The main frame consists of the two half shells which are joined at their edges. The two half shells have abutment faces secured together by an appropriate adhesive substantially throughout a cross bar, the transmission and the chain housing. However, this arrangement creates problem likes the increase weight of the frame assembly especially at the rear zone of the frame assembly because of the use of additional components.
[00026] Hence, there exists a challenge of designing an improved light weight frame assembly which can satisfactorily accommodate essential elements within a compact layout of a two wheeled or three wheeled saddle type vehicle while maintaining the rigidity and stiffness of the frame assembly.
[00027] Therefore, there is a need to have an improved light weight frame assembly for a saddle type vehicle which overcomes all of the above problems and other problems known in art.
[00028] The present subject matter discloses a light weight frame assembly to ensure the conventional mounting of the essential components and also, maintains low weight of the frame assembly and existing layout of the vehicle.
[00029] As per one aspect of present invention, a frame assembly includes a head tube, a reinforcement member assembly having a closed structure, connecting the head tube, a centre frame and a rear sub-frame assembly. This reinforcement member assembly act as a main frame which bears front vertical load transmitted through front fork, wheel forces etc. As per one aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement member assembly ensembles a shape of a right angle triangle, in which a portion of reinforcement member assembly is extended horizontally rearwardly and connected to the rear sub-frame assembly, configured as the vertical load bearing structure of the frame assembly.
[00030] As per one aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement member assembly have a left and right sheet metal members integrally attached with each other forming a box like structure, with a various attachment means like, press fitting, welding etc. The reinforcement member assembly acts as a load bearing main frame of the frame assembly. The left and right sheet metal members after getting integrally attached with each other form a reinforcement member assembly. The reinforcement member assembly as formed has a convex opening at front side and a circular opening at rear side. The reinforcement member assembly is integrally attached to the head tube through the convex opening as formed. The reinforcement member assembly is integrally attached to the rear sub-frame assembly of the frame assembly through the circular profile as formed. The reinforcement member assembly has three portions: an upper portion, a lower portion and a side portion. The upper portion has a semi inclined profile followed by a straight profile extending rearwardly of the frame assembly. The side portion of the reinforcement member assembly has a slanted profile extended and integrally attached to an initial part of down sub frame of the frame assembly. The lower portion has a horizontal profile extended rearwardly of the frame assembly. The left and right half mirror portions of the reinforcement member assembly are integrally attached with each other and also, extended rearwardly of the frame assembly. The portions of the reinforcement member assembly as attached provide the convex opening at the front side and circular opening at the rear side, where the head tube and the rear sub-frame assembly of the frame assembly is integrally attached respectively with the reinforcement member assembly of the frame assembly. This frame structure ensures the stiffness and load bearing capacity of the front zone of the frame assembly and also, eliminates the need of additional reinforcement member assembly with the main frame and a down sub frame, thereby decreasing the substantial weight of the frame assembly. The semi inclined profile of the reinforcement member assembly accommodates a storage unit, thereby eliminating the need for separate storage unit bracket on frame assembly. Hence, this reduces the weight and cost of the frame assembly.
[00031] As per one aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement member assembly has an open structure or portion or cut out relief in between the side portion and the upper portion of the member, ensuring the load bearing capacity of the frame assembly. As per one aspect of the present invention, the reinforcement member assembly has a tapered profile with decreasing section modulus, that is, the front side of the reinforcement member assembly has more section modulus as compared to the rear side of the reinforcement member assembly. The section modulus is defined as the strength of the given member in layman language. The bending stress of the material is inversely proportional to the section modulus. Hence, from this relation, greater the section modulus, lesser the bending stress of the reinforcement member assembly. The stiffness of the rear side of the reinforcement member assembly is taken care by the overlapping two sheet metal members of the reinforcement. Therefore, this enhances the load bearing capacity of the reinforcement member assembly.
[00032] Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the rear sub-frame assembly of the frame assembly has a single ubular member extending upwardly and rearwardly of the frame assembly. The rear sub-frame assembly has two sides where one side, is integrally attached with the circular profile of the reinforcement member assembly and another side includes a rear seat rest, that is, a pair of mounting bracket integrally attached with the another side of the rear sub-frame assembly. This bracket provides support to the rear seat of a vehicle. A centrally extending part of the rear sub-frame assembly includes a plurality of ‘C’ shaped mounting members to mount the fuel tank assembly and a rider seat in the vehicle. Therefore, this eliminates the requirement for additional brackets for mounting the essential components in the vehicle.
[00033] Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the upward extending part of the rear sub-frame assembly has a connecting bridge integrally attached to the upward extending part of the rear sub-frame member. The connecting bridge has a profile, where the pair of side frames and a pair of mounting bracket for mounting the rear suspension is integrally attached. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, a rearwardly extending part of the rear sub-frame assembly has a pair of tail cover bracket, where a tail cover of the vehicle is detachably attached with various attachment means like fasteners etc. The frame structure as described above achieves reduction of weight of the frame assembly since separate upper tubes LH and RH sides and additional components required to maintain stiffness of the frame structure has been eliminated. This also ensures the reduction in the number of parts and welding operation, thereby enhancing ease of manufacturing as well as reducing the cost of the vehicle at large.
[00034] As per another aspect of the present invention, the frame assembly includes a single tubular main frame integrally attached with the head tube. The single tubular main frame is extending rearwardly to the vehicle. Further, to ensure the stiffness near the joint of the main frame and the head tube, a reinforcement member assembly is provided. Thereby, it ensures the rigidity and the stiffness of the frame assembly.
[00035] As per another aspect of the present invention, the frame assembly includes a reinforcement member assembly having left and right sheet metal members integrally attached with each other. The front side of the reinforcement member assembly is integrally attached to the head tube and a down sub frame. The reinforcement member assembly as formed works as an integral part of the main frame in the frame assembly. The reinforcement member assembly is extended rearwardly of the vehicle and integrally attached with the single tubular rear sub-frame assembly of the frame assembly. The reinforcement member assembly has greater section modulus at front side and substantially decreasing section modulus at the rear side of the reinforcement member assembly, ensuring stiffness of the frame assembly.
[00036] The various other features of the invention are described in detail below with an embodiment of a motorcycle type saddle type vehicle with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. With reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views.
[00037] Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuring description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the saddle type. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00038] In the ensuing exemplary aspects, the vehicle is a two wheeler saddle type vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be applied to any of the two wheeler including hybrid electric vehicle and electric vehicle and three wheeler vehicle.
[00039] Fig. 1 a left side view of an exemplary saddle type and Fig. 2 is the left side perspective view of a frame assembly (200), in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. The vehicle (100) has a frame assembly (200), which acts as the skeleton for bearing the loads. Instrument cluster (119) is mounted on handle bar assembly (126). The handle bar assembly (126) is disposed over the head tube (201) and it includes brake levers (not shown). The handle bar assembly (126) is connected to a front wheel (129) by one or more front suspension(s) (130). A front fender (131) is disposed above the front wheel (129) for covering at least a portion of the front wheel (129). A leg shield (not shown is provided on said vehicle (100). A storage unit e.g. a fuel tank assembly (103) is mounted to a reinforcement member assembly (202) acting as a main frame of the frame assembly (200) and it is disposed in the front portion F of a space of the frame (200). The vehicle (100) having lighting means which includes Head lamp (127), Tail lamp (not shown), Turning indicators includes front side indicators (111) and rear side indicator (not shown) respectively. The rear fender (138) is projected outwardly of the vehicle systems and protects the pillion from mud splash as well as to protect the rear wheel (133) from external components. The engine (125) is mounted to the lower portion of frame assembly (200) with an engine mounting bracket (205). In an embodiment, the engine (125) is an IC engine. The fuel tank (103) is functionally connected to the engine (125). The seat (132) is located at the back region of the fuel tank (103) and is extended in a longitudinal direction along the seat frames.
[00040] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement member assembly (202) have a left (202b) and right (202a) ( as shown in fig. 2a) sheet metal integrally attached with each other forming a box like structure, with a various attachment means like, press fitting, welding etc. The reinforcement member assembly (202) acts as a load bearing main frame of the frame assembly (200) and can be referred as ‘monocoque main frame’. The left and right sheet metal members after getting integrally attached while overlapping with each other form a reinforcement member assembly and form a shape of right angled triangle when seen in the side view of the vehicle. The reinforcement member assembly (202) as formed has a convex opening (207) at front side and a circular opening (209) at rear side. The reinforcement member assembly (202) is integrally attached to the head tube (201) through the convex opening (207) as formed. The reinforcement member assembly (202) is integrally attached to a rear sub-frame assembly (204) of the frame assembly (200) through the circular opening (209) as formed. This structure ensures the rigid mounting of the head tube and the rear sub-frame assembly with the reinforcement member assembly of the frame assembly and also, the overall conventional length of the main frame is reduced, thereby, achieving lower weight and cost reduction of the vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the engine mounting bracket (205) is provided with an opening (211) to accommodate a centre sub frame (206) and a pair of cut out profiles (212a, 212b) to accommodate a pair of side frame (407a, 407b) (as shown in fig. 4). This eliminates the requirements of additional bracket for supporting the components of the frame assembly.
[00041] Fig. 2b & Fig. 2c shows various sectional views of the frame assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the head tube (201) is integrally attached to the reinforcement member assembly (202). The two half sheet metal members (202a, 202b) of reinforcement member assembly (202) overlap each other and are integrally attached with the head tube (201) as shown in section DD’, where DD’ is a horizontal plane with respect to the vehicle as shown in Fig. 2b . Further, the two half sheet metal members (202a, 202b) of reinforcement member assembly (202) is integrally attached with a down sub frame (203) as shown in section EE’, where EE’ is a horizontal plane with respect to the vehicle as shown in Fig. 2c. Furthermore, the two half sheet metal members (202a, 202b) of reinforcement member assembly (202) are integrally attached with the rear sub-frame assembly (203) as shown in section FF’, where FF’ is a vertical plane with respect to the vehicle as shown in Fig. 2c. This ensures that the reinforcement member assembly is rigidly attached with the other components of the frame assembly while maintaining the stiffness of the frame assembly.
[00042] Fig. 3 shows side view and Fig. 3a cross sectional views of a reinforcement member assembly (202) as per one embodiment of the present invention. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement member assembly (202) has three portions: an upper portion (302), a lower portion (303) and a side portion (301). The upper portion (302) has a semi inclined profile (302a) followed by a straight profile (302b) extending rearwardly of the frame assembly (200). The side portion (301) of the reinforcement member assembly (202) has a slanted profile (shown by arrow) extended and integrally attached to an initial part of down sub frame (203) of the frame assembly (as shown in fig. 2). The lower portion (303) has a horizontal profile (shown by arrow) extended rearwardly of the frame assembly (202). The left and right half mirror portions of the reinforcement member assembly (202) are integrally attached with each other and also, extended rearwardly of the frame assembly (200). The portions of the reinforcement member assembly as attached provide the convex opening at the front side and circular opening at the rear side, where the head tube and the rear sub-frame assembly of the frame assembly is integrally attached respectively with the reinforcement member assembly of the frame assembly as discussed in earlier paragraph. This frame structure ensures the stiffness and load bearing capacity of the front zone of the frame assembly. This structure also eliminates the need of additional reinforcement member assembly with the main frame and a down sub frame, thereby decreasing the substantial weight of the frame assembly. The semi inclined profile of the reinforcement member assembly accommodates a storage unit, thereby eliminating the need for separate storage unit mounting bracket on frame assembly and also results in improving the storage unit capacity. Hence, this reduces the weight and cost of the frame assembly.
[00043] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement member assembly has an open structure or portion cut out relief (208) encompassed by the side portion (301) and the upper portion (302) and the lower portion (303) of the reinforcement member assembly (202), ensuring the load bearing capacity of the frame assembly (200) and work as a stress relieving or stress breath out area for the reinforcement member assembly. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement member assembly (202) is divided into three portions, front portion (F), middle portion (M) and rear portion (R). The reinforcement member assembly (202) has a tapered profile with decreasing section modulus, that is, a section has been taken at plane AA’ in portion F to show the cross section profile of front portion (F), where AA’ is a vertical plane with respect to the vehicle. A section has been taken at plane BB’ in portion M to show the cross section profile of medium portion (M), where BB’ is a vertical plane with respect to the vehicle. A section has been taken at plane CC’ in portion R to show the cross section profile of rear portion (R), where CC’ is a vertical plane with respect to the vehicle. The cross section of different regions of the frame reinforcement member assembly (202) implies that the front region (F) of the reinforcement member (202) has more section modulus than a middle portion (M), and a rear portion (R), The section modulus is defined as the strength of the given member in layman language, which depends on the cross section of the member. The bending stress of the material is inversely proportional to the section modulus. Hence, from this relation, greater the section modulus, lesser the bending stress of the reinforcement member assembly. As the front side of reinforcement member assembly is prone to severe load because of the front suspension, head tube, vertical load generated by the wheel forces. Hence, the cross section of the reinforcement member assembly is more at the front side to increase the load bearing capacity of the reinforcement member assembly. The stiffness of the rear side of the reinforcement member assembly is taken care by the overlapping two sheet metal members of the reinforcement member assembly. Therefore, this ensures the load bearing capacity of the reinforcement member assembly and also, eliminates the need of additional gussets, bridge tube and provides an effective solution to the problems of the conventional main frame of the frame assembly while still taking care of the higher vertical load as experienced.
[00044] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a rear sub-frame assembly of the frame assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the rear sub-frame assembly (204) of the frame assembly (200) has a single tubular member (204’) extending upwardly and rearwardly of the frame assembly (200). The rear sub-frame assembly (204) has two sides where one side (402), is integrally attached with the circular opening (209) of the reinforcement member assembly (202) and another side (409) includes a pair of mounting bracket for rear seat rest (410a, 410b) integrally attached with the another side (409) of the rear sub-frame assembly (204). This bracket provides support to the rear seat of a vehicle. A centrally extending part (402’) of the rear sub-frame assembly (204) includes a plurality of ‘C’ shaped mounting members (401a, 401b) to mount the storage unit like fuel tank assembly and a rider seat in the vehicle. The plurality of ‘C’ shaped mounting member (401a, 401b) has a plurality of opening (403a, 403b) for detachably attaching the fuel tank assembly (103) with the frame assembly (200). Therefore, this eliminates the requirement for additional brackets for mounting the essential components in the vehicle.
[00045] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the upward extending part (404) of the rear sub-frame assembly (204) has a connecting bridge (405) extending in the vehicle widthwise direction The bridge (405) has a profile, where the pair of side frames (407a, 407b) and a pair of mounting bracket (406) for mounting the rear suspension is integrally attached. Further, as per another embodiment of the present invention, the rear sub-frame assembly (204) has a pair of connecting bridges integrally attached to the upward extending part of the rear sub-frame assembly (204). The pair of connecting bridges have a profile, where the pair of side frames and a pair of mounting bracket for mounting the rear suspension is integrally attached. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, a rearwardly extending part (409) of the rear sub-frame assembly (204) has a pair of tail cover and guard mounting bridges (408a, 408b), where a tail cover of the vehicle is detachably attached with various attachment means like fasteners etc. The frame structure as described above ensures the reduction of weight of the frame assembly as the requirement of separate upper tubes LH and RH sides (409a, 409b) as shown in fig. 4a (known art)and additional components required to maintain stiffness of the frame structure has been eliminated. Further, the length of the side frames is also decreased, ensuring the weight reduction of the overall frame assembly. This also ensures the reduction in the number of parts and welding operation, thereby reducing the cost of the vehicle at large while maintaining the conventional layout of the vehicle.
[00046] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of frame assembly as per another embodiment of the present invention. As per another embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly (200) includes a single tubular main frame (501) having uniform cross section area, integrally attached with the head tube (201). The single tubular main frame is extending rearwardly of the frame assembly (200) and to ensure the stiffness near the joint of the main frame and the head tube, a reinforcement member assembly (502) is provided. The reinforcement member assembly (502) is integrally attached between the down sub frame and a main frame. Thereby, it ensures the rigidity and the stiffness of the frame assembly and eliminating the requirement of additional gusset for mounting the components.
[00047] Fig. 6 is a side view of frame assembly as per another embodiment of the present invention. As per this embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly (200) includes a reinforcement member assembly (202) having two left and right sheet metal members integrally attached with each other. The front side of the reinforcement member assembly is integrally attached to the head tube and a down sub frame. The reinforcement member assembly as formed works as a main frame in the frame assembly. The reinforcement member assembly (202) has three portions: an upper portion (302), a bottom portion (303) and a side portion (301). The upper portion (302) has a converging profile (601) (shown by arrow) and the bottom portion (303) of the reinforcement member assembly has an inverted C profile (603) (as shown by curved dotted line). The reinforcement member assembly is extended rearwardly of the vehicle and integrally attached with the single tubular member (204’) of the rear sub-frame structure (204) of the frame assembly. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the reinforcement member assembly (202) is divided into three portions, front portion (F), middle portion (M) and rear portion (R). A section has been taken at plane XX’ in portion F to show the cross section profile of front portion (F), where XX’ is a vertical plane with respect to the vehicle. A section has been taken at plane YY’ in portion M to show the cross section profile of middle portion (M), where YY’ is a vertical plane with respect to the vehicle. A section has been taken at plane ZZ’ in portion R to show the cross section profile of rear portion (R), where ZZ’ is a vertical plane with respect to the vehicle (as shown in fig. 6a). The cross section of different regions of the frame reinforcement member assembly (202) implies that the front region (F) of the reinforcement member (202) has more section modulus than a middle portion (M), and a rear portion (R), The section modulus is defined as the strength of the given member in layman language, which depends on the cross section of the member. The bending stress of the material is inversely proportional to the section modulus. Hence, from this relation, greater the section modulus, lesser the bending stress of the reinforcement member assembly. As the front side of reinforcement member assembly is prone to severe load because of the front suspension, head tube, vertical load generated by the wheel forces. Hence, the cross section of the reinforcement member assembly is more at the front side to increase the load bearing capacity of the reinforcement member assembly. The reinforcement member assembly has greater section modulus at front side and substantially decreasing section modulus at the rear side of the reinforcement member assembly, ensuring stiffness of the frame assembly and also, helps in mounting the different components of the vehicle.
[00048] The configurations explained in Fig.2, Fig. 3 of the present invention helps in minimizing the use of new components as well as overcoming all the problems known in the art.
[00049] Advantageously, the embodiments of the present invention, describe the potential modifications in the frame assembly of the saddle type vehicle. This facilitates the simple and light weighted frame assembly without compromising the existing layout of the vehicle.
[00050] Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
List of reference symbol:
Fig. 1:
100: Vehicle
119: Instrument Cluster
126: Handle Bar Assembly
129: Front Wheel
130: Front Suspension
131: Front Fender
112: Leg Shield
103: Fuel Tank
127: Head Lamp
111: Front Side Indicators
138: Rear Fender
133: Rear Wheel
125: Engine
132: Seat
Fig. 2:
200: Frame Assembly
201: Head Tube
202; Reinforcement member assembly
203; Down sub frame
204: Rear sub-frame assembly
205: Engine Mounting Bracket
206: Centre sub frame
211: Opening
212a, 212b: Cut out profiles
Fig. 2a:
202a: Right Reinforcement member assembly
202b: Left Reinforcement member assembly
207: Convex opening
209: Circular Opening
208: Cut out profile
Fig. 2b:
DD’: horizontal plane with respect to the vehicle
EE’: horizontal plane with respect to the vehicle
FF’: vertical plane with respect to the vehicle
Fig. 3:
301: Side Portion
302: Upper Portion
302a: semi inclined profile
302b: Straight Profile
303: Lower Profile
F: Front Portion
M: Middle Portion
R: Rear Portion
Fig. 3a
AA; vertical plane with respect to the vehicle (front portion)
BB’: vertical plane with respect to the vehicle (middle portion)
CC’: vertical plane with respect to the vehicle (rear portion)
Fig. 4:
204’: single tubular member
402: One Side
402’ centrally extending part
409: Another Side
410a, 410b: a pair of mounting bracket for rear seat rest
401a, 401b: ‘C’ shaped mounting member
403a, 403b: Plurality of opening
405a, 405b: connecting Bridge
407a, 407b: side frames
406: Mounting bracket
408a, 408b: pair of tail cover and guard mounting bridge
Fig. 4a:
409a, 409b: Pair of Upper Tubes
Fig. 5
501: Single Tubular Main Frame
502: Reinforcement member assembly
Fig. 6:
601: Converging Profile
603: Inverted C shaped Profile.