DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a two-wheeled vehicle, and more particularly to a frame structure for the two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Two-wheeled vehicles are one of the most affordable forms of motorized transport and for most of the world’s population they are the most common type of motor vehicle. Generally, the two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame structure, a fuel tank, a seat, a cowling, a front wheel rotatably supported on the lower portion of a front fork, a handle bar fixed to the upper portion of the front fork and a rear wheel rotatably supported on a rear fork.
[0003] Conventionally, the frame structure for the two-wheeled vehicle acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. The frame structure extends rearward from a head tube. A front portion of the frame structure connects the front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). The frame structure extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. The rear wheel is connected to the frame structure through one or more rear suspension(s). An engine assembly is mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle. The engine assembly is operatively connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0004] Typically, there are several types of frame structures that exist in motorcycles. For example, motorcycle frame type of cradle type, beam type, perimeter type, monocoque type, and trellis type to name a few. Generally, depending on the type of the frame member used and the type of application of the motorcycle, engine assembly of the motorcycle can act as a stressed member or a non-stressed member. Such frame structures are typically made of circular or square section metal tubes that are joined together using welding or brazing processes. Moreover, frame structure of motorcycles also ensure that depending on the application of the motorcycle, the frame is made strong, rigid, robust, and lightweight structure that enhances ease of assembly and service of fuel tank, seat structure, and engine & associated components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates an enlarged right side view of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a right side view of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective right side view of a frame structure of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00010] Conventionally, in a known motorcycle type two-wheeled vehicle, frame structures are made as rigid members with a head tube disposed at a fore end of the vehicle. Generally, the frame structure consists of a head tube which is a generally vertically extending tube and which supports a front wheel for its steering movement. Affixed to and extending rearwardly and generally horizontally from the head tube is one or more main tubes. One or more down tubes also extend downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube and the down tubes and main tubes generally are joined in some manner at their rearward end in the area where the rider's seat is positioned. The down tube(s) and main tube(s) generally are joined at their rearward end in the area where the rider’s seat is positioned. Reinforcing means are connected between the head tube and the main tube for resisting twisting and bending forces on the joint between the main tube and the head pipe.
[00011] Typically, in such known motorcycle frame structures, engine and transmission of the vehicle are positioned within the area bounded by the main and down tubes and may be supported by one or both of these tubes. The fuel tank assembly is positioned ahead of the rider’s seat and above the main tube.
[00012] Such known frame structures also include a gusset (reinforcing plate), tension pipe and mounting stay in order to strengthen the connection between the head tube and the frame assembly. The gusset connects the down tube attached to the lower portion of the head tube with the main frame.
[00013] Moreover, such known frame structures allow rigid mounting of the vehicle components to the frame structure. For example, the fuel tank assembly is typically mounted horizontally extending along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle and above the main tube of the frame structure, while a seat structure is often mounted independently to the frame structure rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly. Generally, the frame structure that is supporting the rider seat base is made as a load bearing member and for instance, made of steel. However, in such frame structures, the overall weight of the frame structure is bound to increase. Moreover, independent mounting of the components such as seat structure, fuel tank assembly, and the like on to the frame structure increases the number of fastening elements, at the same time; also make disassembly during maintenance more cumbersome.
[00014] The present invention provides the frame structure having a main frame and a sub-frame that is mounted to the main frame. In one embodiment, the sub-frame is made of aluminum and casted as a single structure. For instance, in one embodiment, the seat structure and a tail cover assembly are mounted to the aluminum sub-frame, while the fuel tank assembly, the engine assembly, the air cleaner assembly, the handlebar assembly, the muffler assembly, and the swing arm are mounted to the a main frame of the frame structure. In one embodiment, the sub-frame is mounted at a plurality of mounting locations on the main frame and extends rearwardly and upwardly. In one embodiment, the aluminum sub-frame reduces the overall weight of the vehicle frame structure. In one embodiment, the aluminum sub-frame also ensures easy assembly and disassembly of components such as seat structure and tail cover assembly.
[00015] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the frame structure for the two-wheeled vehicle extends along a vehicle longitudinal direction. In one embodiment, the frame structure includes the main frame and the sub-frame. As per one embodiment, the fuel tank assembly is mounted to the frame structure and includes the fuel tank. As per one embodiment, a seat assembly is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly. Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the two-wheeled vehicle further comprises a shell structure being pivotally mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle. In one embodiment, said shell structure includes a fuel tank cover and a seat structure integrally formed therein. According to one embodiment of the present invention, said shell structure further comprises one or more contoured profiles configured to conform to at least a portion of the frame structure such that a pivotal action of the shell structure enables access of at least one underlying component of said vehicle. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one underlying components of said vehicle includes the fuel tank and the air cleaner assembly.
[00016] The present invention is aimed at addressing the aforementioned and other problems in the prior art. In one embodiment, the shell structure is pivotably mounted on the aluminum sub-frame. In another embodiment, the shell structure is hingedly mounted to the main frame of the frame structure. In both the embodiments, the pivotable shell structure ensures that the underlying components of the vehicle, for example, the fuel tank, and the air cleaner can be quickly accessed for maintenance purposes without much hassle. This is more pertinent to high speed applications such as a racing motorcycle, or in case of tourer and off-road applications, where the need to quickly service a susceptible component such as fuel tank or air cleaner is very high.
[00017] Various other features and advantages of the invention are described in detail below 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. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of orientation of the reference numerals.
[00018] 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 in a state of being seated on a seat of the two-wheeled vehicle. 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.
[00019] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled motor vehicle (100), in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein the arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denoted downward direction. As per one embodiment, the frame structure extends along a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA), that is, said frame structure (114) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) extends from a head tube (not shown), which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100), towards a rear portion of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the frame structure (114) includes at least a mainframe and a sub-frame. In one embodiment, the main frame includes a main tube extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube. In one embodiment, the frame structure (114) may further include a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. In one embodiment, the main frame and the sub-frame are integrated as a single unit such that both of them act as load bearing members. In another embodiment, the main frame and the sub-frame are formed as two different frame structures. In one embodiment, an engine assembly (112) of the vehicle (100) is supported by the main frame of the frame structure (114). The engine assembly (112) acts as the power unit of the vehicle (100), which may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm (116) is swingably connected to the main frame of the frame structure (114) and a rear portion of the swing arm (116) rotatably supports a rear wheel (122). The rear wheel (122) is functionally coupled to the engine assembly (112) through a transmission system (not shown). A rear fender (not shown) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (122) covers at least a portion of the rear wheel (122). A rear wheel brake assembly (130) is mounted on the rear wheel (122). Further, the swing arm (116) is coupled to the frame structure (114) through one or more rear suspension(s) (118). In the present embodiment, a single mono-shock rear suspension (118) connects the swing arm (116) to the frame structure (114). A pair of front forks (not shown) supports a front wheel (120) and is steerably supported by the head pipe. A handlebar assembly (102) is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front fork. Further, a front fender assembly (128) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (120) and the front fender assembly (128) is mounted to the front forks.
[00020] Further in Fig. 1, as per one embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes a fuel tank assembly (104) mounted to the frame structure (114) and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly (102). In one embodiment, an air cleaner sub-assembly (not shown) is disposed in the vicinity of the fuel tank assembly (104). In one embodiment, a seat assembly (106) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly (104) and upwardly supported by the frame structure (114).A pair of rider foot pegs are mounted to the frame structure (114) of the vehicle (100) for supporting the rider foot. Further, the vehicle (100) also include a body panel (110) including a fairing assembly (108) disposed forwardly of the head tube and extending sidewardly and rearwardly covering at least a portion of the fuel tank assembly (102) and at least a portion of the engine assembly (112). In one embodiment, the fairing assembly (108) of the body panel (110) is mounted with one or more headlamp(s) (not shown) that are disposed in a front portion of the fairing assembly (108). In one embodiment , the body panel (110) of the vehicle (100) that is disposed symmetrically or asymmetrically on either sides of the vehicle (100) and mounted to the main frame covers at least a portion of the engine assembly (112) whereby the engine assembly (112) is protected from dust, dirt, and water splashing. In one embodiment, the body panel (110) further includes a tail cover assembly (124) disposed rearwardly and extending from the frame structure (114) covering at least a portion of the frame structure (114). In one embodiment, the tail cover assembly (124) that is extending towards a rear portion of the frame structure (114) is adapted to accommodate at least a tail lamp sub-assembly (not shown). Further, in one embodiment, a muffler sub-assembly (126) is disposed rearwardly extending from an exhaust port (not shown) of the engine assembly (112). In one embodiment, the muffler sub-assembly (126) is supported at front at least by a supporting member (not shown) mounted to the engine assembly (112), and support at rear at least by a supporting member mounted to the frame structure (114).
[00021] Fig. 2 illustrates an enlarged right side view of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, a fuel tank assembly (104) is disposed in a front side of the vehicle (100), in such a manner that it extends rearwardly from a head tube (not shown) of a frame structure (114) of the vehicle (100) towards a seat structure (202) disposed intermediately along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, a lateral plane of the seat structure (202) is substantially lower and proximal to a ground surface as compared to a lateral plane of the fuel tank assembly (104), which is disposed at a higher elevation as compared to the seat structure (202).
[00022] Further in Fig.2, as per one embodiment, a tail cover assembly (124) is provided rearwardly of the seat structure (202). In one embodiment, the tail cover assembly (124) is forwardly mounted to the frame structure (114), underneath the seat structure (202). In one embodiment, the tail cover assembly (124) is rearwardly mounted to the frame structure (114). In one embodiment, a muffler assembly (126) is disposed substantially rearwardly of the rear suspension unit (118) and held firmly by means of at least one muffler supporting bracket 206. In one embodiment, the muffler supporting bracket (206) is mounted to the frame structure (114) substantially downwardly of the seat structure (202).
[00023] Fig. 3 illustrates a right side view of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In one embodiment, a shell structure (302) is formed as a single piece structure that includes a fuel tank cover (305) and a seat structure (202) integrated together. In one embodiment, the shell structure (302) is capable of being pivotally mounted to the frame structure (114) of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment of the present invention, the seat structure (202) is configured to support the seat assembly (106) and the fuel tank cover (305) is configured to form at least a portion of the fuel tank assembly (104). In one embodiment , the shell structure (302) is pivoted to the frame structure (114) at a position proximal to the handlebar assembly of the vehicle (100) such that a pivotal action (308) of the shell structure (302) enables access of underlying fuel tank (304) and an air cleaner assembly (306), thereby providing ease of service.
[00024] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective right side view of the frame structure of the vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, a base member (402) of the frame structure (114) enables mounting of the seat structure (202) and the tail cover assembly (124) (not shown). In one embodiment, the base member (402) is part of a main frame of the frame structure (114). In another embodiment, the base member (402) is part of sub-frame attached to the main frame of the frame structure (114). In one embodiment, the base member (402) extends rearwardly with a flat portion near the fuel tank assembly (104) and a tapered portion at the other end. In one embodiment, the tapered portion of the base member (402) includes a backrest mounting means (404), which allows assembly and disassembly of an adjustable backrest assembly (not shown) to the frame structure (114).
[00025] Further in Fig.4, as per one embodiment, the sub-frame of the frame structure (114) also includes a sub-frame down tube (406) extending downwardly and forward from the aluminum sub-frame base member (402) on either sides, i.e., on LH and RH sides of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the sub-frame down tubes (406) extends towards a main frame member (408) disposed on either side of the frame structure (114).
[00026] Advantageously, one embodiment of the present invention provides the shell structure configured to include the fuel tank cover and the seat structure integrally formed therein and hence the underlying components of the vehicle, for example, the fuel tank, and the air cleaner can be quickly accessed for maintenance purposes without much hassle.
[00027] Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible within the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, in the light of above disclosure.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame structure (114) extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA), said frame structure (114) including a main frame and a sub-frame;
a fuel tank assembly (104) mounted to the frame structure (114), said fuel tank assembly (104) including a fuel tank (306);
a seat assembly (106) disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly (104) and upwardly supported by the frame structure (114); and
wherein the two-wheeled vehicle (100) further comprises a shell structure (302) being pivotally mounted to the frame structure (114) of the vehicle (100); and wherein said shell structure (302) includes a fuel tank cover (305) and a seat structure (202) integrally formed therein.
2.The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shell structure (302) comprises one or more contoured profiles configured to conform to at least a portion of the frame structure (114) such that a pivotal action (308) of the shell structure (302) enables access of at least one underlying component of said vehicle (100).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one underlying components of said vehicle (100) includes the fuel tank (306).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least a portion of the frame structure includes a base member (402).
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said base member (402) forms part of the main frame of the frame structure (114).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said the base member (402) forms part of the sub-frame attached to the main frame of the frame structure (114).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base member (402) extends rearwardly with a flat portion near the fuel tank assembly (104) and a tapered portion at the other end.

8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base member (402) of the frame structure (114) enables mounting of the seat structure (202).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat structure (202) is configured to support the seat assembly (106).
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel tank cover (305) is configured to form at least a portion of the fuel tank assembly (104).