Claims:We Claim
1. A step through type vehicle (100), said vehicle (100) comprising:
frame assembly (105) for skeletal support to said vehicle (100);
said frame assembly (105) includes a pair rear frame members (105c, 105b);
a rear suspension assembly (180) is mounted on said pair of rear frame member (105c, 105b) with a suspension mounting bracket (204) having anchor pin cum bolt (205).
2. A mounting bracket (204) having anchor pin cum bolt (205) for a step through type vehicle (100), said mounting bracket (204) comprising:
a front side (306a’),
a back side (306b’),
a left facing side (305),
a right facing side (308); and
said sides (306a’, 306b’, 305, 308) are integrally attached with each other and attached with at least one side of said pair of rear frame member (105c, 105d)
3. The mounting bracket (204) for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said sides (306a’, 306b’, 305, 308) being made integrally from single sheet metal and form a cuboid shaped said mounting bracket (204) closed with one side and is configured with an open upper hollow non-uniform opening (H).
4. The mounting bracket (204) for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said open upper hollow non uniform opening (H) complimentarily conform to a profile of said at least one side of said pair of rear frame member (105c, 105d)
5. The mounting bracket (204for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said left facing side (305) has a vertical portion (302’) extending vertically with respect to said vehicle (100).
6. The mounting bracket (204) for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said left facing side (305) has an inclined portion (302) formed from axis XX’, where XX’ is horizontally disposed with respect to said vehicle (100) and said inclined portion (302) is integrally attached to said vertical portion (302’).
7. The mounting bracket (204) for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said right facing side (308) has a vertical portion (310’) extending with respect to said vehicle (100).
8. The mounting bracket (204) for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said right facing side (308) has an inclined portion (310) formed from axis ZZ’, where ZZ’ is horizontally disposed with respect to said vehicle (100) and said inclined portion (310) is integrally attached to said vertical portion (310’).
9. The mounting bracket (204) for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6 or claim 8, wherein said inclined portion (310) of said right facing side (308) has longer projected length compared to length of the inclined profile (302) of said left facing side (305).
10. The mounting bracket (204) for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said front side (306a’) and said rear side (306b’) has vertically extending portion (306a’’) with respect to said vehicle (100) and a tilted portion (311) on an upper region of said sides (306a’, 306b’).
11. The mounting bracket (204) for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said tilted portion (311) has substantially C shaped profile (307a’, 307b’) on said upper part of said portion (311).
12. The mounting bracket (204) for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said left facing side (305) includes a depressed portion (303).
13. The step through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said anchor pin cum bolt (205) has four portions, Part A (401), Part B (402), Part C (403) and Part D (404), extending from at least one side of said pair of rear frame member (105c, 105d) to a vehicle mid plane axis (BB’), where Part A (401) includes two end portions , one end portion (401l) and another end portion (401r).
14. The mounting bracket (204) for a step through type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said depressed portion (303) accommodates one end portion (401l) of said Part A (401).
15. The step through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said another end portion (401r) of Part A (401) integrally attached or integrally conforms to an opening (312) present on a projected portion (309) on said right facing side (308).
16. The step through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said Part B (402) has cross section dimension greater than the cross section dimension of projected portion (309) on said right facing side (308).
17. The step through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said Part C (403) has cross section dimension lesser than cross section dimension of one side (180S) of said rear suspension assembly (180) to accommodate said one side (180S) of said rear suspension assembly (180).
18. The step through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said Part D (404) has threaded profile to accommodate said one side (180S) of said rear suspension assembly (180) with a nut (406).
19. The step through vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said Part C (403) and Part D (404) accommodates pair of elastic members (501, 406). , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a step through type vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to the mounting of a rear suspension in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In automobiles, a chassis of the vehicle 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.
[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 described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type two wheeled 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 step through type vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig.2 is a perspective view of a frame as per one embodiment of the present invention
[0007] Fig.3 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket with anchor pin cum bolt as per one embodiment of the present invention
[0008] Fig. 4 is a side view of an anchor pin cum bolt as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig. 4a is a cross sectional view of mounting bracket with anchor pin cum bolt as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig. 4b is an exploded view of an anchor pin cum bolt with rear suspension assembly.
[00011] Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of a of the rear suspension assembly detachably attached to the pair of rear frame member as per one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00012] Typically, in step through type vehicle, a frame assembly includes a front zone and a rear zone. The front zone supports a steering assembly along with a front suspension of the vehicle. The front zone includes a main frame that provides stiffness and strength for withstanding the forces acting thereon. The rear zone includes a sub-frame that supports the vehicle parts including power unit along with a power train, a rear wheel, and a rear suspension connected thereof. Therefore, the rear zone and the front zone are subject to various forces from the rear wheel through the suspension and from the power unit and from a front wheel in addition to the payloads arising out the occupants & goods. Further, the impacts from the road like bumps and vibration from the power unit are also acting on the frame assembly. Moreover, the vehicle is provided with utility and style parts that are mounted to the frame assembly for providing utility space and aesthetic appeal, which are to be mounted with minimal variations.
[00013] Generally, several types of vehicles utilize one or more suspension assemblies operably positioned between one or more wheels of the vehicle and the body of the vehicle. The operator control is improved by the suspension assemblies as it absorbs the bumps or any other irregularities, in the surface where the vehicle is moving/traversing. The straddle/ saddle/ step through type vehicles having a single rear wheel often use rear suspension assembly to absorb the bumps encountered by the rear wheel. The elastic member present outside the rear suspension assembly and damping fluid present inside the rear suspension assembly govern the performance of the rear suspension assembly and also maintain the stability of the vehicle.
[00014] Conventionally, the suspension assembly of the vehicle serves to improve the safety of the vehicle while also contributing to improve ride comfort by isolating the rider from road bumps, vibrations, etc. Typically, a rear suspension assembly generally falls into one of two categories: a ‘dual shock’ suspension assembly that uses two shocks or a ‘monoshock’ assembly which uses a single shock absorber. The monoshock assembly is typically mounted in line with a central plane of the vehicle and can be oriented in several different positions within that plane. The selection and configuration of the rear suspension assembly depends heavily on the intended use of the vehicle, as well as its weight and dimensions. Independent of application, monoshock assembly has some advantages over dual shock assembly, such as lower weight and more consistent tuning.
[00015] Since the rear suspension assembly in the vehicle is an important component impacting the performance of the vehicle as well as for determining the comfort for the rider, the kinematic layout of the rear suspension assembly & balance of its dynamic forces are critical for good performance of the vehicle. Therefore, the optimum mounting position of the rear suspension assembly end pivots, the angle of the rear suspension assembly as well as the disposition of the assembly in vehicle layout is critical.
[00016] Rear Suspension assembly is also filled with hydraulic fluid which helps in lubricating various child parts present inside it as well as dissipating the heat energy generated as a result of damping of the shock loads & vibrations. A pair of dust seal and oil seal is also provided to avoid entry of foreign particles into the rear suspension assembly and leakage of hydraulic fluid.
[00017] Moreover, the rear suspension assembly utilizes the laws of mechanical physics to dissipate forces acting on the wheels, in order to provide a smooth and stable ride. Each system’s unique geometry and components allow them to function to specific user needs. While the function of suspension is quite clear, the best design to achieve this goal is hardly so apparent. Rear suspension assembly is a mechanical or hydraulic device designed to absorb and damp shock impulses. It does this by converting the kinetic energy of the shock into another form of energy which is then dissipated. The transformation of kinetic energy into heat takes place when a damper piston moves up and down in a cylinder filled with oil. A spring is needed most when driving over an obstacle.
[00018] Traditionally, the step through type vehicles is smaller than conventional saddle type wheels. It is also noted that owing to space constraints, typically step through type vehicle tend to include, compactly mounted rear suspension assembly which is detachably attached to a pair of rear frame member of a frame structure of the vehicle, with a bracket. The bracket is integrally welded on the lower portion of the rear frame member to accommodate a nut through which the rear suspension assembly is detachably attached to the pair of rear frame member.
[00019] In known art, the rear suspension assembly is mounted on a pair of rear frame member with a rib or bracket welded to the rear frame & having a pin attached to the bracket. The rib is extended along the rear frame member, to the rear end of the vehicle. This leads to problem of extended use of material, which increases the overall weight of the frame structure of the vehicle and also, increases the manufacturability problem like increased time consumption during manufacturing of the frame. The increased time consumption also leads to undesirable reduction in the production rate of the vehicle etc. The extended profile of the reinforcing rib affect the strength at the particular point, which leads to bending, breakage of the components and also leads to increase cost of the overall vehicle.
[00020] Moreover, there are other possible reasons which can affect the attachment of the rear suspension assembly with the vehicle, for example, dimension variation of a frame structure. This variation affects the conventional mounting of the rear suspension assembly in the vehicle. The dimensional variations in the frame assembly affects the components which has a modular layout point with respect to the vehicle, like rear suspension assembly mounting bracket, toggle link mounting bracket etc., often referred as hard points of the vehicle. The variation in the dimension of the frame assembly increases the overhanging of the rear suspension assembly mounting bracket. The overhanging of the mounting bracket affects the functionality of the component, as the rear suspension assembly changes its orientation i.e. it swings during working action of the shock absorber. The overhanging of mounting bracket also leads to bending of the component, breakage of the component and hence, adversely impacts the strength of the mounting bracket. Therefore, to maintain the functionality of the rear suspension assembly mounting bracket, a solution is proposed that is to increase the weight of the mounting bracket for mounting the rear suspension assembly. This leads to the undesirable increase in the overall weight of the frame structure of the vehicle and also, affects the welding of the brackets for mounting neighboring components, thereby affects the mounting of the neighboring components.
[00021] Additionally, the key points of the frame structure for a typical space frame type construction which determine the mass distribution, rigidity, stiffness, dynamic performance characteristics & durability of the vehicle e.g. wheelbase, suspension attachment points, powertrain mounting points, swing-arm of toggle link mounting etc. are often referred to as hard points of a vehicle. As such, the hard points are subject to various forces and any dimensional variations at the hard points, which are the essential load bearing points, further affect the strength at the particular point.
[00022] The riding characters of the vehicle get compromised as the variation in hard points can affect the orientation of mounting of the vehicle parts & its rigidity. This affects the riding characteristics of the vehicle & functional behavior of the vehicle since the performance of the suspension changes due to improper orientation or alignment.
[00023] Hence, there exists a challenge of designing an improved mounting scheme, which can satisfactorily accommodate essential element like rear suspension assembly within a compact layout of a step through type vehicle while maintaining the conventional layout of the vehicle.
[00024] Therefore, there is a need to have an improved mounting scheme for the rear suspension assembly for the step through type vehicle which overcomes all of the above problems and other problems known in art.
[00025] The present subject matter discloses a mounting bracket for the rear suspension assembly to ensure the stable mounting of the rear suspension assembly and also, maintains low weight of the vehicle.
[00026] As per one aspect of present invention, a frame assembly includes a main frame and a pair of rear frames members which extends inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main frame member defining a step through portion and a projected portion, which is mounted to a pair of rear frame members. As per one aspect of present invention, a cross member termed as rear bridge structure connects the pair of rear frame members. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the main frame member is mounted to a steering head member of the vehicle and extends downwardly where a floorboard member is connected to the main frame member of the vehicle. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, a cross member floorboard is mounted in between the pair of floorboard members to provide the strength to the mounting of floorboard member.
[00027] Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the pair of rear frame members includes an integrally attached mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is detachably attached at one end of a rear suspension assembly with the pair of rear frame members of the vehicle with various attachment means, for example, nut and bolt. Another end of the rear suspension assembly is attached to the downward swinging portion of the vehicle with various attachment means, for example, nut and bolt.
[00028] Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the mounting bracket has a closed structure, that is, from front side, back side, left facing side, right facing side with respect to the vehicle, when vehicle is viewed from rider’s perspective, where the rider is seated on a seat. The left facing side of the mounting bracket has a portion divided into two parts, a vertical portion extending with respect to the vehicle followed by an inclined portion which is projected outward with respect to at least one side of the rear frame structure. The right facing side of the bracket also includes two portions, a vertical portion extending with respect to the vehicle and an inclined portion extended towards at least one side of the pair of rear frame members. The inclined portion is integrally attached to the vertical portion of the right facing side of the mounting bracket. The inclined profile of the right facing side of the mounting bracket is has longer projected length compared to length of the as compared to the inclined profile of the left facing side of the mounting bracket.
[00029] The front and rear side of the mounting bracket has a vertically extending profile with respect to the vehicle and is having a tilted profile on the upper part. The tilted profile of both the sides have C shaped profile on the upper part of the profile. The front side, back side, left facing side and right facing side are integrally attached to each other with various attachment means, for example, welding. The upper hollow portion formed after the integral attachment of all the sides accommodates at least one side of the pair of rear frame member, ensuring the rigid mounting of the mounting bracket with at least one side of the pair of rear frame member.
[00030] Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the left facing side of the mounting bracket includes a depressed portion having circular profile in middle, where an anchor pin cum bolt is integrally attached to the circular profile present in the depressed portion with various attachment means, for example welding. The anchor pin cum bolt is projected or extended towards the mid plane axis of the vehicle. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the right facing side of the mounting bracket has a round profile which accommodates the extending portion of the anchor pin cum bolt.
[00031] Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the anchor pin cum bolt has four portions, Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D, extending from at least one side of the pair of rear frame member to the vehicle mid plane. The Part A has two ends and the length of Part A is greater than the Part B, Part C and Part D. One end of the Part A is integrally attached with the depressed portion of the left facing side of the mounting bracket and another end is integrally attached or integrally conforms to the round profile present on the projected portion of the right facing side of the mounting bracket. The Part B has cross section profile dimensionally greater than the cross section dimension present on the projected portion on the right facing side of the mounting bracket, which abuts with the opening present on the projected portion and restricts the movement of the anchor pin cum bolt. Then, the sides of the mounting bracket are integrally attached with each other to form a closed structure. This arrangement provides the rigidity of the anchor pin cum bolt and also ensures restriction of the movement of the anchor pin cum bolt.
[00032] Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, cross section dimension cross section dimension of the Part C is lesser than the cross section dimension of the one side of the rear suspension assembly to accommodate the one side of the rear suspension assembly into the Part C of the anchor pin cum bolt. The one side of the rear suspension assembly is detachably attached to the Part C. The Part D of the anchor pin cum bolt is provided with a threaded profile, that is, when the rear suspension assembly is accommodated in the Part C of the anchor pin cum bolt, the Part D act as an attachment means for the same. The Part D is engaged by a nut, which ensures that no extra component is required to detachably attach the rear suspension assembly with the mounting bracket.
[00033] Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, an elastic member is placed between the one side of the Part B and the one side of the rear suspension assembly and a second elastic member is placed between another side of the rear suspension assembly and the Part D of the anchor pin cum bolt, ensuring the rigid mounting of the rear suspension assembly with at least one side of the rear frame structure and also controls the lateral load transfer on the elastic member present in the eyelet of the rear suspension assembly during cornering of the vehicle. The typical lateral force that can be generated during cornering produce an overturning torque on the vehicle which is undesirable. Such overturning torque tends to force the body to roll over which creates a safety concern for the customer. Hence this is mitigated by using two elastic members as discussed above and also, improves durability of the rear suspension assembly.
[00034] The various other features of the invention are described in detail below with an embodiment of a scooter type two wheeled 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.
[00035] 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 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.
[00036] Fig. 1 a left side view of a step through vehicle (“the vehicle”) 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) illustrated, has a frame assembly (105) shown schematically by dotted lines. The frame assembly (105) includes a head tube (105H), a main frame assembly (105M). One or more suspensions (110) connect a front wheel (115) to a handlebar assembly (120), which forms the steering assembly of the vehicle (100). The steering assembly is rotatably disposed through the head tube (105A). The main frame assembly (105B) extends rearwardly downward from the head tube (105A) and includes a bent portion thereafter extending substantially in a longitudinal direction. Further, the frame assembly (105) includes one or more rear frame member (105C) extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main frame assembly (105B) towards a rear portion of the vehicle (100).
[00037] The vehicle (100) includes a power unit (125) comprising at least one of an internal combustion (IC) engine (125) and a traction motor (135). For example, the traction motor (135) is a brush less direct current (BLDC) motor. The power unit is coupled to the rear wheel (145). In one embodiment, the IC engine (125) is swingably connected to the frame assembly (105). In the present embodiment, the IC engine (125) is mounted to the swing arm (140) and the swing arm (140) is swingably connected to the frame assembly (105). The traction motor (135), in one embodiment, is disposed adjacent to the IC engine (125). In the present embodiment, the traction motor 135 is hub mounted to the rear wheel (145). Further, the vehicle (100) includes a transmission means (130) coupling the rear wheel (145) to the power unit. The transmission means (130) includes a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat assembly (150) is disposed above the power unit and is supported by the rear frame member (105C) of the frame assembly (105). In the present embodiment, the seat assembly (150) is hingedly openable. The frame assembly (105) defines a step-through portion ST ahead of the seat assembly (150). A floorboard (155) is disposed at the step-through portion, wherein a rider can operate the vehicle 100 in a seated position by resting feet on the floorboard (155). Further, the floorboard (155) is capable of carrying loads.
[00038] The vehicle includes an on-board battery (not shown) that drives the traction motor (135). Further, the frame assembly (105) is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel (160A), a leg shield (160B), an under-seat cover (160C), and a left and a right side panel (160D), mounted on the frame assembly (105) and covering the frame assembly (105) and parts mounted thereof.
[00039] In addition, a front fender (165) is covering at least a portion of the front wheel (115). In the present embodiment, the front fender (165) is integrated with the front panel (160A). A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly (150) and is supported by the frame assembly (105). A fuel tank (not shown) is disposed adjacently to the utility box (not shown). A rear fender (175) is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel (145) and is positioned below the fuel tank and upwardly of the rear wheel (145). One or more suspension(s) (180) having mono shock absorber or dual shock absorber, are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle (100) for connecting the swing arm (140) and the rear wheel (145) to the frame assembly (105) for damping the forces from the wheel (145) and the power unit from reaching the frame assembly (105).
[00040] Furthermore, the vehicle (100) comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight (185A), a tail light (185B), a transistor controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown). Further, the vehicle 100 includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a synchronous braking system (SBS), or a vehicle control system (VCS)
[00041] Fig. 2 is the perspective view of the frame assembly (105) along with the rear shock absorber assembly. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly (105) includes the main frame (105M). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly (105) includes a pair of rear members (105c, 105d) which extend inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main frame portion (105M) defining a step through portion. As per one embodiment of present invention, a cross member termed as rear bridge structure (202) connects the pair of rear members (105c, 105d). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the main frame (105M) is mounted to the steering head (105H) of the vehicle and extends downwardly where the floorboard member (206E, 206F) is welded to the main frame (105M) of the vehicle. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the cross member floorboard (201) is mounted in between the pair of floorboard member (206A, 206B) to provide the strength to the mounting of floorboard member (206A, 206B).
[00042] Further, as per an additional embodiment, the pair of rear frame members (105c, 105d) includes an upward extended portion (203x) and a rearward extended portion (203y) act as a pillion grab handle. The pillion grab handle provides support or riding comfort to the pillion rider. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the pair of rear frame members (105c, 105d) includes a suspension mounting bracket (204) with anchor cum bolt (205) to mount one end (180S) of the rear suspension assembly (180) with at least one side of the pair of rear frame assembly (105c, 105d). Another end (180T) of rear suspension (180) is detachably attached to downward swinging portion of the vehicle (100). The suspension mounting bracket has been interchangeably referred to as mounting bracket for brevity.
[00043] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket with anchor pin cum bolt as per one embodiment of the present invention. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting bracket (204) has a closed structure, that is, from a front side (306a’), a back side (306b’), a left facing side (305), a right facing side (308) and bottom side (not shown) with respect to the vehicle (100), when vehicle is viewed from rider’s perspective, where rider is seated on a seat. The left facing side (305) of the mounting bracket (204) is divided into two parts, vertical portion (302’) extending vertically with respect to the vehicle followed by an inclined portion (302) inclined from axis XX’, where XX’ is horizontally disposed with respect to the vehicle. The inclined portion (302) is projected outward with respect to at least one side of the pair of rear frame structure (105c, 105d).
[00044] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the right facing side (308) of the mounting bracket also includes two portions, vertical portion (310’) extending vertically with respect to the vehicle and an inclined portion (310) inclined from axis ZZ’, where ZZ’ is horizontally disposed with respect to the vehicle. The inclined portion (310) is extended towards at least one side of the pair of rear frame member (105c, 105d). The inclined portion (310) is integrally attached to the vertical portion (310’) of the right facing side (308) of the mounting bracket (204). The inclined portion (310) of the right facing side (308) of the mounting bracket (204) is having a longer projected length (301) as compared to the length of the inclined profile (302) of the left facing side (305) of the mounting bracket.
[00045] The front side (306a’) and rear side (306b’) of the mounting bracket has vertically extending portion (306a’’) with respect to the vehicle and have a tilted portion (311) on an upper part. The tilted portions (311) of both the sides have substantially C shaped profile (307a’, 307b’) on the upper end thereof. The front side, back side, left facing side and right facing side are integrally attached to each other with various attachment means, for example, welding. As per an embodiment, the four sides are integrally formed from a single sheet metal part thereby forming a substantially cuboid shaped mounting bracket (204) with one side open. The bottom wall of the cuboid mounting bracket (204) is closed with a bottom side (not shown) & is configured with an open upper hollow non-uniform opening (H) (shown with dotted lines). As per an aspect of the present invention, the upper opening portion (H) so formed by the two inclined portions (302, 310) & the two tilted portions (307a’, 307b’) complimentarily conform to the profile of the at least one side of the pair of rear frame member (105c, 105d) thereby enabling abutment engagement of the mounting bracket (204) with at least one side of the rear frame member (105c, 105d). The upper hollow opening portion formed after the integral attachment of all the sides accommodates at least one side of the pair of rear frame member (105c, 105d), ensuring rigid mounting of the mounting bracket with at least one side of the pair of rear frame member.
[00046] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the left facing side (305) of the mounting bracket (204) includes a depressed portion (303) where the anchor pin cum bolt (205) is integrally attached to the depressed portion (303) with various attachment means, for example like welding. The anchor pin cum bolt (205) is projected or extended towards the mid plane axis (BB’) of the vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the right facing side (308) of the mounting bracket has an opening (312) on a projected portion (309) which accommodates the extending portion of the anchor pin cum bolt (205) & conforms to the outer cross sectional profile of the anchor pin cum bolt (205).
[00047] Fig. 4 is a side view of an anchor pin cum bolt as per one embodiment of the present invention. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the anchor pin cum bolt (205) has four portions, Part A (401), Part B (402), Part C (403) and Part D (404), extending from at least one side of the pair of rear frame member (105c, 105d) to the vehicle mid plane axis (BB’). The Part A (401) has a length greater than the Part B (402), Part C (403) and Part D (404). One end portion (401l) of the Part A (401) is integrally attached with the depressed portion (303) of the left facing side of the mounting bracket and another end portion (401r) is integrally attached or integrally conforms to the opening (312) present on a projected portion (309) on the right facing side (308) of the mounting bracket (204). The Part B (402) has cross section profile dimensionally greater than the cross section dimension present on the projected portion (309) on the right facing side (308) of the mounting bracket (204), which abuts with the opening (312) present on the projected portion (309) (as shown in fig. 4a) and restricts the movement of the anchor pin cum bolt. Hence, the sides with anchor pin cum bolt of the mounting bracket are integrally attached with each other to form a closed structure. This configuration provides rigidity of the anchor pin cum bolt and also ensures the restriction of the movement of the anchor pin cum bolt.
[00048] Further, as per embodiment of the present invention, cross section dimension of the Part C (403) is lesser than the cross section dimension of the one side (180S) of the rear suspension assembly to accommodate the one side (108S) of the rear suspension assembly into the Part C (403) of the anchor pin cum bolt (205) (as shown in fig. 4b). The one side (180S) of the rear suspension assembly is detachably attached to the Part C (403). The Part D (404) of the anchor pin cum bolt (205) is provided with a threaded profile, that is, when the one side (108S) of the rear suspension assembly (108) is accommodated in the Part C (403) of the anchor pin cum bolt, the Part D (404) act as an attachment means for the same. The Part D (404) is engaged by a nut (406), which ensures that no extra component is required to detachably attach the rear suspension assembly with the mounting bracket.
[00049] Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of the rear suspension assembly detachably attached to the pair of rear frame member. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, an elastic member (501) is placed between the Part B (402) and the one side (180S) of the rear suspension assembly (180) and a second elastic member (405) is placed between opposite side of the rear suspension assembly (180) and the Part D (404) of the anchor pin cum bolt, ensuring rigid mounting of the rear suspension assembly with at least one side of the rear frame structure and also controlling or limiting the lateral load transfer on the elastic member present in the eyelet of the rear suspension assembly during cornering of the vehicle, as the lateral force that can be generated during cornering produces an overturning torque. Therefore, it tends to force the body to roll over which creates a safety concern for the customer. Hence this is mitigated by using two elastic members as discussed above and also, improves durability of the rear suspension assembly.
[00050] The embodiments explained in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 of the present invention helps in minimizing the use of new components as well as overcoming all the problems known in the art.
[00051] Advantageously, the embodiments of the present invention, describes the potential modifications in the mounting of mounting bracket for rear suspension assembly of the step through vehicle. This facilitates the simple and easy mounting of the rear suspension assembly which ensures the ease of manufacturing.
[00052] 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
185A: headlight
160A: front panel
105: frame assembly
105A: Head Tube
165: Front Fender
110: Front Suspensions
115: Front Wheel
160B: Leg Shield
155: Floorboard
105B: main tube
160C: Under Seat Cover
125: IC Engine
130: Transmission Means
140: Swing Arm
145: Rear Wheel
135: Traction Motor
180: Rear Suspension
175: Rear Fender
185B: Tail Light
160D: right side panel
105c, 105d: Rear Tubes
150: Seat Assembly
Fig. 2:
105H: steering head
207: Mounting Bracket
206E, 206F: floorboard member
105M: Main Frame
201: Cross Member Floorboard
202: Rear Bridge Structure
204: Mounting Bracket
180S: One side of Rear Suspension
180T: Another Side of Rear Suspension
203x, 203y: Pillion Grab Handle
BB’: Vehicle mid Plane Axis.
205: Anchor Pin cum bolt
Fig. 3
306b’: back side
301: projected length
307a’, 307b’: c shaped layout
302: inclined portion in left facing side
XX’: horizontally disposed axis
302’: Vertical Portion in left facing side
303: Depressed Portion in left facing side
306a”: Vertically Extending profiles
306a’: front side
312: opening
311: Tilted Profiles
308: Right facing Profile
309: Projected Portion
310: Vertical Portion in Right Facing Side
310’: Inclined portion in Right Facing Side
ZZ’: horizontally disposed axis
H: upper hollow non uniform opening
Fig. 4:
401: Part A
402: Part B
403: Part C
404: Part D
405: Elastic member
406: Nut
Fig. 5:
501: Elastic Member