Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A sealing device (100) for a steering assembly (202) of a vehicle (200), the device (100) comprising:
an annular cover (102) disposed over a bearing member (204) of the steering assembly (202) and adapted to be rotatable along with a steering shaft (206), wherein a gap (104) is maintained between an inner circumference of the annular cover (102) and the bearing member (204);
at least one first annular sealing member (106) disposed in the gap (104) and mounted on an outer diametrical surface (204a) of the bearing member (204); and
a second annular sealing member (108) adapted to engage with a rim surface (102a) of the annular cover (102) and the at least one first annular sealing member (106), wherein the at least one first annular sealing member (106) and the second annular sealing member (108) are adapted to seal the gap (104) for providing ingress protection to the bearing member (204).

2. The sealing device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second annular sealing member (108) comprises a laterally projecting annular lip (108a) for engagement with the rim surface (102a).

3. The sealing device (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the laterally projecting annular lip (108a) engages with a groove (106a) defined on each of the at least one first annular sealing member (106).

4. The sealing device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one first annular sealing member (106) includes an upper annular sealing member (110) adapted to engage on a top surface (108b) of the second annular sealing member (108) and a lower annular sealing member (112) adapted to engage a bottom surface (108c) of the second annular sealing member (108).

5. The sealing device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second annular sealing member (108) comprises a flange portion (108d) defined on its top surface (108b) and the bottom surface (108c) for engagement with the upper annular sealing member (110) and the lower annular sealing member (112).

6. The sealing device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second annular sealing member (108) is made of enmolded metal and elastomer member.

7. The sealing device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the at least one annular sealing member (106) is made by one of a Teflon material and an elastomer material.

8. The sealing device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the annular cover (102) is made of metallic material.

9. A steering assembly (202) for a vehicle (200), comprising a steering shaft (206) disposed rotatably and coaxially within a head tube of the vehicle (200); a bearing member (204) supporting the steering shaft (206); and a sealing device (100) for the steering assembly (202), the device (100) comprising:
an annular cover (102) disposed over the bearing member (204) and adapted to be rotatable along with the steering shaft (206), wherein a gap (104) is maintained between an inner circumference of the annular cover (102) and the bearing member (204);
at least one first annular sealing member (106) disposed in the gap (104) and mounted on an outer diametrical surface (204a) of the bearing member (204); and
a second annular sealing member (108) adapted to engage with a rim surface (102a) of the annular cover (102) and the at least one first annular sealing member (106), wherein the at least one first annular sealing member (106) and the second annular sealing member (108) are adapted to seal the gap (104) for providing ingress protection to the bearing member (204).

10. The steering assembly (202) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second annular sealing member (108) comprises a laterally projecting annular lip (108a) for engagement with the rim surface (102a).

11. The steering assembly (202) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the laterally projecting annular lip (108a) engages with a groove (106a) defined on each of the at least one first annular sealing member (106).

12. The steering assembly (202) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one first annular sealing member (106) includes an upper annular sealing member (110) adapted to engage on a top surface (108b) of the second annular sealing member (108) and a lower annular sealing member (112) adapted to engage a bottom surface (108c) of the second annular sealing member (108).

13. The steering assembly (202) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second annular sealing member (108) comprises a flange portion (108d) defined on its top surface (108b) and the bottom surface (108c) for engagement with the upper annular sealing member (110) and the lower annular sealing member (112).

Dated this 5 day of October 2021.
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
Sealing Device for Steering Assembly of a Vehicle

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a steering assembly for a vehicle, more particularly relates to a sealing device for the steering assembly of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles, such as a saddle type vehicle, typically include a front wheel connected to a steering assembly for maneuverability. The steering assembly includes a handlebar assembly, a steering shaft, a lower bracket, and an upper bracket. Also, steering races and balls are also provided in the steering assembly, which sustain load received from the road and provide a smooth rotation thereof. One or more dust seal members are used in the steering assembly for providing ingress protection, which are detrimental to the durability and to the smooth rotation of the steering shaft.
[003] Typically, the dust seal member comprises of a plurality of annularly formed ridges on an inner surface. The annular ridges extend in at least one of an axial direction or in a radial direction of the dust seal member. The annular ridges provide the required ingress protection to the steering assembly. Further, the annular ridges are configured to ensure one of a clearance fit, an interference fit or transition fit with the mating parts in the assembled condition.
[004] However, the dust seal member that is configured to obtain the clearance fit is detrimental to the durability of the steering races and ball members resulting in the various problems related to vehicle handling overtime. As such, the clearance fit is not preferred. Also, the dust seal member configured to achieve interference fit with the mating parts results in a negative impact on handling the vehicle due to higher friction involved between the mating parts including dust seal member and a frame head tube. As such, the interference fit is also not desirable. Furthermore, the dust seal member configured to achieve transition fit has trade-off benefits and drawbacks between the clearance fit and the interference fit. Hence, a desired fit for the dust seal member is obtained based on requirements of dust prevention, durability and various vehicle-handling requirements.
[005] Additionally, the conventional steering assembly includes a top arrestor above the steering race and a metal or polymer dust seal member which does not experience any vertical clamping / assembly load but has only interference fit. For a steering system where the upper triple clamp has a 3rd bolt to clamp on the steering assembly, arrestor nuts are not used. In such assemblies, the dust seal member has to be between the upper triple clamp and the upper bearing assembly. The upper triple clamp uses a slit to clamp on the shaft. It is through such slit on an inner diameter that the dust or water particles can enter the bearing leading to undesirable performance and failure of the steering assembly.
[006] To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, the dust seal member is disposed between the upper triple clamp and the upper bearing assembly. However, the dust seal member being made of an elastic material tends to deteriorate over a period of time due to the pressure exerted by the upper triple clamp. As such, the dust seal member fails over a period of time to provide protection efficiently to the steering assembly.
[007] In view of the above, there is a need for a sealing device for the steering assembly, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect, a sealing device for a steering assembly of a vehicle is disclosed. The device includes an annular cover disposed over a bearing member of the steering assembly and adapted to be rotatable along with a steering shaft. A gap is maintained between an inner circumference of the annular cover and the bearing member. At least one first annular sealing member is disposed in the gap and mounted on an outer diametrical surface of the bearing member. A second annular sealing member is adapted to engage with a rim surface of the annular cover and the at least one first annular sealing member, wherein the at least one first annular sealing member and the second annular sealing member are adapted to seal the gap for providing ingress protection to the bearing member.
[009] In an embodiment, the second annular sealing member includes a laterally projecting annular lip for engagement with the rim surface.
[010] In an embodiment, the laterally projecting annular lip engages with a groove defined on each of the at least one first annular sealing member.
[011] In an embodiment, the at least one first annular sealing member includes an upper annular sealing member adapted to engage on a top surface of the second annular sealing member and a lower annular sealing member adapted to engage a bottom surface of the second annular sealing member.
[012] In an embodiment, the second annular sealing member includes a flange portion defined on its top surface and the bottom surface for engagement with the upper annular sealing member and the lower annular sealing member.
[013] In an embodiment, the second annular sealing member is made of enmolded metal and elastomer member.
[014] In an embodiment, each of the at least one first annular sealing member is made by one of a Teflon material and an elastomer material.
[015] In an embodiment, the annular cover is made of metallic material.
[016] In another aspect, a steering assembly for the vehicle is disclosed. The steering assembly including a steering shaft disposed rotatably and coaxially within a head tube of the vehicle, a bearing member supporting the steering shaft and a sealing device for the steering assembly. The device includes the annular cover disposed over the bearing member and adapted to be rotatable along with the steering shaft. The gap is maintained between the inner circumference of the annular cover and the bearing member. The at least one first annular sealing member is disposed in the gap and mounted on the outer diametrical surface of the bearing member. The second annular sealing member is adapted to engage with a rim surface of the annular cover and the at least one first annular sealing member. The at least one first annular sealing member and the second annular sealing member are adapted to seal the gap for providing ingress protection to the bearing member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view of a steering assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3a is a sectional view of the steering assembly including a sealing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3b is an enlarged view of a portion ‘A’ of Figure 3a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a sectional view of the steering assembly including at least one first annular sealing member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the at least one first annular sealing member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6a is a sectional view of the steering assembly including the at least one first annular sealing member and an annular cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6b is an enlarged view of a portion ‘B’ of Figure 6a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second annular sealing member 108, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8a is a sectional view of the steering assembly including the sealing device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8b is an enlarged view of a portion ‘C’ of Figure 8a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle 200 is a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 200 comprises a prime mover 208 that is adapted to provide motive force for movement of the vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the prime mover 208 is an internal combustion engine, which is preferably a single-cylinder engine. In an embodiment, the prime mover 208 is an electric motor. The vehicle 200 comprises a front wheel 210, a rear wheel 212, a frame member (not shown), a seat 214 and a fuel tank 216. The frame member includes a head pipe (not shown), a main tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe supports a steering assembly 202 (shown in Figure 2) and a suspension unit 218. The suspension unit 218 supports the front wheel 210. The steering assembly 202, as shown in Figure 2, includes a steering shaft 206 disposed rotatably and coaxially within the head pipe (not shown). The steering shaft 206 is supported by a bearing member 204, which also facilitates rotation of the steering assembly 202 effortlessly. The steering assembly 202 includes a sealing device 100 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 3b) which provides ingress protection thereto, thereby enhancing life of the steering assembly 202. The description pertaining to the sealing device 100 is provided with reference to figures 3a-8b.
[020] Further, the upper portion of the front wheel 210 is covered by a front fender 220 mounted to the lower portion of the suspension unit 218 at the end of the steering shaft 206. A handlebar 222 is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle. A headlight 224, a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster 238 are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe. The frame member comprises a down tube (not shown) that may be positioned in front of the prime mover 208 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe. The main tube of the frame member is located above the prime mover 208 and extends rearward from head pipe.
[021] The fuel tank 216 is mounted on the main tube. Seat rails are joined to main tube and extend rearward to support the seat 214. A rear swing arm (not shown) is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 212 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm. Generally, the rear swing arm is supported by a mono rear suspension 226 (as illustrated in the present embodiment) or through two suspensions on either side of the vehicle 200. A taillight unit 228 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 200 and at the rear of the seat 214. A grab rail 230 is also provided to the seat rails. The rear wheel 212 arranged below the seat 214 rotates by the motive force of the prime mover 208 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown).
[022] Further, a rear fender 232 is disposed above the rear wheel 212. An exhaust pipe 234 of the vehicle 200 extends vertically downward from the prime mover 208 and then extends below the prime mover 208, longitudinally along length of the vehicle 200 before terminating in a muffler 236. The muffler 236 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 212.
[023] Figure 3a illustrates the steering assembly 202 including the sealing device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The sealing device 100 is adapted to be mounted on an outer diametrical surface 204a of the bearing member 204 for providing ingress protection thereto.
[024] Referring to Figure 3b in conjunction with Figure 3a, the sealing device 100 includes an annular cover 102 disposed over the bearing member 204 and adapted to be rotatable along with the steering shaft 206. In other words, the annular cover 102 includes a slot (not shown) which co-axially receives the steering shaft 206 (as shown in Figure 3a) and is thereafter mounted on the bearing member 204. The annular cover 102 is disposed on the bearing member 204 such that, a gap 104 is maintained between an inner circumference of the annular cover 102 and the bearing member 204. In an embodiment, the annular cover 102 is a cap-like structure, which is adapted to be mounted co-axially with the steering shaft 206, while also being mounted over the bearing member 204. In another embodiment, the annular cover 102 is made of a metallic material. Alternatively, the annular cover 102 can be made of other suitable material as per design feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the annular cover 102 is mounted over the bearing member 204 via conventional mounting techniques such as but not limiting to gluing, press-fitting and the like, as per feasibility and requirement. In another embodiment, the dimensions of the annular cover 102 is selected as per design feasibility and requirement.
[025] Referring to Figures 4 and 5 in conjunction with Figures 3a and 3b, at least one first annular sealing member 106 is disposed in the gap 104 (as shown in Figure 3b) and mounted on an outer diametrical surface 204a of the bearing member 204 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 4). The first annular sealing member 106 is a ring-like structure adapted to be mounted onto the outer diametrical surface 204a of the bearing member 204. In an embodiment, the first annular sealing member 106 is made by one of a Teflon material and an elastomer material, as per design feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the first annular sealing member 106 is mounted on the outer diametrical surface 204a via conventional mounting techniques such as gluing. In an embodiment, the dimensions of the first annular sealing member 106 are selected to ensure positioning or mounting in the gap 104.
[026] In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the first annular member 106 is initially mounted on the outer diametrical surface 204a of the bearing member 204, and thereafter the annular cover 102 is mounted on the bearing member 204, for ease of assembly and mounting.
[027] Referring to Figure 7 in conjunction with Figures 3a and 3b, the sealing device 100 includes a second annular sealing member 108 adapted to engage with a rim surface 102a of the annular cover 102 and the at least one first annular sealing member 106. The second annular sealing member 108 includes a laterally projecting annular lip 108a for engagement with the rim surface 102a (for e.g. as shown in Figures 8 and 3b). As such, the second annular sealing member 108 is adapted to rotate along with the steering shaft 206. In an embodiment, the annular lip 108a corresponds to a U-shaped annular groove, which is capable of receiving and engaging with the rim surface 102a.
[028] Further, the laterally projecting annular lip 108a of the second annular sealing member 108 engages with a groove 106a (as shown in Figure 5) defined on the first annular sealing member 106. Also, the second annular sealing member 108 includes a flange portion 108d adapted to engage with the first annular sealing member 106. Due to such engagement, the first annular sealing member 106 and the second annular sealing member 108 are adapted to seal the gap 104 for providing ingress protection to the bearing member 204, and consequently to the steering assembly 202, even during rotation of the steering shaft 206.
[029] In an embodiment, the groove 106a is an annular cut-out provided onto outer surface of the first annular sealing member 106. The annular cut-out ensures a stepped profile of the outer surface of the first annular sealing member 106.
[030] In an embodiment, the flange portion 108d is an inverted L-shaped portion, which conforms to the configuration of the first annular sealing member 106, for ensuring engagement therewith. In an embodiment, the dimensions and/or configuration of the flange portion 108d is selected to correspond with the configuration of the first annular sealing member 106.
[031] In an embodiment, the at least one first annular sealing member 106 includes an upper annular sealing member 110 and a lower annular sealing member 112 (as shown in Figures 8a and 8b). Accordingly, the second annular sealing member 108 has the flange portion 108d defined on its top surface 108b and a bottom surface 108c (for e.g. as shown in Figure 8b). Thus, the upper annular sealing member 110 is engaged with the top surface 108b, while the lower annular sealing member 112 is engaged with the bottom surface 108c of the second annular sealing member 108 (as shown in Figure 8a).
[032] In an embodiment, the second annular sealing member 108 is mounted onto the first annular sealing member 106 via a conventional mounting technique such as the press-fitting. Alternatively, other suitable mounting techniques can be suitably applied for engagement therebetween as per design feasibility and requirement. In an embodiment, the second annular sealing member 108 is made of enmolded metal and elastomer member.
[033] Advantageously, the present invention provides the sealing device 100 which ensures ingress protection to the steering assembly 202, even during operation or rotation of the steering assembly 202. Consequently, improving durability and life of the steering assembly 202 while retaining optimum performance. Further, the sealing device 100 is simple in construction and manufacturability, ensuring ease of assembly.
[034] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.