Technical Field
The present subject matter described herein relates to a
steering assembly of a vehicle.
Background
Typically, the steering assembly of vehicles such as two,
three or four wheeled motor vehicles includes a head pipe, a steering
column, and a bearing sub assembly, said bearing sub assembly including
a top race and a bottom race. Generally, the bearing sub assembly is
disposed around the steering column. The bearing sub assembly aids in
reducing friction at the steering column and thereby eases steering of the
vehicle.
Therefore, in order that the vehicle is easily steered, the
bearing sub assembly has to be frequently lubricated. Frequent lubrication
of the bearing sub assembly at regular intervals of time aids in minimizing
friction and reducing wear, and thereby aids in improving performance and
prolonging life of the bearing sub assembly. Inadequate lubrication of the
bearing sub assembly impacts steering responsiveness and also results in
transfer of noise and vibration through the steering column to the rider.
Typically, lubrication of the bearing sub assembly involves
dismantling the steering assembly completely along with a handle bar
assembly, a time consuming and tedious process, thereby discouraging
customers from performing periodic lubrication/greasing of said bearing
sub assembly. Moreover, reassembly of the steering assembly post
lubrication is also a time taking process and involves pre loading of special bearings and resetting of the complete handle bar assembly. Thus, serviceability of the steering assembly including the bearing sub assembly gets affected resulting in an ill maintained vehicle. Summary of the Invention
The present invention has been made in view of the above
circumstances.
It.is an object of the present invention to provide a steering
assembly for a vehicle whose serviceability is conveniently facilitated.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a
steering assembly including a lubrication structure for lubrication thereof.
[0008] With the above and other objects in view, the present
invention provides a steering assembly including a lubrication structure for enabling convenient lubrication of the steering assembly. As per an embodiment of the present invention, the steering assembly ^includes a head pipe, a steering column passing through the head pipe and rotatably connected to said head pipe, a bearing sub assembly including a top race disposed around an outer circumference of the steering column and supported by an upper rim portion of the head pipe, and a bottom race disposed around the outer circumference of the steering column and supported by a lower rim portion of the head pipe; a lubrication structure disposed at least partially within said steering column and communicatively coupled to one or more lubricant feed nipples extending outwardly therefrom and adapted to receive lubricant. Specifically, the

lubrication structure includes one or more lubrication pathways adapted to
be communicatively coupled to the one or more lubricant feed nipples.
Further, the lubrication structure circulates lubricant received, through the
one or more lubrication pathways communicatively coupled to the top race
and bottom race: Particularly, the lubrication structure receives lubricant
from the one or more lubricant feed nipples, which are in turn is adapted to
be connected to an external lubricating device. The lubrication structure
thus circulates the lubricant pumped through the one or more lubricant
feed nipples throughout the top race and the bottom race of the steering
assembly. Thus, the steering assembly is configured to be lubricated by
means of the lubrication structure without having to dismantle any
component of the steering assembly. Thus, a convenient and hassle free
lubrication of the steering assembly can be achieved.
As per an aspect of the present invention, the lubrication
structure includes a top lubrication member disposed at least partially within the steering column. In one embodiment, the top lubrication member is a tubular member comprising an upper inlet groove, a central groove, and a lower outlet groove. Whereas the upper inlet groove is communicatively coupled to an upper lubricant feed nipple of said one or more lubricant feed nipples, the lower outlet groove is communicatively coupled to the top race. The lubricant collected in the upper inlet groove flows through the central groove and into the lower outlet groove, and then subsequently enters the top race therefrom, lubricating the top race.

Further, the lubrication structure includes a bottom lubrication member for lubrication of the bottom race. The bottom lubrication member is disposed around the outer circumference of the steering column and held by the lower rim portion of the head pipe in a manner so that it covers the bottom race at least partially. As per an embodiment, the bottom lubrication member is a cylindrical member comprising an upper rim, a plurality of inlet grooves formed on the upper rim, and a hollow inner chamber. At least one of the plurality of inlet grooves is communicatively coupled to a lower lubricant feed nipple of the one or more lubricant feed nipples. Lubricant fed through the lower lubricant feed nipple permeates through the plurality of inlet grooves into the hollow inner chamber and ultimately flows into the bottom race.
[0010] In another embodiment, the top lubrication member may be
provided in a manner so that it extends throughout the length of the steering column up to the bottom race, thereby eliminating the need for a separate bottom lubrication member.
[0011] Thus, the disposition of the lubrication structure as per any of
the embodiments described above aids in direct lubrication of the steering
assembly including the top race and bottom race, without involving the
need for dismantling the steering assembly or a handle bar assembly.
Summary provided above explains the basic features of the
invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. Additional detailed information related to the enablement of the invention will be provided in

the detailed description and accompanying claims. Scope of the invention
shall be based on the claims provided.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0013] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of
the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following
description and accompanying drawings where:
[0014] FIG.1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle depicting a steering
assembly disposed therein in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG.2 illustrates a detailed view depicting the steering
assembly and a handle bar assembly in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
FIG.3 illustrates an exploded view of the steering assembly
including a lubrication structure in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG.4 illustrates a cross sectional view of the steering
assembly depicting an arrangement of a top lubrication member in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG.5 illustrates a perspective view of the top lubrication
member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG.6 illustrates an cross sectional view of the steering
assembly depicting an arrangement of a bottom lubrication member in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.7a illustrates a perspective view of the bottom lubrication
member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.7b illustrates a perspective view of a spacer disposed in
the steering assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0022] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of a steering
assembly including a lubrication structure, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Further, it is to be noted that terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front", "forward", "rearward", "downward", "upward", "top", "bottom" and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the vehicle with a driver riding thereon. Furthermore, a vehicle longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a vehicle 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. For example, although the present invention has been exemplified for a three wheeled vehicle, the present invention is also
applicable to other vehicles including two wheeled vehicles.
[0023] Firstly a description is made of an entire schematic layout of
a vehicle 100, with reference to FIG.1.
[0024] FIG.1 is a side view of the vehicle 100. In the present
embodiment the vehicle 100 is a three wheeled vehicle. The vehicle 100 includes a steering assembly 101, a seat assembly S for seating occupants of the vehicle, an engine (not shown) to power said vehicle, a front wheel FW, and two rear wheels RW for mobility of said vehicle. A layout of the vehicle 100 is defined by a body frame structure. The body frame structure in accordance with the present embodiment includes a floor plane FP extending along a vehicle longitudinal axis, a first chassis portion FC extending perpendicularly upwards from the floor plane FP, a second chassis portion (not shown) disposed behind the first chassis portion FC, and extending perpendicularly upwards from the floor plane FP, a cabin member C disposed behind the second chassis portion and covering said second chassis portion at least partially, a pair of first vertical-pillars VP extending vertically above the first chassis portion FC, a pair of second vertical pillars (not shown) extending vertically above the second chassis portion, a first cross tube (not shown) connecting said pair of first vertical pillars VP at a top portion thereof, a second cross tube (not shown) connecting said pair of second vertical pillars at a top portion thereof, a pair of first horizontal tubes (not shown) connecting the pair of first vertical

pillars VP to a windshield W, and a pair of second horizontal tubes (not shown) connecting the pair of first vertical pillars VP to the pair of second vertical pillars. A top cover TC extending from the windshield W up to the cabin member C is disposed above the pair of first horizontal tubes and the pair of second horizontal tubes.
The seat assembly S is encompassed within the body frame
structure. Particularly, the seat assembly S includes a first seat sub
assembly FS and a second seat sub assembly SS. While the first seat sub
assembly FS is disposed in front of the first chassis portion FC, the second
seat sub assembly SS is disposed behind the first chassis portion FC.
The vehicle 100 with the above described layout is adapted
to carry at least four occupants.
FIG.2 illustrates a detailed view depicting arrangement of the
steering assembly 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The steering assembly 101 includes a head pipe 102, and a steering column 103 (shown in FIG.3) passing through the head pipe 102 and rotatably supported to said head pipe 102 and connected to a front fork assembly (not shown). As may be seen, the head pipe 102 is held against a down tube DT extending above the floor plane FP. A handle bar assembly HB rotatably connected to the steering column 103 enables a rider to steer the vehicle 100.
[0028] In order to reduce rotational friction, and support radial and
axial loads in the steering assembly 101, a bearing sub assembly BS
comprising a top race 104 (shown in FIG.3) and a bottom race 105 (shown
in FIG.3) is provided therein. Further, to ensure efficient working of the
bearing sub assembly BS, it is essential to lubricate said bearing sub
assembly BS at regular intervals of time. Conventionally, lubrication of the
bearing sub assembly BS involved dismantling the steering assembly 101
and the handle bar assembly HB completely, thereby affecting
convenience of servicing the steering assembly 101. The present
invention accordingly provides a lubrication structure LS which enables
convenient lubrication of the bearing sub assembly BS including the top
race 104 and the bottom race 105, without involving disassembly of the
steering assembly 101 or the handle bar assembly HB.According to an embodiment of the present invention and as
may be seen in FIG.3, the steering assembly 101 comprises a head pipe 102, a steering column 103 passing through the head pipe 102, a top race 104 disposed around an outer circumference of the steering column 103, and supported by an upper rim portion 102a (shown in FIG.4) of the head pipe 102, a bottom race 105 disposed around an outer circumference of the steering column 103, and supported by a lower rim portion 102b (shown in FIG.6) of the head pipe 102, at least one lubrication structure LS for lubricating said top race 104 and said bottom race 105 by means of one or more lubricant feed nipples 107a, 107b (shown in FIG.4 and FIG.6). The lubrication structure LS is adapted to be communicatively coupled to the one or more lubricant feed nipples 107a, 107b. Specifically,said one.or more lubricant feed nipples 107a, 107b include an upper lubricant feed nipple 107a, and a lower lubricant feed nipple 107b. In the present embodiment, said one or more lubricant feed nipples 107a, 107b protruding laterally outwards from the steering column 103 and the head pipe 102 are adapted to be connected to an external lubricating device which delivers lubricant.
[0030] The features of the lubrication structure LS are explained
with reference to FIGs 4-7b. As per an aspect of the present embodiment, the lubrication structure LS includes a top lubrication member 106a, and a bottom lubrication member 106b disposed for lubrication of the top race 104 and the bottom race 105 respectively. While said top lubrication member 106a is communicatively coupled to the upper lubricant feed nipple 107a in order to receive lubricant, the bottom lubrication member 106b is communicatively coupled to the lower lubricant feed nipple 107b. Further, said upper lubricant feed nipple 107a and said lower lubricant feed nipple 107b are adapted to receive the external lubricating device such as a lubricating pump (not shown) through which the lubricant is pumped into the steering assembly 101. While the upper lubricant feed nipple 107a is adapted to be inserted in a first orifice 103a (shown in FIG.4) provided in the steering column 103, the lower lubricant feed nipple 107b is adapted to be inserted in an opening 102c (shown in FIG.6) provided in the head pipe 102.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the
lubrication structure LS may be provided as a single unit which can be
inserted into the steering column 103, extending throughout a length of
said steering column 103 and extended up to the bottom race 105 so that
it can be communicatively coupled to the bottom race 105. Further, at its
upper end said lubrication structure LS may be communicatively coupled
to the top race 104 for lubricating the same. For example, the top
lubrication member 106a which is a tubular member and which is adapted
to be inserted into the steering column 103. may be extended up to the
bottom race 105. Thus, the lubrication structure LS may be used as a
single unit for lubricating the top race 104, and the bottom race 105,
thereby eliminating the need for separate lubrication structures.
[0032] With reference to FIG.4 and FIG.5, arrangement and
construction of the top lubrication member 106a is elaborated. A sectional view A-A shown in FIG.4 depicts arrangement of the top lubrication member 106a in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As may be seen, the top lubrication member 106a is disposed at least partially within the steering column 103. Particularly, the top lubrication member 106a is inserted into the steering column 103 in a manner so that there is an interference fit between the top lubrication member 106a and the steering column 103.
[0 Particularly, the top lubrication member 106a is a tubular
member as may be seen in FIG.5. The top lubrication member 106a

includes an upper inlet grove 106aa, a lower outlet groove 106ab and a central groove 106ac In the present embodiment, the upper inlet groove 106aa, the lower outlet groove 106ab and the central groove 106ac serve as one or more lubrication pathways. Preferably, the top lubrication member 106a is made of polymeric material such as plastic and is cast as a single member. In an assembled condition, the upper inlet grove 106aa opens towards the upper lubricant feed nipple 107a, and the lower outlet groove 106ab opens towards the top race 104. Thus, the top lubrication member 106a is communicatively coupled to the upper lubricant feed nipple 107a through the upper inlet groove 106aa and to the top race 104 through the lower outlet groove 106ab In the present embodiment, the upper lubricant feed nipple 107a inserted in the first orifice 103a (shown in FIG.4) provided in the steering column 103 so as to communicatively couple the upper inlet groove 106aa with the upper lubricant feed nipple 107a. Particularly, the upper lubricant feed nipple 107a can be accessed above a dashboard (not shown) of the vehicle 100. Further, the upper lubricant feed nipple 107a is adapted to receive the external lubricating device so that the lubricant can be pumped into the top lubrication member 106a. The lubricant thus pumped into the top lubrication member 106a is received in the upper inlet groove 106aa, flows downwards through the central groove 106ac into the lower outlet groove 106ab, and finally flows out into the top race 104, lubricating the same. A second

orifice 103b is provided in the steering column 103 for communicatively
coupling said lower outlet grove 106ab with the top race 104.
Further, lubrication of the bottom race 105 is achieved with
the aid of the bottom lubrication member 106b. With reference to FIG.6
and FIG.7, arrangement and construction details of the bottom lubrication
member 106b is elaborated. A sectional view B-B shown in FIG.6 depicts
arrangement of the bottom lubrication member 106b in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention. As may be seen, the bottom
lubrication member 106b is disposed at least partially around the outer
circumference of the steering column 103 and is supported by the lower
rim portion 102b of the head pipe 102. Particularly, in an assembled
condition the bottom lubrication member 106b covers the bottom race 105
at least partially from a top side of said bottom race 105. Further, the
bottom lubrication member 106b is disposed in a manner such that at
least a portion of the same opens towards the bottom lubricant feed nipple
107b so that the lubricant flowing into the same is allowed to reach the
bottom race 105. In the present embodiment, the lower lubricant feed
nipple 107b is disposed in an opening 102c provided on an outer
circumference of the lower rim portion 102b of the head pipe 102, thereby
allowing access thereto at a portion below the dashboard of the vehicle.
[0035] As per the present embodiment and as may be seen in
FIG.7a, the bottom lubrication member 106b is a cylindrical member comprising an upper rim 106bc, a hollow inner chamber 106bd and a

plurality of inlet grooves 106be formed on the upper rim 106bc In the present embodiment, the hollow inner chamber 106bd and the plurality of inlet grooves 106be serve as the one or more lubrication pathways. For example, in an assembled condition, the plurality of inlet grooves 106be open towards the lower lubricant feed nipple 107b, thus communicatively coupling the bottom lubrication member 106b with the lower lubricant feed nipple 107b. The lubricant pumped through the bottom lubricant feed nipple 107b and entering the plurality of inlet grooves 106be permeates into the hollow inner chamber 106bd. Thereafter, the lubricant flows into the bottom race 105 from the hollow inner chamber 106bd Thus, the bottom lubrication member 106b is communicatively coupled with the bottom race 105 through the hollow inner chamber 106bd Further, in order to ensure that the lubricant entering from the lower lubricant feed nipple 107b flows into the bottom lubrication member 106b, a spacer 108 (shown in FIGJb) is provided. The spacer 108 is inserted from a bottom side of the head pipe 102 and is disposed in a manner such that it covers the bottom lubrication member 106b at least partially. In the present embodiment, the spacer 108 is supported by the lower rim portion 102b of the head pipe 102.
In the present embodiment, the bottom lubrication member
106b is preferably made of an alloy.
As it is apparent from the above teaching, the lubrication
structure LS comprising the top lubrication member 106a and the bottom

lubrication member 106b serves to lubricate the top race 104 and the bottom race 105 respectively, without the need for dismantling any component of the steering assembly or that of the handle bar assembly. Thus, providing the lubrication structure LS as a part of the steering assembly itself ensures ease of servicing of the steering assembly, saving servicing time for the customer.
[0038] While the present invention has been shown and described
with reference to. the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims:

I/We Claim:
1.A steering assembly (101) for a vehicle, said steering assembly (101) comprising:
a head pipe (102);
a steering column (103) adapted to be disposed at least partially within the head pipe (102), and rotatably connected thereto; a bearing sub assembly (BS) including a top race (104) and a bottom race (105); said top race (104) being disposed around an outer circumference of the steering column (103), and at least partially supported by an upper rim portion (102a) of the head pipe (102), and said bottom race (105) being disposed around the outer circumference of the steering column (103), and at least partially supported by a lower rim portion (102b) of the head pipe (102); a lubrication structure (LS) for lubrication of said top race (104) and said bottom race (105);
and one or more lubricant feed nipples (107a, 107b),
wherein said lubrication structure (LS) including a top lubrication
member (106a) and provided with one or more lubrication pathways
(106aa, 106ab, 106ac, 106bd, 106be) is communicatively coupled
1 To said bearing sub assembly (BS) and to the one or more lubricant
feed nipples (107a, 107b).

2.The steering assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top lubrication member (106a) is a tubular member disposed at least partially Within the steering column (103).
3.The steering assembly (101) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the top lubrication member (106a) includes an upper inlet groove (106aa), a lower outlet groove (106ab), and a central groove (106ac).
4.The steering assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the lower outlet groove (106ab) is communicatively coupled to the top race (104) through a second orifice (103b) formed in the steering column (103).
5.The steering assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more lubricant feed nipples (107a, 107b) includes an upper lubricant feed nipple (107a), and a lower lubricant feed nipple (107b).

6.The steering assembly (101) as claimed in claim 3 or claim 5, wherein the upper inlet groove (106aa) is communicatively coupled to said upper lubricant feed nipple (107a) through a first orifice (103a) formed in the steering column (103).
7.The steering assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lubrication structure (LS) includes a bottom lubrication member (106b) adapted to be disposed around the outer circumference of the steering column (103) and supported at least partially by the lower rim portion (102b) of the head pipe (102).

8.The steering assembly (101) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said bottom lubrication member (106b) is a cylindrical member including an upper rim (106bc), a hollow inner chamber (106bd), and a plurality of inlet grooves (106be).
9.The steering assembly (101) as claimed in claim 5 or claim 8, wherein the plurality of inlet grooves (106be) is communicatively coupled to the lower lubricant feed nipple (107b) through an opening (102c) formed in the head pipe (102).
10.' The steering assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 8,
wherein the hollow inner chamber (106bd) is communicatively coupled to
the bottom race (105) for lubrication of said bottom race (105).