Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly to a suspension system of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicles, particularly vehicles configured to be ridden such as motorized scooters, and motorcycles, are provided with a suspension system which includes a swing arm connecting a rear wheel to a body frame and either one or two shock absorbers to dampen the movement between the swing arm and the body frame during operation. Traditionally, most vehicle designs use two shock absorbers disposed on either side of the rear wheel. The operation of these shock absorbers is affected by factors such as the vehicle weight, the range of driving speeds, steering requirements, the weather, the terrain (on-road and off-road) etc. Conventional shock absorbers include a shock damper having a fixed damping coefficient and a single compression spring having a fixed spring constant.
[0003] The single compression spring is under certain pre-compression. This pre-compression of the single compression spring, also often known as the pre-compression of the shock absorbers, may be defined based on the selected vehicle category, driving or comfort preferences of the driver, terrain conditions on which the vehicle is to be used.
[0004] However, there often comes a requirement to change, i.e., decrease or increase, the pre-compression of the single compression spring. This change may be required because of various reasons such as, but not limited to, change in driving or comfort preferences of the driver, terrain conditions on which the vehicle or change in mechanical properties of the single compression spring after prolonged usage.
[0005] The suspension systems hitherto available in the art generally fail to provide user with an option of conveniently changing (increasing or decreasing) the pre-compression of the compression spring.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a suspension system of a vehicle is provided. The suspension system of the vehicle comprising a first tubular member, a coil spring, a second tubular member, an end cap member, a pre-load adjuster, and a stopper member. The coil spring is received within the first tubular member. The coil spring includes a first end, and a second end. The second tubular member is at least partially receiving the first tubular member. The second tubular member is adapted to telescopically move with respect to the first tubular member. The second tubular member is being connected to a ground engaging member. The end cap member is having a through hole. The end cap member is threadably engaged with the first tubular member. The pre-load adjuster is supported at one end by the first end, and movably received through the through hole of the end cap member. The pre-load adjuster is having a threaded portion at the other end. The stopper member is threadably engages with the threaded portion of the pre-load adjuster. The stopper member is adapted to be threadably moved over the threaded portion of the pre-load adjuster to pre-adjust the pre-load adjuster. The pre-load adjuster is adapted to be moved, with respect to the end cap member to selectively apply and partially release pressure on the coil spring.
[0008] In an embodiment, application of pressure on the pre-load adjuster applies pre-compression pressure on the coil spring, and release of application of pressure on the pre-load adjuster releases pre-compression pressure on the coil spring.
[0009] In an embodiment, the pre-load adjuster includes a threaded portion, a body portion and an end portion is abutted to the first end of the coil spring. The body portion connects the threaded portion and the end portion.
[00010] In an embodiment, the pre-load adjuster further includes at least one engaging portion, defined one at least one of the threaded portion and the body portion.
[00011] In an embodiment, the pre-load adjuster further includes a top slot, and an indication mark.
[00012] In an embodiment, the end cap member includes an external threaded portion, a through hole, a set of spaced apart circumferential grooved portions, and one or more vertical channel portion.
[00013] In an embodiment, the end cap member further includes a top first indentation portion, and a second indentation portion.
[00014] In an embodiment, the pre-compression system further comprises a stopper member, having a marking portion, and an internal threaded portion, wherein pitch of the internal threaded portion of the stopper washer member corresponds to pitch of the threaded portion of the pre-load adjuster.
[00015] In an embodiment, the pre-compression system is adapted to be assembled on the first tubular member near the first end of the coil spring, such that the end portion is abutted to the pre-load adjuster rests on the first end of the coil spring, the threaded portion and the body portion pass through the through hole of the end cap member, the at least one engaging portion being engaged with the set of spaced apart circumferential grooved portions, the end cap member being theradaby engaged with the threaded portion, and the external threaded portion of the end cap member is theadably engaged with the first tubular member.
[00016] In an embodiment, one of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the pre-load adjuster moves the pre-load adjuster with respect to the end cap member causing selective application and release of the pressure on the coil spring.
[00017] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of operating a suspension system of the vehicle is provided. The method comprising following steps. Firstly, pressing a pre-load adjuster. Secondly, rotating the pre-load adjuster in one of the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction along one circumferential grooved portion of an end cap member. Thirdly, pressing the pre-load adjuster thereby moving at least one engaging portion of the pre-load adjuster along one or more vertical channel portion of the end cap member. Fourthly, rotating the pre-load adjuster again in one of the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction along other circumferential grooved portion of the end cap member. Finally, releasing the pre-load adjuster thereby fixing the at least one engaging portion of the pre-load adjuster with the set of spaced apart circumferential grooved portions of the end cap member.
[00018] One advantage of the present invention is that the present invention provides the user an option of conveniently changing (increasing or decreasing) the pre-compression of the compression spring without affecting the aesthetic of the vehicle.
[00019] One advantage of the present invention is that the pre-compression of the compression spring is getting changed (increased or decreased) with least possible steps.
[00020] One more advantage of the present invention is that the present invention ensures reduction in cost of servicing by eliminating requirement of a servicemen to change the pre-compression of the compression spring of the vehicle.
[00021] One more advantage of the present invention is that a safe location is provided to change the pre-compression of the compression spring in the vehicle in such a way the other components of the vehicle are least affected by the change in the compression spring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00022] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[00023] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00024] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a body frame, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00025] Figure 3 illustrates an isometric view of a suspension system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00026] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded side view of the suspension system depicting a first tubular member, a coil spring and a second tubular member, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00027] Figure 5 illustrates another exploded view of the first tubular member having the coil spring and an end cap member, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00028] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the end cap member with a stopper member, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00029] Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of the first tubular member having the pre-load adjuster partially into the first tubular member, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00030] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the pre-load adjuster, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00031] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the stopper member, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00032] Figure 10 illustrates a top view of a pre-compression system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[00033] Figure 11a to Figure 11d illustrates a method of working between the pre-load adjuster and the end cap member, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[00034] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00035] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[00036] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[00037] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[00038] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, a suspension system of the vehicle and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.
[00039] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.
[00040] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In the illustrated example, the vehicle (100) embodies a motorcycle vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody a scooter vehicle, without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00041] The vehicle (100) (herein after interchangeably referred to as the two wheeled vehicle (100) comprises a body frame (102), a front end structure (104), a rear end structure (105) and a handle bar (108). The body frame (102) forms the core structure of the vehicle (100). The front end structure (104) is in front end of the vehicle (100). The rear end structure (105) comprises the rear portion of the vehicle (100). A side cover (130) provides covering to the middle components of the body frame (102) of the vehicle (100). A fuel tank (120), lies between the front end structure (104) and the rear end structure (105).
[00042] The rear end structure (105) comprises a seat (116), a rear ground engaging member (111), and a power unit (123). The seat (108) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (111) underlies the seat and is driven by the power unit (123). The power unit (123) mounted to the body frame (102) of the vehicle (100). In present embodiment, the power unit (123) comprises an internal combustion engine (123a) and a transmission unit (123b). The internal combustion engine (123a) is disposed in a space downside of the fuel tank (120) and behind the front end structure (104). The transmission unit (123b) is arranged behind the internal combustion engine (123a) to transmit the power output from the internal combustion engine (123a) to the rear ground engaging member (111) via the transmission unit (123b). However, in another embodiment, internal combustion engine (123a) may be replaced by an electric motor (not shown).
[00043] Further, the rear end structure (105) comprise a rear suspension system (117) connected to the body frame (102). Additionally, the rear end structure (104) may comprise components such as a rear fender, a tail lights, a rear grip etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00044] The front end structure (104) comprises a front ground engaging member (106), a suspension system (115) and the handle bar (108). The front ground engaging member (106) is operatively connected to the handle bar (108). The handle bar (108) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). The front end structure (104) comprises a head lamp unit (188), a display member (not shown) and a pair of turn signal lamp units (189). The head lamp unit (188) is provided ahead of the handle bar (108) of a steering mechanism (not shown). The head lamp unit (188) is configured to move along with the steering mechanism. The display member is provided on top side of the handle bar (108). The turn signal lamp units indicate the rider’s intention to turn or change lanes. The head lamp unit (188) and the turn signal lamp units (189) are provided for safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic regulations. Further, the front end structure (104) may further comprise additional components such as mirrors, front fender, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00045] The handle bar (108) is removably coupled to the body frame (102). Also, the vehicle (100) further comprises a swinging unit (116). The swinging unit (116) is swingably coupled to the cross tube of the body frame (102). The handle bar (108) is connected to the body frame (102). More particularly, the handle bar (108) is connected to a head tube (124) of the body frame (102).
[00046] Referring further to Figure 2 to Figure 10, the suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) comprising a first tubular member (210), a coil spring (212), a second tubular member (220), an end cap member (302), a pre-load adjuster (306), and a stopper member (380). The coil spring (212) is received within the first tubular member (210). The coil spring (212) includes a first end (212a), and a second end (212b). The second tubular member (220) is at least partially receiving the first tubular member (210). The second tubular member (220) is adapted to telescopically move with respect to the first tubular member (210). The second tubular member (220) is being connected to a ground engaging member (106). The end cap member (302) is having a through hole (352). The end cap member (302) is threadably engaged with the first tubular member (210). The pre-load adjuster (306) is supported at one end by the first end (212a), and movably received through the through hole (352) of the end cap member (302). The pre-load adjuster (306) is having a threaded portion (308) at the other end. The stopper member (380) is threadably engages with the threaded portion (308) of the pre-load adjuster (306). The stopper member (380) is adapted to be threadably moved over the threaded portion (308) of the pre-load adjuster (306) to pre-adjust the pre-load adjuster (306). The pre-load adjuster (306) is adapted to be moved, with respect to the end cap member (302) to selectively apply and partially release pressure on the coil spring (212).
[00047] Referring to Figure 5 to Figure 10, application of pressure on the pre-load adjuster (306) applies pre-compression pressure on the coil spring (212), and release of application of pressure on the pre-load adjuster (306) releases pre-compression pressure on the coil spring (212). The pre-load adjuster (306) includes a threaded portion (308), a body portion (310) and an end portion (312) abutted to the first end (212a) of the coil spring (212). The body portion (310) connects the threaded portion (308) and the end portion (312).
[00048] In present embodiment, the pre-load adjuster (306) further includes at least one engaging portion (314), defined one at least one of the threaded portion (312) and the body portion (310). The pre-load adjuster (306) further includes a top slot (316), and an indication mark (318).
[00049] Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6, the end cap member (302) includes an external threaded portion (350), a through hole (352), a set of spaced apart circumferential grooved portions (354a, 354b), and one or more vertical channel portion (356). The end cap member (302) further include a top first indentation portion (358), and a second indentation portion (360).
[00050] Further, the pre-compression system (300) further comprises a stopper member (380). The stopper member (380) is having a marking portion (382) and an internal threaded portion (384). More particularly, pitch of the internal threaded portion (384) of the stopper washer member (380) corresponds to pitch of the threaded portion (308) of the pre-load adjuster (306).
[00051] In present embodiment, the pre-compression system (300) is adapted to be assembled on the first tubular member (210) near the first end (212a) of the coil spring (212), such that the end portion (312) abutted to the pre-load adjuster (306) rests on the first end (212a) of the coil spring (212), the threaded portion (308) and the body portion (310) pass through the through hole (352) of the end cap member (302), the at least one engaging portion (314) being engaged with the set of spaced apart circumferential grooved portions (354a, 354b), the end cap member (302) being theradaby engaged with the threaded portion (312), and the external threaded portion (350) of the end cap member (302) is theadably engaged with the first tubular member (210).
[00052] Referring to Figure 5, Figure 10 to 11d, the pre-load adjuster (306) moves or rotates with respect to the end cap member (302) in one of clockwise and counterclockwise causing selective application and release of the pressure on the coil spring (212). More particularly, in present embodiment, the pre-load adjuster (306) moves or rotates in clockwise direction with respect to the end cap member (302). However, in another embodiment, the pre-load adjuster (306) may rotates in counterclockwise direction with respect to the end cap member (302).
[00053] Referring to Figure 11a to Figure 11d, a method of operating the suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) is provided. The method comprising following steps. Firstly, pressing the pre-load adjuster (306). Secondly, rotating the pre-load adjuster (306) in one of the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction along one circumferential grooved portion (354a) of the end cap member (302). More particularly, rotating the pre-load adjuster (306) in the clockwise direction with respect to the end cap member (302). However, in another embodiment, the pre-load adjuster (306) may rotates in counterclockwise direction with respect to the end cap member (302).
[00054] Thirdly, pressing the pre-load adjuster (306) thereby moving at least one engaging portion (314) of the pre-load adjuster (306) along one or more vertical channel portion (356) of the end cap member (302). Fourthly, rotating the pre-load adjuster (306) again in one of the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction along other circumferential grooved portion (354b) of the end cap member (302). Finally, releasing the pre-load adjuster (306) thereby fixing the at least one engaging portion (314) of the pre-load adjuster (306) with the set of spaced apart circumferential grooved portions (354a, 354b) of the end cap member (302).
[00055] The present invention provides the user an option of conveniently changing (increasing or decreasing) the pre-compression of the suspension system (115) without affecting the aesthetic of the vehicle (100).
[00056] The present invention ensures the pre-compression of the suspension system (115) is getting changed (increased or decreased) with least possible steps.
[00057] The present invention is incorporated in all design where provision for the end cap member (302) mounting along the outer diameter of the suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) is available.
[00058] The present invention ensures reduction in cost of servicing by eliminating requirement of a servicemen to change the pre-compression of the suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100).
[00059] Further, the present invention provides the safe location to change the pre-compression of the suspension system (115) in the vehicle (100) in such a way the other components of the vehicle (100) are least affected by the change in the suspension system (115).
[00060] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[00061] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A suspension system (115) of a vehicle (100) comprising:
a first tubular member (210);
a coil spring (212) received within the first tubular member (210), the coil spring (212) includes a first end (212a), and a second end (212b);
a second tubular member (220) at least partially receiving the first tubular member (210), and adapted to telescopically move with respect to the first tubular member (210), the second tubular member (220) being connected to a ground engaging member (106);
an end cap member (302) having a through hole (352), and threadably engaged with the first tubular member (210);
a pre-load adjuster (306), supported at one end by the first end (212a), and movably received through the through hole (352) of the end cap member (302), the pre-load adjuster (306) having a threaded portion (308) at the other end; and
a stopper member (380) threadably engages with the threaded portion (308) of the pre-load adjuster (306),
wherein, the stopper member (380) is adapted to be threadably moved over the threaded portion (308) of the pre-load adjuster (306) to pre-adjust the pre-load adjuster (306), and wherein the pre-load adjuster (306) adapted to be moved, with respect to the end cap member (302) to selectively apply and partially release pressure on the coil spring (212).

2. The suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein application of pressure on the pre-load adjuster (306) applies pre-compression pressure on the coil spring (212), and release of application of pressure on the pre-load adjuster (306) releases pre-compression pressure on the coil spring (212).

3. The suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-load adjuster (306) includes a threaded portion (308), a body portion (310) and an end portion (312) abutted to the first end (212a) of the coil spring (212), wherein the body portion (310) connects the threaded portion (308) and the end portion (312)

4. The suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pre-load adjuster (306) further includes at least one engaging portion (314), defined one at least one of the threaded portion (312) and the body portion (310).

5. The suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the pre-load adjuster (306) further includes a top slot (316), and an indication mark (318).

6. The suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the end cap member (302) includes an external threaded portion (350), a through hole (352), a set of spaced apart circumferential grooved portions (354a, 354b), and one or more vertical channel portion (356).

7. The suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the end cap member (302) further include a top first indentation portion (358), and a second indentation portion (360).

8. The suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pre-compression system (300) further comprises a stopper member (380), having a marking portion (382), and an internal threaded portion (384), wherein pitch of the internal threaded portion (384) of the stopper washer member (380) corresponds to pitch of the threaded portion (308) of the pre-load adjuster (306).

9. The suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pre-compression system (300) is adapted to be assembled on the first tubular member (210) near the first end (212a) of the coil spring (212), such that the end portion (312) abutted to the pre-load adjuster (306) rests on the first end (212a) of the coil spring (212), the threaded portion (308) and the body portion (310) pass through the through hole (352) of the end cap member (302), the at least one engaging portion (314) being engaged with the set of spaced apart circumferential grooved portions (354a, 354b), the end cap member (302) being theradaby engaged with the threaded portion (312), and the external threaded portion (350) of the end cap member (302) is theadably engaged with the first tubular member (210).

10. The suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein one of clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the pre-load adjuster (306) moves the pre-load adjuster (306) with respect to the end cap member (302) causing selective application and release of the pressure on the coil spring (212).

11. A method of operating a suspension system (115) of the vehicle (100), wherein the method comprising:
pressing a pre-load adjuster (306);
rotating the pre-load adjuster (306) in one of the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction along one circumferential grooved portion (354a) of an end cap member (302);
pressing the pre-load adjuster (306) thereby moving at least one engaging portion (314) of the pre-load adjuster (306) along one or more vertical channel portion (356) of the end cap member (302);
rotating the pre-load adjuster (306) again in one of the clockwise and the counterclockwise direction along other circumferential grooved portion (354b) of the end cap member (302); and
releasing the pre-load adjuster (306) thereby fixing the at least one engaging portion (314) of the pre-load adjuster (306) with the set of spaced apart circumferential grooved portions (354a, 354b) of the end cap member (302).

Dated this 13th day of July, 2022
---Digitally Signed---
Sagar Sudhir Dhatrak
Section Head– COC
Hero MotoCorp Limited