DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a rear structure assembly for the two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, vehicle layout design for a scooter features a step-through frame and a defined space to accommodate a flat surface called as a floorboard for the rider’s feet. Further, the scooter features bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanisms. The body panels of the scooter include a pair of side panels covering a right side and, a left side of the vehicle and extending towards a rear side of the scooter. A rear structure is used to enclose the well-defined gap formed between the side panels covering the sides of the vehicle, below a tail lamp, at the rear side of the vehicle. Since, most of the parts in the scooter are concealed by the body, the body parts are to be designed such that optimum utilization of space in the scooter is achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 shows a rear perspective view of a two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a rear structure assembly when viewed from a vehicle rear.
[0006] Fig. 3(a) illustrates a front view of a rear structure assembly.
[0007] Fig. 3(b) illustrates a rear view of the rear structure assembly.
[0008] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a rear structure assembly when viewed from a top perspective view, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig. 5 illustrates a portion of the rear structure assembly coupled to the coupling structure of one or more coupling structures.
[00010] Fig. 6illustrates a sectional view of the rear structure assembly.
[00011] Fig. 7 illustrates the one coupling structure of one or more coupling structures according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00012] Conventionally, the scooter type vehicle comprises a number of panels that protects the internal parts of the vehicle body from being exposed to the surrounding environment and also improves appearance of the vehicle by adding to the aesthetic aspect of the vehicle. The number of panels mainly includes body panels comprising a right hand side panel, a left hand side panel, a front panel, a rear panel, etc. The body panels protects the internal vehicular parts like engine, air filter, fuel tank and other parts from being exposed to dust, water and other foreign particles. In particular, during vehicle running condition, the mud and water is prevented from being splashed onto sensitive electrical components present inside the body panels of the vehicle.
[00013] The number of body panels also includes a rear structure disposed at the rear end of the vehicle. The rear structure covers the rear end of the vehicle along with a rear panel. The rear structure is disposed in between the right hand side and the left hand side panels that cover the right hand side and the left hand side of the vehicle. A well-defined gap formed between the right hand side panel and the left hand side panel is covered by the rear structure disposed in the well-defined gap formed below a tail lamp assembly at the rear side of the vehicle. The rear structure is supported by each of the right side panel and the left side panel. Generally, one or more coupling structures are attached to the right side panel and the left side panel that help support the rear structure. The rear structure is also supported by a frame mounting structure.
[00014] The one or more coupling structures are attached to the right side panel and the left side panel by means of welding. The welded coupling structures have manufacturing variation and welding deformation associated with them. The welding of coupling structures on to the surface of the right side panel and the left side panel may deform the panels and also reduces the stability of the coupling structure. Further, the frame mounting structures are attached to a vehicle frame through welding, the welded joints have manufacturing variation and welding deformation. The manufacturing variation and welding deformation leads to a various concerns including fitment variation leading to poor fit and finish of the rear structure enclosing the gap between the right side panel and the left side panel at the rear end of the vehicle. Further, results in difficulty in assembly. The poor fit and finish also does not add to the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
[00015] The manufacturing variations resulting in poor fit and finish makes the rear structure misalign from its normal position leading to poor vehicle appearance. Further, the misaligned rear structure produces vibrations affecting the surrounding parts and also creates rattling noise. The constant vibration of the rear structure results in breakage of the part itself and other associated vehicular parts including body panels. Further, the atmospheric dust and other foreign materials may enter through the gap formed by the misaligned rear structure. The atmospheric dust and other foreign materials are deposited in the internal parts affecting the normal functioning of the internal parts. Hence, the conventional rear structure is non-durable, instable, and less reliable and causes high user dissatisfaction.
[00016] Therefore, a durable and reliable rear structure assembly is desired. The rear structure assembly according to the present embodiment is capable of effectively covering the gap formed between the right side panel and the left side panel. Further, the rear structure as per the present invention is less prone to vibrations thereby increasing the durability.
[00017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rear structure assembly is disposed at the rear end of the vehicle and in between the right side panel and the left side panel.
[00018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the rear structure assembly is disposed below the tail lamp assembly.
[00019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rear structure assembly is attached to the right side panel and the left side through one or more coupling structures. Further, in addition to the one or more coupling structures, the rear structure also includes pair of protrusions to receive at least a portion of the one or more coupling structure. The pair of protrusions ensures that the rear structure is substantially supported by the one or more coupling structure mounted each on the right hand side panel and the left hand side panel. Furthermore, the pair of protrusions ensures that there is no gap created between the rear structure and the side panels including the right side panel and the left side panel. Therefore, any gap that occurs due to variations occurring through welding and other manufacturing variations is reduced.
[00020] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more coupling structure includes one or more provisions to receive the rear structure. In addition to the one or more provisions, the coupling structure includes an extended flange capable of being coupled to at least one protrusion of the pair of protrusions disposed on a rear surface of the rear structure.
[00021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rear structure includes one or more mounting bosses to receive the frame mounting structure. The coupling structure is sandwiched in between the frame mounting structure and the one more mounting bosses.
[00022] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the rear structure overlaps with the rear end of the right side panel and the left side panel. The overlapping prevents most of the dust particles and other foreign particles from entering into the internal parts of the vehicle. Furthermore, any visibility of the variations occurring in the fit and finish of the rear structure with the right side panel and the left side panel is prevented by the overlap. Thereby, not affecting the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
[00023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the coupling structure is made of any of the known metals.
[00024] The rear structure assembly as proposed in the present invention is understood in detail by the following description.
[00025] Fig. 1 shows a side view of the scooter type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle has a body frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together, which usually supports the body of the said vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front wheel 101 and a driven rear wheel 102. The body frame assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. The frame assembly includes a head tube (not shown), a main frame and may have a sub-frame. The sub-frame is attached to the main frame using appropriate joining mechanism. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel 112, a rear cover 113, a rear structure 106 and, one or more side panel 114.
[00026] A handlebar assembly 107 and a seat assembly 109 are supported at opposite ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as floorboard 115 that functions as a step through space. The seat assembly 109 for a driver and a pillion is placed forward to a fuel tank (not shown) and rear side of floorboard 113. A storage compartment (not shown) is disposed below the seat assembly 109 for the user to store any articles/ any vehicular accessories can be mounted in the storage compartment. A front fender 103 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 105 is placed between the fuel tank and the rear wheel 102, and to the outer side in the radial direction of the rear wheel 102. Rear fender 105 inhibits rainwater or the like from being thrown up by the rear wheel 102.
[00027] Suspensions are provided for comfortable riding of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly including a pair of front forks 104 is disposed on either side of the front wheel 101. The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least one rear suspension preferably on the left side of the vehicle. However, a vehicle with two rear suspensions, namely on the left side and the right side is also possible. An engine assembly 108 for driving the vehicle is fitted to the rear wheel 102. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlight (not shown) in the front portion of the vehicle and a tail light 111 in the rear portion of the vehicle is also provided.
[00028] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a rear structure assembly when viewed from a vehicle rear. The rear structure assembly 106 is disposed in between a well-defined gap formed between the right side panel 116 and the left side panel 114. The rear structure assembly 106 is disposed below the tail lamp assembly 111. The rear structure assembly 106 is mounted to a vehicle body frame 117. The vehicle body frame 117 includes a pair of rear frames 117a, 117b. The pair of rear frames includes one or more frame mounting structures 203 that are disposed at a rear end of each of a right side frame 117a and a left side frame 117b of the pair of rear frames 117a, 117b.
[00029] Further, each of the right side panel 116 and the left side panel 114 include one or more coupling structures 202 that are interposed between the one or more frame mounting structures 203 and the rear structure assembly 106. The one coupling structure of the one or more coupling structures 202 is capable of holding together all the parts including the right side panel 116, right side frame 117a, and one frame mounting structure of one or more frame mounting structures 203. The another coupling structure of the one or more coupling structures 106 is able to hold together all the parts including the left side panel 114, left side frame 117b and another frame mounting structure of the one or more frame mounting structures 203. The one or more coupling structures 202 aid in achieving better fit and finish between different parts and also prevents any gap from occurring between the right side panel 116, left side panel 114 and the rear structure assembly 106. Furthermore, the rear structure assembly 106 according to the proposed invention is more stable, more reliable and effectively prevents entry of any dust particles, water and other foreign materials from entering into the internal vehicular parts covered by the right side panel 116 and the left side panel 114.
[00030] Fig. 3(a) illustrates a front view of a rear structure assembly and Fig. 3(b) illustrates a rear view of the rear structure assembly. The rear structure assembly 106 comprises a pair of mounting bosses 205 that enable mounting of the rear structure assembly 106 to the vehicle body frame 117. In addition to the pair of mounting bosses 205, the rear structure assembly 106 comprises one or more protrusions 201 disposed on a rear surface 204. The one or more protrusions 201 are disposed on the rear surface 204 at a lower portion closer to a lower peripheral region 106a of the rear structure assembly 106. The one or more protrusions 201 ensures secure fastening of the rear structure assembly 106 to the rear side of the two-wheeled vehicle 100. Further, the one or more protrusions 201 prevents the rear structure assembly 106 from misaligning from its normal position. The mounting arrangement of the rear structure assembly 106 is as explained in the following description.
[00031] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a rear structure assembly when viewed from a top perspective view, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The rear structure assembly 106 is disposed in the well-defined gap formed between the right side panel 116 and the left side panel 114 at a rear side of the vehicle. The rear structure assembly 106 is assembled in between the gap such that one or more edges 106b on both sides of the rear structure assembly 106 is overlapped upon the right side panel 116 and the left side panel 114. The rear structure assembly 106 according to an embodiment comprises the one or more protrusions 201 in the form of hook. The one or more frame mounting structures 203 are attached at a rear end of the pair of rear frames. The one or more frame mounting structures 203 are adapted to receive the rear structure assembly 106. The one or more coupling structures 202 are interposed between the rear structure assembly 106 and the one or more frame mounting structure 203. The one or more coupling structures 202 are attached to the right side panel 116 and the left side panel 114 by using appropriate attaching means or the like. The one or more coupling structures 202 further comprises of an extended flange 202a capable of receiving the one or more protrusions 201 disposed in proximity to lower peripheral region 106a of the rear structure assembly 106.
[00032] Since, the rear structure assembly 106 is completely held tightly by the various mounting structures disposed on the rear surface 204 of the rear mounting structure 106; the problem of misalignment of the rear mounting structure 106 is overcome according to the present invention. Hence, a more reliable rear mounting structure 106 is obtained according to the present invention.
[00033] Fig. 5 illustrates a portion of the rear structure assembly coupled to the coupling structure of one or more coupling structures. The one or more coupling structures 202 are capable of receiving the one or more mounting bosses 205 attached to the rear surface 204 of the rear structure assembly 106. The one or more coupling structures 202 further comprises an extended flange 202a adapted to be coupled to the one or more protrusions 201. The features provided in the rear structure assembly 106 according to the present invention prevent the vibration of the rear structure assembly 106. The features provided include the extended flange 202a coupled to the one or more protrusions 201. The extended flange 202a provides more stability to the rear structure assembly 106 and prevents the rattling sound made by the rear structure assembly 106. Further, the undesired gaps formed between the side panels (right side panel 116 and the left side panel 114) and the rear structure assembly 106, due to misalignment of the rear structure assembly 106 is prevented. Therefore, a more efficient and durable rear structure assembly 106 is provided as per the present invention.
[00034] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the rear structure assembly. It can be depicted from the figure that the rear structure assembly 106 is disposed between the tail lamp 111 and the rear fender 105. The rear structure assembly 106 is disposed in the gap formed between the right side panel 116 and the left side panel 114. The rear structure assembly 106 according to the present construction is prevented from getting misaligned from its normal position due to overlapping of the rear structure assembly 106 with the right side panel 116 and the left side panel 114. The rear structure assembly 106 is attached to the one or more frame mounting structures 203 through the one or more mounting bosses 205. The one or more coupling structures 202 are disposed such that the one or more coupling structures 202 are sandwiched between the one or more mounting bosses 205 and the one or more frame mounting structure 203. The one or more coupling structures 202 ensure proper mounting of the rear structure assembly 106 to the one or more frame mounting structures 203. Further, the one or more protrusions 201 disposed in the lower peripheral region 106a of the rear structure assembly 106 is coupled to the extended flange 202a of the one or more coupling structures 202 in order to prevent the lower peripheral region 106a of the rear structure assembly 106 from fluttering or creating any rattling sound. Hence, the rear structure assembly 106 is prevented from continuous vibrations as it is secured in all portions. Therefore, a durable rear structure assembly 106 is obtained according the present invention.
[00035] Fig. 7 illustrates the one coupling structure of one or more coupling structures according to an embodiment. The one or more coupling structures are attached to the right side panel and the left side panel. The one or more coupling structures comprise at least one mounting portion 202b comprising one or more mounting provisions 202bb capable of receiving the one or more mounting bosses 205. The one or more coupling structures further comprise the extended flange 202a adapted to receive the one or more protrusions 201. The one or more coupling structures 202 are sandwiched between the rear structure assembly 106 and the one or more frame mounting structures 203. The one or more coupling structures 202 are capable of holding the one or more mounting bosses 205 of the rear structure assembly 106 and hold the lower peripheral region 106a of the rear structure assembly 106 as well. The coupling structure 202 is made up of a rigid material that is configured to hold firmly the right side panel 116 and the left side panel 114 to the pair of rear frames. Further, the one or more coupling structures 202 provide stability to the rear structure assembly 106, thereby providing stability to the rear structure assembly 106.
[00036] Although implementations for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary implementations of the present invention.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a vehicle body frame (117) including a pair of rear frames (117a, 117b) comprising a right side frame (117a) and a left side frame (117b), said right side frame (117a) and said left side frame (117b) each extend rearwardly in a vehicle longitudinal direction;
a right side panel (116) covering said right side frame (117a) and a left side panel (114) covering said left side frame (117b); and
a rear structure assembly (106) disposed in a well-defined gap formed between the right side panel (116) and the left side panel (114) at a rear end of the vehicle, said rear structure assembly (106) is attached to one or more frame mounting structures (203) disposed at a rear end of each of said right side frame (117a) and said left side frame (117b),
wherein,
said rear structure assembly (106) includes one or more mounting bosses (205) configured to receive said one or more frame mounting structures (203), and one or more protrusions (201) capable of receiving at least one extended flange (202a) of one or more coupling structures (202) attached to each of said right side panel (116) and said left side panel (114).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more coupling structures (202) include at least one mounting portion (202b) interposed between said one or more frame mounting structures (203) and said one or more mounting bosses (205).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear structure assembly (106) includes one or more edges (106a) overlapping on at least a portion of said right side panel (116) and said left side panel (114).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one mounting portion (202b) includes one or more mounting provisions (202bb) capable of receiving said one or more mounting bosses (205).
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more coupling structures (202) include at least one joining portion (202c) enabling attachment with said right side panel (116) and said left side panel (114).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said at least one joining portion (202c) is welded to at least a portion of each of said right side panel (116) and said left side panel (114).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more mounting bosses (205) and one or more protrusions (201) are disposed on a rear surface (204) of said rear structure assembly (106).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more frame mounting structures (203) includes one or more holes (203a) to receive said one or more mounting bosses (205).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more protrusions (201) are disposed at a proximity to a lower peripheral region (106a)
of said rear structure assembly (106) and said one or more mounting bosses (205) are disposed above said one or more protrusions (201).
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claim in claim 1, wherein said one or more protrusions (201) are made of polymers.