DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to mounting mechanism for vehicle part such as fuel tank cover, side cover, seat cowl, etc. The invention is more particularly though not exclusively relate to latch mounting mechanism for mounting of a fuel tank cover on the fuel tank.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ARTS

For various type of vehicles, many of the vehicle parts especially light metal or plastic parts need to be removably mounted on other parts of vehicle for easy assembly, providing easy access to inner or enclosed parts, easy maintenance, easy cleaning, etc. In case of saddle type vehicles such mounted parts typically are external vehicle body parts such as fuel tank cover, side cover, seat cowl, etc. It is essential that mounting of such parts shall be easy, quick, sturdy, and durable. Further, mechanism used for mounting of such parts should not affect aesthetics of the vehicle.
Conventionally various mounting mechanism are used for mounting or attaching of vehicle parts. These mechanism can be conveniently used between metal-metal or metal-plastic interface between the connecting parts. One of the most commonly used mechanism is use of threaded fasteners. However, when threaded fasteners such as bolt are used for mounting of vehicle parts, fasteners remain visible on external surface and affect aesthetics. When threaded fasteners are used, addition rubber grommets need to be provided for soft mounting which add cost and increases number of parts. Further, packaging space required for mounting using threaded fasteners is high and assembly is relatively difficult.
A bullet locking mechanism or pin fitting mechanism is another commonly used mounting mechanism in which bullets or pins are provided on base vehicle part and matching holes are provided on other vehicle part which is to be mounted. Part to be mounted is press fitted onto the bullets provide on base part. However, in such mechanism number of parts, cost and material required increase due to additional provision of bullets or pins. Welding of bullets on base part increases complexity and maintaining dimensional accuracy is challenging. Further, while using such mechanism maintaining the orientation of mounting part is difficult which makes assembly difficult.
Use of rivet fasteners such as push-push rivets is another commonly used mechanism however when rivet fasteners are used, they remain visible on external surface and affect aesthetics. Further, such fasteners are costly and require higher space.
In some cases dual tape such as Velcro tape is used for mounting of vehicle parts. However, mounting of vehicle parts using dual tape is not durable and can easily get negatively affected due to vehicle vibrations. Further assembly and disassembly of parts is difficult when the duel tape is used.
Thus, it can be observed that conventionally used mechanisms for mounting of the vehicle part require higher space and hence difficult to use in case of vehicle with compact design such as saddle type vehicles. Additionally, conventional mechanisms affect aesthetics negatively, are less durable and does not provide ease of assembly.
In view of the above, there exists a need for an improved vehicle part mounting mechanism in order to address issues and overcome the limitations of conventional mechanisms stated above.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly objective of the invention is to provide a vehicle part mounting mechanism that can be used between the vehicle parts where a very narrow space available between the vehicle parts.
Another objective of the invention is to provide a vehicle part mounting mechanism that can be used in compact vehicle designs.
Yet another objective of the invention is to provide to provide a vehicle part mounting mechanism that is easy to manufacture, durable and facilitates easy assembly.
Yet another objective of the invention is to provide to provide a vehicle part mounting mechanism that is less complex and cost effective.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
A vehicle part mounting mechanism comprising
a first vehicle part , a second vehicle part , wherein at least one latch assembly connected to one of the vehicle part; and
at least one mating element provided on the other vehicle part, which fits onto the said latch assembly and wherein the latch assembly includes a protruding base and at least one insert member attached to the protruding base.
The protruding base of the latch assembly can be in the form of a drawn cup from metal sheet. Protruding end of the drawn cup may be flattened to facilitate attaching of the insert member to the protruding base. The flattened surface of the protruding base and the insert member can be connected by welding such as spot welding, seam welding etc. Alternately, any other suitable attaching/joining means such as pasting, bolting, riveting or any combination thereof may be used. Joining of the insert member on the flattened surface of the protruding base also helps to improve sturdiness of the insert member.
In one of the embodiments of the invention the latch assembly comprising the protruding base and the insert member can be formed as a separate subassembly and then mounted on the vehicle part. Alternately, the protruding base and the insert member can be formed integrally.
The protruding base may also have flat edges (or surface) or may have edges with shape complementary to vehicle part surface to which it is connected. Such shape of the edges facilitates attaching of the protruding base to the vehicle part. The flat edges of the protruding base can be connected to the vehicle part by welding such as spot welding, seam welding etc. Alternately, any other suitable attaching/joining means such as pasting, bolting, riveting or combination thereof may be used. In case where the vehicle part on which the protruding base is to be mounted, is made of plastic, metal insert may be used for attaching the protruding base to the vehicle part.
The vehicle part to which the latch assembly is connected, may be provided with a local depression at a point where the latch assembly is connected to the vehicle part. Provision of local depression helps to packaging of latch assembly within narrow gap between mating vehicle parts without increasing the width of overall assembly. Further, the local depression also helps in minimizing loss of volume enclosed by the vehicle part on which latch assembly is attached.
In another aspect of the invention, the vehicle part may also be provided with plurality of locating embosses within the local depression at which latch assembly is connected. The provision of locating embosses helps in keeping the point of attachment of latch assembly consistent during manufacturing and thus improving dimensional accuracy. Further, provision of additional embosses can be made such that correct orientation of the latch assembly is maintained consistently during manufacturing and prevent errors during assembly process.
In another embodiment of the invention, the insert member of the latch assembly may be covered with a cap made of flexible material such as rubber. The cap can be in the form of a rubber grommet which helps to avoid rattling noise between mating vehicle parts and thus helps improve noise and vibration performance. The provision of cap is especially useful when the one of the mating part is metallic and other is made of plastic or both parts are metallic. Further, in case when one of part is made of plastic, provision of cap helps to prevent damage to plastic part.
The insert member of the latch assembly may be provided with at least one lug on its periphery such that the cap engages with lugs and remain in position without need of gluing or any other securing means.
In one of the embodiments of the invention, the insert member is in the shape of inverted U shaped metal sheet with two lungs, one on each of its lateral sides. The cap is in the form of rubber grommet insert member. Further, the cap is also provided with fixing provisions, for example opening on its lateral edges such that when cap is fitted over the insert member, lugs provided on lateral surface of the insert member passes through these provisions/openings and holds the cap in position without need of any other securing means. In another aspect of the invention, the cap be made semi open for easy insertion over the insert member having opening complementary to shape of the
In yet another embodiment of the invention the latch assembly along with the cap can be formed as a separate subassembly and then mounted on the vehicle part.
While using the part mounting mechanism according to the invention for mounting of the second vehicle part on first vehicle part, the first vehicle part is provided with at least one latch assembly along with cap on a side facing the second vehicle part during mounting and the second vehicle part is provided with a mating element which fits onto the latch assembly on a surface which faces the first vehicle part during mounting. The mating element can be in the form of an insert or hook type catch which fits to the latch assembly. While mounting of second vehicle part over first part, second vehicle part slides over the first part such that the latch assembly and the mating insert are in line and fits into each other. Other alternatives besides sliding can be employed for mounting of first part to second part
In order to achieve desired strength and orientation of the mating vehicle parts, provision of plurality of latch assembly and equivalent mating elements can be made over the surfaces of mating vehicle parts.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, provision of the latch assembly and the mating insert can be reversed i.e. the mating element can be provided on the first vehicle part and the latch assembly can be provided on the second vehicle part.
Vehicle part mounting mechanism according to invention can be used for mounting of various vehicle parts which include but not limited to fuel tank cover, vehicle side cover, seat cowl, battery cover, front fairing parts, mudguard, rear hugger, etc. The vehicle part mounting mechanism according to invention especially useful for mounting of the fuel tank cover or spoiler on to the fuel tank.
The vehicle part mounting mechanism of the invention can be used for mounting of vehicle parts where a very narrow space is available between the mating vehicle parts. The mechanism is especially useful in case of compact vehicle designs. The vehicle part mounting mechanism is easy to manufacture, durable and facilitates easy assembly. Further, the mechanism is less complex and cost effective.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1A and 1B are a side view and front view of a vehicle part mounting mechanism according prior art.
Figure 2 is a side view of a saddle type vehicle using vehicle part mounting mechanism according to one of the embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3A and 3B are isometric views fuel tank mounted with a fuel tank cover using vehicle part mounting mechanism according to one of the embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4A and 4B are isometric views fuel tank mounted with plurality of latch assemblies along with cap according to one of the embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5A and 5B are side views of a fuel tank showing provision of local depression and embossings for mounting of the latch assembly
Figure 6 is shows mounting of the latch assembly inside the local depression provided on fuel tank according one embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 is an isometric view of the latch assembly along with the cap according to one of the embodiment of invention.
Figure 8A and 8B are exploded views of the latch assembly and the cap according to one of the embodiment of invention.
Figure 9A and 9B are isometric view of the protruding base of the latch assembly of figure 7.
Figure 10A and 10B are isometric view of the insert member of the latch assembly of figure 7.
Figure 11A and 11B are isometric view of the cap for the insert member of the latch assembly of figure 7.
Figure 12A and 12B are sectional view of mounting of the fuel tank cover onto the fuel tank using the latch assembly of figure 7.
Figure 13A, 13B and 13C are sequential sectional views showing mounting of the fuel tank cover onto the fuel tank using the latch assembly of figure 7.
Figure 14A is a side view of the frame used in saddle type vehicle with the seat cowl and battery cover mounted on rear side of vehicle frame
Figure 14B is an isometric view of vehicle frame showing seat cowl and battery cover mounted on rear side of vehicle frame
Figure 14C is a side view of saddle type vehicle with seat cowl, front fairing and side cover mounted on vehicle frame

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The features of the present disclosure will become fully apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Description along with accompanying drawings depicts only embodiments in accordance with the disclosure. Below description along with accompanying drawings explains use of vehicle part mounting mechanism as per invention for mounting of a fuel tank cover onto the fuel tank as a one of the embodiment of the invention. Therefore, below description and accompanying drawing shall not to be considered limiting the scope of the invention. Various aspects, applications and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
As discussed earlier, conventional vehicle part mounting mechanisms require higher space and hence difficult to use in case of vehicle with compact design such as saddle type vehicles. Additionally, conventional mechanisms affect aesthetics negatively, are less durable and does not provide ease of assembly. One of such mechanism is shown in figure 1A and 1B. Figure 1A and 1B shows mounting of a fuel tank cover 310 onto a fuel tank 300 using threaded fasteners i.e. bolt 320. However, as seen in figures 1A and 1B, higher space is needed between the fuel tank cover 310 onto the fuel tank 300. Further, threaded fasteners 320 are visible from outside which affect aesthetics.
Figure 2 shows a saddle type vehicle using vehicle part mounting mechanism according to one of the embodiment of the invention. A saddle type vehicle 100 comprises a frame structure 10, a seat 5, a fuel tank 210, a fuel tank cover 200, a front wheel 7, a handle bar 9, a fork 25, a rear wheel 8, a mudguard 55, a seat cowl 65 and a rear hugger 75. The fuel tank 210 and the seat 5 are supported by the frame structure 10. Other parts of the vehicle such as front wheel 7, handle bar 9, rear wheel 8 are connected to the frame structure 10 in conventional manner.
The fuel tank 210 and the fuel tank cover 200 has a very narrow space available in between them. Thus providing suitable mounting mechanism for mounting the fuel tank cover 200 onto the fuel tank 210 is difficult. The fuel tank 210 mounted with the fuel tank cover 200 using a vehicle part mounting mechanism according to one of the embodiments of the present invention.
Referring to figure 3A to 6 and figure 13A. 13B, 13C, a vehicle part mounting mechanism of the invention comprises a latch assembly 400 attached to the fuel tank 210 and a mating insert 450 provided on the fuel tank cover 200, which fits onto the latch assembly 400.
The fuel tank 210 to which the latch assembly 400 is connected, is provided with a local depression 395 at a point where the latch assembly 400 is connected to the fuel tank 210. Provision of local depression 395 helps to packaging of latch assembly 400 within narrow gap between the fuel tank 210 and fuel tank cover 200 without increasing the width of overall assembly. Further, the local depression 395 also helps in minimizing loss of volume of the fuel tank 210.
In another aspect of the invention, the fuel tank 210 is also provided with plurality of locating embosses 405 within the local depression 395 at which the latch assembly 400 is connected. The provision of locating embosses 405 helps in keeping the point of attachment of latch assembly 400 consistent during manufacturing and thus improving dimensional accuracy. Further, provision of additional embosses 406 can be made to facilitate maintaining the correct orientation of the latch assembly 400 during manufacturing and prevent errors during assembly process.
Now referring to figure 7 to 11B, the latch assembly 400 includes a protruding base 410 and at least one insert member attached 420 to the protruding base 410. The protruding base 410 of the latch assembly is in the form of a drawn cup from metal sheet. Protruding end 414 of the protruding base 410 is flattened to facilitate attaching of the insert member 420 to the protruding base 410. The flattened surface of the protruding base 410 and the insert member 420 can be connected. Alternately, other suitable attaching means such as pasting, bolting, riveting or any combination thereof may be used. Joining of the insert member 420 on the flattened surface of the protruding base 410 also helps to improve sturdiness of the insert member 420. To further improve strength of joint between the insert member 420 and the protruding base 410, the insert member 420 is provided with angled base 426 which fits around protruding end 414 of the protruding base 410. The provision of angled base 426 increases area of contact between the insert member 420 and the protruding base 410, thus improving strength of joint.
In one of the embodiments of the invention the latch assembly 400 comprising the protruding base 410 and the insert member 420 can be formed as a separate subassembly and then mounted on the fuel tank 400. Alternately, the protruding base 410 and the insert member 420 can be formed integrally.
The edges 411 of the protruding base 410 formed around the protruding end 414 have shape complementary to the fuel tank surface to which it is connected. Such shape of the edges 411 facilitates attaching of the protruding base 410 to the fuel tank 210. The edges 411 of the protruding base 410 can be connected to the fuel tank 210 by welding such as spot welding, seam welding etc. at welding points 401. Alternately, any other suitable attaching/joining means such as pasting, bolting, riveting or combination thereof may also be used. In case where the fuel tank 210 on which the protruding base 410 is to be mounted, is made of plastic, metal insert may be used for attaching the protruding base 410 to the fuel tank 210.
The edges 411 of the protruding base 410 are also provided with grooves 412 having shape complementary to positioning embosses 405. While attaching the protruding base 410 to the fuel tank 210 so as to keep the point of attachment of latch assembly 400 consistent during manufacturing and thus improving dimensional accuracy. Further, provision of additional emboss 406 can be made to facilitate maintaining the correct orientation of the latch assembly 400 during manufacturing and prevent errors during assembly process. To achieve this, outer profile of the edges 411 of the protruding base 410 is such that the grooves 412 matches with positioning embosses 405 without getting obstructed by additional emboss 406 only when the orientation of the protruding base 410 is correct. If the orientation of the protruding base 410 is not correct, additional emboss 406 obstructs the smooth mounting of the protruding base 410 onto the fuel tank 210.
Referring to figure 7 to 11B, the insert member 420 of the latch assembly 400 is covered with a cap 430 made of flexible material such as rubber. The cap 430 can be in the form of a rubber grommet which helps to avoid rattling noise between the fuel tank 210 and the fuel tank cover 200. Thus the cap 430 helps improve noise and vibration performance. The provision of cap 400 helps to prevent damage to the fuel tank cover 200 which is made of plastic.
The insert member 420 is in the shape of inverted U shaped metal sheet with two lungs 425a and 425b, one on each of its lateral sides. The cap 430 is in the form of rubber grommet having opening complementary to shape of the insert member 420. Further, the cap 420 is also provided with openings 431 on its lateral edges such that when the cap 430 is fitted over the insert member 420, lugs 425a and 425b provided on lateral surface of the insert member 420 passes through these openings 431 and holds the cap 430 in position without need of any other securing means. The cap 430 is made semi open by keeping one of its side 432 open. The semi open side 432 assist in easy insertion over the insert member 420.
In yet another embodiment of the invention the latch assembly 400 along with the cap 430 can be formed as a separate subassembly and then mounted on the fuel tank 210.
Referring to figure 12A and 12B, when the fuel tank cover 200 is mounted over the fuel tank 210, a mating element in form of insert 450 provided on inner surface of the fuel tank cover 200 fits into gap formed between the insert member 420 and outer surface of the fuel tank 210.
Sequential mounting of the fuel tank cover 200 over the fuel tank 210 is shown in figure 13A to 13B. While using the mounting mechanism according to the invention for mounting of the fuel tank cover 200 on the fuel tank 210, the fuel tank 210 is provided with the latch assembly 400 along with cap 430 on outer face of the fuel tank 210 and the fuel tank cover 200 is provided with a mating insert 450 which fits onto the latch assembly 400 on an inner face of the fuel tank cover 200. The mating insert 450 is in the form of hook type catch which fits over the latch assembly 400. While mounting, the fuel tank cover 200 slide over the fuel tank 210 such that the latch assembly 400 and the mating insert 450 are in line and fits into each other.
In order to achieve desired strength and orientation of the mating vehicle parts, provision of plurality of latch assemblies 400 are provide over the outer surface of the fuel tank 210 and equivalent mating inserts 450 are provided on inner surface of the fuel tank cover 200. In present embodiment of the invention, four latch assemblies are provided on the outer surface of the fuel tank 210. One latch assembly is provided on each side surface of the fuel tank 210, whereas one latch assembly is provided on front top surface of the fuel tank 210. Equivalent four mating inserts 450 are provided on inner surface of the fuel tank cover 200.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, provision of the latch assembly 400 and the mating insert 450 can be reversed i.e. the mating insert can be provided on the fuel tank 210 and the latch assembly can be provided on the fuel tank cover 200.
Vehicle part mounting mechanism according to invention can also be suitably used for mounting of various vehicle parts. Figure 14A, 14B and 14C shows a frame structure 10 for a saddle type vehicle with seat cowl 65, battery cover 85 and vehicle side cover 45 mounted on the frame 10 while front fairing 35 mounted on fork 25. First vehicle part which is a frame structure 10, or a fork 25 may be provided with a mating element 450 and the corresponding latch assembly 400 may be provided on the second vehicle part which is seat cowl 65, battery cover 85, vehicle side cover 45 or front fairing 35 such that the mating element 450 provided on the frame or fork fits into the latch assembly 400 thereby securing seat cowl 65, battery cover 85, vehicle side cover 45 on vehicle frame 10 and front fairing 35 on fork 25. Alternatively, the second vehicle part i.e. seat cowl 65, battery cover 85, side cover 45, Front fairing 35 may be provided with mating element 450 and the first vehicle part i.e. frame member 10 or fork 25 may be provided with latch assembly 400. Similarly the proposed mounting mechanism may be used for mounting the other vehicle parts such as mounting mudguard 55 on fork 25 and rear hugger 75 on vehicle frame 10 as shown in figure 2.
The vehicle part mounting mechanism according to invention especially useful in saddle type of vehicle with compact designs. Plurality of latch assemblies and mating elements may be provided on each first or second vehicle part depending on weight, size and shape of the parts to be connected.
The vehicle part mounting mechanism of the invention can be used for mounting of vehicle parts where a very narrow space is available between the mating vehicle parts for e.g. the vehicle part mounting mechanism is used for mounting of fuel tank cover on the fuel tank when the gap between fuel tank cover and fuel tank is as low as 11 mm.
The mechanism is especially useful in case of compact vehicle designs such as saddle type vehicles. Further, the vehicle part mounting mechanism of the invention can be suitably adopted in three and four wheeled vehicles. The vehicle part mounting mechanism is easy to manufacture, durable and facilitates easy assembly. Further, the mechanism is less complex and cost effective.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.
,CLAIMS:1. A vehicle part mounting mechanism comprising;
a first vehicle part, a second vehicle part;
wherein at least one latch assembly connected to one of the vehicle part; and at least one mating element provided on the other vehicle part, which fits onto the said latch assembly.

2. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the latch assembly includes a protruding base and at least one insert member attached to the protruding base.

3. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein; the protruding base have at least one edge with shape complementary to vehicle part surface and used to attach the protruding base to the vehicle part.

4. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 3 wherein; the protruding base of the latch assembly is in the form of a drawn cup.

5. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 4 wherein; an end of protruding drawn cup base is flattened to facilitate attaching of the insert member to the protruding base.

6. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 5 wherein; the flattened surface of the protruding base and the insert member are connected by joining means.

7. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein; the protruding base of the latch assembly is made from metal sheet.

8. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein; the protruding base and the insert member are formed integrally as a single component.

9. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the vehicle part is provided with a local depression at a point where the latch assembly is connected to the vehicle part.

10. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 9 wherein; the vehicle part is provided with at least one locating emboss within the local depression at which latch assembly is connected.

11. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein; the insert member of the latch assembly is covered with a cap.

12. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 11 wherein; the insert member of the latch assembly is provided with at least one lug on its periphery which fits inside a fixing provision provided on the cap to fit the cap on the insert member.

13. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 11 wherein; the cap is made of a flexible material.

14. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 11 wherein; the cap is semi open for insertion over the insert member having opening complementary to shape of the insert member.

15. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein; the mating element is in the form of an insert or hook type catch which fits to the latch assembly.

16. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein; at least one latch assembly is provided on the first vehicle part with insert member on a side facing the second vehicle part and the second vehicle part is provided with at least one mating element which fits onto the latch assembly on a surface which faces the first vehicle part during mounting.

17. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 16 wherein; the second vehicle part slide over the first part such that the latch assembly and the mating element are in line and fits into each other.

18. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein; at least one latch assembly is provided on second vehicle part and at least one mating element is provided on first vehicle part.

19. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein; first vehicle parts include a fuel tank, a vehicle frame and a fork; the said first vehicle parts provided with at least one latch assembly and second vehicle parts include a fuel tank cover, a vehicle side cover, a seat cowl, a battery cover, a front fairing part, a mudguard and a rear hugger provided with at least one mating element which fits into the latch assembly provided on first vehicle part.

20. A vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein; first vehicle parts include a fuel tank, a vehicle frame and a fork ; the said first vehicle parts provided with at least one mating element and second vehicle parts include a fuel tank cover, a vehicle side cover, a seat cowl, a battery cover, a front fairing part, a mudguard and a rear hugger provided with at least one latch assembly wherein the mating element of first vehicle part fits into the latch assembly provided on the second vehicle part.

21. A vehicle provided with at least one first vehicle part and at least one second vehicle part provided with the vehicle part mounting mechanism as claimed in any of the claim above.