CN114475871A

CN114475871A - Saddle type vehicle with strut standing leg assembly

Info

Publication number: CN114475871A
Application number: CN202111220144.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·R·阿斯温克马尔; M·苏达山; M·苏巴什
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2020-10-24
Filing date: 2021-10-20
Publication date: 2022-05-13

Abstract

A saddle type vehicle (200) includes a frame structure (300) including a head pipe (301), a main frame (302) extending rearward from the head pipe (301), a first cross member (401) connecting top portions of down tubes (307, 309), and a second cross member (402) connecting bottom portions of the down tubes (307, 309). The vehicle further includes a strut foot subassembly (304), the strut foot subassembly (304) including a strut foot tube (405), at least one strut foot mounting bracket (404), and at least one strut foot integrated unit (406) connected to the second cross member (402). The strut foot integration unit (406) helps isolate and reduce deflection, thereby absorbing direct loads from the strut foot tube (405) and allowing forces from loads acting on the strut foot subassembly (304) to be efficiently transferred to the frame structure (300).

Description

Saddle type vehicle with strut standing leg assembly

Technical Field

The subject matter described herein relates generally to saddle-type vehicles and particularly, but not exclusively, to a strut stand subassembly in such vehicles.

Background

Conventionally, two types of vehicle parking devices are used to place a two-wheeled vehicle in a standing state, i.e., a pillar stand foot and a center stand foot. Both types of vehicle parking devices are subjected to static loads when the vehicle is placed vertically and help stabilize the vehicle. The pillar stand allows the two-wheeled vehicle to lean on its left side when viewed from the rider's perspective, while the center stand allows the two-wheeled vehicle to remain upright without leaning against another object. The strut foot is provided for balancing the vehicle in the parked state of the vehicle and is preferred over the central foot because of its quick retraction and ease of application.

Drawings

The detailed description will be made with reference to a two-wheeled vehicle and the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to like features and components.

1A-1C illustrate exemplary known different configurations of a strut foot mounting configuration in a two-wheeled vehicle;

FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle, as viewed from the rider's left hand side, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 schematically shows a left side view of the frame structure of the vehicle;

4A-4B illustrate exemplary strut standing foot assemblies attached to a main frame of a vehicle frame structure;

5A-5B and 5C illustratively show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the strut foot subassembly with the strut foot tube in different positions;

FIG. 6A illustratively shows a perspective view and an exploded view of a strut foot integrated unit 406 of a strut foot subassembly of a vehicle;

FIG. 6B schematically illustrates a plan view of the strut foot subassembly engaged with the frame structure;

7A-7C illustratively show different perspective views of a strut foot mounting bracket of the strut foot subassembly;

FIG. 8 illustratively shows a front perspective view of the strut foot mounting bracket attached to the strut foot integration unit;

9A-9B illustratively show schematic diagrams depicting the position of the strut foot assembly relative to the frame structure of the vehicle; and

FIG. 10 illustratively shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a strut foot subassembly mounted on a frame structure of a vehicle.

Detailed Description

Most modern two-wheeled vehicles are equipped with both a strut foot and a central foot. In everyday use, the rider often chooses to apply a strut foot as opposed to a central foot because it is easily accessible and easily deployable. The strut foot is typically mounted to the vehicle frame using a strut foot mounting bracket. The pivot shaft extends transversely relative to the main body frame, and the support leg is pivotable about the axis of the pivot shaft. The prop stand in the inclined position must effectively balance the weight of the vehicle in the parked condition and any failure to bear the weight can result in vehicle imbalance and toppling over, resulting in damage to vehicle components and discomfort to the vehicle user.

Fig. 1A-1C exemplarily show different known configurations of a strut foot mounting configuration in a two-wheeled vehicle. The strut foot 104 is mounted to the vehicle frame using a strut foot mounting bracket 103. The engine mounting bracket 102 forms a portion of a vehicle frame to which a strut foot mounting bracket 103 may be attached. The mounting of the pillar stand to the frame is different depending on the frame structure of the vehicle. As exemplarily shown in fig. 1A, the strut foot mounting bracket 103 is welded to the rider foot pedal 101. In fig. 1B, the pillar foot mounting bracket 103 is welded to a down tube 105 of the vehicle frame. In fig. 1C, a strut foot mounting bracket 103 is attached to the engine mounting bracket 102 of the vehicle. In fig. 1A-1B, the strut foot mounting bracket 103 is subject to a large amount of weld distortion and experiences high vibration at the tactile points. In fig. 1C, the overhang due to the configuration of attaching the column foot 104 to the column foot mounting bracket 103 causes instability of the vehicle.

Further, in all of these configurations, the thickness of the strut foot mounting bracket 103 is thicker than the thickness of the welded frame portion (such as the down tube 105 or the engine mounting bracket 102). The

frame portions

102, 105 to which the post foot mounting bracket 103 is attached are either tubular structures or metal plate structures having a relatively low thickness. When parking a vehicle using the strut foot 104, the load carried by the strut foot bracket 103 is transferred to these lower

thickness frame portions

102, 105, resulting in deflection or deformation of the

frame portions

102, 105 and failure of the weld joints between the strut foot mounting bracket 103 and the

frame portions

102, 105. Due to the variation in thickness, a large amount of welding deformation due to poor surface contact between the two

members

103 and 102, 105 may occur at the weld joint.

Further, the mounting arrangement provided on the column foot mounting bracket for mounting the column foot bracket to the frame and the column foot to the column foot mounting bracket results in uneven distribution of the load on the column foot bracket and may overhang the side of the surface thereof on which the column foot mounting arrangement is provided. Parking of the vehicle may be unstable due to the overhang of the strut foot mounting bracket caused by the rear axle load of the vehicle, and then eventually lead to the vehicle tipping over.

In other variants of mounting the pillar foot, a cross member having a large cross section is used, which extends in the width direction of the vehicle and further extends outward. This arrangement tends to add weight due to the extension and also requires modification of the existing frame structure. Furthermore, since the extension of the cross member does not facilitate the installation of the footrest assembly, it is necessary to attach a number of separate installation parts for installing the footrest. In yet another variation of mounting the column foot, a light alloy frame and an adjoining reinforcing element are attached to the column foot mounting bracket for reinforcement. However, the stiffener is fastened directly to a sheet metal support in the form of an engine mounting bracket that tends to deform under bending loads.

Also in some embodiments, when the reinforcing member is used to reinforce an engine mounting bracket, the manufacturing and assembly time and costs associated therewith are increased, and the ground clearance for mounting the vehicle engine is also reduced. In some other embodiments, the strut foot is attached to a foot pedal tube of the vehicle, which also requires additional components, such as a foot pedal tube. Furthermore, the position of the strut foot in the vehicle needs to be accessible to the rider of the vehicle without significantly affecting the center of gravity of the vehicle, and the position of the foot pedal relative to the strut foot needs to be ergonomically friendly for the rider to deploy and release the strut foot in the vehicle safely and easily.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved vehicle design having a strut stand foot assembly that ensures balanced parking of the vehicle for long periods of time, with proper load distribution and reduced welding distortion of the vehicle frame, while also maintaining easy and safe deployment of the strut stand foot through multiple cycles.

The present subject matter has been devised in view of the above circumstances and to solve other problems of the known art. The design of the strut foot assembly disclosed herein addresses the problems of parking instability leading to vehicle imbalance, slip and dump effects, improper load distribution of the strut foot assembly to the frame, welding distortion on the frame associated with the strut foot bracket, frame member bending during load application of the strut foot, and poor durability/life of the strut foot assembly.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a saddle-type two-wheeled vehicle having a strut stand subassembly is disclosed. The saddle type vehicle includes a frame structure and a pillar stand subassembly. The frame structure includes a head pipe and a main frame extending rearward from the head pipe. The strut foot subassembly includes a strut foot tube, at least one strut foot mounting bracket, and at least one strut foot integrated unit operatively connected to one another. At least one strut foot integration unit is connected to one of the plurality of cross members of the frame structure.

The plurality of cross members includes a first cross member connecting a top portion of the at least one down tube and a second cross member connecting a bottom portion of the at least one down tube. The frame structure is supported by the front and rear wheels of the vehicle. The at least one lower tube is a left rear lower tube and a right rear lower tube extending downward from the rear bent portion of the main frame.

In one embodiment, the left rear down tube and the right rear down tube are laterally separated by a predetermined distance, forming a receiving space therebetween. The frame structure also includes at least one top power unit mounting bracket positioned adjacent to top portions of the left and right rear down tubes and at least one bottom power unit mounting bracket positioned adjacent to bottom portions of the left and right rear down tubes. In another embodiment, the first cross member mounts a rider footrest assembly of the saddle type vehicle. In yet another embodiment, the second cross member mounts a center-standing foot subassembly of the saddle type vehicle. At least one of the strut foot integrated units includes a central receiving portion for receiving the laterally extending end of the second cross member. The at least one strut foot integrated unit further comprises an extended body portion comprising at least one mounting arrangement on both sides of the central receiving portion. The extended body portion of the at least one strut foot integrated unit includes a front brace and a rear brace forming a box structure. The central receiving portion of the at least one strut foot integrated unit connects the extension body portion and the laterally extending end of the second cross member and extends laterally inward from the rear bracket toward the frame structure when the strut foot subassembly is mounted on the frame structure.

The strut foot mounting bracket includes a top portion having at least two top mounting configurations corresponding to at least one mounting configuration of the strut foot integrated unit for mounting the strut foot mounting bracket to the strut foot integrated unit and a bottom portion having at least one bottom mounting configuration for coupling the strut foot pipe with the strut foot integrated unit. The central receiving portion of the at least one strut foot integrated unit and the at least one mounting configuration of the bottom portion of the strut foot mounting bracket are collinear when the strut foot subassembly is mounted on the frame structure. In one embodiment, the at least two top mounting configurations of the strut foot mounting bracket and the central receiving portion of the at least one strut foot integrated unit form a top triangle. In one embodiment, the at least two top mounting configurations and the at least one mounting configuration of the bottom portion of the column foot mounting bracket form a bottom triangle. The bottom portion of the stanchion foot mounting bracket is inclined at an angle substantially equal to 45 ° relative to the top portion. The strut standing leg tubes are coupled to the strut standing leg mounting brackets by U-shaped brackets.

In one embodiment, the first cross member and the second cross member lie in a common vertical plane when viewed in a side view of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the common vertical plane through the second cross member is disposed substantially at the longitudinal center of the saddle type vehicle. The ratio of the longitudinal length of the vehicle to the distance between a common vertical plane through the first and second cross members and the front axle is approximately 2: 1.

In one embodiment, the ratio of the distance between the strut foot tube ground abutment and a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal center of the saddle type vehicle to the distance between the strut foot tube mounting point and the saddle type vehicle vertical plane is about 2: 1. In one embodiment, the angle formed by the strut standing foot tube mounting point relative to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal center of the saddle type vehicle is substantially the same as the angle formed by the extrapolated strut standing foot ground abutment point relative to the saddle type vehicle vertical plane.

In one embodiment, the angle formed by the strut foot tube mounting point with respect to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal center of the saddle type vehicle and the angle formed by the extrapolated strut foot ground abutment point with respect to the saddle type vehicle vertical plane are approximately 45 °. In one embodiment, the vertical plane extends from a longitudinal center of the saddle-ride type vehicle to a ground level, and wherein a ratio of a distance between the longitudinal center of the saddle-ride type vehicle and the ground level to a distance between the longitudinal center of the saddle-ride type vehicle and a wheel axle center of the rear wheel is approximately 2: 1.

Another embodiment of a saddle type vehicle having a frame structure is disclosed wherein a strut foot subassembly includes a strut foot tube and at least one strut foot mounting bracket operatively connected to each other. In this embodiment, at least one strut foot mounting bracket is attached to the bottom engine mounting bracket of the frame structure by a reinforcing member.

Positioning the strut station foot subassembly according to a control ratio (gorging ratio) contributes to the stability of the strut station foot and the vehicle in the parked and retracted states. The proposed design includes a strut foot integration unit connecting the strut foot mounting bracket to the frame and pivoting to either side of a cross member that provides the frame with greater structural strength. In fact, this design creates a trigonometric effect that can resist bending moments in addition to axial forces. Further, the bending stress from the column foot is equally received by the collar (bushing) and the screw member of the column foot integrated unit on both sides, so that any bending in the column foot mounting bracket as described in the prior art is completely suppressed when the column foot is rotated. The box section of the integrated unit of the post station foot forming a closed loop helps to isolate and reduce deflection, thereby absorbing direct loads from the post station foot, providing efficient transfer of forces from loads acting on the post station foot subassembly to the frame.

The position at which the pillar stand is inclined matches the center of gravity in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which contributes to effectively balancing the weight of the vehicle between the front and rear wheel axles. The stud stand height is determined with respect to the vertical center of gravity and the tire size, with a 1: 2 mounting height to ground ratio, which helps to achieve greater stability in the parked state. The angle of inclination of the column foot resulting from the forward angle of about 15 ° and the retraction angle of about 90 ° contributes to improving the operation thereof and ensuring the convenience of operation during retraction. Therefore, the column stand can be smoothly rotated, and the durability of the side stand is improved. The strut foot subassembly may be used as a subassembly to reduce the weight of the frame and packaging requirements. Further, the strut foot switching assembly and the engine stop may be integrated with the strut foot mounting bracket for providing an alarm and ensuring safety during strut foot operation. The design of the strut foot subassembly can be deployed in any two-wheeled vehicle that requires a strut foot function to balance the vehicle when the vehicle is parked. Exemplary embodiments of features relating to the foregoing advantages and other advantages of the present subject matter will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of the different embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description set forth below. Also, the following description provides convenient illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements that incorporate the principles of the subject matter may be devised, although not explicitly described or shown herein. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Further, it is noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front", "forward", "rearward", "downward", "upward", "top", "bottom", "outer", "inner" and similar terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or standing state of the two-wheeled vehicle on which the driver is riding. Further, an arrow provided anywhere in the upper right corner of the drawing depicts a direction relative to the vehicle, where arrow F represents a forward direction, arrow R represents a rearward direction, arrow Up represents an upward direction, arrow Dw represents a downward direction, arrow RH represents a right side, and arrow LH represents a left side. 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.

Fig. 2 exemplarily illustrates a side view of a saddle-type vehicle 200 as viewed from a rider's left-hand side when the rider is in a riding position according to an embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated saddle-ride type vehicle 200 is a two-wheeled vehicle that includes a frame structure 300 shown in fig. 3 to support various portions of the two-wheeled vehicle 200. The handlebar 209 is rotatably integrally connected to a steering shaft (not shown). The head pipe rotatably supports the steering shaft within a certain range. The handlebar 209 is used to steer the two-wheeled vehicle 200 and is connected to the front wheel 204 by a steering shaft (not shown) and a front fork assembly 206. The upper portion of the front wheel 204 is covered by a front fender 216 that prevents mud and water from deflecting toward the steering shaft. Further, the front fork assembly 206 is supported on the front fender 216 by a support fender.

At a front portion of the main body frame, a fuel tank 217 is disposed immediately behind the handle 209 and above the first power source (e.g., engine 219). The seat assembly 210 is disposed behind a fuel tank 217. The seat assembly 210 includes a front rider seat portion 211a and a rear rider seat portion 211 b. The rear-seat rider seat portion 211b is disposed on a rear portion of the frame structure 300, wherein the rear portion of the frame structure 300 is covered by the tail cap assembly 203.

A headlight unit 212 and a turn signal lamp unit (not shown) are provided on a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle 200 for the safety of the rider and in conformity with traffic regulations. On the rear portion of two-wheeled vehicle 200, tail lamp 213 and retro-reflector 218 are disposed on the rear portion of tail cover assembly 203.

The suspension system is provided for comfortable steering of the two-wheeled vehicle 200 on the road. The front fork assembly 206 forming the front suspension system acts as a rigid member, just like a frame structure. The front fork assembly 206, which is clamped to the head pipe (not shown) by the upper bracket (not shown) and the lower bracket (not shown), can move leftward and rightward. Furthermore, the rear suspension system 215 is a hydraulic damping device, which is connected to the frame structure 300. The rear suspension system 215 comprises at least one rear suspension (not shown) preferably arranged in the centre of the longitudinal mid-plane of the two-wheeled vehicle 200. However, in the two-wheeled vehicle 200 having two rear suspensions, the two rear suspensions may be respectively provided on the left and right sides of the two-wheeled vehicle 200.

A first power source, such as an engine 219, is mounted to a lower front portion of the frame structure 300 by at least one engine mounting bracket (not shown). The engine 219 is equipped with an exhaust system including an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the engine 219 and a muffler (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler extends rearward along the right side of the rear wheel 205. Further, a swing arm 207 extending rearward is swingably connected to a lower rear portion of the frame structure 300. The rear wheel 205 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the swing arm 207. Power from the engine 219 is transmitted to the rear wheels 205 through a power drive mechanism (such as a power transmission chain), thereby driving and rotating the rear wheels 205.

The rider footrest (not shown) is mounted by additional mounting structure mounted to the frame structure 300. A rear fender 214 for covering an upper side of the rear wheel 205 is mounted to a rear portion of the frame structure 300 to prevent mud and water splashed by rotation of the rear wheel 205 from entering the muffler, the engine 219, and other components disposed nearby. In the present embodiment, since the distance between rear wheel 205 and rear fender 214 is large, second rear fender 202 is provided immediately above rear wheel 205. To improve the overall aesthetic appearance of the two-wheeled vehicle 200 and to prevent unwanted foreign particles from entering the components of the two-wheeled vehicle 200, a plurality of rear covers (not shown) are attached to the rear portion of the frame structure 300. The area under the seat assembly 210 and the fuel tank 217 of the two-wheeled vehicle 100 is covered on both sides by the cover frame assembly 201. The cover frame assembly 201 is also connected to the frame structure 300 and the tail cover assembly 203.

Fig. 3 exemplarily shows a left side view of the frame structure 300 of the vehicle 200. The front portion of the frame structure 300 includes a head pipe 301. The head pipe 301 supports a front suspension assembly that also steerably supports the handle 209. The central portion of the frame structure 300 includes a main frame 302 extending rearwardly from a head pipe 301. The frame structure 300 is supported by front wheels 204 and rear wheels 205. The main frame 302 also extends rearward and upward as a rear pipe 303 to form a rear portion of the main frame 300 that supports other components of the vehicle 200 at the rear portion. The frame structure 300 further includes left and right rear down tubes 307, not shown, extending in a downward direction from a rear curved portion 308 of the main frame 302.

At the lower portion of each of the lower tubes 307, a strut foot subassembly 304 and a central foot subassembly 305 are attached. Further, in one embodiment, a footrest assembly 306 is also attached at a lower portion of the lower tube 307. As shown in fig. 4, a first cross tube (not shown) is connected at the top portions of the right and left rear down tubes 307. As shown in fig. 4, a second cross tube (not shown) is connected at the bottom portions of the right and left rear down tubes 307. The central station foot subassembly 305 and the foot pedal subassembly 306 are attached to the second cross tube by fasteners sandwiched between a pair of brackets.

Fig. 4A-4B exemplarily illustrate a strut foot assembly 304 attached to a main frame 302 of a frame structure 300 of the vehicle 200. Fig. 4A illustratively shows a side perspective view of the strut foot subassembly 304, and fig. 4B illustratively shows a front cross-section near the strut foot subassembly 304. As exemplarily shown, the frame structure 300 includes, in addition to the

down tubes

307, 309, a top power unit mounting bracket 310 and a bottom power unit mounting bracket 311. Top power unit mounting bracket 310 and bottom power unit mounting bracket 311 are separate brackets to mount a power unit (e.g., engine 219) to frame structure 300. In one embodiment, top power unit mounting bracket 310 and bottom power unit mounting bracket 311 are formed as a single plate structure that extends substantially along the length of the

down tubes

307, 309 having a mounting arrangement at the ends thereof. The power

unit mounting brackets

310, 311 are formed from sheet metal and have a configuration, such as a hole, in them that engages the engine mounting configuration. The top power unit mounting bracket 310 is welded to the

lower tubes

307, 309 adjacent the first cross member 401. The bottom power unit mounting bracket 311 is welded to the

lower tubes

307, 309 adjacent the second cross member 402. The exemplary first and

second cross members

401, 402 are shown as hollow or solid cylindrical structures extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle 200 between the two down

tubes

307, 309. The first cross member 401 is shorter in length than the second cross member 402. The ends of the second cross member 402 extend beyond the

lower tubes

307, 309. The

cross members

401, 402 are welded along their length to the

lower tubes

307, 309 of the frame structure 300. In one embodiment, the

cross members

401, 402 may be fastened to the

down tubes

307, 309 by fasteners. The material of the

cross members

401, 402 may be the same as or different from the material of the frame structure 300. The left rear lower tube 307 and the right rear lower tube 309 are laterally separated by a predetermined distance to form an accommodation space therebetween.

As can be seen, the strut foot subassembly 304 is disposed on the left side of the vehicle 200, while the footrest subassembly 306 and swing arm assembly (not shown) are disposed on both sides of the vehicle 200. The footrest subassembly 306 includes rider pedals 403. The

cross members

401, 402 have mounting configurations to engage with mounting configurations (such as holes) of the foot pedal subassembly 306, swing arm subassembly (not shown), the stanchion foot subassembly 304, and the central foot subassembly 305 by fasteners or welding. The strut foot subassembly 304 is attached to one end 402a of the second cross member 311. The center station leg assembly 305 of the vehicle 200 is connected to a second cross member 402 at the rear of the bottom power unit mounting bracket 311. The strut foot subassembly 304 includes a strut foot tube 405, at least one strut foot mounting bracket 404, and at least one strut foot integrated unit 406. Here, a strut foot integrated unit 406 and a strut foot mounting bracket 404 are shown by way of example. The strut foot integrated unit 406 is connected to the end 402a of the second cross member 402. The construction of the strut foot assembly 304 is further explained.

Fig. 5A-5B and 5C illustratively show a perspective view of the strut foot subassembly 304 and a cross-sectional view of the strut foot subassembly 304 with the strut foot tube 405 in different positions, respectively. The strut foot subassembly 304 includes a strut foot tube 405, a strut foot mounting bracket 404, and a strut foot integrated unit 406. The strut foot integrated unit 406 is welded at its rear surface to the end 402a of the second cross member 402. On the front surface of the strut foot integrated unit, the strut foot integrated unit 406 includes a mounting arrangement for attaching the strut foot integrated unit 406 to the strut foot mounting bracket 404.

The strut foot mounting bracket 404 includes a top mounting configuration 501 to engage with a mounting configuration of the strut foot integrated unit 406 using fasteners 502 (such as screws, nuts and bolts, snap fasteners, etc.). The strut foot mounting bracket 404 is secured to the frame structure 300 by a top mounting arrangement 501 in the strut foot integration unit 406. The stanchion foot mounting bracket 404 also includes a bottom mounting arrangement (not shown) for mounting the U-shaped bracket 408 using fasteners 503. The post stand pipe 405 is swingably pivoted by a U-shaped bracket 408. As shown in fig. 5C, the strut foot mounting bracket 404 has an approximately 45 degree angular bend in its structure. A bottom mounting arrangement is provided in the stanchion foot mounting bracket 404 behind the bend for securing the U-shaped bracket 408.

The strut standing leg tube 405 is a curved tube having a standing leg base 412 on the distal side and a foot assist portion 411 disposed adjacent to the standing leg base 412. The stand-off base 412 is a flat portion of the pillar stand-off tube 405 and the vehicle 200 rests on the stand-off base 412 when the pillar stand-off subassembly 304 is deployed. The foot assist portion 411 is provided to allow the strut standing foot tube 405 to be rotated between the standing and retracted positions about the pivot axis of the bolt 503 of the U-shaped bracket 408 by the foot action of the rider or user. The standing or retracted position of the column station foot tube 405 is maintained by a tension spring 407, the tension spring 407 being connected between an extension member 409 and a hook 410 on the rear surface of the column station foot tube 405 facing the

lower tubes

307, 309. An extension member 409 extends substantially transversely horizontally from the column foot mounting bracket 404 and is disposed adjacent the U-shaped bracket 408. The hook 410 is positioned at a location approximately mid-length of the strut standing tube 405. To park the vehicle 200, the post stand foot tube 405 is rotated from the retracted position shown in phantom to the upright position. The pillar stand foot tube 405 is coupled to the frame structure 300 at a predetermined angle relative to a vertical axis by a pillar stand foot mounting bracket 404 for deploying the pillar stand foot tube 405 and parking the vehicle 200 in a balanced manner.

Fig. 6A illustratively shows a perspective view and an exploded view of the strut foot integrated unit 406 of the strut foot subassembly 304 of the vehicle 200. The strut foot integrated unit 406 includes an extension body portion 602 and a central receiving portion 601 extending substantially orthogonally from the extension body portion 602. The central receiving portion 601 is an open tubular structure having a substantially semi-circular cross-section that engages the end 402a of the second cross member 402. The extension body portion 602 has a flat outer surface and includes a mounting arrangement 603 for engaging with the top mounting arrangement of the stanchion foot mounting bracket 404. The central receiving portion 601 is welded to the second cross member 402 in a portion adjacent to the end 402a of the second cross member 402. The central receiving portion 601 acts as a reinforcement and support reinforcement member to help the strut standing foot subassembly 304 carry bending loads.

The extended body portion 602 has a box-like structure. The top surface of the extended body portion 602 includes

recesses

605a, 605b for receiving the second cross member 402. The extension body portion 602 includes front and

rear brackets

602a, 602b and a mounting bushing 604, the front and

rear brackets

602a, 602b having a mounting

configuration

603a, 603b in a line, and the mounting bushing 604 being positioned in the mounting

configuration

603a, 603 b. The front bracket 602a supports the mounting of the strut foot mounting bracket 404 and the strut foot tube 405 to the extension body portion 602. The rear bracket 602b forms a closed loop with the front bracket 602 a. The central receiving portion 601 connects the extension main body portion 602 and the laterally extending end 402a of the second cross member 402.

The central receiving portion 601 extends laterally inward from the rear bracket 602b toward the frame structure 300. The depth of the

recesses

605a, 605b is the same as the depth of the central receiving portion 601. The

recesses

605a, 605b and the central receiving portion 601 receive the second cross member 402 and the central receiving portion 601 is welded to the second cross member 402. In an embodiment, the stiffeners 601 are welded to the

recesses

605a, 605b in the front and

rear brackets

602a, 602b, respectively, and extend orthogonally to form a central receiving portion.

The front and

rear brackets

602a and 602b are welded together as a peripheral subassembly, forming a rigid box structure that extends the body portion 602. The size of the rectangular front bracket 602a is larger than the size of the rectangular rear bracket 602b such that the front bracket 602a surrounds the rear bracket 602 b. The mounting arrangements (i.e., the

holes

603a, 603b in the front and rear brackets) are in line and receive a threaded mounting bushing 604 therein. The mounting

holes

603a, 603b and the mounting bushing 604 engage the fastener 502 shown in fig. 5C to fasten the column foot mounting bracket 404 to the column foot integration unit 406.

Fig. 6B illustratively shows a plan view of the strut foot subassembly 304 engaged with the frame structure 300. As exemplarily shown, the central receiving portion 601 is welded to the second cross member 402 in a portion adjacent to the end 402a of the second cross member 402. The central receiving portion 601 has a profile that conforms to the tubular second cross member 402 and receives a substantial length of the second cross member 402. The central receiving portion 601 is also seen extending from the extended body portion 602 of the strut foot integrated unit 406. The extended body portion 602 of the strut foot integrated unit 406 is fastened to the strut foot mounting bracket 404, and the strut foot tube 405 extends from the U-shaped bracket 408 on the strut foot mounting bracket 404.

Fig. 7A-7C illustratively show different perspective views of the strut foot mounting bracket 404 of the strut foot subassembly 304. As exemplarily shown, on the front surface 704, the strut foot mounting bracket 404 includes a plurality of top mounting configurations 501, i.e., holes for mounting the strut foot mounting bracket 404 to the strut foot integration unit 406. Each of these top mounting configurations 501 is positioned in line with the mounting configuration 603 in the extended body portion 602 of the strut foot integrated unit 406. Only two top mounting configurations 501 adjacent the edge of the strut foot mounting bracket 404 in the top portion 702 of the strut foot mounting bracket 404 are shown in fig. 7A-7C. However, the number of mounting configurations is not limited to only two; there may be a plurality of evenly distributed mounting configurations on the top portion 702 of the stanchion foot mounting bracket 404. The stanchion foot mounting bracket 702 has an irregular shape, similar to the shape of a amoeba. The stanchion foot mounting bracket 404 has a top portion 702 with a top mounting arrangement 501 and a bottom portion 703 with a bottom mounting arrangement 701 separated by a corner bend about the axis X-X'. The bottom portion 703 is inclined at an angle of about 45 deg. about the axis X-X' relative to the top portion 702.

The bottom mounting arrangement 701 (i.e., the hole) receives the main column standing leg 405 via a U-shaped bracket 408. Further, in the bottom portion 703, mounting

arrangements

706, 708 for mounting a return spring and a switching unit (not shown) by a hook 707 are provided on the front surface 704 and the rear surface 705, respectively. The top portion 702 of the stanchion foot mounting bracket 404 is wider and narrows toward the bottom portion 703. In the bottom portion 703 of the column foot mounting bracket 404, the bottom mounting arrangement 701 is centrally located between the top mounting arrangements 501. The bottom mounting arrangement 701 is used to couple the column foot tube 405 with the column foot integrated unit 406 using a U-shaped bracket 408.

Fig. 8 illustratively shows a front perspective view of the strut foot mounting bracket 404 attached to the strut foot integrated unit 406. As shown, the strut foot mounting bracket 404 is fastened to the strut foot integrated unit 406 using fasteners 502 in a top mounting configuration 501. The surface 704 of the top portion 702 of the strut foot mounting bracket 404 covers only the mounting configuration 603 of the extension body portion 602 and follows the outer contour of the

recesses

605a, 605b in the extension body portion 602 of the strut foot integrated unit 406. The bottom mounting arrangement 701 is positioned co-linear with the central receiving portion 601 of the post-foot integrated unit 406. That is, the shape of the strut foot mounting bracket 404 is such that the frame mounting of the strut foot subassembly 304 and the mounting of the strut foot tube 405 are arranged in a collinear manner. Further, the top mounting arrangement 501 is located on both sides of the central receiving portion 601. Thus, a top triangle shown in dashed lines is formed between the top mounting arrangement 501 and the central receiving portion 601, and a bottom triangle shown in dashed lines is formed between the top mounting arrangement 501 and the bottom mounting arrangement 701. When the pillar stand foot tube 405 is deployed to park the vehicle 200, the pillar stand foot tube 405 strikes an edge 709 of the pillar stand foot mounting bracket 404 and the load carried by the pillar stand foot tube 405 is transferred from the U-shaped bracket 408 in the bottom mounting configuration 701 to the central receiving portion 601 connected to the second cross member 402. The mounting spacing between the top mounting arrangements 501 allows for equal distribution of load to the top mounting arrangements 501 and the extended body portion 602 of the strut foot integrated unit 406. The evenly distributed load is transferred to the central receiving portion 601 and thus to the second cross member 402 in the frame structure 300 of the vehicle 200. Due to the triangularization of the top mounting arrangement 501, the bottom mounting arrangement 701, and the central receiving portion 601, the mounting spacing between the top mounting arrangement 501 facilitates efficient transfer of loads between the column foot mounting bracket 404 and the column foot integration unit 406, and thus to the frame structure 300. Thus, the positioning of the strut foot integration unit 406 on the frame structure 300 and the strut foot tube 405 creates a rigid support trigonometric effect and balances the strut foot tube load during its application.

Once the accessibility of the strut foot assembly 304 is fixed by its configuration, it is important to position the strut foot assembly 304 at a location on the frame structure 300, as described in the description of fig. 9A-9B, by determining factors such as the weight of the vehicle 200, the center of gravity of the vehicle 200, the vehicle plane on the strut foot tube 405, the point of contact of the strut foot tube 405 on the ground, the tire size, the vertical load exerted on the strut foot assembly 405, and the like.

Fig. 9A-9B illustratively show schematic diagrams depicting the positioning of the strut foot assembly 304 relative to the frame structure 300 of the vehicle 200 when in a deployed state. As exemplarily shown in fig. 9A, the position of the pillar stand pipe 405 is shown relative to the wheelbase of the vehicle 200 when deployed. "a" represents the wheelbase, i.e. the distance between the front axle 204 and the rear axle 205. "b" represents the distance at which the strut foot subassembly 304 is mounted from the front axle 204. "c" represents the distance of the strut foot base 412 from the front axle 204. The location at which the post-stand subassembly 304 is mounted on the frame structure 300 is selected to be at a location where the a: b ratio is approximately 2: 1. That is, when viewed in a vehicle side view, the first cross member 401 and the second cross member 402 lie in a common vertical plane YY ', and the common vertical plane YY' passing through the second cross member 402 is disposed substantially at the longitudinal center of the vehicle 200.

When deployed, the position of the strut foottube 405 is arranged to balance the vehicle center of gravity in the vertical, lateral and longitudinal directions of force. The position of the strut foot subassembly 304 effectively transfers weight during application of the strut foot tube 405, and the angle of inclination of the strut foot tube 405 relative to the vertical axis helps to offset the weight.

As exemplarily shown in fig. 9B, a work ratio (work ratio) is determined to position the mast station foot assembly 304 on the frame structure 300 relative to the height of the vehicle 200. The workings are important for determining the position of the post station foot tube 405 and for improving the stability of the post station foot tube 405. The ratio of the tire size of the vehicle 200 to the height of the pillar stand foot tube 405 in the vertical direction helps to overcome the toppling of the vehicle 200 when the pillar stand foot tube 405 is deployed. In addition, the lateral offset of the post station foot tube 405 mounting to the point where the post station foot tube 405 contacts the ground helps to account for the ground reach of the post station foot tube 405 and overcome the slip effect when the post station foot tube 405 is deployed.

As shown in fig. 9B, a line OB indicates a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal center O of the vehicle 200; point C represents the center of the rear axle 205; point G represents the mounting point of the stanchion foot assembly 304 on the frame structure 300 (identified by the axis of the central receiving portion 601); point D represents the extension of the strut foot mounting point to the center plane of the vehicle 200; point F represents (in the vehicle vertical position) the strut standing tube ground abutment; point E represents the extension of the strut foot tube ground abutment point F to the vehicle center plane; point H represents the vertical descent from the post standing leg mounting point G to the post standing leg ground abutment plane EF; point B represents a point indicating the ground plane; and point a represents the extrapolation of the strut foot ground abutment point F (in the vehicle upright position). To ensure stability of the vehicle 200 and the pillar stand foot tube 405 in an inclined position, the position of the pillar stand foot subassembly 405 is determined to be configured such that the length OB: length OC is approximately 2: 1, the length FE: length GD is approximately 2: 1, and the angle (GCD) and angle (CAB) are approximately 45.

Thus, the positioning of the strut foot subassembly 304 on the frame structure 300 at a location that matches the center of gravity of the vehicle 200 in both the vertical and longitudinal directions, the ratio of the tire size to the mounting height of the strut foot subassembly 304, and the distance of the strut foot tube 405 from the vehicle center plane where it is mounted to the point of ground contact contribute to reducing the overhang distance and improving the stability of the strut foot subassembly 304.

Fig. 10 illustratively shows a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a strut foot subassembly 405 mounted on the frame structure 300 of the vehicle 200. In this embodiment, the strut foot mounting bracket 405 is mounted directly to the bottom engine mounting bracket 311 of the frame structure 300. The strut foot mounting bracket 405 is welded to the bottom engine mounting bracket 311 by a reinforcing member 1001, the reinforcing member 1001 reinforcing the junction of the strut foot mounting bracket 405 and the connecting member of the bottom engine mounting bracket 311. In this embodiment, the strut foot integration unit 406 is removed and the reinforcement member 1001 is added.

The design of a pillar stand foot subassembly in a vehicle according to the present invention provides the following technical advances in the field of manufacture, assembly and use of pillar stand foot subassemblies: the post station foot assembly is a modular structure that is easy to manufacture, assemble, repair, maintain and replace, and reduces associated costs. The location of mounting the strut foot assembly on the frame structure of the vehicle does not interfere with the center of gravity of the vehicle, thereby facilitating stable parking of the vehicle, vehicle mobility, and stable driving. The column foot mounting bracket does not exhibit any overhang under load due to the spacing of the mounting arrangements on its surface and the angular bends on its surface. The structure of the strut foot subassembly pivoted to the second cross member and the strut foot bracket on which the strut foot tube rests creates a trigonometric effect. This helps to minimize direct loads to the frame and reduces deflection of the strut foot mounting bracket, overcoming the problems in the prior art. The ergonomic position of the strut foot relative to the rider is an important parameter defined by the length of the strut foot and its offset relative to the vehicle center plane. The forward and retraction angles facilitate articulation of the prop foot.

The position of the strut foot subassembly ensures the primary purpose of foot operation, reach out from the rider foot pedal, and articulation of the foot during opening and closing. The post station foot assembly can be easily mounted to the frame structure of the workstation and also easily packaged to meet the specific requirements of different markets and customers. The strut foot reinforcement welded at the rear portion to the strut foot integrated unit serves as a support reinforcement contributing to bearing bending load.

The strut foot subassembly utilizes the frame cross member and strut foot integrated unit as a central pivot to reduce direct loads and vibrations to the frame during strut foot application. The mounting arrangement on the integrated unit of the column foot on either side of the frame cross member creates a triangular effect, providing greater structural rigidity. The strut foot integrated unit eliminates the need to use separate stiffeners or ribs to further strengthen the strut foot mounting bracket. By such a construction of the strut foot subassembly, an efficient weight distribution is achieved, while at the same time the durability of the strut foot during its operation and use is improved. Welding distortion due to welding of the strut foot bracket to the frame is eliminated, thereby improving welding quality of the frame and reducing direct load to the frame member.

Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in light of the above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of the claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

List of reference numerals

101-rider foot pedal 303 of the prior art-rear tube

102-prior art Engine mounting bracket 304-strut standing leg Assembly

103-prior art post foot mounting support 305-central foot subassembly

Frame 306-foot pedal assembly

104-prior art strut standing legs 307, 309-lower tube

105-lower tube 308 in the prior art-rear curved portion of main frame 302

200-vehicle 310-top power unit mounting bracket

201-cover frame assembly 311-bottom power unit mounting bracket

202-second rear mudguard 401-first Cross Member

203-tailcap assembly 402-second cross member

204-front wheel 402 a-end of second cross member

205-rear wheel 403-rider's foot pedal

206-front fork assembly 404-strut standing foot mounting bracket

207-swing arm 405-pillar stand foot tube

209-handle 406-post standing integrated unit

210-seat 407-extension spring

211 a-rider seat 408-U-shaped bracket

211 b-rear seat 409-extension member

212-headlight unit 410-hook

213-taillight 411-foot auxiliary part

214-rear mudguard 412-standing foot base

215-rear suspension system 501-top in a column-leg integrated unit 406

216-front fender mounting arrangement

217-Fuel tank 502, 503-fastener

218-retro-reflector 601-central receiving part

300-frame structure 602-extension body portion

301-

head tubes

602a, 602 b-front legs extending the body portion

302-main frame and rear support

603-mounting arrangement in extended body part

603a, 603 b-arrangement in anterior and posterior stents

Mounting arrangement

604-mounting bush

605a, 605 b-recesses in the anterior and posterior supports

Trap for storing food

701-bottom mounting arrangement

702-Top of the column foot mounting bracket 404

In part

703-bottom of the column foot mounting bracket 404

In part

704-front watch of post stand mounting bracket 404

Noodle

705-rear watch of column foot mounting bracket 404

Noodle

706-for use on the strut foot mounting bracket 404

Mounting arrangement of a switching unit

707 reset spring and hook

708-for use on the strut foot mounting bracket 404

And mounting arrangement of the return spring and the hook

1001-reinforcing member

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle (200) comprising:

a frame structure (300), the frame structure (300) comprising a head tube (301) and a main frame (302) extending rearwardly from the head tube (301), and

a strut foot subassembly (304), the strut foot subassembly (304) comprising a strut foot tube (405), at least one strut foot mounting bracket (404), and at least one strut foot integrated unit (406) operably connected to each other, wherein the at least one strut foot integrated unit (406) is connected to one of the plurality of cross members (402) of the frame structure (300).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of cross members of the frame structure (300) comprises a first cross member (401) connecting a top portion of at least one down tube (307, 309) and a second cross member (402) connecting a bottom portion of the at least one down tube (307, 309).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 2, wherein said at least one strut standing foot integrated unit (406) comprises a central receiving portion (601) for receiving a laterally extending end (402a) of said second cross member (402).

4. The saddle type vehicle (200) according to claim 3, wherein said at least one strut standing foot integrated unit (406) comprises an extension body portion (602), said extension body portion (602) comprising at least one mounting arrangement (603) on both sides of said central receiving portion (601).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 4, wherein said extended main body portion (602) of said at least one strut standing integrated unit (406) comprises a front bracket (602a) and a rear bracket (602b) forming a box structure.

6. The saddle type vehicle (200) according to claim 5, wherein said central receiving portion (601) of said at least one strut standing foot integrated unit (406) connects said extension body portion (602) and said laterally extending end (402a) of said second cross member (402) and extends from said rear bracket (602b) laterally inward toward said frame structure (300) when said strut standing foot subassembly (304) is mounted on said frame structure (300).

7. The saddle type vehicle (200) according to claim 1 or 5, wherein said strut standing foot mounting bracket (404) comprises a top portion (702) and a bottom portion (703), said top portion (702) having at least two top mounting configurations (501) corresponding to said at least one mounting configuration (603) of said strut standing foot integrated unit (406) for mounting said strut standing foot mounting bracket (404) to said strut standing foot integrated unit (406), and said bottom portion (703) having at least one mounting configuration (701) for coupling said strut standing foot tube (405) with said strut standing foot integrated unit (406).

8. The saddle type vehicle (200) according to claim 7, wherein said central receiving portion (601) of said at least one strut standing foot integrated unit (406) and said at least one mounting configuration (701) of said bottom portion (703) of said strut standing foot mounting bracket (404) are collinear when said strut standing foot subassembly (304) is mounted on said frame structure (300).

9. The saddle type vehicle (200) according to claim 7, wherein said at least two top mounting configurations (501) of said strut standing foot mounting bracket (404) and said central receiving portion (601) of said at least one strut standing foot integrated unit (406) form a top triangle.

10. The saddle type vehicle (200) according to claim 7, wherein said at least two top mounting configurations (501) and said at least one mounting configuration (701) of said bottom portion (703) of said strut foot mounting bracket (404) form a bottom triangle.

11. The saddle type vehicle (200) according to claim 7, wherein said bottom portion (703) of said strut foot mounting bracket (404) is inclined at an angle substantially equal to 45 ° with respect to said top portion (702).

12. The saddle-ride type vehicle (200) according to claim 2, wherein said first cross member (401) mounts a rider footrest assembly (306) of said saddle-ride type vehicle (200).

13. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 2, wherein said second cross member (402) mounts a center-standing foot subassembly (305) of said saddle-type vehicle (200).

14. The saddle type vehicle (200) according to claim 2, wherein said first cross member (401) and said second cross member (402) lie in a common vertical plane (YY') when viewed in a side view of the vehicle.

15. A saddle type vehicle (200) according to claim 14, wherein the ratio between the longitudinal length (a) of said vehicle (200) and the distance (b) between said common vertical plane (YY') through said first (401) and said second (402) cross members and the axle of the front wheel (204) is about 2: 1.

16. The saddle-ride type vehicle (200) according to claim 2, wherein said at least one down tube is a left rear down tube (307) and a right rear down tube (309) extending downward from a rear curved portion (308) of said main frame (302).

17. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 16, wherein said left rear down tube (307) and said right rear down tube (309) are laterally separated by a predetermined distance, an accommodation space being formed between said left rear down tube (307) and said right rear down tube (309).

18. The saddle type vehicle (200) according to claim 16, wherein said frame structure (300) further comprises at least one top power unit mounting bracket (310) and at least one bottom power unit mounting bracket (311), said at least one top power unit mounting bracket (310) being positioned adjacent a top portion of said left rear down tube (307) and said right rear down tube (309), and said at least one bottom power unit mounting bracket (311) being positioned adjacent a bottom portion of said left rear down tube (307) and said right rear down tube (309).

19. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein the strut standing foot tube (405) is coupled to the strut standing foot mounting bracket (404) by a U-shaped bracket (408).

20. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a distance (FE) between a strut standing tube ground abutment point (F) and a vertical plane (OB) passing through a longitudinal center (O) of said saddle-type vehicle (200) to a distance (GD) between a strut standing tube mounting point (G) and said vertical plane (OB) of said saddle-type vehicle (200) is approximately 2: 1.

21. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein an angle (GCD)) formed by a strut standing leg mounting point (G) with respect to a vertical plane (OB) passing through a longitudinal center (O) of the saddle-type vehicle (200) is substantially the same as an angle (CAB)) formed by an extrapolated strut standing leg ground abutment point (a) with respect to the vertical plane (OB) of the saddle-type vehicle (200).

22. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 21, wherein an angle (GCD)) formed by said strut standing foot tube mounting point (G) with respect to said vertical plane (OB) passing through a longitudinal center (O) of said saddle-type vehicle (200) and an angle (CAB)) formed by an extrapolated strut standing foot ground abutment point (a) with respect to said vertical plane (OB) of said saddle-type vehicle (200) are approximately 45 °.

23. The saddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 1, wherein a vertical plane extends from a longitudinal center (O) of said saddle-type vehicle (200) to a ground plane (B), and wherein a ratio of a distance between said longitudinal center (O) of said saddle-type vehicle (200) and said ground plane (B) to a distance between said longitudinal center (O) of said saddle-type vehicle (200) and a wheel axle center (C) of a rear wheel (205) is about 2: 1.

24. A saddle-ride type vehicle (200) comprising:

a strut foot subassembly (304), the strut foot subassembly (304) comprising a strut foot tube (405) and at least one strut foot mounting bracket (404) operatively connected to each other, wherein the at least one strut foot mounting bracket (404) is attached to a bottom engine mounting bracket (311) of the frame structure (300) by a reinforcing member (1001).