OA16940A - Vehicle. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic manual transmission equipped engine having an electronically controlled clutch actuator and gear actuator and is swing ably disposed in the vicinity of the floor board; and a carrier member mounted to the frame at one end and mounted to rear wheel at the other end. The said automatic manual transmission equipped engine is mounted rigidly to the carrier member.

Description

VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The subject matter described herein, in general, relates to a two wheeler vehicle s provided with automated manual transmission equlpped engine (AMT engine) or automatlc transmission engine (AT engine).

BACKGROUND *

[0002] There hâve been various types of two * wheeled vehicles. One such type of vehicle is a small motor scooter. Such motor scooters are provided with a floor board to portion where the rider rest his feet and is provided with swinging power unit with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This motor scooter is preferred more over the motorcycie type of vehicle for its convenience of ride which does not include the hassle of clutch operation or gear shifting. However, certain motor scooters are geared scooters, in this type of vehicle the transmission from the crankshaft to wheel shaft is is through multiple set of gears. Even though the geared scooter provides relatively better fuel economy, these type of vehicles are not preferred by users due to hassles of manual clutch operation and gear shifting especially In traffic condition. .

[0003] Since the motor scooters are having CVT, due to belt slippage, hystérésis loss and transmission losses, the fuel afficïency of such scooters are generally less than that 20 of a geared motorcycie. Further, the continuous running of the belt leads to increase In température and thereby resulting in poor life of belt.

[0004] Hence there is a need for a vehicle which retalns the convenience of ride (no manual gear shifting) of a motor scooter and simultaneously achieves the fuel economy benefit of the geared vehicle.

[0005] The motor scooters invariably employ body panels co vérin g the engine and frame tubes and wiring ha mess for providing a neat shape to the scooter and for protection of Its parts and also for aesthetic appeal. Of course when the engine Is coverêd with such body’panels, It Is necessary to havè adéquats cooling system for cooling the engine. Normally such cooling requires the use of engine driven fan due to 30 the enclosed configuration of the body. In order to provide more efficient cooling and to ensure adéquate cooling, it has been a practice to employ forced cooling. However, forced cooling system consumes a portion of the power generated by the engine and hence affects the fuel economy of the vehicle.

[0006] Therefore, K Is an object of the présent Invention to overcome the above 5 problème and provide an arrangement of AMT engine In two wheeler.

SUMMARY [0007] An object of the présent Invention Is to substantially eliminate the problem associated or drawbacks encountared In the prior art described above and to make It possible to mount an AMT engine swing aWy to the frame of scooter type vehicle.

• 10 [0008] Another object of the présent Invention is to mount the AMT engine to a carrier and achieve maximum utility space.

[0009] Another object of the présent invention Is to mount the AMT engine to the vehicle as a part of load carrying member.

[0010] Another object of the présent Invention Is to mount the AMT engine to a carrier 15 and achieve a better ground clearance. .

[0011] Yet another object of the présent invention is to reduce vibration transmission slgnificantly.

[0012] Another object of the présent Invention Is to improve the durability of the chaln with constant tension drive.

[0013] Further object of the présent Invention Is to provide ease In serviceability of the engine without removing the wheel.

• [0014] Another object of the présent Invention Is to provkle shorter wheel base, keeping the vehicle length and weight less thereby Improving the handllng of the vehicle.

[0015] Another object of the présent Invention is to provide to a modular unit of engine including Induction, exhaust Systems , center stand and like mounted to the single carrier whereby it reduces the assembly time slgnlflcantly.

[0016] Further object of the présent Invention is to provide convenîence of riding with ' Improved fuel efficlency. ' [0017] Yet further object of the présent Invention Is to provide Improved fuel efficlency by’elimlnating use of primary dutch in AMT engine, which otherwise results in loss of fuel due to contlnuous sllpping of centrifugal dutch.

[0018] Yet another object of the présent Invention Is to provide sufficient foot space as In the conventional scooter with low floor board portion and thereby retaining the ability to get on and off easy onto the vehicle. ' .

[0019] Another object of the présent Invention Is to provide an AMT engine In a step thru 5 vehicle. . . .

[0020] Another object of the présent invention is to provlde an AMT engine In a single cylinder motorcycle. · .

[0021] Further scope of applicability of the présent Invention will become apparent from the detailed description glven hereinafter. However, It should be understood that the 10 detailed description and spécifie examples, while Indlcatlng preferred embodiments of the Invention, are glven by way of Illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the Invention will become apparent to those skilled In the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022] The présent Invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are glven by way of Illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the présent Invention, and wherein [0023] Figure 1 shows a conventional scooter type vehicle.

[0024] Figure 2 shows scooter type vehicle with the AMT controller according to the first embodiment ofthe présent invention.

[0025] Figure 3 shows scooter type vehicle according to one aspect of the first embodiment ofthe présent Invention. '· [0026] Figure 4 shows scooter type vehicle according to another aspect of the first 25 e mbodi ment of the présent Invention.

[0027] Figure 5 shows carrier according to the présent Invention..

[0028] Figure 6 shows step thru vehicle with the AMTcontroller according to the second embodiment of the présent Invention.· [0029] Figure 7 shows motorcycle with the AMT controller according to .the third 30 embodiment of the présent Invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0030] The présent Invention now will be described more fully herelnafter with different embodiments. This Invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather those 5 embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complété, and fully convey the scope of the Invention to those skilled In the art.

[0031] With reference to Figure 1,1 dénotés a front wheel, 2 dénotés a front fork, 3 dénotés a front fonder, 4 dénotés a front cover, 5 dénotés a leg shield made of resin or métal, 6 dénotés a handle bar cover, 7 dénotés a headlight, 8 dénotés a handle bar ,17 10 dénotés a rear«fender and 18 dénotés tail lamp. [0032] The centre of the body forms a low floor board 9 for functioning as a part for putting feet and a under cowl 10 which Is located below the rider's seat and covers at least a part of the englne, The under cowl te made up of métal or resin. The under cowl Is hlnged to the seat 11. A utility box 12 opens from the rear end to hinged portion. The L5 utility box 12 te provided under the seat extending longltudinally of a vehicle body and the Inside of the utility box has a large capacity so that a large article can be housed. A main frame 14 extended along the center of the body before and behind and made of a melalllc pipe ànd Is provided under the floor board 9. A swing type power unit 13 te coupled to therear end of the main frame 14. ' io [0033] A rear wheel 15 te supported on one side of the rear end of the swing type power unit 13. The swing type power unit 13 is suspended In the rear of a body frame.

[0034] The side covers 16 both on left and right sldes, covers the utility box 12 and other parts of the vehicle, thereby providing a good appearance to the vehicle.

[0035] According to the first embodiment of the présent invention and referring to figure >5 2, a low floor type board 2011s positioned between the handle bar and seat. The scooter vehlcle comprises a head pipe 202 and a main frame 203 extending downwardly and of the vehicle from the head pipe 202. At least two side frames 204 extending upwardly and rearwardly from the main frame 203 at low floor board portion 201. An automatlc manual transmission equipped engine 205 disposed in the vicinlty of the floor board 10 - portion 201. The said automatic manual transmission equipped engine 205 Is provided with a clutch actuator 210 configured to actuate clutch and shift actuator 211 configured to shift the change gears. The said actuators are electronically controlled by an electronlc control unit. The said AMT equipped engine 205 Is preferably a single cylinder horizontal engine. The AMT engine 205 is not restricted by horizontal engine only can be of various angular orientations such as vertical engine and like retaining the advantages of the présent invention for scooter vehicle. The said AMT equipped engine 205 is mounted swing ably to the scooter vehicle. · [0036] Further in another aspect of the preferred first embodiment, the said AMT engine 205 is used as a part of load carrying member, wherein the front end of the said engine crankcase 205 a is swing ably mounted to the side frames 204 either directly or indirectly, such that the hinge point of the crankcase 205 b is substantially towards the front of the engine. The Indirect connection of the said AMT engine 205 is through a conneeting link which is preferably a toggle link. The rear part of the said AMT engine 205 is mounted to a swing member 206 which holds the rear wheel of the vehicle. The said swing member 206 enables the filment of atleast one shock absorber(s), [0037] Yet ln another aspect of the preferred first embodiment and referring to figure 3, the said AMT engine 205 is used as a part of load carrying member, wherein the frorit end of the said engine crankcase is mounted to the side frames either directly or indirectly. The indirect connection of the said AMT engine 205 ls through a connecting link which is preferably a toggle link. The rear part of the said AMT engine 205 is provided with an extension 205c mounted to the rear wheel of the vehicle. The said extension 205c enables the fitment of atleast one shock absorber(s). Drive from crankshaft to the rear wheel can be through set of gears.

[0038] Another aspect of first embodiment of the présent Invention and referring to figure 4, the said AMT engine 205 is mounted to a carrier member 207. The front end of the said carrier member is mounted to the side frame (s) directly or indirectly such that the hinge point of the carrier member is substantially towards the front of the engine and the rear end of the said carrier member 207 îs mounted to rear wheel. The indirect connection of the said AMT engine 205 is through a connecting link which is preferably a toggle link. The AMT equipped engine 205 ls mounted rigldly to the carrier member 207 and swings along with the said carrier member 207. The said AMT engine 205 is piaced above the said carrier member 207. A predetermined clearance height is, malntained between the engine and road surface by virtue of wheel size and carrier member mounting point to the side frames.

[0039] Referring to figure 5, the said carrier member 207 has a pair of symmetrical arms 207a, 207 b and is provided with plurality of mounting provisions for mounting engine, rear wheel, shock absorber, center stand, air filter, mutiler, rear fonder and some engine electrical components. .

[0040] The carrier 207 is provided with plurality of cross bridges 207c whereby It provides a ladder shaped construction of the sald carrier.

s [0041] The carrier member 207 ls provided with a provision of mounting at least one shock absorber near to the rear wheel axle mounting point [0042] Slmilarly, mounting provisions are provided on the both arms of the carrier member for mounting muffler air filter, chain cover and also center stand. The carrier member 207 is preferably a cast or fabricated member [0043] The front and rear wheel rim size for sald scooter type vehlcle is preferably a combination In the range of 200 millimeters to 400 millimeters (or β to 16 Inches).

[0044] Among various cooling means, one preferred means for the said AMT engine 205 Includes providing air directing means from front panel of the scooter vehlcle. Another cooling means can be a liquid cooling means. In case where the scooter 15 vehlcle ls statlonary and the engine ls Idllng or Insufflaient air to the engine, there ls a need to cool down the said AMT engine 205. In such particular cases and according to • the présent Invention an electrically drlven fan ls provided which can be selectlveiy operated manually or automatlcaily.

[0045] In second embodiment of the présent Invention and referring to figure 6, a step 20 thru vehlcle comprises a main frame 501 runnlng frontwards and rearwards along the vehlcle body having a step thru portion 501 a between rider seat and handle bar; and an automated manual transmission equipped engine 205 disposed below the step thru . portion 501 a. The sald automatic manual transmission equipped engine 205 ls provldedwith a ciutch actuator 210 configured to actuate ciutch and shift actuator 211 25 configured to shift the change gears. The sald actuators are electronically controlled by an electronlc control unit. The front and rear wheel rim size for step thru vehlcle is preferably a combination in the range of 350 millimeters to 425 millimeters (or 14 to 17 inches.) · [0046] According to third embodiment of the présent invention and referring to figure 7, 30 - a single cylinder 4 stroke motorcyde vehlcle comprises a head pipe 601 and a main frame 602 extending backwardly and obliquely from the head pipe 601. Two upper frames 603 extending backwards from main frame and two side frames 604 extending , from the main tube rearwardly and upwardly. An automated manual transmission equipped engine 205 is fixedly mounted to main frame below fuel tank. The said automatic manual transmission equipped engine 205 Is provided with a ciutch actuator 210 configured to actuate dutch and shîft actuator 211 configured to shift the change gears. The said actuators are electronically controlled by an electronlc control unit. A 5 predetermined clearance height Is maintained between the said engine and road surface. , [0047] In ail the above preferred embodiments, the drive from the AMT engine 205 final output shaft to the rear wheel can be a belt drive or chain drive with a known réduction _ ratio. Slnce the chain drive Is generally nolsy In comparison to belt drive, It Is préférable • iq to use a toothed belt for the rear wheel drive.

[0048] The said AMT engine 205 for ail above preferred embodiments Is designed with the parts like actuators and other related parts which are required for ciutch and gear operation and are contained within the AMT engine 205 or mounted on the engine 205 directly. The said particular design éliminâtes any dependency or linkages to the frame, thereby maklng the AMT engine 205 an Independent unit which can be easlly adaptable ln different configuration of vehlcles and Is not Iimited to any particular vehicle type.

' [0049] The Invention being thus described, it will be obvlous that the same may be varied In many ways. Such variations ara not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the Invention, and ail süch modifications as would be obvlous to one

2o skllled In the art are Intended to be Included within the scope of the claims.

Claims (22)

WE CLAIM

1. A scooter type vehicle comprising: .

a low framework structure body frame having a floor board portion;

s an automatic manual transmission equipped engine having an electronicaliy controlled clutch actuator and gear actuator is swing ably disposed in the vidnity of the floor board; and a carrier member mounted to the frame at one end and mounted to rear wheel at the other end; . ·

2. The scooter type vehicle as claimed in daim 1, wherein the said cerrier member

3. The scooter type vehlde as claimed In claim 1, wherein the said carrier member front end Is connected directly to side frame(s) of the vehicle

4. A scooter type vehlde comprising:.

5. A scooter type vehlde comprising: · a low framework structure body frame having a floor board portion; ' an automatic manual transmission equipped engine having an electronlcally controlled dutch actuator and gear'actuator is swing ably disposed In the vicinity of the floor board; and an extension of rear part of the automatic manual transmission equipped engine, to hoid rear part of the automatic manual transmission equipped engine and rear wheei; wherein the automatic manual transmission equipped engine front Is mounted to frame ; and · wherein a predetermined clearance height is malntalned between the engine and road surface.

6. The sceoter type vehicle as claimed in daim 3 and claim 4, wherein the . automatic manual transmission equipped engine front Is conneded Indiredly to side frame(s) of the vehicle through a connecting link which Is preferably a toggie link.

7. The scooter type vehide as daimed in daim 3 and claim 4, wherein the said automatic manual transmission equipped engine front Is conneded directly to side frame(s) of the vehide.

8. The scooter type vehide as claimed In claim 1, claim 4 and daim 5, wherein said floor board portion is preferably posltioned between front wheèl and cylinder head of the engine. ·

9. The scooter type vehicle as daimed In daim 1, wherein feaid carrier member is swinglng member having plurality of mounting points for mounting engine, muffler, shock absorber, air deaner, chain cover and like components.

10. The scooter type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carrier member is configured to acoommodate atleast one shock absorber mounting provision.

10 wherein the automatic manual transmission equipped engine is mounted rigidly to . the carrier member ; and wherein a predetermlned clearance height is maintained between the engine and ' road surface.

11. The scooter type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carrier member Is . • preferably a fabricated member.

12. The scooter type vehicle as claimed in daim 1, wherein said carrier member is preferably a cast member.

13. The scooter type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carrier member is preferably iadder shaped.

14. The scooter type vehicle as daimed in daim 1, daim 4 and daim 5, wherein said clearance height is malntained by both front and rear wheei rim size preferably a combination in the range of 200 millimeters to 400 miilimeters (or 6 inches to 16 Inches).

15. The scooter type vehicle as claimed In claim 1, claim 4 and claim 5, wherein the said automatic manual transmission equipped engine is cooled by liquid cooling . means, .

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15 front end Is connected Indirectly to side frame(s) of the vehicle through a connecting link which is preferably a toggle link.

16. The scooter type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, claim 4 and claim 5, wherein the said automatic manual transmission equipped engine is cooled by electricaily driven fan which can be selectively operated manually orautomatically.

17. A step thru vehicle comprising: - a main trame running frontwards and rêarwards along the vehicle body having a step thru portion between rider seat and handle ban end • an automatic manual transmission equipped engine having an electronically controlled clutch actuator and gear actuator is disposed below the step thru portion.

18. The step thru vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the vehicle Is provided with front and rear wheel rim size preferably a combination in the range of 350 millimeters to 425 millimeters (or 14 inches to 17 inches).

19. The step thru vehicle as claimed in daim 17, wherein the automatic manual transmission equipped engine is fixedly mounted to the main frame.

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20. A single cylinder 4 stroke motorcycle vehicle comprising:

a head pipe; , ' a main frame extending backwardly and obliquely from the head pipe;

an automatic manual transmission equipped engine having an electronically controlled clutch actuator and gear actuator is fixedly mounted to main tube below fuel tank; and ' a predetermined dearance height is malntained between the engine and road surface.

20 a iow framework structure body frame having a floor board portion;

an automatic manual transmission equipped engine having an electronically.

controlled dutch actuator and gear actuator is swing ably disposed in the vidnity of the floor board: and · a swing member to hold rear part of the automatic manual transmission equipped

25 engine and rear wheel;' wherein the automatic manual transmission equipped engine front Is mounted to frame ; and wherein a predetermined clearance height is maintained between the engine and road surface.

³⁰

21. The vehicle according to any of the preceding daims, wherein said automatic manual transmission equipped engine Is provided with a chain drive for transmitting the power from the engine to rear wheel.

• 22. The vehide according to any of the preceding daims, wherein said automatic manual transmission equipped engine Is provided with a toothed belt drive for transmitting the power from the engine to rear wheel.