WO2022085017A1

WO2022085017A1 - A frame structure for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2022085017A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aswinkumar CHINNIWAKKAM RAMESH; Arunajadeswar Swaminathan; Sudarshan Mohan; Subash Manickam
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2020-10-21
Filing date: 2021-02-23
Publication date: 2022-04-28

Abstract

The present subject matter, in general, relates to one or more electrical component mounting on the frame structure for a straddle type two-wheeled vehicle. The frame structure includes a head tube (132), a main tube (102), a down tube (118), and one or more upper tubes (112r, 112l). A plurality of first bridge tubes (204l, 205l) and plurality of second bridge tubes (204r, 205r) extend parallel along a vehicle width axis (TR) connecting said down tube (118) and said powertrain mounting bracket (302).

Description

A FRAME STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICEE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter, in general, relates to frame structure for a straddle type two-wheeled vehicle, and in particular, relates to one or more electrical component mounting on the frame structure for a straddle type twowheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Primarily, two-wheeled vehicles are of two types, viz. a straddle type motorcycle, and a step through scooter type vehicle. Predominantly, in the straddle type motorcycle type two-wheeled vehicles, the vehicle frame structure includes a head tube and a rearwardly exending main tube. The main tube diverges into two rearwardly extending upper tubes disposed parallel to one another in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle and converging at a rearmost point for accommodating a tail lamp assembly.

[0003] Generally, one or more seat(s) are disposed above the two upper tubes that are rearwardly extending parallel to each other in such a manner that the seat is stably supported on the two upper tubes. Moreover, such straddle type vehicles are provided with a vertically disposed energy source e.g. battery unit, generally located in the space formed underneath the two upper tubes. The frame structure of such straddle type motorcycles are made robust to accommodate the driving source e.g., an electric motor and other heavier components. In addition to being robust, the frame structure of such two-wheeled vehicles are provided with several mounting members so as to accommodate other functional components, for example, electrical components that are critical in proper functioning of the twowheeled vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0005] Figure 1 depicts an exemplary left side view of a two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0006] Figure 2 illustrates a frame structure of the two-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Figure 3 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary vehicle.

[0008] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a frame assembly.

[0009] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00010] Conventional vehicles, two wheelers, are being powered by fossil fuels. All the vehicles powered by fuels let out significant amount of exhaust that have varying levels of toxic content which may harm the living species over a period of time. The current environmental requirements state the need of an alternate energy source for propelling vehicle and an electric vehicle is one of such needs.

[00011] The electric vehicle has a driving element, for example, an electric motor that is provided to drive a rear-wheel of the vehicle. One or more energy sources, for example, one or more batteries are provided to supply electrical energy to the driving element.

[00012] A vehicle frame assembly plays an important role to support all of the aboe said components along with being able to support a front wheel and, the rear-wheel.

[00013] Conventionally, mounting such electrical components in appropriate mounting locations on the vehicle frame assembly has always remained a challenge due to various factors. For example, external factors such as heat, dust, moisture, and extreme temperature emanating from engine affects the location of electrical components and in turn the overall packaging of the vehicle frame in such straddle type two-wheeled vehicles. Therefore, there is a need for an improved frame assembly structure which overcomes all above problems and other problems of known art. [00014] The present subject matter provides a frame assembly configured to provide stable support to the driving element and one or more energy sources.

[00015] According to an embodiment of the presnet invention, frame structure includes a head tube, a main tube, a down tube, and one or more upper tubes, the main tube is configured to extend rearwardly and downwardly, such that the main tube is connecting the head tube to a powertrain through a mounting bracket. The powertrain mounting bracket is disposed downwardly of the main tube. The power train mounting bracket is disposed rearwardly of the down tube along a vehicle longitudinal axis. The downtube is extending inclinedly downward and substantially parallel to the main tube.

[00016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly includes a plurality of first bridge tubes and plurality of second bridge tubes. The plurality of first bridge tubes and the plurality of second bridge tubes extend in parallel along a vehicle width axis connecting the down tube and the powertrain mounting bracket.

[00017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first bridge tubes are disposed on the left side of the frame structure and the plurality of second bridge tubes are disposed on the right side of the frame structure. The plurality of first bridge tubes and the plurality of second bridge tubes include plurality of upper bridge tubes and plurality of lower bridge tubes.

[00018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of upper bridge tubes and the plurality of lower bridge tubes are disposed inclinedly to a ground plane and substantially parallel to each other.

[00019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the main tube and said down tube are connected by means of at least one front cross member disposed substantially parallel to a ground plane. The at least one front cross member is configured to provide structural support to the down tube and the main tube.

[00020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly as described above is incorporated in an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a driving source fixedly disposed between the plurality of first bridge tubes and plurality of second tubes.

[00021] Further, the electric vehicle includes one or more energy sources fixedly disposed between the plurality of first bridge tubes and the plurality of second bridge tubes.

[00022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more energy driving sources are disposed substantially above the driving component. The one or more energy sources and the driving source are disposed inclinedly to ground and substantially parallel to said down tube and a first portion of said main tube.

[00023] According to an aspect of the invention, the one or more energy sources comprises a central longitudinal axis collinear to a first axis. The first axis is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the driving component.

[00024] According to an aspect of the present invention, the first axis makes a predetermined angle with a horizontal imaginary line connecting center of the driving source and the rear wheel axle.

[00025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a space is created above the one or more energy sources and between said down tube and the main tube.

[00026] The plurality of first bridge tubes and the plurality of second bridge tubes are disposed rearwardly to and away from the front wheel of the motorcycle. The plurality of first bridge tubes and the plurality of second tubes are disposed at a predetermined distance from said front wheel. The predetermined distance allows uninterrupted articulation of the handlebar assembly along with the front wheel while riding the vehicle.

[00027] The main tube includes one or more charger mounting tubes extending along said vehicle width axis.

[00028] The main tube includes a first portion extending after a bend portion of the main tube. The first portion of the main tube and the one or more upper tubes form a space behind the first portion and below the one or more upper tubes. One or more electrical device is configured in the space disposed in a manner adjoining each other along the vehicle width axis.

[00029] The one or more electric devices includes at least one secondary energy driving source and a control unit.

[00030] The plurality of first bridge tubes and plurality of second bridge tubes are configured to support a holder. The holder is disposed and supported across the plurality of first bridge tubes and plurality of second bridge tubes along the vehicle width axis.

[00031] The one or more energy sources include one or more band batteries.

[00032] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description. The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof

[00033] Figure 1 depicts an exemplary left side view of a two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 100 comprises a vehicle frame assembly 101 supporting a front wheel 105 and a driven wheel 106. The front wheel 105 and the driven wheel 106 are rotatably supported by a front suspension assembly 108 and a rear suspension assembly 109, respectively. In one embodiment, the driven wheel 106 may be additionally supported by a swing arm 107. Further, the front wheel 105 is steerable by a handle bar assembly (not shown), which is functionally connected to the front wheel 105 for maneuvering the vehicle. The handlebar assembly is configured to support at least one headlamp assembly 103. A front fender 114 is disposed above the front wheel 105. The front fender 114 protects the rider from being splashed with mud, rain water and the like. [00034] In the present embodiment, an driving source 110 which is basically a power unit of the vehicle is mounted to a front lower portion of the frame structure by means of two or more mounting brackets (not shown). The driving source 110 is coupled to a transmission system 115 for transferring power to the driven wheel 106. Further, the swing arm 107 extending rearwards is swingably connected to a lower rear portion of the frame structure. A transmission case (not shown) is attached to the swing arm 107 assembly and helps in covering a transmission member 111 during vehicle functioning.

[00035] In a front portion of the vehicle, a storage member 117 is arranged immediately behind the handlebar assembly 114 and is disposed over the driving source 110. The handle bar assembly 114 supports an instrument cluster, vehicle controls including throttle, clutch, or electrical switches. An upper portion of the front wheel 108 and the driven wheel 106 are covered by a fender assembly 116 in order to prevent mud and water getting deflected towards the vehicle 100 and entering the steering shaft or the driving source 110 and an exhaust system.

[00036] Further, a seat assembly 104 is mounted to the vehicle frame assembly and disposed rearward of the storage member 117. The rider can operate the vehicle 100 in a seated position on the seat assembly 104. Further, to improve the overall aesthetics of the vehicle, a plurality of panel covers 113 are provided mounted to the frame member and covering the frame member and/or parts of the vehicle 100. Also, the vehicle 100 may be provided with plurality of mechanical, electronic, and electromechanical system (not shown in figure) and may include an anti-lock braking system, a vehicle safety system, or an electronic control system.

[00037] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view frame structure 101 of the twowheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the frame structure 101 of the straddle type twowheeled vehicle 100 includes a head pipe 132 holding the handle bar assembly 104 (not shown). The main tube 102 rearwardly extending towards the vehicle rearside, while the down tube 118 extends downwardly in an inclined manner to the main tube 102. The frame structure 101 of the present subject matter enables mounting of a driving member (not shown) in the space formed between the main tube 102 and the down tube 118. In an embodiment, the frame structure 101 also includes a pair of upper tubes 110, 112 extending further rearwardly from a junction formed with the main tube 102 adjoining the dorsal end of the upwardly mounted storage member (not shown) towards the tail lamp assembly (not shown) at the rearmost end of the two-wheeled vehicle 100.

[00038] In one embodiment, the pair of upper tubes 110, 112 includes one or more horizontal cross-members 114, 124 disposed substantially perpendicular to the upper tubes and between the pair of upper tubes 110, 112.

[00039] In an embodiment, the frame assembly includes a plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and a plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r configured to extend parallel along a vehicle width axis TR. The plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and a plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r which are configured to connect the down tube 118 and said powertrain mounting bracket 302.

[00040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 are disposed on the left side of the frame structure 101 and the plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r are disposed on the right side of the frame structure 101. The plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and the plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r include plurality of upper bridge tubes 2041, 204r and plurality of lower bridge tubes 2051, 205r.

[00041] The plurality of upper bridge tubes 2041, 204r and the plurality of lower bridge tubes 2051, 205r are disposed inclinedly to a ground plane GP and substantially parallel to each other.

[00042] The main tube 102 and the down tube 118 are connected by means of at least one front cross member 203 disposed substantially parallel to a ground plane GP.

[00043] Figure 3 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary vehicle. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle includes a driving source 110 fixedly disposed between said plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second tubes 204r, 205r. The one or more energy sources 301 is fixedly disposed between said plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r and substantially above said driving source 110.

[00044] The one or more energy sources 301 and said driving source 110 are disposed inclinedly to ground in such a manner so as to have an imaginary line L, which passes through the lateral central axis of the driving source 110 and the lateral mid axis (when seen from a side view of the vehicle) of the energy source 301, is disposed substantially parallel to said down tube 118 and a first portion 140 of said main tube 102.

[00045] The one or more energy sources 301 comprises a central longitudinal axis XY collinear to a first axis YZ. The first axis YZ is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said driving source 110.

[00046] The first axis YZ makes a predetermined angle (0) with a horizontal imaginary line connecting centre O of said driving source 110 and a rear wheel axle 303.

[00047] A space 402 is created above said one or more energy driving sources 301 and between said down tube 118 and said main tube 102. The space 402 is configured to enable access to the one or more energy sources 301. The one or more energy sources 301 according to the present subject matter can be accessed for servicing without interfering with the surrounding parts. The one or more energy sources 301 include improved serviceability due to the configuration of the down tube 106 and the main tube 102 that provide the space 402. According to the present embodiment, the servicing of the one or more engergy sources 301 is performed without removal or disturbing the surrounding parts, as a result of which, the service time is decreased as compared to the conventional vehicles.

[00048] The plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r are disposed rearwardly to and away from a front wheel 105 of said motorcycle 100, said plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second tubes 204r, 205r are disposed at a predetermined distance from said front wheel 105. The pre-determined distance from the front wheel 105 allows better articulation of atmospheric air towards the one or more energy sources 301 and the driving source 110. The atmospheric air is indicated by arrows in the figure. Further, the one or more energy sources 301 and the driving source 110 are accommodated behind the front wheel and at the predetermined distance and within the total length of the frame assembly fo the vehicle, this way the overall length of the vehicle is not increased and the handling of the vehicle through undisturbed steering of the front wheel is improved.

[00049] The main tube 102 includes one or more charger mounting members 304 extending along said vehicle width axis TR.

[00050] The first portion 140 and said one or more upper tubes 112 forms a space behind said first portion 140 and below said one or more upper tubes 110, 112, wherein one or more electric devices 306 are placed adjoining each other along said vehicle width axis TR.

[00051] The one or more electric devices 306 includes at least one secondary energy source and a control unit.

[00052] The plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r are configured to support a holder 401 (shown in Figure 4), said holder 401 is disposed and supported across said plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r along said vehicle width axis TR.

[00053] The one or more energy sources 301 include one or more band batteries.

[00054] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the storage member 117 is configured to accommodate one or more charging stations 403. The one or more charging stations 403 are configured to enable charging of the one or more energy sources 301. The one or more charging stations 403 are mounted on the main tube 102 through one or more mounting members 403m.

[00055] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a frame assembly. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle frame assembly 101 includes the plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r along said vehicle width axis TR. The plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r are configured to support a holder 401. The holder 401 is disposed in between the plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r. The holder 401 is extending along the vehicle length direction GP and along a vehicle width direction TR. The holder 401, according to an aspect is a plate like structure, made of sheet metal. In an embodiment, the holder 401 is capable of being supported in between one of the plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r.

[00056] In an embodiment, the holder 401 is configured to support the one or more energy sources. The holder 401 is capable of supporting the one or more engery sources when the holder 401 is supported by plurality of upper bridge tubes 204r, 2041. In another embodiment, the holder 401 is supported by plurality of lower bridge tubes 205r, 2051, the holder 401 according to another embodiment is configured to support the driving source. In yet another embodiment, the holder 401 is supported by each of the plurality of upper bridge tubes 204r, 2041 and the plurality of lower bridge tubes 205r, 2051 configured to support the one or more energy sources and the driving member respectively.

[00057] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a holder. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the holder 401 is a plate like structure. The holder 401 is configuerd to support any one of the one or more energy sources and the driving source. The holder 401 indludes plurality of frame hugging depression portions 401m that are complementary to the profiles included in plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r and that are capable of being attached to a portion of the plurality of first bridge tubes 2041, 2051 and plurality of second bridge tubes 204r, 205r.

[00058] Althcough the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. List of reference numerals:

100 vehicle 132 head pipe

101 vehicle frame 25 140 First portion assembly 114, 124 horizontal cross¬

102 main tube members

104 seat assembly 2041, 2051 first bridge

105 front wheel tubes

106 driven wheel 30 204r, 205r plurality of

108 front suspension second bridge tubes assembly 301 Energy source

107 swing arm 302 powertrain mounting

103 headlamp assembly bracket

305 front fender 35 304 charger mounting

110 Driving source members

111 transmission member TR vehicle width axis

112r, 1121 pair of upper 306 one or more electric tubes devices

113 panel covers 40 401 holder

114 handlebar assembly GP Ground plane

115 transmission system L imaginary line

116 fender assembly

117 Storage member

118 down tube

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A frame structure (101) for a straddle type vehicle (100), said frame structure (101) comprising: a head tube (132); a main tube (102); a down tube (118); and one or more upper tubes (112r, 1121), said main tube (102) extending rearwardly downwardly connecting said head tube (132) to a powertrain mounting bracket (302) disposed downwardly of said main tube (102) and rearwardly of said down tube (118) along a vehicle longitudinal axis (LM), said downtube (118) extending inclinedly downward and substantially parallel to said main tube (102), wherein plurality of first bridge tubes (2041, 2051) and plurality of second bridge tubes (204r, 205r) are configured to extend in parallel and laterally along a vehicle width axis (TR) connecting said down tube (118) and said powertrain mounting bracket (302).

2. The frame structure (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of first bridge tubes (2041, 2051) are disposed on the left side of the frame structure (101) and said plurality of second bridge tubes (204r, 205r) are disposed on the right side of the frame structure (101), said plurality of first bridge tubes (2041, 2051) and said plurality of second bridge tubes (204r, 205r) include plurality of upper bridge tubes (2041, 204r) and plurality of lower bridge tubes (2051, 205r).

3. The frame structure (101) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said plurality of upper bridge tubes (2041, 204r) and plurality of lower bridge tubes (2051, 205r) are disposed inclinedly to a ground plane (GP) and substantially parallel to each other.

4. The frame structure (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said main tube (102) and said down tube (118) are connected by means of at least one front cross member (203) disposed substantially parallel to a ground plane (GP). An electric motorcycle (100) comprising: a frame structure (101) including a head tube (132), a main tube (102), a down tube (118), and one or more upper tubes (112r, 1121), said main tube (102) extending rearwardly downwardly connecting said head tube (132) to a powertrain mounting bracket (302) disposed downwardly of said main tube (102) and rearwardly of said down tube (118) along a vehicle longitudinal axis (LM), said downtube extending inclinedly downward substantially parallel to said main tube, wherein plurality of first bridge tubes

(2041, 2051) and plurality of second tubes (204r, 205r) extend parallel along a vehicle width axis (TR) and connecting said down tube (106) and said powertrain mounting bracket (302); a driving source (110) disposed between said plurality of first bridge tubes (2041, 2051) and plurality of second tubes (204r, 205r); and one or more energy sources (301) disposed between said plurality of first bridge tubes (2041, 2051) and plurality of second bridge tubes (204r, 205r) and substantially above said driving source (110), wherein said one or more energy driving sources (301) and said driving source (110) are disposed inclinedly to ground and substantially parallel to said down tube (118) and a first portion (140) of said main tube (102). The electric motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said one or more energy sources (301) comprises a central longitudinal axis (XY) collinear to a first axis (YZ), said first axis (YZ) is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said driving source (110). The electric motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first axis (YZ) makes a predetermined angle (0) with a horizontal imaginary line connecting centre (O) of said driving source (110) and rear wheel axle (303).

8. The electric motorcycle as claimed in claim 5, wherein a space (402) is created above said one or more energy sources (301) and between said down tube (118) and said main tube (102).

9. The electric motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said plurality of first bridge tubes (2041, 2051) and plurality of second bridge tubes (204r, 205r) are disposed rearwardly to and away from a front wheel (105) of said motorcycle (100), said plurality of first bridge tubes (2041, 2051) and plurality of second tubes (204r, 205r) are disposed at a predetermined distance from said front wheel (105).

10. The electric motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said main tube (102) includes one or more charger mounting members (304) extending along said vehicle width axis (TR).

11. The electric motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first portion (140) and said one or more upper tubes (112r, 1121) form a space behind said first portion (140) and below said one or more upper tubes (112r, 1121), wherein one or more electric devices (306) are placed adjoining each other along said vehicle width axis (TR).

12. The electric motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said one or more electric devices (306) includes at least one secondary energy driving source and a control unit.

13. The electric motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said plurality of first bridge tubes (2041, 2051) and plurality of second bridge tubes (204r, 205r) are configured to support a holder (401), said holder (401) is disposed and supported across said plurality of first bridge tubes (2041, 2051) and plurality of second bridge tubes (204r, 205r) along said vehicle width axis (TR).

14. The electric motorcycle as claimed in claim 5, wherein one or more energy driving sources (301) include one or more band batteries.

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