WO2023037377A1

WO2023037377A1 - A vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2023037377A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050533
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mosali Nagarjun Reddy; Srikanth Kanchi Mohan; Saravanan Subramani
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2021-09-08
Filing date: 2022-06-08
Publication date: 2023-03-16

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) includes a frame (110) having a plurality of long members (102) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction "D1" and at least one cross member (104) extending in a vehicle width direction "W" between the plurality of long members (102). The vehicle (10) further includes a seat assembly (120) disposed inside a driver cabin (20). The seat assembly (120) includes a driver seat frame (130) configured to receive a seat member (140) and extends transversely in the vehicle front-rear direction "D1", whereby the seat member (140) is configured to substantially extend in the driver cabin (20) in the vehicle width direction "W".

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

A Vehicle

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a seat assembly for the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Passenger commuting in urban and semi-urban or rural areas has been an essential requirement for commuting small distances. There exists one or more means of commuting including, but not limited to, two wheeled vehicles, four wheeled vehicles or three wheeled vehicles. Though the two wheeled vehicles and four wheeled vehicle provides personal space during the commute, the cost for commuting is increasing rapidly due to rising fuel costs. Further, the two wheeled vehicles have space limitations for accommodating luggage and number of passengers commuted on the two wheeled vehicles. Thus, commuting via three-wheeled vehicles have been an obvious option within the city limits for small distances, which provides cost and luggage advantages over other vehicles.

[003] Three-wheeler passenger vehicle being the passenger commuting vehicle, is an income source for vehicle owners. During day-to-day routine, driver of the vehicle tries to accommodate passenger and their luggage to its full extent so that the driver can generate more income. Due to space limitations in the vehicle, when the passenger seat is full, the driver tries to accommodate additional luggage of the passenger in the front, either below the seat or in front of the seat. However, this space may not be sufficient for the luggage being carried in the vehicle. [004] Further, the seating space provided in a three-wheeler for the driver is limited and the driver barely has any freedom of movement or stretching while driving to relax a bit in his tiresome routine. Therefore, there is still an unmet need to increase the space that can be utilized by the driver himself, or by accommodating additional luggage of their passengers to increase the income.

[005] Sometimes the driver tries to accommodate luggage in the available space on the seat or supported on the frame of the seat. This leads to additional load being subjected to the seat mounting points. The seat frame which is given only for driver can bear a limited load. However, when additional load or excess luggage is kept on the seat, the seat frame is prone to damage or failure. Also, in some cases, crack in partition wall occurs when the driver seat and neighbouring area is subjected to additional load. It is also observed that there is a discomfort for the driver while driving due to space constraint and discomfort to the passenger if the luggage is adjusted in the passenger compartment.

[006] In one kind of existing vehicle more number of passengers have been included with a side-by-side seat assembly to accommodate a driver and two co-passengers in the driver’s cabin. The vehicle includes a frame, two front wheels and two rear wheels operatively connected thereto, and a motor operatively connected to the wheels. A cockpit area includes a cockpit floor extending between a left end and a right end. A roll cage connected to the frame is disposed at least in part over the cockpit area. A driver seat is connected to the frame and disposed in the cockpit area and includes a driver seat base. A passenger seat connected to the frame and disposed in the cockpit area includes a passenger seat base. The passenger seat is disposed side-by-side with the driver seat. A storage space is defined at least in part by the cockpit floor and the driver seat base. The storage space is disposed under the driver seat base and extends continuously laterally between the left end and the right end of the cockpit floor. The driver’s cabin in this kind of vehicle may provide additional seats adjacent to the driver’s seat in the driver’s cabin. However, the vehicle disclosed involves two front wheels for accommodating the side-by-side seat assembly in the driver’s cabin. Thus, increasing the width of the vehicle. Further, the storage space below the seat assembly is having limited space.

[007] In another kind of existing utility vehicle, it includes a cargo bed area, an adjustable seat assembly, a tailgate, and a latch. The adjustable seat assembly includes a seat portion and a backrest assembly. The adjustable seat assembly is selectively movable between seating and expanded cargo bed configurations. The seat portion is pivotally movable between the cargo bed area and a stowed position below the cargo bed area. The backrest assembly is pivotally movable from the cargo bed area to a stowed position adjacent the cargo bed area. The tailgate is pivotally attached to the backrest assembly. The latch on the tailgate is configured to selectively engage cargo bed area to hold the backrest assembly in the seating configuration and engage at least one coupling at the end of at least one of the cargo bed area at the rear bed opening. This kind of vehicle includes an adjustable cargo bed area mechanism, where the seat assembly is moved in order to provide an expanded cargo bed area. However, the vehicle does not have a passenger seat when the seat assembly in the cargo bed area is moved.

[008] Thus, there is a need in the art for a vehicle with a seat assembly which could address at least the aforementioned problems and limitations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame having a plurality of long members extending in the vehicle front-rear direction and at least one cross member extending in a vehicle width direction between the plurality of long members. The vehicle further includes a seat assembly disposed inside a driver cabin. The seat assembly includes a driver seat frame configured to receive a seat member and extends transversely in the vehicle front-rear direction, whereby the seat member is configured to substantially extend in the driver cabin in the vehicle width direction.

[010] In an embodiment, the driver seat frame includes a horizontal frame portion having a plurality of frame tubes, side rails extending from either sides of the horizontal frame portion and a plurality of supporting legs extending from the horizontal frame portion towards a floor of the vehicle.

[011] In a further embodiment, the vehicle includes a side cover disposed outwardly at each side rail of the driver seat frame. The side cover is configured to extend from the side rail to the floor of the vehicle for protecting luggage disposed below the seat member.

[012] In a further embodiment, the seat member is configured with a cut-out. The cut-out is configured to allow movement of a hand start lever for starting the vehicle.

[013] In further embodiment, the horizontal frame portion of the driver seat frame includes a pair of partition wall support members at a rear side of the horizontal frame portion for mounting a partition wall.

[014] In a further embodiment, each side of the seat member includes a side flap window or a door member covering each side of the seat member. The side flap window or the door member is adapted to provide protection for luggage kept on sides of the seat member. [015] In a further embodiment, the side flap window is adapted to be folded upwards or pulled downwards.

[016] In a further embodiment, the plurality of supporting legs is mounted to the frame at one or more mounting provisions through fasteners.

[017] In a further embodiment, the vehicle includes six supporting legs, wherein two supporting legs are disposed at a rear portion behind the partition wall support members and four supporting legs disposed at a front portion, thereby configured to distribute load from the driver seat frame to the plurality of long members of the vehicle.

[018] In a further embodiment, the vehicle is a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeler vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[019] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle included with a seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a portion of the vehicle shown in Figure 1 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a driver cabin of the vehicle shown in Figures 1 and

2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of a partition wall seen from a passenger cabin of the vehicle shown in Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the vehicle shown in Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle showing the driver’s cabin and the passenger cabin of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates a side view of the driver’s cabin of the vehicle including the seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 illustrates a top view of the driver’s cabin shown in Figure 7, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 illustrates a front view of the seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 illustrates a side view of the seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 illustrates a side view of the seat assembly including a side cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[020] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a three wheeled type vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.

[021] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a seat assembly for the vehicle like a three-wheeled vehicle.

[022] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle 10 included with a seat assembly 120, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, in an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a three-wheeled passenger vehicle. It may be contemplated that the vehicle may be a four-wheeled passenger vehicle as well. Thus, the illustrative example should not be constructed to limit the scope of the present invention.

[023] The term ‘three wheeled vehicle’ and ‘vehicle’ are interchangeably used in the present invention. It should be understood that both the terms ‘three wheeled vehicle’ and ‘vehicle’ are same, and the term ‘vehicle’ is used for brevity. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle 10 includes a frame 110, a fuel tank (not shown) or a gas cylinder (not shown), one or more front wheels 14 and one or more rear wheels 16. In one embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes two rear wheels 16. The vehicle 10 further includes an Internal combustion engine (not shown) for driving the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the IC engine is located at a rear portion of the vehicle 10. The frame 110 includes a pair of long members 102 (shown in Figures 5 and 6). The pair of long members 102 are extended in a vehicle front-rear direction “D1” and are substantially parallel to each other. The vehicle 10 further includes one or more cross members 104 (shown in Figure 5) that are extended in a vehicle width direction “W” between the pair of long members 102. [024] A front portion of the frame 110 supports a plurality of body panels to form a driver cabin 20, where the seat assembly 120 and a handlebar 30 connected to a head tube 32 (shown in Figure 3) are disposed. A headlight 28 is provided on a front face of the driver cabin 20. In the embodiment where the vehicle 10 is having the IC engine (not shown), the rear wheels 16 are rotated by the driving force of the IC engine, and it is transmitted from a differential unit of the IC engine through shaft(s). The vehicle 10 further includes a passenger cabin 22 behind the driver cabin 20.

[025] In the illustrated embodiments as referred in Figures 1 and 2, the passenger cabin 22 and the driver cabin 20 are mounted on the pair of long members 102. Typically, the passenger cabin 22 consists of multiple panels, a front seat base, middle and rear seat bases (not shown). The panels are joined together by spot welding, or any other fabrication method known in the art. Both the driver cabin 20 and the passenger cabin 22 are covered by a soft top 23 supported by one or more support frame members (not shown) to provide shade for the driver in the driver’s cabin 20 and the passengers in the passenger cabin 22.

[026] As illustrated in Figured 1 and 2, the seat assembly 120 is disposed inside the driver’s cabin 20. The seat assembly 120 includes a driver seat frame 130 (shown in Figure 2) configured to receive a seat member 140 (shown in Figure 2). The seat assembly 120 extends transversely in the vehicle front-rear direction “D1”, whereby the seat member 140 is configured to substantially extend in the driver cabin 20 in the vehicle width direction “W”. In an embodiment, the seat member 140 includes a cushioning enclosed on a resin or a leather covering. Thus, making the seat member 140 a comfortable seating while travelling. Bottom portion of the seat member 140 may include a hard or rigid structure which is further mounted onto the driver seat frame 130 using one or more fasteners (not shown) or hinges (not shown).

[027] Referring to Figures 3 - 12, the driver seat frame 130 includes a horizontal frame portion 132 having a plurality of frame tubes 134, side rails 136 extending from either sides 132A, 132B of the horizontal frame portion 132 and a plurality of supporting legs 138 extending from the horizontal frame portion 132 towards a floor 12 of the vehicle 10. Further, the horizontal frame portion 132 of the driver seat frame 130 includes a pair of partition wall support members 160 (shown in Figure 4 and Figure 11) at a rear side of the horizontal frame portion 132 for taking support on a partition wall 162 (shown in Figures 1 and 2). In an embodiment, the partition wall support members 160 are attached with the partition wall 162 using one or more fasteners (not shown). The partition wall 162 is further supported and attached to the floor 12. Thus, the partition wall 162 separates the driver cabin 20 and the passenger cabin 22.

[028] In an embodiment, the plurality of supporting legs 138 is mounted to the frame 110 at one or more mounting provisions 112 through fasteners. In an embodiment, the plurality of supporting legs 138 includes six supporting legs. The six supporting legs 138 include two supporting legs disposed at a rear portion adjacent to the partition wall 162 and four supporting legs disposed at a front portion. The supporting legs 138 are configured to distribute load from the driver seat frame 130 to the plurality of long members 102 of the vehicle 10 in an even manner without causing failure to the horizontal frame portion 132. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of supporting legs 138 may include a tubular metallic structures or a solid metallic structures which can withstand the load of the driver and /or the luggage kept on the seat member 140. In the illustrated embodiments in Figures 9 and 10, the supporting legs 138 at a central portion of the seat assembly 120 includes two supporting legs connected to each other via a horizontal tube 138a contacting the floor 12. However, in another embodiment, the said supporting legs 138 at the central portion of the seat assembly 120 may not be having the horizontal tube 138a contacting the floor 12, and the supporting legs 138 may directly be fastened onto the floor similar to the remaining supporting legs 138. In a further embodiment, the seat assembly 120 can be provided with additional brackets and reinforcements (not shown) to distribute the load to the partition wall 162.

[029] The seat assembly 120 of the vehicle 10 further includes a side cover 150 (shown in Figures 1 , 6, 10 and 12) disposed outwardly at each side rail 136 of the driver seat frame 130. The side cover 150 is configured to extend from the side rail 136 to the floor 12 of the vehicle 10 for protecting luggage disposed below the seat member 140. In an embodiment, the side cover 150 is connected to the side rail 136 using one or more fasteners (not shown). The side cover 150 may be made of a plastic or a metallic material.

[030] Further, in the seat assembly 120, each side of the seat member 140 includes a side flap window 170 or a door member (not shown) covering each side of the seat member 140. The side flap window 170 or the door member is adapted to provide protection for luggage kept on sides of the seat member 140. In one embodiment, the side flap window 170 can be made by a soft material like cloth such that the side flap window 170 is folded upwards or pulled downwards.

[031] As shown in Figures 8 - 10, the seat member 140 is configured with a cut-out 142. The cut-out 142 is configured to allow movement of a hand start lever 18 for starting the vehicle 10. In the illustrated figures, the cut-out 142 has an opening extending from the vehicle front-rear direction “D1” to allow movement of the hand start lever 18 disposed on the floor 12 of the vehicle 10. Thus, the cut-out 142 made in the seat member 140 does not hinder the hand start lever movement when used by the driver.

[032] Advantageously, the seat assembly in the present invention provides a seating area for the driver which is bigger and comfortable and also can be utilized for keeping additional luggage being carried by the passengers sitting in the rear portion of the vehicle and thus, also increases driver’s as well as passenger’s comfort.

[033] Further, the seat assembly of the present invention provides a solution for the cracks occurring in the partition wall when the driver seat or the seat member and neighbouring area is subjected to an additional load by distributing the load uniformly across the seat frame and transferring it to the vehicle frame. The seat assembly and the driver seat frame of the seat assembly are such that the crack in partition wall is eliminated due to even load distribution.

[034] Furthermore, discomfort for the driver while driving due to space constraint and discomfort to the passenger if the luggage is adjusted in the passenger compartment is reduced. This is because of increased space availability for the driver without hampering driving and starting operations, and extra luggage that can be kept without compromising the driving comfort.

[035] The seat assembly in the present invention is durable and eliminates driver seat frame failure when compared with the existing seat assembly due to redefined mounting points and even load distribution to a larger surface area on the floor.

[036] Underneath space of the driver seat frame has been fully used as a utility space and also sides of the extended seat space has been fully used as another utility space. Thus, the seat assembly as disclosed in the present invention utilizes the space in the vehicle optimally to carry the passenger’s and/or driver’s luggage and increases the driver’s and passenger’s comfort during the commute.

[037] Since the driver seat frame is placed on the two-side long member, central long member and on the partition wall, this helps the load distribution in an even manner and the driver seat frame failure is reduced.

[038] As the vehicle includes driver seat frame which can be extended up to a cowl of the vehicle and mounted onto the long members, thus utilizing the space optimally to carry the driver seat frame load. Further, the driver seat frame has six support members as compared to the existing vehicle having only three support members. The six support members will distribute the load from driver seat frame to a chassis or long members of the vehicle evenly. Further, the horizontal frame portion stiffens the driver seat frame and facilitate in supporting the seat assembly to distribute the load evenly. The seat assembly can further be provided with additional brackets and reinforcements to distribute the load to the partition wall as compared to the existing frame where it was directly coupled to the partition wall.

[039] The driver seat frame of the seat assembly will be able to support additional load I luggage and also eliminates the driver seat frame failures and the associated failures which usually causes when heavier luggage is accommodated in the vehicle particularly in front portion of the vehicle.

[040] The seat assembly provided with the cut-out provides freedom of movement for the hand lever for operation, even if the weight/ load of luggage is kept on the extended seat as compared to the existing increased seat where the operation of the hand lever was hindered, and due to which the seat width has to be kept lesser than the location of movement of hand brake, leading to space constraint. Present invention overcomes the said limitations and technical disadvantages by providing the cut-out in the seat member.

[041 ] The seat assembly is capable of taking additional load, due to the frame structure and its mounting on the floor, particularly for the three-wheeled vehicle or four or more wheeled vehicles. Thus, the seat assembly provides more space for keeping extra load. The seat frame having side rails provides protection for luggage kept on the seat at the sides. The seat assembly having the side covers provides protection for luggage kept below the seat and above the seat.

[042] The seat assembly is fitted to the driver seat frame using fasteners and the seat member is designed to flip at about 90° angle. Thus, the assembling is easier. The seat assembly has additional supports to support the seat member on the left hand side (adjacent to the cut-out), providing additional load accommodation.

[043] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A vehicle (10), comprising: a frame (110) comprising a plurality of long members (102) extending in the vehicle frontrear direction (D1) and at least one cross member (104) extending in a vehicle width direction (W) between the plurality of long members (102); and a seat assembly (120) disposed inside a driver cabin (20), the seat assembly (120) comprising a driver seat frame (130) configured to receive a seat member (140) and extends transversely in the vehicle front-rear direction (D1), whereby the seat member (140) is configured to substantially extend in the driver cabin (20) in the vehicle width direction (W).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the driver seat frame (130) comprises a horizontal frame portion (132) having a plurality of frame tubes (134), side rails (136) extending from either sides (132A, 132B) of the horizontal frame portion (132) and a plurality of supporting legs (138) extending from the horizontal frame portion (132) towards a floor (12) of the vehicle (10).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2 comprising a side cover (150) disposed outwardly at each side rail (136) of the driver seat frame (130), the side cover (150) configured to extend from the side rail (136) to the floor (12) of the vehicle (10) for protecting luggage disposed below the seat member (140).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the seat member (140) is configured with a cut-out (142), the cut-out (142) being configured to allow movement of a hand start lever (18) for starting the vehicle (10).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the horizontal frame portion (132) of the driver seat frame (130) comprises a pair of partition wall support members (160) at a rear side of the horizontal frame portion (132) for mounting a partition wall (162).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each side of the seat member (140) comprises a side flap window (170) or a door member covering each side of the seat member (140), the side flap window (170) or the door member adapted to provide protection for luggage kept on sides of the seat member (140).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the side flap window (170) is adapted to be folded upwards or pulled downwards.

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of supporting legs (138) is mounted to the frame (110) at one or more mounting provisions (112) through fasteners.

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2 comprising six supporting legs (138), wherein two supporting legs are disposed at a rear portion behind the partition wall support members (160) and four supporting legs disposed at a front portion, thereby configured to distribute load from the driver seat frame (130) to the plurality of long members (102) of the vehicle (10). 16 The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the vehicle (10) being a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeler vehicle.