WO2023170701A1

WO2023170701A1 - A vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2023170701A1
Application number: PCT/IN2023/050034
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manoharan SANTHOSH; Kandhual ANURAG; Sharmanath SORNNAPAN BANU
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2022-03-11
Filing date: 2023-01-13
Publication date: 2023-09-14

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle (100) comprising a frame assembly (106) and a headstock (124). The frame assembly (106) comprises a main frame (110) extending between a front portion (110a) and a rear portion (110b) in a vehicle front-rear direction. The head stock (124) is detachably attached to the front portion (110a) of the main frame (110). The head stock (124) comprises a body (140) and a bore (142) extending through the body (140) such that a steering column (144) is disposed in the bore (142) and an orientation of the bore (142) in the body (140) defines a castor angle of the vehicle (100).

Description

A Vehicle

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. The present invention relates to a headstock detachably attached to a frame of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] A castor angle of a vehicle such as a two-wheeled or three wheeled motorcycles is an important dynamic parameter of the vehicle. It is defined as an angle that a steering axis of the vehicle subtends with a vertical axis of the ground, when the vehicle is perfectly upright. Altering the castor angle of the vehicle can change the steering and stability characteristics of the vehicle. For example, large castor angle allows the vehicle to be very stable at high speeds on straight roads and also very comfortable to ride for long distances. However, the vehicle having large castor angle is difficult to steer on winding roads and generally much upper body strength is required to maneuver the vehicle. On the other hand, the vehicle having small castor angle, will be quite responsive to steering, but the stability of the vehicle on a straight section of road such as a highway tends to be considerably less than desirable. Also, riding on the vehicle having small castor angle for a considerable distance tends to be uncomfortable, as the rider is positioned in more of an upright position than would be on a vehicle having large castor angle. [003] In other words, a straight-line stability of the vehicle has a direct corelation with the castor angle of the vehicle. The straight-line stability can be measured with help of amount of self-centering torque acting on the steering of the vehicle when the vehicle is steered away from the center. When the vehicle is on a highway, a straight-line stability is most desired. On the contrary, in city traffic conditions, a low straight-line stability is desired as the rider is required to make constant change in direction.

[004] The castor angle of the vehicle affects a length of frame/frame assembly of the vehicle, which in turn, affects the entire geometry/dimensions of the vehicle including diameter of the rear and front wheel, distance between the rear and front wheel, shape and size of the seat assembly affecting a seating posture of the rider on the vehicle etc. Conventionally, the castor angle of the vehicle is fixed as a headstock of the vehicle, which determines the castor angle of the vehicle, is permanently fixed/welded to a frame of the vehicle in a specific orientation. As the frame is welded to the headstock, it is not possible to change the castor angle of the vehicle without changing the frame of the vehicle which is undesirable.

[005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need-felt to address one or more above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[006] In one aspect, a vehicle having a head stock is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a main frame extending between a front portion and a rear portion in a vehicle front-rear direction. The head stock is detachably attached to the front portion of the main frame. The head stock comprises a body and a bore extending through the body such that a steering column is disposed in the bore of the vehicle and an orientation of the bore in the body defines a castor angle of the vehicle.

[007] In an embodiment, the body of the headstock comprises one or more flanges configured to be detachably attached to the main frame.

[008] In an embodiment, the one or more flanges extend in a direction perpendicular to a steering axis of the vehicle.

[009] In an embodiment, the one or more flanges are provided at a predetermined distance from the steering axis.

[010] In an embodiment, the pre-determined distance is 35mm-75mm.

[011] In an embodiment, the steering column supports a steering shaft connected to a handlebar of the vehicle.

[012] In an embodiment, profile of the body of the headstock complements profile of the front portion of the main frame.

[013] In an embodiment, the flanges comprises a first set of flanges and a second set of flanges.

[014] In an embodiment, the first set of flanges extend in the front direction of the vehicle and a second set of flanges extend in the rear direction of the vehicle. [015] In an embodiment, the first set of flanges extends in a right direction of the vehicle and the second set of flanges extend in a left direction of the vehicle

[016] In an embodiment, the main frame is a single frame and the first set of flanges extend in the front direction of the vehicle and the second set of the flanges extend in the rear direction of the vehicle. In such an arrangement, the front portion of the single frame is detachably attached to the first set of flanges and the second set of the flanges.

[017] In an embodiment, the main frame is a split frame comprising a right front portion and a left front portion. The first set of flanges extend in the right direction of the vehicle and the second set of flanges extends in the left direction of the vehicle. In such an arrangement, the right front portion of the frame is detachably attached to the first set of flanges extending in right direction and the left front portion of the frame is detachably attached to the second set of flanges extending in the right direction.

[018] In an embodiment, the main frame is a split frame comprising a right front portion and a left front portion. The first set of flanges extend in the front direction of the vehicle and the second set of flanges extends in the rear direction of the vehicle. In such an arrangement, the right front portion and the left front portion of the frame are detachably attached to the first set of flanges and the second set of flanges. 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 is a schematic view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a side-view of the frame assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the frame assembly illustrating an enlarged view of the headstock and the front portion of the main frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the head stock, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the head stock, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 illustrates an assembly of a split main frame and the headstock, 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.

[021] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle 100 is a two-wheeled or three-wheeled motorcycle. It is to be noted that a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral direction. Arrows provided in the top right corner of figures depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rearward direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction as and where applicable.

[022] The vehicle comprises a prime mover (not shown) that is adapted to provide motive force for movement of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the prime mover is an internal combustion engine and/or one or more electric motors. The vehicle 100 comprises a front wheel 102, a rear wheel 104, a frame assembly 106 (Refer Figure 2) and a seat assembly 108. The frame assembly includes a main frame 110 (Refer Figure 2) , a down frame 112 (Refer Figure 2), an under frame 114 (Refer Figure 2), center frame 116 (Refer Figure 2) and a rear frame 118 (Refer Figure 2). The frame assembly 106 is configured to receive front cover 120 and side covers 122. The frame assembly 106 is further configured to receive and support the components of the vehicle such as primer mover (not shown), transmission assembly (not shown), the exhaust emission assembly (not shown), etc.

[023] The vehicle 100 further comprises a headstock 124 (Refer to Figure 2). The head stock 124 supports a steering shaft 126 (Refer Figure 2) and a suspension assembly 128 (Refer Figure 2) attached to the steering shaft 126 through a lower bracket (not shown). The suspension assembly 128 supports the front wheel 102. Further, an upper portion of the front wheel 102 is covered by a front fender 130 mounted to the lower portion of the suspension assembly 128 at the end of the steering shaft 126. A handlebar 132 is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft 126 for turning the vehicle 100.

[024] A rear swing arm (not shown) is connected to the frame assembly 106 to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 104 is connected to a rear end of the rear swing arm. A headlamp 134 is disposed in front of the vehicle and a taillamp 136 is disposed at the rear of the seat assembly 108. The rear wheel 104 is arranged below the seat assembly 108 and a rear fender 138 is disposed above the rear wheel 104. The motive force of the prime mover is transmitted to the rear wheel 104 by means of the transmission assembly.

[025] Figure 2 is a side-view of the frame assembly of the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [026] As already stated, the frame assembly includes the main frame 110, the down frame 112, the under frame 114, the center frame 116 and the rear frame 118. The main frame 110 extends between a front portion 110a and a rear portion 110b in a vehicle front-rear direction. The front portion 110a of the main frame 110 is detachably attached to the head stock 124. In an embodiment, the main frame 110 is a single frame. The center frame 116 extends downwardly from the main frame 110 between a first portion 116a and a second portion 116b. The first portion 116a of the center frame 116 is attached to the rear portion 110b of the main frame 110. In an embodiment, the main frame 110 and the center frame 116 are formed integrally. In an embodiment, the main frame 110 and the center frame 116 are formed separately. The down frame 112 extends downwardly from the main frame 110 between a first portion 112a and a second portion 112b. The first portion 112a of the down-frame 112 is attached to the front portion 110a of the main frame 110. The underframe 114 extends rearwardly from the second portion 112b of the down frame 112 and is attached to the second portion 116b of the center frame 116. The rear frame 118 extends rearwardly and upwardly from the rear portion 110b of the main frame 110. In an embodiment, the above-mentioned frames are made of sheet metal. In another embodiment, the above-mentioned frames are tubular frames.

[027] It is to be understood that Figure 2 is only for illustration purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The vehicles having a head stock 124 and a main frame 110 detachably attached to the head stock 124 are within the scope of the present invention.

[028] Figure 3 is a sectional view of the frame assembly 106 illustrating an enlarged view of the headstock 124 and the front portion 110a of the main frame 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[029] As shown, the front portion 110a of the main frame 110 is detachably attached to the head stock 124. It is to be understood that the front portion 110a of the main frame 110 is a region proximate the front end 110c of the main frame. The headstock 124 comprises a body 140 and a bore 142 (Refer Figure 4) extending through the body 140 of the headstock 124. As can also be seen, profile of the body 140 complements profile of the front portion 110a of the main frame 110. A steering column 144 (Refer Figure 5) is disposed in the body 140 of the headstock 124. The steering column 144 supports the steering shaft 126. The handlebar 132 is rotatably connected to the steering shaft 126 and is used to steer the vehicle 100. The body 140 of the headstock 124 comprises a plurality of flanges 146 divided into a first set of flanges 146a extending in the front direction of the vehicle 100 and a second set of flanges 146b extend in the rear direction of the vehicle 100. In Figure 3, the main frame 110 is a single frame. The front portion 110a of the main frame 110 is detachably attached to the first set of flanges 146a extending in the front direction of the vehicle 100 and the second set of flanges 146b extending the in the rear direction of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the front portion 110a of the main frame 110 comprises one or more first mounting holes and the first 146a and second set of flanges 146b comprises one or more second mounting holes. During assembly, the one or more first mounting holes are aligned with one or more second mounting holes and fastened with one or more fasteners.

[030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the head stock 124, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a sectional view of the head stock 124, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[031] As shown, the head stock 124 comprises the body 140 and the bore 142 extending through the body. The steering column 144 of the vehicle 100 is disposed in the bore 142 of the head stock 124. The steering column 144 supports a steering shaft 126. The orientation of the bore 142 in the body 140 of the head stock 124 determines the steering axis S of the vehicle, which in turn determines the castor angle of the vehicle 100. The castor angle of the vehicle 100 increases/decreases as the orientation of the bore 142 with respect to the vertical axis of the ground increases/decreases. As change in orientation of the bore 142 in the headstock 124 determines the castor angle of the vehicle 100, the castor angle of the vehicle 100 can be varied without changing the frame assembly 106 of the vehicle 100 or dimensions dependent on the frame assembly 106 of the vehicle 100 such as diameter of front and rear wheels 102, 104, distance between the center of the front wheel 102 and/or the rear wheel 104, shape and size of the seat assembly 108. [032] In an embodiment, the head stock 124 comprises one or more flanges 146 configured to be detachably attached to the front portion 110a of the main frame 110. As shown, the one or more flanges 146 extend in a direction perpendicular to a steering axis S of the vehicle 100. The one or more flanges 146 are provided at a pre-determined distance from the steering axis S. In an embodiment, the pre-determined distance is 35mm- 75mm.

[033] The plurality of flanges can be divided into the first set of flanges 146a and the second set of flanges 146b. In one arrangement, the first set of flanges 146a extend in front direction of the vehicle 100 and the second set of flanges 146b extend in rear direction of the vehicle 100. In an alternate arrangement, the first set of the flanges 146a extend in the right direction of the vehicle 100 and the second set of flanges 146b extend in the left direction of the vehicle 100.

[034] As shown, the plurality of flanges 146 comprises one or more second mounting holes M2. During assembly, the one or more second mounting holes M2 on the plurality of flanges 146 are aligned with one or more first mounting holes M1 (Refer Figure 6) provided on the front portion 110a of the main frame 100 and fastened with one or more fasteners.

[035] Figure 6 illustrates an assembly of a split main frame and the headstock 124, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [036] As shown, the main frame 110 is a split frame and comprises a right front portion 148 to be assembled on the right side of the vehicle 100 and a left front portion 150 to be assembled on the left side of the vehicle 100. The headstock 124 has a first set of flanges 146a extending in front direction of the vehicle and a second set of flanges 146b extending in rear direction of the vehicle. As can be seen, profile of the body 140 complements profile of the front right portion 148 and front left portion 150 of the main frame 110. The front right portion 148 and the front left portion 150 are detachably attached to the first set of flanges 146a extending in the front direction of the vehicle 100 and the second set of flanges 146b extending in rear direction of the vehicle 100.

[037] Although not shown, in another embodiment, the first set of flanges 146a extend in the right direction of the vehicle 100 and the second set of the flanges 146b extend in the left direction of the vehicle 100. In such an arrangement, the right front portion 148 of the main frame is detachably attached to the first set of flanges 146a extending in the right direction and the left front portion 150 of the main frame is detachably attached to the second set of flanges 146b extending in the left direction.

[038] In an embodiment, the right front portion 148 and the left front portion 150 of the main frame comprises one or more first mounting holes M1 and the first 146a and second 146b set of flanges 146 comprises one or more second mounting holes M2. During assembly, the first mounting holes M1 and the second mounting holes M2 are aligned and fastened with one or more fasteners. [039] Advantageously, in the present invention, the castor angle of the vehicle can be changed without changing or modifying the frame assembly of the vehicle. The head stock 124 which is detachably attached to the frame can be simply replaced with another headstock 124 to change the castor angle of the vehicle 100. Therefore, same frame can be used for a cruiser bike having more straight-line stability and a city bike having less straight- line stability by simply replacing the headstocks.

[040] The present invention results in reduction of costs as castor angle of the vehicle 100 can be changed without changing frame or modifying the seating of the rider. Moreover, the construction of the headstock 124 for detachably attaching the same to the frame is simple as well as cost effective. Also, the plurality of flanges 146 provides structural stability and a proper attachment to the front portion 110a of the main frame 110.

[041] 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.

List of reference numerals

100- vehicle

102- front wheel

104- rear wheel

106- frame assembly

108- seat assembly 110- main frame

110a- front portion of main frame

110b- rear portion of main frame

110c- front end of the main frame

112- down frame

112a- first portion of down frame

112b- second portion of down frame

114-under frame

116- center frame

116a- first portion of center frame

116b- second portion of center frame

118-rear frame

120- front cover

122- side covers

124- headstock

126- steering shaft

128- suspension assembly

130- front fender

132- handlebar

134- headlight

136- tail lamp

138- rear fender

140- body of the head stock

142- bore of the headstock 144- steering column

146- flanges

146a- first set of flanges

146b- second set of flanges 148- right front portion of split main frame

150- left front portion of split main frame

S- Steering axis

M1- mounting holes

M2-mounting holes

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1 . A vehicle (100) comprising: a frame assembly (106) having a main frame (110) extending between a front portion (110a) and a rear portion (110b) in a vehicle front-rear direction; a head stock (124) detachably attached to the front portion (110a) of the main frame (110), the head stock (124) comprising a body (140) and a bore (142) extending through the body (140) such that a steering column (144) is disposed in the bore (142) and an orientation of the bore (142) in the body (140) defines a castor angle of the vehicle (100).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the body (140) of the headstock (124) comprises one or more flanges (146) configured to be detachably attached to front portion (110a) of the main frame (110).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein profile of the body (140) of the headstock (124) complements profile of the front portion (110a) of the main frame (110).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the one or more flanges (146) extend in a direction perpendicular to a steering axis (S) of the vehicle (100).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the flanges (146) comprises a first set of flanges (146a) and a second set of flanges (146b).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first set of flanges (146a) extend in the front direction of the vehicle (100) and a second set of flanges (146b) extend in the rear direction of the vehicle (100).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first set of flanges (146a) extends in a right direction of the vehicle (100) and the second set of flanges (146b) extend in a left direction of the vehicle (100).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the one or more flanges (146) are provided at a pre-determined distance from the steering axis (S).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pre-determined distance is 35mm-75mm.

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the main frame is a single frame or a split frame.

11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , claim 6 and claim 10, wherein the front portion (110) of the single frame is detachably attached to the first set of flanges (146a) extending in the front direction of the vehicle (100) (100) and a second set of flanges (146b) extending in the rear direction of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , claim 7 and claim 10, wherein the split frame comprises a right front portion (148) and a left front portion (150), the right front portion (148) detachably attached to the first set of flanges (146a) extending in the right direction of the vehicle (100) and the left front portion (150) detachably attached to the second set of flanges (146b) extending in the left direction of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , claim 6 and claim 10, wherein the split frame comprises a right front portion (148) and a left front portion (150) detachably attached to the first set of flanges (146a) extending in the front direction of the vehicle (100) and the second set of flanges (146b) extending in the rear direction of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the steering column (144) supports a steering shaft (126) connected to a handlebar (132) of the vehicle (100).