WO2023275884A1

WO2023275884A1 - A mounting assembly for a spare wheel of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2023275884A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050426
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vinoth Murugan; Ramakrishnan Kuppusamy; Dhinagar Samraj JABEZ
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2021-06-30
Filing date: 2022-05-05
Publication date: 2023-01-05

Abstract

Present invention relates to the mounting assembly (100) for spare wheel (114) of vehicle (10). The mounting assembly (100) includes first bracket (110) extending between the first end (110a) and the second end (110b), the first end (110a) is hingedly mounted on the cross member (104) and the second end (110b) is detachably attached to the cross member (104). The mounting assembly (100) further includes a second bracket (120) mounted on the first bracket (110). The second bracket (120) is configured to receive the spare wheel (114), whereby the spare wheel (114) is received between the cross member (104) and the first bracket (110). The mounting assembly reduces the spare wheel removing time and ease of replacement with minimal time. An operator can replace the wheel from the vehicle without using any tool.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

A Mounting Assembly for a Spare Wheel of a Vehicle

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for a spare wheel of a vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Generally, all types of vehicles are provided with one or more mounting assemblies for mounting stepney wheels (also known as spare wheel) based on requirements. The spare wheel is typically mounted under a load deck in case of cargo vehicles or at a rear door of the vehicle using a combination of one or more mounting brackets. In such type of mounting assemblies, removing the spare wheel from the vehicle and fixing it back is a cumbersome task since it requires additional tools to remove and / or fix the spare wheel. [003] In one kind of stepney wheel mounting assembly, a mounting bracket is connected to a rear portion of the vehicle. Since the mounting bracket is mounted at the rear portion, an overall length of the vehicle is increased and also it covers more space at an opened condition. Further, the rear stepney mounting creates more wobbling as a central portion being configured to have an opening larger than the attachment portion in the stepney mounting.

[004] Thus, there is a need in the art for a mounting assembly for a spare wheel of a vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a mounting assembly for a spare wheel of a vehicle. The mounting assembly includes a cross member extending in a vehicle width direction between rear ends of a pair of long members. The pair of long members is extending in a vehicle front-rear direction. The mounting assembly further includes a first bracket extending between a first end and a second end. The first end is hingedly mounted on the cross member and the second end is detachably attached to the cross member. The mounting assembly further includes a second bracket mounted on the first bracket. The second bracket is configured to receive the spare wheel whereby the spare wheel is received between the cross member and the first bracket.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the first bracket has a planar portion, a first flange portion extending transversely from the planar portion at the first end of the first bracket, and a second flange portion extending transversely from the planar portion at the second end of the first bracket. [007] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first end of the first bracket is hingedly mounted on the cross member by means of a pivot bracket. The pivot bracket is connected to a pivot arm attached to the first flange portion.

[008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second end of the first bracket is detachably attached to the cross member by means of a locking bracket having a protrusion with a through hole therein.

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second flange portion includes a slot that receives the protrusion having the through hole. [010] In a further embodiment of the invention, a pin is configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the through hole of the protrusion when the protrusion is received by the slot, thereby locking or unlocking the mounting of the second end of the first bracket on the cross member. [011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting assembly includes a lock positioned on the locking bracket. The lock is configured for restricting the movement of the first bracket when the second end of the first bracket is attached to the cross member. The locking bracket is configured with an opening. The opening is being adapted to receive the lock forming a theft proof lock. [012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second bracket is mounted on the planar portion of the first bracket, such that a planar portion of the second bracket is substantially parallel to the planar surface of the first bracket.

[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the planar portion of the second bracket includes one or more through holes configured to receive one or more wheel mounting caps for keeping the spare wheel received on the second bracket in place.

[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting assembly includes a handle disposed at the planar portion of the first bracket for allowing a user to hold the first bracket.

[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting assembly includes a stopper disposed towards the second end of the first bracket. The stopper adapted for being in contact with a ground surface and cushioning the first bracket when the second end is detached from the cross member. [016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the mounting assembly is adapted to mount the spare wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle being a cargo vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [017] 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 1a illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary vehicle having a mounting assembly for a spare wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1b illustrates a magnified view of a portion A indicated in Figure 1a, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2a illustrates a rear perspective view of the exemplary vehicle having the mounting assembly for the spare wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2b illustrates a magnified view of a portion B indicated in Figure 2a, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates an assembled view of the mounting assembly in an open condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Figures 5a - 5c illustrate perspective views of the mounting assembly illustrating the process of removal of the spare wheel from the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 6a and 6b illustrate top and side perspective view of the mounting assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[018] The present invention relates to a mounting assembly for a spare wheel of a vehicle. The mounting assembly reduces the spare wheel removing time and allows for ease of replacement with minimal time. Also, a user or an operator can replace the spare wheel without using any tool.

[019] Figure 1a illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary vehicle 10 having a mounting assembly 100 for a spare wheel 114, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a cargo vehicle. The mounting assembly as disclosed in the present invention can also find its applications in vehicles other than cargo vehicle.

[020] The cargo vehicle 10 as illustrated includes an Internal combustion engine (not shown) or an electric powertrain (not shown) for driving the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 has a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame 20, a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank (not shown). The frame 20 includes a pair of long members 102 that extend in a vehicle front- rear direction between a front end 102a and a rear end 102b. The pair of long members 102 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction are substantially parallelly to each other. The frame 20 further includes one or more cross members 104 that extend transversely between the pair of long members 102. The vehicle 10 further includes a head pipe (not shown) that supports a steering shaft (not shown) and front suspensions (not shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket. The front suspensions support the front wheel 14. An upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 which is mounted to a lower portion of the front suspensions at the end of the steering shaft. The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 30 (shown in Figure 2a) which is fixed to an upper bracket and can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10.

[021] A front portion of the frame 20 supports a plurality of body panels to form a driver cabin 40, where the seat assembly 18 and the handlebar 30 are disposed inside the driver cabin 40. A headlight 32 is provided on a front face of the driver cabin 40. A pair of swing arms 60 (shown in Figure 3) are configured to extend rearwardly from the frame 20 and support a pair of rear wheels 16. Generally, the swing arms 60 are further supported by a dual rear suspension (not shown). Each of the rear wheels 16 are covered by a rear fender 38 that is disposed above each of the rear wheels 16. The rear wheels 16 are rotated by the driving force of the vehicle powertrain. The cargo vehicle 10 further includes a cargo or a load deck (not shown) that can be hingedly mounted on the frame 20 and supported onto the pair of long members 102.

[022] Referring further to Figure 1a, the cargo vehicle 10 includes one or more actuators (not shown) for operating the cargo deck between a lowered position and a raised or deployed position. Typically, the cargo vehicle 10 includes two actuators, with the first ends of both the actuators connected to one of the cross members 104 and the second ends are connected to the load deck. [023] As referenced in Figure 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b, the one or more cross members 104 have various cross members extending in the width of the vehicle 10 at different longitudinal positions in the frame 20. Referring to Figure 2b, the one or more cross members 104 have a trailing cross member 104a. The trailing cross member 104a extends transversely between the pair of long members 102, such that the swing arm 60 extends rearwardly from an end of the trailing cross member 104a to support the rear wheel 16. The trailing cross member 104a is disposed in front of the rear wheel 16 in the vehicle front-rear direction. In the illustrated embodiments in Figures 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b, a mounting assembly 100 having the cross member 104 is provided at the rear end 102b of the vehicle 10. The mounting assembly 100 is adapted to accommodate a stepney wheel or a spare wheel 114 on the vehicle 10 and to deploy the spare wheel 114 when required during replacement of a punctured wheel situation. In some exemplary embodiment, in case of an electric vehicle, more usable space at a power train area is obtained and this space can be utilized for accommodating the mounting assembly 100 for the spare wheel 114. [024] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the mounting assembly 100 for accommodating the spare wheel 114, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross member 104 extends in a vehicle width direction between rear ends 102b of the pair of long members 102. In another embodiment, the cross member 104 of the mounting assembly 100 is not provided exactly at the rear ends 102b, i.e., the mounting assembly 100 is provided in the cross member 104 which is located slightly inwards in the rear front direction and not exactly at the rear ends 102b of the pair of long members 102. In an embodiment, the cross member 104 is connected with the pair of long members 102 using one or more fasteners and brackets arrangement or by welding. The cross member 104 is connected with a first bracket 110 of the mounting assembly 100.

[025] Referring further to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the first bracket 110 is extended between a first end 110a and a second end 110b. In an embodiment, the first end 110a of the first bracket 110 is hingedly mounted on the cross member 104 and the second end 110b of the first bracket 110 is detachably attached to the cross member 104. In another embodiment, the second end 110b of the first bracket 110 is hingedly mounted on the cross member 104 and the first end 110a of the first bracket 110 is detachably attached to the cross member 104. Thus, the hinged end of the first bracket 110 as per the illustrated embodiment is not meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention.

[026] In the illustrated embodiments, the first bracket 110 has a planar portion 112. The first bracket 110 further has a first flange portion 116a extending transversely from the planar portion 112 at the first end 110a of the first bracket 110. Further, the first bracket 110 has a second flange portion 116b extending transversely from the planar portion 112 at the second end 110b of the first bracket 110.

[027] As shown in Figure 4, the first end 110a of the first bracket 110 is hingedly mounted on the cross member 104 by means of a pivot bracket 106. The pivot bracket 106 is connected to a pivot arm 124 attached to the first flange portion 116a. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot bracket 106 is a U-shaped bracket adapted to be welded between the pivot arm 124 of the first bracket 110 and the cross member 104.

[028] As illustrated in Figures 5a, 5b and 5c, the second end 110b of the first bracket 110 is detachably attached to the cross member 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the second end 110b is detachably attached to the cross member 104 by means of a locking bracket 108. In another embodiment, the locking bracket 108 has a protrusion 108a with a through hole 108b therein. In an embodiment, the second flange portion 116b includes a slot 118 (clearly shown in Figure 4) that receives the protrusion 108a (clearly shown in Figure 3) having the through hole 108b.

[029] In an embodiment of the present invention, a pin 122 is configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the through hole 108b of the protrusion 108a when the protrusion 108a is received by the slot 118, thereby locking or unlocking the mounting of the second end 110b of the first bracket 110 on the cross member 104. In another embodiment, the pin 122 is a linch pin known in the art.

[030] In some embodiments of the present invention, a lock 138 is positioned on the locking bracket 108 for providing a theft proof lock for the mounting assembly 100. The lock 138 is configured for restricting the movement of the first bracket 110 when the second end 110b of the first bracket 110 is attached to the cross member 104. The locking bracket 108 is configured with an opening 108c such that the opening 108c is being adapted to receive the lock 138 forming the theft proof lock.

[031] The mounting assembly 100 further includes a second bracket 120 mounted on the first bracket 110. The second bracket 120 is configured to receive the spare wheel 114, whereby the spare wheel 114 is received between the cross member 104 and the first bracket 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the second bracket 120 is mounted on the planar portion 112 of the first bracket 110, such that a planar portion 120a of the second bracket 120 is substantially parallel to the planar surface 112 of the first bracket 110. The planar portion 120a of the second bracket 120 includes one or more through holes 120b configured to receive one or more wheel mounting caps 140 for keeping the spare wheel 114 received on the second bracket 120 in place.

[032] In the embodiments as shown in Figures 1 - 6, the planar portion 112 of the first bracket 110 is provided with a handle 126. The handle 126 allows a user to hold the first bracket 110 during mounting the spare wheel 114 with the mounting assembly 100.

[033] In some embodiments of the present invention, the planar portion 112 of the first bracket 110 is further provided with a stopper 130. The stopper 130 is disposed towards the second end 110b of the first bracket 110 (more clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5). The stopper 130 is adapted to contact with a ground surface and cushioning the first bracket 110 when the second end 110b is detached from the cross member 104 during removing the spare wheel 114 from the mounting assembly 100 (shown in Figures 2a, 2b and 5c). [034] As shown in Figure 5a, the spare wheel 114 is mounted in between the first bracket 110 and the cross member 104. When the spare wheel 114 is mounted onto the first bracket 110, the mounting caps 140 with threaded connection are disposed onto a metallic rim 114a of the spare wheel 114. The mounting caps 140 are made to engage with the through hole 120b provided on the planar portion 120a of the second bracket 120. Thus, the spare wheel 114 is mounted onto the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120 securely. Thereafter, the first bracket 110 is held and lifted by holding the handle 126 to detachably connect with the cross member 104. Due to lifting of the first bracket 110 and the first bracket 110 being hingedly connected at the first end 110a, the second end 110b having the second flange portion 116b is moved closer to the protrusion 108a. Thus, the slot 118 at the second flange portion 116b of the first bracket 110 receives the protrusion second flange portion 116b of the first bracket 110. Once the through hole 108b is located below the second flange portion 116b, the pin 122 can be inserted into the through hole 108b for locking the first bracket 110 with the cross member 104. Thus, the spare wheel 114 is securely mounted to the vehicle 10 by the mounting assembly 100. In one embodiment, the lock 138 is provided in the opening 108c of the lock 108, thereby forming the theft proof lock for the spare wheel 114. Thus, the spare wheel 114 is safely secured into the mounting assembly 100.

[035] As shown in Figure 5b, when the user is required to remove the spare wheel 114 from the mounting assembly 100, the user firstly removes the theft proof lock 138 from the opening 108c of the locking bracket 108. Thereafter, the user is required to withdraw the pin 122 from the through hole 108b of the protrusion 108a, thereby unlocking the mounting of the second end 110b of the first bracket 110 from the cross member 104. Once the first bracket 110 is unlocked, the first bracket 110 mounted with the spare wheel 114 is detached from the cross member 104 and it is displaced by swinging about the hinge. During this time, the stopper 130 disposed towards the second end 110b of the first bracket 110 comes in contact with the ground surface and provides cushioning to the first bracket 110. Thus, the detached first bracket 110 rests on the ground surface with the stopper 130 contacting the ground surface (also shown in Figure 2b).

[036] Referring to Figure 5c, after detaching the second end 110b of the first bracket 110 from the cross member 104, the spare wheel 114 can be removed from the connection provided between the rim 114a of the spare wheel 114 and the second bracket 120. The wheel cap 140 is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction for mounting the spare wheel 114, so that the wheel cap 140 is disengaged from the through holes 120a of the second bracket 120. Thus, the spare wheel 114 after removing the wheel cap 140 will be free from engagement with the first and second brackets 110, 120 of the mounting assembly 100. As the second flange portion 116b of the first bracket 110 can contact the spare wheel 114, the spare wheel 114 does not fall off immediately when the wheel cap 140 is removed from the second bracket 120. The user can easily hold and remove the spare wheel 114 for using during the punctured wheel condition of the vehicle 10.

[037] In the Figures 6a and 6b, the spare wheel 114 is in secured locking state, where the first bracket 110 is detachably connected to the cross member 104 and the spare wheel 114 is securely locked between the cross member 104, the first bracket 110 and the second bracket 120.

[038] Advantageously, the mounting assembly in the present invention provides a swingable spare wheel holding mechanism which reduces the removing time and increases the ease of replacement with minimal time. The user or the operator can remove the spare wheel from the mounting assembly without using any tool. Similarly, the operator can mount the spare wheel or a flat wheel in the mounting assembly with ease. In the present invention the spare wheel comes down and below the powertrain zone at the disassembled condition so that it is easy to remove the wheel with minimal effort. The mounting assembly will touch the ground surface and stop during disassembly of the spare wheel from the vehicle. Thus, the wheel cap holding the spare wheel on the second bracket can be removed easily. In the present invention, the swingable arrangement provided in the mounting assembly can be easily locked and disassembled by the linch pin. Further, the mounting assembly provided with the additional lock provides an advantage of theft proof locking for the spare wheel. [039] The spare wheel from the vehicle, particularly from the mounting assembly can be removed with minimal effort, i.e., the mounting assembly can be operated in one hand by the user which is sufficient to remove the spare wheel.

[040] . The spare wheel from the mounting assembly can be accessed easily. The operator can access the spare wheel with one hand and without use of any tool. Further, the spare wheel can be removed and re-assembled in the vehicle without use of tools, so that the operator can access the spare wheel easily at emergencies or at night times.

[041] The mounting assembly for spare wheel as disclosed in the present invention, reduces noise and vibrational harshness as there are less number of components in the mounting assembly. In addition, the mounting assembly improves overall aesthetics and ergonomics of the vehicle since the spare wheel is not visible during the secured and locked condition. The mounting assembly being a swingable type and the stepney wheel can be easily accessible, this reduces the time required for replacing the stepney wheels and thus improves serviceability of the vehicle. In addition, the mounting assembly reduces the labour cost during servicing of the vehicle.

[042] The user does not require any tool to remove or re-attach the spare wheel from or to the mounting assembly. This reduces the cost of the mounting arrangement and thereby improving the market attractiveness by way of cost effectiveness.

[043] The spare wheel is safely located since the spare wheel is located under the load deck of the vehicle by the mounting assembly of present invention.

[044] 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 mounting assembly (100) for a spare wheel (114) of a vehicle (10), comprising: a cross member (104) extending in a vehicle width direction between rear ends (102b) of a pair of long members (102), the pair of long members (102) extending in a vehicle front-rear direction; a first bracket (110) extending between a first end (110a) and a second end (110b), the first end (110a) hingedly mounted on the cross member (104) and the second end (110b) detachably attached to the cross member (104); and a second bracket (120) mounted on the first bracket (110), the second bracket (120) configured to receive the spare wheel (114) whereby the spare wheel (114) is received between the cross member (104) and the first bracket (110).

2. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first bracket (110) has a planar portion (112), a first flange portion (116a) extending transversely from the planar portion (112) at the first end (110a) of the first bracket (110), and a second flange portion (116b) extending transversely from the planar portion (112) at the second end (110b) of the first bracket (110).

3. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first end (110a) of the first bracket (110) is hingedly mounted on the cross member (104) by means of a pivot bracket (106), the pivot bracket (106) connected to a pivot arm (124) attached to the first flange portion (116a).

4. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second end (110b) of the first bracket (110) is detachably attached to the cross member (104) by means of a locking bracket (108) having a protrusion (108a) with a through hole (108b) therein.

5. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second flange portion (116b) comprises a slot (118) that receives the protrusion (108a) having the through hole (108b).

6. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, comprising a pin (122) configured to be inserted into or withdrawn from the through hole (108b) of the protrusion (108a) when the protrusion (108a) is received by the slot (118), thereby locking or unlocking the mounting of the second end (110b) of the first bracket (110) on the cross member (104).

7. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a lock (138) positioned on the locking bracket (108), the lock (138) configured for restricting the movement of the first bracket (110) when the second end (110b) of the first bracket (110) is attached to the cross member (104).

8. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the locking bracket (108) is configured with an opening (108c), the opening (108c) being adapted to receive the lock (138) forming a theft proof lock.

9. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second bracket (120) is mounted on the planar portion (112) of the first bracket (110), such that a planar portion (120a) of the second bracket (120) is substantially parallel to the planar surface (112) of the first bracket (110).

10. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the planar portion (120a) of the second bracket (120) comprises one or more through holes (120b) configured to receive one or more wheel mounting caps (140) for keeping the spare wheel (114) received on the second bracket (120) in place.

11. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a handle (126) disposed at the planar portion (112) of the first bracket (110) for allowing a user to hold the first bracket (110).

12. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a stopper (130) disposed towards the second end (110b) of the first bracket (110), the stopper (130) adapted for being in contact with a ground surface and cushioning the first bracket (110) when the second end (110b) is detached from the cross member (104).

13. The mounting assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the mounting assembly (100) is adapted to mount the spare wheel (114) of the vehicle (10), the vehicle (10) being a cargo vehicle.