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Title:
AIR GUIDE STRUCTURE FOR A TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/060906
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle (1) comprising a front body portion (F) and a rear body portion (R). A body cover (22) extends from the front body portion (F) to the rear body portion (R) along a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA) and said body cover (22) comprising a front cover (16) disposed in said front body portion (F) and a rear cover (21) disposed in said rear body portion (R). In the present invention, an air guide structure (100) formed in at least a portion of said rear cover (21) comprises of a projecting member (102) extending from at least one surface (100a), (100b) thereof.

Inventors:
CHANDRAKANT KOTNIS YOGESH (IN)
MOHANKUMAR MEGANATHAN (IN)
PAYNE KANIKA (IN)
MALARKOD KANDASAMY (IN)
GANESH RAM SUNDARARAMAN (IN)
ALTAF MAKANDAR MUHAMMED (IN)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2017/055945
Publication Date:
April 05, 2018
Filing Date:
September 28, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
TVS MOTOR CO LTD (IN)
International Classes:
B62K11/10
Domestic Patent References:
WO2004078572A12004-09-16
Foreign References:
CN101293544A2008-10-29
Download PDF:
Claims:
We claim:

1. A two-wheeled vehicle (1) comprising: a front body portion (F) and a rear body portion (R); a body cover (22) extending from the front body portion (F) to the rear body portion (R) along a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA), said body cover (22) comprising a front cover (16) disposed in said front body portion (F) and a rear cover (21) disposed in said rear body portion (R); and at least one air guide structure (100) formed in at least a portion of said rear cover (21) includes at least one surface (100a), (100b), said air guide structure (100) further comprises at least one projecting member (102) extending from said at least one surface (100a), (100b) thereof.

2. The two-wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one projecting member (102) is integrally formed with said at least one surface (100a), (100b) of the air guide structure (100).

3. The two-wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one projecting member (102) extends rearwardly in continuation with said at least one surface (100a), (100b) of the air guide structure (100).

4. The two-wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one projecting member is a flange.

5. The two-wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said air guide structure

(100) is removably secured with a cover member (101).

6. The two-wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said cover member

(101) includes at least one covering portion (108) and at least one mounting portion (104) (107) being integrally formed with said at least one covering portion (108).

7. The two-wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said at least one covering portion (108) of said cover member (101) is contoured in a shape to follow a corresponding contour of at least a portion of said air guide structure (100).

8. The two-wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one covering portion (108) of said cover member (101) is at least partially curved to form a raised member on at least a front surface (FD) thereof to conform to said contour of said at least a portion of said air guide structure (100).

9. The two-wheeled vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one covering portion (108) of said cover member (101) is substantially C-shaped in the cross section.

10. The two-wheeled vehicle (1), as claimed in claim 9, wherein the mounting of the cover member (18) to the air guide structure (100) establishes a gap of at least 2 mm therebetween, for guiding external cooling air into at least a portion of the vehicle (1) and for reducing a tappet noise produced by an engine of said vehicle (1).

Description:
AIR GUIDE STRUCTURE FOR A TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to an air guide structure for the two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to make motorcycles lighter in weight and appealing to diverse groups, small models of motorized cycle designs have been developed. Generally, such vehicles include a small engine block coupled with other components and suspended on a body frame just in front of and surrounding a rear wheel. Such motorized cycles, often referred to as scooter type vehicle, may include a body cover which surrounds the engine to improve the outer appearance of the vehicle and protect the component elements of the vehicle. However, as the vehicle continues to accelerate and run, the heat generated by the engine is more. Thus, in the absence of the efficient cooling process, the body cover tend to trap hot air heated by the engine and hence adversely affect the engine and other components positioned therebehind.

[0003] In a conventional scooter type vehicle configuration, both the engine and the exhaust systems are arranged inside the body of the vehicle. The engine is covered by the body cover including side covers and an under seat cover disposed below a rider's seat. In order to maintain the engine at an optimum temperature through cooling, one or more louvers are formed in the under seat cover of the vehicle. Thus, the air guide structure provided in the body cover enhances a cooling efficiency and facilitates in drawing outside air into the vehicle body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. [0005] Fig.l is a left-hand side view of a two-wheeled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the two-wheeled vehicle illustrating an air guide structure as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Fig.3 is a perspective view of a under seat cover extending upwardly from a step floor and illustrating the air guide structure formed in at least a portion of said under seat cover as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Fig.4 is a perspective view of a rear surface of the under seat cover illustrating the air guide structure with a cover member as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Fig.5 shows a perspective exploded view of the air guide structure located on the under seat cover as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[00010] Fig.5a is a perspective view of the cover member as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[00011] Fig. 6 is an enlarged plan view of at least a portion of the under seat cover illustrating at least one projecting member extending from at least one surface of the air guide structure as per one embodiment of the present invention.

[00012] Fig.7 is a sectional view of the air guide structure and the cover member located on the under seat cover along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00013] Conventionally, in a scooter type two-wheeled vehicle, an internal combustion engine (hereinafter DengineD), a rear wheel, a muffler, an air cleaner, a carburetor and electrical equipment units and the like are stored in a space covered by a body cover including side covers and an under seat cover disposed below the riderDs seat. The side cover located one on each side of the vehicle body together with the under seat cover surrounds the engine and protects the associated equipment units from mud splashed from the rear wheel, water, or dust, as well as temperatures generated by the engine and the associated equipment units. However, said side covers with the under seat cover tends to trap hot air heated by the engine, the exhaust pipe, and the muffler, and such hot air adversely affects the operation of the engine intake system.

[00014] In a known scooter type vehicle configuration, said vehicle body cover is provided with side vents and one or more louvers in the form of an air guide structure for effective intake of outside air into the vehicle. The air guide structure serves as an inlet for outside air for the engine and other associated equipment units, which ultimately reduces unnecessary heating of a storage box on the top. However, the existing air guide structure formed in the under seat cover of the body cover results in the visibility of one or more internal mounting details being provided to the rear of the under seat cover. Such internal mounting details including paint hooks, fasteners, a self -tapping boss for securing the under seat cover to a vehicle frame are visible when seen from outside, thereby affecting the appearance of the vehicle.

[00015] Furthermore, another drawback with the conventional design of the air guide structure formed in the under seat cover is that due to a valve clearance between a rocker arm and a valve stem of the engine, a loud clattering noise called a tappet noise is produced which adversely affects the vehicle performance and ride quality. Thus, in order to overcome the disadvantages of an existing design for the air guide structure, a cover member or a lid is detachably fastened to the air guide structure to stop or reduce the tappet noise with respect to the valve clearance. However, the provision of said cover member or lid to said air guide structure reduces the intake of sufficient amount of the outside air required for efficient cooling of the vehicle.

[00016] Thus, the conventional design and arrangement of the air guide structure and the cover member on the body cover of the vehicle has various disadvantages including, but not limited to inefficient cooling performance of the vehicle. Hence, there persists a need for an improved air guide assembly for the vehicle which comprises of a modified design of the air guide structure and the cover member and further which can facilitates an efficient intake of outside air into the vehicle without largely effecting the direction of flow of the introduced air and additionally prevents the visibility of the internal mounting details of the vehicle, thereby improving the appearance, overall performance and operability of the vehicle.

[00017] With the above objectives in view, the present invention discloses a modified air guide structure formed in at least a portion of the under seat cover of the vehicle to effectively introduce the outside air into the vehicle body and hence enhances the cooling process of the vehicle. Further, one embodiment of the present invention discloses the modified cover member configured to be detachably fastened to the air guide structure from the rear surface of the under seat cover in order to reduce the tappet noise produced by the engine, thereby providing an improved riding comfort and vehicle performance.

[00018] Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, a scooter-type two-wheeled vehicle comprises a front body portion and a rear body portion. The step floor is provided between said front body portion and said rear body portion. In one embodiment, a seat is provided at the rear body portion of said vehicle and a storage box is positioned below said seat. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the body cover extends from the front body portion to the rear body portion along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The body cover comprises a front cover disposed in said front body portion and a rear cover disposed in said rear body portion. The rear cover comprises a pair of laterally spaced side cover and the under seat cover enclosing said storage box. The under seat cover projects upwardly from the step floor along a vehicle width wise direction. The rear cover disposed in said rear body portion of the vehicle comprises of a left side cover, right side cover and said under seat cover. Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the air guide structure formed in at least a portion of said under seat cover comprises of at least one surface including an upper surface and a lower surface. As per one embodiment, the air guide structure further comprises of at least one projecting member extending from said at least one surface thereof. In one embodiment, said at least one projecting member is being integrally formed with said lower surface of said at least one surface of the air guide structure. In one embodiment, said at least one projecting member is a flange. As per one embodiment, a cover member is being detachably secured to said air guide structure. The cover member comprises a structure configured to be detachably secured to said air guide structure such that at least 2mm of gap exists therebetween for facilitating an efficient introduction of the outside air into the vehicle body without any deflection.

[00019] The present invention is directed to the vehicle body cover including said pair of laterally spaced side covers and the under seat cover. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the under seat cover comprises the modified design of said air-guide structure for effective intake of outside air into the vehicle body. The heat generated by the engine, in the form of hot air, which cannot escape through customary side vents, can effectively be cooled through the intake of outside air through the air guide structure, as per one embodiment.

[00020] The present invention relates to the improved air guide assembly including the modified design for the air guide structure and the cover member. As per one embodiment, said cover member is configured to cover the air guide structure from the rear surface of the under seat cover. In one embodiment, the modified design for the cover member includes at least one covering portion and at least one mounting portion being integrally formed with said at least one covering portion. In one embodiment, said at least one covering portion of said cover member is contoured in a shape to follow a corresponding contour of at least a portion of said air guide structure. Further, said at least one covering portion of said cover member is at least partially curved to form a raised member on at least a front surface thereof to conform to said contour of said at least a portion of said air guide structure. Therefore, when the engine for the vehicle not running properly due to the valve clearance and the tappet noise, the cover member can be detachably secured to the air guide structure in the manner as to create said at least 2 mm of gap between the cover member and the air guide structure, hence reducing the loud tappet noise. Thus, with the existence of the gap of said at least 2 mm between the cover member and the air guide structure, an efficient cooling performance for the vehicle is achieved by the introduction of sufficient air required for the cooling of the vehicle and furthermore the tappet noises produced as a result of the valve clearance in the engine is substantially reduced. Moreover, said at least one projecting member extending from said at least one surface in the vehicle rear direction prevents the visibility of the internal mounting details located to the rear of the under seat cover of the vehicle body cover.

[00021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the improved air guide assembly including the modified air guide structure and the cover member improves the overall appearance of the vehicle and in addition enhances the cooling capability of the vehicle with the provision of said at least one projecting member for guiding the outside air being introduced into the vehicle body. Further, the assembly of the modified air guide structure and the cover member shields the internal mounting details located to the rear of the under seat cover of the body cover for the vehicle.

[00022] Various other features and advantages of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference numberr. With reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of orientation of the reference numerals.

[00023] It is to be noted that in the ensuing description, the present invention is usable in a saddle type vehicle exemplified in the form of a two wheeled scooter type motorcycle for illustration. [00024] Further D frontD and D rearD , and D leftO and D rightD referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[00025] FIG. 1 shows a side elevation view of the scooter type two-wheeled vehicle (1) (hereinafter DvehicleD) as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the vehicle (1) includes a frame (not shown) made up of several tubes welded together supporting the body of said vehicle (1). The vehicle (1) has a steerable front wheel (2) and a driven rear wheel (4) driven by driving force generated by a power unit (11). The front wheel (2) of vehicle (1) is axially supported at a lower end of a front fork (3), and the front fork (3) is pivoted in a steerable manner in a head pipe (not shown) of the vehicle frame. A handle bar (7) is attached to an upper end of the head pipe. A headlight unit (10) is arranged forwardly of the handle bar (7) and is surrounded by a visor (9). The handle bar (7) and the seat (5) are supported at opposing ends of the frame and a generally open area is defined there between known as step floor (15). The seat (5) for a driver and a pillion is placed forward to a fuel tank and rearwardly of the step floor (15). A storage box (12) is provided below the seat (5) for storing useful articles. A side trim member (14) laterally beneath the step floor (15) is provided to cover the lower frame members from being visible. The side trim member (14) is laterally present on both sides of the vehicle (1); however, only one is visible in the side view. A side stand fixed to the left side of the frame supports the vehicle (1) such that the vehicle (1) can incline to the left side without falling.

[00026] Further in Fig.l, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle (1) comprises the front body portion (F) and the rear body portion (R). In one embodiment, the step floor (15) is provided between said front body portion (F) and said rear body portion (R). As per one embodiment of the invention, the seat (5) is provided at the rear body portion (R) of said vehicle (1) and the storage box positioned below said seat (5). As per the present invention, the vehicle frame (not shown) is covered by the body cover (22) extending from the front body portion (F) to the rear body portion (R) along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1). The body cover (22) comprises the front cover (16) disposed in said front body portion (F) and the rear cover (21) disposed in said rear body portion (R). The rear cover (21) comprises said pair of laterally spaced side covers (6) and the under seat cover (13) enclosing said storage box. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said pair of laterally spaced side covers includes a right side cover (not shown) and a left side cover (6). The right side cover (6) is symmetrical to the left side cover (6) and hence not shown. The under seat cover (13) projects upwardly from the step floor (15) along the vehicle widthwise direction. A rear fender (8) is accommodated at the rearmost end of the vehicle (1) to partially cover the rear wheel (4). Likewise, the front wheel (2) is covered by a lower member (17) of the front cover (16). The lower member (17) has a rearwardly portion inclined rearwardly and curvedly toward the side trim member (14). In said vehicle, the power unit (11) is configured to drive, and is swingably supported on the frame at one end and to the rear wheel (4) at the other end. In an embodiment, the power unit (11) is integrally formed with a forwardly inclined said internal combustion engine and a transmission system. The rear wheel (4) is connected to a drive shaft at the rear of the power unit (11).

[00027] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the vehicle (1) illustrating the air guide structure (100) as per the present invention. In one embodiment, the rear cover (21) (shown in Fig. l) enclosing said engine, and extending beyond said seat (5) includes the left side cover, right side cover (6) and the under seat cover (13). As per one embodiment, the under seat cover (13) comprises of the air guide structure (100) formed in said at least a portion of said under seat cover (13) for discharging heat from said internal combustion engine. Further, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the air guide structure (100) comprises of said at least one surface (100a), (100b) (shown in Fig.6) including said upper surface (100a) and the lower surface (100b).

[00028] Fig.3 is a perspective view of the under seat cover (13) extending upwardly from the step floor (15) and illustrating the air guide structure (100) located therein. Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the air guide structure (100) is formed in said at least a portion of the under seat cover (13) for guiding the outside air into the vehicle body.

[00029] Fig.4 is a perspective view of a rear surface (18) of the under seat cover (13) illustrating the air guide structure (100) (shown in Fig.5) with the cover member (101) (shown in Fig.6) as per one embodiment of the present invention. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the under seat cover (13) comprises of a front surface (23) and the rear surface (18). The cover member (101) is detachably secured to the air guide structure (100) from the rear surface (18) of the under seat cover (13). Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the one or more internal mounting details (19), (20), (21) including said paint hooks (19), (20), the self -tapping boss (21) for securing the under seat cover (13) to the vehicle frame are provided to the rear surface (18) of the under seat cover (13). In one embodiment of the present invention, the modified air guide assembly (200) including said air guide structure (100) and the cover member (101) being detachably assembled to said air guide structure (100) prevents the visibility of said one or more internal mounting details (19), (20) and hence improves the vehicle appearance.

[00030] Fig. 5 shows a perspective exploded view of the air guide structure (100) formed on the under seat cover (13) of the vehicle (1) as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the cover member (101) is having a structure configured to be detachably secured to said air guide structure (100). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the improved air guide assembly (200) includes the modified air guide structure (100) and the cover member (101). Referring to one embodiment, the modified air guide structure (100) comprises of said at least one surface (100a), (100b) (shown in Fig.6). In one embodiment, said at least one projecting member (102) extends rearwardly from said at least one surface (100a), (100b) of said air guide structure (100) and hence enhances the cooling efficiency of the vehicle (1) without deflecting the path of the introduced outside air into the vehicle (1) and additionally hides the visibility of the one or more internal mounting details (19), (20), (21) provided to the rear of the under seat cover (13).

[00031] Fig.5a is a perspective view of the cover member (101) being adapted to be removably secured to said air guide structure (100) from the rear surface (18) of the under seat cover (13), as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said cover member (101) includes at least one covering portion (108) and at least one mounting portion (104), (107) being integrally formed with said at least one covering portion (108). In one embodiment, said at least one covering portion (108) of said cover member (101) is contoured in a shape to follow a corresponding contour of at least a portion of said air guide structure (100). Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one covering portion (108) of said cover member (101) is at least partially curved to form a raised member on at least a front surface (FD) thereof to conform to said contour of said at least a portion of said air guide structure (100). In one embodiment, at least a portion of a rear surface (RD) of the cover member (101) is concavely curved.

[00032] Further in Fig.5a, said at least one mounting portion (104), (107) of said cover member (101) includes one or more mounting holes (104a), (107a) configured to receive at least one fastener (106) for detachably securing said cover member (101) to said air guide structure (100) through one or more mounting structures (103), (105) such that a gap of at least 2 mm exists between said cover member (101) and the air guide structure (100) for guiding external cooling air into at least a portion of the vehicle (1). As per one embodiment, said cover member (101) is a lid structure. In another embodiment, said at least one cover member (101) is a ventilation grill. [00033] Fig.6 is a perspective exploded view of said at least a portion of the under seat cover (13) illustrating said at least one projecting member (102) extending rearwardly from the lower surface (100b) of the air guide structure (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said projecting member(102) is integrally formed with said air guide structure (100). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the air guide structure (100) formed in said at least portion of said under seat cover (13) comprises of said at least one surface (100a), (100b) including the upper surface (100a) and the lower surface (100b). Further, as per one embodiment, said air guide structure (100) comprises said at least one projecting member (102) extending from the lower surface (100a) thereof in the vehicle rear direction, thereby preventing the visibility of the one or more internal mounting details (19), (20), (21) including said paint hooks (19), (20) fasteners, the self-tapping boss (21) provided to the rear of the under seat cover (13) and hence guiding the flow of air from the outside into the vehicle body without any deflection. Thus, said at least one projecting member (102) extending in continuation to the lower surface (100b) of the air guide structure (100) hides the direct view of said one or more internal mounting details (19), (20), (21) located to the rear of the under seat cover (13).

[00034] Further in Fig.6, in one embodiment, said at least one mounting portion (104), (107) [Shown in Fig.5a] of said cover member (101) is configured for detachably securing said cover member (101) to said air guide structure (100) through said one or more mounting structures (103), (105). In one embodiment, said one or more mounting structures (103), (105) includes a pair of mounting members (103) formed on said upper surface (100a) of the air guide structure (100) and at least one mounting boss (105) formed on at least a portion of said under seat cover (18).

[00035] Fig.7 is a sectional view of said improved air guide assembly (200) including the air guide structure (100) and the cover member (102) located on the under seat cover (13) as per one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, the air guide structure (100) formed on the under seat cover (13) comprises of said at least one surface (100a), (100b) (shown in Fig.6) including the upper surface (100a) and the lower surface (100b). As per one embodiment of the present invention, the air guide structure (100) includes said at least one projecting member (102) extending rearwardly from said at least one surface (100a), (100b) thereof.

[00036] Further in Fig.7, the cover member (101) is detachably secured to the air guide structure (100) in the manner such that said at least 2mm of gap exists between the air guide structure (200) and the cover member (101) for facilitating an efficient introduction of the outside air into the vehicle body without any defection and in addition the tappet noise produced due to the valve clearance of the engine is substantially reduced. In one embodiment, said at least one covering portion (108) of said cover member (101) is substantially C-shaped in cross section when taken along the vehicle longitudinal direction (AA).

[00037] Advantageously, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the improved air guide assembly comprising of said modified air guide structure and the cover member being arranged on said at least a portion of said under seat cover which facilitates an effective introduction of outside air into the vehicle body, thereby enhancing the vehicle cooling process. Additionally, since said at least one projecting member extends rearwardly in continuation with said at least one surface of the air guide structure, hence said one or more mounting details provided on the rear side of the under seat cover are not visible when seen from outside and therefore improves the vehicle appearance. Thus, as per one embodiment, the provision of the at least one projecting member in said air guide assembly of the vehicle performs the dual function of the engine cooling as well as covering of said one or more internal mounting details provided to the rear side of the under seat cover.

[00038] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.