Claims:We Claim:
1. A front body structure (100) of a vehicle comprising:
a front grille member (101) extending in the vehicle width direction and provided in between left side headlamp (102) and right side headlamp;
characterized in that
a holder (103) is mounted on the headlamp (102) and provided in between the headlamp (102) and the front grille member (101) at both left and right side;
a pair of garnish member (104, 105, 200) comprising a left side garnish member (104) and a right side garnish member (105) extending in vehicle width direction from center of the front grille member (101) and attached to the front grille member (101) and the holder (103); and
each of the garnish member (104, 105, 200) defines a forked shaped profile (201) at one end towards the headlamp (102) and other end (202) configured to be mounted at middle of the front grille member (101) defines a straight end profile.
2. The front body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the each of the garnish member (104, 105, 200) comprises a plurality of horizontal protrusions (203) extending rearward from rear surface, the plurality of horizontal protrusions (203) is provided along upper edge and lower edge of the garnish member (104, 105, 200) from a start point of the straight end profile till start point of an inclined edge (204) of the forked shape profile (201).
3. The front body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the each of the garnish member (104, 105, 200) comprises a plurality of horizontal slots (206) formed on rear surface of the forked shape profile (201), the plurality of horizontal slots (206) is provided along upper edge of the garnish member (104, 105, 200) from the start point to the inclined edge (204) to the end point of the forked shape profile (201).
4. The front body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the garnish member (104, 105, 200) comprises a mixture having a plurality of horizontal protrusions (203) and a plurality of horizontal slots (206) provided along the upper edge and lower edge of the garnish member (200).
5. The front body structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the front grille member (101) and the holder (103) comprise a mixture having a plurality of horizontal grooves and a plurality of horizontal protrusions corresponding to the plurality of horizontal protrusions (203) and a plurality of horizontal slots (206) of the garnish member (104, 105, 200) to facilitate engagement of the garnish member (200) on the front grille member (101) and the holder (103).
6. The front body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one horizontal protrusion (205) from the plurality of horizontal protrusions (203) extending from a leg (205a), the leg (205a) is extending in downward direction from an inclined edge (204) of the forked shaped profile (201).
7. The front body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one horizontal protrusion (203) from the plurality of horizontal protrusions (203) provided on the forked shaped profile (201) engaged with at least one groove provided on holder (103).
8. The front body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one horizontal slot (206) from the plurality of horizontal slots (206) provided on the forked shaped profile (201) engaged with at least one protrusions provided on the holder (103).

9. The front body structure (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 3, wherein the front grille member (101) defines a fin (101a) extending forward in vehicle widthwise direction from middle point of the front grille member (104, 105, 200) to starting point of an inclined edge (204) of the forked shaped profile (201) of the garnish member (200) on the front grille member (101), the fin (101a) provided on front surface of the front grille member (101) allow horizontal movement of the garnish member (200) on the front grille member (100) to maintain a gap in between the garnish member (200) and the headlamp (102).
10. The front body structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a logo (106) provided in middle of the front grille member (101) to hide horizontal gap obtained (107) between the left side garnish member (104) and the right side garnish member (105).

Description:A FRONT BODY STRUCTURE OF A VEHICLE HAVING SPLIT-TYPE GARNISH STRUCTURE
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to a front body structure of a vehicle having a split type garnish structure mounted on front bumper of the vehicle and in particular, to the split-type garnish structure mounted on a front grille for maintaining uniform gap between headlamp and garnish on the front bumper portion of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention.
[0003] In general, in front body structure of vehicles a gap is provided in between garnish structure and head lamp. The garnish structure is provided in vehicle width wise direction from left side headlamp to right side headlamp. Aforementioned gap is maintained to ensure ease of bumper structure during the assembly of different parts of a vehicle. The head lamp and grille datum points are located on different panels of the vehicle body and thus, the gap between the head lamp and garnish structure of the front bumper is not uniform or within desired limits.
[0004] The non-uniformity in the gap between the head lamp and the garnish structure of the front bumper affects the perceived quality of the vehicles. The existing mounting structures generally comprise of locking or snapping means along cutline portion on the garnish structure that affects the free movement of the garnish in horizontal direction.
[0005] With the curved shaped ended garnish structures, the gap between the head lamp and the garnish structure is not uniform. Further, with the existing mounting provisions for the garnish structures, a uniform gap in between the curved shaped ended garnish structures and the headlamp cannot be maintained.
[0006] Generally, the gap between the garnish structures and the headlamp is more (for ease of bumper assembly on vehicle). Also, since the headlamp and the front grille datum points are on different panels, because of which, due to body tolerances, this gap is not uniform/within desired limits.
[0007] Document no. KR20090061841A discloses a rear bumper cover having a bumper cover hole for connecting a trailer or other parts to a vehicle. Further a cover of a rear bumper is provided to improve visual beauty by forming a bumper cover hole to connect a trailer or other components to a vehicle. A rear bumper cover includes a bumper cover hole for connecting a trailer or other components to a vehicle. A side flange is formed according to a side edge of the bumper cover hole, and includes a plurality of first assembly holes. A plurality of second assembly holes are formed on an upper flange formed according to an upper edge of the bumper cover hole. A bumper garnish is assembled according to the side flange and the upper flange.
[0008] However, the existing mounting provisions is not possible to maintain a uniform gap between the head lamp and garnish structure and also pose a limitation on the free movement of the garnish structure in the horizontal direction (along the width) of the vehicle. Therefore, in order to overcome the limitations of the existing provisions, there is need in the art to provide for a structure to maintain a uniform gap between the headlamp and garnish on the front bumper portion of a vehicle.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the aforementioned and other drawbacks in prior systems used for mounting structure of garnish structure or garnish member at front body structure in vehicles.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide for a mounting structure on front grille of a vehicle to maintain a uniform gap between head lamp and garnish member.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide for a front structure of a vehicle to improve perceived quality of a vehicle without compromising ease and assembly during assembly of a vehicle.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to divide the garnish member in two parts to adjust horizontal distance at center of the front grille.
[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to front body structure of a vehicle having a split-type garnish member or a pair of garnish structure for maintaining a reduced and a uniform gap between headlamp and garnish member on front bumper portion of a vehicle.
[0015] The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0016] In an embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a front body structure of a vehicle having a split type garnish member. The front body structure comprising a front grille member that is extending in the vehicle width direction and provided in between left side headlamp and right side headlamp. A holder is mounted on the headlamp at both left and right side. A pair of garnish member comprising a left side garnish member and a right side garnish member which is extending in vehicle width direction from center of the front grille member and attached to the front grille member and the holder. The split type garnish member comprises a left side garnish member and a right side garnish member. Each of the garnish member defines a forked shaped profile at one end towards the headlamp and other end is configured to be mounted at middle of the front grille member defines a straight end profile.
[0017] In an aspect, the each of the garnish member comprises a plurality of horizontal protrusions extending rearward from rear surface. The plurality of horizontal protrusions is provided along upper edge and lower edge of the garnish member from a starting point of the straight end profile till starting point of an inclined edge of the forked shape profile at regular distance or discrete distance. On the other hand, a plurality of horizontal grooves (not shown in figure) are provided on the front grille member to facilitate engagement of plurality of horizontal grooves and the plurality of horizontal protrusions.
[0018] In an aspect, the each of the garnish member comprises a plurality of horizontal slots provided on rear surface of the forked shape profile. The plurality of horizontal slots is provided along upper edge of the garnish member from the starting point of the inclined edge to the end point of the forked shape profile at regular or discrete distance.
[0019] In an aspect, each of the garnish member may comprises a plurality of horizontal protrusions provided on rear surface of the forked shape profile and corresponding a plurality of horizontal slots are provided on the holder to receive the plurality of protrusions for locking of the garnish member on the holder. The plurality of horizontal protrusions is provided along upper edge of the garnish member from the starting point of the inclined edge to the end point of the forked shape profile at regular or discrete distance.
[0020] In an aspect, each of the garnish member may comprises mixture of a plurality of horizontal protrusions and a plurality of horizontal slots on the upper edge and lower edge. On the other hand, the front grille member and the holder may comprises a mixture of plurality of horizontal grooves and a plurality of horizontal protrusions corresponding to garnish member to facilitate engagement of the garnish member on the front grille member and the holder.
[0021] In an aspect, at least one horizontal protrusion from the plurality of horizontal protrusions is extending from a leg. The leg is extending in downward direction from an inclined edge of the forked shaped profile.
[0022] In an aspect, at least one horizontal slot from the plurality of horizontal slots is provided on the forked shaped profile engaged with at least one protrusion provided on holder.
[0023] In an aspect, the front grille member defines a fin extending forward in vehicle widthwise direction from middle point of the front grille member to starting point of an inclined edge of the forked shaped profile of the garnish member on the front grille member, the fin provided on front surface of the front grille member allow horizontal movement of the garnish member on the front grille member to maintain a gap in between the garnish member and the headlamp.
[0024] In an aspect, a logo or emblem or cover is provided in middle of the front grille member to hide variation in horizontal gap between the left side garnish member and the right side garnish member.
[0025] In an aspect, a uniform gap is maintained in between the headlamp and the garnish member on front grille member of a vehicle.
[0026] In an aspect, the garnish member floats or moves in horizontal direction on the front grille member to accommodate the vehicle body tolerances.
[0027] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
[0028] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0029] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and/or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0031] Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate a schematic view of front body structure of a vehicle having front grille, holder, headlamp, and garnish member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0032] Fig. 3 illustrates a front view of the garnish member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0033] Fig. 4 illustrates a rear view of the garnish member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0034] Fig. 5 illustrates a uniform distance between the garnish member and the headlamp, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0035] Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate rear view of assembled front grille member and the garnish member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0036] Figs. 7A, 7B, and 7C illustrate front view of assembled front grille member and garnish member, cross section along line AA, and cross section along line BB, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0037] Fig. 8 illustrates front view of assembled front grille member and garnish member and corresponding horizontal gap in between the right side garnish member and the left side garnish member on the front grille member, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes, which may be substantially represented in a computer-readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0040] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0041] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a", “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0042] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0043] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0044] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0045] The present subject matter discloses a split-type garnish member for maintaining uniform gap between headlamp and garnish member on front end structure of a vehicle.
[0046] As shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2, the front body structure 100 of a vehicle comprising a front grille member 101 extending in the vehicle width direction and provided in between left side headlamp 102 and right side headlamp (not shown in figure). A holder 103 is mounted on the headlamp 102 at both left and right side to receive garnish member. The split type garnish member comprises a pair of garnish member 104, 105. The pair of garnish member 104, 105 comprises a left side garnish member 104 and a right side garnish member 105 extending in vehicle width direction from center of the front grille member 101. At both ends, i.e., left side and right side, the garnish member is attached to the front grille member 101 and the holder 103. A logo or emblem or cover 106 is provided at the center of the front grille member 101 to cover joining of the left side garnish member 104 and the right side garnish member 105. The logo 106 covers the horizontal distance obtained due to horizontal slide movement of the left side garnish member 104 and the right side garnish member 105. With the split type garnish member 104, 105, a horizontal floating movement of the garnish member 104, 105 on the front grille member 101 is achieved to accommodate the tolerances between different parts mounted on vehicle body and obtain uniform gap between the garnish member 104 and the headlamp 102.
[0047] As shown in figs. 3 and 4, each of the garnish member 200 (same as 104, 105) defines a forked shaped profile 201 at one end towards the headlamp 102 and other end 202 configured to be mounted at middle of the front grille member 101 defines a straight end profile. The forked shaped profile 201 has forked portion 201a and 201b. The forked shaped profile 201 defines an inclined edge 204 joining the forked portion 201a with horizontal profile of the garnish member 200.
[0048] Referring to fig. 4, each of the garnish member 200 comprises a plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 extending rearward from rear surface. The plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 is provided along upper edge 200a and lower edge 200b of the garnish member 200 from an end point of the straight end profile 202 till end point of the forked shape profile 201. On the other hand, the front grille member 101 comprises a plurality of horizontal grooves (not shown in figure) corresponding to the plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 of the garnish member 200 to facilitate mounting of the garnish member on the front grille member 101.
[0049] Referring to fig. 4 and figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C together, at least one horizontal protrusion 205 from the plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 extending from a leg 205a. The leg 205a is extending in downward direction from an inclined edge 204 of the forked shaped profile 201.
[0050] As shown in fig. 4, the forked shaped profile 201 may comprise a plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 for smooth fitment of the forked shaped profile 201 on the holder 103. On the other hand, the holder 103 comprises a plurality of horizontal slots/grooves (now shown in figures) corresponding to the plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 provided on the forked shaped profile 201 to facilitate mounting of the forked shaped profile 201 on the holder. The plurality of horizontal protrusions is provided along upper edge of the garnish member from the starting point of the inclined edge to the end point of the forked shape profile at regular or discrete distance.
[0051] In another embodiment, the forked shaped profile 201 may comprise a plurality of horizontal grooves/slots 206 for smooth fitment of the forked shaped profile 201 on the holder 103. On the other hand, the holder 103 comprises a plurality of horizontal protrusions (now shown in figures) corresponding to the plurality of horizontal grooves 203 provided on the forked shaped profile 201 to facilitate mounting of the forked shaped profile 201 on the holder 103. The plurality of horizontal slots 206 is provided along upper edge of the garnish member from the starting point of the inclined edge 204 to the end point of the forked shape profile 201 at regular or discrete distance.
[0052] In another embodiment, each of the garnish member may comprises a mixture of a plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 and a plurality of horizontal slots 206 (not shown in figure) provided along the upper edge and lower edge of the garnish member 200. On the other hand, the front grille member 101 and the holder 103 may comprise a mixture of a plurality of horizontal grooves and a plurality of horizontal protrusions corresponding to the plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 and a plurality of horizontal slots 206 of the garnish member 200 to facilitate engagement of the garnish member 200 on the front grille member 101 and the holder 103.
[0053] Fig. 5 illustrates front view of assembly of the garnish member 200 and the headlamp 102. A uniform gap is defined in between the garnish member 200 and the headlamp 102. The uniform gap is possible due to split type garnish and horizontal protrusion 205 that allow horizontal movement of the inclined edge or portion. As all horizontal protrusions (203) and horizontal slots (206) locks inside the corresponding grooves and protrusions provided on the front grille member 101 and the holder 103 to facilitate horizontal free movement of the garnish member 104 (or 105) or 200 in vehicle width direction where locking of the horizontal protrusions are free as per requirement as shown in figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C. The horizontal protrusion 205 as provided on the leg 205a to facilitate horizontal movement of the inclined edge or portion 204 as shown in fig. 6B.
[0054] In an embodiment, at least one horizontal slots 206 from the plurality of horizontal slots 206 as provided on the forked shaped profile 201 engaged with at least one protrusion provided (not shown) on the holder 103.
[0055] Referring to Fig. 7A illustrates front view of the assembled garnish member 200 on the front grille member 101. Fig. 7B illustrates cross section profile along line AA which is provided over inclined edge or portion 204 of the garnish member 200 mounted over the front grille member 101. Fig. 7C illustrates cross section profile along line BB which is provided over horizontal profile of the garnish member 200 mounted over the front grille member 101.
[0056] As shown in fig. 7c, the front grille member 101 defines a fin 101a extending forward in vehicle widthwise direction from middle point of the front grille member 101 to starting point of an inclined edge 204 of the forked shaped profile 201 of the garnish member 200 on the front grille member 101. The fin 101a provided on front surface of the front grille member 101 upto starting point of the inclined edge 204 of the forked shaped profile 201 to facilitate horizontal movement of the garnish member 200 on the front grille member 101 to accommodate the assembly tolerances of different parts mounted on vehicle body in order to maintain a uniform gap in between the garnish member 200 and the headlamp 102.
[0057] As shown in fig. 7B, horizontal movement of the garnish member 200 specifically, movement of the inclined edge 204 does not restrict by the horizontal fin 101.
[0058] Referring to Fig. 1 and fig. 8 that illustrated front view of the assembled garnish member on the front grille member of the vehicle. During mounting/assembly of the garnish member 200 on the front grille member 101, the garnish member 200 moves in horizontal widthwise direction of the vehicle to obtain uniform distance in between the garnish member 200 and the headlamp (now shown in the figure). Due to horizontal movement of the garnish member 200 towards or away from the headlamp a gap 107 is kept at middle of the front grille 101 in between the end points of the straight end profile of the garnish member 200 to accommodate the horizontal movement of the garnish member 200 on the front grille 101. Further, a logo or emblem or cover is provided on the middle of the front grille member 101 to hide the horizontal distance between the end points of the right side garnish member 105 and the left side garnish member 104.
[0059] As per the present subject matter, the plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 are engaged with the plurality of grooves (not shown) or vice-versa provided on the garnish member 200 and the front grille 101, respectively to facilitate horizontal movement of the garnish member 200 on the front grille 101. The plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 act as protruding snap for fitment over the front grille 101. The plurality of horizontal protrusions 203 act as fastening means of locking snaps with claws for fastening or engaging the split-type garnish mounting structure 200 on the front grille member 101.
Technical advantages:
[0060] With the present disclosure, a uniform gap between the head lamp and garnish member is maintained thus, maintaining the perceived quality (PQ) of the vehicle.
[0061] With the present disclosure, the garnish member can move freely in horizontal direction, i.e., across the vehicle body which in turn accommodates the assembly tolerances in different part mounted on vehicle body and maintains a uniform gap of between the head lamp and garnish structure.
[0062] It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “receiving,” or “determining,” or “retrieving,” or “controlling,” or “comparing,” or the like, refer to the action and processes of an electronic control unit, or similar electronic device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the control unit’s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the control unit memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0063] Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0064] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
[0065] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.