Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to the saddle-type vehicle having a visor for displaying vehicle data information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Saddle-type vehicles, more particularly two-wheeled vehicles, are one of the most prevalent vehicles being used by a large number of customers. In existing configuration of the vehicles, generally a front panel is positioned forwardly to a handlebar of the vehicle and an instrument cluster is positioned rearwardly to the front panel towards a rider’s side. The instrument cluster is a very crucial component/part of the vehicle which displays vehicle information to a rider of the vehicle. The vehicle information includes real-time speed of the vehicle, trip distance, fuel level, turn indications, headlights ON/OFF status, distance to empty, real time and/or average fuel efficiency etc. In existing vehicles, the instrument cluster is placed adjacent to a central portion of the handlebar and requires the rider to take his eyes off the road to view the data displayed on it. In other words, to view the instrument cluster, the rider is required to shift his vision and concentration away from his continuous field of vision by leaning the head or eyes down which may lead to chances of the vehicle meeting with an accident due to the time consumed in bending the head to see the instrument cluster and lifting the head back. In this minimal extent of time, the rider might have travelled few meters of distance and during this time, the vehicle may hit path holes, objects, stray animals or pedestrian passing the road which creates an unsafe condition for the rider as well as the pillion rider and further leads to extremely dangerous situation when speed of the vehicle is high.
[003] To improve the safety of the rider, various solutions have been proposed to decrease off the road time for the rider. In some vehicles, a heads up display is disposed in the front zone of the vehicle which helps in projecting a display of information. However, it has been observed that it remains a huge challenge to dispose the heads up display at an optimum location and orientation without interfering with the surrounding parts of the vehicle and especially the instrument cluster provided there is a less space in two wheeled vehicles for locating components. Further, it has also been observed that due to existing configuration, the heads up display is exposed and subjected to external atmosphere factors for example, rain, water, fog, dust, foreign particles etc. In such situations, water accumulation near or on top surface of the heads up display leads to water ingression which affects the functioning and durability of the heads up display. Furthermore, it is more difficult to view the information displayed on the heads up display in extreme weather conditions, and during day light due to glaring. One of the solution proposed to reduce the problem of glaring of the heads up display is by increasing the visor length. However, this increase in visor length further increases the drag force acting on the vehicle and also increases overall weight exerted on the handle bar assembly.
[004] In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide a saddle-type vehicle having an improved heads up display which solve at least one of the aforesaid problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect of the invention, a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The saddle-type vehicle includes a headtube and a visor. The visor is disposed forwardly of the headtube in a vehicle rear-front direction and is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The visor includes a first surface facing a rider of the vehicle and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first surface being configured to display a vehicle information data visible to the rider. The vehicle includes an optical device mounted adjacent to the visor. The optical device is configured to generate and project the vehicle information data on a predetermined region of the first surface of the visor.
[006] In an embodiment, the optical device is configured to generate an image of the vehicle information data and the predetermined region of the first surface of the visor is configured to receive a reflective element. The reflective element is disposed in a continuous field of vision of the rider and configured to capture and reflect the image generated by the optical device.
[007] In an embodiment, the predetermined region of the first surface of the visor includes an image formation centre. The image formation center is having an angle of inclination with respect to a normal line of sight of the rider ranging between 15 to 30 degrees.
[008] In an embodiment, an angle of incidence and reflection between projected light rays forming the image on the reflective element is 90 degrees.
[009] In an embodiment, the vehicle includes a rear panel assembly for housing an instrument cluster and a top cover. The rear panel assembly is disposed rearwardly of the headtube in a vehicle front-rear direction. The top cover is disposed above the rear panel assembly and extending in a vehicle width direction.
[010] In an embodiment, the top cover is configured to receive the optical device. The optical device is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the top cover defines a reference horizontal axis. The reference horizontal axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and passing through a vertex formed between intersecting planes of the visor and the optical device.
[012] In an embodiment, an angle of inclination of the visor with respect to the reference horizontal axis ranges between 50 degrees to 80 degrees.
[013] In an embodiment, an angle of inclination of the optical device with respect to the reference horizontal axis ranges between 15 degrees to 30 degrees.
[014] In an embodiment, a length of the visor ranges between 200 to 350 milli meters.
[015] In an embodiment, the instrument cluster having an angle of inclination with respect to the reference horizontal axis ranging between 35 degree to 50 degree.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a front panel assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a front isometric view illustrating a mounting configuration of an optical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a visor having a first surface configured to display the vehicle data information, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a side view of the front panel assembly illustrating a disposition of the visor on the top cover of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a side perspective view of the rear panel assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a top view of the front panel assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the visor and the optical device of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates the angular disposition of the visor, instrument cluster, and the optical device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder.
[018] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle having a visor configured to display a vehicle information data.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a saddle-type vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[020] In the present invention, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to a vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle, defining a vehicle width direction. 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. Arrows provided in the top right corner of figures depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes a front direction, an arrow R indicates a rearward direction, an arrow Up denotes an upward direction, an arrow Dw denotes a downward direction of the vehicle.
[021] The vehicle 100 is a saddle type vehicle, preferably a two wheeled vehicle, and includes a frame structure 140 to support and mount different parts of the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 has a front wheel 130 and a rear wheel 150. The frame structure 140 includes a head tube, a main tube and a pair of seat rails. The head tube is attached to the main tube and extending downwardly and rearwardly in a front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. As shown, the vehicle 100 includes a floor portion 145 extending between the main tube and the pair of seat rails. The floor portion 145 is configured to receive legs of a rider. A vehicle seat 160 is disposed on the pair of seat rails. The vehicle 100 includes a power generating unit (not shown) which may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. Power from the power generating unit is transmitted to the rear wheel 150 through a transmission assembly (not shown), so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel 150.
[022] A handlebar 109 is rotatably attached to the head tube. The vehicle 100 includes a front panel assembly 106 for housing a head lamp 108. The front panel assembly 106 is disposed forwardly relative to a position of the headtube. The vehicle 100 includes a rear panel assembly 110 for housing an instrument cluster 112. The rear panel assembly 110 is attached to the front panel assembly 106 and disposed rearwardly relative to a position of the front panel assembly 106 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. The front panel assembly 106 and the rear panel assembly 110 are supportably mounted on the handlebar 109. A top cover 120 is disposed above the rear panel assembly 110 and extends in the vehicle width direction. The vehicle 100 includes a visor 102. The visor 102 is disposed forwardly of the headtube in a vehicle rear-front direction. The visor 102 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100. The visor 102 is supportably mounted on the top cover 120. The visor 102 is configured to display a vehicle information data visible to a rider of the vehicle. The vehicle 100 includes an optical device 200 (shown in Figure 3) mounted on the top cover 120 and adjacent to the visor 102. The optical device 200 is configured to generate and project the vehicle information data on a predetermined region of the visor 102. The optical device 200 includes an image generating unit configured to form an image of the vehicle information data. The vehicle information data includes a predefined data selected from the data being displayed on the instrument cluster 112 i.e., real-time speed of the vehicle, trip distance, fuel level, turn indications, headlights ON/OFF status, distance to empty, real time and/or average fuel efficiency, alert notifications etc.
[023] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a front panel assembly 106 of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The top cover 120 extends between adjacent upper sides of the front panel assembly 106. The top cover 120 is configured to cover the head lamp 108 from above. As shown, the visor 102 includes mounting holes (M) formed on a surface of the visor 102. The front panel assembly 106 further includes attachment portions 107 for mounting rear view mirrors of the vehicle 100.
[024] Figure 3 illustrates a front isometric view illustrating a mounting configuration of an optical device 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The top cover 200 is configured to receive the optical device 200. In an embodiment, the optical device 200 is mounted in vicinity to a lower side of the visor 102.
[025] Figure 4 illustrates a visor 102 having a first surface 102a configured to display the vehicle data information, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The visor 102 having a first surface 102a facing the rider of the vehicle and a second surface 102b. The second surface 102b is opposite to the first surface 102a. The top cover 120 includes a pair of mounting brackets 124 extending from the surface of the top cover 120 in the upward direction of the vehicle 100. The pair of mounting brackets 124 is configured to supportably receive a pair of supporting members 104. Each of the pair of supporting members 104 is attached to the mounting holes (M) (shown in Figure 2) formed on the visor 102 through fastening means. The fastening means include, but not limited to, screw, fastener, rivet, nut/bolt arrangement etc. Each of the supporting members 104 is configured to supportably mount the visor 102 on the top cover 120 and provide a rigid support to the visor 102 against the forces subjected to the visor 102 when the vehicle 100 (shown in Figure 1) is in a running condition. The optical device 200 (shown in Figure 3) is mounted adjacent to the visor 102 and is configured to generate and project the vehicle information data on a predetermined region of the first surface 102a of the visor 120. The predetermined region being a region falling in the continuous field of vision of the rider and is subject to size, dimension, and configuration of the vehicle 100. The optical device 200 is configured to generate and/or project the image of the vehicle information data.
[026] In an embodiment, the predetermined region of the first surface 102a of the visor 102 is configured to receive a reflective element 103. The reflective element 103 is configured to capture and reflect the image generated by the optical device 200. In a non-limiting example, the reflective element 103 includes a mirror. Due to such configuration, the visor 102 acts as a heads up display and shows the image of the vehicle information data to the rider in his continuous field of vision. In a non-limiting example, the optical device 200 includes a combination of lens, mirrors for projecting the image of the vehicle information data on the reflective element 103.
[027] As shown, the rear panel assembly 110 is configured to receive vehicle control switches 116, 117 for controlling and/or operating ON/OFF the power generation unit of the vehicle and/or electrical components of the vehicle 100. The vehicle control switches 116, 117 include starter switch, headlamp switch, turn indicator switches, horn switch etc. The rear panel assembly 110 is supportably mounted on the handlebar along with the front panel assembly 106 through a plurality of fasteners 114,118.
[028] Figure 5 is a side view of the front panel assembly 106 illustrating a disposition of the visor 102 on the top cover 120 of the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the visor 102 having a length (L) is inclined disposed on the top cover 120 and extending upwardly and rearwardly along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 (shown in Figure 1). In a non-limiting example, a length (L) of the visor 102 ranges between 200 to 350 millimetres. Such disposition and length of the visor 102 reduces the drag force acting on the vehicle 100 during its running condition.
[029] Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrate a side perspective view and a top view of the front panel assembly 106 of the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. When seen from top, the optical device 200 (shown in Figure 3) is covered by the visor 102 from above. Such disposition of the visor 102 provides protection to the optical device 200 as well as the image formed by the optical device 200 from external weather conditions viz. water, rain, dust, moisture etc. and further prevents accumulation of water on the inner surface 102a of the visor 102. The top cover 120 is disposed above the instrument cluster 112 of the rear panel assembly 110. The top cover 120 extends from joining boundaries of the front panel assembly 106 and the rear panel assembly 110 towards the head lamp 108 and between adjacent portions of the front panel assembly 106.
[030] Figure 8 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the front panel assembly of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The top cover 120 comprises a surface 122 configured to receive the optical device 200.The optical device 200 is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100. Each of the visor 102, instrument cluster 112, and the optical device 200 is inclinedly mounted with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 and disposed in different planes. As shown, the top cover 120 defines a reference horizontal axis (X-X`). The reference horizontal axis (X-X`) is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 and passing through a vertex (P) formed between intersecting planes of the visor 102 and the optical device 200. An angle of inclination (θ1) of the visor 102 with respect to the reference horizontal axis (X-X`) ranges between 50 degree to 80 degree. Further, an angle of inclination (θ2) of the optical device 200 with respect to the reference horizontal axis (X-X`) ranges between 15 degree to 30 degree. This angular disposition of the visor 102 and the optical device 200 provides an optimal image reflection on the visor 102 so that the rider can view the image clearly and properly without causing any strain.
[031] Figure 9 illustrates the disposition of the visor 102, instrument cluster 112, and the optical device 200. As shown, the eyeball (E) of the rider have a normal line of sight (N) extending along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 and parallel to the reference horizontal axis (X-X`). The first surface 102a of the inclinedly disposed visor 102 includes an image formation centre (C). The image formation center (C) is having an angle of inclination (θa) formed with respect to the normal line of sight (N) of the rider. The angle of inclination (θa) ranges between 15 to 30 degrees. The instrument cluster 112 is having an angle of inclination (θb) formed with respect to the reference horizontal axis (X-X`). The angle of inclination (θb) ranges between 35 degree to 50 degree.
[032] In an embodiment, an angle of incidence and reflection (θc) between light rays projected by the optical device to form the image on the reflective element 103 of the first surface 102a of the visor 102. The angle of incidence and reflection (θc) ranges between 85 to 95 degree. This angular disposition forms an optimal image on the visor 102 which is clearly visible to the rider of the vehicle.
[033] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle-type vehicle having a visor being inclinedly disposed and configured to display a vehicle information data visible to the rider and an optical device mounted adjacent to the visor and configured to generate and project the vehicle information data on a predetermined region of the visor. The present invention enables the rider to visualize the vehicle information data in his continuous field of vision. Further, the present invention provides an optimum viewing angle for the rider to view the image of the vehicle information data formed on the visor without titling the head down or taking eyes off from the road which increases the safety of the rider and reduces the risks of accidents. The angular disposition of the visor and the optical device provides a clear view of the image formed on the visor even during day light. The present invention eliminates the chances of water ingression due to tiliting of the visor with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The present invention provides an optimum length of the visor to reduce the drag forces acting on the vehicle.
[034] 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 – Visor
102a – First surface of the visor
102b – Second surface of the visor
103 – Reflective Element
104– Supporting members
106 –Front panel assembly
107 – Attaching portions
108 – Head lamp
109 – Handlebar
110 – Rear panel assembly
112 – Instrument cluster
114 – Fasteners
116, 117 – Vehicle control switches
118 – Fasteners
120 – Top cover
122 – Surface of the top cover
124 – Pair of mounting brackets
130 – Front wheel
140 – Frame structure of vehicle
145 – Floor portion
150 – Rear wheel
160 – Vehicle seat
200 – Optical device
210- Fastening means for mounting optical device
C – Image formation centre
E – Eyeball of a rider
L – Length of the visor
M – Mounting holes
N – Normal line of sight of the rider
P – Vertex
X-X’– Reference horizontal axis
θ1– An angle of inclination of the visor
θ2– An angle of inclination of the optical device
θa– An angle of inclination of the image formation centre
θb– An angle of inclination of the instrument cluster
θc– An angle of incidence and reflection
, Claims:1. A saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising:
a headtube;
a visor (102) disposed forwardly of the headtube in a vehicle rear-front direction and being inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the visor (102) having a first surface (102a) facing a rider of the vehicle and a second surface (102b) opposite to the first surface (102a) wherein the first surface (102a) being configured to display a vehicle information data visible to the rider; and
an optical device (200) mounted adjacent to the visor (102) and configured to generate and project the vehicle information data on a predetermined region of the first surface (102a) of the visor (102).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the optical device (200) being configured to generate an image of the vehicle information data.

3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined region of the first surface (102a) of the visor (102) being configured to receive a reflective element (103), the reflective element (103) being disposed in a continuous field of vision of the rider and configured to capture and reflect the image generated by the optical device (200).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the predetermined region of the first surface (102a) of the visor (102) comprises an image formation centre (C), the image formation center (C) having an angle of inclination (θa) with respect to a normal line of sight of the rider ranging between 15 to 30 degrees.

5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein an angle of incidence and reflection (θc) between light rays forming the image on the reflective element (103) ranges between 85 to 95 degrees.

6. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
a rear panel assembly (110) for housing an instrument cluster (112), the rear panel assembly (110) being disposed rearwardly of the headtube in a vehicle front-rear direction; and
a top cover (120) disposed above the rear panel assembly (110) and extending in a vehicle width direction.

7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the top cover (120) being configured to receive the optical device (200), the optical device (200) being inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

8. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the top cover (120) defines a reference horizontal axis (X-X`), the reference horizontal axis (X-X`) being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and passing through a vertex (P) formed between intersecting planes of the visor (102) and the optical device (200).

9. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein an angle of inclination (θ1) of the visor (102) with respect to the reference horizontal axis (X-X`) ranges between 50 to 80 degrees.

10. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein an angle of inclination(θ2) of the optical device (200) with respect to the reference horizontal axis (X-X`) ranges between 15 to 30 degrees.

11. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a length (L) of the visor (102) ranges between 200 to 350 millimetres.

12. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the instrument cluster (112) is having an angle of inclination (θb) with respect to the reference horizontal axis (X-X`) ranging between 35 to 50 degrees.