Claims:We Claim:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (100) having a front structure (200), wherein said front structure (200) comprises:
two or more front panel members (201) including a top front panel member (201a) and a bottom front panel member (201b) disposed in front of a head tube (203), wherein one (201b) of said two or more front panel members houses a headlamp unit (204); and
a ribbed support member (202) for supporting the headlamp unit (204) and one or more of said front panel members (201) including the bottom front panel member (201b) housing the headlamp unit (204), wherein the ribbed support member (202) supports the one or more of said front panel members (201) and the headlamp unit (204) independently.
2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ribbed support member (202) is disposed ahead of the head tube (203) with at least a portion of the ribbed support member (202) circumscribing the head tube (203) from a front side.
3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ribbed support member (202) overlaps the headlamp unit (204) when viewed from a rear side of the saddle-type vehicle (100).
4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ribbed support member (202) is attached to the head tube (203).
5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ribbed support member (202) is attached to the head tube (203) through a pair of extended mounting arms (208)
6. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ribbed support member (202) comprises a pair of front mounting lugs (212) extending forwardly of the upper support surface (207) for detachable attachment to a bottom front panel member (201b).
7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ribbed support member (202) comprises a rear surface (206) extending downwardly from the upper support surface (207) and comprises a pair of left and right mounting holes (214).
8. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pair of left and right mounting holes (214) are provided for detachable attachment of a portion of a headlamp unit (204) with the ribbed support member (202).
9. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ribbed support member (202) supports at least one vehicle component (210) in an upper support surface (207) thereof.
10. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the vehicle component (210) is secured on the upper support surface (207) by at least one arrestor bracket (211).
11. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the vehicle component (210) is prevented from moving on the upper support surface (207) by the at least one arrestor bracket (211) and two or more ribs of a plurality of ribs (205).
12. A ribbed support member (202) for a saddle-type vehicle (100) having a front structure (200), wherein the front structure comprises:
two or more front panel members (201) including a top front panel member (201a) and a bottom front panel member (201b) disposed in front of a head tube (203), wherein one (201b) of said two or more front panel members houses a headlamp unit (204);
wherein the ribbed support member (202) disposed in front of a head tube (203) with at least a portion of the ribbed support member (202) circumscribing the head tube (203) from a front side, supports the one or more of said front panel members (201) and the headlamp unit (204) independently.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a saddle-type vehicle and particularly but not exclusively relates to a front structure of a saddle-type vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional saddle-type vehicles typically include a headlamp and a pair of turn signal lamps secured independently within a handlebar cover of the vehicle, wherein independent lenses are used to cover the headlamp and the turn signal lamps disposed on either side of the headlamp. In particular, a cut-out is provided in the handlebar cover to accommodate the headlamp and the pair of turn signal lamps, wherein the handlebar cover is provided with mounting provisions therein to support the headlamp and the pair of turn signal lamps. However, the use of any headlamp housed in the handlebar cover is typically limited, due to limited space available in the handlebar cover. Therefore, contemporary saddle-type vehicles are designed to accommodate large-sized headlamps in the front panel of the vehicle. Moreover, contemporary saddle-type vehicles are seeing the use of integrated lighting systems, wherein the headlamp and the turn signal lamps are not only housed within a common front housing but also covered by a common lens. The lenses thus provided for covering both the headlamp and the turn signal lamps are thicker and heavier. Typically, such integrated lighting systems including the headlamp and the turn signal lamps are accommodated in the front panel of the saddle-type vehicle.
[0003] Additionally, in contemporary saddle-type vehicles, LEDs are replacing the conventional incandescent bulbs used in the headlamp and turn signal lamps. LEDs are preferred for their small size, inherent power efficiency and extended life. LEDs also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. LEDs typically require constant current for producing consistent lighting; the same is performed by a LED circuit driver. Consequently, the use of LEDs necessitates the provision for a circuit driver that occupies additional space in the headlamp housing and adds to the weight of the headlamp housing. Additionally, back covers are also provided for protecting the drivers from the rear and other environmental extremities. Owing to such aspects, the overall size and weight of the headlamp housing increases. Increase in headlamp size & weight especially for a saddle type vehicle is highly undesirable as it can adversely effect the steering effort, inertia & the handling dynamics of the vehicle thereby deteriorating its maneuverability. As a result, there is a need for resilient mounting of the headlamp in the front panel, especially wherein the front panel is light weight and is made of plastic. There is also need for providing additional support to the front panel housing the headlamp.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers have been used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig.1 is a front view of the saddle-type vehicle comprising a front structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig.2 is a side perspective view of a portion of the front structure comprising a ribbed support member secured to the head tube in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig.3 is a top view of the ribbed support member in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig.4 is an exploded view depicting mounting of a vehicle component on an upper support surface of the ribbed support member.
[0009] Fig.5 is a cross-sectional view depicting the attachment of a bottom panel member with the ribbed support member as per an embodiment of the present subject matter
[00010] Fig.6 is a rear perspective view of the ribbed support member as per an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig.7 is a cross-sectional view depicting the attachment of a headlamp unit with the ribbed support member as per an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig.8 is a rear view of the bottom panel member accommodating the headlamp unit and attached thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00013] Typically, a headlamp unit and a pair of turn signal lamps are housed in a handlebar cover of the saddle-type vehicle. However, the use of any headlamp housed in the handlebar cover is typically limited due to limited space available in the handlebar cover. Therefore, contemporary saddle-type vehicles are designed to accommodate large-sized headlamps in the front panel of the vehicle. Moreover, contemporary saddle-type vehicles are seeing the use of integrated lighting systems, wherein the headlamp and the turn signal lamps are not only housed within a common front housing but also covered by a common lens. The lenses thus provided for covering both the headlamp and the turn signal lamps are thicker and heavier. Typically, such integrated lighting systems including the headlamp and the turn signal lamps are accommodated in the front panel of the saddle-type vehicle. Moreover, contemporary integrated lighting systems having LEDs are heavier owing to the presence of additional parts such as LED drivers, back covers, etc. which add to the overall weight of the integrated lighting system.
[00014] Therefore, there is a need for resilient mounting of the headlamp in the front panel, especially wherein the front panel is light weight and is made of plastic. There is also need for providing additional support to the front panel housing the headlamp such that the mounting structure is rigid, sturdy, has good stiffness, is durable to withstand vibrations & road loads, is easy to service while also overcoming all problems cited earlier & other problems of known arts.
[00015] With the above objectives in view, the present subject matter, provides a lightweight and sturdy front structure capable of reliably supporting a headlamp unit and at least one front panel member of two or more front panel members disposed in front of a head tube of the saddle-type vehicle. Particularly, as per one embodiment, the present subject matter seeks to provide a front structure comprising a ribbed support member for not only supporting one of said two or more front panel members but also the headlamp unit accommodated in one of said two or more front panel members.
[00016] According to one embodiment of the present subject matter, the front structure as described herein comprises two or more front panel members including a top front panel member and a bottom front panel attached to one another and disposed in front of a head tube of the saddle-type vehicle. Further, the front structure also comprises a ribbed support member attached to the head tube and disposed in front of the head tube. The ribbed support member is in turn disposed behind the two or more front panel member. The top front panel member is disposed above the bottom front panel member and is detachably attached to a rear panel member, thereby merely covering the ribbed support member from the front side.
[00017] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the ribbed support member is designed to support both the headlamp unit and one of the front panel members. Particularly, as per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the bottom front panel member accommodates the headlamp unit and includes mounting provisions in its rear surface for securing the headlamp unit. Thus, the headlamp unit is secured to the bottom front panel member. However, in addition to being supported on the bottom front panel member, the headlamp unit is also supported on the ribbed support member. For example, the ribbed support member comprises a rear surface in the form of an extended ribbed mounting portion extending downwardly from an upper support surface and having a pair of left and right mounting holes to enable detachable attachment of the headlamp unit with that of the ribbed support member, so that the headlamp unit can be supported thereon. Further, the ribbed support member comprises a pair of front mounting lugs extending forwardly from the upper support surface to enable detachable attachment of a portion of the bottom panel member on the ribbed support member, so that the bottom panel member housing the headlamp unit is also supported on the ribbed support member.
[00018] As per one more aspect of the present subject matter, the upper support surface of the ribbed support member is configured for supporting a vehicle component such as a secondary battery. The inner periphery of the upper support surface is lined with a plurality of ribs for adequately supporting the vehicle component, and preventing the abnormal movement of the vehicle component due to vibrations. Additionally, the ribbed support member is also adapted to receive an arrestor bracket that is designed for being detachably attached to a pair of attachment members extending outwardly from an outer peripheral portion of the upper support surface. Thus, the presence of the arrestor bracket and the plurality of ribs on the upper support surface ensures that movement of the vehicle component supported thereon is completely arrested.
[00019] Thus, the construction of the ribbed support member constituting a part of the front structure of the saddle-type vehicle ensures that both the headlamp unit and one of the front panel members accommodating the headlamp unit are provided additional support. Provision of plurality of ribs all across the body of the ribbed support member ensures that the ribbed support member is more sturdy and stiffer compared to any other conventional mounting member, thereby ensuring that the panel member accommodating a large sized headlamp unit is reliably supported and is not prone to any damage due to the additional weight of the headlamp unit and its associated parts. Further, since the top panel member is merely disposed above the bottom panel member and is not attached thereto and to the ribbed support member, the top panel member can be easily dismantled to enable servicing of both the headlamp unit and the vehicle component supported on the ribbed support member. Moreover, the headlamp unit can also be easily adjusted for alignment. Therefore, the overall construction and assembly of the front structure of the saddle-type vehicle as per the present subject matter ensures better support for the headlamp unit and for the panel member supporting the headlamp unit, thereby ensuring that a large sized headlamp unit can be reliably supported and also be easily serviced.
[00020] 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.
[00021] With reference to FIG.1, a description is made of an entire schematic structure of a saddle-type vehicle 100 having a front structure 200. The front structure 200 comprises two or more front panel members 201 including a top front panel member 201a and a bottom front panel member 201b. The front structure also comprises a ribbed support member 202 (shown in Fig.2). The front structure 200 as described above is disposed forwardly of a head tube 203 (shown in Fig.2) of a body frame (not shown) of the saddle-type vehicle 100. The body frame supports a steering assembly including a steering shaft (not shown), and a handlebar assembly 101 in a front portion of the saddle-type vehicle 100. A front fork assembly 121 is rotatably supported to the steering shaft through an upper bracket and a lower bracket (not shown). The handlebar assembly 101 provided above the front fork assembly 121 allows steering of a front wheel 125. The front wheel 125 is covered by a front fender 130 to prevent water and mud from splashing on parts lying sidewardly and rearwardly of the front wheel 125. The front structure 200 of the saddle-type vehicle 100 also houses a headlamp unit 204. As per an embodiment, the headlamp unit 204 is disposed in one of said two or more front panel members 201. In the present embodiment, and as may be seen in Fig.1, the headlamp unit 204 is housed in a bottom front panel member 201b. In the present embodiment, the headlamp unit 204 is an integrated headlamp unit comprising a central headlamp member (not shown) and peripheral turn signal lamps (not shown) disposed on either sides of the headlamp member.
[00022] A leg shield (not shown) is disposed to cover an inward facing side of the body frame, below the handlebar assembly 101. The leg shield protects the rider’s legs rested on a floorboard 145 from running wind. Further, in the present embodiment, the leg shield is detachably attached to the top front panel member 201a from a vehicle front side. An under-seat cover (not shown) is provided that extends upwards from the floorboard 145 towards a lower side of a seat (not shown). In embodiment, the under-seat cover serves to protect a battery unit disposed under the seat (not shown). In another embodiment, the under-seat cover serves to protect an IC engine (not shown) disposed under the seat (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the battery unit may be disposed below the floorboard 145. The seat is disposed above the left and right side covers 175 of the saddle-type vehicle 100.
[00023] For safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, the headlamp unit 204 including the pair of turn signal lamps is provided in a front portion of said vehicle 100, and a tail lamp unit (not shown) is provided in a rear portion of said vehicle 100. Safety of said saddle-type vehicle 100 is also improved by providing a braking system, for example a telescope type braking system which controls braking operation of a front brake device (not shown) and a rear brake device (not shown) of the front wheel 125 and the rear wheel (not shown) respectively. The braking system includes a front brake lever 132 and a rear brake lever 133 to be operated by the rider and connected to said front brake device and said rear brake device respectively through one or more cables including a front brake cable (not shown) and a rear brake cable (not shown).
[00024] For comfortable riding, suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of said vehicle 100 on the road. The front fork assembly 121, which forms the front suspension system, serves as rigidity component just like the body frame. The front fork assembly 121 clamped to the head tube 203 (shown in Fig.2) through an upper bracket (not shown) and a lower bracket (not shown) is capable of being moved/steered to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension (not shown), which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the body frame at a rear portion thereof. Particularly, at the rear portion of the body frame, the rear wheel is suspended by the rear suspension.
[00025] To enhance the overall aesthetics of said vehicle 100 and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of said vehicle 100, left and right side covers 175 are disposed to cover left and right-side surfaces of a rear portion of the body frame. A rear fender (not shown) is also provided for preventing mud/water splashed by the rear wheel from entering other parts of said vehicle 100.
[00026] Figs.2-4 illustrate construction of the ribbed support member of the front structure. As may be seen, a ribbed support member 202 is secured detachably on the head tube 203 of the saddle-type vehicle and disposed ahead of the head tube with at least a portion of the front structure circumscribing the head tube from the front side. The partially circular circumscribing of the support member around the head pipe enables increasing the section modulus of this region thereby enhancing stiffness as well as rigidity of the support member. Additionally, by being in close proximity of the head pipe, it aids in substantially closing any gap in this area thereby eliminating the possibility of environmental damages of the vehicle arising out of rust, mud, water entry etc. during rain, water wash of the vehicle. The ribbed support member 202 as may be seen has a plurality of ribs 205 across the entire body including its rear surface 206 and its upper support surface 207. Presence of the plurality of ribs 205 across the body of the ribbed support member ensures that ribbed support member 202 is stiff and sturdy. Majority of the plurality of ribs 205 are provided in the rear surface 206 of the ribbed support member 202. Further, as may be seen in Fig.2, the rear surface 206 of the ribbed support member 202 comprises a pair of extended mounting arms 208 joined with each other for mounting onto the head tube 203. The head tube 203 is provided with corresponding mounting arms (not shown) to mate with the pair of extended mounting arms 208.
[00027] Fig.3 illustrates a top view of the ribbed support member 202. As may be seen, the upper support surface 207 of the ribbed support member 202 is a flat surface, with a cut-out 208 provided along its front peripheral portion. The upper support surface 207 is thereby adapted to receive a vehicle component 210 (shown in Fig.4) such as a secondary battery unit. In order to ensure that the vehicle component 210 is reliably secured on the upper support surface 207, an arrestor bracket 211 is provided, that is designed to be placed over the vehicle component 210 and be detachably attached to the upper support surface 207. In other words, the vehicle component 210 is sandwiched between the arrestor bracket and the upper support surface 207 of the ribbed support member 202. The upper support surface 207 is integrally formed with a pair of attachment members 213 extending outwardly from an outer peripheral portion of the upper support surface 207 for receiving a corresponding attachment portion of the arrestor bracket 211. Additionally, the upper support surface 207 is provided with two or more ribs of the plurality of ribs 205 along an inner peripheral portion for arresting the abnormal movement of vehicle component 210, so that the two or more ribs 205 abut with two or more surfaces of the vehicle component 210. Thus, the presence of the arrestor bracket 211 and said two or more ribs 205 ensures that any vehicle component disposed in the upper support surface 207 of the ribbed support member 202 is not damaged while being subjected to vehicle vibrations. In another embodiment, a vehicle component such as a vehicle controller unit may be supported on the upper support surface 207 of the ribbed support member 202.
[00028] Further, as may be seen in Fig.3, the ribbed support member 202 comprises a pair of front mounting lugs 212 extending forwardly from the upper support surface 207, to enable detachable attachment of a portion of the bottom panel member 201b on the ribbed support member 202. Fig.5 illustrates a cross-sectional view depicting the detachable attachment of a front upper portion of the bottom front panel member 201b with one of the front mounting lugs of the pair of mounting lugs 212 using fasteners. Thus, as may be seen, the bottom front panel member 201b housing the headlamp unit 204 is supported on the ribbed support member 202.
[00029] Fig.6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the ribbed support member 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen, the rear surface 206 of the ribbed support member 202 comprises a pair of left and right mounting holes 214 on either side of the pair of extended mounting arms 208. The pair of left and right mounting holes 214 are provided for enabling attachment of a portion of the headlamp unit 204 with the ribbed support member 202. Fig.7 illustrates the cross-sectional view depicting the detachable attachment of the headlamp unit 204 with the ribbed support member 202. As may be seen, a rear portion of the headlamp unit 204 is detachably secured to the ribbed support member 202 through the pair of left and right mounting holes 214.
[00030] Fig.8 illustrates a rear view of the bottom front panel member housing the headlamp unit 204 and disposed behind the ribbed support member 202 when viewed from a rear side of the saddle-type vehicle. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter and as may be seen in Fig.8, the headlamp unit 204 that is an integrated headlamp unit comprising a pair of turn signal lamps and extending from a left side to the right side is housed in the bottom front panel member and is well supported on the bottom front panel member 201b by being supported at multiple locations 215,216 on the bottom front panel member 201b. Further, when viewed from vehicle rear side, the ribbed support member 202 is disposed so as to overlap over the headlamp unit 204 and the headlamp unit 204 is supported by the ribbed support member 202 at the pair of left and right mounting holes 214. Thus, in addition to being supported at multiple locations on the bottom front panel member 201b, the headlamp unit 204 is also supported on the ribbed support member 202, for gaining additional support, stiffness and rigidity. In the present embodiment, the ribbed support member is made of a light-weight material such as plastic. Although, the ribbed support structure is made of plastic, its ribbed construction provides enough strength for bearing the weight of the headlamp unit and that of the front panel members.
[00031] Thus, the construction of the ribbed support member of the front structure of the saddle-type vehicle ensures that one or more front panels housing a large sized headlamp unit are reliably supported, thereby ensuring that weight of the headlamp unit is evenly distributed between the front panel members, and the ribbed support structure. Thus, it is ensured that the load of the headlamp unit is not completely borne by the front panel members alone, thereby ensuring durability and reliability of the front panel members as well. Moreover, as per an embodiment the ribbed structure can be made of plastic or resin material which is capable of being easily manufactured by injection moulding. Further, the overall construction of the front structure also enables easy servicing and adjustment of the headlamp unit since the top front panel member can be easily removed as it is only attached to the rear panel, thereby enabling quick access of the ribbed support structure and the headlamp unit to the mechanic. The front structure also enables ease of access to other parts lying in front of the head tube such as a secondary battery unit, a controller, horn etc.
[00032] As can be made out from the teachings of the present subject matter, the design of said ribbed support member used for supporting the headlamp unit and one or more front panel members is unique and offers several advantages including providing support for an additional vehicle component such as a secondary battery unit.
[00033] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
Reference Numerals:
100 – Saddle-type vehicle 214 – Pair of left and right mounting holes
101 – Handlebar assembly 215, 216 – Multiple locations
121 – Front fork assembly
125 – Front wheel
130 – Front fender
132 – Front brake lever
133 – Rear brake lever
145 – Floorboard
200 – Front structure
201 – Two or more front panel members
201a – Top front panel member
201b – Bottom front panel member
202 – Ribbed support member
203 – Head tube
204 – Headlamp unit
205 – Plurality of ribs
206 – Rear surface
207 – Upper support surface
208 – Pair of extended mounting arms
210 – Vehicle component
211- Arrestor bracket
212 – Pair of front mounting lugs
213 – Pair of attachment members