DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a straddle-type vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, to vehicle layout of the straddle-type vehicle for packaging of one or more electronic components in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, vehicle layout design for a step-through type scooter type motorcycle features a step-through frame and a flat surface called as a floorboard used for disposing legs of a rider when the rider puts his/her feet on the floorboard. Further, the scooter features bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanisms.
[0003] In conventional vehicles, one or more electronic components are packaged on a frame assembly of the vehicle. The packaging of the one or more electronic components are achieved by mounting the one or more electronic components by means of mounting brackets. The mounting brackets are welded on the frame assembly. The frame assembly consisting of mounting brackets is usually covered by plurality of body panels made of plastic or metals and the body panels are fastened at all intended joints. The plurality of body panels should be configured such that they can completely cover the frame along with the mounting brackets as desired, in the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type two wheeled with accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Figure 1 shows a left side perspective view of the scooter type vehicle.
[0006] Figure 2a and Figure 2b illustrates a front view of a front panel assembly.
[0007] Figure 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a structural panel as per an aspect of the present invention.
[0008] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a front panel assembly.
[0009] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of an air louver structure.
[00010] Figure 6 illustrates assembly of a pair of side panels with a rear cover.
[00011] Figure 7 illustrates exploded view of a pair of side panels being exploded.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00012] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle, all or most of the vehicular parts are concealed or covered by a number of body panels. The number of body panels includes a front panel, a rear panel, a front cover, and a rear cover. The front cover is disposed below a seat assembly.
[00013] Front panels involving complicated servicing steps are known. Front panels with fitment variations are known.
[00014] The conventional vehicle includes a front panel that covers a vehicle from front side. There may be one or more critical electrical and electronic components being disposed behind the front panel. In order to access them, the front panel has to be first disassembled. However, the removal of front panel involves removal of plurality of mounting members like fasteners used to mount the front panel. Further, due to manufacturing variations, there may be fitment variations when the front panel is mounted on to a portion of the frame assembly. Due to the fitment variations, even after assembly, there may be see through gaps and uneven gaps between the front panel and the interfacing panels.
[00015] Further, a larger front panel is prone to vibrations all over the surface. The continuous vibrations may weaken the front panel mountings. Further, due to continuous fluttering, the panel is prone to structural degradation which also displaces the part from its actual assembled position, this again creates uneven gaps with the interfacing panels. However, in order to obtain a front panel that addresses all of the above said drawbacks is also challenging as it involves providing a front panel that also is economically significant and can achieve required structural durability as well as provide simpler assembly and disassembly methods. The uneven gaps affect the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
[00016] In a known art, a bigger front panel on left side and another bigger front panel on the right side being used. In this case, the bigger front panel on the left side and the bigger front panel on the right side have to be essentially structurally sturdy as they are meant to support or take load of the turn signal lamps. Therefore, it is preferred that such bigger panels are made up of metals. Which again has disadvantages like, to be well coated to prevent rusting. The metal panels are expensive. Further, flexible design changes are not possible with metal panels as compared to the design flexibility available with the resin body panels for a vehicle.
[00017] Further, all the commonly known front panels are huge, it is one big front panel that takes both the turn signal lamps, and also headlamp. The huge front panel with all the load is mounted to a metal bracket that is welded to a frame tube. This metal bracket has process distortions, due to which, the entire front panel being assembled on the bracket will be disturbed, as a result, the interfacing parts show gap between the front panel.
[00018] Further, if the plastic front panel, that is facing structural irregularities due to being mounted on metal bracket has to be replaced, due to its lesser structural rigidity, available option is metal panels. However, like in the above-mentioned known art and being commonly practiced, the metal panel, which definitely has higher stability and can take load of TSLs, however, these metal panels are again mounted to the frame through metal brackets. The metal brackets mounted through welding on frame have weld distortions, which is the technical problem here, due to weld distortions, the required mounting strength in that particular zone is not achieved. Even after using a sturdy material, required end result of aesthetically appealing vehicle, that can overcome the technical problem of having multiple welded brackets for mounting the metal panels cannot be achieved.
[00019] Therefore, the present invention aims at providing a front panel assembly having a structural panel.
[00020] In an embodiment, the structural panel is for a two-wheeled vehicle, the structural panel comprising a first portion and a second portion.
[00021] As per an embodiment of the present invention, the first portion being configured for mounting a front panel such that said first portion being invisible from outside.
[00022] In an embodiment, the first portion being configured for mounting structural components, and the structural components include one or more of turn signal lamps, front lamps, and front lamps holder.
[00023] As per an aspect, the second portion being visible from outside.
[00024] As per another embodiment of the present invention, the structural panel for a two-wheeled vehicle having the first portion. The first portion being provided holes for mounting the first portion on to a portion of a frame assembly of the vehicle. Each of the holes having adjustable sizes for aligning with corresponding holes on the structural panel for mounting the structural panel on the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the holes comprising a top set and a bottom set. The top set being configured for mounting the front panel onto the first portion. The bottom set being configured for mounting said structural panel onto a battery supporting structure.
[00026] In an embodiment of the present subject matter, the first portion includes a central portion. The central portion being provided corrugated shape to provide structural strength to said structural panel.
[00027] In an embodiment, the central portion being configured to provide a bridge between said left side and said right side.
[00028] In an embodiment of the present subject matter the front panel being provided triangular shape including a right side, and a left side, the said structural components are disposed adjacently to said right side and said left side.
[00029] In an embodiment of the present subject matter the second portion being configured for mounting a front lamp mounting structure, and the front lamp mounting structure being provided with a front lamp receiving portion.
[00030] In an embodiment of the present subject matter the front lamp mounting structure being provided an air louvers portion.
[00031] In an embodiment of the present subject matter an electrical component including a horn is disposed behind said air louvers portion.
[00032] In an embodiment of the present subject matter the bottom set being provided on said central portion.
[00033] In an embodiment of the present subject matter the structural panel being configured with an extended portion extending along length of a bottom portion of said pair of side panels.
[00034] In an embodiment of the present subject matter the second portion includes turn signal lamp mounting portions for mounting one or more turn signal lamps.
[00035] In an embodiment of the present subject matter the front lamps are day time running lamps comprising one or more LEDs.
[00036] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the vehicle includes a panel assembly for a saddle type vehicle. The panel assembly comprising a front panel and a structural panel. The structural panel having a first portion and a second portion.
[00037] The front panel being mounted on the first portion. The first portion being configured for mounting a front panel such that said first portion being invisible from outside.
[00038] The first portion being configured for mounting structural components.
[00039] The structural components include one or more of turn signal lamps, front lamps, and front lamps holder.
[00040] The second portion being visible from outside, when said front panel assembly being mounted onto said saddle type vehicle.
[00041] As per an aspect, the panel assembly includes a pair of side panels, wherein the pair of side panels being disposed adjacently to the structural panel.
[00042] In an embodiment of the present subject matter the panel assembly for a includes a center panel being disposed rearwardly to a front wheel and in between the bottom portion of said pair of side panels.
[00043] Figure 1 shows a left side perspective view of the scooter type vehicle. The vehicle (100) has a body frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together which usually supports the body of the said vehicle. The vehicle (100) has a steerable front wheel (101) and a driven rear wheel (102). The vehicle frame assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. It is generally convex in shape, as viewed from a side elevation view. The frame assembly includes a head tube (104), a main frame (111) and also may have a sub-frame. The sub-frame is attached to the main frame (111) using appropriate joining mechanism. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel (103), a rear cover (not shown), a left front bottom panel (105), and a pair of side panels (106).
[00044] A handlebar assembly (109) and a seat assembly (302) are supported at opposing ends of the vehicle frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as floorboard (108) which functions as a step through space. A seat assembly (302) for a driver and a pillion is placed forward to a fuel tank (not shown) and rear side of floorboard (108). A front fender (107) is provided above the front wheel (101) to avoid the vehicle (100) and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender (112) is placed between the fuel tank and the rear wheel (102), and to the outer side in the radial direction of the rear wheel (102). The rear fender (112) inhibits rain water or the like from being thrown up by the rear wheel (102). A front cover assembly (115) is disposed rearwardly to the floorboard (108).
[00045] Suspensions are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle (100) on the road. A front suspension assembly (116) is connected to a front fork (not shown). The rear suspension assembly (117) comprises of at least one rear suspension preferably on the left side of the vehicle. However, a vehicle with two rear suspensions, namely on the left side and the right side is also possible. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlamp assembly (110) in the front portion of the vehicle and a taillight assembly (114) in the rear portion of the vehicle (100) is also provided. For the utility of the rider, a secondary storage assembly (113) is disposed in front of the front cover assembly (115).
[00046] Figure 2a and Figure 2b illustrates a front view of a front panel assembly. The front panel assembly having a front panel 102 and a structural panel 103. The structural panel 103 having a first portion 202a and a second portion 202b. The first portion 202a being configured for mounting a front panel 201. In the Figure 2b, the structural panel 103 being visible. The front panel 201 being mounted on the first portion 202a. The first portion 202a being configured for mounting a front panel 201 such that the first portion 202a being invisible from outside. The first portion 202a being configured for mounting structural components. The structural components 402 are turn signal lamps.
[00047] Figure 3 illustrates a front perspective view of a structural panel as per an aspect of the present invention. The structural panel 202 having holes 301a, 301b, the holes comprising a top set 301a and bottom set 301b. The top set 301a being configured for mounting the front panel 201 onto the structural panel 202. The bottom set 301b being configured to enable mounting of the structural panel 202 onto a portion of the frame assembly 304.
[00048] In particular, in a preferred embodiment, the structural panel 202 being mounted on to a battery holding structure. The battery holding structure being formed as a part of the frame structure itself.
[00049] As per an aspect of the present invention, the structural panel 202 includes a turn signal lamp mounting portion 303 on either side for receiving pair of turn signal lamps. Further, the structural panel 202 having a central portion 301c.
[00050] As per another aspect, the central portion 301c being corrugated to provide required structural modulus. The central portion 301c enables the structural panel 202 to take load of all the structural components and other panels being mounted onto.
[00051] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a front panel assembly. The front panel 201 being mounted onto a first portion of the structural panel 202. The pair of side panels 404 being mounted onto lateral sides of each of the structural panel 202. The structural panel 202 being mounted onto a rear cover 401.
[00052] As per another embodiment, an air louver structure 403 being mounted onto a second portion 202b of the structural panel 202.
[00053] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of an air louver structure. The air louver structure 403 having plurality of louvers 403l. The air louver structure having one or more mountings 403a for enabling mounting with air louver mounting potion 403m of the structural panel 202.
[00054] Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrates assembly of a pair of side panels and an exploded view of pair of side panels respectively. As per an aspect of the present invention, the pair of pair of side panels 404. Referring to figure 7, the pair of side panels 404 being attached to rear panel assembly. In an embodiment, the rear panel assembly having a top rear panel and a bottom rear panel. The pair of side panels 404 having one or more mountings with the rear panel assembly.
[00055] Althcough the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.

Reference Numerals:
100 vehicle
105 frame assembly
106 front frame
107 main frame member
108 pair of rear frames
109 step through portion
110 handlebar assembly
111 central frame member
115 front wheel
120 one or more front suspensions
130 rear wheel
135 muffler
140 seat assembly
145 floor board
150 toggle link
155 front fender
165 headlight
170 front panel
171 leg shield
171m one or more first mounting means
171i rear surface
172 rear panel assembly
201 one or more electronic components
201b bottom face

201c one or more couplers
202 heat resistant member
202b main body
202aa, 202bb, 202cc one or more outwardly projecting arms
202aa at least one first arm
202bb at least one second arm
202cc at least one third arm
202t top mounting means
202f flange
202wr a right-side wall
202wb a bottom wall
202wt top wall
202wl left-side wall
202sf plurality of strengthening rib structures
203 motion-arresting members
203m two or more mounting portions
203nm non-mounting portion
E power source
W1 one or more wiring harnesses
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100), said structural panel (202) comprising:
a first portion (202a); and
a second portion (202b),
characterized that
said first portion (202a) being configured for mounting a front panel (201) such that said first portion (202a) being invisible from outside, wherein said first portion (202a) being configured for mounting structural components (402), and wherein said structural components (402) include one or more of turn signal lamps (105), and
wherein said second portion (202b) being visible from outside.
2. The structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion (103f) being provided holes (103h) for mounting said first portion on to a portion of a frame of said vehicle (100), and wherein each of said holes (103h) having adjustable sizes for aligning with corresponding holes on said structural panel (202) for mounting said structural panel (202) on said two-wheeled vehicle (100).
3. The structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said holes (103h) comprising a top set (103ah) and a bottom set (103bh), wherein said top set (103ah) being configured for mounting said front panel (102) onto said first portion (103f), wherein said bottom set (103bh) being configured for mounting said structural panel (202) onto a battery supporting structure.
4. The structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first portion (103f) includes a central portion (103c), wherein said central portion (103c) being provided corrugated shape to provide structural strength to said structural panel (202).
5. The structural component (103) as claimed in claim 3 and 4, wherein said central portion being configured to provide a bridge between said left side and said right side.
6. The structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front panel (102) being provided triangular shape including a right side (102), and a left side (102l), wherein said structural components (104, 105, 106) are disposed adjacently to said right side (102) and said left side (102l).
7. The structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion (103s) being configured for mounting a front lamp mounting structure (104), and wherein said front lamp mounting structure (104) being provided with a front lamp receiving portion (106r).
8. The structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said front lamp mounting structure (104) being provided an air louvers portion (104a).
9. The structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein an electrical component including a horn is disposed behind said air louvers portion (104a).
10. The structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7 or claim 3, wherein said bottom set (103bh) being provided on said central portion (103c).
11. The panel assembly (101) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said structural panel (202) being configured with an extended portion (103e) extending along length of a bottom portion of said pair of side panels (107).
12. The structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second portion (103s) includes turn signal lamp mounting portions (105m) for mounting one or more turn signal lamps (105).
13. The structural panel (202) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front lamps (106) are day time running lamps (DRLs) comprising one or more LEDs.
14. A panel assembly (200) for a saddle type vehicle (100), said panel assembly (200) comprising:
a front panel (201); and
a structural panel (202),
wherein said structural panel (202) having a first portion (202a); and
a second portion (202b),
characterized in that
said front panel (201) being mounted on said first portion (202a), said first portion (202a) being configured for mounting a front panel (201) such that said first portion (202a) being invisible from outside,
wherein said first portion (202a) being configured for mounting structural components (402), and
wherein said structural components (402) include one or more of turn signal lamps (402), front lamps, and grilled member (403); and
wherein said second portion (202b) being visible from outside, when said front panel assembly (200) being mounted onto said saddle type vehicle (100).
15. The panel assembly (200) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said panel assembly (200) includes a pair of side panels (107), wherein said pair of side panels (404) disposed adjacently to said structural panel (202).
16. The panel assembly (200) for a saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said panel assembly (200) includes a center panel () being disposed rearwardly to a front wheel () and in between said bottom portion of said pair of side panels (107).