Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. Particularly, the present invention relates to a front panel assembly of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Conventionally, a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle is provided with a panel assembly. The panel assembly enhances the aesthetic appeal of the two-wheeled vehicle, while also housing components of the two-wheeled vehicle. The panel assembly comprises a front panel assembly provided at a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle and a rear panel assembly provided at a rear portion of the two-wheeled vehicle. The front panel assembly is configured to cover components such as the steering assembly, headlamp assembly, a battery unit and other electronic components that are supported at the front portion of the vehicle. Further, the front panel assembly is also adapted to support turn signal indicators provided at the front portion of the vehicle. The turn-signal indicators provide a turn-signal indication of the vehicle to oncoming traffic.
[003] Typically, the turn signal indicators extend from the front panel assembly or are overhung from the front panel assembly. Such overhanging or extension of the turn signal indicators from the front panel assembly make the turn signal indicators susceptible to damage during a crash or a collision, which is undesirable. Also, when the turn signal indicators are protected, which may be through a front panel, the visibility of the turn signal indicators from a side portion of the two-wheeled vehicle is compromised. As such, the turn indication provided by the rider of the two-wheeled vehicle would not be visible to oncoming traffic from the side portion of the two-wheeled vehicle, thereby may result in a collision, which is catastrophic. Moreover, the front panel assembly provided in the conventional two-wheeled vehicle, comprises plurality of panels interfaced with one another through fasteners, thereby increasing service time and making the process of assembly cumbersome during a maintenance event. Additionally, the components housed by the front panel assembly in the conventional two-wheeled vehicle require a cooling mechanism to dissipate heat for optimum operation. However, such cooling mechanism is non-existent in the front panel assembly, as the front panel assembly provided in the conventional two-wheeled vehicle completely enclose the components.
[004] In view of the above, there is a need for a front panel assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle, which addresses one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, a front panel assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The front panel assembly comprises a rear panel adapted to be mounted onto a frame member of the vehicle and a central panel adapted to be mounted on the rear panel. A front panel is adapted to be mounted on the central panel, wherein the front panel and the central panel are adapted to cover one or more components of the vehicle. Further, a Turn Signal Lamp (TSL) assembly of the vehicle is mounted to the central panel. The TSL assembly is positioned adjacent to a side portion of the front panel for wider visibility of a turn indication of the vehicle.
[006] In an embodiment, a vent opening is provided between the front panel and the central panel, wherein, the vent opening is provided at a mid-portion of the front panel and the central panel.
[007] In an embodiment, a cut-out is defined at a central portion of the front panel and the central panel. The cut-out is adapted to accommodate a headlamp assembly of the vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment, the cut-out comprises a vent hole for guiding air to the one or more components for air-cooling. The vent hole is provided at a bottom portion of the cut-out and is communicably coupled to the vent opening provided between the front panel and the central panel, wherein ambient air guided through the vent hole is discharged through the vent opening.
[009] In an embodiment, the central panel comprises one or more rib lock members defined on an outer surface of the central panel. The one or more rib lock members are adapted to engage with one or more rib members provided on an inner surface of the front panel for mounting the front panel to the central panel.
[010] In an embodiment, one or more mounting members are provided at a fore end and an aft end of the TSL assembly. The one or more mounting members are adapted to engage with an inner surface of the central panel.
[011] In an embodiment, each of the one or more mounting members are mounted to the inner surface of the central panel through a fastener.
[012] In an embodiment, a front-center panel is provided. The front panel is mounted to the front center panel, wherein the front panel is mounted onto the central panel. The front-center panel engages with a portion of the front panel. Further, the front-center panel is provided with an opening for accommodating the headlamp assembly and the vent hole provided at a bottom in-line with the opening.
[013] In an embodiment, the central panel, the front panel and the front-center panel are detachably attached to each other.
[014] In an embodiment, the central panel is defined with a step-profile. The step-profile facilitates interface of the front panel and the central panel for defining a vent opening.
[015] In an embodiment, the central panel comprises one or more rib members defined on an inner surface of the central panel. The one or more rib members being adapted to engage with one or more rib lock members provided on an inner surface of the rear panel for mounting the central panel with the rear panel.

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 is a perspective view of a front panel assembly for a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the front panel assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a rear view of a central panel of the front panel assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is an enlarged view of a portion C depicted in Figure 3, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a Turn Signal Lamp assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the Turn Signal Lamp assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a front view of the front panel assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a sectional view of the front panel assembly about an axis A-A depicted in Figure 7 along with an enlarged view of portion D, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a sectional view of the front panel assembly about an axis B-B depicted in Figure 3, in accordance with an exemplary 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] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a front panel assembly 100 for a vehicle (not shown), in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The front panel assembly 100 is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle and covers a steering column (not shown), a headlamp assembly (not shown), a Turn Signal Lamp (TSL) assembly 108 (as shown in Figures 5 and 6) and numerous electronic components of the vehicle such as a battery (not shown), a telematics unit (not shown), an on-board charger (not shown) and components of a braking system. The front panel assembly 100 comprises multiple panels interfaced with each other to cover the front portion of the vehicle from a front side (not shown), a right side (not shown) and a left side (not shown) of the vehicle. The front panel assembly 100 is adapted to facilitate ease of assembly or dismantling of these panels during a maintenance event without the need for fasteners. Moreover, the front panel assembly 100 is capable of facilitating air circulation to one or more components (not shown) enclosed by the front panel assembly 100, thereby ensuring optimum operation and longevity of the vehicle components. The front panel assembly 100 is mounted onto the front portion (not shown) of a frame member (not shown) of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as ‘vehicle’). In an embodiment, the vehicle is a scooter-type vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle may be a two-wheeled vehicle or a three-wheeled vehicle or a multi-wheeled vehicle which is capable of supporting the TSL assembly 108. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be driven by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor or combination thereof.
[019] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1, the front panel assembly 100 comprises a rear panel (not shown) mounted onto the frame member. The rear panel comprises an inner surface (not shown) and an outer surface (not shown). The inner surface of the rear panel engages with the frame member of the vehicle for mounting the rear panel onto the frame member, while the outer surface is exposed to the surroundings. The outer surface of the rear panel extends to form a leg shield of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the inner surface of rear panel is rested or placed on the frame member for mounting the rear panel onto the frame member.
[020] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, a rear view of a central panel 104 of the front panel assembly 100 is depicted. The central panel 104 is adapted to be mounted onto the rear panel. The central panel 104 comprises an inner surface 104a (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) and an outer surface 104b (shown in Figures 2 and 4). The inner surface 104a of the central panel 104 engages with the inner surface of the rear panel, for mounting the central panel 104 onto the rear panel. The inner surface 104a of the central panel 104 is provided with one or more rib members 120b (also shown in Figure 9), which engage with one or more rib lock members (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the rear panel. Thus, the one or more rib members 120b and the rib lock members enable detachable mounting of the central panel 104 with the rear panel. Thus, the one or more rib members 120b of the central panel and the rib lock members of the rear panel facilitate ease of dismantling and assembly of the central panel 104 with the rear panel.
[021] In an embodiment, the central panel 104 is vertically symmetric about an axis Y-Y’. In another embodiment, the rear panel is also vertically symmetric about the axis Y-Y’. Further, the axis Y-Y’ is applicable for the front panel assembly 100 and is only mentioned in Figure 3 for brevity and ease of understanding of the present invention.
[022] Referring to Figure 4 in conjunction with Figure 3, an enlarged view of a portion ‘C’ depicting a bottom left side portion of the central panel 104. As depicted, the central panel 104 is adapted to support the TSL assembly 108 (for e.g. as shown in Figures 5 and 6) of the vehicle. The central panel 104 is provided with a slot (not shown) for enabling insertion of the TSL assembly 108. The TSL assembly 108 is inserted into the central panel 104 such that, one or more mounting members 122 provided at a fore end 108a (for e.g. as shown in Figures 5 and 6) and an aft end 108b (for e.g. as shown in Figures 5 and 6) of the TSL assembly 108 are positioned to engage with the inner surface 104a, while an illumination portion 108c for e.g. as shown in Figures 5 and 6) of the TSL assembly 108 is positioned on the outer surface 104b of the central panel 104. The one or more mounting members 122 upon insertion engage with one or more engagement members 128 provided on the inner surface 104a of the central panel 104.
[023] In an embodiment, the one or more mounting members 122 provided on the fore end 108a and the aft end 108b of the TSL assembly 108 and the one or more engagement members 128 may be slotted members. As such, each of the one or more mounting members 122 may engage with each of the one or more engagement members 128 via a fastener 130.
[024] In an embodiment, the TSL assembly 108 is mounted at a bottom-left portion of the central panel 104. Accordingly, the TSL assembly 108 is capable of being mounted at any location on the central panel 104 as per design feasibility and requirement.
[025] In an embodiment, Figure 4 depicts a bottom-left portion of the central panel 104 which is adapted to support the TSL assembly 108 provided on a left-side of the vehicle. Accordingly, due to vertical symmetry of the central panel 104, the TSL assembly 108 provided on a right-side of the vehicle will be mounted as depicted in Figure 4. Thus, for ease of simplicity of understanding the structure or construction of the front panel assembly 100, only mounting of the left side TSL assembly 108 is depicted.
[026] Referring to Figure 7 in conjunction with Figures 1-6, a front view of the front panel assembly 100 is depicted. The front panel assembly 100 comprises a front panel 106 adapted to be mounted onto the central panel 104. The front panel 106 upon mounting on the central panel 104 is adapted to cover or enclose one or more components of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the one or more components comprises the battery unit (not shown), the horn assembly (not shown) and the like which are typically mounted at the front portion of the vehicle.
[027] Further, the front panel 106 comprises an inner surface 106c (as shown in Figure 8) and an outer surface 106d (as shown in Figure 8). The inner surface 106c is adapted to engage with the outer surface 104b of the central panel 104. The inner surface 106c of the front panel 106 is provided with one or more rib members 120a (as shown in Figure 3), which engage with one or more rib lock members 118a (as shown in Figure 3) provided on the outer surface 104b of the central panel 104. Thus, the one or more rib members 120a and the rib lock members 118a enable detachable mounting of the front panel 106 with the central panel 104. Thus, the one or more rib members 120a of the front panel 106 and the rib lock members 118a of the central panel 104 facilitate ease of dismantling and assembly of the front panel 106 with the central panel 104. Accordingly, the front panel 106, the central panel 104 and the rear panel are detachably attached with one another.
[028] Furthermore, the front panel 106 is also provided with a slot (not shown) at location corresponding to the slot provided in the central panel 104, for receiving the illumination portion 108c of the TSL assembly 108. As such, the TSL assembly 108 is sandwich mounted with the central panel 104 and the front panel 106, upon mounting of the front panel 106 with the central panel 104. The slot provided to the front panel 106 and the central panel 104 are at side portions or at a left side portion 106a and at a right side portion 106b of the vehicle for wider visibility of a turn indication of the vehicle.
[029] In an embodiment, the slot provided to the front panel 106 and the central panel 104 ensure that the TSL assembly 108 is positioned at an angle with respect to the axis Y-Y’. The angle of position of the TSL assembly 108 with respect to the axis Y-Y’ is selected such that visibility of the TSL assembly 108 is enhanced, so that the turn signal indication from the TSL assembly 108 is visible to an oncoming traffic approaching from a side portion of the vehicle.
[030] In an embodiment, the front panel 106 is mounted onto the central panel 104 such that a gap is maintained between the front panel 106 and the central panel 104. The gap defines a vent opening 110 for enabling air circulation to the one or more components of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the gap is maintained between the front panel 106 and the central panel 104 at a mid-portion 124 (for e.g. as shown in Figure 7) of the front panel 106 and the central panel 104. As such, the vent opening 110 is provided at the mid-portion of the front panel 106 and the central panel 104. In an embodiment, dimensions of the vent opening 110 is selected as per air circulation requirement. In an embodiment, the central panel 104 is defined with a step-profile for facilitating interface with the front panel 106 and also for defining the vent opening 110.
[031] The front panel 106 further comprises a cut-out 112 at a central portion 106e of the front panel 106 and the central panel 104. The cut-out 112 is adapted to accommodate a headlamp assembly 114 of the vehicle. In the present embodiment, the cut-out 112 is provided in the central portion 106e of the front panel 106 and is configured with an elongated shape corresponding to the shape of the headlamp assembly 114. In an embodiment, shape and dimensions of the cut-out 112 is selected as per shape and dimensions of the headlamp assembly 114. The headlamp assembly 114 upon mounting in the cut-out 112 defines a vent hole 116. In the present embodiment, the vent hole 116 is defined at a bottom portion (not shown) of the cut-out 112. The vent hole 116 is in fluid communication with the vent opening 110 so that, the air entering the vent hole 116 is discharged through the vent opening 110. During the flow of ambient air from the vent hole 116 to the vent opening 110, the heat generated by the one or more components is dissipated by the ambient air, thereby ensuring heat dissipation of the one or more components.
[032] In an embodiment, the front panel assembly 100 comprises a front-center panel 126. The front-center panel 126 is provided between the front panel 106 and the central panel 104. In an embodiment, the front-center panel 126 is adapted to engage with a portion (not shown) of the front panel 106, while the remainder portion (not shown) of the front panel 106 engages with the central panel 104. In other words, a first set (not shown) of the one or more rib members 120a engage with the front-center panel 126, while a second set (not shown) of the one or more rib members 120a engage with the central panel 104. In an embodiment, the front-center panel 126 is also provided with an opening 102 for accommodating the headlamp assembly 114 and the TSL assembly 108. Also, the vent hole 116 is also be provided to the front-center panel 126 for ensuring air circulation to the one or more components of the vehicle for heat dissipation.
[033] In an embodiment, the one or more rib lock members (not shown) are also provided on the front-center panel 126 for engaging with the one or more rib members 120a of the front panel 106.
[034] In an embodiment, during assembly, the rear panel is mounted on the frame member. Thereafter, the one or more rib members 120b of the central panel 104 is aligned and engaged with one or more rib lock members of the rear panel, for mounting the central panel 104 with the rear panel. Thereafter, the front-center panel 126 along with the front panel 106 is mounted onto the central panel 104 by engaging the one or more rib members 120a with the one or more rib lock members 118a on the central panel 104. Upon mounting of the front panel 106 with the central panel 104, the vent hole 116 and the vent opening 110 enabling air circulation to the one or more components of the vehicle, thereby ensuring heat dissipation of the one or more components. In an embodiment, the front panel 106, the central panel 104 and the rear panel may be made of same color and material as per design feasibility and requirement. In another embodiment, color and materials for manufacturing the front panel 106, the central panel 104 and the rear panel may be selected as per aesthetic appeal requirement of the vehicle in the front portion.
[035] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect provides the front panel assembly that is adapted to facilitate ease of assembly or dismantling of the various panels during a maintenance event. This is particularly due to engagement of the front panel 106, the central panel 104 and the rear panel. Also, the front panel assembly ensures that the TSL assembly mounted on the center panel is located or positioned such that, visibility for oncoming traffic from a side portion is enhanced. Consequently, improving safety of the vehicle. Also, the sandwich construction between the TSL assembly with the front panel 106 and the central panel 104 to ensure protection to the TSL assembly, without the need for additional panels. Moreover, the aspect of providing the one or more rib members 120a, 120b and the one or more rib lock members 118a mitigates use of fasteners for coupling the front panel 106, the central panel 104 and the front panel 106. Additionally, the aspect of providing the vent hole 116 and the vent opening 110 ensures air circulation to the one or more components. Thus, the vent hole 116 and the vent opening 110 ensure optimum operation and longevity of the one or more components of the vehicle.

Reference numerals

100 Front panel assembly
102 Opening
104 Central panel
104a Inner surface of the central panel
104b Outer surface of the central panel
106 Front panel
106a Left side portion of the front panel
106b Right side portion of the front panel
106c Inner surface of the front panel
106d Outer surface of the front panel
106e Central portion of the front panel
108 TSL assembly
108a Fore end of the TSL assembly
108b Aft end of the TSL assembly
108c Illumination portion of TSL assembly
110 Vent opening
112 Cut-out
114 Headlamp assembly
116 Vent hole
118a Rib lock members
120a, 120b One or more rib members
122 One or more mounting members
124 Mid-portion
126 Front-center panel
128 Engagement members on central panel
130 Fastener

, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A front panel assembly (100) for a vehicle, the front panel assembly (100) comprising:
a rear panel adapted to be mounted onto a frame member of the vehicle;
a central panel (104) adapted to be mounted on the rear panel; and
a front panel (106) adapted to be mounted on the central panel (104), the front panel (106) and the central panel (104) being adapted to cover one or more components of the vehicle,
wherein, a Turn Signal Lamp (TSL) assembly (108) of the vehicle being mounted to the central panel (104), the TSL assembly (108) being positioned adjacent to a side portion (106a, 106b) of the front panel (106), for wider visibility of a turn indication of the vehicle.

2. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a vent opening (110) being provided between the front panel (106) and the central panel (104).

3. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vent opening (110) being provided at a mid-portion (124) of the front panel (106) and the central panel (104).

4. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cut-out (112) being defined at a central portion (106c) of the front panel (106) and the central panel (104), the cut-out (112) being adapted to accommodate a headlamp assembly (114) of the vehicle.

5. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cut-out (112) comprises a vent hole (116) for guiding air to the one or more components for air-cooling, the vent hole (116) being provided at a bottom portion of the cut-out (112) and being communicably coupled to a vent opening (110) provided between the front panel (106) and the central panel (104), wherein ambient air guided through the vent hole (116) being discharged through the vent opening (110).

6. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central panel (104) comprises one or more rib lock members (118a) defined on an outer surface (104b) of the central panel (104), the one or more rib lock members (118a) being adapted to engage with one or more rib members (120a) provided on an inner surface (106c) of the front panel (106) for mounting the front panel (106) to the central panel (104).

7. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises one or more mounting members (122) provided at a fore end (108a) and an aft end (108b) of the TSL assembly (108), the one or more mounting members (122) being adapted to engage with an inner surface (104a) of the central panel (104).

8. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the one or more mounting members (122) are mounted to the inner surface (104a) of the central panel (104) through a fastener (130).

9. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a front-center panel (126), the front panel (106) being mounted to the front center panel (126), wherein the front-center panel (126) engages with a portion of the front panel (106).

10. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the front-center panel (126) being provided with an opening (102) for accommodating a headlamp assembly (114) and a vent hole (116) provided at a bottom inline with the opening (102).

11. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the central panel (104), the front panel (106) and the front-center panel (108) are detachably attached to each other.

12. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central panel (104) being defined with a step-profile, the step-profile facilitating interface of the front panel (106) and the central panel (104) for defining a vent opening (110).

13. The front panel assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central panel (104) comprises one or more rib members (120b) defined on an inner surface (104a) of the central panel (104), the one or more rib members (120b) being adapted to engage with one or more rib lock members provided on an inner surface of the rear panel for mounting the central panel (104) with the rear panel.

Dated this 30th day of September 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471