DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to straddle type vehicles and particularly, but not exclusively, to a front panel assembly.

BACKGROUND
[0002] A straddle type vehicle has a number of components including a headlamp and electrical controllers housed in the front portion of the straddle type vehicle. The components are covered by a single front panel or a front panel assembly having a plurality of panel members.
[0003] The single front panel or the front panel assembly, conventionally, is closely mounted to the components with or without inlets for ventilation. Also, the mounting arrangement transmits force of an impact on the front portion of the straddle type vehicle directly to the components with little buffer or interference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Figure 2 illustrates a left side view of the front panel assembly of the straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a front panel assembly of the straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Figure 3a illustrates a sectional view of the front panel assembly of the straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the front panel assembly of the straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a second sub-assembly of the front panel assembly of the straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0011] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of second sub-assembly with cooling fins of the front panel assembly of the straddle type vehicle, as per one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Generally, a front panel assembly in a straddle type vehicle is mounted on a front portion of the straddle type vehicle. Components such as auxiliary batteries and electrical control units are housed behind the front panel assembly with the front panel assembly functioning as a protective shield for said components.
[0013] It is customary for the front panel assembly to be mounted adjacent to the components with little or no gap. Such a mounting arrangement requires complete disassembly of the front panel assembly or removal of panels of the front panel assembly in order to access the components housed behind for the purpose of servicing or replacement of said components.
[0014] Moreover, a closely mounted front panel assembly transmits the shock and impact in the event of a collision directly to the components behind. Such unimpeded transmission of sudden force of impact causes damage of the components. Components such as electrical controllers are extremely vital for safe use and functioning of the straddle type vehicle. Failure of such components renders riding of the straddle type vehicle unsafe and hazardous.
[0015] Therefore, a front panel assembly that allows easy tooling access for installation, removal or adjustment of components housed behind the front panel assembly and which provides a buffer zone or a crumple zone to reduce force of impact transmitted to the components in the event of incidence of an external force on the front panel assembly is desirable in the art.
[0016] The present invention provides a front panel assembly which has a crumple zone or buffer zone between panel members constituting the front panel assembly. The crumple zone or buffer zone, besides reducing force of external impact being transmitted to the components housed behind, also allows access of mounting, removal and adjustment of said components for increasing ease in serviceability.
[0017] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the front panel assembly comprises a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly further comprises a left panel member and a right panel member. The second sub-assembly comprises a fore panel member and a rear panel member.
[0018] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the first sub-assembly is mounted in front of the second sub-assembly, the second sub-assembly being mounted closer to the components shielded by the front panel assembly. The components are enclosed between the fore panel member and the rear panel member of the second sub-assembly.
[0019] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly are separated by a space which allows tooling access to the components housed between the fore panel member and the rear panel member of the second sub-assembly.
[0020] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the left panel member and the right panel member of the first sub-assembly are mounted with a gap between edges of the left panel member and the right panel member that lie adjacent to each other. The gap enables ingress of incoming air into the crumple zone between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly, thereby, enabling effective cooling of the illuminating unit sub-assembly as well as the components housed between the fore panel member and the rear panel member of the second sub-assembly. The increased effectiveness of cooling is brought about by the increase in volume of air circulation through provision of a gap between the left panel member and the right panel member as well as the provision of a crumple zone or buffer zone between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly.
[0021] The gap in an embodiment is uniform throughout. As per one embodiment of the present invention, the gap between adjacent edges of the left panel member and the right panel member is uniform at a lower portion and widens increasingly at an upper portion to form a Y configuration. The Y configuration improves tooling access, from the top or upper portion, to the components shielded by the front panel assembly.
[0022] As per one embodiment of the present invention, a illuminating unit assembly is adapted to be supported by the second sub-assembly. The gap formed by the edges of the left panel member and the right panel member of the first sub-assembly is adapted to be widened sufficiently to surround the illuminating unit assembly to allow light from the illuminating unit assembly to emanate without impedance or interference.
[0023] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the illuminating unit assembly is supported by an extended portion of the fore panel of the second sub-assembly. The extended portion is adapted to extend from the fore panel of the second sub-assembly, through the crumple zone or buffer zone and terminate at the first sub-assembly or just short of the first sub-assembly.
[0024] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the illuminating unit assembly includes a plurality of fins disposed on the extended portion of the fore panel. The plurality of fins effectively increases cooling rate of the illuminating unit assembly. The cooling rate is especially increased in combination with the ventilation and air flow provided in the crumple zone or buffer zone of the front panel assembly.
[0025] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the left panel and the right panel of the first sub-assembly are mounted to the second sub-assembly at an upper portion and a lower portion, leaving the space between the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly to enable tooling access to service the components housed behind the fore panel of the second sub-assembly.
[0026] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the left panel and the right panel of the first sub-assembly are curved at the upper portion and mounted to the second sub-assembly at an upper tip portion of the left panel member and an upper tip portion of the right panel member.
[0027] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the left panel and the right panel of the first sub-assembly are curved at the lower portion and mounted to the second sub-assembly at a lower tip portion of the left panel member and a lower tip portion of the right panel member.
[0028] Thus, the present invention provides a front panel assembly with a buffer zone or a crumple zone that prevents transmission of force of impact entirely on to the components shielded by the front panel assembly. Therefore, the present invention addresses the drawbacks as explained earlier which are prevalent in the state of the art. Further, such unimpeded tooling access improves ease in adjustability and serviceability.
[0029] The present invention advantageous discloses a front panel assembly which has a crumple zone or a buffer zone capable of absorbing a portion of any impact force incident on the front panel assembly, to protect the components shielded by the front panel assembly.
[0030] It also has the advantage of providing tooling access from the sides and from the top to facilitate removal, adjustment or installation of the components protected by the front panel assembly without necessitating the removal or displacement of the entire front panel assembly of the straddle type vehicle.
[0031] Further, the front panel assembly, as disclosed, has the advantage of facilitating increased volume of air available for circulation around the illuminating unit assembly and the components housed behind the rear panel member of the front panel assembly. The gap between the left panel member and the right panel member together with the crumple zone or the buffer zone improves ventilation.
[0032] Apart from the advantages already mentioned, the described invention has several advantages over conventional arrangements prevalent in state of the art. In the event of a crash or an impact, the buffer zone or crumple zone absorbs a portion of the force of impact. This greatly improves the lifetime of the components shielded by the front panel assembly and indirectly raises the impact force value at which the components stand to fail.
[0033] An embodiment of the present invention is described in further detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a straddle type vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. Typically, the frame assembly (not shown) comprises of a head tube (not shown), a main tube (not shown), and a pair of side tubes (not shown). The head tube (not shown) is disposed towards a front portion. The main tube (not shown) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (not shown) forming a flat horizontal portion (not shown). The other end of the main tube (not shown) is connected with the pair of side-tubes (not shown) through a bracket (not shown). The head tube (not shown) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (not shown) and further connected to the front suspension system (104) at the lower end. A handlebar support member (not shown) is connected to an upper end of the steering tube (not shown) and supports a handlebar assembly (106).
[0035] Two telescopic suspensions of the front suspension system (104) are attached to a holding member (not shown) on the lower part of the steering tube (not shown) on which is supported the front wheel (109). The upper portion of the front wheel (109) is covered by a front fender (108) mounted to the lower portion of the steering shaft (not shown). The front end of the straddle type vehicle (100) is protected by a front panel assembly (120). The front panel assembly (120) comprises of a first sub-assembly (121) and a second sub-assembly (122). A illuminating unit assembly (140) is disposed in the front portion with the illuminating unit (shown in figure 3) adapted to be surrounded by the first sub-assembly (121) of the front panel assembly (120).
[0036] As per one embodiment of the present invention, a seat assembly (150) is supported on the pair of side-tubes (not shown) on which a rider may sit. Generally, the utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat (not shown). There is front brake (111) and rear brake (not shown) arranged on the front wheel (109) and a rear wheel (110) respectively. The rear wheel (110) is covered by a rear hugger (113) and a rear fender (114) with a tail light (not shown) disposed near it, at the end of the seat assembly (150). The rear wheel (110) is supported towards the rear side of the frame by a horizontally coupled transmission member (180). The transmission member (180) is secured to the rear of the frame assembly (not shown) of the straddle type vehicle (100) through a rear suspension system (181).
[0037] Figure 2 illustrates a left side view of the front panel assembly (120) of the straddle type vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the front panel assembly (120) comprises a first sub-assembly (121) and a second sub-assembly (122). As shown in the figure, the second sub-assembly (122) further comprises a fore panel member (201) and a rear panel member (202). Components that are sensitive to exposure to dirt, dust, water and other elements of weather are housed between the fore panel member (201) and a rear panel member (202) of the second sub-assembly (122).
[0038] As per one embodiment of the present invention, a illuminating unit assembly (140) is disposed, towards a lower portion of the front panel assembly (120), extending from the first sub-assembly (121) to the second sub-assembly (122). The illuminating unit (shown in figure 3) is adapted to be surrounded by the first sub-assembly (121) of the front panel assembly (120) to enable unobstructed emanation of light from the illuminating unit (shown in figure 3).
[0039] Further, the second sub-assembly (122) is closer to the components than the first sub-assembly (121). A crumple zone (210) exists between the first sub-assembly (121) and the second sub-assembly (122). The crumple zone (210) allows absorption of force of impact incident on the first sub-assembly (121) of the front panel assembly (120) which acts as a foremost point of contact that is exposed to external impacts. Additionally, the crumple zone (210) is large enough to enable tooling access, from at least one side of the front panel assembly (120), to the components housed behind the fore panel member (201) of the second sub-assembly (122).
[0040] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the first sub-assembly (121) is mounted to the second sub-assembly (122), through an upper tip (221) of the first sub-assembly (121), at an upper portion (222) of the second sub-assembly (122).
[0041] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the front panel assembly (120) of the straddle type vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention the front panel assembly (120) comprises a plurality of panel members and the front panel assembly (120) includes a left panel member (301) and a right panel member (302).
[0042] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the left panel member (301) and a right panel member (302) are mounted with a gap (333) between an edge (311) of the left panel member (301) and an edge (312) of the right panel member (302), the edges (311, 312) being adapted to lie adjacent to each other. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the gap (333) is adapted to have a narrow bottom portion (333a), a illuminating unit portion (333b) which is broad enough to allow light to emanate from the illuminating unit (350) without interference, a narrow middle portion (333c) and a Y-shaped upper portion (333d). The Y-shaped upper portion (333d) allows tooling access, from the top, to the components housed behind the fore panel member (201) of the second sub-assembly (122). Further, this embodiment includes the section for air passage (351) for channelizing the air and increases the riding comfort of riders. Further, in this embodiment the components are mounted separately, which enables the ease of removing the required components easily. Also, the embodiment increases the ease of assembling of electrical components in the space provided. Moreover, the present embodiment also provides the proper channel to channelize the air hitting directly on the straddle type vehicle, increases the cooling efficiency of the straddle type vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the front panel (120) is covered from backside, so as to avoid any interference with the surrounding components.
[0043] Figure 3a illustrates a sectional view of the front panel assembly, as per one embodiment of the present invention, showing the section for air passage (351) and electronic components (352). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the section for air passage helps in increasing the cooling efficiency of the electronic components which further results in increasing the efficiency of straddle type vehicle.
[0044] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the front panel assembly (120) of the straddle type vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention, showing the first sub-assembly (121), the second sub-assembly (122) and the crumple zone (210). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the first sub-assembly (121), is seen to comprise the left panel member (301) and the right panel member (302) with the gap (333) between the edges (311, 312) respectively of the left panel member (301) and the right panel member (302). The gap (333) is configured into the narrow bottom portion (333a), the illuminating unit portion (333b) which is broad enough to allow light to emanate from the illuminating unit (350) without interference, the narrow middle portion (333c) and the Y-shaped upper portion (333d).
[0045] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the left panel member (301) and the right panel member (302) are secured to the upper portion (222) of fore panel member (201) of the second sub-assembly (122) through an upper tip (221a) of the left panel member (301) and an upper tip (221b) of the right panel member (302). The upper tip (221a) of the left panel member (301) and the upper tip (221b) of the right panel member (302) together, constitute said upper tip (221) of the first sub-assembly (121).
[0046] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, upper tip (221) of the first sub-assembly includes one of upper tip (221a) of the left panel member (301) and the upper tip (221b) of the right panel member (302), to secure the first sub-assembly (121) to the second sub-assembly (122). The left panel member (301) and the right panel member (302), are adapted to be attached to each other at one or more portions of the gap (333) between the edges (311, 312), respectively, of the left panel member (301) and the right panel member (302), enables the proper channelizing of the air and increase the comfort of the rider while riding the straddle type vehicle.
[0047] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the second sub-assembly (122) of the front panel assembly (120) of the straddle type vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the illuminating unit assembly (140) is supported by the second sub-assembly (122) through the fore panel member (201). The fore panel member (201) is configured to have an extended portion (501) extended in the rearward direction in the vehicle longitudinal direction through the crumple zone (210), close to the first sub-assembly (121), at the lower portion of the front panel assembly (120) to absorbs some of the energy of the impact, preventing it from being transmitted to the riders. The fore panel member (201), supports the illuminating unit (350) at a foremost end of the extended portion (501) of the fore panel member (201) without any interference with the surrounding components.
[0048] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the illuminating unit assembly (140) of the straddle type vehicle (100), as per one embodiment of the present invention. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the illuminating unit assembly (140) includes a plurality of cooling fins (601). The plurality of cooling fins (601) is located on the extended portion (501) of the fore panel member (201) of the second sub-assembly (122) of the front panel assembly (120). The plurality of cooling fins (601) enables effective cooling of the illuminating unit assembly (140).
[0049] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the extended portion (501) is adapted to run through the crumple zone (210), close to the first sub-assembly (121), at the lower portion of the front panel assembly (120). The fore panel member (201), supports the illuminating unit (350) at a foremost end of the extended portion (501) of the fore panel member (201).
[0050] Thus, the present invention describes a front panel assembly (120) having a crumple zone (210) to reduce the force of impact transmitted to the components shielded by said front panel assembly (120), in the event of an impact incident on said front panel assembly (120). The crumple zone (210) additionally allows tooling access to the components housed by the front panel assembly (210), thereby, facilitating ease in serviceability. Also, ventilation of the illuminating unit assembly (140) and the components shielded by the front panel assembly (120) is improved by increasing the volume of air circulation through provision of the gap (333) to increase volume of air ingress to the crumple zone (210).
[0051] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

List of References
Fig.1:
100: Straddle Type Vehicle
105: Handle Bar Support Member
106: Handle Bar Assembly
120: Front Panel Assembly
121: First Sub Assembly
122: Second Sub Assembly
108: Front Fender
109: Front Wheel
104: Front Suspension System
111: Front Brake
140: Illuminating unit Assembly
181: Rear Suspension System
180: Transmission Member
110: Rear Wheel
113: Real Wheel Hugger
114: Rear Fender
130: Side Cover Assembly
150: Seat Assembly
Fig.2:
210: Crumple Zone.
221: Upper Tip
222: Upper Portion
201: Fore Panel Member
202: Rear Panel Member.

Fig.3:
333: Gap.
333a: narrow bottom portion
333b: narrow illuminating unit portion
333c: narrow middle portion
333d: Y shaped upper portion
350: Illuminating unit
302: Right Panel Member
301: Left Panel Member
311: Edge (Left Panel Member)
312: Edge (Right Panel Member)
351: Section for air passage
352: Electronic Components
Fig.4:
221a: Upper Tip (Left Panel Member).
2211b: Upper Tip (Right Panel Member).
Fig.5:
501: Extended Portion.
Fig.6:
601: Cooling Fins
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A straddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a front panel assembly (120) protecting the front part of said straddle type vehicle (100);
a illuminating unit assembly (140) towards a lower portion of said front panel assembly (120);
comprising said front panel assembly (120) includes a first sub-assembly (121), a second sub-assembly (122) and a crumple zone (210) between said first sub-assembly (121) and said second sub-assembly (122).
2. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first sub-assembly (121) includes a left panel member (301) and a right panel member (302).

3. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front panel assembly (120) includes the section for air passage (351).

4. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said illuminating unit assembly (140) is adapted to be surrounded by said first sub assembly (121) upstream of illuminating unit assembly (140)

5. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second sub-assembly (122) includes a fore panel member (201) and a rear panel member (202).

6. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first sub-assembly (121) is mounted to said second sub-assembly (122), attached to the upper tip (221) of said first sub-assembly (121), at an upper portion (222) of said second sub-assembly (122).

7. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 2, wherein said left panel member (301) and said right panel member (302) are mounted with a gap (333).

8. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said gap (333) is between an edge (311) of said left panel member (301) and an edge (312) of said right panel member (302), where said edges (311, 312) lies adjacent to each other.

9. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said gap (333) is adapted to have a narrow bottom portion (333a), a wider illuminating unit portion (333b), a narrow middle portion (333c) and a substantially Y-shaped upper portion (333d).

10. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said fore panel member (201) is configured to have an extended portion (501) extended in the rearward direction in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

11. The straddle type vehicle (100) according to claim 10, wherein said extended portion (501) is configured through said crumple zone (210), close to said first sub-assembly (121), at the lower portion of said front panel assembly (120).

12. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said extended portion (501) of said fore panel member (201) supports an illuminating unit (350).

13. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said illuminating unit assembly (140) includes a plurality of cooling fins (601).

14. The straddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 13, wherein said plurality of cooling fins (601) is located on said extended portion (501) of said fore panel member (201) of said second sub-assembly (122) of said front panel assembly (120).