DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled vehicle and more particularly to a lamp unit for it.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled saddle-ride type vehicle a frame assembly extends rearward from a head tube. Moreover, in the two-wheeled vehicle with a step-through type frame assembly, a step-through space is provided. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front portion of the frame assembly is connected to a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends rearwardly of the vehicle, where a rear wheel is connected to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). An internal combustion (IC) engine is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The IC engine is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle components.
[0003] Furthermore, one of the main concerns faced today is the safety of the rider. Some important steps have been taken in this respect to address this concern. One of them being is the installation of a daytime running lamp (DRL) for a two-wheeled vehicle. The daytime running lamp would be active and turned on during the running condition of the vehicle at daytime, such that the vehicle and the rider can be easily distinguished and recognized even from a distance. This is a step taken to address the safety concern for the rider after previous complaints and drawbacks cited with respect to poor visibility of the rider and the vehicle. Since, a headlamp unit is provided for the vehicle for nighttime running condition there was a need to address the issue for a daytime condition too. However, the main concern for vehicles using daytime running lamp is the clarity. In some of the known arts the daytime running lamp being used is not clear and in mixed and confused with headlamp leading to poor distinction & conspicuity. In fact, the daytime running lamps being used are not distinguishable. Thus, rather than helping such a system confuses the other rider and pedestrians on the road. Also being combined with the headlamp, the size of the headlamp assembly increases as well as brings in challenges of heat dissipation & ease of service cum repair.
[0004] Thus, the present subject matter provides a daytime running lamp which provides a good and broad visibility even from a distance. In addition to it, the present subject matter provides a daytime running lamp which is easy to distinguish and spot, and is not confused along with the headlamp unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] 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.
[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary side view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a front structure attached to a front fork assembly of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the front structure without a headlamp unit attached to it in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective of the front structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 5 illustrates a top isometric view of the front structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter
[00011] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the daytime running lamp unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a holding member in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Fig. 8 illustrates a top sectional view of the front structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] Generally, in a saddle type vehicle with a mono-tube frame assembly, a single tubular structure extends rearwardly from the head tube towards a rear portion of the vehicle. Various vehicle components which include an engine assembly, a fuel tank, a seat assembly, and a seat assembly are mounted to the frame assembly. The vehicle is operated through the engine assembly. Generally, the vehicle has a naked appearance. Moreover, majority of the vehicle components are exposed to the atmosphere.
[00015] Typically, the fame assembly comprises of a head tub disposed in a front portion of the vehicle. In addition to it, a down tube extends from the head tube in a downward and rearward fashion. At a rear end portion of the down tube it extends in a substantial parallel fashion with respect to the ground forming a step through region. Typically, at least one side tube is attached to the rear end portion of the down tube, wherein the side tubes extend in an upward and rearward fashion. Moreover, the vehicle comprises of a seat assembly disposed on the side tube.
[00016] Conventionally, the vehicle comprises of a headlamp unit used for clear viewing purpose at nighttime and for the vehicle to be cited from a distance. Generally, the headlamp unit is mounted to the head tube of the vehicle. But with more emphasis being laid on safety measures of the vehicle, new aspects and features are being added to fulfill the objective. To satisfy the above mentioned objective a daytime running lamp unit is used in the vehicle. The daytime running lamp unit generally operates at daytime and is always in use during a running condition of the vehicle. This system has been improvised keeping in mind the safety measures such that the vehicle can be cited and spotted by anyone form a distance at daytime too.
[00017] Different set ups and systems have been designed in already known arts to incorporate such daytime running lamps for a vehicle assembly. In fact, for incorporation of a daytime running lamp there have been vehicle assemblies which incorporate in it the headlamp unit itself. In one of the known system the daytime running lamp is incorporated in a zigzag fashion in the headlamp unit itself. Some of the other known systems incorporate the daytime running lamp by layering pigment inks on an opaque white substrate which is attached at the sides of the vehicle. Whereas some of the systems incorporate a different casing in the headlamp unit for incorporation of the daytime running lamp. However, such known systems of implementing daytime running lamp face some critical challenges and problems. One of them being is the broad visibility and light interference issue which the systems incorporating daytime running lamps in the headlamp unit face. The daytime running lamp unit being incorporated been in the headlamp unit is left with poor visibility. The reach of the daytime running unit being incorporated in the headlamp unit is poor since a major part of it gets covered by the headlamp unit. Hence, the daytime running lamp becomes hard to distinguish.
[00018] In addition to it, one of the other challenges which the daytime running lamp unit faces is the complex wiring and failure in the electric circuits. Such a problem arises because the daytime running lamp unit is placed in the headlamp unit and because of which the wiring and circuit system becomes too crowded and complex. In addition to it, balancing of the casing and the whole system is another issue which is yet to be addressed. In furtherance to it, the opaque white substrates with pigment inks being used are placed outside with a direct contact with the atmosphere and no protection. Hence, durability and long life is the one of the other issue which the daytime running lamp unit faces.
[00019] Thus, the present system provides such a daytime running lamp unit which provides a good and clear visibility, even from a distance. In addition to it, the present subject matter aims to provide a stable and balanced daytime running lamp unit. One of the other objectives of the present subject matter is to provide a daytime running lamp unit with a simple easy to service wiring and circuit system. In addition to it, the present subject matter provides a daytime running lamp unit with better durable strength and life.
[00020] In an embodiment in accordance with the present subject matter, a two-wheeled vehicle employed with a daytime running lamp unit is provided. The two-wheeled vehicle comprises of a front structure attached to a front portion of the vehicle assembly at the front forks. The front structure comprises of a headlamp unit and integrally holds the daytime running lamp unit as well. As per another aspect of the present invention, the DRL is disposed in close vicinity & substantially below the headlamp unit at a predetermined vertical gap Y between them. To enable good conspicuity & adequate cooling air flow, the gap is in the optimum range of 5 mm to 80 mm. Additionally, the front edge of the DRL as seen in the side view is either in same plane or downstream of the front edge portion of the headlamp unit by a predetermined distance X which enables avoiding interference of light from the headlamp onto the DRL. X is in the range of 0 mm to 100 mm.
[00021] In an embodiment, the front structure comprises of a pair of attachment portions extending forward towards a front side of the vehicle and is attached to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The attachment portions comprise of first mounting provisions to accommodate a pair of turn signal indicators at its side and second mounting provisions at its front portion for holding the headlamp unit.
[00022] In an embodiment, the front structure comprises of a connection portion extending along the vehicle width direction, placed in a substantial central position of the width of the vehicle frame assembly. The connection portion is disposed downwardly to the attachment portions. In another embodiment, the connection portion is attached to said attachment portions through a pair of arms extending from a rear end portion of the attachment portions. The pair of arms extend in a vertically downward and forward direction from the pair of attachment portions at a pre-determined angle.
[00023] In an embodiment, connection portion comprises of a holding member attached to it to hold the daytime running lamp. The holding member runs along the same length as that of the attachment portion in an assembled condition. The holding member lies in the same plane as that of the attachment portion in an assembled condition. In an embodiment, the holding member is disposed substantially rearward to that of the headlamp unit when viewed from a front side of the vehicle.
[00024] In an embodiment, the connecting portion comprises of at least three opening which assist in mounting of the holding member to the connection portion. Out of those three openings at least one of them is used for mounting purpose and one of them is a poka-yoke opening. The housing member comprises of a breather assembly and at least two openings which are disposed coaxially along with the mounting openings of the connection portion. At least one of them is used for mounting purpose and one of them for putting the wiring assembly, whereas the breather assembly is used for temperature modulation and cooling purpose for the daytime running lamp. In another embodiment, the poka-yoke opening is disposed on the connection portion in such a manner as to receive the breather assembly in only one possible orientation. If the orientation changes the housing member would not run along the length of the connection portion and would not lie in a substantial central position of the vehicle frame along its width, same as that of the connecting portion. The housing portion in such a case would run ahead of the connecting portion at either of its end in an assembled condition.
[00025] The present subject matter provides a daytime running lamp unit which is much more balanced and stable. It also provides a good and broad visibility to the daytime running lamp without light interference between the headlamp & DRL so that it can be easily cited from a distance. It also eliminates the issue of complex wiring and electrical circuits, wrong assembly, ease of service as well as adequate cooling. The present subject matter is much more durable and has a longer running life.
[00026] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00027] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated R direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow Rh denotes right side, an arrow Lh denoted left side, as and where applicable.
[00028] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. The vehicle (100) has a frame assembly (105), which acts as the skeleton for bearing the loads. The frame assembly is a mono-tube type frame assembly (105) that includes a head tube, a main tube, a down tube, and a rear tube. The main tube extends rearwardly downward from the head tube. The down tube extends rearward, along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (100), from a rear portion of the main tube. The rear tube extends inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the down tube towards a rear portion R of the vehicle. A handle bar assembly (115) is pivotally disposed through the head tube. The handle bar assembly (115) is connected to a front wheel (110) by one or more front suspension(s) (120). A front fonder (125) is disposed above the front wheel (110) for covering at least a portion of the front wheel (110). A headlamp unit (180) is provided attached and mounted to the frame assembly (105). A fuel tank (130) is mounted to the main tube of the frame assembly (105) and it is disposed in the front portion F of a step-through space of the frame assembly (105). The power unit (135) is mounted to the down tube. In an embodiment, the power unit (135) is an IC engine. The fuel tank (130) is functionally connected to the power unit (135). In an embodiment, a piston axis of the engine is horizontal i.e. parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle (100). A swing arm (140) is swingably connected to the frame assembly (105). A rear wheel (145) is rotatably supported by the swing arm (140). One or more rear suspension(s) (150), which are connecting the swing arm (140) at an angle, to sustain both the radial and axial forces occurring due to wheel reaction, to the frame assembly (105). A rear fender (155) is disposed above the rear wheel (145). A seat assembly (160A), (160B) is disposed at a rear portion R of the step-through space. In an embodiment, the seat assembly (160) includes a rider seat (160A), and a pillion seat (160B). Further, the seat assembly (160A), (160B) is positioned above the rear wheel (145). The vehicle is supported by a centre stand mounted to the frame assembly (105). A floorboard (165) is mounted to the down tube of the frame assembly (105). The floorboard (165) covers at least a portion of the power unit (135). As per the present subject matter, the present invention is applicable for all two-wheeled vehicles including step-through and saddle-type vehicles. Thus, the term two-wheeled vehicle is interchangeably used as vehicle in the application which includes both step through and saddle-type vehicles. The horizontal distances X formed between the front most edge of the head lamp unit and the front most edge of the DRL in the side view of the vehicle. Vertical gap Y is formed between the headlamp bottom edge & the top edge of DRL.
[00029] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a front structure (190) attached to a front fork assembly (205) of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the front structure (190) comprises of the headlamp unit (180) and turn signal lamps (210) attached to it. According to an aspect of the present subject matter, the front structure (190) also comprises of a daytime running lamp unit (200) attached to it. In an embodiment, the daytime running lamp unit (200) is disposed below the headlamp unit (180). As per an aspect of the present invention, the headlamp unit (180) lies on a vertical plane A-A’ extending along the vehicle height. In furtherance to it, the daytime running lamp unit (200) also lies on the same place A-A’ in an assembled condition. Thus, the daytime running lamp unit (200) and headlamp unit (180) lie on the same plane.
[00030] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the front structure (190) without the headlamp unit (180) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the front structure (190) comprises of a pair of attachment portions (305) extending in a forward direction towards a front side of the vehicle (100). As per the present subject matter the pair of attachment portions (305) is attached to the front fork assembly (205) of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the pair of attachment portions (305) comprise of a first mounting provision (310) to accommodate a pair of turn signal indicators (230). In an embodiment, the pair of attachment portions (305) comprise of a second mounting provision (315) formed at its front portion for mounting of the headlamp unit (180). In an embodiment, the daytime running lamp unit (200) is disposed below the pair of attachment portions (305). Thus, the daytime running lamp unit (200) is disposed below the headlamp unit (180) and pair of turn signal lamps (230).
[00031] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective of the front structure (190) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the front structure (190) comprises of a connecting portion (405) disposed below said pair of attachment portions (305). The connecting portion (405) is attached to the attachment portions (305) through a pair of arm members (410) extending in a downward direction from the rear end of the attachment portions (305). As per an aspect of the present invention, the pair of arm members (410) extend in a vertically downward and forward direction from said pair of attachment portions (305). The pair of arm members (410) extend at a pre-determined angle a formed with respect to the vehicle height, wherein the value of a lies in a substantial range of 115 degrees- 130 degrees. Thus, such an arrangement provides the front structure (190) and daytime running lamp unit (200) with a better stability. In an embodiment, the connecting portion (405) is disposed below the pair attachment portions (305) at a substantially central position extending along the vehicle width when seen from a front view of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the connecting portion (405) extends in a substantial parallel direction with respect to the ground. In an embodiment, the connecting portion (405) comprises of a first set of openings (415, 420, 425, 430) used for mounting of the daytime running lamp unit (200). In an embodiment, the first set of openings (415, 420, 425, 430) comprises of at least one opening (420, 430) used for mounting of the daytime running lamp unit (200), wherein the present subject matter uses a pair of mounting openings (420, 430). In furtherance to it, the first set of openings comprises of a slot (425) to accommodate wiring harness of the daytime running lamp unit (200). Moreover, the first set of openings comprises of a fool proof (poka-yoke) opening (415) provided at one end.
[00032] Fig. 5 illustrates a top isometric view of the front structure (190) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The present figure depicts the mounting arrangement of the daytime running lamp unit (200) being mounted onto the connecting portion (405). In an embodiment, two of the first set of openings, termed as mounting openings (420, 430) are used for the mounting of the daytime running lamp unit (200) using a nut bolt arrangement. A slot (425) is provided for accommodating the wiring harness of the daytime running lamp unit (200). In an embodiment, the daytime running lamp unit (200) extends along the same length as that of the connecting portion (405). The daytime running lamp unit (200) is disposed below the headlamp unit (180) and at a same plane, when seen from a side of the vehicle (100).
[00033] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the daytime running lamp unit (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the daytime running lamp unit comprises of a holding member (605) used to hold the daytime running lamp (610). In an embodiment, the holding member (605) holds the daytime running lamp (610) and is detachably attached to the connecting portion (405). Thus, through such an arrangement the daytime running lamp (610) is stably attached to the connecting portion (405), and the vehicle (100) to be particular. In an embodiment, the holding member (605) comprises of a breather unit (615) disposed in it for temperature modulation and cooling purpose for the daytime running lamp unit (200).
[00034] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the holding member (605) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the holding member (605) comprises of a second set of openings out of which at least one of them, termed as mounting aperture (705, 715) is used for mounting of the holding member (605) to the connecting portion (405). As per the present subject matter, two of mounting apertures (705, 715) is used for mounting of the holding member (605) to the connecting portion (405). In an embodiment, the second set of mounting (705, 710, 715) comprises of a grove (710) to accommodate the wiring harness of the daytime running lamp (610). As mentioned earlier, the holding member (605) comprises of a breather unit (615) disposed behind it for temperature modulation and cooling purpose for the daytime running lamp unit (200).
[00035] Fig. 8 illustrates a top sectional view of the front structure (190) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the connecting portion (405) comprises of first set of openings (415, 420, 425, 430) out of which at least one serves as poka-yoke aperture (415), one of the slot (425) is used for setting up the wiring arrangement and the others being used as mounting openings (420, 430). Both the set of openings, i.e. the first set of openings (415, 420, 425, 430) of the connecting portion (405) and the second set of openings (705, 710, 715) of the holding member (605) are placed coaxially. In another embodiment, the poka-yoke aperture (415) placed in the connecting portion (405) is disposed in a way so as to receive the breather assembly (615) in only one possible orientation in an assembled condition. If the arrangement and orientation is changed the length of the holding member (605) would not run along the length of the connecting portion (405) in an assembled condition. If the orientation changes one of the ends of the holding member (605) would run ahead of the connecting member (405) at either of its end. Thus, the poka-yoke aperture (415) disposed in the connecting portion (405) is provided to receive the breather assembly (615) in only one possible orientation during which, the length of the holding member (605) runs along and perfectly matches with the connecting portion (405).
[00036] Thus, the present subject matter presents a front structure (190) comprising of a daytime running lamp unit (200) attached to it. The front structure (190) comprises of a pair of attachment portions (305) and a connecting portion (405) attached to said pair of attachment portions (305) through a pair of extending arms (410). The pair of extending arms (410) extends in a vertically downward direction from said pair of attachment portions (305) at a pre-determined angle. The daytime running lamp unit (200) comprises of a holder member (605) attached to said connecting portion (405), wherein the daytime running lamp (610) is accommodated in the holder member (605).
[00037] 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.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A front structure (190) attached to a front fork assembly (205) of a two-wheeled vehicle (100), wherein said front structure (190) comprises:
a pair of attachment portions (305) extending forwardly towards a front side of said two-wheeled vehicle (100), said pair of attachment portions (305) being fixedly attached to said front fork assembly (205) of said two-wheeled vehicle (100);
a headlamp unit (180), said headlamp unit (180) secured to said pair of attachment portions (305) at a front end distal from said front fork assembly (205) of said two wheeled vehicle (100); and
a connecting portion (405) disposed below and downwardly of said headlamp unit (180) attached to said pair of attachment portions (305), wherein said connecting portion (405) being fixedly attached to each of said pair of attachment portions (305) at an end proximal to said front fork assembly (205) of said two-wheeled vehicle (100) by means of a pair of arm members (410) extending vertically downward from said pair of attachment portions (305) at a pre-determined angle with respect to vehicle height.
2. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of arm members (410) attached to an end of said pair of attachment members (305) at a proximity to said front fork assembly (205) extends in a vertically downward and forward direction of said vehicle (100) at an angle of not less than 115 degrees and not more than 130 degrees with respect to vehicle height.
3. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting portion (405) comprises of a holding member (605) extending in a vehicle width direction attached thereto.
4. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holding member (605) is configured to accommodate a daytime running lamp (610).
5. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing member (605) extends along said connecting member (405) having a length substantially equal to that of said connecting member (405) in an assembled condition.
6. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said daytime running lamp (610) being mounted onto said holding member (605) extends along a vehicle width direction substantially parallel to said holding member (605), and wherein said daytime running lamp (610) having a length and width substantially equal to that of said holding member (605) in an assembled condition.
7. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein said daytime running lamp (610) is disposed below said headlamp unit (180) at a vertical gap Y lying between 5mm to 80 mm, and wherein said daytime running lamp (610) is disposed on either of said locations including on a vertical plane A-A’ extending along surface of said headlamp unit (180) and at a pre-determined distance X downstream of said headlamp unit (180), wherein value of said distance X is not more than 100 mm.
8. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting portion (405) comprises a first set of openings (415, 420, 425, 430) out of which at least one serves as a poka-yoke aperture (415), at least one acts as mounting opening (420, 430) to receive said holding member (605), and wherein said first set of openings (415, 420, 425, 430) comprises a slot (430) allowing passage for wiring harness.
9. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holding member (605) comprises a second set of openings (705, 710, 715) out of which at least one serves as a mounting aperture (705, 715) and at least one acts as a grove (710) to accommodate wiring harness.
10. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said holding member (605) comprises a breather assembly (615) for said daytime running lamp (610).
11. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said poka-yoke aperture (415) is enabled to receive said breather assembly (615) in only one possible orientation in an assembled condition.
12. The front structure (190) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said first set of openings (415, 420, 425, 430) and second set of openings (705, 710, 715) are disposed in a coaxial fashion.