CN111824297A

CN111824297A - Front panel subassembly of vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN111824297A
Application number: CN202010217153.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: Y·C·科蒂斯; M·A·马坎达; K·C·坦尼森; D·A·戈文德; H·K·K·钱德拉舍哈尔; B·T·谢克尔
Original assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: TVS Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-29
Filing date: 2020-03-25
Publication date: 2020-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-25
Also published as: CN111824297B

Abstract

A front panel subassembly (120) of a two-wheeled vehicle (100) has a plurality of panels (121, 122, 123, 124) arranged to protect components (305, 306) housed in a space (301) between the front panel subassembly (120) and a front portion of a frame assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle (100). -limiting the ingress of water, dust and dirt, while allowing the emission of the sound of the horn (305) and the ventilation of the components (305, 306) through lateral gaps (801, 701), the lateral gaps (801, 701) being formed respectively between a front surface (810, 510) of one of the panels (124) or a wall (812, 512) on the member (501) of one of the panels (123) and an outer edge of another one of the panels (123) or another member (502) of one of the panels (123), the latter (123, 502) being assembled respectively above the former (124, 501).

Description

Front panel subassembly of vehicle

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to two-wheeled vehicles and relates particularly, but not exclusively, to front panel subassemblies.

Background

Conventionally, a two-wheeled vehicle is provided with a vehicle approach warning device, such as a horn, toward the foremost end of the vehicle frame structure. The frame structure of a two-wheeled vehicle provides skeletal support, acts as the primary load bearing member, and enables the mounting of most components of the two-wheeled vehicle.

Placing the horn toward the forwardmost end of the two-wheeled vehicle is desirable to maximize the transmission of horn sound to warn pedestrians or other vehicle riders during approaching travel of the two-wheeled vehicle.

The horn is placed behind the front panel subassembly of a two-wheeled vehicle to protect it from dirt or mud that is typical in conventional use of the two-wheeled vehicle. The front panel subassembly typically includes a single panel. At least one aperture is provided in the front panel subassembly to allow for the emission of a horn sound from the rear of the front panel subassembly.

The orifices are typically uncovered slits or slits covered by a mesh screen. Vents are necessary not only to allow the horn to sound, but also to allow air to circulate around the horn to cool the horn. However, this arrangement has disadvantages as explained below.

Typically, during maintenance, servicing or cleaning, two-wheeled vehicles are flushed with hoses in all directions. Direct impact of water or any other fluid on the front panel subassembly of the vehicle may cause water or fluid to enter through apertures in the front panel subassembly. Repeated entry of water or liquid into the area housing the horn can result in damage to the horn over time and reduced durability. As are other water sensitive components that may be accommodated in the space behind the front panel subassembly.

Drawings

A detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same features and components.

Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 2 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 3 illustrates a top view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of a front panel subassembly of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter.

Fig. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of a center panel of a front panel subassembly of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of a center panel of a front panel subassembly of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a center panel of a front panel subassembly of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Fig. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a front panel and a center panel of a front panel subassembly of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, according to another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Detailed Description

Typically, the front panel subassembly is a single unit mounted on the front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle. The front panel subassembly functions to aerodynamically effect the vehicle by streamlining airflow incident on the front of the two-wheeled vehicle as the two-wheeled vehicle moves. Additionally, the front panel subassembly also acts as a protective cover to prevent contamination of dust-sensitive or water-sensitive components placed in the space between the front panel subassembly and the frame structure. Some of the causes of pollution are the accumulation of dust carried by the incoming air stream when the two-wheeled vehicle is running, and the splashing of dirt when the two-wheeled vehicle is running on a track where water is deposited and on rain.

Conventionally, most two-wheeled vehicles accommodate a horn in a lower region of a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle, near a front fender or front splash guard. While the horn uses this location to eliminate the need for providing an aperture in the front panel subassembly, there is a disadvantage in that the horn is easily splashed by the mud and water underneath when the vehicle is driven on water or muddy tracks. This reduces the life of the horn and thus leads to frequent failure thereof.

Front panel subassemblies having multiple panels such as disclosed in JP 2001034542 are known in the art. However, such front panel subassemblies are provided with open apertures to enable the sound of a horn to be emitted, as is the case in the patent. Without the aperture, the horn is housed in a lower region near the front fork assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle. This leads to the same disadvantage that the horn becomes vulnerable to damage due to exposure to dirt and dust splashed from below, regardless of the number of panels making up the front panel subassembly.

It is therefore advantageous to position the horn in a more protected upper region of the front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle. The arrangement of the horn in the upper region of the front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle requires at least one aperture to allow the horn to sound. The apertures are exposed so that air, water, dust and dirt enter the space behind the front panel subassembly unimpeded, which results in the accumulation of contaminants over a long period of time on sensitive components placed in the space, resulting in failure and reduced life thereof.

The battery is conventionally disposed toward the rear of the two-wheeled vehicle, usually below the seat position. Although this is an advantageous location in terms of providing a protected space for the battery, it has the disadvantage of reducing the volume of the storage compartment also located below the seat location. The arrangement of the battery towards the front end of the two-wheeled vehicle, behind the front panel subassembly, not only provides protection for the battery, but also allows the storage compartment to have a maximum volume.

However, if water and dust are allowed to freely enter through the orifice slits to allow the horn to make sound, electrical connections may be shorted due to contamination of the water or battery failure due to long dust accumulation. Battery failure is not only disadvantageous, but can also be dangerous. Accordingly, there is a need for a front panel subassembly that allows for the sounding of a horn, but restricts the ingress of water, dust or dirt into the space protected by the front panel subassembly.

Conventionally, a front headlight subassembly of a two-wheeled vehicle is provided on a handlebar. However, mounting on the front panel sub-assembly has been found to be more advantageous due to limitations such as space limitations and limitations in the rider's difficulty in manipulating the steering column due to the weight of the front headlamp sub-assembly. Additionally including daylight running lights in the front headlamp subassembly requires more mounting space than provided by the handle. Furthermore, because there are no space and weight limitations, larger and wider reflectors can be used in the headlamp sub-assembly, thereby greatly increasing the field of view.

Mounting the headlamp subassembly on the front panel subassembly of the two-wheeled vehicle requires the front panel subassembly to bear the load of the headlamp subassembly. The material used to make the front panel subassembly must be strong enough to enable the front panel to function as a load bearing member. The use of a front panel sub-assembly constructed of a single unit requires the use of materials that can support the front headlamp sub-assembly throughout the front panel sub-assembly, regardless of whether such material strength is required in the area of the front panel sub-assembly other than the assembly that supports the weight of the front headlamp sub-assembly.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a front panel subassembly that allows for the installation of a horn and other components sensitive to water, dust and dirt in a space behind the front panel subassembly, while providing ease of installation, removal or maintenance of the components, requiring only the removal of a single panel of the front panel subassembly of a two-wheeled vehicle.

A front panel subassembly of a two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed, wherein the front panel subassembly includes a plurality of front panels disposed toward a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle.

In one embodiment, the front panel subassembly includes a left panel, a right panel, a front panel, and a center panel. The front panel of the front panel subassembly is mounted to a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle by mounting fasteners. The panels are assembled adjacent to each other with the respective abutting outer edges abutting and without a break between the panels so that water, dirt and dust are not allowed to enter through the front panel subassembly.

In another embodiment, the front panel subassembly includes a left panel, a right panel, a front panel, and a center panel. The left panel, the front panel and the right panel are mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle by mounting fasteners. The center panel includes a grid member and a top member, wherein the grid member of the center panel and the top member of the center panel are fixed by self-tapping screws.

In one embodiment, the front panel is configured with at least one cutout large enough to allow assembly, removal, and maintenance of components housed in the space between the front panel subassembly and the front portion of the vehicle frame structure.

In one embodiment, the grid member of the central panel is shaped to have at least one cutout and at least one wall on a front surface of the grid member of the central panel. The at least one cutout of the grid member is configured to be placed over a corresponding at least one cutout of the front panel. The area of the cutout should be large enough to allow access to components, such as speakers, batteries, and other electrical components, that are housed in the space between the front panel subassembly and the front portion of the vehicle frame structure. The top member of the central panel is shaped to allow it to engage with the grid member, wherein the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member is located within the outer edge of the top member.

In one embodiment, the shape and height of the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member and the shape of at least one of the plurality of outer edges of the top member of the central panel are designed such that a lateral gap is allowed between an outer surface of the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member and an inner surface of the corresponding at least one outer edge of the top member, wherein the outer surface of the at least one wall of the grid member and the inner surface of the corresponding at least one outer edge of the top member are assembled adjacently forming the lateral gap therebetween. The lateral gap is operable to allow air to circulate in a space between the front panel subassembly and a front portion of the vehicle frame structure. The lateral gap may also operate to allow for the sounding of a horn, but to limit the ingress of dirt, dust and water as it impinges on the front panel subassembly.

In one embodiment, said at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member is a slightly protruding member extending around said at least one cut-out of the grid member, bordering said at least one cut-out on the left and right sides and on the underside. The grid member includes a raised head portion. The at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member is integrated into the raised head portion of the grid member such that an upper surface of the raised head portion and an upper surface of the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member together form a single, uninterrupted upper surface of the grid member. The top member is adapted to be assembled on the single, uninterrupted upper surface of the grid member to form the central panel.

In one embodiment, the plurality of outer edges of the top member of the central panel are configured to contain the outer edges of the raised head portion and engage the outer surface of the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member. The plurality of outer edges of the top member include an upper outer edge, a left outer edge, a right outer edge, and a lower outer edge. The upper outer edge of the top member is adapted to surround the outer edges of the raised head portion so as to fit closely against each other, thereby completely sealing the upper outer edge from the ingress of dust, dirt and water. The left, right and lower outer edges are configured to contain and extend parallel to left, right and lower sides, respectively, on the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member. The lower outer edge of the top member is adapted to fit closely against the front surface of the grid member and is contoured to be parallel to the lower outer edge of the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member.

In one embodiment, the top member of the central panel has left and right outer edges with cut-outs such that lower ends of the left and right outer edges are slightly lower than top ends of left and right sides of the at least one wall on the front surface of the grill member, respectively. The respective heights of the lower outer edges of the left and right outer edges of the top member are less than the respective heights of the top ends of the left and right sides of the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member, as measured from the base of the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member. This embodiment allows for better horn sounding and allows for greater volume of air to circulate into and out of the space between the front panel subassembly and the front portion of the vehicle frame structure, while leaving the front panel subassembly without apertures that allow water, dirt, and dust to enter unimpeded.

In another embodiment, the grid member of the central panel has a peripheral area surrounding the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member. The outer region is configured to slope inwardly from the ridged profile of the grid member to the base of the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member. The inwardly sloped outer region is located partially beyond a plurality of outer edges of the top member. A plurality of outer edges of the top member are positioned above the inwardly sloped region of the grid member, wherein at least some portions of the plurality of outer edges of the top member are not in contact with any portion of the front surface of the grid member. The inwardly angled outer region further increases the volume of the lateral gap between the top member of the central panel and the grill member, thereby increasing the airflow flux available to accommodate components behind the front panel subassembly and improving the audibility of the horn. The outer region of the grid member is configured to slope downwardly from the ridge profile to an outermost profile of the grid member in a direction opposite the peripheral region.

In one embodiment, the grid member particularly includes a raised head portion, a wall on a front surface of the grid member and a peripheral portion that slopes inwardly from a ridged profile of the grid member to a base of the wall. The wall and raised head portion on the front surface of the grid member together are configured to form a uniform surface on the front surface of the grid member and surround the plurality of cutouts. The wall is configured to taper and integrate into the raised head portion. The outer region of the grid member slopes downwardly from the ridge profile to an outermost profile of the grid member in a direction opposite to the direction of the peripheral region. The lower lateral and lower profiles of the top member are shaped to extend generally parallel to the wall on the front surface of the grid member. The upper lateral and upper edges of the top member are shaped in line with the lateral profile of the outermost profile of the grid member to form a uniform outer edge of the central panel as a whole.

In another embodiment, the front panel subassembly includes a left panel, a right panel, a front panel, and a center panel. The left panel, the front panel and the right panel are mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle by mounting fasteners. The center panel is a single-component panel and the front panel is configured with at least one cutout large enough to allow assembly, removal, and maintenance of components housed in the space between the front panel subassembly and the front portion of the vehicle frame structure.

In one embodiment, the front panel of the front panel subassembly is shaped to have at least one wall on a front surface of the front panel. The central panel is shaped such that it engages the front panel, wherein the at least one wall on the front surface of the grid member is located within the outer edge of the central panel.

In one embodiment, the shape and height of the at least one wall on the front panel and the shape of at least one of the plurality of outer edges of the central panel are designed such that a lateral gap is allowed between an outer surface of the at least one wall and an inner surface of the corresponding at least one outer edge of the central panel, wherein the outer surface of the at least one wall and the inner surface of the corresponding at least one outer edge of the central panel are assembled adjacently forming the lateral gap therebetween. The lateral gap is operable to allow air to circulate in a space between the front panel subassembly and a front portion of the vehicle frame structure. The lateral gap may also operate to allow for the sounding of a horn, but to limit the ingress of dirt, dust and water as it impinges on the front panel subassembly.

In one embodiment, the horn, battery, and electrical components associated with the battery are housed in a space between the front panel subassembly and a front portion of the vehicle frame structure. The battery is housed in a battery housing that also holds associated electrical components, and a horn is disposed above the battery. The head pipe of the main frame supports the battery case through a bracket. The front panel of the front panel subassembly is mounted by a plurality of brackets, at least one of which is located on the battery housing. The front panel of the front panel subassembly supports the headlamp subassembly.

The front panel subassembly as disclosed in one or more of the above embodiments is used to limit the ingress of water, dirt, or dust into the space between the front panel subassembly and the front portion of the vehicle frame structure. The walls on the surface of the grid members prevent the passage of water even if any contaminants are incident on the lateral gaps between the top members of the central panel and the grid members. As described in one or more embodiments, the peripheral members serve to increase the airflow flux of components that may be accommodated in the space between the front panel subassembly and the front portion of the vehicle frame structure, as well as to maximize the audibility of the horn. Thus, the front panel subassembly as disclosed does not require the use of apertures to ensure the audibility of the horn.

The present subject matter thus provides a solution to the problem of damage to components housed in the space between the front panel subassembly and the front portion of the vehicle frame structure due to unimpeded ingress of dirt, dust and water by at least one aperture on the front panel subassembly, which is a common feature in the prior art for the ventilation and ventilation of the components, and in the case where one of the components is a horn, to allow for horn sounding.

Such an arrangement has the advantage of preventing contamination of the components, thereby increasing their lifetime and reducing the likelihood of failure.

A front panel subassembly includes a plurality of panels arranged to allow sound of a horn to be emitted through a covered lateral gap that prevents ingress of water, dust or dirt directly incident on the front panel subassembly, while allowing air to pass to the components to facilitate cooling thereof.

In addition to the horn, other components may be housed behind the front panel subassembly of the two-wheeled vehicle. For example, the battery may be provided in a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle. The incidence of water on the cell may cause the cell or surrounding electrical components, such as connecting wires and fuses, to fail. Failure of these critical components can pose a hazard during operation of the vehicle.

The present invention advantageously discloses a front panel subassembly comprising a plurality of panels that allows for easy maintenance and service of a two-wheeled vehicle by allowing direct hose flushing for the two-wheeled vehicle in all directions without allowing fluid in the hose to enter through the front panel subassembly.

Further, the present invention advantageously discloses a front panel subassembly wherein the material of each panel can be varied to enable it to have predetermined characteristics, particularly in terms of load bearing capacity and impact resistance.

The invention additionally has the advantage of enabling easy painting of the front panel subassembly. The advantage of using multiple panels is that there is no need to mask portions when painting or texturing other surfaces as is required in the case of a front panel subassembly consisting of a single unit.

The present invention thus solves the disadvantages common in the prior art. Furthermore, it has the additional advantage of increasing the ease of maintenance and cleaning of the two-wheeled vehicle. In addition to the advantages already mentioned, the described invention has a number of advantages compared to conventional arrangements that are ubiquitous in the prior art.

Embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail in the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The horn, batteries, fuses and other related electrical components are placed in the space behind a front panel subassembly consisting of a plurality of panels arranged such that no apertures need be provided for allowing the horn to sound and for facilitating cooling of the components. The panels are configured to advantageously enable an optimally sized lateral gap while limiting the ingress of dirt, dust and water. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments of the invention are possible within the scope of the invention.

Fig. 1 illustrates a front side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. A mirror of a mirror unit (102) is mounted on a two-wheeled vehicle (100) via a mirror handle (103). The vehicle includes a frame assembly (not shown), typically an underbone chassis frame, that provides a generally open central area to allow a rider to "step" on the vehicle.

Typically, the frame assembly (not shown) includes a head pipe (shown in fig. 3), a main pipe (not shown), and a pair of side pipes (not shown). The head pipe (shown in fig. 3) is disposed toward the front portion. A main tube (not shown) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (shown in fig. 3) forming a flat horizontal stride portion (not shown). The other end of the main tube (not shown) is connected to a pair of side tubes (not shown) via a bracket (not shown). The head pipe (shown in fig. 3) is configured to rotatably support a steering pipe (not shown), and is also connected to a front suspension system (104) at a lower end. A handlebar support member (not shown) is connected to an upper end of the steerer tube (not shown) and supports the handlebar assembly (106).

The two telescopic suspensions of the front suspension system (104) are attached to a bracket (105) on the lower part of the steering tube (not shown), on which bracket the front wheels (109) are supported. 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 two-wheeled vehicle (100) is protected by a front panel subassembly (120). The front panel subassembly (120) includes a left panel (121), a right panel (122), a front panel (124), and a center panel (123). The front headlamp subassembly (140) is supported by the front panel (124) of the front panel subassembly (120).

A pair of side pipes (not shown) extend from the other end of the main pipe and are disposed in parallel on either side in the vehicle width direction. The side tubes (not shown) each include a down frame section (not shown) that is inclined and extends from a main tube (not shown) and gradually extends rearwardly in a substantially horizontal direction to the rear of the vehicle after a certain length.

A seat (not shown) on which a rider can sit is supported on a pair of side tubes (not shown). Generally, a glove box (not shown) is supported between front portions of left and right ends of a pair of side pipes (not shown) so as to be disposed under a seat (not shown). A fuel tank assembly (not shown) is disposed between the rear portions of a pair of side pipes (not shown).

An exhaust gas discharge system (not shown) is disposed at the side extending rearward, coupled to the frame assembly. Front brakes (not shown) and rear brakes (not shown) are disposed on the front wheels (109) and the rear wheels (not shown), respectively. The rear wheel (not shown) is covered by a rear fender (not shown) with a tail light (not shown) disposed above it and a support rod (not shown) located above the seat assembly end (not shown). The rear wheel (not shown) is supported toward the rear side of the frame by an Internal Combustion (IC) engine (not shown) swingably coupled horizontally to the rear of the frame assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle through a rear suspension system (not shown).

Fig. 2 illustrates a rear side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) showing a plurality of mounting fasteners (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b, 203a, 203b, 204) for mounting a panel (123, 124) of a front panel subassembly (120), according to embodiments of the present subject matter. The front panel (124) is mounted by a plurality of mounting fasteners including 201a, 201b, 203a, 203b, and 204. The center panel (123) is mounted by a plurality of mounting fasteners including 202a and 202 b. Mounting fasteners (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b, 203a, 203b, 204) secure panels (123, 124) of a front panel subassembly (120) to a leg shield (210) of a two-wheeled vehicle (100), both panels (123, 124) being supported by a head tube (shown in fig. 3) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100). As shown in the figures, the leg shield (210) is located below the handlebar assembly (106) and the rearview mirror (102) is supported on the handle (103) of the handlebar assembly (106).

Fig. 3 shows a top view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100), particularly showing the space (301) between the front panel subassembly (120) and the front portion of the frame assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle (101), according to embodiments of the present subject matter. As shown, the space (301) is located between the head tube (302) and the front panel subassembly (120). The space (301) is protected by a central panel (123) of the front panel subassembly (120), which is removed to display the interior of the space (301). In this embodiment, a speaker (305) and a battery (306) are provided in the space (301). The headlamp subassembly (140) is located below the space (301) and is supported by the front panel (124) of the front panel subassembly (120). The front fender (108) is located below the headlight sub-assembly (140) and covers a front wheel (109) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100). The front panel (124) is connected with the right panel (122) through the left panel (121) at the two sides below.

In this embodiment, the head tube (302) supports a housing for the battery (306) via a cradle. The front panel (124) of the front panel subassembly (120) is mounted by a plurality of brackets, at least one of which is located on the housing of the battery (306).

Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the front panel subassembly (120) of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) showing the center panel (123) and the front panel (124) of the front panel subassembly (120), according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The left panel (121) and the right panel (122) of the front panel subassembly (120) are not shown in this figure. The space (301) between the front panel subassembly (120) and the front portion of the frame assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle (101) is surrounded by a front panel (124) at the sides and a central panel (123) from the top, as can be seen in the figures. A headlamp subassembly (140) is mounted on the front panel (124) of the front panel subassembly (120). As can be seen in the figure, the front panel (124) is mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle (100) by means of a bracket (401) on the casing of the battery (306), and a plurality of mounting fasteners (203a, 203b, 402a, 402b, 403a, 403b) are used to fix the front panel (124) to the leg shield (210).

Fig. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the center panel (123) of the front panel subassembly (120) of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) showing two members including the center panel (123), namely, a grill member (501) and a top member (502), according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The top member (502) is configured to be assembled on a front surface (510) of the grid member (501).

As shown in fig. 5, the grill member (501) of the central panel (123) has a plurality of cutouts (503, 504), one cutout (503) allowing venting of the battery (306) and its associated electrical components, and an upper cutout (504) located near the horn (305) is operable to allow sound of the horn (305) to be emitted. The top member (502) is fixed to the grid member (501) by three self-tapping screws (505a, 505b, 506). This arrangement makes maintenance and service of the battery (306) and horn (305) easier, as the need to remove the entire central panel (123) is eliminated. The battery (306) and horn (305) may be accessed directly through the cut-outs (503, 504) by removing only the top member (502) for simple repairs that do not require their removal from the location in which they are disposed.

In this embodiment, the grid member (501) specifically comprises: a raised head portion (511); a wall (512) on a front surface (510) of the grid member (501); a peripheral portion (513) sloping inwardly from the ridged profile (514) of the grid member (501) towards the base of the wall (512); and an outer region (516) of the grid member (501) sloping outwardly and downwardly from the ridge profile (514) to an outermost profile (517) of the grid member (501). The wall (512) and raised head portion (511) on the front surface (510) of the grate member (501) are together configured to form a uniform surface (515) on the front surface (510) of the grate member (501) and to surround the plurality of cutouts (503, 504). The wall (512) is configured to taper (512a) and is integrated into the raised head portion (511). An outer region (516) of the grid member (501) slopes outwardly and downwardly from the ridge profile (514) towards an outermost profile (517) of the grid member (501) in a direction opposite to the direction of the peripheral region (513).

In this embodiment, the top member (502) is operable to cover the plurality of cutouts (503, 504) of the grille member (501), and the center panel (123) is mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle (100). Mounting fasteners (202a, 202b) are used to mount the center panel (123) to the leg shield (210). The lower lateral outer edge (as shown in fig. 6) and the lower outer edge (as shown in fig. 6) of the top member (502) are shaped to extend substantially parallel to the wall (512) on the front surface (510) of the grid member (501). As shown in the figures, the upper lateral outer edges (521a, 521b) and the upper outer edges (522) of the top member (502) are in line with the side profiles (517a, 517b) of the outermost profile (517) of the grill member (501) to form a uniform outer edge of the central panel (123) as a whole.

Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the center panel (123) of the front panel subassembly (120) of the exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) showing the top member (502) and the grill member (501), according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The lower lateral outer edges (601a, 601b) of the top member (502) have cut-out portions (602a, 602b) such that when the central panel (123) is assembled and a lateral gap is formed (as shown in fig. 7), the cut-out portions (602a, 602b) of the lower lateral outer edges (601a, 601b) do not touch the front surface (510) of the grid member (501). The cut-out portions (602a, 602b) passing through the formed lateral gap (shown in fig. 7) increase the air flow volume of the components (305, 306) housed in the space (301) between the front panel subassembly (120) and the front portion of the frame assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle (100). The top member (502) is attached to the grid member (501) by self-tapping screws (505a, 505b, 506). The figure shows the channels (605a, 605b, 606) of the self-tapping screws (505a, 505b, 506) on the rear surface (610) of the top member (502). The lower outer edge (603) of the top member (502) is configured to be located on the front surface (510) of the grill member (501).

A boundary line (610) between the upper lateral outer edge (521a, 521b) and the lower lateral outer edge (601a, 601b) of the top member (502) is marked by an imaginary line 610.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the center panel (123) of the front panel subassembly (120) of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) showing the top member (502) engaged over the grille member (501) and forming a lateral gap (701) between the wall (512) of the grille member (501) and the lower lateral outer edges (601a, 601b) of the top member (502), according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. As can be seen in the figures, the lower lateral outer edges (601a, 601b) of the top member (502) are not in contact with the front surface (510) of the grill member (501). In this embodiment, the lower lateral outer edges (601a, 601b) comprise cut-out portions (602a, 602b) to enable a greater airflow flux through a transverse gap (701) formed between the wall (512) and the lower outer edges (601a, 601b) of the top member (502).

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a front panel (124) and a center panel (123) of a front panel subassembly (120) of a two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to another embodiment of the present subject matter, wherein the front panel subassembly (120) comprises a left panel (121), a right panel (122), a front panel (124), and a center panel (123). The left panel (121), the front panel (124), and the right panel (122) are mounted on the two-wheeled vehicle (100) by mounting fasteners (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b, 203a, 203b, 204). The central panel (123) is a single-component panel, and the front panel (124) is configured with at least one cut-out (503, 504). In this embodiment, the front panel (124) of the front panel subassembly (120) is shaped to have at least one wall (812), similar to the wall (512) on the surface of the grill member (501) disclosed in the first embodiment. The wall (812) is located on a front surface (810) of the front panel (124). The central panel (123) is shaped so as to allow it to engage with the front panel (124), wherein the at least one wall (812) on the front surface (810) of the front panel (124) is located within the outer edge (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel (123). A transverse gap (801) is formed between the at least one wall (812) on the front surface (810) of the front panel (124) and an outer edge (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel (123), wherein at least a portion of the outer edge (802a, 802b, 803, 804) is removed to allow greater air circulation into the space (301) between the front panel subassembly (120) and the front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle (101) frame assembly while not allowing water, dirt and dust to enter unobstructed through the transverse gap (801). The central panel (123) comprises a peripheral area (813), said peripheral area (813) being configured to slope inwardly and downwardly, and wherein the lateral outer edges (802a, 802b) are adapted to be positioned above the peripheral area (813).

It should be understood that 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 light of the above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of the claims of the present subject matter, the disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:

a frame assembly further comprising a head tube (302) disposed at a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle (100);

a front panel subassembly (120) disposed at a front portion of the head pipe (100) of the frame assembly;

wherein the front panel subassembly (120) comprises a plurality of panels (121, 122, 123, 124) including a central panel (123), the central panel (123) comprising a grate member (501) and a top member (502), wherein a plurality of outer edges (521a, 521b, 522, 601a, 601b, 603) of the top member (502) are adapted to engage with a front surface (510) of the grate member (501).

2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the front surface (510) has at least one wall (512), and wherein the grille member (501) is configured to have at least one cutout (503, 504), the at least one cutout (503, 504) being disposed within the at least one wall (512), the cutout (503, 504) being operable to access and manipulate at least one component (305, 306), the at least one component (305, 306) being housed in a space (301) between the front panel subassembly (120) and the head tube (302), and wherein the at least one cutout (503, 504) and the at least one wall (512) are disposed within the plurality of outer edges (521a, 521b, 522, 601a, 601b, 603) of the top member (502).

3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a lateral gap (701) is formed between one or more portions of said at least one wall (512) and at least one of said plurality of outer edges (521a, 521b, 522, 601a, 601b, 603) of said top member, wherein said at least one of said plurality of outer edges (521a, 521b, 522, 601a, 601b, 603) is adapted to be positioned above a front surface (510) of said grille member (501), and wherein said one or more portions of said at least one wall (512) are located below said top member (502).

4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the plurality of outer edges (521a, 521b, 522, 601a, 601b, 603) of the top member (502) comprises two lateral outer edges (521a, 521b, 601a, 601b), a lower outer edge (603) and an upper outer edge (522), wherein a portion (602a, 602b) of at least one of the two lateral outer edges (521a, 521b, 601a, 601b) is removed, and wherein the lateral outer edges (521a, 521b, 601a, 601b) are adapted to be positioned above the front surface (510) of the grille member (501).

5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the grille member (501) comprises a peripheral region (513), the peripheral region (513) being configured to be inclined inwardly and downwardly, and wherein the lateral outer edges (521a, 521b, 601a, 601b) are adapted to be positioned above the peripheral region (513).

6. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:

wherein the front panel subassembly (120) comprises a plurality of panels (121, 122, 123, 124) including a front panel (124) and a central panel (123), wherein a plurality of outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel (123) are adapted to engage with a front surface (810) of the front panel (124), and wherein the front surface (810) has at least one wall (812).

7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 6, wherein the front surface (810) is configured with at least one cutout (503, 504), the at least one cutout (503, 504) being disposed within the at least one wall (812), the cutout (503, 504) being operable to access and manipulate at least one component (305, 306), the at least one component (305, 306) being housed in a space (301) between the front panel subassembly (120) and the head tube (302), and wherein the at least one cutout (503, 504) and the at least one wall (812) are disposed within the plurality of outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel (123).

8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a transverse gap (801) is formed between one or more portions of said at least one wall (812) and one of said plurality of outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of said central panel (123), and wherein said at least one of said plurality of outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) is adapted to be positioned above said front surface (810) of said front panel (124), and wherein said one or more portions of said at least one wall (812) are located below said central panel (123).

9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) of claim 6, wherein the plurality of outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel comprise two lateral outer edges (802a, 802b), a lower outer edge (804) and an upper outer edge (803), wherein a portion of at least one of the two lateral outer edges (802a, 802b) is removed, and wherein the lateral outer edges (802a, 802b) are adapted to be positioned above the front surface (810) of the front panel (124).

10. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 6 or 9, wherein the central panel (123) comprises a peripheral region (813), the peripheral region (813) being configured so as to be inclined inwards and downwards, and wherein the lateral outer edges (802a, 802b) are adapted to be positioned above the peripheral region (813).