WO2024127417A1 - Mounting structure for an optical unit and a visor of a saddle type vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a mounting structure (100) for an optical unit (102) of a saddle-type vehicle (106). The mounting structure (100) includes a front panel assembly (108). A top panel (112) comprises a planar panel (114) mounted onto the top portion (108a) of the front panel assembly (108) and at least one extension portion (116a, 116b) defined on a top surface (114a) of the planar panel (114). Each of the at least one extension portion (116a, 116b) is adapted to support a visor bracket (118) that supports a visor member (120). A bottom surface (114b) is adapted to receive and support the optical unit (102) about a window portion (114c) provided to the top panel (112). The optical unit (102) is adapted to transmit images onto rear surface (120b) of visor member (120), thereby preventing misdirection to rider during vehicle movement.

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR AN OPTICAL UNIT AND A VISOR OF A SADDLE TYPE VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] Present invention relates to a mounting structure for an optical unit of a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mounting structure for a Heads- Up Display (HUD) unit of the saddle-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Vehicles are equipped with an instrument console for displaying one or more vehicle related information to a rider. Typically, the instrument console is disposed above and rearwardly to a steering member of the vehicle. The instrument console comprises a viewing portion for displaying the one or more vehicle related information to the rider. Due to the rearward position of the instrument console with respect to the steering member, a head of the rider may be required to be tilted downwardly towards the viewing portion for viewing the one or more vehicle related information. Such a scenario may result in gaze or viewing angle of the rider to be directed away from a road surface, which may be catastrophic.

[003] Further, the one or more vehicle information displayed through the existing instrument consoles, are generally cluttered, resulting in the rider requiring a longer duration of time for comprehending the one or more vehicle related information displayed in the instrument cluster. Such a scenario further adds on to the time where the gaze of the rider is directed away from the road surface, thereby further increasing the probability of an accident to the rider, which is undesirable. [004] Thus, there is a need for a mounting structure for an optical unit of a vehicle which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] In one aspect, a mounting structure for an optical unit of a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The mounting structure comprises a front panel assembly disposed on a frame member of the saddle-type vehicle. The front panel assembly is capable of accommodating a headlamp assembly. A top panel is mounted on a top portion of the front panel assembly. The top panel comprises a planar panel mounted onto the top portion of the front panel assembly and at least one extension portion defined on a top surface of the planar panel. Each of the at least one extension is adapted to support a visor bracket, wherein the visor bracket is adapted to support a visor member. A bottom surface is adapted to receive and support the optical unit about a window portion provided to the top panel. The optical unit is supported on the bottom surface to transmit one or more images through the window portion onto a rear surface of the visor member.

[006] In an embodiment, the front panel assembly comprises a left surface extending rearwardly from a left-side periphery of a headlamp mounting portion and a right surface extending rearwardly from a right-side periphery of the headlamp mounting portion. The left surface and the right surface are capable of supporting a handlebar of the saddle-type vehicle. A first connecting surface extends between the left surface and the right surface and connects rear peripheral surfaces of the left surface and the right surface. A second connecting surface is defined on a top peripheral surface of the headlamp mounting portion. The first connecting surface and the second connecting surface are capable of receiving and supporting the top panel on the top portion of the front panel assembly. [007] In an embodiment, the at least one extension portion comprises a left extension portion provided on a left portion of the top panel and a right extension portion provided on a right portion of the top panel.

[008] In an embodiment, the window portion of the top panel is provided between the left extension portion and the right extension portion.

[009] In an embodiment, the rear surface of the visor member is provided with a reflective coating for reflecting the one or more images transmitted by the optical unit. The reflective coating being provided at a central portion of the rear surface of the visor member.

[010] In an embodiment, the top panel is inclined towards the rear surface of the visor member for enabling capturing and reflecting the one or more images transmitted by the optical unit.

[011] In an embodiment, the top panel is integrally mounted on the top portion of the front panel assembly.

[012] In an embodiment, the visor bracket is integrally mounted to at least one of the visor member and the top panel.

[013] In an embodiment, the visor bracket is defined with a bell-shaped profile having a first end and a second end. Each of the first end and the second end being provided with a mounting provision for engagement with the visor member.

[014] In an embodiment, the visor bracket is provided with a plurality of rib members. The plurality of rib members are provided on an inner surface of the visor bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[015] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a front panel assembly of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the front panel assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a top view of the front panel assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a top panel of the front panel assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a top view of the top panel, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the top panel depicting mounting of an optical unit to a bottom surface of the top panel, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of the front panel assembly depicting mounting of the top panel on the front panel assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the front panel assembly depicting mounting of a visor bracket on the top panel, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the front panel assembly depicting projection of one or more images from the optical unit on the visor member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 a right-side sectional view of the front panel assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the visor member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the visor bracket, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a top panel mounted with the visor bracket, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the front panel assembly depicting the top panel integrated with the front panel assembly, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[016] Present invention relates to a mounting structure for an optical unit of a saddle-type vehicle. In an embodiment, the optical unit may be a Heads-Up Display (HUD) unit of the saddle-type vehicle, which is adapted to project one or more images pertaining to one or more vehicle related parameters onto a vizor member of the saddle-type vehicle.

[017] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a saddle-type vehicle 106 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 106 (hereinafter referred to as ‘vehicle 106’) comprises a mounting structure 100 for supporting an optical unit 102. The mounting structure 100 is adapted to ensure ease of assembly of the optical unit 102 in the vehicle 106, thereby improving serviceability and aesthetics of the vehicle 106.

[018] Referring to Figure 2 in conjunction with Figure 1 , a perspective view of the mounting structure 100 is depicted. The mounting structure 100 comprises a front panel assembly 108 disposed on a front portion (not shown) of a frame member (not shown) of the vehicle 106. The front panel assembly 108 is capable of accommodating a headlamp assembly 110 (shown in Figure 1 ). In the present embodiment, the front panel assembly 108 comprises a headlamp mounting portion 122 for receiving and supporting the headlamp assembly 110. The headlamp mounting portion 122 receives and supports the headlamp assembly 110 such that, an illumination portion (not shown) of the headlamp assembly 110 projects from the headlamp mounting portion 122. Thus, the headlamp assembly 110 is positioned at an anterior portion (not shown in Figures) of the front panel assembly 108, ensuring that the headlamp assembly 110 provides visibility of a road surface in front of a rider of the vehicle 106 during vehicle movement.

[019] In another embodiment, the headlamp mounting portion 122 may be a panel comprising an opening or a window for receiving and supporting the headlamp assembly 110. Along a periphery of the opening or the window, the front panel assembly 108 may be provided with one or more mounting provisions (not shown) for mounting the headlamp assembly 110. The one or more mounting provisions may be one of a fastening provision or a plug attachment provision or a snap-fit provision adapted to engage with the headlamp assembly 110.

[020] The front panel assembly 108 further comprises a left surface 108b extending rearwardly from a left-side periphery of the headlamp mounting portion 122. Also, a right surface 108c extends rearwardly from a right-side periphery of the headlamp mounting portion 122. The left surface 108b and the right surface 108c are adapted to support a handlebar 136 (as shown in Figure 1 ) of the vehicle 106. In an embodiment, each of the left surface 108b and the right surface 108c comprises a cutout 104 for receiving and supporting the handlebar 136. Thus, the front panel assembly 108 may also act as a handlebar cover of the vehicle 106. In an embodiment, the left surface 108b and the right surface 108c extend rearwardly in a diverging manner from the headlamp mounting portion 122.

[021] Along a rear surface (not shown) of the left surface 108b and the right surface 120b, a rear panel (not shown) is mounted. The rear panel is oriented laterally to an up-down direction of the vehicle 106. The rear panel upon mounting onto the left surface 108b and the right surface 108c acts as a rear side cover for the front panel assembly 108. Thus, the rear panel masks the components placed within the front panel assembly 108 upon mounting.

[022] Referring to Figures 3 and 4 in conjunction with Figure 2, the front panel assembly 108 also comprises a first connecting surface 124 extending between the left surface 108b and the right surface 108c. The first connecting surface 124 connects rear peripheral surfaces 126a, 126b of the left surface 108b and the right surface 108c. In an embodiment, the first connecting surface 124 extends along a left-right direction of the vehicle 106. The first connecting surface 124 is adapted to enhance structural rigidity of the front panel assembly 108. Additionally, a second connecting surface 128 (referring to Figure 4) is provided on a top peripheral surface 130 of the headlamp mounting portion 122. The second connecting surface 128 also extends along the left-right direction of the vehicle 106. The first connecting surface 124 and the second connecting surface 128 are provided on a top portion of the front panel assembly 108. In an embodiment, the first connecting surface 124 is provided at a posterior portion of the front panel assembly 108, while the second connecting surface 128 is provided at the anterior portion of the front panel assembly 108. The first connecting surface 124 and the second connecting surface 128 are adapted to receive and support a top panel 112 (shown in Figures 5 and 6) on the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108.

[023] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the top panel 112 of the front panel assembly 108 is depicted. The top panel 112 is adapted to be mounted on the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108 through the first connecting surface 124 and the second connecting surface 128. As the first connecting surface 124 is provided on the posterior portion of the front panel assembly 108 and the second connecting surface 128 is provided on the anterior portion of the front panel assembly 108, the top panel 112 is engaged at its front and rear periphery (not shown). Thus, the first connecting surface 124 and the second connecting surface 128 provide a stable connecting surface for mounting the top panel 112 on the front panel assembly 108. In an embodiment, each of the first connecting surface 124 and the second connecting surface 128 comprises a mounting provision (not shown in Figures) such as a fastening provision or a snap-fit provision, for engagement with the top panel 112.

[024] The top panel 112 comprises a planar panel 114, which is mounted onto the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108. The planar panel 114 is mounted onto the first connecting surface 124 and the second connecting surface 128 for mounting onto the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108. The planar panel 114 may be mounted onto the top portion 108a through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as fastening and snap-fit technique. In an embodiment, a mounting surface (not shown) may extend laterally downwardly along a periphery of the planar panel 114. The mounting surface may engage with the first connecting surface 124 and the second connecting surface 128 for enabling mounting of the planar panel 114 with the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108. In an embodiment, the top panel 112 or the planar panel 114 may be integrated on the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108 (as shown in Figure 15). [025] On a top surface 114a of the planar panel 114, at least one extension portion 116a, 116b (hereinafter referred to as ‘extension portion 116a, 116b’) are provided. The extension portion 116a, 116b protrude laterally and rearwardly from the top surface 114a of the planar panel 114. Thus, from a side view of the vehicle 106, the extension portion 116a, 116b are inclined rearwardly from the top surface 114a. Each of the extension portion 116a, 116b is adapted to support a visor bracket 118 (as shown in Figures 2, 9, 10, 11 , 13 and 14). In the present embodiment, each of the extension portion 116a, 116b are provided with a hole 138 for enabling fastening of the visor bracket 118 (as shown in Figure 9).

[026] In the present embodiment, the extension portion 116a, 116b comprise a right extension bracket 116a provided on a right portion 112a of the top panel 112 and a left extension bracket 116b provided on a left portion 112b of the top panel 112. In an embodiment, length of extension of the left extension bracket 116b and the right extension bracket 116a is selected based on the dimensions of the visor bracket 118. In an embodiment, the cross-section of the left extension bracket 116b and the right extension bracket 116a can be a rectangular cross-section, a square cross-section or a circular crosssection as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle 106.

[027] Referring to Figure 7, the planar panel 114 is further adapted to receive and support the optical unit 102. In the present embodiment, a bottom surface 114b of the planar panel 114 is adapted to receive and support the optical unit 102. The bottom surface 114b is provided with one or more mounting provisions 140 for enabling mounting of the optical unit 102. In the present embodiment, the one or more mounting provisions 140 are plug members which are capable of receiving a fastener 142. Accordingly, the optical unit 102 is fastened to the one or more mounting provisions 140 through the fastener 142. The fastener 142 is adapted to engage with a mounting member 144 provided on an outer periphery of the optical unit 102 and the one or more mounting provisions 140 for mounting the optical unit 102 on the bottom surface 114b of the planar panel 114. In an embodiment, the optical unit 102 may be a unit adapted to display one or more vehicle related parameters such as a vehicle speed, an engine speed, a fuel level and the like.

[028] Further, the planar panel 114 is provided with a window portion 114c. The window portion 114c is adapted to allow transmission of one or more images through the window portion 114c onto a rear surface 120b of the visor member 120 (as shown in Figure 10). In the present embodiment, the window portion 114c is provided between the left extension portion 116a and the right extension portion 116b. In an embodiment, the window portion 114c may be an opening or a cutout provided on the planar panel 114 for transmitting the one or more images projected from the optical unit 102. In another embodiment, the window portion 114c may be provided with a glass surface or a transparent surface for enabling transmission of the one or more images from the optical unit 102. In another embodiment, the window portion 114c is rectangular in shape, in accordance with the shape of the optical unit 102 projecting the one or more images. Accordingly, the shape of the window portion 114c may be altered or considered as per shape of the optical unit 102.

[029] Referring to Figures 9 and 13, the visor bracket 118 is mounted on each of the extension portion 116a, 116b. The visor bracket 118 may also be integrated to the top panel 112 or the planar panel 114 (as shown in Figure 14). In the present embodiment, the visor bracket 118 is defined with a bell-shaped profile (or a dumbbell shaped profile) having a first end 118a and a second end 118b. In the present embodiment, the visor bracket 118 is engaged to each of the extension portion 116a, 116b through the second end 118b. As the extension portion 116a, 116b protrude rearwardly to the vehicle 106, the visor bracket 118 upon mounting on the extension portion 116a, 116b are also inclined rearwardly to the vehicle 106. The visor bracket 118 is adapted to support a visor member 120 (as shown in Figures 2, 10, 11 and 12). The visor bracket 118 engaged with the visor member 120 through the first end 118a and the second end 118b. Each of the first end 118a and the second end 118b is provided with a mounting provision 132 (shown in Figure 13) for engagement with the visor member 120. In an embodiment, the first end 118a and the second end 118b may be integrally mounted with the visor member 120.

[030] In an embodiment, the mounting provision 132 may be a plug member adapted to engage with an aperture 120d provided on the visor member 120. As such, a plug engagement is established between the visor bracket 118 and the visor member 120. Further, as the visor bracket 118 is inclined rearwardly to the vehicle 106, the visor member 120 upon mounting is also inclined rearwardly. The visor member 120 is adapted to deflect on-coming air onto the rider during vehicle movement, thereby enhancing comfort to the rider during vehicle movement. Also, the inclination of the visor member 120 enhances aerodynamics of the vehicle 106, thereby reducing resistance offered by air to the movement of the vehicle 106.

[031] In the present embodiment, the visor bracket 118 is provided with a plurality of rib members 134 (as shown in Figure 13). The plurality of rib members 134 are provided on an inner surface 118c of the visor bracket 118 for enhancing structural strength of the visor bracket 118. In an embodiment, the plurality of rib members 134 are hexagonal in configuration. In an embodiment, the visor bracket 118 may be made of a metallic material or a non-metallic material or a composite material, as per design feasibility and requirement. [032] Referring now to Figure 12, a perspective view of the visor member 120 is depicted. The visor member 120 is provided with a front surface 120a and a rear surface 120b. The visor member 120 is mounted on the top panel or the planar panel 114 through the visor bracket 118 such that, the front surface 120a faces towards the front of the vehicle 116, while the rear surface 120b faces towards the rear of the vehicle 116. As such, the rear surface 120b of the visor member 120 faces the window portion 114c of the top panel 112 or the planar panel 114. The rear surface 120b of the visor member 120 is provided with a reflective coating for reflecting the one or more images transmitted by the optical unit 102. Thus, the one or more vehicle related information is visible to the rider through the rear surface 120b of the visor member 120. In an embodiment, the reflective coating is provided at a central portion 120c of the rear surface 120b of the visor member 120. In an embodiment, the top panel 112 or the planar panel 114 may be inclined towards the rear surface 120b of the visor member 120 for enabling capturing and reflecting the one or more images transmitted by the optical unit 102. In an embodiment, the inclination of the top panel 112 or the planar panel 114 is selected based on the position of the visor member 120, for ensuring optimum reflection of the one or more images.

[033] In an embodiment, the embodiments referred to the planar panel 114 may also be considered for the top panel 112 as per design feasibility and requirement, within the ambit of the present invention.

[034] In an embodiment, during assembly, firstly to the bottom surface 114b of the planar panel 114, the optical unit 102 is fastened through the fastener 142. Upon fastening, the optical unit 102 along with the planar panel 114 is mounted on the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108 through the first connecting surface 124 and the second connecting surface 128. Thereafter, the visor bracket 118 is mounted on the extension portion 116a, 116b. Subsequently, the visor member 120 is mounted onto the visor bracket 120 by snap- fit technique. Upon mounting, during an ignition ON condition of the vehicle 106, the one or more images from the optical unit 102 is transmitted to the rear surface 120b of the visor member 120 for enabling the rider to read the one or more vehicle related information. [035] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of providing the top panel or the planar panel for supporting the optical unit ensures ease of assembly and structural integrity of the mounting structure, while ensuring ease of assembly of the optical unit. Ease of assembly results in ease of serviceability of the mounting structure during a maintenance requirement. Also, mounting the top panel through the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface further enhances structural integrity. Additionally, transmission of the one or more images on the rear surface of the visor member ensures that the rider’s gaze is on the road surface, and thus prevents misdirection to the rider while comprehending the one or more vehicle related information. Consequently, ensuring safety of the rider during vehicle movement.

Reference numerals

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A mounting structure (100) for an optical unit (102) of a saddle-type vehicle (106), the mounting structure (100) comprising: a front panel assembly (108) disposed on a frame member of the saddle-type vehicle (106), the front panel assembly (108) being capable of accommodating a headlamp assembly (110); and a top panel (112) mounted on a top portion (108a) of the front panel assembly (108), the top panel comprising: a planar panel (114) mounted onto the top portion (108a) of the front panel assembly (108); at least one extension portion (116a, 116b) defined on a top surface (114a) of the planar panel (114), each of the at least one extension portion (116a, 116b) being adapted to support a visor bracket (118), wherein the visor bracket (118) being adapted to support a visor member (120); and a bottom surface (114b) adapted to receive and support the optical unit (102) about a window portion (114c) provided to the top panel (112), the optical unit (102) being supported on the bottom surface (114b) to transmit one or more images through the window portion (114c) onto a rear surface (120b) of the visor member (120).

2. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the front panel assembly (108) comprises: a left surface (108b) extending rearwardly from a left-side periphery of a headlamp mounting portion (122); a right surface (108c) extending rearwardly from a right-side periphery of the headlamp mounting portion (122), the left surface (108b) and the right surface (108c) being capable of supporting a handlebar (136) of the saddle-type vehicle (106); a first connecting surface (124) extending between the left surface (108b) and the right surface (108c), and connecting rear peripheral surfaces (126a, 126b) of the left surface (108b) and the right surface (108c); and a second connecting surface (128) defined on a top peripheral surface (130) of the headlamp mounting portion (122), the first connecting surface (124) and the second connecting surface (128) being capable of receiving and supporting the top panel (112) on the top portion (108a) of the front panel assembly (108). The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one extension portion (116a, 116b) comprises a left extension portion (116a) provided on a left portion (112a) of the top panel (112) and a right extension portion (116b) provided on a right portion (112b) of the top panel (112). The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the window portion (114c) of the top panel (112) is provided between the left extension portion (116a) and the right extension portion (116b). The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the rear surface (120b) of the visor member (120) is provided with a reflective coating for reflecting the one or more images transmitted by the optical unit (102), the reflective coating being provided at a central portion (120c) of the rear surface (120b) of the visor member (120). The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the top panel (112) is inclined towards the rear surface (120b) of the visor member (120) for enabling capturing and reflecting the one or more images transmitted by the optical unit (102). The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the top panel (112) is integrally mounted on the top portion (108a) of the front panel assembly (108). The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the visor bracket (118) is integrally mounted to at least one of the visor member (120) and the top panel (112). The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the visor bracket (118) is defined with a bell-shaped profile having a first end (118a) and a second end (118b), each of the first end (118a) and the second end (118b) being provided with a mounting provision (132) for engagement with the visor member (120). The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the visor bracket (118) is provided with a plurality of rib members (134), the plurality of rib members (134) being provided on an inner surface (118c) of the visor bracket (118).