WO2020178848A1

WO2020178848A1 - Front cover of vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2020178848A1
Application number: PCT/IN2020/050186
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abhishek Mishra; Shubham Dubey
Original assignee: Hero MotoCorp Limited
Priority date: 2019-03-01
Filing date: 2020-02-28
Publication date: 2020-09-10
Also published as: CO2021010160A2; CN113544050B; CN113544050A

Abstract

The present invention comprises a vehicle (100) comprises a frame (102), a steering assembly (104), a headlamp assembly (140), a front wheel (106), a suspension assembly (105), and a front cover (170). The front cover (170) is configured to enclose at least a front portion of the vehicle. The front cover (170) comprises an outer portion (170b), and an inner portion (170a). The inner portion (170a) comprises a plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) extending downwardly from surface of the inner portion (170a). The plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) forms pinning pattern along the inner portion (170A) to restrict user from holding and lifting the front cover (170). With the present invention, the life-cycle of the front cover (170) increased, and front aesthetics of the vehicle (100) remains same. Further, the present invention enhances strength of the front cover (170) by providing the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b).

Description

FRONT COVER OF VEHICLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly, to a front cover of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND [0002] Generally, in a vehicle, all or most of the vehicular parts are concealed or covered by a number of body covers. The number of body covers includes a front cover, a pair of side covers, and a rear cover assembly. The front cover is disposed in front of the vehicle. Particularly, the front cover is disposed below a headlamp assembly, and above a front wheel of the vehicle. The front cover prevents the mud, dust, and water particles from entering into the vehicular parts below the headlamp assembly. In particular, the front cover also covers one or more electrical components that are disposed underneath the headlamp assembly and at the proximity to the handlebar portion of the vehicle.

[0003] However, the front cover is fragile in nature and might undergo breakage during servicing, transportation of the vehicle etc. As the front cover is located in front part of the vehicle and during vehicle transportation, generally people or user hold the front cover thereby making the front cover susceptible to cracks, bend or breakage.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This

Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, the vehicle comprises a frame, a steering assembly, a headlamp assembly, a front wheel, a suspension assembly, and a

1

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) front cover. The frame comprises a head pipe. The steering assembly operatively coupled to the head pipe. The headlamp assembly is mounted to the frame. The front wheel is operatively connected to the steering assembly. The suspension assembly is attached to the head pipe. The suspension assembly comprises a pair of front forks attached to lower end of the head pipe. The front cover is configured to enclose at least a front portion of the vehicle. The front cover comprises an outer portion, and an inner portion. The outer portion facing towards the headlamp assembly. The inner portion facing towards the front wheel. The inner portion comprises a plurality of protrusion members to restrict user from lifting the front cover. [0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of protrusion members are extending downwardly perpendicularly from the inner portion.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of protrusion members are extending along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of protrusion members are extending orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the front cover is disposed frontwards of the suspension assembly, downwards to the headlamp assembly, and upwards to the front wheel of the vehicle.

[00010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of protrusion members disposed along the inner portion to pinch the user while holding and lifting the front cover.

[00011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of protrusion members are spiked along the inner portion to restrict user from holding and lifting the front cover. [00012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the front cover is disposed in a manner that the suspension assembly gets sufficient movement space, and the headlamp assembly lightening area remains unaffected.

[00013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of protrusion members are having at-least one of the structure from group of structure comprising V-shape, U-shape, L-shape, Z-shape structures. [00014] In an embodiment of the present invention, a headlamp cover is provided on the upper portion of the headlamp assembly.

[00015] In an embodiment of the present invention, the front cover is attached to headlamp cover.

[00016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the front cover comprises a plurality of front cover mounting provisions. The plurality of front cover mounting provisions are attached with mounting provisions of the headlamp cover.

[00017] One advantage of the present invention is that it increases life-cycle of the front cover.

[00018] One more advantage of the present invention is that it enhances strength of the front cover by adding minimal weight to the front cover.

[00019] One more advantage of the present invention is that the front cover is attached with the headlamp cover of the headlamp assembly. Due to this arrangement, the front cover is configured to cover at least a portion of the head pipe, covering various electrical and other components in the proximity of the handle bar and the head pipe. With this arrangement the front cover covers various components without affecting the front aesthetics of the vehicle

[00020] One advantage of the present invention is that it enhances safety of the vehicle by protecting the front cover from any breakage or cracks by avoiding formation of weak spots on the front cover due to holding and lifting of the front cover by the user. [00021] One more advantage of the present invention is that it ensures that the front cover works effectively for complete life cycle.

[00022] One more advantage of the present invention is that it strengthens the front cover of the vehicle without affecting the front aesthetics of the vehicle. [00023] One more advantage of the present invention is that, the plurality of protrusion members protects the entry of the foreign materials coming with the traveling wind. Hence, the present invention enhances durability of various electrical and other internal vehicular components in the proximity of the handle bar, and the head pipe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00024] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[00025] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00026] Figure 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a front cover of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [00027] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the front cover of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[00028] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the front cover of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [00029] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00030] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00031] The term“comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by“comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[00032] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

[00033] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, a front cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms“vehicle”,“two wheeled vehicle” and“motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term“vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all- terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00034] The terms“front / forward”,“rear / rearward / back / backward”,“up / upper / top”,“down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”,“left / leftward”,“right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.

[00035] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, trikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. The vehicle (100) comprises a frame (102), a steering assembly (104), a headlamp assembly (140), a front wheel (106), a rear wheel (111), and a power unit (110). The frame (102) supports the steering assembly (104), the headlamp assembly (140), the front wheel (106), the rear wheel

(111) and the power unit (110). The frame (102) is having a head pipe (109) and a main frame (not shown) extended downward from the head pipe (109) to the rear direction, a seat rail (not shown) extended upward from the rear end portion of the main frame to the rear direction and directly and indirectly supporting a seat (116). The seat (116) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (100).

Further, the seat (116) comprises a rider’s seat (118), and a passenger seat (120). The rider’s seat (118) provides seating for the rider, and the passenger seat (120) provides seating for the passenger of the vehicle (100). A rear cover assembly (126) is provided underneath the seat (116). The rear cover assembly (126) is configured to enclose at- least a rear portion of the vehicle (100). A tail light unit (153) is provided behind the seat (116). A rear fender (154) is disposed below a tail light unit (153) so as to cover the upper direction and the rear direction of the rear wheel (111).

[00036] The frame (102) supports the power unit (110) in middle portion of the vehicle (100). Moreover, the power unit (110) is provided on the main frame in the embodiment. The power unit (110) is configured with an engine (not shown) and a transmission (not shown). The engine generates the power required by the vehicle (100). The power output from the engine is transmitted to the rear wheel (111) provided on the rear portion of the power unit (110) through the transmission. Alternatively, the power unit (110) may provide necessary power to the drive the front ground engaging member (106), or both the front ground engaging member (106) and the rear ground engaging member (111) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, a cushion unit (161) absorbing an impact on the rear wheel (111) is provided between the rear portion of the power unit (110) and the seat rail. [00037] The steering assembly (104) is pivotally mounted on the frame (102).

The steering assembly (104) comprises a handle bar (108). The handle bar (108) is rotatably supported on an upper portion of the head pipe (109). The handle bar (108) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100).

[00038] The front wheel (106) is operatively connected to the steering assembly (104). The front wheel (106) is in front portion of the vehicle (100) and the rear wheel

(111) is in rear portion of the vehicle (100). Further, front portion of the vehicle (100) may comprise a suspension assembly (105), a front fender (107) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. The suspension assembly (105) comprises a pair of front forks (105R, 105L). The suspension assembly (105) is attached with the head pipe (105). The head pipe (109) supporting the pair of front forks (105R, 105L), and the pair of front forks (105R, 105L) attached to lower end of the head pipe (109). The front wheel (106) supported on an axle shaft (156) which is on the lower end of the pair of front forks (105R, 105L) and the upper direction of the front wheel (106) is covered with the front fender (107). Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a fuel tank (122). The fuel tank (122) stores and supplies necessary fuel to the engine (112) to generate power within the vehicle (100). The fuel tank (122) is disposed between the steering assembly (104) and the seat (116). Furthermore, the vehicle (100) may comprise swing arms or various other components known in the art without limitations. [00039] The vehicle (100) has a pair of side covers (128,130) covering at-least a portion of the frame (105) and at-least a side portion (not shown) of the vehicle (100). The pair of side covers (128, 130) comprises a left side cover (128), and a right side cover (130-not shown). The vehicle (100) has a headlamp assembly (140) to lightening the front direction of the vehicle (100). The headlamp assembly (140) forms a lightening area in the front direction of the vehicle (100). The headlamp assembly (140) is mounted to the head pipe (109). More particularly, the headlamp assembly (140) is mounted on a bracket (not shown) attached to front portion of the head pipe (109). A headlamp cover (141) is disposed on the headlamp assembly (140). [00040] Further, the vehicle (100) has a front cover (170) configured to enclose at-least a front portion (155) of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the front cover (170) is attached with the headlamp cover (141) of the headlamp assembly (140). In another embodiment, the front cover (170) is provided on the head pipe (109) through the front cover stay (not shown). However, in another embodiment, the front cover (170) may be attached directly with the frame (102).

[00041] Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate a bottom perspective view and a bottom view, respectively, of the front cover (170) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The front cover (170) is attached to bottom portion of the headlamp cover (141). The front cover (170) is disposed frontwards of the suspension assembly (105), downwards to the headlamp assembly (140), and upwards to the front wheel (170) of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the front cover (170) is detachably attached with the headlamp cover (141) of the headlamp assembly (140) in order to achieve good fit and finish resulting in better aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (100). A plurality of front cover mounting provisions (185,186,187,188,189) is provided on the front cover (170) to restrict user from lifting the front cover (170). The plurality of mounting provisions (185,186, 187,188,189) is detachably attached with mounting provisions of the headlamp cover (141). In present embodiment, the plurality of front cover mounting provisions (185,186, 187,188,189) are disposed on the inner portion (170A) of the front cover (170). Also, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) are disposed along the inner portion (170A) to pinch the user while holding and lifting the front cover (170).

[00042] In an embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) extend along a longitudinal direction (Fr-Rr) of the vehicle (100). However, in another embodiment, the plurality of protmsion members (180a, 180b) extend orthogonally to the longitudinal direction (Fr-Rr) of the vehicle (100). Further, in present embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) are spiked along the inner portion (170 A) to restrict user from holding and lifting the front cover (170).

[00043] The front cover (170) is configured to cover at least a portion of the head pipe (109), covering various electrical and other components (not shown) in the proximity of the handle bar (108) and the head pipe (109). The front cover (170) is extended downward from the headlamp assembly (140) in the front direction (Fr) of the vehicle (100). The front cover (170) is disposed in a manner that the suspension assembly (105) gets sufficient movement space, and the headlamp assembly (140) lightening area remains unaffected. The front cover ( 170) is disposed in such a manner that at no time, the suspension assembly (105) comes in contact with the front cover (170). More particularly, the front cover (170) is always at a certain height from the ground surface that any sort of vertical movement of the suspension assembly (105) never allows the suspension assembly (105) to come in contact with the front cover (170). Further, the front cover (170) is never to be extended in such a manner that the front cover (170) intervenes with the lightening area of the headlamp assembly (140) thereby causing hindrance to the user vision especially in dark environment.

[00044] In an embodiment, the front cover (170) is provided above the front wheel (106) and the front fender (107). However, in another embodiment, the front cover (170) may be provided only above the front wheel (106). Further, the front cover

(170) comprises an outer portion (170B) and an inner portion (170A). The outer portion (170B) is facing towards the headlamp assembly (140). The outer portion (170B) provides better aesthetic appeal to the vehicle (100). The inner portion (170A) is facing towards the front wheel (106). The inner portion (170A) comprises a plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) extending downwardly from surface of inner portion (170 A) of the front cover (170). The plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) is configured to restrict the user from holding and lifting the front cover (170). The plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) forms a pinning pattern on the inner portion (170A) and extended vertically and longitudinally in the width direction of the vehicle (100) in the front view. The pinning pattern is formed so as to restrict the user from getting hold or grip on the inner portion (170A) of the front cover (170). In an embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) are forming the pinning pattern in parallel straight line in the front view along the inner portion (170A) of the front cover (170). However, in another embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) may form the pinning pattern in zig-zag way in the front view along the inner portion (170A) of the front cover (170).

[00045] As mentioned above, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) are forming the pinning pattern along the inner portion (170A) of the front cover (170). Accordingly, a large area of the front cover (170) is in a shape that the user does not directly hold or grip the front cover (170) by reducing the area for holding or lifting the inner portion (170 A) of the front cover (170).

[00046] In an embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members (180) are integrated with the front cover (170). However, in another embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) may attached removably with the front cover

(170).

[00047] Figure 4 illustrate a sectional view of the front cover (170) of the vehicle (100), the section taken along A-A axis as shown in the Figure 3, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) are provided on the inner portion (170A) for reducing the gripping of a user hand (195-shown as an arrow) on the inner portion (170A) thereby making him unable to lift the front cover (170). Accordingly, the user hand (195-shown as an arrow) is unable to come in contact with the inner portion (170A) due to the presence of pinning pattern along the inner portion (170 A) of the front cover (170).

[00048] In shown illustration, the plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) are extending downwardly perpendicularly from surface of the inner portion (170 A) of the front cover (170). In another embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members

(180a, 180b) are extending downwardly angularly from surface of the inner portion (170A) of the front cover (170). The angle may vary in accordance with the mounting location of the front cover (170).

[00049] In present embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) are forming a V-shaped structure. However, in another embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) may have U-shaped, L-shaped, Z-shaped etc. structure. Also, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) shape depends on the inner and outer structure of the front cover (170). Also, the front cover (170) shape depends on the inner and outer structure of the headlamp assembly (140). [00050] In present embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) extending along a longitudinal direction (Fr-Rr) of the vehicle (100). Further, in another embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) extending perpendicularly from the longitudinal direction (Fr-Rr) of the vehicle (100).

[00051] In present embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) are made of material having high strength and minimal weight such as sheet metal, plastic etc. Further, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) on the inner portion (170A) provides additional strength to the front cover (170) with minimal additional weight. In another embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) may be made of any material having high strength and minimal weight. [00052] In an embodiment, the plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) are made up of similar material used for manufacturing the front cover (170). However, in another embodiment, material used for manufacturing the plurality of protrusion members ( 180) may be different from the material used for manufacturing the front cover (170).

[00053] Additionally, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) on the inner portion (170A) assist in protecting the foreign materials coming with the traveling wind. Hence, the present invention enhances durability of various electrical and other internal vehicular components (not shown) in the proximity of the handle bar (108) and the head pipe (109).

[00054] In present invention is that the front cover (170) is attached with the headlamp cover (141) of the headlamp assembly (140). Due to this arrangement, the front cover (170) covers various components without affecting the front aesthetics of the vehicle (100).

[00055] The present invention enhances safety of the vehicle (100) by protecting the front cover (170) from any breakage or cracks by avoiding formation of weak spots on the front cover (170) due to holding and lifting of the front cover (170) by the user. As the presence of the plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) prevent formation of weak spots on the front cover (170).

[00056] Further, the present invention strengthens the front cover (170) of the vehicle (100) without affecting the front aesthetics of the vehicle (100) thereby ensuring that the front cover (170) works effectively for complete life cycle. [00057] With present invention, the user cannot get hold under the front cover

(170) for holding or transporting the vehicle (100) due to the presence of the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b).

[00058] Additionally, the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) of the present invention makes the front cover (170) uneasy and inconvenient to hold while servicing the vehicle (100). The present invention protects the front cover (170) from breakage during servicing, transportation of the vehicle (100) thereby increasing the life-cycle of the front cover (170). [00059] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention. [00060] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

We claim:

1. A vehicle (100) comprising:

a frame (102) comprises a head pipe (109);

a steering assembly (104) operatively coupled to the head pipe (109); a headlamp assembly (140) mounted to the frame (102); a front wheel (106) operatively connected to the steering assembly (104);

a suspension assembly (105) attached to the head pipe (109), the suspension assembly (105) comprises a pair of front forks (105R, 105L) attached to lower end of the head pipe (109); and

a front cover (170) configured to enclose at-least a front portion (155) of the vehicle (100), the front cover (170) comprising:

an outer portion (170B), the at least portion of the outer portion (170B) facing towards the headlamp assembly (140); and an inner portion (170A), the at least portion of the inner portion (170A) facing towards the front wheel (106), wherein the inner portion (170A) comprises a plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) to restrict user from lifting the front cover (170).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) extend downwardly perpendicularly from the inner portion (170 A).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) extend along a longitudinal direction (Fr-Rr) of the vehicle (100).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusion members ( 180a, 180b) extend orthogonally to the longitudinal direction (Fr-Rr) of the vehicle (100).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front cover (170) disposed frontwards of the suspension assembly (105), downwards to the headlamp assembly (140), and upwards to the front wheel (170) of the vehicle (100).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) disposed along the inner portion (170A) to pinch the user while holding and lifting the front cover (170).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) are spiked along the inner portion (170A) to restrict user from holding and lifting the front cover (170).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front cover (170) disposed in a manner that the suspension assembly (105) gets sufficient movement space, and the headlamp assembly (140) lightening area remains unaffected.

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of protrusion members (180a, 180b) having at-least one of the structure from group of structure comprising V-shape, U-shape, L-shape, Z-shape structures.

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a headlamp cover (141) is disposed on the headlamp assembly (140).

11. The vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1 and claim 10, wherein the front cover (170) is attached to headlamp cover (141).

12. The vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front cover (170) comprises a plurality of front cover mounting provisions ( 185, 186, 187, 188, 189), wherein the plurality of front cover mounting provisions (185,186, 187,188,189) attached with mounting provisions of the headlamp cover (141).