Mounting structure for optical unit and sun visor of saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates 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). The top panel (112) includes a planar panel (114) mounted to a 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), the visor bracket (118) supporting the visor member (120). The bottom surface (114b) is adapted to receive and support the optical unit (102) around a window portion (114c) provided to the top panel (112). The optical unit (102) is adapted to transmit an image onto the rear surface (120b) of the visor member (120), thereby preventing misguidance to the rider during movement of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure of an optical unit for a saddle-type vehicle, and more particularly to a mounting structure of a head-up display (HUD) unit for a saddle-type vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle is equipped with an instrument console for displaying one or more vehicle-related information to a rider. Typically, the instrument console is positioned above and rearward of the vehicle's steering member. The instrument console includes a viewing portion for displaying one or more vehicle-related information to the rider. Due to the rearward position of the instrument console relative to the steering member, the rider may need to tilt their head downward toward the viewing portion to view the one or more vehicle-related information. This situation may cause the rider's line of sight or perspective to be diverted away from the road, which can be disastrous.

[0003] Furthermore, the one or more vehicle information displayed on conventional instrument clusters is often cluttered, resulting in a rider requiring a longer duration to comprehend the one or more vehicle-related information displayed on the instrument cluster. This further increases the time the rider's eyes are away from the road, thereby further increasing the likelihood of the rider having an accident, which is undesirable.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a mounting structure of an optical unit for a vehicle that solves at least one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, a mounting structure for an optical unit of a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The mounting structure includes 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 includes a planar panel mounted to the top portion of the front panel assembly and at least one extension defined on a top surface of the planar panel. Each of the at least one extension is adapted to support a sun visor bracket, wherein the sun visor bracket is adapted to support a sun visor member. The bottom surface is adapted to receive and support the optical unit around a window portion provided to the top panel. The optical unit is supported on the bottom surface to transmit one or more images to a rear surface of the sun visor member through the window portion.

[0006] In one embodiment, a front panel assembly includes a left surface extending rearward from a left peripheral edge of a headlight mounting portion and a right surface extending rearward from a right peripheral edge of the headlight mounting portion. The left and right surfaces are capable of supporting a handlebar of a saddle-type vehicle. A first connecting surface extends between the left and right surfaces and connects the rear peripheral surfaces of the left and right surfaces. A second connecting surface is defined on a top peripheral surface of the headlight mounting portion. The first and second connecting surfaces are capable of receiving and supporting a top panel on a top portion of the front panel assembly.

[0007] In one embodiment, the at least one extending portion includes a left extending portion provided on a left portion of the top panel and a right extending portion provided on a right portion of the top panel.

[0008] In one embodiment, the window portion of the top panel is disposed between the left extension portion and the right extension portion.

[0009] In an embodiment, the rear surface of the sun visor member is provided with a reflective coating for reflecting one or more images transmitted by the optical unit.The reflective coating is provided at a central portion of the rear surface of the sun visor member.

[0010] In an embodiment, the top panel is inclined towards the rear surface of the visor member for enabling capture and reflection of one or more images transmitted by the optical unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the top panel is integrally mounted on the top portion of the front panel assembly.

[0012] In an embodiment, the visor bracket is integrally mounted to at least one of the visor member and the roof panel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the sun visor bracket defines a bell-shaped profile having a first end and a second end. Each of the first end and the second end is provided with a mounting means for engaging with the sun visor member.

[0014] In one embodiment, the sun visor bracket is provided with a plurality of rib members. The plurality of rib members are provided on the inner surface of the sun visor bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Reference will be made to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Although the present invention has been generally described in the context of these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these specific embodiments.

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a saddle-type vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2is a perspective view of a front panel assembly of a saddle-type vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a front panel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is a top view of a front panel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a top panel of a front panel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 is a top view of a top panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of a top panel depicting an optical unit mounted to a bottom surface of the top panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 is a bottom perspective view of a front panel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, depicting the top panel being installed on the front panel assembly.

[0024] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a front panel assembly depicting the installation of a sun visor bracket on a roof panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of a front panel assembly depicting the projection of one or more images from an optical unit onto a visor member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 is a right side cross-sectional view of a front panel assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a sun visor member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a sun visor bracket according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 14 is a perspective view of a roof panel with a sun visor bracket installed according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a front panel assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, depicting a top panel integrated with the front panel assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention relates to a mounting structure for an optical unit of a saddle-type vehicle. In one embodiment, the optical unit may be a head-up display (HUD) unit of the saddle-type vehicle, which is adapted to project one or more images related to one or more vehicle-related parameters onto a sun visor member of the saddle-type vehicle.

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of a saddle-type vehicle 106 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The saddle-type vehicle 106 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle 106") includes a mounting structure 100 for supporting an optical unit 102. The mounting structure 100 is adapted to facilitate assembly of the optical unit 102 in the vehicle 106, thereby improving the maintainability and aesthetics of the vehicle 106.

[0033] Combine Figure 1 refer to Figure 2 , depicts a perspective view of a mounting structure 100. The mounting structure 100 includes a front panel assembly 108 disposed on a front portion (not shown) of a frame member (not shown) of a vehicle 106. The front panel assembly 108 is capable of receiving a headlamp assembly 110 (e.g., Figure 1 ). In this embodiment, the front panel assembly 108 includes 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 illuminating portion (not shown) of the headlamp assembly 110 protrudes from the headlamp mounting portion 122. Thus, the headlamp assembly 110 is positioned at a front portion (not shown) of the front panel assembly 108, thereby ensuring that the headlamp assembly 110 provides visibility of the road ahead of the rider of the vehicle 106 during vehicle movement.

[0034] In another embodiment, the headlamp mounting portion 122 can be a panel including an opening or window for receiving and supporting the headlamp assembly 110. Along the perimeter of the opening or window, the front panel assembly 108 can be provided with one or more mounting devices (not shown) for mounting the headlamp assembly 110. The one or more mounting devices can be one of a fastening device, a plug attachment device, or a snap-fit device adapted to engage with the headlamp assembly 110.

[0035] The front panel assembly 108 further includes a left surface 108b extending rearward from a left side periphery of the headlamp mounting portion 122. In addition, a right surface 108c extends rearward 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 (e.g., a handlebar 136 of the vehicle 106) Figure 1). In one embodiment, each of the left and right surfaces 108b, 108c includes a cutout 104 for receiving and supporting a handlebar 136. Thus, the front panel assembly 108 can also serve as a handlebar cover for the vehicle 106. In one embodiment, the left and right surfaces 108b, 108c extend rearwardly from the headlight mounting portion 122 in a diverging manner.

[0036] A rear panel (not shown) is mounted along the rear surfaces (not shown) of the left and right surfaces 108 b and 120 b. The rear panel is oriented transversely relative to the vertical direction of the vehicle 106. When mounted on the left and right surfaces 108 b and 108 c, the rear panel serves as a rear side cover for the front panel assembly 108. Therefore, when mounted, the rear panel shields the components placed within the front panel assembly 108.

[0037] Combine Figure 2 refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The front panel assembly 108 further includes a first connecting surface 124 extending between the left surface 108b and the right surface 108c. The first connecting surface 124 connects the rear peripheral surfaces 126a and 126b of the left surface 108b and the right surface 108c. In one embodiment, the first connecting surface 124 extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle 106. The first connecting surface 124 is adapted to enhance the structural rigidity of the front panel assembly 108. In addition, the second connecting surface 128 (refer to Figure 4 ) is provided on the top peripheral surface 130 of the headlamp mounting portion 122. The second connecting surface 128 also extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle 106. The first connecting surface 124 and the second connecting surface 128 are provided on the top portion of the front panel assembly 108. In one embodiment, the first connecting surface 124 is provided at the rear portion of the front panel assembly 108, while the second connecting surface 128 is provided at the front portion of the front panel assembly 108. The first connecting surface 124 and the second connecting surface 128 are adapted to receive and support the top panel 112 (at the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108) on the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108. Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown in ).

[0038] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6, depicts the top panel 112 of the front panel assembly 108. The top panel 112 is adapted to be mounted on the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108 via a first connection surface 124 and a second connection surface 128. Because the first connection surface 124 is disposed on the rear portion of the front panel assembly 108 and the second connection surface 128 is disposed on the front portion of the front panel assembly 108, the top panel 112 is joined at its front and rear peripheries (not shown). Thus, the first connection surface 124 and the second connection surface 128 provide a stable connection surface for mounting the top panel 112 on the front panel assembly 108. In one embodiment, each of the first connection surface 124 and the second connection surface 128 includes a mounting means (not shown), such as a fastening means or a snap fit means, for engaging with the top panel 112.

[0039] The top panel 112 includes a planar panel 114 that is mounted to the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108. The planar panel 114 is mounted to a first connection surface 124 and a second connection surface 128 for mounting to the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108. The planar panel 114 can be mounted to the top portion 108a by conventional mounting techniques known in the art, such as fastening and snap-fit techniques. In one embodiment, a mounting surface (not shown) can extend laterally downward along the perimeter of the planar panel 114. The mounting surface can engage with the first connection surface 124 and the second connection surface 128 to enable the planar panel 114 to be mounted together with the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108. In one embodiment, the top panel 112 or the planar panel 114 can be integrated into the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108 (e.g., Figure 15 shown).

[0040] At least one extension portion 116a, 116b (hereinafter referred to as 'extension portion 116a, 116b') is provided on the top surface 114a of the flat panel 114. The extension portions 116a, 116b protrude laterally and rearward from the top surface 114a of the flat panel 114. Therefore, when viewed from the side of the vehicle 106, the extension portions 116a, 116b are inclined rearward from the top surface 114a. Each of the extension portions 116a, 116b is adapted to support a sun visor bracket 118 (e.g., Figure 2 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 13 and Figure 14 In this embodiment, each of the extensions 116a, 116b is provided with a hole 138 (as shown) for enabling the sun visor bracket 118 to be fastened. Figure 9 shown).

[0041] In this embodiment, the extension portions 116a and 116b include a right extension bracket 116a disposed on the right side portion 112a of the roof panel 112, and a left extension bracket 116b disposed on the left side portion 112b of the roof panel 112. In one embodiment, the extension lengths of the left and right extension brackets 116b and 116a are selected based on the size of the sun visor bracket 118. In one embodiment, the cross-sections of the left and right extension brackets 116b and 116a may be rectangular, square, or circular, depending on design feasibility and requirements in the vehicle 106.

[0042] refer to Figure 7 The planar panel 114 is further adapted to receive and support the optical unit 102. In this embodiment, the 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 devices 140 for enabling the mounting of the optical unit 102. In this embodiment, the one or more mounting devices 140 are plug members capable of receiving fasteners 142. Thus, the optical unit 102 is fastened to the one or more mounting devices 140 via the fasteners 142. The fasteners 142 are adapted to engage with mounting members 144 provided on the outer periphery of the optical unit 102 and the one or more mounting devices 140 for mounting the optical unit 102 on the bottom surface 114b of the planar panel 114. In one embodiment, the optical unit 102 may be a unit adapted to display one or more vehicle-related parameters (such as vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel level, etc.).

[0043] Further, the flat panel 114 is provided with a window portion 114c. The window portion 114c is adapted to allow one or more images to be transmitted through the window portion 114c to the rear surface 120b of the sun visor member 120 (e.g., Figure 10 (as shown). In this embodiment, window portion 114c is provided between left extension portion 116a and right extension portion 116b. In one embodiment, window portion 114c may be an opening or cutout provided in planar panel 114 for transmitting one or more images projected from optical unit 102. In another embodiment, window portion 114c may be provided with a glass or transparent surface for transmitting one or more images from optical unit 102. In another embodiment, window portion 114c is rectangular in shape, depending on the shape of optical unit 102 that projects one or more images. Therefore, the shape of window portion 114c may be varied or taken into account depending on the shape of optical unit 102.

[0044] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 13, a sun visor bracket 118 is mounted on each of the extensions 116a, 116b. The sun visor bracket 118 may also be integrated into the top panel 112 or the flat panel 114 (e.g. Figure 14 ). In this embodiment, the sun visor bracket 118 defines a bell-shaped profile (or dumbbell-shaped profile) having a first end 118a and a second end 118b. In this embodiment, the sun visor bracket 118 is coupled to each of the extensions 116a, 116b via the second end 118b. When the extensions 116a, 116b project rearwardly relative to the vehicle 106, the sun visor bracket 118 also tilts rearwardly relative to the vehicle 106 when mounted on the extensions 116a, 116b. The sun visor bracket 118 is adapted to support the sun visor member 120 (e.g., Figure 2 、 Figure 10 、 Figure 11 and Figure 12 ). The sun visor bracket 118 is engaged with the sun 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 device 132 for engaging with the sun visor member 120 (at Figure 13 In one embodiment, the first end 118a and the second end 118b may be integrally mounted with the visor member 120.

[0045] In one embodiment, the mounting device 132 may be a plug member adapted to engage with an aperture 120d provided in the sun visor member 120. This creates a plug-in engagement between the sun visor bracket 118 and the sun visor member 120. Furthermore, because the sun visor bracket 118 is tilted rearward relative to the vehicle 106, the sun visor member 120 is also tilted rearward when installed. The sun visor member 120 is adapted to deflect oncoming air toward the rider during vehicle movement, thereby enhancing rider comfort during vehicle movement. Furthermore, the tilt of the sun visor member 120 enhances the aerodynamics of the vehicle 106, thereby reducing the drag provided by air to the movement of the vehicle 106.

[0046] In this embodiment, the sun visor bracket 118 is provided with a plurality of rib members 134 (such as Figure 13 (As shown). A plurality of rib members 134 are provided on the inner surface 118c of the sun visor bracket 118 to enhance the structural strength of the sun visor bracket 118. In one embodiment, the plurality of rib members 134 are arranged in a hexagonal pattern. In one embodiment, the sun visor bracket 118 can be made of metal, non-metallic, or composite materials, depending on design feasibility and requirements.

[0047] Now refer to Figure 12, depicts a perspective view of a sun visor member 120. The sun visor member 120 has a front surface 120a and a rear surface 120b. The sun visor member 120 is mounted on the roof or planar panel 114 via a sun visor bracket 118, with the front surface 120a facing the front of the vehicle 116 and the rear surface 120b facing the rear of the vehicle 116. Thus, the rear surface 120b of the sun visor member 120 faces the window portion 114c of the roof or planar panel 114. The rear surface 120b of the sun visor member 120 is provided with a reflective coating that reflects one or more images transmitted by the optical unit 102. Thus, one or more vehicle-related information is visible to the rider through the rear surface 120b of the sun visor member 120. In one embodiment, the reflective coating is provided in the central portion 120c of the rear surface 120b of the sun visor member 120. In one embodiment, the top panel 112 or the planar panel 114 can be tilted toward the rear surface 120b of the visor member 120 to enable capture and reflection of one or more images transmitted by the optical unit 102. In one embodiment, the tilt of the top panel 112 or the planar panel 114 is selected based on the position of the visor member 120 to ensure optimal reflection of the one or more images.

[0048] In one embodiment, within the scope of the present invention, the embodiments involving the flat panel 114 may also be considered for the top panel 112 depending on design feasibility and requirements.

[0049] In one embodiment, during assembly, the optical unit 102 is first fastened to the bottom surface 114b of the planar panel 114 via fasteners 142. During fastening, the optical unit 102, along with the planar panel 114, is mounted to the top portion 108a of the front panel assembly 108 via the first and second connecting surfaces 124, 128. Thereafter, the sun visor bracket 118 is mounted to the extensions 116a, 116b. Subsequently, the sun visor member 120 is mounted to the sun visor bracket 120 using a snap-fit technique. During installation, while the ignition is on in the vehicle 106, one or more images from the optical unit 102 are transmitted to the rear surface 120b of the sun visor member 120, enabling the rider to read one or more vehicle-related information.

[0050] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well known in the art as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to problems present in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspects of providing a top panel or flat panel for supporting the optical unit ensure ease of assembly and structural integrity of the mounting structure while ensuring ease of assembly of the optical unit. The ease of assembly results in easy repair of the mounting structure during maintenance requirements. Moreover, mounting the top panel via the first and second connecting surfaces further enhances the structural integrity. Additionally, the transmission of one or more images on the rear surface of the visor member ensures that the rider's line of sight is on the road surface and thereby prevents misleading the rider in understanding one or more vehicle-related information. Thus, the safety of the rider during movement of the vehicle is ensured.

[0051] Reference numerals

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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 to the top portion (108a) of the front panel assembly (108); at least one extension (116a, 116b) defined on a top surface (114a) of the planar panel (114), each of the at least one extension (116a, 116b) being adapted to support a sun visor bracket (118), wherein the sun visor bracket (118) is adapted to support a sun visor member (120); and A bottom surface (114b) adapted to receive and support the optical unit (102) around 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 to a rear surface (120b) of the sun visor member (120) through the window portion (114c).

2. The mounting structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The front panel assembly (108) includes: a left surface (108b) extending rearward from a left periphery of the headlamp mounting portion (122); a right surface (108c) extending rearward from a right side periphery of the headlight 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) are capable of receiving and supporting the top panel (112) on the top portion (108a) of the front panel assembly (108).

3. The mounting structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one extension portion (116a, 116b) includes a left extension portion (116a) provided on a left side portion (112a) of the top panel (112) and a right extension portion (116b) provided on a right side portion (112b) of the top panel (112).

4. The mounting structure (100) according to 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).

5. The mounting structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The rear surface (120b) of the sun visor member (120) is provided with a reflective coating for reflecting the one or more images transmitted by the optical unit (102), and the reflective coating is provided at a central portion (120c) of the rear surface (120b) of the sun visor member (120).

6. The mounting structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The top panel (112) is tilted toward the rear surface (120b) of the visor member (120) to enable capturing and reflecting the one or more images transmitted by the optical unit (102).

7. The mounting structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The top panel (112) is integrally mounted on the top portion (108a) of the front panel assembly (108).

8. The mounting structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The visor bracket (118) is integrally mounted to at least one of the visor member (120) and the roof panel (112).

9. The mounting structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The visor bracket (118) defines 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 device (132) for engaging with the visor member (120).

10. The mounting structure (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The sun visor bracket (118) is provided with a plurality of rib members (134), and the plurality of rib members (134) are provided on an inner surface (118c) of the sun visor bracket (118).

Images