Support structure of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses a support structure (202) of a vehicle (100). The support structure (202) is mounted to a head tube (210) of a body frame (120). The support structure (202) includes a top wall (218) extending forwardly along a vehicle length direction (226), a bottom wall (220) extending forwardly along the vehicle length direction (226), an oblique wall (222) extending obliquely in a downward direction, and a plurality of ribs (224) extending from the oblique wall (222). The oblique wall (222) connects the top wall (218) with the bottom wall (220). The top wall (218), the bottom wall (220), the oblique wall (222), and the plurality of ribs (224) form a plurality of through channels (230) therebetween along the vehicle width direction (W). The top wall (218), the bottom wall (220), the oblique wall (222), and the plurality of ribs (224) collectively form a single-piece structure.

Description

SUPPORT STRUCTURE OF A VEHICLECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from Indian Non-provisional patent application 202411012238, filed on 21 February 2024 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle and more particularly relates, to a support structure of the vehicle designed to support one or more vehicle components in a front portion of the vehicle.BACKGROUND

[0003] A vehicle is provided with a support structure in a front portion of the vehicle for mounting a plurality of vehicular components, such as a horn, couplers, front body cover, an electronic control unit, a telematic control unit, etc. To mount these vehicular components, the support structure is made up of different parts that are joined together using a suitable joining technique (e.g., welding).

[0004] In order to mount the plurality of the above-mentioned vehicular components, the support has to be more rigid and should possess superior mechanical properties (e.g., bending, shearing, etc.). To overcome these challenges, the support structure of certain existing vehicles is made of pipe-shaped metallic members. Such provisions, however, form a complex design that increases the material cost and the number of manufacturing stages required. Also, such a design of the support structure is bulky, which increases the overall weight of the support structure.

[0005] Further, as the support structure mounts the plurality of electronic components (e.g., the electronic control unit, the telematic control unit, etc.) in a front structure of the vehicle, the front structure is messed with wire harnesses of the electronic components. Also, cables of a braking system, clutch, headlight, etc., pass there through due to layout space constraints of the front structure. Consequently, longer wire harnesses and cables are required for the assembly which increases the material cost thereof. Due to these complexities in thedesign, the assembly of the support structure with the body frame is time-consuming and requires skilled manpower for assembly.SUMMARY

[0006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that is 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.

[0007] In order to solve the forgoing problem and to provide other advantages, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a vehicle. The vehicle includes a body frame and a support structure. The support structure is mounted to a head tube of the body frame and extends forwardly ahead of the head tube. The support structure includes a top wall extending forwardly along a vehicle length direction, a bottom wall extending forwardly along the vehicle length direction, an oblique wall extending obliquely in a downward direction, and a plurality of ribs extending from the oblique wall. The oblique wall connects the top wall with the bottom wall. The top wall, the bottom wall, the oblique wall, and the plurality of ribs form a plurality of through channels therebetween along the vehicle width direction. The top wall, the bottom wall, the oblique wall, and the plurality of ribs collectively form a single -piece structure.

[0008] In an aspect, the support structure includes a front mounting wall and a rear mounting wall. The front mounting wall connects a front end of the top wall with a front end of the bottom wall. The rear mounting wall connects a rear end of the top wall with a rear end of the bottom wall.

[0009] In an aspect, the front mounting wall has a first mounting member, a second mounting member, and a third mounting member. The first mounting member protrudes forwardly from a front side of the front mounting wall and is adapted to mount an audio device of the vehicle. The second mounting member protrudes forwardly from the front side and is adapted to support a front body panel of the vehicle. The third mounting member extends outwardly from one side of the front mounting wall and is adapted to mount a first coupler.

[0010] In an aspect, the rear mounting wall includes engaging members. The engaging members are adapted to be engaged with complementary engaging members of the head tube.

[0011] In an aspect, the support structure includes an extended member, a first member, and a second member. The extended member extends downwardly from the bottom wall, the first wall extends forwardly from a top portion of the extended member, and the second wall extends forwardly from a bottom portion of the extended member. The first member and the second member are adapted to receive receiving members of an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The support structure also has a protruded element protruding upwardly from the top wall. The protruded element is adapted to mount a second coupler of the vehicle. Further, at least two ribs of the plurality of ribs include receiving members. The receiving members are adapted to receive complementary receiving members of a telematic control unit of the vehicle.

[0012] In an aspect, the support structure includes a connecting member. The connecting member connects a rear end of the bottom wall with the bottom portion of the extended member. The connecting member, the extended member, and a part of the bottom wall form a through opening therebetween at least to passthrough wire harnesses.

[0013] In an aspect, the support structure is made up of resin material. The resin material is glass-filled nylon material.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention discloses a support structure of a vehicle. The support structure includes a top wall extending forwardly along a vehicle length direction, a bottom wall extending forwardly along the vehicle length direction, an oblique wall extending obliquely in a downward direction, and a plurality of ribs extending from the oblique wall. The oblique wall connects the top wall with the bottom wall. The top wall, the bottom wall, the oblique wall, and the plurality of ribs form a plurality of through channels therebetween along the vehicle width direction. The top wall, the bottom wall, the oblique wall, and the plurality of ribs collectively form a single-piece structure.

[0015] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0016] The invention itself, together with further features and advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunctionwith 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:

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2A illustrates an exploded view of an assembly of a front body panel and a support structure with a body frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of the support structure with the body frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2C illustrates a perspective view of portion ‘A’ of Figure 2B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2D illustrates a right exploded view of portion ‘A’ of Figure 2B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2E illustrates a left exploded view of portion ‘A’ of Figure 2B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2F illustrates an exploded view of an assembly of the support structure with a head tube of the body frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2G illustrates a right perspective view of the support structure of Figure 2F, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0025] Figure 2H illustrates a left perspective view of the support structure of Figure 2F, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] 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

[0027] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternativeforms, a specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail 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 alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[0028] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device, 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 device 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.

[0029] For a better understanding of this invention, a 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.

[0030] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a two-wheeled or saddle-riding type vehicle, however, an apparatus and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. It is to be noted that terms, such as “scooter-type vehicle”, “scooter-type electric vehicle”, “two-wheeled vehicle”, “two-wheeled electric vehicle”, “vehicle”, and “electric vehicle” are interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” and “electric vehicle” include vehicles, such as motorcycles, electric motorcycles, scooters, electric bicycles, mopeds, electric mopeds, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and the like.

[0031] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top / upward”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle rider sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a twowheeled electric vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as electric scooters, three-wheeled electric vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), etc.,without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0033] The vehicle (100) (also referred to as “electric vehicle (100)”) includes a front-end structure (102), a footboard (104), and a rear-end structure (106). The front-end structure (102) forms a front portion (108) of the vehicle (100) and the rear-end structure (106) forms a rear portion (110) of the vehicle (100). The footboard (104) lies between the front-end structure (102) and the rear-end structure (106). The footboard (104) provides a footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (100).

[0034] The front-end structure (102) includes a front ground engaging member (112), a headlamp (114), a front body panel (115), a steering assembly (116), and a handlebar (118). In an illustrated embodiment, the front ground engaging member (112) is operatively coupled to the handlebar (118) and a body frame (120). The front-end structure (102) may further include a dash assembly, mirror / s, indicator light / s, etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0035] The rear-end structure (106) includes at least a rear ground engaging member (122), a power unit (123), rear body panels (124) covering at least a part of the body frame (120), and a seat (126). The rear ground engaging member (122) is operatively coupled to the body frame (120). The seat (126) is adapted to provide seating for the rider and a pillion rider. The power unit (123) is swingably coupled to the body frame (120) and is adapted to provide the necessary power required to drive the rear ground engaging member (122). Alternatively, the power unit (123) may provide the necessary power to drive the front ground engaging member (112), or both the front ground engaging member (112) and the rear ground engaging member (122) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0036] The vehicle (100) disclosed in the illustrated embodiment is the electric vehicle (100). The power unit (123) of the electric vehicle (100) includes a motor, at least one battery, and a transmission system (not shown in Figure 7). The at least one battery is adapted to supply electrical power to the motor.

[0037] It may be noted that the vehicle (100) is shown to have included the abovestated parts, however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle (100) includes other parts that may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.

[0038] Figure 2A illustrates an exploded view of an assembly (200) of the front body panel (115) and a support structure (202) with the body frame (120), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view of the assembly (200) of the support structure (202) with the body frame (120), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The support structure (202) is mounted to the body frame (120) and is adapted to support the front body panel (115).

[0039] The body frame (120) has a front frame structure (204), a floor structure (206), and a rear frame structure (208). The front frame structure (204) includes at least a head tube (210) and a main frame member (212). The main frame member (212) extends obliquely in a rearward and downward direction from the head tube (210), towards the floor structure (206). The head tube (210) is adapted at least to mount the support structure (202). The floor structure (206) is designed to mount the footboard (104) and to connect the front body panel (115). The rear frame structure (208) includes at least a first seat rail member (214L) and a second seat rail member (214R). The first seat rail member (214L) and the second seat rail member (214R) are connected to the main frame member (212) through a cross member (216). In other words, the cross member (216) connects the main frame member (212) with the first seat rail member (214L) and the second seat rail member (214R). It may be noted that the body frame (120) is shown to have included the above-stated parts, however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the body frame (120) includes other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described. Also, it should be noted that the design of the body frame (120) is not limited to the design disclosed herein. In other embodiments of the invention, based on the feasibility and requirements, the design of the body frame (120) can be varied.

[0040] Figure 2C illustrates a perspective view of portion ‘A’ of Figure 2B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2D illustrates a right exploded view of portion ‘A’ of Figure 2B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2E illustrates a left exploded view of portion ‘A’ of Figure 2B, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2F illustrates an exploded view of an assembly of the support structure (202) with the head tube (210) of the body frame (120), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2G illustrates a right perspective view of the support structure (202) of Figure 2F, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2H illustrates a left perspective view of the support structure (202) of Figure2F, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] The support structure (202) includes a top wall (218), a bottom wall (220), an oblique wall (222), and a plurality of ribs (224). Both the top wall (218) and the bottom wall (220) are extended forwardly along a vehicle length direction (see, 226 of Figures 2A and 2B). The oblique wall (222) extends obliquely in a downward direction and is adapted to connect the top wall (218) with the bottom wall (220). The oblique wall (222) is a load-bearing member that connects the top wall (218) with the bottom wall (220) at a predetermined angle. While the plurality of ribs (224) extends from the oblique wall (222) towards the top wall (218) and the bottom wall (220). The plurality of ribs (224) is adapted, at least in part, to strengthen walls (i.e., the top wall (218), the bottom wall (220), and the oblique wall (222)) of the support structure (202) without an increase in thickness thereof. For instance, the top wall (218) is connected to the oblique wall (222) through at least one rib (228) of the plurality of ribs (224) to transfer the load from the top wall (218) to the oblique wall (222) and to support the top wall (218).

[0042] The top wall (218), the bottom wall (220), the oblique wall (222), and the plurality of ribs (224) form a plurality of through channels (230) therebetween along the vehicle width direction (W). The plurality of through channels (230) significantly reduces the material requirement of the support structure (202). As a consequence, the weight of the support structure (202) is reduced which in turn reduces the overall weight of the vehicle (100).

[0043] The support structure (202) further includes a front mounting wall (232) and a rear mounting wall (234). The front mounting wall (232) connects a front end (236) of the top wall (218) with a front end (238) of the bottom wall (220). The front mounting wall (232) designed to mount one or more vehicular components includes a first mounting member (240), second mounting members (242), and a third mounting member (244).

[0044] As shown in Figure 2F, the first mounting member (240) protrudes forwardly from a front side (246) of the front mounting wall (232). The first mounting member (240) is adapted to mount an audio device (248) of the vehicle (100). The audio device (248) of the illustrated configuration is a horn that is, at least in part, used to alert a rider of approaching vehicles or any person approaching the vehicle (100). In the illustrated configuration, the first mounting member (240) forms a shape of a hollow cylindrical element. While a first complementary mounting member (250) of the audio device (248) forms a shapeof a hole having a diameter substantially equal to an inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical element, designed to pass through a first fastening member (252) having a thread profile complementary to a thread profile of the first mounting member (240) and the first complementary mounting member (250). This configuration of the first fastening member (252) mounts the audio device (248) with the support structure (202) securely. It should be noted that the first fastening member (252) used herein is a screw. However, based on the geometrical configuration of the audio device (248), another type of the first fastening member (252), such as but not limited to, nut and bolt, stud, eye bolt, and the like can also be used for mounting the audio device (248) with the support structure (202) in a secure manner.

[0045] Referring now to Figure 2A, the second mounting members (242) of the front mounting wall (232) are designed to support the front body panel (115). The second mounting members (242) protrude forwardly from the front side (246) of the front mounting wall (232). The second mounting members (242) disclosed herein are formed as hollow cylinders of predetermined sizes ( / '.<?., inner diameter, outer diameter, and length), designed to form a mounting connection with second complementary mounting members (254) of the front body panel (115). The second complementary mounting members (254) form a shape of through holes having diameters substantially equal to the inner diameter of the hollow cylinders. Second fastening members (256) pass through the second complementary mounting members (254) of the front body panel (115) and secure within the second mounting members (242) of the front mounting wall (232). This configuration allows the front body panel (115) to be supported by the front mounting wall (232) securely. It is to be noted that based on the design of the front body panel (115), the design of the second mounting members (242) and the mounting arrangement thereof would vary correspondingly.

[0046] The front mounting wall (232) further includes the third mounting member (244). The third mounting member (244) extends outwardly from one side (L) of the front mounting wall (232) and is adapted to mount a first coupler (258). Herein, one side (L) of the front mounting wall (232) is a left side thereof. In an embodiment, the first coupler (258) may be mounted to the third mounting member (244) through an interference fit. The first coupler (258) can be used to secure a relay (e.g., turn signal relay), without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0047] Referring now to Figure 2F, the support structure (202) extends forwardly ahead of the head tube (210). The rear mounting wall (234) of the support structure (202)connects a rear end (260) of the top wall (218) with a rear end (262) of the bottom wall (220). The rear mounting wall (234) includes engaging members (264). The engaging members (264) are adapted to be engaged with complementary engaging members (266) of the head tube (210). The engaging members (264) are adapted to be engaged with complementary engaging members (266) through fastening elements (268). In the illustrated configuration, the engaging members (264) and the complementary engaging members (266) are provided with threaded holes of predetermined diameter, designed to pass through the fastening elements (268) having a thread profile complementary to a thread profile of the fastening elements (268). This configuration of the fastening elements (268) connects the support structure (202) to the head tube (210) in a secure manner. It should be noted that the fastening elements (268) used herein are screws. However, in other configurations, other types of fasteners, such as, but not limited to, nuts and bolts, studs, eye bolts, and the like can also be used for fastening the support structure (202) to the head tube (210) in a secure manner.

[0048] Referring now to Figures 2D and 2E, the support structure (202) also offers a mounting provision for an electronic control unit (ECU) (282). The support structure (202) includes an extended member (270), a first member (272), and a second member (274). The extended member (270) extends downwardly from the bottom wall (220). While the first member (272) extends forwardly from a top portion (276) of the extended member (270) and the second member (274) extends forwardly from a bottom portion (278) of the extended member (270). The first member (272) and the second member (274) are adapted to receive receiving members (280) of the ECU (282). In the illustrated configuration, the receiving members (280) are rectangular slots secure in the first member (272) and the second member (274). For ease of insertion, a clearance fit can be provided between the receiving members (280) and members ( / '.<?., the first member (272) and the second member (274)). Considering the possibility of looseness, a securing member (284) can be used to pass through the first member (272) and the second member (274). The securing member (284) may be provided with a self-locking arrangement that secures the ECU (282) tightly. However, in another configuration, without using the securing member (284), an interference fit may be used between the receiving members (280) and the members viz. the first member (272) and the second member (274) to secure the ECU (282).

[0049] It is to be noted that the geometrical configuration of the extended member (270), the first member (272), and the second member (274) designed to receive the ECU (282)is dependent upon the geometrical configuration of the receiving members (282) thereof, and therefore, in other embodiments of the invention, the geometrical configuration of the extended member (270), the first member (272), and the second member (274) would vary accordingly.

[0050] Furthermore, the support structure (202) is provided with a connecting member (286). The connecting member (286) connects the rear end (262) of the bottom wall (220) with the bottom portion (278) of the extended member (270). In other words, the connecting member (286) extends from the rear end (262) of the bottom wall (220) to the bottom portion (278) of the extended member (270). The connecting member (286), the extended member (270), and a part (288) of the bottom wall (220) form a through opening (290) therebetween. The through opening (290) is formed along the vehicle width direction (W) and is adapted to pass through wire harnesses of one or more vehicular components, such as the audio device (248), the ECU (282), the headlamp (114), and the like. Such a design of the support structure (202) also sorts out the issue of the routing of the wire harnesses of one or more vehicular components, such as a braking system, clutch, headlight, etc. Additionally, the support structure (202) disclosed herein is compact compared to a support structure (not shown) of a conventional vehicle (not shown). Therefore, an issue of layout space constraint of the front structure of the vehicle (100) is sorted.

[0051] Further, the support structure (202) includes a protruded element (291) that protrudes upwardly from the top wall (218). The protruded element (291) is adapted to mount a second coupler (292) of the vehicle (100). In an embodiment, the second coupler (292) may be mounted to the protruded element (291) through an interference fit. The second coupler (292) can be used to secure the relay (e.g., turn signal relay), without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0052] Furthermore, the support structure (202) is adapted to mount a telematic control unit (TCU) (296). The at least two ribs (293) of the plurality of ribs (224) are provided with receiving members (294). The receiving members (294) are adapted to receive complementary receiving members (295) of the TCU (296). In the illustrated configuration, the TCU (296) is adapted to be connected to the receiving members (294) through a mounting bracket (297). The mounting bracket (297) is fastened to the at least two ribs (293) through screws (298).

[0053] In the illustrated configuration, the complementary receiving members (295)of the TCU (296) are rectangular slots secure in arms of the mounting bracket (297). For ease of insertion, a clearance fit can be provided between the receiving members (294) and the arms of the mounting bracket (297). Considering the possibility of looseness, a redistricting member (299) can be used to pass through the arms of the mounting bracket (297). The restricting member (299) may be provided with a self-locking arrangement that secures the TCU (296) tightly within the mounting bracket (297). However, in another configuration, without using the restricting member (299), an interference fit may be used between the receiving members (294) of the TCU (296) and the arms of the mounting bracket (297).

[0054] It may be noted that the support structure (202) is shown to have included the above-stated parts, however, the support structure (202) may include other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described. Also, it should be noted that the design of the support structure (202) is not limited to the design disclosed herein. In other embodiments of the invention, the design of the support structure (202) can be varied.

[0055] In the disclosed embodiment, the top wall (218), the bottom wall (220), the oblique wall (222), and the plurality of ribs (224) of the support structure (202) collectively form a single-piece structure. The single-piece structure forms a simple design that reduces the manufacturing cost of the support structure (202) by reducing the number of manufacturing stages required.

[0056] The support structure (202) is made up of a suitable material that is light in weight, possesses at least superior mechanical properties like bending strength, shear strength, compressive strength, elasticity, toughness, etc., and can withstand an external load of the vehicle components such as the audio device (248), the ECU (282), the TCU (296), and the like. In the illustrated example, the material of the support structure (202) is a resin that is light in weight, possesses the above-mentioned superior mechanical properties, and is able to withstand the external load of the vehicle components mentioned above. In particular, the resin material can be a glass-filled nylon material. The support structure (202) made up of resin is manufactured using a suitable manufacturing process such as injection molding. However, in another embodiment, the support structure (202) can be made up of one of resin, aluminium, sheet metal, and metal alloy that is light in weight and possesses the above-mentioned superior mechanical properties.

[0057] Various embodiments of the present invention offer multiple advantages and technical effects. Without limiting the scope of the invention, the support structure (202) is designed to mount one or more vehicular components, such as the ECU (282), the TCU (296), the front body panel (115), the first coupler (258), the second coupler (292), and the like. Further, the top wall (218), the bottom wall (220), the oblique wall (222), and the plurality of ribs (224) of the support structure (202) collectively form a single -piece structure. The singlepiece structure is compact in design which reduces the overall weight of the support structure (202). The decrease in the weight of the support structure (202) led to a decrease in the material cost, the overall weight of the vehicle (100), and the packaging constraints of the front portion of the vehicle (100). Furthermore, the through opening (290) of the support structure (202) is adapted to pass through wire harnesses of one or more vehicular components, such as the audio device (248), the ECU (282), the headlamp (114), and the like. Such a design of the support structure (202) also sorts out the issue of the routing of the wire harnesses of one or more vehicular components, such as a braking system, clutch, headlight, etc.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 invention 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

CLAIMS

1. . A vehicle (100), comprising: a body frame (120) comprising a head tube (210); and a support structure (202) mounted to the head tube (210) and extending forwardly ahead of the head tube (210), the support structure (202) comprising: a top wall (218) extending forwardly along a vehicle length direction (226); a bottom wall (220) extending forwardly along the vehicle length direction (226); an oblique wall (222) extending obliquely in a downward direction and connecting the top wall (218) with the bottom wall (220); and a plurality of ribs (224) extending from the oblique wall (222), wherein the top wall (218), the bottom wall (220), the oblique wall (222), and the plurality of ribs (224) form a plurality of through channels (230) therebetween along the vehicle width direction (W), and wherein the top wall (218), the bottom wall (220), the oblique wall (222), and the plurality of ribs (224) collectively form a single -piece structure.

2. . The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (202) comprises: a front mounting wall (232) connecting a front end (236) of the top wall (218) with a front end (238) of the bottom wall (220); and a rear mounting wall (234) connecting a rear end (260) of the top wall (218) with a rear end (262) of the bottom wall (220).

3. . The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the front mounting wall (232) comprises: a first mounting member (240) protruding forwardly from a front side (246) of the front mounting wall (232) and adapted to mount an audio device (248) of the vehicle (100); second mounting members (242) protruding forwardly from the front side (246) and adapted to support a front body panel (115) of the vehicle (100); and a third mounting member (244) extending outwardly from one side (L) of the front mounting wall (232) and adapted to mount a first coupler (258).

4. . The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the rear mounting wall (234) comprises engaging members (264) adapted to be engaged with complementary engaging members (266) of the head tube (210).

5. . The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (202) comprises: an extended member (270) extending downwardly from the bottom wall (220); a first member (272) extending forwardly from a top portion (276) of the extended member (270); a second member (274) extending forwardly from a bottom portion (278) of the extended member (270), wherein the first member (272) and the second member (274) are adapted to receive receiving members (280) of an electronic control unit (282) of the vehicle (100); a protruded element (291) protruding upwardly from the top wall (218), the protruded element (291) adapted to mount a second coupler (292) of the vehicle (100); and at least two ribs (293) of the plurality of ribs (224) comprise receiving members (294) adapted to receive complementary receiving members (295) of a telematic control unit (296) of the vehicle (100).

6. . The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the support structure (202) comprises a connecting member (286) connecting a rear end (262) of the bottom wall (220) with the bottom portion (278) of the extended member (270), the connecting member (286), the extended member (270), and a part (288) of the bottom wall (220) forming a through opening (290) therebetween at least to passthrough wire harnesses.

7. . The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure (202) is made up of resin material.

8. . The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the resin material is glass-filled nylon material.

9. . A support structure (202) of a vehicle (100), comprising: a top wall (218) extending forwardly along a vehicle length direction (226);a bottom wall (220) extending forwardly along the vehicle length direction (226); an oblique wall (222) extending obliquely in a downward direction and connecting the top wall (218) with the bottom wall (220); and a plurality of ribs (224) extending from the oblique wall (222), wherein the top wall (218), the bottom wall (220), the oblique wall (222), and the plurality of ribs (224) form a plurality of through channels (230) therebetween along the vehicle width direction (W), and wherein the top wall (218), the bottom wall (220), the oblique wall (222), and the plurality of ribs (224) collectively form a single -piece structure.

10. . The support structure (202) as claimed in claim 9, comprising: a front mounting wall (232) connecting a front end (236) of the top wall (218) with a front end (238) of the bottom wall (220); and a rear mounting wall (234) connecting a rear end (260) of the top wall (218) with a rear end (262) of the bottom wall (220).

11. . The support structure (202) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the front mounting wall (232) comprises: a first mounting member (240) protruding forwardly from a front side (246) of the front mounting wall (232) and adapted to mount an audio device (248) of the vehicle (100); second mounting members (242) protruding forwardly from the front side (246) and adapted to support a front body panel (115) of the vehicle (100); and a third mounting member (244) extending outwardly from one side (L) of the front mounting wall (232) and adapted to mount a first coupler (258), and wherein the rear mounting wall (234) comprises engaging members (264) adapted to be mounted to complementary engaging members (266) of the head tube (210).

12. . The support structure (202) as claimed in claim 9, comprising: an extended member (270) extending downwardly from the bottom wall (220); a first member (272) extending forwardly from a top portion (276) of the extended member (270);a second member (274) extending forwardly from a bottom portion (278) of the extended member (270), wherein the first member (272) and the second member (274) are adapted to receive receiving members (280) of an electronic control unit (282) of the vehicle (100); a protruded element (291) protruding upwardly from the top wall (218), the protruded element (291) adapted to mount a second coupler (292) of the vehicle (100); and at least two ribs (293) of the plurality of ribs (224) comprise receiving members (294) adapted to receive complementary receiving members (295) of a telematic control unit (296) of the vehicle (100).

13. . The support structure (202) as claimed in claim 12, comprising a connecting member (286) connecting a rear end (262) of the bottom wall (220) with the bottom portion (278) of the extended member (270), the connecting member (286), the extended member (270), and a part (288) of the bottom wall (220) forming a through opening (290) therebetween at least to passthrough wire harnesses.

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