Patent Description:
It has been conventionally disclosed that a minute structure is provided on a panel face of a meter panel or so forth (see <CIT>).

The panel face of the meter panel or so forth has a decorative function; hence, a vehicle panel component, having such a panel face, is desired to be enhanced in texture of the panel face thereof.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle panel component that enhancement in texture of a panel face thereof can be achieved with a simple configuration. According to the present invention said object is solved by a vehicle panel component having the features of independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the dependent claims.

A vehicle panel component according to an aspect includes a panel face. The panel face is divided into a plurality of sections. Each of the plurality of sections is made in shape of a polygon. The plurality of sections are disposed adjacent to each other. The each of the plurality of sections includes a plurality of parallel lines disposed therewithin. The plurality of parallel lines are formed by a plurality of recesses and protrusions. A pattern of the plurality of parallel lines is different between adjacent sections of the plurality of sections.

In the vehicle panel component according to the present aspect, the panel face is divided into the plurality of sections, each of which is made in shape of a polygon. The plurality of parallel lines, disposed in each of the plurality of sections, are formed by the plurality of recesses and protrusions. A pattern of the plurality of parallel lines is different between adjacent sections of the plurality of sections. In other words, a stereoscopic shape is formed by a plurality of steps formed by the plurality of recesses and protrusions in each of the plurality of sections; hence, reflected light, entering the eyes of a rider, is changed in range and intensity. Consequently, the reflected light stands out in relative movement between the eyes of the rider and the plurality of steps formed by the plurality of recesses and protrusions. Besides, the pattern of the plurality of parallel lines is different between adjacent sections of the plurality of sections; hence, the reflected light on the adjacent section of the plurality of sections appears to change in a different manner from each other. Accordingly, the adjacent section of the plurality of sections appears to change in different manners from each other in accordance with change in angle of reflection of external light or change in point of view of the rider; hence, such a visual effect as a lenticular image or hologram can be obtained on the panel face. As a result, enhancement in texture of the panel face can be achieved with a simple configuration. Besides, each of the plurality of sections is made in shape of a polygon; hence, further enhancement in texture of the panel face can be achieved with a simple configuration.

An angle of the plurality of parallel lines is different between the adjacent sections of the plurality of sections. In this case, the adjacent sections of the plurality of sections can be made appear to change in different manners from each other in accordance with change in angle of reflection of external light or change in point of view of the rider with a simple configuration.

The each of the plurality of sections may be made in shape of a triangle. In this case, it is made easy to recognize the shape of the each of the plurality of sections; hence, it is made easier to obtain such a visual effect as a lenticular image or hologram on the panel face.

The each of the plurality of sections may be made in shape of an acute-angled triangle. In this case, it is made easy to recognize the shape of the each of the plurality of sections; hence, it is made easier to obtain such a visual effect as a lenticular image or hologram on the panel face.

At least one of the plurality of sections may include a first side, a second side, and a third side. The second side is connected to the first side and has a dimension greater than a dimension of the first side. The third side is connected to the first side and the second side and has a dimension greater than the dimension of the second side. In this case, the panel face is made more eye-catching than a configuration that all the plurality of sections are made in shape of an equilateral triangle.

The dimension of the first side may be greater than or equal to <NUM>. The dimension of the third side may be greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. In this case, it is made easier to obtain such a visual effect as a lenticular image or hologram on the panel face.

At least one of the plurality of sections may have an area of greater than or equal to <NUM><NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM><NUM>. In this case, it is made easier to obtain such a visual effect as a lenticular image or hologram on the panel face.

The plurality of parallel lines may be equal in width to each other. In this case, it is made easy to recognize the plurality of sections; hence, it is made easier to obtain such a visual effect as a lenticular image or hologram on the panel face.

Each of the plurality of parallel lines may have a width dimension of greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. Each of the plurality of parallel lines may have a width dimension of greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. Each of the plurality of parallel lines may have a width dimension of greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. In this case, it is made easy to recognize the plurality of sections in accordance with change in angle of reflection of external light or change in point of view of the rider; hence, it is made easier to obtain such a visual effect as a lenticular image or hologram on the panel face.

The plurality of sections may include a first section and a second section. The second section is disposed adjacent to the first section. The first section may include a plurality of first parallel lines disposed therewithin. The second section may include a plurality of second parallel lines disposed therewithin. The plurality of first parallel lines and the plurality of second parallel lines may extend to be directed to intersect with a section line dividing the first and second sections. In this case, it is made easy to recognize a boundary between the plurality of sections by the section line; hence, it is made easier to obtain such a visual effect as a lenticular image or hologram on the panel face.

The plurality of first parallel lines may be different in extending direction from all section lines forming the first section. In this case, it is made easy to recognize the contour of the first section; hence, it is made easier to obtain such a visual effect as a lenticular image or hologram on the panel face.

The panel face may be provided as a meter panel of the vehicle. In this case, the meter panel is not only made eye-catching but also is enhanced in visibility.

The plurality recesses and protrusions may include a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of recesses may be different in surface color from the plurality of protrusions. In this case, each adjacent pair of the plurality of sections can be made appear to change in different manners from each other responsively in accordance with change in angle of reflection of external light or change in point of view of the rider; hence, further enhancement in texture of the panel face can achieved.

Overall, according to the present invention, it is made possible to provide a vehicle panel component that enhancement in texture of a panel face thereof can be achieved with a simple configuration.

A vehicle panel component according to a preferred embodiment of the invention will be hereinafter explained with reference to drawings. <FIG> is a side view of a straddled vehicle <NUM> including a vehicle panel component <NUM> according to the preferred embodiment. The vehicle panel component according to the preferred embodiment has a decorative function; hence, the vehicle panel component is a vehicle decorative component.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body frame <NUM>, a steering device <NUM>, a seat <NUM>, a power unit <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM>, and a rear wheel <NUM>.

The vehicle body frame <NUM> includes a head pipe <NUM>. The vehicle body frame <NUM> includes a down frame, a lower frame, and a rear frame, all of which are not illustrated in the drawings. The head pipe <NUM> is disposed in the middle of the vehicle in a vehicle width direction.

The steering device <NUM> is supported by the head pipe <NUM> so as to be turnable. The steering device <NUM> includes a handle member <NUM> and a front fork <NUM>. The handle member <NUM> is connected to the front fork <NUM>. The front fork <NUM> is connected to the front wheel <NUM>.

The seat <NUM> is disposed directly behind the head pipe <NUM>. The power unit <NUM> is disposed directly below the seat <NUM>. The power unit <NUM> is supported by the vehicle body frame <NUM>. The front wheel <NUM> is supported by the front fork <NUM> so as to be rotatable. The rear wheel <NUM> is rotated by a drive force generated by the power unit <NUM>.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a front cover <NUM>, a leg shield <NUM>, a lower cover <NUM>, and a rear cover <NUM>. The front cover <NUM> covers the head pipe <NUM> from front. The leg shield <NUM> is disposed directly in front of the seat <NUM>. The leg shield <NUM> covers the head pipe <NUM> from behind. The lower cover <NUM> is disposed between the leg shield <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. The rear cover <NUM> is disposed directly below the seat <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a meter panel <NUM>. The meter panel <NUM> is disposed in the middle of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. The meter panel <NUM> is disposed on an upper portion of the handle member <NUM>.

The meter panel <NUM> includes a display face <NUM> and a panel face <NUM>. The display face <NUM> displays vehicle speed and so forth on a liquid crystal screen. The panel face <NUM> is disposed on the circumferential edge of the display face <NUM>. The panel face <NUM> may be integrated with the display face <NUM>.

The vehicle panel component <NUM> is provided as the meter panel <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, the vehicle panel component <NUM> includes the panel face <NUM>. In other words, the panel face <NUM> of the meter panel <NUM> composes portion of the vehicle panel component <NUM>. The panel face <NUM> is made of, for instance, a resin material.

The panel face <NUM> is divided into a plurality of sections <NUM>, each of which is made in shape of a polygon. The plural sections <NUM> are disposed adjacent to each other. In the present preferred embodiment, each of the plural sections <NUM> is made in shape of a triangle. In more detail, each of the plural sections <NUM> is made in shape of an acute-angled triangle.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view of portion of the panel face <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the plural sections <NUM> includes a plurality of parallel lines L. The plural parallel lines L are disposed within each of the plural sections <NUM>. The plural parallel lines L are provided on the surface of the panel face <NUM>. The plural parallel lines L are formed by a plurality of recesses and protrusions. When described in detail, the plural parallel lines L are formed by alternately disposing a plurality of recesses 33a and a plurality of protrusions 33b. The plural recesses 33a and the plural protrusions 33b form a plurality of steps. The plural steps, formed by the plural recesses 33a and the plural protrusions 33b, are slight steps formed by, for instance, surface finishing such as painting. The plural recesses 33a are different in surface color from the plural protrusions 33b. The plural protrusions 33b have been processed by surface finishing. The plural protrusions 33b have been colored by painting. It should be noted that the plural recesses 33a may be colored by painting. In this case, the plural protrusions 33b are configured to further protrude from the surface of the panel face <NUM> than the plural recesses 33a.

The plural parallel lines L extend straight. The plural parallel lines L are equal in width to each other at least when disposed within an identical section. In other words, the plural recesses 33a and the plural protrusions 33b are equal in width to each other. It should be noted that in <FIG>, the plural protrusions 33b are drawn as being narrow in width for making the drawing clearly viewable. In the present preferred embodiment, the plural parallel lines L are equal in width to each other in all the sections. It should be noted that the plural recesses 33a may be different in width from the plural protrusions 33b.

Each of the plural parallel lines L may have a width dimension of greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. Each of the plural parallel lines L may have a width dimension of greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. Each of the plural parallel lines L may have a width dimension of greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, each of the plural parallel lines L is set to have a width of <NUM>.

A pattern of the plural parallel lines L is different between adjacent sections of the plural sections <NUM>. For example, an angle of the plural parallel lines L is different between the adjacent sections of the plural sections <NUM>.

When the angles of plural parallel lines L between the adjacent sections of the plural sections <NUM> are epual, the pattern of the plural parallel lines L is different between the adjacent sections of the plural sections <NUM> by such a positional arrangement that the plural recesses 33a and the plural protrusions 33b of the plural sections <NUM> are displaced from those in the adjacent sections of the plurality of sections <NUM>. In other words, the plural parallel lines L may be disposed such that the plural recesses 33a and the plural protrusions 33b are not aligned straight with those in the adjacent sections of the plurality of sections <NUM>.

<FIG> is a closeup view of portion of <FIG>. In <FIG> as well, the plural protrusions 33b are drawn as being narrow in width. As shown in <FIG>, the plural sections <NUM> are composed of a first section <NUM>, a second section <NUM>, a third section <NUM>, and a fourth section <NUM>. The second to fourth sections <NUM> to <NUM> are disposed adjacent to the first section <NUM>.

The first section <NUM> includes a first side 41a, a second side 41b connected to the first side 41a, and a third side 41c connected to the first and second sides 41a and 41b. The first section <NUM> is formed by the first, second, and third sides 41a, 41b, and 41c.

The first side 41a is a section line dividing the first and second sections <NUM> and <NUM>. The second side 41b is a section line dividing the first and third sections <NUM> and <NUM>. The third side 41c is a section line dividing the first and fourth sections <NUM> and <NUM>. In the explanation described below, the first side 41a, the second side 41b, and the third side 41c may be referred to as a first section line 41a, a second section line 41b, and a third section line 41c, respectively, on an as-needed basis.

The first, second, and third sides 41a, 41b, and 41c are different in dimension from each other. The dimension (D2) of the second side 41b is greater than the dimension (D1) of the first side 41a. The dimension (D3) of the third side 41c is greater than the dimension (D2) of the second side 41b.

The dimension D1 of the first side 41a may be greater than or equal to <NUM>. The dimension D3 of the third side 41c may be greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, the dimension D1 of the first side 41a, the dimension D2 of the second side 41b, and the dimension D3 of the third side 41c are set to be <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>, respectively.

The first section <NUM> may have an area of greater than or equal to <NUM><NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM><NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, the area of the first section <NUM> is set to be <NUM><NUM>.

The first section <NUM> includes a plurality of first parallel lines L1. The plural first parallel lines L1 are disposed within the first section <NUM>. The plural first parallel lines L1 extend straight. The plural first parallel lines L1 are formed by alternately disposing a plurality of recesses 41d and a plurality of protrusions 41e, both of which are provided on the surface of the first section <NUM>. The recesses 41d are different in surface color from the protrusions 41e. The protrusions 41e are processed by surface finishing. The protrusions 41e are colored by painting. Accordingly, the recesses 41d and the protrusions 41e form a plurality of slight steps therebetween. It should be noted that the recesses 41d may be colored by painting. In this case, the protrusions 41e are configured to further protrude from the surface of the panel face <NUM> than the recesses 41d.

The plural first parallel lines L1 are equal in width to each other. In other words, each recess 41d and each protrusion 41e are equal in width to each other. Each of the plural first parallel lines L1 may have a width dimension of greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. Each of the plural first parallel lines L1 may have a width dimension of greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. Each of the plural first parallel lines L1 may have a width dimension of greater than or equal to <NUM> and less than or equal to <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, the width (W) of each of the plural first parallel lines L1 is set to be <NUM>. It should be noted that each recess 41d may be different in width from each protrusion 41e.

The plural first parallel lines L1 extend to be directed to intersect with the first section line 41a. The plural first parallel lines L1 extend to be directed to intersect with the second section line 41b. The plural first parallel lines L1 extend to be directed to intersect with the third section line 41c. In other words, the plural first parallel lines L1 are different in extending direction from all the section lines 41a to 41c forming the first section <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second section <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the first side 41a of the first section <NUM>. The second section <NUM> includes a plurality of second parallel lines L2. The plural second parallel lines L2 are disposed within the second section <NUM>. The plural second parallel lines L2 are formed by alternately disposing a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions in a comparable manner to the plural first parallel lines L1. The plural second parallel lines L2 extend straight. The plural second parallel lines L2 are equal in width to each other. The width of each of the plural second parallel lines L2 is equal to the width W of each of the plural first parallel lines L1. It should be noted that the width of each of the plural second parallel lines L2 may be different from the width W of each of the plural first parallel lines L1.

The plural second parallel lines L2 are different in pattern from the plural first parallel lines L1. When described in detail, the plural second parallel lines L2 are different in angle from the plural first parallel lines L1. In other words, the plural second parallel lines L2 extend to be directed to intersect with the plural first parallel lines L1. The plural second parallel lines L2 extend to be directed to intersect with the first section line 41a. The plural second parallel lines L2 are different in extending direction from all the section lines 41a, 42b, and 42c forming the second section <NUM>.

The third section <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the second side 41b of the first section <NUM>. The fourth section <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the third side 41c of the first section <NUM> Not only the relation between the third section <NUM> and the first section <NUM> but also that between the fourth section <NUM> and the first section <NUM> is approximately identical to that between the second section <NUM> and the first section <NUM>; hence, the third section <NUM> and the fourth section <NUM> will be hereinafter explained briefly.

The third section <NUM> includes a plurality of third parallel lines L3. The plural third parallel lines L3 are different in pattern from the plural first parallel lines L1. The plural third parallel lines L3 are different in extending direction from all the section lines forming the third section <NUM>.

The fourth section <NUM> includes a plurality of fourth parallel lines L4. The plural fourth parallel lines L4 are different in pattern from the plural first parallel lines L1. The plural fourth parallel lines L4 are different in extending direction from all the section lines forming the fourth section <NUM>.

In the straddled vehicle <NUM> according to the present aspect, the panel face <NUM> of the vehicle panel component <NUM> is divided into the plural sections <NUM>, each of which is made in shape of a polygon. The plural parallel lines L, disposed in each of the plural sections <NUM>, are formed by a plurality of recesses and protrusions. One of each adjacent pair of the plural sections <NUM> is different in pattern of the plural parallel lines L from the other. In other words, a stereoscopic shape is formed by the plural steps formed by the plural recesses 33a and the plural protrusions 33b in each of the plural sections <NUM>; hence, reflected light, entering the eyes of a rider, is changed in range and intensity. Consequently, the reflected light stands out in relative movement between the eyes of the rider and the plural steps formed by the plural recesses 33a and the plural protrusions 33b. Besides, one of each adjacent pair of the plural sections <NUM> is different in pattern of the plural parallel lines L from the other; hence, the reflected light on one of each adjacent pair of the plural sections <NUM> appears to change in a different manner from that on the other.

Accordingly, each adjacent pair of the plural sections <NUM> appears to change in different manners from each other in accordance with change in angle of reflection of external light or change in point of view of the rider; hence, such a visual effect as a lenticular image or hologram can be obtained on the panel face <NUM>. As a result, enhancement in texture of the panel face <NUM> can be achieved with a simple configuration. Besides, each of the plural sections <NUM> is made in shape of a polygon; hence, further enhancement in texture of the panel face <NUM> can be achieved with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the panel face <NUM> is provided as the panel face of the meter panel <NUM>; hence, the meter panel <NUM> is not only made eye-catching but also is enhanced in visibility.

One preferred embodiment has been explained above. The teaching related to the straddled vehicle <NUM> is not limited to a scooter, and alternatively, may be another type of vehicle. The meter panel <NUM> may be disposed further on the front or rear side than the handle member <NUM>.

The display face <NUM> may be changed in configuration. The display face <NUM> may be made in form of an analog dial face.

The vehicle panel component <NUM> may be disposed on another member viewable from the outside. For example, the vehicle panel component <NUM> may be disposed on at least any one of the handle member <NUM>, the front cover <NUM>, the leg shield <NUM>, the lower cover <NUM>, and the rear cover <NUM>. The vehicle panel component <NUM> may be disposed on a viewable member in another type of vehicle.

Each of the plural sections <NUM> may be changed in shape and/or dimension. Each of the plural sections <NUM> may be made in shape of a quadrilateral or pentagon. At least one of the plural sections <NUM> may be made in shape of an obtuse-angled triangle, equilateral triangle, or isosceles triangle.

Claim 1:
A vehicle panel component (<NUM>) comprising:
a panel face (<NUM>) divided into a plurality of sections (<NUM>), each of the plurality of sections (<NUM>) made in shape of a polygon, the plurality of sections (<NUM>) disposed adjacent to each other, wherein
the each of the plurality of sections (<NUM>) including a plurality of parallel lines disposed therewithin, the plurality of parallel lines (L) formed by a plurality of recesses (33a) and protrusions (33b), and
a pattern of the plurality of parallel lines (L) is different between adjacent sections of the plurality of sections (<NUM>), characterized in that one of each adjacent pair of an angle of the plurality of parallel lines (L) is different between the adjacent sections of the plurality of sections (<NUM>).