Description:

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

 
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, in particularly to a two wheeled vehicle comprising a hydraulic unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Conventionally, a vehicle in particularly a two wheeled vehicle with an ABS (Anti lock brake system) comprises a hydraulic unit for controlling pressure of a brake fluid. In general, the hydraulic unit is disposed in proximity to a head tube of the vehicle in between a master cylinder and a hydraulic brake. Further, the hydraulic unit is connected with the master cylinder and the hydraulic brake fluidically via more than one connection path for example, a brake tube.

[003] However, the hydraulic unit is not only the component disposed around the head tube, many other neighboring components such as a head light, a handle lock, a charging socket and other components are also disposed around the head tube. In addition to that, upon assembling the neighboring component and the hydraulic unit, both the neighboring components and the hydraulic unit are required to be covered by a front cover assembly including a front cover and a head cover.

[004] Thus, taking in consideration a large number of components disposed around the head tube and installation of the front cover assembly, locating the hydraulic unit in proximity to the head tube became a tedious task. Even in some conditions the connection path entangles with each other or around neighboring components, which in turn create a problem while accessing the neighboring components or the hydraulic unit for servicing.

[005] Thus, there is a requirement of solving one or more of the aforesaid problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[006] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[007] In one aspect the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a head tube pivotably supporting a steering device. Further, a hydraulic unit is fluidically coupled to a master cylinder via a first connection path and fluidically coupled to a hydraulic brake via a second connection path. The first connection path having a first end connected to the hydraulic unit. The first connection path extending in a first direction (D1) from the first end, the first direction (D1) comprising a first component (Y1) aligned to a vehicle height direction; and the second connection path having a second end connected to the hydraulic unit , the second connection path extending in a second direction (D2) from the second end, the second direction (D2) comprising a fourth component (Y2) aligned to the vehicle height direction and the fourth component (Y2) being opposite to the first component (Y1).

[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the first end and the second end being arranged on a first surface of the hydraulic unit.

[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the first direction (D1) comprises a second component (X1) aligned in backward direction of the vehicle and a third component (Z1) aligned in a traverse direction of the vehicle; and the second direction (D2) comprises a fifth component (X2) aligned in backward direction of the vehicle and a sixth component (Z2) aligned in a traverse direction of the vehicle.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the third component (Z1) and sixth component (Z2) being directed towards the head tube.

[0011] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first end and the second end being placed apart when viewed in a side view of the vehicle. In an embodiment the first end and the second end being placed apart in a plan view of the vehicle.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, comprising a first holding member for holding the first connection path and a second holding member for holding the second connection path. Further, the first holding member and the second holding member being disposed such that the first connection path and the second connection path being prevented from getting in contact with the steering device.

[0013] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic unit comprises a first port receiving the first end and a second port receiving the second end.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, the first port being oriented away from the head tube and towards at least one vehicular component, and the second port being oriented away from the head tube and towards at least one vehicular component.
[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, in side view master cylinder is behind and above the hydraulic unit; and the hydraulic unit being operationally located between the master cylinder and the hydraulic brake.

[0016] One of the advantages of the present invention includes, optimally locating the hydraulic unit inside the vehicle. One of another advantage of the present invention includes, restricting any interference of the hydraulic unit with other vehicular components such as head light, handle locks and other components. One of the advantages of the present invention includes a possibility of positioning of more vehicular components in proximity to the head tube.

[0017] One of the other advantages of the present invention includes restricting entangling between the first connection path and the second connection path. A further advantage of the present invention includes an ease in dismantling vehicular parts around the head tube. A furthermore advantage of the present invention include an increase in the serviceability of the vehicle.

[0018] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0019] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:
[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a front end structure of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the front end structure of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the front end structure of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates a hydraulic unit of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0026] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0027] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0028] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0030] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0031] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0032] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0033] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0034] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows F, R, U, D in the Figures.

[0036] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicles” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of a vehicle (10) that comprises a front-end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a footboard (16). The front-end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The footboard (16) lies between the front-end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14). The footboard (16) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (10).

[0038] The front-end structure (12) comprises a front ground engaging member (18), a head tube (20) and a steering device (22). The steering device (22) is pivotably supported by the head tube (20) and operably connected to the front ground engaging member (18). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0039] The steering device (22) comprises a front fork (24) and a handlebar (26) connected to the front fork (24) for steering the front fork (24). The handlebar (26) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a main frame (28) connected to the head tube (20), the main frame (28) extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10). The main frame (28) supports the front-end structure (12), the footboard (16), and the rear end structure (14).

[0040] Further, the front-end structure (12) comprises a front cover assembly (30) and a leg shield (32). The front cover assembly (30) and the leg shield (32) at least partially cover the head
tube (20) and the front fork (24). The leg shield (32) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). The front-end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as headlight, dash assembly, handle cover, windscreen, mirror(s), front turn indicator(s),
etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0041] The rear end structure (14) comprises a first seat frame (34) disposed on a first side of the main frame (28) and a second seat frame (36) disposed on a second side of the main frame (28).The first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36) extending from the main frame (28) in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10).

[0042] Further, rear end structure (14) comprises a seat (38) and a rear ground engaging member (40). The seat (38) is supported by the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36), and provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the rear ground engaging member (40) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the rear ground engaging member (40) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention. Further, the rear end structure (14) comprises a first cover (42) and a second cover (44) covering the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36).

[0043] The vehicle (10) may comprise additional components such as taillight, rear turn indicator(s), and cushioning elements, cover assembly, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the front end structure (12) of the vehicle (10) comprises a hydraulic unit (100) disposed inside the front cover assembly (30). In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic unit (100) is disposed in proximity to the head tube (20). The hydraulic unit (100) regulates the brake pressure of a hydraulic brake (48) of the vehicle (10).

[0045] The hydraulic unit (100) is fluidically coupled to a master cylinder (46) via a first connection path (101) and fluidically coupled to a hydraulic brake (48) via a second connection path (102). The first connection path (101) transfers input generated by the master cylinder (46) to the hydraulic unit (100). While, the second connection path (102) transfers regulated fluid pressure from the hydraulic unit (100) to the hydraulic brake (48).

[0046] The first connection path (101) comprises a first end (103) connected to the hydraulic unit (100) and similarly, the second connection path (102) comprises a second end (104) connected to the hydraulic unit (100). In an embodiment of the invention, the first end (103) and the second end (104) being arranged on a first surface (105) of the hydraulic unit (100).

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first surface (105) resembles with a surface of the hydraulic unit (100) visible from side of the vehicle (10). Further, the hydraulic unit comprises a first port (108) for receiving the first end (103) and a second port (109) for receiving the second end (104).

[0048] Now coming to relative location of the master cylinder (46), the hydraulic brake (48), and the hydraulic unit (100). In side view of the vehicle, the master cylinder (46) is behind and above the hydraulic unit (100) and the hydraulic unit (100) is operationally located between the master cylinder (46) and the hydraulic brake (48).

[0049] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5, the first connection path (101) extends in a first direction (D1) from the first end (103) and the second connection path (102) extends in a second direction (D2) from the second end (104). The first direction (D1) comprises a first component (Y1) aligned to a vehicle height direction and the second direction (D2) comprises a fourth component (Y2) aligned to the vehicle height direction. In another embodiment of the invention, the fourth component (Y2) is opposite to the first component (Y1).

[0050] Now coming to other components of the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D 2), the first direction (D1) comprises a second component (X1) aligned in backward direction of the vehicle and a third component (Z1) aligned in a traverse direction of the vehicle. Further, the second direction (D2) comprises a fifth component (X2) aligned in backward direction of the vehicle and a sixth component (Z2) aligned in a traverse direction of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, the third component (Z1) and sixth component (Z2) is directed towards the head tube (20) of the vehicle (10).

[0051] By following the direction (D1), the first connection path (101) always extends from the first surface (105) of the hydraulic unit (100) in rearward and upward direction of the vehicle (10) with an inclination towards the head tube (20). Similarly, by following the direction (D2), the second connection path (102) always extends from the first surface (105) of the hydraulic unit (100) in rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10) with an inclination towards the head tube (20).

[0052] Since, the first connection path (101) extends in rearward and upward direction of the vehicle (10) with an inclination towards the head tube (20) and the second connection path (102) always extends from the first surface (105) of the hydraulic unit (100) in rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10) with an inclination towards the head tube (20), the hydraulic unit (100) can be positioned in the vehicle (10) without interfering neighboring vehicular components.

[0053] Now coming to aspect of holding the first connection path (101) and the first connection path (103). A first holding member (106) is used for holding the first connection path (101) and a second holding member (107) is used for holding the second connection path (102). The first holding member (106) and the second holding member (107) are disposed such that the first connection path (101) and the second connection path (102) is prevented from getting in contact with the steering device (22).

[0054] In another embodiment of the invention, the first port (108) is oriented away from the head tube (20) and towards at least one vehicular component (50). Similarly, the second port (109) being oriented away from the head tube (20) and towards at least one vehicular component (50). By way of non- restrictive example the at least one vehicular component (50) comprises a charging socket.

[0055] Now coming to an aspect of a relative orientation of the first end (103) and the second end (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the first end (103) and the second end (104) is placed apart when viewed in a side view of the vehicle (10). In addition to that, the first end (103) and the second end (104) is placed apart in a plan view of the vehicle (10).

[0056] One of the advantages of the present invention includes, optimally locating the hydraulic unit (100) inside the vehicle (10). One of another advantage of the present invention includes, restricting any interference of the hydraulic unit (100) with other vehicular components such as head light, handle locks and other components. One of the advantages of the present invention includes a possibility of positioning of more vehicular components in proximity to the head tube.

[0057] One of the other advantages of the present invention includes restricting entangling between the first connection path (101) and the second connection path (102). A further advantage of the present invention includes an ease in dismantling vehicular parts around the head tube. Since, the vehicular parts around head tube can be dismantled with greater ease. One of the present inventions includes an increase in the serviceability of the vehicle (10).

[0058] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0059] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a head tube (20);
a steering device (22) pivotably supported by the head tube (20);
a hydraulic unit (100) fluidically coupled to a master cylinder (46) via a first connection path (101) and fluidically coupled to a hydraulic brake (48) via a second connection path (102),
the first connection path (101) having a first end (103) connected to the hydraulic unit (100), the first connection path (101) extending in a first direction (D1) from the first end (103), the first direction (D1) comprising a first component (Y1) aligned to a vehicle height direction; and
the second connection path (102) having a second end (104) connected to the hydraulic unit (100), the second connection path (102)extending in a second direction (D2) from the second end (104), the second direction (D2) comprising a fourth component (Y2) aligned to the vehicle height direction and the fourth component (Y2) being opposite to the first component (Y1).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end (103) and the second end (104) being arranged on a first surface (105) of the hydraulic unit (100).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the first direction (D1)comprises a second component (X1) aligned in backward direction of the vehicle and a third component (Z1) aligned in a traverse direction of the vehicle; and
the second direction (D2) comprises a fifth component (X2) aligned in backward direction of the vehicle and a sixth component (Z2) aligned in a traverse direction of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the third component (Z1) and sixth component (Z2) being directed towards the head tube (20).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first end (103) and the second end (104) being placed apart when viewed in a side view of the vehicle (10); the first end (103) and the second end (104) being placed apart in a plan view of the vehicle (10).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first holding member (106) for holding the first connection path (101) and a second holding member (107) for holding the second connection path (102); the first holding member (106) and the second holding member (107) being disposed such that the first connection path (101) and the second connection path (102) being prevented from getting in contact with the steering device (22).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hydraulic unit comprises a first port (108) receiving the first end (103) and a second port (109) receiving the second end (104).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first port (108) being oriented away from the head tube (20) and towards at least one vehicular component (50); and the second port (109) being oriented away from the head tube (20) and towards at least one vehicular component (50).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in side view the master cylinder (46) is behind and above the hydraulic unit (100); and
the hydraulic unit (100) being operationally located between the master cylinder (46) and the hydraulic brake (48).