Description:

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

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 particular to a vehicle provided with at least one sensor unit electrically connected to at least one connector assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] A vehicle in particularly a two-wheeled vehicle comprises a sensor unit in particularly an oxygen sensor mounted on an exhaust pipe for detecting concentration of oxygen in exhaust gas produced by an engine unit of the vehicle. The oxygen sensor is electrically connected to a control unit of the vehicle via a wire harness. Based on the detected concentration of oxygen, the control unit controls an air-fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture to be taken into the engine.

[003] Conventionally, the vehicle is provided with two oxygen sensor electronically connected to the control unit via there corresponding wire harness.For example, a first oxygen sensor is electrically connected to the control unit via a first wire harness connected to first coupler and the second oxygen sensor is electrically connected to the control unit via a second wire harness connected to a second coupler.

[004] In some cases, there is a chance that during assembling, the first wire harness may gets connected to the second coupler and/or the second wire harness may get connected to the first coupler. This inadvertent interchanging of wire harnesses poses a significant challenge in the accurate functioning of the vehicle's oxygen sensors. Also, such misconnections can lead to erroneous readings and compromise the overall performance of the control unit. In addition to that there are other problems associated with the conventional mounting such as requirement of large wire harness, heating of coupler by hot air coming from a fan cover of a radiator of the vehicle and other problems known to a person skilled in the art.

[005] Thus, there is a requirement of providing a solution to one or more than one of aforementioned 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 providesa vehicle comprisinga body frame;a front fork supported by the body frame;an engine unit supported by the body frame; an exhaust pipe fluidly connected to the engine unit;a first sensor unitand a second sensor unitprovided on the exhaust pipe for detecting an oxygen content in an exhaust gas produced by the engine unit; and a first harness electrically connecting the first sensor unit to a first connector assembly, and a second harness electrically connecting the second sensor unitto a second connector assembly, wherein a length of the second harness being less than a distance between the second sensor unit and the first connector assembly.

[008] In an embodiment of the invention,the first sensor unit being positioned at a higher location in comparison to the second sensor unit in the vehicle height direction, and the first connector assembly is positioned at a higher location in comparison to the second connector assembly in the vehicle height direction.

[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the body frame comprisesa head pipe;a first main tube and a second main tube extending rearwardly from the head pipe in a first side of the vehicle; a third main tube and a fourth main tube extending rearwardly from the head pipe in a second side of the vehicle.

[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, an engine mount structure for supporting the engine unit and being positioned below the second main tube and the fourth main tube, the engine mount structurecomprising at least a first down tube extending from the second main tube in the first side of the vehicle and a second down tube extending from the fourth main tube in the second side of the vehicle.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly being mounted on the engine mount structure and provided at the first side of the vehicle; the first connector assembly being mounted on the first down tube and positioned behind a radiator mounted on the body frame. Further, the second connector assembly being mounted on the engine mount structure via a stay plate connected to the first down tube, the second connector assembly being exposed to a fresh air coming from front direction of the vehicle.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the exhaust pipe comprises a catalytic converter for purifying an exhaust gas produced by the engine unit, the first sensor unit being located upstream of the catalytic converter and the second sensor unit being located downstream of the catalytic converter.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the first connector assembly comprises a first connector element electrically connected to a control unit provided in the vehicle and a second connector element connecting the first harness to the first connector element; andthe second connector assembly comprises a third connector element electrically connected to the control unit and a fourth connector element connecting the second harness to the third connector element.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, a first holding unit coupled to underside of a crank case member of the engine unit; a second holding unit coupled to underside of the crankcase member of the engine unit; and a third holding unit coupled directly or indirectly to first down tube, the first holding unit accommodating the second harness at a first location, the second holding unit accommodating the second harness at a second location, and the third holding unit accommodating both the first harness and the second harness at a third location.

[0015] In another embodiment of the invention, the first holding unit and the second holding unit being located in between the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit, and the third holdingunit being located in between the first sensor unit and the second connector assembly.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the exhaust pipe comprises a sensor protection element located in close proximity of the second sensor unit.

[0017] One of the advantages of the present invention includes prevention of inadvertent or deliberate misconnection in between the harnesses and the connector assemblies, thus providing a poka-yoke connection of the harnesses to the connector assemblies in the vehicle. One of the advantages of the present invention includes an ease in the process that involves connecting the sensor units to the control unit leading to a reduction in a time required for assembling the vehicle in a production facility.

[0018] One of the advantages of the present invention includes locating the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly to a same side of the vehiclein close proximity to main wire harness provided in the vehicle leading to a reduction in length of the harness required for connecting the first sensor unit to the first connector assembly and the second senor unit to the second connector assembly leading to a reduction in a cost of the vehicle. One advantage of the present invention includes availability of space for locating other vehicular component in other side of the vehicle leading to an optimization of vehicular space.

[0019] One of the advantages of the present invention includes effectively protecting the first connector assembly from the hot air coming through a fan cover of the radiator leading to an increase in a lifespan of the first connector assembly.

[0020] 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:
[0021] 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:

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a view of a vehicle from one side of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a body frame of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 3 illustrates a view of a body frame of the vehicle coupled with an exhaust pipe from the same side of the vehicle as shown in the Figure 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the body frame coupled with the exhaust pipe and an engine unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the vehicle showing mounting of a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the vehicle showing mounting of the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0028] Figure 7 illustrates a magnified view of the body frame of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] 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:
[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 vehicle” 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.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a body frame (12) supporting a front fork (14). The body frame (12) further supports a front end structure (16) and a rear end structure (18) of the vehicle (10). The front end structure (16) of the vehicle (10) comprises a front ground engaging member (19), a front fender (20), a headlight (22), a steering handle bar (24) and at least one front mirror (26).

[0043] The rear structure (18) of the vehicle (10) comprises an engine unit (28) providing power to the vehicle (10), a seat (30) providing seating to a rider and a companion, a tail light (32), a rear cushion (34), a rear fender (36), a rear ground engaging member (38), a transmission unit (40) transferring power form the engine unit (28) to the rear ground engaging member (38)andan exhaust pipe (42) fluidly connected to the engine unit (28).

[0044] It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may include other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle (10) further comprises a first sensor unit (44) and a second sensor unit (46) provided on the exhaust pipe (42) for detecting an oxygen content in an exhaust gas produced by the engine unit (28). Further, a first harness (48) electrically connects the first sensor unit (44) to a first connector assembly (50), and a secondharness (52) electrically connects the second sensor unit (46) to a second connector assembly (54). In an embodiment of the invention, a length of the second harness (52) being less than a distance between the second sensor unit (46) and the first connector assembly (50).

[0046] The lesser length of the second harness (52) in comparison to the distance between the second sensor unit (46) and the first connector assembly (50) restricts the second harness (52) to be connected to the first connector assembly (50) either knowingly or unknowingly. In an embodiment of the invention, the distance between the second sensor (46) and the first connector assembly (50) is a shortest linear distance between them.

[0047] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the body frame (12) of the vehicle (10) comprises a head pipe (56). Further, a first main tube (58) and a second main tube (60) extends rearwardly from the head pipe (56) in a first side of the vehicle (10). Similarly, a third main tube (62) and a fourth main tube (64) extend rearwardly from the head pipe (56) in a second side of the vehicle (10).
[0048] By way of non- restrictive example, a first side of the vehicle (10) resembles with right side of the vehicle (10). Similarly, a second side of the vehicle (10) resembles with left side of the vehicle (10).

[0049] Again referring to Figure 3, the exhaust pipe (42) comprises a catalytic converter (74) for purifying an exhaust gas produced by the engine unit (28). By way of a non restrictive example of the invention, the catalytic converter (74) is adaptable to purify the exhaust gas chemically. In an embodiment of the invention, the first sensor unit (44) is located upstream of the catalytic converter (74) and the second sensor unit (46) is located downstream of the catalytic converter (74). In another embodiment of the invention, the first sensor unit (44) is positioned at a higher location in comparison to the second sensor unit (46) in the vehicle (10) height direction.

[0050] Further, the exhaust pipe (42) comprises a sensor protection element (92) located in close proximity of the second sensor unit (46). In an embodiment of the invention, the sensor protection element (92) at least partially covers the second sensor unit (46). In particular, the sensor protection element (92) may be formed as a curved plate with a provision for mounting on the exhaust pipe (42).

[0051] Referring to Figure 4, an engine mount structure (70) is positioned below the second main tube (60) and the fourth main tube (64). The engine mount structure (70) comprises at least a first down tube (66) extending from the second main tube (60) in the first side of the vehicle (10) and a second down tube (68) extending from the fourth main tube (64) in the second side of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of the invention, the engine mount structure (70) supports the engine unit (28). Thus, the weight of the engine unit (28) gets transferred to the body frame (12) via the engine mount structure (70).

[0052] Now coming to an aspect of mounting of the first connector assembly (50) and the second connector assembly (54) on the vehicle (10), in particularly on the body frame (12) of the vehicle (10) explained with respect to the Figure 5 and Figure 6. In an embodiment of the invention, the first connector assembly (50) and the second connector assembly (54) is mounted on the engine mount structure (70) and provided at the first side of the vehicle (10). In another embodiment of the invention, the first connector assembly (50) is positioned at a higher location in comparison to the second connector assembly (54) in the vehicle (10) height direction.

[0053] More particularly, the first connector assembly (50) is positioned behind a radiator (72) of the vehicle (10) and the second connector assembly (54) is positioned below the first connector assembly (50) such that the second connector assembly (54) is exposed to fresh air coming from a front direction of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of the invention, the radiator is mounted on the body frame (12) of the vehicle (10).

[0054] Further, the first connector assembly (50) is mounted on the first down tube (66) and positioned behind the radiator (72). Further, the second connector assembly (54) being mounted on the engine mount structure (70) via a stay plate (73). In an embodiment of the invention the stay plate (73) is connected to the first down tube (66).
,
[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, the stay plate (73) deflects hot air coming from a fan cover (75) of the radiator (72) in a downward direction of the vehicle (10). Since, the hot air coming from the fan cover (75) is deflected in the downward direction, the first connector assembly (50) is prevented from coming in to contact with the hot air.

[0056] Now referring to Figure 7, the first connector assembly (50) comprises a first connector element (76) electrically connected to a control unit provided in the vehicle (10) and a second connector element (78) connecting the first harness (48) to the first connector element (76). Further, the second connector assembly (54) comprises a third connector element (80) electrically connected to the control unit and a fourth connector element (82) connecting the second harness (52) to the third connector element (80).

[0057] Now coming to an aspect of mounting of the first harness (48) and the second harness (52) on the vehicle (10), more particularly on the body frame (12) of the vehicle (10). There is provided a first holding unit (84) and a second holding unit (88) coupled to underside of a crank case member (86) of the engine unit (28) and a third holding unit (90) coupled directly or indirectly to first down tube (66). The first holding unit (84) accommodates the second harness (52) at a first location, the second holding unit (88) accommodates the second harness (52) at a second location, and the third holding unit (90) accommodating both the first harness (48) and the second harness (52) at a third location.

[0058] In an embodiment of the invention, the first holding unit (84) and the second holding unit (88) is located in between the first sensor unit (44) and the second sensor unit (46). In another embodiment of the invention the third holding unit (90) is located in between the first sensor unit (44) and the second connector assembly (54).

[0059] Since, the length of the second harness (52) is less than a distance between the second sensor unit (46) and the first connector assembly (50). One of the advantages of the present invention includes prevention of inadvertent or deliberate misconnection in between the harnesses and the connector assemblies, thus providing a poka-yoke connection of the harnesses to the connector assemblies in the vehicle (10). One of the advantages of the present invention includes an ease in the process that involves connecting the sensor units to the control unit leading to a reduction in a time required for assembling the vehicle (10) in a production facility.

[0060] Since, the first connector assembly (50) and the second connector assembly (54) are positioned in a same side of the vehicle (10), which allows the first connector assembly (50) and the second connector assembly (54) to be located in close proximity to a main wire harnessof the vehicle (10). One of the advantages of the present invention includes a reduction in length of the harness required for connecting the first sensor unit (44) to the first connector assembly (50) and the second senor unit (46) to the second connector assembly (54) leading to a reduction in a cost of the vehicle. One advantage of the present invention includes availability of space for locating other vehicular component in other side of the vehicle leading to an optimization of vehicular space.

[0061] Since, the stay plate (73) prevents the first connector assembly (50) to come in a contact the hot air. One of the advantages of the present invention includes increasing a lifespan of the first connector assembly (50).

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a body frame (12);
a front fork (14) supported by the body frame (12);
an engine unit (28) supported by the body frame (12);
an exhaust pipe (42) fluidly connected to the engine unit (28);
a first sensor unit (44) and a second sensor unit (46) provided on the exhaust pipe (42) for detecting an oxygen content in an exhaust gas produced by the engine unit (28); and
a first harness (48) electrically connecting the first sensor unit (44) to a first connector assembly (50), and a second harness (52) electrically connecting the second sensor unit (46) to a second connector assembly (54), wherein a length of the second harness (52) being less than a distance between the second sensor unit (46) and the first connector assembly (50).
,
2. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensor unit (44) being positioned at a higher location in comparison to the second sensor unit (46) in the vehicle (10) height direction, and the first connector assembly (50) being positioned at a higher location in comparison to the second connector assembly (54) in the vehicle (10) height direction.

3. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body frame (12) comprises:
a head pipe (56);
a first main tube (58) and a second main tube (60) extending rearwardly from the head pipe (56) in a first side of the vehicle (10);
a third main tube (62) and a fourth main tube (64) extending rearwardly from the head pipe (56) in a second side of the vehicle (10).

4. The vehicle as claimed in claim 3, comprises an engine mount structure (70) for supporting the engine unit (28) and being positioned below thesecond main tube (60) and the fourth main tube (64), the engine mount structure (70) comprising at least a first down tube (66) extending from the second main tube (60) in the first side of the vehicle (10) and a second down tube (68) extending from the fourth main tube (64) in the second side of the vehicle (10).

5. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the first connector assembly (50) and the second connector assembly (54) being mounted on the engine mount structure (70) and provided at the first side of the vehicle (10);
the first connector assembly (50) being mounted on the first down tube (66) and positioned behind a radiator (72) mounted on the body frame (12); and
the second connector assembly (54) being mounted on the engine mount structure (70) via a stay plate (73) connected to the first down tube (66), the second connector assembly (54) being exposed to a fresh air coming from front direction of the vehicle (10).

6. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exhaust pipe (42) comprises a catalytic converter (74) for purifying an exhaust gas produced by the engine unit (28), the first sensor unit (44) being located upstream of the catalytic converter (74) and the second sensor unit (46) being located downstream of the catalytic converter (74).

7. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the first connector assembly (50) comprises a first connector element (76) electrically connected to a control unit provided in the vehicle (10) and a second connector element (78) connecting the first harness (48) to the first connector element (76); and
the second connector assembly (54) comprises a third connector element (80) electrically connected to the control unit and a fourth connector element (82) connecting the second harness (52) to the third connector element (80).

8. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, comprises:
a first holding unit (84) coupled to underside of a crank case member (86) of the engine unit (28);
a second holding unit (88) coupled to underside of the crankcase member (86) of the engine unit (28); and
a third holding unit (90) coupled directly or indirectly to first down tube (66), the first holding unit (84) accommodating the second harness (52) at a first location, the second holding unit (88) accommodating the second harness (52) at a second location, and the third holding unit (90) accommodating both the first harness (48) and the second harness (52) at a third location.

9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first holding unit (84) and the second holding unit (88) being located in between the first sensor unit (44) and the second sensor unit (46), and the third holding unit (90) being located in between the first sensor unit (44) and the second connector assembly (54).

10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exhaust pipe (42) comprises a sensor protection element (92) located in close proximity of the second sensor unit (46).