Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle, and more particularly to an electronic charging device of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] With emergence of modern technology, there is a need of providing modern features over the external components of the vehicle. One such modern feature is the provision of charging a portal device. Generally, in a vehicle the charging provision is provided in a storage box. However, in a vehicle, the above-mentioned location for charging the portal device is not easily accessible to the rider.
[0003] Further, there is another location for a charging socket/port in vehicle like scooter which is in close proximity of a floorboard of the scooter/vehicle. Generally, for better ergonomics and convenience of the rider, the most preferred location for the charging socket/port is on an inner front cover of the vehicle. However, the above-said location causes hindrance to rider ingress and egress thereby raising the chances of damage to a charging cable and to the aesthetics of the vehicle. Also, with the existing location of the charging socket/port, longer length of the charging cable is required to charge the portable device.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0004] 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.
[0005] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a body frame, a handle bar, an inner front cover member, a portable device holder and a charging port. The body frame comprising a head tube and a main tube extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube. The handle bar is coupled to the body frame. The handle bar comprising a central bar portion rotatably connected to the head tube. The bridge member is connected to the head tube of the body frame. The inner front cover member is disposed inwardly to one of the head tube and the main tube. The inner front cover member is having a left inner cover member, a right inner cover member, and a first inner cover member. The first inner cover member is covering one of the head tube and the main tube. The portable device holder is adapted to be mounted to one side of the first inner cover member. The portable device holder is adapted to receive and support a portable device. The portable device comprises a portable device socket for providing connecting provision to charge the portable device. The portable device socket is disposed at an end of a body of the portable device. The charging port is adapted to be mounted to the first cover member. The charging port and the portable device holder are disposed in close proximity of each other in such a way that at an angle formed between a first plane having the charging port and a second plane having the portable device socket
[0006] In an embodiment, the charging port extends along the length of the vehicle and faces along the vehicle width direction.
[0007] In an embodiment, the first inner cover member, the left inner cover member and the right inner cover member are integrated with each other.
[0008] In an embodiment, a lid is disposed to open and close said access a charging pin of the charging port.
[0009] In an embodiment, a charging pin of the charging port and the portable device socket are connected by a charging cable.
[00010] In an embodiment, connection of the charging pin with the charging cable is adapted to be place below the central bar portion of the handle bar.
[00011] In an embodiment, the first inner cover member comprises a rear facing portion, a left side facing portion and a right side facing portion.
[00012] In an embodiment, the charging port is disposed to one of the left side facing portion and the right side facing portion.
[00013] In an embodiment, an obtuse angle is formed between the first plane and the second plane, and the obtuse angle is ranging from 93 degrees to 137 degrees.
[00014] In an embodiment, the portable device holder is adapted to be mounted to the first inner cover member and one of the left inner cover member and the right inner cover member.
[00015] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the disclosed location eliminated hindrance to rider ingress and egress thereby preventing the chances of damage to a charging cable.
[00016] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, it provides a shorter length of the charging cable required to charge the portable device.
[00017] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, it provides a provision of charging the portable device in the vehicle which is safe and the orientation of the hole of the charging socket is in close proximity of the portable device.
[00018] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, it provides the provision of charging the portable device which is easily accessible and convenient to the rider without affecting the aesthetics appeal of the vehicle to the rider.
[00019] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, it improves the life of the electronic charging device. As the electronic charging device remain protected with the outside environment and foreign materials.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[00020] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with 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:
[00021] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00022] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a body frame of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00023] Figure 3 illustrates a rear view of an inner front cover member, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00024] Figure 4 illustrates a rear top view of the inner front cover member with a portable device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[00025] Figure 5a illustrates a top view of the inner front cover member with the portable device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[00026] Figure 5b illustrates another top view of the inner front cover member with the portable device for depiction of an angle formed between a first plane having the charging port and a second plane having the portable device socket, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00027] 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
[00028] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here 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 alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[00029] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure 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 structure 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.
[00030] For better understanding of this invention, 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.
[00031] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, an electronic charging device of the vehicle and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type 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 vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.
[00032] 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 Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.
[00033] Referring to Figure 1, a vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In the illustrated example, the vehicle (100) embodies a scooter vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody a motorcycle vehicle, or an electric motorcycle type vehicle, without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00034] The vehicle (100) (herein after interchangeably referred to as the two wheeled vehicle (100) comprises a body frame (102), a front end structure (105), a rear end structure (104), a display member (116), a floorboard (120) and a handle bar (109). The body frame (102) forms the core structure of the vehicle (100). The front end structure (105) is in front end of the vehicle (100). The rear end structure (104) comprises the rear portion of the vehicle (100). A body cover (163) provides covering to the rear components of the body frame (102) of the vehicle (100). The floorboard (120), lies between the front end structure (105) and the rear end structure (104).
[00035] The rear end structure (104) comprises a seat (108), a rear ground engaging member (114), and a power unit (not shown). The seat (108) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (114) underlies the seat (108) and is driven by the power unit. In present embodiment, the power unit may comprise a motor unit (not shown) and a transmission unit (not shown). However, in another embodiment, the power unit comprises an engine (not shown) and a transmission unit (not shown). Further, the rear end structure (104) may comprise additional components such as rear fender, suspension systems, tail lights, rear grips etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00036] The front end structure (105) comprises a front ground engaging member (110) and the handle bar (109). The front ground engaging member (110) is operatively connected to the handle bar (109). The handle bar (109) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). The front end structure (105) comprises a head lamp unit (not shown), the display member (116) and a pair of turn signal lamp units (not shown). The head lamp unit is provided ahead of the handle bar (109) of a steering mechanism (not shown). The head lamp unit is configured to move along with the steering mechanism. The display member (116) is provided on top side of the handle bar (109). The turn signal lamp units indicate the rider’s intention to turn or change lanes. The head lamp unit and the turn signal lamp units are provided for safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic regulations. Further, the front end structure (105) may further comprise additional components such as mirrors, front fender, a pair of front forks (not shown) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[00037] Referring to Figure 2, the body frame (102), also referred to as the frame body (102) or the frame member (102), supports the front end structure (105), the handle bar (109) and the rear end structure (104) of the vehicle (100). The body frame (102) comprises a head tube (161), a main tube (162), a down tube (137), a cross tube (not shown), and a pair of rear tubes (138, 148). The main tube (162) is extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (161). Also, the vehicle (100) further comprises a swinging unit (not shown) and at least one suspension device (not shown). The swinging unit is swingably coupled to the cross tube of the body frame (102). The handle bar (109) is connected to the body frame (102). More particularly, the handle bar (109) is coupled to the head tube (161) of the body frame (102). The handle bar (109) comprising a central bar portion (119). The central bar portion (119) is rotatably connected to the head tube (161).
[00038] The pair of rear tubes (138, 148) are extending rearwardly in upward direction from the cross tube. The pair of rear tubes (138, 148) further comprises a left rear tube (148) and a right rear tube (138). The left rear tube (148) is connected to the cross tube. Similarly, the right rear tube (138) is also connected to the cross tube. It may herein be noted that in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the right rear tube (138) may be positioned in the left side of the vehicle (100) and the left rear tube (148) may be positioned in the right side of the vehicle (100), without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Further, in another embodiment, the right rear tube (138) and the left rear tube (148) may extends substantially parallel in a rearward and upward direction from any other component of the body frame (102) instead of the cross tube, without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. Also, the vehicle (100) further comprises a swinging unit (not shown) and at least one suspension device (not shown). The swinging unit is swingably coupled to the cross tube of the body frame (102).
[00039] Referring to Figure 3 to Figure 5b, the vehicle (100) comprises an inner front cover member (250), a portable device holder (288) and a charging port (400). The inner front cover member (250) is disposed inwardly to one of the head tube (161) and the main tube (162). The inner front cover member (250) is having a left inner cover member (256), a right inner cover member (258), and a first inner cover member (254). In present embodiment, the first inner cover member (254), the left inner cover member (256) and the right inner cover member (258) are integrated with each other. However, in another embodiment, the first inner cover member (254), the left inner cover member (256) and the right inner cover member (258) may be separated with each other.
[00040] The first inner cover member (254) is covering one of the head tube (161) and the main tube (162). Further, the first inner cover member (254) comprises a rear facing portion (254a), a left side facing portion (254b) and a right side facing portion (254c). The portable device holder (288) is adapted to be mounted to one side of the first inner cover member (254). In present embodiment, the portable device holder (288) is mounted to the right side facing portion (254c) of the first inner cover member (254). However, in another embodiment, the portable device holder (288) may be mounted to the left side facing portion (254b) of the first inner cover member (254).
[00041] The portable device holder (288) is adapted to receive and support a portable device (300). The portable device (300) comprises a portable device socket (304) for providing connecting provision to charge the portable device (300). The portable device socket (304) is disposed at an end of a body of the portable device (300). Further, the portable device holder (288) adapted to be mounted to the first inner cover member (254) and one of the left inner cover member (256) and the right inner cover member (258).
[00042] The charging port (400) is adapted to be mounted to the first cover member (202). The charging port (400) and the portable device holder (288) are disposed in close proximity of each other in such a way that at an angle (?) formed between a first plane having the charging port (400) and a second plane having the portable device socket (304). Further, an obtuse angle (?) is formed between the first plane and the second plane, and the obtuse angle (?) is ranging from 93 degrees to 137 degrees.
[00043] More particularly, the charging port (400) extends along the length of the vehicle (100) and faces along the vehicle width direction. The charging port (400) is disposed to one of the left side facing portion (254b) and the right side facing portion (254c). Since the portable device holder (288) and the charging port (400) is in closed proximity of each other thereby providing an arrangement to ensure a kind of an anti-hindrance setup where a rider can easily ingress and egress from the vehicle (100) while charging the portable device (300).
[00044] Further referring to Figure 4, a lid (402) is disposed to open and close said access a charging pin (415) of the charging port (400). The charging pin (415) of the charging port (400) and the portable device socket (304) are connected by a charging cable (350). In present embodiment, connection of the charging pin (452) with the charging cable (350) is adapted to be place below the central bar portion (119) of the handle bar (109) for ensuring best convenience for the rider whereby elimination any hindrances between the charging cable (350) and rider. However, in another embodiment, the connection of the charging pin (452) with the charging cable (350) may adapted to be place along or above the central bar portion (119) of the handle bar (109) while ensuring convenience to the rider. In an embodiment, the charging cable (350) is an USB cable (350). However, in another embodiment, the charging cable (350) may be any kind of cable for connecting the main unit (450) to the portable device (300).
[00045] In present embodiment, the portable device holder (288) is mounted to the right side facing portion (254c) of the first inner cover member (254). As the charging pin (415) of the charging port (400) is extending in right side of the vehicle (100). However, in another embodiment, when the portable device holder (288) may be mounted to the left side facing portion (254b) of the first inner cover member (254). Then the charging pin (415) of the charging port (400) may be extending in left side of the vehicle (100).
[00046] Further, in present embodiment, an internal wire harness lies close to the head tube (161) is disposed proximate to the head tube (161), the lesser length of the internal wire harness is required in order to connect with the electrical components i.e. the charging pin (415) of the charging port (400).
[00047] In present embodiment, the charging pin (415) faces towards sideward direction of the vehicle (100) in such a way that the charging pin (452) remains close to the portable device holder (288), and under the central bar portion (119) of the handle bar (109) thereby keeping easily the charging pin (452) visible and accessible to the rider. Further, the lid (402) is provided to cover the charging pin (415). Since, the charging pin (452) is provided in sideward direction or widthwise direction of the vehicle (100). Hence, the lid (402) is also provided in the sideward direction or widthwise direction of the vehicle (100) to protect the charging pin (415).
[00048] The lid (402) also ensures that the provision of charging the portable device (300) in the vehicle (100) is safe and not open to atmosphere thereby avoiding dust and water entry to the provision of charging portable device. The portable device (300) may be a mobile phone and any other portable device.
[00049] The present invention disclosed a location of charging ping (415) in close proximity of the portable device holder (288) thereby eliminating hindrance to rider ingress and egress thereby preventing the chances of damage to the charging cable (350).
[00050] The present invention provides a shorter length of the charging cable (315) required to charge the portable device (300).
[00051] The present invention improves the life of the electronic charging device (400). As the electronic charging device (400) remain protected with the outside environment and foreign materials.
[00052] Further, the present invention ensures reduction in time and the cost involved in charging the portable device (300) for rider without affecting the aesthetic of the vehicle (100).
[00053] Further, the present invention provides convenient to the rider for charging portable device while riding the vehicle (100).
[00054] Further, the present invention provides a safe location for charging portable device in the vehicle (100).
[00055] 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.
[00056] 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 disclosure 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:We claim:
1. A vehicle (100) comprising:
a body frame (102) comprising a head tube (161) and a main tube (162) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (161);
a handle bar (109) coupled to the body frame (102), the handle bar (109) comprising a central bar portion (119) rotatably connected to the head tube (161);
an inner front cover member (250) disposed inwardly to one of the head tube (161) and the main tube (162), the inner front cover member (250) having a left inner cover member (256), a right inner cover member (258), and a first inner cover member (254), wherein the first inner cover member (254) covering one of the head tube (161) and the main tube (162);
a portable device holder (288) adapted to be mounted to one side of the first inner cover member (254), the portable device holder (288) adapted to receive and support a portable device (300), the portable device (300) comprises a portable device socket (304) for providing connecting provision to charge the portable device (300), the portable device socket (304) disposed at an end of a body of the portable device (300); and
a charging port (400) adapted to be mounted to the first cover member (202), wherein the charging port (400) and the portable device holder (288) are disposed in close proximity of each other in such a way that at an angle (?) formed between a first plane having the charging port (400) and a second plane having the portable device socket (304).

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the charging port (400) extends along the length of the vehicle (100) and faces along the vehicle width direction.

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first inner cover member (254), the left inner cover member (256) and the right inner cover member (258) are integrated with each other.

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a lid (402) disposed to open and close said access a charging pin (415) of the charging port (400).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a charging pin (415) of the charging port (400) and the portable device socket (304) connected by a charging cable (350).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in the claim 5, wherein connection of the charging pin (452) with the charging cable (350) adapted to be place below the central bar portion (119) of the handle bar (109).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first inner cover member (254) comprises a rear facing portion (254a), a left side facing portion (254b) and a right side facing portion (254c).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the charging port (400) disposed to one of the left side facing portion (254b) and the right side facing portion (254c).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an obtuse angle (?) formed between the first plane and the second plane, and the obtuse angle (?) is ranging from 93 degrees to 137 degrees.

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable device holder (288) adapted to be mounted to the first inner cover member (254) and one of the left inner cover member (256) and the right inner cover member (258).

Dated this 30th day of November, 2023
---Digitally Signed---
Sagar Sudhir Dhatrak
Section Head– COC
Hero MotoCorp Limited