Description:

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

ELECTRONIC COMPONENT ACCOMMODATING STRUCTURE

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 an electronic component accommodating structure of a vehicle, in particular to an electronic component accommodating structure of a two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[002] A vehicle in particularly a two-wheeled vehicle comprises numerous electronic components, which is required for proper functioning of the vehicle. Conventionally, an accommodating structure is used inside the vehicle for accommodating the electronic component. A diagnostic coupler is one of the electronic components provided in the vehicle which is coupled to a control unit storing data representative of parameters that affect either individual components of the vehicle and/or the overall functioning of the vehicle. The diagnostic coupler may be removably connectable to an external electronic device for providing electronic access to vehicle data stored in the control unit.

[003] The diagnostic coupler is also accommodated within an accommodating structure provided in the vehicle. Although, the existing accommodating structure provide a space for the diagnostic coupler. But, in case of the existing accommodating structure, there is a problem of generation of rattling noise by the electronic component and, also the electronic component may experience vibrational forces while the vehicle is in motion. In addition to that, there is a requirement of a specific design of the accommodating structure based on a location of the vehicle selected for positioning the electronic component. Since, the location selected for positioning the electronic component is dependent on model of the vehicle, the accommodating structure of same design cannot be used for vehicle of different model leading to a decrease in adaptability of the accommodating structure.

[004] Thus, there is a requirement of providing a solution to one or more than one of aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] 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.

[006] In one aspect the present invention provides an electronic component accommodating structure of a vehicle for accommodating an electronic component of the vehicle, the electronic component accommodating structure adaptable to be disposed over a first aperture of a body cover of the vehicle, the electronic component accommodating structure comprises: a top wall overlapping with the first aperture , the top wall comprises an anti-rattling portion; at least one bottom wall opposite to the anti-rattling portion , the at least one bottom wall comprising a channel terminating at a second aperture; and at least one vertical wall connected in between the top wall and the at least one bottom wall for defining an accommodating space .

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the accommodating space removably accommodates a first part of the electronic component, and the channel allows movement of a second part of the electronic component inside the second aperture, the second aperture being adaptable to relasably hold the second part of the electronic component.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the electronic component being a diagnostic coupler, and the first part of the electronic component being a main body of the diagnostic coupler and the second part of the electronic component being a wire harness connected to the main body of the diagnostic coupler.

[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the channel being one of a rectilinear channel, a curved channel and a combination thereof.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the invention, the anti- rattling portion comprise a resilient member facing the at least one bottom wall and adapted to provide a first level of dampening effect to the first part of the electronic component.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the anti- rattling portion comprise a rib structure adaptable to interact with top portion of the first part of the electronic component for restricting movement of the electronic component within the accommodating space.

[0012] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the rib structure being a tapered structure, the tapered structure restricting the electronic component to come out of the electronic component accommodating structure in absence of an external force.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the top wall comprises a set of legs extending beyond the top wall; a latching element extending about an end of the top wall; the set of the legs interacting with a part of the body cover in close proximity to the first aperture and the latching element being adaptable to come in a latched state with a corresponding latching mechanism provided in the body cover.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a front fork supported by a frame structure; a front ground engaging member and rear ground engaging member supported by the frame structure; a body cover disposed on a predetermined portion of the vehicle, the body cover comprising a first aperture; and an electronic component accommodating structure adaptable to be disposed over the first aperture and adaptable to accommodate an electronic component, the electronic component accommodating structure comprises a top wall overlapping with the first aperture, the top wall comprises an anti-rattling portion; at least one bottom wall parallel to the anti-rattling portion, the at least one bottom wall comprising a channel terminating at a second aperture; and at least one vertical wall connected in between the top wall and the at least one bottom wall for defining an accommodating space.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the body cover being at least one of:
• a cover member disposed below a seat of the vehicle;
• a cover disposed over a foot board of the vehicle;
• a cover element covering a leg shield of the vehicle; and
• a side cover of the vehicle.

[0016] One of the advantages of the present invention includes prevention of rattling sound produced by the electronic component, in particularly the diagnostic coupler while the vehicle is in motion. One of the advantages of the present invention includes minimizing a vibration experienced by the electronic component, thus increasing a life span of the electronic component. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the electronic component is properly accommodated within the accommodating space, which ensures stability in the electrical connection in between the electrical component and the control unit of the vehicle.

[0017] One of the advantages of the present invention includes allowing the electronic component at different location of the vehicle with greater ease. Further, the electronic component accommodating structure is more versatile in comparison to existing accommodating structure and can be used in different models of the vehicles. One of the advantages of the present invention includes an increase in 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 first side view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an electronic component accommodating structure disposed on a cover member of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of an electronic component of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of an electronic component accommodating structure of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of an electronic component accommodating structure of the vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the 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.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a side view of a vehicle (10) that inter-alia 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).

[0039] The front-end structure (12) comprises a front ground engaging member (18), and a steering mechanism (20). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (20). 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.

[0040] The steering mechanism (20) comprises a head pipe (22) supporting a front fork (24) in a
steerable manner 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 pipe (22), 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).

[0041] 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 pipe (22) 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.

[0042] 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 (Not shown) disposed on a second side of the main frame (28).The first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (Not shown) extending from the main frame (28) in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10).

[0043] Further, the 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 , 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.

[0044] Further, the rear end structure (14) comprises a first side cover (42) and a second side cover (Not shown ) covering the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame .The rear end structure (14) further comprises a cover member (46) (best seen in Figure 2) disposed below the seat (38). In an embodiment of the invention the cover member (46) is accessible only when the seat (38) is in open condition with respect to the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle (10) is provided with an electronic component accommodating structure (100) (shown in Figure 2) for accommodating an electronic component (50) (shown in Figure 3) of the vehicle (10). The electronic component accommodating structure (100) is adaptable to be disposed over a first aperture (52) of a body cover (54) of the vehicle (10) (shown in Figure 2). In an embodiment of the invention the body cover (54) is disposed on a predetermined portion of the vehicle (10).

[0047] Referring to Figure 2, in an embodiment of the invention the body cover (54) may be the cover member (46) disposed below the seat (38) and is provided with the first aperture (52). Although, in the Figure 2, the body cover (54) is shown as the cover member (46), but in embodiment of the invention the body cover (54) may be a cover disposed over the foot board (16) of the vehicle (10), a cover element covering the leg shield (32) of the vehicle (10), and the first side cover (42) and the second side cover of the vehicle (10).

[0048] Now referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the electronic component accommodating structure (100) comprises a top wall (102) overlapping with the first aperture (52). In an embodiment of the invention, the top wall (102) comprises an anti-rattling portion (104). Further, the electronic component accommodating structure (100) comprises at least one bottom wall (108) opposite to the anti-rattling portion (104) and at least one vertical wall (106) connected in between the top wall (102) and the at least one bottom wall (108) for defining an accommodating space (110). In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one bottom wall (108) comprising a channel (112) terminating at a second aperture (114).

[0049] The accommodating space (110) removably accommodates a first part (56) of the electronic component (50) and the channel (112) allows movement of a second part (58) of the electronic component (50) inside the second aperture (114). In an embodiment of the invention, the second aperture (114) is adaptable to relasably hold the second part (58) of the electronic component (50).

[0050] The channel (112) of the at least one bottom wall (108) may take different shape. In an embodiment the invention, the channel (112) being one of a rectilinear channel, a curved channel and a combination thereof. The variations in the shape of the channel (112) increases the adaptability of the electronic component accommodating structure (100). In an exemplary embodiment of invention, the curved channel requires less effort for moving the second part (58) inside the second aperture (114).

[0051] By way of a non-restrictive example of the invention, the electronic component (50) is a diagnostic coupler electrically connected to a control unit provided in the vehicle (10). Further, the first part (56) of the electronic component (50) being a main body of the diagnostic coupler and the second part (58) of the electronic component (50) being a wire harness connected to the main body of the diagnostic coupler. In an embodiment of the invention, the wire harness electrically connects the diagnostic coupler to the control unit.

[0052] Now coming to an aspect of variation in type and construction of the anti- rattling portion (104) explained with reference to the Figure 4 and Figure 5. Referring to the Figure 4, the anti- rattling portion (104) comprise a resilient member (116) facing the at least one bottom wall (108) and adapted to provide a first level of dampening effect to the first part (56) of the electronic component (50). The first level of dampening effect suppresses the rattling noise produced by the electronic component (50) and minimizes the vibration experienced by the electronic component (50) placed inside the electronic component accommodating structure (100), while the vehicle (10) is in motion.

[0053] Referring to the Figure 5, the anti- rattling portion (104) comprise a rib structure (118) adaptable to interact with top portion of the first part (56) of the electronic component (50) for restricting movement of the electronic component (50) within the accommodating space (110).In an embodiment of the invention, the rib structure (118) is a tapered structure. The tapered structure restricts the electronic component (50) to come out of the electronic component accommodating structure (100) in absence of an external force.

[0054] Once the electronic component (50) is placed inside the electronic component accommodating structure (100), the resilient member (116) by coming in contact with the first part (56) of the electronic component (50) suppresses the rattling noise produced and minimizes the vibration experienced by the electronic component (50) placed inside the electronic component accommodating structure (100), while the vehicle (10) is in motion.

[0055] Again, referring to the Figure 5, for mounting the electronic component accommodating structure (100) over the first aperture (52), the top wall (102) comprises a set of legs (120) extending beyond the top wall (102) and a latching element (122) extending about an end of the top wall (102).The set of legs (120) interacts with a part of the body cover (54) in close proximity to the first aperture (52) and the latching element (122) being adaptable to come in a latched state with a corresponding latching mechanism provided in the body cover (54). The interaction between the set of legs (120) interacts with the part of the body cover (54) and latched state of the latching element (122) facilitates the mounting of the electronic component accommodating structure (100) over the first aperture (52).

[0056] Since, the electronic component accommodating structure (100) comprises the anti- rattling portion, which restricts the movement of the electronic component within the accommodating space. One of the advantages of the present invention includes prevention of rattling sound produced by the electronic component, in particularly the diagnostic coupler while the vehicle (10) is in motion. One of the advantages of the present invention includes minimizing a vibration experienced by the electronic component, thus increasing a life span of the electronic component. One of the advantages of the present invention is that the electronic component is properly accommodated within the accommodating space, which ensures stability in the electrical connection in between the electrical component and the control unit of the vehicle.

[0057] Since, the electronic component accommodating structure (100) is adaptable to be disposed over different covers of the vehicle. One of the advantages of the present invention includes allowing the electronic component at different location of the vehicle with greater ease. Further, the electronic component accommodating structure (100) is more versatile in comparison to existing accommodating structure and can be used in different models of the vehicles. Since, the electronic component accommodating structure (100) can be mounted on the vehicle with less effort. One of the advantages of the present invention includes an increase in serviceability of the vehicle.

[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.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. An electronic component accommodating structure (100) of a vehicle (10) for accommodating an electronic component (50) of the vehicle (10), the electronic component accommodating structure (100) adaptable to be disposed over a first aperture (52) of a body cover (54) of the vehicle (10), the electronic component accommodating structure (100) comprises:
a top wall (102) overlapping with the first aperture (52), the top wall (102) comprises an anti-rattling portion (104);
at least one bottom wall (108) opposite to the anti-rattling portion (104),the at least one bottom wall (108) comprising a channel (112) terminating at a second aperture (114); and
at least one vertical wall (106) connected in between the top wall (102) and the at least one bottom wall (108) for defining an accommodating space (110).

2. The electronic component accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accommodating space (110) removably accommodates a first part (56) of the electronic component (50), and the channel (112) allows movement of a second part (58) of the electronic component (50) inside the second aperture (114), the second aperture (114) being adaptable to relasably hold the second part (58) of the electronic component (50).

3. The electronic component accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the electronic component (50) being a diagnostic coupler, and the first part (56) of the electronic component (50) being a main body of the diagnostic coupler and the second part (58) of the electronic component (50) being a wire harness connected to the main body of the diagnostic coupler.

4. The electronic component accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel (112) being one of a rectilinear channel, a curved channel and a combination thereof.

5. The electronic component accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti- rattling portion (104) comprise a resilient member (116) facing the at least one bottom wall (108) and adapted to provide a first level of dampening effect to the first part (56) of the electronic component (50).

6. The electronic component accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anti- rattling portion (104) comprise a rib structure (118) adaptable to interact with top portion of the first part (56) of the electronic component (50) for restricting movement of the electronic component (50) within the accommodating space (110).

7. The electronic component accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rib structure (118) being a tapered structure, the tapered structure restricting the electronic component (50) to come out of the electronic component accommodating structure (100) in absence of an external force.

8. The electronic component accommodating structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the top wall (102) comprises:
a set of legs (120) extending beyond the top wall (102);
a latching element (122) extending about an end of the top wall (102);
the set of the legs (120) interacting with a part of the body cover (54) in close proximity to the first aperture (52) and the latching element (122) being adaptable to come in a latched state with a corresponding latching mechanism provided in the body cover (54).

9. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a front fork (24) supported by a main frame (28);
a front ground engaging member (18) and rear ground engaging member (40) supported by the main frame (28);
a body cover (54) disposed on a predetermined portion of the vehicle (10), the body cover (54) comprising a first aperture (52); and
an electronic component accommodating structure (100) adaptable to be disposed over the first aperture (52) and adaptable to accommodate an electronic component (50), the electronic component accommodating structure (100) comprises:
a top wall (102) overlapping with the first aperture (52), the top wall (102) comprises an anti-rattling portion (104);
at least one bottom wall (108) parallel to the anti-rattling portion (104),the at least one bottom wall (108) comprising a channel (112) terminating at a second aperture (114); and
at least one vertical wall (106) connected in between the top wall (102) and the at least one bottom wall (108) for defining an accommodating space (110).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body cover (54) being at least one of:
• a cover member (46) disposed below a seat (38) of the vehicle (10);
• a cover disposed over a foot board (16) of the vehicle (10)
• a cover element covering a leg shield (32) of the vehicle (10); and
• a side cover (42) of the vehicle (10).