Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of automobiles, and more particularly to cleaning systems in automobiles.
BACKGROUND
[002] Scuff plates provide a sturdy platform in vehicles facilitating passengers to ingress or egress. The scuff plates are threshold plates that act as protective layers installed at the boundary of doorways and cover the body panel, and wiring harness and follow gap and flushness with the surrounding environment. The scuff plates may serve to protect the interior of the vehicle from dirt, debris, and foot traffic, and to enhance the appearance of the vehicle aesthetically. However, the scuff plates are prone to accumulating dirt and scuff marks due to constant exposure to the shoes of passengers while boarding or deboarding the vehicle. These scuff marks may detract from the aesthetic appeal of the scuff plates and the vehicle as a whole and may also cause corrosion and damage to the plates over time. Further, the accumulated dust may come in contact with the passenger’s clothes and may spill over to the floor carpet of the vehicle. Due to the obscure placement of the scuff plate in the vehicle, regular cleaning of the scuff plates is often neglected. Further, manual cleaning of the scuff plates may lead to spillover of dirt onto the floor carpet contaminating the vehicle’s interior.
[003] Therefore, there is a requirement for a cleaning system to provide an optimum solution for cleaning the scuff plates.
SUMMARY
[004] In one embodiment, a cleaning system for a vehicle is disclosed. The cleaning system may include a cleaning member that may be movably attachable to a scuff plate of the vehicle. Further, the cleaning system may include a driving assembly that may be mountable on the scuff plate. In an embodiment, the cleaning member may be movably coupled to the driving assembly. Further, the driving assembly may be configured to move the cleaning member along at least a portion of a length of the scuff plate.
[005] In another embodiment, a vehicle including a scuff plate is disclosed. The vehicle may further include a cleaning member that may be movably attached to the scuff plate of the vehicle. Further, vehicle may include a driving assembly that may be mounted on the scuff plate. In an embodiment the cleaning member may be movably coupled to the driving assembly. Further, the driving assembly may be configured to move the cleaning member along at least a portion of a length of the scuff plate.
[006] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[008] FIG. 1A illustrates a first perspective view of a scuff plate in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[009] FIG. 1B illustrates a second perspective view of a scuff plate in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[010] FIG. 1C illustrates a side view of a scuff plate in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[011] FIG. 1D illustrates a third perspective view of a scuff plate including a cleaning member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[012] FIG. 1E illustrates a fourth perspective view of a scuff plate including a cleaning member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[013] FIG. 2A illustrates a first perspective view of the cleaning member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[014] FIG. 2B illustrates a second perspective view of the cleaning member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[015] FIG. 2C illustrates a third perspective view of the cleaning member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[016] FIG. 2D illustrates a fourth perspective view of the cleaning member being installed on the scuff plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[017] FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a cleaning system for the scuff plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[018] FIG. 3B illustrates a magnified side view of the cleaning member and the driving assembly as shown in FIG. 3A.
[019] FIG. 3C illustrates a back view of the scuff plate including a rack and pinion arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[020] FIG. 4A illustrates a back view of the scuff plate including a cam and follower arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[021] FIG. 4B illustrates a partial back view of the scuff plate depicting a follower of the cam-and-follower arrangement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[022] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[023] The terms “including”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “comprising of” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device 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 device. 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.
[024] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs. 1A – 4B. It is to be noted that the system may be employed in any automobiles including but not limited to a passenger vehicle, a utility vehicle, commercial vehicles, and any other transportable machinery. For a sake of clarity, the vehicle is not shown.
[025] As explained earlier, due to the remote location of scuff plates in vehicles, its cleaning is often overlooked, due to which there may be accumulation of dust on the scuff plates that may spill over to the floor carpet and also may lead to contamination of vehicle’s interior. To this end, a cleaning system for cleaning the scuff plates is provided.
[026] FIG. 1A illustrates a first perspective view 100A of a scuff plate in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As can be seen, the scuff plate 104 (also referred to herein as sill panel cover) is mounted on an edge of a lower body panel facing a door 102 of the vehicle. The edge of the lower body panel may be a side sill portion of the door 102 (not shown), onto which the scuff plate 104 may be mounted thereby providing protection to the side sill portion of the vehicle. The scuff plate 104 may act as a sacrificial layer, which may cover wiring harness and absorb the brunt of the impact and preserve the pristine appearance of the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, the scuff plate 104 may act as a barrier in preventing dirt, mud, and debris from being transferred onto the floor carpet. In an embodiment, the scuff plate 104 may be an L-shaped structure that may be provided adjacent to a boundary of the floor 116 and may form an interior of a door sill. Further, the scuff plate 104 may include a supporting structure 114 to support the scuff plate 104 against a seat mounting frame 121. The supporting structure 114 rests over the floor 116 and is abutted against the seat mounting frame 121.
[027] Further, referring to FIG. 1B, a second perspective view 100B of the scuff plate 104 in a vehicle is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the scuff plate 104 is mounted on an edge 113 of a lower body panel or an inside edge 113 of a door sill (not shown). Further, as explained earlier, the scuff plate 104 may be fixedly supported by the supporting structure 114 on the floor 116 and abutted against the seat mounting frame 121. The supporting structure 114 may be a flange, that may be fastened to the floor 116 using any fastening methods known in the art. In an embodiment, the supporting structure 114 may extend from a center of the scuff plate 104. The supporting structure 114 when fastened to the floor along with simultaneous abutment to the seat mounting frame 121, the scuff plate may be reinforced along the edge 113.
[028] Further, referring to FIG. 1C, which illustrates a side view 100C of the scuff plate 104 in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the scuff plate may include an outer surface 108 and an inner surface 110. In an embodiment, the scuff plate 104 may be placed on the door sill such that an outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104 may have clearance “c” with a lower door trim 120 of the door 102. The clearance between the outer surface 108 and the lower door trim 120 may be such to allow the door 102 of the vehicle to close without touching the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104.
[029] In an embodiment, the inner surface 110, which is oppositely disposed to the outer surface 108 as seen, may be in contact with the edge 113 of the of the door sill. Further, the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104 may experience the impact from the footsteps of a user due to direct contact while alighting from the vehicle and entering the vehicle. Further, the scuff plate 104 forms a physical barrier between the floor 116 and the outside environment and is shaped in a manner to collect the dust from outside environment when the door 102 opens. Therefore, the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104 may get dirty due to collection of dust or contact from the footsteps of the user and requires cleaning of the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104.
[030] Referring now to FIG. 1D, a third perspective view 100D of the scuff plate 104 including a cleaning member 106 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As explained earlier, the outer surface 108 is prone to accumulation of dirt thereon. Therefore, the cleaning member 106 may be disposed on the outer surface 108. The cleaning member 106 may be movably attached to the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. Particularly, the cleaning member 106 may slide on the outer surface 108, to perform a cleaning action on at least one portion of the outer surface 108. As may be appreciated, the cleaning action may be used for cleaning the dirt and dust from the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. Further, a driving assembly (not shown) is provided that may be mountable on the inner surface 110 of the scuff plate 104. In an embodiment, the cleaning member 106 along with the driving assembly (not shown) may form a cleaning system for cleaning the scuff plate 104. The cleaning member 106 may be movably coupled to the driving assembly (not shown). Further, the driving assembly may be configured to move the cleaning member 106 along the at least a portion of a length of the scuff plate 104. In an embodiment, the driving assembly (not shown) may be configured to stop the movement of the cleaning member 106 on the scuff plate 104 in case of any object, such as foot of the passenger and passenger clothing, is detected to be present on the outer surface 108. In such a scenario, the driving assembly (not shown) may be configured to stop the movement of the cleaning member 106 on the scuff plate 104.
[031] Further, referring to FIG. 1E, a fourth perspective view 100E of the scuff plate 104 including a cleaning member 106 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the cleaning member 106 may be shaped corresponding to the outer surface of the scuff plate 104. In an embodiment, the shape of the cleaning member 106 may be complementary to the shape of the outer surface 108. As shown, the cleaning member 106 is L-shaped that may complement the L-shaped outer surface 108.
[032] Further, the scuff plate 104 may include a guideway 122 on the outer surface 108. In an embodiment, the guideway 122 may be provided as a cavity extending along the length of the scuff plate 104. The cleaning member 106 may include a housing structure 126 and a cover 128. Further, the housing structure 126 may form a cavity (not shown) and a tail portion 130. The cavity (not shown) may be on a first end of the housing structure 126 and the tail portion 130 on a second end of the housing structure 126. The first end may be facing the lower door trim 120 of the door 102. Further, the second end of the housing structure 126 including the tail portion 130 may face the floor 116 of the vehicle. The tail portion 130 may include a shaft (not shown) that may pass through the guideway 122 and movably couple the cleaning member 106 to the driving assembly (not shown). Further, the cavity (not shown) of the housing structure 126 may house a detachable scrubber 112 (also referred to hereinafter as a scrubber 112). The cover 128 may be detachably fastened to a top opening of the cavity. Accordingly, the scrubber 112 may be enclosed inside the cavity by the cover 128. In an embodiment, the housing structure 126 may include one or more openings (not shown) from which the scrubber 112 may squeeze out to contact the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104.
[033] Accordingly, the cleaning member 104 may be aligned onto the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104 and may move from one end of the scuff plate 104 to the other end of the scuff plate 104 via a driving assembly (not shown). Further, the driving assembly may be mounted at the inner surface 110 of the scuff plate 106. Further, a drain channel 124 may be provided below the guideway 122 on the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. The movement of cleaning member 106 by the driving assembly (not shown) may lead to cleaning of the dirt and dust particles from the scuff plate 104 as described in detail below. The cleaning member 104 may include a detachable scrubber 112 (also referred to hereinafter as a scrubber 112) that may be in direct contact with the outer surface 108.
[034] In an embodiment, the scrubber 112 may be configured to clean the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. Further, the cover 128 may allow removal of the scrubber 112 from the cavity of the housing structure 126. Thus, removal of the cover 128 may allow soaking of the scrubber 112 with water or a cleaning agent. Accordingly, the scrubber 112 when moving from one end to another may release the cleaning agent therethrough onto the outer surface 108. As the scrubber 112 may slide along the outer surface 108, it may release the soaked cleaning agent to clean the outer surface 108 accordingly. As a result, some effluents may be released from the scrubber 112. The released effluents may be collected in the drain channel 124, thereby preventing the spilling of the effluents on the floor 116. Such effluents that may be collected in the drain channel 124 may be cleaned manually by the user.
[035] It should be appreciated that the FIGs. 1A-1E are described with respect to one cleaning system provided for cleaning the scuff plate 104 provided on the edge 113 of the door 102 of the vehicle. It should be appreciated that an analogous cleaning system may be provided for each scuff plate provided in the vehicle on the inside edge of each of the doors of the vehicle.
[036] Referring now to FIG. 2A, a first perspective view 200A of the cleaning member 106 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning member 106 may be shaped corresponding to the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104 in order to cover the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. As described earlier, the cleaning member 106 may include a housing structure 126, the scrubber 112 and a cover 128. Further, the housing structure 126 may include a cavity 202 and the tail portion 130.
[037] The cavity 202 of the housing structure 126may include a base 204 that may further include one or more openings 210. Further, the cavity 202 may include two walls 206a, 206b that may extend perpendicular upwards from two sides 208a, 208b of the base 204. The two wall 206a, 206b may be separated from each other in a width-wise direction of the base 204. Further, the one or more openings 210 may extend along a width of the base 204 of the housing structure 126 between the two walls 206a, 206b. In an embodiment, the base 204 may include a plurality of ribs 211 that extend across the width of the base 204 and may join the two side 208a, 208b and the two walls 206a, 206b. Accordingly, the gaps between two consecutive ribs of the plurality of ribs 211 may form the one or more openings 210. Further, the plurality of ribs 211 and the one or more openings 210 collectively form the base 204.
[038] Further, the cavity 202 may have a length of about equal to a width of the outer surface 108 of the scuff-plate 104. Further, the cavity 202 may have a top opening between the two wall 206a, 206b that may support the cover 128 on top. The scrubber 112 may be placed in the cavity 202 and the cover 128 may be fastened to the top opening of the cavity 202 via one or more fasteners (not shown). In another embodiment, the cover 128 may be attached to the housing structure 126 in a snap fit or a snug fit manner. The top portions of the two wall 206a, 206b may include a snap fitting mechanism for the cover 128 to be fixedly attached to the housing structure 126. Therefore, the cavity 202 may be defined between the base 204, two wall 206a, 206b and the cover 128 to hold the scrubber 112 therebetween.
[039] In an embodiment, the scrubber 112 may be detachably placed onto the base 204 of the housing structure 126. The scrubber 112 is enclosed in the cavity 202 in a manner that it is pressed by the cover 128, causing a portion of the scrubber 112 to get squeezed out from the one or more openings 210. The lower portion of the scrubber 112 that may be squeezing out from the one or more openings 210 may be in contact with the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. Therefore, the scrubber 112 may be pressed between the cover 128 and the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104 in order for the lower portion of the scrubber 112 to be in contact with the outer surface 108.
[040] In an embodiment, the cover 128 may be detached from the housing structure 126 exposing a top portion of the scrubber 112. Accordingly, water or cleaning liquid may be poured onto the exposed portion top portion of the scrubber 112. A lower portion of the soaked scrubber 112 may squeeze out from the one or more openings 210 to contact the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104 in order to clean it. In an embodiment, the scrubber 112 may be shaped such that it is accommodated in the cavity of the housing structure 204. Further, the scrubber 112 may have thickness to allow the scrubber 112 to be squeezed out of the one or more openings 210 of the base 204 once the cover 128 is attached to the housing structure 126. .
[041] In an embodiment, a user may unfasten the cover 128 to expose a top portion of the scrubber 112 and to add water or cleaning agent onto the scrubber 112. Accordingly, the lower portion of the soaked scrubber 112 that may be squeezing out from the one or more openings 210 may clean the outer surface 108 when the cleaning member 106 moves along the length of the scuff plate 104 from one end to another.
[042] The housing structure 126 of the cleaning member 106 may further include the tail portion 130 that may extend from the base 204. The tail portion 130 may include a shaft 212 than may movably couple the cleaning member 106 to the driving assembly (not shown) as explained in detail below.
[043] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a second perspective view 200B of the cleaning member 106 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Further, referring to FIG. 2C, which illustrates a third perspective view 200C of the cleaning member 106, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cover 128 may be fastened to the base 208 of the 106 via one or more fasteners 214a, 214b. In an embodiment, a user may unfasten the one or more fasteners 214a, 214b to remove the cover 128 from the base 208. The removal of cover 128 may expose the scrubber 112 to add water or cleaning agent onto the scrubber 112 in order to soak it. The cover 128 may be detached from the base 208 by unfastening the one or more fasteners 214a, 214b. In another embodiment, the cover 128 may be attached as a snap fit onto the top portion of the side walls 206a, 206b and may be pulled out to be detached from the snap fit. The exposed scrubber 112 may be soaked with water or cleaning agent in order for it to clean the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104.
[044] In an embodiment, the cover 128 when unfastened from the base 208 may enable the convenient detachment of the scrubber 112 from the cavity 202 of the housing structure 126. In an embodiment, the scrubber 112 may be detached from the base 208 in order to replace the scrubber 112 or for washing collected dust and debris absorbed by or attached to the scrubber 112. Further, the scrubber 112 may be cleaned manually after detaching the scrubber 112 from the cleaning member 106 by removing the scrubber 112 from the cavity 202.
[045] Further, the shaft 212 extending from the tail portion 130 of the cleaning member 106 may be movably coupled with the driving assembly (not shown) to move the cleaning member 106 over the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. The cleaning of the scuff plate 104 may be ensured by the movement of the cleaning member 106 on the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104.
[046] Referring now to FIG. 2D, a fourth perspective view 200D of the cleaning member 106 being installed on the scuff plate 104 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the cleaning member 106 is installed on the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. Further, a driving assembly (described in detail later) may be installed on the inner surface 110 of the scuff plate 104. In an embodiment, the cleaning member 106 may be movably attached to the driving assembly (described below)via the shaft 212 aligning the cleaning member 106 onto the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. The shaft 212 may pass through the guideway 122 and may be coupled to a stationary shaft (described below) of a driving motor (not shown). Accordingly, the stationary shaft (described below) may provide attachment of the cleaning member 106 with the driving assembly (described below) and allows the driving assembly to move the cleaning member 106 on the outer surface 108 by moving the stationary shaft (described below) along the guideway 122. Further, the coupling of the shaft 216 to the driving assembly (described below) may align the cleaning member 106 onto the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104.
[047] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a side view 300A of a cleaning system for the scuff plate 104 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cleaning system may include the cleaning member 106 and the driving assembly 301. As shown, the cleaning member 106 may be movably mounted on the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. In an embodiment, the driving assembly 310 may be mounted on the inner surface 110 of the scuff plate 104. The driving assembly 301 may be movably coupled with the cleaning member 106 via the shaft 212. The shaft 212 may be coupled to the driving assembly 301 through the guideway 122.
[048] The driving assembly 301 may include a transmission assembly that may include a rack and pinion gear arrangement 303 and a driving motor 302. In an embodiment, the driving motor 302 may be electrically powered to move along at least a portion of the length of the scuff plate 104. Accordingly, the driving motor 302 may move the cleaning member 106 on the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104. In an embodiment, the driving motor 302 of the cleaning system 100 may be powered by Electrical power transmitted from a battery (not shown) in the vehicle.
[049] In an embodiment, the driving motor 302 may stop working if there is any obstruction detected on the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104 when the cleaning member 106 is moving on the scuff plate 104. Accordingly, in case of a presence of an obstruction, the movement of the cleaning member 106 may be restricted which may lead to restriction of movement of the driving motor 302 and an increase in current in the driving motor 302. Accordingly, an increased current in the driving motor 302 may be taken as a feedback by an electronic control unit ECU (not shown) of the vehicle to stop the driving motor 302 and hence stop the cleaning member 106 in case of detection of an obstruction on the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104.
[050] Further, the rack-and-pinion arrangement 303 may include a rack 304 and a pinion 306 meshed together. The pinion 306 may rotate over the rack 304 in response to the rotation of the driving motor 302. As a result of the rotation, the cleaning member 106 including the scrubber 112 may move along the at least the portion of the length of the scuff plate 104 and clean the surface of the scuff plate 104 by moving from one end of the scuff plate 104 to the another and vice-versa.
[051] Referring now to FIG. 3B, a magnified side view 300B of the cleaning member 106 and the driving assembly 301 as shown in FIG. 3A is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the driving motor 302 may include a driving shaft 308 and a stationary shaft 310. The driving shaft 308 may be rotatably coupled to the pinion 306. In an embodiment, the driving motor 302 may provide rotational motion to the pinion 306, causing the pinion to rotate on the rack 304 along the length of the scuff plate 104. The stationary shaft 310 of the driving motor 302 may be coupled to the shaft 216 protruding from the tail portion 130. Accordingly, the rotational motion of the pinion306 may be converted into linear motion as the pinion 306 rotates on the rack304, the driving motor 302 and the stationary shaft 310 may move linearly along the length of the scuff plate 104 through the guideway 122. Further, the stationary shaft 310, being coupled to the shaft 216, linearly moves the cleaning member 106 along the length of the scuff plate 104.
[052] Referring now to FIG. 3C, a back view 300C of the scuff plate 104 including a rack and pinion arrangement 303 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The rack and pinion arrangement 303 is installed on the inner surface 110 of the scuff plate 104. The rack and pinion arrangement 303 may include a pinion 306 movably coupled to a rack 304. In an embodiment, the driving motor 302 may rotate the pinion 306 which in turn may rotate on the rack 304. The driving motor 302 and the pinion 306 may move along with the length of the scuff plate 104 towards the inner surface 110.
[053] A spring-loaded pulley 312 may be provided on one side end of the inner surface of the scuff plate 104. An electrical wire 314 may be connected to the driving motor 302 for transmitting electrical power. The electrical wire 314 may be coiled or wound onto the spring-loaded pulley 312. As the driving motor 302 moves along the length of the scuff plate 104 the electrical wire 314 may be unwound from the spring-loaded pulley 312. Therefore, a constant tension in the electrical wire 314 may be maintained when the driving motor 302 moves towards the other side end of the scuff plate 104 away from the side end where the spring-loaded pulley 312 is provided. Accordingly, the spring-loaded pulley 312 may prevent entanglement of the electrical wire 314 during the movement of the driving motor 302.
[054] Referring now to FIG. 4A, a back view 400A of the scuff plate 104 including a cam and follower arrangement is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The back view 400A depicts the inner surface 112 of the scuff plate 104 including a cam-and-follower arrangement 402 as the transmission system of the driving assembly 202. The cam-and-follower arrangement 402 may include a cam 403 that may be driven by the driving motor 405. The driving motor 405 may be coupled to the one end of the cam 403, using any gear-based arrangement (not shown) such as a bevel gear drive (not shown). For example, a bevel pinion (not shown) may be coupled to the motor shaft 408, and a bevel gear (not shown) may be coupled to the one end of the cam 403. Further, the bevel pinion (not shown) may mesh with the bevel gear (not shown). As may be appreciated, the bevel pinion (not shown) when driven by the motor 405 may be configured to drive the bevel gear (not shown). The bevel gear (not shown) when driven, may drive the cam 403 accordingly.
[055] Further, the inner surface 110 of the scuff plate 104 may include a pair of holders 406a and 406b at each side ends of the scuff plate 104 in order to rotatably hold the cam 403. The pair of holders 406a and 406b may enable the installation of the cam 403 on the inner surface 110 of the scuff plate 104. The pair of holders 406a and 406b and the cam 403 may be aligned on the inner surface 110 of the scuff plate 104 such that a profile of the cam 403 is aligned with the guideway 122 such that the follower (not shown) moves along the profile and linearly along the guideway 122.
[056] Further, referring now to FIG. 4B, a partial back view 400B of the scuff plate 104 depicting a follower 404 of the cam-and-follower arrangement 402 is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The cam-and-follower arrangement 402 may include a follower 404 connected to the cam 403 such that the follower 404 moves linearly along the length of the scuff plate 104 with the rotation of the cam 403. For example, when the cam 403 is rotated by the driving motor 405, the follower 404 may be configured to traverse the cam profile. The follower 404 while traversing the cam profile may result in a linear movement thereof, across the scuff plate 104. Moreover, the follower 404 is coupled to the shaft 212 of the cleaning member 106 through the guideway 122. As may be appreciated, the linear movement of the follower 404 may lead to the linear movement of the cleaning member 106 on the outer surface 108 of the scuff plate 104.
[057] Accordingly, the cleaning system of the present disclosure may allow an effective cleaning of each of the scuff plates installed in a vehicle. The cleaning system may ensure a hygienic vehicle interior. Further, in some embodiments, the operation of the cleaning system may be scheduled by the ECU (not shown) based on the ignition of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the cleaning system may be operated when the ignition is turned ON.
[058] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the cleaning system described in the various embodiments discussed above are not routine, or conventional or well understood in the art. The cleaning system discussed above may be capable of offering several advantages. Firstly, the cleaning system may be advantageous in reducing the manual labor of cleaning scuff plates. Further, the disclosed cleaning system may allow automatic cleaning of the scuff plates to remove accumulated dirt and debris thus, ensuring a hygienic interior. Such advantages may ensure enhanced aesthetics of the vehicle with minimum accumulation of dirt and debris on the scuff plate, and the floor carpet.
[059] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[060] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[061] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[062] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A cleaning system for a vehicle, comprising:
a cleaning member (106) movably attachable to a scuff plate (104) of the vehicle; and
a driving assembly (301) mountable on the scuff plate (104),
wherein the cleaning member (106) is movably coupled to the driving assembly (301), and
wherein the driving assembly (301) is configured to move the cleaning member (106) along at least a portion of a length of the scuff plate (104).

2. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scuff plate (104) comprises an outer surface (108) and an inner surface (110), and
wherein the cleaning member (106) is movably mountable on the outer surface (108) and the driving assembly (301) is mounted on the inner surface (110).

3. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cleaning member (106) is shaped corresponding to the outer surface (108) of the scuff plate (104)
wherein the outer surface (108) comprises a drain channel (124) positioned below the cleaning member (106) in order to collect an effluent released while cleaning the outer surface (108) by the cleaning member (106).

4. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cleaning member (106) comprises:
a housing structure (126) comprising:
a cavity (202); and
a base (204) comprising one or more openings (210); and
a detachable scrubber (112) detachably placed in the cavity (202); and
a cover (128) detachably fastened to a top opening of the cavity (202),
wherein the detachable scrubber (112) is pressed between the cover (128) and the base (204) such that the detachable scrubber (112) squeezes out from the one or more openings (210) and contacts the outer surface (108) of the scuff plate (104).

5. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cleaning member (106) comprises:
a housing structure (126) comprising:
a cavity (202) on a first end;
a tail portion (130) on a second end, wherein the tail portion (130) comprises a shaft (212), and
wherein the cavity (202) comprises:
a base (204); and
one or more openings (210) formed in the base (204);
two walls (206a, 206b) extending perpendicularly upwards from corresponding two sides (208a, 208b) of the base (204) forming the cavity (202);
a detachable scrubber (112) detachably placed into the cavity (202); and
a cover (128) detachably fastened to a top portion of the two walls (206a, 206b) of the cavity (202);
wherein a first portion of the detachable scrubber (112) squeezes out from the one or more openings (210) to contact the outer surface (108) of the scuff plate (104) when the cover (128) is detachably fastened; and
wherein the cleaning member (106) is movably coupled to the driving assembly (301) through the shaft (212).

6. The cleaning system as claimed in claimed in claim 5, wherein the coupling of shaft (212) to the driving assembly (301) aligns the cleaning member (106) onto the outer surface (108) of the scuff plate (104).

7. The cleaning system as claimed in claimed in claim 6, wherein the cover (128), upon detachment, is configured to expose a second portion of the detachable scrubber (112).

8. The cleaning system as claimed in claimed in claim 5, wherein the scuff plate (104) comprises a guideway (122) extending along the length of the scuff plate (104), wherein the shaft (212) is configured to slidingly engage with the guideway (122).

9. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the driving assembly (202) comprises:
a transmission assembly comprising one of:
a rack-and-pinion gear arrangement (303), or
a cam-and-follower arrangement (402); and
a driving motor (302, 405) coupled to the transmission assembly, the driving motor (302, 405) comprising:
a driving shaft (308, 408); and
a stationary shaft (310),
wherein the driving shaft (308, 408) is coupled to the transmission assembly, and
wherein the stationary shaft (310) is coupled to the shaft (212) protruding from the tail portion (130).

10. The cleaning system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the driving shaft (308, 408) is connected to any one of:
a pinion gear of the rack-and-pinion gear arrangement (303), or
a cam of the cam-and-follower arrangement (402).

11. A vehicle, comprising:
a scuff plate (104);
a cleaning member (106) movably attachable to the scuff plate (104) of the vehicle; and
a driving assembly (301) mountable on the scuff plate (104),
wherein the cleaning member (106) is movably coupled to the driving assembly (301), and
wherein the driving assembly (301) is configured to move the cleaning member (106) along at least a portion of a length of the scuff plate (104).

12. The vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the cleaning member (106) comprises:
a housing structure (126) comprising:
a cavity (202) on a first end;
a tail portion (130) on a second end,
wherein the tail portion (130) comprises a shaft (212), and
wherein the cavity (202) comprises:
a base (204); and
one or more openings (210) formed in the base (204);
two walls (206a, 206b) extending perpendicularly upwards from corresponding two sides (208a, 208b) of the base (204) forming the cavity (202);
a detachable scrubber (112) detachably placed into the cavity (202); and
a cover (128) detachably fastened to a top portion of the two walls (206a, 206b) of the cavity (202);
wherein a first portion of the detachable scrubber (112) squeezes out from the one or more openings (210) to contact the outer surface (108) of the scuff plate (104) when the cover (128) is detachably fastened; and
wherein the cleaning member (106) is movably coupled to the driving assembly (301) through the shaft (212).

13. The vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the driving assembly (301) comprises:
a transmission assembly comprising one of:
a rack-and-pinion gear arrangement (303), or
a cam-and-follower arrangement (402); and
a driving motor (302) comprising:
a driving shaft (308); and
a stationary shaft (310),
wherein the driving shaft (308) is coupled to the transmission assembly, and
wherein the stationary shaft (310) is coupled to the shaft (212) protruding from the tail portion (130).

14. The vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the driving shaft (308) is connected to any one of:
a pinion gear (304) of the rack-and-pinion gear arrangement (303), or
a cam of the cam-and-follower arrangement (402).