Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001]
The present subject matter relates to a vehicle, more particularly, a location for mounting a switch assembly in a handlebar of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002]
In general, vehicles are provided with a plurality of vehicle components 5 for operation of the vehicle. The plurality of vehicle components includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components, such as, a headlamp, one or more turn signal lamps, a throttle input, a horn and one or more vehicle indicators. Conventionally, each of the plurality of electrical and electronic components are operated and controlled using one or more switches. 10
[003]
In general, the one or more switches are disposed on a handlebar assembly of the vehicle for ease of accessibility and ease of operation of the plurality of electrical and electronic components. However, disposition of the one or more switches on the handlebar of the vehicle creates confusion among the user of the vehicle. 15
[004]
In general, the vehicles can be an electric vehicle, an internal combustion engine driven vehicle, or an hybrid vehicle. The number of plurality of electrical and electronic components are more in the electric vehicle and the hybrid vehicle as compared to the internal combustion engine driven vehicle, due to a greater number of electrical components such as a motor and motor control unit. Thus, the electric 20 vehicle or a hybrid vehicle has greater number of switches for various vehicle functions. This in turn confuses the user of the vehicle and often leads to wrong actuation of a switch which leads to accident of the vehicle.
[005]
In a known art, the one or more switches are integrated together in a housing and the one or more switches are disposed on a portion of the handlebar of 25 the vehicle. However, in such a configuration, multiple switches are disposed in a housing and thereby the housing becomes bulky. Further, when such a bulky housing is mounted to a portion of the handlebar, the overall grip area on the handlebar reduces and hence it becomes difficult for the user to maneuver the vehicle properly thereby leading to poor vehicle handling capacity of the vehicle. 30
3
[006]
In another known art, the one or more switches are integrated together in a housing and the one or more switches is disposed on a portion of the handlebar which is ahead of the grip area of the handlebar. However, in such a configuration, the housing of the switches are routed through various wire routing for connection of various electrical components with the one or more switches. Further, the housing 5 is disposed on only one side of the handlebar and the integrated switch being bulky disturbs the vehicle handling capacity.
[007]
In another known art, the integrated switches being provided as a knob and the knob being configured for controlling the reverse motion and mode of operation of the electric vehicle. However, in such a configuration, it becomes difficult for the 10 user to control the knob and change the operating condition of the vehicle, especially during running condition of the vehicle.
[008]
Furthermore, in the above configuration, the user is unsure about the rate of rotation of the knob in specified direction, especially in a running condition of the vehicle, thereby leading to confusion of the user of the vehicle. 15
[009]
Additionally, the conventional switch requires bulky housing or multiple mounting brackets to mount the one or more switches on the vehicle. Hence, assembly of the conventional switches are complex, difficult and requires specialized tools for assembly.
[010]
Hence, it is preferred to have a switch assembly which reduces the overall 20 assembly process and provides a user friendly operation of the one or more switches to the user for better vehicle handling capacity.
SUMMARY
[011]
The present subject matter provides a switch assembly disposed between 25 a handlebar grip area and a handlebar support area. The grip switch being configured for enabling operation of the vehicle in a forward and reverse direction and also the grip switch in the above mentioned location prevents confusion of the user of the vehicle during vehicle operating conditions.
[012]
As per an aspect of the present invention, a vehicle comprising a handlebar 30 assembly and a switch assembly, the switch assembly comprising a plurality of
4
vehicle switches and
a grip switch. The handlebar assembly including a handlebar support and a handlebar grip. The grip switch being disposed between the handlebar support area and the handlebar grip area.
[013]
As per an embodiment, the grip switch is provided with a plurality of buttons. The plurality of buttons includes a forward motion button, a reverse motion 5 button and a riding mode control button. The riding mode control button is disposed between the forward motion button and the reverse motion button.
[014]
As per another embodiment, the grip switch is disposed between the handlebar grip area and a plurality of vehicle switches. The plurality of vehicle switches are disposed on the handlebar assembly of the vehicle. 10
[015]
As per another embodiment, the grip switch is mounted to an intermediary portion. The intermediary portion is disposed between the handlebar support area and the handlebar grip area. The intermediary portion is integral to the handlebar assembly of the vehicle.
[016]
As per another embodiment, the grip switch is mounted to a mounting 15 point, and the mounting point is disposed on the intermediary portion, and the grip switch is mounted through a mounting bracket.
[017]
As per another embodiment, the mounting bracket is configured to conform to a shape and profile of the intermediary portion of the handlebar assembly. The grip switch is connected to the mounting bracket using one or more 20 fasteners. The grip switch is configured to conform to a shape and a profile of the intermediary portion and the mounting bracket.
[018]
As per another embodiment, the grip switch is disposed on one of a left side or a right side of the handlebar assembly of the vehicle.
[019]
As per another embodiment, the grip switch is disposed in proximity of 25 one of a brake lever and a clutch lever of the vehicle. The grip switch is attached to the mounting bracket through one of a top portion and a bottom portion of the grip switch.
[020]
As per another embodiment, the grip switch is disposed on the intermediary portion through a middle portion of the mounting bracket. The grip 30 switch is sandwich mounted on the intermediary portion with the mounting bracket.
5
[021]
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 DESCRIPT ION OF THE DRAWINGS 5
[022]
The present invention is described with reference to figures. This invention is implementable in two-wheeled, three wheeled and four wheeled vehicles. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are outlined in the appended claims. 10
[023]
Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an inner portion of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[024]
Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a handlebar of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[025]
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the handlebar of the 15 vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[026]
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a grip switch of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20
[027]
Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and 25 other implementations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.
[028]
The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely 30 illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be
6
devised that, although not explicitly described or
shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[029]
The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to 5 the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without 10 departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[030]
Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and/or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's 15 understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and/or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and/or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and/or modification. 20
[031]
Hence it is an object of the present invention to provide a switch assembly for ease of assembly and also for ease of access of the switch assembly during running condition of the vehicle and also to overcome other related problems known in the art as explained in the background problem.
[032]
It is also an object of the present invention to reduce overall part count and 25 eliminate use of plurality of mounting brackets for mounting of one or more vehicle switches.
[033]
It is also an object of the present invention to improve vehicle handling capacity and reduce user confusion for operation of one or more switches during running condition of the vehicle. 30
7
[034]
It is also an object of the present invention to provide ease of assembly and also reduce overall assembly time of the vehicle.
[035]
It is also an object of the present invention to reduce assembly of bulky housings on the handlebar and thereby improve grip area of the handlebar for better vehicle maneuverability. 5
[036]
The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[037]
Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an inner portion of a vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a handlebar (108) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an 10 embodiment of the present subject matter. For brevity, figures 1 and 2 will be discussed together. A vehicle (100) is configured to include a frame assembly (not shown). In one embodiment, the vehicle (100) is one of a two wheeled, a three wheeled and a four wheeled vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle (100) is one of an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, and an internal combustion engine driven 15 vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle (100) being driven by alternate power sources such a hydrogen fuel powered vehicle, etc. The vehicle (100) including a steering assembly (112). The steering assembly (112) comprising a steering column (not shown) and a plurality of front shock absorbers being coupled to the steering column (not shown). In one embodiment, the vehicle (100) is provided with one or 20 more wheels, and in the shown exemplary embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes a front wheel (114).
[038]
The steering assembly (112) is configured to receive a accommodate a handlebar assembly (108). The vehicle (100) is provided with one or more cover assembly (110) to protect the internal components of the vehicle (100) from external 25 impacts and damage. The handlebar assembly (108) includes provision for receiving a display unit (107) of the vehicle (100). The handlebar assembly (108) further comprises a handlebar grip area (104) and a handlebar support area (106). The handlebar support area (106) comprising a plurality of vehicle switches (106a). The plurality of vehicle switches (106a) being disposed on one or both left and right side 30 of the handlebar assembly (108). The plurality of vehicle switches (106a) includes a
8
turn signal switch, a
horn, and one or more vehicle electrical components control switches in one embodiment. The display unit (107) is configured to display output received from the plurality of vehicle switches (106a) to a user of the vehicle (100).
[039]
The plurality of vehicle switches (106a) is disposed on peripheral edges of the handlebar support area (106), and the handlebar support area (106) is configured 5 to accommodating the plurality of vehicle switches (106a) and the display unit (107) in one embodiment. The handlebar grip area (104) is configured to provide a gripping area for the user to maneuver the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the handlebar support area (106) and the handlebar grip area (104) is integrated on the handlebar assembly (108). In another embodiment, the handlebar assembly (108) is 10 provided with a metal frame (not shown), and the handlebar support area (106) and the handlebar grip area (104) are mounted on the metal frame (not shown) for encasing the metal frame (not shown).
[040]
In one embodiment, the handlebar support area (106) being formed of plastic material and the handlebar grip area (104) being formed of a rubber or resin 15 material. The handlebar assembly (108) includes a grip switch (102) being disposed between the handlebar grip area (104) and the handlebar support area (106). The grip switch (102) in disposed on one of a left side and a right side of the handlebar assembly (108). The grip switch (102) is disposed between the plurality of vehicle switches (106a) and the handlebar grip area (104) in one embodiment. In one 20 embodiment, the grip switch (102) is disposed in proximity of a brake lever (200) on the left side of the handlebar assembly (108). In another embodiment, the grip switch (102) is disposed in proximity of a clutch lever on a right side or a left side of the handlebar assembly (108) for ease of maneuverability of the handlebar assembly (108) during a running condition of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, 25 the grip switch (102) being formed of plastic material or a polymer material.
[041]
Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the handlebar (108) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a grip switch (102) of the vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The handlebar 30 assembly (108) comprising an intermediary portion (208). The intermediary portion
9
(208) being a portion of the metal frame (not shown) of the handlebar assembly (108)
in on embodiment. The intermediary portion (208) is disposed between the handlebar grip area (104) and the handlebar support area (106). In one embodiment, the grip switch (102) conforms with the shape and the profile of the intermediary portion (208). 5
[042]
In another embodiment, the intermediary portion (208) is integral to the handlebar assembly (108). The grip switch (102) is mounted on the handlebar assembly (108) through a mounting bracket (204). In one embodiment, the mounting bracket (204) attaches the grip switch (102) on the intermediary portion (208) through one or more fasteners (206). In one embodiment, the mounting bracket (204) 10 and the grip switch (102) conforms with the shape and the profile of the intermediary portion (208). Further, the grip switch (102) is mounted on the intermediary portion (208) through a mounting point (204a). The mounting point (204a) is disposed on one of a peripheral ends of the mounting bracket (204).
[043]
The grip switch (102) also comprising a mounting pip (not shown) being 15 disposed in a middle portion of the grip switch (102). The mounting pip (not shown) aligns with a mounting provision (208a). The mounting provision (208a) is disposed equidistant from the handlebar grip area (104) and the handlebar support area (106) on the intermediary portion (208). In one embodiment, the grip switch (102) is sandwich mounted on the intermediary portion (208) through the mounting bracket 20 (204).
[044]
The grip switch (102) is configured for controlling a forward motion, a reverse motion, and a running mode of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the grip switch (102) is provided with a plurality of buttons (300, 302, 304) for enabling one of the forward motion, a reverse motion and a running mode of the vehicle. In 25 one embodiment, a first button is a forward motion button (300) and a last button is a reverse motion button (304). In one embodiment, the running mode control button (302) is disposed between the forward motion button (300) and the reverse motion button (304).
[045]
In one embodiment, the grip switch (102) is provided with a single button 30 with arrows pointing towards the forward motion, the reverse motion and the riding
10
mode control of the vehicle
(100). The grip switch (102) is configured for controlling the motion of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In one embodiment, the grip switch (102) comprising a body portion (300a) and the plurality of buttons (300, 302, 304) being disposed on the body portion (300a) of the grip switch (102). The mounting bracket (204) comprising a hinge portion (206) for providing support 5 during assembly of the grip switch (102) on the intermediary portion (208) of the handlebar assembly (108). In one embodiment, the grip switch (102) output is also displayed on the display unit (107) of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, a hinge portion (306) is provided on the mounting bracket (204) for ease of assembly of the grip switch (102) on the handlebar assembly (108). 10
[046]
Various embodiments of the invention provides a switch assembly disposed between a handlebar grip area and a handlebar support area. The grip switch being configured for enabling operation of the vehicle in a forward and reverse direction and also the grip switch in the above mentioned location prevents confusion of the user of the vehicle during vehicle operating conditions. 15
[047]
The present invention is a vehicle comprising a handlebar and a switch assembly, the switch assembly comprising a plurality of vehicle switches and a grip switch. The handlebar including a handlebar support and a handlebar grip. The grip switch being disposed between the handlebar support and the handlebar grip.
[048]
The present claimed invention solves the technical problem of packaging 20 of a grip switch in a handlebar assembly of a vehicle for ease of maneuverability and ease of assembly of the grip switch on the handlebar assembly of the vehicle.
[049]
Specifically, the packaging of the grip switch at the intermediary portion of the handlebar assembly provides ease of assembly of the grip switch and also prevents confusion to the rider to operate forward or reverse motion of the vehicle 25 without interference with plurality of vehicle switches.
[050]
Additionally, the packaging of the grip switch in proximity to the brake lever or the clutch lever enables ease of maneuverability of the vehicle without any confusion to the rider.
11
[051]
Furthermore, the packaging of the grip switch in the intermediary portion of the handlebar assembly prevents extension of dimensions of the handlebar assembly and thereby provides ease of accessibility in the existing vehicle layout.
[052]
The present invention also provides advantages of ease of assembly of the grip switch and thereby provides ease of serviceability and replaceability of the grip 5 switch from the handlebar assembly of the vehicle.
[053]
In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed grip switch disposed between the handlebar support area and the handlebar grip area, the claimed invention as discussed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed invention 10 enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Further, the claimed invention clearly bring an improvement in the configuration and packaging of the grip switch for ease of assembly and ease of maneuverability of the vehicle as the claimed invention provide a technical solution to a technical problem.
[054]
While the present invention has been shown and described with reference 15 to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
12
Reference Numerals:
100 vehicle
102 grip switch 5
104 handlebar grip area
106 handlebar support area
106a plurality of vehicle switches
107 display unit
108 handlebar assembly 10
110 one or more cover assembly
112 steering assembly
114 front wheel
200 brake lever
204 mounting bracket 15
204a mounting point
206 one or more fasteners
208 intermediary portion
208a mounting provision
300 forward motion button 20
302 running mode control button
304 reverse motion button
300a body portion
306 hinge portion , Claims:I/We claim:
1.
A vehicle (100) comprising:
a handlebar assembly (108), said handlebar assembly (108) including a handlebar support area (106) and a handlebar grip area (104); and
a switch assembly, said switch assembly comprising a plurality of vehicle 5 switches (106a) and a grip switch (102);
wherein said grip switch (102) being disposed between said handlebar support area (106) and said handlebar grip area (104).
2.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip switch (102) being provided with a plurality of buttons (300, 302, 304), said plurality of buttons (300, 10 302, 304) being a forward motion button (300), a reverse motion button (304), and a riding mode control button (302).
3.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said riding mode control button (302) being disposed between said forward motion button (300) and said reverse motion button (304) in said grip switch (102). 15
4.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip switch (102) being disposed between said handlebar grip area (104) and a plurality of vehicle switches (106a), said plurality of vehicle switches (106a) being disposed on said handlebar assembly (108) of said vehicle (100).
5.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip switch (102) being 20 mounted to an intermediary portion (208), said intermediary portion (208) being disposed between said handlebar support area (106) and said handlebar grip area (104), and wherein said intermediary portion (208) being integral to said handlebar assembly (108).
6.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip switch (102) being 25 mounted to a mounting provision (208a), said mounting provision (208a) being disposed on said intermediary portion (208), and said grip switch (102) being mounted through a mounting bracket (204).
14
7.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said mounting bracket (204) beingconfigured to conform to a shape and profile of said intermediary portion (208) ofsaid handlebar assembly (108).
8.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip switch (102) beingconnected to said mounting bracket (204) using one or more fasteners (206),5 wherein said grip switch (102) being configured to conform to a shape and a profileof said intermediary portion (208) and said mounting bracket (204).
9.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip switch (102) beingdisposed on one of a left side or a right side of said handlebar assembly (108) ofsaid vehicle (100).10
10.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said grip switch (102) beingdisposed in proximity of one of a brake lever and a clutch lever of said vehicle(100).
11.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said grip switch (102) beingattached to said mounting bracket (204) through one of peripheral ends of said grip15 switch (102).
12.
The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said grip switch (102) beingdisposed on said intermediary portion (208) through a middle portion of saidmounting bracket (204) and said grip switch (102) being sandwich mounted on saidintermediary portion (208) with said mounting bracket (204).20
Dated 7th day of December 2023