Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A speedometer assembly (100) for a vehicle (10), comprising:
a speedometer unit (110) comprising a front portion (112) and a rear portion (114), the rear portion (114) being configured with at least one socket member (120); and
a connector unit (130) comprising a plug member (132) and a tubular body (134) extending from the plug member (132), wherein the tubular body (134) is configured to receive a wire harness and the plug member (132) is configured to connect with the socket member (120) of the speedometer unit (110).

2. The speedometer assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a bracket member (140) disposed between the speedometer unit (110) and the connector unit (130).

3. The speedometer assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the bracket member (140) comprises a mounting portion (142) and a stem portion (144) extended angularly from the mounting portion (142).

4. The speedometer assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mounting portion (142) is configured with a cut-out (142A) supporting the plug member (132) of the connector unit (130) when connected with the socket member (120) of the speedometer unit (110).

5. The speedometer assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the stem portion (144) of the bracket member (140) is configured with one or more protrusions.

6. The speedometer assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubular body (134) comprises an outer plastic sheath (134A) for enclosing the wire harness.

7. The speedometer assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the tubular body (134) enclosing the wire harness is held by the one or more protrusions of the bracket member (140).

8. The speedometer assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more protrusions is any one of a hook member (146A) or a stopper (146B).

9. The speedometer assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a back cover (150) adapted to accommodate a rear side of the plug member (132) and a portion of the tubular body (134) of the connector unit (130) and being configured to connect with a rear portion of the bracket member (140).

10. The speedometer assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the back cover (150) comprises a bulged profile (150A) configured to receive an assembly of the socket member (120) and the plug member (132) of the speedometer unit (110).

11. The speedometer assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the stem portion (144) of the bracket member (140) is mounted on a rear panel of a headlamp housing (160) or an upper bracket or an upper triple clamp of the vehicle (10).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a speedometer assembly for the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in a vehicle for example a two-wheeled vehicle, a head tube of a frame provides support for mounting one or more front vehicular components. The front vehicular components may include, but not limited to, a headlamp assembly, a handlebar and an instrument console having a speedometer assembly. Typically, cables or wire harnesses of the speedometer of the vehicle is either bundled together with cables coming out from a console region of a right-hand side of the vehicle or bundled together with cables coming out from a console region of left-hand side of the vehicle. The bundled cables are typically fastened by means of conventional plastic cable ties. The method of cable bundling and fastening by the plastic cable ties is disadvantageous since the chances of entangling of the cables from different parts of the vehicle poses a big challenge during serviceability or fault detection.
[003] Further, bundling of cables of the speedometer with the cables coming out from the console region of the right or left-hand side of the vehicle makes the routing of the speedometer cable to take a longer routing path, thus, leading to a requirement and usage of longer cables. That is to say, the cables from the speedometer usually start from the speedometer and are deflected to either the right side or the left side of the vehicle, and then reaches up to a battery of the vehicle. Such longer routing paths poses challenge during serviceability of these cables, as the speedometer cables need to be separated first from the rest of the cables present on either right-hand side or the left-hand side of the vehicle. In some vehicles, the speedometer position is lifted up for better visibility. As a result, the cables from the speedometer gets exposed and may get damaged or may be tampered.
[004] In an attempt to provide routing of cables in a vehicle, a hook arrangement is provided at one or more locations on the vehicle, for example at a front fender of the vehicle. The routing of cables through the hook arrangement may compromise with an aesthetic look of the vehicle. Moreover, there is always a danger of cables dangling because a firm support is not provided by a mere hook arrangement and the cables may be tampered.
[005] In another attempt to provide routing of cables in a vehicle, a speedometer cable guide is provided in the vehicle. The cable guide has an oval shaped central part with a hollow metal frame piece. The hollow metal frame piece has an upper side of the oval shaped central part with a small platform and hole for placing screw. The cable guide is similar to the hook arrangement and thus the routing of cables through the cable guide may compromise with an aesthetic look of the vehicle. There is always a danger of cables dangling because a firm support is not provided by the cable guide and the cables may also be tampered.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a speedometer assembly which could address at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a speedometer assembly for a vehicle. The speedometer assembly includes a speedometer unit having a front portion and a rear portion. The rear portion is configured with at least one socket member. The speedometer assembly further includes a connector unit having a plug member and a tubular body extending from the plug member. The tubular body is configured to receive a wire harness and the plug member is configured to connect with the socket member of the speedometer unit.
[008] In an embodiment, the speedometer assembly includes a bracket member disposed between the speedometer unit and the connector unit.
[009] In a further embodiment, the bracket member includes a mounting portion and a stem portion extended angularly from the mounting portion.
[010] In a further embodiment, the mounting portion is configured with a cut-out for supporting the plug member of the connector unit when connected with the socket member of the speedometer unit.
[011] In a further embodiment, the stem portion of the bracket member is configured with one or more protrusions.
[012] In a further embodiment, the tubular body includes an outer plastic sheath for enclosing the wire harness. The tubular body enclosing the wire harness is held by the one or more protrusions of the bracket member.
[013] In a further embodiment, the one or more protrusions is any one of a hook member or a stopper.
[014] In a further embodiment, the speedometer assembly includes a back cover adapted to accommodate a rear side of the plug member and a portion of the tubular body of the connector unit and is configured to connect with a rear portion of the bracket member. The back cover includes a bulged profile configured to receive an assembly of the socket member and the plug member of the speedometer unit.
[015] In a further embodiment, the stem portion of the bracket member is mounted on a rear panel of a headlamp housing or an upper bracket or an upper triple clamp of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle included with a speedometer assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the speedometer assembly shown in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate perspective views of the speedometer assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket member of the speedometer assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a portion of assembled view of the bracket member and a connector unit, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a portion of the bracket member shown in Figure 6, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[018] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a speedometer assembly for the vehicle.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a vehicle 10 included with a speedometer assembly 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 10 in the illustrated figure typically includes a frame member (not shown), a front wheel (not shown), a rear wheel 16, a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 20. A head pipe (not shown) of the frame member supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two front suspensions 26 attached to the steering shaft. The front suspension 26 may be a telescopic suspension. The front suspensions 26 are adapted to support the front wheel.
[020] The frame member further includes a down tube (not shown) that may be located in front of an Internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantly downward from the head pipe. In an embodiment, the Internal combustion engine 12 can be mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the Internal combustion engine 12 can be mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally and forwardly from the crankcase. In another alternative embodiment, the Internal combustion engine 12 can be mounted inclinedly (not shown) with the cylinder block extending in an inclined manner and forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block can be disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[021] The fuel tank 20 of the vehicle 10 can be mounted on the horizontal portion of a main tube of the frame member. One or more seat rails can be joined to the main tube and extend rearward to support the seat assembly 18. The rear wheel 16 arranged below the seat assembly 18 rotates by the driving force of the Internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the Internal combustion engine 12.
[022] The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 30 which is typically fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10. A head light 32, a visor guard (not shown) and an instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe. The head light 32 is disposed at a headlamp housing 160.
[023] Referring again to Figure 1, in an exemplary embodiment, the speedometer assembly 100 is mounted on a rear panel of the headlamp housing 160 or the upper bracket or an upper triple clamp of the vehicle 10.
[024] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the speedometer assembly 100 shown in Figure 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The speedometer assembly 100 includes a speedometer unit 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 is having a circular shape. However, it may be contemplated that the speedometer unit 110 may also be having any other geometrical shape like square or rectangular or a non-geometric shape and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. In an embodiment, the speedometer unit 110 includes a front portion 112 which is facing upwardly towards a rider. The front portion 112 of the speedometer unit 110 may include a display (not shown) having a dial including speed and rpm readings. The speedometer unit 110 further includes a rear portion 114 opposite the front portion 112. The rear portion 114 is configured with at least one socket member 120. The socket member 120 in the illustrated embodiment is protruded toward a rear side of the speedometer unit 110.
[025] The speedometer assembly 100 further includes a connector unit 130. The connector unit 130 includes a plug member 132 at one end. The plug member 132 is configured to connect with the socket member 120 of the speedometer unit 110. In an embodiment, the plug member 132 may include terminal ends of the wire harnesses or cables from a battery of the vehicle or any other vehicular part of the vehicle 10, which would communicate signals via the wire harnesses or cables to display onto the display unit of the speedometer unit 110.
[026] The connector unit 130 further includes a tubular body 134 extending from the plug member 132. The tubular body 134 is configured to receive the wire harnesses or cables. In the illustrated embodiments in Figures 1 – 4, and 6, the tubular body 134 includes an outer plastic sheath 134A for enclosing the wire harnesses or cables. In an alternative embodiment, the wire harnesses or cables may directly be connected with the plug member 132 without the outer plastic sheath 134A of the tubular body 134.
[027] The speedometer assembly 100 further includes a bracket member 140 disposed between the speedometer unit 110 and the connector unit 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket member 140 includes a mounting portion 142 and a stem portion 144 extended angularly from the mounting portion 142. The mounting portion 142 of the bracket member 140 is configured with a cut-out 142A. In an embodiment, the cut-out 142A is adapted to support the plug member 132 of the connector unit 130 when connected with the socket member 120 of the speedometer unit 110. Advantageously, the cut-out 142A of the bracket member 140 reduces overall weight of the speedometer assembly 100 without compromising on the stability or load with-standability of the bracket member 140.
[028] In the illustrated embodiment in Figures 2 – 7, the stem portion 144 of the bracket member 140 is configured with one or more protrusions. The one or more protrusions include, but not limited to, a hook member 146A, a stopper 146B.
[029] In an embodiment, the tubular body 134 enclosing the wire harness or cables is held by the one or more protrusions of the bracket member 140. As illustrated in Figures 2 – 4, in one embodiment, the tubular body 134 of the connector unit 130 is held by the hook member 146A provided on the stem portion 144 of the bracket member 140. In the illustrated Figures 2 – 4, the stem portion 144 is provided with one hook member 146A, which would be sufficient to hold the tubular body 134 having the wire harnesses or cables in place. However, the stem portion 144 may also be provided with more than one hook members 146A and the illustrated examples should not be limiting the scope of the present invention.
[030] In another embodiment as shown in Figure 6, the tubular body 134 of the connector unit 130 is held between the two stoppers 146B provided on the stem portion 144 of the bracket member 140. The two stoppers 146B are spaced with a predetermined distance between each other so that the tubular body 134 of the connector unit 130 is held in place along the stem portion 144 of the bracket member 140. In the illustrated Figures 6 and 7, the stem member 144 is provided with two stoppers 146B, which would be sufficient to hold the tubular body 134 having the wire harnesses or cables in place. However, the stem portion 144 may also be provided with more than two stoppers 146B and the illustrated examples should not be limiting the scope of the present invention.
[031] The speedometer assembly 100 further includes a back cover 150. The back cover 150 is adapted to accommodate a rear side of the plug member 132 and a portion of the tubular body 134 of the connector unit 130 in an assembled state of the speedometer assembly 100 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The back cover 150 is further configured to connect with a rear portion of the bracket member 140. In an embodiment, the back cover 150 includes a bulged profile 150A which is configured to receive an assembly of the socket member 120 and the plug member 132 of the speedometer unit 110. In another embodiment, the back cover 150 may be provided with a cut-out at a circumferential portion such that the tubular body 134 of the connector unit 130 can be accommodated or passed through the cut-out while assembling with the mounting portion 142 of the bracket member 140.
[032] Advantageously, the speedometer assembly improves aesthetics of the vehicle as there are no dangling cables or wire harnesses in the speedometer unit, since the cable or wire harness holding portions like the hook member and the stopper are provided on the bracket member of the speedometer assembly. The speedometer assembly is further advantageous by minimizing entanglement of cables or wire harnesses with each other or with other cables of the other vehicular parts. Also, the speedometer assembly in the present invention eliminates the usage of cable ties.
[033] The speedometer assembly in the present invention guides a bundle of speedometer cables from the speedometer unit to a battery in the shortest possible path, thus reducing the need for lengthy cables or wire harnesses and solving the problem of long routing of cables or wire harnesses. Also, since the present invention has a provision of dedicated wire harness or cable guiding mechanism for the speedometer cables, this follows the shortest possible path.
[034] The speedometer assembly as disclosed in the present invention provides an advantage of reducing overall weight since the bracket member includes a cut-out portion and the length of cable routing is reduced. That is to say, since the mounting portion of the bracket member is hollow in between, it ensures that the weight of the speedometer assembly is reduced because of the removal of excess / unwanted material. At the same time, this provides an access for the plug member of the connector unit to the rear portion of the speedometer unit.
[035] The cables or the wire harnesses in the speedometer assembly of the present invention are now safer from tampering since the tubular body of the connector unit includes the outer plastic sheath which encloses the cables or the wire harness of the speedometer unit. Also, the outer sheath of the tubular body prevents damage to the wire harnesses or cables enclosed therein.
[036] The overall shape of the speedometer assembly (especially back cover part) is maintained, i.e., the compactness of the speedometer assembly while accommodating the connector unit is ensured. In other words, since the back cover is modified to accommodate the plug member of the connector unit, such modified back cover ensures that the back cover is compact and at the same time the plug member of the connector unit can also be accommodated within the back cover.
[037] Since the tubular body of the connector unit holds the cables or wire harnesses from the speedometer unit together, the wire harnesses or cables are not required to be bundled with the right or left side cables from the consoles present on the right or left side. Therefore, now the cables or the wire harnesses from the speedometer follows their natural path towards the battery, and thereby the length of the cables used herein is optimized.
[038] The connection of the plug member (male part) with the socket member (female part) and the usage of hook member on the bracket member, ensures that the cables or the wire harness are secured properly and do not dangle.
[039] The speedometer assembly hides the exposed parts from the user, making it more aesthetically pleasing and at the same time protecting the exposed cable from any damage or fear of tampering.
[040] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.