Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a high beam sensing unit in the two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles, in recent past, are typically equipped with Light Emitting Diode (LED) headlamps, for being power efficient and also to cater to various energy regulations imposed on vehicle manufacturer. The LED headlamps are typically equipped with a high beam LED driver unit. The high beam LED driver unit is adapted to ensure that the LED headlamp receives power supply at a rated level, thereby ensuring longevity of the LED headlamps.
[003] However, vehicles comprising the high beam LED driver unit typically comprise of an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). As such, for vehicles without the ISG, there exists no mechanism for including the high beam LED driver unit. Additionally, a speedometer being a Direct Current (DC) system is incapable being operated in the vehicles without the ISG, since the vehicles without the ISG are typically Alternating Current (AC) systems. As such, the speedometer upon mounting in the vehicles without the ISG is incapable of receiving inputs from the high beam LED driver unit for providing a high beam indication to a rider of the vehicle. Therefore, existing or conventional homologation requirements in vehicles state that the high beam indication must be applicable for both ISG and non-ISG systems.
[004] Thus, there is a need for a two-wheeled vehicle which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, a two-wheeled vehicle is disclosed. The two-wheeled vehicle comprises a frame member and a headlamp housing mounted to a front end of the frame member. The headlamp housing is capable of supporting a headlamp assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle. An instrument cluster unit is disposed on a top portion of the headlamp housing. The instrument cluster unit is capable of providing a high beam indication to a rider of the two-wheeled vehicle. A high beam sensing unit is disposed at a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle and within the headlamp housing. The high beam sensing unit is communicably coupled to the instrument cluster unit and to the headlamp assembly, wherein the high beam sensing unit is adapted to control the high beam indication provided by the instrument cluster.
[006] In an embodiment, the top portion of the headlamp housing is provided with a projection for accommodating and supporting the instrument cluster unit.
[007] In an embodiment, the high beam sensing unit is mounted below the instrument cluster unit.
[008] In an embodiment, the high beam sensing unit is mounted to an outer bottom surface of the instrument cluster unit.
[009] In an embodiment, the high beam sensing unit is mounted to the bottom surface through a bracket.
[010] In an embodiment, the bracket comprises a first end mounted to the headlamp housing and a second end positioned below the instrument cluster unit, wherein the high beam sensing unit is mounted to the second end.
[011] In an embodiment, the bracket is an L-shaped bracket.
[012] In an embodiment, the high beam sensing unit is adapted to be mounted onto the second end through a fastener.
[013] In an embodiment, the high beam sensing unit comprises a high beam sensing circuit capable of converting an Alternating Current (AC) negative voltage to a Direct Current (DC) positive voltage. The instrument cluster unit is adapted to provide the high beam indication to the rider based on the DC positive voltage received from the high beam sensing circuit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[014] 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 is a left side view of a two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a skeletal left side view of the two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle depicting mounting of a high beam sensing unit within a headlamp housing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of the high beam sensing unit being aligned with a bracket for mounting within the headlamp housing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a schematic view of the bracket engaging with the high beam sensing unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the high beam sensing unit being mounted to the bracket, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is an assembled view of the high beam sensing unit mounted within the headlamp housing, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[015] The present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to disposition of a high beam sensing unit in the two-wheeled vehicle.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates a two-wheeled vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The two-wheeled vehicle 100 (hereinafter referred to as ‘vehicle 100’) includes a prime mover 118 that is vertically disposed. The prime mover 118 is adapted to provide motive force to the vehicle 100 for movement. In an embodiment, the prime mover 118 can be an Internal combustion engine or an electric motor. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be with an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) or without the ISG. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 100 is without the ISG.
[017] The vehicle 100 comprises a front wheel 120, a rear wheel 122, a frame member 102 (shown in Figure 2), a seat 124 and a fuel tank 148. The frame member 102 includes a head pipe (not shown), a main tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 126 are attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front suspensions 126 support the front wheel 120. The upper portion of the front wheel 120 is covered by a front fender 128 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 126 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 130 is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to both sides. A headlamp assembly 106 and an instrument cluster unit 108 are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe. The frame member 102 comprises a down tube (not shown) that may be located in front of the prime mover 118 and extends slantingly downward from head pipe. The main tube of the frame member 102 is located above the prime mover 118 and extends rearward from head pipe. The fuel tank 148 is mounted on the horizontal portion of the main tube. The seat rails are joined to the main tube and extend rearward to support a seat. A rear swing arm 132 is connected to the frame member 102 to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 122 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 132. Generally, the rear swing arm 132 is supported by a mono rear suspension (not shown) or through two suspensions (not shown) on either side of the rear wheel 122. A taillight unit 134 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 100 and at the rear of the seat 124. A grab rail 136 is also provided on the rear of the seat rails. The rear wheel 122 arranged below the seat 124 rotates by the driving force of the prime mover 118 transmitted through a chain drive from the prime mover 118. A rear fender 138 is disposed above the rear wheel 122.
[018] Referring to Figure 3 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, a headlamp housing 104 of the vehicle 100 is depicted. The headlamp housing 104 is mounted at a front end 102a (shown in Figure 2) of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the headlamp housing 106 is mounted to the head pipe of the frame member 102. The headlamp housing 104 is adapted to support a headlamp assembly 106. In an embodiment, the headlamp assembly 106 is mounted onto the headlamp housing 104 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art. The headlamp housing 104 is also adapted to support the instrument cluster unit 108. A projection 116 is provided on the headlamp housing 104 for supporting the instrument cluster unit 108. In an embodiment, the projection 116 is provided on a top portion 104a of the headlamp housing 104. Mounting of the instrument cluster unit 108 on the top portion 104a of the headlamp housing 104 ensures visibility of the instrument cluster unit 108 to a rider of the vehicle 100 effortlessly. The instrument cluster unit 108 may be configured to indicate one or more vehicle operating parameters of the vehicle 100 to the rider, during operation of the vehicle 100. The instrument cluster unit 108 may also provide a high beam indication to the rider. In an embodiment, the high beam indication may be of the headlamp assembly 106 of the vehicle 100 or may be of an oncoming vehicle (not shown). In an embodiment, the instrument cluster unit 108 comprises a top surface 108a adapted to indicate the one or more vehicle operating parameters of the vehicle 100 to the rider.
[019] In an embodiment, the projection 116 may be a depressed portion on the top portion 104a of the headlamp housing 104. The depressed portion may be provided such that, a levelled configuration or a flush configuration is achieved with the top portion 104a of the headlamp housing 104 upon mounting of the instrument cluster unit 108. The instrument cluster unit 108 is mounted on the top portion 104a through conventional mounting techniques known in the art.
[020] Further, a high beam sensing unit 110 is provided at the front portion 100a and within the headlamp housing 104. The high beam sensing unit 110 is communicably coupled to the instrument cluster unit 108 and to the headlamp assembly 106. The high beam sensing unit 110 is adapted to control the high beam indication provided by the instrument cluster unit 108.
[021] In an embodiment, the high beam sensing unit 110 comprises a high beam sensing circuit (not shown) capable of converting an Alternating Current (AC) negative voltage to a Direct Current (DC) positive voltage. The DC positive voltage is transmitted to the instrument cluster unit 108. Accordingly, the instrument cluster unit 108 based on the DC positive voltage received from the high beam sensing circuit provides the high beam indication to the rider. The high beam indication determined by the high beam sensing unit 110 may be the high beam of the vehicle 100 or may be the high beam of the oncoming vehicle. Based on the indication received, the rider may adjust the illumination of the headlamp assembly 106 for visibility of a road surface. In an embodiment, the high beam sensing unit 110 is a high beam LED driver unit, that is known in the art.
[022] In an embodiment, the high beam sensing unit 110 comprises a connector 140 (as shown in Figure 4) that is capable of being connected to the instrument cluster unit 108. As such, the high beam indication determined by the high beam sensing unit 110 is transmitted to the instrument cluster unit 108 through the connector 140. In the present embodiment, the connector 140 may be an electrical socket-type connector known in the art.
[023] Referring to Figures 4-6 in conjunction with Figures 1-3, the high beam sensing unit 110 is mounted within the headlamp housing 104 through a bracket 112. In the present embodiment, the high beam sensing unit 110 is mounted or positioned below the instrument cluster unit 108. Such a disposition enables utilization of space within the vehicle 100, thereby improving packaging or space utilization of the vehicle 100.
[024] In an embodiment, the bracket 112 comprises a first end 112a mounted to the headlamp housing 104 (as shown in Figure 7). In an embodiment, the first end 112a of the bracket 112 may be mounted to the projection 116 of the headlamp housing 104. In an embodiment, the bracket 112 may be mounted to the headlamp housing 104 or the projection 116 through conventional mounting techniques known in the art. In an embodiment, an opening (not shown) is provided proximal to the first end 112a. The opening may be aligned with a cutout (not shown) provided on the headlamp housing 104. The opening and the cutout may be adapted to receive a fastening member (not shown) for enabling mounting of the first end 112a of the bracket 112 onto the headlamp housing 104. In an embodiment, the opening may be provided to the projection 116. As such, upon mounting of first end 112a the bracket 112 along with the high beam sensing unit 110, the high beam sensing unit 110 is mounted on an outer bottom surface 108b of the instrument cluster unit 108.
[025] Further, the bracket 112 comprises a second end 112b positioned below the instrument cluster unit 108. The second end 112b is positioned below the instrument cluster unit 108 due to the construction of the bracket 112. In an embodiment, the bracket 112 is an L-shaped bracket, so that upon mounting of the first end 112a onto the headlamp housing 104, the second end 112b is positioned below the instrument cluster unit 108.
[026] The second end 112b is capable of engaging with the high beam sensing unit 110. In the present embodiment, the second end 112b engages with a rear surface 110a of the high beam sensing unit 110 (as shown in Figures 5 and 6). In an embodiment, the rear surface 110a of the high beam sensing unit 110 may be provided with an engagement member 142 for enabling engagement between the high beam sensing unit 110 and the second end 112b. In the present embodiment, the engagement member 142 may be a socket member adapted to receive the second end 112b, which acts as a plug member. The second end 112b may also be provided with one or more pin members 144 extending laterally from a shank 112d of the bracket 112. The one or more pin members 144 are adapted to engage (as shown in Figure 5) onto peripheral surface (not shown) of the engagement member 142 for enabling engagement between the high beam sensing unit 110 and the second end 112b.
[027] Further, the shank 112d of the bracket 112 is provided with a slot 112c. The slot 112c is capable of receiving a fastener 114 (as shown in Figure 3) for enabling fastening of the second end 112b onto the headlamp housing 104. The slot 112c is aligned with a hole 146 (shown in Figure 3) provided on the headlamp housing 104. In an embodiment, the hole 146 is provided to the projection 116 (as shown in Figure 3), and thus, the bracket 112 and the high beam sensing unit 110 is mounted below the projection 116 or the instrument cluster 108. Such a construction of the vehicle 100 ensures that the high beam sensing unit 110 is mounted at the front portion 110a, below the instrument cluster unit 108 and inside the headlamp housing 104 for controlling the high beam indications on the instrument cluster unit 108. Consequently, improving packaging of the vehicle 100.
[028] In an embodiment, the bracket 112 may be mounted within the headlamp housing 104 through fastening of the first end 112a and/or the second end 112b as per design feasibility and requirement.
[029] In an embodiment, the bracket 112 may be made of a metallic material or a non-metallic material or a composite material as per design feasibility and requirement. Also, the size, shape and configuration of the bracket 112 may be selected as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle 100.
[030] Referring to Figure 7, an assembled view of the high beam sensing unit 110 within the headlamp housing 104 is depicted. As illustrated, the second end 112b of the bracket 112 first engages with the rear surface 110a of the high beam sensing unit 110. Upon engagement, the slot 112c is aligned with the hole 146 in the headlamp housing 104. Upon alignment, the fastener 114 is inserted through the slot 112c and the hole 146 for fastening, thereby mounting the high beam sensing unit 110 below the instrument cluster unit 108 of the vehicle 100.
[031] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of mounting the high beam sensing unit 110 at the front portion 110a, below the instrument cluster unit 108 and inside the headlamp housing 104 improves packaging in the vehicle 100. Also, through the bracket 112, the high beam sensing unit 110 can also be provide for the vehicle 100 without the ISG. Thus, high beam indication can also be received in vehicles without the ISG. Additionally, as the high beam sensing unit 110 is positioned below the instrument cluster unit 108, the wire harness requirement is reduced, thereby minimizing space utilization while also being cost-effective. Moreover, mounting of the high beam sensing unit 110 on the vehicle without the ISG prevents or mitigates the need for change in the instrument cluster unit 108 due to short or open circuit of the high beam circuit inside the instrument cluster unit 108. Additionally, construction of the vehicle 100 enables easy access and serviceability of the high beam sensing unit 110. Furthermore, the location of mounting of the high beam sensing unit below the instrument cluster unit places the high beam sensing unit away from heat or external collusion, thereby enhancing life of the high beam sensing unit.

Reference numerals
100 Two-wheeled vehicle
102 Frame member
102a Front end of frame member
104 Headlamp housing
104a Top portion of headlamp housing
106 Headlamp assembly
108 Instrument cluster unit
108a Top surface of instrument cluster unit
108b Bottom surface of instrument cluster unit
110 High beam sensing unit
110a Rear surface
112 Bracket
112a First end of bracket
112b Second end of bracket
112c Slot
112d Shank
114 Fastener
116 Projection in headlamp housing
118 Prime mover
120 Front wheel
122 Rear wheel
124 Seat
126 Telescopic suspension
128 Front fender
130 Handle
132 Swing arm
134 Taillight unit
136 Grab rail
138 Rear fender
140 Connector
142 Engagement member
144 Pin members
146 Hole
148 Fuel tank
, Claims:1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100), comprising:
a frame member (102);
a headlamp housing (104), said headlamp housing (104) being mounted to a front end (102a) of the frame member (102), the headlamp housing (104) being capable of supporting a headlamp assembly (106) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100);
an instrument cluster unit (108), said instrument cluster (108) being disposed on a top portion (104a) of the headlamp housing (104), the instrument cluster unit (108) being capable of providing a high beam indication to a rider of the two-wheeled vehicle (100); and
a high beam sensing unit (110), said high beam sensing unit (110) being disposed at a front portion (100a) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) and within the headlamp housing (104), the high beam sensing unit (110) being communicably coupled to the instrument cluster unit (108) and to the headlamp assembly (106), wherein the high beam sensing unit (110) being adapted to control the high beam indication provided by the instrument cluster unit (108).

2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion (104a) of the headlamp housing (104) is provided with a projection (116) for accommodating and supporting the instrument cluster unit (108).

3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high beam sensing unit (110) is mounted below the instrument cluster unit (108).

4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the high beam sensing unit (110) is mounted to an outer bottom surface (108b) of the instrument cluster unit (108).

5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the high beam sensing unit (110) is mounted to the outer bottom surface (108b) through a bracket (112).

6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the bracket (112) comprises a first end (112a) mounted to the headlamp housing (104) and a second end (112b) positioned below the instrument cluster unit (108), the high beam sensing unit (110) being mounted to the second end (112b).

7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bracket (112) is an L-shaped bracket.

8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the high beam sensing unit (110) is adapted to be mounted onto the second end (112b) through a fastener (114).

9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high beam sensing unit (110) comprises a high beam sensing circuit capable of converting an Alternating Current (AC) negative voltage to a Direct Current (DC) positive voltage, the instrument cluster unit (108) based on the DC positive voltage received from the high beam sensing circuit provides the high beam indication to the rider.