Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a frame (110) comprising a central long member (112) extending in a vehicle front-rear direction (D1), the central long member (112) configured in a predetermined shape forming a channel (114);
wherein the channel (114) is configured to route a wiring harness (124) from a front portion (F) of the vehicle (10) to a rear portion (R) of the vehicle (10).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a head tube (120) disposed at the front portion (F) of the vehicle (10), the head tube (120) being connected to the central long member (112) of the frame (110) and configured to receive the wiring harness (124) at the front portion (F) of the vehicle (10).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2 comprising a cover member (160) extending from the floor member (140) and up to a dashboard (20) of the vehicle (10), the cover member (160) configured to cover the head tube (120) and a cut-out (140A) made in the floor member (140) for the head tube (120).
4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the cover member (160) is disposed in front of a driver seat (22) of the vehicle (10) and fastened onto the central long member (112).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (10) includes a junction point (170) for supplying power to electrical components of the vehicle (10) from a first battery (40) and a second battery (42), the first battery (40) being disposed below the driver seat (22) in the front portion (F) of the vehicle (10) and the second battery (42) being disposed at the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (10).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear portion (R) of the vehicle (10) comprises a pair of side frame members (180A, 180B) extending from a pair of long members (130A, 130B), the pair of side frame members (180A, 180B) configured to support wires (126), and the wires (126) being mounted onto the pair of side frame members (180A, 180B) through clips and/or loops.

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pair of side frame members (180A, 180B) includes one or more bridge supporting structures (118) in between the pair of side frame members (180A, 180B) and extends in a vehicle width direction (W), the bridge supporting structures (118) adapted to support a junction box (172) at the junction point (170), a motor (182), the second battery (42) and wires connected between the second battery (42) and the junction point (170).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the central long member (112) is in a C – shaped cross section or U – shaped cross section.

, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a wiring harness routing in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Due to increasing demand on fossil fuels and considering the global warming and emission norms, alternate energy or renewable source for commuting is most desired. One such kind of commuting method involve usage of electric vehicles. An electric vehicle, also known as EV is a vehicle which generally use electric motors for providing propulsion in the vehicle. The electric vehicle is powered from power sources like a battery.
[003] In electric vehicles, high power electric cables or wires are required as these wires carry current for the vehicle traction. The high power electric cables are subjected to very high current and therefore protection of the the driver and/or occupants in the vehicle is an utmost sensitive. Hence, the wiring harness should be routed such that the high-power cables or wires are not exposed and the driver and the occupants do not come in contact them even accidently.
[004] Other than these high power cables carrying elecricity for traction, other wire routings are also there towards the dashboard of the vehicle which are used for carrying electricity for the electric components of the vehicles. These cables are also required to be routed such that the driver does not come in contact with them.
[005] Existing wiring routing in vehicles have one or more limitations, where the wiring harness in the vehicle are being exposed to the driver and/or the passengers in the vehicle. In addition, in some cases the wiring harness are being tampered for one or the other reasons. Further, in case of exposed or open wiring harness, the wiring harness is prone to water exposure during raining conditions.
[006] In order to overcome the limitations, many have attempted to provide one or more ways of wiring harness routing in vehicle. In one kind of existing wire harness routing in a vehicle, wires are passed through a vehicle under-floor located outside a vehicle body frame. The wire harness includes a plurality of high-voltage electric wires and a protection member protecting the plurality of high-voltage electric wires. This kind of wire harness requires a protection member through which the high-voltage wires are passed through. In addition, there are fixation members for fixing the protection member to the vehicle. The vehicle having this kind of wire harness routing requires additional components like protection member and the fixation members for accommodating and routing the wires in the vehicle. Therefore, the wire harness routing adds to additional components in the vehicle and cost involved in the overall wire harness system in the vehicle.
[007] Another kind of existing wiring harness routing in a vehicle like truck discloses that a wiring harness is extended through a dash panel separating the occupant and engine compartments from each other. A grommet has a through passage through which a wire bundle is passed, and the grommet is secured at a fixed location on the wire bundle. The dash has a through-opening in which the grommet is disposed, and the grommet at the engine compartment side has a bend that curves generally downward and away from the dash to direct the bundle generally downward on the engine compartment side. The wire harness of this type exposes the wires and may pose danger to the driver of the truck.
[008] In yet another kind of cable routing in a vehicle, a cable is routed along a lower surface of a floor panel and connected to a power generating motor installed in a vehicle front portion and a battery installed in a vehicle rear portion. A rigid tubular member having rigidity, is disposed along a vehicle front and rear direction in a floor tunnel. A flexible tubular member having flexibility is interposed between the rigid tubular member and the power generating motor. The cable is inserted through the rigid tubular member and the flexible tubular member. A front end portion of the rigid tubular member is disposed in the floor tunnel at a portion on a vehicle rear side relative to a front edge of the floor tunnel. When receiving pressure from a vehicle front side, the flexible tubular member is forcibly bent so as to be entered into in the floor tunnel. In this kind of cable routing, the cable is inserted through the rigid tubular member which is disposed in the floor tunnel. The cable routing system is complex as the system requires a tubular member and a flexible tubular member. Further, the flexible tubular member is required to be forcibly bent so as to enter into the floor tunnel.
[009] Thus, there is a need in the art for a vehicle having a wiring harness routing which could address at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[010] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame having a central long member extending in a vehicle front-rear direction. The central long member is configured in a predetermined shape forming a channel. The channel is configured to route a wiring harness from a front portion of the vehicle to a rear portion of the vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the vehicle includes a head tube disposed at the front portion of the vehicle. The head tube is connected to the central long member of the frame and configured to receive the wiring harness at the front portion of the vehicle.
[012] In a further embodiment, the vehicle includes a cover member extending from the floor member and up to a dashboard of the vehicle. The cover member is configured to cover the head tube and a cut-out is made in the floor member for the head tube. The cover member is disposed in front of a driver seat of the vehicle and fastened onto the central long member.
[013] In a further embodiment, the rear portion of the vehicle includes a junction point for supplying power to electrical components of the vehicle from a first battery and a second battery. The first battery is disposed below the driver seat in the front portion of the vehicle and the second battery is disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle.
[014] In a further embodiment, the rear portion of the vehicle includes a pair of side frame members extending from a pair of long members. The pair of side frame members is configured to support wires. The wires are mounted onto the pair of side frame members through clips and/or loops.
[015] In a further embodiment, the pair of side frame members includes one or more bridge supporting structures in between the pair of side frame members and extends in a vehicle width direction. The bridge supporting structures is adapted to support a junction box at the junction point, a motor, the second battery and wires connected between the second battery and the junction point.
[016] In a further embodiment, the central long member is in a C – shaped cross section or U – shaped cross section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] 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 side view of a portion of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the vehicle shown in Figure 1 having a wiring harness routed from a front portion to a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the vehicle shown in Figure 2, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a frame of the vehicle having the wiring harness routed from the front portion to the rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a portion of another vehicle having a wiring harness routed from a front portion to a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the vehicle shown in Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a frame of the vehicle shown in Figure 5 having the wiring harness routed from the front portion to the rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates perspective views of a portion of the vehicles shown in Figures 1 and 5, having a cover member in front of a driver’s seat covering a head tube in the vehicles, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of Figure 8 showing mounting of the cover member in front of a driver’s seat covering a head tube in the vehicles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 10 and 11 illustrate side and top views of the vehicle shown in Figure 8, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] 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 three-wheeled 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.
[019] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a wiring harness routing for the vehicle.
[020] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle 10 included with a wiring harness 124 (shown in Figures 2 and 4), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, in an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a three-wheeled vehicle. The example of three-wheeled vehicle may include a three-wheeled passenger vehicle or a three-wheeled cargo vehicle. It may also be contemplated that the vehicle 10 may be a four-wheeled passenger vehicle or a four-wheeled cargo vehicle as well. Thus, the illustrative examples of the three-wheeled passenger vehicle (Figures 1 – 4) or the three-wheeled cargo vehicle (Figures 5 – 7) should not be construed to limit the scope of the present invention.
[021] The term ‘three-wheeled vehicle’ and ‘vehicle’ are interchangeably used in the present disclosure. It should be understood that both the terms ‘three wheeled vehicle’ and ‘vehicle’ are same, and the term ‘vehicle’ is used for brevity. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the three-wheeled vehicle 10 includes a frame 110 providing a support structure for the vehicle 10. The frame 110 includes a pair of long members 130A, 130B (clearly shown in Figure 4) which are extended in a vehicle front-rear direction “D1”. The pair of long members 130A, 130B are substantially parallel to each other. The vehicle 10 further includes one or more cross members 116 (clearly shown in Figure 4) that are extended in a vehicle width direction “W” between the pair of long members 130A, 130B.
[022] As shown in Figures 1 – 3, the frame 110 at its front portion supports a plurality of body panels (not shown) to form the driver cabin 18A, where a dashboard 20, a seat assembly 22 and a handlebar 30 connected to a head tube 120 (shown in Figure 4) are disposed. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 – 3, the vehicle 10 includes a passenger cabin 18B behind the driver cabin 18A. The driver’s cabin 18A and the passenger’s cabin 18B are separated by providing a partition wall 23 (shown in Figures 1 and 2). Thus, a front portion “F” and a rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10 are defined by the partition wall 23.
[023] In the illustrated embodiments as referred in Figures 1 and 2, the passenger cabin 18B and the driver cabin 18A are mounted on the frame 110. Typically, the passenger cabin 18B in the three-wheeled passenger vehicle 10 consists of multiple panels including a front seat base, middle and rear seat bases (not shown). The panels are joined together by spot welding, or any other fabrication method known in the art forming the passenger cabin 18B. In the three-wheeled passenger vehicle 10, both the driver’s cabin 18A and the passenger’s cabin 18B can be covered by a soft top (not shown) supported by one or more support frame members (not shown) to provide shade for the driver in the driver’s cabin 18A and the passengers in the passenger’s cabin 18B.
[024] The vehicle 10 is driven by one or more front wheels 14 and one or more rear wheels 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the three-wheeled vehicle 10 includes one front wheel 14 and two rear wheels 16. The rear wheels 16 are driven by one or more electric power sources like batteries 40, 42 (shown in Figures 2 and 3). In an embodiment of present invention, the vehicle 10 includes a first battery 40 which is disposed under a seat assembly 22 at the driver’s cabin 18A at the front portion “F” of the vehicle 10. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a second battery 42 which is disposed at the rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10. Both the batteries 40, 42 are connected to a motor 182 and motor controller (not shown) and other traction related components (not shown) through high power cables or wiring harness 124 (shown in Figures 2 and 4).
[025] Referring again to Figure 4, the vehicle 10 further includes a central long member 112 extending in the vehicle front-rear direction “D1”. The central long member 112 is disposed between the pair of long members 130A, 130B. In the illustrated embodiment, the central long member 112 is configured in a predetermined shape forming a channel 114. In one embodiment, the central long member 112 is in a cross section such as, but not limited to, a C-shaped cross section or U-shaped cross section. It should be understood that the cross section of the central long member 112 should not be limiting to only the C-shaped cross section or the U-shaped cross section. It should be further understood that the central long member 112 should be of any cross section which would form a hollow structure or the channel 114 along its length in the vehicle front-rear direction “D1” for accommodating and routing the high-power cables or wiring harness 124 of the vehicle 10. The channel 114 in the central long member 112 is configured to route the wiring harness 124 from the front portion “F” of the vehicle 10 to the rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10. In other words, the central long member 112 of the frame 110 is formed to have the channel 114 longitudinally such that the central long member 112 will act as a housing for the high-power cables or wiring harness 124 extending towards the rear portion “R” from the front portion “F” of the vehicle 10.
[026] In an embodiment shown in Figure 4, the head tube 120 is connected to the central long member 112 of the frame 110. The head tube 120 is configured to receive the wiring harness 124 at the front portion “F” of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the vehicle 10 includes a cover member 160 extending from the floor member 140 and up to the dashboard 20 of the vehicle 10. The cover member 160 is configured to cover the head tube 120 and a cut-out 140A (shown in Figure 9) made in the floor member 140 for the head tube 120. Particularly, the cover member 160 covers the head tube 120 through which or along which the wiring harness 124 are routed. The cover member 160 is disposed in front of a driver seat 22 of the vehicle 10 and fastened onto the central long member 112 using one or more fasteners. The cover member 160 protects the high voltage cable or wiring harness 124 and prevents the damage and water entry into the head tube 120 and also protect the driver from electric contact unknowingly. The wiring harness 124 coming from the front portion “F” i.e., from the dashboard 20 is also routed through the central long member 112. The portion of the wiring harness 124 which is not disposed in the central long member 112 will be covered by the cover member 160.
[027] In an embodiment, the rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10 includes a junction point 170 for supplying power to electrical components of the vehicle 10 from the first battery 40 and the second battery 42. The first battery 40 is disposed below the driver seat 22 in the front portion “F” of the vehicle 10 and the second battery 42 is disposed at the rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10.
[028] The junction point 170 is used to make a single power supply point. Therefore, wires 126 from both the batteries 40, 42 will be routed towards a junction box 172 and from there the power will be distributed. In the illustrated embodiment in Figure 3, one example of power transfer to the motor 182 is shown. However, the same junction box 172 can be used to transfer power supply to other electrical components in the vehicle 10 located in the front portion “F” or the rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10.
[029] The rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10 further includes a pair of side frame members 180A, 180B extending from a pair of long members 130A, 130B. The pair of side frame members 180A, 180B configured to support the wires 126 which are mounted onto the pair of side frame members 180A, 180B through clips and/or loops (not shown). The clips and/loops prevent cluttering of the wires 126 at the rear portion “R” of the vehicle.
[030] In an embodiment, the pair of side frame members 180A, 180B includes one or more bridge supporting structures 118 in between the pair of side frame members 180A, 180B and extends in the vehicle width direction “W”. The bridge supporting structures 118 are adapted to support the junction box 172 at the junction point 170, the motor 182, the second battery 42 and wires 126 connected between the second battery 42 and the junction point 170. In an embodiment, a fuse (not shown) connecting positive terminal from the junction box 172 can be integrated with the junction point 170 itself or it can be supported on the frame 110 separately at a suitable location. In case of bigger vehicles, the fuse can be separate, and it can be integrated as required in the vehicle.
[031] Referring now to Figures 5 and 6 which illustrate a side view and a top view of a portion of another vehicle 10 having a wiring harness 124, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a three-wheeled cargo vehicle. In some embodiment of the three-wheeled cargo vehicle, the rear batteries 42 are placed exactly behind a driver’s cabin or a partition area. The wires 126 from the front battery 40 is routed similar to the wires 126 routed in the three-wheeled passenger vehicle 10. However, the wires 126 from rear batteries 42 in the three-wheeled cargo vehicle are routed directly towards the junction box 172 without much support of the side frame members 180A, 180B of the frame 110. This is because of reduced distance between the junction box 172 and the second batteries 42. However, some portion of the wires 126 may still be supported on the side frame members 180A, 180B from below if required.
[032] In an embodiment, one or more connectors (not shown) may be provided for the first battery 40 and the second battery 42 and routing the wiring harness 124 in the rear portion “R” is made such that the wiring harness 124 does not get cluttered.
[033] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a frame of the vehicle shown in Figure 5 having the wiring harness, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[034] In an embodiment shown in Figure 7, the head tube 120 is connected to the central long member 112 of the frame 110. The head tube 120 is configured to receive the wiring harness 124 at the front portion “F” of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, the vehicle 10 includes the cover member 160 extending from the floor member 140 and up to the dashboard 20 of the vehicle 10. The cover member 160 is configured to cover the head tube 120 and the cut-out 140A (shown in Figure 9) made in the floor member 140 for the head tube 120. Particularly, the cover member 160 covers the head tube 120 through which or along which the wiring harness 124 is routed. The cover member 160 is disposed in front of the driver seat 22 of the vehicle 10 and fastened onto the central long member 112 using one or more fasteners. The cover member 160 protects the high voltage cable or wiring harness 124 and prevents the damage and water entry into the head tube 120 and also protects the driver from electric contact unknowingly. The wiring harness 124 coming from the front portion “F” i.e., from the dashboard 20 is also routed through the central long member 112. The portion of the wiring harness 124 which is not disposed in the central long member 112 will be covered by the cover member 160.
[035] In an embodiment, the rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10 includes a junction point 170 for supplying power to electrical components of the vehicle 10 from the first battery 40 and the second battery 42. The first battery 40 is disposed below the driver seat 22 in the front portion “F” of the vehicle 10 and the second battery 42 is disposed at the rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10 and immediately behind the driver’s cabin 18A.
[036] The rear portion “R” of the vehicle 10 further includes a pair of side frame members 180A, 180B extending from a pair of long members 130A, 130B. The pair of side frame members 180A, 180B configured to support the wires 126 which are mounted onto the pair of side frame members 180A, 180B through the clips and/or loops (not shown). The clips and/loops prevent cluttering of the wires 126 at the rear portion “R” of the vehicle.
[037] In an embodiment, the pair of side frame members 180A, 180B includes one or more bridge supporting structures 118 in between the pair of side frame members 180A, 180B and extends in the vehicle width direction “W”. The bridge supporting structures 118 are adapted to support the junction box 172 at the junction point 170, the motor 182, the second battery 42 and wires 126 connected between the second battery 42 and the junction point 170. In an embodiment, a fuse (not shown) connecting positive terminal from the junction box 172 can be integrated with the junction point 170 itself or it can be supported on the frame 110 separately at a suitable location. In case of bigger vehicles, the fuse can be separate, and it can be integrated as required in the vehicle.
[038] Advantageously, the wiring harness routing as disclosed in the present invention provides protection to the user or the passengers from the high voltage wires or cables. Further, the wiring harness is protected from water damage or tampering of the wires since the wiring routing is made under the frame of the vehicle. The present invention further provides an advantage of ease in assembly of the wiring harness and servicing.
[039] The high-power cables or wiring harness from front/first battery to the junction point is routed through the central long member of the frame, such that the high-power cables or wiring harness will be routed below the floor member giving protection to the passenger sitting inside the vehicle and from below the central long member will protect the high-power cable or wiring harness from any water exposure or any damage due to tampering.
[040] The wires in the rear portion of the vehicle are supported with the pair of side frame members below a passenger seat in the passenger compartment and behind the passenger seat through one or more clips and/or loops at specific locations on the side frame members of the frame 110 which eliminates cluttering of the wires in the rear portion of the vehicle.
[041] The wire harness routing is suitable for three-wheeled passenger vehicle as well as for three-wheeled cargo vehicle. Further, the wire harness routing as disclosed in the present invention can be applied onto bigger vehicles with minor modifications with the same principle of covered wired routing through the cover member and central long member in the front portion and below the vehicle in the rear portion, where the frame is at a height and parts are comparatively safe from water entry due to height.
[042] 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.