Claims:We Claim;
1. A motor vehicle (100), said vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (101) providing skeletal support to said vehicle (100);
a handle bar assembly (105) mounted on a pipe (139) of said frame assembly (101);
a control switch assembly (205) being disposed on one of left hand side and right side of said handle bar assembly (105); and
an electrical connector (206) being integrally attached to said control switch assembly (205).
2. The motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrical connector (205) being connected to one end (208a) of of a DC cable (208).
3. The motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said handle bar assembly includes accelerator grip (203), a pair of levers (201a, 201b), pair of review mirrors (204a, 204b).
4. The motor vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electrical connector (205) being covered by a cover member (208).
5. The motor vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle includes an energy storage unit (301), an ignition lock (302), a controller (303), an electrical connector circuit (304), said electrical connector (206), said control switch assembly (205) and an electronic device (305).
6. The motor vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein said energy storage unit (302) provides power to said electrical connector circuit (304) , where said electrical connector (206) being disposed in a control switch assembly (205) in said vehicle (100), for charging said electronic device (305).
7. The motor vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein said energy storage unit (302) provides power to said controller (303), where said controller (303) transfers data to said electrical connector circuit (304) and said electrical connector (206), where said electrical connector (206) being disposed in a control switch assembly (205) in said vehicle (100), for charging said electronic device and for displaying informationon said electronic device (305) on after receiving a command request.
8. A method for charging and transferring data to electronic device in a motor vehicle, said method comprising:
starting vehicle and activating ignition lock (302);
activating energy storage unit (301) and a controller (303) by activating said ignition lock (302);
providing power to an electrical connector circuit (304) by said energy storage unit (301) and from said electrical connector circuit (304) to said electrical connector (206), for charging an electronic device (305);
raising request of data transfer from said vehicle (100) to said electronic device (305) on receiving a command request;
sending data by said controller (303) to said electrical connector circuit (304) through communication and said electrical connector circuit (304) to said electrical connector (206), for displaying information on said electronic devices (305)
9. An electrical connector circuit (304) for a vehicle (100), said circuit (304) comprising:
said circuit (304) configured to be activated based on one or more actuation signal from said vehicle (100);
said circuit (304) selectively provides electrical power to an electrical connector (205), said electrical connector (206) being electrically connected to a portable display device (305) and based on a request command signal, said circuit (304) switches itself to provide predetermined one or more vehicle status information to be displayed on said portable display device (305) which is electrically connected to said electrical connector (206)
10. A smart electrical connector circuit (304) for a vehicle (100), wherein said circuit (304) being communicatively connected to a controller through a CAN
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a motor vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to an electrical connector in the motor vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In recent years, automotive vehicles are equipped with various electronic gadgets for user’s convenience and entertainment purpose. The gadgets are mounted on the user’s convenience place based on the choices of individual, for example, smart phone holder on a handle bar assembly of a two wheeler or any music audio components in four wheeler. In installing such devices, operability of such devices should be kept high without impairing the robustness and drivability of the vehicles.
[0003] Further, all over the world, usage of electronic device like smart phones have increased at higher pace because of the user’s convenience to use it for different purposes, for example, paying different bills, finding shortest route, finding the severity of traffic jam or using it as an instrument cluster etc. All these facilities are available at the user’s/rider’s fingertip. As the usage of smart phones is increased hence, the smart phones have become the “battery hog”. The smart phones utilize a rechargeable battery for power and to recharge its own battery; AC chargers and motor vehicle cigarette lighter chargers etc are used. The vehicle manufacturers often face challenges in mounting the accessories and charging port of the respective accessories in the vehicles as per the user’s convenience while ensuring the safety, durability and reliability of such charging ports.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a two wheeled saddle type motorcycle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig.1 is a side view of a saddle type vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig.1a is a perspective view of a frame assembly of saddle type vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Fig.2 is an assembled view of handle bar assembly with control switch assembly with electrical connector on one side of handle bar assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig.2a is an assembled view of handle bar assembly with control switch assembly with electrical connector on another side of handle bar assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig.2b is an assembled view of handle bar assembly with holder on one side of handle bar assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig.2c is an assembled view of handle bar assembly with lid for electrical connector on one side of handle bar assembly as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00011] Fig.2c is an assembled view of handle bar assembly with frame assembly having cable as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00012] Fig. 3 is a block diagram as per one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Typically, consumers own several electronic devices specifically designed for portability and use on-the-go, including, for example, a smart phone, a portable music player like an MP3 player, a tablet, a portable gaming unit etc. Each of these devices requires frequent recharging. Such electronic devices typically require connection to an external power source, such as a wall outlet, a computer, for recharging. However, many times when the user is on the move or travelling, such a power source is not easily available or close by, and the electronic device has insufficient charge remaining before the user can get to a power source to connect the device. Moreover, even when the device is connected to an external power source for recharging, it is difficult to continue using the device, as the device need to remain tethered to the power source restricting the movement of the user during the duration of charging.
[00014] Similarly, a separate charging cable is usually required for connecting an electronic device with a particular power source. For example, a consumer will have one cable for charging a phone at home with an AC wall socket, and another cable for charging the phone in the vehicle using the DC car charging socket, and perhaps additional cables for charging the phone using a computer or on an airplane. Accordingly, a tech-savvy consumer, with several electronic devices, will usually have multiple charging cables to keep track of and avail charging.
[00015] On some instances, a small amount of charge is required by an electronic device to complete a task before the device powers down due to insufficient energy storage device capacity. For example, the user on some route using a GPS on his smart phone , or accessing vehicle data provided on the smart phone, may wish to continue using his phone throughout the journey, but cannot find a power source to plug into, may not have enough time to get to a power source. As noted, if the phone or portable display device is plugged into a traditional power source, like a wall socket, it is difficult to continue using the phone as desired. Accordingly, what is needed is an electrical connector, even with a small boost of power that is as portable as the electronic device and thus easily usable on-the-go.
[00016] Thus, it is apparent from the mentioned paragraph that the electronic devices especially like smart display device or phones now have become an integral part of the motor vehicles. For example, in a scenario, vehicles like two wheelers are being used for different purposes like commutation, thereby using GPS to look out for the shortest route as available or for market purpose like as food delivery executives using GPS to locate the consumer address etc or using smart phone for displaying vehicle data. In this scenario, frequent charging of the electronic devices like smart phones are required to facilitate the users as per their requirement and convenience. Hence, there is a need of an secure, safe and robust electrical connector in vehicles for charging the electric device and also, transferring and displaying data on the electronic device like smart phones as per the user’s requirement and convenience without any major change in design and manufacturing set-up of the vehicle.
[00017] Typically, in known art, an electrical connector and a holder for holding electronic device are disposed at a distant from each other. For example: the electrical connector is disposed near speedometer and the holder is disposed on the handle bar assembly of the vehicle. The holder and the electrical connector are disposed at a distant, leading to requirement of a DC cable having long length. This configuration has its own disadvantages like entanglement of cable wire with any surrounding components may increase risk of accident of the vehicle. Also, the high current passes through the electrical connector port, generates electromagnetic field in close proximity of the speedometer. This may affect the efficiency of the speedometer as the speedometer includes various sensors which may get affected by the electromagnetic field generated by the electrical connector port.
[00018] Generally, the electrical connector is placed or disposed in the close proximity of the speedometer that is approximately at the center of the vehicle. When the rider while riding the vehicle, tries to connect the cable with electrical connector, it increases risk for the riders, as they have to concentrate at the location of the electrical connector and also have to balance the vehicle meanwhile, while riding vehicle.
[00019] In another known art, in two-wheeler, the electrical connector is disposed beside a control switch to charge the electronic devices like smart phone and does not transfer data as per user’s requirement on smart phone. This configuration also leads to increase number of components and also, leads to space constraints on handle bar of the vehicle.
[00020] Hence, there exists a challenge of configuring an electrical connector in the vehicle, ensuring shortening of DC cable wire, providing ease of accessibility of the electrical connector by user/rider while riding the vehicle and also providing data on smart phone as per the user’s/rider’s request, without any major change in design and manufacturing set-up of the vehicle.
[00021] Therefore, there is a need to have an improved layout configuration of the electrical connector in the vehicle which overcomes all of the above problems and other problems known in the art.
[00022] Hence, it becomes essential to design and configure an improved layout disposition of the electrical connector in the vehicles. The present invention provides a solution to the above problems while meeting the requirements of minimum modifications in vehicle, at low cost with ease of connectivity etc.
[00023] With the above objectives in view, the present invention relates to the electrical connector and more particularly to the improved layout configuration of the electrical connector. As per an aspect of the present invention, the electrical connector is configured in a control switch assembly placed on a handle bar assembly of a vehicle which performs a function of data transferring as per the user’s requirement as well as enables charging of the display device on the go.
[00024] As per one aspect of the present invention, a frame assembly of a motor vehicle comprises of a main frame, down frame etc., where the down frame is provided with an engine mounting bracket. An engine is mounted to the frame assembly through the engine mounting bracket, ensuring rigid mounting of the engine with respect to the down frame of the frame assembly. Further, a handle bar assembly is mounted on a head pipe of the frame assembly of the vehicle.
[00025] Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the handle bar assembly includes a pair of break levers, an accelerator grip, a pair of review mirrors and a control switch assembly. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, an electrical connector is integrally disposed in the control switch assembly. The electrical connector is a port which has a profile, which further conforms with profile of a DC cable connector.
[00026] As per one aspect of the present invention, a holder is connected to the handle bar assembly in close proximity of the control switch assembly in the vehicle. The electronic device like smart phone is detachably attached to the holder. The DC cable has two ends, wherein one end is attached to the electronic devices like smart phone, where the smart phone is detachably attached to the holder and another end is detachably connected to the electrical connector, ensuring ease of charging smart phone while riding the vehicle and also, ensuring decreased length of the DC cable, thereby decreasing chances of accident of the vehicle due to entanglement of the DC cable with the surrounding components.
[00027] Further as per one aspect of the present invention, the electrical connector is covered with a lid to restrict the water or dust in the electrical connector thereby making it safe, reliable and robust.
[00028] Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, source of charging electronic device that is smart phone is from an energy storage unit available in the vehicle. Further, an ignition lock when switched to ON state activates an energy storage unit & a controller to an ON state. As a result, the energy storage unit provides the power source to an electrical connector circuit. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the electronic device like smart phone gets power from the electrical connector circuit through the electrical connector, where the electronic device like smart phone is connected to the electrical connector through the DC cable having short length. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the digital communication between the electronic device like smart phone and vehicle is established either directly or may be through CAN (Controller Area Network), wherein based on the user’s request or by receiving command request, the electrical connector circuit pulls out the data from a controller through CAN and displays it on the smart phone, thereby ensuring user’s convenience of getting desired output while riding the vehicles.
[00029] In the ensuing exemplary aspects, the vehicle is a saddle type vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the concepts of the present invention may be applied to any of the two wheeled vehicles and three wheeled vehicles without defeating the spirit of the invention.
[00030] Various other features of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. With reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views.
[00031] Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuring description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the saddle type vehicle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Further, the present subject matter can also be used in any two-wheeler, but for reference, the present subject matter is explained with respect to the step through type vehicle.
[00032] Fig. 1 is a left side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle having a frame assembly (101), in accordance with an embodiment of present subject matter. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (200) shown schematically with dotted lines, which acts as a skeleton for bearing the loads. Instrument cluster (119) is mounted on handle bar assembly (126). The handle bar assembly (126) is disposed over a head pipe. The handle bar assembly (126) is connected to a front wheel (129) by one or more front suspension(s) (130).A switch is provided to lock and unlock the handle bar assembly (126), more precisely, the switch wake up a key less controller in order to strat the vehicle without key based on RF communication. A front fender (131) is disposed above the front wheel (129) for covering at least a portion of the front wheel (129). A fuel tank (103) is mounted to a main frame (140) of the frame assembly (200) and it is disposed in the front portion F of a space of the frame (200). The vehicle (100) having lighting means which includes Head lamp (127), Tail lamp (not shown), Turning indicators includes front side indicators (111) and rear side indicator (not shown) respectively. As per one implementation, when a vehicle runs in low energy storage unit condition, a controller controls intensity of the headlamp (127), for sustenance of energy storage unit for longer period of time. The controller receives a signal regarding energy storage unit condition. If the voltage of the energy storage unit goes below x V, for example, 12.5V, the controller varies the duty cycle using pulse width modulation control of the signal to headlamp input. A headlamp driver circuit further controls the intensity of the headlamp and decreases it to set value not less than a predetermined requirement. The rear fender (138) is projected outwardly of the vehicle systems and protects the pillion from mud splash as well as to protect the rear wheel (133) from environmental damage. A power unit (125) is mounted to the lower portion of frame (200). In an embodiment, the power unit (125) is an IC engine. The fuel tank (103) is functionally connected to the power unit (125). A seat (132) is located at the back region of the fuel tank (103) and is extended in a longitudinal direction along the seat frames. A canister (not shown) is disposed at left hand side of the main frame (202), partially overlapping the frame assembly from vehicle side view. The canister is disposed above the engine and under the fuel tank (103). The canister is mounted to a rear side of the fuel tank with various attachment means like mounting bracket and an elastic holder. A roll over valve is mounted forwardly with respect to the canister with various attachment means like mounting bracket and a cushion member. A purge control valve and the canister are integrally housed in the elastic holder, thereby ensuring rigid attachment of the components without fouling with surrounding components.
[00033] Fig. 1a is a left side view of a frame assembly 200, as per one embodiment of present subject matter. The frame assembly (200) of the vehicle (100) is provided with a head pipe (201) that includes the main frame (202) extended backward and diagonally downward from the head pipe (201), a pair of seat frames (204) extended backward from the rear of the main frame (202), a down frame (206) extended downward from the front of the main frame (202), the engine (125) is coupled between a pair of center frames (203) and the rears of the down frames 206). An area enclosed by the seat frames (204), the center frames (203) and the sub frames (205) is substantially triangular in a side view.
[00034] Fig. 2 is a front view of the handle bar assembly while rider being seated on the vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention. Further, as per one aspect of the present invention, the handle bar assembly (126) includes a pair of levers (201a, 201b), an accelerator grip (203), a pair of review mirrors (204a, 204b) and a control switch assembly (205), where the control switch assembly is disposed either on left side (as shown in fig. 2a) or right side of the handle bar assembly. The control switch assembly (205) ensures ease of accessibility to user during riding the vehicle. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the handle bar assembly (126) includes a pair of openings (207a, 207b) for detachably attaching the pair of suspensions with the vehicle.
[00035] Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical connector (206) is disposed in the control switch assembly (205). As the control switch assembly is disposed either on left side (as shown in fig. 2a) or right side of the handle bar assembly, hence the electrical connector integrally disposed in the control switch also disposed either on the left side (as shown in fig. 2a) or right side of the handle bar assembly. In one implementation, the electrical connector is a split type electrical connector where a controller is housed in housing and electrical connector is disposed away from the controller. The electrical connector (206) is connected to the controller (shown with dotted lines) through a cable (211), where the controller is disposed in the vehicle. An electronic device like smart phone (not shown) is detachably attached to a holder (209) and connected to the electrical connector through a DC cable (208) having shorter length, where the holder (209) is detachably attached to the handle bar assembly. In another implementation, the holder may be mounted on mirror mounting bracket. The control switch assembly (205) is disposed in the close proximity of the holder holding the smart phone. Thus, the electrical connector (206) is also disposed in the close proximity of the holder holding smart phone, hence, ensuring ease of accessibility of the electrical connector by the rider when the rider/user needs to charge the smart phone while riding the vehicle. Further, the smart phone is charged by the electrical connector through a DC cable (208) and a charging method. This configuration also provides data as per request of the user/rider, thus providing convenience to the user/rider while riding the vehicle. This configuration also reduces effort of the riders to connect the DC cable with the electrical connector. Further, the DC cable for charging smart phone has two ends, where one end (208b) is connected to the smart phone and another end (208a) conforms and connected with a profile of the electrical connector (206), ensuring decreased length of the DC cable, thereby decreasing chances of accident of the vehicle due to entanglement of the DC cable with the surrounding components. Further, as the electrical connector (206) is integrally disposed in the control switch assembly, thereby this configuration eliminates need of requirement of additional components for mounting separate electrical connector in the vehicle. Further, this configuration also eliminates the need of separate component as the electrical connector in the vehicle, thereby, reduces cost of the vehicle. Further, the electrical connector is covered by a covering member termed as lid (210), thereby restricting entry of foreign components into the electrical connector.
[00036] Fig. 3 is a block diagram explaining charging method for charging smart phone and information transfer on smart phone as per request of the user/rider or through any other means, as per one embodiment of the present invention. For ease of reference the term smart phone is interchangeably used to refer to an electrical/electronic device like a display unit. Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, an ignition lock (302) when switched to an ON state activates an energy storage unit (301) & a controller (303) to an ON state. The energy storage unit (301) supplies power to an electrical connector circuit (304) e.g. a smart USB circuit, where the electrical connector circuit (304) is located in the vehicle. In another implementation, an electrical connector with electrical connector circuit forms part of a battery management system. Further, the electrical connector circuit (304) is connected to the electrical connector (206), where the electrical connector is disposed in the control switch assembly (205). The power supply to the electrical connector circuit (304) enables the smart phone connected with the electrical connector (206), to be charged, while the rider/user is riding the vehicles. As per one embodiment of the present invention, when the user/rider raised request for accessing information through an app installed in the smart phone or requesting information to be provide through any other means or receiving a command request for the information to be provided, a controller (303) transfers required information to the electrical connector circuit through CAN communication and the electrical connector circuit transfers the information to electrical connector and finally on the smart phone, ensuring ease of accessibility of data by the user on request, thus making ride more comfortable. The electrical circuit (304) is configured to be activated based on one or more actuation signal from the vehicle (100). The circuit (304) selectively provides electrical power to the electrical connector (205), where the electrical connector (206) is electrically connected to a portable display device (305). Further, based on the request command signal for providing information on the display device, the circuit (304) switches itself to provide predetermined one or more vehicle status information to be displayed on said portable display device (305) which is electrically connected to said electrical connector (206).
[00037] The invention helps in overcoming the problem of space constraints, minimizing the length of DC cables, increasing ease of accessibility of the electrical connector and transferring data to the smart phone as per user’s/rider’s requirement and convenience while maintaining the conventional layout of the vehicle.
[00038] Advantageously, the embodiments of the present invention, describes the potential modifications in the location of electrical connector, where the electrical connector is being integrally attached to the control switch assembly.
[00039] Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
List of reference symbol:
Fig. 1:
100: Saddle type Vehicle
126: Handle Bar Assembly
119: Instrument Cluster
127: Head Lamp
111: Front Side Indicator
112: Leg shield
131: Front Fender
129: Front Wheel
130: Front Suspension
125: Engine
103: Fuel Tank
101: Frame member
132: Seat
138: Rear Fender
133: Rear Wheel
101: Frame Assembly
Fig. 1a
201: Head Pipe
202: Main frame
206: down frames
203: center frames
204: Pair of seat frames
205: Sub Frame

Fig. 2
204a, 204b: a pair of review mirror.
201a, 201b: a pair of Levers
203: accelerator grip
205: control switch assembly
206: electrical connector
207a, 207b: a pair of openings
Fig. 2b
208a: One end of DC Cable
208: DC Cable
208b: Another end of DC cable
209: Holder
Fig. 2c
210: Lid
Fig. 2d:
211: Cable
Fig.3
301: Energy Storage Unit
302: Ignition Lock
303: Controller
304: Electrical connector circuit
305: Smart Phones/display device.