DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a housing unit for the vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicle diagnosis system is becoming mandatory for helping users and service technicians identify part failures and access vehicle information. The vehicle diagnosing apparatus is provided with a connector for connection to an electronic control unit (ECU) which is mounted on a vehicle. The vehicle is diagnosed by communicating with the electronic control unit via the connector.
[0003] Modern motor vehicles are equipped with so-called on-board diagnostic systems because of statutorily mandated requirements. OBD (On Board Diagnosis) systems monitor various sensors indicating status of vehicle components and operating conditions. OBD (On Board Diagnosis) regulatory requirement is being enforced in many countries which mandates the vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) to store information related to vehicle troubles in its back-up RAM (Random Access Memory) and light up a lamp such as a check engine lamp to alert user about vehicle troubles. Generally, a diagnosis connector is provided with mounting means for mounting on a vehicle panel and has a lid for closing the open end. But such housing unit with the lid integrally formed therein is expensive to implement on the vehicle and requires additional mounting means on the vehicle for mounting the connector. Generally, vehicle diagnosis system has a standard connector for connecting with an external diagnostic scan tool. Such standard connector is commonly secured by electrical socket housing. The electrical socket housing with a mounting means is mounted on a panel support of a vehicle and holds the connector to be used in the testing of electric circuitry of vehicles. Such electrical socket housing for holding diagnosis connector has a lid integrally connected to the socket body to close the open terminal mating end. However, such a design for the housing unit is expensive and requires additional provision on the vehicle for mounting the connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] This invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0005] Fig.1 is a left side view of a two-wheeled vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the two-wheeled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Fig.3 is a perspective view of a battery box assembly with a housing unit holding a diagnosis connector according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig.4 is perspective view of the diagnosis connector as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig.5 is a perspective view of a rubber sealing with a locking member as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig.6 is a perspective view of the battery box assembly with the diagnosis connector housing unit as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00011] Fig.7 is an enlarged perspective view of the housing unit integrally formed in said at least a portion of the vehicle battery box as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00012] Fig.8. is a perspective view of the battery box assembly with the rubber sealing and integrated housing unit as per one embodiment of the present invention.
[00013] Fig.9 is an exploded view of the housing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[00014] Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying figures forming a part thereof.
[00015] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00016] Modern vehicles typically are equipped with an on-board diagnostic system including one or more computer control modules controlling various functions of the vehicle. Vehicle-mounted ECU is diagnosed by the On-Board Diagnostic system. On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) (e.g., microcontrollers and sensors) system monitors the vehicle’s electrical and mechanical systems and generates data to detect any malfunction or deterioration in the vehicle's performance. Most ECUs transmit status and diagnostic information over a shared, standardized electronic bus in the vehicle. Data from the systems are made available through a standardized connector referred to as an ‘OBD connector’. The OBD connector typically is queried using an external scan tool that plugs into the OBD connector. It is also required to enable the external scan tool available with the service technician to connect with the vehicle ECU through K-Line or CAN (Controlled Area Network) communication link to access vehicle information and analyse fault data. Vehicles with such a diagnosis system have a standard connector for detachably connecting with a scan tool.
[00017] Generally, a diagnosis connector is provided with mounting means for mounting on a vehicle panel and has a lid for closing the open end. But such housing unit with the lid integrally formed therein is expensive to implement on the vehicle and requires additional mounting means on the vehicle for mounting the connector. With this objectives in view, one embodiment according to the present invention discloses a diagnosis connector housing unit integrated with the vehicle and eliminates the requirement of additional provision on vehicle for mounting the connector. Also for two-wheeled vehicles where chassis is prone to water entry, the housing unit as per one embodiment of present invention is provided with a rubber sealing .The rubber sealing is provided with a locking member for locking with the housing unit to protect the diagnosis connector against external environment, water and dust ingress entry.
[00018] Although the present invention has been exemplified for the two-wheeled vehicle, it is not restricted only for the two-wheeled vehicle. Application of the present invention may be extended to other vehicles, including three-wheeled vehicles and four –wheeled vehicles.
[00019] Various other features and advantages 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. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of orientation of the reference numerals.
[00020] It is to be noted that in the ensuing description, the present invention is usable in a saddle type vehicle exemplified in the form of a two wheeled scooter type motorcycle for illustration.
[00021] Further “front” and “rear”, and “left” and “right” referred to in the ensuing 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 two-wheeled 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.
[00022] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the two-wheeled vehicle (10) (hereinafter ‘vehicle’). The vehicle (10) includes a frame assembly (not shown) made up of several tubes welded together supporting the body of said vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) has a steerable front wheel (13) and a driven rear wheel (16) driven by driving force generated by a power unit (15). An upper portion of the front wheel (13) is covered by a front fender (12) which prevents mud and water from being delivered from the front wheel (13). A rear fender (17) is located above the rear wheel (16) so as to cover a portion of the outer periphery of the rear wheel (16) with its associated tire. A handle bar (20) is attached to an upper end of a head pipe of the frame assembly. A headlamp housing unit (11) is arranged forwardly of the handle bar (20). A seat (18) for a driver and a pillion is placed forward to a fuel tank. A pillion (22) is disposed rearwardly of the seat assembly. A storage box (not shown) is provided below the seat (18) for storing useful articles. The handle bar (20) and the storage box (not shown) are supported at opposing ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as floorboard (14) which functions as a step through space. A side stand is fixed to the left side of the frame assembly which supports the vehicle (10) such that the vehicle (10) can incline to the left side without falling. Further in Fig.1, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle (1) comprises the front body portion (F) and the rear body portion (R) and the floorboard (15) provided between said front body portion (F) and said rear body portion (R). In one embodiment, the vehicle frame assembly (not shown) is covered by a body cover (21) extending from the front body portion (F) to the rear body portion (R) along a vehicle longitudinal axis (AA). A rear fender (8) is accommodated at the rearmost end of the vehicle (1) to partially cover the rear wheel (4). The front wheel (2) is rotatably mounted on the front portion (F) thereof and a rear wheel (3) is rotatably mounted on a rear portion (R) thereof. As per one embodiment of the present invention, said housing unit (307) (shown in Fig.3, Fig.6, Fig.7 and Fig.8) for securing said diagnostic connector (300) therein is integrally formed in said at least a portion of the vehicle (10).
[00023] Fig.2 is a perspective view of the vehicle (10) according to one embodiment of present invention. a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) performing at least one activity and monitoring at least one function of said vehicle (10). As per one embodiment, said diagnosis connector (300) includes a wire harness end (301) for connection with at least one ECU of said plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) and a terminal mating end (303) for connection with an external diagnostic scan tool; In one embodiment, the vehicle (10) includes a battery box assembly (100) on (F) a front body portion of the vehicle side for housing a vehicle battery (103). As per one embodiment of the present invention, a housing unit (307) is integrally formed with a battery box top cover (103a).A diagnostic connector (300) is connected through wiring harness (101) to said at least one ECU of said plurality of ECUs.
[00024] Fig.3 is a perspective view of the battery box assembly (100) with said housing unit (307) being integrally formed therein as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said vehicle (10) comprises said plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) performing said at least one activity and monitoring said at least one function of said vehicle (10). In one embodiment, said diagnosis connector (300) includes the wire harness end (301) for connection with at least one ECU of said plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) and a terminal mating end (303) for connection with the external diagnostic scan tool. In one embodiment, said vehicle battery box assembly (100) includes the vehicle battery box (103) housed therein. As per one embodiment, said housing unit configured to detachably secure said diagnosis connector (300) is integrally formed in at least a portion of said vehicle battery box (100). In one embodiment, said housing unit (307) is integrally formed in said at least a portion of said top cover (103a) of said battery box (103). As per one embodiment, said housing unit (307) defines a receiving cavity (308) extending through a top surface (307a) to a bottom surface (307b) thereof. Further, in one embodiment, said housing unit (307) includes a locking arm (306) configured to engage with at least a portion (302) of said diagnostic connector (300) such that said diagnosis connector (300) is detachably secured into said housing unit (307) with said terminal mating end (303) of said diagnostic connector (300) directed towards said bottom surface (307b) of the housing unit (307).Thus, in one embodiment, by securing said diagnostic connector in said hosuing unit (307) with said terminal mating end (303) of said diagnostic connector (300) towards the bottom surface (307b) of the hosuing unit (307), the diagnostic connector is protected from the water and dust entry. Furthermore, as per one embodiment, said housing unit (307) includes a rubber seal member (304) configured to sealingly abut against an inner surface (309) of said housing unit (307). In one embodiment, said rubber seal member (304) includes a locking member (305) configured for detachably securing said rubber seal member (304) to said housing unit (307). As per one embodiment, said at least a portion of said bottom surface (307b) of said housing unit (307) includes at least one mount member. As per one embodiment, said at least one mount member is adapted for receiving said locking member (305) of said rubber seal member (304) for securing said rubber seal member (304) to said housing unit (307).Further in Fig.3, as per one embodiment of the present invention, wherein said at least a portion (302) of said diagnostic connector (300) includes the catch projection (302a) configured for engaging with said locking arm (306) of said housing unit (307) thus detachably securing said diagnosis connector (300) into said housing unit (307). As per one embodiment, the housing unit (307) is integrally formed with said battery box top cover (103a) so as to detachably secure said diagnosis connector (300). In one embodiment, the diagnosis connector (300) is a female connector that has female terminals connected with said at least one ECU of said plurality of ECUs (Electronic Control Units) installed on the vehicle through the wiring harness (101). In one embodiment, said housing unit (307) has the locking arm (306) provision for detachably locking the diagnosis connector (300) with said housing unit (307).
[00025] Fig 4 is a perspective view of the diagnosis connector as per one embodiment of the present invention, In one embodiment, the diagnosis connector (300) includes the wire harness end (301) for connection with said at least one ECU of said plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) and the terminal mating end (303) for connection with the external diagnostic scan tool. In one embodiment, the wire harness end (301) of the diagnosis connector (300) is adapted to one or more electrical wires, and the terminal mating end (303) of the diagnosis connector (300) is adapted for enabling connection with the detachable external diagnostic scan tool available with a service technician. In one embodiment, the housing unit (307) is being integrally formed with said at least a portion (101) of said vehicle battery box (103). In one embodiment said housing unit (307) includes the locking arm (306) configured to engage with at least a portion (302) of said diagnostic connector (300) such that said diagnosis connector (300) is detachably secured into said housing unit (307) with said terminal mating end (303) of said diagnostic connector (300) directed towards said bottom surface (307b) of the housing unit (307). According to one embodiment, said at least a portion (302) of said diagnostic connector (300) includes a catch projection (302a) configured for engaging with said locking arm (306) of said housing unit (307).Further in Fig.4, during vehicle assembly, the diagnosis connector (300) can be detachably locked with the housing unit (307). As per one embodiment, when the diagnosis connector (300) needs to be detachably connected with the external diagnostic scan tool in case of a service operation, the diagnosis connector (300) can be detached from the housing unit (307) and connected with the corresponding mating connector in the external diagnostic scan tool. In one embodiment, said diagnosis connector (300) is detachably secured to the housing unit (307) in the manner that the open terminal mating end (303) of said diagnosis connector (300) is not exposed to external environment, water and dust ingress. In one embodiment, said housing unit (307) is integrated with said at least a portion of the battery box top cover (102a) and hence additional mounting provision is not required.
[00026] Fig 5 is a perspective view of the rubber seal member (304) as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said housing unit (307) includes the rubber seal member (304) configured to sealingly abut against the inner surface (309) of said housing unit (307). In one embodiment, said rubber seal member (304) includes the locking member (305) configured for detachably securing said rubber seal member (304) to said housing unit (307). As per one embodiment, said at least a portion of said bottom surface (307b) of said housing unit (307) includes said at least one mount member. In one embodiment, said at least one mount member is adapted for receiving said locking member (305) of said rubber seal member (304) for securing said rubber seal member (304) to said housing unit (307). Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the rubber seal member (304) is assembled with the housing unit (307) through said locking member (305) in at least a portion of said rubber seal member (304) and the corresponding said at least one mount member in the housing unit (307). As per one embodiment, the connection between the diagnosis connector (300) and housing unit (307) is waterproof due to the rubber seal member (304) in the housing unit (307). In one embodiment, the diagnosis connector (300) with said rubber seal member (304) prevents water from entering the diagnosis connector (300) from its open terminal mating end (303).
[00027] Fig. 6 is perspective view of the battery box assembly (100) as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment the housing unit (307) is being integrally formed with said at least a portion of the vehicle battery box (102). As per one embodiment, the housing unit (307) is being integrally formed with said at least a portion (101) of said vehicle battery box (103). In one embodiment said housing unit (307) includes the locking arm (306) configured to engage with at least a portion (302) of said diagnostic connector (300) such that said diagnosis connector (300) is detachably secured into said housing unit (307) with said terminal mating end (303) of said diagnostic connector (300) directed towards said bottom surface (307b) of the housing unit (307).
[00028] Fig.7 is an enlarged perspective view of the housing unit (307) integrally formed in said at least a portion (102) of the vehicle battery box (103) as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, said two-wheeled vehicle (10) further comprises a housing unit (307) being integrally formed with said at least a portion (101) of said vehicle battery box top cover (103) of the vehicle battery box (103). In one embodiment, said housing unit (307) defines the receiving cavity (308) extending through the top surface (307a) to a bottom surface (307b) thereof. In said embodiment, said housing unit (307) includes the locking arm (306) configured to engage with at least a portion (302) of said diagnostic connector (300) such that said diagnosis connector (300) is detachably secured into said housing unit (307) with said terminal mating end (303) of said diagnostic connector (300) directed towards said bottom surface (307b) of the housing unit (307).
[00029] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the battery box assembly (100) illustrating said housing unit (307) being integrally formed therein according to one embodiment of present invention. In one embodiment, said at least a portion of said bottom surface (307b) of said housing unit (307) includes said at least one mount member. In one embodiment, said at least one mount member is adapted for receiving said locking member (305) of said rubber seal member (304) for securing said rubber seal member (304) to said housing unit (307). As per one embodiment, said locking member (305) of said rubber seal member (304) is seated into said at least one mount member in said housing unit (307). As per one embodiment, the housing unit (307) and the rubber seal member (304) each are approximately quadrangular and have four sides.
[00030] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the housing unit (307) being integrally formed on said at least a portion of said battery box (102) of the battery box assembly (100) as per the present invention. As per one embodiment, said housing unit configured to detachably secure said diagnosis connector (300) is integrally formed in said at least a portion of said vehicle battery box (103). In one embodiment, said housing unit (307) is integrally formed in said at least a portion of said top cover (103a) of said battery box (103). Further, in one embodiment, said housing unit (307) includes the locking arm (306) configured to engage with said catch projection (302) integrally formed on said at least a portion of the diagnostic connector (300) such that said diagnosis connector (300) is detachably secured into said housing unit (307) with said terminal mating end (303) of said diagnostic connector (300) directed towards said bottom surface (307b) of the housing unit (307).In one embodiment, the catch projection (302) is disposed on at least a portion of said diagnosis connector (300). In one embodiment, said housing unit (307) includes the rubber seal member (304) configured to sealingly abut against the inner surface (309) of said housing unit (307). In one embodiment, said locking member (305) of the rubber seal member (304) is seated into said at least one mount member in said housing unit (307). In one embodiment, the locking arm (306) of said housing unit (307) is resiliently secured into said catch projection (302) of said diagnosis connector (300). In one embodiment, said rubber seal member (304) provides a joint between said terminal mating end (303) of said diagnosis connector (300) and said housing unit (307).In one embodiment diagnosis connector (300) is detachably positioned on the housing unit (307) through said terminal mating end (303) so as to prevent said terminal mating end (303) of said diagnosis connector (300) from external environment, water and dust ingress. Further, according to one embodiment, said at least one ECU of plurality of ECU is an engine control unit, a motor control unit, hybrid control unit, etc. As per present invention, said housing unit (307) can be integrally formed with at least a portion (102) of the vehicle battery box (102), a utility box, a side panel and a seat base.
[00031] Advantageously, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the housing unit for detachably securing said diagnosis connector is integrated with said at least a portion of the vehicle and hence additional mounting provision for mounting the connector on the vehicle is not required. Further, the rubber seal member provided in the housing unit forms the water proof protection against water, dust and ingress for said diagnosis connector. Further, the diagnosis connector is detachably secured to the hosuing unit in the manner that the terminal mating end of diagnosis connector is directed towards the bottom surface of the hosuing unit and hence not exposed to external environment thus water and dust ingress entry is prevented.
[00032] Improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim
1. A two- wheeled vehicle (10), said vehicle (10) comprising:
a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) performing at least one activity and monitoring at least one function of said vehicle (10); and
a diagnosis connector (300) including a wire harness end (301) for connection with at least one ECU of said plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) and a terminal mating end (303) for connection with an external diagnostic scan tool;
wherein said two-wheeled vehicle (10) further comprises a housing unit (307) being integrally formed with at least a portion (102) of said vehicle (10); and wherein said housing unit (307) defines a receiving cavity (308) extending through a top surface (307a) to a bottom surface (307b) thereof; and wherein said housing unit (307) includes a locking arm (306) configured to engage with at least a portion (302) of said diagnostic connector (300) such that said diagnosis connector (300) is detachably secured into said housing unit (307) with said terminal mating end (303) of said diagnostic connector (300) directed towards said bottom surface (307b) of the housing unit (307).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least a portion (302) of said diagnostic connector (300) includes a catch projection (302a) configured for engaging with said locking arm (306) of said housing unit (307).
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing unit (307) includes a rubber seal member (304) configured to sealingly abut against an inner surface (309) of said housing unit (307).
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said rubber seal member (304) includes a locking member (305) configured for detachably securing said rubber seal member (304) to said housing unit (307).
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said bottom surface (307b) of said housing unit (307) includes at least one mount member.
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 5, wherein said at least one mount member is adapted for receiving said locking member (305) of said rubber seal member (304) for securing said rubber seal member (304) to said housing unit (307).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing unit (307) is integrally formed with at least a portion (102) of a vehicle battery box (103), a utility box, a side panel and a seat base.
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing unit (307) and the rubber seal member (304) each are approximately quadrangular and have four sides.
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one ECU of plurality of ECU is an engine control unit.
10. The two-wheeled vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one ECU of plurality of ECU is a motor control unit.