ASSEMBLING THEREOF"

TECEHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to speed sensing in vehicles or automobiles. Particularly relates to an instrument cluster mounted with a sensor probe.

BACKGROUD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Automobiles or vehicle safety system includes an important parameter of the vehicle such as vehicle speed. In other words, the vehicle speed is determined by determining wheel speed of the vehicle. Monitoring the vehicle speed is an important aspect which is considered as a critical aspect for providing safety system in the vehicles or automobiles. Electronic instrument clusters in automobiles require electrical signals for displaying speed and engine rotation per minute (rpm). The signal usually sensed through a speed sensor fitted in the wheel hub or transmission box of the vehicle to calculate the speed or temperature of the target component which are interfaced with the instrument cluster. Requirement exists for interfacing conventional mechanical speed pickup with rotating speedo cable assembly in the cluster. The interface provides speed information through conversion of mechanical rotary input into electrical square pulse for cluster display and for any other device that requires the tapped information in the vehicle.

Sensor probes for obtaining information about speed of the vehicle are generally mounted at the wheel hubs or at transmission boxes of the vehicle are prone to dust, water and other foreign particles. Over prolonged usage, these sensors tend to provide erroneous readings due to malfunctioning of the sensors which are caused due to the dust particles and other foreign particles into the wheel hub or transmission box which is in vicinity of the sensor probes. In order to rectify or service the wheel hub or transmission box, the sensor probes need to be removed from the wheel hubs and the transmission boxes which would require due care involving skilled service personnel during the maintenance operations.

In addition to the above limitation, mounting of the sensor probes at the wheel hub or transmission box has limitation due to varied sizes of the sensor probes. For example, some of the sensor probes equipped in vehicles are not standardized i.e. one model of the sensor/sensor probe cannot be used in other vehicle model. Since, there would be a constructional change in different models, the sensors/sensor probes also have to be manufactured accordingly to fit into the wheel hub or transmission boxes.

Hence, there is a need to develop an instrument cluster which houses the sensor probe within the instrument cluster which provides adequate ingress protection. Also, the instrument cluster being very accessible to the user, maintenance of these sensors is simplified and also longevity of the sensors is increased. Hence, there is a need to develop an instrument cluster which can house the sensor probe and also provide adequate ingress protection. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through the provision as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure, an instrument cluster of a vehicle is disclosed. The instrument cluster comprises a housing and the housing further comprises a first opening at top cover configured to accommodate readout components of the instrument cluster. A second opening provided at back cover, is configured to accommodate a feedback unit. The at least one sensor probe is characterized in that, the at least one sensor probe is provided at the second opening of the housing such that the at least one sensor probe is located at the second opening at any one of inside the second opening, substantially inside the second opening and outside the second opening.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one sensor probe and the feedback unit are mounted on a mounting plate of the instrument cluster. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the feedback unit comprises a spindle and magnet wheel assembly, a cable and a mechanical drive.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one sensor probe located inside the second opening at the back cover of the instrument cluster is connected internally to the mounting plate of the instrument cluster. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one sensor probe located substantially inside the second opening at the back cover of the instrument cluster is connected internally to the mounting plate of the instrument cluster.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one sensor probe located outside the second opening at the back cover of the instrument cluster is connected externally to the mounting plate of the instrument cluster.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the mounting plate is at least one of a mounting platform, a bracket, a milled plate and any other mounting means.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second opening of the housing consists of at least one of electrical plug connector, cable plug connectors and wire plug connectors. In an embodiment of the disclosure, one end of the feedback unit is connected to a mechanical assembly of the vehicle and other end of the feedback unit is connected to the at least one sensor probe.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, one end of the at least one sensor probe is connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) and other end of the at least one sensor probe is connected to the feedback unit for transmitting the mechanical drive signal to an electrical read out signal.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the readout components provided at the first opening at top cover of the housing is at least one of digital display unit, analog display unit, LCD display, and LED display.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one sensor probe is selected from a group comprising speed sensor and torque sensor. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a method of assembling an instrument cluster of a vehicle comprising steps of: configuring a housing, comprising a first opening at top cover to accommodate readout components of the instrument cluster and a second opening at back cover, configured to mount a feedback unit; characterized in that, providing the at least one sensor probe at the second opening of the housing such that the at least one sensor probe is located at the second opening at any one of inside the second opening, substantially inside the second opening and outside the second opening. The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the instrument cluster wherein at least one sensor probe is provided outside the second opening.

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the instrument cluster wherein at least one sensor probe is provided inside the second opening.

Figure 3a illustrates an embodiment of the instrument cluster wherein at least one sensor probe is provided substantially inside the second opening. Figures 3b and 3c illustrate sensor probe and feedback unit mounted on the mounting plate.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure. The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

An instrument cluster is generally mounted within the cabin of a vehicle or automobile. The instrument cluster has read out components which display various parameters such as speed of the vehicle, temperature of the engine etc. The instrument cluster consists of a housing which is differentiable to have a front end and a rear end. The front end of the housing has a first opening, wherein read out components such as digital display, analog display, LCD display, LED displays etc., are installed for displaying various parameters. The housing also has a second opening. In one embodiment, the sensor probe is located inside the second opening. In another embodiment, the sensor probe is located substantially inside (alternatively, partially inside and partially outside) the second opening. In further embodiment, the sensor probe is located outside the second opening. The second opening is provided at a back cover of the housing such that it is easily accessible to the user and also the sensor probe installed inside the housing receives ingress protection. A feedback unit and the sensor probe are mounted on a mounting plate located at the back cover of the housing at a location inside the second opening. The feedback unit is in contact with the sensor probe, wherein the feedback unit receives mechanical drive inputs from the engine or transmission box. The mechanical drive signals are converted to electrical square pulse signals by the sensor probe for displaying in the read out components. Further, the mounting plate can be detached from inside of the second opening and used in other instrument clusters. Since, the sensor probe mounted on the mounting plate, which is placed at the back cover of the housing of the instrument cluster, it is easily accessible and hence cuts down the time required for maintenance.

In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the instrument cluster (100) wherein at least one sensor probe (5) is provided outside the second opening (3). The instrument cluster (100) of a vehicle comprises housing (1), which houses the internal components of the instrument cluster (100). The housing (1) has a top cover (2a) and a back cover (3a) wherein the top cover (2a) is provided with a first opening (2) and the bottom potion of the housing (1) is provide with a second opening (3 a).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the top cover (2a) of the housing (1) having first opening (2) is provided to accommodate readout components of the instrument cluster (100).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the read out components of the instrument cluster (100) is at least one of digital display unit, analog display unit, LCD display, 7-segment display unit and LED display unit.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the back cover (3a) of the housing (1) having a second opening (3 a) is provided to accommodate a feedback unit (4) and at least one sensor probe (5). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second opening (3a) of the housing (1) consists of at least one electrical plug connectors, cable plug connector and wire plug connectors.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor probe (5) provided at the bottom portion (3a) of the housing (1) positioned outside the second opening (3). The at least one sensor probe (5) is positioned such that, one end of the sensor probe (5) is outside the second opening (3). The sensor probe (5) positioned outside the second opening (3) is connected to a wiring harness (10) of the instrument cluster (100) wherein the data sensed from the at least one sensor probe (5) is transmitted to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) for displaying the data through the wiring harness (10).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor probe (5) is selected from a group comprising speed sensor and torque sensor.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor probe (5) and the feedback unit (4) are configured at the back cover (3a) of the housing (1) proximal to the second opening (3). The at least one sensor probe (5) and the feedback unit (4) are fixed proximal to each other.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the feedback unit (4) comprises a spindle and magnet wheel assembly (7), a cable (8) and a mechanical drive (9). The feedback unit (4) is connected or is in contact with the at least one sensor probe (5). The cable (8) forms the link between the mechanical drive (9) and the spindle and magnetic wheel assembly (7). The mechanical drive (9) initiates a mechanical action such as an oscillation or rotation motion which in turn rotates or actuates the cable (8) which rotates the spindle and magnetic wheel assembly (7). The mechanical motion from the mechanical drive (9) assembly is transmitted to the spindle and magnetic wheel assembly (7) which transmits the mechanical speed pick up to an electrical signal by the at least one sensor probe (5).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor probe (5) receives mechanical inputs or mechanical speed pick up from the spindle and magnetic wheel assembly (7) and converts it to an electrical signal which is displayed in the read out components of the instrument cluster (100). Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the instrument cluster (100) wherein at least one sensor probe (5) is provided inside the second opening (3). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor probe (5) and the feedback unit (4) are positioned at the back cover (3a) of the housing (1) proximal to one another.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor probe (5) and the feedback unit (4) are located substantially inside the second opening (3) at back cover (3a) of the housing (1) of the instrument cluster (100).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one sensor probe (5) is internally connected to the Printed Circuit Board (PCB), wherein the at least one sensor probe (5) receives the mechanical speed pick up and converts it to electrical signal which is displayed in the read out components of the instrument cluster (100).

Figure 3a illustrates an embodiment of the instrument cluster (100) wherein at least one sensor probe (5) is provided substantially inside the second opening (3). Figures 3b and 3c illustrates at least one sensor probe (5) and the feedback unit (4) which are mounted adjacent to each other on a mounting plate (6).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting plate (6) is located within the housing (1) proximal to the second opening (3). The mounting plate (6) accommodates the at least one sensor probe (5) and the feedback unit (4) wherein, the mounting plate (6) located at the back cover (3a) of the housing (1) has a convenient access during maintenance of the instrument cluster (100).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mounting plate (6) is at least one of a mounting platform, a bracket, a milled plate and any other mounting means. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the top cover (2a) is configured to accommodate readout components of the instrument cluster (100). The at least one sensor probe (5) is internally connected to the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) of the instrument cluster (100). ADVANTAGES

• Mounting plate equipped with sensor probe and the feedback unit can be detached and used in other instrument clusters

• Housing of the instrument cluster provides ingress protection to the sensor probes rendering it away from dust and other foreign particles which hampers its performance.

• Cost and time required for maintenance of the instrument cluster and other sensors are reduced due to easy accessibility of the instrument cluster.

• Mounting plate equipped with sensor probe and the feedback unit can be retrofitted inside the instrument cluster of older vehicles which are equipped with analog displays.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

100 Instrument Cluster

1 Housing

2 First Opening

3 Second Opening 2a Top cover

3a Back cover

4 Feedback Unit

5 Sensor Probe

6 Mounting Plate

7 Spindle and magnetic wheel assembly

8 Cable

9 Mechanical Drive

10 Wiring Harness