The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and, more particularly, to a brake switch device of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND [0002] Vehicles typically include a brake lever at a steering handle or a brake pedal at a foot peg for braking the vehicle. A brake lamp switch for turning on a brake lamp at the time of braking is generally provided besides the brake lever or the brake pedal.

[0003] Different vehicle components, such as an idle start stop controller and a fuel injection controller, take an input from the brake switch when the brake is operated by the brake lever or the brake pedal. The idle start stop controller takes this as an input to switch off or on an engine of the vehicle. Figure 2 illustrates a brake circuit (200) where an input of a front brake switch (202) or a rear brake switch (204) is provided to a controller (206). This circuit (200) provides an active high side input to the controller (206) which indicates that the front or rear brake switch has been closed via the brake lever or the brake pedal. Based on the input from the brake switches (202, 204), the controller (206) takes a required predetermined decision to switch on or off the engine of the vehicle. The front brake switch (202) and the rear brake switch (204) is further configured to operate the tail lamp (208) of the vehicle (100) when any of the brake is applied by a user.

[0004] In the aforementioned configurations, an active side input is provided to the controller. However, providing active high side input to the controller has its own disadvantage. The active side input may cause noise spikes and may cause an upset to an output which is not there. This can be from a very small amount of the current in the circuit. Thus, an active low input is often preferred over the active high input to avoid noise and interferences that causes the upset to the output. Additionally, the active high input causes problems of a leakage current, package size increase due to addition of voltage divider circuit/s and a high heat generation due to the high current requirement of the controller for the operation.

[0005] Therefore, it is preferred to make the active low input to the controller to avoid noise and the aforementioned problems. However, when the active low input is achieved using a similar brake circuit (300) as mentioned in figure 3, a stop lamp (208a) and a position lamp (208b) ground (GND) terminal cannot be isolated as required because of two input terminals (300a, 300b), the stop lamp (208a) has an input from a power storage unit (302) and the position lamp (298b) has an input from a regulator and rectifier unit (304) or a power storage unit (302) based on a requirement, and a single ground terminal (306) for the stop lamp (208a) and the position lamp (208b) of the vehicle. One of the solution to isolate the ground terminal GND (306) for this circuit. However, by isolating the ground GND (306) for the tail lamp (208) (the stop lamp (208a) and the position lamp (208b)) the cost increases as two ground terminals are required to incorporated in the tail lamp (208).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises at least one brake actuator, a power storage unit, a tail lamp, an electronic controller unit, and a switch unit. The tail lamp comprises a brake lamp unit, and a tail lamp unit. The brake lamp unit is electrically connected to the at least one brake actuator, and configured to be illuminated on actuation of the at least one brake actuator. The tail lamp unit is configured to be illuminated at start of the vehicle. The electronic controller unit comprises an ECU pin. The switch unit is operationally coupled with the at least one brake actuator. The switch unit comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is connected to the power storage unit. The second terminal is connected to the ECU pin. The third terminal is connected to the brake lamp unit. The fourth terminal is grounded. On actuation of the at least one brake actuator, the first terminal gets electrically connected to the third terminal, and the second terminal gets electrically connected to the fourth terminal.

[0008] In an embodiment, electrical connection of the first terminal to the third terminal connects the power storage unit to the brake lamp unit. [0009] In an embodiment, the power storage unit provides power to the brake lamp unit to be illuminated on actuation of the at least one brake actuator.

[00010] In an embodiment, electrical connection of the second terminal to the fourth terminal, connects the ECU pin with ground (GND).

[00011] In an embodiment, grounded fourth terminal provides an active low side input to the ECU through the ECU pin.

[00012] In an embodiment, the brake lamp unit comprises a first brake terminal, and a second brake terminal, wherein the second brake terminal is grounded.

[00013] In an embodiment, the tail lamp unit comprises a first tail terminal, and a second tail terminal, wherein the second tail terminal is grounded. [00014] In an embodiment, the tail lamp unit, and the brake lamp unit is grounded with same ground (GND).

[00015] In an embodiment, the first tail terminal connected to a RR unit.

[00016] In an embodiment, the first brake terminal connected to the third terminal of the switch unit. [00017] In an aspect of the present invention, a switch unit for a vehicle having at least one brake actuator, a power storage unit, a tail lamp, and an electronic controller unit is provided. The switch unit comprises a cylindrical shaft operably coupled with the at least one brake actuator; an elastic member coupled with the cylindrical shaft; a base adapted to hold the cylindrical shaft; and a holding member. The holding member comprises a first terminal connected to the power storage unit; a second terminal connected to the ECU; a third terminal connected to a brake lamp unit of the tail lamp; and a fourth terminal connected to a ground (GND). On actuation of the at least one brake actuator, the switch unit gets actuated to electrically connect the first terminal to the third terminal and the second terminal to the fourth terminal, whereby the power storage unit gets electrically connected to the brake lamp unit, and the electronic controller unit gets electrically connected to the ground (GND).

[00018] In an embodiment, the base comprises a face positioned towards a first terminal and a fourth terminal; and a face positioned towards a second terminal and a third terminal. The actuation of the switch unit causes the base to cause electrical connection of the first terminal with the fourth terminal with the face, and electrical connection of the second terminal and with the third terminal.

[00019] The present invention provides an advantage of the active low side input to the electronic controller unit with an isolated ground (GND) for the tail lamp. The tail lamp is having a common ground for the brake lamp unit and the tail lamp unit.

[00020] This invention reduces noise and interference caused due to the active high side input to the electronic controller unit (ECU) in the conventional vehicles. Further, the packaging of the ECU in the vehicle is simplified due smaller volume or size of the ECU, as the many additional circuitries are eliminated because of the use of the active low side input.

[00021] Further, the present invention also provides a cost effective solution for the isolation of the ground (GND) for the brake lamp unit and the tail lamp unit which is provided in the tail lamp. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00022] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[00023] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [00024] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary high side active input circuit for the brake switch circuit in a conventional vehicle;

[00025] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary low side active input circuit for the brake switch circuit in a conventional vehicle;

[00026] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary low side active input circuit for the brake switch circuit with a double pole single throw (DPST) switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[00027] Figure 5 illustrates a plan view of the double pole single throw (DPST) switch, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[00028] Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the double pole single throw (DPST) switch, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[00029] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature. The colored drawings, if provided along with this description are only meant to make the details of invention clear and have no effect whatsoever on the scope of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00030] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00031] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure 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 structure 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.

[00032] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

[00033] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, a brake switch circuit and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms“vehicle”,“two wheeled vehicle” and“motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term“vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00034] The terms“front / forward”,“rear / rearward / back / backward”,“up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.

[00035] The present invention provides a vehicle. The vehicle comprises at least one brake actuator, a power storage unit, a tail lamp, an electronic controller unit, and a switch unit. The tail lamp comprises a brake lamp unit, and a tail lamp unit. The brake lamp unit is electrically connected to the at least one brake actuator, and configured to be illuminated on actuation of the at least one brake actuator. The tail lamp unit is configured to be illuminated at start of the vehicle. The electronic controller unit comprises an ECU pin. The switch unit is operationally coupled with the at least one brake actuator. The switch unit comprises a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal. The first terminal is connected to the power storage unit. The second terminal is connected to the ECU pin. The third terminal is connected to the brake lamp unit. The fourth terminal is grounded. On actuation of the at least one brake actuator, the first terminal gets electrically connected to the third terminal, and the second terminal gets electrically connected to the fourth terminal.

[00036] The electrical connection of the first terminal to the third terminal connects the power storage unit to the brake lamp unit. The power storage unit provides power to the brake lamp unit to be illuminated on actuation of the at least one brake actuator. The electrical connection of the second terminal to the fourth terminal, connects the ECU pin with ground (GND). The grounded fourth terminal provides an active low side input to the ECU through the ECU pin.

[00037] The brake lamp unit comprises a first brake terminal, and a second brake terminal, wherein the second brake terminal is grounded. The tail lamp unit comprises a first tail terminal, and a second tail terminal. The second tail terminal is grounded. The tail lamp unit, and the brake lamp unit is grounded with same ground (GND). The first tail terminal connected to a RR unit. Further, the first brake terminal is connected to the third terminal of the switch unit. [00038] The present invention also provides a switch unit for a vehicle having at least one brake actuator, a power storage unit, a tail lamp, and an electronic controller unit is provided. The switch unit comprises a cylindrical shaft operably coupled with the at least one brake actuator; an elastic member coupled with the cylindrical shaft; a base adapted to hold the cylindrical shaft; and a holding member. The holding member comprises a first terminal connected to the power storage unit; a second terminal connected to the ECU; a third terminal connected to a brake lamp unit of the tail lamp; and a fourth terminal connected to a ground (GND). On actuation of the at least one brake actuator, the switch unit gets actuated to electrically connect the first terminal to the third terminal and the second terminal to the fourth terminal, whereby the power storage unit gets electrically connected to the brake lamp unit, and the electronic controller unit gets electrically connected to the ground (GND). The base comprises a face positioned towards a first terminal and a fourth terminal; and a face positioned towards a second terminal and a third terminal. The actuation of the switch unit causes the base to cause electrical connection of the first terminal with the fourth terminal with the face, and electrical connection of the second terminal and with the third terminal.

[00039] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, three-wheeled vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. The vehicle (100) comprises a frame (102), a steering assembly (104), and a front ground engaging member (106). The frame (102) supports the steering assembly (104), and the front ground engaging member (106) in front portion of the vehicle (100). The steering assembly (104) is pivotally mounted on the frame (102). The front ground engaging member (106) is operatively connected to the steering assembly (104). The steering assembly (104) comprises a handle bar (108). The handle bar (108) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). The handle bar (108) is further provided with number of switches, namely starter switch, headlight switch etc. and a front brake actuator (160) (not shown) (visible from right side view of the vehicle). Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a rear brake actuator (150) towards bottom portion of the vehicle (100). In present disclosure, the front brake actuator (160), and the rear brake actuator (150) are collectively and interchangeably termed as the at-least one brake actuator (150, 160). The front portion of the vehicle (100) comprises headlight (104a), front fork, front fenders, dash assembly, mirrors, indicator lights etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00040] Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a power unit (110), and a rear ground engaging member (111). In the illustrated example, the power unit (110) provides necessary power required to drive the rear ground engaging member (111) of the vehicle (100). Alternatively, the power unit (110) may provide necessary power to the drive the front ground engaging member (106), or both the front ground engaging member (106) and the rear ground engaging member (111) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[00041] The frame (102) supports the power unit ( 110) in middle portion of the vehicle (100) through a pivot plate (not shown). The power unit (110) comprises an engine (112), a starter motor (not shown) to crank the engine (112) and a transmission unit (not shown). The engine (112) generates the power required by the vehicle (100). The transmission unit transmits the generated power to the rear ground engaging member (111).

[00042] Referring further to Figure 1, the vehicle (100) includes a seat (116). The frame (102) supports the seat (116) which extends from middle portion to rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear ground engaging member (111) is supported by the frame (102) at rear portion of the vehicle (100). The seat (116) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (100). Further, the seat (116) comprises a rider’s seat (118), and a passenger seat (120). The rider’s seat (118) provides seating for the rider, and the passenger seat (120) provides seating for the passenger of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) further comprises a fuel tank system (122). The fuel tank system (122) stores and supplies necessary fuel to the engine (112) to generate power within the vehicle (100). The fuel tank system (122) is disposed between the steering assembly (104) and the seat (116). Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a tail lamp (208) in rear portion of the vehicle (100). Also, the vehicle (100) may comprise tail lights, suspension systems, swing arms or various other components known in the art without limitations.

[00043] Referring now to Figure 4, the tail lamp (208) comprises a brake lamp unit (208a), and a tail lamp unit (208b). The brake lamp unit (208a) is electrically connected to the at least one brake actuator (150, 160), and configured to be illuminated on actuation of the at least one brake actuator (150, 160). The tail lamp unit (208b) is configured to be illuminated at start of the vehicle (100). The brake lamp unit (208a) comprises a first brake terminal (208aa), and a second brake terminal (208ab). The first brake terminal (208aa) connected to the third terminal (506c) of a switch unit (500). The second brake terminal (208ab) is grounded. The tail lamp unit (208b) comprises a first tail terminal (208ba), and a second tail terminal (208bb). The first tail terminal (208ba) is connected to a RR unit (304). The second tail terminal (208bb) is grounded. In present embodiment, the tail lamp unit (208b), and the brake lamp unit (208a) is grounded with same ground (GND).

[00044] Further, figure 4 illustrates an exemplary low side active input circuit for the brake switch circuit with the switch unit (500), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the present invention, the switch unit (500) is interchangeably termed as a double pole single throw (DPST) switch (500). The vehicle (100) comprising the at least one brake actuator (150, 160), a power storage unit (302), the tail lamp (208), an electronic controller unit (206), and the switch unit (500). The electronic controller unit (206) comprises an ECU pin (206a). The switch unit (500) is provided for supplying low side active input for the brake switch circuit. The switch unit (500) is operationally coupled with the at least one brake actuator (150, 160).

[00045] The switch unit (500) comprises a first terminal (506a), a second terminal (506b), a third terminal (506c), and a fourth terminal (506d), collectively referred to as terminals (506). The first terminal (506a) is connected to the power storage unit (302). The second terminal (506b) is connected to the ECU pin (206a). The third terminal (506c) is connected to the brake lamp unit (208a). The fourth terminal (506d) is grounded. Further, on actuation of the at least one brake actuator (150, 160), the first terminal (506a) gets electrically connected to the third terminal (507c), and the second terminal (506b) gets electrically connected to the fourth terminal (506d). The electrical connection of the first terminal (506a) to the third terminal (506c) connects the power storage unit (302) to the brake lamp unit (208a). After establishment of electrical connection between the first terminal (506a) to the third terminal (506c), the power storage unit (302) provides power to the brake lamp unit (208a) to be illuminated on actuation of the at least one brake actuator

(150, 160).

[00046] Further, an electrical connection of the second terminal (506b) to the fourth terminal (506d), connects the ECU pin (206a) with ground (GND). Thereafter, grounded fourth terminal (506d) provides an active low side input to the ECU (206) through the ECU pin (206a).

[00047] In present embodiment, the double pole single throw (DPST) type switch (500) provides the common ground to the brake lamp unit (208a), and the tail lamp unit (208b) in the tail lamp (208). In one of this embodiment, the brake lamp unit (208a), and the tail lamp unit (208b) is integrated in a single assembly of the tail lamp (208) such that the tail lamp (208) has two input terminals and the single ground terminal.

[00048] In one of this embodiment, the brake lamp unit (208a) is configured with an input through the double pole single throw (DPST) type switch (500) as the rear brake switch (150) from the power storage unit (302). In an embodiment of the present invention, the tail lamp unit (208b) turns ON when the ignition of the vehicle (100) is turned ON. In another embodiment of the present invention, the tail lamp unit (208b) turns ON when the power unit (110) of the vehicle (100) is turned ON.

[00049] Figure 5 illustrates a plan view of the double pole single throw (DPST) switch (500), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6, on the other hand, illustrates a front view of the double pole single throw (DPST) switch (500), in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, the double pole single throw (DPST) switch (500) has two inputs (506b, 506c) and two outputs (506a, 506b). The switch unit (500) for the vehicle (100) comprising a cylindrical shaft (502), an elastic member (504), also referred to as a spring (504), a base (508), and a holding member (520). The cylindrical shaft (502) is operably coupled with the at least one brake actuator (150, 160). The elastic member (504) is coupled with the cylindrical shaft (502). The base (508) is adapted to hold the cylindrical shaft (502). The holding member (520) comprises the first terminal (506a), the second terminal (506b), the third terminal (506c), and the fourth terminal (506d). The first terminal (506a) is connected to the power storage unit (302). The second terminal (506b) is connected to the ECU pin (206a). The third terminal (506c) is connected to the brake lamp unit (208a). The fourth terminal (506d) is grounded.

[00050] The base (508) comprises a face (508a) positioned towards a first terminal (402ab) and a fourth terminal (402ac), and a face (508b) positioned towards a second terminal (402bc) and a third terminal (402bb). The actuation of the switch unit (500) causes the base (508) to cause electrical connection of the first terminal (402ab) with the fourth terminal (402ac) with the face (508a), and electrical connection of the second terminal (402bc) and with the third terminal (402bb). [00051] Further, in an embodiment, the double pole single throw (DPST) switch (500) comprises the cylindrical shaft (502) operationally coupled with the at-least one brake actuator (150, 160); the first terminal (506a) and the fourth terminal (506b) for providing an input to an electronic controller unit (ECU), and a second terminal (506c) and a third terminal (506d) to turn on the stop lamp based on the actuation of the brake lever or pedal. In another embodiment, the double pole single through switch (500) to provide ground

(GND) as the input to the electronic controller unit (ECU) as a first contact is closed and subsequently, turns on the stop lamp as the second contact between the second terminal (506c) and the third terminal (506c) upon actuation of the cylindrical shaft (502) operationally coupled with the brake lever or pedal. [00052] In an embodiment, the double pole single throw (DPST) switch (500) further comprises the cylindrical shaft (502) that’s gets actuated with operation of the brake lever or pedal, the spring (504) coupled with the cylindrical shaft (502) to restore the position of the shaft when the brake lever or pedal is released; and the base (508) provided with a first contact on the face (508a) and a second contact on the opposite face (508b) such that a distal end of the first terminal (402ab) and a distal end of the fourth terminal (402ac) makes a contact with a first conducting member (510a) disposed over the face (508a) and a distal end of the second terminal (402bc) and a distal end of the third terminal (402bb, refer figure 6) makes a contact with a second conducting member (510b) disposed over the opposite face (508b). The base (508) further holds the cylindrical shaft (502) and is disposed in between the distal ends (402) of the terminals (506).

[00053] The brake switch (500) turns ON the brake lamp unit (208a) at the time of braking of the vehicle (100). The switch (500) or the double pole single throw (DPST) type switch (500) as the brake switch (500) is disclosed herein. The double pole single throw (DPST) type switch (500), herein, also provides an active low side input to the electronic controller unit (ECU) (206) with the common ground (GND) to the brake lamp unit (208a), and the tail lamp unit (208b) in the tail lamp (208).

[00054] The brake lamp unit (208a) is configured with an input through the double pole single throw (DPST) type switch (500) as a rear brake switch (500) from the power storage unit (302). The tail lamp unit (208b) turns ON when an ignition of the vehicle (100) is turned ON. The double pole single throw (DPST) type switch (500) is configured in such a way that a first contact is connected between any of the rear brake switch (500) or the front brake switch (500) and the power storage unit (302), and a second contact of the double pole single throw (DPST) type switch (500) is further connected to provide the active low input to the electronic controller unit (ECU) (206) i.e. the ECU pin (206a) is connected to ground (GND) during the braking of the vehicle (100). The remaining of the any of the rear brake switch (500) or the front brake switch (500) is also connected to the tail lamp (208) of the vehicle (100).

[00055] The present invention provides an advantage of the active low side input to the electronic controller unit (206) with an isolated ground (GND) for the tail lamp (208). The tail lamp (208) is having the common ground (GND) for the brake lamp unit (208a), and the tail lamp unit (208b). [00056] This invention reduces noise and interference caused due to the active high side input to the electronic controller unit (ECU) (206) in the conventional vehicles. Further, the packaging of the ECU (206) in the vehicle (100) is simplified due smaller volume or size of the ECU (206) as the many additional circuitries are eliminated because of the use of the active low side input.

[00057] Further, the present invention also provides a cost effective solution for the isolation of the ground (GND) for the brake lamp unit (208a) and the tail lamp unit (208b) which is provided in the tail lamp (208) of the vehicle (100).

[00058] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[00059] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.