FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of digital instrument cluster.

BACKGROUND

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art

Typically, Digital Instrument Clusters are used in vehicles to display various informations related to speedometer, tachometer, odometer, battery level, tell-tale Bluetooth connections, etc. which enable a driver to operate the vehicle with ease. The digital cluster of a twowheeled vehicle is mounted on the front side of the handlebar, particularly above the head lamp of the vehicle. Nowadays, two-wheeled vehicles come with various features that enhance the riding experience. The features may include a Bluetooth pairing feature for connecting mobile device and other gadgets for accessing music and calls with a TFT (Touch Screen) or an LED Display. These features are part of the instrument clusters and can be operated with just a click of the finger. To accommodate such features two-wheeled vehicles are usually equipped with a USB charging port to power the different accessories.

Normally, the USB charging port is mounted at different places such as luggage boots or on the handlebar of the two-wheeled vehicle. Placing a USB charger at different places require extra wiring harnesses and mounting provisions. Providing provisions just for accommodating the USB charging ports increases the manufacturing cost of the vehicle. Further, the USB charging ports are not provided with a power switch and are directly connected to a battery of the vehicle, further causing battery drain and hence, reducing the battery life.

There is, therefore felt a need of a digital cluster integrated with a USB charging unit for a two-wheeled vehicle that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks. OBJECTS

Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster for a two-wheeled vehicle.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster with an opening to accommodate replaceable electrical connection device.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster which is compact in size.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster which has an USB port for facilitating electric connection with various devices.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster which is ergonomic.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster which has TFT or LED display.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster which is aesthetic.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster which displays all information related to the vehicle’s dynamic performance.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster which has easy access.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster which facilitates safe USB charging.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster which has intuitive GUI and facilitates Bluetooth controlled smartphone integration, phone call management, audio/video playback, and navigation system.

Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster has low processing cost due to elimination of tooling, fitting, and assembly cost. Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a digital cluster which reduces wiring harness cost.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure envisages a digital cluster assembly for a two-wheeled vehicle. The cluster assembly atleast comprises a lower cover, a PCB assembly, a LCD assembly an upper cover. Wherein the cluster assembly has an opening for an electrical connection. The opening is being configured on sidewall of the cluster assembly and is configured to receive an electrical connection device to facilitate electrical connection.

In an embodiment, the opening is configured on the lower cover of the cluster assembly.

In an embodiment, the opening is configured to be accommodated the electrical connection device.

In an embodiment, the opening is configured to be accommodated the electrical connection device.

In an embodiment, the electrical connection device is replaceable.

In an embodiment, the electrical connection device is configured to be provided with a cover and the cover is configured to protect the port from dust, water and humidity.

In an embodiment, the electrical connection device is an USB.

In an embodiment, the USB assembly is configured with a port and the port is configured to receive an USB cable therein.

In an embodiment, the USB cable is configured to charge an electrical/ electronic devices.

In an embodiment, the cluster assembly is configured to be adaptable for plurality of software changes to display desired vehicular parameters without changing the hardware.

In an embodiment, the cluster assembly is configured to be dynamically change the information displayed on the display as per the mode selected by the rider. In another embodiment, the information is selected from a group of modes consisting of sport, eco and street etc.

In an embodiment, the cluster assembly is configured to display only desired information that the rider requires to avoid distraction of the rider.

In an embodiment, the cluster assembly is configured to be interchangeable to deploy along with hardware by reskinning desired graphics.

In an embodiment, the cluster assembly is configured to be compact by integrating the opening into the cluster during manufacturing process to accommodate the USB assembly into the cluster assembly

The present disclosure further envisages a vehicle provided with digital cluster assembly. The vehicle provided with digital cluster assembly comprises a lower cover is configured to be attached to the vehicle, an electrical connection device is configured to be mounted on the side wall of the lower cover a PCB is configured to be attached to the lower cover, a LCD holder is configured to be fitted to the lower cover, a backlight is configured to be disposed into the LCD holder, a LCD is configured to be disposed into the LCD holder and above the backlight, a light guide is configured to be fitted to the lower cover, a dial is configured to be fitted to the lower cover, and an upper cover is configured to be attached to the lower cover.

Wherein the cluster assembly has an opening for an electrical connection, the opening being is configured on sidewall of the cluster assembly facing the rider and is configured to receive an electrical connection device to facilitate electrical connection.

In an embodiment, the cluster assembly is configured to be mounted on the front portion of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the opening is configured to accommodate the electrical connection device.

In an embodiment, the electrical connection device is USB, the USB is configured to be provided with an USB cable. The USB cable is configured to provide electrical connection between the electrical connection device and electrical/electronic device.

In an embodiment, the electronic device is a mobile phone. In an embodiment, the USB is configured to be connected to the mobile phone with the help of the USB cable.

In an embodiment, the USB cable is configured to be charge the mobile phone.

In an embodiment, the electronic device is mounted on the handlebar of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the PCB assembly includes a PCB is configured to be fitted to the lower cover and is configured to mechanically support and electrically connect the electronic components. An anode and a cathode is configured to be electrically connected to the PCB as a medium for power transfer. A connector is configured to be electrically connected to the PCB.

In an embodiment, the LCD assembly includes a LCD holder is configured to be fitted to the lower cover and the PCB and is configured to house a LCD and a backlight therein.

In an embodiment, the LCD is configured to be display unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

A digital cluster integrated with a USB charging unit for a two-wheeled vehicle of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing in which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates an isometric view of the digital cluster for a two-wheeled vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 2 illustrates a front view of the digital cluster of Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 3 illustrates a top view of the digital cluster of Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 4 illustrates a side view of the digital cluster of Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 5 illustrates an exploded view of the digital cluster of Figure 1 ;

FIGURE 6 illustrates a first stage for assembling the digital cluster of Figure 5;

FIGURE 7 illustrates a second stage for assembling the digital cluster of Figure 5;

FIGURE 8 illustrates a third stage for assembling the digital cluster of Figure 5;

FIGURE 9 illustrates a fourth stage for assembling the digital cluster of Figure 5; FIGURE 10 illustrates a fifth stage for assembling the digital cluster of Figure 5;

FIGURE 11 illustrates a sixth stage for assembling the digital cluster of Figure 5.

FIGURE 12 illustrates a position of digital cluster with electrical connection device on the vehicle; and

FIGURE 13 illustrates a connection between electrical connection device and electrical device.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

30 - Cluster assembly

50 - Vehicle

1, 2 - Push buttons

3 - Upper cover

4 - Bezel

5 - Plunger

6 - Dial

7 - LCD

8 - Light guide

9 - Back light

10 - LCD holder

11 - Anode and Cathode

12 - PCB

13 - Connector

14 - Sealing gasket

15 - Lower cover 16 - Fastners

17 - Fastners

18 - Fastners

19 - Fastners

20 - Stud

21 - USB assembly

22 - Opening

23 - Cover

24 - Handlebar

25 - Mobile phone

26 - USB cable

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Conventionally, a two- wheeled vehicle is provided with a USB charging unit and a digital cluster having a TFT display and a LED screen. Usually, the digital cluster is provided at the front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle for good visibility of information displayed thereon. The digital cluster and a charging unit are provided as two separate components on the vehicle. In a first example, the charging unit is mounted on the handlebar of the vehicle with the help of extra wiring harnesses and mounting provisions. However, the extra wiring harness can tangle with the vehicle’s handlebar while maneuvering the handlebar, and thereby affect the safety of the rider. In a second example, the charging unit is mounted on the body of the vehicle such as side panels or storage compartments of the vehicle. However, for accommodating the charging unit on the body of the vehicle, holding provisions are required to be additionally added thereby, increasing the cost of manufacturing of the vehicle. Sometimes, the charging units are provided with a power switch to turn on or off the power supply (without a switch). However, sometimes the charging units are directly connected to a battery of the vehicle, which causes the battery to drain and hence reduces the battery life.

A preferred embodiment of a digital cluster 30 integrated with a USB charging unit for a twowheeled vehicle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to figure 1 through figure 13. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle could be a fuel-driven two-wheeled vehicle, a battery-powered two-wheeled vehicle or a pedalled bicycle.

Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the digital cluster 30.

Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the digital cluster 30.

Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the digital cluster 30.

Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the digital cluster 30.

Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the digital cluster 30.

The digital cluster 30 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the cluster 30’) is mounted on the front portion of the two-wheeled vehicle 50. The cluster 30 includes a lower cover 15, an upper cover 3, a USB assembly 21, a PCB assembly, and an LCD assembly. In an embodiment, the LCD assembly is a TFT or an LED base. The lower cover 15 is configured to house all the components of the cluster 30 therein.

Figure 6 shows the first stage for a cluster assembly 30. The lower cover 15 is mounted on the vehicle 50 with the help plurality of a stud 20. An opening 22 is configured on an operative sidewall of the lower cover 15 of the cluster 30. In an embodiment, the operative sidewall is the wall that faces the rider. According to one of the embodiment the opening 22 is configured to accommodate a USB assembly 21 therein such that the USB assembly 21 is configured to fit within the opening 22 with the help of the fastners 16. In an embodiment the USB assembly 21 is replaceable. In an embodiment, the USB assembly 21 is defined by an elongate body which includes a port and a cover 23. The port is configured on the USB assembly 21 such that the port faces the rider, and is configured to receive a USB cable 26 therein. The port has a connecting means for transferring power to the USB cable 26 to charge the accessories and/or electrical/electronic devices. According to one of the embodiment the electrical/electronic device is a communication device such as a mobile phone, ipad, ipod and the like. The cover 23 is hingeably fitted over an operative edge of the USB assembly 21 adjacent to the port, so that when the cover 26 is in a closed position, it protects the port from dust, water and humidity.

Figure 7 shows the second stage for the cluster assembly 30. In an embodiment, the groove is configured along the periphery of the top portion of the lower cover 15. The groove is configured to receive a sealing gasket 14 therein. The sealing gasket 14 is configured to restrict the entry of water or dust into the cluster 30.

Figure 8 shows the third stage for the cluster assembly 30. The PCB assembly with the LCD assembly is configured to be fixed on the lower cover 15 with the help of the fastners 17. Further referring to figure 5, the PCB assembly includes a PCB 12, an anode and a cathode 11 , and a connector 13. The PCB 12 is configured to mechanically support and electrically connect the electronic components. The anode and the cathode 11 are electrically connected to the PCB 12 for power transfer. The connector 13 is electrically connected to the PCB 12.

In an embodiment, The LCD assembly includes an LCD holder 10 fitted to the lower cover 15, and specifically on the PCB 12 assembly with help of the fastners 17. The LCD holder 10 is configured to house an LCD 7, and a backlight 9 therein. The LCD 7 and the backlight 9 are configured to be electrically connected to the PCB 12. The LCD 7 is configured to be the display unit. The backlight 9 is configured to provide light to the LCD 7.

Figure 9 shows the fourth stage for the cluster assembly 30. A light guide 8 is fixed to the PCB 12 and the LCD sub-assembly with the help of the fastners 18. The light guide 8 is configured to be a guiding medium to transfer the light that is transmitted from the backlight 9.

Figure 10 shows the fifth stage for the cluster assembly 30. A dial 6 is mounted on the light guide 8. In an embodiment, the dial 6 is provided with indication markings which light up when the light is emitted through the backlight 9. In an embodiment, the indication markings are selected from the group consisting of left and right indicators, engine malfunction, low battery or low fuel level, side stand, amongst others. In an embodiment, a bezel 4 is configured to be attached to the upper cover 3. In another embodiment, the bezel 4 is configured as a transparent body for protecting the display. A pair of holes is configured on the bezel 4 at each operative lower corner thereof. In an embodiment, a plunger 5 is provided in each hole. In an embodiment, the push button 1 is configured as a set button. In another embodiment, the push button 2 is configured as a reset button. In another embodiment, a push button 1 , 2 is click fitted on the plunger. The plunger 5 is configured to be the trigger between the push button 1, 2 and the PCB 12.

Figure 11 shows the sixth stage for the cluster 30 assembly. The upper cover 3 along with the push button 1 , 2 is configured to be fixed to the lower cover 15 with the help of the fastners 19.

Figure 12 and Figure 13 shows the digital cluster position on the vehicle 50 and the mobile phone 25 mounted on the handlebar of the vehicle 50. According to one of the embodiment the electronic device is the mobile phone. The cluster 30 is mounted on the front portion of the vehicle 50. The USB cable 26 is configured to provide electrical connection between the USB 21 and the mobile phone 25.

In an embodiment, the cluster 30 is configured to be adaptable as it can be deployed with similar hardware across multiple vehicles by reskinning the desired graphics. In an embodiment the cluster 30 is configured to dynamically change the information displayed on the display as per the mode selected by the rider. In another embodiment, the information is selected from a group of modes consisting of sport, economic, and street.

In an embodiment, the cluster 30 is configured to display desired information that the rider requires to reduce the distraction of the rider.

In an embodiment, the cluster 30 is configured to be scalable as automakers can pack more functionality into the cluster 30 by changing only the operating system of the cluster 30 which further, reduces the cost of machining or adding new physical components.

In an embodiment, the integration opening into the cluster 30 during manufacturing process to accommodate electrical connection device into the cluster 30 that makes the cluster 30 compact. This further adds to the advantages of the cluster 30 as it becomes easy to manufacture, has low development cost, has compact packaging, easy to access, saves mounting space and cost of mounting hardware, solves handle rotation problem, and provides protection against dust and humidity protection.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS

The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, a digital cluster integrated with a USB charging unit for a two-wheeled vehicle, that:

• is easy to manufacture;

• has low development cost;

• has compact packaging;

• is easy to access; • saves mounting space and mounting hardware required;

• solves handle rotation fouling problem;

• has water, humidity protection;

• has easy access;

• facilitates safe USB charging;

• has low processing cost; and

• reduces cost of wiring harnesses.

The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure 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 disclosure and not as a limitation.