TW202324977A - A vehicle and a communication coupler unit coupled thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle (100) comprising a compartment (102). The compartment (102) may have a slot (104) on a first compartment wall (206) of the compartment (102). The vehicle (100) may further include a cap (106) to at least partially cover the slot (104). The cap (106) may include a receiving unit (304) on a first side of the cap (106). The vehicle may also include a communication coupler unit (108). The communication coupler unit (108) may include a communication coupler (110) communicatively coupled with an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle (100). The communication coupler unit (108) may further include a coupler housing (112) to house the communication coupler (110).

Description

Fixing the communication coupler in the vehicle

The subject matter described herein relates generally to techniques for securely placing a communication coupler in a vehicle.

With the advent of technology, vehicles are designed to include electronic control units (ECUs) or networks of electronic control units (ECUs), hereinafter collectively referred to as ECUs, which can be communicatively coupled with multiple electronic and mechanical components located in the vehicle. These components may include, but are not limited to, sensors, mechanical actuators, motors, batteries, and the braking system of the vehicle. ECUs can receive and store vehicle data obtained from electronic and mechanical components to monitor different aspects related to vehicle operation, such as emissions, mileage, vehicle speed and the overall health of the battery. Based on the received vehicle data, the ECU can also control the operation of electronic and mechanical components.

Vehicles typically include a communication coupler that acts as an interface between the vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and external communication devices. The communication coupler can be used to communicate and couple the ECU with the external communication device to realize the exchange of data (such as vehicle data) between the ECU and the external communication device. In one example, an external communication device may be connected to the diagnostic port of the communication coupler to read vehicle data received and stored by the ECU related to vehicle operation. In one example, an external communication device may be connected with the communication coupler to interface with the vehicle's ECU to perform diagnostic tasks, such as emissions testing and the like. For example, the external communication device may be an on-board diagnostic (OBD) palm reader that can interface with a communication coupler, such as an on-board diagnostic II (OBD-II) port, to interface with the vehicle's ECU to perform diagnostic tasks. In another example, an external communication device may be coupled to the communication coupler to factory reset the ECU and erase all vehicle data stored therein. In yet another example, an external communication device may be coupled to the communication coupler to modify vehicle profile stored in the ECU. In yet another example, an external communication device may be coupled with the communication coupler to modify software installed in the ECU.

Often, the communication coupler is exposed or loosely placed in the vehicle for easy operator access to connect external communication devices. However, this accessible placement of the communication coupler may also make the communication coupler vulnerable to unauthorized access by unauthorized persons. Unauthorized persons can access and tamper with vehicle data for various purposes, such as to disrupt the normal operation of the vehicle or to change the vehicle's operating parameters. For example, vehicle data could be tampered with to disrupt the internal communication between the ECU and the vehicle's electronic and mechanical components, causing the vehicle to malfunction. In one example, tampering with the vehicle profile may modify the speed limit of the vehicle for which ABS is to be engaged. In another example, tampering with the vehicle profile may modify the SoC value of the battery. An unauthorized person may gain access to the communication coupler to change the SoC value of the vehicle battery, causing the vehicle to malfunction and thus endangering the safety of the vehicle.

In many cases, the vehicle owner may not even be aware that the ECU or the vehicle data stored within it has been accessed by unauthorized persons. For example, vehicle data may be altered to reduce the number of kilometers the owner has driven the vehicle before reselling the vehicle to another owner. Therefore, unauthorized access to a vehicle's ECU and the data stored therein could lead to malfunction of the vehicle and, in some cases, fatal injury to the occupants. Therefore, loose placement of the communication coupler may facilitate unauthorized access to the ECU and the data stored therein, making the vehicle data more vulnerable to hacking and tampering. Further, loosely placed communication couplers may be adversely affected by weather conditions and changes in the surrounding environment. For example, a communication coupler placed in the open may be more susceptible to dust, heat from direct sunlight, rain, and slush, which may cause the communication coupler to fail.

The present invention pertains to techniques for securely placing a communication coupler in a vehicle. According to an example embodiment, the communication coupler may be securely placed within a compartment of the vehicle. A compartment, such as a storage compartment located under a vehicle seat, may have a slot in the form of a cutout in the compartment wall. The slot may be securely covered by a cover to conceal the communication coupler placed within the slot. Further, a telecommunication coupler unit having a telecommunication coupler and a coupler housing may be placed within the slot to securely hold the telecommunication coupler within the slot. The coupler housing is used to accommodate the telecommunication coupler in the slot.

In one example embodiment, the coupler housing may be detachably attachable to the receiving unit of the cover for securely placing the communication coupler unit within the slot. In one example, the receiving unit of the cover may include a support rod, and the coupler housing may include a slide groove. The slide groove of the coupler housing can slide on the support rod of the receiving unit to detachably attach the coupler housing and the receiving unit. After detachably attaching the coupler housing to the receiving unit of the cover, the cover can be placed over the slot to cover the slot, thereby securely placing the communication coupler in the slot in a concealed manner.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a solution to the problems associated with conventional techniques regarding securely placing the communication coupler in the vehicle. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the communication coupler may be securely placed in a compartment of the vehicle having a slot, and then may be covered by a cover. The communication coupler can thus no longer be exposed openly and can be hidden in the groove. In this way, the communication coupler can be concealed and protected from unauthorized access by any unauthorized entity, such as the unauthorized persons discussed above. The secure placement of the communication coupler prevents any unauthorized access from unauthorized entities, thus enhancing the security of vehicle profile and ECU operation, and ultimately vehicle operation.

Furthermore, since access to a compartment of a vehicle typically requires a key to unlock the vehicle and compartment, an additional level of security may be provided to prevent unauthorized access to the communication coupler. Further, since the telecommunication coupler is securely placed within the slot covered by the cover, the telecommunication coupler is protected from adverse effects of weather conditions and changes in the surrounding environment. For example, a securely placed communication coupler may be less susceptible to dust, rain, slush, and direct heat from sunlight, resulting in a longer life for the communication coupler.

The present subject matter is further described with reference to FIGS. 1-7 . It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the subject matter. Various arrangements can be devised which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle 100 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. Examples of vehicle 100 may include, but are not limited to, two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, and four-wheeled vehicles. In one example embodiment, vehicle 100 may include compartment 102 , slot 104 , cover 106 , and communication coupler unit 108 . In one example, compartment 102 may be a storage compartment in which a vehicle occupant may store various items. In another example, compartment 102 may be a tool box that may store one or more tools of vehicle 100 . Compartment 102 may be located anywhere within vehicle 100 . In one example, compartment 102 may be located under a seat of vehicle 100 . In another example, the compartment 102 may be located at the front of the vehicle 100 , such as near the headlights. In yet another example, the compartment 102 may be located at the rear of the vehicle 100, such as near the taillights.

In an example embodiment, the compartment 102 may include a groove 104 on a first compartment wall (not shown in this figure) of the compartment 102 . In one example, slot 104 may take the form of a hollow cutout in the wall of the first compartment. The shape of the groove 104 can be, for example, circular, rectangular, oval, oval or square. Vehicle 100 may further include a cover 106 for at least partially covering slot 104 . In one example, the cover 106 may at least partially cover the tank 104 . In another example, the cover 106 may completely cover the slot 104 . In an example embodiment, the cover 106 may further include a receiving unit (not shown in this figure) on the first side of the cover 106 . In one example, the first side of the cover 106 may overlap the slot 104 to completely or at least partially cover the slot 104 . In an example embodiment, when the cover 106 is placed over the slot 104, the receiving unit of the cover 106 can receive the communication coupler unit 108 to hold the communication coupler unit 108 securely in the slot 104, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 7A. discussed in detail in Figure 7C.

In an example implementation, the communication coupler unit 108 may include a communication coupler 110 and a coupler housing 112 . In one example, the communication coupler 110 may include a communication connection port (not shown) to communicatively couple an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle 100 with an external communication device for exchanging vehicle data. In one example, the communication coupler 110 may couple with the ECU of the vehicle 100 using one or more wires. Communication coupler 110 may be located within vehicle 100 . In one example, communication coupler 110 may be located below slot 104 . Examples of communication coupler 110 may include, but are not limited to, on-board diagnostics (OBD)-1 ports, OBD-2 or OBD-II ports, 6-pin (J1708) ports, 9-pin (J1939) ports, Universal Serial Bus (USB) port etc. In one example, an external communication device may be connected to the communication coupler 110 to read vehicle data related to the operation of the vehicle 100 received and stored by the ECU. For example, the external communication device may be an OBD card reader, which may be connected to the communication coupler 110 (such as an OBD-II port) to interface with the ECU of the vehicle 100 to perform diagnostic tasks.

In one example implementation, the communication coupler 110 may be detachably coupled to the coupler housing 112 to be received within the coupler housing 112 . In one example, the coupler housing 112 may include a cavity having a shape similar to that of the communication coupler 110 to receive and house the communication coupler 110 within the cavity.

In one example embodiment, the coupler housing 112 may be removably attached to the receiving unit of the cover 106 for receiving the communication coupler unit 108 within the slot 104 . In one example, the coupler housing 112 may be slidably attached to the receiving unit of the cover 106 . Cover 106 may then be placed over slot 104 to cover slot 104 and securely place communication coupler unit 108 within slot 104 .

Thus, the cover 106 can securely place the communication coupler unit 108 within the slot 104 in a concealed manner. The communication coupler 110 can thus no longer be publicly exposed. In this way, the communication coupler 110 can be protected from unauthorized access by any unauthorized entity, thereby providing additional security of vehicle profile and ECU operation, and ultimately vehicle operation.

Figure 2 illustrates an example vehicle including a compartment, slot, cover and communication coupler unit according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. In one example, the vehicle may be vehicle 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and may include compartment 102 , slot 104 , cover 106 and communication coupler unit 108 as shown in FIG. 1 . Although vehicle 100 is shown as a two-wheeled vehicle, the subject matter may also be practiced with respect to other types of vehicles, such as three-wheeled vehicles and four-wheeled vehicles.

Vehicle 100 may include a compartment 102 . Although FIG. 2 shows the compartment 102 positioned under the seat of the vehicle 100 , the compartment 102 may be located in a different location on the vehicle 100 . For example, compartment 102 may be disposed in front 202 or rear 204 of vehicle 100 . Further, the compartment 102 may include the groove 104 on the first compartment wall 206 of the compartment 102 as previously described.

Further, the vehicle 100 may include a cover 106 for completely or at least partially covering the tank 104 . In one example embodiment, the slot 104 may be covered by a cover 106 to securely conceal the communication coupler unit 108 within the slot 104, as discussed in more detail in FIG. 3B.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example compartment of a vehicle 100 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. In one example, a compartment, such as compartment 102, may be a hollow cavity surrounded by side walls 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, ... 302-N (hereinafter collectively and individually referred to as side walls 302). Body-shaped storage space. In one example, compartment 102 may be a storage compartment in which a vehicle occupant may store various items. In another example, compartment 102 may be a tool box that may store one or more tools of vehicle 100 .

In an example embodiment, one of the sidewalls 302 of the compartment 102 may include a groove 104 . In another example embodiment, the slot 104 may be provided in an extension wall extending from the side wall 302 . For example, slot 104 may be located on first compartment wall 206 , which may be an extension of side wall 302 of compartment 102 . In one example, slot 104 may take the form of a hollow cutout in first compartment wall 206 .

Further, the slot 104 may be at least partially covered by the cover 106 as previously described. In another example, slot 104 may be completely covered by cover 106 . In one example embodiment, the slot 104 may be covered by a cover 106 to securely place the communication coupler unit 108 within the slot 104, as discussed in more detail in FIG. 3B.

3B illustrates a bottom perspective view of compartment 102 of vehicle 100 with an enlarged view of communication coupler unit 108 and cover 106 according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. As discussed above, the slot 104 may be covered by a cover 106 to completely or at least partially cover the slot 104 . In one example, slot 104 may be covered by cover 106 to securely conceal communication coupler unit 108 within slot 104 .

In an example embodiment, the cover 106 may include a receiving unit 304 on a first side 306 of the cover 106 to detachably couple the communication coupler unit 108 with the cover 106 . The receiving unit 304 may include at least one support rod 308 for detachably attaching the communication coupler unit 108 to the receiving unit 304 to securely place the communication coupler unit 108 within the slot 104 .

In one example, the communication coupler unit 108 may include a communication coupler 110 and a coupler housing 112 . As described above, the communication coupler 110 may communicatively couple the ECU of the vehicle 100 with an external communication device. In one example, the ECU may be communicatively coupled with one or more electrical and mechanical components of the vehicle 100 . These components may include, but are not limited to, sensors, mechanical actuators, motors, batteries, instrument cluster, infotainment system, and mechanical gears of the vehicle 100 . In one example, the ECU may communicate with the components using the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol to receive, store and monitor vehicle data obtained from the electronic and mechanical components. For example, the CAN protocol can define how vehicle data such as engine speed, vehicle speed, and diagnostic information should be shared between ECUs. Further, in one example, the communication coupler 110 may communicate with the ECU using one or more wires. For example, the communication coupler 110 may include one or more receiving ports 310 - 1 , 310 - 2 , . Receiving port 310 may receive one or more wires from an ECU and/or electrical and mechanical components.

The communication coupler 110 may further include a second side opposite to the first side, and the second side may include at least one communication connection port (not shown in this figure) for communicating the ECU with the outside Devices are communicatively coupled to enable data exchange. In one example, the external communication device may be an on-board diagnostic (OBD) card reader, which may be connected to at least one communication port of the communication coupler 110 (such as an on-board diagnostic II (OBD-II) port) to access the vehicle 100 The ECU thus performs diagnostic tasks.

Further, the communication coupler 110 can be detachably coupled with the coupler housing 112 . In one example, coupler housing 112 may include a cavity for receiving and housing communication coupler 110 . Further, the coupler housing 112 may be removably attached to the receiving unit 304 of the cover 106 for securely receiving the communication coupler 110 within the slot 104 . In one example, the coupler housing 112 may include a slide slot 312 that can slide on at least one support rod 308 of the receiving unit 304 to detachably attach the coupler housing 112 to the receiving unit 304 .

In operation, the communication coupler 110 may first be coupled with the coupler housing 112 in order to securely place the communication coupler unit 108 within the slot 104 . Then, the slide groove 312 of the coupler housing 112 may be slidably attached with at least one support rod 308 of the receiving unit 304 . Once the coupler housing 112 housing the communication coupler 110 is attached to the receiving unit 304 , the cover 106 may be placed over the slot 104 to cover the slot 104 . In an example embodiment, the cover 106 may include hinges 314-1, . 106 snaps against first compartment wall 206 to releasably attach cover 106 to slot 104 . The slot 104 may include a boundary wall 316 to receive at least one hinge 314 for snapping the lid 106 against the first compartment wall 206 . Thus, the communication coupler unit 108 can be securely placed in the recess 104 covered by the cover 106 in a concealed manner.

Figure 4 discloses a communication coupler unit according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. In one example implementation, a communication coupler unit, such as communication coupler unit 108 , may be located within vehicle 100 . In one example, communication coupler unit 108 may include a communication coupler, such as communication coupler 110 ; and a coupler housing, such as coupler housing 112 . Communication coupler 110 may be configured to communicatively couple with an ECU of vehicle 100 . When installed in vehicle 100 , communication coupler 110 may communicatively couple the ECU of vehicle 100 with an external communication device, as discussed above.

Further, as previously mentioned, the communication coupler unit 108 may include a coupler housing 112 . The communication coupler 110 can be removably coupled with the coupler housing 112 to securely receive the communication coupler 110 within the slot 104 . In one example embodiment, the coupler housing 112 may be removably attached to the receiving unit 304 on the first side 306 of the cover 106 . In one example, the coupler housing 112 may include a sliding slot, such as the sliding slot 312 , for slidably attaching the coupler housing 112 to the receiving unit 304 . Sliding slot 312 of coupler housing 112 may slide over at least one support rod, such as at least one support rod 308 , for removably attaching communication coupler unit 108 to cover 106 . Communications coupler 110 may first be coupled with coupler housing 112 . Cover 106 may then be placed over slot 104 to cover slot 104 and securely place communication coupler unit 108 within slot 104 .

In one example implementation, the communication coupler unit 108 may include a connector 402 that attaches to the coupler housing 112 of the communication coupler unit 108 . Connector 402 may include a first end 404 and a second end 406 . The first end 404 can be attached to the coupler housing 112 and the second end 406 can be attached to a wire extending from a first side 408 of the communication coupler 110 (shown in FIG. 6 ). In one example, the wires may be one or more wires used to connect the ECU and/or electrical and mechanical components of the vehicle 100 with the communication coupler 110 , as discussed above. In one example, the second end 406 can include a closed loop 410 for attaching the connector 402 to a wire. A wire may pass through closed loop 410 and couple with first side 408 of communication coupler 110 . Closed loop 410 may thus couple coupler housing 112 to the wires, thereby reducing the chance of coupler housing 112 being lost (eg, when coupler housing 112 is not attached to receiving unit 304 or communication coupler 110 ). For example, an operator may remove the communication coupler 110 from the coupler housing 112 to connect an external communication device to the at least one communication port located on the second side of the communication coupler 110 . To avoid loss of the coupler housing 112 in this situation, the wires may be passed through a closed loop 410, thereby coupling the coupler housing 112 to the wires, as discussed in FIG. 6 .

Figure 5A illustrates an example communication coupler according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. In one example, the communication coupler may be a communication coupler 110 that is communicatively coupled to an ECU and/or electronic and mechanical components of the vehicle 100 . As previously mentioned, the communication coupler 110 may include a receiving port 310 at the first side 408 for coupling with an ECU and/or electronic and mechanical components using one or more wires 502 . Further, the second side 500 of the communication coupler 110 (opposite to the first side 408) may include at least one communication connection port (not shown in this figure) for connecting the ECU with external communication devices communicatively coupled. In one example, at least one communication port can be communicatively coupled with an external communication device. At least one communication port can realize data exchange between the ECU and external communication devices.

In one example, the communication coupler 110 can further include at least one protruding lock 504 . In one example, the protruding lock 504 can be received in a protruding receptacle of the coupler housing 112 (as shown in FIG. 5B ) when the communication coupler 110 is coupled with the coupler housing 112 . In one example, the protruding lock 504 and protruding receptacle can secure the communication coupler 110 to the coupler housing 112 to securely couple the communication coupler 110 to the coupler housing 112 .

Figure 5B illustrates an example coupler housing according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. In one example, an exemplary coupler housing may be coupler housing 112, discussed above. The coupler housing 112 may include a cavity 506 for receiving and housing the communication coupler 110 . In one example, cavity 506 may be formed by sidewalls 508 - 1 , 508 - 2 . . . 508 -N, hereinafter collectively and individually referred to as sidewalls 508 . Cavity 506 may have predetermined dimensions to securely accommodate communication coupler 110 . In one example, cavity 506 may have slightly larger dimensions, such as height, width, length, and shape, than communication coupler 110 to at least partially receive and accommodate communication coupler 110 within cavity 506 . In one example, the coupler housing 112 may include a protruding receptacle 510 . The protruding receptacle 510 can receive the protruding lock 504 of the communication coupler 110 to securely couple the coupler housing 112 and the communication coupler 110 .

Further, as discussed above, the coupler housing 112 can be attached to the first end 404 of the connector 402 . Further, the second end 406 of the connector 402 may be attached to one or more wires 502 extending from the first side 408 of the communication coupler 110 as further shown in FIG. 6 . In one example, the one or more wires 502 may be wires used to connect the ECU and/or electrical and mechanical components of the vehicle 100 with the communication coupler 110 , as discussed above. In one example, second end 406 may include a closed loop 512 for attaching connector 402 to one or more wires 502 . One or more wires 502 may be passed through closed loop 512 to couple coupler housing 112 with one or more wires 502 , thus reducing the chance of coupler housing 112 being lost. Thus, closed loop 512 may act as a wire harness to couple coupler housing 112 with one or more wires 502 to avoid loss of coupler housing 112 , as discussed in FIG. 6 .

Closed loop 512 may have any shape and size. For example, FIGS. 4 and 5B illustrate different shapes and sizes of closed loops according to different exemplary embodiments. In an example embodiment, the closed loop may be a circular closed loop, such as closed loop 410 shown in FIG. 4 . In another example embodiment, the closed loop may be a trapezoidal closed loop, such as closed loop 512 shown in FIG. 5B .

Figure 6 illustrates a telecommunication coupler removably attached to a coupler housing according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. In one example implementation, a communication coupler, such as communication coupler 110 , may be communicatively coupled with an ECU of vehicle 100 , as discussed above. A coupler housing, such as coupler housing 112 , may receive and house communication coupler 110 within cavity 506 . In one example, a manufacturer may attach coupler housing 112 with one or more wires 502 during a manufacturing or installation stage. For example, a technician may initially thread one or more wires 502 through closed loop 410 of connector 402 attached to coupler housing 112 . A technician may then couple communication coupler 110 to one or more conductors 502 . The communication coupler 110 can then be detachably coupled with the coupler housing 112 .

In an example embodiment, the second side 500 of the communication coupler 110 , the top side having at least one communication port, can be inserted into the cavity 506 . The communication coupler 110 can be pushed further inward to fully or partially insert the communication coupler 110 into the cavity 506 . In one example, as the communication coupler 110 is pushed into the cavity 506, the protruding lock 504 may lock with the protruding receptacle 510 of the coupler housing 112, thereby removably securing the communication coupler 110 to the coupler housing 112. Inside. When secured, the at least one communication port may face the side wall 508-2 of the coupler housing 112. Accordingly, the communication coupler 110 can be prevented from contacting external elements such as dust, water, and slush, thereby increasing lifespan and preventing the communication coupler 110 from malfunctioning.

Further, the coupler housing 112 may be removably attached to the receiving unit 304 of the cover 106 for placing the communication coupler 110 within the slot 104 . The slot 104 may then be covered by a cover 106 . Accordingly, the communication coupler 110 can be securely placed within the slot 104 . Accordingly, the communication coupler 110 can be protected from unauthorized access, thereby preventing unauthorized access and tampering of vehicle data.

Figure 7A illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 7B illustrates a front view of an example cover according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

In an example embodiment, the tank 104 may be at least partially or completely covered with a cover, such as the cover 106 , as discussed above. The cover 106 may include a receiving unit 304 on a first side 306 of the cover 106 . Receiving unit 304 may receive communication coupler unit 108 . In one example, receiving unit 304 may include support rod 308 to slidably receive sliding slot 312 of coupler housing 112 to removably attach coupler housing 112 to receiving unit 304, as discussed above. .

Further, the lid 106 may include hinges 314 protruding from the first side 306 of the lid 106 to snap against the first compartment wall 206 to removably attach the lid 106 to the slot 104 . Once the communication coupler unit 108 is attached to the receiving unit 304 , the cover 106 may be placed over the slot 104 to completely or at least partially cover the slot 104 . The communication coupler unit 108 including the communication coupler 110 may thus be concealed within the slot 104 and may not be readily accessible by any unauthorized person. Thus, vehicle data can be protected from any unauthorized access and tampering.

Although examples of the subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and explained as examples of the subject matter.

100:vehicle 102: Compartment 104: slot 106: cover 108:Communication coupler unit 110: Communication coupler 112: Coupler housing 202: front 204: Rear 206: first compartment wall 302, 302-1~302-N: side wall 304: Admission unit 306: first side 310, 310-1~310-N: receiving port 312: sliding groove 316: Boundary Wall 402: Connector 404: first end 406: second end 408: first side 410: closed loop 500: second side 504: protruding lock 506: Cavity 510: protruding socket 502: wire 512: closed loop 308: support rod 314, 314-1~314-N: hinge 508, 508-1~508-N: side wall

The detailed description has been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description and drawings are merely examples of the subject matter, and are not meant to represent the subject matter itself.

[ Fig. 1 ] Shows a block diagram of a vehicle according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[ FIG. 2 ] Illustrates an exemplary vehicle including a compartment, a tank, a cover, and a communication coupler unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[ FIG. 3A ] illustrates an exemplary compartment of a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[ FIG. 3B ] Illustrates a bottom perspective view of a compartment of a vehicle according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter, with an enlarged view of a communication coupler unit and a cover.

[ Fig. 4 ] shows a communication coupler unit according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[FIG. 5A] illustrates an exemplary communication coupler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[ FIG. 5B ] illustrates an exemplary coupler housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[ Fig. 6 ] Illustrates a communication coupler detachably attached to a coupler housing according to an example embodiment of the present subject matter.

[ FIG. 7A ] Illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[ FIG. 7B ] Illustrates a front view of an exemplary cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

[ FIG. 7C ] Illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cover according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

Throughout the drawings, like reference numbers indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the size of some features may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the examples shown. In addition, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations consistent with the description; however, the description is not limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the drawings.

100:vehicle

102: Compartment

104: slot

106: cover

108:Communication coupler unit

110: Communication coupler

112: Coupler housing

Claims (9)

A vehicle (100) comprising: a compartment (102) having a groove (104) on a first compartment wall (206) of the compartment (102); a cover (106) for at least partially covering the slot (104), wherein the cover (106) comprises a receiving unit (304) on a first side of the cover (106); A communication coupler unit (108) placed within the slot (104), wherein the communication coupler unit (108) includes: a communication coupler (110) communicatively coupled with an electronic control unit of the vehicle (100); and A coupler housing (112) for accommodating the communication coupler (110), wherein the coupler housing (112) is detachably attached to the receiving unit (304) of the cover (106) for The communication coupler unit (108) is placed within the slot (104). The vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the communication coupler (110) includes at least one communication connection port, and the at least one communication connection port is used to communicably couple the electronic control unit with an external communication device, In order to realize the data exchange between the electronic control unit and the external communication device. The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the receiving unit (304) of the cover (106) includes at least one support rod (308) for the communication coupler unit (108) The coupler housing (112) is detachably attached to the receiving unit (304). The vehicle (100) according to claim 3, wherein the coupler housing (112) includes a sliding groove (312), and the sliding groove can slide on at least one support rod (308) of the receiving unit (304) to detachably attach the coupler housing (112) to the receiving unit (304) for placing the communication coupler unit (108) within the slot (104). The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the cover (106) includes at least one hinge (314) protruding from the first side (306) of the cover (106) to snap against On the first compartment wall (206), thereby the cover (106) is detachably attached to the slot (104). The vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the compartment (102) is located under the seat of the vehicle (100), the front (202) of the vehicle (100) and the rear of the vehicle (100) (204). The vehicle (100) of claim 1, wherein the communication coupler unit (108) further includes a connector (402) having a first end (404) and a second end (406); wherein the first end (404) is attached to the coupler housing (112) and the second end (406) is attached to a wires; and Wherein the second end (406) includes a closed loop (410) for attaching the connector (402) to the wire. A communication coupler unit (108), comprising: a communication coupler (110) for communicative coupling with an electronic control unit of the vehicle (100); and A coupler housing (112) for receiving the communication coupler (110) in a slot (104) in a compartment (102) of the vehicle (100), wherein the coupler housing (112 ) includes a sliding slot (312) for slidably attaching the coupler housing (112) to the receiving unit (304) on the first side (306) of the cover (106), wherein the cover ( 106) will at least partially cover the groove (104). The communication coupler unit (108) of claim 8, further comprising a connector (402) having a first end (404) and a second end (406); wherein the first end (404) is attached to the coupler housing (112) and the second end (406) is attached to a wires; and Wherein the second end (406) includes a closed loop (410) for attaching the connector (402) to the wire.

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