WO2022018749A1

WO2022018749A1 - A dashboard assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2022018749A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050692
Authority: WO
Inventors: Murugan VINOTH; Kuppusamy RAMAKRISHNAN; Samraj Jabez Dhinagar; Palanisamy VENKATESAN; Subramanian EZHILARASAN; Gangaiah CHETHAN
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2020-07-18
Filing date: 2021-07-16
Publication date: 2022-01-27
Also published as: CN115803212A; PE20231493A1; MX2022015313A

Abstract

This is to provide an ergonomic dashboard which has secure, safe and accessible fool proof layout of the switches to be operated without any discomfort and cognitive stress to the rider. The dashboard assembly in a vehicle have a centrally located cavity for positioning a steering assembly of the vehicle and at least one first switch for operating the vehicle in a forward mode, a reverse mode and a neutral mode, disposed on a first surface of a second region proximal to the cavity, at least one second switch for operating the vehicle in a power mode and an economy mode, and a third switch which controls the start and stop of the vehicle disposed on the first surface of the second region, proximal to the at least second switch. The switches thus disposed helps in reduction in wiring and also prevents the entry of water into the switches.

Description

A DASHBOARD ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a vehicle, more particularly but not exclusively relates to a dashboard assembly of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, in a vehicle, there are numerous functions to be performed for operating the vehicle. To perform these functions, all parts of the vehicle are connected either mechanically, electrically or a combination of both. In order to actuate the parts related to the electrical system or a combination of both mechanical and electrical systems, suitable actuating means are provided. Typically, these actuation means are one or more switches provided on the vehicle, disposed in an easily accessible location so that the user of the vehicle can actuate the desired parts while running as well as starting the vehicle.

[0003] Generally, the switches are located in a steering means/handle bar of the vehicle, to ensure ease of operation while riding the vehicle. With development of technology and increase in features provided in the vehicle, number of operations and related switches have also increased. Further the challenge is made complicated especially when the powertrain of the vehicle has at least one electric powertrain included. In case of an electric powertrain, in known art a sudden jerk is perceived in form of forward thrust when the vehicle ignition is switched ON which is undesirable. Also, for a vehicle configured with a simple forward and reverse movement based on suitable selection from the user, in the scenario of need to actuate multiple number of switches, there is a cognitive overload on the user to process multiple information. This problem is further aggravated for a novice rider. Accidental actuation of torque transfer at idle condition of the vehicle by having a powertrain and its transmission in a forward or reverse engagement can lead to very unsafe riding situation both the rider, occupants as well as the people in the vicinity of the vehicle potentially jeopardising safety. Therefore, there is a need to design a simple yet ergonomic layout of the switch console on a dashboard of a vehicle which is safe and fool proof to avoid accidental actuation of the switches. Additionally, there is a need to have a control system and method for fool proof starting of the vehicle to avoid any safety risk from accidental actuation of the switches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a Three wheeled autorickshaw along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components. Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic plan view of a three-wheeled vehicle.

[0005] Figure 2 (a) exemplarily illustrates a magnified top view of the dashboard assembly

[0006] Figure 2 (b) exemplarily illustrates a magnified plan view of the dashboard assembly in the three-wheeled vehicle.

[0007] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the plurality of switches disposed on the dashboard assembly.

[0008] Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart explaining the controlling function of a controller to actuate the switches.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0001] Accommodating all required switches on the steering means, particularly on the handle bar of a three or two wheeled vehicle results in reduction of size of the switches. As a result, the steering means becomes crowded with lot of small switches. This leads in discomfort to the rider in accessing the switches while riding the vehicle. In addition, the switches on the steering means are not differentiable easily due to small size and increasing number of switches at a particular location may result in an unintended activation of a switch. Thus, there exists a need to design an ergonomic interface console or dashboard for a vehicle so that the one or more switches are disposed securely and are easily available to the rider for the operation of the vehicle without any accidental actuation which can result in an accident. Also, there is a need of a control mechanism to avoid the unintended actuation of the switches on the dashboard of the vehicle. The main objective of the present subject matter is to provide ergonomic dashboard which has secure, safe and accessible fool proof layout of the switches to be operated without any discomfort and cognitive stress to the rider. The present subject matter is described using an exemplary electric three-wheeled autorickshaw type vehicle. However, the invention is applicable to any two wheeled, three wheeled, or four wheeled vehicles in general including motorcycles, scooters, autorickshaws etc. In the present subject matter, a dashboard assembly is provided in a vehicle. As per an aspect of the present invention, the dashboard assembly includes a substantially vertical surface and a substantially horizontal surface, the substantially horizontal surface inclinedly extends from a lower end of the substantially vertical surface. The substantially horizontal surface is configured with a first region, a second region, and a third region. The second region is disposed between the first region and the third region and the second region of said dashboard assembly being disposed in a lower plane from the first and the third region. The first region, the second region, and the third region being partially enclosed by the substantially vertical surface forming a semi circular shape.

[0002] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the vehicle includes an electric power train.

[0003] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the second region includes a front wall, at least one side wall, and a first surface. The front wall includes at least one audio system, at least one control switch, and at least one charging port. The first surface includes a centre cavity and an at least one switch slot. The centre cavity is configured to accommodate at least a portion of a steering assembly of the three-wheeled vehicle.

[0004] As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the first surface having the centre cavity and the at least one switch slot is configured to accommodate one or more switches on the dashboard assembly of the three-wheeled vehicle.

[0005] As per another embodiment of the present subject matter, an at least one storage space is disposed in a raised portion adjacent to the second region of the dashboard assembly. The raised portion is configured to form the first region and the third region of the dashboard assembly of the vehicle. The depth of the at least one storage space is at least equal to the depth of the second region. In another embodiment, the depth of the at least one storage space extends beyond the depth of the second region.

[0006] As per another embodiment of the present subject matter, the one or more switches include one or more of a toggle switch, a rocker switch, and an electronic switch and a push pull switch.

[0007] Another objective of the present subject matter is to provide a control system for a vehicle configured with a method of controlling stating of the vehicle using a controller, the vehicle having an ergonomic dashboard assembly, provided with one or more switches communicatively connected to the controller, the one or more switches comprising at least a first switch, and at least a third switch. The controller receives a position input from the at least a third switch which is one of the start position and a stop position. The controller receives a position input from the ignition key based on the received input from the at least a third switch, where the position input from the ignition key is one of the ON or OFF positions. The controller further receives a position input from the ignition key, where the position input from the at least one first switch is one of a forward position, a reverse position and a neutral position, and the controller controls one of connection and disconnection of the power supply to a mobility unit of the vehicle for changing the state of the vehicle to one of mobile or immobile state based on the received position of the at least one first switch and the transition between the position inputs. Thus, the dashboard and switch console layout as described herewith achieves a simple yet ergonomic and cognitive stress-free design for use by a rider which is also safe by being fool proof to avoid accidental wrong actuation of switches.

[0008] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the third switch is in the start position, the ignition key is in ON position, the controller receives, a position input of at least a second switch, where the position input is one of an economy mode and a power mode. [0009] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the third switch is in the start position, the ignition key is in OFF position, the controller disconnects the power supply of the mobility unit of the vehicle.

[00010] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the third switch is in the start position, the ignition key is in ON position, the controller receives a position input of the at least a first switch is one of the forward position and the reverse position, said controller disconnects the power supply of the mobility unit of the vehicle.

[00011] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the third switch is in the start position, the ignition key is in ON position, the controller receives a position input of the at least a first switch is in neutral position, said controller connects the power supply of the mobility unit of the vehicle. The present subject matter is further described with reference to an embodiment in a three wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[00012] Fig. 1 exemplarily illustrates a schematic rear perspective view of a three wheeled vehicle 100 with roof and rear cover of the three-wheeled vehicle 100 omitted for clarity. A frame structure of the three-wheeled vehicle 100 depicts a frame assembly (not shown) having a front compartment (F), a partition (P), and a rear compartment (R). The front compartment (F) includes a front frame portion 101 having a windshield 102. The vehicle 100 includes the frame assembly, a dashboard assembly 103, a windshield 102, a handle bar assembly 104, a steering assembly 105, a rider seat assembly 106, a back rest 107, a leg operated throttle control 108, and a passenger seat assembly 109. The dashboard 103 assembly is placed inside the front compartment (F) where the windshield 102 terminates at the middle portion of the front compartment (F) in downward direction and extends from said middle portion, substantially horizontal within the front compartment (F). The handle bar assembly 104 is mounted with the steering assembly 105 which passes through the centre of the dashboard assembly 103. The rider seat assembly 106 is provided in the front compartment (F) placed opposing to the dashboard assembly 103. The back rest 107 for the rider of the vehicle 100 is disposed in a vertical direction on the partition (P) provided between the front compartment (F) and the rear compartment (R) for resting the back of the rider of the vehicle 100. The leg operated throttle control 108 is provided on the right-hand side of the vehicle 100 in front direction in proximity of the steering assembly 105 to give throttle to the vehicle 100. The rear compartment (R) includes the passenger seat assembly 109 for carrying the passengers in the vehicle 100.

[00013] Fig. 2 (a) exemplarily illustrates atop view of the dashboard assembly 103 and Fig. 2 (b) exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of the dashboard assembly 103 in the three-wheeled vehicle 100. The dashboard assembly 103 mounted in the front compartment (F) of the vehicle 100 includes a substantially vertical surface 103 (a), a substantially horizontal surface 103 (b), a first region 111, a second region 112, athird region 114, a centre cavity 110, and an at least one storage space 113. The dashboard assembly 103 includes the substantially vertical surface 103 (a) and the substantially horizontal surface 103 (b), the substantially horizontal surface 103 (b) inclinedly extends from a lower end of the substantially vertical surface 103 (a). The substantially horizontal surface 103 (b) includes the first region 111, the second region 112, and the third region 114. The second region 112 is disposed between the first region 111 and the third region 114 and the second region 112 of said dashboard assembly 103 is disposed in a lower plane from the first region 111 and the third region 114. The first region 111, the second region 112, and the third region 114 are covered by the substantially vertical surface 103(a) at its peripheral sides having semi-circular shape forming the dashboard assembly 103. The second region 112 includes a front wall 112(a), at least one side wall 112 (b), and a first surface 112 (c). The front wall 112 (a) includes at least one music system 119 (shown inf Fig 3), at least one control switch 120 (shown inf Fig 3), and at least one charging port 121 (shown inf Fig 3). The first surface 112 (c) includes a centre cavity 110 and an at least one switch slot 122 (shown inf Fig 3). The centre cavity 110 located in the center of the second region 112 of the dashboard assembly 103 is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the steering assembly (not shown) of the vehicle 100. The dashboard assembly 103 includes at least one storage space 113 which is disposed adjacent to the second region 112 of the dashboard assembly 103. In the present embodiment, the storage space 113 is disposed on one or more of the left and right sides of the second region 112, thereby enhancing the volumes of storage spaces 113. However, the location of storage spaces 113 can be different in different configuration. In addition to this, this storage spaces 113 can be used for different purposes. The depth of the storage space 113 is at least equal to the depth of the second region 112. However, in an additional embodiment the depth of the storage space 113 may extend beyond the depth of the second region 112 covering all the space available in the vehicle 100 in downward direction.

[00014] Fig. 3 exemplarily illustrates an exploded perspective view of the plurality of switches disposed on the dashboard assembly 103. In the present embodiment, the plurality of switches includes an at least one first switch 115, an at least one second switch 116, and an at least one third switch 117 in the second region 112 present on the dashboard assembly 103. The plurality of switches may include more number of switches on the dashboard assembly 103. The at least one first switch 115 operates the vehicle 100 in a forward mode, a reverse mode, and a neutral mode placed in the second region 112 proximal to the centre cavity 110. The at least one first switch 115 is a toggle switch in the present embodiment. The toggle switch facilitates the ease of actuation of the vehicle 100 in a forward position, a reverse, and a neutral position due to its actuation mechanism. Said at least one first switch disposed in the second region 112 proximal to the centre cavity 110 at the left-hand side of the second region 112 in the at least one switch slot 122. As per an embodiment, the at least one first switch 115 makes an acute angle in the range of 15 to 35 degrees with respect to the line of sight of the rider of the vehicle 100 and the substantially horizontal surface 103 (b) of the dashboard assembly 103. This orientation of said at least one first switch 115 makes it easier to view and differentiate the position of the toggle switch to determine the position of the vehicle 100

[00015] The at least one second switch 116 for operating the vehicle 100 in a power mode and an economy mode is placed in the second region 112 proximal to the centre cavity 110 at the right-hand side of the second region 112. The at least one second switch 116 is a rocker switch in the present embodiment. The rocker switch facilitates the ease of actuation of the vehicle 100 in the power mode and the economy mode due to its actuation mechanism. Said at least one second switch 116 disposed in the second region 112 proximal to the centre cavity 110 at the right- hand side of the second region 112 in the at least one switch slot 122. As per an embodiment, the at least one second switch 116 makes an acute angle in the range of 10 to 20 degrees with respect to the line of sight of the rider of the vehicle 100 and substantially horizontal surface 103(b) of the dashboard assembly 103. This orientation of said at least second switch 116 makes it easier to view and differentiate the position of the rocker switch to determine the position of the vehicle 100 as shown in fig.3.

[00016] The at least one third switch 117 controls the start and the stop of the vehicle 100 and is placed in the second region 112 proximal to the centre cavity 110. The at least one third switch 117 is a push-pull type switch in the present embodiment. The push-pull switch facilitates the ease of actuation of the vehicle 100 at the time of vehicle start and stop. Also, in case of emergency situations, where the vehicle 100 is required to stop immediately, actuation of push and pull is easier than all other switches. Said at least one third switch 117 disposed in the second region 112 proximal to the centre cavity 110 at the right- hand side of the second region 112 in the at least one switch slot 122. As per an embodiment, the at least one third switch 117 makes an acute angle in the range of 10 to 20 degrees with respect to the line of sight of the rider of the vehicle 100 and substantially horizontal surface 103(b) of the dashboard assembly 103. This orientation of said at least third switch 117 makes it easier to view and differentiate from other parts on the dashboard assembly 103. The at least one third switch 117 is placed in the right-hand side of the second region 112 and in front of the handle bar 104 so that it is easily reachable by the rider of the vehicle 100 as shown in fig 3. Also, the placement of the at least one third switch 117 in the second region 112 results in the reduction of power cable connected to the switch. In addition to that, the connection of the at least one third switch 117 to the mechanical or electronic parts done through the power cable follows a substantially downward straight path and as a result there is no undesirable bending of power cable. This configuration also reduces the power losses in the cables. The shape of the push pull type of switch can be a rectangular, triangular, square, or circular in shape. In this embodiment an ignition key 118 is disposed in the second region 112, proximal to the at least one second switch 116 as shown in fig.3. In this embodiment, the front wall includes at least one audio system 119 for playing audio, at least one control switch 120, at least one charging port 121 for charging electronic devices or any other electrical device, and one or more speakers 123.

[00017] Fig.4 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart explaining the controlling function of a controller (not shown) to actuate the switches, while in operation. The controller performs the controlling of a power supply to a mobility unit of the vehicle 100 based on different position inputs and modes of the vehicle 100. The controller receives a position input from the third switch 117, which may be at the start position or the stop position, to identify whether the third switch 117 is in start position or stop position at step 202. The controller then at step 204 receives the position input from the ignition key 118, based on the received position input from the third switch 117, where the position input from the ignition key 118 is one of the ON position or the OFF position at step 204. If the ignition key is OFF, then at step 206, the vehicle remains in immobile condition. If the ignition key is ON, then at step 208, the controller further receives the position input of the at least one first switch 115 based on the received position input from the ignition key 118, where the position input from the at least one first switch 115 is one of a forward position, a reverse position and a neutral position. If the position input from the at least one first switch 115 is not available, then at step 206, the vehicle remains immobile. However, if the first switch 115 input is available, then this input is fed to the controller at step 212. In parallel, at step 210, a traction battery input is fed to the controller. Further in parallel, at step 214, the controller receives input about whether the second switch in in economy or power mode. Based on these above inputs, at step 216, the controller controls one of connection and disconnection of the power supply to the mobility unit at step 216 of the vehicle 100 for making the vehicle 100 either mobile or immobile at step 218 thereby achieving a safe and fool proof starting control system for a vehicle. When the third switch 117 is in the start position at step 202, the ignition key 118 is in ON position at step 204 and, where position input from the at least one first switch 115 is in the forward position at step 208, the controller disconnects the power supply of the mobility unit and makes the vehicle 100 immobile at step 206. When the third switch 117 is in the start position at step 202, the ignition key 118 is in ON position at step 204 and, where position input from the at least one first switch 115 is in the reverse position at step 208, the controller disconnects the power supply of the mobility unit and makes the vehicle 100 immobile at step 206. When the third switch 117 is in the start position at step 202, the ignition key 118 is in ON position at step 204 and, where position input from the at least one first switch 115 is in a neutral position, the controller connects the power supply of the mobility unit at step 216 and makes the vehicle 100 mobile at step 218.

[00018] In another scenario, when said third switch 117 is in the start position at step 202, the ignition key 118 is in OFF position at step 204, the controller disconnects the power supply of the mobility unit and disconnects all the vehicle 100 components at step 206. If the third switch 117 is in the start position at step 202, an auxiliary controller (not shown) turns ON other electrical loads in the vehicle 100. When the third switch 117 is in the start position at step 202, the ignition key 118 is in ON position at step 204, the position input from the at least one second switch 116 is one of an economy mode and a power mode at step 214 to operate the vehicle 100 in economy mode or power mode based on the requirement of the rider of the vehicle 100, then the controller connect the power supply to the mobility unit at step 216 to enable vehicle mobility at step 218. In the present embodiment, the power supply is a battery shown at step 210 and the mobility unit is a motor shown at step 216. Many other improvements and modifications may be incorporated herein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

List of Reference numerals:

100: Three-wheeled vehicle 101: Front frame portion of 100 102: windshield of 101 103: Dashboard assembly of 100 103(a): Substantially vertical surface of 103

103(b): Substantially horizontal surface of 103 104: Handlebar of 100 105: Steering assembly of 100 106: Rider seat assembly of 100 107: Backrest of 106

108: Leg operated throttle control of 100 109: Passenger seat assembly of 100 F: Front compartment of 100 R: Rear compartment of 100 P: Partition of 100

110: Centre cavity in 103 111: First region of 103 112: Second region of 103 112 (a): Front wall of 112 112 (b): at least one side wall of 112 112 (c): first surface of 112 113: Storage spaces of 103 114: Third region of 103 115: First switch on 103 116: Second switch on 103

117: Third switch on 103 118: Ignition key of 100 119: Music system on 112 (a)

120: At least one control switch on 112 (a) 121: charging port on 112 (a)

122: switch slot for 115, 116, and 11723: Speakers on 103

Claims

We claim:

1. A dashboard assembly (103) in a vehicle (100) comprising: a substantially vertical surface (103 (a)) and a substantially horizontal surface (103 (b)), the substantially horizontal surface (103 (b)) inclinedly extending from a lower end of the substantially vertical surface (103 (a)); said substantially horizontal surface (103 (b)) including a first region (111), a second region (112), and a third region (114); said second region (112) is disposed between the first region (111) and the third region (114); said second region (112) of said dashboard assembly (103) being disposed in a lower plane from said first region (111) and said third region (114); and said first region (111), the second region (112), and the third region (114) being partially peripherally enclosed by the substantially vertical surface (103 (a)) forming a substantially semi-circular shape.

2. The dashboard assembly (103) in the vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the vehicle includes an electric power train.

3. The dashboard assembly (103) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said second region (112) includes a front wall (112(a)), at least one side wall (112(b)), and a first surface (112(c)).

4. The dashboard assembly (103) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the front wall (112(a)) includes at least one audio system (119), at least one control switch (120), and at least one charging port (120).

5. The dashboard assembly (103) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the first surface (112(c)) includes a centre cavity (110) and an at least one switch slot (122).

6. The dashboard assembly (103) as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the centre cavity (110) is configured to accommodate at least a portion of a steering assembly (105).

7. The dashboard assembly (103) as claimed in claim 4 wherein, the at least one switch slot (122) is configured to accommodate one or more switches.

8. The dashboard assembly (103) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, an at least one storage space (113) is disposed in a raised portion adjacent to said second region (112).

9. The dashboard assembly (103) as claimed in claim 7, wherein a depth of the at least one storage space (113) is at least equal to the depth of the second region (112).

10. The dashboard assembly (103) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the one or more switches include one or more of a toggle switch, a rocker switch, and an electronic switch and a push pull switch.

11. A control system for a vehicle (100) configured with a method of controlling starting of said vehicle (100) using a controller, the vehicle (100) comprising a dashboard assembly (103), provided with one or more switches communicatively connected to the controller, the one or more switches comprising at least a first switch, and at least a third switch, the method comprising steps of: receiving by the controller (step 202), a position input from the at least a third switch (117), wherein the position input from the at least a third switch (117) being one of a start position and a stop position. receiving by the controller, (step 204) a position input from an ignition key (118), based on the received position input from the at least a third switch (117), wherein the position input from the ignition key (118) is one of an ON position or an OFF position. receiving by the controller (step 208), a position input of the at least a first switch (115) based on the received position input from the ignition key (118), wherein the position input from the at least a first switch (115) is one of a forward position, a reverse position and a neutral position; and controlling one of connection and disconnection of the power supply to a mobility unit of the vehicle (100) based on the received position of the first switch (115).

12. The control system for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said third switch (117) is in the start position, the ignition key (118) is in ON position, the controller (step 214) receives, a position input of at least a second switch (116), wherein the position input is one of an economy mode and a power mode.

13. The control system for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein, said third switch (117) is in the start position, the ignition key (118) is in OFF position, the controller (step 206) disconnects the power supply of the mobility unit of the vehicle (100).

14. The control system for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein, said third switch (117) is in the start position, the ignition key (118) is in ON position, the controller (step 208) receives a position input of the at least a first switch (115) is one of the forward position and the reverse position, said controller (step 206) disconnects the power supply of the mobility unit of the vehicle (100).

15. The control system for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein, said third switch (117) is in the start position, the ignition key (118) is in ON position, the controller (step 208) receives a position input of the at least a first switch (115) is in neutral position, said controller (step 212) connects the power supply of the mobility unit of the vehicle (100).