Vehicle display housing

Abstract

The enclosed disclosure relates to the use of handlebar risers in vehicles having handlebar assemblies. The embodiments described herein improve the way in which displays are mounted to vehicles with handlebar risers. In the attached described embodiments, the display mounting is integrated into the structure of the handlebar riser and is configured to provide rigidity to the subsystem in addition to raising the height of the display closer to the operator. More specifically, a vehicle including a plurality of ground engaging members and a steering system configured to steer the vehicle, the steering system including a support structure having a plurality of generally vertical tubes, a steering arm, a first portion extending between the generally vertical tubes, and a second portion configured to support a display device.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 【0001】This disclosure relates to a vehicle display mounting portion, and more particularly to using the display mounting portion as a support structure in a steering assembly. 【0002】 Background of the Disclosure 【0003】 【0002】Vehicles having a handlebar assembly are well known in the art. The handlebar is often used as a steering assembly, but may also be further used as a gripping assembly for an operator or passenger. A handlebar riser is a sub-assembly used to increase the vertical height and possibly the longitudinal position of the handlebar relative to an operator or passenger. Vehicle displays are common, and there are unique challenges in integrating them with the handlebar assembly and handlebar riser. In previous designs, the display has been mounted below the riser or offset longitudinally from the riser of the handlebar. The embodiments disclosed below attempt to improve some of these problems. Summary of the Disclosure 【0004】 【0003】In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a plurality of ground engaging members and a steering system operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of ground engaging members, the steering system being configured to steer at least one of the ground engaging members. The steering system further includes a plurality of substantially vertical tubes, a steering arm, and a support structure. The support structure includes a first portion extending between the substantially vertical tube and a second portion, and the display device is configured to be supported by the second portion. 【0005】 【0004】In another embodiment, a vehicle steering assembly includes a plurality of vertically upright members and a handlebar assembly coupled to the plurality of vertically upright members. The steering assembly further includes a housing coupled to the plurality of vertically upright members, the housing being further configured to receive a vehicle display. 【0006】

[0005] In yet another embodiment, a method for assembling a steering assembly of a vehicle includes the step of providing a plurality of vertical tubes configured to steer a ground engagement member. A method for assembling a steering assembly further includes the steps of providing a first support structure configured to have a receiving portion configured to receive a display, and connecting the first support structure to a plurality of vertical tubes. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0007】 [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a left front perspective view of the vehicle of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a left front perspective view of the steering input section of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, coupled to the gauge mounting section of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a left rear perspective view of the steering input section and gauge mounting section shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the steering input section and gauge mounting section shown in Figure 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the steering input section and gauge mounting section of Figure 2, cut along line 5-5 in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a top view of a portion of the steering input section and gauge mounting section shown in Figure 2. Detailed description of the drawing 【0008】 【0012】 For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the principles of this disclosure, embodiments shown in the drawings described below will be referenced. The embodiments disclosed below are not intended to be exhaustive, nor are they intended to limit this disclosure to the exact forms disclosed in the detailed description below. Rather, embodiments are selected and described so that those skilled in the art can utilize the teachings. Accordingly, no limitation of the scope of this disclosure is intended. Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts through some of the drawings. 【0009】 【0013】The terms “joined,” “joined,” “coupler,” and their variations are used to include both arrangements in which two or more components are in direct physical contact with each other, and arrangements in which two or more components are not in direct contact with each other (for example, components are “joined” through at least a third component, but still cooperate or interact with each other). 【0010】 【0014】 In some instances, numerical terms such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th are used throughout this disclosure and claims with respect to various motion transmission components and other components and features. Such use is not intended to indicate an ordering of components. Rather, numerical terms are used to assist the reader in identifying the components being referenced and should not be strictly interpreted as providing a specific order of components. 【0011】 【0015】 As shown in Figure 1, a vehicle 10 is shown. Exemplarily, vehicle 10 is a motorcycle. Vehicle 10 is supported by a plurality of ground engagement members 12. In an exemplary embodiment, there are two ground engagement members 12, which are shown as wheels. It is understood that tracks, skis or various other ground engagement members may be used. Vehicle 10 can be a variety of vehicles, including, but is not limited to, a tricycle, a snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle, a jet ski, or any other vehicle that utilizes a steering system. In this embodiment, vehicle 10 further comprises a seat 14 configured to support an operator and, in some scenarios, an occupant (not shown). Vehicle 10 further comprises a fuel tank 16 (exemplarily located in front of the seat 14) and a pair of footrests 18 configured to receive the operator's feet.

[0012] 【0016】Referring further to Figure 1, the vehicle 10 includes a steering assembly 20 operably coupled to a ground engagement member 12 for steering the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the steering assembly 20 includes a first vertical tube 22 and a second vertical tube 24. The first vertical tube 22 and the second vertical tube 24 constitute a down tube, for example, if the vehicle 10 is configured as a motorcycle and is operably coupled to each other by a triple clamp 26. In the upper range of the triple clamp 26, a handlebar riser assembly 100 is included as part of the steering assembly 20. The steering assembly 20 further includes a steering input section, for example, a handlebar 30, and the handlebar riser assembly 100 supports, for example, the handlebar 30, which may be configured to include a pair of hand grips 32, a brake lever 34, a clutch lever 36, a plurality of mirrors 38, and various other components. The handlebar 30 acts as a steering arm and is configured in an external lateral range to be steerable by an operator (not shown). In another embodiment, the steering input of the steering assembly 20 may be a steering wheel configured to steer the ground engagement member 12 or any other movable input.

[0013] 【0017】 The steering assembly 20 is shown with two vertical tubes, a first vertical tube 22 and a second vertical tube 24, but it should be understood that various configurations are known that include more than two vertical tubes, including three, four, or more tubes. Furthermore, steering assemblies without vertical tubes can still be used, and the handlebar riser assembly 100 can still be utilized.

[0014] 【0018】Referring next to Figure 2, the handlebar riser assembly 100 will be described in more detail. The handlebar riser assembly 100 comprises a first riser 110 and a second riser 120, which are operably coupled to the steering assembly 20 via a first coupling assembly 114 and a second coupling assembly 124, respectively. In this embodiment, the first coupling assembly 114 and the second coupling assembly 124 are positioned in the lower range of the first riser 110 and the second riser 120, respectively, and coupled the first riser 110 and the second riser 120 to the upper range of the triple clamp 26 (Figure 1). The first coupling assembly 114 and the second coupling assembly 124 may comprise a variety of components, including at least fasteners, washers, isolators, and other components designed to couple the first riser 110 and the second riser 120 to the steering assembly 20. By including isolators, the first coupling assembly 114 and the second coupling assembly 124 are essentially isolated so as to reduce the force felt on the handlebar 30 from the remaining components of the steering assembly 20. As shown in Figure 2, the first riser 110 and the second riser 120 may have cutouts designed for weight reduction and / or aesthetic appeal.

[0015] 【0019】The handlebar riser assembly 100 further comprises a top cap 130, which is configured to harmonize with both the first riser 110 and the second riser 120, thereby connecting the first riser 110 and the second riser 120 in their upper ranges. Thus, the top cap 130 is a support member extending between the first riser 110 and the second riser 120. As shown in Figure 4, the first riser 110 comprises a first receiving portion 112, which is configured to harmonize with a second receiving portion 132 on the top cap 130 to produce a first opening 133. Similarly, the second riser 120 comprises a third receiving portion 122, which is configured to harmonize with a fourth receiving portion 134 on the top cap 130 to produce a second opening 135. The handlebar 30 is configured as a single bar, extending through the length of the top cap 130, through the first opening 133 and the second opening 135, and extending laterally outward toward both lateral ranges of the vehicle 10. In this way, the handlebar 30 is configured to receive the hands of the operator (not shown) at optimal positions on both sides of the handlebar riser assembly 100.

[0016] 【0020】As best shown in Figure 3, the handlebar riser assembly 100 comprises a display housing or gauge mounting section 140. The display housing 140 has a cavity configured to receive a display or gauge (not shown), and further comprises a display screen configured to be substantially flush with the upper range of the display housing 140, or, in a further embodiment, the display screen may project above the upper range of the display housing 140. The display housing further comprises a support structure 145 positioned behind the display housing 140. The display may have physical or digital outputs (e.g., dials or digital alphanumeric references) to provide information to the operator. Additionally or alternatively, the display may include mechanical or electrical inputs that allow the operator to select for various aspects of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the display may be a touchscreen display.

[0017] 【0021】 The display housing 140 is configured to have various features that facilitate the mounting of a display (not shown). Exemplarily, the display housing 140 comprises a plurality of mounting tabs 142, and in an exemplary embodiment, the display housing 140 consists of two mounting tabs 142. The mounting tabs 142 are used to connect the display to the display housing 140. Furthermore, the display housing 140 includes a plurality of clocking features 144 used to position the display correctly. The display comprises a plurality of complementary clocking features that conform to the clocking features 144 of the display housing 140. The display housing 140 can be made from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, machined aluminum, die-cast aluminum, plastic, composite material, forged steel, or other common materials used in the manufacturing process.

[0018] 【0022】Next, the configuration for mounting the display housing 140 to the handlebar riser assembly 100 will be described in more detail. Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the handlebar riser assembly 100, showing the first coupling assembly 114 and the second coupling assembly 124 that engage with the first riser 110 and the second riser 120, respectively. Furthermore, the upper range of the first riser 110 is comprised of a pair of first riser holes 111, and the upper part of the second riser 120 is comprised of a pair of second riser holes 121. As can be seen, the top cap 130 is operably connected to the first riser 110 and the second riser 120 using fasteners 131. In this way, a plurality of top cap holes 136 are aligned with the first riser holes 111 to receive the fasteners 131, which extend through the top cap 130 and the first riser 110 to connect them. Similarly, multiple upper cap holes 136 cooperate with the second riser holes 121 to receive fasteners 131, which extend through the upper cap 130 and the second riser 120, connecting them. In this way, the upper cap 130 is connected to the first riser 110 and the second riser 120, and thus the upper cap 130 is configured as a support structure between the first riser 110 and the second riser 120.

[0019] 【0023】As best shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first riser 110 is comprised of a plurality of first horizontal holes 116 (e.g., two holes 116), and the second riser 120 is comprised of a plurality of second horizontal holes 126 (e.g., two holes 126). In a corresponding embodiment, the display housing 140 is comprised of a plurality of support structure holes 148 placed on a support structure 145. In an exemplary embodiment, both lateral ranges of the support structure 145 include a pair of support structure holes 148 configured to align with the first horizontal holes 116 and the second horizontal holes 126. Furthermore, fasteners 149 are inserted through the first horizontal holes 116 and received by the support structure holes 148 on one lateral side of the support structure 145, and fasteners 149 are inserted through the second horizontal holes 126 and received by a separate set of support structure holes 148. In an exemplary embodiment, a pair of fasteners 149 are used in each lateral range of the support structure 145. In an exemplary embodiment, holes 148 in the support structure are threaded to receive threaded fasteners 149.

[0020] 【0024】The mounting structure of the display housing 140 is unique for several reasons. It has multiple support structure holes 148, which are spaced apart to counteract the moment forces acting on the display housing 140 due to external pressure. Furthermore, the support structure 145 extends across the entire width between the internal range 118 (e.g., internal surface) of the first riser 110 and the internal range 128 (e.g., internal surface) of the second riser 120. In this way, the support structure 145 acts as a structural support member for the handlebar riser assembly 100. The moment forces acting within the handlebar riser assembly 100 are reduced by adding the support structure 145 of the display housing 140 between the first riser 110 and the second riser 120. Specifically, the support structure 145 of the display housing 140 is positioned below the top cap 130, and both the top cap 130 and the support structure 145 act as structural supports for the handlebar riser assembly 100, both bearing the axial forces received within the first riser 110 and the second riser 120. Furthermore, the support structure 145 is positioned below the handlebar 30, which is located below the top cap 130. It is understood that the display housing 140, and therefore the support structure 145, is further vertically downward movable along the first riser 110 and the second riser 120. By moving the display housing 140 further vertically downward toward the respective coupling assemblies 114, 124 of the first riser 110 and the second riser 120, it is possible to counteract larger moment forces acting on the first riser 110 and the second riser 120, but the display housing 140 is positioned farther away from the operator.

[0021] 【0025】The handlebar riser assembly 100 having a greater height is understood to be able to convert a greater moment force from the handlebar 30 to the handlebar riser assembly 100. The support structure 145 set between the first riser 110 and the second riser 120 enables a greater force to be countered by the handlebar riser assembly 100, and in this way, the handlebar riser assembly 100 can also receive a greater force and thus can have a greater vertical height. 【0022】 【0026】 In another way, since the display housing 140 is attached to the handlebar riser assembly 100, the display housing 140 is in a location that is much more accessible to the operator than in a conventional design. More specifically, the display housing 140 is closer to the operator and maintains an appropriate angle with respect to the operator for ideal viewing. Similarly, the present embodiment is a simpler packaging assembly and requires fewer parts than other designs. As shown in FIG. 5, the plane 60 extending along the upper surface or the viewing surface of the display (not shown) is angled with respect to the vertical centerlines 50 of the first riser 110 and the second riser 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle between the axis 50 and the plane 60 is less than 90 degrees and more specifically greater than 45 degrees. It is understood that the relative angle between the vertical centerline 50 and the plane 60 can be any angle that improves the visibility of the display within the display housing 140. 【0023】 【0027】 As best shown in FIG. 5, the upper range 70 of the uppermost cap 130 is vertically above the upper range 80 of the display housing 140. Similarly, it should be understood that the first horizontal hole 116, the second horizontal hole 126, and the fastener 149 are placed below the handlebar 30. 【0024】 【0028】Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the display housing 140 has a display housing surface 141 that is complementary to the top cap front surface 138. More specifically, as seen in FIG. 6, the display housing surface 141 has a convex rounded shape that is complementary to the concave rounded shape of the top cap front surface 138. The illustrated embodiment has a rounded display, and thus the complementary features of the display housing surface 141 and the top cap front surface 138 are rounded or curved. In this embodiment, the top cap front surface 138 is the chamfer of the top cap 130. It will be understood that a rectangular or square display may be used, or alternatively rectangular or square complementary features may be used. It should also be understood that any other suitable shape may be used for the display housing 140. 【0025】 【0029】 As shown in FIG. 5, the support structure 145 has a height 145A configured to receive the support structure hole 148. In another embodiment, the height 145A of the support structure 145 may be greater than that shown, whereby it may extend downward and engage a greater portion / longer length of both the first riser 110 and the second riser 120. In this way, the support portion 145 having a greater height 145A can help counteract the greater moment forces experienced by the first riser 110 and the second riser 120. 【0026】 【0030】Returning to Figure 4, the display housing 140 further includes a cutout 146 within the rear range of the display housing 140. The cutout 146 may be used to pass electrical wires, brake lines, or any other routes that may extend between the handlebars 30, hand grips 32, brake levers 34, clutch levers 36, or other components positioned along the handlebars 30. In exemplary embodiments, the cutout 146 is a curved, substantially U-shaped portion within the rear range of the display housing 140. The cutout 146 may further be configured as a through-hole within the display housing 140, or the cutout 146 may further be configured with a routing clip designed to hold or retain multiple wires. The cutout 146 may further cooperate with an opening in the handlebars 30 designed to carry multiple wires, in this way a desirable aesthetic is achieved and fewer wires are visible to the observer.

[0027] 【0031】 Furthermore, the display housing 140 includes a contoured channel 147 that crosses the upper surface of the support structure 145. The contoured channel 147 is configured to complement the shape of the handlebar 30. In this way, the contoured channel 147 provides a greater aesthetic appearance, or alternatively, it can provide a smaller package contour so that the display housing 140 can be packaged closer to the handlebar 30.

[0028] 【0032】Further details of Vehicle 10 can be disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,440504, filed on 14 March 2014 and issued on 13 September 2016 (Reference: PLR-05-25858.05P-US); U.S. Patent No. 9,421860, filed on 12 November 2013 and issued on 23 August 2016 (Reference: PLR-12-25433.04P-US); and U.S. Patent No. 9,394859, filed on 25 July 2014 and issued on 19 July 2016 (Reference: PLR-12-26258.02P-US), the complete disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Further details of the display configured to be supported by the display housing 140 can be disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 161720, filed May 23, 2016 (Reference: PLR-12-27457.01P-US) and U.S. Patent No. 1,0315719, filed December 31, 2015 and issued June 11, 2019 (Reference: PLR-12-27459.01P-US), the full disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] 【0033】 [Examples]

[0030] 【0034】 [Example 1] A vehicle is provided. The vehicle comprises a plurality of ground engagement members and a steering system operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of ground engagement members for steering at least one ground engagement member. The steering system comprises a plurality of substantially vertical tubes, a steering arm, and a support structure. The support structure has a first portion extending between the substantially vertical tubes and a second portion. A display device is configured to be supported by the second portion. 【0035】 [Example 2] The vehicle of Example 1, wherein the first part is lower vertically than the steering arm. 【0036】 [Example 3] A vehicle according to Example 1, wherein the steering system further comprises an uppermost cap located at the top of the plurality of vertical tubes. The uppermost cap has a curved interface that complements the curved portion of the support structure. 【0037】 [Example 4] The vehicle of Example 3, wherein the entire support structure is lower vertically than the upper range of the uppermost cap. 【0038】 [Example 5] The vehicle of Example 1, wherein the second portion of the support structure is substantially circular. 【0039】 [Example 6] The vehicle of Example 1, wherein the upper range of the first portion of the support structure is lower vertically than the upper range of the second portion of the support structure. 【0040】 [Example 7] The vehicle of Example 1, wherein the second portion of the support structure is angled with respect to the substantially vertical pipe. 【0041】 [Example 8] The vehicle of Example 1, wherein a first fastener removably connects a first substantially vertical pipe to the support structure, and a second fastener removably connects a second substantially vertical pipe to the support structure. 【0042】 [Example 9] The vehicle of Example 8, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are lower vertically than the steering arm. 【0043】 [Example 10] A steering assembly for a vehicle is provided. The steering assembly comprises a plurality of vertical upright members, a handlebar assembly coupled to the plurality of vertical upright members, and a housing coupled to the plurality of vertical upright members. The housing is configured to receive the vehicle's display. 【0044】 [Example 11] A steering assembly of a vehicle 10, wherein the housing is coupled to the plurality of vertical upright members at a lower position than the handlebar assembly. 【0045】 [Example 12] A steering assembly for a vehicle 10, wherein the housing comprises a U-shaped portion configured to partially hold at least one wire of the vehicle. 【0046】 [Example 13] The display is angled with respect to the vertical upright member, and is part of the steering assembly of the vehicle 10. 【0047】[Example 14] A method for assembling a steering assembly for a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of vertical tubes configured to steer the ground engagement member; providing a first support structure comprising a receiving portion configured to receive a display; and connecting the first support structure to the plurality of vertical tubes. 【0048】 [Example 15] A method for assembling the steering assembly of Example 14, wherein the step of joining the first support structure includes the step of angling the receiving portion with respect to the plurality of vertical tubes. 【0049】 [Example 16] A method for assembling the steering assembly of Example 14, further comprising the step of connecting the second support structure to the plurality of vertical tubes. 【0050】 [Example 17] A method for assembling the steering assembly of Example 16, wherein the step of joining the second support structure includes positioning the upper range of the second support structure higher vertically than the upper range of the first support structure.

[0031] 【0051】 Although the present invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover any variation, use, or adaptation of the invention using its general principles. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover any deviations from this disclosure that fall within the scope of known or customary practices in the art to which the invention relates.

Claims

[Claim 1] It is a vehicle, Multiple ground engagement members, A steering system that is operably coupled to at least one of the plurality of ground engagement members and steers the at least one ground engagement member, Equipped with, The steering system is At least a first vertical pipe and a second vertical pipe, Steering arms connected at a first connection point along the first vertical tube and the second vertical tube, A support structure connected to the first vertical pipe and the second vertical pipe at a second connection location spaced apart from the first connection location, along the first vertical pipe and the second vertical pipe, Display device and Equipped with, The support structure is a first portion engaged with the first vertical pipe and the second vertical pipe, and has a first portion bridging the gap between the first vertical pipe and the second vertical pipe, and a second portion. A vehicle wherein the display device is configured to be supported by the second part. [Claim 2] The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the first portion is lower vertically than the steering arm. [Claim 3] The steering system further comprises an uppermost cap located above the plurality of vertical tubes, The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the uppermost cap has a curved interface that complements the curved portion of the support structure. [Claim 4] The vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the entire support structure is lower vertically than the upper range of the uppermost cap. [Claim 5] The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the support structure is substantially circular. [Claim 6] The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the upper range of the first portion of the support structure is lower vertically than the upper range of the second portion of the support structure. [Claim 7] The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the second portion of the support structure is inclined with respect to the substantially vertical pipe. [Claim 8] The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a first fastener removably connects a first substantially vertical pipe to the support structure, and a second fastener removably connects a second substantially vertical pipe to the support structure. [Claim 9] The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the first fastener and the second fastener are lower vertically than the steering arm. [Claim 10] A steering assembly for a vehicle, A plurality of vertical upright members, including at least a first vertical upright member and a second vertical upright member, A handlebar assembly connected to the first vertical upright member and the second vertical upright member at a first connection point, A housing configured to receive the vehicle's display, Equipped with, A steering assembly for a vehicle, comprising a housing including a support structure isolated from the handlebar assembly, the support structure extending from each of the first and second vertical upright members at a second connection location spaced apart from the first connection location. [Claim 11] The steering assembly according to claim 10, wherein the housing is coupled to the plurality of vertical upright members at a lower position than the handlebar assembly. [Claim 12] The steering assembly according to claim 10, wherein the housing comprises a U-shaped portion configured to partially hold at least one wire of the vehicle. [Claim 13] The steering assembly according to claim 10, wherein the display is at a certain angle with respect to the vertical upright member. [Claim 14] A method for assembling a steering assembly for a vehicle, A step of providing a plurality of vertical tubes configured to steer a ground engagement member, wherein the plurality of vertical tubes include at least a first vertical tube and a second vertical tube, The steps include joining the handlebar assembly at a first joining location between the first vertical tube and the second vertical tube, The steps include providing a first support structure having a receiving portion configured to receive a display, The first support structure is connected by the plurality of vertical pipes, Includes, The step of connecting the first support structure is: The steps include engaging the first support structure with the first vertical pipe, The steps include engaging the first support structure with the second vertical pipe, The process involves bridging the gap between the first vertical pipe and the second vertical pipe with the first support structure, A method for assembling a steering assembly, comprising the first support structure being isolated from the handlebar assembly at a second connection location spaced apart from the first connection location. [Claim 15] A method for assembling a steering assembly according to claim 14, wherein the step of joining the first support structure includes the step of angling the receiving portion with respect to the plurality of vertical tubes. [Claim 16] A method for assembling a steering assembly according to claim 14, further comprising the step of connecting a second support structure to the plurality of vertical tubes. [Claim 17] A method for assembling a steering assembly according to claim 16, wherein the step of joining the second support structure includes positioning the upper range of the second support structure higher vertically than the upper range of the first support structure. [Claim 18] The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the support structure is separated from the steering arm. [Claim 19] The steering assembly according to claim 10, wherein the support structure bridges the first vertical upright member and the second vertical upright member, which are separated from the handlebar assembly.

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