Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of aiming of headlamp assembly in vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a novel approach to control horizontal and vertical aiming of the headlamp assembly in single line and at a single point with the aiming cap and linkage aiming shaft mechanism.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Headlamp aiming in a vehicle is to adjust the low beam cut-off vertically and horizontally for driving in crowded areas or high beam aiming for driving at high speed on a road with few vehicles to have relatively high luminance. Though, the high beam is more visible to the driver than the low beam, there is a problem that glares is given to the driver or pedestrian of the vehicle present in front of the vehicle. Therefore, it is required to aim the low beam and high beam to prevent glaring completely. Conventionally, the headlamp aiming is performed by rotation of an aiming knob or external screw manually.
[0003] Patent Document EP0908352A1 discloses an adjuster for automobile headlamp which includes a reflector connected to the structure fixed by three support points distributed at the three vertices of a right triangle and whose sides adjacent to the angle right respectively from a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. The three support points are adjustable and they have horizontal means for adjustment by pivoting the reflector around the horizontal axis, and members for initial adjustment by pivoting the reflector around the point situated on the vertical axis and adjacent point. Members are also provided for initial azimuth adjustment by pivoting the reflector around the vertical axis. The adjusting means are independent of each other.
[0004] Another Patent Document KR1020070045654 discloses a headlamp aiming apparatus for vehicles includes a headlamp unit, and an external plate. The plate is positioned on an upper portion of the headlamp housing and has a long narrow hole. One end of a vertical adjusting shaft is movably installed in the hole. One end of an angle adjusting shaft is connected to the other end of the vertical adjusting shaft and other end comes into contact with a rear of the headlamp unit.
[0005] As can be seen, the referred patent documents disclose mechanisms including a substantial number of components increasing space and cost. Secondly, when tightened or loosened, the aiming screws do not move linearly, but acutely about the noted axis deforming and damaging the screws themselves or of the parts coupled thereto due to torsional stresses. Such deformation or destruction is more likely to occur when the horizontal aiming screw and the vertical aiming screw are separated wide apart from its axis of actuate movement, which is again highly undesirable as it directly affects the optical performance of the headlamp. Therefore, efforts have been contemplated to have reduced components and making the distances in question as short as possible.
[0006] In view of the foregoing, there is a need to provide a simple, easy, and cost-effective headlamp aiming mechanism that can address the above stated problems, and to have more efficient solution with a single line and single axis aiming mechanism.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide single line and at a single point with the aiming cap and linkage aiming shaft mechanism.
[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple, easy, and cost-effective solution with fewer components that can provide aiming in horizontal and vertical aiming axis of the headlamp.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a mechanism for both Horizontal & vertical Aiming points located in same plane to minimise tolerance in aiming & the precision of aiming is more accurate compared to conventional concept.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide use of an elbow mechanism with Hobson’s coupling for transmission of movement instead of gear mechanism.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide use of a retainer assembly for both horizontal and vertical aiming with a pivot retainer and an aiming cap.

SUMMARY
[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to the field of aiming of headlamp assembly in vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a novel approach to control horizontal and vertical aiming of the headlamp assembly in single line and at a single point with the aiming cap and linkage aiming shaft mechanism.
[0013] In an aspect, the proposed mechanism for headlamp aiming in a vehicle includes a module housing including a driving shaft, a driven shaft, a pair of aiming knobs, and an aiming pivot; a headlamp housing with a low-beam module; an elbow mechanism includes a pair of arms hingedly coupled together at one end where the first arm is linked to the driving shaft and the second arm to the driven shaft; and a retainer assembly includes a retainer and an aiming cap such that when a rotation caused by the aiming knob rotates the driving shaft to transmits rotational movement to the driven shaft through the elbow mechanism resulting the aiming pivot to move to have push/pull the low-beam module through the retainer for aiming in vertical direction with respect to horizontal axis, and wherein a movement in the aiming knob is transmitted to the aiming cap of the retainer assembly to moves the low-beam module horizontally with respect to vertical axis.
[0014] In an embodiment, the pair of arms linked to the driving shaft and the driven shaft forming a Hobson’s coupling for transmission of movement from the driving shaft to the driven shaft.
[0015] In an embodiment, the horizontal axis for vertical aiming is positioned at the middle and closer to the centre of gravity of the headlamp housing for better control during aiming and levelling.
[0016] In an embodiment, the aiming pivot is a multi-cross section structure with a guide rib in the middle, and configured with a plurality of threads at one end and a ball structure at the other end forming a push/pull means for low-beam module of the headlamp housing depending upon unscrew/screw action of the guiding rib.
[0017] In an embodiment, the retainer is coupled to the low-beam module on one side and the aiming pivot through the aiming cap facilitating free movement of the retainer in the aiming cap limited to the slot width provided in the aiming cap.
[0018] In an embodiment, the vertical aiming knob and the horizontal aiming knob is inserted into the headlamp housing located in their respective key-way slots and retained by clinch washers.
[0019] In an embodiment, the horizontal aiming knob is coupled to the aiming cap to perform horizontal aiming with the help of the retainer assembly.
[0020] In an embodiment, the lamp module and the housing module when coupled to each other in the external mounting means through a bayonet mounting, an external screw driver is used to rotate the driving shaft.
[0021] Another embodiment of the disclosure is a linkage aiming assembly for headlamp aiming includes a linkage aiming shaft configured with tooth on edges, and a spring loaded element; and a first aiming nut and a second aiming nut include external tooth on their peripheries, and configured at first end and the second end of the linkage aiming shaft, and the spring-loaded element of the linkage aiming shaft meshes with the first aiming nut and the second aiming nut at different aiming conditions such that a rotation in the driving shaft caused by the first aiming nut is transmitted to the driven shaft through the elbow mechanism to move the aiming pivot that further moves the low-beam module in a vertical axis, and a rotation of the second aiming nut is transmitted to the aiming cap of the retainer assembly to moves the low-beam module in a horizontal axis.
[0022] In an embodiment, both vertical aiming and the horizontal aiming of the headlamp is perform through a single line of axis as the linkage aiming shaft used to transmit required rotational force required for aiming.
[0023] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary front view of the low-beam module with attached aiming mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side view taken along the A---A axis of FIG. 1 for the headlamp aiming mechanism, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary side plan view taken along the A---A axis for the headlamp aiming mechanism with single point of axis using linkage aiming shaft assembly , in accordance with a second embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary enlarged view of the linkage aiming shaft assembly where the linkage aiming shaft is configured inside position of FIG. 3A, in accordance with another embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] Embodiments explained herein relate to the field of aiming of headlamp assembly in vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a novel approach to control horizontal and vertical aiming of the headlamp assembly in single line and at a single point with the aiming cap and linkage aiming shaft mechanism.
[0031] In an embodiment, the proposed mechanism for headlamp aiming in a vehicle includes lamp housing, a module housing including shafts, a pair of aiming knobs, an aiming pivot, a retainer assembly, and an elbow mechanism linked to the driving shaft and the driven shaft. And when the vertical aiming knob is rotated, the rotation of the driving shaft is transmitted to the driven shaft through the elbow mechanism results the aiming pivot to move to have push/pull the low-beam module through the retainer for aiming in vertical direction with respect to horizontal axis, and a movement in the horizontal aiming knob is transmitted to the aiming cap of the retainer assembly to moves the low-beam module horizontally with respect to vertical axis.
[0032] In an embodiment, the horizontal aiming knob is coupled to the aiming cap to perform horizontal aiming with the help of the retainer assembly. The retainer is coupled to the low-beam module on one side and the aiming pivot through the aiming cap facilitating free movement of the retainer in the aiming cap.
[0033] In an embodiment, the proposed invention suggests the solution to position vertical and horizontal aiming in single axis line any conventional aiming mechanism which is rotated by means of an aiming knob or external screw to perform horizontal aiming. This single line arrangement includes a linkage aiming shaft assembly between vertical & horizontal aiming knobs. The vertical aiming knob is rotated to perform vertical aiming and horizontal aiming knob to perform horizontal aiming. This helps to enhance precise aiming tolerance & internal packaging.
[0034] Referring now to FIG. 1 where an exemplary front view of the low-beam module 302 with attached aiming mechanism 100 is shown. The aiming mechanism 100 includes a module housing 200, a headlamp housing 300 including low-beam module 302.
[0035] In an embodiment, the module housing 200 can be attached to the headlamp housing 300 by an external mounting type using bayonet mounting mechanism and by an internal mounting type the module housing 200 is attached to the headlamp housing 300 by screw boss and locator.
[0036] In an embodiment, the low-beam module 302 is attached at an anchor point in the module housing 200, where a rotational movement along horizontal axis performing vertical aiming. The arrangement of aiming components and the disclosed retainer assembly is configured in such a way that it helps to control both horizontal and vertical aiming at single line of axis A-----A.
[0037] In an embodiment, a linkage aiming assembly 600 for headlamp aiming is configured between vertical aiming knob and the horizontal aiming knob for controlling both vertical and horizontal aiming at single line of axis where the aiming knobs have been replaced with aiming nuts, respectively with external tooth on periphery. The rotation of two nuts is used to transmit required rotational force for aiming in vertical axis and in horizontal axis in a single line of axis as the linkage aiming shaft used to transmit.
[0038] In an embodiment, a module gasket is used to prevent entry of the dust and water between the module housing 200 and headlamp housing 300 for external mounting type using bayonet mounting mechanism.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side view taken along the A---A axis for the headlamp aiming mechanism 100.
[0040] In an aspect, the conventional concepts adopts the horizontal aiming or the vertical aiming by controlling the aiming knob/screws which is oriented perpendicular at vertical to the force of actuation in which securing the aiming access is limited due to surrounding components. Also, the translation of movement is performed using one or more gear mechanisms.
[0041] In an embodiment, the proposed invention is based on gearless transmission concept using an elbow mechanism and the aiming is performed through the elbow mechanism 400 which transmits rotational movement of the driving shaft 202 to the driven shaft 204 to ultimately move the low-beam module 302 using aiming pivot 208 for vertical aiming.
[0042] In an embodiment, the module housing 200 can includes a driving shaft 202, a driven shaft 204, an aiming pivot 208, and an elbow mechanism 400, forming a sub-assembly, and a vertical aiming knob 206-1, a horizontal aiming knob 206-2, and a retainer assembly 500. The headlamp housing 300 include a low-beam module 302
[0043] In an embodiment, the aiming pivot 208 is a multi-cross section structure 210 with a guide rib 212 in the middle and configured with a plurality of threads 214 at one end and a ball structure 216 at the other end forming a push/pull means for low-beam lamp 302 of the headlamp housing 300 depending upon unscrew/screw action of the guiding rib 212. The screw and unscrew movement of the multi-cross section structure 210 is facilitated by the guiding rib 212 to travel along a slot 218.
[0044] In an embodiment, the vertical aiming knob 206-1 is inserted into the headlamp housing 300 and coupled to the driving shaft 202 by a key-way slot, and the horizontal aiming knob 206-2 is also inserted into the headlamp housing 300 and coupled to the aiming cap 504 by a key-way slot to perform horizontal aiming with the help of the retainer assembly 500. Both knobs 206-1 and 206-2 are retained by clinch washers 222-1 and 222-2 respectively.
[0045] In an embodiment, the elbow mechanism 400 can include one pair of arms 402-1 and 402-2 hingedly coupled together at one end 404 such that the two arms 402 forming an elbow mechanism 400. The first arm 402-1 of the elbow mechanism 400 is linked to the driving shaft 202 and the second arm 402-2 to the driven shaft 204 forming a Hobson’s coupling for transmission of movement from the driving shaft 202 to the driven shaft 204.
[0046] In an embodiment, the elbow mechanism 400 creates a kinematic system that allows for efficient power/motion transmission at any required angles. Also, the power loss is eliminated as there is no gear mechanism is involved. This also provides flexibility to orient the elbow mechanism 400 in any angle between 90° to 180° to enable access for aiming without change in the input force to the output.
[0047] In an embodiment, the retainer assembly 500 can include a pivot retainer 502 and an aiming cap 504. The retainer 502 is coupled to the low-beam module 302 on one side and the aiming pivot 208 through the aiming cap 504 facilitating free movement of the pivot retainer 502 in the aiming cap 504 which can rotate limited to the slot 506 width provided in the aiming cap 504.
[0048] In an embodiment, the horizontal axis A----A is positioned at the middle of the headlamp housing 300 and closer to the centre of gravity which results better control during aiming and levelling. It also enhances cut-off line stability due to less excitement in vehicle vibration.
[0049] In an embodiment, the vertical aiming is achieved with the transverse movement of the aiming pivot 208, and to achieve this, the vertical aiming knob 206-1is rotated to rotate the driving shaft 202. The rotation of the driving shaft 202 is transmitted to the driven shaft 204 through the elbow mechanism 400 to move the aiming pivot 206. When the aiming pivot 208 is moved, it push/pull the low-beam module 302 via the coupling of the aiming pivot 208 with the pivot retainer 502 of the retainer assembly 500. The push/pull depends upon the unscrew/screw action of the guiding rib 212 through the slot 218, and based on the direction of rotation of the vertical aiming knob 206-1.
[0050] In an embodiment, as the low-beam module 302 is coupled to an anchor point in the module housing 200, it provides a rotational movement along horizontal axis performing vertical aiming. During the rotation of the low-beam module 302 the retainer 502 also rotates enabling free movement to the low-beam module 300. While rotations of the low-beam module 302, the aiming cap 504 does not rotate but follow the transverse movement created by the aiming pivot 208.
[0051] In an embodiment, the horizontal aiming is achieved by rotation of the horizontal aiming knob 206-2. The horizontal aiming knob is coupled to the aiming cap 504 of the retainer assembly 500. When the horizontal aiming knob 206-2 is rotated, a corresponding movement of the aiming cap takes place within the slot 506 to the low-beam module 302 for horizontal aiming.
[0052] In an embodiment, the aiming components along with the retainer assembly 500 are arranged within the module housing 300 in such a way that it helps to control both horizontal and the vertical aiming at single line of axis. This increases the internal space & also creates freedom of internal packaging compared to existing arts. The guiding rib 212 is also configured to control rotation of the aiming pivot 208 during vertical aiming within the slot 218. As the aiming knobs 206-1 and 206-2 are integrated to the module housing 200, hence no external tool is required to perform headlamp aiming.
[0053] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary side plan view taken along the A---A axis for the headlamp aiming mechanism 100 with single point of axis using linkage aiming shaft assembly 600.
[0054] In an embodiment, to achieve simplified vertical and horizontal aiming in the headlamp aiming and to have better control for aiming operation, a single line of axis with linkage aiming shaft assembly 600 is done. To achieve this, is the vertical aiming knob 206-1 and the horizontal aiming knob 206-2 are replaced with aiming nuts 606 and 608 at respective places. Both nuts 606 and 608 are configured with external tooth on periphery. The two aiming nuts 606 and 608 are coupled to each other by a linkage aiming shaft 602. The linkage aiming shaft 602 is a spring 604 loaded rod which makes a constant mesh with the aiming nuts 606 and 608 at different aiming condition.
[0055] In an embodiment, the first aiming nut 606 used for vertical aiming, includes a cap integrated with the aiming nut 606 and is opened to access and rotate the driving shaft 202 for vertical aiming. In this case, the rotation is performed with a screw driver. The rotation of the driving shaft 202 is transmitted to the driven shaft 204 through the elbow mechanism 400 to move the aiming pivot 206. When the aiming pivot 208 is moved, it push/pull the low-beam module 302 via the coupling of the aiming pivot 208 with the pivot retainer 502 of the retainer assembly 500. The push/pull depends upon the unscrew/screw action of the guiding rib 212 through the slot 218, and based on the direction of rotation of the vertical aiming knob 206-1.
[0056] In an embodiment, for horizontal aiming the linkage aiming shaft 602 itself will be rotated which in-turns rotates the second aiming nut 608 through force transmission by the linkage aiming shaft 602. The rotation of the second aiming nut 608 which is coupled to the aiming cap 504 of the retainer assembly 500, a proportional movement of the aiming cap 504 takes place within the slot 506 to the low-beam module 302 for horizontal aiming.
[0057] In an embodiment, the proposed aiming concept has both horizontal and vertical aiming points located in same plane, the tolerance in aiming can be minimized & the precision of aiming is more accurate compared to conventional concept.
[0058] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary enlarged view of the linkage aiming shaft assembly 600 where the linkage aiming shaft 602 is configured inside position. The linkage aiming shaft assembly 600 is configured between the vertical aiming knob 206-1 and the horizontal aiming knob 206-2 and replacing the two knobs 206-1 and 206-2 with first aiming nut 606 and the second aiming nut 608.
[0059] In an embodiment, the linkage aiming shaft assembly 600 includes a linkage aiming shaft 602 configured with tooth on edges. The linkage aiming shaft 602 is a spring 604 loaded element which makes a constant mesh with the first aiming nut 606 and the second aiming nut 608 at different aiming condition.
[0060] Thus, the proposed disclosure provides the solution to position vertical and horizontal aiming in single line which helps to enhance precise aiming tolerance and internal packaging. Further, using elbow mechanism 400 that avoid use of one or more types of gear assembly and absence of high cost driven components, the proposed invention proved to be cost-effective.
[0061] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0062] The present disclosure provides a single line and at a single point with the aiming cap and linkage aiming shaft mechanism.
[0063] The present disclosure provides a simple, easy, and cost-effective solution with fewer components that can provide aiming in horizontal and vertical aiming axis of the headlamp.
[0064] The present disclosure provides a mechanism for both Horizontal & vertical Aiming points located in same plane to minimise tolerance in aiming & the precision of aiming is more accurate compared to conventional concept.
[0065] The present disclosure provides use of an elbow mechanism with Hobson’s coupling for transmission of movement instead of gear mechanism.
[0066] The present disclosure provides use of a retainer assembly for both horizontal and vertical aiming with a pivot retainer and an aiming cap.
, Claims:1. A headlamp aiming mechanism (100) for in a vehicle, the mechanism (100) comprising:
a module housing (200) comprising a driving shaft (202), a driven shaft (204), a pair of aiming knobs (206), and an aiming pivot (208);
a headlamp housing (300) comprising a low-beam module (302);
an elbow mechanism (400) comprising a pair of arms (402) hingedly coupled together at one end (404) , wherein the first arm (402-1) is linked to the driving shaft (202) and the second arm (402-2) to the driven shaft (204); and
a retainer assembly (500) comprising a retainer (502) and an aiming cap (504): wherein a rotation caused by the aiming knob (206-1) rotates the driving shaft (202) to transmits rotational movement to the driven shaft (204) through the elbow mechanism (400) resulting the aiming pivot (208) to move to have push/pull the low-beam module (302) through the retainer (502) for aiming in vertical direction with respect to horizontal axis, and wherein a movement in the aiming knob (206-2) is transmitted to the aiming cap (504) of the retainer assembly (500) to moves the low-beam module (302) horizontally with respect to vertical axis.
2. The aiming mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of arms (402) linked to the driving shaft (202) and the driven shaft (204) forming a Hobson’s coupling for transmission of movement from the driving shaft (202) to the driven shaft (204).
3. The aiming mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal axis for vertical aiming is positioned at the middle and closer to the centre of gravity of the headlamp housing (300) for better control during aiming and levelling.
4. The aiming mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aiming pivot (208) is a multi-cross section structure (210) with a guide rib (212) in the middle, and configured with a plurality of threads (214) at one end and a ball structure (216) at the other end forming a push/pull means for low-beam module (302) of the headlamp housing (300) depending upon unscrew/screw action of the guiding rib (212).
5. The aiming mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retainer (502) is coupled to the low-beam module (302) on one side and the aiming pivot (208) through the aiming cap (504) facilitating free movement of the retainer (502) in the aiming cap (504) limited to the slot (506) width provided in the aiming cap (504).
6. The aiming mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vertical aiming knob (206-1) and the horizontal aiming knob (206-2) is inserted into the headlamp housing (300) located in their respective key-way slots and retained by clinch washers (222).
7. The aiming mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the horizontal aiming knob (206-2) is coupled to the aiming cap (504) to perform horizontal aiming with the help of the retainer assembly (500).
8. The aiming mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lamp module (300) and the housing module (200) when coupled to each other in the external mounting means through a bayonet mounting, an external screw driver is used to rotate the driving shaft (202).
9. A linkage aiming assembly (600) for headlamp aiming comprising:
a linkage aiming shaft (602) configured with tooth on edges, and a spring loaded element (604); and
a first aiming nut (606) and a second aiming nut (608) comprising external tooth on their peripheries, and configured at first end and the second end of the linkage aiming shaft (602), wherein the spring-loaded element (604) of the linkage aiming shaft (602) meshes with the first aiming nut (606) and the second aiming nut (608) at different aiming conditions:
wherein a rotation in the driving shaft (202) caused by the first aiming nut (606) is transmitted to the driven shaft (204) through the elbow mechanism (400) to move the aiming pivot (208) that further moves the low-beam module (302) in a vertical axis, and wherein a rotation of the second aiming nut (608) is transmitted to the aiming cap (504) of the retainer assembly (500) to moves the low-beam module (302) in a horizontal axis.
10. The linkage aiming assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein both vertical aiming and the horizontal aiming of the headlamp is perform through a single line of axis as the linkage aiming shaft (602) used to transmit required rotational force required for aiming.