Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a strategy for mounting a lighting assembly for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame, a rear panel, and a tail lamp adapted to provide illumination. The existing tail lamp is mounted on to the rear panel to form a sub-assembly. Further, the existing tail lamp is mounted on a rear portion of the frame to attach the sub-assembly with the rear portion of the frame.
[0003] Currently, gaps are generated between the existing tail lamp and the frame of the vehicle, due to manufacturing defects. The existing tail lamps do not have any provision to adjust or mitigate such gaps generated between the existing tail lamp and the frame. The gaps affect the aesthetics of the vehicle which further compromises a user’s experience. Further, the presence of such gaps reduces structural integrity of the vehicle which may lead to a failure of a connection between the tail lamp and the frame of the vehicle. Moreover, due to the gaps between the tail lamp and the frame, high vibrations are transferred from the frame to the tail lamp during the operation of the vehicle. This affects the functionality and life of the tail lamp.
[0004] Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide a lamp assembly that eliminates one or more of the above-mentioned problems associated with the existing art.
SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
[0006] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a lighting assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The lighting assembly may include a housing adapted to be coupled with a surface panel and a frame of the vehicle. The housing may include at least a pair of engaging portions extending from opposite ends of the housing. The at least a pair of engaging portions may be adapted to be fixed to the frame. Each engaging portion may include an opening adapted to attach the housing with the frame, such that the lighting assembly may be movable in a predefined linear direction with respect to the frame.
[0007] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a side schematic view of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] Figure 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of the vehicle depicting a frame, a surface panel, and a lighting assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0011] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the surface panel and the lighting assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the lighting assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the mounting strategy for mounting a lighting assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0014] Figure 6 illustrates a partially assembled view of the lighting assembly and the frame, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0016] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.
[0017] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.
[0018] Whether or not a certain feature or element was limited to being used only once, it may still be referred to as “one or more features” or “one or more elements” or “at least one feature” or “at least one element.” Furthermore, the use of the terms “one or more” or “at least one” feature or element do not preclude there being none of that feature or element, unless otherwise specified by limiting language including, but not limited to, “there needs to be one or more…” or “one or more elements is required.”
[0019] Reference is made herein to some “embodiments.” It should be understood that an embodiment is an example of a possible implementation of any features and/or elements of the present disclosure. Some embodiments have been described for the purpose of explaining one or more of the potential ways in which the specific features and/or elements of the proposed disclosure fulfil the requirements of uniqueness, utility, and non-obviousness.
[0020] Use of the phrases and/or terms including, but not limited to, “a first embodiment,” “a further embodiment,” “an alternate embodiment,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “multiple embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” “further embodiment”, “furthermore embodiment”, “additional embodiment” or other variants thereof do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Unless otherwise specified, one or more particular features and/or elements described in connection with one or more embodiments may be found in one embodiment, or may be found in more than one embodiment, or may be found in all embodiments, or may be found in no embodiments. Although one or more features and/or elements may be described herein in the context of only a single embodiment, or in the context of more than one embodiment, or in the context of all embodiments, the features and/or elements may instead be provided separately or in any appropriate combination or not at all. Conversely, any features and/or elements described in the context of separate embodiments may alternatively be realized as existing together in the context of a single embodiment.
[0021] Any particular and all details set forth herein are used in the context of some embodiments and therefore should not necessarily be taken as limiting factors to the proposed disclosure.
[0022] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.
[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a side schematic view of a vehicle 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of the vehicle 100 depicting a frame 105, a surface panel 103, and a lighting assembly 101, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the surface panel 103 and the lighting assembly 101, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the vehicle 100 may include, but is not limited to, the lighting assembly 101, the surface panel 103, and the frame 105. The vehicle 100 may include a front end 100-1 and a rear end 100-2 opposite to the front end 100-1, along an X-direction. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be embodied as a saddle-type vehicle 100, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be a two-wheeler such as a scooter, moped, motorbike/motorcycle.
[0026] The frame 105 may include a front end and a rear end opposite to the front end. In an embodiment, the frame 105 may be a tubular structure formed of a metallic material. The rear end of the frame 105 may be adapted to support the lighting assembly 101. The frame 105 may include at least a pair of holes 107 formed on the rear end of the frame 105 to facilitate the attachment of the lighting assembly 101 with the frame 105.
[0027] The lighting assembly 101 may be adapted to be coupled with the surface panel 103 and the rear end of the frame 105. Herein, the surface panel 103 may include a slot (not shown) adapted to receive a diffuser of the lighting assembly 101. In an embodiment, the surface panel 103 may be embodied as a rear body panel of the vehicle, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Herein, the surface panel 103 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0028] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the lighting assembly 101 may be coupled with the surface panel 103 by a plurality of locators 120 and a plurality of bolts 109. In an embodiment, the plurality of locators 120 may be embodied as a plurality of brackets 120 formed on a periphery of the lighting assembly 101. The plurality of brackets 120 defines a plurality of holes 101-4. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of locators 120 may include three locators 120. Herein, two locators 120 may be formed at a bottom portion of the periphery of the lighting assembly 101, and one locator 120 may be formed at a top portion of the periphery of the lighting assembly 101. Three brackets 120 formed on the top portion of the periphery may be collectively referred to as the single locator 120.
[0029] Firstly, the plurality of holes 101-4 of the lighting assembly 101 may be aligned with a plurality of connecting points 103-1 of the surface panel 103 by the three locators 120. The lighting assembly 101 may be located with respect to the surface panel 103 based on the alignment. Herein, the number of the connecting points 103-1 may be equal to the plurality of holes 101-4 of the lighting assembly 101. Further, the plurality of bolts 109 may be inserted through the plurality of holes 101-4 of the lighting assembly 101 and tightened in the respective connecting points 103-1 to couple the lighting assembly 101 with the surface panel 103. In an embodiment, each bolt 109 may be embodied as an M6 bolt, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.
[0030] Herein, the lighting assembly 101 may be coupled with the surface panel 103 to form a sub-assembly. Further, the lighting assembly 101 may be attached to the rear end of the frame 105 to fix the sub-assembly with the frame 105. Constructional and operational details of the lighting assembly 101 are explained in the subsequent paragraphs with reference to Figures 4 to 6.
[0031] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the lighting assembly 101, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the lighting assembly 101, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 illustrates a partially assembled view of the lighting assembly 101 and the frame 105, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] Referring to Figures 2, 4, 5, and 6, the lighting assembly 101 may include but is not limited to, a housing 106, at least one grommet 112, at least one sleeve 114, at least one fastener 116, at least one light source, a drive, and the diffuser coupled to the housing 106. In an embodiment, the lighting assembly 101 may have an integrated profile. Herein, the diffuser and the housing 106 may be formed as an integral structure. The implementation of such integrated profile of the lighting assembly 101 improves the aesthetics of the vehicle 100. The lighting assembly 101 may be embodied as a rear combination lamp 100.
[0033] The housing 106 may be adapted to be coupled with the surface panel 103 and the frame 105 of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the housing 106 may be adapted to be coupled with the surface panel 103 and the frame 105 via three locators 120 and the plurality of bolts 109. In an embodiment, the housing 106 may be formed of a polymeric material, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0034] The housing 106 may include, but is not limited to, at least a pair of engaging portions 108 extending from opposite ends 106-1, 106-2 of the housing 106. The at least a pair of engaging portions 108 may be adapted to be fixed to the frame 105. Herein, each engaging portion 108 may include an opening 110 adapted to attach the housing 106 with the frame 105, such that the lighting assembly 101 may be movable in a predefined linear direction with respect to the frame 105. In an embodiment, the opening 110 may be embodied as an oblong opening 110. In the subsequent paragraphs, the opening 110 may be interchangeably referred to as the oblong opening 110, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0035] The implementation of the oblong opening 110 allows the movement of the lighting assembly 101 in the predefined linear direction with respect to the frame 105. Herein, the predefined linear direction may be defined as a direction along the riding direction of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the predefined linear direction may be the X-direction. The lighting assembly 101 may be movable, towards the front end 100-1 of the vehicle 100, in an X-direction with respect to the frame 105. Herein, the X-direction towards the front end 100-1 of the vehicle 100, may be referred to as a positive X-direction. Alternatively, the lighting assembly 101 may be movable, away from the front end 100-1 of the vehicle 100, in an X-direction with respect to the frame 105. Herein, the X-direction away from the front end 100-1 of the vehicle 100 may be referred to as a negative X-direction.
[0036] The lighting assembly 101 may be moved by a predefined distance towards or away from the front end 100-1 of the vehicle 100 in the X-direction with respect to the frame 105. The predefined distance may be defined based on geometrical characteristics of the lighting assembly 101. Further, the lighting assembly 101 may be moveable in the negative X-direction or the positive X-direction based on the geometrical characteristics of the lighting assembly 101. In an embodiment, the geometrical characteristics may include, but are not limited to, a shape and a size of the lighting assembly 101.
[0037] The maximum predefined distance may be varied based on dimensional characteristics of the oblong opening 110 and the at least one fastener 116. In an example, the oblong opening 110 has a horizontal diameter of 12 millimeters (mm) and the at least one fastener 116 has a diameter of 6mm. Herein, the maximum predefined distance may be 3mm in the positive X-direction and 3mm in the negative X-direction.
[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the lighting assembly 101 may include a base 101-1, a first extending member 101-2, and a second extending member 101-3 parallel to the first extending member 101-2. Each of the first and the second extending members 101-2, 101-3 define the engaging portions 108 at the respective end, such that the engaging portions 108 may be positioned along a Y-direction with respect to the pair of holes 107 of the frame 105 to fix the lighting assembly 101 with the frame 105. This enables a Y-mounting of the lighting assembly 101.
[0039] Each engaging portion 108 may be fastened with the frame 105 in a lateral direction, along the Y-direction, via the at least one fastener 116. The at least one fastener 116 may be tightened in at least the pair of holes 107 of the frame 105 through the oblong opening 110. Herein, the Y-direction may be orthogonal to the X-direction. The at least one grommet 112 may be adapted to be inserted within the oblong opening 110 of each engaging portion 108, along the Y-direction. The at least one grommet 112 may be adapted to dampen the vibrations received from the frame 105 during the operation of the vehicle 100. Thus, the vibrations from the frame 105 to the lighting assembly 101 may be damped.
[0040] The at least one grommet 112 may include a first peripheral wall 112-1, a second peripheral wall 112-2, and an intermediate member 112-3. The first peripheral wall 112-1 may be adapted to abut a first face 108-1 of each engaging portion 108 to surround the oblong opening 110. The second peripheral wall 112-2 may be opposite to the first peripheral wall 112-1. The second peripheral wall 112-2 may be adapted to abut a second face 108-2 of each engaging portion 108 to surround the oblong opening 110.
[0041] The intermediate member 112-3 extends between the first peripheral wall 112-1 and the second peripheral wall 112-2. The intermediate member 112-3 may be adapted to abut an inner periphery surface 110-1 of the oblong opening 110. In an embodiment, the at least one grommet 112 may be formed of a polymeric material. In another embodiment, the at least one grommet 112 may be formed of a rubber material.
[0042] The at least one sleeve 114 may be adapted to be concentrically inserted in the at least one grommet 112, along the Y-direction. Herein, an outer surface of the at least one sleeve 114 abuts an inner peripheral surface 112-4 of the at least one grommet 112. In an embodiment, the at least one sleeve 114 may include a head 114-1 and a cylindrical body 114-2. The head 114-1 may be adapted to abut the first peripheral wall 112-1 of the at least one grommet 112.
[0043] The head 114-1 defines a hole 114-3 and, the cylindrical body 114-2 extends from the head 114-1 along the hole 114-3. The cylindrical body 114-2 may be adapted to accommodate the at least one fastener 116. An outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 114-2 abuts the inner peripheral surface 112-4 of the at least one grommet 112 to protect the at least one grommet 112, from damage due to stress generated during the operation of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the at least one sleeve 114 may be formed of a metallic material.
[0044] The at least one fastener 116 may be adapted to be tightened in each hole 107, through the at least one sleeve 114 and the oblong opening 110, to fix each the engaging portion 108 of the lighting assembly 101 with the frame 105. In an embodiment, the at least one fastener 116 may be embodied as a bolt 116, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0045] The insertion of the at least one grommet 112, the at least one sleeve 114, and the at least one fastener 116 in the oblong opening 110, along the Y-direction, may be collectively referred as to the Y-mounting. Along with the Y-mounting, an M6 stud 118 may be adapted to fix the lighting assembly 101 with the frame 105. In an embodiment, the M6 stud 118 may be positioned in a center of the housing 106 and adapted to be tightened in a slot formed on the frame 105 to fix the lighting assembly 101 with the frame 105.
[0046] Initially, the lighting assembly 101 may be located on the surface panel 103 of the vehicle 100 by three locators 120. Further, the housing 106 of the lighting assembly 101 may be coupled with the surface panel 103 via the plurality of bolts 109. Furthermore, the engaging portions 108 of the housing 106 may be positioned in the Y-direction with respect to the pair of holes 107 of the frame 105. Furthermore, the lighting assembly 101 may be adjusted along the predefined linear direction with respect to the frame 105, based on the geometrical characteristics of the lighting assembly 101. Moreover, the pair of engaging portions 108 of the housing 106 may be fixed to the frame 105 of the vehicle 100. Herein, the at least one fastener 116 may be tightened in each hole 107, through the at least one sleeve 114 and the oblong opening 110, to fix each engaging portion 108 of the lighting assembly 101 with the frame 105.
[0047] The oblong opening 110 of the present disclosure, allows the movement of the lighting assembly 101 in the predefined linear direction with respect to the frame 105. Thus, the lighting assembly 101 may be adjusted by the predefined distance in the predefined linear direction during the fixing of the lighting assembly 101 with the frame 105. During fixing, the lighting assembly 101 may be adjusted in the predefined linear direction, such that the required gap and fitment between the lighting assembly 101 and the frame 105 may be achieved. This improves the aesthetics of the vehicle 100. Further, the lighting assembly 101 may a unitary structure having a smaller number of components. Thus, the lighting assembly 101 may be serviced, assembled, and mounted, easily.
[0048] Furthermore, the implementation of the at least one grommet 112 dampens the vibrations from the frame 105 to the lighting assembly 101. Such damping of the vibrations improves the overall operational life of the lighting assembly 101. Moreover, the at least one sleeve 114 protects the at least one grommet 112 from the damage during the operation of the vehicle 100, which further improves the life of the lighting assembly 101.
[0049] Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosed devices and systems may be readily implemented. In this application, unless specifically stated otherwise, the use of the singular includes the plural and the use of “or” means “and/or.” Furthermore, use of the terms “including” or “having” is not limiting. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. Features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, rearranged, omitted, etc., within the scope of the invention to produce additional embodiments. Furthermore, certain features may sometimes be used to advantage without a corresponding use of other features.
[0050] List of reference numerals:
Components Reference numerals
Vehicle 100
Front end 100-1
Rear end 100-2
Lighting assembly 101
Base 101-1
First extending member 101-2
Second extending member 101-3
Plurality of holes 101-4
Surface panel 103
Plurality of connecting points 103-1
Frame 105
Housing 106
Ends of housing 106-1, 106-2
Pair of holes 107
Engaging portions 108
First face 108-1
Second face 108-2
Plurality of bolts 109
Oblong opening 110
Inner periphery surface 110-1
Battery 111
At least one grommet 112
First peripheral wall 112-1
Second peripheral wall 112-2
Intermediate member 112-3
Inner peripheral surface 112-4
On-board charger 113
At least one sleeve 114
Head 114-1
Cylindrical body 114-2
Hole 114-3
Electric motor 115
At least one fastener 116
Transmission system 117
M6 Stud 118
Plurality of locators 120 , Claims:1. A lighting assembly (101) for a vehicle (100), comprising:
a housing (106) adapted to be coupled with a surface panel (103) and a frame (105) of the vehicle (100), the housing (106) comprising:
at least a pair of engaging portions (108) extending from opposite ends of the housing (106) and adapted to be fixed to the frame (105), each engaging portion (108) comprising:
an opening (110) adapted to attach the housing (106) with the frame (105), such that the lighting assembly (101) is movable in a predefined linear direction with respect to the frame (105).

2. The lighting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening (110) is embodied as an oblong opening (110).

3. The lighting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly (101) is movable, towards a front end (100-1) of the vehicle (100), in an X-direction with respect to the frame (105).

4. The lighting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly (101) is movable, away from a front end (100-1) of the vehicle (100), in an X-direction with respect to the frame (105).

5. The lighting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the lighting assembly (101) is moved by a predefined distance towards or away from a front end (100-1) of the vehicle (100) in an X-direction with respect to the frame (105); and
the predefined distance is defined based on geometrical characteristics of the lighting assembly (101).

6. The lighting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
each engaging portion (108) is fastened with the frame (105) in a lateral direction, along a Y-direction, via at least one fastener (116); and
the at least one fastener (116) is tightened in at least a pair of holes (107) formed on the frame (105) through the opening (110).

7. The lighting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 6, comprising:
at least one grommet (112) adapted to be inserted within the opening (110) of each engaging portion (108);
at least one sleeve (114) adapted to be concentrically inserted in the at least one grommet (112), such that an outer surface of the at least one sleeve (114) abuts an inner peripheral surface (112-4) of the at least one grommet (112); and
the at least one fastener (116) adapted to be tightened in each hole (107), through the at least one sleeve (114) and the opening (110), to secure each engaging portion (108) of the lighting assembly (101) with the frame (105).

8. The lighting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 7 wherein the at least one grommet (112) comprises:
a first peripheral wall (112-1) adapted to abut a first face (108-1) of each engaging portion (108) to surround the opening (110);
a second peripheral wall (112-2) opposite to the first peripheral wall (112-1) and adapted to abut a second face (108-2) of each engaging portion (108) to surround the opening (110); and
an intermediate member (112-3) extending between the first peripheral wall (112-1) and the second peripheral wall (112-2) and adapted to abut an inner periphery surface (110-1) of the opening (110).

9. The lighting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one sleeve (114) comprises:
a head (114-1) adapted to abut the first peripheral wall (112-1) of the at least one grommet (112) and defining a hole (114-3); and
a cylindrical body (114-2) extending from the head (114-1) along the hole (114-3) and adapted to accommodate the at least one fastener (116).

10. The lighting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly (101) is coupled with the surface panel (103) by a plurality of locators (120) and a plurality of bolts (109).

11. The lighting assembly (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lighting assembly (101) is embodied as a rear combination lamp (100).