DESC:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
“A LAMP OF A VEHICLE AND A METHOD OF ASSEMBLING THE LAMP”
Name and Address of the Applicant: Uno Minda Limited, an Indian company of Village Nawada Fatehpur, P.O. Sikandarpur Badda, Distt. Gurgaon, Haryana – 122004, India
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
2
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001]
Present disclosure relates to lighting systems. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a lamp of a vehicle that is easy to assemble. Further, the present disclosure relates to a method of assembling the lamp. 5
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002]
The information in this section merely provides background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art(s) for the present 10 disclosure.
[001]
Lamps are well known in the art. The lamps are configured to provide illumination for different purposes, and in particular the lamps are widely utilized in automobiles. In automobiles, the lamps may be categorized into various types such as 15 a head lamp, a tail lamp, a daytime running lamp, a turning indication lamp, a fog lamp, etc. Each lamp is designed to perform a proper function as well as to provide an attractive look to the vehicle. Generally, the tail lamp is divided into three lamp units which are mounted at a rear portion of the vehicle to enhance the attractiveness of the vehicle. Out of these three lamp units, a first lamp unit is positioned at a left side of 20 the vehicle, a second lamp unit is positioned at a right side of the vehicle, and a third lamp unit is positioned at the center of the vehicle and aligned to the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit.
[002]
The third lamp unit is a long or continuous lamp, therefore their components 25 such as an outer lens, and an inner lens have large lengths. The third lamp unit has one end located proximal to the first lamp unit and the other end located proximal to the second lamp unit. Due to the proximal locations of the lamp units, the outer lens of the third lamp unit often collides with the first and second lamp units while assembling these lamp units on the vehicle. To overcome this problem, the outer lens 30 of the third lamp unit is modified such that the periphery of the outer lens extends inwardly towards centre of the third lamp unit to an extent, thereby a substantial gap is formed between the outer periphery of the outer lens and the first and second lamp units. However, with such modifications in the outer lens of the third lamp unit,
3
accommodat
ing the inner lens within the outer lens during the assembly of components of the third lamp unit is a complex and cumbersome task, as length of the inner lens is more than the length of the outer lens, due to inward extension at the ends.
5
[003]
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.
[004]
The drawbacks/difficulties/disadvantages/limitations of the conventional techniques explained in the background section are just for exemplary purposes and 10 the disclosure would never limit its scope only such limitations. A person skilled in the art would understand that this disclosure and below mentioned description may also solve other problems or overcome the other drawbacks/disadvantages of the conventional arts which are not explicitly captured above.
15
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[005]
The one or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by configuration of a lamp as claimed, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of the lamp of the vehicle as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and 20 advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[006]
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a lamp may be 25 disclosed. The lamp includes a first lens, a second lens, and a support bracket. The first lens may be defined with a first region and a second region. The second lens may be supported within the first lens. The second lens may be defined with a first member and a second member. The first member may be positioned within the first region. The second member may be positioned within the second region. The first member 30 may be aligned and coupled to the second member. The support bracket may be configured to be coupled with the first lens at one end of the support bracket and a body of the vehicle at the other end of the support bracket. The second lens has large length, thus the splitting of the second lens into two small parts [the first member and
4
the second member] makes
operations related to the assembly of components of the lamp, simple and easy.
[007]
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first member may be defined with a first provision and the second member may be defined with a second provision. 5 The first provision and the second provision may be configured to be engaged with one another for coupling the first member and the second member. The engagement of the first provision with the second provision prevents the dislocation of the first member and the second member from their position.
10
[008]
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, ends of the first member and the second member may be oriented to form a gap between aligned ends of the first member and the second member. The provision of the gap prevents collision of the first member and the second member.
15
[009]
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gap formed between the aligned ends of the first member and the second member may be in a range from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.
[0010]
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first lens may be defined with 20 an illuminating portion and a support portion, wherein the support portion extends inwardly from a periphery of the illumination portion. The provision of the gap prevents collision of the lamp positioned at centre of the vehicle and lamps positioned at left or right side portions of the vehicle.
25
[0011]
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of light sources may be coupled to a plurality of printed circuit boards, wherein the plurality of light sources coupled to the plurality of printed circuit boards may be configured to be coupled to the second lens.
30
[0012]
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one printed circuit board of the plurality of printed circuit boards may be positioned on each of the first member and the second member of the second lens.
5
[0013]
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second lens may have size between ranging 1000mm and 1200mm, wherein the ratio of sizes of the first member and the second member may be 1:1.
[0014]
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of 5 assembling a lamp of a vehicle may be disclosed. The method includes positioning a first member of a second lens within a first region of a first lens, positioning a second member of the second lens within a second region of the first lens, aligning and coupling the first member with the second member, and coupling a support bracket with the first lens. The second lens has large length, thus the splitting of the second 10 lens into two small parts [the first member and the second member] makes operations related to the assembly of components of the lamp, simple and easy.
[0015]
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, coupling of a plurality of printed circuit boards including a plurality of light sources on the first member and the second 15 member before positioning the first member and the second member within the first region and the second region of the first lens.
[0016]
It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the 20 aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0017]
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features 25 described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
30
[0018]
The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of 35
6
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference
numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0019]
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a taillamp of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 5
[0020]
Figure 2 illustrates a magnified cut-sectional view of Figure 1 about X-X.
[0021]
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a lamp of the taillamp, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 10
[0022]
Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the lamp of the taillamp, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0023]
Figure 5 illustrates a bottom view of the lamp of the taillamp, according to an 15 embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0024]
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a second lens of the lamp, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
20
[0025]
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a coupling mechanism to couple a first member with a second member of the second lens, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026]
Figure 8 is a flowchart showcasing a method of assembling the lamp, 25 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027]
Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements 30 to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
7
[0028]
While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 8 and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives 5 falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0029]
Before describing detailed embodiments, the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present disclosure reside in a lamp of a vehicle and a method of assembling the lamp. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be 10 motivated by the present disclosure and modification of the lamp. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art 15 having the benefit of the description herein.
[0030]
In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be 20 construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0031]
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other 25 components not expressly listed or inherent to such device. In other words, one or more elements in a device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the device.
30
[0032]
The terms like “at least one” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably or in combination throughout the description.
[0033]
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a lamp of a vehicle that is easy to assemble. Generally, the taillamps are provided with three lamp units, wherein first 35
8
and second lamp units are positioned at left and right side portions of the vehicle and
third lamp unit is positioned between the first lamp unit and the second lamp unit. The third lamp unit is a long lamp, therefore their components such as an outer lens, and an inner lens have large lengths. The third lamp unit has one end located proximal to the first lamp unit and the other end located proximal to the second lamp unit. Due to 5 the proximal locations of the lamp units, the outer lens of the third lamp unit often collides with the first and second lamp units while assembling these lamp units on the vehicle. To overcome this problem, the outer lens of the third lamp unit is modified such that the periphery of the outer lens extends inwardly towards centre of the third lamp unit to an extent, However, accommodating the inner lens within the outer lens 10 during the assembly of components of the third lamp unit is a complex and cumbersome task as length of the inner lens is more than the length of the outer lens, due to inward extension at the ends.
[0034]
Accordingly, a lamp of the present disclosure may be adapted to make the 15 process of assembling the lamp, easy and prevent chances of misalignment of components within the lamp. The lamp includes a first lens, a second lens, and a support bracket. The first lens may be defined with a first region and a second region. The second lens may be supported by the first lens. The second lens may be defined with a first member and a second member. The first member may be positioned within 20 the first region. The second member may be positioned within the second region. The first member may be aligned and coupled to the second member. The support bracket may be coupled to the first lens. The support bracket may be configured to be coupled to a body of the vehicle. The second lens has large length, thus the split of the second lens into two small parts [the first member and the second member] makes the 25 operation of assembly of components of the lamp, simple and easy. Further, this configuration of the lamp prevents chances of misalignment among components of the lamp, while assembling.
[0035]
Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, 30 as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 8. In Figures 1 to 8, the
9
same element or elements
that have the same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
[0036]
Referring to Figure 1, which illustrates a perspective view of a lamp of a vehicle. In an embodiment, the lamp may be a tail lamp of the vehicle. The taillamp 5 (TL) may be located at a rear portion of the vehicle and configured to perform a stop function. The stop function may play an essential role in road safety. For example, when a driver of the vehicle applies brakes, the taillamp (TL) illuminates with high intensity to notify the other vehicles about the braking action. Accordingly, the drivers of the other vehicle may alert and take necessary steps in terms of driving if required. 10 The taillamp (TL) may also be designed with different shapes and sizes to provide an attractive look to the vehicle. The taillamp (TL) may be defined with three lamp units, which are, a first lamp (F), a second lamp (S), and a lamp (100). The first lamp (F) may be positioned at a left side portion of the vehicle, the second lamp (S) may be positioned at a right side of the vehicle and the lamp (100) may be positioned between 15 the first lamp (F) and the second lamp (S). The lamp (100) may be defined with ends that are configured to be aligned with the first lamp (F) and the second lamp (S). Further, a gap (G1) may be maintained between the ends of the lamp (100), and the first and second lamps (F, S), as shown in Figure 2. The gap (G1) prevents collision of the lamp (100) to the first and second lamps (F, S) while assembling. The lamp 20 (100) may be called as a third lamp (100).
[0037]
Referring to Figure 3, the lamp (100) may include a first lens (10). The first lens (10) may be defined with a first region (10a) and a second region (10b). The first region (10a) and the second region (10b) may be configured to accommodate other 25 components of the lamp (100). The first lens (10) may include an illustrating portion (IP) and a support portion (SP) [as seen in Figure 2]. The illustrating portion (IP) may be transparent and configured to be illuminated upon receiving illumination. The support portion (SP) extends inwardly from periphery of the illuminating portion (IP) and defines a provision (P). The provision (P) is configured to couple the first lens 30 (10) with the other components of the lamp (100).
[0038]
Referring further to Figure 3, the lamp (100) may include a support bracket (30). The support bracket (30) may be configured couple the lamp (100) with a body
10
of the vehicle. For example, the support bracket (30) may be coupled to the provision
(P) defined on the support portion (SP) of the first lens (10) at one end and may be coupled to the body of the vehicle at the other end.
[0039]
Referring to Figures 3 and 5, the lamp (100) includes a second lens (20). The second lens (20) may be supported by the first lens (10). The second lens (20) may be 5 defined with a first member (20a) and a second member (20b). In other words, the second lens (20) may be divided into two portions. The first member (20a) may be configured to be positioned within the first region (10a) of the first lens (10), and the second member (20b) may be positioned within the second region (10b) of the first lens (10). In an exemplary embodiment, the second lens (20) has size between ranging 10 1000 mm and 1200 mm. The ratio of sizes of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) is 1:1. The accommodation of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) within the first and second regions (10a, 10b) of the first lens (10) is easy, in resulting the chances of misalignment of the first and second lenses (10, 20) are prevented. 15
[0040]
Referring to Figure 4, the first member (20a) may be aligned with the second member (20b) such that at least one end of the first member (20a) may be positioned proximal to at least one end of the second member (20b) and define a flat surface over the first member (20a) and the second member (20b). The proper alignment of the 20 first member (20a) and the second member (20b) aids in providing uniform illumination.
[0041]
Referring to Figure 5, in an embodiment, the ends of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) may be oriented such that a gap (G2) may be formed 25 between the aligned ends of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b). The gap (G2) may be configured to prevent collision of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) during the assembly of the lamp (100). In an exemplary embodiment, the gap (G2) may be formed between the ends of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) in a range from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. 30
[0042]
Referring to Figure 6, the second lens (20) may be defined with a coupling mechanism (CM). The coupling mechanism (CM) is configured to couple the first member (20a) with the second member (20b). The coupling mechanism (CM)
11
includes a first provision (22) and a second provision (24). The first provision (22)
may be defined at the first member (20a) and the second provision (24) may be defined at the second member (20b). The first provision (22) and the second provision (24) may be configured to be engaged with one another for coupling the first member (20a) and the second member (20b). For example, the first provision (22) may include 5 an extended portion (22a) and the second provision (24) may include a hole (24a). The extended portion (22a) may be configured to be accommodated within the hole (24a) for coupling the first member (20a) with the second member (20b), as shown in Figure 7. In an alternate embodiment, the extended portion (22a) may be defined at the second member (20b) and the hole (24a) may be defined at the first member (20a), 10 without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The coupling mechanism (CM) may be provided on the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) of the second lens (20) such that the gap (G2) is formed between the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) of the second lens (20) at the aligned ends.
15
[0043]
Referring further to Figure 3, the lamp (100) includes a plurality of light sources [not shown in Figures]. The plurality of light sources is configured to generate illumination. The plurality of light sources may be coupled to a plurality of printed circuit boards (40). The plurality of light sources may be coupled to an electrical storage battery [not shown in Figures] of the vehicle for receiving electrical charge. 20 The plurality of light sources coupled to the plurality of printed circuit boards (40) may be further coupled to the second lens (20). The light sources generate illumination upon receiving the electrical charge from the printed circuit boards (40) and a portion of the generated illumination may be transferred to the second lens (20). Further, at least one printed circuit board of the plurality of printed circuit boards (40) 25 may be positioned on each of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) of the second lens (20). The provision of the light sources on the first member (20a) as well as on the second member (20b) aids in providing uniform illumination.
[0044]
A method of assembling a lamp of a vehicle is shown through a flowchart as 30 shown in Figure 8.
[0045]
At block 101, the method may include coupling the plurality of light sources with the plurality of printed circuit boards (40). The printed circuit boards (40) may be
12
coupled to the electrical storage battery to receive electrical charge for illuminating
the light sources. The plurality of printed circuit boards (40) may be further coupled to the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) of the second lens (20).
[0046]
At block 102, the method may include positioning the first member (20a) of 5 the second lens (20) within the first region (10a) of the first lens (10). At block 103, Subsequently, positioning a second member (20b) of the second lens (20) within the second region (10b) of the first lens (10). Alternatively, the second member (20b) of the second lens (20) may be positioned within the second region (10b) of the first lens (10) first, and after that, the first member (20a) of the second lens (20) may be 10 positioned within the first region (10a) of the first lens (10), without limiting the scope of the present disclosure.
[0047]
At block 104, the method may include aligning and coupling the first member (20a) with the second member (20b), after positioning the first member (20a) and the 15 second member (20b) within the first and second regions (10a, 10b) of the first lens (10). When an end of the first member (20a) may be aligned with an end of the second member (20b), along with this, the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) may also be coupled to one another through the coupling mechanism (CM). For example, the extended portion (22a) defined at the first member (20a) may be 20 accommodated within the hole (24a) defined at the second member (20b) while aligning the second member (20b) with the first member.
[0048]
At block 105, the method may include coupling the support bracket (30) with the provisions defined at the support portion (SP) of the first lens (10), after the 25 alignment and coupling of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b). The support bracket (30) along with the first lens (10) encloses the second lens (20), the light sources, and the printed circuit boards (40), and protects these components from foreign particles.
30
[0049]
In accordance with the present disclosure, the lamp (100), as explained in the above paragraphs, ensures that components of the lamp (100) can assemble easily without deteriorating the quality of illumination. Further, the lamp (100) of the present disclosure provides uniform illumination without compromising with design
13
aspects of the lamp (100). Further, the lamp (100) of the present disclosure may be
simple, and easy to manufacture.
[0050]
The various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to 5 the illustrated embodiments; rather, these embodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the subject matter of the disclosure to those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for clarity.
10
[0051]
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
Sr. No.
Description
TL
Taillamp
F
First lamp
S
Second lamp
100
Lamp/third Lamp
G1
Gap
10
First lens
IP
Illuminating portion
SP
Support portion
P
Provision
10a
First region
10b
Second region
20
Second lens
20a
First member
20b
Second member
14
[0052]
EQUIVALENTS:
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the description. 5 Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting 10 the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and 15 modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments 20 herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described herein.
G2
Gap
CM
Coupling mechanism
22
First provision
24
Second provision
22a
Extended portion
24a
Hole
30
Support bracket
40
Printed circuit board
15
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this 5 application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall 10 within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary. ,CLAIMS:We claim:
1.
A lamp (100) of a vehicle, the lamp (100) comprising:
a first lens (10) defined with a first region (10a) and a second region (10b);
a second lens (20) supported within the first lens (10), the second lens (20) 5 is defined with:
a first member (20a) positioned within the first region (10a), and
a second member (20b) positioned within the second region (10b), wherein the first member (20a) is aligned and coupled to the second member (20b); and 10
a support bracket (30) configured to couple with the first lens (10) at one end of the support bracket (30) and a body of the vehicle at other end of the support bracket (30).
2.
The lamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (20a) is 15 defined with a first provision (22) and the second member (20b) is defined with a second provision (24), wherein the first provision (22) and the second provision (24) are configured to be engaged with one another for coupling the first member (20a) and the second member (20b).
20
3.
The lamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein ends of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) are oriented to form a gap (G2) between aligned ends of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b).
4.
The lamp (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the gap (G2) formed between 25 the aligned ends of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) is in a range from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.
5.
The lamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first lens (10) is defined with an illuminating portion (IP) and a support portion (SP), wherein the 30 support portion (SP) extends inwardly from a periphery of the illumination portion (IP).
17
6.
The lamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a plurality of light sources coupled to a plurality of printed circuit boards (40), wherein the plurality of light sources coupled to the plurality of printed circuit boards (40) is configured to be coupled to the second lens (20).
5
7.
The lamp (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one printed circuit board of the plurality of printed circuit boards (40) is positioned on each of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) of the second lens (20).
8.
The lamp (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second lens (20) has size 10 between ranging 1000 mm and1200 mm, wherein the ratio of sizes of the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) is 1:1.
9.
A method of assembling a lamp (100) of a vehicle, the method comprising:
positioning, a first member (20a) of a second lens (20) within a first 15 region (10a) of a first lens (10),
positioning, a second member (20b) of the second lens (20) within a second region (10b) of the first lens (10);
aligning and coupling the first member (20a) with the second member (20b); and 20
coupling a support bracket (30) with the first lens (10).
10.
The method as claimed in claim 9, comprising coupling a plurality of printed circuit boards (40) including a plurality of light sources with the first member (20a) and the second member (20b) before positioning the first member (20a) 25 and the second member (20b) within the first region (10a) and the second region (10b) of the first lens (10).
Dated: November 16, 2022