DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a mirror assembly of a vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to a puddle lamp and a turn signal lamp in a mirror assembly of a vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Any vehicles are generally fitted with mirrors that are mounted on a vehicle body. The mirrors of the vehicles are the widest part of any vehicle. In the case of a two-wheeler, the mirror assembly is also the highest member. The main function of the mirror is to provide visibility to the rear and sideways while riding. Automotive vehicles are increasingly using lighting devices such as puddle lamps, turn signal lamps for enhanced lighting applications. Turn signal lamps are employed to signal about intended turning direction of the vehicle. A Puddle lamp is employed to illuminate a beam of light onto the ground surface in an area adjacent to the vehicle. The puddle lamp thereby provides illumination to a driver or passenger of the vehicle to observe the area for approaching or stepping out of the vehicle, such as the existence of a puddle of water. It helps the rider to see if the ground is too sandy, rocky, or wet. The unique feature about the puddle lamps is that they add up to the aesthetic of the vehicle along with being functional. The puddle lamp is disposed of close to the ground, i.e., near the floorboard. The turn signal lamp (TSL) is disposed of either near a headlight or on a body panel of the vehicle. The puddle lights and the TSL are connected by separate electrical connections. In the case of motorcycles, the puddle lamps are disposed of near the cowl member or swing arm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The present invention is described with reference to a lighting module for a two wheeled vehicle for an exemplary embodiment of a two wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying drawings. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to similar features and components.
[0004] Fig 1 exemplarily illustrates a two wheeled vehicle as per present invention
[0005] Fig 2 exemplarily illustrates a mirror assembly per the present invention.
[0006] Fig 3 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the mirror assembly as per the present invention.
[0007] Fig 4 exemplarily illustrates the mirror assembly as per another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] A vehicle includes a mirror assembly mounted on a vehicle body. The mirror assembly of a vehicle is the highest and widest part that assists in the rear and side while riding. A turn signal lamp hereinafter referred to as signal lights, is disposed of either beside the headlamp or on a body panel of the vehicle. A Puddle lamp or a ground illumination light is employed to illuminate a beam of light onto the ground surface in an area adjacent to the vehicle. The puddle lamp thereby provides illumination to a driver or passenger of the vehicle to observe the area for approaching or stepping out of the vehicle, such as the existence of a puddle of water. It helps the rider to see if the ground is too sandy, rocky, or wet. The unique feature about the puddle lamps is that they add up to the aesthetic of the vehicle along with being functional. The puddle lamp is disposed of close to the ground, i.e., near the floorboard.
[0009] Since, both the signal lights and the ground illumination light are provided at different locations of the vehicle body, separate electrical connections are required for operation. However, such an arrangement increases the manufacturing cost, assembly time, and maintenance cost, thereby increasing the overall cost of the vehicle. Additionally, since the ground illumination light is disposed at the floorboard, i.e., near to the ground. Such an arrangement of the puddle lamp on the ground restricts the spread of light from the source, which eventually fails to provide sufficient light required and demands a certain ground clearance that can effectively protect said lights from mud and water splash, dust, etc. Additionally, such an arrangement of light devices refuses to enlighten the actual width of the vehicle by other vehicles riding on the road during night hours, which often leads to accidents while overtaking.
[00010] Hence there is a need to provide a mirror assembly for a vehicle that can effectively address the above technical problems cited. In other words, the present invention provides a mirror assembly for a vehicle that is effectively economical by configuring the illumination lights via a common electrical connection. Further, the present invention provides a ground illumination device that can enlighten a wider range of areas, thereby serving the purpose of puddle light more efficiently as compared to the existing art. Since a smaller number of parts are used, thereby man-hour, maintenance cost is reduced to a high extent.
[00011] As per an embodiment of the present invention a mirror assembly for a vehicle, comprising a housing, a first reflective member accommodated within the housing, facing towards the rear of the vehicle in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A second reflective member and a third reflective member are accommodated within the housing, facing towards the front of the vehicle in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. At least one first illumination device projects light onto the second reflective member causing the second reflective member to function as a signal lamp of the vehicle. At least one-second illumination device projects light onto the third reflective member causing the third reflective member to function as a ground illumination device of the vehicle. The at least one first illumination device and the at least one second illumination device are attached to a connection board on one of opposite sides of the connection board and the same side of the connection board.
[00012] As per an aspect of the present invention, the second reflective member and the third reflective member are positioned one of obliquely to each other and substantially perpendicular to each other, facing away from the rider of the vehicle.
[00013] As per an aspect of the present invention, wherein the third reflective member is connected to the second reflective member and extends from one side of the second reflective member in a perpendicular direction.
[00014] As per an aspect of the present invention, wherein the second reflective member is positioned in an upper portion of the housing and wherein the third reflective member is positioned in a bottom portion of the housing.
[00015] As per an aspect of the present invention, wherein the second reflective member is positioned in an upper portion of the housing and wherein the third reflective member is positioned in a side portion of the housing.
[00016] As per an aspect of the present invention, wherein the first and second reflector portions are paraboloidal.
[00017] As per an aspect of the present invention, wherein electrical routing of said first and second illumination devices being configured through a mirror stem connecting the mirror assembly to the vehicle.
[00018] As per an aspect of the present invention, wherein the connection board being disposed one of the vertical or horizontal orientation with respect to the housing.
[00019] As per an aspect of the present invention, wherein the housing comprises cut-sections to match with the dimensions of all the reflective members and a means to mount the connection board.
[00020] As per an aspect of the present invention, wherein the housing includes cover covering the second and third reflective members.
[00021] The present subject matter provides a two-wheeled vehicle that can effectively address the above technical problems cited. In other words, the present invention provides a two-wheeled vehicle that provides economic significance by configuring the illumination lights via a common electrical connection i.e., the single PCB. Further, the present invention provides a ground illumination light mounted to the mirror assembly, which is the widest and the highest part of the two-wheeler. Such an arrangement ensures the ground illumination light to enlighten a wider range of area, for serving the purpose of puddle light more efficiently as compared to the existing art. Since a smaller number of parts are used, thereby man-hour, maintenance cost is reduced to a high extent.
[00022] The present subject matter is further described with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00023] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the vehicle with a driver riding thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the motorcycle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the motorcycle. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[00024] Figure 1 exemplarily illustrates a vehicle (100) as per the present invention. The vehicle (100) comprises a handlebar assembly (106), a headlight (102) on the top portion. The handlebar assembly (106) is used for steering the vehicle in the left and right direction through a left handlebar (106a) and a right handlebar (not shown). The headlight (102) is used for lighting the front of the vehicle (100) while riding in a dark area. The lower portion of the vehicle (100) includes a body panel (104), which covers a frame (not shown) of the vehicle (100). The vehicle (100) also includes a seat (108), which is used by a rider as well as a pillion rider. The handlebar assembly (106) mounts a mirror assembly (110) through a mirror stem (109) on both the left and right sides of the vehicle (100). In general, the mirror assembly (110) is used to view the side and rear of the vehicle (100) while riding. The mirror assembly (110) is crucial for the safe riding of the vehicle (100) in a crowded roadway. The mirror assembly (110) as can be seen from figure 1 is the widest and the highest part of the vehicle (100). The mirror assembly (110) comprises a rear exterior portion (110a) and a front exterior portion (not shown). Conventionally, the mirror assembly (110) includes a mirror (not shown) or a reflective surface at the front exterior portion (not shown) of the mirror assembly (110) which can reflect and display rear and side views of the vehicle (100). Additionally, in conventional vehicles (100) a turn signal lamp (not shown), hereinafter referred to as signal lights, is disposed on either beside headlight (102) or on the body panel (104), which are used for proving signal about the intended turning of the vehicle. A puddle lamp or a ground illumination light (not shown) is employed to illuminate a beam of light onto the ground surface in an area adjacent to the vehicle which is mounted to the sides of the floorboard (not shown) of the vehicle (100). The puddle lamp thereby provides illumination to a driver or passenger of the vehicle (100) to observe the area for approaching or stepping out of the vehicle, such as the existence of a puddle of water.
[00025] Figure 2 exemplarily illustrates the mirror assembly (110). The mirror assembly (110) comprises a first reflective member (shown in Fig. 3) accommodated within the housing (shown in Fig 3), facing towards the rear of the vehicle (100) in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The mirror assembly (110) also includes a second reflective member (200a) and a third reflective member (200b) accommodated within the housing (302), facing towards the front of the vehicle (100) in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The second reflective member (200a) and the third reflective member (200b) are positioned either obliquely means the members are positioned in a slantwise direction to each other. The said reflective members (200a,200b) can also be configured substantially perpendicular to each other, facing away from the rider of the vehicle (100). The second at least one first illumination device (202a) projects light onto the second reflective member (200a) which causes the second reflective member (200a) to function as a signal lamp of the vehicle (100) for example turn signal lamp. The at least one second illumination device (202b) projects light onto the third reflective member (200b) causing the third reflective member (200b) to function as a ground illumination device or a puddle light of the vehicle (100). The at least one first illumination device (202a) and the at least one second illumination device (202b) are attached to a connection board (202) such as PCB (printed circuit board) on either of opposite sides of the connection board (202) or on the same side of the connection board (202).
[00026] The second and third reflective members (200a,200b) are paraboloidal in shape. The second reflective member (200a) is disposed at the upper portion covering an either partial or full portion of the mirror assembly (110) while the second reflector portion (200b) is disposed at the lower portion or at the side direction of the mirror assembly (110). The connection board (202) such as printed circuit board (PCB) which is disposed in between the second and third reflector member (200a,200b), such that both the reflective members (200a,200b) can function through the common connection board (202). For the emission of lights the at least one first and second illumination device (202a,202b), such as light-emitting diodes (LED) are soldered to the PCB or the connection board (202) and features a chip that creates the light as electrically connected. Since the ground illumination source is disposed at a higher level of the vehicle (100), said reflected light from the third reflective member (200b) can illuminate and distribute light evenly to a wider range of area for enhancing visibility because light distribution is based on the horizontal pattern it casts and the amount of light that reaches certain vertical angles. Similarly, the first illumination device (202a) projects lights on the second reflective member (200a) which illuminates while turn signal lamps (TSL) or hazard lights are needed. Such an arrangement of the at least first and second illumination device (200a,200b) and the connection board (202) enables the function of a puddle lamp as well as TSL by a single connection board (202) such as PCB. This provides an economic advantage because no separate wires, PCB, and electrical connections are required, thereby also ensuring less man-hour per vehicle, less serviceability, lightweight, and noncomplex arrangement of the vehicle. When the atleast second illumination device (202b) on the rear exterior portion (110a) is in ON mode, it confirms that the exact width of the vehicle (100) is indicated to the other vehicles on the road, so that the other vehicles are aware of the maximum width of the rider’s vehicle (100) while overtaking or crossing. A wire routing of the at least first and second illumination devices (202a,202b) is done through mirror stem (109) so that the wires are protected from environmental factors and adding to aesthetic appearance.
[00027] Figure 3 exemplarily illustrates an exploded view of the mirror assembly (110). The mirror assembly (110) includes a housing (302), a first reflective member (300) accommodated within the housing (302), facing towards the rear of the vehicle (100) in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The mirror assembly (110) also includes a second reflective member (200a) and a third reflective member (200b) accommodated within the housing (302) in the direction of the ground, facing towards the front of the vehicle (100) in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The second & third reflective members (200a, 200b) and the first reflective member (300) at positioned opposite to each other The connection board (202) is disposed in between the second and third reflective members (200a,200b) such that it is common to both reflective portions (200a, 200b). This enables at least first and second illumination devices (202a,202b) such as LED to project lights for respective purposes of puddle light and signal lights through a connection board (202).
[00028] Figure 4 exemplarily illustrates the mirror assembly (110) as per another embodiment of the present invention. The connection board (202) can be disposed at the sideways of the second and third reflective portions (200a,200b) for purpose of illumination through a connection board (202). The third reflective member (200b) is disposed obliquely sidewards from the second reflective member (200a).
[00029] Thus, the present invention provides a mirror assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) which can illuminate a ground illumination lamp and a signal lamp by at least one first and second illumination device (202a,202b) soldered to a single connection board (202), such that economic advantage is achieved by eliminating separate wires, PCB and electrical connections, thereby also ensuring less man-hour per vehicle, less serviceability, lightweight, and noncomplex arrangement of the vehicle (100). When the at least second illumination device (202b) is in ON mode, it confirms that the exact width of the vehicle (100) is indicated to the other vehicles on the road, so that the other vehicles are aware of the maximum width of the rider’s vehicle (100) while overtaking or crossing. A wire routing of the at least first and second illumination devices (202a,202b) is done through mirror stem (109) so that the wires are protected from environmental factors and adding to aesthetic appearance.
[00030] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in light of the above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

List of Reference numerals
100: Vehicle
102: Head light
104: Body panel
106: Handlebar assembly
106a: Left handlebar
108: Seat
109: Mirror stem
110: Mirror assembly
200a: Second reflective member
200b: Third reflective member
202: Connection board
202a,202b: First and second illumination devices
300: First reflective member
302: Housing
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A mirror assembly (110) for vehicle (100), the mirror assembly (110) comprising:
a housing (302);
a first reflective member (300) accommodated within the housing (302), facing towards rear of the vehicle (100) in a vehicle longitudinal direction;
a second reflective member (200a) and a third reflective member (200b) accommodated within the housing (302), facing towards front of the vehicle (100) in the vehicle longitudinal direction;
at least one first illumination device (202a) projecting light onto the second reflective member (200a) causing the second reflective member (200a) to function as a signal lamp of the vehicle (100);
at least one second illumination device (202b) projecting light onto the third reflective member (200b) causing the third reflective member (200b) to function as a ground illumination device of the vehicle (100);
wherein the at least one first illumination device (202a) and the at least one second illumination device (202b) being attached to a connection board (202) on one of opposite sides of the connection board (202) and same side of the connection board (202).
2. The mirror assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second reflective member (200a) and the third reflective member (200b) being positioned one of, obliquely to each other and substantially perpendicular to each other, facing away from the rider of the vehicle (100).
3. The mirror assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third reflective member (200b) being connected to the second reflective member (200a) and extending from one side of the second reflective member (200a) in a perpendicular direction.
4. The mirror assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second reflective member (200a) being positioned in an upper portion of the housing (302) and wherein the third reflective member (200b) being positioned in a bottom portion of the housing (302).
5. The mirror assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second reflective member (200a) being positioned in an upper portion of the housing (302) and wherein the third reflective member (200b) being positioned in a side portion of the housing (302).
6. The mirror assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second reflective members (200a, 200b) being paraboloidal.
7. The mirror assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein electrical routing of said first and second illumination devices (202a, 202b) being configured through a mirror stem (109) connecting the mirror assembly (110) to the vehicle (100).
8. The mirror assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connection board (202) being disposed one of a vertical or horizontal orientation to the housing (302).
9. The mirror assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (302) comprises cut-sections to match with the dimensions of all the reflective members and a means to mount the connection board (202).
10. The mirror assembly (110) for a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (302) includes cover covering the secod and third reflective members (200b).