Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A tail lamp assembly (200) for a vehicle (100) comprising:
a main compartment (202) having a first light source (208) and a reflector surface (222) for reflecting light from the first light source (208);
a first side compartment (204) and a second side compartment (206), each having a second light source (210), arranged on either side of the first light source (208) in a vehicle width direction;
a first light guide (212) arranged in the main compartment (202) between the first light source (208) and the first side compartment (204); and
a second light guide (214) arranged in the main compartment (202) between the first light source (208) and the second side compartment (206).

2. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first light guide (212) and the second light guide (214) indicate position of the vehicle (100).

3. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first light source (208) is a stop lamp and the second light source (210) is an indicator lamp.

4. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first light guide (212) is arranged proximate to the first side compartment (204) and the second light guide (214) is arranged proximate to the second side compartment (206).

5. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main compartment (202) comprises:
a top member (216) having a front end (216a) and a rear end (216b), the top member (216) extending between the front end (216a) and the rear end (216b) in a vehicle front-rear direction; and
a bottom member (218), parallel to the top member (216), having a front end (218a) and a rear end (218b), the bottom member (218) extending between the front end (218a) and the rear end (218b) in the vehicle front-rear direction.

6. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 5, wherein a wall (220) extends between the front end (216a) of the top member (216) and the front end (218a) of the bottom member (218) and includes the reflector surface (222) and the first light source (208) such that light from the first light source (208) is reflected from the reflector surface (222) in the vehicle rear direction.

7. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first light guide (212) has a first end (212a) and a second end (212b), the first end (212a) being connected to the bottom member (218) and the second end (212b) being assembled on a first printed circuit board (228) positioned above the first side compartment (204).

8. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first light guide (212) extends along a periphery of the first side compartment (204).

9. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 5 or claim 7, wherein the second light guide (214) has a first end (214a) and a second end (214b), the first end (214a) being connected to the bottom member (218) and the second end (214b) being assembled on a second printed circuit board (229) positioned above the second side compartment (206).

10. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second light guide (214) extends along a periphery of the second side compartment (206).

11. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a color lens (238) adapted to cover the main compartment (202); and
a clear lens (240) adapted to cover the main compartment (202), the first side compartment (204) and the second side compartment (206).

12. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7 and claim 9, wherein the bottom member (218) comprises a first slot (224) for receiving the first end (212a) of the first light guide (212) and a second slot (226) for receiving the first end (214a) of the second light guide (214).

13. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first printed circuit board (228) is arranged on a first protruding member (230) and a first hollow member, the first hollow member being configured to receive one or more fasteners (232) to secure the first printed circuit board (228).

14. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first printed circuit board (228) and the second end (212b) of the first light guide (212) are covered by a first bezel (234).

15. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second printed circuit board (229) is arranged on a second protruding member and a second hollow member, the second hollow member being configured to receive one or more fasteners to secure the second printed circuit board (229).

16. The tail lamp assembly (200) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second printed circuit board (229) and the second end (214b) of the second light guide (214) are covered by a second bezel (236).

Dated this 10th day of February 2022
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471 , Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

TITLE OF INVENTION
A TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

APPLICANT
TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED, an Indian company, having its address at “Chaitanya”, No.12 Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 006.

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a tail lamp assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to arrangement of light guides in the tail lamp assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In vehicles, a tail lamp assembly generally comprises a stop lamp, right and left indicator lamps and one or more position lamps. The stop lamp can be a bulb type lamp or Light Emitting Diode (LED) lamp. The one or more position lamps act as a position indicator for vehicles, indicating the presence of a vehicle in front of a viewer.
[003] In some vehicles, the position lamps are placed above or below the stop lamp region in a vehicle upward-downward direction. In some other vehicles, the position lamps are placed on a left side and a right side of a stop lamp in a vehicle width direction. However, in order to accommodate the one or more position lamps near the stop lamp region, an area utilized to accommodate the stop lamp is compromised.
[004] In some vehicles, separate casing may be provided to accommodate the stop lamp. However, additional casings results in increase in number of the components. As a result, the entire tail lamp assembly becomes bulkier and heavier with increase in the costs. Also, an overall usable space of the rear portion of the vehicle, is decreased owing to increase in the number of components. It is to be understood that, for hybrid and electric vehicles, more space is required at the rear portion of the vehicle to accommodate electronic components. A bulkier tail lamp assembly accommodates most of the usable space of the rear portion of the vehicle. As a result, the overall usable space for other electronic components at the rear portion of the vehicle is decreased. Therefore, it is desired to have a compact tail lamp assembly for hybrid as well as electric vehicles.
[005] A width of the vehicle may also be increased such that the area utilized to accommodate the stop lamp is not compromised. However, increasing the width of the vehicle is not desirable as the same involves cost, labor and change in the existing layout of the vehicle. Moreover, with increasing trend towards manufacturing smaller and more efficient vehicles, an increase in the width of the vehicle is undesirable.
[006] In some vehicle, separate casings may also be provided for housing the position lamps. As already mentioned, separate casings results in an increase in number of components as well as costs which is undesirable. Separate casing further decrease the overall usable space of the rear portion of the vehicle. As a result, the overall usable space which can be used for accommodating other electronic components at the rear portion of the vehicle is decreased. Therefore, it is desired to have a compact tail lamp assembly. Moreover, separate casing for position lamps will use reflectors to reflect the light emitted by the position lamps such as a bulb type position lamp or a LED type position lamp. Such reflectors are expensive and will increase the overall costs of the vehicle.
[007] In view thereof, there is a need-felt to provide a tail lamp assembly which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] In one aspect of the present invention, a tail lamp assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The tail lamp assembly comprises a main compartment, a first side compartment and a second side compartment. The main compartment comprises a first light source and a reflector surface for reflecting light from the first light source. The first side compartment and the second side compartment are arranged on either side of the first light source in a vehicle width direction. Each of the first side compartment and the second side compartment comprises a second light source. The tail lamp assembly further comprises a first light guide and a second light guide. The first light guide is arranged in the main compartment between the first light source and the first side compartment. The second light guide is arranged in the main compartment between the first light source and the second side compartment.
[009] In an embodiment, the first light guide and the second light guide indicates position of the vehicle in front of a viewer.
[010] In an embodiment, the first light guide and the second light guide are used to increase an aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the first light source is a stop lamp and the second light source is an indicator lamp.
[012] In an embodiment, the first light guide is arranged proximate to the first side compartment and the second light guide is arranged proximate to the second side compartment.
[013] In an embodiment, the main compartment comprises a top member and a bottom member. The top member has a front end and a rear end. The top member extends between the front end and the rear end in a vehicle front rear direction. The bottom member is parallel to the top member. The bottom member has a front end and a rear end. The bottom member extends between a front end and a rear end in the vehicle front rear direction. A wall extends between the front end of the top member and the front end of the bottom member. The wall includes the first light source and the reflector surface such that light from the first light source is reflected from the reflector surface in the vehicle rear direction.
[014] In an embodiment, the first light guide has a first end a second end. The first end of the first light guide is connected to the bottom member and the second end of the first light guide is assembled on a first printed circuit board positioned above the first side compartment. In one-non limiting example, the first light guide extends along a periphery of the first side compartment
[015] In an embodiment, the second light guide has a first end a second end. The first end of the second light guide is connected to the bottom member and the second end of the second light guide is assembled on a second printed circuit board positioned above the second side compartment. In one-non limiting example, the second light guide extends along a periphery of the second side compartment
[016] In an embodiment, the tail lamp assembly further comprises a color lens and a clear lens. The color lens is adapted to cover the main compartment. The clear leans is adapted to cover the main compartment, the first side compartment and the second side compartment.
[017] In an embodiment, the bottom member comprises a first slot for receiving the first end of the first light guide and a second slot for receiving the first end of the second light guide.
[018] In an embodiment, the first printed circuit board is arranged on a first protruding member and a first hollow member. The first hollow member is configured to receive one or more fasteners to secure the first printed circuit board.
[019] In an embodiment, the first printed circuit board and the second end of the first light guide are covered by a first bezel.
[020] In an embodiment, the second printed circuit board is arranged on a second protruding member and a second hollow member. The second hollow member is configured to receive one or more fasteners to secure the second printed circuit board.
[021] In an embodiment, the second printed circuit board and the second end of the second light guide are covered by a second bezel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[022] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of the tail lamp assembly in a rear portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the tail lamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a second end of the first light guide being assembled in the main compartment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is partially exploded view of the tail lamp assembly illustrating a first bezel and a second bezel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the tail lamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a partially exploded view of the tail lamp assembly illustrating a color lens and a clear lens, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a perspective back view of the tail lamp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[023] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. It is to be understood that a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to a two-wheeled vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction while a lateral/transverse axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the two-wheeled vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral/width direction. Arrows provided in the top right corner of figures depicts direction with respect to the two-wheeled vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rearward direction, an arrow UP denotes upward direction, an arrow DW denotes downward direction, an arrow Rt denotes right direction, an arrow Lt denotes left direction, as and where applicable. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is only for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[024] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an example, the vehicle 100 is a scooter type vehicle. However, this example should not be construed as limiting and term “vehicle” includes two-wheeled, three-wheeled and four wheeled vehicles.
[025] The vehicle 100 has a prime mover (not shown) that is disposed behind a floorboard 104 and below a seat assembly 122. The prime mover is one of an internal combustion engine and/or an electric motor adapted to provide motive force for vehicle movement. The vehicle 100 has a front wheel 126 and a rear wheel 128.
[026] A head pipe [not shown] supports a steering shaft [not shown] and a front suspension [not shown] attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket [not shown]. The front suspension support the front wheel 126. The upper portion of the front wheel 126 is covered by a front fender 130 mounted to the front suspension. In an embodiment, the front fender 130 is movable along with the front wheel 126, during travel over undulations on a road surface. A handlebar 132 is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 100. A headlight [not shown], a visor guard 134 and instrument cluster [not shown] is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe.
[027] Further, a fuel tank is mounted below the floorboard 104 of the vehicle 100. A rear suspension [not shown] is provided to the rear wheel 128 for dampening the vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 100 over undulations on the road surface. A taillamp assembly 200 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 100 and at the rear of the seat assembly 122. A grab rail 138 is also provided for facilitating the grip and/or balance to the rider on the vehicle 100 during movement. The rear wheel 128 is arranged below the seat assembly 122 and adapted to receive the motive force from the prime mover. A suitable transmission assembly (not shown) is provided for transferring the drive force from the prime mover onto the rear wheel 128 for driving the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the driving force of the prime mover is transmitted through a chain drive [not shown]. A rear fender 140 is disposed above the rear wheel 128. An exhaust pipe 142 is also provided, for the prime mover of internal combustion engine type, that extends therefrom towards the rear end of the vehicle 100.
[028] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the tail lamp assembly 200 provided in a rear portion of the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of the tail lamp assembly 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[029] As shown the tail lamp assembly 200 includes a main compartment 202, a first side compartment 204 and a second side compartment 206. The main compartment 202 has a first light source 208 and a reflector surface 222 for reflecting light of the first light source 208 in a vehicle rear direction. The first side compartment 204 and the second side compartment 206 are arranged on either side of the first light source 208 in a vehicle width direction. Each of the first side compartment 204 and the second side compartment 206 has a second light source 210. The tail lamp assembly 200 further comprises a first light guide 212 and a second light guide 214. The first light guide 212 is arranged in the main compartment 202 between the first light source 208 and the first side compartment 204. The second light guide 214 is arranged in the main compartment 202 between the first light source 208 and the second side compartment 206. A light guide is a device designed to transmit light from a light source to a point at some distance with minimal loss. Light is transmitted through a light guide by means of total internal reflection. Light guides are usually made of optical grade materials such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate, epoxies, and glass. Owing to high reflection and minimal light loss, a stronger effect of light is gained while using light guides.
[030] In an embodiment, the main compartment 202 includes a top member 216 and a bottom member 218. The top member 216 has a front end 216a and a rear end 216b. The top member 216 extends between the front end 216a and the rear end 216b in a vehicle front-rear direction. The bottom member 218 is parallel to the top member 216. The bottom member 218 also has a front end 218a and a rear end 218b. The bottom member 218 extends between the front end 218a and the rear end 218b in the vehicle front-rear direction. A wall 220 extends between the front end 216a of the top member 216 and the front end 218a of the bottom member 218. The wall 220 includes the first light source 208 and the reflector surface 222 such that light from the first light source 208 is reflected from the reflector surface in the vehicle rear direction. The bottom compartment has a first slot 224 and a second slot 226.
[031] The first light guide 212 has a first end 212a and a second end 212b. The first end 212a of the first light guide 212 is inserted in the first slot 224 and fastened securely to the bottom member 218 with one or more fasteners. The second end 212b of the first light guide 212 is arranged in a region above the first side compartment 204. The same is discussed in detail in the subsequent paragraphs.
[032] The second light guide 214 has a first end 214a and a second end 214b. The first end 214a is inserted in the second slot 226 and fastened securely to the bottom member 218 with one or more fasteners. The second end 214b of the second light guide 214 is arranged in a region above the second side compartment 206. The same is discussed in detail in the subsequent paragraphs.
[033] In an embodiment, the first light guide 212 and the second light guide 214 indicate position of the vehicle 100.
[034] In an embodiment, the first light guide 212 and the second light guide 214 increases the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle 100.
[035] In an embodiment, the first light source 208 is a stop lamp, the second light source 210 is an indicator lamp and the first and second light guides 212, 214 indicate the position of the vehicle 100.
[036] In an embodiment, the first light guide 212 is arranged proximate to the first side compartment 204 and the second light guide 214 is arranged proximate to the second side compartment 206.
[037] In an embodiment, the first light guide 212 extends along a periphery of the first side compartment 204 and the second light guide 214 extends along a periphery of the second side compartment 206.
[038] Figure 4 illustrates a second end 212b of the first light guide 212 being assembled in the main compartment 202, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[039] As shown, the second end 212b of the first light guide 212 is assembled on a first printed circuit board 228 provided in a first region above the first side compartment 204. The first region comprises a first protruding member 230 and a first hollow member (not shown) extending from the main compartment 202. The first hollow member is provided with a bush. The first printed circuit board 228 is arranged on the first protruding member 230 and the first hollow member.
[040] During assembly of the first light guide 212, the first printed circuit board 228 is arranged on the first protruding member 230. Thereafter, the first end 212a of the first light guide 212 is inserted in the first slot 224 provided in the bottom member 218 of the main compartment 202 and secured with one or more fasteners (not shown). The second end 212b of the first light guide 212 is, thereafter, assembled on the first printed circuit board 228. The first hollow member is configured to receive one or more fasteners to secure the first printed circuit board 228. The first printed circuit board 228 is operatively connected to the first light guide 212 and send electronic signals to the first light guide for its operation.
[041] Although not shown, the second end 214b of the second light guide 214 is assembled on a second printed circuit board 229 (Refer Figure 5) provided in a second region above the second side compartment 206. The second region comprises a second protruding member (not shown) and a second hollow member (not shown) extending from the main compartment 202. The second printed circuit board 229 is arranged on the second protruding member and the second hollow member. The second hollow member is provided with a bush. During assembly of the second light guide 214, the second printed circuit board 229 is arranged on the second protruding member. Thereafter, the first end 214a of the second light guide 214 is inserted in the second slot 226 provided in the bottom member 218 of the main compartment 202 and secured with one or more fasteners (not shown). The second end 214b of the second light guide 214 is, thereafter, assembled on the second printed circuit board 229. The second hollow member is configured to receive one or more fasteners to secure the second printed circuit board 239. The second printed circuit board 229 is operatively connected to the second light guide 214 and send electronic signals to the second light guide for its operation.
[042] Figure 5 is partially exploded view of the tail lamp assembly illustrating a first bezel 234 and a second bezel 236, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[043] The first bezel 234 is arranged in the main compartment 202 to cover the first printed circuit board 228 and the second end 212b of the first light guide 212. Similarly, the second bezel 236 is arranged in the main compartment 202 to cover the second printed circuit board 229 and the second end 214b of the second light guide 214. The first bezel 234 and the second bezel 236 increases the aesthetic appeal of the tail lamp assembly 200 as it covers the functional elements of the first light guide 212 and the second light guide 214.
[044] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective bottom view of the tail lamp assembly 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[045] As shown, the first end 212a of the first light guide 212 is inserted in a first slot 224 (Refer Figure 3) provided on the bottom member 218. Similarly, the first end 214a of the second light guide 214 is inserted in the second slot 226 (Refer Figure 3) provided on the bottom member 218. In one-non-limiting example, the first end 212a of the first light guide 212 is fastened to the bottom cover 218 with the help of one or more fasteners. Similarly, the first end 214a of the second light guide 214 is fastened to the bottom cover 218 with the help of one or more fasteners.
[046] Figure 7 is a partially exploded view of the tail lamp assembly illustrating a color lens 238 and a clear lens 240, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[047] As shown, the tail lamp assembly comprises the color lens 238 adapted to cover the main compartment 202 and the clear lens 240 to cover the main compartment 202, the first side compartment 204 and the second side compartment 206. The clear lens 240 seals the main compartment and the first and second side compartments 204, 206 of the tail lamp assembly 200 from entry of water vapour or dust particles. In one-non limiting example, the color lens is red in color. The red color is used for stop function of the tail lamp assembly 200. In another non-limiting example, the clear lens 240 is arranged on the main compartment 202 and side compartments 204, 206 with a glue channel.
[048] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective back view of the tail lamp assembly 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[049] As shown, the back portion of tail lamp assembly has a first electrical cable 242 connected to the first light source 208, a second electrical cable 244 connected to a second light source 210 in first side compartment 204 and a third electrical cable 246 connected to a second light source 210 in the second side compartment 206. Further, a back portion of the reflector surface 222 is also shown. In an embodiment, the tail lamp assembly comprises one or more breather pipes. The breather pipes are provided to dissipate the heat generated by the tail lamp assembly 200.
[050] Advantageously, the present invention provides a compact tail lamp assembly 200. The first light guide 212 and the second light guide 214 are arranged in the same compartment as the first light source/stop lamp 208, thereby decreasing the space requirements. As a result, more usable space is available at the rear portion of the vehicle, as the space earlier occupied by the position lamps at the rear portion of the vehicle is free and it can be used to accommodate other electronic components.
[051] Further, as the first and second light guides 212, 214 are proximate to the first side compartment 204 and the second side compartment 206 respectively, the first light guide 212 and the second light guide 214 do not affect the functionality of the first light source/stop lamp 208. The first light guide 212 and the second light guide 214 also increases the aesthetic appeal of the tail lamp assembly 200. The mounting of the first and second light guides 212, 214 in the bottom member 218 of the main compartment 208 helps to eliminate an additional bottom bracket which helps to save assembly time as well as cost. The seamless flow of the first and second light guides 212, 214 provides a visually good look in lit condition. The light guide is designed in a manner to have a seamless starting and end. The light guides 212, 214 have a light source i.e. printed circuit board at one end and on the other end it is made to flow through the reflector region provided within the light guide itself, so as to not have any break in its flow. Further, ends of the first and second light guides 212, 214 are not visible, thereby increasing the aesthetic appeal. The manufacturing and assembly of the tail lamp assembly 200 is easier as separate compartments/ casings are not required for positioning the first light source/stop lamp 208 and the position lamps i.e. the first light guide 212 and the second light guide 214. As separate compartments/casings are not required, the number of components in the tail lamp assembly 200 are decreased which leads to decrease in the overall cost of the tail lamp assembly 200.
[052] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of reference numerals
100-vehicle
104-floor board
112-seat assembly
122- seat assembly
126-front wheel
128-rear wheel
130- front fender
132- handle bar
134-visor guard
138-grab rail
140-rear fender
200-tail lamp assembly
202- main compartment
204- first side compartment
206- second side compartment
208- first light source
210- second light source
212- first light guide
212a- first end of the first light guide
212b-second end of the first light guide
214- second light guide
214a-first end of the second light guide
214b-second end of the second light guide
216- top member of the main compartment
216a- front end of the top member
216b- rear end of the top member
218- bottom member of the main compartment
218a-front end of the bottom member
218b-rear end of the bottom member
220- wall
222- reflector surface
224- first slot
226- second slot
228- first printed circuit board
229- second printed circuit board
230- first protruding member
232- fastener
234- first bezel
236- second bezel
238- color lens
240-clear lens
242- first electrical cable for main compartment
244- second electrical cable for first side compartment
246- third electrical cable for second side compartment