DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

Title of invention:
A VEHICLE TAIL-LIGHT ASSEMBLY

APPLICANT
Varroc Engineering Limited.
An Indian entity having address as:

L-4, MIDC Waluj,
Aurangabad-431136,
Maharashtra, India

The following specification describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to automobiles. More particularly, the present subject matter relates to a rear light assembly in vehicles.
BACKGROUND
Taillights provide a safety aspect of the vehicle. They show the rear edge of the vehicle to allow other drivers to appropriately gauge the size and shape of the vehicle. In addition, they allow other vehicles to see the vehicle in inclement weather such as rain or snow.

Functionality of a rear lamp for a vehicle plays a vital role in the safety of the vehicle during night or hazardous driving conditions. The taillight also highlights the vehicle’s profile. These days the taillight function has also been evolved as a styling deed for effectively alerting other drivers and improving the illumination.

However, most of LED taillights usually require a plurality of light sources for the illuminating a large size reflector or for wide area illumination. Further, direct light from the taillight may disturb the vision of the other drivers. Also, most of the LED taillights rely on a plurality of light sources and special diffused lenses for achieving uniform illumination.

Therefore, there exists a need in the art to provide a taillight or taillamp assembly that overcomes the above-mentioned problems and to efficiently alert other drivers and improve the illumination of the taillight or taillamp assembly.

SUMMARY
The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior art and provides additional advantages discussed throughout the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other aspects and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a light assembly for automotive is described. The light assembly comprising an outer lens, at least one light source operable to emit light, a first reflector of a first type, and a second reflector of a second type. The at least one light source is positioned between the first reflector and the second reflector with an emitter end of the at least one light source facing the second reflector. The second reflector is operable to form a virtual image of the at least one light source at a focal distance of the first reflector for illuminating the first reflector. The virtual image of the at least one light source includes a virtual light source, and the first reflector is operable to reflect the light from the virtual light source towards the outer lens.

In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the light assembly further comprises a housing, a PCB circuitry comprising the at least one light source, and a driver circuitry for driving the PCB circuitry. The PCB circuitry, the driver circuitry, the first reflector, and the second reflector are mounted on the housing, and the outer lens is fastened with the housing to form a closed light assembly.

In yet another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the first reflector comprises at least one of: a parabolic reflector or a free form reflector, and the second reflector comprises at least one of: a plane mirror or a curved mirror.

In yet another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one light source and the second reflector are positioned at a distance from the first reflector for forming the virtual image of the at least one light source at a focal distance of the first reflector.

In yet another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the virtual image of the at least one light source is formed behind the second reflector and on a side opposite to that of the at least one light source.

In yet another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the second reflector is operable to reflect the light coming from the at least one light source towards the first reflector and illuminate at least a portion of the first reflector.

In yet another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the first reflector comprises at least one pattern on the surface for defocusing the light from the virtual light source.

In yet another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the light assembly further comprises a processing unit in communication with the at least one light source, wherein the processing unit is operable to adjust lumen output of the at least one light source based on at least one criterion.

In yet another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one criterion includes one of: night light condition or stop/brake light condition.

In yet another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the light assembly further comprises a PCB circuitry, wherein the at least one source and the processing unit are mounted on the PCB circuitry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the Figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the Figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.

Fig. 1 illustrates a ray diagram of a light assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2(a) illustrates a front view of a light assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2(b) illustrates a sectional view of a light assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a light assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4(a) illustrates a front view of a reflector having defocussing pattern, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4(b) illustrates a sectional view of a reflector having defocussing pattern, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5 illustrates an illumination of the light assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagram herein represents conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference throughout the specification to “various aspects,” “some aspects,” “one aspect,” or “an aspect” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various aspects,” “in some aspect,” “in one aspect,” or “in an aspect” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

In the following detailed description of the aspects of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific aspects in which the disclosure may be practiced. These aspects are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other aspects may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

The terminology “taillamp”, “rear lamp”, and “tail light” have been alternatively used throughout the specification.

Present disclosure describes a light assembly for automotive. The light assembly comprises an outer lens, at least one light source operable to emit light, a first reflector of a first type, and a second reflector of a second type. The at least one light source is positioned between the first reflector and the second reflector with an emitter end of the at least one light source facing the second reflector. The second reflector is operable to form a virtual image of the at least one light source at a focal distance of the first reflector for illuminating the first reflector. The virtual image of the at least one light source includes a virtual light source, and the first reflector is operable to reflect the light from the virtual light source towards the outer lens. Thus, the virtual light source facilitates wide area illumination and avoids direct light on rear vehicle drivers.

Fig. 1 illustrates a ray diagram 100 of a light assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the ray diagram 100 comprises an internal setup of the light assembly. The light assembly comprises an outer lens 101, a first reflector 109, a second reflector 105, and a light source 107. The light source 107 is placed between the first and the second reflector 105, 109. The light source 107 may be an LED source or bulb. However, the light source 107 is not limited to above example and any other light source used in automotive or lighting application is well within the scope of the present disclosure.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, an emitter end of the light source 107 may be facing the second reflector 105 for illuminating the second reflector 105. The second reflector 105 may be operable to form a virtual image of the light source 107 on a side of the second reflector 105 which is opposite to that of the light source 105. The virtual image of the light source 105 may be formed at focal point/distance ‘f’ of the first reflector 109. Thus, the virtual image of the light source 105 act as a virtual light source 103 for illuminating the first reflector 109.

In an aspect, the light source 107 and the first reflector 105 may be place near to the first reflector 109. A distance between the light source 107 and the first reflector 109 and a distance between the light source 107 and the second reflector 105 may be selected such that the virtual image of the light source 107 is formed at the focal point/distance of the first reflector.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the closely placed light source 107 is incapable of uniformly illuminating the first reflector 109. However, the virtual light source 103 formed at the focal distance ‘f’ by the second reflector 105 is now capable of uniformly illuminating the first reflector 109. The first reflector 109 is operable to reflect the light from the virtual light source 103 towards the outer lens 101, thereby facilitating wide area illumination with a closely placed light source 107 near the first reflector 109 inside a compact light assembly.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the light source 107 may be replaced by a plurality of light source to further increase the area of illumination. In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a current through the light source 107 may be increased/decreased for increasing/decreasing the illumination of the light assembly.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the current through the light source 107 may be increased to indicate stop function to the rear vehicle drivers. The light assembly may comprise a driver circuitry for controlling the current through the light source 107. In one non-limiting aspect, the driver circuit may be operated by the vehicle electronic control unit (ECU). In another non-limiting aspect, the driver circuitry may comprise a processing unit for controlling the current through the light source 107.

Thus, the light assembly facilitates wide area illumination with a single light source, tail and stop function with a single light source just by changing the light source current, uniform illumination on the reflector. Further, the light source is hidden so it does not affect the vision of the rear vehicle drivers.

Fig. 2(a) illustrates a front view 200a of a light assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the light assembly 200a may have an internal setup as illustrated in fig. 1. The light assembly 200a may be operable to perform one or more functionality of taillamps or rear lamp in automotive applications. The one or more functionality of taillamp may include tail light indication, stop indication, direction indication, etc.

Fig. 2(b) illustrates a sectional view 200b of a light assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. The components of the light assembly illustrated in the sectional view 200b, and their respective functionalities are discussed in detail in explanation of fig. 3.

Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a light assembly 300, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the light assembly 300 may comprise an outer lens 301, a first reflector 305, a second reflector 303, a PCB circuitry 307, an inner lens 309, a driver PCB circuit 311, and a housing 313. The arrangement of the components mentioned above is discussed in below paragraphs.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first reflector 305 may have a hollow region for fixing the inner lens 309 by a fixing means such as screws. The inner lens 309 may also have a hollow region comprising a slot for accommodating the PCB circuitry 307. The PCB circuitry 307 may comprise at least one light source mounted and soldered on the PCB circuitry 307. The al least one light source may be configured to emit light.

The inner lens 309 may be made up of transparent material. The inner lens 309 may comprise a first end and second end. The first end of the inner lens 309 is a closed end. The inner lens 309 is inserted inside the first reflector 305 such that first end is fixed or attached to the back side of the first reflector using any fixing means known to a person skilled in the art.

The second end of the inner lens 309 is closed with the help of the second reflector 303 after the PCB circuitry 307 is mounted inside the inner lens 309. The PCB circuitry 307 may be placed inside the inner lens 309 such that the emitter region of the at least one light source is facing the second reflector 303 for illuminating the seconds reflector.

The inner lens along with PCB circuitry 307 and second reflector 303 form the inner lens assembly. In an aspect of the present disclosure, the PCB circuitry 307 is driven or controlled using the driver PCB circuit 311. The driver PCB circuit 311 may comprise a processing unit in communication with the at least one light source and is operable to adjust lumen output of the at least one light source based on at least one criterion. The at least one criterion includes one of: night light condition or stop/brake light condition.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the driver PCB circuit 311 and the PCB circuitry 307 may be combined to form a single driver PCB for driving the current through the at least one source. In one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, the light assembly may be connected to a body control module (present outside the light assembly) for controlling the current through the at least one light source and performing various functionalities of the taillight.

In one non-limiting aspect, the lumen output of the at least one light source may be controlled using a processing unit mounted on the PCB circuitry 307. In another non-limiting aspect, the lumen output of the at least one light source may directly be controlled through the vehicle ECU on which the light assembly 300 is mounted.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the inner lens assembly along with driver PCB circuit 311 and the first reflector 305 may be mounted on the housing 313 and the housing 313 may be closed with the outer lens 301 as illustrated in sectional view of light assembly in fig. 2(b).

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first reflector 305 may be of the first type and the second reflector 303 may be of second type. The first reflector 305 may comprise at least one of a: parabolic reflector or a free form reflector and the second reflector 303 may comprise at least one of: a plane mirror, a curved mirror, or any other reflective surface capable of above-mentioned functionality known to a person skilled in the art.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a curved mirror is selected as the second reflector 303 for achieving the uniform illumination or uniform distribution of the light from the light assembly. In another non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure, a planer mirror is selected as the second reflector 303 for achieving the Lambertian distribution of light from the light assembly. However, the first reflector 305 and the second reflector 303 are not limited to above mentioned example and may be any other type of reflector selected based on the required illumination.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the second reflector 303 may be operable to form a virtual image of the at least one light source at a focal distance of the first reflector 305 for illuminating the first reflector. The virtual image of the at least one light source may include or act as a virtual light source for illuminating the first reflector. The first reflector 305 may be operable to reflect the light from the virtual light source towards the outer lens.

The inner lens 309 is designed in such a manner that the at least one light source mounted on the PCB circuitry 307 and the second reflector 303 are positioned at a distance from the first reflector 305 for forming the virtual image of the at least one light source at a focal distance of the first reflector 305, as illustrated in ray diagram of fig. 1. The virtual image of the at least one light source is formed behind the second reflector 305 and on a side opposite to that of the at least one light source.

Thus, the second reflector 303 may be operable to reflect the light coming from the at least one light source towards the first reflector 305 using the virtual light source and illuminate at least a portion of the first reflector 305. The first reflector 305 reflects the light incident on the first from the virtual light source towards the outer lens 301. In one non-limiting aspect, the driver PCB circuit 311 may comprise a wiring harness and connector to the vehicle

Thus, the light assembly facilitates wide area illumination with a single light source, tail and stop function with a single light source just by changing the light source current, uniform illumination on the reflector. Further, the light source is hidden so it does not affect the vision of the rear vehicle drivers.

The processing unit and ECU may include, but are not restricted to, a general-purpose processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), microprocessors, microcomputers, micro-controllers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.

Fig. 4(a) illustrates a front view of a reflector having defocussing pattern, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure and fig. 4(b) illustrates a sectional view of a reflector having defocussing pattern, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first reflector of the light assembly may comprise at least one pattern 401 on the surface of the reflector for creating an illumination pattern from the light assembly. In one non-limiting aspect, the at least one pattern 401 may be created by creating at least one duct on the surface of the first reflector. In another non-limiting aspect, the at least one pattern 401 may be created by masking at least a portion of the reflector. The masking may be done through an opaque material.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one pattern 401 formed by the duct or masking act as defocusing region and absorbs light from the virtual light source (as discussed in above paragraphs). The at least one pattern 401on the surface of the reflector does not reflect the light falling on the at least one pattern 401, thereby creating an illumination pattern or lit appearances for the rear vehicle drivers.

In one non-limiting aspect of the present aspect, the at least one pattern 401 may vary based on the desired or required illumination pattern. However, the techniques of the at least one pattern 401 is not limited to above example and any other technique for creating a defocussing zone on the reflector is well within the scope of present disclosure.

Fig. 5 illustrates an illumination of the light assembly, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

In aspect of the present disclosure, the illumination generated by the light assembly may comprise a central dark region due to the presence of the inner lens assembly as discussed in above aspects. Further, the first reflector of the light assembly may comprise a plurality of concentric patterns around the inner lens assembly that are equally spaced from each other. The plurality of concentric patterns acts as defocussing zone that absorbs light, thereby creating an illumination pattern or lit appearance on the surface of the outer lens of the light assemble that is visible to the rear vehicle drivers. Thus, the different lit appearances generated by the light assembly may effectively alert the rear vehicle drivers to appropriately gauge the size and shape of the vehicle.

It is to be noted that illumination pattern shown in fig. 5 is an exemplary pattern and any other pattern created by creating defocusing zone on the surface of the reflector is well within the scope of the present disclosure.

The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include those provided by the following features:
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a low cost and effective light assembly that efficiently alert other drivers.
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides higher design of freedom and better visibility.
In an aspect, the light assembly facilitates wide area illumination with a single light source.
In an aspect, the light assembly facilitates tail and stop function with a single light source just by changing the light source current.
In an aspect, the the light source is hidden and there is no impact on the vision of the rear vehicle drivers.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A light assembly (300) for automotive, comprising:
an outer lens (301);
at least one light source operable to emit light;
a first reflector (305) of a first type; and
a second reflector (303) of a second type,
wherein:
the at least one light source is positioned between the first reflector (305) and the second reflector (303) with an emitter end of the at least one light source facing the second reflector (303),
the second reflector (303) is operable to form a virtual image of the at least one light source at a focal distance of the first reflector (305) for illuminating the first reflector (305),
the virtual image of the at least one light source includes a virtual light source, and
the first reflector (305) is operable to reflect the light from the virtual light source towards the outer lens.

2. The light assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a housing (313);
a PCB circuitry (307) comprising the at least one light source; and
a driver circuitry (311) for driving the PCB circuitry (307),
wherein:
the PCB circuitry (307), the driver circuitry (311), the first reflector (305), and the second reflector (303) are mounted on the housing (313), and
the outer lens (301) is fastened with the housing to form a closed light assembly (300).

3. The light assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein:
the first reflector (305) comprises at least one of: a parabolic reflector or a free form reflector, and
the second reflector (303) comprises at least one of: a plane mirror or a curved mirror.

4. The light assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the at least one light source and the second reflector (303) are positioned at a distance from the first reflector (305) for forming the virtual image of the at least one light source at a focal distance of the first reflector (305).

5. The light assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the virtual image of the at least one light source is formed behind the second reflector (303) and on a side opposite to that of the at least one light source.

6. The light assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second reflector (303) is operable to reflect the light coming from the at least one light source towards the first reflector and illuminate at least a portion of the first reflector.

7. The light assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first reflector (305) comprises at least one pattern on the surface for defocusing the light from the virtual light source.

8. The light assembly (300) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
a processing unit in communication with the at least one light source, wherein the processing unit is operable to adjust lumen output of the at least one light source based on at least one criterion.

9. The light assembly (300) as claimed in claim 8,
wherein the at least one criterion includes one of: night light condition or stop/brake light condition.

10. The light assembly (300) as claimed in claim 8, further comprises:
a PCB circuitry (307), wherein the at least one source and the processing unit are mounted on the PCB circuitry (307).

Dated this 02nd Day of August 2021

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA- 1454