FIELD OP INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle and, more particularly, to an illumination device of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle such as two-wheeled vehicle, three-wheeled vehicle or four- wheeled vehicle such as all-terrain vehicle (ATV), comprise illumination devices, such as tail lights, head lights, brake lights. The illumination devices perform various functions for example, providing visibility of a path ahead, providing visibility of the vehicles, indicating application of brakes, or indicating about a turn that the vehicle may take shortly. Many of the functions performed by the illumination devices are required as per various prevailing standards and applicable statuary regulations. Further, illumination devices, owing to their position at front or rear of the vehicle, also play an important role in the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle.

[0003] The illumination devices typically use a light source, such as an incandescent bulb. However, Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are being increasingly used instead of the conventional incandescent bulbs, in the illumination devices, since LEDs have a longer service life, a better efficiency in the conversion of electrical energy into radiation energy in the visible spectral range and a comparatively tower heat emission. Further, the LEDs occupy lesser space, as compared to conventional incandescent bulbs. Basically, the LEDs are u plurality of light emitters. Typically, the illumination devices utilizing the LEDs include transparent element adjacent to the LEDs, and a controller for controlling illumination of individual tight emitters. The transparent element, also referred to as a lens, is employed to obtain a uniform distribution of the light. However, arrangement of the transparent element and the LEDs, causes output of the illumination device to be devoid of any visual depth, and appear flat, two dimensional to an observer, [0004] Further, there are inherent drawbacks associated with using LEDs as a direct light source in the illumination device. For example, since the LEDs are plurality of light emitters and each of these light emitters have a relatively tight focus area, formation of black spots occurs. Moreover, since each of the plurality of light emitters are to be placed at a predetermined distance, primarily because of heat emitted, it becomes difficult to substantially reduce the formation of black spots. In order overcome some drawbacks of LEDs, light guides have been tried, but usage of light guides remain limited because of high cost associated with light guides.

SUMMARY [0005] In one aspect of the present invention, an illumination device of a vehicle is provided. The illumination device comprises a housing member and an enclosing member coupled to front of the housing member. The enclosing member and the housing member collectively define a cavity. The illumination device also comprises a printed circuit board disposed within the cavity. The assembly board comprises a plurality of illumination members configured to emit light in the first direction towards the enclosing member. The illumination device further comprises an illumination directing assembly disposed within the cavity and ahead of the printed circuit board. The illumination directing assembly comprises a plate member assembly. The plate member assembly comprises a bottom plate configured to allow light emitted by the plurality of illumination members there through and at least two illumination directing plate members disposed on one side of the bottom plate and extends towards the enclosing member. Each one of the at least two illumination directing plate members comprises a curved free end. The illumination directing assembly also comprises a blocking member comprising plurality of insertion slots. The at least two illumination directing plate members extends through the plurality of insertion slots. The blocking member is configured to restrict light transmitting from the bottom plate except through the plurality of the insertion slots. The curved free end of the at least two illumination directing plate members is configured to allow light emitted by the by the plurality of illumination members to pass there through. In an embodiment, curved profile of the curved free ends of the illumination directing plate members, imparts a depth to the visual output, and the illumination output appears to be three-dimensional appear to the viewer as a three-dimensional.

[0006] With the illumination device as disclosed in the present invention, the illumination device facilitates in providing the visual output, through the illumination directing plate members (150), at the curved free ends (156) thereof, the visual output appears to be coming from the illumination directing plate members (150), i.e., a single light source rather than from a plurality of light sources. Accordingly, the formation of black spot in the illumination output is precluded. Moreover, owing to the curved profile of the curved free ends (156), imparts a depth to the visual output, and the illumination output appears to be three-dimensional (3-D), to an observer. Also, such output appears to have a visual depth. Further, the blocking member (160) restricts passage of light from one side of the bottom plate (142) to another, except through portions from where the illumination directing plate members (150) extend. Accordingly, the light from the plurality of illumination members (104) only travels through the illumination directing plate members (150) of the illumination directing assembly (108).

[0007] In an embodiment, wherein the bottom plate comprises a set of connecting protrusions configured to couple the plate member assembly to the housing member. The set of connecting provisions facilitate in coupling the illumination directing assembly to the housing member.

[0008] In an embodiment, wherein the illumination directing assembly comprises a top illumination directing plate and a bottom illumination directing plate, wherein the top illumination directing plate comprises at least one mounting flange, wherein the mounting flanges are mounted to the set of connecting protrusions. The mounting flanges facilitates in mounting the top illumination directing plate to the set of connecting provisions. In an embodiment, wherein the plurality of illumination members includes a top set of illumination members, a bottom set of illumination members, and a middle set of illumination members positioned between the top set of illumination members and the bottom set of illumination members. In an embodiment, wherein the top illumination directing plate are disposed ahead of the top set of illumination members, the bottom directing plate is disposed ahead of the bottom set of illumination members and the plate member assembly is disposed ahead of the middle set of illumination members. The output of the top set of illumination members

(130) through the top illumination directing plate (136), and the output of the bottom set of illumination members (132) through the bottom illumination directing plate (138), to respective curved free ends, acts as brake application indication. Likewise, the output of the middle set of illumination members (134) through the illumination directing plate members (150) to curve free ends, such as the curved free end (156), acts as a tail light of the vehicle (10).

[0009] In an embodiment, wherein each of the top illumination directing plate, the bottom illumination directing plate, the at least two illumination direction plate members and the bottom plate is made of the acrylic material such as“Poly (Methyl Methacrylate)”.

[00010] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[00011] Other features and aspects of the invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00012] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which: [00013] Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00014] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an illumination device of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [00015] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the illumination device of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00016] Figure 4 is another exploded perspective view of the illumination device of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00017] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an illumination directing assembly of the illumination device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[00018] Figure 6 is a sectional view of the illumination directing assembly of the illumination device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00019] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention. [00020] The term“comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by“comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[00021] For better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.

[00022] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, illumination devices and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two-wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term

“vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[00023] The terms“front / forward”,“rear / rearward / back / backward”,“up / upper / top”,“down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”,“left / leftward”,“right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.

[00024] Referring to Figures 1 , a vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The vehicle (10) referred to herein, embodies a two wheeled motorcycle. Alternatively, the vehicle (10) may embody any other ridden vehicles such as scooters, three-wheeled vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00025] The vehicle (10) comprises one or more body parts, such as a frame (12), a handle bar (14), a front wheel (16), a seat (18), a rear wheel (20), an engine (22), a headlight (24), and a fuel tank (26). The frame (12) supports the engine (22) in middle portion of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated example, the engine (22) provides necessary power required to drive the rear wheel (20) of the vehicle (10). Alternatively, the engine (22) may provide necessary power to the drive the front wheel (16), or both the front wheel (16) and the rear wheel (20) simultaneously, without limiting the scope of the invention. The rear wheel (20) is linked to the engine (22) through a transmission mechanism (not numbered).

[00026] The frame (12) supports the seat (18) which extends from middle portion towards a rear portion (28) of the vehicle (10). The seat (18) provides seating for a rider and / or a passenger of the vehicle (10). The fuel tank (26) provides necessary fuel to the engine (22) to generate power within the vehicle (10).

[00027] As shown in Figure 2, the vehicle (10) further comprises an illumination device (100). The illumination device (100) is disposed on the rear portion (28) of the vehicle (10). In the illustrated embodiment, the illumination device (100) functions as a tail light (also referred to as“tail lamp”). In such an embodiment, the illumination device (100) the may also function as brake light of the vehicle (10). Although in the present disclosure, the illumination device (100) is disposed on the rear portion (28) to function as the tail light of the vehicle (10). In alternative examples of the present invention, the illumination device (100) may be on a front portion and may function as the headlight (24) of the vehicle (10).

[00028] As shown in Figure 3, and 4, the illumination device (100) includes a housing member (102), a plurality of illumination members (104), a printed circuit board (106), an illumination directing assembly (108), and an enclosing member (HO)· Each of the housing member (102), the plurality of illumination members (104), the printed circuit board (106), the illumination directing assembly (108), and the enclosing member (110), are assembled together to form the illumination device (100). The illumination device (100) is removably mounted on the vehicle (10).

[00029] In an embodiment, the housing member (102), the plurality of illumination members (104), the printed circuit board (106), the illumination directing assembly (108), and the enclosing member (110) are directly assembled on the vehicle (10), to form the illumination device (100). In another example, the housing member (102), the plurality of illumination members (104), the printed circuit board (106), the illumination directing assembly (108), and the enclosing member (110) are pre assembled to form the illumination device (100), and thereafter the assembled illumination device (100) is mounted on the vehicle (100). In further examples of the present disclosure, one or more components of the illumination device (100), such as the housing member (102), the plurality of illumination members (104), the printed circuit board (106), and the illumination directing assembly (108) may be pre assembled, before being mounted to the vehicle (100), and the enclosing member (110) may be mounted thereon, afterwards.

[00030] Particularly, the housing member (102) of the illumination device (100) is removably coupled on the vehicle (10), using a connection means (not illustrated) such as fasteners. The housing member (102) has a first side (204) (shown in Figure 4) facing the vehicle (10) when connected thereto, and a second side (206) having a plurality of walls (208) extending in a direction opposite to the first side (204). On one or more of the plurality of walls (208), locking slots, such as a locking slot (210) is also provided. The housing member (102) also includes internally threaded projections (212) on the second side (206). The internally threaded projections (212) assist in connection of the printed circuit board (106) on the housing member (102). The housing member (102) and the enclosing member (110) define an oblong cavity (103) (alternatively referred to as cavity (103)). In other examples, the plurality of walls (208) extending in the direction opposite to the first side (204) and the enclosing member (110) may define a cavity (103) of any other shape, such as a rectangular cavity or a trapezoidal cavity.

[00031] As best shown in Figure 3 and 4, the printed circuit board (106) is adapted to be received within the cavity (103) defined by the plurality of walls (208) of the housing member (102) and the enclosing member (110). The printed circuit board (106) includes a first face (120), a second face (122) facing the housing member (102) and opposite to the first face (120), and a set of holes (124) extending between the first face (120) and the second face (122). In one embodiment, there are four holes in the set of holes (124) and these four holes, engage with respective four internally threaded projection (122) using fasteners (not illustrated). In other examples, there may be fewer or more number of holes and a corresponding equal number of internally threaded projections (212) on the housing member (102).

[00032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the printed circuit board (106) has electrical components, such as electrical conducting tracks (not illustrated) on the second face (122). The plurality of illumination members (104) are disposed on the first face (120) of the printed circuit board (106). In the embodiment where the printed circuit board (106) is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) having electrical components, such as electrical conducting tracks on the second face (122), each of the plurality of illumination members (104), while being mechanically supported on the first face (120), are electrically coupled to respective electrical conducting tracks. In effect, the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) (106), controls illumination of the plurality of illumination members (104).

[00033] As best shown in Figure 3, the plurality of illumination members (104) include a top set of illumination members (130), a bottom set of illumination members

(132), and a middle set of illumination members (134) positioned between the top set of illumination members (130) and the bottom set of illumination members (132). The illumination directing assembly (108) is positioned on the plurality of illumination members (104). In an embodiment, the illumination directing assembly (108) is positioned over each of the top set of illumination members (130), the bottom set of illumination members (132), and the middle set of illumination members (134). As such, the placement of the illumination directing assembly (108) over the top set of illumination members (130), the bottom set of illumination members (132), and the middle set of illumination members (134) is such that illumination from the top set of illumination members (130), the bottom set of illumination members (132), and the middle set of illumination members (134) is directed towards only the illumination directing assembly (108). In the illustrated example, the plurality of illumination members (104) are configured to emit light in the first direction (Dl) towards the enclosing member (110). [00034] The illumination directing assembly (108) include a top illumination directing plate (136), a bottom illumination directing plate (138), and a plate member assembly (139). In the illustrated example, the top illumination directing plate (136) is identical to the bottom illumination directing plate (138). The plate member assembly (139) also includes a bottom plate (142), and at least two illumination directing plate members (150) (also referred to as “directing plates (150)” or “intermediate directing plates (150)”) extending from one side of the bottom plate (142). The bottom plate (142) configured to allow light emitted by the plurality of illumination members (104) there through. In the illustrated example, the at least two illumination directing plate members (150) and the bottom plate (142) is formed integral to one another. Alternatively, the at least two illumination directing plate members (150) and the bottom plate (142) may be formed separately and are coupled to one another, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00035] Further, from an opposite side of the bottom plate (142) a set of connecting protrusions (144) (shown in Figure 4) extend. The set of connecting protrusions (144), pass through the set of holes (124) on the printed circuit board (106) to engage with the internally threaded projections (212) of the housing member (102). In this manner, the set of connecting protrusions (144) connect the printed circuit board (106) with the illumination directing assembly (108) and the housing member (102).

[00036] In an example, the illumination directing assembly (108) is composed of an acrylic material, also referred to as“Poly (Methyl Methacrylate)” or“(PMMA).) Specifically, each of the top illumination directing plate (136), the bottom illumination directing plate (138), the at least two illumination direction plate members (150) and the bottom plate (142) may be composed of the acrylic material. In other examples, the illumination directing assembly (108) may be composed of a transparent thermoplastic material, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00037] In the disclosed embodiment, the set of connecting protrusions (144) includes four connecting provisions corresponding to four holes (124) on the the printed circuit board (106) and four internally threaded projections (212) of the housing member (102). In other examples, there may be fewer or more number of connecting provisions in the set of connecting protrusions (144), and a corresponding number of holes (124) on the the printed circuit board (106), and a corresponding number of internally threaded projections (212) of the housing member (102). In further examples of the present disclosure, the bottom plate (142) of the illumination directing assembly (108) may, instead of the set of connecting protrusions (144), include holes (not illustrated), for allowing connection of the illumination directing assembly (108), with the printed circuit board (106), without limiting the scope of the invention. Further, the top illumination directing plate (136) comprises at least one mounting flange (141), wherein the mounting flanges (141) are mounted to the set of connecting protrusions (144). The bottom illumination directing plate (138) also comprises mounting flanges (not shown) similar to that of the at least one mounting flange (141) of the top illumination directing plate (136). [00038] Referring now to Figure 5 illustrating a perspective view of the illumination directing assembly (108) and Figure 6 a sectional view of the illumination directing assembly (108) taken along a line X-X\ Each illumination direction plate member (150) of the plate member assembly (139), comprises a bottom end (158) extending from the bottom plate (142), an external peripheral surface (152), a body portion (154) (illustrated in Figure 6) and a curved free end (156). It may herein be noted that each illuminating direction plate member (150) of the illumination directing assembly (108) includes a bottom end, such as the bottom end (158), an external peripheral surface, such as the external peripheral surface (152), the bottom end (158) is integral with the bottom plate (142) and a curved free end, such as the curved free end (156), and each such illuminating direction plate member (150) along with components thereof, functions in the like manner, therefore for the purposes of brevity, separate description thereof has been omitted.

[00039] The bottom plate (142) of the illumination directing assembly (108), being substantially transparent, allows illumination to pass through the bottom end, such as the bottom end (158) of each illumination direction plate member, such as the illumination direction plate member (150). The external peripheral surface (152) of each illumination direction plate, such as the illumination direction plate member (150), is configured to disallow lateral passage of light, whereas the body portion (154) allows the light to pass therethrough. In other words, the illumination coming from the direction of bottom plate (142) is only to get emitted outside the illumination direction plate (150) from the curved free end (156).

[00040] Also disposed ahead the bottom plate (142) of the illumination directing assembly (108) is a blocking member (160). The blocking member (160) comprises insertion slots (162), allowing insertion of the illumination directing plate members

(150). The blocking member (160) is configured to restrict passage of light from one side to another, except through the insertion slots (162), wherefrom the illumination directing plate members (150) are inserted. In an alternative example, the blocking member (160) may be in the form of an opaque layer defined on the bottom plate (142), and configured to restrict passage of light from one side to another, except through portions from where the illumination directing plate members (150) extend. In further examples, the blocking member (160) may integral to the bottom plate (142).

[00041] The top illumination directing plate (136) and the bottom illumination directing plate (138) are similar to that of the illumination directing plate members

(150), i.e. the top illumination directing plate (136) and the bottom illumination directing plate (138) also comprises a bottom end, an external peripheral surface, a body portion and a curved free end (not illustrated) along with components thereof, functions in the like manner to that of the illuminating directing plate members (150), therefore for the purposes of brevity, separate description thereof has been omitted.

[00042] In order to assemble the illumination device (100) of the present disclosure, the illumination directing assembly (108) is engaged with the printed circuit board (106) where the plurality of illumination members (104) are already provided. Specifically, in order to engage the illumination directing assembly (108) with the printed circuit board (106), the set of connecting protrusions (144) are inserted through the holes (124) on the printed circuit board (106). The illumination directing assembly (108) engaged with the printed circuit board (106), is now positioned within the housing member (102). In order to assemble the illumination directing assembly (108) engaged with the printed circuit board (106) with the housing member (102) to the internally threaded projections (212) of the housing member (102) are aligned with the the holes (124), and subsequently coupled using fasteners. Thereafter, the enclosing member (110) in engaged with the housing member (102), as shown in Figure 2. [00043] When the housing member (102), the plurality of illumination members

(104), the printed circuit board (106), and the illumination directing assembly (108) are assembled together, the illumination directing assembly (108) is positioned over the plurality of illumination members (104). Specifically, the top set of illumination members (130) are aligned with the top illumination directing plate (136), the bottom set of illumination members (132) are aligned with the bottom illumination directing plate (138), and the middle set of illumination members (134) are aligned with the illumination directing plate members (150).

[00044] Owing to such alignment and positioning of the plurality of illumination members (104), with respect to the illumination directing assembly (108), when the plurality of illumination members (104) are illuminated, the light emitted is directed towards the bottom plate (142) of the illumination directing assembly (108). Specifically, the light emitted by the top set of illumination members (130) is towards the top illumination directing plate (136), the light emitted by the bottom set of illumination members (132) is towards the bottom illumination directing plate (138), and the light emitted by the middle set of illumination members (134) is towards the illumination directing plate members (150).

[00045] The output of the top set of illumination members (130) through the top illumination directing plate (136), and the output of the bottom set of illumination members (132) through the bottom illumination directing plate (138), to respective curved free ends, acts as brake application indication. Likewise, the output of the middle set of illumination members (134) through the illumination directing plate members (150) to curve free ends, such as the curved free end (156), acts as a tail light of the vehicle (10). [00046] The blocking member (160) restricts passage of light from one side of the bottom plate (142) to another, except through portions from where the illumination directing plate members (150) extend. Accordingly, the light from the plurality of illumination members (104) only travels through the illumination directing plate members (150) of the illumination directing assembly (108), indicated by an arrow Y. A visual output of the light from the plurality of illumination members (104), upon passing through the body portion (154) of the the illumination directing plate members (150), is at the curved free end (156).

[00047] In this manner, when the plurality of illumination members (104) illuminate, providing the visual output, through the illumination directing plate members (150), at the curved free ends (156) thereof, the visual output appears to be coming from the illumination directing plate members (150), i.e., a single light source rather than from a plurality of light sources. Accordingly, the formation of black spots in the illumination output is precluded. Moreover, owing to the curved profile of the curved free ends (156), imparts a depth to the visual output, and the illumination output appears to be three-dimensional (3-D), to an observer. Also, such output appears to have a visual depth.

[00048] Further, the external peripheral surface (152) of each illumination directing plate members (150), disallows lateral passage of light, therethrough, and resultantly entire visual output of the plurality of illumination members (104) propagates through the body portions (154) of the the illumination directing plate members (150), towards the curved free end (156). Therefore the output is of considerable intensity whereby the amount of illumination required, for example for tail lamp or brake light purposes, is achieved. As another example of the illumination device (100), the illumination directing assembly (108) by providing a smooth illumination output, allow the plurality of illumination members (104) to be at a required distance from one another. Accordingly, a need to keep the plurality of illumination members (104) in close proximity of one another to obtain smooth illumination output is precluded. This resultantly, also considerably eliminates heating and related problems associated with the plurality of illumination members (104).

[00049] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention. [00050] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.