US20180361910A1 - Adjustment assembly for light equipment - Google Patents
Adjustment assembly for light equipment Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180361910A1 US20180361910A1 US15/624,181 US201715624181A US2018361910A1 US 20180361910 A1 US20180361910 A1 US 20180361910A1 US 201715624181 A US201715624181 A US 201715624181A US 2018361910 A1 US2018361910 A1 US 2018361910A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- connector
- support
- distance
- adjustment assembly
- connector body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
- B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
- B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
- B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
- B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
- B60Q1/068—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle by mechanical means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
- B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
- B60Q1/0483—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights mounted on a bracket, e.g. details concerning the mouting of the lamps on the vehicle body
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
- B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
- B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
- B60Q1/076—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle by electrical means including means to transmit the movements, e.g. shafts or joints
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
- F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
- F21S41/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
- F21S41/192—Details of lamp holders, terminals or connectors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
- F21S45/10—Protection of lighting devices
-
- F21S48/1109—
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q2200/00—Special features or arrangements of vehicle headlamps
- B60Q2200/30—Special arrangements for adjusting headlamps, e.g. means for transmitting the movements for adjusting the lamps
- B60Q2200/32—Ball-joints
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to an adjusting assembly and in particular to an automotive light adjusting assembly.
- Tasks of mounting and/or assembling a plurality of pieces together in assembly lines can be cumbersome and expensive as such tasks can require tools, operators with dexterity, time, and/or mistake proofing processes, e.g. poka-yoke processes.
- This is particularly relevant for automotive industry and notably in adjustment systems for vehicle lights that can rely on a large number of small parts that interact between each other and require precision assembly so as to limit accumulation of variations between parts that may exceed tolerances.
- exceeding tolerances may significantly affect functions of the adjustment systems and impede the accurate positioning, setting, and/or calibration of the vehicle lights that may have to follow strict regulations.
- the use of the fastening devices to assemble the conventional adjustment systems can lead to misfit and/or failure of the conventional adjustment systems. For example, if the fastening devices are not inserted correctly, e.g. not straight, the conventional adjustment systems may not be adequately articulated and may fail in correctly positioning the lights of the vehicle. In another example, if the fastening devices are over or under tightened, elements of the adjustment systems in which the fastening devices are inserted can become loose, bent or even broken and render the adjustment systems inoperable.
- the object of the present disclosure is to provide an adjustment system for vehicle light assembly that addresses the above mentioned limitations.
- the adjustment system of the present disclosure provides an improved assembly by relying on a connector that can be mounted between parts with the bare hand and without improper manipulations.
- an adjustment assembly to support vehicle lights includes a bracket that supports the vehicle lights with a plurality of bracket housings, a support structure that articulatably supports the bracket with a plurality of support housings, a plurality of sockets that is inserted into the plurality of bracket housings, each socket of the plurality of sockets including a cavity seat, and a cavity sink that opens on the cavity seat, and a plurality of connectors that articulatably connects the plurality of sockets and the plurality of support housings, each connector of the plurality of connectors including a connector body, a connector neck that protrudes from the connector body, and a connector head that surmounts the connector neck, wherein the connector head is manually insertable into the cavity seat to provide an articulation point, the neck articulates within the cavity sink through the articulation point, and the connector body is manually insertable into each support housing of the plurality of support housings.
- the connector includes a plurality of connector flanges that protrudes radially from the connector body.
- the plurality of connector flanges includes a first connector flange positioned at a first distance from a terminal end of the connector body, a second connector flange positioned at a second distance from the first connector flange, and a third connector flange positioned at a third distance from the second connector flange, wherein the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance the first and the second distance is smaller than the third distance to enhance gripping between the support housing and the connector body and air evacuation when the connector body is inserted into the support housing.
- the second distance is at least two times smaller than the third distance.
- the connector body further includes a plurality of support walls extending between each connector flange of the plurality of connector flanges.
- the connector further includes a pair of groove extending along the connector body to facilitate air evacuation when the connector body is inserted into the support housing.
- the connector further includes a connector ring positioned between the terminal end and a first connector flange of the plurality of flanges that enhances gripping between the support housing and the connector.
- the connector ring has a predetermined play between an internal diameter of the connector ring and an external diameter of the connector body that enhances gripping between the connector and the support housing.
- the connector ring has a ring edge substantially sharp that provides biting between the connector and the support housing.
- an adjustment assembly to support vehicle lights includes a bracket that supports the vehicle lights with a bracket housings, a support structure that articulatably supports the bracket with a plurality of support housings, a plurality of sockets that is inserted into the plurality of support housings, each socket of the plurality of sockets including a cavity seat, and a cavity sink that opens to the cavity seat, and a plurality of connectors that articulatably connects the plurality of sockets and the plurality of support housings, the connector including a connector body, a connector shoulder that surmounts the connector body, a connector neck that protrudes from the connector shoulder, and a connector head that surmounts the connector neck, wherein the connector head is manually insertable into the cavity seat to provide an articulation point, the neck moves within the cavity sink through the articulation point, the connector shoulder is seatable on each support housing of the plurality of support housings, and the connector body is manually insertable into the support
- the connector body includes a plurality of connector flanges that protrudes radially from the connector body.
- the plurality of connector flanges includes a first connector flange positioned at a first distance from a terminal end of the connector body, a second connector flange positioned at a second distance from the first connector flange, and a third connector flange positioned at a third distance from the second connector flange, wherein the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance the first and the second distance is smaller than the third distance to enhance gripping between the support housing and the connector body and air evacuation when the connector body is inserted into the support housing.
- the connector further includes a pair of groove extending from a terminal end of the connector body up to the shoulder to facilitate air evacuation when the connector body is inserted into the support housing.
- the connector shoulder has a first surface substantially flat that seats on a bore of the support housing and stops the insertion of the connector body into the support housing.
- the connector shoulder has a second surface opposite to the first surface that has a flared shaped to provide ergonomic comfort when an operator inserts the connector into the support housing.
- an adjustment assembly to support vehicle lights includes a bracket that supports the vehicle lights with a plurality of bracket housings, a support structure that articulatably supports the bracket with a plurality of support housings, a plurality of sockets that is inserted into the plurality of bracket housings, each socket of the plurality of sockets including a cavity seat, and a cavity sink that opens to the cavity seat, and a plurality of connectors that articulatably connects the plurality of sockets and the plurality of support housings, each connector of the plurality of connectors including a connector foot, a connector body that surmounts the connector foot, a connector shoulder that surmounts the connector body, a connector neck that protrudes from the connector shoulder, and a connector head that surmounts the connector neck, wherein the connector head is manually insertable into the cavity seat to provide an articulation point, the neck moves within the cavity sink through the articulation point, the connector shoulder is seatable on each
- the connector body includes a plurality of connector flanges that protrudes radially from the connector body.
- the plurality of connector flanges includes a first connector flange positioned at a first distance from the connector foot, a second connector flange positioned at a second distance from the first connector flange, and a third connector flange positioned at a third distance from the second connector flange, wherein the second distance is higher than the first and the third distance is higher than the second distance to enhance gripping between the bracket housing and the connector body and air evacuation when the connector body is inserted into the support housing.
- the connector foot includes a pair of support walls that cross each other and provides support for the connector foot.
- each support wall of the pair of support wall has a semi-spheroidal shape to facilitate the insertion of the connector into the support housing.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective exploded view of an adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- FIG. 1B is a perspective assembled view of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a socket of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- FIG. 2B is a first sectional view of the socket of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- FIG. 2C a second sectional view of the socket of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a connector of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the connector of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- FIG. 3C is a sectional view of the connector inserted into the socket, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for articulatably mounting the adjustment assembly via the connector, according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- FIGS. 1A-1B are a perspective exploded and assembled views of an adjustment assembly 1000 , according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- the adjustment assembly 1000 can include a bracket 4000 , a plurality of sockets 2000 inserted in the bracket 4000 , a support 6000 , and a plurality of connectors 3000 inserted into the plurality of sockets 2000 and the support 6000 .
- the plurality of connectors 3000 articulatably connects the bracket 4000 and the support 6000 through the plurality of sockets 2000 and provides each an articulation point between the plurality of brackets 4000 and the plurality of sockets 2000 .
- the bracket 4000 can support automotive light equipment that requires adjustment, e.g. light-emitting diode (LED) assemblies, halogen lamp assemblies, or the like, while the support 6000 can provide a fixed structure from which at least one socket of the plurality of sockets 2000 can be actuated, e.g. translated forward and/or backward, by an operator to articulate the bracket 4000 around the articulation points between the plurality of connectors 3000 and the plurality of sockets 2000 to adjust positioning of the light equipment.
- LED light-emitting diode
- halogen lamp assemblies or the like
- the support 6000 can provide a fixed structure from which at least one socket of the plurality of sockets 2000 can be actuated, e.g. translated forward and/or backward, by an operator
- the articulation of the at least one socket 2000 can rely on an articulation mechanism 5000 , e.g. worm screw 5100 driven by a motor 5200 , inserted partially or completely in the support 6000 via an articulation housing 5300 of the, to be actuated, e.g. translated forward and/or backward, by an operator.
- an articulation mechanism 5000 e.g. worm screw 5100 driven by a motor 5200 , inserted partially or completely in the support 6000 via an articulation housing 5300 of the, to be actuated, e.g. translated forward and/or backward, by an operator.
- Each connector of the plurality of connectors 3000 is elaborated to minimize manipulation complexity and/or incorrectness that can arise when the connector 3000 is mounted onto the support 6000 .
- the connector 3000 is elaborated to provide an insertion into a support housing 6100 of the support 6000 that limit the use of tools and simply require an operator to manually press the connector 3000 in the support housing 6100 of the support 6000 .
- the connector 3000 is further elaborated to minimize the number of elements that need to be used and manipulated to articulatably connect the bracket 4000 and the socket 2000 as the connector 3000 can be made from one single piece and do not require additional parts and/or elements, e.g. fastening devices.
- the connector 3000 provides an assurance that the connector 3000 is inserted in the support housing 6100 of the support 6000 following predefined tolerance conditions, e.g. the connector 3000 is inserted in the support housing 6100 of the support 6000 without being over or under tightened, or tilted.
- FIGS. 2A-2C are a perspective, a first sectional, and a second sectional views of the socket 2000 of the adjustment assembly 1000 , according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- Each socket of the plurality of sockets 2000 can include a socket foot 2100 , a socket body 2200 that surmounts the socket foot 2100 , a socket head 2300 that surmounts the socket body 2200 , and a socket cavity 2400 that opens on the socket head 2300 .
- the socket body 2200 and/or the socket head 2300 can be partially or totally inserted into a bracket housing 4100 while the socket cavity 2400 can partially receive the connector 3000 to connect the bracket 4000 to the support 6000 and to provide the articulation point between the socket 2000 and the connector 3000 .
- the socket body 2200 can include a plurality of socket flanges 2210 that radially protrudes from the socket body 2200 and are positioned longitudinally along a length of the socket body 2200 to provide better grip when the socket body 2200 is inserted into the bracket 4000 .
- the plurality of socket flanges 2210 can include a first socket flange 2212 positioned at a first distance Ds 1 from the socket foot 2100 , a second socket flange 2214 positioned at a second distance Ds 2 from the first socket flange 2212 , a third socket flange 2216 positioned at a third distance Ds 3 from the second socket flange 2214 , and a fourth socket flange 2218 positioned at a fourth distance Ds 4 from the third socket flange 2216 , wherein the first distance Ds 1 can be longer than the second distance Ds 2 , and the second distance Ds 2 , the third distance Ds 3 , and the fourth distance Ds 4 can be substantially equal to each other to provide better gripping between the socket body 2200 and the articulation mechanism 5000 , as illustrated in FIGS. 2B-2C .
- the socket body 2200 can also include a plurality of support walls 2600 that connects the plurality of socket flanges 2210 between each other to provide support to the plurality of socket flanges 2210 and prevent the plurality of socket flanges 2210 from breaking when inserted into the bracket 4000 .
- the socket 2000 can include a socket ring 2500 positioned between the socket foot 2100 and the first socket flange 2212 with a socket ring edge 2510 that protrudes radially over the plurality of socket flanges 2210 .
- the socket ring 2500 can have a predetermined play between an internal diameter Dsri of the socket ring 2500 and an external diameter Dsre of the socket body 2200 to provide supplementary gripping between the socket 2000 and the bracket 4000 .
- the socket ring 2500 can lodge in the articulation mechanism 5000 and prevent total extraction of the socket 2000 from the bracket 4000 .
- the socket cavity 2400 can include a socket seat 2410 , and a socket sink 2420 with a first sink opening 2422 that opens on the socket seat 2410 and a second sink opening 2424 that opens on the connector 3000 .
- the socket sink 2420 can receive the connector 3000 and maintain the connector 3000 in the socket seat 2410 , while the socket seat 2410 can provide the articulation point between the socket 2000 and the connector 3000 .
- the first sink opening 2422 can be smaller than the second sink opening 2424 to maintain the connector 3000 partially inserted into the socket sink 2420 , while the second sink opening 2424 can be sufficiently large to provide a predetermined spacing between the connector 3000 and the socket 2000 and allow the articulation of the connector 3000 around the articulation point.
- the socket 2000 can include a pair of socket lateral openings 2700 between the socket seat 2410 and the first sink opening 2422 to provide a visual inspection so as to make sure that the connector 3000 is correctly inserted into the socket 2000 .
- FIGS. 3A-3C are a perspective view of the connector 3000 , a sectional view of the connector 3000 , and a sectional view of the connector 3000 inserted into the socket 2000 and the housing support 6100 , according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- Each connector of the plurality of connectors 3000 can include a connector foot 3100 , a connector body 3200 that surmounts the connector foot 3100 , a connector shoulder 3300 that surmounts the connector body 3200 , a connector neck 3400 that surmounts the connector shoulder 3300 , and a connector head that surmounts the connector neck 3400 .
- the connector foot 3100 and the connector body 3200 can be inserted into the support housing 6100 of the support 6000 , the connector shoulder 3300 can seat on the support housing 6100 , and both the connector neck 3400 and the connector head 3500 can be inserted into the socket cavity 2400 of the socket 2000 to provide articulation between the socket 2000 and the connector 3000 and thus between the bracket 4000 and the support 6000 .
- the connector foot 3100 can include a pair of support walls 3110 , and a foot base 3120 that surmounts the pair of support walls 3110 .
- the pair of support walls 3110 can cross each other to form a cross that support the foot base 3120 .
- each support wall of the pair of support walls 3110 can have a semi-spheroidal shape to facilitate the insertion of the connector 3000 into the support housing 6100 .
- the connector body 3200 can include a plurality of connector flanges 3210 that radially protrudes from the connector body 3200 and are positioned longitudinally along a length of the connector body 3200 to provide better grip when the connector body 3200 is inserted into the support housing 6100 by the operator.
- the plurality of connector flanges 3210 can include a first connector flange 3212 positioned at a first distance Dc 1 from the connector foot 3100 , a second connector flange 3214 positioned at a second distance Dc 2 from the first connector flange 3212 , and a third connector flange 3216 positioned at a third distance Dc 3 from the second connector flange 3214 , wherein the first distance Dc 1 can be substantially equal to the second distance Dc 2 , and the second distance Dc 2 can be smaller than the third distance Dc 3 to provide better gripping between the connector body 3200 and the support housing 6100 of the support 6000 , as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B .
- the first distance Dc 1 and the second distance Dc 2 can be at least two times smaller than the third distance Dc 3 .
- the connector body 3200 can also include a plurality of connector support walls 3220 that connects the plurality of connector flanges 3210 between each other to provide support to the plurality of connector flanges 3210 and prevent the plurality of connector flanges 3210 from breaking and/or bending when inserted into the support housing 6100 of the support 6000 .
- the connector body 3200 can also include a pair of grooves 3230 that extends from the foot base 3120 up to the connector shoulder 3300 and crosses peripheral extremities of the plurality of connector flanges 3210 .
- the pair of grooves 3230 can match a pair of support rails 6230 present on an internal surface of the support housing 6100 to assure the correct insertion of the connector body 3200 into the support housing 6100 .
- the pair of grooves 3230 can have a semi-circular profile and the pair of support rails 6230 can have a matching semi-circular profile that receives the pair of grooves 3230 when the connector body 3200 is inserted into the support bracket 6100 .
- the pair of grooves 3230 can facilitate the insertion of the connector body 3200 into the support bracket 6100 of the support 6000 by providing extraction of air that may be trapped between the connector foot 3100 and/or the connector body 3200 and the support housing 6100 when the connector 3000 is inserted into the support 6000 .
- the connector 3000 can include a connector ring 3600 positioned between the foot base 3120 and the first connector flange 3212 with a connector ring edge 3610 that protrudes radially over the plurality of connector flanges 3210 .
- the connector ring 3600 can have a predetermined play between an internal diameter Dcri of the connector ring 3600 , see FIGS. 1A-I B, and an external diameter Dcre of the connector body 3200 to provide supplementary gripping between the connector 3000 and the support 6000 .
- the connector ring 3600 can tilt within the predetermined play to limit the part of the connector ring edge 3610 that protrudes over the plurality of connector flanges 3210 and then facilitate the insertion of the connector body 3200 into the support housing 6100 .
- the connector ring 3600 can tilt back to protrude above the plurality of connector flanges 3210 and have the connector ring edge 3610 gripping into the support housing 6100 and then prevent the extraction of the connector body 3200 from the support housing 6100 .
- the connector ring 3600 can include cut out 3620 that can be aligned with the pair of grooves 3230 of the connector body 3200 to facilitate air circulation within the pair of grooves 3230 .
- the connector head 3500 can include a head base 3510 , and a head upper portion 3520 that surmounts the head base 3510 .
- the connector head 3500 can be inserted into the socket cavity 2400 through the socket sink 2420 and be lodged into the socket seat 2410 to have the head upper portion 3520 in contact with the socket seat 2410 to provide articulation between the connector 3000 and the socket 2000 .
- the head base 3510 is retained against the first sink opening 2422 to affix the connector 3000 into the socket 2000 .
- the head upper portion 3520 can roll and/or slip in the socket seat 2410 to provide articulation between the connector 3000 and the socket 2000 within a predetermined articulation ranges.
- the predetermined articulation ranges can include an polar angle ⁇ between a connector central axis Zc and a socket central axis Zs and an azimuth angle ⁇ between the connector central axis Zc and the socket central axis Zs.
- the polar angle ⁇ can be between 0° and 45°, and preferably between 15° and 30°
- the azimuth angle ⁇ can be between 0° and 360°, and preferably between 15° and 3400 .
- the socket sink 2420 can include a pair of socket teeth 2426 that protrudes radially towards each other within the first sink opening 2422 and maintains the connector head 3500 against the socket seat 2410 .
- the connector shoulder 3300 can include a shoulder flange 3310 , a shoulder boss 3320 that surmounts the shoulder flange 3310 , and a shoulder chamfer 3330 that connects the connector neck 3400 to the connector shoulder 3300 .
- the shoulder flange 3310 can include a first shoulder surface 3312 , a second shoulder surface 3314 opposite to the first shoulder surface 3312 , and an edge shoulder surface 3316 that connects the first shoulder surface 3312 and the second shoulder surface 3314 .
- the edge shoulder surface 3316 can have a rounded shape to provide a smooth connection between the connector 3000 and the support 6000 .
- the first shoulder surface 3312 can be substantially flat with an annular shape to tightly seats on a housing bore 6110 of the support housing 6100 .
- the second shoulder surface 3314 can have a flared shape that connects the shoulder boss 3320 and the edge shoulder surface 3316 to facilitate the articulation of the connector 3000 inside the socket sink 2420 between the first sink opening 2422 and the second sink opening 2424 .
- the flared shape of the second shoulder surface 3314 can provide ergonomic comfort for the operator holding the connector 3000 between his or her fingers when inserting the connector body 3200 into the support housing 6100 .
- the shoulder boss 3320 with the shoulder chamfer 3330 can provide support between the connector shoulder 3300 and the connector neck 3400 .
- the connector neck 3400 can extend between the shoulder chamfer 3330 and the head base 3510 and have a cylindrical shape with a neck diameter Dn smaller than the first sink opening 2422 to facilitate the articulation of the connector neck 3400 inside the socket sink 2420 .
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for articulatably mounting the adjustment assembly 1000 via the connector 3000 , according to certain aspects of the disclosure.
- a step 100 an operator can insert each connector of the plurality of connectors 3000 onto the support 6000 .
- the operator can place the connector foot 3100 in front of the support housing 6100 of the support 6000 and align the pair of grooves 3230 of the connector 3000 with the support pair of rails 6230 of the support housing 6100 . Then, the operator can push in the connector body 3200 into the support housing 6100 until the first shoulder surface 3312 of the connector shoulder 3300 contacts the support housing bore 6110 of the support housing 6100 .
- a step 200 the operator can insert each socket of the plurality of the sockets 2000 onto the bracket 4000 .
- the operator can place the socket foot 2100 in front of the bracket housing 4100 of the bracket 4000 and push in the socket body 2200 into the housing bracket 4100 until the socket head 2300 contacts the housing bore 4110 of the bracket housing 4100 .
- a step 300 the operator can mount the bracket 4000 onto the support 6000 by inserting each connector 3000 onto each socket 2000 .
- the operator can place the connector head 3500 inside the socket sink 2420 , between the first sink opening 2422 and the second sink opening 2424 . Then, the operator can push in the connector head 3500 to pass the pair of teeth 2426 of the socket sink 2420 and contact the head upper portion 3520 of the connector head 3500 with the socket seat 2420 of the socket 2000 .
- a step 400 the operator can verify that the connector head 3500 is correctly inserted in the socket seat 2420 by performing a visual inspection through the pair of socket lateral openings 2700 .
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates to an adjusting assembly and in particular to an automotive light adjusting assembly.
- Tasks of mounting and/or assembling a plurality of pieces together in assembly lines can be cumbersome and expensive as such tasks can require tools, operators with dexterity, time, and/or mistake proofing processes, e.g. poka-yoke processes. This is particularly relevant for automotive industry and notably in adjustment systems for vehicle lights that can rely on a large number of small parts that interact between each other and require precision assembly so as to limit accumulation of variations between parts that may exceed tolerances. Particularly, in such adjustment systems for vehicle lights, exceeding tolerances may significantly affect functions of the adjustment systems and impede the accurate positioning, setting, and/or calibration of the vehicle lights that may have to follow strict regulations.
- Conventional adjustment systems for vehicle lights that rely on a multitude of parts articulated between each other and affixed between each other via fastening devices, e.g. screws, bolts, and/or glue, have been adopted. Although such conventional adjustment systems are widely used, they present important drawbacks. Notably, such conventional adjustment systems can require the use of tools, e.g. screw drivers, and wrenches, to fasten the fastening devices which can be cumbersome and time consuming due to space and/or accessibility limitations often present in lighting systems for automobiles, e.g. head light housings, as well as power source requirements to operate the tools.
- In addition, the use of the fastening devices to assemble the conventional adjustment systems can lead to misfit and/or failure of the conventional adjustment systems. For example, if the fastening devices are not inserted correctly, e.g. not straight, the conventional adjustment systems may not be adequately articulated and may fail in correctly positioning the lights of the vehicle. In another example, if the fastening devices are over or under tightened, elements of the adjustment systems in which the fastening devices are inserted can become loose, bent or even broken and render the adjustment systems inoperable.
- Thus, an adjustment system for vehicle lights solving the aforementioned limitations is desired.
- Accordingly, the object of the present disclosure is to provide an adjustment system for vehicle light assembly that addresses the above mentioned limitations.
- The adjustment system of the present disclosure provides an improved assembly by relying on a connector that can be mounted between parts with the bare hand and without improper manipulations.
- In one non-limiting illustrative example, an adjustment assembly to support vehicle lights is presented. The adjustment assembly to support vehicle lights includes a bracket that supports the vehicle lights with a plurality of bracket housings, a support structure that articulatably supports the bracket with a plurality of support housings, a plurality of sockets that is inserted into the plurality of bracket housings, each socket of the plurality of sockets including a cavity seat, and a cavity sink that opens on the cavity seat, and a plurality of connectors that articulatably connects the plurality of sockets and the plurality of support housings, each connector of the plurality of connectors including a connector body, a connector neck that protrudes from the connector body, and a connector head that surmounts the connector neck, wherein the connector head is manually insertable into the cavity seat to provide an articulation point, the neck articulates within the cavity sink through the articulation point, and the connector body is manually insertable into each support housing of the plurality of support housings.
- In one aspect, the connector includes a plurality of connector flanges that protrudes radially from the connector body.
- In another aspect, the plurality of connector flanges includes a first connector flange positioned at a first distance from a terminal end of the connector body, a second connector flange positioned at a second distance from the first connector flange, and a third connector flange positioned at a third distance from the second connector flange, wherein the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance the first and the second distance is smaller than the third distance to enhance gripping between the support housing and the connector body and air evacuation when the connector body is inserted into the support housing.
- In another aspect, the second distance is at least two times smaller than the third distance.
- In another aspect, the connector body further includes a plurality of support walls extending between each connector flange of the plurality of connector flanges.
- In another aspect, the connector further includes a pair of groove extending along the connector body to facilitate air evacuation when the connector body is inserted into the support housing.
- In another aspect, the connector further includes a connector ring positioned between the terminal end and a first connector flange of the plurality of flanges that enhances gripping between the support housing and the connector.
- In another aspect, the connector ring has a predetermined play between an internal diameter of the connector ring and an external diameter of the connector body that enhances gripping between the connector and the support housing.
- In another aspect, the connector ring has a ring edge substantially sharp that provides biting between the connector and the support housing.
- In one non-limiting illustrative example, an adjustment assembly to support vehicle lights is presented. The adjustment assembly to support vehicle lights includes a bracket that supports the vehicle lights with a bracket housings, a support structure that articulatably supports the bracket with a plurality of support housings, a plurality of sockets that is inserted into the plurality of support housings, each socket of the plurality of sockets including a cavity seat, and a cavity sink that opens to the cavity seat, and a plurality of connectors that articulatably connects the plurality of sockets and the plurality of support housings, the connector including a connector body, a connector shoulder that surmounts the connector body, a connector neck that protrudes from the connector shoulder, and a connector head that surmounts the connector neck, wherein the connector head is manually insertable into the cavity seat to provide an articulation point, the neck moves within the cavity sink through the articulation point, the connector shoulder is seatable on each support housing of the plurality of support housings, and the connector body is manually insertable into the support housing.
- In one aspect, the connector body includes a plurality of connector flanges that protrudes radially from the connector body.
- In another aspect, the plurality of connector flanges includes a first connector flange positioned at a first distance from a terminal end of the connector body, a second connector flange positioned at a second distance from the first connector flange, and a third connector flange positioned at a third distance from the second connector flange, wherein the first distance is substantially equal to the second distance the first and the second distance is smaller than the third distance to enhance gripping between the support housing and the connector body and air evacuation when the connector body is inserted into the support housing.
- In another aspect, the connector further includes a pair of groove extending from a terminal end of the connector body up to the shoulder to facilitate air evacuation when the connector body is inserted into the support housing.
- In another aspect, the connector shoulder has a first surface substantially flat that seats on a bore of the support housing and stops the insertion of the connector body into the support housing.
- In another aspect, the connector shoulder has a second surface opposite to the first surface that has a flared shaped to provide ergonomic comfort when an operator inserts the connector into the support housing.
- In one non-limiting illustrative example, an adjustment assembly to support vehicle lights is presented. The adjustment assembly to support vehicle lights includes a bracket that supports the vehicle lights with a plurality of bracket housings, a support structure that articulatably supports the bracket with a plurality of support housings, a plurality of sockets that is inserted into the plurality of bracket housings, each socket of the plurality of sockets including a cavity seat, and a cavity sink that opens to the cavity seat, and a plurality of connectors that articulatably connects the plurality of sockets and the plurality of support housings, each connector of the plurality of connectors including a connector foot, a connector body that surmounts the connector foot, a connector shoulder that surmounts the connector body, a connector neck that protrudes from the connector shoulder, and a connector head that surmounts the connector neck, wherein the connector head is manually insertable into the cavity seat to provide an articulation point, the neck moves within the cavity sink through the articulation point, the connector shoulder is seatable on each support housing of the plurality of support housings, and the connector foot and the connector body are manually insertable into the support housing.
- In one aspect, the connector body includes a plurality of connector flanges that protrudes radially from the connector body.
- In another aspect, the plurality of connector flanges includes a first connector flange positioned at a first distance from the connector foot, a second connector flange positioned at a second distance from the first connector flange, and a third connector flange positioned at a third distance from the second connector flange, wherein the second distance is higher than the first and the third distance is higher than the second distance to enhance gripping between the bracket housing and the connector body and air evacuation when the connector body is inserted into the support housing.
- In another aspect, the connector foot includes a pair of support walls that cross each other and provides support for the connector foot.
- In another aspect, each support wall of the pair of support wall has a semi-spheroidal shape to facilitate the insertion of the connector into the support housing.
- To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced.
-
FIG. 1A is a perspective exploded view of an adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure; -
FIG. 1B is a perspective assembled view of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a socket of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure; and -
FIG. 2B is a first sectional view of the socket of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure; -
FIG. 2C a second sectional view of the socket of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure; -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a connector of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure; -
FIG. 3B is a sectional view of the connector of the adjustment assembly, according to certain aspects of the disclosure; -
FIG. 3C is a sectional view of the connector inserted into the socket, according to certain aspects of the disclosure; and -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for articulatably mounting the adjustment assembly via the connector, according to certain aspects of the disclosure. - All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Further, the materials, methods, and examples discussed herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.
- In the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Further, as used herein, the words “a”, “an”, and the like include a meaning of “one or more”, unless stated otherwise. The drawings are generally drawn not to scale unless specified otherwise or illustrating schematic structures or flowcharts.
-
FIGS. 1A-1B are a perspective exploded and assembled views of anadjustment assembly 1000, according to certain aspects of the disclosure. - The
adjustment assembly 1000 can include abracket 4000, a plurality ofsockets 2000 inserted in thebracket 4000, asupport 6000, and a plurality ofconnectors 3000 inserted into the plurality ofsockets 2000 and thesupport 6000. - The plurality of
connectors 3000 articulatably connects thebracket 4000 and thesupport 6000 through the plurality ofsockets 2000 and provides each an articulation point between the plurality ofbrackets 4000 and the plurality ofsockets 2000. Thebracket 4000 can support automotive light equipment that requires adjustment, e.g. light-emitting diode (LED) assemblies, halogen lamp assemblies, or the like, while thesupport 6000 can provide a fixed structure from which at least one socket of the plurality ofsockets 2000 can be actuated, e.g. translated forward and/or backward, by an operator to articulate thebracket 4000 around the articulation points between the plurality ofconnectors 3000 and the plurality ofsockets 2000 to adjust positioning of the light equipment. The articulation of the at least onesocket 2000 can rely on anarticulation mechanism 5000, e.g.worm screw 5100 driven by amotor 5200, inserted partially or completely in thesupport 6000 via anarticulation housing 5300 of the, to be actuated, e.g. translated forward and/or backward, by an operator. - Each connector of the plurality of
connectors 3000 is elaborated to minimize manipulation complexity and/or incorrectness that can arise when theconnector 3000 is mounted onto thesupport 6000. For example, theconnector 3000 is elaborated to provide an insertion into asupport housing 6100 of thesupport 6000 that limit the use of tools and simply require an operator to manually press theconnector 3000 in thesupport housing 6100 of thesupport 6000. Theconnector 3000 is further elaborated to minimize the number of elements that need to be used and manipulated to articulatably connect thebracket 4000 and thesocket 2000 as theconnector 3000 can be made from one single piece and do not require additional parts and/or elements, e.g. fastening devices. In addition, theconnector 3000 provides an assurance that theconnector 3000 is inserted in thesupport housing 6100 of thesupport 6000 following predefined tolerance conditions, e.g. theconnector 3000 is inserted in thesupport housing 6100 of thesupport 6000 without being over or under tightened, or tilted. -
FIGS. 2A-2C are a perspective, a first sectional, and a second sectional views of thesocket 2000 of theadjustment assembly 1000, according to certain aspects of the disclosure. - Each socket of the plurality of
sockets 2000 can include asocket foot 2100, asocket body 2200 that surmounts thesocket foot 2100, asocket head 2300 that surmounts thesocket body 2200, and asocket cavity 2400 that opens on thesocket head 2300. - The
socket body 2200 and/or thesocket head 2300 can be partially or totally inserted into abracket housing 4100 while thesocket cavity 2400 can partially receive theconnector 3000 to connect thebracket 4000 to thesupport 6000 and to provide the articulation point between thesocket 2000 and theconnector 3000. Thesocket body 2200 can include a plurality ofsocket flanges 2210 that radially protrudes from thesocket body 2200 and are positioned longitudinally along a length of thesocket body 2200 to provide better grip when thesocket body 2200 is inserted into thebracket 4000. For example, the plurality ofsocket flanges 2210 can include afirst socket flange 2212 positioned at a first distance Ds1 from thesocket foot 2100, asecond socket flange 2214 positioned at a second distance Ds2 from thefirst socket flange 2212, athird socket flange 2216 positioned at a third distance Ds3 from thesecond socket flange 2214, and afourth socket flange 2218 positioned at a fourth distance Ds4 from thethird socket flange 2216, wherein the first distance Ds1 can be longer than the second distance Ds2, and the second distance Ds2, the third distance Ds3, and the fourth distance Ds4 can be substantially equal to each other to provide better gripping between thesocket body 2200 and thearticulation mechanism 5000, as illustrated inFIGS. 2B-2C . - The
socket body 2200 can also include a plurality ofsupport walls 2600 that connects the plurality ofsocket flanges 2210 between each other to provide support to the plurality ofsocket flanges 2210 and prevent the plurality ofsocket flanges 2210 from breaking when inserted into thebracket 4000. - In addition, the
socket 2000 can include asocket ring 2500 positioned between thesocket foot 2100 and thefirst socket flange 2212 with asocket ring edge 2510 that protrudes radially over the plurality ofsocket flanges 2210. Thesocket ring 2500 can have a predetermined play between an internal diameter Dsri of thesocket ring 2500 and an external diameter Dsre of thesocket body 2200 to provide supplementary gripping between thesocket 2000 and thebracket 4000. When thesocket 2000 is pulled from thebracket 4000, thesocket ring 2500 can lodge in thearticulation mechanism 5000 and prevent total extraction of thesocket 2000 from thebracket 4000. - The
socket cavity 2400 can include asocket seat 2410, and asocket sink 2420 with afirst sink opening 2422 that opens on thesocket seat 2410 and a second sink opening 2424 that opens on theconnector 3000. - The
socket sink 2420 can receive theconnector 3000 and maintain theconnector 3000 in thesocket seat 2410, while thesocket seat 2410 can provide the articulation point between thesocket 2000 and theconnector 3000. Thefirst sink opening 2422 can be smaller than the second sink opening 2424 to maintain theconnector 3000 partially inserted into thesocket sink 2420, while the second sink opening 2424 can be sufficiently large to provide a predetermined spacing between theconnector 3000 and thesocket 2000 and allow the articulation of theconnector 3000 around the articulation point. - In addition, the
socket 2000 can include a pair ofsocket lateral openings 2700 between thesocket seat 2410 and thefirst sink opening 2422 to provide a visual inspection so as to make sure that theconnector 3000 is correctly inserted into thesocket 2000. -
FIGS. 3A-3C are a perspective view of theconnector 3000, a sectional view of theconnector 3000, and a sectional view of theconnector 3000 inserted into thesocket 2000 and thehousing support 6100, according to certain aspects of the disclosure. - Each connector of the plurality of
connectors 3000 can include aconnector foot 3100, aconnector body 3200 that surmounts theconnector foot 3100, aconnector shoulder 3300 that surmounts theconnector body 3200, aconnector neck 3400 that surmounts theconnector shoulder 3300, and a connector head that surmounts theconnector neck 3400. - The
connector foot 3100 and theconnector body 3200 can be inserted into thesupport housing 6100 of thesupport 6000, theconnector shoulder 3300 can seat on thesupport housing 6100, and both theconnector neck 3400 and theconnector head 3500 can be inserted into thesocket cavity 2400 of thesocket 2000 to provide articulation between thesocket 2000 and theconnector 3000 and thus between thebracket 4000 and thesupport 6000. - The
connector foot 3100 can include a pair ofsupport walls 3110, and afoot base 3120 that surmounts the pair ofsupport walls 3110. The pair ofsupport walls 3110 can cross each other to form a cross that support thefoot base 3120. In addition, each support wall of the pair ofsupport walls 3110 can have a semi-spheroidal shape to facilitate the insertion of theconnector 3000 into thesupport housing 6100. - The
connector body 3200 can include a plurality ofconnector flanges 3210 that radially protrudes from theconnector body 3200 and are positioned longitudinally along a length of theconnector body 3200 to provide better grip when theconnector body 3200 is inserted into thesupport housing 6100 by the operator. For example, the plurality ofconnector flanges 3210 can include afirst connector flange 3212 positioned at a first distance Dc1 from theconnector foot 3100, asecond connector flange 3214 positioned at a second distance Dc2 from thefirst connector flange 3212, and athird connector flange 3216 positioned at a third distance Dc3 from thesecond connector flange 3214, wherein the first distance Dc1 can be substantially equal to the second distance Dc2, and the second distance Dc2 can be smaller than the third distance Dc3 to provide better gripping between theconnector body 3200 and thesupport housing 6100 of thesupport 6000, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A-3B . For example, the first distance Dc1 and the second distance Dc2 can be at least two times smaller than the third distance Dc3. - The
connector body 3200 can also include a plurality ofconnector support walls 3220 that connects the plurality ofconnector flanges 3210 between each other to provide support to the plurality ofconnector flanges 3210 and prevent the plurality ofconnector flanges 3210 from breaking and/or bending when inserted into thesupport housing 6100 of thesupport 6000. - The
connector body 3200 can also include a pair ofgrooves 3230 that extends from thefoot base 3120 up to theconnector shoulder 3300 and crosses peripheral extremities of the plurality ofconnector flanges 3210. The pair ofgrooves 3230 can match a pair ofsupport rails 6230 present on an internal surface of thesupport housing 6100 to assure the correct insertion of theconnector body 3200 into thesupport housing 6100. For example, the pair ofgrooves 3230 can have a semi-circular profile and the pair ofsupport rails 6230 can have a matching semi-circular profile that receives the pair ofgrooves 3230 when theconnector body 3200 is inserted into thesupport bracket 6100. - In addition, the pair of
grooves 3230 can facilitate the insertion of theconnector body 3200 into thesupport bracket 6100 of thesupport 6000 by providing extraction of air that may be trapped between theconnector foot 3100 and/or theconnector body 3200 and thesupport housing 6100 when theconnector 3000 is inserted into thesupport 6000. - In addition, the
connector 3000 can include aconnector ring 3600 positioned between thefoot base 3120 and thefirst connector flange 3212 with aconnector ring edge 3610 that protrudes radially over the plurality ofconnector flanges 3210. Theconnector ring 3600 can have a predetermined play between an internal diameter Dcri of theconnector ring 3600, seeFIGS. 1A-I B, and an external diameter Dcre of theconnector body 3200 to provide supplementary gripping between theconnector 3000 and thesupport 6000. When theconnector body 3200 is inserted into thebracket 4000, theconnector ring 3600 can tilt within the predetermined play to limit the part of theconnector ring edge 3610 that protrudes over the plurality ofconnector flanges 3210 and then facilitate the insertion of theconnector body 3200 into thesupport housing 6100. When theconnector 3000 is pulled from thebracket 4000 theconnector ring 3600 can tilt back to protrude above the plurality ofconnector flanges 3210 and have theconnector ring edge 3610 gripping into thesupport housing 6100 and then prevent the extraction of theconnector body 3200 from thesupport housing 6100. - Further, the
connector ring 3600 can include cut out 3620 that can be aligned with the pair ofgrooves 3230 of theconnector body 3200 to facilitate air circulation within the pair ofgrooves 3230. - The
connector head 3500 can include ahead base 3510, and a headupper portion 3520 that surmounts thehead base 3510. - The
connector head 3500 can be inserted into thesocket cavity 2400 through thesocket sink 2420 and be lodged into thesocket seat 2410 to have the headupper portion 3520 in contact with thesocket seat 2410 to provide articulation between theconnector 3000 and thesocket 2000. Thehead base 3510 is retained against thefirst sink opening 2422 to affix theconnector 3000 into thesocket 2000. - The head
upper portion 3520 can roll and/or slip in thesocket seat 2410 to provide articulation between theconnector 3000 and thesocket 2000 within a predetermined articulation ranges. The predetermined articulation ranges can include an polar angle θ between a connector central axis Zc and a socket central axis Zs and an azimuth angle ϕ between the connector central axis Zc and the socket central axis Zs. For example, the polar angle θ can be between 0° and 45°, and preferably between 15° and 30°, while the azimuth angle ϕ can be between 0° and 360°, and preferably between 15° and 3400. - In addition, the
socket sink 2420 can include a pair ofsocket teeth 2426 that protrudes radially towards each other within thefirst sink opening 2422 and maintains theconnector head 3500 against thesocket seat 2410. - The
connector shoulder 3300 can include ashoulder flange 3310, ashoulder boss 3320 that surmounts theshoulder flange 3310, and ashoulder chamfer 3330 that connects theconnector neck 3400 to theconnector shoulder 3300. - The
shoulder flange 3310 can include afirst shoulder surface 3312, asecond shoulder surface 3314 opposite to thefirst shoulder surface 3312, and anedge shoulder surface 3316 that connects thefirst shoulder surface 3312 and thesecond shoulder surface 3314. Theedge shoulder surface 3316 can have a rounded shape to provide a smooth connection between theconnector 3000 and thesupport 6000. Thefirst shoulder surface 3312 can be substantially flat with an annular shape to tightly seats on ahousing bore 6110 of thesupport housing 6100. Thesecond shoulder surface 3314 can have a flared shape that connects theshoulder boss 3320 and theedge shoulder surface 3316 to facilitate the articulation of theconnector 3000 inside thesocket sink 2420 between thefirst sink opening 2422 and thesecond sink opening 2424. In addition, the flared shape of thesecond shoulder surface 3314 can provide ergonomic comfort for the operator holding theconnector 3000 between his or her fingers when inserting theconnector body 3200 into thesupport housing 6100. - The
shoulder boss 3320 with theshoulder chamfer 3330 can provide support between theconnector shoulder 3300 and theconnector neck 3400. - The
connector neck 3400 can extend between theshoulder chamfer 3330 and thehead base 3510 and have a cylindrical shape with a neck diameter Dn smaller than thefirst sink opening 2422 to facilitate the articulation of theconnector neck 3400 inside thesocket sink 2420. -
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method for articulatably mounting theadjustment assembly 1000 via theconnector 3000, according to certain aspects of the disclosure. - In a step 100, an operator can insert each connector of the plurality of
connectors 3000 onto thesupport 6000. - The operator can place the
connector foot 3100 in front of thesupport housing 6100 of thesupport 6000 and align the pair ofgrooves 3230 of theconnector 3000 with the support pair ofrails 6230 of thesupport housing 6100. Then, the operator can push in theconnector body 3200 into thesupport housing 6100 until thefirst shoulder surface 3312 of theconnector shoulder 3300 contacts the support housing bore 6110 of thesupport housing 6100. - In a step 200, the operator can insert each socket of the plurality of the
sockets 2000 onto thebracket 4000. - The operator can place the
socket foot 2100 in front of thebracket housing 4100 of thebracket 4000 and push in thesocket body 2200 into thehousing bracket 4100 until thesocket head 2300 contacts the housing bore 4110 of thebracket housing 4100. - In a step 300, the operator can mount the
bracket 4000 onto thesupport 6000 by inserting eachconnector 3000 onto eachsocket 2000. - The operator can place the
connector head 3500 inside thesocket sink 2420, between thefirst sink opening 2422 and thesecond sink opening 2424. Then, the operator can push in theconnector head 3500 to pass the pair ofteeth 2426 of thesocket sink 2420 and contact the headupper portion 3520 of theconnector head 3500 with thesocket seat 2420 of thesocket 2000. - In a step 400, the operator can verify that the
connector head 3500 is correctly inserted in thesocket seat 2420 by performing a visual inspection through the pair ofsocket lateral openings 2700. - The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary embodiments of an object of the present disclosure. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, an object of the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting of the scope of an object of the present disclosure as well as the claims.
- Numerous modifications and variations on the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/624,181 US10155469B1 (en) | 2017-06-15 | 2017-06-15 | Adjustment assembly for vehicle lights having bracket connected to a support member via a plurality of connectors, each connector having a body and a connector head that articulates within a socket |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/624,181 US10155469B1 (en) | 2017-06-15 | 2017-06-15 | Adjustment assembly for vehicle lights having bracket connected to a support member via a plurality of connectors, each connector having a body and a connector head that articulates within a socket |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US10155469B1 US10155469B1 (en) | 2018-12-18 |
US20180361910A1 true US20180361910A1 (en) | 2018-12-20 |
Family
ID=64605353
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/624,181 Expired - Fee Related US10155469B1 (en) | 2017-06-15 | 2017-06-15 | Adjustment assembly for vehicle lights having bracket connected to a support member via a plurality of connectors, each connector having a body and a connector head that articulates within a socket |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US10155469B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN116323372A (en) | 2020-10-05 | 2023-06-23 | 爱塞斯特技术有限公司 | Adjustable link arm |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE8811059U1 (en) | 1988-09-01 | 1989-12-28 | Robert Bosch Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart, De | |
US6206604B1 (en) | 1997-09-12 | 2001-03-27 | Bollhoff Gmbh | Plug-in coupling |
US6758622B2 (en) | 2001-02-16 | 2004-07-06 | Burton Technologies Llc | Ball socket with improved pull-out force resistance |
DE20216836U1 (en) | 2002-10-31 | 2003-02-06 | Boellhoff Gmbh | Plug-in coupling with three-dimensional compensation movement |
US9120422B2 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2015-09-01 | Valeo North America, Inc. | Multiple headlamp adjuster linkage |
JP6097548B2 (en) * | 2012-12-17 | 2017-03-15 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Vehicle lighting |
JP6279376B2 (en) | 2014-03-26 | 2018-02-14 | 株式会社小糸製作所 | Pivot receiver and vehicle lamp |
US10093221B2 (en) * | 2015-07-07 | 2018-10-09 | Burton Technologies, Llc | Light module fastening assembly having a snap wedge assembly with ball stud and insert |
-
2017
- 2017-06-15 US US15/624,181 patent/US10155469B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10155469B1 (en) | 2018-12-18 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US10862241B2 (en) | Magnetic coupling | |
US20100055947A1 (en) | Adapter For Line Voltage Track | |
US10378734B2 (en) | Wall wash light fixture | |
US10553990B2 (en) | Overmolded adapter | |
US20200400298A1 (en) | Connectable lamp device and connectable lamp device assembly | |
US10155469B1 (en) | Adjustment assembly for vehicle lights having bracket connected to a support member via a plurality of connectors, each connector having a body and a connector head that articulates within a socket | |
US20210080087A1 (en) | Holiday decorative lamp | |
JP2021073420A (en) | Adjuster gear screw | |
WO2013111581A1 (en) | Bulb socket and lighting system | |
EP2581645B1 (en) | Modular spotlight | |
US20110003497A1 (en) | Fluorescent lamp holder assembly | |
KR20130029809A (en) | Socket and lighting device | |
CN107429903B (en) | Interlocking device for lamp | |
US6817739B2 (en) | Electrical light assembly, adapter and method | |
US20170211800A1 (en) | Led lighting system | |
JP4803364B2 (en) | Terminal blocks and lighting fixtures | |
US11300275B2 (en) | Support structure for horizontally extending lamp | |
US8002227B2 (en) | Pivot and tilt apparatus | |
US20220228719A1 (en) | Lighting Device for Vehicle Headlamps | |
KR200397420Y1 (en) | Connector for flash lamp | |
RU2713513C1 (en) | Lighting-latch (versions) | |
EP2270933A1 (en) | Fluorescent lamp holder assembly | |
KR101636286B1 (en) | Fixing-Gender For Corrugated Tube | |
JP6380760B2 (en) | Lighting device | |
KR20160020095A (en) | LED work-lamp type socket |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VALEO NORTH AMERICA, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GOMEZ RAMIREZ, JOSE ALBERTO;REEL/FRAME:042725/0845 Effective date: 20170615 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20221218 |