WO2020049590A1

WO2020049590A1 - A saddle-ride type vehicle and a headlamp assembly thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2020049590A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050635
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kurmam Shanmukha Pradeep; Rajamani RAVISANKAR; Goka RAVIKUMAR BALU; Raghunath Kadam Apparao; Vadakethala Vincent PRIDEEP; Heggadahally Manjunatha SAHANASHREE
Original assignee: Tvs Motor Company Limited
Priority date: 2018-09-04
Filing date: 2019-09-04
Publication date: 2020-03-12

Abstract

The present subject matter relates generally to a headlamp assembly. The headlamp assembly comprises at least one lamp unit (207, 305) supported by said headlamp housing sub-assembly (203b, 303b) and a lens member (201, 301) 5 enclosing a frontal portion of said headlamp housing sub-assembly (203b, 303b). The headlamp housing sub-assembly (203b, 303b) includes a compartment (209, 303) capable of housing a secondary lamp unit (203a, 303a) there within, said compartment (209, 303) is disposed beneath a partition member (205, 308) configured to be disposed at a predetermined distance (pd) from said lens member 10 (201, 301). The predetermined distance (pd) ensures effective heat dissipation inside the headlamp assembly.

Description

A SADDLE-RIDE TYPE VEHICLE AND A HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY

THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a saddle-ride type vehicle. More particularly, but not exclusively the present subject matter relates to a headlamp assembly of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, in a saddle-ride type vehicle, a head lamp assembly is located and mounted on a front side of the handle bar assembly and mounted to a pair of front forks disposed below said saddle-ride type vehicle. Further, due to ever increasing needs and demands of the users, addition of features in two wheelers is also increasing, in order to fulfill the same, there is need to accommodate the head lamp assembly, one or more turn signal lamps, and other necessary accessories within the available space in the saddle-ride type vehicle. Also, it is necessary to have a desired light intensity for better visibility in night and promiscuity of the two or three wheeled vehicle for the oncoming traffic to avoid potential accidents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a saddle-ride type vehicle, which is an exemplary motor vehicle.

[0005] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a headlamp assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the headlamp assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 3(a) illustrates a sectional view of the headlamp assembly as taken along XY axis in Figure 3. [0008] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a headlamp assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the headlamp assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[00010] Figure 5(a) illustrates a sectional view of the headlamp assembly as taken along LM axis in Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00011] Generally, with higher demands and expectations from the users of the vehicle, the headlamp assembly required is also of high configuration with greater luminosity and also with greater wide angle view. One such requirement of the headlamp assembly for vehicles operable at higher speeds can be achieved by introducing a bigger headlamp assembly. The supporting of the heavier headlamp assembly becomes a cumbersome exercise. In order to achieve the same, a number of parts including numerous brackets and other supporting structures have to be incorporated. Doing the same again increases the number of parts and also cost in achieving such a complex design. Further, the heavier headlamp assembly always tends to sag downwardly dislocating from its originally assembled position. Such a sagged headlamp assembly may interfere with the surrounding parts that are disposed lower to and surrounding the headlamp assembly. The sagged heavier structure of the headlamp assembly falling or rubbing against the other vehicular parts may cause damage to the other vehicular parts. Furthermore, may also lead to damage to the vehicular parts disposed lower and surrounding the headlamp assembly, which again calls for frequent servicing and also may lead to replacement of the various vehicular parts. The above said problems lead to poor durability and higher maintenance cost.

[00012] In another known art, wherein a headlight unit, which has a headlight and a position light is arranged under the headlight to enable better aiming function to the headlight. The reflector of this headlight unit consists of a reflector of a headlight portion, and a reflector of a position light portion, and both reflectors are formed integrally. Therefore, if the reflector of a headlight portion is made to swing for aiming of a headlight, the reflector of a position light portion will also be tilted together. In the headlight unit described here, the large reflector component which carries integrally each reflector of a headlight portion and a position lamp portion will be moved on the occasion of aiming. Therefore, since the end of a reflector component will be largely displaced at the time of the swing for aiming, sufficient gap for enabling this operation must be secured between a reflector component and a coat component, such as a lens. For this reason, the dimension of the whole coat component, i.e., a headlight unit, enlarges, and the problem that the supporting structure of a reflector component, the boss for attaching a headlight device to a car body cover, etc. must be made stronger arises. This leads to a bigger headlamp unit, which is not desirable.

[00013] However, in order to overcome the abovementioned problem, the position bulb can be disposed adjoining to a headlight bulb within a headlamp unit and an extending wall separating the headlight bulb and the position bulb. The headlamp unit consists of a housing part and includes a first portion, in which the aforementioned housing part stores a headlight bulb, while consisting of a second portion which stores a position light. Further, the wall of the housing part which divides the above-mentioned first portion and a second portion has extended even to the aforementioned lens. The problem with such a known design is that, the wall extending till the lens completely isolates the headlamp region and the position lamp region. Because of which, both the regions have insufficient head dissipation and may lead to damage to the surrounding parts, in particular may lead to melting of the headlamp unit housing part, which is generally made of resin material and also leads to fogging inside the headlamp unit. However, to overcome the same, multiple cooling and heat exchange vent-hole features have to be provided in the headlamp assembly and also to the secondary lamp unit. This leads in increase in number of parts and also assembly time. Furthermore, such additional heat exchange vent-holes also serve as a source for input of dust particles, water particles and other unwanted particles. Therefore, such a design of wall extending till the lens is not desirable. Furthermore, in such an integrated design of the headlamp unit, the servicing of the headlamp unit after fogging and damage of internal parts due to excessive heating is difficult.

[00014] Further, it is also known in the art, a motorcycle front lighting apparatus structure includes a position light integrated into a case for a headlight. In the abovementioned known front lighting apparatus structure, however, making the position light large for improving indication performance and appearance calls for making the entire headlight case large. This is not desirable from a design viewpoint owing to the above stated problems. If the headlight fogs or a related problem occurs as a result of water entry in the case because of a defective position light, the position light cannot be replaced with a good one individually. This makes it necessary to replace the entire headlight, requiring a large amount of repair cost. Further, in the known headlight mounting structure, the housing needs to be made larger in order to enhance rigidity of the housing (headlight cover) supporting the meter unit and the headlight. Further, a headlight aiming procedure also moves the meter unit mounted in the headlight. This results in the meter unit being moved out of an optimum position for a rider, which is undesirable.

[00015] Therefore, a compact headlamp unit to accommodate both the headlamp and the position lamp is required that can overcome the above mentioned problems.

[00016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a headlamp assembly includes a primary lamp unit and a secondary lamp unit. A primary unit is, for example, a headlamp and a secondary lamp unit, is for example, one or more day-time running lamps comprising LEDs or a position lamp. [00017] According to a first embodiment of the present invention, the secondary lamp unit is integrated with a primary lamp unit. The secondary lamp unit is configured to share a single reflector of the primary lamp unit. Further, the secondary lamp unit is disposed in a compartment separated from the primary lamp unit region through a pseudo partition wall. However, the pseudo partition wall is disposed at a predetermined distance pd from the lens member, this way, the secondary lamp unit and the primary lamp unit include a communicable passage and are not completely isolated. Which allows, air movement and hence heat dissipation through the compartment comprising the secondary lamp unit and the primary lamp unit. However, due to presence of the communicable channel between the primary lamp unit and the secondary lamp unit, at least one opening is provided in any of the primary lamp unit and the secondary lamp unit.

[00018] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the secondary lamp unit is an integrated member and is configured to be detachably attachable to the primary lamp unit. The secondary lamp unit includes a secondary lamp and a secondary reflector member integrated there within. In case of any damage to the secondary lamp unit, the entire headlamp assembly need not be replaced. Instead, only the secondary lamp unit can be replaced by retaining the reflector member and the primary lamp unit. The integrated secondary lamp unit includes all the members within the headlamp assembly sealed properly to avoid entry of water.

[00019] According to the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention, the primary lamp unit and the secondary lamp unit share a common reflector achieving one time metallizing (coating of the reflector surface) and also achieving the required light output from both the primary lamp unit and the secondary lamp unit.

[00020] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a common lens member is used to cover a frontal portion of the primary lamp unit and the secondary lamp unit. The common lens member, the reflector member and both the primary and the secondary lamp units are sealed together. Further, the common lens member cater for light distribution as desired by the user and in achieving the required photometry requirements. Furthermore, due to a common reflector member and common lens member, a compact headlamp assembly can be achieved, with better dimensional stability, better fit and finish which provides stable operation of the headlamp assembly. A single headlamp housing sub-assembly is used to mount the headlamp assembly and to assemble to the surrounding parts. This does not require additional mountings, which saves other brackets which otherwise are used to support the headlamp assembly.

[00021] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the lens member extends inwardly towards the pseudo partition wall with a predetermined distance there between.

[00022] These and other advantages of the present invention are described in the detailed description of the figures provided below.

[00023] Figure 1 illustrates a saddle ride type vehicle (100), which is an exemplary motor vehicle, having an IC engine (101 ) that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the IC engine (101 ) is a single-cylinder type IC engine. The two-wheeled vehicle comprises a front wheel (1 10), a rear wheel (103), a frame member (102), a fuel tank (121 ) and a seat assembly (105). The frame member (102) includes a head pipe (1 1 1 ), a main tube (not shown), a down tube (not shown), and seat rails (not shown). The head pipe (1 1 1 ) supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspension(s) (1 14) (only one shown) is attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The telescopic pair of front fork(s) (1 14) is covered by a front fender (1 15) mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front suspension (114) at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar (108) is fixed to upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to both sides. A headlamp assembly (109), a visor guard (not shown) and instrument cluster (not shown) is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe (1 11 ). The down tube may be located in front of the IC engine (101 ) and extends slantingly downward from head pipe (1 1 1 ). The main tube is located above the IC engine (101 ) and extends rearward from head pipe (1 11 ). The IC engine (101 ) is mounted at the front by the down tube and connects the rear of the IC engine (101 ) at the rear portion of the main tube.

[00024] A fuel tank (121 ) is mounted on the horizontal portion of the main tube (not shown). A rear swing arm (not shown) is connected to the frame member (102) to swing vertically, and a rear wheel (103) is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm (1 18). Generally, the rear swing arm is supported by a rear suspension (117). A tail light unit (not shown) is disposed at the end of the two-wheeled vehicle at the rear of the seat assembly (105). A grab rail (106) is also provided on the rear of the seat rails. A rear fender (127) is disposed above the rear wheel (103).

[00025] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a headlamp assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The headlamp assembly (109) includes a lens member (201 ) covering a frontal portion of the headlamp assembly (109). The lens member (201 ) covers a reflector member (202) and a primary lamp unit (not shown) disposed at a close proximity to the reflector member (202). Further, the headlamp assembly (109) includes a secondary lamp unit (203a) that is integrally disposed inside a headlamp housing sub-assembly (203b) that also encloses the primary lamp unit. The primary lamp unit and the secondary lamp unit (203a) share a common reflector member, which is the pseudo partition wall. This way, a compact headlamp assembly (109) can be obtained. Furthermore, a rear cover (204) is configured to cover the headlamp assembly from a rear portion. The rear cover (204) includes at least one opening (204a) configured to allow passage of atmospheric air there through. The rear cover (204) is provided only for the primary lamp unit (207) to serve the purpose of heat exchange. The heat exchange in the secondary lamp unit happens through the predetermined distance (pd) provided.

[00026] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the headlamp assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3(a) illustrates a sectional view of the headlamp assembly as taken along XY axis in Figure 3. The headlamp assembly (109) includes the lens member (201 ) enclosing the primary lamp unit (207) and the secondary lamp unit (203a) is disposed in a compartment (209) separated from the primary lamp unit (207) region by a pseudo partition wall (205). The pseudo partition wall (205) is a common reflector member for both the primary lamp unit (207) and the secondary lamp unit that are enclosed by a headlamp rear housing (206). The pseudo partition wall (205) is disposed at a predetermined distance (pd) from the lens member (201 ). The predetermined distance (pd) allows the passage of air there through. This way, the atmospheric air can enter through the at least one opening (204a), which fills inside the headlamp assembly (109) and allows the heated up air to be dissipated. This way, effective cooling of the headlamp assembly is achieved.

[00027] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a headlamp assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The headlamp assembly (109) includes a lens member (301 ) covering a frontal portion of the headlamp assembly (109). The lens member (301 ) covers a reflector member (not shown) and a primary lamp unit (305) disposed at a close proximity to the reflector member (202). Further, the headlamp assembly (109) includes a secondary lamp unit (303a) that is integrated as a separate unit and then be detachably attached to the headlamp housing sub-assembly (303b) that also encloses the primary lamp unit (305). The primary lamp unit (305) and the secondary lamp unit (303a) share a common reflector member, which is the pseudo partition wall (308). This way, a compact headlamp assembly (109) can be obtained. Furthermore, a rear cover (304) is configured to cover the headlamp assembly from a rear portion. In particular, the rear cover (304) covers the secondary lamp unit (303a) from rear side and encompasses the secondary lamp unit (303a) and protects the secondary lamp unit (303a) from entry of water, dust and other foreign particles.

[00028] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the headlamp assembly according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5(a) illustrates a sectional view of the headlamp assembly as taken along LM axis in Figure 5. The headlamp assembly (109) includes the lens member (301 ) enclosing the primary lamp unit (305) and the secondary lamp unit disposed in a compartment (303) separated from the primary lamp unit (305) region by a pseudo partition wall (308), which is a reflector member. The partition member (308) is a common reflector member for both the primary lamp unit (305) and the secondary lamp unit. The reflector member is disposed at a predetermined distance (pd) from the lens member (301 ). The predetermined distance (pd) allows the passage of air there through. This way, the atmospheric air can enter through the at least one opening (307a), which fills inside the headlamp assembly (109) and allows the heated up air to be dissipated. This way, effective cooling of the headlamp assembly is achieved.

[00029] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present subject matter as defined.

100- Saddle-ride type vehicle

101 - IC engine

102- Frame member 103- Rear Wheel

105- Seat assembly

106- Grab rail

108- Handlebar

109- Headlamp assembly

1 10- Front wheel

111 - Head pipe

1 14- Pair of front forks

1 15- Front fender

1 17- Rear suspension

1 18- Rear swing arm

121 -Fuel tank

127- Rear fender

201 , 301 - Lens member

202- Reflector member

203a, 303a- Secondary lamp unit

203b, 303b -Headlamp housing sub-assembly 204, 304- Rear cover

204a, 307a- At least one opening

206- Headlamp rear housing

207, 305- Primary lamp unit

208, 308- Partition member

209, 303- Compartment

Pd- Predetermined distance

Claims

We claim:

1. A headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle-ride type vehicle (100), said headlamp assembly (109) comprising:

at least one lamp unit (207, 305, 203a, 303a) supported by said headlamp housing sub-assembly (203b, 303b), said at least one lamp unit (207, 305, 203a, 303a) includes a primary lamp unit (207, 305) and a secondary lamp unit (203a, 303a); and lens member (201, 301) enclosing a frontal portion of said headlamp housing sub-assembly (203b, 303b), said headlamp housing sub-assembly (203b, 303b) includes a compartment (209, 303) capable of housing a secondary lamp unit (203a, 303a) there within, said compartment (209, 303) is disposed beneath a pseudo partition wall (205, 308) configured to be disposed at a predetermined distance (pd) from said lens member (201, 301).

2. The headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle -ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein any one of said primary lamp unit (207, 305) and said secondary lamp unit (203a, 303a) includes at least one opening (204a, 307a).

3. The headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle -ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compartment (209, 303) is disposed at a close proximity to said primary lamp unit (207, 305).

4. The headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle -ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim l„ wherein said predetermined distance (pd) is approximately in the range of l-3mm.

5. The headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle -ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim l„ wherein said primary lamp unit (207, 305) is disposed above said secondary lamp unit (203a, 303a).

6. The headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle -ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said primary lamp unit (207, 305) includes at least one headlamp.

7. The headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle -ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondary lamp unit (203a, 303a) is an integrated structure comprising a secondary lamp, and a secondary reflector member.

8. The headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle -ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondary lamp unit (203a, 303a) is detachably attachable to said headlamp rear housing (206).

9. The headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle -ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said secondary lamp unit (203a, 303a) includes one or more LEDs.

10. The headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle -ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim lor claim 2, wherein said primary lamp unit (207, 305) and said secondary lamp unit (203a, 303a) including said pseudo partition wall (205, 308) is a common reflector member.

11. The headlamp assembly (109) for a saddle -ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said at least one of said primary lamp unit (207, 305) and said secondary lamp unit (203a, 303a) are an integrated structure.