Lamp, lamp assembly, blind spot detection system and method with built-in sensor

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a lamp with a built-in sensor, a lamp assembly, a blind spot detection system and a method. A lamp with a built-in sensor includes: a lamp housing having a lamp opening on one side in the longitudinal direction of the lamp; a light-transmitting outer glass covering the lamp opening; a light guide disposed on the inner surface of the lamp housing and emitting light; an inner glass located in front of the light guide inside the lamp housing relative to the longitudinal direction; and a sensor disposed inside the lamp housing and in front of the inner glass relative to the longitudinal direction, and sensing surrounding objects.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0166062 filed on December 12, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a lamp having a built-in sensor that detects objects located around a commercial vehicle, and to a lamp assembly, a blind spot detection system, and a blind spot detection method. Background Art

[0004] In the case of commercial vehicles, it is difficult for drivers to recognize the rear side with naked eyes due to the size of commercial vehicles, and therefore rear detection sensors or cameras are actively used in commercial vehicles. A separate space is required to place the sensor. In order to place the sensor, various installation conditions must be considered, such as the characteristic line of the vehicle, the thickness of the paint, the gap with surrounding metal objects, etc. In particular, in the case of large trucks with limited rear-view areas and large blind spots, it is difficult to find an installation position that meets the conditions.

[0005] In the case of a pickup truck with vertical lights, the sensor can be set up along with the lights. However, this approach may not be equally applicable to a light truck or trailer where vertical lights cannot be placed due to three-side loading doors.

[0006] The information disclosed in the above Background section assists in understanding the background of the present disclosure and should not be regarded as an admission that this information forms any part of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art while completely maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a simplified lamp with built-in sensors, a lamp assembly, a blind spot detection system, and a blind spot detection method for a commercial vehicle.

[0009] The technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the following description.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lamp with a built-in sensor includes: a lamp housing having a lamp opening on one side in a longitudinal direction of the lamp; a light-transmitting outer glass covering the lamp opening; a light guide disposed on an inner surface of the lamp housing and emitting light; an inner glass located in front of the light guide inside the lamp housing with respect to the longitudinal direction; and a sensor disposed inside the lamp housing and in front of the inner glass with respect to the longitudinal direction, and sensing surrounding objects.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lamp assembly includes: a lamp with a built-in sensor, the lamp including a sensor for sensing surrounding objects and a light guide for emitting light; a tail light including a light emitting portion for emitting light; and a rotating portion connecting the tail light and the lamp with a built-in sensor so that the tail light and the lamp can rotate relative to each other.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a blind spot detection system includes: at least four lamp assemblies that detect surrounding objects; a vehicle having at least four lamp assemblies coupled to the relative rear side and the relative lateral side of the vehicle, the at least four lamp assemblies being rotatable relative to the vehicle; a towing vehicle coupled to the rear side of the vehicle; and a processor electrically connected to the at least four lamp assemblies. Lamps with built-in sensors included in the lamp assemblies are arranged to face the relative lateral side of the vehicle, and when one of the lamp assemblies arranged on the relative rear side and located in the turning direction of the vehicle detects an abnormal signal, the processor performs control to stop the operation of the lamp with built-in sensor of the lamp assembly that detects the abnormal signal.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for detecting a blind spot using at least four lamp assemblies and a vehicle that detect surrounding objects, the at least four lamp assemblies being coupled to opposite rear sides and opposite lateral sides of the vehicle so as to be rotatable relative to each other. The method includes: determining whether there is a towing vehicle connected to the vehicle; when there is a towing vehicle, determining whether two tail lamp assemblies disposed at opposite rear sides of the vehicle among the at least four lamp assemblies face in a lateral direction; when lamps with built-in sensors included in the two tail lamp assemblies face in a lateral direction and the vehicle turns, detecting an abnormal signal through the tail lamp assembly of the two tail lamp assemblies located in a direction in which the vehicle turns; and stopping the operation of the tail lamp assembly that detects the abnormal signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a lamp assembly including a lamp with a built-in sensor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a lamp with a built-in sensor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a lamp assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 4 It is shown in Figure 3 A diagram showing a state in which a lamp having a built-in sensor in a lamp assembly of FIG. 1 is rotated;

[0019] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a lamp assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a lamp assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is rotated;

[0021] Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing a rotating structure of a lamp assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8 is a schematic top view showing a rotating structure of a lamp assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 9 is a schematic top view showing a rotating structure of a lamp assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram showing a lamp assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Fig.11 It is shown in Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a state in which a lamp with a built-in sensor in a lamp assembly is rotated;

[0026] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram showing a lamp assembly according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Fig.13 It is shown in Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a state in which a lamp with a built-in sensor in a lamp assembly is rotated;

[0028] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram showing a lamp assembly according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Fig.15 It is shown in Fig.14 A diagram showing a state in which a lamp having a built-in sensor in a lamp assembly of FIG. 1 is rotated;

[0030] Fig.16 is a diagram showing a state in which a lamp assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is provided on a vehicle;

[0031] Fig.17 is a diagram showing a situation in which a lamp assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is provided on a vehicle coupled to a towing vehicle to implement a blind spot detection system;

[0032] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 A diagram showing a situation where a vehicle is turning in one direction;

[0033] Fig.19 It is shown in Fig.18 A diagram showing a situation in which a detection area of ​​a lamp assembly is adjusted in a vehicle;

[0034] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which an indicator for a user is mounted on a side mirror of a vehicle provided with a lamp assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0035] Fig.21 is a flowchart illustrating a blind spot detection method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. When adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that even when the same or equivalent components are shown on other drawings, they are represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be excluded so as not to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

[0037] When describing components according to embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and the terms do not limit the nature, order, or sequence of the components. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "linked" to another component, this may mean that the component is not only directly "connected," "coupled," or "linked," but also indirectly "connected," "coupled," or "linked" via a third component.

[0038] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a lamp assembly 100 including a lamp 10 having a built-in sensor according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] The lamp assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a lamp 10 with a built-in sensor, a rear lamp 20, and a rotating portion 30. The lamp 10 with a built-in sensor and the rear lamp 20 may be coupled to face directions that are not parallel to each other through the rotating portion 30. The rear lamp 20 may be configured to face a rear direction and emit light in the rear direction.

[0040] Light with built-in sensor 10

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a lamp 10 with a built-in sensor according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] The lamp 10 with a built-in sensor may include a lamp housing 11 , an outer glass 121 , an inner glass 13 , a light guide 15 , and a sensor 14 , and may include an outer lens 122 , a cooling fan 16 , and a cooling fin 17 .

[0043] The lamp housing 11 is a housing having a lamp opening 112 at its rear side. A lamp housing flange 113 may be provided that protrudes further outward from the periphery of the lamp opening 112 beyond the lamp housing body 111. The lamp housing flange 113 may allow other components such as the outer glass 121 to be more stably and securely coupled to the lamp housing 11.

[0044] The outer glass 121 is a light-transmitting member covering the lamp opening 112. The outer glass 121 may be coupled to the lamp housing flange 113 of the lamp housing 11 to close the inner space 110 of the lamp housing 11.

[0045] The outer glass 121 may constitute the outer optical part 12 together with the outer lens 122 disposed behind the outer glass 121, and light transmitted through the outer glass 121 in the rear direction passes through the outer lens 122. The outer lens 122 may refract the path of light emitted through the outer glass 121 so that the light emitted through the outer glass 121 forms an image.

[0046] The light guide 15 is disposed on the inner surface of the lamp housing 11 and emits light. Therefore, the light guide 15 may include a device capable of emitting light, such as a light emitting diode (LED). However, the type of the light guide 15 is not limited thereto. A plurality of light guides 15 may be disposed inside the lamp housing 11.

[0047] The light guide 15 on the inner surface of the lamp housing 11 can emit light obliquely in the front / rear direction, and the light can directly travel to the outside through the outer glass 121, or the light can be reflected in the space formed between the outer glass 121 and the inner glass 13 and then can travel to the outside through the outer glass 121.

[0048] Inside the lamp housing 11, the inner glass 13 is oriented relative to the longitudinal direction of the lamp 10 (eg, Figure 2) is located in front of the light guide 15. The inner glass 13 may be formed of a light-transmitting material. The annular inner glass edge 131 may protrude forward along the periphery of the inner glass body 130, and by coupling the outer surface of the inner glass edge 131 to the inner surface of the lamp housing 11, the inner glass 13 may be more firmly and stably coupled to the lamp housing 11.

[0049] The inner glass 13 may include a reflective surface 132 on the rear side thereof. Therefore, light emitted from the light guide 15 may face the outer glass 121 by reflecting from the reflective surface 132. In addition, light may face the inner glass 13 by reflecting from the front side of the outer glass 121.

[0050] The reflective surface 132 has reflectivity so that light emitted from the light guide 15 is reflected between the inner glass 13 and the outer glass 121 or transmitted to the outside through the outer glass 121 to form an image. As shown in the figure, some light is directly transmitted to the outside through the outer glass 121, while other light is transmitted through the outer glass 121 after reflection. At this time, the number of times the light is reflected may vary depending on the light.

[0051] The sensor 14 is disposed in the inner space 110 of the lamp housing 11. The sensor 14 may be disposed in front of the inner glass 13 with respect to the longitudinal direction. The sensor 14 may sense surrounding objects. The sensor 14 may generate a sensing signal based on the content obtained by detecting approaching objects by generating waves. Therefore, the sensor 14 may include a device capable of detecting adjacent objects in a non-contact manner, and a radar system may be formed. An ultrasonic sensor using ultrasonic waves or an IR sensor using infrared light as an electromagnetic wave may be used as a sensor for transmitting electric waves. However, the type of sensor is not limited thereto.

[0052] The sensor 14 includes a transmitter and a receiver, and causes the wave generated and transmitted from the transmitter to be reflected by an adjacent object. The reflected wave is received by the receiver, and the sensor 14 generates a sensing signal based on the wave received by the receiver, and transmits the generated sensing signal to the processor. An encoder may be additionally connected to the receiver, and may convert the sensing signal based on the received wave into a digital signal.

[0053] A cooling fan 16 may be installed on the front side of the lamp housing 11 to cool the sensor 14. The cooling fan 16 may include rotating blades, and may cool the sensor 14 using an air flow generated by the rotation of the blades. In addition, a cooling fin 17 may be attached to the front side of the sensor 14 to cool the sensor 14. A plurality of cooling fins 17 may be provided. The cooling fin 17 may be in contact with the sensor 14 and may dissipate heat transferred from the sensor 14.

[0054] Figure 3 is a plan view showing a lamp assembly 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 It is shown in Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a lamp 10 with a built-in sensor in a lamp assembly 100 is rotated.

[0055] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the lamp 10 with a built-in sensor and the tail lamp 20 of the lamp assembly 100 are coupled by a rotating portion 30 so as to be rotatable relative to each other. A connector 40 may be provided at the front side of the lamp 10 with a built-in sensor. Wiring may be connected to the connector 40, and the lamp 10 with a built-in sensor may be electrically connected to a processor.

[0056] When the position of the taillight 20 is fixed, as shown in the figure, the lamp 10 with a built-in sensor can be rotated relative to the taillight 20. Therefore, when the lamp 10 and the taillight 20 are fixed, Figure 3 When arranged as shown, the inner angle formed by the straight line parallel to the direction in which the lamp 10 with the built-in sensor faces and the straight line parallel to the direction in which the tail lamp 20 faces can have a minimum value A1, and when the lamp 10 is as shown Figure 4 When rotated and positioned as shown, the interior angle can have a maximum value A2. Figure 3 When arranged as shown, the lamp 10 with a built-in sensor can detect an object located in the rear direction and can irradiate light. Figure 4 When arranged as shown, the lamp 10 with the built-in sensor can detect objects located in the lateral direction and can irradiate light.

[0057] Tail Light 20

[0058] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a lamp assembly 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the lamp assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is rotated.

[0059] The taillight 20 is a component that emits light and allows the lamp assembly 100 to function as a general taillight. Therefore, the taillight 20 may include a light emitting portion 25 that emits light, and a plurality of light emitting portions 25 may be provided. The taillight 20 may also include a taillight optical portion 23 that guides light emitted from the light emitting portion 25 in a desired direction by allowing the light to be reflected and collected or diffused. The taillight 20 may include a taillight housing 21 in which the light emitting portion 25 is embedded. The taillight 20 may include a taillight glass 22 that is formed of a light-transmitting material to allow light emitted from the light emitting portion 25 to travel in a rear direction, and that is coupled to the rear side of the taillight housing 21.

[0060] The tail light housing 21 and the lamp housing 11 are coupled to the rotating portion 30 so as to be rotatable. Therefore, the tail light housing 21 and the lamp housing 11 can rotate relative to each other.

[0061] Rotating unit 30

[0062] Figure 7 is a schematic side view showing a rotating structure of the lamp assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is a schematic top view showing a rotating structure of the lamp assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] The rotating part 30 is a component that connects the tail light 20 and the lamp 10 with a built-in sensor so that the tail light 20 and the lamp 10 with a built-in sensor can rotate relative to each other. The rotating part 30 may include: a hinge gear part 31 including a hinge shaft 312 and a reduction gear 311; a driving part 32 including an actuator 322 and a driving gear 321; a driven gear 33, etc.

[0064] The hinge gear part 31 is a part used as a central axis of the rotating part 30. The light hinge part and the tail light hinge part may be formed on the light housing 11 and the tail light housing 21. A hinge shaft 312 used as an axis member of the light hinge part and the tail light hinge part passes through the hinge part to rotatably couple the hinge part. The reduction gear 311 may be provided at the distal end of the hinge shaft 312.

[0065] The driving part 32 may include an actuator 322 that generates a driving force using electricity to operate the rotating part 30, and a driving gear 321 that engages with the reduction gear 311 to transmit the torque generated by the actuator 322. The actuator 322 may rotate in one direction and in the opposite direction. As shown in the figure, the actuator 322 may be disposed inside the taillight housing 21. However, the position of the actuator 322 is not limited thereto. The driving gear 321 may rotate by the driving force of the actuator 322.

[0066] The driven gear 33 may be engaged with the reduction gear 311 to rotate. According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in the figure, the driven gear 33 may have gear teeth formed on its outer peripheral surface. The driven gear 33 may be coupled to the lamp housing 11, and when the driven gear 33 rotates, the lamp housing 11 may be engaged to the driven gear 33 to rotate together. That is, the driving gear 321, the reduction gear 311, and the driven gear 33 may be rotated by the driving force generated by the actuator 322, and the lamp 10 with a built-in sensor may be rotated relative to the tail lamp 20.

[0067] Fig. 9is a schematic top view illustrating a rotating structure of a lamp assembly 100 b according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] The second embodiment of the present disclosure is generally the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described below. Fig. 9 The rotating portion 30 b of the lamp assembly 100 b according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may include a driven gear 33 b formed in an arc shape and having gear teeth formed on an inner circumferential surface thereof.

[0069] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lamp assembly 100 c according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 It is shown in Fig.10 Schematic diagram of a state in which a lamp 10c with a built-in sensor in a lamp assembly 100c is rotated.

[0070] The third embodiment of the present disclosure is generally the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences between the first embodiment and the third embodiment will be described below. Fig.10 and Fig.11 The lamp assembly 100c according to the third embodiment may further include a guide rail portion 50c. The guide rail 51c included in the guide rail portion 50c is a component to which the tail lamp 20c is slidably coupled. The guide rail 51c may be fixed to the vehicle body.

[0071] The guide rail 51c has a form extending along a path along which the lamp assembly 100c moves. The guide rail 51c may include a left / right guide rail portion 511c extending in the left / right direction to allow the tail lamp 20c to slide linearly, and a front / rear guide rail portion 512c extending in the front / rear direction to support the lamp 10c with a built-in sensor when the lamp 10c with a built-in sensor facing the rear direction is rotated due to the movement of the tail lamp 20c and is set to face the lateral direction.

[0072] In order to slide the tail lamp 20c along the guide rail 51c, the guide rail 51c may include a rack gear part 52c provided on the guide rail 51c, and the linear motion actuator 24c may be provided on the tail lamp 20c. A shaft outputting the torque of the linear motion actuator 24c may be engaged with the gear teeth of the rack gear part 52c, and when the linear motion actuator 24c generates the torque, the tail lamp 20c may perform a linear motion along the rack gear part 52c. The positions of the rack gear part 52c and the linear motion actuator 24c may be interchanged.

[0073] When the tail light 20c slides along the guide rail 51c, the rotating part 30c can rotate the lamp 10c with a built-in sensor relative to the tail light 20c. When the tail light 20c moves from left to right in the drawing, a space in which the lamp 10c with a built-in sensor can rotate is formed, and the rotating part 30c operates to allow the lamp 10c with a built-in sensor to face the lateral direction.

[0074] However, when the taillight 20c slides along the guide rail 51c, the lamp 10c with a built-in sensor can automatically rotate relative to the taillight 20c. The rotating portion 30c may include a torsion spring. The torsion spring may be Fig.10 The position of the rear light 20c is kept compressed or stretched, and when the rear light 20c performs a linear motion, the torsion spring can apply an elastic force to move the lamp 10c with a built-in sensor to a position facing the lateral direction. On the contrary, when the rear light 20c performs a linear motion, the lamp 10c with a built-in sensor can be pressed by the guide rail 51c and can be moved to a position facing the rear direction, and the torsion spring can be compressed or stretched. In this case, it is sufficient for the rotating portion 30c to function only as a hinge, and therefore the rotating portion 30c may not include an actuator.

[0075] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lamp assembly 100 d according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.13 It is shown in Fig.12 Schematic diagram of a state in which a lamp 10d having a built-in sensor in a lamp assembly 100d is rotated.

[0076] The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is generally the same as the third embodiment. Therefore, only the differences between the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment will be described below. Fig.12 and Fig.13 , the lamp 10d with a built-in sensor of the lamp assembly 100d according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure can be coupled to the guide rail 51d to slide along the guide rail 51d included in the guide rail portion 50d. The tail light 20d can be additionally coupled to the guide rail 51d. The lamp 10d with a built-in sensor can be coupled to the guide rail 51d through the first carrier 19d, and the tail light 20d can be coupled to the guide rail 51d through the second carrier 27d. The carriers 19d and 27d can be coupled to the lamp 10d with a built-in sensor and the tail light 20d, and can be slidably coupled to the guide rail 51d. Therefore, when the lamp assembly 100d is operated as in the fourth embodiment, the lamp assembly 100d can operate more stably without deviating from the determined position.

[0077] In the fourth embodiment, as shown in the figure, the linear motion actuator 53d may be provided on the guide rail 51d, and the rack gear portion 26d may be provided on the tail light 20d. However, the positions of the linear motion actuator 53d and the rack gear portion 26d may be interchanged.

[0078] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a lamp assembly 100 e according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.15 It is shown in Fig.14 Schematic diagram of a state in which a lamp 10e having a built-in sensor in a lamp assembly 100e is rotated.

[0079] The fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is generally the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences between the first embodiment and the fifth embodiment will be described below. Fig.14 and Fig.15 , the lamp assembly 100e may include a frame 61e, a link portion 62e, and a frame hinge 66e so as to move a position and change a posture.

[0080] The frame 61e is a component that can be fixed to the vehicle body. The frame 61e may have a form extending in the left / right direction. The link portion 62e may be coupled to the frame 61e so as to be rotatable relative to the frame 61e.

[0081] The link 62e is rotatably coupled to the frame 61e and the tail light 20e to move the position of the tail light 20. A plurality of links 62e may be provided to stably support the tail light 20e. The light 10e with a built-in sensor may be rotatably coupled to the frame 61e through a frame hinge 66e so as to be able to rotate relative to the frame 61e. When the position of the tail light 20e is changed by the action (e.g., rotational movement) of the link 62e, the light 10e with a built-in sensor may rotate around the frame hinge 66e.

[0082] In this case, it is sufficient that the rotating portion 30e only functions as a hinge, and therefore the rotating portion 30e may not include an actuator. Alternatively, the lamp assembly 100e may include: a frame actuator 64e that applies a driving force to the frame 61e; a worm gear 65e that outputs the driving force of the frame actuator 64e; and a frame driven gear 63e that engages with the worm gear 65e and is coupled to the link portion 62e, and rotates the link portion 62e in conjunction with the rotation of the frame actuator 64e.

[0083] Fig.16 is a diagram showing a state in which the lamp assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is provided on a vehicle C.

[0084] refer to Fig.16, the lamp assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed on the rear side of the vehicle C. In order to detect an object disposed in a blind spot behind the vehicle C, the lamp assembly 100 may be disposed to form a detection area toward the rear side of the vehicle C. The case where the posture of the lamp assembly 100 is controlled to form a detection area toward the rear side or rear lateral side of the vehicle C is referred to as a first mode.

[0085] Fig.17 1 is a diagram showing a case where the lamp assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is provided on a vehicle C coupled to a towed vehicle T to implement a blind spot detection system.

[0086] refer to Fig.17 The blind spot detection system may be implemented by positioning lamp assemblies 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 at predetermined positions of a towing vehicle T and a vehicle C coupled thereto. The blind spot detection system may include at least four lamp assemblies 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 for detecting surrounding objects, a vehicle C, and a processor. The blind spot detection system may include a towing vehicle T.

[0087] The vehicle C may be a vehicle capable of towing a towing vehicle T connected thereto, such as a trailer. A plurality of lamp assemblies 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 may be rotatably coupled to opposite rear sides and opposite lateral sides of the vehicle C. The towing vehicle T may be coupled to the rear of the vehicle C and may be steered independently of the vehicle C.

[0088] A processor (not shown) may be electrically connected to the lamps with built-in sensors included in the plurality of lamp assemblies 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106. The processor may identify the position of an object around the vehicle C by using a signal transmitted from each of the plurality of lamp assemblies 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106. In addition, the processor may be electrically connected to a steering device of the vehicle C, and may identify the direction in which the vehicle C is turning. The processor may include a microprocessor such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a central processing unit (CPU). However, the type of computing device included in the processor is not limited thereto.

[0089] The processor may include a memory storing a plurality of instructions, based on which commands for controlling the components are generated. The processor may be programmed to receive instructions from the memory, and based on the received instructions, generate electrical signals for controlling the components. The memory may be a data storage such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a volatile medium, a non-volatile medium, etc. However, the type of memory is not limited thereto.

[0090] The lamp assemblies 101, 103, and 105 located on the left side of the vehicle C and the towing vehicle T may be referred to as the first lamp assembly 101, the third lamp assembly 103, and the fifth lamp assembly 105 in order from front to rear, and the lamp assemblies 102, 104, and 106 located on the right side of the vehicle C and the towing vehicle T may be referred to as the second lamp assembly 102, the fourth lamp assembly 104, and the sixth lamp assembly 106 in order from front to rear. The lamps with built-in sensors included in the lamp assemblies 101, 102, 103, and 104 provided on the vehicle C may be provided on opposite lateral sides of the vehicle C. The lamps with built-in sensors included in the fifth lamp assembly 105 and the sixth lamp assembly 106 provided at the rear of the towing vehicle T may be provided to face the rear lateral direction. The lamps with built-in sensors included in the third lamp assembly 103 and the fourth lamp assembly 104 provided at the rear of the vehicle C may be provided to face the lateral direction. This is because, when the lamps with built-in sensors included in the third lamp assembly 103 and the fourth lamp assembly 104 face the rear lateral direction, a malfunction signal is likely to be input by the towing vehicle T. The case where the postures of the lamp assemblies 103 and 104 provided at the rear of the vehicle C are controlled to form a detection area toward the side of the vehicle C is referred to as a second mode.

[0091] Fig.18 It is shown Fig.17 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a situation where a vehicle C turns in one direction.

[0092] like Fig.18 As shown, when the vehicle C turns left at the corner of the wall W on the left side, only the vehicle C can be positioned obliquely facing the left side, and the traction vehicle T can remain in the direction in which the traction vehicle T travels straight. At this time, the detection area R3 of the third lamp assembly 103 provided on the left rear side of the vehicle C can overlap with the traction vehicle T. Since the processor only determines the presence or absence of an object and the distance to the object without determining what the object is, the processor can determine that the object exists at a very close position regardless of whether the actually detected object is the traction vehicle T. That is, the third lamp assembly 103 detects an abnormal signal and transmits the abnormal signal to the processor.

[0093] When the vehicle C turns, in the case where one of the lamp assemblies 103 and 104 disposed at the relatively rear side detects an abnormal signal, the processor may perform control to stop the operation of the lamp with a built-in sensor included in the lamp assembly that detects the abnormal signal. Since the third lamp assembly 103 detects the abnormal signal in the drawing, the processor may stop the operation of the lamp with a built-in sensor included in the third lamp assembly 103.

[0094] Fig.19 It is shown in Fig.181 is a diagram showing a situation in which detection areas of lamp assemblies 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, and 106 are adjusted in a vehicle C.

[0095] When the detection operation of the third lamp assembly 103 is stopped, it is not easy to detect the blind spot on the left side of the vehicle C. To compensate for this, the processor may perform control to expand the detection area of ​​another lamp assembly located on the same side as the lamp assembly that detected the abnormal signal. Specifically, the processor may perform control to expand the detection area of ​​the lamp assembly located in front of the same side. Therefore, the processor may perform control to make the detection area R12 of the first lamp assembly 101 larger than Fig.18 In the detection area R11 , the first lamp assembly 101 is located on the left side of the vehicle C as is the third lamp assembly 103 .

[0096] After the vehicle C turns completely, the processor can operate the stopped lamp assembly again to determine whether an abnormal signal is detected, and when no abnormal signal is detected, the processor can continue to maintain the operation. In the case where an abnormal signal is still detected, the processor can perform control to stop the operation again.

[0097] Fig. 20 1 is a diagram illustrating a case where an indicator for a user is mounted on a side mirror M of a vehicle C provided with the lamp assembly 100 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] refer to Fig. 20 , the blind spot detection system may include a plurality of indicators L1, L2, and L3 provided on a side mirror M of a vehicle C. The indicators L1, L2, and L3 may be configured to emit light and may correspond to different lamp assemblies 100. In the event that an abnormal signal is detected in a corresponding lamp assembly 100, the corresponding indicator may emit light, may change the color of light, or may change the light emission pattern.

[0099] In order to make the user intuitively identify, the lowest indicator L1 may correspond to the lamp assembly 100 located in the front, the middle indicator L2 may correspond to the lamp assembly 100 located in the middle, and the uppermost indicator L3 may correspond to the lamp assembly 100 located in the rear. In addition, in order to make the user intuitively identify, the indicator corresponding to the lamp assembly 100 disposed on the left side may be disposed on the left side mirror M, and the indicator corresponding to the lamp assembly 100 disposed on the right side may be disposed on the right side mirror M.

[0100] In addition, the blind spot detection system may include a speaker (not shown) which generates a buzzing sound to notify a user that an abnormal signal is detected when there is an abnormal signal detected by the lamp assembly 100 .

[0101] Fig.21is a flowchart illustrating a blind spot detection method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] The blind spot detection method of the present disclosure may be implemented by using a blind spot detection system. The blind spot detection method may start from determining whether there is a towing vehicle T connected to the vehicle C at S10.

[0103] When there is no towing vehicle T, the processor may determine whether the lamps 10 with built-in sensors of the two tail lamp assemblies 100 are in the first mode facing the rear lateral direction (S20). If not, the processor controls the corresponding tail lamp assembly 100 to be in the first mode (S30). Thereafter, the processor operates all the tail lamp assemblies 100 to monitor the rear side (S40).

[0104] In the presence of the towing vehicle T, the processor may determine whether the lamps 10 with built-in sensors of the two tail lamp assemblies 100 are in the second mode facing the lateral direction (S50). If not, the processor performs control so that the corresponding tail lamp assembly 100 is in the second mode (S90), and then returns to the starting point.

[0105] When the lamps 10 with built-in sensors of the two tail lamp assemblies 100 are in the second mode, the processor may determine whether an abnormal signal is detected in the two tail lamp assemblies 100 (S60). When it is determined that the vehicle C turns and the tail lamp assembly 100 located in the turning direction of the vehicle C detects an abnormal signal, the processor may stop the operation of the corresponding lamp assembly 100 (S70). In addition, in order to compensate for the detection area, the processor may expand the detection area of ​​the lamp assembly 100 located on the same side as the lamp assembly 100 in which the abnormal signal is detected (S80). When it is determined that an abnormal signal is detected, a step of notifying a user of the detection of the abnormal signal by using an indicator or a speaker may be additionally performed.

[0106] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even in a commercial vehicle towing a trailer, a sensor can be provided without wasting space, and a blind spot can be effectively detected.

[0107] In the above, although in the description of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure, all components are coupled to a main body or operate in a combined state, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. That is, all components can operate in one or more selective combinations within the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the terms "include", "comprise" or "have" in the specification are "open" expressions, which only indicate that there are corresponding components, and unless specifically described to the contrary, additional components are not excluded but may be included. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this article have the same meaning as those terms commonly understood by technicians in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant field, and unless clearly defined in this application as having an ideal or overly formal meaning, it should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning.

[0108] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but may be variously modified and changed by a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure claimed in the appended claims. Therefore, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to explain the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, rather than to limit them, so that the spirit and scope of the present disclosure are not limited by the embodiments. The scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted based on the appended claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent to the claims should be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0109] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto but may be variously modified and changed by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lamp assembly, comprising: A lamp, the lamp comprising: a lamp housing having a lamp opening on one side in a longitudinal direction of the lamp; a light-transmitting outer glass configured to cover the lamp opening; a light guide provided on an inner surface of the lamp housing and in contact with the inner surface and configured to emit light; an inner glass located in front of the light guide inside the lamp housing with respect to the longitudinal direction, the inner glass being spaced a certain distance from the light guide in the longitudinal direction, the light guide obliquely emitting light in the longitudinal direction, and the emitted light being reflected in a space formed between the outer glass and the inner glass and traveling to the outside through the outer glass; and a sensor provided inside the lamp housing and in front of the inner glass with respect to the longitudinal direction and configured to sense surrounding objects; A taillight including a light emitting portion configured to emit light; and The rotating portion is configured to connect the tail light and the lamp having the built-in sensor so that the tail light and the lamp can rotate relative to each other.

2. The lamp assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a guide rail, the tail light being coupled to the guide rail, Wherein, the taillight can slide along the guide rail, and When the tail light slides, the rotating portion rotates the lamp having the built-in sensor relative to the tail light.

3. The lamp assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The lamp with the built-in sensor is coupled to the guide rail and is slidable along the guide rail.

4. The lamp assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a link portion rotatably coupled to the taillight to move the position of the taillight; as well as A frame to which the links are further coupled so as to be rotatable relative to each other.

5. The lamp assembly of claim 4, further comprising: A frame hinge is rotatably coupled to the lamp with the built-in sensor and to the frame so that when the position of the tail lamp is changed by movement of the link portion, the lamp with the built-in sensor can rotate about the frame hinge.

6. A blind spot detection system, comprising: At least four light assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 5, configured to detect surrounding objects; a vehicle having at least four of said light assemblies coupled to opposite rear sides and opposite lateral sides of said vehicle, at least four of said light assemblies being rotatable relative to said vehicle; a towing vehicle coupled to a rear side of the vehicle; as well as a processor electrically connected to at least four of the lamp assemblies, wherein the lamps with built-in sensors included in at least four of the lamp assemblies are arranged to face the opposite lateral sides of the vehicle, and Wherein, when one of the corresponding lamp assemblies arranged on the relative rear side and located in the turning direction of the vehicle detects an abnormal signal, the processor performs control to stop the operation of the lamp with the built-in sensor of the one lamp assembly that detects the abnormal signal.

7. The blind spot detection system according to claim 6, wherein: The processor performs control to expand a detection area of ​​another lamp assembly located on the same side as the one lamp assembly that detected the abnormal signal.

8. A method for detecting a blind spot, the method using at least four lamp assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and a vehicle, the at least four lamp assemblies being configured to detect surrounding objects, the vehicle having the at least four lamp assemblies coupled to opposite rear sides and opposite lateral sides of the vehicle to be rotatable relative to each other, the method comprising: determining whether there is a towing vehicle coupled to the vehicle; determining whether two tail light assemblies disposed at the opposite rear sides of the vehicle among the at least four light assemblies face in a lateral direction when the towing vehicle is present; When the lamps with built-in sensors included in the two tail light assemblies face the lateral direction and the vehicle turns, detecting an abnormal signal through the tail light assembly of the two tail light assemblies located in the direction in which the vehicle turns; as well as The operation of the tail lamp assembly where the abnormal signal is detected is stopped.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: A detection area of ​​another lamp assembly located on the same side as the tail lamp assembly where the abnormal signal is detected is expanded.

10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: When at least one of the lamps having the built-in sensors included in the two tail lamp assemblies does not face the lateral direction, the at least one lamp not facing the lateral direction is rotated so that the at least one lamp faces the lateral direction.

11. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: determining whether the lamps of the two tail lamp assemblies having the built-in sensors face in a rearward direction when the towing vehicle is not present; as well as When at least one of the two lamps having the built-in sensors faces the lateral direction, the at least one lamp facing the lateral direction is rotated so that the at least one lamp faces the rear direction.

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