VEHICLE LIGHTING UNIT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting unit (200). The lighting unit (200) may include a lighting element and a detection unit (206) mounted on a housing (312). The detection unit (206) may be fixed within the housing (312) using a sensor bracket (314). The detection unit (206) may be fixed in a position to maximize the field of vision. The lighting unit (200) in which the detection unit (206) is integrated reduces the number of locations at which different elements are mounted on the vehicle and the number of mounting elements required for integrating different elements on the vehicle, reduces the complexity and cost of installing the mounting elements, and improves the vehicle's aesthetic appearance. (See Figure 2 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: VEHICLE LIGHTING UNIT FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a lighting unit intended for use in vehicles and, in particular, relates to a lighting unit in which sensors are integrated.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Vehicles have various components installed on their exterior surfaces, such as lighting devices, sensors, and vision systems. Lighting devices themselves come in various forms and functions, including headlights, fog lights, taillights, brake lights, parking lights, cornering lights, and daytime running lights (DRLs). Many vehicles have most of these lighting devices. Similarly, various sensors are positioned on the exterior surfaces of vehicles for different purposes, such as proximity sensors for detecting various surrounding objects, and visual sensors for capturing video of the vehicle's environment. Such components are positioned on different parts of the exterior surfaces of vehicles, including the front bumper, rear bumper, fenders, and exterior mirrors.

[0004] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a vehicle's front bumper, in accordance with the prior art. As shown in Figure 1, a pair of headlights 102-1, 102-2 and a pair of fog lights 104-1, 104-2 are positioned on the front bumper. In addition, multiple sensors are installed at various locations on the vehicle; for example, a first sensor 106-1 is mounted on a right fender, a second sensor 106-2 is mounted on a left fender, and a third sensor 106-3 and a fourth sensor 106-4 are mounted on the front bumper. Similarly, additional sensors can be mounted in other locations, such as a rear bumper and a trunk lid. The sensors 106-1 to 106-4 can be any of the following: ultrasonic sensors, cameras, or other types of sensors.

[0005] Such elements are mounted on the vehicle body using various mounting elements. These mounting elements include brackets, fasteners, retainers, fixing elements, and clamps. Mounting several elements in different locations on a vehicle and using multiple mounting elements increases the complexity and cost of installation and affects the vehicle's aesthetic appearance.

[0006] Thus, it is necessary to provide a simpler and more economical mechanism for incorporating various elements into a vehicle, which fills the aforementioned gaps.

[0007] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A general objective of the present invention is to reduce the number of locations at which different elements are mounted on a vehicle.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to reduce the number of mounting elements required for the integration of different elements on a vehicle.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to reduce the complexity of installing components in a vehicle.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to reduce the cost of installing components in a vehicle.

[0012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to improve the aesthetic appearance of a vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0013] Before describing the present methods, systems, and hardware facilitations, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular systems and methodologies described, as there may be multiple possible embodiments of the present invention that are not expressly illustrated in this disclosure. It is also understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing particular versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which will be limited only by the appended claims.

[0014] This summary is provided to introduce aspects concerning a vehicle lighting unit, and these aspects are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to determine or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0015] The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting unit. The lighting unit may include a lighting element mounted on a housing. The lighting unit may also include a detection unit integrated into the housing. The detection unit may be fixed in a position to maximize the field of vision.

[0016] In one aspect, the lighting unit may further include a sensor support for integrating the detection unit into the housing.

[0017] In one aspect, the sensor support can be a two-piece element. The sensing unit can be clamped between two pieces of the sensor support.

[0018] In one aspect, the detection unit can be snapped or fixed inside the housing.

[0019] In one aspect, the lighting unit can be selected from a group consisting of a front light, a fog light, a rear red light, a brake light, a parking light, a cornering light and a daytime running light (DRL).

[0020] In one aspect, the housing may include an opening for mounting and removing the detection unit, and to allow the passage of electrical cables for powering the lighting unit and connecting the detection unit to power cables.

[0021] In one aspect, the detection unit can be selected from a group consisting of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor and a camera.

[0022] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become evident from the following description, considered in association with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The above summary, together with the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, is best understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, constructions given by way of example of the invention are shown in the drawings; however, the invention is not limited to the specific methods and systems disclosed. The above aspects and many advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated when better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate embodiments given by way of example of this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. In the drawings:

[0024] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] illustrates a front view of a vehicle's front bumper, in accordance with the previous article;

[0025] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] illustrates a front view of a lighting unit installed on a front bumper of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] illustrates an exploded view of a lighting unit in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] illustrates an exploded view of a sensor support, in accordance with a method of embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] illustrates a rear view of a vehicle lighting unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0029] [Fig. 6] [Fig. 6] illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lighting unit installed in a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The detailed description given below in connection with the accompanying drawings is intended to be a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be applied. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided only as an example or illustration of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of ensuring a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be applied without these specific details.

[0031] The words "including", "having", "containing" and "comprising", and other forms thereof, are intended to have equivalent meanings and are non-limiting in that an element or elements following any of these words are not intended to be an exhaustive list of such an element or such elements, or intended to be limited only to the enumerated element or elements.

[0032] Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the application or testing of embodiments of the present invention, preferred systems and methods are now described.

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a lighting unit 200 installed on a screen. front bumpers 202 of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lighting unit 200 may include a lighting element covered by a lens 204, for uniform light dispersion in one or more required directions. The lens 204 may be annular in shape, such that there is a central recess in the lens 204. The lighting unit 200 may be daytime running lights (DRLs) installed on the front bumper of the vehicle. The lighting element may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) for illumination. It is understood that all support elements for the lighting element, such as control circuitry and a heat sink, may be provided inside or alongside the lighting unit 200, as required.

[0034] The lighting unit 200 may further include a detection unit 206. The detection unit 206 may include one of a proximity detection unit and one of a visual detection unit. The proximity detection unit may be a sensor of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, and a detection and Light ranging (LiDAR). The visual detection unit can be a camera: day and / or night camera. The detection unit 206 can be fixed in a position within the illumination unit 200 to maximize the field of view.

[0035] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the lighting unit 200 in a vehicle, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The lighting unit 200 may include a first light guide 302-1, a second light guide 302-2, a light guide support 304, and the lighting element. In one embodiment, the lighting element may be an LED with electrical cables and a printed circuit board (PCB) 306. The PCB 306 may be provided with a heat sink 308 for absorbing the heat generated by the lighting element and the PCB 306. The PCB 306 and the heat sink 308 may be held in place with the lighting element by means of a harness cable 310.

[0036] The first light guide 302-1 and the second light guide 302-2 can be inserted into the lens 204. The lens 204 can be mounted on the light guide bracket 304. The lens 204 and the light guide bracket 304 can be mounted on a housing 312. The housing 312 can be attached to the front bumper 202. The sensing unit 206 can be mounted through the recess in the lens 204 onto the housing 312 by means of a sensor bracket 314. The lens 204 and the sensor bracket 314 can be integrated independently of each other onto the housing 312. The sensor bracket 314 can be snapped into or secured inside the housing 312. Since the sensor bracket 314 can be attached to the housing 312 and not to the lens 204, the risks of water leakage or condensation in the lighting unit 200 can be reduced.For additional removal of water, condensation and heat, the housing 312 may also include a vent 316.

[0037] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the sensor support 314, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The sensor support 314 may be a two-part element comprising a first part 402 and a second part 404. The second part 404 may include a base plate 406 and a hollow body 408. The base plate 406 may be located on a face opposite the hollow body 408. Mounting rods 410 may engage with corresponding holes in the housing 306 by means of screws. The first part 402 may include a hole 412 for inserting the detection unit 206. The detection unit 206 can be clamped between the first part 402 and the second part 404 by clipping the first part 402 into the hollow body 408. The detection unit 206 can be fixed to the sensor support 314 so as to increase the field of view of the detection unit 206.The two-piece design of the 314 sensor bracket can simplify the casting process and can also help reduce the size of the 308 sensor bracket. A small size of the . Sensor support 314 can facilitate discreet integration of the sensing element 206 into the lighting unit 200.

[0038] Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of a vehicle lighting unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. The housing 312 may have projections 502 on its edges or corners. The projections 502 are to be used to secure the housing 312 to the front bumper 202 using fastening mechanisms 504 such as bolts and screws. The housing 312 may further have an opening 506 for mounting, removing, and replacing the detection unit 206. The opening 506 may also allow the passage of electrical cables for powering the lighting element and the detection unit 206.

[0039] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view 600 of the lighting unit 200 installed in the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cross-sectional view 600 represents the lighting unit 200 seen in section through a vertical axis (X-X').

[0040] Although the above description has been provided considering daytime running lights (DRL) as a lighting unit installed on a front bumper of a vehicle, it is understood that the present invention could likewise be implemented in other types of lighting units, such as high beams, fog lights, rear red lights, brake lights, parking lights and cornering lights, installed in suitable locations on the vehicle.

[0041] Integrating a lighting unit and a detection unit, as described above, would reduce the number of locations where different components are mounted on a vehicle and the number of mounting elements required for integrating the different components onto the vehicle. By reducing the number of mounting elements, the complexity and cost of installation would decrease, and the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle would be improved.

[0042] In the detailed description above, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form part thereof and illustrate the best currently envisaged method for implementing the invention. However, such a description should not be considered as any limitation of the scope of the present invention. The structure thus conceived in this description is likely to be subject to numerous modifications and variations; moreover, all details may be replaced by elements of technical equivalent.

[0043] Any combination of the above features and functionalities can be used in accordance with one or more embodiments. In the description above, embodiments have been described with reference to many specific details that may vary from one implementation to another. The description and The drawings should therefore be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what the applicants intend to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the whole as claimed in the claims arising from this application, in the specific form in which such claims arise, including any subsequent corrections.

Claims

Demands

1. Lighting unit (200) of a vehicle, the lighting unit (200) comprising: - a lighting element mounted on a housing (312), - a detection unit (206) integrated into the housing (312), and - a sensor support (314) for integrating the detection unit (206) into the housing (312), the sensor support (314) being a two-piece element, the detection unit (206) being clamped between two pieces of the sensor support (314).

2. Lighting unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection unit (206) is snapped or fixed inside the housing (312).

3. Lighting unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, the lighting unit (200) being selected from a group consisting of front lights, fog lights, rear red lights, brake lights, parking lights, cornering lights and daytime running lights (DRL).

4. Lighting unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (312) has an opening (506) for mounting and removing the detection unit (206), and to allow the passage of electrical cables for powering the lighting unit and connecting the detection unit (206) to power cables.

5. Lighting unit (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit (206) is selected from a group consisting of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor and a camera.

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