Vehicle lean lamp

Abstract

A vehicle lighting unit is provided comprising: a plurality of light sources comprising a first subset of light sources and a second subset of light sources; a first reflector and a second reflector;

Description

Field of invention

[01] The present invention relates to a lamp for a vehicle, in particular to a lamp providing adaptive illumination responsive to a change in vehicle lean angle. Background

[02] Automotive and other vehicles may experience lean, or a change in angle with respect to the direction of gravity during their operation. For example, operation of motorcycles requires leaning, tilting the motorcycle away from an upright position, when cornering. Similarly, off-road vehicles may be tilted away from an upright or flat position while traversing rough terrain.

[03] Such vehicles are provided with lighting units including headlights for forward illumination in low ambient light conditions. Such headlights are configured to produce a beam of illumination that is typically shaped such that, when the vehicle is in a normal or upright position relative to the direction of gravity, a defined area of a horizontal ground surface in front of the vehicle is illuminated. Other lamps may similarly illuminate the surface on other sides of the vehicle.

[04] When such vehicles lean or tilt away from their normal or upright position, the beam of illumination similarly tilts with the vehicle, producing a different pattern of illumination on the ground surface proximate to the vehicle. This can result in sub-optimal illumination of the vehicle’s surroundings. For example, when cornering, motorcycles may lose illumination on portions of the road surface in front.

[05] Solutions to address this issue have been proposed. Patent application publication WO 2024 / 041886 Al relates to the use of a gimballed mount to keep a motorcycle headlight at a substantially constant angle relative to gravity when cornering. However, the system is mechanically complex, and requires sufficient space in the vehicle to accommodate the gimballed mount around the lamp which is not always available.

[06] An alternative solution is proposed in patent application publication US 2019 / 0366908 Al which utilises a plurality of separate lamps within a motorcycle headlight, each lamp comprising its own light source and its own projection lens for shaping light from the light source into an illumination pattern for projection onto the environment surrounding the motorcycle. As the lean angle of the motorcycle changes, different ones of the plurality of light sources emit light through their respective projection lenses, acting to fill in gaps in illumination on the road surface in front of the motorcycle. However, the arrangement of separate self-contained lamps in US 2019 / 0366908 Al again requires a relatively large amount of space that is not available in all vehicle designs.

[07] It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art. Summary of invention

[08] In order to mitigate at least some of the issues above, there is provided a vehicle lighting unit (e.g. a lean lamp) comprising: a plurality of light sources (for example a plurality of light emitters, or a plurality of light emitters in combination with collimating or other optics) comprising a first subset of light sources (including at least one light source) and a second subset of light sources (including at least one light source); a first reflector and a second reflector (for example reflective or mirrored surfaces, or boundaries between optically clear media of different refractive indices); a projection lens arranged relative to the plurality of light sources such that light emitted by the plurality of light sources is not directly incident on the projection lens; and a controller configured to operate (activate) the plurality of light sources. The first reflector is arranged relative to the first subset of light sources such that light emitted from the first subset of light sources is reflected by the first reflector onto the projection lens in a first pattern. The second reflector is arranged relative to the second subset of light sources such that light emitted from the second subset of light sources is reflected by the second reflector onto the projection lens in a second pattern. The controller is configured to receive an indication of a vehicle lean angle, and selectively operate / activate the first subset of light sources and second subset of light sources independently based on and responsive to the received indication (e.g., to project different illumination regions onto an environment according to vehicle lean angle). For example, the first reflector may be positioned in a first optical path between the first subset of light sources and the projection lens, and the second reflector may be positioned in a second optical path between the second subset of light sources and the projection lens. Optionally the projection lens arranged relative to the plurality of light sources such that light emitted by the plurality of light sources is not directly incident on the projection lens. The lighting unit includes at least a first subset of light sources and a second subset of light sources - in some embodiments, further subsets of light sources (each including at least one light source) and corresponding reflectors are provided, configured to be controlled by the controller and configured to provide illumination patterns incident on the projection lens.

[09] Advantageously, the provision of the first and second reflectors as intermediate components between respective subsets of light sources and the projection lens, where the reflectors shape the beam incident on the projection lens, allows for a reduction in lighting unit size as compared to prior art lean lamp solutions. In particular, the use of reflectors in the present invention allows the plurality of light sources to be positioned pointing in a direction that is not parallel to a principal optical axis of the lighting unit, allowing for denser packing of light emitters (e.g. LEDs) for providing lean angle-dependent illumination than prior art solutions. Further, the use of separate subsets of light sources in combination with separate reflectors allows the use of a single projection lens (which determines how light is projected onto the surrounding environment) while still providing different illumination dependent on vehicle lean angle. This is in contrast to prior art solutions which use separate light sources with separate projection lenses (for example positioned behind a protective exterior lens) to provide lean angle-dependent illumination. This small form-factor further enables the lighting unit to be modular in nature, able to be fitted / retrofitted to a wider variety of vehicles.

[10] Optionally, the lighting unit further comprising a lean angle detector (for example an accelerometer or inertial measurement unit) for detecting the lean angle of the vehicle; wherein the lean angle detector is communicatively coupled to the controller; and wherein the controller is configured to receive the indication of the vehicle lean angle from the lean angle detector. Thus, the lighting unit may beneficially be provided as a self-contained modular unit, requiring only standard connections (for example power connections) to the vehicle in which the lighting unit is to be installed. This also facilitates simple retrofitting of the lighting unit to existing vehicles.

[11] The respective reflectors can take different shapes according to the end application of the lighting unit. For example, the first reflector and / or the second reflector may have a perimeter defining a substantially triangular, trapezoidal, curvilinear or other shape. Further, the first reflector and / or the second reflector may exhibit a curved or partially curved profile, for example having at least a portion defining a convex or concave reflection surface (the surface at which reflection takes place). In this way, the respective reflectors can be tailored to different package constraints, and tailored to provide different illumination patterns incident on the projection lens, thereby providing different illumination patterns on the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the first reflector and the second reflector have different shapes and / or dimensions to each other.

[12] Optionally, the first reflector is formed by an interface between optical media of different refractive indices, and where the first reflector is configured to reflect light emitted from the first subset of light sources via total internal reflection.

[13] Optionally, the first subset of light sources comprises one or more first collimators and one or first light emitting elements, wherein the one or more first collimators are configured to direct light emitted by the one or more first light emitting elements onto the first reflector; and the second subset of light sources comprises one or more second collimators and one or second light emitting elements, wherein the one or more second collimators are configured to direct light emitted by the one or more second light emitting elements onto the second reflector.

[14] In one example, the vehicle lighting unit comprises an optical element, the optical element comprising: an exit portion; the first reflector; the second reflector; the one or more first collimators; and the one or more second collimators; wherein light reflected by the first reflector and the second reflector is directed through the exit portion towards the projection lens.

[15] Optionally, the optical element is a single monolithic piece of an optically clear material, the single monolithic piece of optically clear material having a plurality of surfaces shaped so as to define the exit portion, the first reflector, the second reflector, the one or more first collimators, and the one or more second collimators. Advantageously this reduces the component count of the lighting unit and facilitates simpler manufacture.

[16] In an alternative example the optical element comprises a housing, the housing comprising a plurality of surfaces: wherein the plurality of surfaces are coated in a reflective material, and are shaped so as to define the first reflector, the second reflector, the one or more first collimators, and the one or more second collimators; and wherein the housing further comprises an aperture defining the exit portion. This provides a convenient means for supporting / impiementing the respective reflectors.

[17] Optionally, the controller is further configured to: gradually decrease an emission intensity of the first subset of light sources as the lean angle increases from a first predetermined angle to a second predetermined angle; and gradually increase an emission intensity of the second subset of light sources as the lean angle increases from the first predetermined angle to the second predetermined angle. Advantageously this allows the lighting unit to “fade” between different illumination patterns as the vehicle lean angle changes, thus avoiding abrupt changes to the illumination of the surrounding environment.

[18] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising the vehicle lighting unit above. In some embodiments, the vehicle is a motorcycle, a moped, a scooter, an e-bike or an all-terrain vehicle.

[19] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and / or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. Brief description of the drawings

[20] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures in which:

[21] Figure 1 shows a vehicle comprising a vehicle lighting unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[22] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation of a vehicle lighting unit, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[23] Figure 3 shows a schematic partial cross-sectional representation of the vehicle lighting unit of figure 2.

[24] Figures 4A and 4B show schematic representations of prior art vehicles and an illuminated environment at different vehicle lean angles.

[25] Figures 5A, 5B and 5C show schematic representations of a vehicle using a vehicle lighting unit in accordance with the present invention, and an illuminated environment at different vehicle lean angles.

[26] Figure 6A shows a side view of components of vehicle lighting unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[27] Figure 6B shows a perspective view of the components shown in figure 6A.

[28] Figure 6C shows a perspective view of a complete vehicle lighting unit including the components of figures 6A and 6B.

[29] Figure 6D shows a perspective view of the PCB shown in figures 6A and 6B.

[30] Figure 6E shows a perspective view of the optical element shown in figures 6A and 6B. Detailed description

[31] The following example describes a lean lamp with reference to use on motorcycles. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to any vehicles that may experience lean in use, including motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, e-bikes, other two wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, etc. In addition, the following description refers to providing compensating illumination according to lean angle - it will be appreciated that the present invention can also be used to provide compensating illumination according to roll angle and / or pitch angle.

[32] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10, in this case a motorcycle, including a vehicle lighting unit 100 as will be described in more detail below. In use, the vehicle 10 experiences lean. For example, when cornering, the driver of vehicle 10 leans such that the vehicle 10 exhibits a lean angle relative to an upright direction. Lighting unit 100 is configured to provide additional illumination to compensate for vehicle lean, as a function of the lean angle. Optionally, the vehicle 10 includes a lean angle detector 12, for example an accelerometer or inertial measurement unit (IMU), configured to measure a lean angle of the vehicle.

[33] Figure 2 shoes a schematic representation of the lighting unit 100. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a portion of the lighting unit 100 in operation.

[34] The lighting unit 100 comprises a plurality of light sources grouped into two or more subsets 102, 104, 106. In the illustrated example, the light sources of the plurality of light sources are grouped into a first subset 102, a second subset 104, and a third subset 106, though it will be appreciated two, or more than three, subsets of light sources can be provided in other embodiments. Each subset of light sources 102, 104, 106 may each comprise on or more individual light sources.

[35] Each light source comprises a light emitter, and may also include collimating reflectors / optics. As best shown in figure 3, in the illustrated example, the first subset of light sources 102 comprises one or more first light emitters 112 and one or more first collimators, the second subset of light sources 104 comprises one or more second light emitters 114 and one or more second collimators 124, and the third subset of light sources 106 comprises one or more third light emitters 116 and one or more third collimators 126.

[36] The lighting unit 100 further comprises a projection lens 110. The projection lens 110 is a lens positioned between the plurality of light sources 102, 104, 106 and the environment to be illuminated, for example road surface. The projection lens is configured to take the light reflected by the reflectors 103, 105, 107, and project an illumination pattern onto the environment outside the lighting unit 100. The function of the projection les 110 is to suitably transfer the relatively small image / illumination pattern produced by each subset of light sources 102, 104, 106 such that the light is projected onto the environment / road surface to form a much larger image / pattem, for example in a manner meeting regulatory requirements in the case of road vehicles. Advantageously, the projection lens 110 does not require a large surface to perform this function and allows the overall modular lighting unit 100 to remain compact in size. In some examples, the projection lens 110 is an aspheric lens. Optionally, the lighting unit further comprises an exterior lens / optically clear protective layer (not shown) to protect the projection lens 110 and other components of the lighting unit from dirt and wear.

[37] The lighting unit further comprises a plurality of reflectors 103, 105, 107. In the illustrated example, a first reflector 103, a second reflector 105 and a third reflector 107 are provided, corresponding to each of the subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106. The reflectors 103, 105, 107 are arranged relative to the respective subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 such that light emitted from the subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 is reflected onto the projection lens 110 in different patterns.

[38] For example, as shown in figure 3, a substantially collimated beam of light 200 is produced by the second subset of light sources 104. The collimated beam 200 is incident on the second reflector 105. The size, shape, angle and profile of the second reflector 105 defines the extent and direction of a reflected beam 202, which is incident on the projection lens 110. The projection lens 110 projects projected beam 204 out of the lighting unit 100. Similarly, light from the first subset of light sources 102 is reflected by the first reflector 103 onto the projection optic in a respective pattern, and light from the third subset of light sources 106 is reflected by the third reflector 107 onto the projection optic in a respective pattern. The size, shape, angle and profile of the respective reflectors 103, 105, 107, as well as the shape / profile of the projection lens 110 are chosen so as to define desired respective illumination patterns, which are preferably different. For example, light originating from the first subset of light sources 102 results in a first illumination pattern projected by the projection lens 110, light originating from the second subset of light sources 104 results in a second illumination pattern projected by the projection lens 110, light originating from the third subset of light sources 106 results in a third illumination pattern projected by the projection lens 110.

[39] Each reflector is positioned in the optical pathway between the projection lens and respective subsets of light sources 102 104, 106. In some embodiments, light (for example collimated light) is emitted by each subset of light sources 102, 104, 106 in a first general direction (for example upwardly in the orientation illustrated in figure 3), and then reflected in a second general direction, different to the first direction, to be incident on the projection lens 110 (for example rightwardly in the orientation illustrated in figure 3). As illustrated in figures 2 and 3, collimated light emitted by the respective subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 is reflected through roughly 90 degrees by the respective reflectors 103, 105, 107 before being incident on the projection lens 110, however other reflection angles could be used depending on the particular application / package constraints of the lighting unit 100.

[40] In some embodiments, the subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 are arranged such that light emitted from the respective light emitters 112, 114, 116 is not directly incident on the projection lens 110. Put differently, in such embodiments there is no direct optical path between the respective light emitters 112, 114, 116 and the projection lens 110, rather the light from the light emitters 112, 114, 116 only reached the projection lens 110 via reflection at the reflectors 103, 105, 107.

[41] The lighting unit 100 further comprises a controller 111 configured to operate each subset of light sources 102, 104, 106. The controller 111 is configured to receive an indication of a vehicle lean angle. Optionally, the lighting unit 10 comprises a vehicle lean angle detector 113 (for example an accelerometer or IMU) communicatively coupled (via a wired or wireless connection) to the controller 111. In this case, the controller 111 is configured to receive a signal from vehicle lean angle detector 113 indicative of a current lean angle of the vehicle 10. Advantageously, providing a lean angle detector 113 as part of the lighting unit 100 allows lean compensation to be determined locally at the lighting unit, enabling simpler retrofitting to existing vehicles. Alternatively, the controller 111 may be configured to receive a signal from a remote vehicle lean angle detector 12 located elsewhere in the vehicle 10, the signal indicative of a current lean angle of the vehicle 10.

[42] Responsive to the lean angle indicated, the controller 111 is configured to operate the respective subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 to provide lean angle-dependent illumination as described below in relation to figures 5A to 5C.

[43] Optionally, the lighting unit 100 may comprise further light sources 150, 152, 154 controlled by the controller 111, configured to illuminate optional additional lenses 156. For example, these further light sources 150, 152, 154 and lenses 156 may be provided as a low beam light 158 providing low beam illumination, and may be operated independently of the respective subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 that are associated with providing lean angle-dependent illumination.

[44] Figures 4A and 4B illustrate illumination provided by a prior art vehicle 400 according to lean angle. Figure 4A shows a rear view of a vehicle 400 (in this case a motorcycle) and a view of an environment 408 in front of the vehicle 400, as seen from the vehicle 400. The vehicle 400 has a vertical axis 402. In figure 4A, the vertical axis 402 is parallel to the normal 404 of a road surface (for example the vehicle 400 is in an upright position). In this position, a headlamp of the vehicle 400 provides a beam of illumination onto the environment 408, resulting in an illumination pattern 406 on the road surface.

[45] In figure 4B, the same vehicle 400 is shown leaning, for example during a cornering manoeuvre, and its vertical axis 402 is at an angle to the normal 404 of the road surface - this angle is the lean angle 410. As a result of the lean angle, the illumination pattern 406 on the road changes, leaving a portion 412 in front of the vehicle 400 where there is little or no illumination.

[46] In contrast, figures 5A to 5C show illustrate illumination provided by the lighting unit 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 5A, 5B and 5C show rear views of the vehicle 10, and respective views of an environment 508 in front of the vehicle 10, as seen from the vehicle 10.

[47] The vehicle 10 has a vertical axis 502. In figure 5A, the vertical axis 502 is parallel to the normal of a road surface (or direction of gravity) 504. For example, the vehicle 10 may be in an upright position. In this example, the optional low beam light 158 is operated by the controller 111 to emit light though the projection lens 110 to project an illumination region 506 onto the environment 508. In figure 5A, the vehicle 10 exhibits no lean angle (e.g. a lean angle of substantially zero). The lean angle detector 113 of the lighting unit 100 (of the lean angle detector 12 of the vehicle 10) indicates the substantially zero lean angle to the controller 111, and in response the controller 111 forgoes causing any of the subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 to emit light.

[48] In figure 5B, the vehicle 10 has begun to lean to the left. Its vertical axis 502 is now at a first lean angle 510a with respect to the normal of the road surface / direction of gravity 504. The illumination region 506 provided by the low beam light 158 is correspondingly projected onto the environment 108 at an angle. The lean angle detector 113 of the lighting unit 100 (of the lean angle detector 12 of the vehicle 10) indicates the lean angle 510a to the controller 111, and in response the controller 111 causes the first subset of light sources 102 to illuminate. Following reflection by the first reflector 103, light from the first subset of light sources 102 is projected onto the environment 508 by the projection lens 110, adding a new illumination region 511 that fills in the gap in illumination that would otherwise have been left.

[49] In figure 5C, the vehicle 10 is leaning further to the left. Its vertical axis 502 is now at a second lean angle 510b with respect to the normal of the road surface / direction of gravity 504. The illumination region 506 provided by the low beam light 158 is correspondingly projected onto the environment 108 at a greater angle. The lean angle detector 113 of the lighting unit 100 (of the lean angle detector 12 of the vehicle 10) indicates the lean angle 510b to the controller 111, and in response the controller 111 causes the second subset of light sources 104 to illuminate in addition to the first subset of light sources 102. Following reflection by the second reflector 105, light from the second subset of light sources 104 is projected onto the environment 508 by the projection lens 110, adding a further illumination region 512, again filing in the gap in illumination that would otherwise have been left.

[50] In an alternative embodiment, in response to receiving a signal indicative of the second lean angle 510b, the controller 111 may instead cease causing the first subset of light sources 102 to emit light, while causing the second subset of light sources 104 to emit light. In this case, the second subset of light sources 104 in combination with the second reflector 105 are arranged such that light emitted by the from the second subset of light sources 104 is projected onto the environment 508 by the projection lens 110, in both new illumination regions 511, 512 shown in figure 5C.

[51] As the lean angle further increases, the controller 111 selectively operates the third subset of light sources 106 in place of or in addition to the first and second subsets of light sources 104, 106, again filling in a gap in illumination of the environment 508 that would otherwise result.

[52] Figures 5B and 5C describe operation of the lighting unit 100 as the vehicle 10 leans to the left. It will be appreciated that similar occurs when the vehicle 10 leans to the right. Further subsets of light sources and corresponding respective reflectors are preferably arranged and operated by the controller to provide commensurate illumination (that is, to fill in gaps in the region of the environment 508 illuminated) when the vehicle 10 leans to the right.

[53] Thus, as the lean angle of the vehicle 10 changes, different combinations of the subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 are activated (that is operated, illuminated, lit) by the controller, thus dynamically changing the region of the vehicle environment 508 that are illuminated. Although described in relation to the lean angle of a motorcycle when cornering, it will be appreciated that the controller 111 may, alternatively or in addition, activate different combinations of the subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 to provide dynamic and adaptive illumination responsive to changes in vehicle lean angle, vehicle pitch angle, and vehicle roll angle.

[54] It will be appreciated that the desired illumination pattems / regions (and thus the size, shape, angle and profile of the respective reflectors 103, 105, 107, as well as the shape / profile of the projection lens 110) may vary depend on the application of the lighting unit 100. In some examples, some or all of the reflectors 103, 105, 107 are a triangular or wedge-shaped, and / or define a curved surface.

[55] Advantageously, the lighting unit 100 can be made in a smaller form factor than prior art lean lamps. In particular, the use of intermediate reflectors 103, 105, 107 arranged in the optical pathway between the subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 and the projection lens 110: provides a compact way of shaping light beams for adding lean angle-dependent illumination adjustments; allows the use of a single projection lens 110 (which may optionally be shared with other lights, such as a low beam light 158); and further allows freedom to position subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 at various different angles relative to the principal optical axis of the lighting unit. For instance, in the example shown in figures 2 and 3, collimated light emitted by the respective subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 is reflected through roughly 90 degrees by the respective reflectors 103, 105, 107 before being incident on the projection lens 110. This further reduces the volume required to implement the lean lamp functionality (for example by allowing for light emitters 112, 114, 116 to be more densely packed) as well as being able to implement leam lamp functionality in the same package as other lighting functions, such as low beam lights.

[56] In the illustrated example, the reflectors 103, 105, 107 and the collimators 122, 124, 126 are provided as integral parts of an optical element 101, however alternative means of implementing the reflectors 103, 105, 107 (and the optional collimators 122, 124, 126) may be provided in other embodiments. The optical element 101 includes an exit portion 109, through which light from the subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 reflected by the reflectors 103, 105, 107 leaves the optical element 101 towards the projection lens 110.

[57] Optionally, the optical element 101 can be fabricated from a single monolithic piece of optically clear material. In this case, the reflectors 103, 105, 107 are formed by reflection surfaces forming a boundary between the optical material and the surrounding medium in the lighting unit (for example air), and reflect light from respective light subsets of light sources 102, 104, 106 via total internal reflection. Similarly, the optically clear material can be shaped to form collimating structures 122, 124, 126 that refract and / or totally reflect light from the light emitters 112, 114, 116 towards the reflectors 103, 105, 107. In such examples, the optical element 101 can be advantageously fabricated through injection moulding and / or machining techniques.

[58] In an alternative example, optical element 101 takes the form of a hollow housing, wherein the exit portion 109 is an aperture in the housing, and the reflectors 103, 105, 107 have reflection surfaces formed by applying reflective material to corresponding internal surfaces of the housing. The housing may be fabricated through injection moulding, and the reflective materials for the reflectors 103, 105, 107 may be in-moulded or coated onto the interior of the housing.

[59] Figures 6A to 6E illustrate a vehicle lighting unit 1100 in accordance with an example implementation of the invention. The vehicle lighting unit 1100 includes components, and operates, as described in relation to the vehicle lighting unit 100 of figures 2 and 3 described above. Figure 6A shows a side view of components of a vehicle lighting unit 1100. Figure 6B shows the components of figure 6A in perspective view. Figure 6C shows an exterior perspective view of the lighting unit 1100. Figure 6D shows a perspective view of a printed circuit board (PCB) 1150 used in the lighting unit 1100. Figure 6E shows a perspective view of an optical element 1101 used in the lighting unit 1100.

[60] The lighting unit 1100 includes an optical element 1101 and a projection lens 1110.

[61] The optical element 1101 comprises a single piece optically clear material. The optical element llOlincludes a plurality of collimators 1122a, 1122b, 1124a, 1124b, 1126a, 1126b, a plurality of reflectors 1103a, 1103b, 1105a, 1105b, 1107a, 1107b, and an exit portion 1109. Each reflector 1103a, 1103b, 1105a, 1105b, 1107a, 1107b is a surface having a roughly triangular or wedge shape perimeter, and exhibiting a convex curved profile as viewed from outside the optical element 1101.

[62] The lighting unit 1100 includes a PCB 1150, the PCB 1150 having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted to it. The LEDs are arranged in six groups 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b. The PCB 1150 is mounted to the optical element 1101 such that each group of LEDs lines up with a corresponding group of collimators 1122a, 1122b, 1124a, 1124b, 1126a, 1126b. For example, each LED in a first group 1112a lines up with a respective collimator in a first group of collimators 1122a.

[63] Each of the reflectors 1103a, 1103b, 1105a, 1105b, 1107a, 1107b is positioned such that it reflects light incident on it from a respective group of LEDs 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b towards the projection lens 1110. For example, substantially collimated light from the first group of LEDs 1112a and first group of collimators 1122a incident on a fist reflector 1103a is reflected in a predetermined pattern out of the optical element 1101 through the exit portion 1109 and onto the projection lens 1110.

[64] As illustrated, the exemplary lighting unit 1100 includes a low beam lamp 1158 configured to provide low beam illumination. The lighting unit 1100 includes an exterior / protective lens / optically clear layer 1130 to protect the other components from wear. The lighting unit 1100 further includes a housing 1140 for retaining the components described above. The exterior protective lens 1130 covers an aperture in the housing 1140, allowing for light projected from the projection lens 1110 to leave the housing 1140.

[65] The lighting unit 1110 further includes a controller and an accelerometer (not shown). Responsive to the accelerometer detecting, and providing an indication of, the vehicle lean angle, the controller is configured to sequentially activate respective groups of LEDs 1112a, 1112b, 1114a, 1114b, 1116a, 1116b. As the accelerometer detects lean to the left as viewed along direction 1160, the controller will sequentially illuminate a first group of LEDs 1112a on the right hand side of the PCB as viewed along direction 1160, a second right hand group of LEDs 1114a, then a third right hand group of LEDs 1116a, with increasing lean angle away from the direction of gravity. Similarly, as the accelerometer detects lean to the right as viewed along direction 1160, the controller will sequentially illuminate a first group of LEDs 1112b on the left hand side of the PCB as viewed along direction 1160, a second left hand group of LEDs 1114b, then a third left hand group of LEDs 1116b, with increasing lean angle away from the direction of gravity. As described above in relation to figures 5A to 5C, the lighting unit 1100 thus provides additional illumination, to fill in gaps in illumination that would otherwise appear to the driver of the vehicle.

[66] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to gradually transition between illumination of the successive groups of LEDs 1112a, 1114a, 1116a. For example, when transitioning from activating the first right hand group of LEDs 1112a to the second right hand group of LEDs 1114a with increasing vehicle lean to the right as viewed along direction 1160, the controller gradually reduces the emission intensity of the first group of LEDs 1112a and gradually increases the emission intensity of the second group of LEDs 1114a as lean angle increases. Thus, there is a “cross-over” range of lean angles in which both groups of 5 LEDs 1112a and 1114a are activated. Advantageously this avoids abrupt changes in illumination as the vehicle lean angle changes.

[67] The above embodiments are provided as examples only. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended independent claims. The invention covers all modifications, variations, and equivalents as fall within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle lighting unit comprising:a plurality of light sources comprising a first subset of light sources and a second subset of light sources;a first reflector and a second reflector;a projection lens; anda controller configured to operate the plurality of light sources;wherein the first reflector is arranged relative to the first subset of light sources such that light emitted from the first subset of light sources is reflected by the first reflector onto the projection lens in a first pattern;wherein the second reflector is arranged relative to the second subset of light sources such that light emitted from the second subset of light sources is reflected by the second reflector onto the projection lens in a second pattern; andwherein the controller is configured to receive an indication of a vehicle lean angle, and selectively operate the first subset of light sources and second subset of light sources independently based on and responsive to the received indication.

2. The vehicle lighting unit of claim 1, further comprising a lean angle detector for detecting the lean angle of the vehicle;wherein the lean angle detector is communicatively coupled to the controller; andwherein the controller is configured to receive the indication of the vehicle lean angle from the lean angle detector.

3. The vehicle lighting unit of any preceding claim, wherein the first reflector and the second reflector have different shapes and / or dimensions.

4. The vehicle lighting unit of any preceding claim, wherein the first reflector is formed by the interface between optical media of different refractive indices, and where the first reflector is configured to reflect light emitted from the first subset of light sources via total internal reflection.

5. The vehicle lighting unit of any preceding claim, wherein:the first subset of light sources comprises one or more first collimators and one or first light emitting elements, wherein the one or more first collimators are configured to direct light emitted by the one or more first light emitting elements onto the first reflector; andthe second subset of light sources comprises one or more second collimators and one or second light emitting elements, wherein the one or more second collimators are configured to direct light emitted by the one or more second light emitting elements onto the second reflector.

6. The vehicle lighting unit of claim 5, further comprising an optical element, the optical element comprising:an exit portion;the first reflector;the second reflector;the one or more first collimators; andthe one or more second collimators;wherein light reflected by the first reflector and the second reflector is directed through the exit portion towards the projection lens.

7. The vehicle lighting unit of claim 6, wherein the optical element is a single monolithic piece of an optically clear material, the single monolithic piece of optically clear material having a plurality of surfaces shaped so as to define the exit portion, the first reflector, the second reflector, the one or more first collimators, and the one or more second collimators.

8. The vehicle lighting unit of claim 6, wherein the optical element comprises a housing, the housing comprising a plurality of surfaces:wherein the plurality of surfaces are coated in a reflective material, and are shaped so as to define the first reflector, the second reflector, the one or more first collimators, and the one or more second collimators; andwherein the housing further comprises an aperture defining the exit portion.

9. The vehicle lighting unit of any preceding claim, wherein the controller is further configured to:gradually decrease an emission intensity of the first subset of light sources as the lean angle increases from a first predetermined angle to a second predetermined angle; andgradually increase an emission intensity of the second subset of light sources as the lean angle increases from the first predetermined angle to the second predetermined angle.

10. The vehicle lighting unit of any preceding claim, wherein the first reflector has a perimeter defining a substantially triangular, trapezoidal, or curvilinear shape.

10. The vehicle lighting unit of any preceding claim, wherein first reflector has a reflection surface, and wherein:the reflection surface has an at least partially curved profile;the reflection surface has a concave portion; orthe reflection surface as a convex portion.5 12. A vehicle comprising the vehicle lighting unit of any preceding claim.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein the vehicle is a motorcycle, a moped, a scooter, ane-bike or an all-terrain vehicle.

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