Integration of rear radar for motorcycles

Abstract

A rear light assembly for a vehicle may comprise a mount, a cover mounted to the mount, and a sensing unit mounted to the mount and at least partially enclosed by the cover. The sensing unit may be for sensing objects behind the vehicle. A support may be mounted to the mount. The support may include a body and a pair of taillight assemblies having a recess for at least partially receiving the cover. The mount may be mounted to the rear fender of the vehicle, and all wiring to the rear light assembly may be provided through a single opening in the fender.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to vehicle sensors, and more particularly to a mounting configuration for a rear-facing radar sensor for a motorcycle, and a lighting configuration using the radar sensor.

Background Art

[0002] Various vehicles, including motorcycles, include radar sensors for detecting the presence of objects within a sensing cone of the sensor. To sense objects behind or within the blind spot of the vehicle, such sensors typically require a rear-facing mounting position that is not blocked on the vehicle. As a result, the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle is reduced because the sensor is visibly placed for functional purposes. Therefore, it is desirable to mount the radar sensor in a compact and concealed manner so as not to degrade the performance of the sensor.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one embodiment, the disclosure provides a rear light assembly for a vehicle. The rear light assembly comprises a mount; a cover attached to the mount; a sensing unit attached to the mount and at least partially enclosed by the cover for sensing an object behind the vehicle; and a support attached to the mount, the support comprising a body and a pair of taillight assemblies having recesses for at least partially receiving the cover, wherein the mount is attached to the rear fender of the vehicle, and all wiring to the rear light assembly is provided through a single opening in the fender. According to one aspect of this embodiment, the rear light assembly further comprises a grommet having a pair of openings for receiving fasteners for attaching the mount to the rear fender. In another aspect, the cover comprises a pair of mounting brackets having through holes for receiving fasteners for attaching the mount to the rear fender. In another aspect, the sensor unit is a medium-range radar unit. In another aspect, the cover comprises an opening, and the sensing unit is positioned at least partially adjacent to the opening. In yet another aspect, the mount comprises an upper mount for receiving the sensing unit and a lower mount configured to attach to the cover, the support, and the rear fender. In another embodiment, the rear light assembly further comprises a lamp assembly including a reflector and a license plate lamp, the lamp assembly being mounted on a support. In yet another embodiment, each tail light assembly includes a hollow arm extending from the side wall of the body, a housing extending from the hollow arm, and a lens covering an opening within the housing.

[0004] In another embodiment, the Disclosure provides a system for a vehicle to indicate operational information from a rear position on the vehicle. The system comprises a rear light assembly mounted on the rear fender of the vehicle, the rear light assembly comprising a mount, a sensing unit mounted on the mount, and a support mounted on the mount and including a pair of taillight assemblies, and a pair of auxiliary lights separate from the rear light assembly, the taillight assembly and auxiliary lights being controlled to indicate operational information, including braking, turning, and rear collision warning, using a combination of low-intensity lights, high-intensity lights, and flashing. In one embodiment, the auxiliary lights are saddlebag lights. In another embodiment, the taillight assembly and auxiliary lights indicate braking and rear collision warning by having the taillight assembly illuminate at high intensity to indicate braking and the auxiliary lights flash between high intensity and off to indicate rear collision warning. In one variation of this embodiment, the auxiliary lights indicate rear collision warning by flashing at approximately 4 Hz for approximately 3 seconds. In another embodiment, the taillight assembly indicates a turn by flashing between high intensity and low intensity. In one variation, the taillight assembly indicates a turn by flashing at a frequency in the range of approximately 1 to 2 Hz.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, the Disclosure provides a system for a vehicle to indicate operational information from a rear position on the vehicle. The system is a rear light assembly mounted on the rear fender of the vehicle, the rear light assembly comprising a mount, a sensing unit mounted on the mount, and a support mounted on the mount and including a pair of taillight assemblies, each of the pair of taillight assemblies comprising an inner light portion and an outer light portion, the inner light portion and the outer light portion being controlled to indicate operational information including braking, turning, and rear collision warning using a combination of low-intensity lights, high-intensity lights, and flashing. In one embodiment, the inner light portion illuminates in a first color and the outer light portion illuminates in a second color different from the first color. In another embodiment, the inner light portion and the outer light portion indicate braking and rear collision warning by the inner light portion illuminating in high intensity to indicate braking and the outer light portion flashing between high intensity and off to indicate rear collision warning. In one variation of this embodiment, the outer light portion indicates rear collision warning by flashing at approximately 4 Hz for approximately 3 seconds. In another embodiment, the outer light portion indicates a turn by flashing between high brightness and off. In one modified example, the outer light portion indicates a turn by flashing at a frequency of approximately 2 Hz.

[0006] By referring to the following description of embodiments of this disclosure in conjunction with the attached drawings, the above and other features of this disclosure, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer, and the disclosure itself will be better understood. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a vehicle that can incorporate the teachings of this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a portion of the vehicle shown in Figure 1, including a rear light assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]Figure 1 shows the rear fender of the vehicle, and Figure 2 shows the components of the rear light assembly in an exploded perspective view. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the rear fender and taillight assembly. [Figure 5] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the rear fender and taillight assembly, with specific components indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 6A-I] This is a conceptual diagram of the light configuration of the rear light assembly in multiple different modes for use in specific jurisdictions. [Figure 7A-I] This is a conceptual diagram of the light configuration of a different rear light assembly in multiple different modes for use in other jurisdictions. [Figure 8A] Figure 2 shows perspective views of the rear light assemblies mounted on two different vehicles. [Figure 8B] Figure 2 shows perspective views of the rear light assemblies mounted on two different vehicles. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The corresponding reference characters can be shown through several diagrams to illustrate their corresponding parts. It should be understood that the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting. The use of “includes,” “equips,” or “has” and their variations herein means that they encompass the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as any additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “attached,” “connected,” “supported,” and “joined,” and their variations, are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect attachment, connection, support, and joining. Furthermore, “connected” and “joined” are not limited to physical or mechanical connection or joining.

[0009] While the structures and components disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms, the embodiments described herein should be considered merely illustrative of the principles described herein, and several specific embodiments are discussed herein under the understanding that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown.

[0010] Referring here to Figure 1, an exemplary embodiment of a two-wheeled vehicle 10 is shown. The illustrated vehicle 10 is a touring-style motorcycle, but most of its components may be used for a cruiser-style motorcycle or other two- or three-wheeled vehicles. The vehicle 10 generally includes a frame 12 supported by ground engagement members, namely a front ground engagement member or wheel 14 and a rear ground engagement member or wheel 16. The vehicle 10 travels on the ground with the front wheel 14 and the rear wheel 16. The rear wheel 16 is coupled to a powertrain assembly 18, which propels the vehicle 10 through the rotation of the rear wheel 16. Although the vehicle 10 is shown as a two-wheeled vehicle, it will be understood that various embodiments of this teaching can also operate on wheeled vehicles such as three-wheeled, four-wheeled, and six-wheeled vehicles.

[0011] Vehicle 10 also generally includes a steering assembly 20, a front suspension 22, a rear suspension (not shown), and a seat 24. The steering assembly 20 includes a handlebar 26 that the operator can move to turn the front wheel 14 to the left or right. The vehicle further includes safety systems such as a front main light assembly 28, front turn signals 30, and rear turn signals 32. Ergonomic systems may include a front fairing 34, a windshield assembly 36, and a saddlebag assembly 38.

[0012] In various embodiments, the vehicle 10 may further include a rearward-facing sensor unit for detecting the presence of objects behind the vehicle 10. Embodiments shown in Figures 2-5 show a rear light assembly 40 incorporating a radar unit 42. It should be understood that a camera, LiDAR, or other sensing unit may be used instead. Referring to Figure 2, in one embodiment, the rear light assembly 40 is mounted on the rear fender 44 of the vehicle 10 in a manner further described below. In certain embodiments, the rear light assembly 40 operates in conjunction with saddlebag lights 46 mounted on saddlebags 48 of a saddlebag assembly 38. In other embodiments, it does not operate with saddlebag lights 46. For example, Figure 8A shows a rear light assembly 40 mounted on a vehicle 10 having saddlebags 48 without saddlebag lights 46, and Figure 8B shows a rear light assembly 40 mounted on a vehicle 10 without saddlebags 48. Both figures show the mounting location of the license place 200.

[0013] The rear light assembly 40 generally includes a cover 50 that partially encloses the radar unit 42, a mount 52 (Figure 3) configured to attach the rear light assembly 40 to the rear fender 44 in the manner described herein, a grommet 54, a support 56, and a license plate ("LP") lamp assembly 58. As will be further described below, the support 56 includes a pair of tail light assemblies 60. The rear fender 44 includes a plurality of license plate mounting openings 62.

[0014] The components of the rear light assembly 40 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3. As shown in the figure, the rear fender 44 includes a pair of side walls 64 and a curved upper wall 66 extending between the side walls 64. The rear light assembly 40 is attached to the upper wall 66 of the rear fender 44.

[0015] The cover 50 includes a top wall 68, a pair of side walls 70, an outer wall 72, an inner wall 74 (Figure 4), a mounting wall 76, and a pair of mounting brackets 78. The top wall 68, side walls 70, inner wall 74, and outer wall 72 form a partial housing for the radar unit 42, as will be further described herein. The outer wall 72 of the cover 50 includes an opening 80 configured to allow the radar unit 42 to transmit electromagnetic waves, which are then re-acquired and used by the radar unit 42 to determine the position, velocity, etc., of objects in the path of the sensing cone 82 (Figure 4) of the radar unit 42. Each of the mounting brackets 78 extending from the outer wall 72 of the cover 50 has a through-hole 84 for receiving fasteners 86 (Figure 5) that connect the cover 50 to the mount 52, as will be further described below. In certain embodiments, the cover 50 is made from a rigid plastic material such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or polycarbonate plastic.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the radar unit 42 may be a medium-range radar device manufactured by Bosch, such as the MRR1 Rear Mid-Range Radar device (part number 0203.304.971).

[0017] Mount 52 generally includes an upper radar mount 88 and a lower mount 90. The upper radar mount 88 includes an upper wall 92, a pair of side walls 94, and an inner wall 96 (Figure 4), which together define a recess 98 (Figure 4) for receiving the radar unit 42. The lower mount 90 of Mount 52 includes an inclined inner wall 100, which includes a pair of apertures 102 aligned with a corresponding aperture 104 in the rear fender 44 for mounting the rear light assembly 40, as will be further described below. The lower mount 90 also includes an inclined outer wall 106, which includes a pair of apertures 108 for receiving fasteners 86 for connecting the cover 50 to the mount 52. The lower wall 110 of the lower mount 90 extends between the inclined inner wall 100 and the inclined outer wall 106.

[0018] Referring primarily to Figure 3, the grommet 54 includes a plate 112 that substantially matches the shape of the upper wall 66 of the rear fender 44, a pair of through-holes 114 that extend through the plate 112 and are aligned with the aperture 104 of the upper wall 66 of the rear fender 44, and an upper lip 116 that extends along the side edge 118 and upper edge 120 of the plate 112. The upper lip 116 extends to cover a portion of the mounting wall 76 and a portion of the support 56 of the cover 50 when the rear light assembly 40 is attached to the rear fender 44. The grommet 54 also includes a lower part 122 having an opening 124 that allows a wire harness 162 (Figure 4) to be routed to the radar unit 42. In certain embodiments, the grommet 54 is made of a soft plastic material or rubber.

[0019] The support 56 of the rear light assembly 40 generally includes a body 126 and a pair of taillight assemblies 60. The body 126 includes a top wall 128, a pair of side walls 130, and an outer wall 132. The side walls 130 and the top wall 128 form recesses 134 that receive the mounting walls 76 of the cover 50 when the rear light assembly 40 is mounted to the rear fender 44 of the vehicle 10. A pair of mounting posts 135 having threaded openings 137 extend inward from the walls 130 and align with the aperture 104 of the fender 44 to mount the support 56 to the fender 44. As best shown in Figure 4, the support 56 further has arms 139 with threaded openings 141, which receive bolts 154 that pass through the fender 44 and mount the support 56 to the fender 44. In certain embodiments, the support 56 is made of aluminum.

[0020] Each taillight assembly 60 includes a hollow arm 136 extending laterally from the corresponding side wall 130 of the support 56. The housing 138 extends from each hollow arm 136 and includes an opening 140. The lens 142 is mounted on the housing 138 so as to cover the opening 140, thereby housing lamp components (not shown) and wiring (not shown) within the housing 138.

[0021] The LP lamp assembly 58 includes a reflector 144 and a number plate lamp 148 connected to a bracket 146. The bracket 146 includes a pair of openings 150 spaced apart to correspond to the spacing between a pair of threaded openings 152 (FIG. 5) on the support 56 so as to receive a fastener 153 for attaching the LP lamp assembly 58 to the support 56.

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a rear light assembly 40 attached to the rear fender 44 of the vehicle 10 is shown (in cross-section). The cover 50 is attached to the mount 52 using a fastener 156 that extends through an opening 158 formed in the lower wall 110 of the lower mount 90 and into a threaded opening 160 formed in the mounting wall 76 of the cover 50. The radar unit 42 is connected to the mount 52 via a ridge 77 that is snap-fastened to an opening 79 on the upper wall 92 of the bracket 88. As shown, a fastener 154, such as a bolt, passes through an aperture 104 in the rear fender 44, through a through-hole 114 in a plate 112 of the grommet 54, and through an aperture 102 in an inclined inner wall 100 of the lower mount 90 of the mount 52. In this way, the support 56 is connected to the fender 44 with the mount 52 sandwiched between the support 56 and the fender 44.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, a wire harness 162, one end of which is connected to a controller 164, extends through a wiring hole 166 formed in the rear fender 44. The wire harness 162 includes a number of wires 168 that connect to the radar unit 42, the taillight assembly 60, and the LP lamp assembly 58 to supply power and control signals and to receive monitoring signals from the radar unit 42. The controller 164 controls the operation of the taillight assembly 60 and, in certain embodiments, controls the operation of the saddleback lights 46 in the manner described below. Monitoring signals from the radar unit 42 are used by the controller 164 to control a display (not shown) to notify the driver of the vehicle 10 of the presence of an object behind the vehicle 10, in the manner described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 169,273, whose entire disclosure is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the manner in which the controller 164 controls the operation of the taillight assembly 60 and the saddleback lights 46 depends on the intended use jurisdiction of the vehicle 10. Regulations regarding vehicle lights vary by location; for example, regulations regarding rear light indications for braking, turning (or direction indicators), hazards, and rear collision warning ("RCW") differ between North America and certain foreign jurisdictions. For instance, in North America, the use of saddleback lights 46 to indicate an RCW is permitted, but not in certain international markets.

[0025] Referring here to Figures 6A to 6I, a combination of rear lights for light notification is shown for use in North America. This embodiment is described with reference to the taillight assembly 60 and saddleback lights 46 described above, but it should be understood that the notification scheme may be used with other light configurations. At the top of the figures is a legend for the brightness (e.g., low or high) and state (e.g., flashing or steady (not shown as flashing)) of the taillight assembly 60 and saddleback lights 46. Figure 6A shows the lights in a normal operating mode, such as when the vehicle 10 is simply cruising forward at a substantially constant speed. In this mode, the left saddleback light 46L, left taillight assembly 60L, right saddleback light 46R, and right taillight assembly 60R are all controlled by the controller 164 to illuminate at low brightness. In all modes shown in Figures 6A to 6I, the taillight assembly 60 and saddleback lights 46 are configured to illuminate in red (albeit with different brightness and different states).

[0026] Figure 6B shows the lights in turn signal or direction indicator mode, where the taillight assembly 60L is controlled to flash between high and low brightness, and the remaining lights illuminate at low brightness. In one example, when the taillight assembly 60 described herein is flashing, they are controlled by the controller 164 to flash between high and low brightness at a speed of approximately 1 to 2 Hz.

[0027] Figure 6C shows the lights in RCW and braking mode combinations, where both saddlebag lights 46L, 46R are controlled by controller 164 to flash at high brightness, and both taillight assemblies 60L, 60R are controlled to stay lit at high brightness. In one example, when the saddlebag lights 46 described herein are flashing, they are controlled by controller 164 to flash between high brightness and off at a speed of about 4 Hz for about 3 seconds.

[0028] Figure 6D shows the lights in braking mode, where the taillight assemblies 60L and 60R are controlled to illuminate at high brightness, and the saddlebag lights are controlled to illuminate at low brightness. Figure 6E shows the lights in a combination of braking and turn signal modes, where the left taillight assembly 60L is controlled to flash (indicating a left turn), and the right taillight assembly 60R is controlled to illuminate at high brightness (indicating braking). The saddlebag lights 46L and 46R illuminate at low brightness.

[0029] Figure 6F shows the lights in combination with RCW and turn signal modes, with saddleback lights 46L and 46R flashing (providing RCW indication), left taillight assembly 60L flashing (indicating a left turn), and right taillight assembly 60R lit at low brightness.

[0030] Figure 6G shows the lights in hazard mode, with the taillight assemblies 60L and 60R flashing and the saddleback lights 46L and 46R illuminated at low brightness. In certain embodiments, hazard mode takes precedence over the brake and turn signal lights.

[0031] Figure 6H shows the lights in RCW mode, with both saddlebag lights 46L and 46R flashing to indicate to a driver behind vehicle 10 that their vehicle may be too close to vehicle 10. In this example, since vehicle 10 is not braking, turning, or displaying hazard lights, the taillight assemblies 60L and 60R illuminate at low brightness.

[0032] Finally, Figure 6I shows the lights in combination with RCW, braking, and turn signal modes, with saddleback lights 46L and 46R flashing (providing RCW indication), left taillight assembly 60L flashing (indicating a left turn), and right taillight assembly 60R illuminated at high brightness (indicating braking).

[0033] Referring here to Figures 7A to 7I, combinations of light notifications using taillight assemblies 60' for use in a specific international market are shown. At the top of the figures is a legend relating to the brightness (e.g., low or high) and state (e.g., flashing or steady (not shown as flashing)) of the taillight assemblies 60'. In this embodiment, the taillight assembly 60' includes an inner light portion 61 and an outer light portion 63. The inner light portion 61 functions substantially the same as the taillight assembly 60 described above, and the outer light portion 63 functions substantially the same as the saddleback light 46 described above.

[0034] Figure 7A shows the lights in a normal operating mode, such as when the vehicle 10 is simply cruising forward at a substantially constant speed. In this mode, the outer light sections 63L and 63R are off, and the inner light sections 61L and 61R are illuminated at low brightness. In all the modes shown in Figures 7A to 7I, the inner light section 61 of the taillight assembly 60' is configured to illuminate in red (albeit at a different brightness), and the outer light section 63 is configured to illuminate in yellow (albeit at a different flashing speed).

[0035] Figure 7B shows the lights in turn signal or direction indicator mode, where the left outer light section 63L is controlled to flash between high brightness and off at a relatively slow speed of approximately 2 Hz (hereinafter referred to as "slow flashing") to indicate a left turn. The right outer light section 63R remains off, and the inner light sections 61L and 61R are illuminated at low brightness.

[0036] Figure 7C shows the lights in combination with RCW and braking modes. Both outer light sections 63L and 63R are controlled to flash between high brightness and off (hereinafter referred to as "high-speed flashing") at a relatively fast speed of approximately 4 Hz for about 3 seconds to indicate RCW. Inner light sections 61L and 61R are controlled to illuminate at high brightness to indicate braking.

[0037] Figure 7D shows the lights in braking mode, where the inner light sections 61L and 61R are controlled to illuminate at high brightness (indicating braking), and the outer light sections 63L and 63R are off. Figure 7E shows the lights in a combination of braking and turn signal modes, where the left outer light section 63L is controlled to flash slowly (indicating a left turn), and the right outer light section 63R is off. The inner light sections 61L and 61R are controlled to illuminate at high brightness (indicating braking).

[0038] Figure 7F shows the lights in combination with RCW and turn signal modes. In this embodiment, the RCW lights are not activated when the turn signal is provided. As a result, the left outer light section 63L is controlled to flash slowly (indicating a left turn) while the right outer light section 63R remains off. The inner light sections 63L and 63R illuminate at low brightness.

[0039] Figure 7G shows the lights in hazard mode, where the inner light sections 61L and 61R illuminate at low brightness, and the outer light sections 61L and 61R are controlled to flash slowly (indicating hazard).

[0040] Figure 7H shows the lights in RCW mode, where the outer light sections 63L and 63R are controlled to flash rapidly to indicate to a driver behind vehicle 10 that their vehicle may be too close. In this example, since vehicle 10 is not braking, not turning, and not displaying hazard lights, the inner light sections 61L and 61R illuminate at low brightness.

[0041] Finally, Figure 7I shows the lights in combination with RCW, braking, and turn signal modes. In this embodiment, the RCW light is not activated because a turn signal is provided. As a result, the left outer light section 63L is controlled to flash slowly (indicating a left turn) while the right outer light section 63R is off. The inner light sections 61L and 61R illuminate at high brightness (indicating braking).

[0042] The following items are further variations and examples of embodiments described with reference to the drawings. Example 1. A rear light assembly for a vehicle may include a mount. The rear light assembly may further include a cover that is mounted to the mount. The rear light assembly may further include a sensing unit that is mounted to the mount and at least partially enclosed by the cover. The sensing unit may be for sensing an object behind the vehicle. The rear light assembly may further include a support that is mounted to the mount. The support may include a body having a recess for at least partially receiving the cover. The support may further include a pair of tail light assemblies. The mount may be mounted to the rear fender of the vehicle. All or at least some of the wiring to the rear light assembly may be provided through a single opening in the fender.

[0043] Example 2. The rear light assembly of Example 1 may further include a grommet. The grommet may include a pair of openings for receiving fasteners that attach the mount to the rear fender.

[0044] Example 3. In the rear light assembly described in Example 1, the cover may include a pair of mounting brackets having through holes for receiving fasteners for attaching the mount to the rear fender.

[0045] Example 4. In the rear light assembly described in Example 1, the sensing unit may be a medium-range radar unit. Example 5. In the rear light assembly described in Example 1, the cover may include an opening. The sensing unit may be positioned at least partially adjacent to the opening.

[0046] Example 6. In the rear light assembly described in Example 1, the mount may include an upper mount for receiving a sensing unit, and / or a lower mount configured to attach to a cover, support, and rear fender.

[0047] Example 7. The rear light assembly described in Example 1 may further comprise a lamp assembly. The lamp assembly may include a reflector and / or a license plate lamp. The lamp assembly may be mounted on a support.

[0048] Example 8. In the rear light assembly described in Example 1, each tail light assembly may include a hollow arm extending from the side wall of the main body. The housing may extend from the hollow arm. The lens may cover an opening within the housing.

[0049] Example 9. A vehicle system for indicating operational information from a rear position on the vehicle may include a rear light assembly mounted on the rear fender of the vehicle. The rear light assembly may include a mount, a sensing unit mounted on the mount, and a support mounted on the mount. The support may include a pair of taillight assemblies. The rear light assembly may further include a pair of auxiliary lights separate from the rear light assembly. The taillight assembly and auxiliary lights may be controlled to indicate operational information. The operational information may include one or more of the following, using a combination of low-intensity lights, high-intensity lights, and flashing: braking, turning, and rear collision warning.

[0050] Example 10. In the system described in Example 9, the auxiliary light may be a saddleback light. Example 11. In the system of Example 9, the taillight assembly and auxiliary lights may indicate braking and rear collision warning by having the taillight assembly illuminate at high brightness to indicate braking, and the auxiliary lights flashing between high brightness and off to indicate rear collision warning.

[0051] Example 12. In the system of Example 11, the auxiliary lights may indicate a rear collision warning by flashing at approximately 4 Hz for approximately 3 seconds. Example 13. In the system of Example 9, the taillight assembly may indicate a turn by flashing between high and low brightness.

[0052] Example 14. In the system of Example 13, the taillight assembly may indicate a turn by flashing at a frequency in the range of approximately 1 to 2 Hz. Example 15. A vehicle system for indicating operational information from a rear position on the vehicle may include a rear light assembly mounted on the rear fender of the vehicle. The rear light assembly may include a mount, a sensing unit mounted on the mount, and / or a support mounted on the mount. The support may include a pair of taillight assemblies. Each of the pair of taillight assemblies may include an inner light portion and an outer light portion. The inner light portion and the outer light portion may be controlled to indicate operational information. The operational information may include braking, turning, and rear collision warnings using a combination of low-intensity lights, high-intensity lights, and flashing.

[0053] Example 16. In the system described in Example 15, the inner light portion may be illuminated in a first color, and the outer light portion may be illuminated in a second color different from the first color. Example 17. In the system of Example 15, the inner light portion and the outer light portion may indicate braking and a rear collision warning by having the inner light portion illuminate at high brightness to indicate braking, and the outer light portion flashing between high brightness and off to indicate a rear collision warning.

[0054] Example 18. In the system described in Example 17, the outer light portion may indicate a rear collision warning by flashing at approximately 4 Hz for approximately 3 seconds. Example 19. In the system of Example 15, the outer light portion may indicate a turn by flashing between high brightness and off.

[0055] Example 20. The system of Example 19, wherein the outer light portion may indicate a turn by flashing at a frequency of approximately 2 Hz. While the present invention has been described with exemplary designs, it can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to encompass any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention using its general principles. Furthermore, this application is intended to encompass departures from this disclosure that fall within the scope of known or customary practices in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A rear light assembly for a vehicle, Mount and A cover attached to the aforementioned mount, A sensing unit attached to the mount and at least partially enclosed by the cover, comprising a sensing unit for sensing an object behind the vehicle, A support attached to the mount, comprising a body having a recess for at least partially receiving the cover and a pair of taillight assemblies, The mount is attached to the rear fender of the vehicle, and all wiring to the rear light assembly is provided through a single opening in the fender.

2. The rear light assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a grommet having a pair of openings for receiving fasteners for attaching the mount to the rear fender.

3. The rear light assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover includes a pair of mounting brackets having through holes for receiving fasteners for attaching the mount to the rear fender.

4. The rear light assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sensing unit is a medium-range radar unit.

5. The rear light assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cover includes an opening, and the sensing unit is positioned at least partially adjacent to the opening.

6. The rear light assembly according to claim 1, wherein the mount includes an upper mount for receiving the sensing unit and a lower mount configured to be attached to the cover, the support, and the rear fender.

7. The rear light assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a lamp assembly including a reflector and a license plate lamp, wherein the lamp assembly is mounted on the support.

8. The taillight assembly according to claim 1, wherein each taillight assembly includes a hollow arm extending from the side wall of the main body, a housing extending from the hollow arm, and a lens covering an opening in the housing.

9. A vehicle system for displaying operational information from a rear position on the vehicle, A rear light assembly to be attached to the rear fender of the vehicle, wherein the rear light assembly includes a mount, a sensing unit attached to the mount, and a support attached to the mount and including a pair of taillight assemblies, It comprises a pair of auxiliary lights separate from the aforementioned rear light assembly, The taillight assembly and the auxiliary lights are controlled to indicate operational information, including braking, turning, and rear collision warnings, using a combination of low-intensity lights, high-intensity lights, and flashing lights, in a system.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the auxiliary light is a saddlebag light.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the taillight assembly and the auxiliary lights indicate braking and the rear collision warning by having the taillight assembly illuminate at high brightness to indicate braking and the auxiliary lights flash between high brightness and off to indicate the rear collision warning.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the auxiliary light indicates the rear collision warning by flashing at approximately 4 Hz for approximately 3 seconds.

13. The system according to claim 9, wherein the taillight assembly indicates a turn by flashing between high and low brightness.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the taillight assembly indicates a turn by flashing at a frequency in the range of about 1 to 2 Hz.

15. A vehicle system for displaying operational information from a rear position on the vehicle, A rear light assembly to be mounted on the rear fender of the vehicle, wherein the rear light assembly includes a mount, a sensing unit mounted on the mount, and a support mounted on the mount and including a pair of taillight assemblies, each of the pair of taillight assemblies including an inner light portion and an outer light portion, The inner light portion and the outer light portion are controlled to indicate operational information, including braking, turning, and rear collision warnings, using a combination of low-intensity lights, high-intensity lights, and flashing lights.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the inner light portion illuminates in a first color, and the outer light portion illuminates in a second color different from the first color.

17. The system according to claim 15, wherein the inner light portion and the outer light portion indicate braking and the rear collision warning by the inner light portion lighting up at high brightness to indicate braking and the outer light portion flashing between high brightness and off to indicate the rear collision warning.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the outer light portion flashes at approximately 4 Hz for approximately 3 seconds to indicate the rear collision warning.

19. The system according to claim 15, wherein the outer light portion indicates a turn by flashing between high brightness and off.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the outer light portion indicates a turn by flashing at a frequency of approximately 2 Hz.

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