Multifunctional assembly comprising a laser emitter for the door of a motor vehicle

• US 10,351,054 B2
• Filed: 07/24/2015
• Issued: 07/16/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 07/24/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alejandro Rodriguez Barros
• Original Assignee: Alejandro Rodriguez Barros
• Inventors: Rodriguez Barros, Alejandro
• Primary Examiner(s): Guharay, Karabi
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lee, Nathaniel J
• Application Number:
  US15/328,041
• Publication Number:
  US 20170210282A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,453 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/22 for reverse drive
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/247 for illuminating the close surroundings of the vehicle, e.g. to facilitate entry or exit for reverse drive B60Q1/22; by opening a side door B60Q1/323
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2669 on door or boot handles lighting devices for vehicle interior on door handles B60Q3/267
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/324 for signalling that a door is open or intended to be opened
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/34 for indicating change of drive direction B60Q1/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/38 using immovably-mounted light sources, e.g. fixed flashing lamps
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/484 for showing outline of vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/525 automatically indicating risk of collision between vehicles in traffic or with pedestrians, e.g. after risk assessment using the vehicle sensor data
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/40 Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/50 Projected symbol or information, e.g. onto the road or car body
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/002 for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle warning arrangements in garages E04H6/42
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/06 mounted on vehicle exterior B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 17/54 with projector
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 21/00 Projectors or projection-type viewers; Accessories therefor devices for changing pictures G03B23/00

Abstract

Multifunction assembly comprised of: an outer surface structure (CAR) containing a side door (D) that supports at least one exterior mirror assembly (RVM), an exterior door handle assembly (HE) of said door, and an exterior laser emitter (LE1) which emits a fixed and direct line of laser light (LL1) downwards on said ground adjacent to the vehicle, indicating an area (DA) where the doors open and combines functions associated with other indicator signal devices (BL), sensors and open door commands, and an ultraviolet light emitter device (EUV).

Claims

1. Multifunctional assembly, for a motor vehicle located on the side door having an outer surface structure supporting at least one external rearview assembly and an external opening handle assembly for the opening of said door,

said external rearview assembly including a housing with an opening towards the rear in relation to the axis of movement of the vehicle which houses one viewing element, which is at least a mirror, a camera, or combination thereof and a base fixing it to the outer surface of said vehicle, and

said external opening handle assembly including an external handle with a fixed part having closing mechanisms of said door and a movable traction part for opening said door, wherein at least one of said external rearview assembly and external opening handle assembly includes:

a laser light emitter having at least one diode laser light source, which emits directly and from a fixed and unchanging service position with respect to the assembly, a beam of light Laser at least in a downwards direction,

an output aperture of the emitted laser light, occupied by optical means

configured for splitting the laser beam into several beams and generating at least a first laser light line on the floor adjacent the vehicle to produce a luminous mark wherein said first line of laser light (LL1) is substantially oriented parallel to the axis of movement of the vehicle (Ax) marking the ground and indicating to the periphery the circumstantial existence of an area of conflict and exposure to danger (DA), said area is equivalent to a side passage that extends between said line of laser light and the vehicle body and includes an approximate length extending between the projection of the mirror downwards and the rear bumper, said area corresponds to a similar area occupied when the doors (OD) of the vehicle are open;

a receptacle, housing, or container assembly positioner (CD) which is an independent module or is integrated by being fixed through welding, screws or clips to a part of the structure or the subassembly of the mirror that contains it, and provides a position to direct in a combinable manner, and at least in part, the projection of said laser light beams from top to bottom, to the side and to the rear—

wherein said receptacle, housing or container assembly positioner provides orientation to at least said line of laser light substantially parallel to axis of movement of the vehicle.

2. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein the laser light emitter device (LE1) comprises of at least:

a capsule (C2), a laser diode (LD), ca circuit controller interface (CC), a laser diode emitter (LD), a laser beam emitted from any wavelength between 15 and 1100 nanometers, optic means (OP), (OP1), (OP2), (OP3), (OP4), a cover (FF) with a system for adjusting the focal length of the laser projection (LL1) (LL2), (LL3) (LM), and a way or guide (11) to facilitate the mounting position.

3. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein that the optic means (OP), (OP1), (OP2), (OP3), (OP4) that split the emitted laser beam generate figures and shapes of laser light selected from the group consisting of:

a regular or irregular line, continuous or discontinuous lines, parallel lines, intersecting lines, curved lines, a dot matrix, figures, and icons.

4. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein the laser emitter device is located in the part comprising an outer lower surface of the mirror assembly which has an opening far laser light (OE) comprising:

a lower housing cover (H2), or a functional lower housing cover subassembly with incorporated lights and signals (DLB), or a base that connects it to the body (S1, S2).

5. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein said laser emitting device functions independently to produce safety and comfort functions wherein said laser emitter device functions in association with other devices as a reciprocal or added complement to produce security and comfort features, to enhance existing features that produce said associated devices, or to produce at the least a second function thereof.

6. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 5, wherein some associated devices generate an action winch is at least the emission of;

a light, a warning light, a light signal, a luminous projected figure, icon or logo, the activation of a luminescent material, a sound signal.

7. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 6, wherein the associated devices that generate an action are located within the mirror assembly and are selected among the following devices;

turn signal, other laser emitter, courtesy light, welcome light, reverse side light, mini projector of figures, blind spot detector, turn signal function test warning light that uses the same light source as the turn signal, turn signal function test warning light, ultraviolet light emitter, side parking lights, fog light, warning to focus attention on the mirror subassembly, ambient lighting inside the vehicle, exterior open door warning, interior open door warning shown in the inner door frame or door panel, stop light, emergency light, free (unoccupied) taxi signal.

8. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the associated device is a turn signal (BL) emitting at least one signal towards the rear (RS) in relation to the vehicle from the far end of the body (BLX) and has part of the volume of its body within the volume of the mirror assembly (RVM) and at the same time behind the mirror (MR1).

9. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the associated device is a turn signal (BL1), (BL2) having a light output towards the rear (RS) and a part of its volume (BLV) is below the level of a horizontal plane (H0), lower than the level of the mirror (MR1).

10. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the associated device is a warning light or a control indicator that emits a light, warning or signal from a part of the mirror assembly towards the eyes of the driver (DW) (SW) (WL1) (WL2) to the following selection among:

a peripheral light (WL2) of wide-angle mirror (MR2), a blind spot warning light detecting a presence, a detection warning light emitted from below the mirror (WL1), a control light of the indicator signal (BL), (BLX) that uses the same light source as said turn signal and is preferably a small window (SW) in the frame (ER) of the housing (H) of the mirror assembly or (WL4) driver warning light located inside the vehicle near the window of the side door, (WL5) driver or passenger warning light located inside the vehicle on the door panel visible by the driver or passenger near that door, or (WL7) driver or passenger warning light from the inner side door handle assembly (31).

11. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that any type of action requiring a warning light for the driver or passengers of the warning light type (WL1, WL2, WL3, WL4, WL5, WL6, WL7) and that said warning is located in the rear view mirror, its periphery or inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle in a place visible by said driver, passenger or actor of various actions, among others;

When opening the door, or changing lanes, or turning the steering wheel without warning of the turn signal, or by approaching an intruder from the periphery, said warning is capable of having at least two associated emitter light emitted near each other, which Are switched alternately and sequentially such that they respond to a controller that regulates their on and off to indicate the warning so that the action is proactive to the actor or is proactive to the intruder, representing a danger or is about to occur Voluntary action involving a hazard and capable of being associated with a sound characteristic of said action.

12. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the associated device is a second laser emitter (LE2) generating a second line, figure or icon of laser light (LL2), (LL3), (LM) of the same or different color of light, that defines a distance (D2) to the vehicle which involves another level of risk or response to another sensor, different from the distance (D1) of the first projected laser line (LL1).

13. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the associated device is a courtesy light (C), or (PR) which emits a zenithal light (CL) from the mirror towards the ground adjacent to the vehicle and is activated in a detained vehicle when opening or closing the doors, with a remote control.

14. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the associated device is a mini LED projector (PR) generating a projected figure (PL) from a film (Fi), as a complement and reinforcement to the visual warning.

15. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the associated device is a welcome light (WL) illuminating at least the door handles or doors of the vehicle when unlocking the doors.

16. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the associated device is a reverse side light (RL) that emits a short range light towards the rear to the rear wheel of the vehicle when put in the reverse (CS).

17. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the laser emitter device (LE1) is a combined subassembly (DBL), (DLD), (DLU), (DLP) without limitation comprising at least;

one associated action and/or activation device, a positioning container (CD), an external structural part of the mirror assembly (RVM).

18. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the associated device is an ultraviolet light emitter (EUV) (UV) which emits light in a direction from the mirror towards the body, so that said light beam (UV) reflects upon the body at least in part downward.

19. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 18, wherein the beam of light (UV) strikes upon a luminescent material (LU) excitable and reflective to the ultraviolet light (UV) that covers a part of the side of the body and produces a perception of light on the dark lateral side of the vehicle;

or facilitates the location of the handles as a welcome when externally opening the vehicle doors.

20. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, wherein the laser emitting device (LE1) is associated with a side position light device (SLL) comprising;

LED emitters (L3) that generate a light with a focal axis of emission (SL), perpendicular to the axis of the vehicle (Ax),

a catadioptric reflective surface (CT),

a laser emitter (LES) transmitting a laser line (LL2) on the ground to the side of the vehicle, said laser emitters (LE1) and (LES) complement each other by combining the function of making the dark side of the vehicle visible and generating warnings to passengers and the periphery regarding the opening and closing of doors or when getting in and out oldie vehicle.

21. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the associated device is a mini projector (PR) with a construction (C) emits only one light, as a courtesy light (CL) which is activated With a remote control, and interacts in a similar way with the laser line emitter (LE1) generating a complementary illuminated area as courtesy light (CL) between the projected laser line (LL1) on the ground and the vehicle.

22. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 5, wherein some associated devices generate the activation of laser emitter functions and associated action devices, selectable and combinable among;

sensors, detectors, switches, radars, controllers, nodes, timers, alarms, gear shifter systems, lane change or change of direction systems, multimedia devices, augmented reality devices (complementary goggles used by passengers of the vehicle or internal projection screens in a vehicle), telephones, radio, GPS type locators or radio frequency locators, computers, speedometers, emergency call devices, accelerometers or vehicle in motion detectors, network of computerized commands type CAN bus or similar, devices to access or to open doors, internal and external, hood or trunk by key, keys/codes, capacitance, or radio frequency recognition of type (RFID, radio frequency identification), of an image, codes, by approximation, by contact, approximation or presence detectors, including those that are foot-operated, induction zones, condensed antennas, temperature sensors, a clock taximeter, seat occupancy detection system, seat belt use system, photo sensor, photovoltaic cell.

23. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein said action and activation associated devices coordinate and combine the functions by at least an operation circuit controller (CF).

24. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein the laser emitting device is included, housed, integrated or embedded in the internal volume of the mirror assembly.

25. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein the laser emitter device is additional, adhered, twinned or associated as an external volume to the volume of the mirror assembly.

26. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 25, wherein the laser emitter device (LE1) is a subassembly (DOS) comprising at least:

a light signal that emits light at least to the periphery towards the rear (RS) and at the same time is visible by the driver (DW) as an operation warning (WL3) using the same light source for both warning functions (to the periphery and to the driver), and incorporates the laser emitter (LE1) that generates a projected laser line, and is preferably activated when the inner handle is actuated by the occupants of the vehicle before opening the doors to get out and is associated with the tail lights of the vehicle through wireless communication whose emitter is in the said rear signals (reverse, turn or stop).

27. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein the laser emitting device forms a subassembly with a protruded part in relation to the housing of the mirror assembly with a design, shape, materials configured to provide protection against shock and friction of the mirror assembly.

28. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein the laser emitter device has an adjustment mechanism for the position and orientation of the emission that allows the laser line (LL1) generated on the ground to zoom in or out (24), relative to the body using at least:

an axis (22) in the bigger capsule of the emitter (LE1) and a set screw (20).

29. Multifuctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein a group of associated devices follow an order of coordinated activation to warn the periphery and passengers of the vehicle that the doors will open, to where said doors will open, and to help and remember the vehicle occupants to look in the mirror before opening the doors, and by an operation controller (CF) which produces the following activation sequence:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, including at least;

1—

internal handle with a detector switch sensor (31),

2—

a laser emitter (LE1) that generates a laser line (LL1),

3—

a turn signal (BL) that activates at a different frequency than the turn signal,

4—

an operation control light directed toward the driver'"'"'s or passengers'"'"' eyes (SW), (WL1) (WL2), (WL4), (WL5), (WL7) which preferably uses the same light source as the tarn signal and is a part thereof,

5—

internal sound device (70i),

6—

a courtesy light (CL), other laser emitter (LE2), or a mini projector (PR).

30. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein a warning externally warns if a passenger is NOT wearing a seat belt at a certain speed by a controller operation (CF), which produces and combines the following sequence of activation:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 including at least;

1—

a buckle detection system buckle (34) which indicates it a seat belt is worn or not,

2—

a seat occupancy sensor (33) corresponding to that seatbelt,

3—

a side laser emitter on the ground adjacent to the vehicle (LE1), (LE2), (LE3), (LM) related to the passenger side of the vehicle without a safety belt,

4—

a speedometer (35) to determine at what speed this warning is applied,

5—

a warning for the driver (SW) (WL1), (WL2) (WL4), (WL5), (WL7) with the function test function indicator light, preferably using the same light source as the indicator by small window (SW) in the frame of the mirror (FR),

6—

a turn signal device or blinker (BL), (BLX), (BL1), (BL2) related to the passenger side without a seatbelt, and said function would activate frequency different from the turn signal, preferably as a fixed light,

7—

an internal sound device (70i).

31. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, wherein the assembly with respect to the vehicle for said laser emitting device (LE1), is an operation equivalent to mounting the same mirror assembly (RVM) without the incorporation of said laser emitter, said assembly requires:

similar fixing operation (F) and similar operation to connect the main electrical connector (EC1) to the vehicle network.

32. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, for any action comprising opening the side door from the interior of the vehicle, it employs two actions to gain a time interval:

a first action required prior to actuating the handle and the latches of said door which in turn connects the warnings,

a second action opening said side door;

wherein said first action is selectable between actuating, performing a repeated movement, a handle or cover overlapped to the handle, a pre-access device or enablement to the handle, a detector sensor pre-switch on either side of the passenger compartment, previous action on the handle of the locks.

33. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1 said laser diode emitter emits at least one beam with a wavelength between 380 and 680 nanometers of color of visible light (and even of color of invisible infrared (IR) or ultraviolet (UV) for sensor or luminous activation functions).

34. Multifunctional assembly according to claim 1 said laser diode emiter use a type Powell optic composed of a series of prisms with at least one prism projecting at least one line on the ground near the vehicle.