VEHICLE LIGHT ASSEMBLY

• US 20180222381A1
• Filed: 03/09/2017
• Published: 08/09/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Johnson, Aaron Bradley, Salter, Stuart C., Dellock, Paul Kenneth, Helwig, Stephen Kenneth
• Granted Patent: US 10,427,593 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/0041 of several lamps in relation to each other
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/0076 Switches therefor B60Q1/1446, B60Q1/343, B60Q1/40 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/12 due to steering position
• 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 1/346 with automatic actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/381 with several light sources activated in sequence, e.g. to create a sweep effect
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/10 Electro- or photo- luminescent surfaces, e.g. signalling by way of electroluminescent strips or panels
• 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: F21S 43/14 Light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/20 characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 43/37 Attachment thereof

Abstract

A light assembly is provided herein. The light assembly includes a pair of light assemblies disposed on opposing sides of a rear portion of a vehicle. Each light assembly includes a housing and a lens. A light source is disposed in the housing and is configured to create a first predefined illumination pattern. A controller is configured to selectively activate the first illumination pattern from one of the pair of housings corresponding to a direction of a vehicle steering wheel rotation.

Claims

1. A light assembly, comprising:

a pair of light assemblies disposed on opposing sides of a rear portion of a vehicle, wherein each light assembly includes a housing and a lens;

a light source disposed in the housing and configured to create a first predefined illumination pattern; and

a controller configured to selectively activate the first illumination pattern from one of the pair of housings corresponding to a direction of a vehicle steering wheel rotation.

2. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the controller activates various illumination patterns based on a vehicle transmission state.

3. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the pair of light assemblies emit a first intensity of light when the vehicle is moving below a predefined speed and a second lower intensity when the vehicle exceeds the predefined speed.

4. The light assembly of claim 3, wherein the pair of light assemblies illuminates in conjunction with a vehicle backup lamp as the vehicle moves in a rearward direction.

5. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the first illumination pattern is configured to emit an excitation light laterally outward of a vehicle turn signal indicator lamp.

6. The light assembly of claim 5, wherein the first illumination pattern is visible to a vehicle disposed rearwardly of the light assembly while an intermediate vehicle is disposed between the rearwardly disposed vehicle and the light assembly.

7. The light assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a luminescent structure operably coupled with each light source and configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light from the light source.

8. The light assembly of claim 7, wherein the luminescent structure includes at least one luminescent material configured to convert an excitation light received from at least a portion of a light source into a visible light.

9. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of light sources is activated when a vehicle steering wheel is rotated without initiation of a vehicle turn signal indicator lamp.

10. The light assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source includes a pair of LEDs aligned laterally adjacent to one another.

11. A light assembly, comprising:

a housing;

a plurality of light sources disposed within the housing and configured to emit light through a lens;

a plurality of reflectors, wherein each light source is operably coupled with an independent reflector that is angularly offset from the remaining reflectors; and

a controller configured to selectively illuminate the light sources as a vehicle alters its direction.

12. The light assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

a vehicle exterior sensor configured to detect an object disposed rearwardly of a vehicle; and

a door sensor, wherein the plurality of light sources are activated when the vehicle door is opened and the exterior sensor detects an approaching object.

13. The light assembly of claim 11, further comprising:

a luminescent structure operably coupled with the plurality of light sources and configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light from the light source.

14. The light assembly of claim 11, wherein the plurality of light sources is activated when a vehicle steering wheel is rotated without initiation of a vehicle turn signal indicator lamp.

15. The light assembly of claim 11, wherein the housing is disposed within a tail lamp assembly of a vehicle.

16. A vehicle light assembly, comprising:

a housing and a lens;

a light source disposed within the housing and configured to emit an illumination pattern rearwardly and laterally outward of the vehicle; and

a controller configured to selectively illuminate the light source when a vehicle steering wheel is rotated without initiation of a vehicle turn signal indicator lamp.

17. The vehicle light assembly of claim 16, further comprising:

a luminescent structure operably coupled with the upper row of light sources and configured to luminesce in response to receiving excitation light.

18. The vehicle light assembly of claim 16, wherein the housing is disposed within at least one of a bumper, a tailgate, or a body panel of the vehicle.

19. The vehicle light assembly of claim 16, wherein the light source illuminates an area rearwardly of a vehicle and an adjacently disposed object as a passenger approaches or exits the vehicle.

20. The vehicle light assembly of claim 16, wherein the light source emits a first intensity of light when the vehicle is moving below a predefined speed and a second lower intensity when the vehicle exceeds the predefined speed.