Inside light module with a rain sensor

• US 6,296,381 B1
• Filed: 09/16/1999
• Issued: 10/02/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. (ITT, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. (ITT, Inc.)
• Inventors: Bayha, Heiner, Philipps, Warner, Sinn, Alexandra
• Primary Examiner(s): O'Shea, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): WARD, JOHN A
• Application Number:
  US09/381,477
• Time in Patent Office: 747 Days
• Field of Search: 362/276, 362/464, 362/488, 362/503, 362/802, 362/29
• US Class Current: 362/503
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/51 for mounting lighting devices onto vehicle interior, e.g. onto ceiling or floor
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/74 for overall compartment lighting; for overall compartment lighting in combination with specific lighting, e.g. room lamps with reading lamps general lighting mounted on specific fittings B60Q3/20; general lighting for mass transit vehicles B60Q3/43
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0885 the sensor being integrated in a rear-view mirror module
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/802 Position or condition responsive switch

Abstract

The invention relates to an inside light module for motor vehicles. The invention provides a rain sensor that can be easily installed inside the motor vehicle. This is achieved by connecting the rain sensor to the inside light module and by securing the inside light module and the rain sensor at the same time. Useful embodiments involve electrical connection of the rain sensor and appropriate placement of the rain sensor on the windscreen of the motor vehicle.

Claims

1. An inside light module, characterized in that the inside light module is adapted to be mounted on the inside roof lining of a motor vehicle and is provided with a projection that points in the direction of a windshield when installed, wherein a rain sensor is accommodated in the projection of the inside light module in a narrow heel, the heel pressing the side of the sensor which carries detectors against the inner surface of the windshield under prestress when the inside light module is installed.

2. The inside light module according to claim 1, characterized by a terminal panel for connecting connections of the inside light module with electrical wires that extend through the motor vehicle, wherein connections that lead to the rain sensor as well as to an inside light are provided on the terminal panel.

3. The inside light module according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one of the connections are assigned to the exchange of information between the rain sensor and other components of the motor vehicle, and by the fact that other connections are assigned to the power supply of the rain sensor and the inside light and the exchange of information between the inside light module and other components of the motor vehicle.

4. The inside light module according to claim 1, characterized in that the heel has such a length that its free end section which carries the rain sensor protrudes into a region of the windshield that is swept by the wiper blade of the windshield wiper system on the opposite side of the windshield.

5. The inside light module according to claim 1, characterized in that the heel is provided with a receptacle opening, in which the rain sensor is fixed so that it is open toward the windshield.

6. The inside light module according to claim 5, characterized in that the rain sensor can be moved perpendicularly to the windshield in the receptacle opening, and a spring device prestresses the rain sensor in the direction of movement toward the windshield.

7. The inside light module according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of a mirror, a display and at least one switch is mounted on the module in addition to the rain sensor.

8. The inside light module according to claim 1, characterized in that a mirror is pivotally mounted on the module in addition to the rain sensor.

9. The inside light module according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of a display and at least one switch is mounted on the module in addition to the rain sensor.

10. An inside light module, characterized in that the inside light module is adapted to be mounted on the inside roof lining of a motor vehicle and is provided with an inside light and a projection that points in the direction of a windshield when installed, wherein a rain sensor is accommodated in the projection of the inside light module in a narrow heel, the heel pressing the side of the sensor which carries detectors against the inner surface of the windshield under prestress when the inside light module is installed.

11. The inside light module according to claim 10, characterized by a terminal panel for connecting connections of the inside light module with electrical wires that extend through the motor vehicle, wherein connections that lead to the rain sensor as well as to the inside light are provided on the terminal panel.

12. The inside light module according to claim 10, characterized in that the heel is provided with a receptacle opening, in which the rain sensor is fixed so that it is open toward the windshield.

13. The inside light module according to claim 10, characterized in that the rain sensor can be moved perpendicularly to the windshield in the receptacle opening, and a spring device prestresses the rain sensor in the direction of movement toward the windshield.

14. The inside light module according to claim 10 characterized in that at least one of a mirror, a display and at least one switch is mounted on the module in addition to the rain sensor.

15. The inside light module according to claim 10 characterized in that a mirror is pivotally mounted on the module in addition to the rain sensor.

16. The inside light module according to claim 10 characterized in that at least one of a display and at least one switch is mounted on the module in addition to the rain sensor.