Vehicle exterior mirror with adaptively activated forward lighting unit

• US 9,527,431 B2
• Filed: 06/26/2012
• Issued: 12/27/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SMR Patents Sarl (SMR Patents)
• Original Assignee: SMR Patents Sarl (SMR Patents)
• Inventors: Fritz, Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): Negron, Ismael
• Application Number:
  US14/129,559
• Publication Number:
  US 20140218946A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,645 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/04 the devices being headlights
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/12 due to steering position
• 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 2300/112 Vehicle speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/122 Steering angle
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/142 Turn signal actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/31 Atmospheric conditions
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/30 Daytime running lights [DRL], e.g. circuits or arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2102/19 for curves

Abstract

A light system for a motor vehicle includes an exterior mirror head housing at least one lighting module having a plurality of LEDs arranged in sectors to provide different lighting functionalities. At least one LED of at least one light sector is activated in response to the speed of the vehicle, and other vehicle parameters such as steering angle, turn-signal blinker activation, and running lights activation. The LEDs of the lighting module may also function as marker lights or turn-signal blinker lights.

Claims

1. A vehicle exterior mirror comprising:

a mirror head adapted for mounting to an exterior side of a vehicle;

at least one lighting module that includes a turn-signal blinker light and means for illuminating an area that extends at least alongside the vehicle to the front of the mirror head, wherein the means for illuminating is adaptively activated upon achieving a vehicle speed below a threshold speed.

2. The exterior mirror according to claim 1, further comprising a control system which receives input data about vehicle parameters selected from at least vehicle speed, turn-signal blinker light activation, running lights activation, and a steering angle, whereby the means for illuminating is adaptively activated in response to at least an additional one of these vehicle parameters.

3. The exterior mirror according to claim 2, wherein the control system activates the turn signal blinker light in addition to the adaptive cornering light.

4. The exterior mirror according to claim 2, further comprising a control system which receives input data about vehicle parameters selected from at least vehicle speed, turn-signal blinker light activation, running lights activation, and a steering angle, whereby the means for illuminating is adaptively activated in response to at least vehicle speed and steering angle.

5. The exterior mirror according to claim 1, wherein the lighting module contains a plurality of LEDs for providing different lighting functions.

6. The exterior mirror according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to provide turn-signal blinker lights, daytime running lights, adaptive cornering lights, and side marker lights.

7. The exterior mirror according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of LEDs in the lighting module define several light sectors for illuminating in several directions.

8. The exterior mirror according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the defined light sectors is directed forward for providing a daytime running light function.

9. An adaptive cornering light system comprising:

a mirror head adapted for mounting to an exterior side of a vehicle;

a lighting module positioned in the mirror head, the lighting module including at least one cornering LED for illuminating a cornering area along the side of the vehicle in front of the mirror head; and

a control system for (a) receiving input data about vehicle parameters selected from at least vehicle speed, turn-signal blinker light activation, running light activation, and steering angle, and (b) activating the cornering LED for illuminating the cornering area in response to at least a vehicle speed parameter, whereby the cornering LED is adaptively activated if the vehicle speed is below a threshold speed.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the lighting module further includes additional LEDs configured for providing the functions of turn-signal blinker lights, daytime running lights, and side marker lights.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the control system activates the cornering LED for illuminating the cornering area in response to steering angle input in addition to vehicle speed input, whereby the cornering LED is adaptively activated if the control system receives input data indicating that both:

(i) the steering angle is greater than a threshold value, and (ii) the vehicle speed is below a threshold speed.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein the lighting module contains a plurality of LEDs arranged in different light sectors configured for providing different lighting functions.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of LEDs are configured to provide turn-signal blinker lights, daytime running lights, adaptive cornering lights, and side marker lights.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the different light sectors illuminate in several directions.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the defined light sectors is directed forward for providing a daytime running light function.