Vehicle puddle lamp assembly

A vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided herein. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a housing having a housing retainer. A light source is supported by the housing. A cover is removably coupled to a base portion of the housing. An optical member is disposed between the housing and the cover. The optical member may include an image filter thereon. The image filter is configured to form a desired image pattern on a surface proximate the housing.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicle lighting assemblies, and more particularly, to vehicle puddle lamp assemblies that may be disposed within an exterior housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle lighting applications continue to grow in popularity. Accordingly, a puddle lamp assembly that may be integrated into an exterior housing is provided herein that is operable to provide functional lighting as well as impart a stylistic element to the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided herein. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a housing having a housing retainer. A light source is supported by the housing. A cover is removably coupled to a base portion of the housing. An optical member is disposed between the housing and the cover.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided herein. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a housing having a housing retainer. A light source is supported by the housing. A cover is removably coupled to the housing. The cover includes a cover retainer that is operably coupled to the housing retainer.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided herein. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a housing having a housing retainer and supporting a light source. A cover is removably coupled to the housing. The cover includes a cover retainer at least partially disposed within the housing retainer. An optical member is disposed between the housing and the cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXAMPLES

The following disclosure describes a puddle lamp assembly that may be integrated into a support member of a vehicle. The support member may further house one or more sensor assemblies and/or a mirror. In some examples, the vehicle puddle lamp assembly may include a housing having a housing retainer configured to couple with the support member. A light source is supported by the housing. A cover is removably coupled to the housing. An optical member is disposed between the housing and the cover. The optical member may include an image filter thereon. The image filter is configured to form a desired image pattern on a surface proximate the housing, such as a ground surface. The cover may be removed so that the optical member may be interchangeably replaced with each having various image filters. Thus, a user may easily change the image pattern displayed proximate their vehicle.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 1A, a vehicle10is generally illustrated employing a puddle lamp assembly12, according to some examples. The vehicle10shown is one example of a passenger vehicle10having a pair of exterior support members14mounted on opposing lateral sides of the vehicle10generally near the front side of the front passenger doors16, which may be configured to house a mirror18and/or a sensor assembly20therein for detecting nearby objects. The passenger doors16each include a handle22with a latch mechanism to enable a user to engage and unlatch the latch mechanism to open the door16for access to a passenger compartment. The handle22may include a proximity sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, for detecting the hand of the user in close proximity to the handle22. However, in some examples, the latch may be a mechanical latch and/or any other type of latch known in the art. In the depicted example, the vehicle10is illustrated as a sedan, but it will be understood that the vehicle10may be a truck, van, sport utility vehicle, or any other type of vehicle10without departing from the scope of teachings provided herein.

With further reference toFIGS. 1 and 1A, the vehicle10may be a manually operated vehicle (i.e. using a human driver) or may be autonomously driven by an onboard controller. Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle10may be remotely controlled (e.g., via an operator in a different location). Autonomous vehicles sense the environment around them using a variety of sensors. In autonomous examples, the sensor assembly20may incorporate a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system26that measures distance by illuminating a target with laser light. Such laser light may exist in the near-infrared and/or infrared wavelength band of the electromagnetic spectrum. The sensor assembly20may additionally, and/or alternatively, include any other type of sensor for detecting objects proximate the vehicle10, including but not limited to, proximity sensors and/or imaging sensors.

The lamp assembly12may be installed within the exterior member14, generally in a position configured to project light28towards a ground surface31proximate the vehicle10from one or more light sources30. Moreover, the lamp assembly12may include an optical member32(FIG. 3) having a filter34(FIG. 3) thereon for generating an image pattern36on the ground surface31. The filter34may be optically coupled with the one or more light sources30. In some examples, the filter34and/or the optical member32may be removably disposed within the lamp assembly12such that the image pattern36may be selectively altered based on the desires of the user of the vehicle. It will further be appreciated that the lamp assembly12may be located on any portion of the vehicle10, such as in the vehicle door handle22, the door16itself, a side fender38, a bumper40, a roof rail or other locations sufficient to project light28towards a desired location without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the puddle lamp assembly12, according to some examples, includes a housing42for being attached to the support member14. The housing42may include a top portion44that houses the one or more light sources30and/or a circuit board46(FIG. 4). It will be appreciated that the lamp assembly12may be oriented in any direction and that the top portion44may be in any relationship to the remaining portions of the housing42and/or proximate vehicle components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. A reflector48may include a body that extends from the top portion44to a base portion50of the housing42and directs light28emitted from the one or more light sources30through an aperture52defined by the base portion50of the housing42. A support54may extend between the base portion50and the top portion44of the housing42. In some examples, the support54may have a first portion56disposed on a first side of the reflector48and a second portion58disposed on a second, opposing side of the reflector48.

In some examples, the housing42may be removably coupled to the support member14, and/or any other portion of the vehicle10. In some instances, a pivot portion60may be disposed on a first side portion of the housing42that may be initially inserted into a void within the support member14. The pivot portion60may be integrally formed with the first portion56of the support54. When inserting the pivot portion60into the support member14, a power terminal62may be operably coupled with a power source of the vehicle10for providing electrical power to the lamp assembly12. The housing42may then be rotated such that a housing retainer64on an opposing side portion of the housing42from the pivot portion60maintains the housing42within the support member14. It will be appreciated that, in some examples, the housing42may include more than one housing retainer64without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In instances where the housing42includes more than one housing retainer64, each housing retainer64may include any feature described herein. Moreover, in some instances, the housing42may not include a pivot portion60and may be selectively retained by the housing42and/or the one or more housing retainers64.

As illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the housing retainer64may be resiliently deformable and may include first and second arms66,68separated by a transition portion. The first arm66may extend from the base portion50of the housing42and terminates in the transition portion70. The second arm68may extend in an offset direction from the transition portion70. Moreover, the second arm68may be configured to engage with the support member14for removably maintaining the lamp assembly12within the void of the support member14. Accordingly, the second arm68may also function as an engagement member while disposed within the support member14. An end portion of the second arm68may include an angled, or chamfered, portion72that assists in deforming the housing retainer64while inserting the housing retainer64into the void.

A cover74is operably, and/or removably, coupled with the housing42. In some examples, the optical member32is disposed between the cover74and the housing42. Accordingly, the optical member32may be removed by separating the cover74from the housing42. In some examples, the cover74may define a light output window76and a channel78surrounding the light output window76. The optical member32includes a rim portion80that may be partially and/or fully surrounded by the channel78defined by the cover74. An optical portion82covers at least a portion of the light output window76and creates a desired image pattern36to emanate from the housing42.

With reference toFIGS. 3-7, the cover74may include a cover retainer84and a locator86on opposing side portions thereof. The locator86may be integrally formed with the cover74and/or be disposed within a locating slot88defined by the housing42. The cover retainer84may include first and second legs90,92that are operably coupled to a transition portion94. However, it will be appreciated that the housing42and the cover74may include any other type of retainer without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The cover retainer84may operably couple with the housing42and, in some examples, may be disposed within the first arm66of the housing retainer64.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 4A, a cavity96defined by the first arm66of the housing42may accept the cover retainer84, or a portion thereof. The cavity96may be larger than the cover retainer84such that a release portion98on the second leg92may be grasped and/or otherwise used to move the second leg92towards the first leg90. When the second leg92is moved towards the first leg90, the cover74may be released from the housing42and the cover74and optical member32disposed thereon may be removed. The optical member32may be selectively changed to any desired optics and/or design and the cover retainer84may be reattached to the housing42.

In some examples, the first arm66may define a protrusion99that extends into the cavity96. The protrusion99may include a chamfered bottom surface and a planar top surface. The second leg92of the cover retainer84may define an extension100having a top chamfered surface and a planar bottom surface. The planar top surface of the protrusion99may interact with the planar bottom surface of the extension100to maintain the cover retainer84within the cavity96. Moreover, the first leg90of the cover retainer84may contact a wall opposite the protrusion99to limit deflection of the first leg90away from the protrusion99. Accordingly, the extension100may maintain contact with the protrusion99to assist in preventing inadvertent removal of the cover74from the housing42.

With further reference toFIG. 4, the housing42supports the circuit board46, which may be configured as a printed circuit board (PCB), having control circuitry102including drive circuitry for controlling activation and deactivation of the one or more light sources30. The circuit board46may be any type of circuit board including, but not limited to, any flexible PCB and/or rigid PCB.

The circuit board46is operably coupled with a controller104that is configured to receive various inputs and control the puddle lamp assembly12by applying signals to the one or more light sources30within the puddle lamp assembly12. The controller104may be disposed within the puddle lamp assembly12and/or within the vehicle10. The inputs to the controller104may include a door position signal, a sensor signal, a door unlatch signal, a switch activation signal, and/or any other signal. The controller104may include any combination of software and/or processing circuitry suitable for controlling the various components of the puddle lamp assembly12described herein including without limitation microprocessors, microcontrollers, application-specific integrated circuits, programmable gate arrays, and any other digital and/or analog components, as well as combinations of the foregoing, along with inputs and outputs for transceiving control signals, drive signals, power signals, sensor signals, and so forth. All such computing devices and environments are intended to fall within the meaning of the term “controller” or “processor” as used herein unless a different meaning is explicitly provided or otherwise clear from the context.

The power terminal62is provided on the circuit board46and may pass through a seal for electrical connection with a corresponding receptacle within the support member14and/or the vehicle10. In some examples, the power terminal62may be surrounded by a connector shell that is molded in conjunction with any other portion of the puddle lamp assembly12, such as the housing42.

With respect to the examples described herein, the light sources30may each be configured to emit visible and/or non-visible light28, such as blue light, UV light, infrared, and/or violet light and may include any form of light source. For example, the light sources30may be fluorescent lights, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), laser diodes, quantum dot LEDs (QD-LEDs), solid-state lights, a hybrid of these or any other similar device, and/or any other form of light source. Further, various types of LEDs are suitable for use as the light source30including, but not limited to, top-emitting LEDs, side-emitting LEDs, and others. Moreover, according to various examples, multicolored light sources, such as Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) LEDs that employ red, green, and blue LED packaging may be used to generate various desired colors of light output from a single light source, according to known light color mixing techniques.

The optical member32is disposed in between the cover74and the housing42. In some instances, the optical member32contacts the housing42and the cover74on opposing sides thereof to maintain the optical member32in a substantially constant position. Moreover, the optical member32and/or the cover74may also isolate various components of the puddle lamp assembly12from external contaminants and weather. The optical portion82may be operably coupled with the one or more light sources30. For example, the optical portion82may be configured with a Fresnel lens, a pillow optic, and/or any other type of lens or optic that is configured to disperse, concentrate, and/or otherwise direct light28emitted from the puddle lamp assembly12therethrough in any desired manner. The optical member32may further include the image filter34on the optical portion82of the optical member32such that light28output by the light sources30passes through the image filter34to provide the lighted image patterns36projecting onto the ground surface31. The image filters34may include a light transparent film having either a positive or a negative light transparent image. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the image filters34may be printed or otherwise disposed on the optical portion82. As provided herein, the optical member32may be removed and changed from the puddle lamp assembly12such that a wide array of image patterns36may be generated.

In some instances, the optical member32and/or the cover74may include a decorative layer106thereon. The decorative layer106is configured to control or modify an appearance of the puddle lamp assembly12and/or generate variously colored image patterns36. In various examples, the decorative layer106may confer a plurality of various patterns, textures, colors, etc. to various portions of the puddle lamp assembly12. The decorative layer106can be disposed on an interior and/or an exterior surface of the optical member32and/or the cover74through any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, sputter deposition, vacuum deposition (vacuum evaporation coating), electroplating, and/or printing onto the film. The decorative layer106may be chosen from a wide range of materials and/or colors, including, but not limited to, silver, chrome, copper, bronze, gold, or any other colored surface. Additionally, an imitator of any metallic material may also be utilized without departing from the teachings provided herein. In various examples, the decorative layer106may have a textured or grained surface. The grained surface may be produced on various portions of the optical member32and/or the cover74to have a varied or common appearance with proximately disposed components of the vehicle10. According to some examples, the grain pattern may be produced by laser etching, or any other method known in the art.

Referring toFIG. 5, the lamp assembly12may include one or more projector lamp108. The projector lamp108may produce the image pattern36on the ground surface31. The image pattern36may include messages, notifications, alerts, emblems, and/or any other desired design, as provided herein. The projector includes the light source30, the optical member32, a connector casing110, and an enclosure112. However, any other type of projector known in the art may be utilized. According to various examples, the projector lamp108may include more than one light source30forming a single light source unit for providing an image pattern36through multiple light beams28. In addition, the light source30can be replaced by different light sources30having different color characteristics, wavelength, intensity, etc., enabling the possibility of a broad range of variations in image patterns36, eventually aiming to enhance visual appeal to a viewer.

The optical member32may be configured to be housed within the enclosure112, which may be integrally formed with the casing110and accessible by removing the cover74. Further, an inner wall114of the enclosure112may include tracks or rails over which the optical member32can travel back and forth in the direction of the arrow116shown inFIG. 5. It is understood that such travel or movability, in relation to the light source30, is configured to vary the size of the image pattern36. Particularly, such movability enabled through the tracks or rails allows focusing the image pattern36on the ground surface31as well.

The light28emitted from the light source30can be a monochromatic beam of light, such as a laser, and accordingly, the light28can be a laser beam, configured to deliver a specific wavelength of visible light. This wavelength establishes a laser's color, as seen by the eye, by emitting light28in a beam. Furthermore, the laser adopted in the projector lamp108may be modulated for human viewing and application, particularly having no or negligible effects to those who may view the light28. In other examples, any other type of light source may be utilized, including red, blue, and green packaged LEDs.

The optical member32may be an interchangeable lens, and can accordingly be at least one of a concave lens, convex lens, cylindrical lens, or an impression or projection specific lens, depending upon the usability and application. Particularly, lenses, such as the optical member32may enable one to attain images, messages, curves, etc., projected onto a surface, such as the ground surface31. In addition, the optical member32may include a Fresnel lens composed of a number of small lenses arranged to make a lightweight lens of large diameter and short focal length suitable to be employed for projections according to the examples of the present disclosure.

During an operation of the projector lamp108, the light source30emits light28. The light28reaches the optical member32. Subsequently, the optical member32, receiving the light28, refracts the light28, causing the beam to form refracted rays118, while enabling the light28to travel either in its original direction, or deflect, based according to the beam's angle of incidence on the optical member32. The optical member32having the image filter34of at least an image, message, curve, etc., causes the refracted rays118to carry the design of the image filter34towards the ground surface31, thereby forming the image pattern36.

Referring toFIG. 6, the vehicle10may be a manually operated vehicle (i.e. using a human driver) or may be autonomously driven by an onboard controller104. Additionally, or alternatively, the vehicle10may be remotely controlled (e.g., via an operator located in a different location). The vehicle10generally includes the controller104having a processor120and a memory122, the memory122including one or more forms of computer-readable media, and storing instructions executable by the processor120for performing various operations. The controller104may be a dedicated or shared controller and may include the processor120and memory122, according to some examples. It should be appreciated that the controller104may include control circuitry such as analog and/or digital control circuitry. The memory122may include one or more routines, such as a driving mode routine124and/or a lamp control routine126. According to some examples, the driving mode routine124may determine whether the vehicle10is being operated in under an autonomous mode and/or a manual mode. The lamp control routine126may illuminate the light source30based on various inputs.

With continued reference toFIG. 6, the controller104may communicate with the vehicle equipment128to receive information and illuminate the puddle lamp assembly12based on the information. In the depicted examples, the vehicle equipment128includes the sensor assembly20, a navigation system130, a body control module (BCM)132, a human-machine interface (HMI)134, a display136, a powertrain control module (PCM)138, a light sensor140, and/or a steering sensor142, each of which provides information to the controller104that may be used to determine the operation of the lamp assembly12. For example, the navigation system130may provide the controller104with information related to the progress of a trip (e.g., ETA, distance, etc.). The navigation system130may also cooperate with the lamp assembly12such that the lamp assembly12is illuminated as the vehicle10begins to operate and/or move in an autonomous mode. The BCM132and/or PCM138may provide the controller104with information related to the vehicle10such as a door status (e.g., locked/unlocked), a seat belt status (e.g., buckled/unbuckled), a vehicle speed, etc. to determine whether a person is disposed within the vehicle10and/or operating (or capable of operating) the vehicle10.

With further reference toFIG. 6, the vehicle10may additionally include the HMI134that may be used for controlling a plurality of functions within the vehicle10, including, but not limited to, air conditioning settings, seat settings, sound settings, and/or navigational settings. The HMI134may also include a display136that may provide any desired information about the settings and/or any other information about the vehicle10. The display136may also provide any desired information about the lamp assembly12.

In some examples, the vehicle10includes a light sensor140that may be utilized for varying the intensity of light28emitted from the lamp assembly12. The light sensor140detects the environmental lighting conditions, such as whether the vehicle10is in day-like conditions (i.e., higher light level conditions) and/or whether the vehicle10is in night-like conditions (i.e., lower light level conditions). The light sensor140can be of any suitable type and can detect the day-like and night-like conditions in any suitable fashion. According to some examples, the colors of light and/or intensities of light emitted from the lamp assembly12may be varied based on the detected conditions. Moreover, the light source30may be activated in low-light conditions and when the vehicle10is operating in a mode that is indicated by the lamp assembly12, such as an autonomous mode. The light sensor140may be integrated into the vehicle10or into the lamp assembly12. Moreover, the intensity of emitted light may additionally, or alternatively, be varied with the initiation of the vehicle's headlights.

Referring still toFIG. 6, the lamp assembly12may include one or more light sources30that are operably coupled with the optical member32to generate a desired image pattern36. The image pattern36may be any desired pattern that is to be illuminated on a panel on the vehicle10and/or on the ground surface31proximate the vehicle10when the puddle lamp assembly12is activated. As provided herein, a wide array of image filters34may be interchangeably used within the puddle lamp assembly12to generate various image patterns36.

A variety of advantages may be derived from the use of the present disclosure. For example, use of the disclosed puddle lamp assembly projects an array of individualized image patterns proximate the vehicle. Moreover, various image filters may easily be disposed within the puddle lamp assembly such that the image patterns may be changed/updated at any time by a user. The puddle lamp assembly may be disposed in an exterior panel of the vehicle so that the image pattern is visible as an occupant approaches the vehicle, and/or during any other desired time. The puddle lamp assembly may be manufactured at low costs when compared to standard vehicle lighting assemblies.

According to various examples, a vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided herein. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a housing having a housing retainer. A light source is supported by the housing. A cover is removably coupled to a base portion of the housing. An optical member is disposed between the housing and the cover. Examples of the vehicle puddle lamp assembly can include any one or a combination of the following features:the housing includes a pivot portion on an opposing side of the housing from the housing retainer;a reflector including a body that extends from a top portion to a base portion of the housing;a cover retainer configured to couple the cover to the housing, the cover retainer having first and second legs separated by a transition portion;the cover includes a locator disposed on an opposing end portion of the cover from the cover retainer;the housing retainer includes resiliently deformable first and second arms separated by a transition portion;the cover includes a cover retainer having at least one leg, the at least one leg extending into a cavity defined by a first arm;the first arm includes a protrusion and the at least one leg includes an extension, the protrusion and extension configured to contact one another to maintain the coupling of the cover to the housing;the cover defines a light output window and a channel surrounding the light output window;the optical member defines a rim portion that is disposed within the channel and an optical portion that provides the desired image pattern to emanate from the housing;the optical member includes an image filter thereon, the image filter configured to form a desired image pattern on a surface proximate the housing; and/orthe light source is configured as a projector lamp and the optical member is movable within the housing.

Moreover, a method of manufacturing a vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided herein. The method includes forming a housing having a housing retainer. The method also includes supporting a light source within the housing. The method further includes removably coupling a cover to a base portion of the housing. Lastly, the method includes positioning an optical member between the housing and the cover.

According to some examples, a vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided herein. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a housing having a housing retainer. A light source is supported by the housing. A cover is removably coupled to the housing. The cover includes a cover retainer that is operably coupled to the housing retainer. Examples of the vehicle puddle lamp assembly can include any one or a combination of the following features:an optical member disposed between the housing and the cover;the cover retainer is disposed within at least a portion of the housing retainer; and/orthe optical member includes an image filter thereon, the image filter configured to form a desired image pattern on a surface proximate the housing.

According to some examples, a vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided herein. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly includes a housing having a housing retainer and supporting a light source. A cover is removably coupled to the housing. The cover includes a cover retainer at least partially disposed within the housing retainer. An optical member is disposed between the housing and the cover. Examples of the vehicle puddle lamp assembly can include any one or a combination of the following features:the housing retainer defines a cavity on the cover retainer that is at least partially disposed within the cavity;a protrusion extending from the housing into the cavity; and an extension protruding from the cover retainer, wherein the extension contacts the protrusion to retain the cover in relation to the housing; and/orthe optical member includes an image filter thereon, the image filter configured to form a desired image pattern on a surface proximate the housing.

Furthermore, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being “operably connected” or “operably coupled” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being “operably couplable” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Some examples of operably couplable include, but are not limited to, physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components. Furthermore, it will be understood that a component preceding the term “of the” may be disposed at any practicable location (e.g., on, within, and/or externally disposed from the vehicle) such that the component may function in any manner described herein.

It should be noted that the sensor and/or switch examples discussed above might include computer hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof to perform at least a portion of their functions. For example, a sensor and/or switch may include computer code configured to be executed in one or more processors, and may include hardware logic/electrical circuitry controlled by the computer code. These example devices are provided herein for purposes of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting. Examples of the present disclosure may be implemented in further types of devices, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

At least some examples of the present disclosure have been directed to computer program products including such logic (e.g., in the form of software) stored on any computer usable medium. Such software, when executed in one or more data processing devices, causes a device to operate as described herein.