Patent Publication Number: US-2017362860-A1

Title: Device for indicating lock status of a motor vehicle door

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This document relates generally to the motor vehicle equipment field and, more particularly, to a device for indicating lock status of a motor vehicle door. 
     BACKGROUND 
     It is important for an operator of a motor vehicle to be able to quickly and easily confirm if the doors of a motor vehicle are locked and secured. This is true whether it is daylight or night. 
     This document relates to a new and improved device for indicating the lock status of a motor vehicle door. Advantageously, that device allows one to easily and conveniently confirm if a motor vehicle door is locked by displaying an icon on the window of the motor vehicle door that is easily visible from inside the vehicle or outside the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the purposes and benefits described herein, a device is provided for indicating the lock status of a motor vehicle door. That device comprises a door lock status indicator that is carried on a window of the motor vehicle door. The door lock status indicator may include a first luminescent marker having an invisible state and a visible state. The device may further include a first light source configured to project excitation light upon the first luminescent marker and change the first luminescent marker from an invisible state to a visible state any time the lock status of the door is changed. 
     The light source may be an ultraviolet (UV) light source. In other embodiments that light source may be an infrared (IR) light source. In some embodiments the first luminescent marker is provided in the shape of a lock icon. 
     In accordance with an additional aspect, the door lock status indicator may include a first luminescent marker and a second luminescent marker. Further, the device may include a first light source configured to project excitation light upon the first luminescent marker and change the first luminescent marker from an invisible state to a visible state and a second light source configured to project excitation light upon the second luminescent marker and change the second luminescent marker from an invisible state to a visible state. The first and second light sources may be selected from a group of light sources consisting of UV light sources and IR light sources. 
     The first luminescent marker may be provided in the shape of a locked lock icon while the second luminescent marker may be provided in the shape of an unlocked lock icon. Thus, when the lock state of the motor vehicle door is changed to locked, the first light source is activated to project excitation light upon the first luminescent marker, or locked lock icon, which is then made plainly visible on the motor vehicle door window so as to be easily seen from the interior or exterior of the motor vehicle. In contrast, when the lock state of the motor vehicle door lock changes to the unlocked condition, the second light source is activated to project excitation light on the second luminescent marker so as to clearly display an unlocked lock icon on the motor vehicle door window which is easily visible from the interior or exterior of the motor vehicle. 
     In accordance with an additional aspect, a window is provided for a motor vehicle. That window comprises a window body and a plurality of indicators carried on said window body. That plurality of indicators is selected from a group consisting of a luminescent door lock status indicator, a first luminescent marker in a first shape of a locked lock icon, a second luminescent marker in a second shape of an unlocked lock icon, a luminescent turn signal indicator and a luminescent blind spot indicator. 
     In one possible embodiment the luminescent door lock status indicator and the luminescent turn signal indicator are provided on the window body. In another possible embodiment, the luminescent door lock status indicator and the luminescent blind spot indicator are provided on the window body. In yet another possible embodiment, the luminescent turn signal indicator and the luminescent blind spot indicator are provided on the window body. 
     In still another embodiment, the first luminescent marker in the first shape of a locked lock icon, the second luminescent marker in the second shape of an unlocked lock icon and the luminescent turn signal indicator are all provided on the window body. In yet another embodiment, the first and second luminescent markers and the blind spot indicator are provided on the window body. In still another embodiment, the first and second luminescent markers, the luminescent turn signal and the luminescent blind spot indicator are all provided on the window body. 
     In the following description, there are shown and described several preferred embodiments of the device. As it should be realized, the device is capable of other, different embodiments and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the device as set forth and described in the following claims. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the device and together with the description serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the drawing figures: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of the device for indicating lock status of a motor vehicle door. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates the device functioning to indicate a turn signal on a motor vehicle window. 
         FIG. 3 a    is a view similar to  FIG. 2  but illustrating how the device may function to indicate on the window that the motor vehicle door is in a locked state. 
         FIG. 3 b    is a view similar to  FIG. 3 a    illustrating how the device may function to indicate on the window that the motor vehicle door is in an unlocked state. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the device. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic block diagram of yet another alternative embodiment of the device. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of still another alternative embodiment of the device. 
     
    
    
     Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the device, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1-3   b  which illustrate a device  10  for indicating the lock status of a motor vehicle door. As best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   , the device  10  includes a door lock status indicator, generally designated by reference numeral  14  that is carried on the window  16  of the motor vehicle door. In the illustrated embodiment, the door lock status indicator  14  comprises a first luminescent marker  18  in the form of a locked lock icon and a second luminescent marker  20  in the form of an unlocked lock icon. 
     The first luminescent marker  18  and second luminescent marker  20  may comprise inks that are invisible when subjected to visible light. However, when subjected to excitation light in either the ultraviolet or infrared spectrum, the luminescent markers  18 ,  20  change to a visible state. Here it should be appreciated that the markers  18 ,  20  return to the invisible state when the excitation light is removed or extinguished. In one possible embodiment, the luminescent ink may be placed directly on the window  16 . Such an ink marker  18 ,  20  may then be covered with a clear film or coating to protect it. In another possible embodiment, the luminescent ink may be on a film which includes a peel and stick adhesive to affix the film to the window  16 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first luminescent marker  18  changes from the invisible state to the visible state when subjected to excitation light in the UV wavelength band while the second luminescent marker  20  changes from the invisible state to the visible state while subjected to excitation light in the IR wavelength band. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  further includes a first light source  22  configured to project UV excitation light through the light pipe  23  upon the first luminescent marker  18  in order to change the first luminescent marker from the invisible state to the visible state when the status of the door lock changes from an unlocked condition to a locked condition. The first light source  22  is activated and the first luminescent marker  18  remains in the visible state for a predetermined period of time. The first light source  22  is then deactivated and the first luminescent marker  18  returns to the invisible state. 
     Further, the device includes a second light source  24  configured to project IR excitation light through the light pipe  23  upon the second luminescent marker  20  in order to change the second luminescent marker from the invisible state to the visible state when the door lock status of the motor vehicle door changes from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. Similarly, the second light source  24  is activated and the second luminescent marker  20  remains in the visible state for a predetermined period of time. The second light source  24  is then deactivated and the second luminescent marker  18  returns to the invisible state. 
     More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, a door lock control module  26  controls the door lock  28  of the motor vehicle door  12 . The door lock control module  26  incorporates a controller, in the form of a dedicated microprocessor or electronic control unit (ECU) operating in accordance with appropriate instructions from control software. The door lock control module  26  functions to lock or unlock the door lock  28  in response to a door lock actuator  30 , such as a door lock button on a door or console of the motor vehicle or a key fob coded to the motor vehicle. 
     Whenever an actuator  30  is depressed, the door lock control module  26  will make an appropriate change in the door lock status of the door lock  28  and communicate that change to the body control module or BCM  32 . As is known in the art, the BCM  32  may comprise a computing device having one or more processors, one or more memories, one or more network interfaces, a human interface, a global positioning satellite or GPS/geolocator component, a display device such as a multifunction display with touch screen capability and a speech processor that all communicate with each other over a communication bus. The BCM  32  performs a number of interior body electrically-based functions including, for example, interior locking, remote key entry, interior lighting, exterior lighting, windshield wiper control and the like. In some embodiments, the BCM  32  may also function to control entertainment functions (e.g. radio, CD player and communications such as telephone and internet communications over a wireless network). In some embodiments, the BCM  32  may be connected by a communication bus to other control modules that provide one or more of these additional functions. 
     Upon receiving either a door “locked” signal or a door “unlocked” signal from the door lock control module  26 , the BCM  32  sends an appropriate control signal through the wiring harness connector  34  on the carrier or printed circuit board  36  upon which the first and second light sources  22 ,  24  are carried. That wiring harness connector  34  includes a network such as a local interconnected network (LIN) or controller area network (CAN) which allows the BCM  32  to communicate with the drivers of the first and second light sources  22 ,  24  so that they may be activated on command of the BCM. 
     In the event the BCM  32  receives a locked signal from the door lock control module  26 , the BCM commands the activation of the first light source  22 . That first light source  22  then emits UV excitation light that is directed by the light pipe  23  through an aperture  40  in the door trim  42  upon the first luminescent marker  18  on the window  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 a   , that first luminescent marker  18  then becomes visible so that the locked lock icon may be easily seen from the exterior or interior of the motor vehicle. 
     In contrast, if the BCM  32  receives an unlocked lock signal from the door lock control module  26 , the BCM sends a command signal activating the second light source  24  which emits an IR excitation light through the light pipe  23  which is directed onto the second luminescent marker  20  thereby causing the second luminescent marker to become visible so that the unlocked lock icon is clearly visible from the interior or exterior of the motor vehicle. Here it should be appreciated that the appropriate luminescent marker  18 / 20  or icon is only displayed for a predetermined period of time following a change in door lock status. Once that time is timed out, the light source  22  or  24  is deactivated and the luminescent marker  18  or  20  returns to its invisible state. 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  may also include a visible light source  44  that may be activated by the BCM  32  as desired to direct visible light onto the adjacent door latch handle  46  for opening and closing the motor vehicle door  12 . 
     As also illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  10  may include still another light source  48 , responsive to control signals or commands from the BCM  32  or the turn signal control stalk on the steering column (not shown). When activated the light source  48  emits an excitation light through the light pipe  50  and the aperture  51  in the door trim  42  onto a luminescent turn signal indicator  52  that may be provided on the motor vehicle door window  16  adjacent the A pillar  54 . Where the turn signal indicator  52  comprises a UV responsive ink, the light source  48  emits excitation light in the UV band so that the turn signal indicator  52  becomes visible. In contrast, where the turn signal indicator  52  is responsive to excitation light in the IR band, the light source  48  emits excitation light in the IR band. As should be appreciated, the light source  48  is flashed like a turn indicator so that the turn signal indicator  52  on the window  16  changes repeatedly between the visible and invisible state until the turn signal is cancelled by the BCM  32 . Advantageously, the turn signal indicator  52  is very visible from the exterior of the motor vehicle and may actually replace more expensive turn signal light assemblies such as the type presently provided on the exterior mirrors of a motor vehicle. 
     Where the turn signal indicator  52  is provided at the position shown on the window  16  adjacent the A pillar  54  and in front of the window stop, the geometry allows the projection of very high light levels from the light source  48  without any reflection back to the vehicle occupants. At the same time, the turn signal indicator  52  is clearly visible from the interior and exterior of the motor vehicle. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 4  illustrating an alternative embodiment of the device  10 . That alternative embodiment of the device  10  is very similar to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  and like structures include identical reference numbers. Since those like structures operate in the same manner as described above with respect to the  FIG. 1  embodiment, they will not be described again with regard to the second embodiment for the sake of brevity. 
     While the first embodiment includes a single light pipe  38  for directing light from the first and second light sources  22 ,  24  onto the first and second luminescent markers  18 ,  20  this second embodiment of the device  10  includes a separate light pipe  56  for the first light source  22  and a second light pipe  58  for the second light source  24 . As should be appreciated, the light pipes  56 ,  58  direct the light from the two sources  22 ,  24  to different points on the motor vehicle door window  16  where the respective first and second luminescent markers/icons  18 ,  20  are provided. While the first embodiment of the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  requires the first light source  22  and the first luminescent marker  18  to function in one of the UV or IR band and the second light source  24  and the second luminescent marker  20  to function in the other, the first and second light sources  22 ,  24  in the second embodiment of the device  10  may function in the same band, be it UV or IR. This is possible since the light from the light sources is directed to different points on the window  16  where the luminescent markers  18 ,  20  are provided. Accordingly, only the appropriate luminescent marker/icon  18 ,  20  is made visible when there is a change in door lock status despite the fact that both icons/markers are responsive to excitation light of the same spectrum. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 5  illustrating yet another embodiment of the device  10 . The embodiment of device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 5  is identical to the device  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  except that it includes a fifth light source  60  coupled to the light pipe  50 , a blind spot sensor  61  connected to the BCM  32  and a luminescent blind spot indicator  62  on the window  16  (see also  FIG. 2 ). 
     When the BCM  32  receives a signal from the sensor  61  indicating that an obstacle, such as another motor vehicle, is in an adjacent lane of a roadway in the blind spot of the vehicle operator, the BCM sends a control signal or command to activate the light source  60 . That light source  60  then emits an excitation light through the light pipe  50  and the aperture  51  in the door trim  42  onto a luminescent blind spot indicator  62  (see  FIG. 2 ) which visually warns the driver of the obstacle. The luminescent blind spot indicator  62  may be provided on the motor vehicle window  16  adjacent the A-pillar  54  similar to the luminescent turn signal indicator  52 . 
     Where the luminescent turn signal indicator  52  comprises a UV responsive ink and the light source  48  comprises a UV light source, the luminescent blind spot indicator  62  comprises an IR responsive ink and the light source  60  comprises an IR light source. Alternatively, where the turn signal indicator  52  and light source  48  are IR based, the blind spot indicator  62  and light source  60  are UV based. In this way it is possible to provide distinct turn signal and blind spot indication through a single light pipe  50 . 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 6  illustrating yet another alternative embodiment of the device  10 . The  FIG. 6  embodiment of the device  10  is very similar to that illustrated in  FIG. 4  except that the  FIG. 6  device includes a blind spot indicator feature including a blind spot sensor  61  connected to the BCM  32 , a fifth light source  60 , an additional light pipe  64  and the luminescent blind spot indicator  62  on the window  16 . 
     When the BCM  32  receives a signal from the sensor  61  indicating a motor vehicle is in an adjacent lane of the roadway within the blind spot of the vehicle operator, the BCM sends a control signal or command to activate the light source  60 . The light source  60  then emits an excitation light in the proper band through the light pipe  64  which directs that excitation light onto the luminescent blind spot indicator  62  on the window  16  (see  FIG. 2 ). The indicator  62  then luminesces to provide a visual warning to the operator indicating the presence of the other motor vehicle in the blind spot. 
     In any of the embodiments incorporating the luminescent blind spot indicator  62 , it should be appreciated that it is particularly advantageous to position that indicator on the window in the driver&#39;s sight path to the associated exterior side mirror where the warning indication will be easily seen when the driver is using that mirror to confirm space to change lanes in the motor vehicle. 
     As should be appreciated, the devices  10  described above may be effectively provided as a lighting module with all of the light sources  22 ,  24 ,  44 ,  48  and  60  being carried on the same carrier or printed circuit board  36  including the wire harness connector with the network  34 . Such a combined lighting module or device  10  is less expensive to manufacture and assemble into a motor vehicle door  12  than if individual modules were provided for each light function (i.e. lighting of the door handle, presentation of the turn signal, presentation of the blind spot indicator and lighting of the door locked and door unlocked luminescent markers/icons  18 ,  20 ). While all five light sources  22 ,  24 ,  44 ,  48  and  60  are illustrated on the same printed circuit board  36  in the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it should be appreciated that any combination of two, three or four of the light sources may be provided on the same printed circuit board as desired to meet the needs of any particular motor vehicle application. 
     Further, it should be appreciated that the utilization of light sources  48  and  60  mounted on a printed circuit board  36  isolated in the motor vehicle door  12  from the weather in order to excite easily seen luminescent turn signal and blind spot warning indicators  52 ,  62  on the window  16  is a simpler and less expensive solution than the provision of light sources for these purposes in the exterior side mirrors where isolation of those light sources from inclement weather is difficult to achieve. 
     The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example, the luminescent markers  18 ,  20  could be made with a visible phosphor/dye on the window  16 . All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.