GB2342212A - Image projector for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Image projector for a motor vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2342212A
GB2342212A GB9821119A GB9821119A GB2342212A GB 2342212 A GB2342212 A GB 2342212A GB 9821119 A GB9821119 A GB 9821119A GB 9821119 A GB9821119 A GB 9821119A GB 2342212 A GB2342212 A GB 2342212A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
outer tube
lens
inner tube
positioned inside
tube
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB9821119A
Other versions
GB9821119D0 (en
GB2342212B (en
Inventor
Manfred Adams
Ewald Stanitzok
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH
Original Assignee
Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH filed Critical Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH
Priority to GB9821119A priority Critical patent/GB2342212B/en
Publication of GB9821119D0 publication Critical patent/GB9821119D0/en
Publication of GB2342212A publication Critical patent/GB2342212A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2342212B publication Critical patent/GB2342212B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F19/00—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for
    • G09F19/12—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for using special optical effects
    • G09F19/18—Advertising or display means not otherwise provided for using special optical effects involving the use of optical projection means, e.g. projection of images on clouds
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2661—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions
    • B60Q1/2665—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic mounted on parts having other functions on rear-view mirrors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
    • B60Q1/543—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for indicating other states or conditions of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
    • B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
    • B60R1/1207—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks with lamps; with turn indicators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2400/00—Special features or arrangements of exterior signal lamps for vehicles
    • B60Q2400/40—Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2400/00—Special features or arrangements of exterior signal lamps for vehicles
    • B60Q2400/50—Projected symbol or information, e.g. onto the road or car body

Abstract

An image projector (10) for a motor vehicle comprising an outer tube (12); a first lens (20) positioned inside the outer tube at one end (28) thereof; a first inner tube (14) positioned inside the outer tube and in abutment at one end (34) with the first lens; a transparent film (24) with an image thereon positioned inside the outer tube in abutment with the other end (36) of the first inner tube; a second inner tube (16) positioned inside the outer tube and in abutment at one end (38) with the transparent film; a second lens (22) positioned inside the outer tube in abutment with the other end (40) of the second inner tube; a third inner tube (18) positioned inside the outer tube and in abutment at one end (44) with the second lens; and an optical fibre holder (26) positioned at the other end (46) of the third inner tube and the other end (48) of the outer tube and having an axially extending through bore (50) for receiving an end (52) of an optical fibre (54); wherein the first, second and third inner tubes are axially spaced from one another and in engagement with the outer tube; wherein the first lens has a convex surface (30) directed inwardly of the first inner tube and a substantially flat surface (31) directed outwardly of the one end of the outer tube; and wherein the second lens has a convex surface (42) directed inwardly of the second inner tube and a substantially flat surface (43) directed inwardly of the third inner tube. The projector (10) may be positioned inside an outer mirror of a vehicle in order that an image, e.g. a manufacturers logo, may be projected downwardly on to the ground adjacent the vehicle (Figure 2). The light source (58) may be actuated at predetermined times (for example, when a door is unlocked by a remote access key system) to project the image.

Description

2342212 H-203768 IMAGE PROJECTOR FOR A MOTOR VEIHCLE
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an image projector for a motor vehicle.
Back2round of the Invention The present invention provides a new feature for incorporation into a motor vehicle.
Summary of the Invention
An image projector in accordance with the present invention for a motor vehicle comprises an outer tube; a first lens positioned inside the outer tube at one end thereof; a first inner tube positioned inside the outer tube and in abutment at one end with the first lens; a transparent film with an image thereon positioned inside the outer tube in abutment with the other end of the first inner tube; a second inner tube positioned inside the outer tube and in abutment at one end with the transparent film; a second lens positioned inside the outer tube in abutment with the other end of the second inner tube; a third inner tube positioned inside the outer tube and in abutment at one end with the second lens; and an optical fibre holder positioned at the other end of the third inner tube and the other end of the outer tube and having an axially extending through bore for receiving an end of an optical fibre; wherein the first, second and third inner tubes are axially spaced from one another and in engagement with the outer tube; wherein the first lens has a convex surface directed inwardly of the first inner tube and a substantially flat surface directed outwardly of the one end of the outer tube; and wherein the second lens has a convex surface directed inwardly of the second inner tube and a substantially flat surface directed inwardly of the third inner tube.
2 The present invention has particular application as an image projector which can be at least partially mounted in the housing of an outer mirror on a door of a motor vehicle for projecting an image of, for example, the vehicle manufacturer's logo onto the ground adjacent the motor vehicle. 5 Brief Description of the Drawings
The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image projector in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image projector of Figure 1 when installed in a motor vehicle.
Description of the Preferred Embodiment
Referring to Figure 1, the image projector 10 in accordance with the present invention is for use in a motor vehicle. The image projector 10 comprises an outer tube 12; first, second and third inner tubes 14,16,18 which are axially spaced and located inside the outer tube and in engagement with the outer tube; first and second lens 20,22 positioned inside the outer tube; a transparent film 24 having the image to be projected and positioned inside the outer tube; and an optical fibre holder 26.
The first lens 20 is located at one end 28 of the outer tube 12 and has a convex surface 30 directed inwardly of the outer tube, and a substantially flat surface 31 directed outwardly of the one end of the outer tube. The one end 28 of the outer tube 12 preferably has an inwardly directed lip 32 which acts as a stop which engages the flat surface 31 of the first lens 20 to retain the first lens inside the outer tube. The first inner tube 14 abuts the first lens 20 at one end 34, and abuts the transparent film 24 at the other end 36. The second inner tube 16 abuts the transparent film 24 at one end 38 and abuts the second lens 22 at the other end 40. The third inner tube 18 1 3 abuts the second lens 22 at one end 44. The second lens 22 has a convex surface 42 directed inwardly of the second inner tube 16, and a substantially flat surface 43 directed inwardly of the third inner tube 18. The optical fibre holder 26 is positioned at the other end 46 of the third inner tube 18 and the other end 48 of the outer tube 12. The optical fibre holder 26 has an axially extending through bore 50. The tubes 12-18 are preferably formed from aluminium.
In use, one end 52 of an optical fibre 54 is secured in the through bore 50 in the optical fibre holder 26, and the other end 56 of the optical fibre is positioned adjacent a light source 58. Light from the light source 58 is transmitted by the optical fibre 54 and passes through the second lens 22, the transparent film 24, and the first lens 20 respectively. The image on the transparent film 24 is projected on to a surface 60 which is axially spaced from the one end 28 of the outer tube 12.
The image projector 10 of the present invention is preferably mounted in the housing 62 for an outer mirror 64 on a door (not shown) of the motor vehicle, as shown in Figure 2. The light source 58 is preferably mounted elsewhere in the motor vehicle with the optical fibre 54 being connected between the light source and the image projector 10 by way of the conduit for electrical conductors in the door. The outer tube 12 of the image projector 10 is mounted (adjacent the first lens 20) in an aperture 68 through the housing 62 with the projector's axis substantially vertical such that the image 66 produced by the image projector is projected downwardly on to the surface 60 of the ground adjacent the motor vehicle. The light source 58 may be actuated at predetermined times (for example, when the door is unlocked by a remote access key system) to project the image.
1 4

Claims (6)

Claims
1. An image projector for a motor vehicle comprising an outer tube; a first lens positioned inside the outer tube at one end thereof; a first inner tube positioned inside the outer tube and in abutment at one end with the first lens; a transparent film with an image thereon positioned inside the outer tube in abutment with the other end of the first inner tube; a second inner tube positioned inside the outer tube and in abutment at one end with the transparent film; a second lens positioned inside the outer tube in abutment with the other end of the second inner tube; a third inner tube positioned inside the outer tube and in abutment at one end with the second lens; and an optical fibre holder positioned at the other end of the third inner tube and the other end of the outer tube and having an axially extending through bore for receiving an end of an optical fibre; wherein the first, second and third inner tubes are axially spaced from one another and in engagement with the outer tube; wherein the first lens has a convex surface directed inwardly of the first inner tube and a substantially flat surface directed outwardly of the one end of the outer tube; and wherein the second lens has a convex surface directed inwardly of the second inner tube and a substantially flat surface directed inwardly of the third inner tube.
2. An image projector as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the outer tube has an inwardly directed lip at the one end thereof in engagement with the flat surface of the first lens.
3. An image projector as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the outer tube and the first, second and third inner tubes are formed from aluminium.
4. An image projector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
5. An assembly of an image projector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4; a light source; an optical fibre having one end positioned in the through bore of the optical fibre holder and the other end positioned adjacent the light source; and a housing for an outer mirror on a vehicle door; wherein the image projector is mounted in an aperture in the housing with the axis of the image projector substantially vertical and with the first lens directed downwardly.
6. An assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown, in the accompanying drawings.
GB9821119A 1998-09-30 1998-09-30 Image projector for a motor vehicle Expired - Fee Related GB2342212B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9821119A GB2342212B (en) 1998-09-30 1998-09-30 Image projector for a motor vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9821119A GB2342212B (en) 1998-09-30 1998-09-30 Image projector for a motor vehicle

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9821119D0 GB9821119D0 (en) 1998-11-25
GB2342212A true GB2342212A (en) 2000-04-05
GB2342212B GB2342212B (en) 2002-12-24

Family

ID=10839625

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9821119A Expired - Fee Related GB2342212B (en) 1998-09-30 1998-09-30 Image projector for a motor vehicle

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2342212B (en)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CZ299159B6 (en) * 2000-11-09 2008-05-07 Astrongroup Technologies S. A. Device for projecting laser beam from a vehicle to surroundings thereof
DE202008016695U1 (en) 2008-12-17 2009-02-26 Visiocorp Patents S.á.r.l. Ambient light with logo
EP2072336A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-06-24 Visiocorp Patents S.à.r.l. Approach light with light pattern
FR2934537A1 (en) * 2008-07-29 2010-02-05 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Motor vehicle, has projection device automatically projecting information on ground surface and including detection unit detecting stopping of power supply of vehicle, where information is in form of luminous image
EP2017167A3 (en) * 2007-07-19 2013-04-24 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle
EP2740632A1 (en) * 2012-12-07 2014-06-11 Urs Nüssli Lateral rearview mirror system for a vehicle, method for projecting an image to the environment of the vehicle and corresponding application program product
WO2015032795A3 (en) * 2013-09-03 2015-06-18 Jaguar Land Rover Limited System for imaging
US9776556B2 (en) 2007-05-03 2017-10-03 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle exterior door handle with lighting module
US10173581B2 (en) 2016-07-08 2019-01-08 Magna Mirrors Holding Gmbh Turn signal unit for an external mirror
US10576896B2 (en) 2010-10-01 2020-03-03 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicle exterior mirror system with light module
US11970115B2 (en) 2023-03-06 2024-04-30 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior mirror system with light module

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8764256B2 (en) 2010-10-01 2014-07-01 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicle exterior mirror system with light module

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CZ299159B6 (en) * 2000-11-09 2008-05-07 Astrongroup Technologies S. A. Device for projecting laser beam from a vehicle to surroundings thereof
US10351052B2 (en) 2007-05-03 2019-07-16 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle exterior door handle with lighting module
US11440463B2 (en) 2007-05-03 2022-09-13 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior door handle assembly with illumination module
US11130442B2 (en) 2007-05-03 2021-09-28 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle exterior door handle with lighting module
US9776556B2 (en) 2007-05-03 2017-10-03 Donnelly Corporation Vehicle exterior door handle with lighting module
EP2017167A3 (en) * 2007-07-19 2013-04-24 Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Vehicle
EP2072336A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-06-24 Visiocorp Patents S.à.r.l. Approach light with light pattern
US7878693B2 (en) 2007-12-21 2011-02-01 Smr Patents S.A.R.L. Approach light with light pattern
FR2934537A1 (en) * 2008-07-29 2010-02-05 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Motor vehicle, has projection device automatically projecting information on ground surface and including detection unit detecting stopping of power supply of vehicle, where information is in form of luminous image
DE202008016695U1 (en) 2008-12-17 2009-02-26 Visiocorp Patents S.á.r.l. Ambient light with logo
US11052826B2 (en) 2010-10-01 2021-07-06 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior mirror system with light module
US10576896B2 (en) 2010-10-01 2020-03-03 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicle exterior mirror system with light module
US10703285B1 (en) 2010-10-01 2020-07-07 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicle exterior mirror system with light module
US11597322B2 (en) 2010-10-01 2023-03-07 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior mirror system with light module
EP2740632A1 (en) * 2012-12-07 2014-06-11 Urs Nüssli Lateral rearview mirror system for a vehicle, method for projecting an image to the environment of the vehicle and corresponding application program product
US10195980B2 (en) 2013-09-03 2019-02-05 Jaguar Land Rover Limited System for imaging
WO2015032795A3 (en) * 2013-09-03 2015-06-18 Jaguar Land Rover Limited System for imaging
US10661705B2 (en) 2016-07-08 2020-05-26 Magna Mirrors Holding Gmbh Exterior rearview mirror with turn signal unit
US10173581B2 (en) 2016-07-08 2019-01-08 Magna Mirrors Holding Gmbh Turn signal unit for an external mirror
US11970115B2 (en) 2023-03-06 2024-04-30 Magna Mirrors Of America, Inc. Vehicular exterior mirror system with light module

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB9821119D0 (en) 1998-11-25
GB2342212B (en) 2002-12-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7609961B2 (en) Vehicle camera
US5287101A (en) Vehicular turn signal lamp
GB2342212A (en) Image projector for a motor vehicle
US6491417B1 (en) Night vision clearance light
US5066889A (en) Sealed led lamp housing
ES2026399A6 (en) Vehicle lighting assembly, particularly for motor vehicles
CA2403415A1 (en) Key identification system
US5735591A (en) Headlight-light unit for vehicle
US5521798A (en) Headlamp for vehicles with reflector edge cover
US6050706A (en) Vehicle turn signal lamp having light bulb covered with transparent cap and transparent lens for enhancing vehicle lamp appearance
US4082434A (en) Wide-angle optical system for door viewer
GB2227390A (en) Vehicle lamp unit incorporating television camera
US6108359A (en) Laser diode module
JP2001197337A (en) On-vehicle camera apparatus
JPH0626375U (en) Collimator for video camera
EP0561602B1 (en) Sun visor with vanity mirror
GB2242014A (en) Vehicular signal lamp
US5424874A (en) Mechanism for fitting lens to an extension
JP2004216958A (en) Rear monitor camera for vehicle
CN220526109U (en) Dustproof assembly of display device
US3109159A (en) Combination tail lamp and back-up lamp
JPH09245505A (en) Supplementary vehicle lamp
KR0134237B1 (en) Number plate lamp
US7059751B2 (en) Lamp assembly with multi-positional cover
EP0462750B1 (en) Projection-type television display

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20030324