RU2729348C2 - Hanger assembly for vehicle (versions) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transport machine building.SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to an internal assembly of a vehicle comprising a hanger. Hanger assembly for vehicle comprises rotary assembly and housing. Rotary assembly comprises a panel forming a permeable portion and a first surface pivotally interchangeable with a second surface. Housing forming the hole has a light source and is configured to hinge the rotary assembly. First surface comprises hanger, and panel limits opening. Permeable part transmits light from the light source through the panel.EFFECT: improved accessibility and improved functional capabilities of hanger assembly for vehicle.20 cl, 5 dwg

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a partial continuation of US Patent Application No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013 and entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE". The aforementioned related application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a vehicle assembly, and more particularly, relates to an interior vehicle assembly comprising a hanger.

LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY

Traditional vehicle hangers have traditionally been implemented in vehicles, providing limited functionality. However, hangers can be implemented in vehicles to provide various features to improve accessibility and provide added value.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a multi-purpose vehicle assembly is disclosed. The assembly contains a pivot assembly containing a first surface that is pivotally interchangeable with a second surface. The assembly additionally comprises a housing adapted to pivotally engage the pivot assembly. The first surface contains a hanger and the second surface contains a lighting device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a hanger assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly contains a pivot assembly containing a first surface that is rotatably interchangeable with a second surface. The hanger is located on the first surface. The pivot assembly is configured to engage the housing. At least one light source is located in the housing. The unit contains a presence sensor configured to selectively activate the light source.

According to further another aspect of the present invention, a hanger assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly contains a pivot assembly having a first surface that is pivotally interchangeable with a second surface. The housing is configured to engage the pivot assembly and contains a first light source located therein. The first light source is configured to generate scattered light to illuminate at least a portion of the pivot assembly. The hanger assembly further comprises a second light source located on a second surface corresponding to the illumination device. The first surface contains a hanger adapted to support clothing and other hanging materials.

These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will be understood and taken into account by those skilled in the art from a study of the following description of the invention, claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of a vehicle showing a hanger assembly;

fig. 2A and 2B show a vehicle hanger assembly in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively;

fig. 3A, 3B, and 3C are perspective views of a hanger assembly showing at least one assembly;

fig. 4A and 4B are front views of a hanger assembly showing a backlight configuration and a hanger configuration, respectively; and

fig. 5 is a block diagram of a controller configured to control at least one light source of the hanger assembly discussed herein.

CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily intended for detailed design, and some diagrams may be exaggerated or underestimated to show an overview of the function. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the materials of this application should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as representing a basis for training a person skilled in the art in different ways to apply the present invention.

In the context of the materials of this application, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more elements, means that any one of the listed elements can be used by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be used. For example, if the composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, the composition may contain only A; exclusively B; exclusively C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B and C in combination.

The terms first, second, third, etc., as used throughout the present application, may refer to the figures for the sake of clarity. For example, the first part and the second part may be mentioned in some implementations, and only the second part may be mentioned in some additional implementations. Such designations may serve to demonstrate exemplary arrangements and compositions, and should not be construed as denoting specific numbers of elements or essential components of any particular embodiment of the invention, unless clearly indicated otherwise. These designations, therefore, should not be considered as giving clarity about the various possible implementations of the invention, which can be combined in various combinations, and / or used separately in order to clearly indicate by reference the various elements of the invention.

The invention provides a hanger assembly for a vehicle that may be operable to illuminate a portion of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the invention may provide for at least a portion of the hanger assembly to glow in response to an object in the vicinity of the assembly. With reference to FIG. 1, a hanger assembly 10 for a vehicle 12 is shown in an intended view of a passenger compartment 14 of a vehicle 12. A hanger assembly 10 is shown disposed in a headliner portion 16 corresponding to the interior of the roof of a vehicle 12. The hanger assembly 10 may correspond to a pivot assembly having a first surface 18, which can be pivotally interchangeable with second surface 20. As shown in FIG. 1, a first surface 18 is shown showing a hanger assembly 10 in a hanger configuration.

As discussed further herein, the hanger assembly 10 may pivotally engage the housing 22 so that the pivot assembly 24 can pivot to selectively expose the first surface 18 or the second surface 20. The second surface 20 may include a hanger assembly 10 to provide at least one additional function. In an exemplary embodiment, the additional function provided by the second surface 20 may correspond to a backlight device.

In a hanger configuration, the hanger assembly 10 may open the first surface 18 to allow access to the hanger 26 in conjunction with the first surface 18. The hanger 26 may correspond to a hanger or hanger for various items that can be placed in the vehicle 12. As illustrated in fig. 1, the hanger assembly 10 is shown at the rear 28 of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 12. However, the hanger assembly 10 can be used in various parts of the passenger compartment 14 and can also be used in any interior of the vehicle 12.

With reference to FIG. 2A and 2B, the hanger assembly 10 is shown in a backlight configuration 32 and a hanger configuration 34, respectively. In the illumination device configuration 32, the second surface 20 of the pivot assembly 24 may be extended into the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12. In this configuration, the hanger assembly 10 may provide that the first radiation output 36 is selectively projected into the passenger compartment 14 to provide the illumination device 38 or reading lamps.

The illumination device 38 may comprise at least one light source or a first light source 40 disposed on the second surface 20 of the pivot assembly 24. The first light source 40 may be in communication with the power source via a switch 42 configured to selectively activate the first output radiation 36. Additionally, the backlight device 38 may be in communication with the power source through at least one electrical input port. The electrical input port may correspond to at least one pin 44 that may correspond to a pivot axis.

The pin 44 may be configured to pivotally connect the pivot assembly 24 to the housing 22 so that the pivot assembly can be selectively oriented to expose the first surface 18 or the second surface 20. The pin 44 may comprise a first end portion 46 and a second end portion 48. The first the end portion 46 and the second end portion 48 may form a circuit configured to supply power from the power supply to the first light source 40. For example, the first end portion 46 may be configured to correspond to the first terminal 52, and the second end portion 48 may be configured to correspond to the second terminal 54. In this configuration, current can be supplied from a power source to the first light source 40 via pin 44. so that the transmission of power from the power supply can be maintained, meanwhile allowing the pivot assembly 24 to pivot around the pin 44.

Next, referring to FIG. 2B, a hanger configuration 34 of hanger assembly 10 is shown. In the hanger configuration 34, the first surface 18 of the pivot assembly 24 is extended into the passenger compartment 14 so that the hanger 26 is accessible. In the illumination device configuration 32 and the hanger configuration 34, the hanger assembly 10 may further include a diffuse illumination function that can be selectively activated in response to detecting the proximity of an object closest to the hanger assembly 10. The hanger assembly 10 may comprise a presence sensor 56 configured to detect the presence of an object closest to the hanger assembly 10. The presence sensor 56 may be located in a rim 58 configured to form an intermediate surface between the pivot assembly 24 and the housing 22.

In an exemplary embodiment, the presence sensor 56 may correspond to a capacitive sensor. In this configuration, the presence sensor 56 may be configured to generate a proximity field closest to the hanger assembly 10. The presence sensor 56 may be configured to detect changes in the proximity field in response to detecting an object, such as the hand of a person occupying vehicle 12, closest to the presence sensor 56. While the presence sensor 56 has been discussed with reference to a capacitive sensor, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of occupancy sensors can be used in addition to or alternatively to a capacitive sensor. For example, the presence sensor 56 may correspond to inductive sensors, optical sensors, resistance sensors, temperature sensors, the like, or a combination thereof.

To provide a diffuse illumination function for the hanger assembly 10 in the hanger configuration 34, the hanger assembly 10 may further comprise a second light source 60 disposed in the housing 22. The second light source 60 is discussed in more detail with reference to FIG. 3B. The second light source 60 can be installed in the housing 22 and in communication with the power source through a switch that can be controlled by the presence sensor 56. The second light source 60 may be configured to emit scattered light 62 through an illuminated portion 64 of the pivot assembly 24. The illuminated portion 64 may correspond to an at least partially translucent portion of the pivot assembly 24 configured to transmit stray light 62 from a second light source 60 located in the housing 22. In this configuration, the presence sensor 56 can detect an object closest to the hanger assembly 10 and emit scattered light 62 from the second light source 60 to provide improved accessibility to the hanger 26 and backlight 38. The scattered light 62 may correspond to the second output 84 as discussed with reference to FIG. 3.

Next, referring to FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C, an exploded view of the hanger assembly 10 is shown showing the pivot assembly 24, housing 22, and reinforcement bracket 70, respectively. A pivot assembly 24 is shown showing a first surface 18 including a hanger 26 attached thereto. Illumination device 38 is shown as an invisible line corresponding to second surface 20. First end portion 46 and second end portion 48 of pin 44 extend from pivot assembly 24 and may be configured to align with a plurality of holes 72 located in first wall 74 and second wall 76 of housing 22. First wall 74 and second wall 76 may correspond to opposing surfaces configured to support and retain pin 44 to pivotally engage pivot assembly 24 with housing 22.

The pivotal engagement of the pivot assembly 24 with the housing 22 can additionally be provided by a reinforcement bracket 70. Alternatively or in addition to the arrangement of the holes 72 in the housing 22, the holes 72 may be located in the reinforcement bracket 70. The reinforcement bracket 70 may additionally be interconnected with the housing 22 by at least one fastener or fastener. The fastener may be located in a central mating feature 78 configured to connect the reinforcement bracket 70 to the housing 22. In this configuration, the reinforcement bracket 70 may provide structural support for the housing to allow heavy clothing or other items to be hung on the hanger.

Next, referring to FIG. 3B, a second light source 66 is shown disposed in a cup portion 80 formed by a housing 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the second light source 60 may be configured to emit excitation radiation configured to drive a photoluminescent portion 82 that may be located in the cup portion 80. In response to receiving the excitation radiation from the second light source 60, the photoluminescent portion 82 may convert the excitation radiation into a second output radiation 84, which may correspond to scattered light 62. At least one circuit may connect the presence sensor 56 to the second light source 60, so that the second light source 60 can selectively emit excitation radiation to generate the second output radiation 84.

The photoluminescent portion 82 may be disposed in the cup portion 80 as a coating or layer. In operation, the excitation radiation can be emitted from the second light source 60 into the cup portion 80. The excitation radiation can then be converted into one or more colors of the scattered light. For example, excitation radiation can be emitted from the second light source 60 at a first wavelength. The first wavelength may correspond to at least one absorption wavelength of one or more photoluminescent materials located in the photoluminescent portion 82. The photoluminescent materials can convert excitation radiation at the first wavelength into a second output radiation 84 having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength ... The second output radiation 84 may comprise one or more wavelengths, one of which may be greater than the first wavelength. The conversion of the excitation radiation into the second output radiation 84 by photoluminescent materials is referred to as Stokes shift.

In some embodiments, the second output 84 may correspond to multiple wavelengths. Each of the many wavelengths can correspond to substantially different spectral color ranges. For example, at least the second wavelength of the second output radiation 84 may correspond to a plurality of wavelengths (eg, second, third, etc.). In some implementations, multiple wavelengths may be combined in the second output 84 to appear as substantially white light. The plurality of wavelengths can be formed by a red emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of about 620-750 nm, a green emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of about 526-606 nm, and a blue or blue-green emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of about 400-525 nm.

The photoluminescent materials corresponding to the photoluminescent portion 82 may contain organic and inorganic fluorescent dyes adapted to convert the excitation radiation into a second output radiation 84. For example, the photoluminescent portion 82 may comprise a photoluminescent structure of rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, phthalocyanines, or other materials. for a particular Stokes shift, defined by the absorption range and emission fluorescence. In some embodiments, the photoluminescent portion 82 may have at least one inorganic luminescent material selected from the group of phosphors. The inorganic luminescent material can more specifically be formed from the group of cerium-doped garnets such as YAG: Ce. As such, each of the photoluminescent portions can be selectively driven by a wide range of wavelengths received from excitation radiation configured to excite one or more photoluminescent materials to emit output radiation having a desired color.

The photoluminescent portion 82 can be applied to the surface of the cup portion 80 and / or the at least partially translucent portion 86 of the pivot assembly 24. In this configuration, the second output radiation 84 can be output from the first surface 18 or the second surface 20 to provide for scattered light 62 was displayed in passenger compartment 14. Additional information regarding the structure of photoluminescent structures to be used in at least one photoluminescent portion of a vehicle is disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,232,533 to Kingsley et al. Entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER EUCTURE FOR HIGH ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION ", with the submission of July 31st, 2012, with the submission of a photovoltaic and environmentally sustainable multi-layered structure for a highly efficient conversion of electric power generation. , the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Light sources as described herein (eg, first light source 40 and second light source 60) can correspond to any shape of light source or light-generating device. For example, light sources can correspond to one or more light-generating devices such as halogen lamps, fluorescent lamps, light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), polymer LEDs (PLEDs), solid state lighting equipment, or any other form of lighting. ... As such, the light sources of the hanger assembly 10 provide a variety of light colors and lighting performance to suit the desired appearance and function.

As shown in FIG. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the hanger assembly 10 may provide a flexible solution having numerous benefits. In the backlight configuration 32, the first light source 40 can be selectively activated by the switch 42 to activate the backlight 38. In the hanger configuration 34, the first surface 18 can be extended into the passenger compartment 14 so that the hanger 26 is accessible to the occupant of the vehicle 12. Additionally, in both the lighting device configuration 32 and the hanger configuration 34, the presence sensor 56 can selectively activate the second light source 60 to emit scattered light 62 through the light transmitting portion 86 of the pivot assembly 24. Thus, the hanger assembly 10 can provide for improved accessibility of the backlight 38 and hanger 26.

Next, referring to FIG. 4A and 4B, the hanger assembly 10 is shown in a backlight configuration 32 and a hanger configuration 34, respectively. In the illumination configuration 32, the pivot assembly 24 is pivotable so that the second surface 20 faces the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12. The first light source 40 is shown located on the second surface 20 and in communication with the power source via the conductive connector 90. The conductive connector 90 may be configured to connect first light source 40 to switch 42, first terminal 52, and second terminal 54 so that current can be selectively supplied to first light source 40 by switch 42. Diffuser and / or cover portion 92 may be positioned over the first light source 40 so that the illumination device 38 is protected and the first output light 36 is projected through the lid portion 92 into the passenger compartment 14.

In the backlight configuration 32, the presence sensor 56 can selectively activate the second light source 60 in response to an object detected closer to it. In response to the selective activation of the presence sensor 56, the second output radiation 84 emitted from the photoluminescent portion 82 can be output through the translucent portion 86 of the pivot assembly 24. In this configuration, the occupant of the vehicle can easily identify the location of the hanger and switch assembly 10. 42. The location can be readily identified by the occupant by moving an object, such as a hand, near the presence sensor 56 so that scattered light 62 is emitted through the translucent portion 86.

In the hanger configuration 34, the first surface 18 is extended into the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 12. In this configuration, the hanger 26 can be easily accessed. As discussed with reference to the configuration 32 of the backlight device, the accessibility of the hanger 26 can similarly be improved by selectively activating the scattered light 62 in response to object detection by the presence sensor 56. As discussed herein, the hanger assembly 10 may provide a multifunctional assembly to improve accessibility of at least a hanger 26 located on the headliner portion 16 of the vehicle 12. The hanger assembly 10 may also provide additional functionality such as a backlight 38.

As shown in FIG. 4A and 4B, the hanger assembly 10 includes a rim 58 that is configured to hold the presence sensor 56. In this configuration, the presence sensor 56 is open and operable to detect an object in the passenger compartment 14 in both the backlight configuration 32 and the hanger configuration 34. While discussed with reference to specific embodiments disclosed herein, the hanger assembly 10 may be constructed in accordance with numerous variations of the elements discussed herein without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, a block diagram of a controller 100 is shown that may be configured to control at least one of a first light source 40 and a second light source 60. As discussed herein, the first light source 40 may be activated in response to an input to the switch 42, which may optionally be in communication with the controller 100. Additionally, the controller 100 may be in communication with the vehicle control module 102 via a bus 104 vehicle communication 12. The communication bus 104 may be configured to provide signals to the controller 100 identifying various states of the vehicle. For example, the communication bus 104 may be configured to communicate to the controller 100 a vehicle gear selection, a door open state, ambient lighting level, fuel level, or any other information or control signals that may be used to adjust the luminescence of the first light source 40 and / or a second light source 60. Thus, controller 100 can selectively activate light sources in response to one or more states of vehicle 12.

Controller 100 may include a processor 106 comprising one or more circuitry configured to receive signals from communication bus 104 and output signals to control light sources (eg, 40 and 60) discussed herein. The processor 106 may be in communication with a memory 108 configured to store instructions for controlling the activation of the light sources 32. The controller 100 can optionally be in communication with the ambient light sensor 112. The ambient light sensor 112 may be operable to report a light mode, such as the level of brightness or intensity of the ambient light closer to the vehicle 12. In response to the ambient light level, the controller 100 may be configured to adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the sources 40 and / or 60 lights. The intensity of the light emitted from the light sources 40 and 60 can be adjusted by controlling the duty cycle, current, or voltage supplied to the light sources 40 and 60.

The controller 100 may be configured to selectively activate and / or deactivate the light sources 40 and 60 in response to various vehicle conditions. Vehicle states may include, but are not limited to: vehicle 12 gear selection, door open, ambient lighting level, fuel level, or any other information or control signals, such as a direction indicator or an indication of a field of view closed from the driver. ... In this configuration, controller 100 can selectively activate light sources 40 and 60 to illuminate at least a portion of passenger compartment 14 in response to ambient lighting, a moving or parked condition, and various additional conditions that may be related to vehicle operation. means 12 and its environment. The controller 100 may further be configured to disable the light sources 40 and 60 in response to changing conditions that lead to activation and / or in response to the expiration of a predetermined time.

For purposes of describing and delineating the present doctrines, it is noted that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are used throughout this application to provide an inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement or other representation. The terms "substantially" and "approximately" are also used throughout this application to provide the extent to which a quantitative representation can deviate from a predetermined reference value without altering the essential function of the subject matter in question.

It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and furthermore, it should be understood that such concepts are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, unless those claims expressly state otherwise in their language. ...

Claims (29)

1. A hanger assembly for a vehicle containing: a pivot assembly comprising a panel defining a permeable portion and a first surface pivotally interchangeable with the second surface; and a housing defining an opening containing a light source and configured to pivotally engage a pivot assembly, the first surface containing a hanger and the panel defining the opening, the permeable portion transmitting light from the light source through the panel. 2. The assembly of claim. 1, wherein the second surface comprises a backlight and a switch configured to selectively actuate the backlight. 3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the pivot assembly is arranged in a first configuration in which the hanger is extended and the lighting device is substantially hidden in the housing. 4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the pivot assembly is also configured to be disposed in a second configuration in which the backlight is extended and the hanger is substantially hidden in the housing. 5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the pivot assembly comprises at least one pivot axis connecting the pivot assembly to the housing. 6. The assembly according to claim 5, also comprising a reinforcing bracket in connection with the body, and the pivot assembly is configured to support the first side of the pivot axis and the second side of the pivot axis. 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the permeable portion extends around the perimeter of the panel. 8. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the permeable portion and the light source form an illumination indicator illuminating a portion of the first surface closest to the hanger. 9. Vehicle hanger assembly comprising: a pivot assembly comprising a panel defining a first surface containing a hanger pivotally interchangeable with a second surface, the panel comprising a permeable portion; a housing configured to engage the pivot assembly; a light source located in the housing, the permeable portion transmitting light from the light source from the first surface to the second surface; and a presence sensor configured to generate light. 10. The hanger assembly of claim 9, wherein the housing is configured to be mounted on the interior of the vehicle roof. 11. The hanger assembly of claim 9, wherein the presence sensor is configured to selectively illuminate the light source in response to detecting a nearby object. 12. The hanger assembly of claim 9, wherein the pivot assembly comprises an at least partially translucent portion configured to allow output radiation from the light source to pass therethrough. 13. The hanger assembly of claim 12, wherein the light source is configured to emit excitation radiation in the form of substantially blue light. 14. The hanger assembly according to claim 13, further comprising a photoluminescent portion adapted to convert the excitation radiation into output radiation. 15. The hanger assembly of claim 14, wherein the output radiation corresponds to a different color of light than the first radiation. 16. The hanger assembly of claim 14, wherein the photoluminescent portion is disposed at least partially on the translucent portion. 17. A hanger assembly for a vehicle comprising a pivot assembly comprising a panel defining a permeable portion containing a first surface pivotally interchangeable with a second surface; a housing configured to engage the pivot assembly; a first light source located in the housing and configured to generate scattered light, the scattered light configured to illuminate the permeable portion through the panel; and a second light source located on a second surface corresponding to the illumination device, the first surface comprising a hanger. 18. The hanger assembly of claim 17, further comprising a presence sensor configured to selectively activate the first light source in response to detecting an object closest to the hanger assembly. 19. The hanger assembly of claim 18, wherein the presence sensor is configured to illuminate at least a portion of the first surface and the second surface in response to detection. 20. The hanger assembly of claim 17, further comprising a switch located on the second surface and configured to activate the second light source.

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