Abstract: Liftgate assemblies with accessory hooks are disclosed. A liftgate assembly includes a door assembly movable in a vehicle vertical direction to an open position. The door assembly includes an interior surface panel, at least one hook disposed on the interior surface panel, and a controller communicatively coupled to the door assembly. The controller is configured to determine a presence of an item suspended from the hook when the door assembly is in the open position, transmit an alert, and prevent the door assembly from closing.

Abstract: A door handle for a vehicle door of a motor vehicle includes a carrier plate, a handle part, and at least one lighting device arranged in/on the carrier plate with at least one lighting element and/or a light guide element. The lighting element and/or the light guide element are adjustable between an extended position of use and a retracted non-use position. The at least one lighting element and/or the at least one light guide element projects, in its extended position of use, into a recess of the handle part and thus illuminates at least parts of the handle part and/or of an area surrounding the handle part.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior lighting system includes a lighting module disposed at a side of a vehicle. The lighting module includes at least one light emitting diode. The lighting module is operable to emit light that is viewable by a person exterior the side of the vehicle who is viewing the side of the vehicle. The lighting module emits white light responsive to a signal from a remote device to provide ground illumination of a ground region at the side of the vehicle at which the lighting module is disposed, and the lighting module (i) emits a first color of light responsive to a door lock signal and (ii) emits a second color of light responsive to a door unlock signal. The first color of light is different than the second color of light.

Abstract: A vehicular exterior door handle assembly includes a base portion configured to mount at an exterior door handle region of a vehicular door of a vehicle, a handle portion, and a sensing module that includes at least one light emitter and at least one light sensor. With the base portion of the vehicular exterior door handle assembly mounted at the exterior door handle region of the vehicular door, the light emitter, when energized, emits light. With the base portion mounted at the exterior door handle region of the vehicular door, and with the light emitter energized, the light sensor senses light emitted by the light emitter. Responsive to light sensed by the light sensor with the light emitter energized being below a threshold level, the sensing module determines a presence of a person's hand at the handle portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a projection apparatus configured to be disposed on a vehicle door, and a control method of the projection apparatus. The projection apparatus includes an illumination source, a projection display apparatus and a controller. The illumination source is configured to provide an illumination beam. The projection display apparatus is disposed on a transmission path of the illumination beam, and is configured to convert the illumination beam into a projection beam. The controller is coupled to the projection display apparatus. The controller determines whether the vehicle door is a first vehicle door or a second vehicle door according to an opening operation of the vehicle door, and correspondingly causes the projection beam to display an image.

Abstract: An authentication pattern generation unit, if a signal from a portable device is received, prompts a user who uses the portable device to perform a specific action. A checking unit determines whether or not the user has performed the specific action. If the checking unit determines that the user has performed the specific action, the checking unit authenticates that the portable device is an authorized device.

Abstract: In an interior member (1) for a vehicle, a lens (18) extends along a light guide member, and is provided with a groove (26) receiving the light guide member therein, a first engaging portion (21) provided on a wall that defines the groove, and a second engaging portion (22) provided on a wall that defines the groove, and the interior member main body is provided with a first engaged portion (34) engaged by the first engaging portion, and a second engaged portion (35) engaged by the second engaging portion, the lens being resiliently deformable so as to bring the walls defining the groove toward each other.

Abstract: A retractable outside door handle assembly may include: an outside door handle protruded outward in a width direction of a vehicle rather than a door outer panel configuring a door of the vehicle or being receivable to an opening formed at the door outer panel; a first link having one end connected to one end of the outside door handle and the other end extending downward along a height direction of the vehicle; a second link having one end connected to one side and the other side of the outside door handle and the other end extending along the height direction of the vehicle; a main arm having one end rotatably connected to the door outer panel and the other end connected to the second link; and a moving block connected to the other end of the first link and the other end of the second link and movable upwards and downwards along the height direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A retractable outside door handle assembly for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an outside door handle protruded outward in a width direction of a vehicle rather than a door outer panel configuring a door of the vehicle or being receivable to an opening formed at the door outer panel. A first link has one end connected to one end of the outside door handle and the other end extending downward along a height direction of the vehicle. A second link has one end connected to one side and the other side of the outside door handle and the other end extending along the height direction of the vehicle. A main arm has one end rotatably connected to the door outer panel and the other end connected to the second link.

Abstract: A ride-share system is disclosed. The system may comprise: one or more processors and memory storing instructions that are executable by the one or more processors, the instructions comprising: while operating a vehicle in an autonomous mode, determine a transit stop; based on the determination, attempt to establish communication with a smart node; when communication is established with the smart node, query the smart node regarding whether to actuate a vehicle door to an open position; and when communication is not established with the smart node, determine whether to actuate the vehicle door to the open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle device (1) for a movable part (100), in particular a motor vehicle door (100), of a motor vehicle, which is designed with a carrier element (10), a holder (11) being formed on the carrier element (10), which receptacle can be arranged at an opening (101) in the movable part (100), wherein a door handle (20), in particular a level door handle, for actuating the movable part (100) is movably mounted on the carrier element (10), and wherein the door handle (20) is designed such that a front gap (S) can be set between the opening (101) in the movable part (100) and the door handle (20). For this purpose, it is provided in accordance with the invention that a light conductor (30) is arranged on the carrier element (10) in order to indirectly illuminate the door handle (20) through the gap (S).

Abstract: A touch sensor for controlling intensity of lighting electrically connected thereto, the touch sensor including a touch sensor interface for detecting a touch of a user, a power supply connected to the touch sensor for controlling the intensity of the lighting, and a backlight behind the touch sensor interface, and including a plurality of light sources for illuminating different portions of the touch sensor interface.

Abstract: An apparatus detects and warns pedestrians of traffic approaching an intersection. The apparatus includes multiple unitary sensors for detecting traffic, each unitary sensor being capable of detecting a pedestrian and a moving metal object such as a forklift. The unitary sensors use microwaves to detect moving metal objects and, in some embodiments can also use microwaves to detect pedestrians. Each of the unitary sensors has an activatable pedestrian mode that, when activated, allows the unitary sensor to sense and detect the presence of pedestrians.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving customer satisfaction during a vehicle fuel tank refueling event. A customer refilling fuel in a fuel tank is provided a real-time update regarding the status of a fuel system, including a time remaining until the fuel tank is depressurized and ready to receive fuel. The update is provided visually by projecting the countdown on a ground surface via a puddle light, and acoustically via an external microphone or speaker of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular door handle assembly includes a base portion configured to mount at a handle region of a vehicle door of a vehicle, a handle portion movable relative to the base portion, and an illumination module disposed in the handle portion. The illumination module includes a housing and an electronic circuit assembly having a light emitting diode (LED) and a circuit board with a user actuatable input disposed at a side thereof. The illumination module includes a light pipe in the housing and at least partially along the handle portion and having a light receiving end at the LED. The LED is actuated responsive at least in part to actuation by the user of the user actuatable input. Light emitted by the LED, when actuated, is received at the light receiving end of the light pipe, whereby the light pipe provides illumination at least partially along the handle portion.

Abstract: A B-pillar vehicle warning system includes a plurality of regions that can be illuminated to provide green, yellow, and red light. The warning system may be configured to utilize inputs from an autonomous driving sensing system to determine a location of a pedestrian, cyclist, vehicle, etc. relative to the vehicle. The system may be configured to illuminate specific lights in a predefined sequence based on a position of a pedestrian to alert/warn a pedestrian approaching the vehicle.

Abstract: A door handle assembly for a door of a vehicle includes a handle portion pivotally mounted at the handle region of the vehicle door. The handle portion is disposed at a pocket region of the handle region. A pocket lighting module includes at least one light emitting diode operable to emit light to illuminate the pocket region. The pocket lighting module is operable to emit different colors of light responsive to different triggers.

Abstract: A vehicle applique is provided that includes a substantially transparent substrate defining first and second surfaces, a decorative film positioned on the first surface of the substrate, and an over-mold positioned over the film. The over-mold defines at least one diffraction grating and a light source is positioned proximate the second surface of the substrate. The light source is configured to emit light through the substrate and the over-mold.

Abstract: A courtesy lighting system is provided for a door of a motor vehicle. That courtesy lighting system includes an audio speaker, a light source, a network interface connected to the audio speaker and the light source and a control module. The control module is connected to the network interface. The control module includes a controller configured to operate in (a) an ambient illumination mode, (b) a footwell illumination mode when the door is closed and (c) a puddle illumination mode when the door is opened. A method of lighting a door of a motor vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: The protective cover for vehicle button control panel is a protective barrier that is adapted for use with the interior door control panel of an automobile door. The protective cover for vehicle button control panel is a transparent barrier that is placed on top of the interior door control panel for the purpose of protecting the plurality of individual controls. The protective cover for vehicle button control panel is a plastic shield that fits over the interior door control panel such that the control switches of the interior door control panel can be operated through the plastic shield. The protective cover for vehicle button control panel further illuminates the interior door control panel to simplify the operation of the interior door control panel. The protective cover for vehicle button control panel comprises a guard, a lighting system, and an adhesive.

Abstract: A door handle includes a casing inside which an accommodation space is provided, and a lamp unit disposed in the accommodation space. The lamp unit includes a light emission element, a circuit board on which the light emission element is mounted, a housing that supports the circuit board, and a light guiding lens that guides light emitted from the light emission element in a predetermined direction. The light guiding lens includes an incident surface that receives light emitted from the light emission element, and an emission surface that emits the light entering in the light guiding lens through the incident surface and is positioned below the incident surface. In the door handle, the emission surface is positioned above a lower surface of the casing.

Abstract: An interior door trim component for an automotive vehicle. The door trim component includes a main body having an exterior surface for facing the interior of the vehicle and a door pull configured to allow for pulling thereon and closing of the door of the vehicle. The door pull is spaced apart from the main body by a distance that allows the fingers of a vehicle occupant's hand to extend into the area between the door pull and the main body. A light emitting assembly is mounted adjacent to the door pull and is oriented to emitt light in a direction away from the door pull and toward the exterior surface of the main body.

Abstract: A vehicular interior part includes an interior part main body, an elongated light guide member guiding light from a light source, and a light guide member holder mounted to the interior part main body and holding the light guide member. The light guide member holder includes an elongated holder main body including a holder recess where the light guide member is arranged and having a U-shaped cross section and extending in an elongated direction of the light guide member, and at least two mount portions provided on a peripheral end portion of the holder main body and arranged along an elongated direction of the holder main body and mounted to the interior part main body. The holder main body includes a weak portion between the at least two mount portions that has mechanical strength lower than other parts of the holder main body.

Abstract: A lighting device, in particular contour lighting for a motor vehicle, includes a housing made from a plastic material that is transparent to the light coupled into the housing and functions as a diffuser and is covered with a coating at least in the region of the outer surface thereof that is visible when mounted and that is not transparent to the light coupled in, wherein the coating is removed locally in order to form a narrow light-emitting line.

Abstract: A vehicle safety light device for illuminating a portion of a vehicle and providing simultaneous illumination to the front and rear as a warning. The device includes a main housing and a front light coupled to and exposed through a front face of a perimeter wall of the main housing. The front light is selectively illuminated. An electrical port is coupled to a rear face of the main housing. A cord has a first end selectively couplable to the electrical port. A secondary light is coupled to and exposed through a front face of a secondary housing. A second end of the cord is coupled to the secondary housing. The cord is electrically coupled to the front light wherein the secondary light is illuminated when the cord is coupled to the electrical port and the front light is illuminated.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body that defines an opening and a door configured to selectively open and close the opening. The vehicle also includes a lock that operatively connects the door to the body and can be either unlatched or latched for maintaining closure of the opening. The vehicle also includes a control device positioned on the door for unlatching the lock, and also a vehicle electric system and a lighting system. The lighting system includes a light-emitting element arranged on the control device and in electric communication with the electric system. The lighting system also includes a portable transmitter configured to transmit a signal and thereby commence an unlatching sequence for the lock. The lighting system additionally includes a controller configured to receive the signal and activate the light-emitting element in response to the received signal to display a visual lighting sequence signifying the status of the lock.

Abstract: A lighting device for a vehicle is provided to a vehicular door trim to illuminate a handle housing portion in which an inside handle is housed. The lighting device includes a light exit member, a light exit member mount member provided on an upper side of the inside handle and on which the light exit member is arranged, and a light transmission portion provided to the light exit member mount member and through which light from the light exit member is directed to the handle housing portion. The light exit member is arranged on a vehicular compartment inner side than the light transmission portion.

Abstract: A vehicle door for use on a vehicle includes a pocket having a side wall assembly that defines a space in the pocket. The side wall assembly includes an inner wall member disposed in a transverse inward direction of the vehicle. A hand grip is bendable with respect to the inner wall member by a bendable web. The hand grip has a front tooth including a support that extends through a front hole, and a locking hook that extends from the support and engages with a lower surface of a front wall of the inner wall member. A front support wall is mounted on the inner wall member for keeping the front tooth from being removed out of the front hole.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel illumination system and methods that can be used on the outside of an automobile. The illumination system may preferably be displayed on the outside of a door panel of an automobile, but may also be displayed on any other exterior surface of an automobile. The illuminated design may employ fiber optic cables to illuminate the preferred design.

Abstract: Keypad indicia are integral with a window of a vehicle. The keypad indicia are formed using a ultra-violet (UV) fluorescent dye that is nearly invisible to a human eye until exposed to UV light. A UV light emitting device of the vehicle is configured for outputting UV light. The light emitting device is mounted for enabling the keypad indicia to be exposed to the outputted UV light thereby causing the keypad indicia to become readily visible by the human eye. An imaging device of the vehicle captures user interaction with the keypad indicia while the keypad indicia is exposed to the outputted UV light. The keypad interaction processor determines if a sequence of body part movements with respect to the keypad indicia that is captured by the imaging device during exposure of the keypad indicia to the outputted light corresponds to an access code of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighted interior accessory assembly for a vehicle includes an interior accessory such as an armrest or console and a plurality of fasteners mounting the interior accessory on the interior panel. A mounting plate has a light pipe mounted thereon and emitting light along the length of the light pipe. The mounting plate is sandwiched between the armrest and the interior panel so that the mounting plate creates a gap between the armrest and the interior panel through which the light pipe emits light into the vehicle interior. Mounting the armrest directly to the door trim without inter-positioning the mounting plate between the armrest and the door trim eliminates the gap and eliminates the light pipe. Accordingly, a vehicle manufacturer can readily include a lighting feature in a luxury version of the vehicle and omit the lighting feature from a standard version of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a light source, an elongated panel member, an elongated light guide member provided to the panel member, a first light transmission portion provided in the panel member and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the first portion to be illuminated, and a second light transmission portion provided in the panel member to be farther away from the light source than the first light transmission portion and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the second portion to be illuminated, the second light transmission portion and the second portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the light exit portion. The light guide member and the second portion are provided to be closer to each other as they are farther away from the light source.

Abstract: A lighting system for a motor vehicle 1 is disclosed in which a light source 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is fitted to the inside of each door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R so as to selectively provide interior lighting when the respective door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R is closed and puddle lighting when it is open. Each of the light sources 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is mounted close to a waistline of the door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R to which it is attached and is arranged to project light in a downward direction so as not to provide a distraction for a driver of the motor vehicle 1.

Abstract: An edge lighting device, and a method of providing edge lighting, including providing a lighting device with at least one light emitting diode (LED) chip embedded therein, wherein the LED chip(s) generates light photons. A path of the light photons within the lighting device that are emitted by the LED chip(s) from a top surface of the LED chip(s), are redirected from a first edge of the lighting device back through the lighting device to a second edge of the lighting device opposite to the first edge. The first edge and the second edge of the lighting device are perpendicular to the top surface of the LED chip(s). The photons which were redirected from the first edge of the lighting device then follow a path through the second edge of the device and are then output from the edge lighting device at the second edge of the device.

Abstract: A lighting device includes a light source, an elongated panel member, an elongated light guide member provided to the panel member, a first light transmission portion provided in the panel member and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the first portion to be illuminated, and a second light transmission portion provided in the panel member to be farther away from the light source than the first light transmission portion and through which the light from the light guide member transmits toward the second portion to be illuminated, the second light transmission portion and the second portion extending along a longitudinal direction of the light exit portion. The light guide member and the second portion are provided to be closer to each other as they are farther away from the light source.

Abstract: An illuminator of a door outside handle for a vehicle may perform both a function of a light source and a light guiding function. The illuminator may further employ a light guide having a mood lamp function on an inner surface of the door outside handle and a top LED combined with the light guide to illuminate the outer panel together with the illuminator, making it possible to enhance a product value due to realization of various illumination effects. The illuminator of a door outside handle for a vehicle can be turned on or off through various operation logics by employing multiple different illumination methods where lights of different colors can be realized according to the operation condition, making it possible to enhance product value.

Abstract: An illumination device for a vehicle includes a light source and an inside handle well. The inside handle well has a lower wall, an upper wall, and an opening. The light source is arranged under the lower wall. The lower wall has a light exit portion configured such that light emitted from the light source exits therethrough and travels to an inside of the inside handle well. The upper wall has a light reflecting portion configured to reflect light exiting through the light exit portion and traveling upward in the inside handle well toward the inside handle. The opening is formed on the inner side of the interior of the vehicle.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a door handle assembly used in a vehicle door having an illumination module and illumination source that directs light in a first direction and a second direction using a pair of light pipes. The door handle from the door handle assembly includes a first illumination aperture oriented in the first direction and a second illumination aperture oriented in the second direction. As the illumination source generates light, the first light pipe receives a first portion of light and directs it toward a first illumination surface and the first illumination aperture in the first direction. By molding the second light pipe around the first light pipe, remaining light is captured from the illumination source as a second portion of light. The second portion of light reflects along the interior surfaces of the second light pipe towards the second illumination surface oriented in the second direction.

Abstract: A vehicle component includes a molded cover molded into a shape of a surface of a part attached to a vehicle and a surface-emitting device bonded or fitted and fixed along a back face of the molded cover. The molded cover is vacuum formed by solid decorative molding of a translucent resin molded member with a translucent film, and light from the surface-emitting device is transmitted through the molded cover and emerges in a predetermined light-emitting area which is a part of a surface of the vehicle component. The vehicle component obtains a light-emitting function with a relatively simple structure and in a relatively compact form with a design not impaired and excellent in beauty and appearance.

Abstract: A lamp unit is provided. A decorative part has a lens. A functional part has a light source. The lamp unit can be assembled on left and right doors to illuminate a predetermined position. The functional part is provided with a functional side lock portion, and the decorative part is provided with a first decorative side lock portion corresponding to a first assembling direction of the functional part and a second decorative side lock portion corresponding to a second assembling direction of the functional part. Both the first decorative side lock portion and the second decorative side lock portion can be fitted into the functional side lock portion.

Abstract: An interior trim part for a bodywork component has a lighting system with a first component that generates a light signal and a second component that outputs the light signal toward the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The bodywork component has a moveable region (200) that can be moved with respect to a non-moveable region (300), from a stationary normal position into an open position displaced with respect to the non-moveable region (300). The first component of the light system generates, in the normal position of the moveable region (200), a light signal that is input into the second component which passes on the light signal in the manner of a lightguide.

Abstract: A user interface assembly (100, 104, 200) for operating a system within a vehicle (10) is disclosed that comprises a base (110, 210) and a user interface (100, 104, 200) supported at the base (110, 210) and configured to be selectively actuated for operating the system. The user interface includes a first portion and a second portion. The interface assembly also comprises a light source (140, 240) configured to provide light into the first portion of user interface (100, 104, 200). The user interface (100, 104, 200) is configured to function as a conduit for the light directed into the first portion so that the light can be emitted from the second portion of the user interface (100, 104, 200).

Abstract: Equipment module indicator handle apparatus and methods are provided for displaying indications of the status conditions of equipment module circuitry using a light-conductive handle body that includes at least one handle leg at least partially composed of light conductive material and configured to transmit emitted light from a proximate end of the indicator handle toward a distal end of the indicator handle to visibly display a status condition of the module circuitry to a user on a surface of the indicator handle that is spaced apart from the wall of a chassis of the module.

Abstract: A door handle apparatus for a vehicle is provided. The door handle includes a door handle body that is configured to be disposed at a door of the vehicle. A light source is mounted inside the door handle body. A light-transmitting member is located between the light source and the door handle body. The light-transmitting member is partially exposed to an exterior of the door handle body.

Abstract: A door handle apparatus includes: a handle base (2) secured to a vehicle door (1); an operation handle (3) freely rotatably coupled to the handle base (2); and a lighting device (6) including a light emitting element (5) that emits light by being fed with power through wire harnesses (4) inserted through an inside of the operation handle (3). An irradiation opening (7) is formed on a sidewall of the operation handle (3), which is opposite to the ground in a state where the operation handle (3) is attached onto the door (1). The lighting device (6) is formed in a lens portion (9) sealing the light emitting element (5) in cooperation with sealing resin (8), and is secured to the operation handle (3) by fitting, to the irradiation opening (7), a fitting protruding portion (10) having a shape coinciding with the irradiation opening (7).

Abstract: A molding for a vehicle includes a molding body provided at a door of the vehicle, at least one light-emitting body provided inside an end portion of the molding body for notifying an occupant of a state of the door, and a light-transmitting portion provided at the molding body for transmitting light emitted by the light-emitting body.

Abstract: The invention relates to the handle (4) of an opening element (2) of a vehicle, comprising a grip part (12) and a flap (14) mounted in such a way that it moves between a position wherein it fills an opening (22) extending in the continuation of the grip part and enabling said grip part to be handled; and a position wherein it frees up the opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a handle thereof. The handle of the refrigerator includes a supporter; a decoration member installed at the supporter; a cover member covering the decoration member and is provided with a transmissive part through which light is passed; and a light-emitting unit which emits light, wherein at least some of the light emitted from the light-emitting unit passes through the transmissive part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grip device (10) for a closure device (80) for a movable part (70), such as a door, lid or the like, of a vehicle, comprising a grip part (20), which is movably mounted relative to the movable part (70), wherein the closure device can be connected to the grip part (20) via a connecting element (14) and the grip part (20) is used to actuate the closure device (80). To this end, according to the invention the grip part (20) is composed of at least two parts, wherein a first part (21) is directly or indirectly mounted on the movable part (70) and a second part (22) is arranged movably on the first part (21), which forms an operating part (22) for operating the grip device (10).

Abstract: An exterior door handle assembly includes an illumination device and a handle portion movable to open a vehicle door. The illumination device includes at least one illumination source that, when actuated, emits light. The illumination device includes a lighting strip that is disposed at the handle portion, and the lighting strip extends at least partially along a length dimension of the handle portion. When the illumination source is actuated, the lighting strip is illuminated and the illumination is viewable at least partially along the length dimension of the handle portion by a person viewing the handle portion of the exterior door handle assembly from outside of the vehicle door. When the illumination source is not actuated, the lighting strip may not be readily viewable by and discernible to a person viewing the handle portion of the exterior door handle assembly from outside of the vehicle door.