FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a lighting device for an automobile. More specifically, it relates to a daytime running light device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION While it is common and obligatory that automobiles are equipped with headlights for nighttime use or in bad weather conditions, it was for a long time considered unnecessary to use daytime running light (DRL). The DRL function is realized by light sources which are positioned on the front side of the automobile, and is used at daytime even when visibility is good. Its purpose is to make the automobile more clearly visible.

Recently, a growing number of experts recommend the use of DRL and in several countries it has been made obligatory by government regulations. Studies have shown that the number of accidents in which automobiles using a daytime running light are involved is significantly reduced. This is because the use of DRL is an effective means of drawing other road users' attention to the presence of an automobile during daytime.

There are basically two methods of realizing the DRL function on an automobile. One method employs the standard headlights of the automobile, which may be used in normal, i. e. dipped, mode. Alternatively, if an appropriate circuitry is provided, the headlights may be used with reduced power. This first method may seriously reduce the lifetime of the headlamps. Moreover, in some countries government regulations call for specific lighting characteristics for a DRL that cannot be fulfilled with a standard headlight. In some countries, it is not allowed to use the dipped beam during day time.

A second method employs a dedicated DRL, i.e. a light source that is provided exclusively for this purpose. This requires integration of an additional light source into the front side of the automobile. In this case it is possible to either provide an additional cavity or to integrate two light sources - e.g. for the headlights and the dedicated DRL - in one cavity. US 7,252,420 discloses a lighting device for an automobile, comprising a first and second light source focused on a first and second reflective zone, respectively. Herein the light coming from the first light source is reflected by the first and second reflective zone and corresponds to a DRL beam. Dedicated DRL devices as described in the reference are not easy to integrate into an automobile. In particular, they are not suited for aftermarket installation on an automobile without factory-provided DRL devices. Even if an existing cavity is used to integrate the DRL, the geometry of that cavity will usually be different on different automobile models. This means that a different DRL device is needed for each model. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a dedicated DRL device for the aftermarket which is easy to install on a variety of automobile models. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The basic idea of the invention is to use a mounting area for a license plate, which is available on the front side of every automobile, for mounting a daytime running light device thereon. Thus, the daytime running light device can be used on many automobile models and can be easily installed.

In one aspect of the invention, a lighting device for an automobile is provided. The lighting device comprises a first lighting assembly mounted on a first support member and a second lighting assembly mounted on a second support member. Further, the lighting device comprises a mounting member for a license plate, wherein the first and second support members are connected by the mounting member.

According to the invention, the first and second lighting assemblies together form a daytime running light unit. To provide daytime running light functionality, a first light-emitting surface of the first lighting assembly and a second light-emitting surface of the second lighting assembly are spaced apart and positioned on either side of the mounting member.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an automobile with a lighting device according to the invention mounted to the front side of the automobile. The automobile also has a license plate connected to the mounting member of the light- ing device. Preferably, the mounting member is mounted to a mounting area for a license plate on the front side of the automobile.

Any directional or positional specifications like "side", "lateral" etc. here and in the following refer to a position in which the lighting device is mounted to the front side of an automobile, so that "side" means "left" or "right" with respect to auto- mobile. The mounting member is adapted for mounting a license plate thereon. This means that it provides enough space for the license plate to be mounted. It may have an area that is at least equal to that of the license plate, but it may also be very slim in shape. Optionally, it can comprise holes, so that the license plate can be fixed on the mounting member by screws. Alternatively, the mounting member may comprise clamps or the like for securing a license plate.

In this context, the mounting member and the support members can be made of one piece or be separate parts that are connected in the production process. Usually, these members account for the structural stability of the device. They can be made of materials like metal, plastic, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, glass reinforced plastic or combinations of these.

A light-emitting surface is that part of the surface of the lighting assembly from which light is emitted when the lighting device is powered. Usually, this corresponds to a transparent housing of the lighting assembly. A method for determination of the area of the light-emitting surface is given in detail below.

As mentioned, the first and second lighting assemblies together form a daytime running light unit. That is, when the lighting device is mounted to the front side of an automobile, the lighting assemblies provide a DRL function. In this context, the term DRL is to be understood as corresponding to standards or regulations in a respec- tive country or region. Independent of national standards, DRL has a signaling function for automobiles to allow others to better notice a correspondingly equipped automobile, without causing inappropriate distraction or irritation. Consequently, the DRL function is preferably realized by a constantly operating light, as opposed to a flashing light. In accordance with most national or international standards, the light colors are inside the white and amber box defined in different regulations. In many countries, government regulations also call for a minimum and maximum light intensity and a defined light distribution. In the European Union, for example, specifications for DRL are given in regulations ECE R87 and R48, which will be referred to below. Similar regulations exist in the Commonwealth of Independent States, China and India. However, in the USA regu- lations are given by the FMVSS 108, which is somewhat different from EC regulations. Other countries may have still different standards.

Further, it is widely accepted that a DRL for an automobile comprises two spaced-apart lights. Accordingly, the first and second light-emitting surface are spaced apart. According to the invention, they are positioned on either side of the mounting member. This does not exclude that the light-emitting surfaces may be positioned higher or lower than the mounting member.

As the mounting member is intended to be mounted to the front side of an automobile, it may be provided with means for connection to a mounting area for a Ii- cense plate on the front side of the automobile. Since a mounting area usually comprises a number of holes adapted for mounting a license plate or a license plate holder by screws, the mounting member may be provided with a number of holes that correspond to the holes in the mounting area. In this case, the mounting member can be mounted with screws in the same way that a license plate is mounted. Another possibility is to provide pins on the back side of the mounting member, which are positioned correspondingly to the holes in the mounting area. If the size of the pins is chosen appropriately, they can be lodged inside the holes and hold the lighting device in position. There are other possibilities for connecting the mounting member to the mounting area which are familiar to a person skilled in the art. According to one embodiment of the invention, the distance between the first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface is at least 38 cm. More preferably, the distance between the first light-emitting surface and the second light- emitting surface is at least 60 cm.

Preferably the daytime running light unit is operable to emit light conti- nuously. In any case, a flashing function could lead to the DRL being confused with indicators, warning lights or lights used by ambulances, police and the like. In most countries, a flashing function is restricted by government regulations to certain purposes and is prohibited for DRL. However, flashing at a frequency that is not perceivable to the human eye, e.g. at more than 20 Hz, could be employed. In this context, a rapid flashing like this is also considered as continuous emission of light.

It is highly preferred that the mounting member comprises a license plate holder. This makes it very easy to mount a license plate on the lighting device. Furthermore, the installation procedure is facilitated if a license plate holder is integrated into the lighting device compared to installing a separate license holder. In one embodiment of the invention, a position and/or angular orientation of each light-emitting surface is adjustable relative to the mounting member. In this embodiment, the lighting device can be adapted to the shape of the front side of an automobile. It may also be possible to adapt the lighting device to comply with government regulations on the positioning of the light-emitting surfaces. An adjustable orientation may be achieved by connecting each support member to the mounting member by a hinge. Alternatively, each support member may comprise a plastically bendable portion to allow change of an angular orientation of each light-emitting surface. It is understood that a position of the light-emitting surface may be changed along with its angular orientation.

The axis of a hinge can have different orientations. Most commonly, the axis will be substantially vertical, i.e. within 30° of the vertical. However, other orientations are not excluded. For example, a horizontal axis can allow the support member to be rotated upward and downward. In any case, to avoid unintentional pivoting, it is pre- ferred that the hinge can be locked in at least one position.

A plastically bendable portion may consist of a plastic material which can be bent under application of moderate heat. Alternatively, such a portion may comprise a ductile material like a metal wire, band or the like. The strength of this part can be chosen such that no bending occurs under the weight and inertia forces acting on it during the normal operation of the automobile.

Additionally or alternatively, each lighting assembly may be elastically deflectable with respect to the mounting member. If it is deflectable in a forward direction, the rest position of the lighting assembly relative to the mounting member may be chosen according to an autobody with a very strong curvature. If the lighting device is mounted to an autobody with a weaker curvature, the lighting assembly is deflected to adapt to that curvature. However, the deflection will result in a restoring force or torque. Thus, the lighting assembly, or the support member on whom it is mounted, is forced to rest against the autobody.

For this purpose, the support member may comprise an elastically benda- ble portion, which can be made of plastic, metal or the like. It may also be connected to the mounting member by an elastic member like a spring. It is e.g. possible to integrate a spring into a hinge, by which the support member is connected to the mounting member.

In one embodiment, each support member is connectable to the mounting member in a plurality of vertical positions. This can be realized, for example, if the sup- port member is slidably connected to the mounting member and can be locked in a plurality of vertical positions. Alternatively, it is possible to connect the support member to the mounting member by a screw and to provide one hole in the support member and a plurality of vertically spaced apart holes in the mounting member. Depending on which of the holes the screw is passed through, different vertical positions can be chosen. In further embodiment, the light-emitting surfaces extend laterally away from the mounting member. This can be advantageous for some automobile models with limited vertical space available for the light-emitting surfaces to provide a certain minimum area for the light-emitting surfaces. Preferably, the first and second light-emitting surfaces are positioned higher or lower than the center of the mounting member. For symmetry reasons, the mounting member may then be mounted to the mounting area in two positions which differ by a 180° rotation of the lighting device. Thus it is possible to position the light- emitting surfaces higher or lower by mounting the mounting member in one position or the other. In this way, the same device may be used on differently shaped automobile fronts.

In a preferred embodiment, each lighting assembly comprises a light source and light generated by the light source is emitted from the light-emitting surface in a forward direction. In this context, "forward direction" is any direction ahead of the automobile and within 45° of its longitudinal axis. Usually, a major amount of light will be emitted into within 20° of the longitudinal axis. It is not excluded that some light is emitted into a direction that is not a forward direction.

In one embodiment, the light source is a halogen lamp. Halogen lamps are widely used in automotive applications, so that it may be possible to use a widely availa- ble, standardized light source for the lighting device.

As an alternative, at least one light-emitting diode (LED) may be employed as a light source. LEDs are advantageous because they are usually smaller in size than halogen lamps and allow for a flat design of the lighting assembly. Furthermore, the lifetime of an LED may be longer than that of an automobile so that there may be no need to change the light source.

Further, a organic light-emitting diode (OLED) may be used as a light source. A OLED can provide a light source extending in two dimensions, which is particularly advantageous when national regulations on DRL require the light-emitting surface to have a certain minimum area. Another advantageous feature of an OLED is that it can be very flat and is very flexible in shape. Therefore, it can be integrated easily into almost any lighting assembly. An OLED may preferably combined with a light-directing foil.

Usually, light emitted from the light-emitting surfaces should have a certain intensity distribution. To achieve this, various optical devices may be employed in order to direct, shape, condense or widen light beams emitted from the light source. In a preferred embodiment, light from the light source is emitted into a light guide to be directed into a forward direction. Light guides made of plastic materials, e.g. PMMA, PC, silicone, or glass can be used in this embodiment, whereas plastic is preferred. Typically, light guide will be provided next to the light source or even par- tially surrounding the light source, so that a major amount of light is emitted into the light guide.

Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a reflector may be used to direct the light into the forward direction and to achieve a desired light distribution. Reflectors can e.g. be made of metal, glass or plastic on which a reflective layer is provided. A vast va- riety of shapes can be used for a reflector, like flat, polyhedral, ellipsoidal, paraboloidal etc. In particular, if more than one light source is employed, it is possible to provide one reflector for each light source and/or one reflector for all light sources.

Additionally, a primary optic, like a collimator or a total internal reflection device, may be provided next to the light source in order to pre-shape the light, which is afterwards directed into a light guide or onto a reflector. Also, secondary optical elements, such as a lens or a prism, may be employed to shape the light beam.

Preferably, the lighting device comprises an electronic driver circuit to carry out automatically the switching of the lighting device. The circuit may be provided such that it is operable to supply the lighting assemblies with power when the ignition of the automobile is on and the headlights are switched off and to cut power otherwise. The driver circuit may be connected to the ignition and the headlight power supply. There is no need for additional circuitry inside the automobile.

In a preferred embodiment, the area of each light-emitting surface is between 25 cm ² and 200 cm ² , in accordance with European Union regulation ECE R87. In this context, the term "area" refers to the effective projected area. According to the ECE R87 regulation, this area is determined by first measuring the total light intensity with a detector positioned at a distance of 7.68 m on the reference axis. Afterwards, an opaque screen with a vertical edge is moved from the left side between the light-emitting surface and the detector until the intensity drops to 98% of the total value. The position of the edge of the screen defines the left edge of the effective projected area. The right, top and bottom edges are determined in the same way.

The lighting device can also be adapted to comply with other standards or regulations. Accordingly, the area of each light-emitting surface may be at least 25 cm ² .

To comply with the ECE R87 regulation, it is further preferred that each of the first and second lighting assemblies is operable to create a light distribution with a luminous intensity of at least 400 cd at its center and not more than 1200 cd in any part of the light distribution. The regulation also calls for a light intensity having a maximum value at the HV point and decreasing towards the edges.

Alternatively, the lighting device may be adapted according to different regulations or standards. In this case, the light intensity at the center of the light distribution (corresponding to the HV point) is at least 500 cd, whereas the intensity is not more than 3000 cd, preferably not more than 1500 cd in any part of the distribution.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and eluci- dated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. The embodiments will be described with reference to the figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention,

Fig. 2 is a front view of a first automobile with the lighting device of

Fig.1 mounted thereon, Fig. 3 is a front view of a second automobile with the lighting device of

Fig.l mounted thereon in an alternate position, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional top view of the front part of the first automobile with the lighting device of Fig.2, Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of the front part of a third automobile with the lighting device of Fig.2,

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional top view of a second embodiment of a lighting assembly according to the invention,

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional top view of a third embodiment of a lighting assembly according to the invention, Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional top view of a fourth embodiment of a lighting assembly according to the invention, Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional top view of a fifth embodiment of a lighting assembly according to the invention, Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional top view of a sixth embodiment of a lighting assembly according to the invention.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional top view of a seventh embodiment of a light- ing assembly according to the invention and Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional top view of an eighth embodiment of a lighting assembly according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Fig.1 is a front view of first embodiment a daytime running light (DRL) device 1. A center portion 2 of the DRL device 1 is substantially flat and is made of molded plastic. The overall design of the DRL device 1 is symmetrical with respect to a vertical plane. On either side of the center portion 2, a first support member 3 and a second support member 4 are provided, which are connected by the center portion 2. The support members 3, 4 are also made of molded plastic. A first lighting assembly 5 is mounted on the first support member 3. An outer cover of the first lighting assembly 5 is formed by a transparent housing 9. The transparent housing 9 is roughly defines a first light-emitting surface 11. Correspondingly, a second lighting assembly 6 with a second light- emitting surface 12 is mounted on the second support member 4. In this embodiment, the distance between the light-emitting surfaces 11, 12 is 60 cm. The light-emitting surfaces 11, 12 are relatively slim in shape, extending laterally to an overall width of 130 cm. They are positioned higher than the center of the center portion 2. Therefore, by turning the DRL device 1 by 180°, the light-emitting surfaces 11, 12 get into a position that is lower than the center of the center portion 2.

The center portion 2 forms a mounting member for a license plate 110. To facilitate mounting of a license plate 110, the center portion 2 is provided with a license plate holder 21. The rim of the license plate holder 21 forms a retaining bracket for the license plate 110. To allow for insertion of a license plate 110, the license plate holder 21 has a detachable portion 28 which is connected to the license plate holder 21 by clamping.

To allow for connection to a mounting area 101 for a license plate 110, two laterally spaced apart holes 15, 16 are provided in the center portion 2. The position and diameter of the holes 15, 16 correspond to factory-provided holes 103, 104 in the mounting area 101 for a license plate 110 on the front side of an automobile 100.

Further, a cable 30 is connected to the DRL device 1 connection with the electrical system of the automobile 100. In this embodiment, the cable 30 is a three-core cable, having one lead for connection to an ignition-dependent power supply, a second lead for connection to the power supply of the headlights of the automobile 100, and a third lead for connection to ground.

Fig.2 shows a front view of the automobile 100 with the DRL device 1 connected to a mounting area 101 for a license plate 110. As shown, the DRL device 1 is connected to the mounting area 101 by screws 105. To establish an electrical connection between the DRL device 1 and the interior of the automobile 100, the cable 30 is passed through a factory-provided aperture 106 in the lower part of the grille section of the automobile 100. The cable 30 is connected to the electrical system of the automobile 100 as indicated above. A factory-provided aperture 106 like the one shown here is present in the majority of automobile models. Alternatively, a factory-provided hole in the mounting area 101 may be employed. If, however, no factory-provided aperture of any kind is available, an extra hole may be drilled.

In Fig.2, the DRL device 1 is mounted in a position in which the light- emitting surfaces 11, 12 are positioned higher than the center of the center portion 2. However, in some cases it can be advantageous to mount the DRL device 1 in a position in which it is turned by 180° with respect to Fig.2. In this arrangement, which is shown in Fig. 3, the light-emitting surfaces 11, 12 are positioned lower than the center of the center portion 2. As shown, the DRL device is mounted to a second automobile 100a. This automobile 100a is different from the first automobile 100 in so far as it is equipped with pair of headlights 111 that are positioned relatively low. If the DRL device was mounted in the position shown in Fig.2, the headlights 111 would be obstructed.

The interior structure of the lighting assemblies 5, 6 is shown in Fig.4, which is a cross-sectional top view of the DRL device 1 mounted to the front side of the first automobile 100. For the sake of simplification, electrical connections are not shown here and in the following embodiments. In this embodiment, each lighting assembly 5, 6 employs an LED 7 as a light source. The color of light here and in the following embodiments is white. The LEDs 7 are mounted on the support members 3, 4 and are aligned to emit light laterally. Each LED 7 is located next to a light guide 17, 18 which extends laterally and is covered by one of the transparent housings 9, 10. The power supply for each LED 7 is controlled by an electronic driver circuit 19, 20. Each electronic driver circuit 19, 20 is connected to the cable 30 and is thus supplied with a ignition-dependent signal and a signal that is dependent on the power supply of the headlights. Each circuit 19, 20 is operable to power the LED 7 only if the ignition of the automobile 100 is on and the headlights are off. As can be seen from Fig.4, in this embodiment the shape of the DRL device 1 is adapted to the fact that the mounting area 101 of the automobile 100 is recessed with respect to the neighboring parts of the autobody. The overall shape of the front part of the automobile 100 shown in Fig.4 has a relatively strong curvature. It is, however, possible to adapt the DRL device 1 to the shape of other automobiles. This is achieved by means of a set of hinges 13, 14 by which the first and second support member 3, 4 are connected to the center portion 2. The axis of each hinge 13, 14 is essentially vertical, so that each support member 3, 4 is allowed to pivot around this axis. The hinges 13, 14 are adapted to prevent unintentional pivoting, e.g. by a locking mechan- ism.

Alternatively, each hinge 13, 14 could comprise an elastic element like a spring. The rest position of the spring may be chosen to correspond to a position in which each support member 3, 4 is inclined backwards at an angle of e.g. 30°. Thus, when the center portion 2 is mounted, each support member 3, 4 is bent forward and the elastic element exerts a torque, which forces the support member 3, 4 to butt against the autobody. Thus, a simple way of auto-adaption to the curvature of the automobile front can be provided.

Fig.5 shows the DRL device 1 of Fig.4 connected to a third automobile 100b. For simplicity reasons, only one half of the DRL device 1 is shown. The over- all shape of the front part of this automobile 100b is substantially flat. Accordingly, the first and second support member 3, 4 are pivoted with respect to Fig.4 to adapt to this shape. By adapting the angular position of the support members 3, 4, the DRL device 1 can be integrated well into the surface structure of a variety of automobile models, which may e.g. result in a favorable aerodynamic performance and/or a favorable appearance. Fig. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a lighting assembly 5 a. The main difference to the first embodiment is that no light guide 17, 18 is provided, but a reflector 22 of roughly ellipsoidal shape is used. The LED 7 is aligned to emit light laterally, which is redirected by the reflector 22 in a forward direction. The reflector 22 may be made of plastic covered by a reflective layer. Fig. 7 shows a third embodiment of a lighting assembly 5b, wherein a primary optics in the form of a total internal reflection (TIR) device 23 is employed. Otherwise, the design is identical to the second embodiment. The TIR device 23 has a frustro-conical shape and surrounds an LED 7. Light emitted by the LED 7 is condensed by the TIR device 23 before it is passed onto the reflector. Thus, the amount of un- wanted light scattering is reduced. In this embodiment, a TIR device is employed. Alternatively, a reflection collimator may be used to condense the light bundle.

In a fourth embodiment of a lighting assembly 5 c, which is illustrated in Fig. 8, the light source of the lighting assembly is provided by three LEDs 7 provided on the back side of the support member 3c. The LEDs 7 are supplied to emit light in a lateral direction. Next to each LED 7, a reflector 24 is provided. Spheroidal inner surfaces of the reflectors 24 are adapted to redirect light into a forward direction. Other features of the third embodiment are identical to the second embodiment and will not be described. Fig. 9 shows a fifth embodiment of a DRL device, which employs five LEDs 7 provided on the back side of the support member 3d. The LEDs 7 are aligned in parallel and are directed in a forward direction. In order to focus the light emitted by the LEDs 7, each LED 7 is provided with a reflector 25, which is roughly paraboloidal in shape.

In a sixth embodiment, which is shown in Fig.10, the reflectors 25 of Fig.6 are replaced by TIR devices 26, each of which surrounds an LED 7. The shape of each TIR device 26 is also roughly paraboloidal.

Fig.11 illustrates a seventh embodiment, which is similar to the fifth embodiment. Each of five LEDs 7 is provided with a reflector 25. However, this time the lighting assembly employs a lens 27 which acts as a secondary optics on the light reflect- ed by the reflectors 25. The combined action 25 of the reflectors and the lens 27 allows for a more flexible focusing of a light beam.

In Fig.12, an eighth embodiment is show, in which an organic light- emitting diode (OLED) 31 is employed as a light source. In contrast to the LEDs 7 used in the previous embodiments, the OLED 31 is a light source that extends in two dimen- sions, which makes it possible to provide a required minimum area for the light-emitting surface without the need for reflectors, light guides or the like. A light directing foil 32, which is mounted on the OLED 31 , is used to shape the light emitted from the OLED 31 and to provide a required light intensity distribution. In this embodiment, the OLED 31 is slightly bent, but it may also be flat or have almost any kind of curvature. The use of a light directing foil 32 is preferred but it is also conceivable to use the OLED 31 without it.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the dis- closed embodiments. For example, it is possible modify the shown embodiments by changing the shape of the light-emitting surfaces alternate combinations of the optical devices shown in the embodiments integrating a secondary optics like a lens into the transparent housing of the lighting assembly using other optical devices known in the art for redirecting or focusing light employing other light sources such as a halogen lamp using other light colors - using a non-parallel alignment for the LEDs integrating additional light sources which may serve as indicators, parking lights, fog lights etc.

Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1 : DRL device 2: center portion

3 : first support member 4: second support member 5: first lighting assembly 5a: first lighting assembly 5b: first lighting assembly

5c: first lighting assembly 5d: first lighting assembly 5e: first lighting assembly 5f: first lighting assembly 5g: first lighting assembly

6: second lighting assembly 7: LED

9: transparent housing 9a: transparent housing 10: transparent housing

11 : first light-emitting surface 12: second light-emitting surface 13: hinge 14: hinge 15: hole

16: hole 17: light guide 18: light guide 19: electronic driver circuit 20: electronic driver circuit

21: license plate holder 22: reflector 23: TIR device 24: reflector 25: reflector 26: TIR device

27: lens

28: detachable portion

30: cable 31 : OLED

32: light directing foil

100: first automobile

100a: second automobile

100b: third automobile 101 : mounting area

103: factory-provided hole

104: factory-provided hole

105: screw

106: factory-provided aperture 110: license plate

111 : headlight