The arrangement of lighting or signalling devices with relationship to the vehicle or to each other.

The mounting or supporting of lighting and signalling devices on the vehicle.

The circuits therefor.

The switches therefor.

The control and signal-initiating means therefor.

The monitoring therefor.

The devices mentioned being:

Subclass B60Q covers arrangements of lighting and signalling devices as a whole, i.e. as a complete unit dedicated to a given lighting or signalling function.

The relative arrangement of devices dedicated to different lighting or signalling functions within a single housing is also covered by B60Q.

Optical components (e.g. lenses, light sources) constituting of the lighting and signalling device itself are classified in other relevant classes and subclasses.

Arrangements of these optical components in relation to each other in order to generate a specific optical beam are covered by F21S 41/00, F21S 43/00.

Subclass B60Q covers arrangements of lighting and signalling devices mounted on vehicles in general, but not the arrangements of lighting and signalling devices specifically adapted to particular types of vehicles other than cars, trucks and buses; these are classified in the relevant subclasses for other types of vehicles. An exception to this are the arrangements of lighting and signalling devices specifically adapted to motorcycles which are classified in both subclasses B60Q and B62J.

Circuits for lighting and signalling devices that may have an application other than in a vehicle are also classified in H05B.

Subclass B60Q covers the mechanical arrangement of switches only if they apply to vehicle lighting and signalling. However B60Q covers the mechanical arrangement of all steering column stalk switches. Switches that may have an application other than in a vehicle are also classified in H01H.

The arrangement or adaptation of non-portable devices on vehicles dedicated to:

The mounting thereof, also for adjustable devices.

The circuits thereof.

The switches thereof.

The manual or automatic control and signal-initiating means thereof.

Devices in which the cap has no mechanical link (no holding function) with the bulb

Connections to the vehicle power supply or connections of several lamp units with each other.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

Arrangements on headlights for positioning or indexing other vehicle parts (e.g. bumper cover or wing) are classified here and in the field relating to the other parts, e.g. B62D 25/00, B60R 19/00.

Arrangements in which the headlight can be entirely swivelled around an axis for instance to change the bulb are classified in this group. Small swivelling for adjustment purposes is covered by B60Q 1/045, B60Q 1/068.

Shock absorbing devices located within or on the housing in order to minimize pedestrian injuries or minimize damages to the headlamp or the signal lamp.

Arrangements for preventing vibrations of the light source are classified in F21S 41/19 for headlamps and in F21S 43/19 for signal lamps and also in F21S 45/10.

Details of automatic headlight adjustment systems which would otherwise be classified in B60Q 1/115 or B60Q 1/122 are instead classified in B60Q 1/076 if the general features of the actuating means, e.g. motors, shafts, ball-joints are included.

Documents in this group and its subgroups are also classified in B60Q 2300/00 according to the parameters used for the automatic adjustment or switching. However, classification in B60Q 2300/00 is only done for parameters whose contribution in the automatic process is clearly shown. Statements such as that "parameter x could be used for the adjustment" or "parameter x is measured by a sensor and fed into the control unit" without further details are not sufficient for classification in B60Q 2300/00. B60Q 2300/00 is only used for B60Q 1/08 and its subgroups, B60Q 1/1423 and B60Q 1/143.

Devices in which automatic cornering is done by an additional, separate headlamp are classified in B60Q 1/12 and B60Q 1/18.

Documents in this group and its subgroup B60Q 1/143 are also classified in B60Q 2300/00 according to the parameters used for the automatic adjustment or switching. However, classification in B60Q 2300/00 is only done for parameters whose contribution in the automatic process is clearly shown. Statements such as that "parameter x could be used for the adjustment" or "parameter x is measured by a sensor and fed into the control unit" without further details are not sufficient for classification in B60Q 2300/00. B60Q 2300/00 is only used for B60Q 1/08 and its subgroups, B60Q 1/1423 and B60Q 1/143.

Devices in which automatic cornering is done by an additional, separate headlamp are classified in B60Q 1/12 and B60Q 1/18.

Cornering lights are classified in B60Q 1/12.

Arrangements for illuminating in which an entire spotlight or searchlight is moved as a unit.

Arrangements specifically adapted for illuminating, in visible or non-visible light, the field of view of sensors or cameras.

Portable lighting and signalling devices worn by a (motorcycle) driver or passenger and not mounted on the vehicle, whereby the device repeats or replaces a lighting or signalling function of the vehicle.

Illustrative example (see two striped reflective surfaces) of subject matter classified in this group.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

RF: Reflector Surface;

L1, L2: Light Sources

Arrangements and controls of signalling devices having a part on the vehicle body and a part on the boot door, e.g. increasing light intensity of the lamp part located on the vehicle body when the boot door is open.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group.

Arrangements and controls for providing signals to other traffic participants, whereby the purpose of the signal is not covered by other subgroups of B60Q 1/26.

Optical devices indicating unauthorised use of vehicle to the vehicle exterior are classified in B60Q 1/509 and in B60R 25/10 and subgroups.

Arrangements whereby an optical signal is given to other traffic when the vehicle is in a critical situation, such as involved in an accident, (partly) disabled, or airbags have been deployed.

Arrangements of signalling devices for emergency vehicles, such as light bars for ambulances or police vehicles are classified in B60Q 1/2611 only.

Arrangements for indicating to other traffic a potentially dangerous situation whereby the situation is not an emergency yet, i.e. an accident has not yet happened.

This place relates to driving situations other than parking.

The arrangements in this group assess the vehicle environment, e.g. distances to other traffic, lane departure, and automatically emit an external optical signal based on the evaluation of potentially dangerous situation such as a probable collision.

Lighting devices in vehicles dedicated to illuminate in visible and non-visible wavelength range areas or parts located inside a vehicle, e.g. in the passenger or engine compartment.

The arrangement thereof.

The mounting thereof.

The circuits therefor.

The switches specifically adapted therefor.

The manual or automatic control means therefor.

Arrangements or adaptations of lighting devices for the interior of aircrafts (B64D 47/02) and rail vehicles (B61D 29/00) are classified also in B60Q 3/00 and subgroups, because they are similar to arrangements for buses.

Lighting devices for illuminating the dashboard or parts thereof, from inside or outside the dashboard.

Circuits and control means therefor.

Lighting devices internal to instruments are classified in G01D 11/28, G01D 13/28, but lighting devices for illuminating onto or around the instruments from outside the instruments are classified in B60Q 3/10 and subgroups.

Lighting devices or arrangements where the light impinges on the dashboard or parts thereof.

Backlight arrangements of the dashboard or parts thereof.

Circuits or control arrangements for the illumination of the dashboard as a whole or parts thereof, e.g. illuminating the dashboard when starting the vehicle, changing illumination colors for decoration purposes.

Circuits or control arrangements for the illumination of the instruments and buttons when it is not related to the function of the instruments or buttons themselves, e.g. adjusting the color of the illumination of instruments or buttons depending on the time of the day.

Circuits or control arrangements for varying the intensity of illumination onto or from the dashboard, e.g. to compensate for variations in ambient light intensity.

Lighting devices associated with a particular vehicle fitting, either by being mounted on or in the fitting, or by illuminating from or onto the fitting.

Lighting devices mounted on doors or steps may be classified in both B60Q 3/217 and B60Q 1/32 if light can be cast inside and outside the vehicle, e.g. depending on whether the door is open or closed.

Lighting devices in vehicle interior combined with rear-view mirrors are also classified in B60R 1/12.

Lighting devices for illuminating the inside of the engine compartment, the vehicle trunk, pick-up truck beds or vehicle cargo areas. The device may be dedicated to this single illuminating function or combined with a signalling or illuminating function towards the vehicle exterior.

Systems switching on the device according to the movement of the hood or trunk door.

Lighting devices intended to be attached to the vehicle in their normal lighting use and that can be detached to illuminate other areas, e.g. outside the vehicle.

Lighting devices specially adapted in their size, structure, function, arrangement or control to be used or fulfil special needs of specific vehicle types, e.g. emergency lighting in buses.

Lighting devices specially adapted for buses, trains, or aircrafts.

Lighting devices for the interior of aircrafts are classified also in B64D 47/02. Lighting devices for the interior of rail vehicles are classified also in B61D 29/00.

Lighting devices of a large size for lighting the whole or large parts of the passenger compartment, for illumination purposes or for generating a particular ambience.

Lighting devices for illuminating individual areas, of restricted surface, and specially adapted to mass transit vehicles, e.g. spherical type of reading lamps that can be oriented at 360 degrees; cluster of reading lamps associated with air conditioning units.

Active or passive illuminated marking to guide passengers towards exits.

Lighting devices with stand-alone electrical supply to be activated by failure of the main vehicle power supply.

Circuits and control arrangements specifically adapted to mass transit vehicles, e.g. for creating different ambiences in different parts of a vehicle, for changing light characteristics for waking up passengers in an aircraft.

Lighting devices specially adapted for the moving part of the non-fixed roof, e.g. adapted to the soft material of a convertible, with an electric supply adapted to the moving roof.

Mounting arrangements of lighting devices in the passenger compartment, e.g. on an arm, embedded in interior trim panel.

Details of fastening means for mounting the lighting device as a whole to the vehicle interior.

Arrangements for connecting the lighting device as a whole to the vehicle electrical wiring.

Arrangements for mounting lighting devices onto vehicle interior panels or liners, e.g. for mounting a dome lamp in a hole of a panel or liner.

Arrangements for mounting lighting devices at different places.

Arrangements for mounting different types of lighting devices at a given place.

Arrangements where at least some components of the lighting device are part of a vehicle interior trim element, e.g. trim layer is light diffusing, light guide is integrated into the trim element layers.

Arrangements of elongate supports for bringing the lighting device closer to its place of use, e.g. telescopic, articulated arms.

Arrangements where the lighting device is retractable or concealable as a whole with respect to the vehicle part on which it is mounted.

Arrangements whereby in its normal use, the lighting device is attached to the vehicle interior and provides light therefrom, and having possibly to be taken out of the mounting location as a portable lighting device, with or without a remaining link to the vehicle.

Arrangements of vehicle interior specially adapted for holding self-powered portable lighting devices that can be recharged from vehicle, or for holding portable lighting devices permanently powered from the vehicle, e.g. by way of extensible cables.

Portable lighting devices characterised by means for in situ recharging of the batteries or cells are classified in F21L 4/08.

Arrangements of self-powered lighting devices that can be recharged from the vehicle are also classified in B60Q 3/88.

Arrangements with one or several light guides for distributing the light of a single light source to several separated surfaces that illuminate different areas in the vehicle or provide different illumination functions.

Arrangements in which ultraviolet light impinges on luminescent areas in the vehicle interior.

Arrangements in which visible or non-visible light is emitted in the vehicle interior in order to prevent the driver from being dazzled or to reduce eyestrain, e.g. by adjusting the light intensity falling on the driver's eyes according to the light level in front of the vehicle.

Details and arrangements of lighting devices for illuminating or creating a light ambience in large areas of the vehicle interior, e.g. starry sky lighting effect.

Devices combining room lamps and reading lamps, e.g. dome cluster.

Lighting devices towards small surfaces, providing directional or focused light, e.g. using lenses or blends.

Arrangements using elongated light sources, light guides or series of lights sources to create illuminated lines, e.g. along or around parts.

Vehicle circuit architecture specifically designed for interior lighting devices.

Electrical arrangements within lighting devices.

Means for plugging the lighting device directly to a vehicle socket.

Switch arrangements specially designed for vehicle interior lighting devices.

Control arrangements for automatically switching on or off the lighting device, for automatically changing the illumination characteristics.

Control arrangements for manually changing the illumination characteristics.

Arrangements for connecting the lighting device as a whole to the vehicle electrical wiring are classified in B60Q 3/50 and subgroups.

Switching arrangements with special application for vehicle interior lamps, e.g. three-position switches, switching by rotating the lamp housing.

Switching arrangements by closing or opening small compartments are also classified in B60Q 3/225.

Switching arrangements by tilting sun shades or courtesy mirrors are also classified in B60Q 3/252.

Arrangements for plugging vehicle interior lighting devices into vehicle sockets for use or recharge.

The arrangement or adaptation of acoustic devices for providing signals to the outside of the vehicle.

Vehicle horns to repel animals

The mounting thereof.

The circuits therefor.

The switches therefor.

Arrangements or adaptations of acoustic devices for providing signals to the inside of the vehicle, e.g. to the driver, are classified in B60Q 9/00.

The arrangement or adaptation of portable emergency signal devices on vehicles, whereby the device is:

The arrangement or adaptation of portable or non-portable emergency signal devices placed on vehicles when in use is classified in B60Q 1/52.

The arrangement or adaptation of devices for providing signals, e.g. acoustic, optical or haptic signals, to the driver or the passengers of the vehicle, whereby the signal is not related to a particular vehicle function or parameter.

Specific signalling devices for anti-collision purposes.

Specific signalling devices for parking purposes.

Specific signalling devices to prevent vehicle battery discharge.

The subject-matter to be classified in this main group are devices that produce specific, elaborated signals.

For instance, a device for analysing a traffic environment to assess potential collision situations that merely generates an optical or acoustic signal to the driver when a potential collision situation is assessed is not classified in B60Q 9/00, but only in the group corresponding to traffic control for anti-collision purposes: G08G 1/16. If the device generates a signal that varies according to the situation, it is classified in B60Q.

Signalling devices to the driver related to a particular vehicle function, e.g. start of automatic braking, or to a vehicle parameter, e.g. reaching a particular speed, are not classified in B60Q 9/00, but only in the corresponding vehicle function group of class B60.