Illuminated vehicle assembly with illuminated sign

Abstract

A lighting vehicle component includes a plastic grille member and a logo mounted to the plastic grille member. The logo houses at least one light source. The light source can be illuminated to produce various lighting effects. Any heat generated by the at least one light source can be dissipated into the plastic grille member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to lighting vehicle components. Exemplary lighting vehicle components include lighting signs adapted to indicate a plurality of visually distinct operating behaviors of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles may include various decorative components, such as signs, that help identify the vehicle model. Some vehicles, particularly luxury vehicles, may be equipped with one or more lighting components to enhance the aesthetics of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Among other things, a lighting vehicle component according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure further includes a plastic grille member and a sign mounted to the plastic grille member and housing at least one light source. Heat generated by the at least one light source dissipates into the plastic grille member.

[0004] In another non-limiting embodiment of the foregoing lighting vehicle component, a control module is configured to control the at least one light source to emit a combination of lighting effects from the sign, the combination of lighting effects being for indicating a plurality of visually distinct operating behaviors of the vehicle.

[0005] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing lighting vehicle components, the plurality of visually distinct operating behaviors are visually distinct in at least color and brightness.

[0006] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing lighting vehicle components, the sign includes a housing, at least one light source, and at least one optical device.

[0007] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing lighting vehicle components, the housing includes a metal film fixed to a plastic portion.

[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing lighting vehicle components, a printed circuit board (PCB) is located between the housing and the plastic grille member.

[0009] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing lighting vehicle components, a heat transfer device is mounted between the PCB and the plastic grille member.

[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing lighting vehicle components, the at least one light source is a light emitting diode (LED).

[0011] In another non-limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing lighting vehicle components, the LED is a multicolor LED.

[0012] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing illuminated vehicle assemblies, the logo is mounted to the outer surface of a plastic grille component, and the control module is received within a compartment located at the inner surface of the plastic grille component.

[0013] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing illuminated vehicle assemblies, the plastic grille component is grille bars.

[0014] Among other things, a method according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes illuminating a logo of a vehicle's lighting assembly and dissipating heat generated by the logo into a plastic component of the vehicle's grille assembly.

[0015] In another non - limiting embodiment of the foregoing method, illuminating the logo includes creating an illumination effect that provides a visual indication of the vehicle's driving speed.

[0016] In another non - limiting embodiment of either of the foregoing methods, illuminating the logo includes creating an illumination effect that forms the vehicle's daytime running lights.

[0017] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, illuminating the logo includes creating an illumination effect that indicates a traction or stability control problem of the vehicle.

[0018] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, illuminating the logo includes creating an illumination effect that illuminates an opening in the grille assembly.

[0019] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, illuminating the logo includes creating an illumination effect that simulates a thermometer for indicating the vehicle's engine temperature.

[0020] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, illuminating the logo includes creating an illumination effect that indicates the presence of a vehicle problem.

[0021] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, illuminating the logo includes creating an illumination effect that indicates whether the vehicle's doors are locked or unlocked.

[0022] In another non - limiting embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, the plastic component is grille bars.

[0023] Any of the embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their aspects or individual features, can be adopted independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment apply to all embodiments unless they are incompatible.

[0024] Various features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this detailed description, can be briefly described as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 Illustrates a vehicle equipped with a lighting assembly;

[0026] Figure 2 Illustrates another exemplary lighting assembly for a vehicle;

[0027] Figure 3 is Figure 1 an enlarged view of the lighting assembly;

[0028] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view through Figure 3 the lighting assembly;

[0029] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view through Figure 4 a portion of the logo of the lighting assembly;

[0030] Figure 6 Schematically illustrates a first lighting effect that can be indicated by the lighting vehicle assembly;

[0031] Figure 7 Schematically illustrates a second lighting effect that can be indicated by the lighting vehicle assembly;

[0032] Figure 8 Schematically illustrates a third lighting effect that can be indicated by the lighting vehicle assembly;

[0033] Figure 9 Schematically illustrates a fourth lighting effect that can be indicated by the lighting vehicle assembly;

[0034] Figure 10 Schematically illustrates a fifth lighting effect that can be indicated by the lighting vehicle assembly;

[0035] Figure 11 Schematically illustrates a sixth lighting effect that can be indicated by the lighting vehicle assembly;

[0036] Figure 12 Schematically illustrates a seventh lighting effect that can be indicated by the lighting vehicle assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The present disclosure details various lighting vehicle assemblies. Exemplary lighting vehicle assemblies include a plastic grille member and a logo mounted to the plastic grille member. The logo can be controlled to emit various lighting effects for indicating a plurality of visually different operating behaviors of the vehicle. The plastic grille member dissipates any heat generated by the light source of the logo while emitting the lighting effects. These and other features of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below.

[0038] Figure 1Vehicle 10 is schematically shown. Vehicle 10 can be a sedan, a truck, a van, a sport utility vehicle or any other type of vehicle. Vehicle 10 can also be a conventional motor vehicle, a battery-powered hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, or an autonomous vehicle (i.e., a driverless vehicle).

[0039] Although specific component relationships are shown in the drawings of the present disclosure, these descriptions are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In other words, the placement and orientation of the various components of vehicle 10 are schematically shown and can vary within the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, the various drawings accompanying the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show certain details of specific components.

[0040] Vehicle 10 can be equipped with a lighting assembly 20. The lighting assembly 20 is typically positioned on the outer front portion 22 of vehicle 10 (see Figure 1 ) See Figure 1 above, on the outer rear portion 24 of vehicle 10 (see Figure 2 ) above or both. Although the lighting assembly for the front portion 22 and / or rear portion 24 of vehicle 10 is described herein, lighting assemblies located at other vehicle positions can be configured similarly.

[0041] In one embodiment, the lighting assembly 20 includes a grille assembly 26 and a logo 28 mounted to a portion of the grille assembly 26. The grille assembly 26 can include a plurality of grille members 30. In one embodiment, the grille members 30 include grille bars arranged in a spaced relationship relative to each other. In another embodiment, the grille members 30 include grille bars arranged to include a woven or crossed configuration. Within the scope of the present disclosure, the grille members 30 can be arranged to embody any grille configuration.

[0042] The arrangement of the grille members 30 forms gaps or openings 32 through the grille assembly 26. For example, air can enter the engine compartment of vehicle 10 through the openings 32 to cool various components such as the engine and radiator. The air passing through the openings 32 can additionally be used to cool the logo 28.

[0043] The logo 28 can help identify the brand and / or model of vehicle 10. Compared with many vehicle trim components, the logo can identify the trademark of vehicle 10. The logo 28 can be a logo, a symbol, a word or any combination thereof. Additionally, the logo 28 can include any desired size, shape and design. Thus, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to Figure 1 、 2 and the specific "pony" logo design shown in 3.

[0044] The logo 28 can be mounted to the grille assembly 26 or an integral part of the grille assembly 26. In one embodiment, the logo 28 is mounted to one or more grille members 30 of the grille assembly 26. Separated from their various other uses, the grille assembly 26 and the logo 28 serve as styling elements for enhancing the appearance of the vehicle 10.

[0045] The logo 28 of the lighting assembly 20 can be selectively controlled to produce a combination of lighting effects (e.g., in terms of color, brightness, flashing, pulsing, etc.) that provide visual feedback of various operating behaviors of the vehicle 10 to the vehicle owner, pedestrians, and / or operators of other vehicles. As will be discussed in more detail below, the logo 28 of the lighting assembly 20 can be configured to emit light to produce a combination of lighting effects for communicating information to the vehicle owner, pedestrians, and / or operators of other vehicles. In one embodiment, if mounted at the front 22 of the vehicle 10, the logo 28 provides visual feedback to the front of the vehicle 10 (see, for example Figure 1 ). In another embodiment, if mounted at the rear 24 of the vehicle 10, the logo 28 provides visual feedback to the rear of the vehicle 10 (see, for example Figure 2 ).

[0046] Referring to Figures 3 to 5 and continuing to refer to Figure 1 , additional details of the logo 28 of the lighting assembly 20 are shown. In one embodiment, the logo 28 includes a housing 34, one or more light sources 36, one or more optical devices 38, and a heat transfer device 40. Although not specifically shown or described, the logo 28 may include additional components such as reflectors, sealing devices, etc.

[0047] The housing 34 can be manufactured in various ways. In one embodiment, the housing 34 includes a metal film 42 and a plastic portion 44. The plastic portion 44 can be insert molded or otherwise secured to the back of the metal film 42. In one embodiment, the metal film 42 can be applied to the plastic portion 44 by local vacuum deposition.

[0048] The metal film 42 gives the housing 34 a metallic (i.e., chrome-like) appearance. In one embodiment, the metal film 42 is an aluminum film; however, other metal films can also be utilized. The metal film 42 can be light transmissive to allow light L from the light source 36 to escape from the inside to the outside of the housing 34. Thus the metal film 42 can be similar to a two-way mirror.

[0049] The plastic part 44 can be made of a rigid material that is also light-transmissive. In one embodiment, for example, the plastic part 44 is made of an acrylic material (such as acrylic plastic). However, other plastic materials can also be considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The light ultimately emitted through the plastic part 44 and the metal film 42 of the housing 34 of the sign 28 provides visual feedback of various operating behaviors of the vehicle 10 to pedestrians and / or operators L of other vehicles.

[0050] The housing 34 houses each light source 36 and each optical device 38 of the sign 28. The optical device 38 focuses the light emitted by the light source 36, for example, in a narrow pattern that can be emitted through the housing 34 in a desired direction. In one embodiment, the optical device 38 is positioned in front of the light source 36 (i.e., between the light source 36 and the plastic part 44). In another embodiment, in addition to its various other functions, the plastic part 44 of the housing 34 serves as an additional optical device.

[0051] Each light source 36 can be a light-emitting diode (LED). In one embodiment, for example, the light source 36 is a multicolor LED, such as a red, green, blue (RGB) LED. Other light sources can also be used within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the light source 36 can be powered by the vehicle power system.

[0052] The sign 28 can include a plurality of light sources 36 arranged in a plurality of spaced-apart rows along a printed circuit board (PCB) 46. The PCB 46 can extend longitudinally inside the housing 34 and can span the entire height and length of the sign 28. The light sources 36 can be arranged in multiple rows in the vertical direction (see Figure 4 ) and the longitudinal direction (see Figure 5 ) of the PCB 46.

[0053] The total number of light sources 36 provided within the sign 28 can vary and depends on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the sign 28 includes a sufficient number of light sources 36 for visualizing the combined lighting effects emitted by them during both daytime driving conditions and nighttime driving conditions.

[0054] The housing 34 of the sign 28 can be mounted to at least one grille member 30 of the grille assembly 26. In one embodiment, the grille member 30 is a plastic member. Suitable plastic materials include, but are not limited to, thermally conductive plastics. The heat generated by the light sources 36 of the sign 28 during a lighting event can be dissipated into the grille member 30. In this way, the grille member 30 acts as a relatively large heat sink for thermal management of the light sources 36.

[0055] Once the housing 34 is installed onto the grille member 30, the heat transfer device 40 can be disposed between the PCB 46 and the grille member 30. In one embodiment, the heat transfer device 40 is a thermally conductive adhesive. The heat transfer device 40 facilitates heat transfer between the PCB 46 (and thus the light source 36) and the grille member 30.

[0056] In response to a command from the lighting control module 48, each light source 36 of the sign 28 can be controlled to emit light. The control module 48 can be mounted on the side of the grille member 30 opposite to the sign 28. For example, the housing 34 of the sign 28 can be mounted on the outer surface 50 of the grille member 30, and the control module 48 can be mounted relative to the inner surface 52 of the grille member 30. In one embodiment, the controller module 48 is housed within a compartment 54 that is integral with or otherwise fixed to the inner surface 52 of the grille member 30. The control module 48 can be sealed within the compartment 54 by a cover 56. In one embodiment, the cover 56 is made of a thermally conductive and electrically conductive plastic.

[0057] The control module 48 can include its own printed circuit board (PCB) 58. Another heat transfer device 60 can be disposed between the PCB 58 and the grille member 30 for dissipating heat generated by the control module 48 into the grille member 30. The PCB 58 of the control module 48 can be electrically connected to the PCB 46 of the sign 28 through a connector assembly 62 (such as a board-to-board connector assembly).

[0058] The control module 48 can be equipped with executable instructions for connecting to and commanding the operation of various components of the lighting assembly 20, including the sign 28. The control module 48 can include a processing unit and a non-transitory memory for executing various control strategies and modes of the lighting assembly 20. In one embodiment, the processing unit is configured to execute one or more programs stored in the memory of the control module 48. A first exemplary program, when executed, can determine when and how to illuminate (or alternatively, not illuminate) the sign 28 of the lighting assembly 20. The control module 48 can also control various other functions associated with the lighting assembly 20 of the vehicle 10.

[0059] Each light source 36 of the sign 28 of the lighting assembly 20 can be selectively controlled individually or in units to produce various lighting effects that the sign 28 can emit for indicating different operating behaviors of the vehicle 10. Figures 6 - 12 (Continued reference Figures 1 - 5 ) schematically illustrates an example of such an operating behavior. It should be understood that the illustrated operating behaviors are intended as non-limiting examples of the types of visual cues that can be created by the sign 28 of the lighting assembly 20. Where appropriate, legends are included in these figures to assist in understanding each exemplary operating behavior.

[0060] Figure 6 Schematically shows a first exemplary lighting effect E1, which can be produced by the marker 28 of the lighting assembly 20 for indicating a first operating behavior of the vehicle 10. For example, the first lighting effect E1 can be emitted from the marker 28 of the lighting assembly 20 to generally indicate the traveling speed of the vehicle 10.

[0061] If the first lighting effect E1 has been commanded by the control module 48, the marker 28 can be illuminated with a specific color of a specific brightness to provide a visual indication of how fast the vehicle 10 is traveling. For example, the marker 28 can emit light of a color (e.g., white) having a specific brightness level. The actual brightness of the emitted light can be associated with the general traveling speed of the vehicle 10. In other words, the brighter the marker 28 is lit, the faster the vehicle 10 is traveling.

[0062] Figure 7 Schematically illustrates a second exemplary lighting effect E2, which can be generated by the marker 28 of the lighting assembly 20 for indicating another operating behavior of the vehicle 10. For example, the second lighting effect E2 can be emitted from the marker 28 to produce the daytime running lights of the vehicle 10. If the second lighting effect E2 has been commanded by the control module 48, the marker 28 can be illuminated to emit light of a specific color and brightness. The light from the marker 28 is continuously emitted during the operation of the vehicle 10 to produce the effect of the daytime running lights.

[0063] Figure 8 Schematically shows a third exemplary lighting effect E3, which can be generated by the marker 28 of the lighting assembly 20 for indicating yet another operating behavior of the vehicle 10. For example, the third lighting effect E3 can be emitted from the marker 28 to indicate a traction or stability control problem of the vehicle 10 (e.g., wheel slip, ABS (antilock braking system) warning, traction control warning, stability warning, etc.).

[0064] If the third lighting effect E3 has been commanded by the control module 48, the marker 28 can be commanded to emit flashes of a specific color (e.g., white) and a specific brightness. The third lighting effect E3 thus provides a visual indication to pedestrians and other drivers that the vehicle 10 may be experiencing a traction or stability control problem.

[0065] Figure 9 Schematically shows a fourth exemplary lighting effect E4, which can be generated by the marker 28 of the lighting assembly 20 for indicating another operating behavior of the vehicle 10. For example, the fourth lighting effect E4 can be emitted from the marker 28 to illuminate the entire grille assembly 26. Some vehicle owners may find such a lighting effect aesthetically pleasing.

[0066] If the fourth lighting effect E4 has been commanded by the control module 48, the command flag 28 can be commanded to emit light having a desired color and brightness. The lighting emitted by the flag 28 must have sufficient brightness to illuminate the various openings 32 located between the grille members 30 of the grille assembly 26. The light can pass through the top, bottom, and side surfaces of the housing 34 of the flag 28 in order to illuminate the grille assembly 26.

[0067] Figures 6 - 9 The lighting effects E1, E2, E3, and E4 can be generated by the flag 28 when the vehicle 10 is in operation and in a drive gear. However, the flag 28 can also be controlled to produce various lighting effects when the vehicle 10 is in a parked state and is thus not moving.

[0068] For example, Figure 10 illustrates a fifth exemplary lighting effect E5 for indicating the operating behavior of the parked vehicle 10. The fifth lighting effect E5 can be generated to simulate a thermometer for indicating the engine temperature of the vehicle 10.

[0069] If the fifth lighting effect E5 is commanded by the control module 48, the flag 28 can be illuminated in a color designed to generally indicate the engine temperature. For example, if the engine is cold (see block 64), the flag 28 can be illuminated blue, and as the engine warms up (see block 66), the flag 28 can be switched to yellow, and then illuminated red when the engine is very hot (see block 68). In one embodiment, the light emitted by the flag 28 during the fifth lighting effect E5 can pulse from left to right or from right to left to provide a more visible thermometer. In another embodiment, existing engine sensors are utilized to determine the temperature of the vehicle engine.

[0070] Figure 11 Schematically illustrates a sixth exemplary lighting effect E6 that can be generated by the flag 28 for indicating another operating behavior of the parked vehicle 10. The sixth lighting effect E6 can be commanded as a fault indicator, such as if the vehicle 10 has a mechanical problem and needs repair.

[0071] If the sixth lighting effect E6 has been commanded by the control module 48, each light source 36 of the flag 28 can be controlled to emit a flash in a common color (e.g., red) when an authorized owner approaches the vehicle 10. This is schematically illustrated in block 70. The flashing light indicates to an approaching or departing owner the presence of a vehicle problem (e.g., low tire pressure, low fuel, etc.).

[0072] Figure 12Schematically shows a seventh exemplary lighting effect E7, which can be generated by the logo 28 for indicating another operating behavior of the vehicle 10 when parked. For example, the seventh lighting effect E7 can be commanded to indicate the door lock status to the vehicle owner.

[0073] If the seventh lighting effect E7 has been commanded by the control module 48, then if the doors are locked when the owner leaves the vehicle (see block 72), each light source 36 of the logo 28 can be controlled to flash in a first color (e.g., white), and if the doors are unlocked when the owner leaves the vehicle 10 (see block 74), it can be controlled to flash in a second color (e.g., red). Thus, the seventh lighting effect E7 acts as an auxiliary lock soldier.

[0074] The lighting assemblies described herein convey various vehicle operating behaviors to persons outside the vehicle (such as pedestrians, cyclists, operators of other vehicles, etc.) by illuminating the vehicle's logo. Additionally, by mounting the logo on a plastic grille component, the heat generated by the logo light sources can be easily dissipated.

[0075] Although different non - restrictive embodiments are shown as having specific components or steps, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. Some components or features from any non - restrictive embodiment can be combined with features or components from any other non - restrictive embodiment.

[0076] It should be understood that throughout several of the figures, like reference numerals identify corresponding or similar elements. It should be understood that although a specific component arrangement is disclosed and shown in these exemplary embodiments, other arrangements can also benefit from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0077] The foregoing description should be construed as illustrative rather than restrictive. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that certain modifications may fall within the scope of the present disclosure. For these reasons, the claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A lighting vehicle component, comprising: Plastic grille component; and a sign mounted on the plastic grille component and accommodating at least one light source, wherein heat generated by the at least one light source is dissipated into the plastic grille component; wherein the at least one light source is arranged on a first PCB, and the lighting vehicle assembly further includes a first heat transfer device mounted between the first PCB and the plastic grille component, and the first heat transfer device is configured to dissipate heat generated by the at least one light source into the plastic grille component; the lighting vehicle assembly further includes a control module, the sign is mounted on the outer surface of the plastic grille component, and the control module is mounted on the inner surface of the plastic grille component; the control module includes a second PCB, and a second heat transfer device is arranged between the second PCB and the plastic grille component and is configured to dissipate heat generated by the control module into the plastic grille component.

2. The lighting vehicle component according to claim 1, wherein the control module is configured to control the at least one light source to emit a combination of lighting effects from the sign, the combination of lighting effects being for indicating a plurality of visually different operating behaviors of the vehicle.

3. The lighting vehicle component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sign includes a housing, the at least one light source and at least one optical device, and wherein the housing includes a metal film fixed to a plastic part.

4. The lighting vehicle component according to claim 3, wherein the PCB is located between the housing and the plastic grille component.

5. The lighting vehicle component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one light source is an LED.

6. The lighting vehicle component according to claim 5, wherein the LED is a multi-color LED.

7. The lighting vehicle component according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control module is received in a compartment located at an inner surface of the plastic grille component.

8. A vehicle lighting method, comprising: A sign of a lighting assembly for illuminating a vehicle; and dissipating heat generated by the sign into a plastic component of the grille assembly of the vehicle; wherein the sign includes at least one light source, the at least one light source is arranged on a first PCB, and heat generated by the at least one light source is dissipated into the plastic component through a first heat transfer device mounted between the first PCB and the plastic component; the lighting vehicle assembly further includes a control module, the sign is mounted on the outer surface of the plastic component, and the control module is mounted on the inner surface of the plastic component; the control module includes a second PCB, and heat generated by the control module is dissipated into the plastic component through a second heat transfer device arranged between the second PCB and the plastic component.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein illuminating the sign includes: Produce a lighting effect that provides a visual indication of the vehicle's traveling speed.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein illuminating the sign includes: Produce a lighting effect that forms the vehicle's daytime running lights.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein illuminating the sign includes: Produce a lighting effect that indicates a traction or stability control problem of the vehicle.

12. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein illuminating the sign includes: Produce a lighting effect that illuminates an opening in the grille assembly.

13. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein illuminating the sign includes: Produce a lighting effect that simulates a thermometer for indicating the engine temperature of the vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein illuminating the sign comprises: Produce a lighting effect that indicates the existence of a vehicle problem.

15. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein illuminating the sign comprises: Produce a lighting effect that indicates whether the vehicle's doors are locked or unlocked.

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