Lighting device for vehicle

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include a vehicle having a glass disposed on the vehicle and a lighting device disposed within the glass, where the lighting device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes configured to emit light in a first direction, where the first direction is not perpendicular to an outer surface of the glass.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] This disclosure relates to a lighting device for a vehicle, and more particularly to a center-high mounted brake light for a vehicle. Technical Field

[0002] Typically, the center high-mounted stop lamp (CHMSL) is a red brake light installed in the center of the rear of the vehicle. The CHMSL is usually positioned higher than the brake lights located on the sides of the vehicle and is activated when the driver depresses the brake pedal and deactivated at other times. The purpose of the CHMSL is to protect the vehicle from rear-end collisions. In many jurisdictions, government regulations specify the minimum brightness at which the CHMSL must be visible from a designated position behind the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes glass disposed on the vehicle and a lighting device disposed within the glass, wherein the lighting device includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes configured to emit light in a first direction. The first direction is not perpendicular to the outer surface of the glass.

[0004] Apart from one or more features described herein, the first direction is substantially parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the lighting device also includes one or more collimators disposed on one or more of the plurality of light-emitting diodes.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, multiple light-emitting diodes are arranged in a two-dimensional array.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the lighting device also includes a substrate on which the plurality of light-emitting diodes are disposed.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the lighting device also includes one or more structural fibers disposed at least partially on the substrate.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the substrate of the lighting device is formed as a stepped pattern.

[0010] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the pitch of the stepped pattern is determined based on the angle of the glass.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, glass is formed by placing an illumination device between an inner glass sheet and an outer glass sheet.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, glass is formed by placing the lighting device in a mold and encapsulating the lighting device in a transparent material injected into the mold.

[0013] In one exemplary embodiment, a lighting device for a vehicle is provided. The lighting device includes a substrate, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the substrate, a contact pad configured to receive power, and a plurality of electrical connectors disposed within the substrate, the plurality of electrical connectors being configured to transfer power from the contact pads to the plurality of LEDs. The plurality of LEDs are configured to emit light in a first direction not perpendicular to the outer surface of the vehicle's rear window.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the lighting device also includes one or more structural fibers disposed at least partially on the substrate.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the substrate is formed as a stepped pattern.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the pitch of the stepped pattern is determined based on the angle of the rear glass.

[0017] Apart from one or more features described herein, the first direction is substantially parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the lighting device also includes one or more collimators disposed on one or more of the plurality of light-emitting diodes.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a rear window disposed on the vehicle and an illumination device disposed within the rear window. The illumination device includes a substrate having a stepped shape, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed on the substrate, one or more collimators disposed on one or more of the plurality of LEDs, a contact pad configured to receive power, and a plurality of electrical connections disposed within the substrate, the plurality of electrical connections being configured to transfer power from the contact pad to the plurality of LEDs. The plurality of LEDs are configured to emit light in a first direction not perpendicular to the outer surface of the rear window.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the pitch of the stepped shape is determined based on the angle of the rear glass.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the lighting device also includes one or more structural fibers disposed at least partially on the substrate.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the rear glass is formed by placing the lighting device between the inner and outer glass sheets.

[0023] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of this disclosure, will become apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other features, advantages, and details appear by way of example only in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a vehicle configured according to one or more embodiments;

[0026] Figure 2A This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a traditional center-mounted brake light;

[0027] Figure 2B This is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the center high-mounted brake lamp according to one or more embodiments;

[0028] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Top view and cross-sectional view of an array of light-emitting diodes for forming a center high-position brake lamp, according to one or more embodiments, are shown respectively;

[0029] Figure 3C This is a cross-sectional view of a system for forming a center high-mounted brake lamp according to one or more embodiments;

[0030] Figure 3D This is a cross-sectional view of the center high-position brake lamp according to one or more embodiments;

[0031] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Top view and cross-sectional view of an array of light-emitting diodes for forming a center high-position brake lamp, according to one or more embodiments, are shown respectively;

[0032] Figure 4C This is a cross-sectional view of a system for forming a center high-mounted brake lamp according to one or more embodiments;

[0033] Figure 4D This is a cross-sectional view of the center high-position brake lamp according to one or more embodiments;

[0034] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Top view and cross-sectional view of a light-emitting diode array for forming a center high-mounted brake lamp, according to one or more embodiments, are shown respectively; and

[0035] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for forming a center high-mounted brake light according to one or more embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0037] Now refer to Figure 1 The illustration shows a vehicle 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The vehicle 100 includes a rear window 102, which is typically located at the rear of the vehicle 100. The rear window 102 includes an illumination device 104 disposed within the rear window 102, also referred to herein as a center high-mounted brake light (CHMSL) 104. Typically, the rear window 102 of the vehicle is angled such that it is not perpendicular to the vehicle's direction of travel. Conventionally, light emitted by the CHMSL 104 disposed on or within the rear window 102 is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the rear window 102. Therefore, the brightness of the light emitted by the CHMSL 104, observable directly behind the vehicle, is only a fraction of the total brightness of the light emitted by the CHMSL 104. Therefore, the total brightness of the conventional CHMSL 104 must substantially exceed the required minimum brightness of the CHMSL 104, which must be observable from a designated position behind the vehicle to meet the required minimum brightness of the CHMSL 104. In addition, as the angle of the rear window increases, the percentage of light emitted by CHMSL 104 that can be observed directly behind the vehicle decreases.

[0038] Now for reference Figure 2A The figure shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a conventional center-mounted brake light. As shown, the conventional center-mounted brake light 104-1 includes a substrate 110, which includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 106, such as micro LEDs. The conventional center-mounted brake light 104-1 is disposed inside a rear glass 102, which includes an inner glass 101 and an outer glass 103. The LEDs 106 are disposed on the substrate 110 such that the light 108 emitted from the LEDs is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the rear glass 102.

[0039] Now for reference Figure 2BA cross-sectional view of a portion of a center-high mounted brake lamp according to one or more embodiments is shown. As shown, the center-high mounted brake lamp 104-2 includes a substrate 110, which includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 106, such as micro LEDs. The center-high mounted brake lamp 104-2 is disposed within a rear window 102, which includes an inner glass 101 and an outer glass 103. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 110 is formed in a stepped pattern having a pitch determined at least partially based on the angle of the rear window 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the LEDs 106 are disposed on the substrate such that light 108 emitted by the LEDs 106 is not perpendicular to the surface of the rear window 102, and such that light 108 emitted by the LEDs 106 is substantially parallel to the direction of travel 105 of the vehicle in which the CHMSL 104-2 is disposed.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, the substrate 110 may be made of a range of suitable materials and will vary depending on the needs of the respective application (e.g., desired structural, thermal, and optical properties, etc.). In some embodiments, for example, the substrate 110 is made of glass, polycarbonate (PC) materials, acrylic materials (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)), thermoplastics (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)), glass-ceramic materials (e.g., sodium-calcium silicate glass-ceramics, aluminosilicate glass-ceramics, lithium aluminosilicate glass-ceramics, spinel glass-ceramics, and β-quartz glass-ceramics), and combinations thereof.

[0041] Now for reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B The figures show a top view and a side view, respectively, of a light-emitting diode array for forming a center high-mounted brake lamp according to one or more embodiments. The light-emitting diode array includes a plurality of LEDs 106 disposed on a substrate 110. The substrate 110 includes one or more contact pads 114 configured to receive power and one or more electrical connections 116 configured to transfer power from the contact pads 114 to the LEDs 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 110 also includes one or more positioning holes 112 for positioning the substrate 110 during the formation of the CHMSL and / or during placement of the formed CHMSL. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more electrical connections 116 are at least partially disposed within the substrate 110.

[0042] Figure 3CA cross-sectional view is shown of a system for forming a center-high-mounted brake lamp according to one or more embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the center-high-mounted brake lamp is formed by placing a substrate 110 into a press including a first mold 118-1 and a second mold 118-2. The substrate 110 is positioned between the first mold 118-1 and the second mold 118-2 and then pressed into a stepped shape to produce a shaped center-high-mounted brake lamp 120, as shown. Figure 3D As shown. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more of the first mold 118-1, the second mold 118-2, and the substrate 110 may be heated before or during pressing onto the substrate 110.

[0043] Now for reference Figure 4A and Figure 4B The figures show a top view and a side view, respectively, of a light-emitting diode array for forming a center high-mounted brake lamp according to one or more embodiments. The light-emitting diode array includes a plurality of LEDs 106 disposed on a substrate 110. The substrate 110 includes one or more contact pads 114 configured to receive power and one or more electrical connectors 116 configured to transfer power from the contact pads 114 to the LEDs 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 110 also includes one or more positioning holes 112 for positioning the substrate during the formation of the CHMSL and / or during placement of the formed CHMSL.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 110 also includes one or more collimators 115 disposed on one or more LEDs 106. The collimators 115 are configured to narrow the beam of particles or waves emitted by the LEDs. As used herein, narrowing can mean making the direction more aligned to a particular direction, or making the spatial cross-section of the beam smaller. Although the illustrated embodiment depicts a collimator 115 disposed on each LED 106, in some embodiments, the collimator 115 may be disposed only on a subgroup of LEDs 106.

[0045] Figure 4C A cross-sectional view is shown of a system for forming a center-high-mounted brake lamp according to one or more embodiments. In an exemplary embodiment, the center-high-mounted brake lamp is formed by placing a substrate 110 into a press including a first mold 118-1 and a second mold 118-2. The substrate 110 is positioned between the first mold 118-1 and the second mold 118-2 and then pressed into a stepped shape to produce a shaped center-high-mounted brake lamp 120, as shown. Figure 4D As shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the formed center-high mounted brake light 120 is then disposed in the rear glass 102 and between the inner glass 101 and the outer glass 103.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 110 for the center-high mounted brake lamp 120 has a stepped shape. The pitch of the stepped shape of the substrate is determined at least in part based on the angle of the rear window 102 of the vehicle 100 in which the center-high mounted brake lamp 120 will be mounted. As used herein, the pitch of the stepped shape is defined as the height of the stepped shape divided by the length of the stepped shape.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The figures show a top view and a side view, respectively, of a light-emitting diode array for forming a center high-mounted brake lamp according to one or more embodiments. The light-emitting diode array includes a plurality of LEDs 106 disposed on a substrate 110. The substrate 110 includes one or more contact pads 114 configured to receive power and one or more electrical connections 116 configured to transfer power from the contact pads 114 to the LEDs 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more electrical connections 116 are at least partially disposed within the substrate 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 110 also includes one or more positioning holes 112 for positioning the substrate during the formation of the CHMSL and / or during placement of the formed CHMSL.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 110 further includes one or more collimators 115 disposed on one or more LEDs 106. The collimators 115 are configured to narrow the beam of particles or waves emitted by the LEDs. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 110 includes one or more structural fibers 122 at least partially disposed on the substrate 110. In one embodiment, the structural fiber 122 may include one or more of carbon fibers, polypropylene fibers, bast fibers, aramid fibers, and / or graphene. In one embodiment, the structural fiber 122 may be woven into the substrate 110. In another embodiment, as... Figure 5B As shown, structural fibers 122 can be disposed on the surface of substrate 110 opposite to the surface on which LED 106 is disposed. In an exemplary embodiment, structural fibers 122 can be disposed on substrate 110 in various patterns.

[0049] Now for reference Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 600 for forming a center high-mounted brake light according to an embodiment is shown. (See also:) Figure 1 Method 600 is described up to Figure 5, and method 600 may include Figure 6 Additional steps not depicted. Although depicted in a specific order, Figure 6 The boxes depicted in the text can be rearranged, subdivided, and / or combined.

[0050] At block 602, method 600 includes placing a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on a substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate includes one or more positioning holes, one or more contact pads, and one or more electrical connections. The plurality of LEDs may be arranged in a two-dimensional array on the substrate, wherein the size of the array is based on the desired illumination characteristics of the center high-mounted brake lamp.

[0051] At block 604, method 600 includes placing a collimator on one or more of a plurality of light-emitting diodes on a substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the collimator is configured to control the direction and diffusion of light emitted by the light-emitting diodes.

[0052] At block 606, method 600 includes pressing a substrate with a light-emitting diode and a collimator into a stepped shape using one or more molds. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate may be heated before or simultaneously with pressing to increase its ductility.

[0053] At frame 608, method 600 includes attaching a formed substrate between an inner glass and an outer glass to form a rear glass for a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, positioning holes on the substrate may be used to align and / or secure the formed substrate to one of the inner and outer glass.

[0054] At frame 610, method 600 includes inserting a formed substrate into a mold and encapsulating the formed substrate in a transparent material, such as polycarbonate, a transparent thermosetting material, polyamide, acrylic, etc. In one embodiment, the formed substrate, provided with a light-emitting diode and a collimator, is encapsulated in a transparent material by a process of injection molding the transparent material around the formed substrate. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate includes one or more structural fibers. The structural fibers may be embedded within the substrate, disposed on the surface of the substrate, or partially disposed on the surface of the substrate and partially disposed within the substrate (i.e., woven into the substrate). In an exemplary embodiment, the structural fibers are configured to ensure that the formed substrate retains its shape during the injection molding process. In an exemplary embodiment, the encapsulated formed substrate can be used as a rear window of a vehicle. In another embodiment, the encapsulated formed substrate can be disposed between an inner glass and an outer glass to form a rear window of a vehicle.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, a center-high-mounted brake light is provided, comprising a plurality of LEDs configured to emit light in a direction substantially parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel and substantially not perpendicular to the surface of the vehicle's rear window. By orienting the LEDs of the center-high-mounted brake light to emit light substantially parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel, the number of LEDs required to achieve the desired brightness directly behind the vehicle can be minimized. Therefore, the energy consumed by the vehicle's center-high-mounted brake light to achieve the desired brightness directly behind the vehicle can also be minimized.

[0056] Although this disclosure primarily relates to a center-high-mounted brake light disposed in the rear window of a vehicle, it is not intended to be limited to this configuration. Rather, the teachings herein can be applied to any lighting device disposed on the glass or polymer surface of a vehicle. Furthermore, the teachings herein can be used in other lighting applications.

[0057] The term “a” does not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather that at least one of the referenced items is present. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term “or” means “and / or”. Throughout the specification, reference to “aspect” means that a particular element described in connection with that aspect (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the aspects.

[0058] When an element, such as a layer, film, region, or substrate, is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly” on another element, there are no intermediate elements present.

[0059] Unless otherwise stated herein, all test standards are the most recent standards in effect as of the date of filing of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the date of filing of the earliest priority application in which a test standard appears.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0061] While the foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements can be substituted with equivalents without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from the basic scope of this disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A lighting device for a vehicle, the lighting device comprising: substrate; A plurality of light-emitting diodes are disposed on the substrate; A contact pad configured to receive power; as well as Multiple electrical connectors are disposed within the substrate, and the multiple electrical connectors are configured to transfer power from the contact pads to the multiple light-emitting diodes. The plurality of light-emitting diodes are configured to emit light in a first direction that is not perpendicular to the outer surface of the rear window of the vehicle.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1 further includes one or more structural fibers at least partially disposed on the substrate.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is formed in a stepped pattern.

4. The lighting device of claim 3, wherein the pitch of the stepped pattern is determined based on the angle of the rear glass.

5. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein, The first direction is substantially parallel to the vehicle's direction of travel.

6. The lighting device according to claim 1 further includes one or more collimators disposed on one or more of the plurality of light-emitting diodes.

7. A vehicle comprising: Rear window, the rear window being disposed on the vehicle; A lighting device, wherein the lighting device is disposed within the rear glass, and wherein the lighting device comprises: A substrate having a stepped shape; A plurality of light-emitting diodes are disposed on the substrate; One or more collimators, wherein the one or more collimators are disposed on one or more of the plurality of light-emitting diodes; Contact pads, the contact pads being configured to receive power; and Multiple electrical connectors are disposed within the substrate, and the multiple electrical connectors are configured to transfer power from the contact pads to the multiple light-emitting diodes. The plurality of light-emitting diodes are configured to emit light in a first direction that is not perpendicular to the outer surface of the rear glass.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the pitch of the stepped shape is determined based on the angle of the rear glass.

9. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the lighting device further comprises one or more structural fibers at least partially disposed on the substrate.

10. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the rear glass is formed by placing the lighting device between the inner glass sheet and the outer glass sheet.

Images