Brightening circuit and method for automobile rear position lamp

Abstract

The invention provides a brightening circuit and method for an automobile rear position lamp, and belongs to the technical field of automobile circuit design. Comprising a Hall switch IC, a pre-embedded magnetic pole, a position lamp MCU and an output load LED light source plate. The embedded magnetic pole and the Hall switch IC are respectively fixed on a shell on the movable side and the fixed side of the automobile tail light assembly, and the Hall switch IC is used for detecting the magnetic field change of the embedded magnetic pole and outputting an electric signal; the input end of the position lamp MCU is electrically connected with the Hall switch IC, and the position lamp MCU is used for judging the opening and closing state of the automobile tail door according to the received electric signal and outputting a control signal; and the output load LED light source plate is electrically connected with the output end of the position lamp MCU and is used for working in different brightness modes according to the control signal of the position lamp MCU. According to the invention, the brightness of the rear position lamp of the automobile can be effectively controlled on the basis of reducing the wire harness length of the whole automobile.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive circuit design technology, and in particular relates to a brightness enhancement circuit and method for automotive rear position lights. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Automotive lighting systems typically turn lights on or off based on activation signals output by the vehicle's controller. When the fixed side of the rear position lights has a narrow and sloping profile or a large luminous area on the movable side, the design of light uniformity is often quite challenging. To ensure uniformity between the fixed and movable sides, and to ensure that the fixed side can independently meet CCC / ECE light distribution requirements when the tailgate is opened, a fixed-side brightening method is required to ensure that the rear position lights meet regulatory light distribution requirements under both conditions.

[0004] Currently, the taillight assembly needs to constantly detect the tailgate opening signal. The transmission path of the tailgate opening signal is from the tailgate switch to the body controller and then to the taillight assembly. The taillight assembly control circuit adjusts the brightness according to the different opening signals received. However, this existing brightness enhancement method has the following drawbacks: This method of using the body controller signal relay results in a long distance and long wiring harness from the tailgate opening signal output by the body controller to the taillight assembly, which leads to increased costs. Furthermore, the output signal is relayed from the tailgate PLG to the body controller and then to the taillight assembly, which further increases the link length and delay.

[0005] If the signal is not relayed through the body controller, but instead directly connected to the PLG tailgate electric strut, although the wiring length can be reduced, it is difficult to match the PLG circuit output signal with the taillight assembly circuit, and signal interference can easily cause the tailgate to fail to open. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a brightness enhancement circuit and method for automotive rear position lights, which can effectively control the brightness of automotive rear position lights while reducing the overall vehicle wiring harness length.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions: The first aspect of the present invention provides a brightness enhancement circuit for a vehicle rear position light.

[0008] A brightness enhancement circuit for automotive rear position lights includes: a Hall switch IC, a pre-embedded magnetic pole, a position light MCU, and an output load LED light source board; The embedded magnetic pole is fixed on the housing on the movable side of the car taillight assembly, and the movable side is linked to the car tailgate; the Hall switch IC is fixed on the housing on the fixed side of the car taillight assembly, and is used to detect the magnetic field change of the embedded magnetic pole and output an electrical signal. The input terminal of the position light MCU is electrically connected to the Hall switch IC, which is used to determine the opening and closing status of the car tailgate based on the received electrical signal and output a control signal; the output load LED light source board is electrically connected to the output terminal of the position light MCU, which is used to work in different brightness modes according to the control signal of the position light MCU, so as to realize different degrees of brightness enhancement of the rear position lights of the car.

[0009] Furthermore, the embedded magnetic pole is fixed to the housing on the movable side of the automotive taillight assembly by insert injection molding, and the magnetic field direction of the embedded magnetic pole is consistent with the sensitive direction of the Hall switch IC.

[0010] Furthermore, the Hall switch IC is fixed on the drive board PCBA of the fixed side housing of the automotive taillight assembly.

[0011] Furthermore, the Hall switch IC includes three pins: Vcc, Gnd, and Out. The Vcc pin is the positive power supply pin, connected to the power supply terminal; the Gnd pin is the negative power supply pin, connected to the ground terminal; and the Out pin is the signal output pin, connected to the input terminal of the position lamp MCU to output the magnetic pole position signal.

[0012] Furthermore, the Hall switch IC outputs a magnetic pole position signal by detecting the change in magnetic flux density of the pre-embedded magnetic pole. When the magnetic flux density reaches a set threshold, the output signal of the Out pin of the Hall switch IC changes to realize the recognition of the opening and closing state transition of the tailgate.

[0013] Furthermore, the input terminal of the position light MCU is electrically connected to the Hall switch IC. Specifically, the input terminal of the position light MCU includes a first signal input port and a second signal input port, which are respectively connected to the output terminal of the Hall switch IC and the associated interface circuit.

[0014] Furthermore, the input terminal of the Hall switch IC is connected to the power supply terminal as a power input port; the associated interface circuit includes a rear position light on signal interface circuit, through which the second signal input port of the position light MCU receives the rear position light on signal.

[0015] Furthermore, the output load LED light source board includes three brightness modes: no-light mode, normal brightness mode, and increased brightness mode. These three brightness modes correspond to three different control signals from the position light MCU.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for increasing the brightness of a vehicle's rear position light.

[0017] A method for increasing the brightness of a vehicle's rear position light, comprising: The Hall switch IC detects the position change of the pre-embedded magnetic pole in real time, outputs the corresponding tailgate status signal according to the position change of the magnetic pole, and transmits the tailgate status signal to the position light MCU. The position light MCU receives signals transmitted from the associated interface circuit through its second signal input port; based on the position light MCU, it performs logical processing on the tailgate status signal and the signals transmitted from the associated interface circuit, and sends control signals to the output load LED light source board according to the processing results. The output load LED light source board adjusts its own brightness according to the received control signal to achieve the light distribution requirements of the rear position lights in different tailgate states.

[0018] Furthermore, the output load LED light source board adjusts its own brightness according to the received control signal, including: when the position light MCU does not receive the rear position light on signal, controlling the output load LED light source board to be in a non-lit mode; when the position light MCU receives the rear position light on signal and the tailgate is closed, controlling the output load LED light source board to be in a normal brightness mode; when the position light MCU receives the rear position light on signal and the tailgate is open, controlling the output load LED light source board to be in a brighter mode. The above one or more technical solutions have the following beneficial effects: This invention fixes a pre-embedded magnetic pole to the housing on the movable side of the automotive taillight assembly, with the movable side linked to the tailgate. A Hall effect switch IC is fixed to the housing on the fixed side of the taillight assembly to detect changes in the magnetic field of the pre-embedded magnetic pole and output an electrical signal. By directly detecting the tailgate's opening and closing status through the Hall effect switch IC, the signal relay link of the body controller can be eliminated, significantly shortening the signal transmission path, reducing the overall vehicle wiring harness length and the number of plugs, lowering system cost and weight, while simultaneously improving signal response speed and reducing signal transmission delay.

[0019] In this invention, the input terminal of the position light MCU is electrically connected to the Hall switch IC, which is used to determine the opening and closing status of the car tailgate based on the received electrical signal and output a control signal. Tailgate status recognition is achieved through the cooperation of the magnetic pole, Hall switch, and position light MCU, eliminating the need for direct electrical connection to the PLG circuit. This avoids complex interface circuit matching issues, effectively suppresses signal interference, and thus improves the reliability and stability of the system, reducing the probability of failure.

[0020] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automobile taillight assembly in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the brightness enhancement circuit of the automotive taillight assembly in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interface circuit for detecting the tailgate opening signal in the prior art.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the interface circuit of the Hall switch IC in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the logic for determining the tailgate status in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Hall switch IC; 2. Rear tailgate assembly; 3. Driver board PCBA; 4. Embedded magnetic poles; 5. Housing of movable side taillight assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0028] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0029] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations of the present invention.

[0030] Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0031] Example 1 This embodiment discloses a brightness enhancement circuit for automotive rear position lights.

[0032] A brightness enhancement circuit for automotive rear position lights includes: a Hall switch IC, a pre-embedded magnetic pole, a position light MCU, and an output load LED light source board; The embedded magnetic pole is fixed on the housing on the movable side of the car taillight assembly, and the movable side is linked to the car tailgate; the Hall switch IC is fixed on the housing on the fixed side of the car taillight assembly, and is used to detect the magnetic field change of the embedded magnetic pole and output an electrical signal. The input terminal of the position light MCU is electrically connected to the Hall switch IC, which is used to determine the opening and closing status of the car tailgate based on the received electrical signal and output a control signal; the output load LED light source board is electrically connected to the output terminal of the position light MCU, which is used to work in different brightness modes according to the control signal of the position light MCU, so as to realize different degrees of brightness enhancement of the rear position lights of the car.

[0033] Based on the above structured design, this invention can effectively control the brightness of the rear position lights of a vehicle while reducing the overall vehicle wiring harness length. To facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this invention, the specific implementation methods of this invention will be further explained and described below.

[0034] To facilitate understanding of the solution, this embodiment first describes the vehicle's taillight system. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the car taillight assembly consists of two parts: the fixed side and the movable side. The rear position light functions are distributed in these two parts respectively. Figure 1 In the diagram, AA indicates the cutting position, meaning the cross-section is cut at the horizontal line indicated by A. The fixed side portion is assembled to the side panel of the vehicle body, while the movable side portion is assembled to the tailgate assembly. The physical structure of the automotive taillight assembly includes four main parts: the cover, the housing, the decorative ring, and the light source PCBA. It should be noted that these basic structural components and connections of the automotive taillight assembly are not the main technical points of this invention; therefore, this embodiment does not provide a more detailed explanation of them.

[0035] A brightness enhancement circuit for automotive rear position lights includes: a Hall switch IC, a pre-embedded magnetic pole, a position light MCU, and an output load LED light source board.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the left side of the cross-section of the automotive taillight assembly shows the fixed-side taillight assembly and side panel sheet metal structure. The internal structure of the taillight assembly consists of a conventional lamp cover, decorative ring, PCBA, and housing. The Hall switch IC1 is positioned on the driver board PCBA3. In actual placement, its location should be as far away as possible from high-heat-generating components and close to the magnetic pole placement position to improve magnetic flux sensitivity and reduce the size and weight of the magnetic pole. The right side of the cross-section shows the movable-side taillight assembly mounted on the tailgate assembly 2. The movable-side taillight assembly housing 5 has embedded magnetic poles 4, which the Hall switch IC needs to identify, pre-embedded in the housing 5 using an insert injection molding method. The magnetic poles must be stably assembled and should not loosen due to slight fluctuations or vibrations, which would affect the recognition of the magnetic flux signal.

[0037] It should be noted that the strength and direction of the magnetic field during pre-embedded magnetic poles will affect the output of the Hall switch IC. Therefore, during installation, it should be ensured that the direction of the magnetic field is consistent with the sensitive direction specified by the Hall element. If the direction of the magnetic field is inconsistent with the sensor's sensitive direction, it may lead to inaccurate measurement results. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that the sensing surface (printed surface) of the Hall switch faces the expected magnetic field source. Thus, the movement of the pre-embedded magnetic pole 4 causes a change in the magnetic field, which can represent the opening or closing of the tailgate. The Hall switch IC (denoted as Q1) enters different operating conditions according to the change of the magnetic pole, being in a conducting or open circuit state, corresponding to a 0V output or a high output Vcc voltage at the Trunk Sig interface. The rear position light MCU can then, based on the signal state of the Trunk Sig (i.e., the output port of the Hall sensor), superimpose the rear position light signal, and arrange and combine them to execute three output results: first, no light; second, normal brightness mode for the rear position light; third, increased brightness mode for the rear position light. Based on the output signals of the three different MCUs, the three LED brightness modes are executed by the corresponding rear position light source board, and the three brightness modes correspond to the three LED brightness modes of the position light MCU.

[0038] like Figure 3 The diagram shows a schematic of the existing tailgate opening signal detection interface circuit. The Trunk-Open signal comes from the body controller or the PLG tailgate electric strut. After passing through the interface circuit, a TVS diode, a reverse protection diode, and a filter capacitor, it forms the tailgate opening signal Trunk Sig, which is usable by the taillight MCU. This signal is equivalent to that of the present invention. Figure 4 Trunk Sig in the middle.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the Hall switch IC in this invention includes three pins: Vcc, Gnd, and Out. The Vcc pin is the positive power supply pin, connected to the power supply terminal; the Gnd pin is the negative power supply pin, connected to the ground terminal; and the Out pin is the signal output pin, connected to the input terminal of the position light MCU to output a magnetic pole position signal. The Out output signal is Trunk Sig. When the magnetic pole shifts and the magnetic flux density reaches a set threshold boundary, the Trunk Sig output signal changes, thus recognizing the tailgate opening / closing state transition. Therefore, by adopting the design scheme of this invention, some interface circuits and electronic components involved can be reduced.

[0040] The input terminals of the position light MCU are electrically connected to the Hall switch IC. Specifically, the input terminals of the position light MCU include a first signal input port and a second signal input port, which are respectively connected to the output terminal of the Hall switch IC and the associated interface circuit. The input terminal of the Hall switch IC serves as a power input port connected to the power supply. Further, the associated interface circuit includes a rear position light on signal interface circuit, through which the second signal input port of the position light MCU receives the rear position light on signal.

[0041] Based on the above design, this invention directly detects the open or closed state of the tailgate using a Hall effect switch IC, replacing the existing method of transmitting signals from the driver's side to the taillight assembly over a long distance. This results in shorter wiring harnesses, fewer components, and more direct signal transmission, thereby reducing overall vehicle development costs and weight. Simultaneously, by adjusting the signal input source and using a Hall effect method, interface circuit matching is avoided, effectively preventing loop signal interference and improving signal reliability. The fixed-side taillight rear position light enhancement circuit provided by this invention mainly focuses on the difference in the recognition path of the tailgate opening signal. Its applicability is not limited to enhancing the position lights; it is also suitable for illuminating all or part of the light-transmitting surface of the brake lights for supplementary lighting after the tailgate is opened, or for additional LED particles separately arranged in the fixed-side area, so that the rear position lights meet the mandatory light distribution requirements of regulations.

[0042] Example 2 This embodiment discloses a method for increasing the brightness of rear position lights in automobiles.

[0043] A method for increasing the brightness of a vehicle's rear position light, comprising: The Hall switch IC detects the position change of the pre-embedded magnetic pole in real time, outputs the corresponding tailgate status signal according to the position change of the magnetic pole, and transmits the tailgate status signal to the position light MCU. The position light MCU receives signals transmitted from the associated interface circuit through its second signal input port; based on the position light MCU, it performs logical processing on the tailgate status signal and the signals transmitted from the associated interface circuit, and sends control signals to the output load LED light source board according to the processing results. The output load LED light source board adjusts its own brightness according to the received control signal to achieve the light distribution requirements of the rear position lights in different tailgate states.

[0044] Furthermore, the output load LED light source board adjusts its own brightness according to the received control signal, including: when the position light MCU does not receive the rear position light on signal, controlling the output load LED light source board to be in a non-lit mode; when the position light MCU receives the rear position light on signal and the tailgate is closed, controlling the output load LED light source board to be in a normal brightness mode; when the position light MCU receives the rear position light on signal and the tailgate is open, controlling the output load LED light source board to be in a brighter mode. While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A brightening circuit for an automobile rear position lamp, characterized by comprising: include: Hall effect switch IC, embedded magnetic poles, position light MCU and output load LED light source board; The embedded magnetic pole is fixed on the housing on the movable side of the car taillight assembly, and the movable side is linked to the car tailgate; the Hall switch IC is fixed on the housing on the fixed side of the car taillight assembly, and is used to detect the magnetic field change of the embedded magnetic pole and output an electrical signal. The input terminal of the position light MCU is electrically connected to the Hall switch IC, which is used to determine the opening and closing status of the car tailgate based on the received electrical signal and output a control signal; the output load LED light source board is electrically connected to the output terminal of the position light MCU, which is used to work in different brightness modes according to the control signal of the position light MCU, so as to realize different degrees of brightness enhancement of the rear position lights of the car.

2. A brightening circuit for an automotive rear position lamp as defined in claim 1, wherein The embedded magnetic pole is fixed to the housing on the movable side of the automotive taillight assembly by insert injection molding, and the magnetic field direction of the embedded magnetic pole is consistent with the sensitive direction of the Hall switch IC.

3. A brightening circuit for an automotive back-up lamp as defined in claim 1 wherein, The Hall switch IC is fixed on the drive board PCBA of the fixed side housing of the automotive taillight assembly.

4. A brightening circuit for an automotive rear position lamp as defined in claim 3, wherein The Hall switch IC includes three pins: Vcc, Gnd, and Out. The Vcc pin is the positive power supply pin, connected to the power supply terminal. The Gnd pin is the negative power supply pin, connected to the ground terminal. The Out pin is the signal output pin, connected to the input terminal of the position lamp MCU to output the magnetic pole position signal.

5. A brightening circuit for an automotive rear position lamp as defined in claim 4, wherein The Hall switch IC outputs a magnetic pole position signal by detecting the change in magnetic flux density of the pre-embedded magnetic pole. When the magnetic flux density reaches a set threshold, the output signal of the Out pin of the Hall switch IC changes to realize the recognition of the opening and closing state of the tailgate.

6. A brightening circuit for an automotive rear position lamp as defined in claim 1, wherein The input terminal of the position light MCU is electrically connected to the Hall switch IC. Specifically, the input terminal of the position light MCU includes a first signal input port and a second signal input port, which are respectively connected to the output terminal of the Hall switch IC and the associated interface circuit.

7. A brightening circuit for an automotive rear position lamp as defined in claim 6, wherein The input terminal of the Hall switch IC is connected to the power supply terminal as a power input port; the associated interface circuit includes a rear position light on signal interface circuit, through which the second signal input port of the position light MCU receives the rear position light on signal.

8. The brightening circuit for an automotive rear position lamp according to claim 1, wherein The output load LED light source board includes three brightness modes: no light mode, normal brightness mode, and increased brightness mode. The three brightness modes correspond to three different control signals of the position light MCU.

9. A brightening method for a rear position lamp of an automobile, characterized by, include: The Hall switch IC detects the position change of the pre-embedded magnetic pole in real time, outputs the corresponding tailgate status signal according to the position change of the magnetic pole, and transmits the tailgate status signal to the position light MCU. The position light MCU receives signals transmitted from the associated interface circuit through its second signal input port; based on the position light MCU, it performs logical processing on the tailgate status signal and the signals transmitted from the associated interface circuit, and sends control signals to the output load LED light source board according to the processing results. The output load LED light source board adjusts its own brightness according to the received control signal to achieve the light distribution requirements of the rear position lights in different tailgate states.

10. A method of brightening for a rear position lamp of an automobile according to claim 9, wherein The output load LED light source board adjusts its brightness according to the received control signal, including: when the position lamp MCU does not receive the rear position lamp opening signal, controlling the output load LED light source board to be in the non-lighting mode; when the position lamp MCU receives the rear position lamp opening signal and the tail door is in the closed state, controlling the output load LED light source board to be in the ordinary brightness mode; when the position lamp MCU receives the rear position lamp opening signal and the tail door is in the open state, controlling the output load LED light source board to be in the brightening brightness mode.

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