Light guide system and light guide method of automobile key

Abstract

The invention discloses a light guide system of an automobile key, the light guide system comprises a PCBA board, a light guide module and a sealing module, the light guide module comprises LEDs and a light guide block, the LEDs are arranged on the PCBA board, the sealing module comprises a mounting shell, and the PCBA board is located in the mounting shell. And the visual feedback effect and energy efficiency of the intelligent key are improved. The invention further discloses a light guide method of the light guide system of the automobile key.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive key technology, specifically, it relates to a light guide system for an automotive key. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of automotive intelligence and connectivity, smart keys have become multifunctional terminals integrating identity recognition, remote control, and status feedback. They transmit information such as operation responses, battery warnings, and brand lighting effects to users through optical light guide systems, directly impacting user experience and product reliability. However, existing light guide technologies have the following problems: 1. Uneven light distribution leads to uneven brightness in the display area; 2. Multi-color LEDs are prone to light crosstalk, which reduces display clarity; 3. Lacks environmental adaptability, resulting in poor display performance in strong or low light environments; 4. The structural design is difficult to adapt to the miniaturized, highly integrated key space.

[0003] Utility model patent CN209025559U, published on June 25, 2019, discloses a car remote control. This car remote control includes an upper housing and a lower housing fastened together by snap-fit ​​mechanisms. A PCB circuit board is fixed between the upper and lower housings by these snap-fit ​​mechanisms. The upper housing has a key button area, and an annular light guide strip is embedded in the upper housing surrounding the key button area. The PCB circuit board is electrically connected to the annular light guide strip. A groove for mounting a button battery is provided on the back of the PCB circuit board, and the button battery is electrically connected to the PCB circuit board. However, this car remote control does not solve the aforementioned technical problem. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a light guide system for car keys that achieves uniform distribution, angle adjustment, and intelligent environmental adaptation of LED light, thereby improving the visual feedback effect and energy efficiency of smart keys.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: The light guiding system of the car key includes a PCBA board, a light guiding module, and a sealing module. The light guiding module includes LEDs and light guiding blocks, and the LEDs are all disposed on the PCBA board. The sealing module includes a mounting shell, and the PCBA board is located inside the mounting shell.

[0006] The light guide block has a primary light mixing surface and a reflective surface on both sides, and the light emitting end of the LED faces the primary light mixing surface.

[0007] The primary light-mixing surface is arc-shaped, the reflective surface is inclined, the bottom of the reflective surface has an arc-shaped concave structure, and the reflective surface is frosted.

[0008] The sealing module also includes a sealing gasket, which is disposed between the mounting housing and the edge of the PCBA board; the top of the mounting housing is provided with a transparent window, which is located above the light guide block.

[0009] The light guide block has a locking block at the bottom center and positioning pins at both ends of the bottom. The locking block passes through the PCBA board and engages with it, and the end of the positioning pin is inserted into the PCBA board.

[0010] The light guiding system of the car key also includes a control module, which includes a photosensitive sensor, a dimmable light driving circuit, and a color temperature calibration chip. The photosensitive sensor is mounted on the PCBA board and located below the reflective surface. The dimmable light driving circuit and the color temperature calibration chip are both integrated on the PCBA board.

[0011] The light guiding method of the light guiding system of this car key includes the following steps: Step 1: The LED emits light; Step 2: Initial mixing of light using a light-mixing surface; Step 3: The reflective surface adjusts the angle of the light to the target direction and performs diffuse reflection of the light; Step 4: The photosensitive sensor automatically adjusts the LED brightness and power based on the ambient light intensity.

[0012] In steps 1-4, the housing and sealing gasket physically block light.

[0013] In step 3, the reflective surface emits light in a direction perpendicular to the PCBA board.

[0014] In step 4, the color temperature calibration chip calibrates the LED spectrum.

[0015] The present invention has the following technical effects: 1. Features anti-light leakage design: Breaking through the limitations of traditional structures, it forms an all-round physical barrier through a sealed module, fundamentally solving the problem of light leakage in multi-color LEDs.

[0016] 2. Achieve integrated light mixing and control: Combine optical light mixing (primary and secondary light mixing) with electronic control (environmental sensing, color temperature calibration) to output uniform and angle-optimized light.

[0017] 3. Environmental adaptability: Introducing photosensitivity and dimmable drive to achieve dynamic brightness adjustment, balancing display effect and energy efficiency.

[0018] 4. High modularity and scalability: The guide blocks are assembled through standardized installation interfaces, making it easy to adapt to different product sizes and for maintenance and upgrades. Attached Figure Description

[0019] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the light guiding system of the car key of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the light guiding system of the car key of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the light guide block and the mounting shell of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting shell of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the PCBA board and the mounting shell of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the sealing gasket of the present invention.

[0020] The following are labeled in the diagram: 1. PCBA board; 2. LED; 3. Light guide block; 4. Primary light mixing surface; 5. Reflective surface; 6. Mounting shell; 7. Clip; 8. Positioning pin; 9. Sealing gasket; 10. Transparent window; 11. Photosensitive sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the light guide system of this car key includes a PCBA board 1, a light guide module, and a sealing module. The light guide module includes LEDs 2 and light guide blocks 3, with the LEDs 2 all mounted on the PCBA board 1. The sealing module includes a mounting shell 6, with the PCBA board 1 located inside the mounting shell 6. The dual light mixing design of the guide blocks achieves uniform light distribution. The control module improves display clarity and extends battery life through intelligent environmental adjustment. The sealing module features an anti-light leakage sealing design, which improves visual quality and reliability, enhances display uniformity and reliability, and improves user experience. This car key's light guide system can be extended to automotive electronics and consumer electronics fields, such as backlighting for central control buttons (air conditioning, volume buttons), ambient lighting modules, charging port indicator lights, or indicator lights on the operation panel of industrial equipment, and status lights for security cameras, etc.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the light guide block 3 has a primary light mixing surface 4 and a reflective surface 5 on both sides, with the light-emitting end of the LED2 facing the primary light mixing surface 4. The guide block is made of engineering materials such as PC, which is compatible with mass production and reduces costs. The primary light mixing surface 4 is a transparent curved surface, which is processed using transparent light guide material. The reflective surface 5 serves as the secondary light mixing surface of the light guide block 3, and works with the primary light mixing surface 4 to guide, mix, and adjust the angle of the light emitted by the LED2.

[0024] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the primary light-mixing surface 4 is arc-shaped, and the reflective surface 5 is tilted. The bottom of the reflective surface 5 has an arc-shaped concave structure, and the surface of the reflective surface 5 is frosted. The transparent arc surface adopts a semi-circular cross-section shape, which serves to balance the requirements of "directional light output" and "spatial adaptation". It can both concentrate the light transmission in a specified direction and adapt to flat, unilaterally limited installation spaces. It is especially suitable for the application scenario of LED2 that needs to emit light from the side. It realizes the technical requirement of uniformly illuminating the working area required by the car key with limited battery capacity and improves the overall light guide rate of the device. The transparent curved surface directs the light from LED2 onto the curved surface of reflective surface 5, ensuring the efficiency of the first reflection. The curved surface allows the light to diffuse naturally upon exiting, forming diffuse reflection and enabling secondary angle adjustment of the light. This ensures the brightness consistency of the light emitted from the curved side and improves the brightness of the target area. At the same time, the surface of reflective surface 5 is treated with tiny concave and convex surfaces to form a frosted surface. The frosted surface performs secondary light mixing, which breaks the directional propagation of light through diffuse reflection, causing the light to scatter in multiple directions. This improves the uniformity of the light and allows the light to be more evenly distributed inside the guide block.

[0025] like Figure 6 As shown, the sealing module also includes a sealing gasket 9, which is located between the mounting housing 6 and the edge of the PCBA board 1. The top of the mounting housing 6 is provided with a transparent window 10, which is located above the light guide block 3. The interior of the mounting housing 6 is fixed to the front of the PCBA board 1 by positioning posts and buckles. The mounting housing 6 surrounds the PCBA board 1 and its components, forming a physical barrier to prevent light leakage, achieving a waterproof rating of IP67, and is suitable for harsh usage scenarios such as rain, car wash, and sandstorms.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the light guiding system of this car key also includes a control module, which includes a photosensitive sensor 11, a dimmable drive circuit, and a color temperature calibration chip. The photosensitive sensor 11 is mounted on the PCBA board 1 and located below the reflective surface 5. The dimmable drive circuit and the color temperature calibration chip are both integrated on the PCBA board 1. The positioning pin 8 and the locking block 7 stably fix the light guide block 3 to the PCBA board 1, ensuring its stable light guiding function and preventing it from being dislodged due to external vibrations, thus affecting the light guiding function. This enables modular assembly, facilitating adaptation to different product sizes and disassembly, maintenance, and upgrades. The locking block 7 is L-shaped and has a guide bevel at its end for easy installation.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the control module includes a photosensitive sensor 11, a dimmable light-driving circuit, and a color temperature calibration chip. The photosensitive sensor 11 is mounted on the PCBA board 1 and located below the reflective surface 5. Both the dimmable light-driving circuit and the color temperature calibration chip are integrated on the PCBA board 1. The photosensitive sensor 11 detects the ambient light intensity. The dimmable light-driving circuit adjusts the power of the LED2 according to the ambient light intensity. The color temperature calibration chip adapts to the spectral differences of different LED2s. The control module, through the linkage between the photosensitive sensor 11 and the dimmable light-driving circuit, increases the power and light output efficiency of the LED2 in strong light environments (such as outdoor lighting in summer) to enhance display clarity, and reduces brightness in low light environments (such as nighttime parking garages) to save key battery power. The color temperature calibration chip, integrated on the PCBA board 1, is used to calibrate the color temperature of multi-color LED2s, adapting to the spectral differences of different brands of LED2s to ensure consistent luminous efficacy in mass production.

[0028] The light guiding method of the light guiding system of this car key includes the following steps: Step 1: LED2 emits light; Step 2: Initially mix the light on the first mixing surface 4; Step 3: The reflective surface 5 adjusts the angle of the light to the target direction and performs diffuse reflection of the light; Step 4: The photosensitive sensor 11 automatically adjusts the brightness and power of LED 2 based on the ambient light intensity.

[0029] The specific light guiding method process is as follows: Light emission: Multi-color side-emitting LED2 emits light.

[0030] Primary light mixing: Light rays undergo initial mixing as they pass through a transparent curved surface.

[0031] Angle adjustment: Reflector 5 directs the light to the target area.

[0032] Secondary light mixing: The frosted surface further homogenizes the light through diffuse reflection.

[0033] Environmental Adaptation: The system automatically adjusts the brightness and power consumption of LED2 according to the ambient light intensity.

[0034] The aforementioned light guiding method includes steps such as light mixing, angle adjustment, and environmental adaptive adjustment. It solves the problems of uniformly illuminating the working area, improving light guide efficiency, and avoiding light crosstalk under limited battery capacity. It provides a scalable system solution for light guiding technology and promotes industry technology optimization.

[0035] In steps 1-4, the mounting shell 6 and sealing gasket 9 physically block light. The mounting shell 6 and the anti-light-transmission dual-color silicone sealing gasket 9 cover the PCBA board 1 to form a fully enclosed gap protection, preventing light from crossing and leaking.

[0036] In step 3, the reflective surface 5 emits light in a direction perpendicular to the PCBA board 1. After the light undergoes a first light mixing, the reflective surface 5 adjusts the light angle to a 90-degree vertical direction to fit the flat mounting space of the car key. Then, the light undergoes a second light mixing through the frosted surface to achieve uniform light output, meeting the light output requirements of the miniaturized and highly integrated car key space.

[0037] Step 4: The color temperature calibration chip calibrates the spectrum of LED2 to avoid luminous efficacy deviation.

[0038] The light guiding system and method of this car key have the following technical effects: 1. Features anti-light leakage design: Breaking through the limitations of traditional structures, it forms an all-round physical barrier through a sealed module, fundamentally solving the problem of light leakage of multi-color LEDs.

[0039] 2. Achieve integrated light mixing and control: Combine optical light mixing (primary and secondary light mixing) with electronic control (environmental sensing, color temperature calibration) to output uniform and angle-optimized light.

[0040] 3. Environmental adaptability: Introducing photosensitivity and dimmable drive to achieve dynamic brightness adjustment, balancing display effect and energy efficiency.

[0041] 4. High modularity and scalability: The guide blocks are assembled through standardized installation interfaces, making it easy to adapt to different product sizes and for maintenance and upgrades.

[0042] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light guiding system for a car key, characterized in that: The device includes a PCBA board (1), a light guide module and a sealing module. The light guide module includes LEDs (2) and light guide blocks (3). The LEDs (2) are all mounted on the PCBA board (1). The sealing module includes a mounting shell (6). The PCBA board (1) is located inside the mounting shell (6).

2. The light guiding system for a car key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light guide block (3) has a primary light mixing surface (4) and a reflective surface (5) on both sides, and the light emitting end of the LED (2) faces the primary light mixing surface (4).

3. The light guiding system for a car key according to claim 2, characterized in that: The primary light mixing surface (4) is arc-shaped, the reflective surface (5) is inclined, the bottom of the reflective surface (5) is an arc-shaped concave structure, and the reflective surface (5) is a frosted surface.

4. The light guiding system for a car key according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sealing module also includes a sealing gasket (9), which is located between the mounting shell (6) and the edge of the PCBA board (1); the top of the mounting shell (6) is provided with a transparent window (10), which is located above the light guide block (3).

5. The light guiding system for a car key according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light guide block (3) has a locking block (7) at the bottom center and positioning pins (8) at both ends of the bottom. The locking block (7) passes through the PCBA board (1) and engages with it. The end of the positioning pin (8) is inserted into the PCBA board (1).

6. The light guiding system for a car key according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a control module, which includes a photosensitive sensor (11), a dimmable light driving circuit and a color temperature calibration chip. The photosensitive sensor (11) is disposed on the PCBA board (1) and located below the reflective surface (5). The dimmable light driving circuit and the color temperature calibration chip are both integrated on the PCBA board (1).

7. A light guiding method for a light guiding system of a car key as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: LED (2) emits light; Step 2, Initial mixing of light on the first mixing surface (4); Step 3: The reflective surface (5) adjusts the angle of the light to the target direction and performs diffuse reflection of the light; Step 4: The photosensitive sensor (11) automatically adjusts the brightness and power of the LED (2) based on the ambient light intensity.

8. The light guiding system for a car key according to claim 7, characterized in that, In steps 1-4, the housing (6) and the sealing gasket (9) physically block light.

9. The light guiding system for a car key according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step 3, the reflective surface (5) emits light in a direction perpendicular to the PCBA board (1).

10. The light guiding system for a car key according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step 4, the color temperature calibration chip calibrates the spectrum of LED (2).

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