Automobile skylight side light-emitting starry sky glass controller

By integrating the light strip control module and drive unit, the hardware design of the side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for automotive sunroofs has been simplified, solving the problems of large number of components and high cost in existing technologies. This has improved stability and energy efficiency, while also providing strong anti-interference capabilities and flexibility.

CN224233872UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-12INALFA MANAGEMENT SHANGHAI CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
INALFA MANAGEMENT SHANGHAI CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-05-29
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing controllers for side-lit starry sky glass in automotive sunroofs require a large number of discrete components and complex drive circuits to control the light strips, resulting in high costs.

Method used

An integrated design of the LED strip control module and LED strip driver unit is adopted, which simplifies the hardware driver circuit by using CAN and LIN communication, reduces the number of driver chips, and reduces code complexity through integrated design.

Benefits of technology

It simplifies the hardware driver circuit, reduces the number of components and wiring difficulty, improves system stability and energy efficiency, has strong anti-interference ability, and provides greater design freedom and flexibility.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of automobile interiors, and discloses an automobile sunroof side light-emitting type starry sky glass controller which comprises a lamp strip control module. The number of the lamp strip driving units is multiple, the multiple lamp strip driving units are all connected with the lamp strip control module, and the lamp strip control module is used for supplying power to power sources of the multiple lamp strip driving units; the lamp strip control module comprises a lamp strip controller, and the lamp strip controller is used for sending instructions to a plurality of lamp strip driving units. Lamp bead drive is integrated on the lamp strip, complexity of a hardware drive circuit is simplified, richer starry sky top lamplight atmosphere modes are achieved through the mode of independently controlling a single LED, the number of needed elements is reduced, circuit layout and wiring difficulty is lowered, and the LED lamp strip is more convenient to use. The integrated hardware design enables the code complexity of the software control module to be correspondingly reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive interior design, and more particularly to a side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for automotive sunroofs. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the automotive industry and the increasing demands of consumers for the quality of car interiors, ambient lighting systems have gradually become an important element in enhancing the luxury and passenger experience of vehicles. As an auxiliary lighting system used to create ambiance and enhance interior decoration, starry sky ceilings are increasingly valued by major OEMs as consumers' demands for car interior quality grow. In recent years, user demand for starry sky ceiling lighting modes has been steadily increasing.

[0003] Existing automotive sunroof side-illuminated starry sky glass controllers require a large number of discrete components and complex drive circuits to control the light strips, and require a large number of drive chips to support the operation of multiple light strips, resulting in high costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is that existing automotive sunroof side-illuminated starry sky glass controllers require numerous discrete components and complex drive circuits to control the light strips, necessitating a large number of driver chips to support the operation of multiple light strips, resulting in high costs. To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an automotive sunroof side-illuminated starry sky glass controller.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solution to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for automotive sunroofs includes: a light strip control module; several light strip drive units, each connected to the light strip control module, which supplies power to the light strip drive units; the light strip control module includes a light strip controller that sends commands to the light strip drive units, and the light strip control module communicates with each group of light strips via CAN communication for command transmission and signal exchange.

[0007] Preferably, the light strip controller includes: a universal asynchronous transceiver, which provides asynchronous serial communication that converts the light strip controller's signals into differential signals.

[0008] Preferably, the light strip controller further includes a CAN transceiver, which is installed on the light strip controller. The CAN transceiver is connected to several light strip driving units, and the differential signal is converted through the CAN physical layer on the CAN transceiver and sent to each light strip driving unit.

[0009] Preferably, the light strip controller further includes: a DC power supply connected to the light strip controller; and a controllable 12V power supply, wherein the light strip controller is connected to the controllable 12V power supply, the controllable 12V power supply is connected to a plurality of light strip driving units, and the controllable 12V power supply provides voltage to the light strip driving units.

[0010] Preferably, the light strip controller further includes: a thermistor connected to the light strip controller, the thermistor being used to monitor the temperature of the light strip control module; and a low-dropout linear regulator connected within the light strip control module, the low-dropout linear regulator being used to convert the vehicle's 12V power supply system at the control end into a 5V power supply to power the light strip controller.

[0011] Preferably, the light strip controller further includes a LIN transceiver connected within the light strip control module, the LIN transceiver being connected to the control terminal.

[0012] Preferably, the LED strip control module is connected to a control terminal via a wiring harness. The control terminal is used to send the vehicle power supply and LIN commands to the LED strip control module, and the LED strip control module is used to convert the LIN commands into serial port data.

[0013] Preferably, the LED strip driving unit includes: a lighting control driver, the CAN transceiver being connected to the lighting control driver; and several LED beads, the lighting control driver being connected to the several LED beads.

[0014] Preferably, the lighting control driver includes: a communication module connected to the light strip controller, and the CAN transceiver connected to the communication module.

[0015] Preferably, the lighting control driver and each LED bead are controlled using a low-side driving method.

[0016] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following technical effects compared with the prior art:

[0017] (1) By integrating the LED chip driver onto the LED strip, the complexity of the hardware driver circuit is simplified. This not only reduces the number of required components but also lowers the difficulty of circuit layout and wiring. The integrated hardware design also reduces the code complexity of the software control module, which helps improve the stability and reliability of the system.

[0018] (2) Time-sharing design can be carried out on the circuit, which effectively saves the number of driver chips. The time-sharing design also enables the system to drive multiple LEDs at the same time, improving energy utilization efficiency. Due to the simplicity and proper optimization of the circuit, this solution provides a stable light source while maintaining high energy efficiency.

[0019] (3) Due to the high integration of the circuit and the low code complexity, this solution has strong anti-interference ability during operation and can better cope with various external interferences and noises. The integrated and simplified design makes it easier for the system to reach a stable operating state. It allows multiple additional LEDs to be added to each LED strip, providing users with greater design freedom. Users can adjust the length and brightness of the LED strip as needed to meet the needs of different scenarios. It supports different manufacturers and different types of RGB LEDs and has high flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the architecture of a side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for a car sunroof according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the control terminal of a side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for an automotive sunroof according to this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the light strip control module of a side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for an automotive sunroof according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of the light strip drive unit of a side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for an automobile sunroof according to the present invention.

[0024] The accompanying figures are labeled as follows:

[0025] 100. Control terminal; 200. LED strip control module; 300. LED strip drive unit. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.

[0027] Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0028] Example 1

[0029] Reference Figures 1-4A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for automotive sunroofs includes: a light strip control module 200; and several light strip drive units 300, each connected to the light strip control module 200. The light strip control module 200 supplies power to the light strip drive units 300, which are the components responsible for the actual light emission and display effects. By receiving commands from the light strip control module 200, the light strip drive units 300 can present various lighting effects, creating a unique atmosphere inside the vehicle. The light strip control module 200 includes a light strip controller, which sends commands to the light strip drive units 300. The light strip control module 200 communicates with each group of light strips via CAN communication for command transmission and signal exchange.

[0030] The LED strip control module 200 is developed based on the S32K118 platform. It uses CAN communication to realize command transmission and signal interaction between the LED strip control module 200 and each LED strip, and uses LIN communication to realize command transmission and signal interaction between the LED strip control module 200 and the control terminal 100. The LED strip is based on the LED driver of Indichip Microelectronics. Each driver can control 9 LEDs individually. Moreover, the control device of this solution can control up to 32 LED strips at the same time, with a total of 288 LEDs. It is also suitable for different types of RGB LEDs from different manufacturers, with strong replaceability, which is very suitable for the ambient lighting requirements of modern sunroof systems.

[0031] The LED strip controller includes a universal asynchronous transceiver (UART), which provides asynchronous serial communication, converting the LED strip controller's signals into differential signals. The LED strip controller is the core component of the LED strip control module 200, sending control signals to the LED strip drive unit 300. Its built-in UART and CAN transceiver support asynchronous serial communication and CAN communication respectively, ensuring accurate command transmission and stable system operation. The UART provides asynchronous serial communication functionality, converting the LED strip controller's signals into differential signals, enhancing signal anti-interference capability and transmission distance, and ensuring reliable command transmission.

[0032] The CAN transceiver, installed on the LED strip controller, connects to a universal asynchronous transceiver and several LED strip driver units 300. Differential signals are converted through the CAN physical layer on the CAN transceiver and sent to each LED strip driver unit 300. The CAN transceiver is also connected to a UART, responsible for converting differential signals through the CAN physical layer and sending them to each LED strip driver unit 300. It supports high-speed and reliable CAN communication, ensuring real-time communication and data synchronization between the LED strip driver units 300 and the LED strip control module 200.

[0033] A DC power supply is connected to the LED strip controller; the DC power supply provides a stable DC power supply for the entire control device, ensuring the normal operating voltage of the LED strip control module 200 and the LED strip drive unit 300.

[0034] A controllable 12V power supply is provided. The light strip controller is connected to the controllable 12V power supply, which is connected to several light strip drive units 300. The controllable 12V power supply provides voltage to the light strip drive units 300. The controllable 12V power supply is controlled by the light strip controller to provide precise voltage to the light strip drive units 300. By adjusting the current, precise control of the light strip brightness and color can be achieved to meet the lighting needs of different scenarios.

[0035] The thermistor, connected to the LED strip controller, is used to monitor the temperature of the LED strip control module 200. This prevents damage caused by overheating. The thermistor converts the temperature signal into an electrical signal and transmits it to the LED strip controller for processing, enabling real-time temperature monitoring and early warning.

[0036] The low-dropout linear regulator is connected within the LED strip control module 200. It converts the vehicle's 12V power system to 5V to power the LED strip controller. The low-dropout linear regulator ensures that the LED strip controller operates under a stable voltage, avoiding performance degradation or malfunctions caused by voltage fluctuations.

[0037] The LIN transceiver is connected within the LED strip control module 200 and is connected to the control terminal 100.

[0038] The LED strip control module (200) is connected to the control terminal (100) via a wiring harness. The control terminal (100) is used to send the vehicle power supply and LIN commands to the LED strip control module (200). The LED strip control module (200) is used to convert the LIN commands into serial port data.

[0039] The LED strip driver unit 300 includes: a lighting control driver, and a CAN transceiver connected to the lighting control driver; the lighting control driver includes: a communication module connected to the LED beads, and the CAN transceiver connected to the communication module; the lighting control driver is the control component of the LED strip driver unit 300. It receives instructions from the CAN transceiver and communicates with the LED beads through the communication module, realizing precise control of the LED beads and ensuring the stability and consistency of the lighting effect. After receiving the instructions from the LED strip controller, the LED strip identifies the effect that each LED bead needs to display through a private protocol and adjusts the PWM duty cycle of the corresponding LED bead to achieve this.

[0040] There are several LED beads, and the lighting control driver is connected to several LED beads. The LED beads are the light-emitting components of the LED strip driver unit 300. By receiving instructions from the lighting control driver, they can present different colors and brightness, which together form the basis of the starry sky roof side light effect in the car. While controlling the PWM, the lighting control driver monitors the current of each LED bead, uses an algorithm to fit the temperature state of the LED bead at this time through the current, and feeds it back to the LED strip controller.

[0041] Example 2

[0042] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the lighting control driver and each LED bead are controlled by a low-side driving method.

[0043] During operation, the low-dropout linear regulator inside the LED strip control module 200 converts the vehicle's 12V power supply to 5V. The control terminal 100 sends LIN commands to the LIN transceiver inside the LED strip control module 200 via a second LIN transceiver. Upon receiving the LIN commands, the LED strip control module 200 converts them into serial data for the LED strip controller to understand and process. At this point, a stable command transmission and data synchronization channel is established between the control terminal 100 and the LED strip control module 200 via LIN communication. Users can select desired ambient effects through the control terminal 100 or other control interfaces and send these commands to the LED strip control module 200. After receiving the user commands, the LED strip control module 200 prepares the corresponding control signals based on the command content. The LED strip controller converts the received user commands into differential signals via serial communication. These differential signals are then converted through the CAN physical layer on the CAN transceiver and sent to the LED strip driver on each LED strip. After receiving instructions from the CAN transceiver, the lighting control driver identifies the desired effect for each LED through a proprietary protocol. The driver adjusts the PWM duty cycle of the corresponding LED to achieve the desired lighting effect. Simultaneously, the driver monitors the current of each LED. Using the current data, the driver uses an algorithm to fit the current temperature of the LED and feeds it back to the LED strip controller for further temperature control or early warning. Once the entire system is established as a complete control system, the LED strip driver unit 300 displays various lighting effects according to user instructions. The system operates stably, ensuring a unique atmosphere inside the vehicle. A thermistor continuously monitors the temperature of the LED strip control module 200 to prevent damage due to overheating. If the temperature exceeds a preset threshold, the LED strip controller will take corresponding protective measures, such as reducing the brightness of the LED strip or turning off some LED strips. The system also has a fault self-diagnosis function, which can promptly detect and report potential faults.

[0044] In summary, compared with existing technologies, it has the following beneficial effects:

[0045] By integrating the LED driver onto the light strip, the complexity of the hardware driver circuit is simplified. Independent control of each individual LED enables a wider variety of starry sky ceiling lighting atmosphere modes. This not only reduces the number of required components but also simplifies circuit layout and wiring. The integrated hardware design also correspondingly reduces the code complexity of the software control module, contributing to improved system stability and reliability.

[0046] The circuit can be designed in a time-division manner, which effectively saves the number of driver chips. The time-division design also enables the system to drive multiple LEDs at the same time, improving energy efficiency. Due to the simplicity and proper optimization of the circuit, this solution provides a stable light source while maintaining high energy efficiency.

[0047] Due to the high degree of circuit integration and low code complexity, this solution has strong anti-interference capabilities during operation and can better cope with various external interferences and noises. The integrated and simplified design makes it easier for the system to reach a stable operating state.

[0048] This solution allows for the addition of multiple LED chips on each LED strip, providing users with greater design freedom. Users can adjust the length and brightness of the LED strip as needed to meet the requirements of different scenarios. It supports different manufacturers and different types of RGB LED chips, offering high flexibility.

[0049] Finally, the following points should be noted: First, in the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly, and can be mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components, or direct connections. "Up", "down", "left", "right", etc. are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may change.

[0050] Secondly, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments disclosed in this utility model only involve the structures involved in the embodiments disclosed in this utility model. Other structures can refer to the general design. In the absence of conflict, the same embodiment and different embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.

[0051] Finally, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for a car sunroof, characterized in that, include: LED strip control module (200); There are several LED strip drive units (300), and each of the LED strip drive units (300) is connected to an LED strip control module (200). The LED strip control module (200) is used to supply power to the LED strip drive units (300). The light strip control module (200) includes a light strip controller, which is used to send instructions to several light strip drive units (300). The light strip control module (200) communicates with each group of light strips via CAN communication to send and receive commands and exchange signals.

2. A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for a car sunroof according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light strip controller includes: A Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter (UAR), used to provide asynchronous serial communication, converts the signals from the LED strip controller into differential signals.

3. A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for a car sunroof according to claim 2, characterized in that: The light strip controller also includes: A CAN transceiver is installed on the light strip controller. The CAN transceiver is connected to several light strip drive units (300). The differential signal is converted through the CAN physical layer on the CAN transceiver and sent to each light strip drive unit (300).

4. A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for a car sunroof according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light strip controller also includes: A DC power supply is connected to the LED strip controller; A controllable 12V power supply is provided. The light strip controller is connected to the controllable 12V power supply, which is connected to several light strip drive units (300). The controllable 12V power supply provides voltage to the light strip drive units (300).

5. A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for an automotive sunroof according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light strip controller also includes: A thermistor is connected to the LED strip controller and is used to monitor the temperature of the LED strip control module (200). A low-dropout linear regulator is connected within the light strip control module (200). The low-dropout linear regulator is used to convert the vehicle's 12V power system into a 5V power supply to power the light strip controller.

6. A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for a car sunroof according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light strip controller also includes: A LIN transceiver is connected within the LED strip control module (200).

7. A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for an automotive sunroof according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light strip control module (200) is connected to the control terminal (100) via a wiring harness. The control terminal (100) is used to send the vehicle power supply and LIN commands to the light strip control module (200). The light strip control module (200) is used to convert the LIN commands into serial port data.

8. A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for a car sunroof according to claim 3, characterized in that: The LED strip driving unit (300) includes: The lighting control driver is connected to the CAN transceiver. There are several LED beads, and the lighting control driver is connected to several LED beads.

9. A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for an automotive sunroof according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lighting control driver includes: A communication module is connected to the light strip controller, and the CAN transceiver is connected to the communication module.

10. A side-illuminated starry sky glass controller for an automotive sunroof according to claim 8, characterized in that: The lighting control driver is controlled by a low-side drive method with each LED.