A taillight control architecture and vehicle

CN224909722UActive Publication Date: 2026-10-27XIAOMI EV TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202521388020.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-07-02
Publication Date
2026-10-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-07-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0003]相关技术中,尾灯控制架构的信号输入和输出需要通过硬线传输,导致使用硬线数量较多且结构复杂

Benefits of technology

[0020]借由上述技术方案,本申请提供的一种尾灯控制架构及车辆,与相关技术相比,本申请通过在目标尾灯组中嵌入照明控制模块,并将照明控制模块与多个尾灯组进行连接,可以通过照明控制模块进行收发控制信号,相较于通过硬线传输可以提高信号传输速率;并且本申请不需要针对每个尾灯组均设置对应的照明控制模块,仅通过在一个尾灯组中设定就可以实现在接收到控制信号的情况下,控制多个尾灯组执行对应的灯光模式,实现组合逻辑灯组点亮和灯光交互需求,且通过一个照明控制模块进行控制还可以保证多个尾灯组的同步性。

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Abstract

The application discloses a tail lamp control architecture and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of circuits, wherein the tail lamp control architecture comprises a plurality of tail lamp groups; a lighting control module is embedded in a target tail lamp group in the plurality of tail lamp groups, and the lighting control module is connected with the plurality of tail lamp groups respectively. Compared with the related art, the application can transmit and receive control signals through the lighting control module, so that the signal transmission rate can be improved compared with hard-wire transmission; and the application does not need to set a corresponding lighting control module for each tail lamp group, but only needs to be set in one tail lamp group, so that the plurality of tail lamp groups can be controlled to execute corresponding light modes in the case of receiving control signals, the combination logic lamp group lighting and light interaction requirements are realized, and the synchronization of the plurality of tail lamp groups can be ensured through control of one lighting control module.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of circuit technology, and in particular to a taillight control architecture and vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The taillight control architecture is an important component of a vehicle's lighting system. It ensures that the taillights can correctly signal under different driving conditions, such as daytime, nighttime, and rainy weather, as well as when performing specific operations, such as braking, turning, or reversing.

[0003] In related technologies, the signal input and output of the taillight control architecture need to be transmitted through hard wires, resulting in a large number of hard wires and a complex structure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, this application provides a taillight control architecture and a vehicle.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a taillight control architecture, including:

[0006] Multiple taillight assemblies;

[0007] A lighting control module is embedded in a target taillight group among the plurality of taillight groups, and the lighting control module is connected to each of the plurality of taillight groups.

[0008] Optionally, the plurality of taillight groups includes at least one or more of a through taillight group, a left taillight group, and a right taillight group, and the target taillight group is any one of the plurality of taillight groups.

[0009] Optionally, each taillight assembly includes at least one lighting module, which is connected to the lighting control module.

[0010] Optional, also includes:

[0011] Optionally, the lighting control module includes a control unit and a drive unit;

[0012] The first end of the control unit is connected to the power supply, and the second end of the control unit is connected to the first end of the drive unit.

[0013] Optionally, the second end of the drive unit is connected to at least one lighting module, the second lighting module, and the third lighting module in each taillight assembly.

[0014] Optionally, the control unit includes a controller area network (CAN) signal communication line and a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0015] The first end of the CAN signal communication line is connected to the power supply, and the second end of the CAN signal communication line is connected to the first end of the MCU.

[0016] Optionally, the second terminal of the MCU is connected to the first terminal of the drive unit.

[0017] Optionally, the driving unit includes at least one high-side driver (HSD);

[0018] The first terminal of the at least one HSD is connected to the second terminal of the MCU, and the second terminal of the at least one HSD is connected to the at least one lighting module in each taillight assembly.

[0019] Secondly, this application provides a vehicle including the taillight control architecture described in the first aspect.

[0020] By employing the above technical solutions, this application provides a taillight control architecture and vehicle. Compared with related technologies, this application embeds a lighting control module in the target taillight group and connects the lighting control module to multiple taillight groups. The lighting control module can transmit and receive control signals, which can improve the signal transmission rate compared to hard-wired transmission. Furthermore, this application does not require setting a corresponding lighting control module for each taillight group. By setting it in only one taillight group, it can control multiple taillight groups to execute corresponding lighting modes when a control signal is received, realizing the combined logic light group lighting and lighting interaction requirements. Moreover, controlling multiple taillight groups through a single lighting control module can also ensure the synchronization of multiple taillight groups.

[0021] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This paper shows a schematic diagram of a taillight control architecture device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] exist Figure 1 middle:

[0026] 1 - Multiple taillight assemblies; 11 - Lighting modules;

[0027] 2-Lighting control module, 21-Control unit, 22-Drive unit;

[0028] 3-Power supply. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0032] The present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other.

[0033] The following is combined Figure 1 This application describes a taillight control architecture according to some embodiments.

[0034] This application provides a taillight control architecture, such as Figure 1As shown, it includes: multiple taillight groups 1; and a lighting control module 2, which is embedded in the target taillight group within the multiple taillight groups 1, and the lighting control module is connected to the multiple taillight groups 1 respectively.

[0035] In this embodiment, the taillight control architecture is an important component of the vehicle lighting system, responsible for ensuring that the taillights emit signals correctly under various driving conditions; correspondingly, the taillight assembly is an important component of the rear of the vehicle, not only providing visual signals to vehicles behind to ensure driving safety, but also having a significant impact on the overall appearance design of the vehicle.

[0036] In this embodiment, the lighting control module can be a rear lighting control module (RLCM). Specifically, the rear lighting control module is a key component of the automotive electronic system, specifically responsible for managing and controlling all lighting systems at the rear of the vehicle. It should be noted that this module is integrated into the first lamp assembly, but it can also exist as a standalone unit. The main responsibilities of the RLCM include receiving input signals from various sensors and switches, and intelligently controlling the operation of taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reversing lights, etc., based on this information.

[0037] In this embodiment of the application, the lighting control module 2 can receive control signals from the vehicle and control the lighting of multiple taillight groups 1 based on the received control signals; for example, if the lighting control module 2 receives a control signal from the vehicle to activate the welcome mode, the lighting control module 2 can control the multiple taillight groups 1 to activate the lights corresponding to the welcome mode.

[0038] For example, the lighting control module 2 can store a variety of welcoming or farewell lighting effects and execute the corresponding dynamic effects after receiving a control signal.

[0039] Compared with related technologies, this embodiment embeds a lighting control module in the target taillight assembly and connects the lighting control module to multiple taillight assemblies. The lighting control module can send and receive control signals, which can improve the signal transmission rate compared to hard-wired transmission. Furthermore, this application does not require a corresponding lighting control module for each taillight assembly. By setting it in only one taillight assembly, it can control multiple taillight assemblies to execute the corresponding lighting mode when a control signal is received, realizing the requirements for combined logic light assembly lighting and light interaction. Moreover, controlling multiple taillight assemblies through a single lighting control module can also ensure the synchronization of multiple taillight assemblies.

[0040] Optionally, the multiple taillight groups 1 include at least one or more of the following: a through taillight group, a left taillight group, and a right taillight group, and the target taillight group is any one of the multiple taillight groups 1.

[0041] It should be noted that the target taillight group in this embodiment can be a through taillight, and the other taillight groups in the plurality of taillight groups 1 can include the left taillight and the right taillight; the target taillight group can also be either the left taillight or the right taillight. For example, if the target taillight group is the left taillight, then the other taillight groups include the through taillight and the right taillight; conversely, if the target taillight group is the right taillight, then the other taillight groups include the through taillight and the left taillight, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0042] In some examples, a through light is a continuous strip of light at the rear of the vehicle, extending from one side to the other, typically located between or above the taillights.

[0043] Optionally, each taillight assembly includes at least one lighting module 11, and the at least one lighting module 11 is connected to the lighting control module 2.

[0044] In this embodiment of the application, the lighting module 11 can be a module used for lighting in multiple lamp groups. For example, if the lighting module 11 is a lighting module in a through lamp group, most through lamps of the lighting module use LED light sources, because LEDs have the advantages of high brightness, low energy consumption, long life and fast response time, and are very suitable for applications that require long-term lighting and high reliability.

[0045] In some examples, the left and right taillights are important components of a vehicle's rear lighting system. They not only provide visual signals to vehicles behind to ensure driving safety but also significantly impact the vehicle's overall appearance. Specifically, the functions of the left and right taillights may include, but are not limited to: 1. Stoplight / Brake Light: Illuminates when the driver applies the brakes, warning vehicles behind that the vehicle is slowing down or stopping. 2. Rear Position Lamp: Displays the vehicle's width and position at night or in other low-visibility conditions. 3. Turn Signal Light: Indicates the direction the vehicle is about to turn, helping other road users anticipate the vehicle's movement. 4. Back-Up Light / Reverse Light: Automatically illuminates the area behind the vehicle when it is in reverse gear, alerting pedestrians and other vehicles. 5. High-Mounted Stop Light / Third Brake Light: Adds an extra braking signal source, especially useful on highways where it can warn following vehicles earlier. 6. Sequential Turn Signals: Some high-end models use a sequential lighting method, with LED beads illuminating one by one from the inside out to create a flowing effect and enhance the visual cueing effect.

[0046] As an alternative, at least one lighting module 11 also includes a fault feedback processing circuit to ensure that the driver can be informed of the operating status of the turn signals in a timely manner; for example, the circuit provides the driver with an immediate warning message when the left or right turn signal malfunctions.

[0047] It should be noted that if at least one lighting module 11 cannot meet the light distribution requirements (it needs to be combined with the first light group to complete this), the position lights of multiple taillight groups need to achieve two brightness levels: low brightness when the lights are on normally and high brightness when the tailgate is open. Brightness adjustment is not allowed to be achieved using pulse width modulation (PWM) dimming (PWM dimming is only used to achieve breathing of the position lights during welcome and farewell), and a separate signal line is required.

[0048] Optionally, the taillight control architecture of this embodiment also includes a power supply 3; the power supply 3 is connected to the lighting control module 2.

[0049] In some examples, the power supply to the vehicle's taillights is crucial to ensuring the proper functioning of all rear lighting systems. Different types of taillights (such as brake lights, taillights, turn signals, etc.) are typically powered by the vehicle's 12V DC power system, which is maintained by the onboard battery and alternator (or alternator).

[0050] In this embodiment, the power supply 3 is connected to the lighting control module 2. The power supply 3 can not only supply power to the lighting control module 2, but also send control signals to the lighting control module 2 so that the lighting control module 2 can respond according to the control signals.

[0051] Optionally, the lighting control module 2 includes a control unit 21 and a drive unit 22; the first end of the control unit 21 is connected to the power supply 3, and the second end of the control unit 21 is connected to the first end of the drive unit 22.

[0052] In some examples, the control unit 21 can be a unit in the lighting control module 2 that receives and processes control signals, and correspondingly, the drive unit 22 can be a unit in the lighting control module 2 that executes control signals.

[0053] As an alternative, when the welcoming mode needs to be activated, the control unit 21 can receive the control signal to start the welcoming mode and determine the driving content of the driving unit 22 based on the control signal, and the driving unit 22 executes the control signal.

[0054] For example, the lighting control module 2 may also include a port power reverse filtering circuit, a power supply voltage sampling circuit, a CANFD transceiver port circuit, and other necessary circuit components.

[0055] Optionally, the second end of the drive unit 22 is connected to at least one lighting module 11 in each taillight assembly.

[0056] In this embodiment of the application, the driving unit 22 can simultaneously drive at least one lighting module 11 in each taillight assembly.

[0057] For example, if the control unit 21 determines that at least one lighting module 11 in the target taillight assembly needs to be driven, the drive module can drive at least one lighting module 11 in the target taillight assembly based on the wiring of at least one lighting module 11 in the target taillight assembly.

[0058] Correspondingly, if the control unit 21 determines that at least one lighting module 11 in the target taillight group needs to be driven, the driving module can drive at least one lighting module 11 in the target taillight group based on the circuit for driving at least one lighting module 11 in the target taillight group, and so on, without further examples here.

[0059] In this embodiment, the lighting control module 2 can also implement constant current control of the LED through a linear constant current chip or a discrete circuit, and implement the N-1 strategy for each function as required, as well as fault diagnosis and feedback for the left and right turn signals.

[0060] Optionally, the control unit 21 includes a controller area network (CAN) signal communication line and a microcontroller unit (MCU); the first end of the CAN signal communication line is connected to the power supply 3, and the second end of the CAN signal communication line is connected to the first end of the MCU.

[0061] Optionally, the second terminal of the MCU is connected to the first terminal of the drive unit 22.

[0062] In this embodiment, CAN (Controller Area Network) signal communication is a serial communication protocol widely used in the automotive and industrial automation fields. In this embodiment, integrating a CAN signal communication line into the control unit enables the control unit 21 to communicate through the CAN signal communication line. Specifically, it can receive control signals through the CAN signal communication line to drive and control at least one lighting module 11 in each taillight group.

[0063] In some examples, a microcontroller unit (MCU) is a small computer integrated on a single chip, designed specifically for embedded applications. An MCU integrates a central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM, ROM / Flash), input / output interfaces (I / O), and other peripheral functional modules (such as timers, interrupt controllers, communication interfaces, etc.), enabling it to perform specific tasks in various devices.

[0064] It should be noted that the minimum MCU system can include a combination of an MCU and a CAN FD transceiver and a low-dropout linear stabilizer (LDO), or a combination of an MCU and a single-board computer (SBC). The CAN FD protocol supports higher data transmission rates and larger data loads, making it suitable for applications requiring real-time communication in this embodiment, thus improving the signal interaction speed. The SBC is typically equipped with a more powerful processor and more memory resources, enabling it to run complex operating systems (such as Linux), suitable for handling complex algorithms and multi-tasking operations. This allows this embodiment to receive multiple command signals via CAN, saving hard-wired signal lines.

[0065] In this embodiment of the application, the MCU can process the control signals received from the CAN signal communication line to determine the lighting module that needs to be driven.

[0066] Optionally, the drive unit includes at least one high-side drive (HSD); the first end of the at least one HSD is connected to the second end of the MCU, and the second end of the at least one HSD is connected to at least one lighting module 11 in each taillight assembly.

[0067] In this application embodiment, a high-side drive (HSD) is a circuit configuration for power switching applications, widely used in automotive electronics, industrial control, and other fields requiring direct load control. In this configuration, switching elements (such as MOSFETs or IGBTs) are placed between the load and the positive terminal of the power supply, thereby enabling power control of the load. This design contrasts with a low-side drive, in which the switching elements are located between the load and ground.

[0068] In some examples, when a high-side driver receives an enable signal, it applies the power supply voltage to the load, energizing it; conversely, when the driver receives an disable signal, it blocks the current path from the power supply to the load, de-energizing it. Many high-side drivers are capable of accepting low-voltage logic signals (such as those from a microcontroller) and converting them into high-voltage signals sufficient to drive high-power switching elements.

[0069] As an alternative, the number of HDS in this embodiment can correspond to the lighting function of at least one lighting module 11 in each taillight group. For example, if at least one lighting module 11 in multiple taillight groups 1 has 6 lighting functions, then the number of HDS can be set to 6.

[0070] It should be noted that the number of HDSs in this application embodiment can be set according to requirements, and the specific value of the number of HDSs is not limited in this application embodiment.

[0071] For example, if the number of HDS is 7, it can drive the left and right brake lights, left turn signals, right turn signals, left and right reversing lights, left position lights, right position lights and through lights in at least one lighting module 11 of multiple taillight groups 1, wherein the HSD of the left position lights, right position lights and through lights needs to support PWM control to achieve the breathing effect of the position lights.

[0072] Compared with related technologies, this embodiment embeds a lighting control module in the target taillight assembly and connects the lighting control module to multiple taillight assemblies. The lighting control module can send and receive control signals, which can improve the signal transmission rate compared to hard-wired transmission. Furthermore, this application does not require a corresponding lighting control module for each taillight assembly. By setting it in only one taillight assembly, it can control multiple taillight assemblies to execute the corresponding lighting mode when a control signal is received, realizing the requirements for combined logic light assembly lighting and light interaction. Moreover, controlling multiple taillight assemblies through a single lighting control module can also ensure the synchronization of multiple taillight assemblies.

[0073] Based on the above-described taillight control architecture, this application embodiment also provides a vehicle that includes the above-described taillight control architecture.

[0074] Those skilled in the art will understand that the taillight control architecture provided in this embodiment does not constitute a limitation on the architecture, and may include more or fewer components, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0075] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that this application can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, or it can be implemented by hardware. By applying the solution of this embodiment, compared with related technologies, this embodiment embeds a lighting control module in the target taillight group and connects the lighting control module to multiple taillight groups. The lighting control module can send and receive control signals, which can improve the signal transmission rate compared with hard-wired transmission. Furthermore, this application does not require setting a corresponding lighting control module for each taillight group. It can achieve the goal of controlling multiple taillight groups to execute the corresponding lighting mode when a control signal is received by setting it in only one taillight group, realizing the combined logic light group lighting and lighting interaction requirements. Moreover, controlling through a single lighting control module can also ensure the synchronization of multiple taillight groups.

[0076] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0077] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A taillight control architecture, characterized in that, include: Multiple taillight assemblies; A lighting control module is embedded in a target taillight assembly among the plurality of taillight assemblies, and the lighting control module is connected to the plurality of taillight assemblies respectively. A power supply, which is connected to the lighting control module; The lighting control module includes: a control unit and a drive unit; The first end of the control unit is connected to the power supply, the second end of the control unit is connected to the first end of the drive unit, and the second end of the drive unit is connected to at least one lighting module in each taillight assembly.

2. The taillight control architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of taillight groups includes at least one or more of the following: a through taillight group, a left taillight group, and a right taillight group, and the target taillight group is any one of the plurality of taillight groups.

3. The taillight control architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each taillight assembly includes at least one lighting module, and the at least one lighting module is connected to the lighting control module.

4. The taillight control architecture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit includes a controller area network (CAN) signal communication line and a microcontroller unit (MCU). The first end of the CAN signal communication line is connected to the power supply, and the second end of the CAN signal communication line is connected to the first end of the MCU.

5. The taillight control architecture according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second terminal of the MCU is connected to the first terminal of the drive unit.

6. The taillight control architecture according to claim 5, characterized in that, The driving unit includes at least one high-side driver (HSD); The first terminal of the at least one HSD is connected to the second terminal of the MCU, and the second terminal of the at least one HSD is connected to the at least one lighting module in each taillight assembly.

7. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the taillight control architecture as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.