Convertible vehicle lighting assembly and lighting method

Abstract

A convertible car lighting assembly includes the soft top of a convertible car. The soft top is configured to switch between a closed and an open position relative to the body of the convertible car. Printed electronics are applied to the soft top. A lighting device is mounted on the soft top. The lighting device is powered by electrical energy supplied to it by the printed electronics.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure describes in detail exemplary lighting assemblies and lighting methods used in conjunction with a convertible top. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Some vehicles are convertibles, which have a roof that can be removed or retracted to provide the occupants with an open-air driving experience. Some such roofs are hardtops. Others are softtops, which may include a flexible material such as fabric or vinyl. SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly comprising: a convertible top, wherein the top is configured to be switched between a closed position and an open position relative to a body of the convertible; printed electronics applied to the top; and a lighting device mounted on the top, wherein the lighting device is powered by electrical energy supplied to the lighting device by the printed electronics.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, whereby electrical energy is transferred to the printed electronics via a wireless interface between the soft top and the body.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, wherein the wireless interface includes an inductive contact point mounted on the convertible top, with the electrical energy being transferred to the convertible top through the inductive contact point.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, wherein the soft top is inductively coupled to the body when the soft top is in a closed position relative to the body of the convertible vehicle.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, where the convertible top is a soft top.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, wherein the soft top is removed from the body of the convertible vehicle when the soft top is in the open position.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, where the lighting device is a ceiling light.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, wherein the lighting device includes an electroluminescent coating on an underside of the convertible top.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, wherein the lighting device includes an electroluminescent paint on an underside of the convertible top.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, where the printed electronics are a conductive ink.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, where the conductive ink is printed onto the soft top.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting assembly, where the lighting device is an emblem.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting method that includes: printing electronics onto a piece of material, wherein the electronics are configured to transfer electrical energy to a lighting device; and using the piece of material as at least a section of a convertible vehicle's soft top.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting method, whereby printing the electronics involves printing a conductive ink onto the piece of material.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting method, where the electronics are configured to receive electrical energy from the body of a vehicle.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting method in which electrical energy is received by the electronics through a wireless interface configured to transmit electrical energy when the convertible top is in a closed position relative to the vehicle body.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting method, where the wireless interface is an inductive interface.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting method, where the lighting device is a ceiling light.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting method, wherein the lighting device includes an electroluminescent coating on an underside of the convertible top.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described in this document relate to a convertible vehicle lighting method, where the convertible top is a removable top.

[0023] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, which may include any of their various aspects or individual features, can be considered independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, provided such features are not incompatible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will be apparent to the person skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures accompanying the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a convertible vehicle having a soft top in a closed position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates the convertible vehicle from Fig. 1, with the convertible top in an open position. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the convertible vehicle from Fig. 1, where the convertible top is in a different open position. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a section view along line 4-4 from Fig. 1 and shows an underside view of a roof section of the convertible top made of Fig. 1 according to the exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] This disclosure details a lighting assembly and method used in conjunction with the convertible top of a vehicle. The convertible top can be a soft top. Printed electronics can be used on the convertible top to transmit electrical energy to a lighting device attached to the top. The lighting device can be used as a ceiling light.

[0026] With reference to the Fig. 1-3 is an exemplary vehicle 10, a convertible vehicle. The exemplary vehicle 10 has a soft top 14 that can be moved between a closed position relative to a vehicle body 18, as shown in Fig. 1 shown, and an open position relative to the vehicle body 18, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the convertible top 14 can be switched back and forth. In the open position, it can provide one or more occupants of the vehicle 10 with an open-air driving experience. When the convertible top 14 is in the closed position, it can cover a passenger compartment 22 of the vehicle 10.

[0027] The exemplary convertible top 14 can remain attached to the vehicle body 18 in the open position, but can be retracted, as shown in Fig. 2 shown. The soft top 14 can be removed from the vehicle body 18 in the open position when the soft top 14 is in the open position, as shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that after removing the soft top 14 from the vehicle body 18, the soft top 14 can be stowed while the vehicle 10 is being driven. In other example vehicles that are convertibles, the soft top could be retracted inside the vehicle body when it is in the open position. The vehicle is then driven with the soft top retracted inside the vehicle body.

[0028] The exemplary convertible top 14 is a soft top consisting of a multitude of material pieces 26 that are connected to one another and supported on support structures 30. In this example, the pieces that provide the convertible top include a roof section 32, a driver's side window section 34, a passenger's side window section 38, and a rear window section 42. The material 26 can be a woven material, a polymer-based material such as vinyl, another material, or a combination of materials. The material 26 can be joined to one another using mechanical fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, seams, another type of fastener, or a combination of fasteners. The convertible top 14 can include support structures 30 that hold and support the multitude of material pieces 26. The support structures 30 can be rods made of metal or a metal alloy.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 4 and with continued reference to the Fig.1-3, a bottom surface 50 of the roof section 32 faces the passenger compartment 22 when the convertible top 14 is in the closed position. The exemplary convertible top 14 includes at least one lighting device 54 on the bottom surface 50 of the roof section 32. The at least one lighting device 54 can be a ceiling light 58 for the passenger compartment 22 of the vehicle 10. The ceiling light 58 can be powered to illuminate the passenger compartment 22 when the convertible top 14 is in the closed position. The at least one lighting device 54 can be a logo 62 that can be partially or fully illuminated to illuminate the passenger compartment when the convertible top is in the closed position. The logo 62 can include a text section 62A and an emblem section 62B.In other examples, the at least one lighting device 54 could instead or additionally be positioned on the driver's side window section 34, the passenger's side window section 38, or the rear window section 42.

[0030] When the convertible top 14 is in the closed position, it can receive electrical energy from the vehicle body 18 of the vehicle 10 via a wireless interface. The exemplary wireless interface comprises an inductive contact point 74 on the roof and an inductive contact point 78 on the body. The inductive contact point 74 on the roof is mounted on the roof section 32 of the convertible top 14. The inductive contact point 78 on the body is mounted on a cross member 82 of the vehicle body 18 at a position above a front windshield 86 of the vehicle 10.

[0031] The inductive contact point 74 of the roof forms a direct interface with the inductive contact point 78 of the body when the convertible top 14 is in the closed position. When the convertible top 14 is in the closed position, the inductive contact point 74 of the roof is aligned with the inductive contact point 78 of the body. With the inductive contact point 74 of the roof forming a direct interface with the inductive contact point 78 of the body, electrical energy can flow from the inductive contact point 78 of the body to the inductive contact point 74 of the roof – the convertible top 14 is thus inductively coupled to the vehicle body 18 when the convertible top 14 is in a closed position relative to the vehicle body 18.

[0032] The electrical energy can be supplied to the inductive contact point 78 of the vehicle body by a power supply within the vehicle body 18 of the vehicle 10. The power supply could, for example, be an auxiliary battery. In some examples, piezoelectric power from the movement of, for example, mud flaps or wheel arch liners could supply some or all of the electrical energy to the inductive contact point 78 of the vehicle body.

[0033] In this example, printed electronics 90 are applied to the underside 50 of the roof section 32. The printed electronics 90 can be printed ink. In one example, the ink can be a conductive silver ink applied to an area of ​​the underside 50 by a spray device. The printed electronics 90 can flex with the convertible top 14 when the convertible top 14 is moved back and forth between the closed and open positions. In other examples, wires could be used instead of or in addition to the printed electronics 90.

[0034] Electrical energy, which is transferred through the inductive contact point 78 of the body to the inductive contact point 74 of the roof, is transferred by the printed electronics 90 to the at least one lighting device 54. The electrical energy transferred to the at least one lighting device 54 can supply power to the at least one lighting device 54 and illuminate the passenger compartment 22 of the vehicle 10.

[0035] In this example, the at least one lighting device 54 is an electroluminescent coating applied to the underside 50 of the convertible top 14. In some examples, the at least one lighting device 54 may be an electroluminescent paint applied to the underside 50 of the convertible top. The electroluminescent coating, the electroluminescent paint, or both may be integrated into the material forming the convertible top 14 in some examples. The electroluminescent coating, the electroluminescent paint, or both may be adhesively attached to the convertible top 14 in some examples. The at least one lighting device 54 may be molded into the convertible top 14.

[0036] Although shown in the lower section 50, the at least one lighting device 54 could be located on an outer surface of the convertible top 14. Thus, the at least one lighting device 54 could, for example, provide a centrally mounted brake light or a marker light.

[0037] The electroluminescent coating can form the entire logo 62, only the text section 62A, or only the emblem section 62B. Electrical energy can be directed to specific areas of the at least one lighting device 54 to selectively illuminate certain areas. For example, the text section 62A can be selectively illuminated separately from the emblem section 62B. In some examples, the electrical energy can be transferred to the at least one lighting device 54 to cause it to gradually illuminate or to provide a gradient effect for the ceiling light 58, the text section 62A, the emblem section 62B, or a combination thereof.

[0038] In some examples, providing the convertible top 14 for the vehicle 10 may involve printing electronics onto one or more pieces of material, such as vinyl or fabric. Additionally, an electroluminescent coating may be applied to one or more of the material pieces. After printing, the material piece can be combined with one or more other material pieces to form the convertible top 14. Combining the material pieces may involve attaching the parts to one another, for example, by sewing the material pieces together. These material pieces can then be mounted on the support structures 30 to provide the convertible top 14.

[0039] Features of the disclosed examples include integrating printed electronics into the soft top of a convertible vehicle. The soft top can be a soft top. The use of printed electronics can facilitate the ability to transfer power to a lighting assembly without the use of wires or other rigid structures to transmit electrical energy. The printed electronics can flex as the soft top is moved between the closed and open positions.

[0040] The preceding description is exemplary and not limiting. Variations and modifications of the disclosed examples may be apparent to a person skilled in the art, which do not necessarily deviate from the core of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection granted by this disclosure can only be determined by reading the following patent claims.

Claims

[1] Convertible vehicle lighting assembly, comprising: a convertible top, wherein the convertible top is configured to be switched between a closed position and an open position relative to a body of the convertible; Printed electronics applied to the convertible top; and a lighting device mounted on the cover, wherein the lighting device is supplied with electrical energy by means of power transmitted to the lighting device by the printed electronics. [2] Convertible vehicle lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein electrical energy is transferred to the printed electronics via a wireless interface between the convertible top and the body, and wherein optionally the wireless interface comprises an inductive contact point mounted on the convertible top, wherein the electrical energy is transferred to the convertible top via the inductive contact point. [3] Convertible vehicle lighting assembly according to claim 2, wherein the convertible top is inductively coupled to the body when the convertible top is in a closed position relative to the body of the convertible vehicle. [4] Convertible vehicle lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the convertible top is a soft top. [5] Convertible vehicle lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the convertible top is removed from the body of the convertible vehicle when the convertible top is in the open position. [6] Convertible vehicle lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is a ceiling light. [7] Convertible vehicle lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device includes an electroluminescent coating on an underside of the convertible top, an electroluminescent paint on the underside of the convertible top or both. [8] Convertible vehicle lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the printed electronics is a conductive ink and wherein the conductive ink is optionally printed on the convertible top. [9] Convertible vehicle lighting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is an emblem. [10] Convertible vehicle lighting methods, comprising: Printing electronics onto a piece of material, wherein the electronics are configured to transfer electrical energy to a lighting device; and Use of the piece of material as at least one section of a convertible top. [11] Convertible vehicle lighting method according to claim 10, wherein printing the electronics comprises printing a conductive ink onto the material piece. [12] Convertible vehicle lighting method according to claim 10, wherein the electronics are configured to receive electrical energy from a vehicle body and wherein, optionally, the electrical energy is received by the electronics via a wireless interface configured to transmit electrical energy when the convertible top is in a closed position relative to a vehicle body. [13] Convertible vehicle lighting method according to claim 10, wherein the wireless interface is an inductive interface. [14] Convertible vehicle lighting method according to claim 10, wherein the lighting device comprises an electroluminescent coating on an underside of the convertible top. [15] Convertible vehicle lighting method according to claim 10, wherein the convertible top is a removable convertible top.

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