Vertically pulsating brake light with segmented LED control

Abstract

Brake light for a motor vehicle, characterized in that a) the luminaire consists of six vertically arranged, separately controllable luminaire units (1) which are activated in pairs one after the other, b) two light units always light up simultaneously, with the total light intensity remaining constant, c) the switching frequency of the activated pairs is determined by a sensor signal from a G-sensor, the frequency being an exponential function of the vehicle deceleration, d) an optical coupling channel (2) made of transparent material is arranged between the lighting units, which diffusely transmits part of the light to adjacent units, (e) the luminous effect provides pulsating visual feedback on braking intensity by cyclically switching between central, outer and opposite pairs, without contravening the legal requirements on light intensity.

Description

[0001] The present utility model application represents a specific embodiment of the invention registered under number 20 2023 001 680 on September 12, 2023, entitled “Adaptive, dynamic brake light with constant brightness.”

[0002] While that earlier application describes the general principle of an adaptive brake light with constant luminosity, the present application specifies a technical embodiment in which six vertically arranged LED modules are controlled in pairs and cyclically. The light intensity remains constant, but the activation frequency varies depending on the vehicle's deceleration. In addition, a light-conducting optical coupling channel is used between the modules to achieve a homogeneous and pleasant perception.

[0003] The invention relates to a vertically pulsating brake light for motor vehicles with a special LED control system. The system consists of several vertically arranged light units, of which only two are illuminated at a time. The activation sequence of these pairs varies cyclically, creating a pulsating light effect that visually conveys the intensity of the braking process.

[0004] The light units (1) are arranged in a single vertical row and controlled to activate in pairs one after the other: first the center pair, then the outer pairs, and then back to the center. The switching frequency of the active pairs is determined by a sensor signal that measures the vehicle's deceleration (G-sensor). The frequency is an exponential function of the deceleration, resulting in faster light changes during harsher braking.

[0005] A light-conducting coupling channel (2) made of transparent material (e.g., glass or plastic) is arranged between the lighting units. This ensures that a small portion of the light is transmitted to neighboring modules, thus creating a calmer and more uniform visual effect.

[0006] A practical example includes six LED modules arranged vertically. These are switched in pairs: first modules 3 and 4, then modules 2 and 5, and finally modules 1 and 6. The switching speed between the pairs is controlled by a G-sensor based on the current delay.

[0007] The use of a transparent optical coupling channel supports a uniform light distribution, resulting in an intuitive but non-disturbing representation of the braking behavior. 1. Brake light for motor vehicles with the following features: (a) a vertical arrangement of at least six light units (1) activated in pairs and cyclically; b) constant or nearly constant light intensity throughout the entire operating period; c) a control unit which exponentially regulates the switching frequency depending on a G-sensor; d) an optical coupling channel (2) made of transparent material between the lighting units, which contributes to the uniform distribution of light.

[0008] The invention describes a brake light in which several LED units in a vertical arrangement are cyclically activated in pairs, with the switching speed determined by the vehicle's deceleration. A transparent light coupling channel ensures uniform light distribution and increases the perceptibility of the braking process without violating legal regulations regarding light intensity. Drawing key: Fig. 1 1 - LED lighting unit 2 - Optical coupling channel (transparent connecting element for light distribution between the modules)

Claims

[1] Brake light for a motor vehicle, characterized by , that a) the luminaire consists of six vertically arranged, separately controllable luminaire units (1) which are activated in pairs one after the other, b) two light units always light up simultaneously, with the total light intensity remaining constant, c) the switching frequency of the activated pairs is determined by a sensor signal from a G-sensor, the frequency being an exponential function of the vehicle deceleration, d) an optical coupling channel (2) made of transparent material is arranged between the lighting units, which diffusely transmits part of the light to adjacent units, (e) the luminous effect provides pulsating visual feedback on braking intensity by cyclically switching between central, outer and opposite pairs, without contravening the legal requirements on light intensity.

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