Illumination system for a vehicle cup holder with inductive power coupling and related methods

Abstract

The lighting system may be for a vehicle cup holder installed in a vehicle. The lighting system may include a first induction member disposed adjacent to a rear side of the vehicle cup holder and a first controller configured to inductively couple a power signal and a command signal via the first induction member. The lighting system may further include a lighting device disposed adjacent to a front side of the vehicle cup holder. The lighting device may include, in order, a second induction member configured to be inductively coupled with the first induction member, at least one light, and a second controller. The second controller is configured to operate the at least one light based on the power signal and the command signal inductively coupled from the first induction member to the second induction member.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to vehicle equipment, and more particularly to vehicle guidance lighting. [Background technology]

[0002] Attractive interior lighting can be an important user preference feature and, accordingly, an important sales feature. Interior lighting can also aid in locating items within the vehicle. Moreover, interior lighting can set a more pleasant atmosphere in the vehicle.

[0003] Many modern automobiles are equipped with interior lighting in areas such as the footwell, door pockets, overhead console, and dashboard. A typical vehicle includes a vehicle cup holder, such as a factory-installed cup holder between the driver's seat and passenger seat. The cup holder is typically a molded plastic piece defining one, two, or more cylindrical openings for receiving beverage cups.

[0004] Despite efforts to improve the quality and attractiveness of interior vehicle lighting, there remains a need for further improvement, particularly in vehicle cup holders. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Generally, the lighting system may be for a vehicle cup holder installed in a vehicle. The lighting system may include a first induction member disposed adjacent to a rear side of the vehicle cup holder and a first controller configured to inductively couple a power signal and a command signal via the first induction member. The lighting system may further include a lighting device disposed adjacent to a front side of the vehicle cup holder. The lighting device may include, in turn, a second induction member configured to inductively couple with the first induction member, at least one light, and a second controller. The second controller is configured to operate the at least one light based on the power signal and the command signal inductively coupled from the first induction member to the second induction member.

[0006] In some embodiments, the at least one light may include at least one light having a controllable color, and the command signal may include a color command signal. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one light may include at least one light having a controllable intensity, and the command signal may include an intensity command signal. The power signal and the command signal may include, for example, a power signal and at least one command signal modulated onto the power signal.

[0007] The lighting device may include a waterproof housing that houses the second guide member and the second controller. In some embodiments, the waterproof housing may include a base and a translucent cover coupled to the base. In other embodiments, the waterproof housing may include a translucent base and an opaque cover coupled to the translucent base such that a peripheral ring of the translucent base is exposed.

[0008] The lighting system may further include a user input switch coupled to the first controller for operating the at least one light. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting system may further include a wireless receiver coupled to the first controller and responsive to wireless user equipment.

[0009] The first inductive member may include a first coil, and in addition, the second inductive member may include a second coil.

[0010] According to another aspect, a method for illuminating a vehicle cup holder installed in a vehicle is provided, comprising: disposing a first guide member adjacent to a rear side of the vehicle cup holder; coupling a first controller to a first inductive member for inductively coupling the power signal and the command signal; and disposing the lighting device adjacent to a front side of the vehicle cup holder; The lighting device a second induction member configured to be inductively coupled with the first induction member; At least one light and and a second controller configured to activate the at least one light based on the power signal inductively coupled from the first induction member to the second induction member and the command signal. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a lighting system for a vehicle cup holder according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 10 is an exploded perspective view showing another embodiment of the lighting system for a vehicle cup holder according to the present invention; FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a lighting device of a vehicle lighting system for a vehicle cup holder according to the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic block diagram of a circuit of a lighting system according to the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] This description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments. However, many different embodiments may be used. Accordingly, this description should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Prime and double prime notation is used to indicate like elements in alternative embodiments.

[0013] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a lighting system 20 for use in a vehicle, such as a vehicle cup holder 21, is described. The vehicle cup holder 21 is typically located between the driver's seat and the passenger seat, but may also be used in other locations within the vehicle. The lighting system 20 includes a first inductive member in the illustrated form of a first coil 23, which is located adjacent to the rear side of the vehicle cup holder 21. A first controller 25 is coupled to the first coil 23 and configured to inductively couple power and command signals via the first coil.

[0014] The lighting device 20 further includes a lighting device 27 disposed adjacent to the front side of the vehicle cup holder 21. In other words, the lighting device 27 may be considered as a lighted coaster in the cup holder 21. The lighting device 27 includes a second inductive member in the form of a second coil 31, which is configured to be inductively coupled to the first coil 23. The lighting device 27 further includes at least one light 32 (light source 32) and a second controller 33, which is configured to operate the at least one light based on a power signal and a command signal inductively coupled from the first coil 23 to the second coil.

[0015] The illumination device 27 may include a waterproof housing 34 that houses the second coil 31 and the second controller 33. The housing 34 may be a waterproof housing that includes a bottom 34a and a translucent cover 34b coupled to the bottom. In other embodiments, the cover 34b need not be translucent, but instead the cover (or other optics, such as an optical diffuser / homogenizer (DF / HM)) may be configured to provide homogenized and / or diffused illumination, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0016] In some embodiments, the at least one light 32 may include one or more lights, such as an LED, having a controllable color, and the command signal may include a color command signal. Alternatively, or in addition, the light 32 may have a controllable intensity, and the command signal may include an intensity command signal. The at least one light 32 may be provided by, for example, four to six LEDs per cup holder position. The LEDs may provide 20 preset color options that are changed via a command signal in the guidance interface. According to another example implementation, one or more RGB and / or monochrome illumination sources may be used.

[0017] The power signal and command signal may include, for example, a power signal and at least one command signal modulated thereto, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The power signal inductively powers the second controller 33 and the lights 32. The command signals selectively control the appearance of the lights 32. In other words, the lighting system 20 provides an inductively powered automotive ambient lighting approach that can transmit power along with data for, for example, color changes, intensity changes, dimming, and / or cross-fading between RGB colored LEDs and white LEDs.

[0018] The lighting system 20 may include a user input switch 36 coupled to the first controller 25 for operating at least one light 32 of the lighting device 27. Additionally or alternatively, the lighting system may also include a wireless receiver 37 coupled to the first controller 25 and responsive to a wireless user device, such as the illustrated mobile wireless device 40. The switch 36 or the mobile wireless device 40 (e.g., a smartphone running a lighting control application) may be used to turn the lighting device 27 on or off, control the intensity, and / or select the color of the light 32. The wireless receiver 37 and the mobile wireless device 40 may operate, for example, via a Bluetooth link, although other suitable wireless formats (e.g., Wi-Fi, UWB, etc.) may also be used. In some embodiments, the wireless receiver 37 may communicate with the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU), which may receive user input from the switch 36 or an external control interface to the vehicle, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0019] The use of inductively coupled power and command signals in lighting system 20 eliminates the need to drill holes for wiring and lighting. Additionally, other issues associated with commonly used wired approaches, such as wire installation and connector limitations, are alleviated.

[0020] In some implementations, an RFID or NFC chip or tag (not shown) may be incorporated into the lighting device 27, which may store information such as the make, model, and color of the vehicle in which the lighting device is being used. From this, the first controller 25 may select a corresponding lighting profile for the vehicle, such as a default color profile defined for a particular type of vehicle or a particular interior / exterior color of the vehicle. Further, this profile may include intensity or other lighting characteristics, as described above. In some embodiments, the default lighting profile may be stored by the first controller 25 or downloaded (e.g., via a control application, etc.) in response to receiving stored information on the RFID / NFC tag. In embodiments in which an RFID / NFC tag is present, the second controller 33 may be configured to receive commands for color, intensity, etc., as further described above, from the mobile wireless device 40 via the RFID / NFC communication link.

[0021] Turning now to the exploded perspective view of FIG. 2, another embodiment of a lighting system 20' will be described. In this embodiment, the cup holder 21' is in the form of a dual cup holder. The lighting system 20' includes a first inductive member in the form of a coil 23' wound to be positioned adjacent to the rear side of the vehicle cup holder 21'. The coil 23' is supported by a first printed circuit board (PCB) 36' between a lower housing member 37' and an upper housing member 38'. Die-cut adhesive tape 40' is used to secure the upper housing member 38' to the rear side of the vehicle cup holder 21'. For clarity of illustration, only a single transmitter assembly including the first coil 23' and the printed circuit board 36' is shown; however, in this embodiment, a second transmitter assembly is provided to independently control each side of the dual cup holder 21'. In this regard, it should be noted that the lighting system 20' may be further extended to any or all of the cup holders 21' in the vehicle, and the lighting of the various cup holders may be controlled collectively or individually.

[0022] The lighting device 27' includes a waterproof housing having a translucent bottom 34a' and an opaque cover 34b' coupled to the translucent bottom to expose an illuminated peripheral ring 35' thereof. The second inductive member may include a pair of second coils 31' mounted on respective circuit boards 46'. The circuit boards 46' support circuitry providing a second controller and light. A user input switch 36 and a wireless receiver 37, as described above with respect to the lighting system 20 of FIG. 1, may also be used in this embodiment of the lighting system 20'.

[0023] Referring now to the exploded perspective view of FIG. 3, another embodiment of a lighting device 27" will be described. In this embodiment, a single circuit board 46" supports the electronics and the light. Also in this embodiment, a single coil 31" is used to provide power and command signals as described herein. Additionally, spacers 47" and 48" are provided below the circuit board 46".

[0024] Additional exemplary circuit details are described in the schematic block diagram of FIG. 4. Circuit 100 includes a control printed circuit board 101 coupled to a driver printed circuit board 105 by wired connectors 102 and 103. Driver printed circuit board 105 is inductively coupled to a receiver printed circuit board 107. Control printed circuit board 101 includes a lockout input filter 110 coupled to a boost regulator 111 and a first linear regulator 112. Boost regulator 111 is coupled to an LED source / detect circuit 113 and a second linear regulator 114. The first and second linear regulators 112 and 114 are coupled to a BLE microcontroller 115 along with a two-position switch 130. BLE microcontroller 115 is coupled to a current sink array 117 for the LED channel circuits. The current sink array is coupled to a connector 116 to the LED circuits.

[0025] The driver circuit board 105 includes a power regulator 120 coupled to a microcontroller 121 (first controller), which is coupled to a coil driver 122. The receiver circuit (107) includes a coil receiver 125 coupled to a power regulator 126, which is coupled to a microcontroller 127 (second controller), which is coupled to an LED bank 128.

[0026] In some embodiments, one or more magnets (not shown) may be incorporated into housing 34, and a corresponding sensor (e.g., a Hall Effect sensor, etc.) may be placed under cup holder 21 to sense when the housing is properly placed in the cup holder. In this manner, when housing 34 is removed from cup holder 21, first controller 25 may prevent energization of first coil 23, thereby conserving power and avoiding unnecessary heating of first coil 23.

[0027] Another aspect is directed to a method for illuminating a vehicle cup holder installed in a vehicle, the method may include positioning a first induction member adjacent to a rear side of the cup holder and coupling a first controller to the first induction member to inductively couple a power signal and a command signal. The method may also include positioning a lighting device adjacent to a front side of the vehicle cup holder (a sidewall of the cup holder functions to distribute illumination light). The lighting device may include, in order, a second induction member configured to be inductively coupled with the first induction member, at least one light, and a second controller. The second controller is configured to activate the at least one light based on the power signal and the command signal inductively coupled from the first induction member to the second induction member.

[0028] Although described with reference to an example implementation illuminating vehicle cup holder 21, it should be noted that lighting system 20 may be used elsewhere in a vehicle in addition to or instead of a vehicle cup holder. For example, lighting system 20 may similarly be used to illuminate compartments (cabin or trunk), hatches, window / door trim areas, dashboard areas, etc. As discussed above, lighting system 20 may be used to collectively illuminate these various areas with the same lighting profile (e.g., color, intensity, etc.) or to allow for different lighting profiles for different areas.

[0029] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. It is understood, therefore, that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A lighting system for a vehicle cup holder installed in a vehicle, comprising: a first guide member disposed adjacent to a rear side of the vehicle cup holder; a first controller configured to inductively couple a power signal and a command signal via the first inductive member; a lighting device disposed adjacent to a front side of the vehicle cup holder, The lighting device includes: a second induction member configured to be inductively coupled with the first induction member; At least one light; a second controller configured to operate at least one of the lights based on a power signal inductively coupled from the first inductive member to the second inductive member and a command signal. Lighting system.

2. 10. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light comprises at least one light having a controllable color, and the command signal comprises a color command signal.

3. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one light comprises at least one light having a controllable intensity, and the command signal comprises an intensity command signal.

4. 2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the power signal and the command signal comprise a power signal and at least one command signal modulated onto the power signal.

5. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the lighting device includes a waterproof housing that houses the second guide member and the second controller.

6. The water-resistant housing The bottom and 10. The lighting system of claim 1, further comprising a translucent cover coupled to the base.

7. The water-resistant housing A semi-transparent bottom and an opaque cover coupled to the translucent base such that a peripheral ring of the translucent base is exposed.

8. 10. The lighting system of claim 1, further comprising a user input switch coupled to the first controller for operating at least one of the lights.

9. The lighting system of claim 1 , further comprising a wireless receiver coupled to the first controller and responsive to wireless user equipment.

10. The lighting system of claim 1 , wherein the first inductive member comprises a first coil and the second inductive member comprises a second coil.

11. A lighting device disposed in a vehicle adjacent to a front side of a vehicle cup holder installed in the vehicle, the lighting device including: a first induction member adjacent to a rear side of the vehicle cup holder; and a first controller configured to inductively couple a power signal and a command signal via the first induction member, a second induction member configured to be inductively coupled with the first induction member; At least one light; and a second controller configured to operate at least one of the lights based on a power signal inductively coupled from the first inductive member to the second inductive member and a command signal.

12. 12. The lighting device of claim 11, wherein the at least one light comprises at least one light having a controllable color, and the command signal comprises a color command signal.

13. 12. The lighting device of claim 11, wherein the at least one light comprises at least one light having a controllable intensity, and the command signal comprises an intensity command signal.

14. 12. The lighting device of claim 11, wherein the power signal and the command signals comprise a power signal and at least one command signal modulated onto a power signal.

15. The lighting device of claim 11 , further comprising a waterproof housing that houses the second guide member and the second controller.

16. The water-resistant housing includes: The bottom and 16. The lighting device of claim 15, further comprising a translucent cover coupled to the base.

17. The water-resistant housing includes: A semi-transparent bottom and 16. The illumination device of claim 15, further comprising an opaque cover coupled to the translucent base such that a peripheral ring of the translucent base is exposed.

18. The lighting device of claim 11 , wherein the first induction member includes a first coil and the second induction member includes a second coil.

19. 1. A method for illuminating a vehicle cup holder installed in a vehicle, comprising: disposing a first guide member adjacent to a rear side of the vehicle cup holder; coupling a first controller to the first inductive member for inductively coupling a power signal and a command signal; and disposing a lighting device adjacent to a front side of the vehicle cup holder; The lighting device includes: a second induction member configured to be inductively coupled with the first induction member; At least one light; a second controller configured to operate at least one of the lights based on a power signal inductively coupled from the first inductive member to the second inductive member and a command signal. method.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one light comprises at least one light having a controllable color, and the command signal comprises a color command signal.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one light comprises at least one light having a controllable intensity, and the command signal comprises an intensity command signal.

22. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the power signal and the command signal comprise a power signal and at least one command signal modulated onto a power signal.

23. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein there is a waterproof housing enclosing the second induction member and the second controller.

24. The water-resistant housing includes: The bottom and 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising a translucent cover coupled to the bottom.

25. The water-resistant housing includes: A semi-transparent bottom and and an opaque cover coupled to the translucent bottom such that a peripheral ring of the translucent bottom is exposed.

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