Dual Function Map Light

Abstract

An illumination system (100, 1000, 1100) is provided that includes an outer lens (240, 940, 1030, 1130) having a functional zone (244) and an ambient zone (242). The illumination system (100, 1000, 1100) has a functional state and an ambient state. When the illumination system (100, 1000, 1100) is in the functional state, the illumination system generates directional light that passes through the functional zone (244) of the outer lens (240, 940, 1030, 1130). When the system (100, 1000, 1100) is in the ambient state, the system generates ambient light in the ambient zone (242) of the outer lens (240, 940, 1030, 1130). The system (100, 1000, 1100) further includes a touch sensor (300) that a user can use to switch the state of the system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application is a non-provisional application of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 440,874, entitled "DUAL FUNCTION MAP LIGHT," filed January 24, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This application relates to vehicle lighting, and more particularly to vehicle lighting that supports directional light, ambient light, and touch-sensing functionality. [Background technology]

[0003] When it comes to light, directional and ambient lighting are necessary. Therefore, if both types of light are needed in a small space, it becomes necessary to have both functions. Ambient lighting traditionally uses diffusing materials that scatter light in various directions. Directional lighting uses translucent materials with specialized optics designed to collimate and direct light to a specific target zone. Therefore, shining directional light toward a target zone through the same optics used for ambient lighting presents additional challenges. In similar small or confined areas, additional functions such as touch sensing may be required. Light may need to pass through the same area used to sense touch. However, all three functions must be supported in a confined space. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment relates to a lighting system with an ambient state and a functional state, wherein when the system is in the functional state, the functional LEDs are illuminated and directed through optical elements to generate directional light, and when the system is in the ambient state, the ambient LEDs are illuminated, diffused, and directed to generate ambient light, and the directional light and functional light are generated from the same optical elements while maintaining their distinct characteristics.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system including a first light source, a second light source, a first optical element configured to receive light from the first light source to scatter it into the first light, a second optical element configured to receive light from the second light source to direct it into a second light, and an outer lens including a peripheral zone and a functional zone, wherein the peripheral zone is configured to receive the first light and the functional zone is configured to receive the second light, wherein the peripheral zone, when it receives the first light, diffuses the first light into ambient light traveling in multiple directions, and the functional zone, when it receives the second light, diffuses the second light into directional light traveling substantially in a direction.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a lighting system, further including a first printed circuit board (PCB) and a second printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the first light source is mounted on the first PCB and the second light source is mounted on the second PCB.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system, wherein a second optical element is disposed below a second PCB and above the first optical element.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system, wherein a first optical element is positioned below a second optical element and above an outer lens, and wherein second light passes through the first optical element before being received at a functional zone.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system, wherein the second optical element is adjacent to a bottom surface of the second PCB and a top surface of the first optical element, and the bottom surface of the second PCB and the top surface of the first optical element are substantially parallel.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system, wherein the bottom surface of the second PCB and the top surface of the first optical element are substantially perpendicular to a surface of the first PCB adjacent to the first optical element.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a lighting system, further including a sensor electrically connected to the first PCB, the sensor configured to turn on or off the first light source or the second light source in response to user interaction.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the sensor is a touch sensor that turns on or off the second light source in response to a user touch on a touch surface of the outer lens.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a lighting system, wherein the touch sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and the touch surface of the outer lens is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system that includes a first light source, a second light source, a first optical element configured to receive light from the first light source to generate a first light, a second optical element configured to receive light from the second light source to generate a second light, and an outer lens including a peripheral zone and a functional zone, wherein the peripheral zone is configured to diffuse the first light into ambient light and the functional zone is configured to diffuse the second light into directional light.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system, wherein the functional zones are disposed around a first end and / or a second end of the outer lens.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a lighting system, further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the first light source and the second light source are mounted to the PCB.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system, where a first optical element is positioned below a PCB and above an outer lens.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system, wherein the second optical element is disposed between the PCB and the first optical element.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system including a first light source, a second light source, an optical element configured to receive light from the first light source to generate a first light and receive light from the second light source to generate a second light, and an outer lens including a peripheral zone and a functional zone, wherein the peripheral zone is configured to diffuse the first light into ambient light and the functional zone is configured to diffuse the second light into directional light.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system, wherein an optical element includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein light from a first light source passes through the first portion and the second portion to generate the first light, and light from a second light source passes through the second portion to generate the second light.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a lighting system, further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the first light source and the second light source are mounted to the PCB.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a lighting system in which a PCB is positioned above an outer lens and an optical element.

[0023] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system in which the outer lens has a length of about 300 mm and the functional zone has a length of 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0024] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a lighting system in which the peripheral zone is larger in size than the functional zone and the peripheral zone overlaps with the functional zone.

[0025] In some embodiments, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system including at least one PCB, at least one ambient LED, at least one functional LED, a first optical element configured to receive light from the at least one ambient LED and diffuse the light into a first light, a second optical element configured to receive light from the at least one functional LED and guide it into a second light, and an outer lens including a functional zone and a peripheral zone, wherein the second light is further guided through the first optical element, the first light being more diffused than the second light, the second light being configured to pass through the functional zone and the first light being configured to pass through the peripheral zone, and the functional zone and the peripheral zone being at least partially the same.

[0026] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to an illumination system including a peripheral PCB, a functional PCB, at least one peripheral LED mounted on the peripheral PCB, at least one functional LED mounted on the functional PCB, a first optical element configured to receive light from the at least one peripheral LED and diffuse the light into a first light, a second optical element configured to receive light from the at least one functional LED and direct it into a second light, an outer lens including a functional zone and a peripheral zone, and a touch sensor configured to sense a user touch of the outer lens, wherein the functional PCB is substantially perpendicular to the peripheral PCB, the second light is configured to pass through the functional zone and the first light is configured to pass through the peripheral zone, and the functional zone and the peripheral zone are at least partially identical.

[0027] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a lighting system for a vehicle, the lighting system including at least one ambient LED, at least one functional LED, a first optical element configured to receive light emitted by the at least one ambient LED and diffuse the received light into a first light, a second optical element configured to receive light emitted by the at least one functional LED and direct the received light into a second light, and an outer lens including a peripheral zone arranged to receive the first light and a functional zone arranged to receive the second light, at least a portion of the functional zone overlapping the peripheral zone. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements and in which:

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a lighting system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 2A] 1 shows the zones of the lighting system while in a functional state.

[0031] [Figure 2B] 1 shows the zones of the lighting system while in ambient conditions.

[0032] [Figure 3A] 1 shows a side view of the lighting system while in a functional state.

[0033] [Figure 3B] 1 shows a side view of a lighting system during ambient conditions.

[0034] [Figure 4A] 1 shows a diagram of the light paths and intensities of the illumination system while in a functional state.

[0035] [Figure 4B] 10 shows an alternative view of the light paths and intensities of the illumination system while in a functional state.

[0036] [Figure 4C] 10 shows an alternative view of the light path of the illumination system while in a functional state.

[0037] [Figure 5] 1 shows a diagram of the light path and intensity of the illumination system during ambient conditions.

[0038] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a lighting system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a lighting system according to aspects of the present disclosure while in a functional state.

[0040] [Figure 7B] 1 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of a lighting system according to aspects of the present disclosure during ambient conditions.

[0041] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a touch sensor of a lighting system.

[0042] [Figure 9] 1 shows a diagram of a single optical element and an outer lens according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates a top view of a lighting system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0044] [Figure 10B] 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lighting system of FIG. 10A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a lighting system according to some aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] Generally described, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to dual-function lights and touch sensors associated with vehicle lights. The dual-function lights disclosed herein are generally applicable in many products and industries, including vehicles, boats, residential, commercial, aerospace, and industrial. For ease of explanation, the vehicle lights and touch sensors are described with respect to vehicles, and more specifically, electric vehicles. However, applications of the dual-function lights disclosed herein are not limited to vehicles and are applicable in many industries.

[0047] Previous approaches to dual function lighting required two or more separate optical elements / lenses, were unable to generate directional and ambient light within the same active zone, and were unable to maintain a clear distinction between the directional and ambient light zones when only the directional light was active and shining through a common lens.

[0048] To address some of the shortcomings associated with conventional dual-function illumination systems, the present disclosure describes an illumination system and its components having dual functionality through a single lens with reduced overall size, fewer components, and reduced costs.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a lighting system 100 according to an aspect of the present application. In a particular embodiment, the lighting system 100 comprises a peripheral printed circuit board (PCB) 120 and a functional PCB 140. In a particular embodiment, the peripheral PCB 120 is connected to the functional PCB 140. In this embodiment, there are two functional PCBs 140. There may be more or fewer functional PCBs 140. The peripheral PCB 120 and the functional PCB 140 may be perpendicular to each other, as shown in this embodiment. The peripheral PCB 120 is configured to generate ambient light 122. The functional PCB 140 is configured to generate functional light 142. The functional light 142 may also be referred to as directional light 142.

[0050] The illumination system 100 may further include a functional optical element 200, a micro-optical element 220, and an outer lens 240. The functional optical element 200 may be configured to guide functional light generated by a functional LED 144 (shown in FIG. 3A ) located on the functional PCB 140. The micro-optical element 220, which may also be referred to as a textured light guide, may be configured to guide the ambient light 122 (shown in FIG. 3B ) and the functional light 142 (shown in FIG. 3A ). In this embodiment, the functional optical element 200 is configured to guide the functional light 142 through the micro-optical element 220. In this embodiment, the functional optical element 200 may be adjacent to a bottom surface of the functional PCB 140. The functional optical element 200 may be adjacent to a top surface of the micro-optical element 220. As shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom surface of the functional PCB 140 and the top surface of the micro-optical element 220 may be substantially perpendicular to a surface of the ambient PCB 120 adjacent to the micro-optical element 220. 1, there may be a small gap between the functional optical element 200 and the micro-optical element 220. In addition, there may be a gap between the functional LED 144 and the functional optical element 200.

[0051] In some embodiments, outer lens 240 may include one or more materials capable of diffusing light received from functional optical element 200 and / or micro-optical element 220. For example, outer lens 240 may include a light-diffusing material, such as polycarbonate, and optionally a diffusing additive.

[0052] In some embodiments, the functional optical element 200 and the micro-optical element 220 may be made of or include the same material capable of directing and / or scattering light. For example, the functional optical element 200 and the micro-optical element 220 may be made of the same material, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic. By employing various optical designs and / or assembly configurations, the functional optical element 200 may be configured to direct the functional light 142 to the outer lens 240, while the micro-optical element 220 may be configured to scatter the ambient light 122. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the functional optical element 200 and the micro-optical element 220 have distinct geometries and / or shapes that allow the ambient light 122 passing through the micro-optical element 220 to be scattered more than the functional light 142. As another example, although not readily observable from FIG. 1 , the functional optical element 200 may have distinct surface designs, such as various textures, particles, coatings, etc., that allow the functional light 142 to be more directional or specular than the ambient light 122.

[0053] Although not shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, specific coating, filming, or painting techniques can be applied to the outer lens 240 so that the lighting system 100 can have a variety of appearances. More specifically, the underside of the outer lens 240, which is readily exposed to the user's view, may be coated, filmed, or painted to present a metallic or other appearance. For example, a metal physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating may be applied to a portion of the outer lens 240 so that, when the lighting system 100 is not producing functional light 142 or ambient light 122, the lighting system 100 can present a metallic or dark (e.g., black) appearance to the user rather than the appearance of the material contained in the outer lens 240. Other materials that can be applied to the surface of the outer lens 240 include in-mold labeling (IML) film, shytec paint, and the like. Coating, filming, or painting the outer lens 240 can advantageously enhance the aesthetic appeal of the lighting system 100.

[0054] The lighting system 100 may further include a touch sensor 300. The touch sensor 300 may be configured to sense a touch, a swipe, a contact, a push, a gesture, or other forms of touch. The touch sensor 300 may include a touch sensing electrode 302. The touch sensing electrode 302 may be an electrode. In this embodiment, the touch sensor 300 includes a touch sensor connector portion 304 that is connected to the peripheral PCB 120.

[0055] In some embodiments, the functional PCB 140 and the peripheral PCB 120 can be assembled and connected to each other using various inter-board contact techniques. For example, the functional PCB 140 can be connected to the peripheral PCB 120 via a pogo pin connector. As another example, the functional PCB 140 can be connected to the peripheral PCB 120 via spring contacts. As yet another example, the functional PCB 140 can be connected to the peripheral PCB 120 via a flexible printed circuit (FPC). As yet another example, the functional PCB 140 can be connected to the peripheral PCB 120 via conductive traces (e.g., ink) disposed on a housing (not shown in FIG. 1 ) that houses the lighting system 100.

[0056] FIG. 2A illustrates one embodiment of the lighting system 100 in a functional state. The lighting system may start in another state, such as a functional state or an off state. The outer lens 240 includes a peripheral zone 242 and one or more functional zones 244. In this embodiment, the lighting system 100 includes a functional zone 244 at each end. The peripheral zone 242 is configured to overlap the functional zones 244. In this embodiment, the outer lens 240 is 8 millimeters (mm) high and 300 mm long. Each functional zone 244 is 25 mm long. However, it should be understood that this value may be 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, or any other value. When the lighting system 100 is in a functional state, at least one functional zone 244 is illuminated. When illuminated, the functional zone 244 provides directional light 142.

[0057] Although not shown in FIG. 2A , in some embodiments, the outer lens 240 may include more than two or fewer than two functional zones 244. For example, the outer lens 240 may include three functional zones 244. One functional zone 244 may be at one end of the outer lens 240, another functional zone 244 may be at the other end of the outer lens 240, and another functional zone 244 may be in the center of the outer lens 240. In some embodiments, the functional zone 244 may overlap with the peripheral zone 242. In some embodiments, the peripheral zone 242 may comprise the entire outer lens 240. In these embodiments, the functional zone 244 may be a portion of the peripheral zone 242.

[0058] Under a functional state of lighting system 100, functional zone 244 may be illuminated while the remaining surrounding zones 242 are not illuminated. In the functional state, there may be an abrupt interruption or transition between functional zone 244 and the remaining surrounding zones 242. More specifically, an illuminated functional zone 244 may transition to an unilluminated surrounding zone 242 within a particular distance. In some embodiments, the particular distance may be 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, or any range of values ​​therebetween.

[0059] FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment of the lighting system 100 shown in FIG. 2A in an ambient state. In this embodiment, the ambient zone 242 includes the space occupied by both of the functional zones 244. The ambient zone 242 may occupy the entire outer lens 240 or only a portion of the outer lens 240. The ambient zone 242 may include the entire functional zone 244, a portion of the functional zone 244, or no functional zone 244 at all. The lighting system 100 may include a single ambient zone 242 or multiple ambient zones 242. When the lighting system 100 is in an ambient state, the ambient zone 242 is illuminated. When the ambient zone 242 is illuminated, the lighting system 100 provides ambient light 122.

[0060] 3A is a side view of one embodiment of the illumination system 100 in a functional state. A functional LED 144 is mounted on or connected to a functional PCB 140 and emits initial functional light 146. The initial functional light 146 passes through a functional optical element 200, which guides the light to form a desired directional light 142. The directional light 142 passes through a micro-optical element 220 with minimal distortion. The functional light then passes through an outer lens 240. Once the functional light 142 passes through the outer lens 240, it appears on the outer lens 240 as a distinct functional zone 244, as seen in FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 3A, after passing through the outer lens 240, the functional light 142 travels in a substantially specific direction.

[0061] In some embodiments, the functional LEDs 144 may be implemented by various types of light emitting diodes (LEDs). For example, the functional LEDs 144 may be through-hole LEDs, surface-mounted LEDs, or other types of LEDs. It should be noted that although the functional LEDs 144 are shown as the light sources of the lighting system 100, the functional LEDs 144 may be replaced by other types of light sources, such as fluorescent and incandescent lamps.

[0062] In this embodiment, the functional LED 144 is configured substantially parallel to the functional optical element 200 and the outer lens 240 such that light emitted from the functional LED 144 follows a substantially straight path through the functional optical element 200, through the micro-optical element 220, and then through the outer lens 240. The functional optical element may be designed to focus the directional light to a desired intensity and distribution. This may be achieved by a texture on the surface of the lens, an internal structure, coating, or overall shape of the functional optical element 200, or any specular / directional optical element principle known in the art.

[0063] 3B is a side view of one embodiment of the lighting system 100 in an ambient state. At least one ambient LED 124 is connected to the ambient PCB 120 and emits initial ambient light 126. The initial ambient light 126 is directed to the micro-optical element 220, which diffuses and directs the light to form the desired ambient light 122. The ambient light 122 then passes through the outer lens 240. As shown in FIG. 3B, the initial ambient light 126 is directed into the micro-optical element 220 from the side of the micro-optical element 220.

[0064] In some embodiments, as described above, there may be a gap between the functional optical element 200 and the functional PCB 140. The gap between the functional optical element 200 and the functional PCB 140 may range from approximately 1 micrometer (μm), 5 μm, 10 μm, 15 μm, 20 μm, 25 μm, 30 μm, 35 μm, 40 μm, 45 μm, 50 μm, 75 μm, 100 μm, 150 μm, 200 μm, or any value therebetween. Advantageously, the optical design associated with the gap may enable the functional optical element 200 to collimate or direct light from the functional LEDs 144.

[0065] In this embodiment, the ambient LEDs 124 are configured substantially perpendicular to the micro-optical element 220 and outer lens 240 such that the path of light emitted from the ambient LEDs 124 is substantially altered. The substantially altered light path 128 includes at least one redirection 130. The redirection 130 can occur within the micro-optical element 220 or on a surface of the micro-optical element 220. The micro-optical element 220 may be configured to generate a desired diffusion or direction for the ambient light as well as the functional / directional light. This may be achieved by a texture on the surface of the lens, an internal structure, coating, and / or overall shape of the micro-optical element 220.

[0066] FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of the lighting system 100 in a functional state. The diagram shows the path of the functional light 142 and a functional intensity representation 400 that represents the intensity of the light as it reaches a surface. The functional intensity representation 400 may include a first zone 402 and a second zone 404. The first zone 402 may represent a stronger light than the second zone 404. The first zone 402 may be located within the second zone 404. There may be a single zone, two zones as shown in this embodiment, or more zones than shown. The intensity of the first zone 402 may be 50 lux, and the intensity of the second zone may be 10 lux. The intensity of a zone may be an average taken over the area of ​​the zone.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first zone 402 may form a circular region having a diameter of 100 mm, 110 mm, 120 mm, 130 mm, 140 mm, 150 mm, 160 mm, 170 mm, 180 mm, 190 mm, 200 mm, or any range of values ​​therebetween, and the second zone 404 may have a diameter of 250 mm, 260 mm, 270 mm, 280 mm, 290 mm, 300 mm, 310 mm, 320 mm, 330 mm, 340 mm, 350 mm, 360 mm, 370 mm, 380 mm, 390 mm, 400 mm, or any range of values ​​therebetween. In some embodiments, the intensity of the first zone may be 40 lux, 42 lux, 44 lux, 46 lux, 48 lux, 50 lux, 52 lux, 54 lux, 56 lux, 58 lux, 60 lux, or any value range therebetween. In some embodiments, the intensity of the second zone may be 5 lux, 6 lux, 7 lux, 8 lux, 9 lux, 10 lux, 11 lux, 12 lux, 13 lux, 14 lux, 15 lux, or any value range therebetween. In some embodiments, the light intensity may gradually decrease from the center of the first zone 402 toward the boundary of the second zone 404. For example, the light intensity may gradually decrease from 50 lux near the center of the first zone 402 to 10 lux near the boundary of the second zone 404.

[0068] 4B is an alternative view of the lighting system 100 shown in FIG. 4A. The lighting system 100 is in a functional state. This embodiment is located in a vehicle having a front vehicle section 500 and a rear vehicle section 504. The lighting system 100 may be located in an overhead console. The overhead console may be located behind the windshield in the driver's compartment of the vehicle.

[0069] Figure 4C is an alternative view of the lighting system 100 shown in Figure 4A. In Figure 4C, the front surface 246 of the outer lens 240 is in a functional state. The functional zone 244 illuminates when functional light 142 passes through the outer lens 240. The front surface 246 of the outer lens 240 may be smooth or textured.

[0070] 5 is an embodiment of the lighting system 100 in ambient conditions from the same perspective as FIG. 4B. Ambient light 122 is shown passing through the outer lens 240 in the ambient zone 242.

[0071] 6 is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of lighting system 100. In this embodiment, lighting system 100 includes a single composite PCB 150. Composite PCB 150 includes both functional LEDs 144 and ambient LEDs 124. Functional LEDs 144 and ambient LEDs 124 are located along composite PCB 150. Functional LEDs 144 and ambient LEDs 124 may be spaced equally or in an alternate pattern.

[0072] The illumination system 100 further comprises a functional optical element 200 and a textured light guide 220. In some embodiments, instead of shining light from the sides of the textured light guide 220 as shown in FIG. 3B, the textured light guide 220 may include a curved portion that collects, collimates, and redirects light emitted from the ambient LEDs 124 toward the outer lens 240.

[0073] When in a functional state, the functional LEDs 144 are illuminated. Light from the functional LEDs 144 passes through the functional optical elements 200, where the light is redirected into a guided beam 142. The functional light 142 passes through the textured light guide 220 with minimal diffusion before passing through the outer lens 240. The functional light passes through functional zones 244 of the outer lens 240. This embodiment has two sets of functional LEDs 144, two sets of functional optical elements 200, and two sets of functional zones 244 (not shown in FIG. 6 ).

[0074] When in the ambient state, the functional LED 144 is illuminated. The ambient LED 124 may also be illuminated. The functional LED 144 and the ambient LED 124 may be illuminated at the same power level or at different power levels, specifically, the functional LED may be illuminated at a lower power level than the ambient LED. In this embodiment, only the ambient LED 124 is illuminated when in the ambient state. The ambient LED 124 emits light that passes through the textured light guide 220. The light is diffused and redirected. The ambient light 122 then passes through the outer lens 240. The ambient zone 242 is illuminated such that the ambient light is emitted from the outer lens 240.

[0075] 7A and 7B are diagrams of an alternative embodiment of lighting system 100. In this embodiment, lighting system 100 includes a single composite PCB 150. Composite PCB 150 includes both functional LEDs 144 and ambient LEDs 124. Functional LEDs 144 and ambient LEDs 124 are located side by side along composite PCB 150. They may be spaced equally or in an alternate pattern.

[0076] 7A and 7B further illustrate that lighting system 100 can include a single optical element 630 that includes a first diffusing material 640 and a second diffusing material 650. In some embodiments, single optical element 630 may be made of a material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic. First diffusing material 640 and second diffusing material 650 may be made of the same material as the rest of single optical element 630, except that first diffusing material 640 and second diffusing material 650 may have a different texture or grain than the rest of single optical element 630. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, composite PCB 150 is disposed over single optical element 630.

[0077] 7A shows the illumination system 100 in a functional state. The functional LED 144 emits light, as indicated by the first functional arrow 600. The light then passes through a second diffusing material 650, which may be similar to or the same as the textured light guide or micro-optical element 220. The light is minimally diffused and guided. The functional light 142 then passes through the outer lens 240. The light passes through the functional zone 244 of the outer lens 240.

[0078] 7B is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of the lighting system 100 shown in FIG. 7A. In ambient conditions, the ambient LEDs 124 emit light, indicated by the first set of ambient arrows 620. The light then passes through the first diffusing material 640, where it is redirected and diffused. The light can be better diffused in the space between the ambient LEDs 124 and the first diffusing material 640. After exiting the first diffusing material 640, the light, represented by the second set of ambient arrows 622, passes through the second diffusing material 650. As the ambient light 122 passes through the second diffusing material, it is further diffused and redirected, forming uniform ambient light 122. The ambient light 122 then passes through the outer lens 240. The light passes through the peripheral zone 242 of the outer lens 240.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a touch sensor 300. Functional and ambient light conditions can be controlled via the touch sensor 300. Electrodes 302 of the touch sensor 300 are located on either side of the outer lens 240. The electrode sensors may be positioned so that the touch-sensitive zones are the same as or similar to the functional zones 244. Touch sensing may be by mutual capacitance. The electrodes 302 may be conductive copper electrodes (capacitor plates) that generate an electric field in which a change in capacitance (finger touch) is measured. The touch sensor 300 may operate with alternative methods such as infrared sensing, time-of-flight sensing, or mechanically actuated touch, such as deflection, click, slide, movement, engagement, or pressure. All of these alternative methods can be used in the outer lens 240.

[0080] The electrodes 302 may be coplanar. The electrodes 302 may be copper or other metal electrodes. The touch sensor 300 may detect a touch on the touch surface 306 between the electrodes 302. The touch surface 306 may be part of the surface of the outer lens 240. The distance between the electrodes may be 8 mm or greater. The distance between the electrodes 302 may be the same as the height of the outer lens 240 or greater. The touch sensor 300 may be able to sense a touch anywhere between the electrodes 302, which may be coplanar. Furthermore, the touch sensor 300 may additionally be able to sense a touch on the electrodes 302. Advantageously, by sensing touch between the electrodes, the system can maintain a clear optical path. Conventional touch systems may require electrodes on the touch surface 306, which would block the optical path.

[0081] As described above, instead of utilizing mutual capacitance detection via electrodes, other touch sensing technologies may be utilized to turn on or off the ambient LED 124 and / or the functional LED 144. In some embodiments, a touch sensor may sense a user's touch on the touch surface and convert the user's touch into an electrical signal to transmit to a PCB (e.g., ambient PCB 120) of the lighting system 100. For example, the touch sensor may be a strain sensor. When a user touches the touch surface, a force is detected by the strain sensor. The strain sensor may convert the force into an electrical signal for transmission to the PCB. Based on the electrical signal, the lighting system 100 can detect a user's touch on the touch surface. In this example, the electrodes 302 may be omitted. Additionally and / or optionally, a strain sensor may be disposed on or above the touch surface to detect a user's touch on the touch surface.

[0082] In some embodiments, other sensing technologies that do not utilize user touch may be employed by lighting system 100. For example, lighting system 100 may utilize infrared (IR) sensors or photodetectors to sense user gestures to control ambient LEDs 124 and / or functional LEDs 144. In this manner, in response to user interaction with the sensors of lighting system 100, the sensors may turn on or off ambient LEDs 124 and / or functional LEDs 144. For example, in response to a user touch on the touch surface of outer lens 240, touch sensor 300 may turn on or off functional LEDs 144.

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a diagram of a single optical element 920 and an outer lens 940. The single optical element 920 and the outer lens 940 may be implemented as part of the illumination system 100 or may replace part of the illumination system. For example, the single optical element 920 may correspond to or replace the micro-optical element 220 and the functional optical element 200, and the outer lens 940 may correspond to or replace the outer lens 240. In some implementations, the single optical element 920 may be made of a material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or acrylic. Although not shown in FIG. 9 , the single optical element 920 may receive light from one or more light sources, such as light from the functional LED 144 and light from the ambient LED 124. The one or more light sources may be mounted on a PCB disposed above the single optical element 920 and the outer lens 940. Alternatively, the PCB may be disposed to the side of the single optical element 920 and the outer lens 940.

[0084] FIG. 10A illustrates a top view of an illumination system 1000 according to some aspects of the present application. In a particular embodiment, the illumination system 1000 includes a PCB 1010, a single optical element 1020, an outer lens 1030, an ambient LED 1040, and two functional LEDs 1050. As shown in FIG. 10A , the ambient LED 1040 and the functional LEDs 1050 are mounted on the PCB 1010. The single optical element 1020 may receive light from the ambient LED 1040. The single optical element 1020 may further receive light from each of the functional LEDs 1050. As shown in FIG. 10A , light 1060 from the ambient LED 1040 may travel through an ambient light path through the single optical element 1020. The light 1060 from the ambient LED 1040 may be further received and diffused by the outer lens 1030.

[0085] In some implementations, the single optical element 1020 may receive light from the ambient LEDs 1040 to generate a first light. The single optical element 1020 may receive light from the functional LEDs 1050 to generate a second light. The outer lens 1030 may include a peripheral zone and a functional zone. The peripheral zone may receive the first light and diffuse the first light into ambient light traveling in multiple directions. The functional zone may receive the second light and diffuse the second light into directional light traveling in a substantially single direction.

[0086] 10B shows a cross-sectional view of an illumination system 1000 according to some embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10B, a single optical element 1020 can receive light 1070 from a functional LED 1050. The light 1070 from the functional LED 1050 can be further received and diffused by an outer lens 1030.

[0087] 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an illumination system 1100 according to some embodiments of the present application. The illumination system 1100 may provide the same or similar functionality as the illumination system 100 and / or the illumination system 1000. As shown in FIG. 11 , the illumination system 1100 includes a PCB 1110, a peripheral optical element 1120, an outer lens 1130, and an adhesive layer 1140. The adhesive layer 1140 may include a specific coating, film treatment, or paint material applied to the surface of the outer lens 1130 such that the illumination system 1100 may exhibit an appearance related to the material applied to the outer lens 1130.

[0088] For example, a metal physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating may be applied to a portion of the outer lens 1130 so that when the lighting system 1100 is not emitting or generating light, the lighting system 1100 can present a metallic or dark (e.g., black) appearance to a user rather than the appearance of the material contained in the outer lens 1130. Other materials that may be applied to the surface of the outer lens 1130 include materials such as in-mold labeling (IML) film, shytec paint, etc. Advantageously, coating, filming, or painting the outer lens 1130 can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the lighting system 1100.

[0089] It should be understood that the components described in this disclosure may be used outside of vehicles, and may be applicable to aerospace, robotics, manufacturing equipment, industrial equipment, or other fields.

[0090] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure to the precise form or particular field of use disclosed. Accordingly, various alternative embodiments and / or modifications to the disclosure, whether expressly described or implied herein, are contemplated in light of the present disclosure. While embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in this manner, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the claims.

[0091] In the foregoing specification, the present disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, the various embodiments disclosed herein can be modified or implemented in various other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present description is considered illustrative and is intended to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use various embodiments of the disclosed glove box actuation assembly. It should be understood that the forms of the disclosure shown and described herein are to be taken as representative embodiments. Equivalent elements, materials, processes, or steps may be substituted for those typically shown and described herein. Furthermore, certain features of the present disclosure may be utilized independently of the use of other features, all of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art after having the benefit of this description of the present disclosure. The terms "including," "comprising," "incorporating," "consisting of," "have," "is," and the like, used to describe and claim the present disclosure, are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, i.e., permitting the presence of items, components, or elements not expressly recited. Reference to the singular is to be construed as relating to the plural as well.

[0092] Furthermore, the various embodiments disclosed herein should be taken in an illustrative and descriptive sense and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure in any way. Any joint references (e.g., attached, fastened, coupled, connected, etc.) are used solely to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure and do not create limitations on the position, orientation, or use of the systems and / or methods disclosed herein, among other things. Thus, any joint references should be interpreted broadly. Furthermore, such joint references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected to each other. Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, "first," "second," "third," "primary," "secondary," "main," or any other conventional and / or numerical term, should also be construed merely as identifiers to aid the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and / or modifications of the present disclosure, and cannot impose any limitation on any element, embodiment, variation and / or modification relative to or beyond another element, embodiment, variation and / or modification, particularly with regard to order or priority.

[0093] It will also be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the drawings / figures may be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner as may be useful depending on the particular application, or may even be omitted or depicted as inoperative in certain cases.

Claims

1. 1. A lighting system comprising: a first light source; a second light source; and a first optical element configured to receive light from the first light source for scattering into a first light; a second optical element configured to receive light from the second light source to direct it to a second light source; an outer lens comprising a peripheral zone and a functional zone, the peripheral zone configured to receive the first light and the functional zone configured to receive the second light; Equipped with the surrounding zone, when receiving the first light, diffuses the first light into ambient light traveling in multiple directions; The functional zone diffuses the second light into directional light traveling substantially in a certain direction when the functional zone receives the second light.

2. a first printed circuit board (PCB); a second printed circuit board (PCB), 10. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the first light source is mounted on the first PCB and the second light source is mounted on the second PCB.

3. The lighting system of claim 2 , wherein the second optical element is disposed below the second PCB and above the first optical element.

4. 4. The lighting system of claim 3, wherein the first optical element is disposed below the second optical element and above the outer lens, and the second light passes through the first optical element before being received by the functional zone.

5. 4. The lighting system of claim 3, wherein the second optical element is adjacent to a bottom surface of the second PCB and a top surface of the first optical element, and the bottom surface of the second PCB and the top surface of the first optical element are substantially parallel.

6. 6. The lighting system of claim 5, wherein a bottom surface of the second PCB and a top surface of the first optical element are substantially perpendicular to a surface of the first PCB adjacent the first optical element.

7. a sensor electrically connected to the first PCB; The lighting system of claim 2 , wherein the sensor is configured to turn on or off the first light source or the second light source in response to a user interaction.

8. 8. The lighting system of claim 7, wherein the sensor is a touch sensor that turns the second light source on or off in response to a user touch on a touch surface of the outer lens.

9. 9. The lighting system of claim 8, wherein the touch sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and the touch surface of the outer lens is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

10. 1. A lighting system comprising: a first light source; a second light source; and a first optical element configured to receive light from the first light source to generate a first light; a second optical element configured to receive light from the second light source to produce a second light; an outer lens comprising a peripheral zone and a functional zone, the peripheral zone configured to diffuse the first light into ambient light and the functional zone configured to diffuse the second light into directional light; A lighting system comprising:

11. 11. The lighting system of claim 10, wherein the functional zones are arranged around a first end and / or a second end of the outer lens.

12. further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB); The lighting system of claim 10 , wherein the first light source and the second light source are mounted to the PCB.

13. 13. The lighting system of claim 12, wherein the first optical element is located below the PCB and above the outer lens.

14. 14. The lighting system of claim 13, wherein the second optical element is disposed between the PCB and the first optical element.

15. 1. A lighting system comprising: a first light source; a second light source; and An optical element, the optical element comprising: receiving light from the first light source to generate a first light; an optical element configured to receive light from the second light source to generate a second light; an outer lens comprising a peripheral zone and a functional zone, the peripheral zone configured to diffuse the first light into ambient light and the functional zone configured to diffuse the second light into directional light; A lighting system comprising:

16. 16. The lighting system of claim 15, wherein the optical element includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein light from the first light source passes through the first portion and the second portion to generate the first light, and light from the second light source passes through the second portion to generate the second light.

17. further comprising a printed circuit board (PCB); 16. The lighting system of claim 15, wherein the first light source and the second light source are mounted to the PCB.

18. 20. The lighting system of claim 17, wherein the PCB is positioned above the outer lens and the optical element.

19. 16. The illumination system of claim 15, wherein the length of the outer lens is about 300 mm and the length of the functional zone is between 20 mm and 30 mm.

20. 16. The lighting system of claim 15, wherein the peripheral zone is larger in size than the functional zone and overlaps with the functional zone.

21. 1. A lighting system comprising: at least one PCB; at least one ambient LED; at least one functional LED; a first optical element configured to receive light from the at least one ambient LED and diffuse the light into a first light; a second optical element configured to receive light from the at least one functional LED and direct it into a second light; an outer lens having a functional zone and a peripheral zone; Equipped with The second light is further guided through the first optical element, the first light being more diffuse than the second light, the second light being configured to pass through the functional zone and the first light being configured to pass through the ambient zone, and the functional zone and the ambient zone being at least partially the same.

22. 1. A lighting system comprising: a surrounding PCB; a functional PCB; at least one peripheral LED mounted on the peripheral PCB; at least one functional LED mounted on the functional PCB; a first optical element configured to receive light from the at least one ambient LED and diffuse the light into a first light; a second optical element configured to receive light from the at least one functional LED and direct it into a second light; an outer lens having a functional zone and a peripheral zone; a touch sensor configured to sense a user touch on the outer lens; Equipped with the functional PCB is substantially perpendicular to the peripheral PCB, the second light is configured to pass through the functional zone and the first light is configured to pass through the peripheral zone, and the functional zone and the peripheral zone are at least partially identical; Lighting system.

23. 1. A lighting system for a vehicle, comprising: at least one ambient LED; at least one functional LED; a first optical element configured to receive light emitted by the at least one ambient LED and to diffuse the received light into a first light; a second optical element configured to receive light emitted by the at least one functional LED and direct the received light into a second light; an outer lens comprising a peripheral zone arranged to receive the first light and a functional zone arranged to receive the second light, at least a portion of the functional zone overlapping the peripheral zone; and A lighting system comprising:

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