RUNNING BOARD ILLUMINATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

• US 20170190282A1
• Filed: 01/05/2017
• Published: 07/06/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 12/31/2015
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Johnson, Aaron Bradley, Wilson, Terrence Joseph, Salter, Stuart C.
• Application Number:
  US15/399,374
• Publication Number:
  US 20170190282A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/325 on or for running boards or steps
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/381 with several light sources activated in sequence, e.g. to create a sweep effect
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/46 for giving flashing caution signals during drive, other than signalling change of direction, e.g. flashing the headlights or hazard lights
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/50 for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2400/40 Welcome lights, i.e. specific or existing exterior lamps to assist leaving or approaching the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/002 Running boards for vehicle tops B60R3/005; at the sides of the vehicle for carrying loads B60R9/02
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/02 Retractable steps or ladders, e.g. movable under shock B60R3/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 7/06 with parabolic curvature
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/00 Combination of light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/0096 the lights guides being of the hollow type
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/10 Controlling the intensity of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/11 by determining the brightness or colour temperature of ambient light
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 20/40 Control techniques providing energy savings, e.g. smart controller or presence detection

Abstract

A running board illumination system is provided for a motor vehicle. That system includes a first light pipe having a first end and a second end. A first reflector and first light source are provided at the first end. A second reflector and second light source are provided at the second end. Light emitted from the system is shaped and directed via optical lens to fall upon a running board.

Claims

1. A running board illumination system, comprising:

a first light pipe having a first end and a second end;

a first reflector and a first light source at said first end;

a second reflector and a second light source at said second end; and

an optical lens including optical features whereby light emitted from said running board illumination system is shaped and directed upon a running board.

2. The running board illumination system of claim 1 wherein said first reflector is a first parabolic reflector.

3. The running board illumination system of claim 2, wherein said second reflector is a second parabolic reflector.

4. The running board illumination system of claim 3, wherein said first light source is a first LED.

5. The running board illumination system of claim 4, wherein said second light source is a second LED.

6. The running board illumination system of claim 5, wherein said optical features are configured to direct said light upon a foot pad surface of said running board.

7. A running board illumination system, comprising:

a first light pipe having a first end and a second end;

a first reflector and a first light source at said first end;

a second reflector and a second light source at said second end;

a second light pipe having a third end and a fourth end;

a third reflector and a third light source at said third end;

a fourth reflector and a fourth light source at said fourth end; and

an optical lens including optical features whereby light emitted from said running board illumination system is shaped and directed upon a running board.

8. The running board illumination system of claim 7 wherein said first reflector, said second reflector, said third reflector and said fourth reflector are parabolic reflectors.

9. The running board illumination system of claim 8 wherein said first light source, said second light source, said third light source and said fourth light source are LEDs.

10. The running board illumination system of claim 9, wherein said optical features are configured to direct said light upon at least one foot pad surface of said running board.

11. The running board illumination system of claim 7, wherein said first light source, said second light source, said third light source and said fourth light source are LEDs.

12. The running board illumination system of claim 7, wherein said first light pipe and said second light pipe share a common axis.

13. A method of illuminating a running board of a motor vehicle, comprising:

emitting light from a first light pipe including a first light source at a first end and a second light source at a second end; and

shaping and directing said light to fall upon said running board.

14. The method of claim 13, further including emitting additional light from a second light pipe including a third light source at a third end and a fourth light source at a fourth end.

15. The method of claim 14, further including shaping and directing said additional light to fall upon said running board.

16. The method of claim 15, further including limiting intensity of said light and said additional light emitted so as not to exceed 21 lux when measured 1 meter above ground.

17. The method of claim 13, further including limiting intensity of light emitted from said first light pipe so as not to exceed 21 lux when measured 1 meter above ground.