LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

• US 20070109807A1
• Filed: 01/17/2007
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/23/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Donnelly Corporation (Magna International Incorporated)
• Inventors: Lindahl, John, Lynam, Niall
• Granted Patent: US 7,344,284 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 362/545
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/36 for facilitating connection, e.g. hitch catchers , visual guide means, signalling aids B60D1/465 takes precedence; vehicle signalling in general B60Q; optical arrangements specially adapted for viewing trailer-hitches B60R1/003
• CPC Class Codes: B60D 1/58 Auxiliary devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/143 Touch sensitive instrument input devices
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2360/1438 Touch screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/00 Instruments specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement of instruments in or on vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 35/10 Input arrangements, i.e. from user to vehicle, associated with vehicle functions or specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/247 for illuminating the close surroundings of the vehicle, e.g. to facilitate entry or exit for reverse drive B60Q1/22; by opening a side door B60Q1/323
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2665 on rear-view mirrors lighting devices for vehicle interior on or for rear-view mirrors B60Q3/258
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/258 Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/64 for a single lighting device
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/74 for overall compartment lighting; for overall compartment lighting in combination with specific lighting, e.g. room lamps with reading lamps general lighting mounted on specific fittings B60Q3/20; general lighting for mass transit vehicles B60Q3/43
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 3/82 Switches specially adapted for vehicle interior lighting, e.g. switching by tilting the lens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/003 for viewing trailer hitches
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/04 mounted inside vehicle B60R1/025, B60R1/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/12 Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/1207 with lamps; with turn indicators
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/29 for viewing an area inside the vehicle, e.g. for viewing passengers or cargo
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0235 of flat type, e.g. LCD
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/04 Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0026 : Windows, e.g. windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0033 : Rear-view mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0082 : collapsible, e.g. for storing after use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0084 : with adjustment by linear movement in their operational position
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0089 : around three axes, i.e. universally mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0282 : for the use of several passengers, e.g. simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0288 : Apparatus made of several modules independently mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2011/0294 : Apparatus with multi-functionalities, e.g. radio and telephone
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/10 : characterised by the type of camera system used
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/20 : characterised by the type of display used
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/308 : by overlaying the real scene, e.g. through a head-up display on the windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/8006 : for monitoring and displaying scenes of vehicle interior, e.g. for monitoring passengers or cargo
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2300/808 : for facilitating docking to a trailer
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0118 : comprising devices for improving the contrast of the display / brillance control visibility
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/012 : comprising devices for attenuating parasitic image effects
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/00 : Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/165 : Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 : Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/52 : Surveillance or monitoring of activities, e.g. for recognising suspicious objects recognising microscopic objects G06V20/69
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/593 : Recognising seat occupancy
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/0626 : for control of overall brightness
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2380/10 : Automotive applications
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3406 : Control of illumination source illumination devices structurally associated with liquid crystal cells G02F1/1336
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 3/3648 : using an active matrix G09G3/367 - G09G3/3696 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/11 : for generating image signals from visible and infrared light wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/56 : provided with illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/63 : by using electronic viewfinders
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/661 : Transmitting camera control signals through networks, e.g. control via the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/74 : by influencing the scene brightness using illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 25/76 : Addressed sensors, e.g. MOS or CMOS sensors
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 : for receiving images from a single remote source
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 : Light emitting diode

Abstract

A lighting system for a vehicle comprises a sealed unitary light module including at least one high-intensity power light emitting diode operates with a luminous efficiency of at least about 7 lumens per watt when passing a forward current of at least about 350 milliamps and that emits a luminous flux of at least about 25 lumens when operated at its operating voltage. The sealed unitary light module is removable as a unit from the vehicle and includes a heat dissipating element and a lens.

Claims

1. A lighting system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a battery/ignition voltage, said lighting system comprising:

a sealed unitary light module disposed at one of (i) an interior portion of the vehicle and (ii) an exterior portion of the vehicle;

said sealed unitary light module comprising at least one high-intensity power light emitting diode;

said high-intensity power light emitting diode emitting with a luminous efficiency of at least about 7 lumens per watt and passing a forward current of at least about 350 milliamps when operated at its operating voltage;

said high-intensity power light emitting diode having an operating voltage in a range of about 1 volt to about 5 volts;

wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode emits white light with a luminous flux of at least about 25 lumens when operated at its operating voltage;

said sealed unitary light module including a heat dissipating element and wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode thermally couples to said heat dissipating element;

said sealed unitary light module including a lens;

a voltage converter, said voltage converter comprising a DC to DC converter; and

wherein said sealed unitary module is removable from said one of (i) an interior portion of the vehicle and (ii) an exterior portion of the vehicle as a unit.

2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said voltage converter has an input voltage and an output voltage and has an input current and an output current, and wherein the ratio of said input voltage to said output voltage is at least about 2 to 1, and wherein the ratio of said input current to said output current is at least about 1 to 2.

3. The lighting system of claim 2, wherein said ratio of said input voltage to said output voltage is at least about 4 to 1.

4. The lighting system of claim 2, wherein said output current is at least about 350 milliamps.

5. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said heat dissipation element comprises a heat dissipation surface area of at least about 1 square inch.

6. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said heat dissipation element comprises a heat dissipation surface area of at least about 2.5 square inches.

7. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said heat dissipation element comprises a heat dissipation surface area of at least about 3.5 square inches.

8. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said heat dissipating element comprises a metal having high heat conductivity.

9. The lighting system of claim 8, wherein said metal comprises at least one of copper, a copper alloy, aluminum and brass.

10. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said heat dissipating element comprises a heat sink.

11. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode dissipates at least about 0.5 watt of power when operated.

12. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode dissipates at least about 1 watt of power when operated.

13. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode dissipates at least about 1.5 watts of power when operated.

14. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode dissipates at least about 2 watts of power when operated.

15. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode comprises an Indium Gallium Nitride light emitting diode.

16. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said lens comprises one of a diffractive optic and a refractive optic.

17. The lighting system of claim 16, wherein said lens comprises a lens chosen from at least one of (i) a fresnel-optic lens, (ii) a binary-optic lens, (iii) a diffusive-optic lens, (iv) a holographic-optic lens, and (v) a sinusoidal-optic lens.

18. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein a pulse width modulated duty cycle voltage is applied to power said high-intensity power light emitting diode.

19. The lighting system of claim 1, where said light module emits a beam of light having a cone angle of at least about 30 degrees.

20. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said light module emits a light beam providing illumination of at least about 50 lux over an area of at least about 5 square feet.

21. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said light module includes a light piping element and wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode optically couples with said light piping element.

22. The lighting system of claim 21, wherein said light piping element comprises an optical polymer material having a refractive index in a range of about 1.4 to about 1.6.

23. The lighting system of claim 22, wherein said optical polymer material comprises a polycarbonate material.

24. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said light module emits a light beam providing illumination of at least about 75 lux over an area of 1 foot by 1 foot at a distance of about 40 inches.

25. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said light module connects to a vehicle network system.

26. The lighting system of claim 25, wherein said vehicle network system comprises a CAN network.

27. The lighting system of claim 25, wherein said vehicle network system comprises a LIN network.

28. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the junction of said high-intensity power light emitting diode is maintained at a temperature less than about 130 degrees Celsius.

29. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the junction of said high-intensity power light emitting diode is maintained at a temperature less than about 100 degrees Celsius.

30. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the junction of said high-intensity power light emitting diode is maintained at a temperature less than about 70 degrees Celsius.

31. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said light module includes a surround for directing light emitted by said high-intensity power light emitting diode.

32. The lighting system of claim 31, wherein said surround comprises an optical surface.

33. The lighting system of claim 31, wherein said surround comprises a light reflective surface.

34. The lighting system of claim 31, wherein said sealed unitary light module includes terminals connecting to the battery/ignition voltage of the vehicle.

35. The lighting system of claim 31, wherein said sealed unitary light module includes said voltage converter.

36. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein said light module includes a light reflector.

37. A lighting system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a battery/ignition voltage, said lighting system comprising:

a sealed unitary light module;

said sealed unitary light module comprising at least one high-intensity power light emitting diode;

said high-intensity power light emitting diode emitting with a luminous efficiency of at least about 7 lumens per watt and passing a forward current of at least about 350 milliamps when operated at its operating voltage;

wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode emits white light with a luminous flux of at least about 25 lumens when operated at its operating voltage;

said sealed unitary light module including a heat dissipating element and wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode thermally couples to said heat dissipating element;

said sealed unitary light module including a lens;

a voltage converter, said voltage converter comprising a DC to DC converter;

wherein said sealed unitary module is removable from the vehicle as a unit; and

wherein a pulse width modulated duty cycle voltage is applied to power said high-intensity power light emitting diode.

38. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said voltage converter has an input voltage and an output voltage and has an input current and an output current, and wherein the ratio of said input voltage to said output voltage is at least about 2 to 1, and wherein the ratio of said input current to said output current is at least about 1 to 2.

39. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode dissipates at least about 2 watts of power when operated.

40. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode is disposed at an exterior portion of the vehicle.

41. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said light module emits a light beam providing illumination of at least about 50 lux over an area of at least about 5 square feet.

42. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said light module includes a light piping element and wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode optically couples with said light piping element, and wherein said light piping element comprises an optical polymer material having a refractive index in a range of about 1.4 to about 1.6.

43. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said light module emits a light beam providing illumination of at least about 75 lux over an area of 1 foot by 1 foot at a distance of about 40 inches.

44. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said light module connects to a vehicle network system.

45. The lighting system of claim 44, wherein said vehicle network system comprises at least one of (i) a CAN network and (ii) a LIN network.

46. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein the junction of said high-intensity power light emitting diode is maintained at a temperature less, than about 130 degrees Celsius.

47. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said heat dissipation element comprises a heat dissipation surface area of at least about 2.5 square inches.

48. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said sealed unitary light module connects to the battery/ignition voltage of the vehicle.

49. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said sealed unitary light module includes said voltage converter.

50. The lighting system of claim 37, wherein said light module includes a light reflector.

51. A lighting system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a battery/ignition voltage, said lighting system comprising:

a sealed unitary light module disposed at an exterior portion of the vehicle;

said sealed unitary light module comprising at least one high-intensity power light emitting diode;

said high-intensity power light emitting diode emitting with a luminous efficiency of at least about 7 lumens per watt and passing a forward current of at least about 350 milliamps when operated at its operating voltage;

wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode emits white light with a luminous flux of at least about 25 lumens when operated at its operating voltage;

said sealed unitary light module including a heat dissipating element and wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode thermally couples to said heat dissipating element;

said sealed unitary light module including a lens;

a voltage converter, said voltage converter comprising a DC to DC converter;

wherein said sealed unitary module is removable from the exterior portion of the vehicle as a unit; and

wherein said light module includes a light piping element and wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode optically couples with said light piping element.

52. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein said voltage converter has an input voltage and an output voltage and has an input current and an output current, and wherein the ratio of said input voltage to said output voltage is at least about 2 to 1, and wherein the ratio of said input current to said output current is at least about 1 to 2.

53. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode dissipates at least about 2 watts of power when operated.

54. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein said light piping element comprises an optical polymer material having a refractive index in a range of about 1.4 to about 1.6.

55. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein said light module emits a light beam providing illumination of at least about 50 lux over an area of at least about 5 square feet.

56. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein a pulse width modulated duty cycle voltage is applied to power said high-intensity power light emitting diode.

57. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein said light module emits a light beam providing illumination of at least about 75 lux over an area of 1 foot by 1 foot at a distance of about 40 inches.

58. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein said light module connects to a vehicle network system.

59. The lighting system of claim 58, wherein said vehicle network system comprises at least one of (i) a CAN network and (ii) a LIN network.

60. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein the junction of said high-intensity power light emitting diode is maintained at a temperature less than about 130 degrees Celsius.

61. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein said heat dissipation element comprises a heat dissipation surface area of at least about 2.5 square inches.

62. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein said sealed unitary light module connects to the battery/ignition voltage of the vehicle.

63. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein said sealed unitary light module includes said voltage converter.

64. The lighting system of claim 51, wherein said light module includes a light reflector.

65. A lighting system for a vehicle, the vehicle having a battery/ignition voltage, said lighting system comprising:

a sealed unitary light module disposed at an exterior portion of the vehicle;

said sealed unitary light module comprising at least one high-intensity power light emitting diode;

said high-intensity power light emitting diode emitting with a luminous efficiency of at least about 7 lumens per watt and passing a forward current of at least about 350 milliamps when operated at its operating voltage;

wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode emits white light with a luminous flux of at least about 25 lumens when operated at its operating voltage;

said sealed unitary light module including a heat dissipating element, and wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode thermally couples to said heat dissipating element;

said sealed unitary light module including a lens;

a voltage converter, said voltage converter comprising a DC to DC converter;

wherein said sealed unitary module is removable from the exterior portion of the vehicle as a unit; and

wherein said light module connects to a vehicle network system.

66. The lighting system of claim 65, wherein a pulse width modulated duty cycle voltage is applied to power said high-intensity power light emitting diode.

67. The lighting system of claim 66, wherein said light module emits a light beam providing illumination of at least about 75 lux over an area of 1 foot by 1 foot at a distance of about 40 inches.

68. The lighting system of claim 65, wherein said light module emits a light beam providing illumination of at least about 50 lux over an area of at least about 5 square feet.

69. The lighting system of claim 65, wherein said vehicle network system comprises at least one of (i) a CAN network and (ii) a LIN network.

70. The lighting system of claim 65, wherein the junction of said high-intensity power light emitting diode is maintained at a temperature less than about 130 degrees Celsius.

71. The lighting system of claim 65, wherein said light module includes a light piping element and wherein said high-intensity power light emitting diode optically couples with said light piping element.

72. The lighting system of claim 65, wherein said sealed unitary light module connects to the battery/ignition voltage of the vehicle.

73. The lighting system of claim 65, wherein said sealed unitary light module includes said voltage converter.

74. The lighting system of claim 65, wherein said light module includes a light reflector.