US20180361914A1 - Lift gate lighting system with remote light source - Google Patents
Lift gate lighting system with remote light source Download PDFInfo
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- US20180361914A1 US20180361914A1 US15/624,941 US201715624941A US2018361914A1 US 20180361914 A1 US20180361914 A1 US 20180361914A1 US 201715624941 A US201715624941 A US 201715624941A US 2018361914 A1 US2018361914 A1 US 2018361914A1
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- light source
- lift gate
- vehicle
- optic member
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
- F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
- F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
- B60Q1/24—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments for lighting other areas than only the way ahead
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60J—WINDOWS, WINDSCREENS, NON-FIXED ROOFS, DOORS, OR SIMILAR DEVICES FOR VEHICLES; REMOVABLE EXTERNAL PROTECTIVE COVERINGS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES
- B60J5/00—Doors
- B60J5/10—Doors arranged at the vehicle rear
- B60J5/101—Doors arranged at the vehicle rear for non-load transporting vehicles, i.e. family cars including vans
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/0029—Spatial arrangement
- B60Q1/0041—Spatial arrangement of several lamps in relation to each other
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/30—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/30—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
- B60Q1/304—Adaptations of signalling devices having a part on the vehicle body and another on the boot door
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
- F21S43/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/236—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide
- F21S43/239—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide plate-shaped
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/242—Light guides characterised by the emission area
- F21S43/245—Light guides characterised by the emission area emitting light from one or more of its major surfaces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/235—Light guides
- F21S43/247—Light guides with a single light source being coupled into the light guide
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
- F21S43/27—Attachment thereof
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
- F21S43/50—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
- F21S45/10—Protection of lighting devices
-
- F21S48/31—
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
- F21V23/003—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being electronics drivers or controllers for operating the light source, e.g. for a LED array
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
- F21V5/04—Refractors for light sources of lens shape
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to vehicles, and more particularly relates to a lighting system with a remote light source for a lift gate of a vehicle.
- Certain vehicles such as motor vehicles, include a lift gate, which is movable relative to a portion of the vehicle to enable access to a cargo area.
- the lift gate is positioned at a rear of the vehicle, and the rear of the vehicle is subject to certain photometric requirements.
- one or more light sources such as LEDS
- Coupling the light sources to the lift gate may increase the complexity of the lift gate.
- the light sources may need to be coupled to a wiring harness routed through a portion of the lift gate to supply power to the light sources from a source remote from the lift gate.
- one or more heat sinks may need to be employed with the light sources, etc.
- a lighting system for a lift gate of a vehicle.
- the lighting system includes a light source that emits at least a first light beam.
- the light source is coupled to the vehicle at a first location remote from the lift gate.
- the lighting system includes an optical system coupled to the lift gate having a first optic member aligned with the light source that receives the first light beam. The optical system is illuminated by the light source at the first location remote from the lift gate.
- the light source includes a first light source that emits the first light beam and a second light source that emits a second light beam.
- the optical system includes a second optic member aligned with the second light source that receives the second light beam to illuminate the second optic member.
- the optical system includes an inner bezel that has a body that defines a first chamber that receives the first optic member and a second chamber that receives the second optic member. A first channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the first chamber and a second channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the second chamber.
- the optical system includes a housing that couples the optical system to the lift gate. The housing includes a recess that receives the inner bezel.
- the housing defines a first bore in communication with the first channel and a second bore in communication with the second channel.
- the first light source is coupled at the first location remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the first bore of the housing and the second light source is coupled at a second location remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the second bore of the housing.
- the light source is coupled to a tail lamp assembly of the vehicle. The light source emits the first light beam along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
- a lighting system for a lift gate of a vehicle includes a first light source that emits a first light beam.
- the first light source is coupled to the vehicle at a first location remote from the lift gate.
- the lighting system includes a second light source that emits a second light beam.
- the second light source is coupled to the vehicle at a second location remote from the lift gate.
- the lighting system includes an optical system coupled to the lift gate having a first optic member aligned with the first light source that receives the first light beam and a second optic member aligned with the second light source that receives the second light beam. The optical system is illuminated by both of the first light source at the first location remote from the lift gate and the second light source at the second location remote from the lift gate.
- the optical system includes an inner bezel that has a body that defines a first chamber that receives the first optic member and a second chamber that receives the second optic member.
- a first channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the first chamber and a second channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the second chamber.
- the optical system includes a housing that couples the optical system to the lift gate.
- the housing includes a recess that receives the inner bezel.
- the housing defines a first bore in communication with the first channel and a second bore in communication with the second channel.
- the first light source is coupled at the first location remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the first bore of the housing and the second light source is coupled at the second location remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the second bore of the housing.
- the first light source and the second light source are each coupled to a tail lamp assembly of the vehicle and are spaced apart from each other.
- the first light source emits the first light beam along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
- a vehicle in various embodiments, includes a body having a lift gate coupled to a rear of the vehicle.
- the vehicle includes a tail lamp assembly coupled to the body adjacent to the lift gate.
- the vehicle includes a first light source that emits a first light beam.
- the first light source is coupled to the tail lamp assembly and is remote from the lift gate.
- the vehicle includes a second light source that emits a second light beam.
- the second light source is coupled to the tail lamp assembly and remote from the lift gate.
- the vehicle includes an optical system coupled to the lift gate having a first optic member aligned with the first light source that receives the first light beam and a second optic member aligned with the second light source that receives the second light beam. The optical system is illuminated solely by the first light source and the second light source that are remote from the lift gate.
- the optical system includes an inner bezel that has a body that defines a first chamber that receives the first optic member and a second chamber that receives the second optic member.
- a first channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the first chamber and a second channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the second chamber.
- the optical system includes a housing that couples the optical system to the lift gate.
- the housing includes a recess that receives the inner bezel.
- the housing includes a first bore in communication with the first channel and a second bore in communication with the second channel.
- the first light source is coupled remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the first bore of the housing and the second light source is coupled remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the second bore of the housing.
- the second light source emits the second light beam along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
- FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a vehicle having a lift gate lighting system, which includes a pair of lift gate optical systems each having a respective remote light source, in accordance with various embodiments;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the lift gate optical systems and the respective remote light source of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the remote light source of FIG. 2 in accordance with various embodiments.
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the lift gate optical system of FIG. 2 in accordance with various embodiments.
- module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/or processor device, individually or in any combination, including without limitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
- ASIC application specific integrated circuit
- Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of schematic, functional and/or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with any number of systems, and that the vehicle systems described herein is merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
- a lift gate lighting system shown generally at 100 is associated with a vehicle 10 in accordance with various embodiments.
- the lift gate lighting system 100 includes one or more remote light sources 102 that provide light output or emit light to illuminate one or more lift gate optical systems 104 .
- the vehicle 10 includes two remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′ that illuminate a respective one of two lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′.
- the vehicle 10 includes two gate lighting systems 100 ′, 100 ′′, which meet the photometric requirements for a rear 10 ′ of the vehicle 10 .
- the remote light sources 102 are not coupled to a lift gate 106 of the vehicle 10 , which reduces complexity of the lift gate 106 .
- FIG. 1 is merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.
- one or more components of the vehicle 10 may be described herein as being in “optical communication” with another component. It should be understood that the phrase “optical communication” is used herein to denote components that transmit light between each other.
- the vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12 , a body 14 , front wheels 16 , and rear wheels 18 .
- the body 14 is arranged on the chassis 12 and substantially encloses components of the vehicle 10 .
- the body 14 and the chassis 12 may jointly form a frame.
- the wheels 16 - 18 are each rotationally coupled to the chassis 12 near a respective corner of the body 14 .
- the vehicle 10 includes the lift gate 106 .
- the lift gate 106 is pivotally coupled to the frame of the vehicle 10 to be movable between an opened position and a closed position by one or more hydraulic cylinders, for example.
- the lift gate 106 is coupled to rear 10 ′ of the vehicle 10 , so as to be movable by the one or more hydraulic cylinders relative to a first side body panel 14 ′ of the body 14 and a second side body panel 14 ′′ of the body 14 .
- the lift gate 106 has a first side 106 ′ adjacent to the first side body panel 14 ′ and a second side 106 ′′ adjacent to the second side body panel 14 ′′.
- the lift gate 106 has an exterior surface, which is defined by a panel 22 and a transparent or glass panel 24 .
- the panel 22 is generally composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, cast, forged, etc. The panel 22 may receive and support the glass panel 24 .
- the lift gate optical system 104 is coupled to the panel 22 .
- the lift gate optical system 104 ′′ is coupled to the panel 22 so as to be positioned at the first side 106 ′ of the lift gate 106 ; and the lift gate optical system 104 ′′ is coupled to panel 22 so as to be positioned at the second side 106 ′′ of the lift gate 106 .
- the remote light source 102 ′′ is coupled to the first side body panel 14 ′ of the body 14 ; and the remote light source 102 ′′ is coupled to the second side body panel 14 ′′ such that the remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′ are substantially aligned with a respective one of the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′.
- the vehicle 10 is depicted in the illustrated embodiment as a sport utility vehicle (SUV), but it should be appreciated that any other vehicle including trucks, passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs), marine vessels, aircraft, etc., can also be used.
- SUV sport utility vehicle
- the vehicle 10 generally includes a propulsion system 30 , a transmission system 32 , a steering system 34 , a brake system 36 , a controller 40 and one or more sensing devices 42 .
- the propulsion system 30 may, in various embodiments, include an internal combustion engine, an electric machine such as a traction motor, and/or a fuel cell propulsion system.
- the transmission system 32 is configured to transmit power from the propulsion system 30 to the wheels 16 - 18 according to selectable speed ratios.
- the transmission system 32 may include a step-ratio automatic transmission, a continuously-variable transmission, or other appropriate transmission.
- the brake system 36 is configured to provide braking torque to the wheels 16 - 18 and/or the transmission system 32 .
- the brake system 36 may, in various embodiments, include friction brakes, brake by wire, a regenerative braking system such as an electric machine, and/or other appropriate braking systems.
- the steering system 34 influences the course of travel by the vehicle 10 , for example by adjusting a position of the wheels 16 - 18 .
- the one or more sensing devices 42 observe conditions associated with the vehicle 10 and/or an environment surrounding the vehicle 10 and generate sensor signals based thereon.
- the sensing devices 42 include an automatic headlamp sensing device 42 a , which observes an amount of light external to the vehicle 10 and generates sensor signals based thereon.
- the sensing devices 42 also include a door ajar sensing device 42 b , which observes a position of the lift gate 106 relative to the body 14 and generates sensor signals based thereon.
- the sensing devices 42 are in communication with the controller 40 over a communication medium that facilitates the transfer of power, commands, etc.
- the controller 40 includes at least one processor 44 and a computer readable storage device or media 46 .
- the processor 44 can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the controller 40 , a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or generally any device for executing instructions.
- the computer readable storage device or media 46 may include volatile and nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example.
- KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that may be used to store various operating variables while the processor 44 is powered down.
- the computer-readable storage device or media 46 may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the controller 40 in controlling various components of the vehicle 10 , such as the remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′.
- PROMs programmable read-only memory
- EPROMs electrically PROM
- EEPROMs electrically erasable PROM
- flash memory or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the controller 40 in controlling various components of the vehicle 10 , such as the remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′.
- the instructions may include one or more separate programs, each of which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions.
- the instructions when executed by the processor 44 , perform logic, calculations, methods and/or algorithms for controlling the components of the vehicle 10 , and generate control signals to the various components of the vehicle 10 based on the logic, calculations, methods, and/or algorithms.
- controller 40 Although only one controller 40 is shown in FIG. 1 , embodiments of the vehicle 10 can include any number of controllers 40 that communicate over any suitable communication medium or a combination of communication mediums and that cooperate to process the sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods, and/or algorithms, and generate control signals to control features of the vehicle 10 .
- one or more instructions of the controller 40 are associated with the lift gate lighting system 100 , 100 ′ and, when executed by the processor 44 , the instructions receive and process signals to output one or more control signals to the lift gate lighting system 100 , 100 ′.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , process sensor signals from the automatic headlamp sensing device 42 a and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remote light sources 102 , 102 ′ to illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , may process the sensor signals from the automatic headlamp sensing device 42 a , determine that the ambient lighting conditions (e.g.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , may also process sensor signals from the door ajar sensing device 42 b and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remote light sources 102 , 102 ′ to illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , may process the sensor signals from the door ajar sensing device 42 b , determine that the lift gate 106 is in a closed position adjacent to the first side 14 ′ and the second side 14 ′′ of the body 14 , and output the one or more control signals to the remote light sources 102 , 102 ′, thereby illuminating the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , may process the sensor signals from the door ajar sensing device 42 b , determine that the lift gate 106 is in an opened position spaced apart from the first side 14 ′ and the second side 14 ′′ of the body 14 , and determine to not output the one or more control signals as the lift gate 106 is ajar.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , process data received from other control modules of the vehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remote light sources 102 , 102 ′ to illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , process data received from other control modules of the vehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remote light sources 102 , 102 ′ to illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′ based on a signal that indicates that the headlight switch in the on position.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , process data received from other control modules of the vehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remote light sources 102 , 102 ′ to illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′ based on a signal that indicates that the brake system 36 is activated.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , process data received from other control modules of the vehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remote light sources 102 , 102 ′ to illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′ based on a signal that indicates that a turn signal associated with the vehicle 10 is activated.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , process data received from other control modules of the vehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remote light sources 102 , 102 ′ to illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′ based on a signal that indicates that a hazard switch is in an on position or activated.
- the instructions of the controller 40 when executed by the processor 44 , process data received from other control modules of the vehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remote light sources 102 , 102 ′ to illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′ based on a signal that indicates that the transmission system 32 of the vehicle 10 is in a reverse range.
- the lift gate lighting system 100 ′ includes the remote light source 102 ′ and the lift gate optical system 104 ′. As shown, the remote light source 102 ′ is coupled to the first side body panel 14 ′ and the lift gate optical system 104 ′ is coupled to the first end 106 ′ of the lift gate 106 on the panel 22 . Generally, the remote light source 102 ′ and the lift gate optical system 104 ′ are substantially coplanar.
- the remote light source 102 ′ is aligned with the lift gate optical system 104 ′ such that light output from the remote light source 102 ′ illuminates the lift gate optical system 104 ′ in one or more areas, as shown by reference numerals 110 and 112 .
- the shape of the remote light source 102 ′ and the lift gate optical system 104 ′ illustrated herein is merely exemplary, as the various teachings of the present disclosure are applicable to lift gate lighting systems having different shapes.
- the remote light source 102 ′ includes a first light source 120 and a second light source 122 .
- the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 are each coupled to or mounted on a tail lamp assembly 124 of the vehicle 10 .
- the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 are coupled to the tail lamp assembly 124 so as to receive power from the controller 40 via a wiring harness of the tail lamp assembly 124 , for example.
- the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 are in communication with the controller 40 over a communication medium, such as a wiring harness associated with the tail lamp assembly 124 to receive power to illuminate.
- the first light source 120 is coupled to the tail lamp assembly 124 at a first location
- the second light source 122 is coupled to the tail lamp assembly 124 at a second location such that the first light source 120 is spaced apart from the second light source 122 on the tail lamp assembly 124 .
- the first location and the second location are remote from the lift gate 106 .
- Each of the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, etc.
- the first light source 120 is a red LED or laser, which emits a red-colored light beam 120 ′; and the second light source 122 is a white LED or laser, which emits a white-colored light beam 122 ′.
- the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 are coupled to the tail lamp assembly 124 such that the light beams 120 ′, 122 ′ output by the respective one of the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 are directed along an axis A, which is substantially perpendicular to an axis A 2 of the tail lamp assembly 124 .
- axis A is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis L 1 of the vehicle 10 ( FIG. 1 ).
- a housing 126 of the tail lamp assembly 124 includes a pair of recesses 128 through which a portion of a respective one of the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 extend.
- a sealing member including, but not limited to, a gasket 130 , is positioned about each of the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 .
- the gasket 130 surrounds the respective one of the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 to protect the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 from an environment of and surrounding the vehicle 10 .
- first light source 120 and the second light source 122 may be positioned wholly within the tail lamp assembly 124 and enclosed by a transparent portion of the housing 126 , if desired.
- the tail lamp assembly 124 may also include at least one mounting bore 132 , which receives a mechanical fastener, to couple the tail lamp assembly 124 , including the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 , to the first side body panel 14 ′ of the body 14 .
- the light beams 120 ′, 122 ′ of each of the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 are directed toward the lift gate optical system 104 ′.
- the light beam 120 ′ is directed toward a first optic member 142 of the lift gate optical system 104 ′; and the light beam 122 ′ is directed toward a second optic member 144 of the lift gate optical system 104 ′.
- the light beams 120 ′, 122 ′ supply light output to illuminate the first optic member 142 and the second optic member 144 without coupling a light source to the lift gate optical system 104 ′.
- the first optic member 142 is illuminated red upon activation of the first light source 120 .
- the second optic member 144 is illuminated white upon activation of the first light source 120 .
- the rear 10 ′ of the vehicle 10 may be properly illuminated without requiring light sources, such as the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 , on the lift gate 106 .
- the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 are described herein as comprising colored light sources (red LED or laser and white LED or laser), the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 may both be white LEDs or lasers, and one or more of the first optic member 142 and the second optic member 144 may be formed to have a color.
- the lift gate optical system 104 ′ includes an outer lens 140 , the first optic member 142 , the second optic member 144 , an inner bezel 146 and a housing 148 .
- the outer lens 140 has a first translucent portion 150 and a second transparent portion 152 .
- Each of the first translucent portion 150 and the second transparent portion 152 are generally composed of a polymeric material, including, but not limited to, a polycarbonate blend.
- the second transparent portion 152 is coupled to the first translucent portion 150 , via ultrasonic welding, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc. to form the outer lens 140 .
- the first translucent portion 150 has four sides, and cooperates to define receptacle 154 for the second transparent portion 152 .
- the first translucent portion 150 includes a light emitting portion 156 aligned with the first optic member 142 for illuminating the first translucent portion 150 .
- at least the light emitting portion 156 of the first translucent portion 150 is formed so as to be red in color. As the light emitting portion 156 is red, when illuminated by the first optic member 142 , the light emitting portion 156 emits red light, which cooperates with the tail lamp assembly 124 to define a tail light for the rear 10 ′ of the vehicle 10 .
- the second transparent portion 152 is coupled to the receptacle 154 of the first translucent portion 150 .
- the second transparent portion 152 is aligned with the second optic member 144 for illuminating the second transparent portion 152 .
- second transparent portion 152 is formed so as to be devoid of color or clear. As the second transparent portion 152 is clear, when illuminated by the second optic member 144 , the second transparent portion 152 emits white light, which cooperates with the tail lamp assembly 124 to define a reverse light for the rear 10 ′ of the vehicle 10 .
- the first optic member 142 is optically coupled to the first light source 120 to receive the light beam 120 ′ ( FIG. 2 ) for illuminating the first optic member 142 .
- the first optic member 142 is composed of a polymeric material, which is injection molded, extruded, printed, etc.
- the first optic member 142 may also be composed of glass.
- the first optic member 142 is substantially transparent or clear to receive the colored light from the first light source 120 .
- the first optic member 142 is received within and coupled to the inner bezel 146 , and generally has a shape that corresponds with a shape of the light emitting portion 156 of the outer lens 140 such that the illumination of the first optic member 142 substantially illuminates the light emitting portion 156 of the outer lens 140 .
- the first optic member 142 has a substantially tapered tetrahedron shape.
- the first optic member 142 includes a first end 160 , a second end 162 , a first or front surface 164 and a second or rear surface 166 .
- the first end 160 is opposite the second end 162 .
- the first end 160 and the second end 162 extend along an axis A 3 , which is substantially coaxial with the axis A of the first light source 120 .
- a surface area of the second end 162 is designed to receive sufficient light within a radius around the axis A 3 that is greater than a radius of build tolerance variations that the interface between the remote light source 102 ′ and the lift gate optical system 104 ′ is restricted to.
- the front surface 164 is opposite the rear surface 166 .
- the front surface 164 is adjacent to the light emitting portion 156 of the outer lens 140
- the rear surface 166 is adjacent to and coupled to the inner bezel 146 .
- the rear surface 166 may include a grain 164 ′ to assist in reflecting light toward the front surface 164 , and thus, toward the light emitting portion 156 of the outer lens 140 .
- the grain 164 ′ may be applied by etching, for example, or may result from etching the surface of the injection mold.
- the geometries, the front surface 164 and the rear surface 166 of the first optic member 142 are configured to receive light from the remote first light source 120 , and to transmit, reflect, and/or refract said light from the first light source 120 to achieve the target lighting requirements.
- the second optic member 144 is optically coupled to the second light source 122 to receive the light beam 122 ′ ( FIG. 2 ) for illuminating the second optic member 144 .
- the second optic member 144 is composed of a polymeric material, which is injected molded, extruded, printed, etc.
- the second optic member 144 may also be composed of glass.
- the second optic member 144 is substantially transparent or clear to receive the colored light from the second light source 122 .
- the second optic member 144 is received within and coupled to the inner bezel 146 , and generally has a shape that corresponds with a shape of the second transparent portion 152 of the outer lens 140 such that the illumination of the second optic member 144 substantially illuminates the second transparent portion 152 of the outer lens 140 .
- the second optic member 144 includes a first end 170 , a second end 172 , a first or front surface 174 and a second or rear surface 176 .
- the first end 170 is opposite the second end 172 .
- the second optic member 144 is asymmetric with respect to an axis S 1 as the first end 170 includes a bulbous portion 180 .
- the bulbous portion 180 creates an appearance of a light source when illuminated, as best shown in FIG. 2 .
- the first end 170 and the second end 172 extend along an axis A 4 , which is substantially coaxial with the axis A of the second light source 122 .
- a surface area of the second end 172 is designed to receive sufficient light within a radius around the axis A 4 that is greater than a radius of build tolerance variations that the interface between the remote light source 102 ′ and the lift gate optical system 104 ′ is restricted to.
- the front surface 174 is opposite the rear surface 176 .
- the front surface 174 is adjacent to the second transparent portion 152 of the outer lens 140
- the rear surface 176 is adjacent to and coupled to the inner bezel 146 .
- the rear surface 176 may include a grain 174 ′ to assist in reflecting light toward the front surface 174 , and thus, toward the second transparent portion 152 of the outer lens 140 .
- the grain 174 ′ may be applied by etching, for example, or may result from etching the surface of the injection mold.
- the geometries, the front surface 174 and the rear surface 176 of the second optic member 144 are configured to receive light from the remote second light source 122 , and to transmit, reflect, and/or refract said light from the second light source 122 to achieve the target lighting requirements.
- the inner bezel 146 is coupled to the outer lens 140 and to the housing 148 so as to be positioned between the outer lens 140 and the housing 148 .
- the inner bezel 146 receives the first optic member 142 and the second optic member 144 and retains the first optic member 142 and the second optic member 144 in alignment with the respective first light source 120 and the second light source 122 .
- the inner bezel 146 is generally, composed of a polymeric material, and is molded, printed, etc. It should be noted, however, that the inner bezel 146 may be composed of chrome.
- the inner bezel 146 includes a first end 190 , a second end 192 , a first side 194 , a second side 196 and a body 197 that defines a first chamber 198 and a second chamber 200 .
- the first end 190 is opposite the second end 192 .
- the first side 194 is opposite the second side 196 .
- the first side 194 and the second side 196 connect the first end 190 and the second side 192 .
- the first side 194 , the second side 196 , the first end 190 and the second end 192 cooperate to define a perimeter of the body 197 of the inner bezel 146 .
- the outer lens 140 is positioned over the perimeter of the inner bezel 146 .
- the second side 196 includes a first channel 202 and a second channel 204 .
- the first channel 202 is spaced apart from the second channel 204 .
- the first channel 202 is in optical communication with the first optic member 142 and the first light source 120 .
- the second channel 204 is in optical communication with the second optic member 144 and the second light source 122 .
- the first channel 202 is aligned with the first light source 120 to receive the light beam 120 ′
- the second channel 204 is aligned with the second light source 122 to receive the light beam 122 ′.
- the first channel 202 directs the light beam 120 ′ into the first optic member 142 .
- the second channel 204 directs the light beam 122 ′ into the second optic member 144 .
- the first channel 202 has a width W 1 that is smaller than the second end 162 of the first optic member 142 to direct the light beam 120 ′ into the first optic member 142 .
- the second channel 204 has a width W 2 that is greater than the second end 172 of the second optic member 144 to ensure receipt of the light beam 122 ′. It should be noted that depending upon the design of the first optic member 142 and the second optic member 144 , the widths W 1 , W 2 may be greater than or less than the respective second end 162 and the second end 172 .
- the first channel 202 is defined through the second side 196 so as to be in communication with the first chamber 198 ; and the second channel 204 is defined through the second side 196 so as to be in communication with the second chamber 200 .
- the body 197 defines the first chamber 198 , which receives the first optic member 142 .
- the first chamber 198 has a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of the first optic member 142 .
- the first chamber 198 is shaped such that the first optic member 142 is received into the first chamber 198 .
- the first optic member 142 is coupled to the first chamber 198 by ultrasonic welding, plastic-welding, mechanical fasteners, locking tabs, etc. It should be noted that the first optic member 142 may be coupled to either the inner bezel 146 or the outer lens 140 .
- the first chamber 198 is defined through the body 197 adjacent to the first end 190 .
- the first chamber 198 is separated from the second chamber 200 by a mid-section 206 of the body 197 .
- the second chamber 200 receives the second optic member 144 .
- the second chamber 200 is shaped such that the second optic member 144 is received into the second chamber 200 .
- the second optic member 144 is coupled to the second chamber 200 by ultrasonic welding, plastic-welding, mechanical fasteners, locking tabs, etc. It should be noted that the second optic member 144 may be coupled to either the inner bezel 146 or the outer lens 140 .
- the second chamber 200 is defined through the body 197 between the mid-section 206 and the second end 192 .
- the housing 148 is coupled to the lift gate 106 of the vehicle 10 .
- the housing 148 includes a first or front side 210 , a second or back side 212 , a third side 214 and a fourth side 216 .
- the front side 210 is opposite the back side 212
- the third side 214 is opposite the fourth side 216 .
- at least one bore 218 extends from the front side 210 through the back side 212 .
- the at least one bore 218 receives a mechanical fastener to couple the housing 148 to the vehicle 10 .
- the front side 210 defines a recess 220 .
- the recess 220 receives the inner bezel 146 , and thus, the first optic member 142 and the second optic member 144 , to couple the inner bezel 146 , the first optic member 142 and the second optic member 144 to the housing 148 .
- the inner bezel 146 is press-fit or interference fit into the recess 220 , however, the inner bezel 146 may also be secured to the housing 148 via one or more mechanical fasteners, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, etc.
- a perimeter of the outer lens 140 may also be received within the recess 220 to couple the outer lens 140 to the housing 148 .
- the perimeter of the outer lens 140 may be coupled to the housing 148 within the recess 220 via ultrasonic welding, for example. It should be noted, however, that various other techniques may be employed to couple the outer lens 140 to the housing 148 .
- the back side 212 of the housing 148 is adjacent to and coupled to the lift gate 106 .
- the fourth side 216 of the housing 148 defines a first bore 222 and a second bore 224 .
- the fourth side 216 also includes a respective sealing member 226 coupled about each of the first bore 222 and the second bore 224 .
- the first bore 222 is in optical communication with the light beam 120 ′ of the first light source 120
- the second bore 224 is in optical communication with the light beam 122 ′ of the second light source 122 .
- the sealing members 226 are coupled to the fourth side 216 of the housing 148 .
- the sealing members 226 include, but are not limited to, gaskets, which protect the first bore 222 and the second bore 224 from an environment of and surrounding the vehicle 10 . It should be noted, however, that the first bore 222 and the second bore 224 may be enclosed by a transparent portion of the housing 148 , if desired.
- the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 are coupled to the tail lamp assembly 124 to form the remote light source 102 ′.
- the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 may be coupled to the respective one of the recesses 128 .
- the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 are placed into communication with the controller 40 , by wiring the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 to the wiring harness associated with the tail lamp assembly 124 .
- the gaskets 118 may be coupled about the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 , respectively, to protect the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 from the environment.
- the tail lamp assembly 124 including the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 , may be coupled to the second side body panel 14 ′′ of the body 14 .
- the lift gate optical system 104 ′ may be assembled. With the outer lens 140 , the first optic member 142 , the second optic member 144 , the inner bezel 146 and the housing 148 formed, the housing 148 is coupled to the lift gate 106 , via the mechanical fastener received through the at least one bore 218 .
- the first optic member 142 is coupled to the first chamber 198 of the inner bezel 146
- the second optic member 144 is coupled to the second chamber 200 of the inner bezel 146 .
- the inner bezel 146 is positioned within and coupled to the recess 220 such that the first channel 202 is aligned with the first bore 222 and the second channel 204 is aligned with the second bore 224 .
- the outer lens 140 is coupled to the recess 220 over the inner bezel 146 , via ultrasonic welding for example, to couple the inner bezel 146 to the housing 148 . It should be understood that the above assembly of the lift gate optical systems 104 ′ and the remote light source 102 ′ is the same as the assembly of the remote light source 102 ′′ and the lift gate optical system 104 ′′, and thus, the assembly of the remote light source 102 ′′ and the lift gate optical system 104 ′′ will not be discussed herein.
- the controller 40 receives and processes the sensor signals from the automatic headlamp sensing device 42 a and the sensor signals from the door ajar sensing device 42 b .
- the controller 40 determines whether the ambient lighting conditions are low (for example, an amount of light measured is below a predefined threshold) and also determines whether the lift gate 106 is in the closed position. If both are true, the controller 40 outputs one or more control signals to the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 of each of the remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′ to illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′.
- the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 of each of the remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′ Upon receipt of the one or more control signals by the remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′, the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 of each of the remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′ generate or output light.
- the light beam 120 ′ from the each of first light sources 120 passes through the respective one of the first bore 222 , the first channel 202 and enters the first optic member 142 .
- the light is reflected by the grain 166 ′, and directed out of the first optic member 142 to illuminate the first optic member 142 in the area 110 .
- the light beam 122 ′ from the each of second light sources 122 passes through the respective one of the second bore 224 , the second channel 204 and enters the second optic member 144 .
- the light is reflected by the grain 176 ′, and directed out of the second optic member 144 to illuminate the second optic member 144 in the area 11
- the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′ illuminate the lift gate 106 without requiring a light source to be coupled to or mounted on the lift gate 106 .
- the remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′ solely illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′ such that there are no light sources coupled to the lift gate 106 .
- the remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′ are spaced a distance apart from the lift gate 106 and are coupled to the body 14 illuminate the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′, thereby reducing complexity of the lift gate 106 .
- the first light source 120 and the second light source 122 of each of the remote light sources 102 ′, 102 ′′ are in communication with the controller 40 through the wiring harness and/or communication medium associated with the tail lamp assembly 124 , and thus, an additional wiring harness may not be required for the lift gate optical systems 104 ′, 104 ′′.
- the illumination of the areas 110 , 112 of the lift gate optical system 104 ′, 104 ′′ in cooperation with the tail lamp assemblies 124 coupled to the rear 10 ′ of the vehicle 10 meets the photometric requirement for the vehicle 10 .
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Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure generally relates to vehicles, and more particularly relates to a lighting system with a remote light source for a lift gate of a vehicle.
- Certain vehicles, such as motor vehicles, include a lift gate, which is movable relative to a portion of the vehicle to enable access to a cargo area. Generally, the lift gate is positioned at a rear of the vehicle, and the rear of the vehicle is subject to certain photometric requirements. Typically, in order to meet the photometric requirements, one or more light sources, such as LEDS, are coupled to the lift gate. Coupling the light sources to the lift gate, however, may increase the complexity of the lift gate. For example, the light sources may need to be coupled to a wiring harness routed through a portion of the lift gate to supply power to the light sources from a source remote from the lift gate. In addition, one or more heat sinks may need to be employed with the light sources, etc.
- Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a remote light source for a lift gate of a vehicle, which reduces the complexity of the illumination of the rear of the vehicle while also meeting photometric requirements for the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.
- According to various embodiments, provided is a lighting system for a lift gate of a vehicle. The lighting system includes a light source that emits at least a first light beam. The light source is coupled to the vehicle at a first location remote from the lift gate. The lighting system includes an optical system coupled to the lift gate having a first optic member aligned with the light source that receives the first light beam. The optical system is illuminated by the light source at the first location remote from the lift gate.
- The light source includes a first light source that emits the first light beam and a second light source that emits a second light beam. The optical system includes a second optic member aligned with the second light source that receives the second light beam to illuminate the second optic member. The optical system includes an inner bezel that has a body that defines a first chamber that receives the first optic member and a second chamber that receives the second optic member. A first channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the first chamber and a second channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the second chamber. The optical system includes a housing that couples the optical system to the lift gate. The housing includes a recess that receives the inner bezel. The housing defines a first bore in communication with the first channel and a second bore in communication with the second channel. The first light source is coupled at the first location remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the first bore of the housing and the second light source is coupled at a second location remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the second bore of the housing. The light source is coupled to a tail lamp assembly of the vehicle. The light source emits the first light beam along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
- In various embodiments, a lighting system for a lift gate of a vehicle is provided. The lighting system includes a first light source that emits a first light beam. The first light source is coupled to the vehicle at a first location remote from the lift gate. The lighting system includes a second light source that emits a second light beam. The second light source is coupled to the vehicle at a second location remote from the lift gate. The lighting system includes an optical system coupled to the lift gate having a first optic member aligned with the first light source that receives the first light beam and a second optic member aligned with the second light source that receives the second light beam. The optical system is illuminated by both of the first light source at the first location remote from the lift gate and the second light source at the second location remote from the lift gate.
- The optical system includes an inner bezel that has a body that defines a first chamber that receives the first optic member and a second chamber that receives the second optic member. A first channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the first chamber and a second channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the second chamber. The optical system includes a housing that couples the optical system to the lift gate. The housing includes a recess that receives the inner bezel. The housing defines a first bore in communication with the first channel and a second bore in communication with the second channel. The first light source is coupled at the first location remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the first bore of the housing and the second light source is coupled at the second location remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the second bore of the housing. The first light source and the second light source are each coupled to a tail lamp assembly of the vehicle and are spaced apart from each other. The first light source emits the first light beam along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
- In various embodiments, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a body having a lift gate coupled to a rear of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a tail lamp assembly coupled to the body adjacent to the lift gate. The vehicle includes a first light source that emits a first light beam. The first light source is coupled to the tail lamp assembly and is remote from the lift gate. The vehicle includes a second light source that emits a second light beam. The second light source is coupled to the tail lamp assembly and remote from the lift gate. The vehicle includes an optical system coupled to the lift gate having a first optic member aligned with the first light source that receives the first light beam and a second optic member aligned with the second light source that receives the second light beam. The optical system is illuminated solely by the first light source and the second light source that are remote from the lift gate.
- The optical system includes an inner bezel that has a body that defines a first chamber that receives the first optic member and a second chamber that receives the second optic member. A first channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the first chamber and a second channel is defined through the inner bezel so as to be in communication with the second chamber. The optical system includes a housing that couples the optical system to the lift gate. The housing includes a recess that receives the inner bezel. The housing includes a first bore in communication with the first channel and a second bore in communication with the second channel. The first light source is coupled remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the first bore of the housing and the second light source is coupled remote from the lift gate so as to be aligned with the second bore of the housing. The second light source emits the second light beam along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
- The exemplary embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a vehicle having a lift gate lighting system, which includes a pair of lift gate optical systems each having a respective remote light source, in accordance with various embodiments; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one of the lift gate optical systems and the respective remote light source ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the remote light source ofFIG. 2 in accordance with various embodiments; and -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the lift gate optical system ofFIG. 2 in accordance with various embodiments. - The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and/or processor device, individually or in any combination, including without limitation: application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of schematic, functional and/or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with any number of systems, and that the vehicle systems described herein is merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.
- For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , a lift gate lighting system shown generally at 100 is associated with avehicle 10 in accordance with various embodiments. In general, the liftgate lighting system 100 includes one or more remotelight sources 102 that provide light output or emit light to illuminate one or more lift gateoptical systems 104. In the following example, thevehicle 10 includes two remotelight sources 102′, 102″ that illuminate a respective one of two lift gateoptical systems 104′, 104″. Thus, in this example, thevehicle 10 includes twogate lighting systems 100′, 100″, which meet the photometric requirements for a rear 10′ of thevehicle 10. As will be discussed, the remotelight sources 102 are not coupled to alift gate 106 of thevehicle 10, which reduces complexity of thelift gate 106. Although the figures shown herein depict an example with certain arrangements of elements, additional intervening elements, devices, features, or components may be present in an actual embodiment. It should also be understood thatFIG. 1 is merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale. In addition, one or more components of thevehicle 10 may be described herein as being in “optical communication” with another component. It should be understood that the phrase “optical communication” is used herein to denote components that transmit light between each other. - As depicted in
FIG. 1 , thevehicle 10 generally includes achassis 12, abody 14,front wheels 16, andrear wheels 18. Thebody 14 is arranged on thechassis 12 and substantially encloses components of thevehicle 10. Thebody 14 and thechassis 12 may jointly form a frame. The wheels 16-18 are each rotationally coupled to thechassis 12 near a respective corner of thebody 14. In various embodiments, thevehicle 10 includes thelift gate 106. - The
lift gate 106 is pivotally coupled to the frame of thevehicle 10 to be movable between an opened position and a closed position by one or more hydraulic cylinders, for example. In this example, thelift gate 106 is coupled to rear 10′ of thevehicle 10, so as to be movable by the one or more hydraulic cylinders relative to a firstside body panel 14′ of thebody 14 and a secondside body panel 14″ of thebody 14. Thelift gate 106 has afirst side 106′ adjacent to the firstside body panel 14′ and asecond side 106″ adjacent to the secondside body panel 14″. In one example, thelift gate 106 has an exterior surface, which is defined by apanel 22 and a transparent orglass panel 24. Thepanel 22 is generally composed of a metal or metal alloy, and may be stamped, cast, forged, etc. Thepanel 22 may receive and support theglass panel 24. In various embodiments, the lift gateoptical system 104 is coupled to thepanel 22. - In this example, the lift gate
optical system 104″ is coupled to thepanel 22 so as to be positioned at thefirst side 106′ of thelift gate 106; and the lift gateoptical system 104″ is coupled topanel 22 so as to be positioned at thesecond side 106″ of thelift gate 106. As will be discussed, the remotelight source 102″ is coupled to the firstside body panel 14′ of thebody 14; and the remotelight source 102″ is coupled to the secondside body panel 14″ such that the remotelight sources 102′, 102″ are substantially aligned with a respective one of the lift gateoptical systems 104′, 104″. Thevehicle 10 is depicted in the illustrated embodiment as a sport utility vehicle (SUV), but it should be appreciated that any other vehicle including trucks, passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs), marine vessels, aircraft, etc., can also be used. - As shown, the
vehicle 10 generally includes apropulsion system 30, atransmission system 32, asteering system 34, abrake system 36, acontroller 40 and one or more sensing devices 42. Thepropulsion system 30 may, in various embodiments, include an internal combustion engine, an electric machine such as a traction motor, and/or a fuel cell propulsion system. Thetransmission system 32 is configured to transmit power from thepropulsion system 30 to the wheels 16-18 according to selectable speed ratios. According to various embodiments, thetransmission system 32 may include a step-ratio automatic transmission, a continuously-variable transmission, or other appropriate transmission. Thebrake system 36 is configured to provide braking torque to the wheels 16-18 and/or thetransmission system 32. Thebrake system 36 may, in various embodiments, include friction brakes, brake by wire, a regenerative braking system such as an electric machine, and/or other appropriate braking systems. Thesteering system 34 influences the course of travel by thevehicle 10, for example by adjusting a position of the wheels 16-18. - The one or more sensing devices 42 observe conditions associated with the
vehicle 10 and/or an environment surrounding thevehicle 10 and generate sensor signals based thereon. In various embodiments, the sensing devices 42 include an automaticheadlamp sensing device 42 a, which observes an amount of light external to thevehicle 10 and generates sensor signals based thereon. In various embodiments, the sensing devices 42 also include a doorajar sensing device 42 b, which observes a position of thelift gate 106 relative to thebody 14 and generates sensor signals based thereon. The sensing devices 42 are in communication with thecontroller 40 over a communication medium that facilitates the transfer of power, commands, etc. - The
controller 40 includes at least oneprocessor 44 and a computer readable storage device ormedia 46. Theprocessor 44 can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with thecontroller 40, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or generally any device for executing instructions. The computer readable storage device ormedia 46 may include volatile and nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that may be used to store various operating variables while theprocessor 44 is powered down. The computer-readable storage device ormedia 46 may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by thecontroller 40 in controlling various components of thevehicle 10, such as the remotelight sources 102′, 102″. - The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each of which comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The instructions, when executed by the
processor 44, perform logic, calculations, methods and/or algorithms for controlling the components of thevehicle 10, and generate control signals to the various components of thevehicle 10 based on the logic, calculations, methods, and/or algorithms. Although only onecontroller 40 is shown inFIG. 1 , embodiments of thevehicle 10 can include any number ofcontrollers 40 that communicate over any suitable communication medium or a combination of communication mediums and that cooperate to process the sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, methods, and/or algorithms, and generate control signals to control features of thevehicle 10. - In various embodiments, one or more instructions of the
controller 40 are associated with the liftgate lighting system processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals to output one or more control signals to the liftgate lighting system controller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, process sensor signals from the automaticheadlamp sensing device 42 a and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remotelight sources optical systems 104′, 104″. For example, the instructions of thecontroller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, may process the sensor signals from the automaticheadlamp sensing device 42 a, determine that the ambient lighting conditions (e.g. lighting conditions external to the vehicle 10) are low and output the one or more control signals to the remotelight sources optical systems 104′, 104″. The instructions of thecontroller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, may also process sensor signals from the doorajar sensing device 42 b and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remotelight sources optical systems 104′, 104″. For example, the instructions of thecontroller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, may process the sensor signals from the doorajar sensing device 42 b, determine that thelift gate 106 is in a closed position adjacent to thefirst side 14′ and thesecond side 14″ of thebody 14, and output the one or more control signals to the remotelight sources optical systems 104′, 104″. As a further example, the instructions of thecontroller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, may process the sensor signals from the doorajar sensing device 42 b, determine that thelift gate 106 is in an opened position spaced apart from thefirst side 14′ and thesecond side 14″ of thebody 14, and determine to not output the one or more control signals as thelift gate 106 is ajar. - In further examples, the instructions of the
controller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, process data received from other control modules of thevehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remotelight sources optical systems 104′, 104″. For example, the instructions of thecontroller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, process data received from other control modules of thevehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remotelight sources optical systems 104′, 104″ based on a signal that indicates that the headlight switch in the on position. In a further example, the instructions of thecontroller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, process data received from other control modules of thevehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remotelight sources optical systems 104′, 104″ based on a signal that indicates that thebrake system 36 is activated. In another example, the instructions of thecontroller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, process data received from other control modules of thevehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remotelight sources optical systems 104′, 104″ based on a signal that indicates that a turn signal associated with thevehicle 10 is activated. In another example, the instructions of thecontroller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, process data received from other control modules of thevehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remotelight sources optical systems 104′, 104″ based on a signal that indicates that a hazard switch is in an on position or activated. In a further example, the instructions of thecontroller 40, when executed by theprocessor 44, process data received from other control modules of thevehicle 10 and determine whether to output one or more control signals to the remotelight sources optical systems 104′, 104″ based on a signal that indicates that thetransmission system 32 of thevehicle 10 is in a reverse range. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , the liftgate lighting system 100′ is shown in greater detail. As the liftgate lighting system 100′ is substantially the same as the liftgate lighting system 100″, for ease of the description, only one of the liftgate lighting systems 100′, 100″ will be described in detail herein. The liftgate lighting system 100′ includes the remotelight source 102′ and the lift gateoptical system 104′. As shown, the remotelight source 102′ is coupled to the firstside body panel 14′ and the lift gateoptical system 104′ is coupled to thefirst end 106′ of thelift gate 106 on thepanel 22. Generally, the remotelight source 102′ and the lift gateoptical system 104′ are substantially coplanar. The remotelight source 102′ is aligned with the lift gateoptical system 104′ such that light output from the remotelight source 102′ illuminates the lift gateoptical system 104′ in one or more areas, as shown byreference numerals 110 and 112. It should be noted that the shape of the remotelight source 102′ and the lift gateoptical system 104′ illustrated herein is merely exemplary, as the various teachings of the present disclosure are applicable to lift gate lighting systems having different shapes. - With reference to
FIG. 3 , the remotelight source 102′ is shown in more detail. In this example, the remotelight source 102′ includes a firstlight source 120 and a secondlight source 122. The firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 are each coupled to or mounted on atail lamp assembly 124 of thevehicle 10. Generally, the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 are coupled to thetail lamp assembly 124 so as to receive power from thecontroller 40 via a wiring harness of thetail lamp assembly 124, for example. Stated another way, the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 are in communication with thecontroller 40 over a communication medium, such as a wiring harness associated with thetail lamp assembly 124 to receive power to illuminate. The firstlight source 120 is coupled to thetail lamp assembly 124 at a first location, and the secondlight source 122 is coupled to thetail lamp assembly 124 at a second location such that the firstlight source 120 is spaced apart from the secondlight source 122 on thetail lamp assembly 124. The first location and the second location are remote from thelift gate 106. - Each of the first
light source 120 and the secondlight source 122 include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, etc. In one example, the firstlight source 120 is a red LED or laser, which emits a red-colored light beam 120′; and the secondlight source 122 is a white LED or laser, which emits a white-colored light beam 122′. The firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 are coupled to thetail lamp assembly 124 such that the light beams 120′, 122′ output by the respective one of the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 are directed along an axis A, which is substantially perpendicular to an axis A2 of thetail lamp assembly 124. In addition, the axis A is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis L1 of the vehicle 10 (FIG. 1 ). In one example, ahousing 126 of thetail lamp assembly 124 includes a pair ofrecesses 128 through which a portion of a respective one of the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 extend. Generally, a sealing member, including, but not limited to, agasket 130, is positioned about each of the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122. Thegasket 130 surrounds the respective one of the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 to protect the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 from an environment of and surrounding thevehicle 10. It should be noted, however, that the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 may be positioned wholly within thetail lamp assembly 124 and enclosed by a transparent portion of thehousing 126, if desired. As shown, thetail lamp assembly 124 may also include at least one mountingbore 132, which receives a mechanical fastener, to couple thetail lamp assembly 124, including the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122, to the firstside body panel 14′ of thebody 14. - With reference back to
FIG. 2 , the light beams 120′, 122′ of each of the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 are directed toward the lift gateoptical system 104′. In this example, thelight beam 120′ is directed toward a firstoptic member 142 of the lift gateoptical system 104′; and thelight beam 122′ is directed toward asecond optic member 144 of the lift gateoptical system 104′. Thus, the light beams 120′, 122′ supply light output to illuminate thefirst optic member 142 and thesecond optic member 144 without coupling a light source to the lift gateoptical system 104′. As thelight beam 120′ is red in color, thefirst optic member 142 is illuminated red upon activation of the firstlight source 120. As thelight beam 122′ is white in color, thesecond optic member 144 is illuminated white upon activation of the firstlight source 120. Thus, the rear 10′ of thevehicle 10 may be properly illuminated without requiring light sources, such as the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122, on thelift gate 106. This reduces a complexity of thelift gate 106. It should be noted that while the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 are described herein as comprising colored light sources (red LED or laser and white LED or laser), the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 may both be white LEDs or lasers, and one or more of thefirst optic member 142 and thesecond optic member 144 may be formed to have a color. - In one example, with reference to
FIG. 4 , the lift gateoptical system 104′ includes anouter lens 140, thefirst optic member 142, thesecond optic member 144, aninner bezel 146 and ahousing 148. It should be noted that although thefirst optic member 142 and thesecond optic member 144 are described and illustrated herein as being discrete from theinner bezel 146, thefirst optic member 142 and thesecond optic member 144 may be integrally formed with theinner bezel 146, if desired. Theouter lens 140 has a first translucent portion 150 and a secondtransparent portion 152. Each of the first translucent portion 150 and the secondtransparent portion 152 are generally composed of a polymeric material, including, but not limited to, a polycarbonate blend. The secondtransparent portion 152 is coupled to the first translucent portion 150, via ultrasonic welding, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc. to form theouter lens 140. - The first translucent portion 150 has four sides, and cooperates to define
receptacle 154 for the secondtransparent portion 152. The first translucent portion 150 includes alight emitting portion 156 aligned with thefirst optic member 142 for illuminating the first translucent portion 150. In this example, at least thelight emitting portion 156 of the first translucent portion 150 is formed so as to be red in color. As thelight emitting portion 156 is red, when illuminated by thefirst optic member 142, thelight emitting portion 156 emits red light, which cooperates with thetail lamp assembly 124 to define a tail light for the rear 10′ of thevehicle 10. - The second
transparent portion 152 is coupled to thereceptacle 154 of the first translucent portion 150. The secondtransparent portion 152 is aligned with thesecond optic member 144 for illuminating the secondtransparent portion 152. In this example, secondtransparent portion 152 is formed so as to be devoid of color or clear. As the secondtransparent portion 152 is clear, when illuminated by thesecond optic member 144, the secondtransparent portion 152 emits white light, which cooperates with thetail lamp assembly 124 to define a reverse light for the rear 10′ of thevehicle 10. - The
first optic member 142 is optically coupled to the firstlight source 120 to receive thelight beam 120′ (FIG. 2 ) for illuminating thefirst optic member 142. Thefirst optic member 142 is composed of a polymeric material, which is injection molded, extruded, printed, etc. Thefirst optic member 142 may also be composed of glass. In this example, thefirst optic member 142 is substantially transparent or clear to receive the colored light from the firstlight source 120. Thefirst optic member 142 is received within and coupled to theinner bezel 146, and generally has a shape that corresponds with a shape of thelight emitting portion 156 of theouter lens 140 such that the illumination of thefirst optic member 142 substantially illuminates thelight emitting portion 156 of theouter lens 140. In this example, thefirst optic member 142 has a substantially tapered tetrahedron shape. Thefirst optic member 142 includes afirst end 160, asecond end 162, a first orfront surface 164 and a second orrear surface 166. - The
first end 160 is opposite thesecond end 162. With brief reference toFIG. 2 , thefirst end 160 and thesecond end 162 extend along an axis A3, which is substantially coaxial with the axis A of the firstlight source 120. A surface area of thesecond end 162 is designed to receive sufficient light within a radius around the axis A3 that is greater than a radius of build tolerance variations that the interface between the remotelight source 102′ and the lift gateoptical system 104′ is restricted to. With reference back toFIG. 4 , thefront surface 164 is opposite therear surface 166. Thefront surface 164 is adjacent to thelight emitting portion 156 of theouter lens 140, and therear surface 166 is adjacent to and coupled to theinner bezel 146. In one example, therear surface 166 may include agrain 164′ to assist in reflecting light toward thefront surface 164, and thus, toward thelight emitting portion 156 of theouter lens 140. Thegrain 164′ may be applied by etching, for example, or may result from etching the surface of the injection mold. Generally, the geometries, thefront surface 164 and therear surface 166 of thefirst optic member 142 are configured to receive light from the remote firstlight source 120, and to transmit, reflect, and/or refract said light from the firstlight source 120 to achieve the target lighting requirements. - The
second optic member 144 is optically coupled to the secondlight source 122 to receive thelight beam 122′ (FIG. 2 ) for illuminating thesecond optic member 144. Thesecond optic member 144 is composed of a polymeric material, which is injected molded, extruded, printed, etc. Thesecond optic member 144 may also be composed of glass. In this example, thesecond optic member 144 is substantially transparent or clear to receive the colored light from the secondlight source 122. Thesecond optic member 144 is received within and coupled to theinner bezel 146, and generally has a shape that corresponds with a shape of the secondtransparent portion 152 of theouter lens 140 such that the illumination of thesecond optic member 144 substantially illuminates the secondtransparent portion 152 of theouter lens 140. In this example, thesecond optic member 144 includes afirst end 170, asecond end 172, a first orfront surface 174 and a second orrear surface 176. - The
first end 170 is opposite thesecond end 172. In this example, thesecond optic member 144 is asymmetric with respect to an axis S1 as thefirst end 170 includes abulbous portion 180. Thebulbous portion 180 creates an appearance of a light source when illuminated, as best shown inFIG. 2 . With continued reference toFIG. 2 , thefirst end 170 and thesecond end 172 extend along an axis A4, which is substantially coaxial with the axis A of the secondlight source 122. A surface area of thesecond end 172 is designed to receive sufficient light within a radius around the axis A4 that is greater than a radius of build tolerance variations that the interface between the remotelight source 102′ and the lift gateoptical system 104′ is restricted to. With reference back toFIG. 4 , thefront surface 174 is opposite therear surface 176. Thefront surface 174 is adjacent to the secondtransparent portion 152 of theouter lens 140, and therear surface 176 is adjacent to and coupled to theinner bezel 146. In one example, therear surface 176 may include agrain 174′ to assist in reflecting light toward thefront surface 174, and thus, toward the secondtransparent portion 152 of theouter lens 140. Thegrain 174′ may be applied by etching, for example, or may result from etching the surface of the injection mold. Generally, the geometries, thefront surface 174 and therear surface 176 of thesecond optic member 144 are configured to receive light from the remote secondlight source 122, and to transmit, reflect, and/or refract said light from the secondlight source 122 to achieve the target lighting requirements. - The
inner bezel 146 is coupled to theouter lens 140 and to thehousing 148 so as to be positioned between theouter lens 140 and thehousing 148. Theinner bezel 146 receives thefirst optic member 142 and thesecond optic member 144 and retains thefirst optic member 142 and thesecond optic member 144 in alignment with the respective firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122. Theinner bezel 146 is generally, composed of a polymeric material, and is molded, printed, etc. It should be noted, however, that theinner bezel 146 may be composed of chrome. Theinner bezel 146 includes afirst end 190, asecond end 192, afirst side 194, asecond side 196 and abody 197 that defines afirst chamber 198 and asecond chamber 200. - The
first end 190 is opposite thesecond end 192. Thefirst side 194 is opposite thesecond side 196. Thefirst side 194 and thesecond side 196 connect thefirst end 190 and thesecond side 192. Thefirst side 194, thesecond side 196, thefirst end 190 and thesecond end 192 cooperate to define a perimeter of thebody 197 of theinner bezel 146. Generally, theouter lens 140 is positioned over the perimeter of theinner bezel 146. Thesecond side 196 includes a first channel 202 and asecond channel 204. The first channel 202 is spaced apart from thesecond channel 204. The first channel 202 is in optical communication with thefirst optic member 142 and the firstlight source 120. Thesecond channel 204 is in optical communication with thesecond optic member 144 and the secondlight source 122. Generally, the first channel 202 is aligned with the firstlight source 120 to receive thelight beam 120′, and thesecond channel 204 is aligned with the secondlight source 122 to receive thelight beam 122′. Generally, the first channel 202 directs thelight beam 120′ into thefirst optic member 142. Similarly, thesecond channel 204 directs thelight beam 122′ into thesecond optic member 144. In one example, the first channel 202 has a width W1 that is smaller than thesecond end 162 of thefirst optic member 142 to direct thelight beam 120′ into thefirst optic member 142. Thesecond channel 204 has a width W2 that is greater than thesecond end 172 of thesecond optic member 144 to ensure receipt of thelight beam 122′. It should be noted that depending upon the design of thefirst optic member 142 and thesecond optic member 144, the widths W1, W2 may be greater than or less than the respectivesecond end 162 and thesecond end 172. The first channel 202 is defined through thesecond side 196 so as to be in communication with thefirst chamber 198; and thesecond channel 204 is defined through thesecond side 196 so as to be in communication with thesecond chamber 200. - The
body 197 defines thefirst chamber 198, which receives thefirst optic member 142. Thefirst chamber 198 has a shape that generally corresponds to the shape of thefirst optic member 142. In one example, thefirst chamber 198 is shaped such that thefirst optic member 142 is received into thefirst chamber 198. Generally, thefirst optic member 142 is coupled to thefirst chamber 198 by ultrasonic welding, plastic-welding, mechanical fasteners, locking tabs, etc. It should be noted that thefirst optic member 142 may be coupled to either theinner bezel 146 or theouter lens 140. In this example, thefirst chamber 198 is defined through thebody 197 adjacent to thefirst end 190. Thefirst chamber 198 is separated from thesecond chamber 200 by amid-section 206 of thebody 197. - The
second chamber 200 receives thesecond optic member 144. In one example, thesecond chamber 200 is shaped such that thesecond optic member 144 is received into thesecond chamber 200. Generally, thesecond optic member 144 is coupled to thesecond chamber 200 by ultrasonic welding, plastic-welding, mechanical fasteners, locking tabs, etc. It should be noted that thesecond optic member 144 may be coupled to either theinner bezel 146 or theouter lens 140. In this example, thesecond chamber 200 is defined through thebody 197 between the mid-section 206 and thesecond end 192. - The
housing 148 is coupled to thelift gate 106 of thevehicle 10. Thehousing 148 includes a first orfront side 210, a second or backside 212, athird side 214 and afourth side 216. Thefront side 210 is opposite theback side 212, and thethird side 214 is opposite thefourth side 216. Generally, at least onebore 218 extends from thefront side 210 through theback side 212. The at least onebore 218 receives a mechanical fastener to couple thehousing 148 to thevehicle 10. - The
front side 210 defines arecess 220. Therecess 220 receives theinner bezel 146, and thus, thefirst optic member 142 and thesecond optic member 144, to couple theinner bezel 146, thefirst optic member 142 and thesecond optic member 144 to thehousing 148. Generally, theinner bezel 146 is press-fit or interference fit into therecess 220, however, theinner bezel 146 may also be secured to thehousing 148 via one or more mechanical fasteners, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, etc. In one example, a perimeter of theouter lens 140 may also be received within therecess 220 to couple theouter lens 140 to thehousing 148. The perimeter of theouter lens 140 may be coupled to thehousing 148 within therecess 220 via ultrasonic welding, for example. It should be noted, however, that various other techniques may be employed to couple theouter lens 140 to thehousing 148. Theback side 212 of thehousing 148 is adjacent to and coupled to thelift gate 106. - The
fourth side 216 of thehousing 148 defines afirst bore 222 and asecond bore 224. Thefourth side 216 also includes arespective sealing member 226 coupled about each of thefirst bore 222 and thesecond bore 224. Thefirst bore 222 is in optical communication with thelight beam 120′ of the firstlight source 120, and thesecond bore 224 is in optical communication with thelight beam 122′ of the secondlight source 122. The sealingmembers 226 are coupled to thefourth side 216 of thehousing 148. The sealingmembers 226 include, but are not limited to, gaskets, which protect thefirst bore 222 and thesecond bore 224 from an environment of and surrounding thevehicle 10. It should be noted, however, that thefirst bore 222 and thesecond bore 224 may be enclosed by a transparent portion of thehousing 148, if desired. - In one example, in order to assemble the lift
gate lighting system 100′, the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 are coupled to thetail lamp assembly 124 to form the remotelight source 102′. The firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 may be coupled to the respective one of therecesses 128. The firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 are placed into communication with thecontroller 40, by wiring the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 to the wiring harness associated with thetail lamp assembly 124. The gaskets 118 may be coupled about the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122, respectively, to protect the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 from the environment. Thetail lamp assembly 124, including the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122, may be coupled to the secondside body panel 14″ of thebody 14. - The lift gate
optical system 104′ may be assembled. With theouter lens 140, thefirst optic member 142, thesecond optic member 144, theinner bezel 146 and thehousing 148 formed, thehousing 148 is coupled to thelift gate 106, via the mechanical fastener received through the at least onebore 218. Thefirst optic member 142 is coupled to thefirst chamber 198 of theinner bezel 146, and thesecond optic member 144 is coupled to thesecond chamber 200 of theinner bezel 146. Theinner bezel 146 is positioned within and coupled to therecess 220 such that the first channel 202 is aligned with thefirst bore 222 and thesecond channel 204 is aligned with thesecond bore 224. Theouter lens 140 is coupled to therecess 220 over theinner bezel 146, via ultrasonic welding for example, to couple theinner bezel 146 to thehousing 148. It should be understood that the above assembly of the lift gateoptical systems 104′ and the remotelight source 102′ is the same as the assembly of the remotelight source 102″ and the lift gateoptical system 104″, and thus, the assembly of the remotelight source 102″ and the lift gateoptical system 104″ will not be discussed herein. - During operation of the
vehicle 10, in one example, thecontroller 40 receives and processes the sensor signals from the automaticheadlamp sensing device 42 a and the sensor signals from the doorajar sensing device 42 b. Thecontroller 40 determines whether the ambient lighting conditions are low (for example, an amount of light measured is below a predefined threshold) and also determines whether thelift gate 106 is in the closed position. If both are true, thecontroller 40 outputs one or more control signals to the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 of each of the remotelight sources 102′, 102″ to illuminate the lift gateoptical systems 104′, 104″. - Upon receipt of the one or more control signals by the remote
light sources 102′, 102″, the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 of each of the remotelight sources 102′, 102″ generate or output light. Thelight beam 120′ from the each of firstlight sources 120 passes through the respective one of thefirst bore 222, the first channel 202 and enters thefirst optic member 142. The light is reflected by thegrain 166′, and directed out of thefirst optic member 142 to illuminate thefirst optic member 142 in thearea 110. Thelight beam 122′ from the each of secondlight sources 122 passes through the respective one of thesecond bore 224, thesecond channel 204 and enters thesecond optic member 144. The light is reflected by thegrain 176′, and directed out of thesecond optic member 144 to illuminate thesecond optic member 144 in the area 112. - Thus, the lift gate
optical systems 104′, 104″ illuminate thelift gate 106 without requiring a light source to be coupled to or mounted on thelift gate 106. In other words, the remotelight sources 102′, 102″ solely illuminate the lift gateoptical systems 104′, 104″ such that there are no light sources coupled to thelift gate 106. Rather, the remotelight sources 102′, 102″ are spaced a distance apart from thelift gate 106 and are coupled to thebody 14 illuminate the lift gateoptical systems 104′, 104″, thereby reducing complexity of thelift gate 106. In this regard, by coupling the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 of each of the remotelight sources 102′, 102″ to the respective firstside body panel 14′ and secondside body panel 14″ of thebody 14, the firstlight source 120 and the secondlight source 122 of each of the remotelight sources 102′, 102″ are in communication with thecontroller 40 through the wiring harness and/or communication medium associated with thetail lamp assembly 124, and thus, an additional wiring harness may not be required for the lift gateoptical systems 104′, 104″. In addition, the illumination of theareas 110, 112 of the lift gateoptical system 104′, 104″ in cooperation with thetail lamp assemblies 124 coupled to the rear 10′ of thevehicle 10 meets the photometric requirement for thevehicle 10. - While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof.
Claims (22)
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US15/624,941 US10155472B1 (en) | 2017-06-16 | 2017-06-16 | Lift gate lighting system with remote light source |
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US20210041078A1 (en) * | 2018-02-08 | 2021-02-11 | AMOSENSE Co.,Ltd | Rear lamp module for vehicle and rear combination lamp having same |
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US11079089B2 (en) * | 2019-10-02 | 2021-08-03 | Valeo North America, Inc. | Automotive lighting |
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US20210041078A1 (en) * | 2018-02-08 | 2021-02-11 | AMOSENSE Co.,Ltd | Rear lamp module for vehicle and rear combination lamp having same |
US11680693B2 (en) * | 2018-02-08 | 2023-06-20 | Amosense Co., Ltd | Rear lamp module for vehicle and rear combination lamp having same |
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