DE102016101069A1 - Door lighting and warning system - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a closure frame configured to engage in an opening formed by a body of the vehicle. A light source is disposed near an edge of the shutter frame so that a light emission from the light source is projected through a gap between the shutter frame and the body. The emission is projected through the gap in response to the closure frame being located in a gap-wide open position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of the U.S. Patent Ser. 14 / 086,442 filed Nov. 21, 2013, entitled "VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE." This application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

 The present invention relates generally to vehicle lighting systems and, more particularly, to vehicle lighting systems having thin profiles that can be adapted to uneven surfaces.

GENERAL PRIOR ART

 Vehicle lighting has traditionally been used to provide lighting for reading, boarding and operating the vehicle. However, the lighting can also be used to enhance vehicle features and systems to ensure that vehicle occupants, operators, and viewers have an improved experience. Such improvements may result from improvements in safety, visibility, aesthetics, and / or features. The disclosure provides a lighting system operable to illuminate a portion of a vehicle and, in some embodiments, to alert an operator of the vehicle about a vehicle condition, such as a gap-wide open-door condition.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting device for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a closure frame configured to engage in an opening formed by a body of the vehicle. A light source is disposed near an edge of the shutter frame so that a light emission from the light source is projected through a gap between the shutter frame and the body. The emission is projected through the gap in response to the closure frame being located in a gap-wide open position.

 According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting device for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a door configured to engage an opening formed by a body of the vehicle. A light source is disposed near an edge of the door such that light emission from the light source is projected through a gap between the door and at least one body panel or body panel of the vehicle. The emission is projected through the gap in response to the door being located in a gap-wide open position.

 In accordance with still another aspect of the present disclosure, a lighting device for a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a door configured to engage an opening formed by a body of the vehicle. A light source is located near a door edge. The light source is configured such that a light emission from the light source is projected through a gap between the door and at least one body panel or body panel of the vehicle.

 Those skilled in the art will appreciate and appreciate these and other aspects, objects, and features of the present disclosure after reviewing the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

 In the drawings show:

1 a perspective view of a front passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle with different lighted fittings;

2 a perspective view of a rear passenger compartment of an automotive vehicle with various lighted fittings;

3 a perspective view of an automotive vehicle with various illuminated features;

4 a perspective view of a closure of a vehicle, which is arranged in an open orientation and comprises a lighting device;

5 a detailed side view of a light generating device comprising a photoluminescent layer;

6 a side view of a light generating device, which is a photoluminescent layer configured to convert a wavelength of light;

7 a detailed perspective view of a closure showing a door-ajar condition; and

8th a block diagram of a lighting device that is configured to control the illumination of a light generating device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

 As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. It will be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, a detailed embodiment or some schemes may be exaggerated or minimized to show a functional overview. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but only as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art various applications of the present disclosure.

 As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more elements, means that one of the listed elements may be used alone or in combination of two or more of the listed elements. If z. For example, when a composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, composition A may be alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B and C are included in combination.

 The following disclosure describes a lighting device in which a vehicle body is configured to receive a light generating assembly. The light generation arrangement may correspond to a thin, flexible lighting arrangement that can be used in various applications. For purposes of this disclosure, a vehicle fitting may refer to any interior or exterior portion of a vehicle equipment or portion thereof that is suitable for incorporating the photoluminescent structure described herein. Although the implementation of the lighting device described herein is primarily directed to use in automotive vehicles, it will be appreciated that the device or system may be implemented in other types of vehicles configured to transport one or more occupants , such as As watercraft, trains and aircraft, but not limited thereto.

With reference to 1 and 2 becomes a passenger compartment 10 an automobile vehicle 12 generally with several exemplary vehicle fittings 14a - 14g shown in the front and rear of the passenger compartment 10 are arranged. The fittings 14a - 14g generally correspond to a headliner 14a , a doormat 14b , a door panel 14c and various parts of a seat that has a seat base 14d , a backrest 14e , a headrest 14f or a seat back 14g having. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, any fitting may 14a - 14g configured to receive a light generating assembly, as further explained herein. A light generating arrangement may be in a selected area 16a - 16g every fitting 14a - 14g be arranged. The vehicle 12 may include a plurality of light generating assemblies that may be used independently or in combination to provide functional and / or decorative lighting for the vehicle 12 provide.

With respect to the illumination device described herein, it will be appreciated that the selected range 16a - 16g is not limited to a particular shape or size and may include portions of a fitting having flat and / or non-flat configurations. For example, in one embodiment, the light generating assembly may have a thin profile and be made of flexible materials, allowing the assembly to conform to non-planar surfaces. Although some fittings 14a - 14g by way of example, it will be appreciated that other fittings may be used in accordance with the vehicle lighting system described herein. Such fittings may include instrument panels and components thereon, interactive mechanisms (eg, push buttons, switches, rotary switches, and the like), display devices (eg, tachometers, tachometers, etc.), printed surfaces, and various interior and / or exterior portions of the vehicle 12 , which may be made of metal, polymer or several different materials include.

With reference to 3 is a perspective view of an outside of the vehicle 12 shown. In addition to the internal fittings, the light generating assemblies discussed herein may also be used to accentuate, supplement, and / or replace various external fittings 18a - 18h to be used. Examples of external features 18a - 18h can keyless access buttons 18a , Signs 18b , Indicator 18c , Side markings, license plate lamps, charging lights, headlights 18d , Fog lights 18e , Ambient lighting 18f , Side track lamps, panel lights 18g , Tail lights 18h etc. be. Each of the exterior features 18a - 18h can provide various functions that facilitate the safe operation and / or improved aesthetics of the vehicle and related Reduce production costs. In this way, the disclosure provides various lighting systems and devices throughout the vehicle 12 can be arranged.

One or more of the light generating arrangements discussed herein may communicate with a controller. In some implementations, the controller may further communicate with a vehicle control module. The vehicle control module may provide signals to the controller in response to various user inputs, vehicle operating information, vehicle status information, and so forth. In response to one or more signals obtained from the vehicle control module, the lighting device may be for controlling one or more light generating arrangements to provide various lighting functions to the vehicle 12 operate. Further details regarding the controller and the vehicle control module will be made with reference to FIG 8th explained. Although the light generating arrangements discussed herein are described as communicating with the controller, one or more arrangements may be controlled by various forms of switches and / or analog and / or digital circuits.

Regarding 4 is a lock 22 of the vehicle 12 shown in an open position. As explained herein, the closure may 22 refer to any boundary or cover configured to secure or enclose various openings of a vehicle. For example, a closure may correspond to an engine hood, tailgate, or boot opening, fuel cap, and other openings passing through at least a portion of a body 24 of the vehicle 12 can be formed. In one embodiment, the light generating assembly 26 (also light arrangement 26 ) on an inner surface 28 a door frame 30 be arranged. In this configuration, the light arrangement 26 for issuing an exit issue 32 operated by light to warn viewers that the shutter 22 is arranged in an open position. The output emission 32 of the light is represented by dashed lines, different from the light arrangement 26 extend.

As in 4 represented is the light arrangement 26 for issuing the initial issue 32 configured when the shutter 22 is arranged in the open position. As below with reference to 7 explained, the light assembly 26 be further configured to illuminate a gap between the door frame 30 and an adjacent body part or body panel 34 of the vehicle 12 is formed when the shutter 22 is arranged in a gap width open position. In addition, the light arrangement 26 be configured to move between a door 36 and a door frame 30 to be accommodated when the shutter 22 is arranged in the closed position. In this way, the disclosure provides an advantageous lighting device that can be used in various vehicles and at various locations to enhance the safe operation and decorative appearance of a vehicle closure.

In one embodiment, the light assembly communicates 26 with a controller 40 via lines 42 passing through the doorframe 30 be relocated. The conductive wires 42 can be over terminals with the light arrangement 26 connected to form a circuit in conjunction with electrodes of the light assembly 26 can be configured. In this configuration, the controller can 40 for controlling the light assembly 26 for issuing the initial issue 32 of light in response to various vehicle conditions, operating conditions or activity related to the vehicle. Although the controller 40 in a section of the closure 22 can be arranged, the controller can 40 in different places of the vehicle 12 be arranged and with the light arrangement 26 communicate via different electronic connections. Further details regarding the controller 40 be related to 8th explained.

In some embodiments, the conduits may 42 behind a seal 46 near the edge section 44 of the lock 22 be misplaced. In this configuration, the light assembly can be near the edge portion 44 and outside the seal 46 be arranged when the shutter 22 is arranged in the gap width open position. In response to the gap-wide open condition as detected by one or more vehicle systems, such as a vehicle. B. by the controller 40 , the vehicle control module and / or various peripherals in communication with, but not limited to, the controller 40 for activating the light arrangement 26 to illuminate the gap operated between the edge portion 44 and the adjacent body part 34 is trained. Therefore, the disclosure may further provide a visual warning system capable of issuing a visual warning in response to the closure 22 of the vehicle 12 gap width is open, can be operated.

With reference to 5 can the light generation arrangement 26 a thin film or a printed light emitting diode array (LED). The light generation arrangement 26 can be a substrate 52 include. The substrate 52 can be opaque, transparent or semi-transparent and thin. The light generation arrangement 26 can be used in various applications requiring a thin overall thickness. The substrate 52 may be made of a polymer, for. Polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. In some embodiments, the substrate 52 be unrolled from a roll to integrate into manufacturing processes for the light generating assembly 26 and may be about 0.005 to 0.060 inches thick.

A first electrode 54 or conductive layer may be on the substrate 52 be arranged. The first electrode 54 and / or various electrodes or conductive layers discussed herein may comprise a conductive epoxy, such as, e.g. As a silver-containing or copper-containing epoxy. The first electrode 54 is conductive with a first busbar 56 connected. The first busbar 56 and other busbars or lines discussed herein may be made of metallic and / or conductive materials that can be screen printed onto the electrodes or conductive layers. The busbars can be used in the light generation system 26 for the conductive connection of several light emitting diode sources (LED) 58 be used with a power source. In this way, the first busbar 56 and other busbars used in the light generating assembly for uniformly supplying current along and / or across a surface of the light generating assembly 26 be configured.

The LED sources 58 can be printed, distributed or otherwise applied to the first electrode 54 over a semiconductor ink 60 be applied. The LED sources 58 can be random or controlled within the semiconductor ink 60 be distributed. The LED sources 58 For example, micro LEDs can be made of gallium nitride elements that can be from about 5 microns to 400 microns across a width that is substantially aligned with the surface of the first electrode. The semiconductor ink 60 may include various bonding and dielectric materials, including, but not limited to, one or more of gallium, indium, silicon carbide, phosphorus, and / or translucent polymer binders. In this configuration, the semiconductor ink 60 different concentrations of LED sources 58 included, so that a surface density of the LED sources 58 can be adjusted for different applications.

In some embodiments, the LED sources 58 and the semiconductor ink 60 by Nth Degree Technologies Worldwide Inc. The semiconductor ink 60 can print on one or more selected sections of the substrate using a variety of printing techniques, including inkjet and screen printing 52 be applied. In particular, it is considered that the LED sources 58 within the semiconductor ink 60 are distributed and shaped and dimensioned such that a substantial amount thereof is advantageous with the first electrode 54 and a second electrode 64 during the deposition of the semiconductor ink 60 are aligned. The section of LED sources 58 which ultimately electrically connected to the electrodes 54 . 64 can be illuminated by a voltage source that is connected to the first electrode 54 and the second electrode 64 is connected. In some embodiments, a power source operating at 12 to 16 VDC from a vehicle power source may be used as a power source for supplying power to the LED sources 58 be used. Additional information relating to the construction of a light generating assembly, that of the light generating assembly 26 is similar in the U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014-0264396 A1 von Lowenthal et al. entitled "ULTRA-THIN PRINTED LED LAYER REMOVED FROM SUBSTRATE," filed Mar. 12, 2014, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

At least one dielectric layer 66 Can via the LED sources 58 to encapsulate and / or secure the LED sources 58 be printed in their position. The at least one dielectric layer 66 may be a first dielectric layer 66a and a second dielectric layer 66b correspond, which may be made of a transparent material. The second electrode 64 may correspond to an upper transparent conductive layer passing over the dielectric layer 66 is printed to the electrodes 54 . 64 electrically connect. The second electrode 64 is conductive with a second busbar 68 connected. The busbars 56 . 68 can in the light generation arrangement 26 for the conductive connection of several light emitting diode sources (LED) 58 be used with the power source.

In some embodiments, the first electrode 54 and the second electrode 64 a cathode electrode and an anode electrode, respectively. Although as the cathode or anode of the light generation arrangement 26 described, the first electrode 54 and the second electrode 64 be arranged such that the second electrode 64 (Anode) is arranged on the substrate and the first electrode 54 (Cathode) on at least one dielectric layer 66 is arranged. The busbars 56 . 68 can along opposite edges of the electrodes 54 . 64 printed and terminate at anode and cathode terminals. Connection points between the busbars 56 . 68 and the power source can opposite corners of each busbar 56 . 68 for a uniform power distribution along each port.

Still referring to 5 , can be a photoluminescent layer 70 on the second electrode 64 be applied. The photoluminescent layer may be applied as a coating, layer, film and / or a photoluminescent substrate. The photoluminescent layer 70 can be done by screen printing, flexography and / or different at the second electrode 64 be fixed. In various implementations, the LED sources 58 also be configured to emit an excitation emission comprising a first wavelength corresponding to a blue light. The LED sources 58 may be used to emit the excitation emission into the photoluminescent layer 70 be configured so that the photoluminescent material is excited. In response to receiving the excitation emission, the photoluminescent material converts the excitation emission from the first wavelength to an output emission comprising at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength. In addition, one or more coatings 71 or sealing layers on an outer surface of the light generating device 26 be applied to the photoluminescent layer 70 and various other sections of the arrangement 26 to protect against damage and wear.

Regarding 6 is a detailed view of a photoluminescent layer 70 the light generation arrangement 26 shown. The light generation arrangement 26 is similar to the light generation arrangement 26 out 5 configured, wherein like numbered elements have the same or a similar function and structure. Although in 6 not shown, stand the LED sources 58 in electrical communication with the electrodes 54 . 64 and a power source, so that an excitation emission from the LED sources 58 can be issued.

In an exemplary implementation, the excitation emissions 72 correspond to an excitation emission having a first wavelength corresponding to a blue, violet and / or ultraviolet spectral color range. The blue spectrum color range includes a range of wavelengths commonly referred to as blue light (~ 440-500 nm). In some implementations, the first wavelength λ ₁ may include a wavelength in the ultraviolet and near ultraviolet color range (~ 100-450 nm). In one embodiment, the first wavelength may be about 470 nm. Although certain wavelengths and ranges of wavelengths are discussed herein with respect to the first wavelength, the first wavelength may be generally configured to excite any photoluminescent material.

During operation, the excitation emission 72 in at least one partially easily transmissive material of the luminescent layer 70 transmitted. The excitation emission is from the LED sources 58 and may be configured such that the first wavelength corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of one or more photoluminescent materials included in the photoluminescent layer 70 are arranged. For example, the photoluminescent layer 70 an energy conversion layer 74 include, for converting the excitation emission 72 at a first wavelength to an output emission 32 is configured with a second wavelength that is different than the first wavelength. The output emission 32 may include one or more wavelengths, one of which may be longer than the first wavelength. The conversion of the excitation emission 72 to the initial issue 32 through the energy conversion layer 74 is called Stokes shift.

In some embodiments, the output emission 32 correspond to several wavelengths. Each of the multiple wavelengths may correspond to significantly different spectral color ranges. For example, at least the second wavelength of the output emission 32 multiple wavelengths (eg, second, third, etc.). In some implementations, the multiple wavelengths in the output emission 32 combined to appear as essentially white light. The multiple wavelengths may be generated by a red emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of about 620 to 750 nm, a green emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength of about 526 to 606 nm, and a blue or blue green emitting photoluminescent material having a wavelength longer than that first wavelength is λ ₁ and is about 430 to 525 nm. The multiple wavelengths may be used to generate a high number of light colors from each of the photoluminescent portions that are converted from the first wavelength. Although the particular colors red, green and blue are referred to herein, various photoluminescent materials can be used to create a large number of colors and combinations to give the appearance of the output emission 32 to control.

The photoluminescent materials, that of the photoluminescent layer 70 or the energy conversion layer 74 may include organic and inorganic fluorescent dyes capable of converting the excitation emission 72 to the initial issue 32 are configured. For example, the photoluminescent layer 70 include a photoluminescent structure of rylenes, xanthenes, porphyrins, phthalocyanines, or other materials suitable for a particular Stokes shift defined by an arsortion region and an emission fluorescence. In some embodiments, the photoluminescent layer 70 at least one inorganic phosphor selected from the group of phosphors. The inorganic phosphor may in particular be selected from the group of Ce-doped garnets, such as YAG: Ce. Therefore, each of the photoluminescent portions can be selectively activated in a wide range of wavelengths resulting from the excitation emission 72 which are configured to excite one or more photoluminescent materials to emit an output emission having a desired color.

Still referring to 6 can the light generation arrangement 26 furthermore the coating 71 as at least one stability layer 78 which is adapted to that in the energy conversion layer 74 phosphor to protect against photolytic and / or thermal degradation. The stability layer 78 may be configured as a separate layer that is optically coupled and to the energy conversion layer 74 liable. The stability layer 78 can in the energy conversion layer 74 be integrated. The photoluminescent layer 70 Optionally also a protective layer 80 having the optical with the stability layer 78 or a layer or coating for protecting the photoluminescent layer 70 is or is attached to physical and chemical damage resulting from exposure to the environment.

The stability layer 78 and / or protective layer 80 can with the energy conversion layer 74 for forming an integrated photoluminescent structure 82 by sequential coating or printing of each layer or by sequential lamination or embossing. In addition, multiple layers can be joined by sequential coating, laminating, or embossing to form a substructure. The substructure may then be laminated or embossed to form the integrated photoluminescent structure 82 to build. After forming thereof, the photoluminescent structure 82 on a surface of at least one of the electrodes 54 . 64 be applied so that the excitation emission 72 from the LED sources 58 and to the initial issue 32 is converted. Additional information regarding the design of photoluminescent structures used in at least one photoluminescent portion of a vehicle is available in U.S. Pat U.S. Patent No. 8,232,533 by Kingsley et al. entitled "PHOTOLYTICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY STABLE MULTILAYER STRUCTURE FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY CONVERSION AND SUSTAINED SECONDARY EMISSION", filed Jul. 31, 2012, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the coating may 71 further comprising a colored layer which is incident on the light assembly 26 is applied and for controlling or adjusting an appearance of the light assembly 26 is configured in an unlit state. As in 6 shown, the colored layer may be the reference numeral 78 and or 80 correspond. The colored layer may comprise an at least partially light-transmissive polymer layer or coating that faces an outer surface of the light assembly 26 can be applied. The colored layer may be colored in any color to give a desired appearance of the light assembly 26 to surrender. In one embodiment, the photoluminescent material of the energy conversion layer may correspond to a red emitting rylene dye. Such a dye can cause the photoluminescent layer 70 has a slightly orange appearance. In such embodiments, the colored layer may be used to control the light assembly 26 to color with a red color, that of the starting emission 32 the photoluminescent layer 70 is similar when it is excited. In this way, the light assembly may have a consistent color appearance when the LED source 58 is active or inactive.

Regarding 7 is the light arrangement 26 shown in a gap-width open position. In the gap wide open position, the shutter 22 be partially closed so that the gap 92 between the door frame 30 and an adjacent body part 34 of the vehicle 12 is formed. In the gap-width open position, the light arrangement 26 between the door revealing 36 and the door frame 30 be housed. The thin structure of the light assembly may be the light assembly 26 allow to be used in the small space that lies between the doorway 36 and the door frame 30 and at various other points within the vehicle 12 , In this way, the disclosure provides an advantageous lighting device that can be used at various locations to enhance the safe operation and decorative appearance of the vehicle 12 can be used.

In some embodiments, a reflective material, e.g. For example, a paint or coating configured to reflect light is attached to the door panel 36 be arranged. The reflective Material can be used to reflect the output emission 32 from the light generation arrangement 26 be configured on the inner surface 28 of the door frame 30 is arranged. The output emission 32 can from the door revolt 36 be reflected on the reflective material. The reflective material can be a light color of lacquer, a reflective material that touches the door 36 is applied, or correspond to any form of material or coating used to improve reflection of the exit emission 36 from the doorway 36 is configured.

In some embodiments, a first portion of the output emission 32 between a border section 44 of the lock 22 be reflected to the outside. In addition, a second section of the output emission 32 be reflected inwards, so that the output emission 32 also for illuminating a portion of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 12 is configured. For example, in response to that, the shutter 22 is arranged in a gap width open position, the second section of the output emission 32 illuminate at least a portion of the passenger compartment near a crevice that passes through the bodywork 24 and the closure 22 is formed. In this configuration, the lighting device may generate a visual warning for notifying an occupant of the vehicle 12 be configured to a gap width open door condition by at least a portion of the passenger compartment with the output emission 32 is illuminated.

Regarding 7 and 8th In one embodiment, the controller may 40 with a proximity sensor 96 communicate, for detecting a proximity range and / or presence of a key fob 98 , Smart keys or similar device. To detect the presence of the key fob 98 can the proximity sensor 96 one or more antennas 100 to identify an occurrence or proximity of the key fob 98 to use. In such embodiments, the controller may 40 the light arrangement 26 in response to the capture or proximity of the key fob 98 Taxes. The following example may be an implementation of the proximity sensor 96 as control input for the controller 40 represent.

After opening the shutter 22 (eg the passenger door) can control 40 be configured to obtain a signal from a door sensor or a switch that corresponds to detecting that the shutter 22 in the open position, and the light assembly 26 activate. Therefore, the light assembly can emit red light to warn vehicles in the vicinity that the shutter 22 open and thus open wide. After a first period of time (eg 1 minute), the controller can 40 be configured to cause the light assembly to flash with a reduced duty cycle (eg, 50%) and a first increased intensity that is about twice the intensity of the output emission 32 equivalent. In addition, the controller 40 recognize that the key fob 98 exceeded a first distance threshold (eg 3 m) and flash with a reduced duty cycle (eg 20%) and with a second increased intensity that is approximately five times the intensity of the output emission 32 equivalent. In this configuration, the controller can 40 identify that an operator of the vehicle 12 the area near the vehicle 12 leaves while the shutter 22 Slit width is open, and try to illuminate the driver by illuminating the light assembly 26 to indicate this with an increased intensity. As explained herein, the intensity of the output emission 32 in response to at least one of a period of time during which the closure 22 opened or distance of a key fob 98 in relation to the vehicle 12 increase.

With reference to 8th is a block diagram of a lighting device 102 or a system representing the light arrangement 26 includes. The control 40 communicates with the light assembly via the electrode terminals. The control 40 can with the vehicle control module 104 via a communication port 106 communicate with the vehicle. The communication port 106 can be used to send signals to the controller 40 be configured and identify various vehicle conditions. For example, the communication port 106 for communicating a driver selection of the vehicle, an ignition state, a door open or door gap open state, a remote operation of the light device 26 or any other information or control signals used to activate or adjust the output emission 32 be used to the controller 40 be configured. Although the controller 40 As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the light assembly 26 in response to an electrical or electromechanical switch in response to a position of the closure 22 to be activated.

The control 40 can be a processor 108 comprising one or more circuits for obtaining the signals from the communication port 106 and output signals for controlling the light arrangement 26 for issuing the initial issue 32 is configured. The processor 108 can with a memory 110 for storing instructions for controlling activation of the light assembly 26 is configured. The control 40 can also with a Ambient light sensor 112 communicate. The ambient light sensor 112 can be operated to communicate a lighting condition, e.g. A level of brightness or intensity of ambient light near the vehicle 12 , In response to the level of ambient light, the controller 40 for adjusting a light intensity output from the light assembly 26 be configured. The intensity of the light output from the light arrangement 26 can by controlling a duty cycle, current or voltage, the light assembly 26 is supplied, are set.

 For purposes of describing and defining the present teachings, it should be understood that the terms "substantially" and "approximately" are used herein to represent the inherent level of uncertainty that may be associated with any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. The terms "substantially" and "about" are used herein to represent the degree to which a quantitative representation may differ from a given reference without causing a change in the basic function of the subject matter.

 It will be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the above-mentioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and it will be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless expressly expressed in language claims to express something else.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 14/086442 [0001]
• US 2014-0264396 A1 [0031]
• US 8232533 [0041]

Claims (20)

 A lighting device for a vehicle, comprising: a closure frame configured to engage in an opening formed by a body of the vehicle; and a light source disposed near an edge of the shutter frame so that a light emission from the light source is projected through a gap between the shutter frame and the body in response to the shutter frame being arranged at a gap widthwise position.  The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to control the light source, the controller selectively activating the light source to illuminate the gap in response to a gap wide open door condition.  The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to set an intensity of emission in response to a key fob of the vehicle exceeding a threshold distance during the wide open door condition.  The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the controller is further operable to activate the light source in response to at least one of user input, turn signal and hazard light enable signal.  Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure corresponds to at least one of the front passenger door, hood, tailgate and trunk lid of the vehicle.  Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gap, which is formed between the closure frame and the body, corresponds to a Türgeibung.  The device of claim 6, wherein the light source is disposed on the shutter frame outside a door seal disposed on an inner surface of the shutter frame.  A lighting device for a vehicle, comprising: a door configured to engage in an opening formed by a body of the vehicle; and a light source disposed near an edge of the door such that light emission from the light source is projected through a gap between the door and at least one body panel or body panel of the vehicle in response to the door being disposed in a gap wide open position.  The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a controller configured to control the light source, the controller selectively activating the light source to illuminate the gap in response to a gap wide open door condition.  The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to adjust at least one of the intensity and frequency of the light emitted from the light source in response to proximity of a key fob.  The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to increase the intensity of the light in response to a distance of the keyfob exceeding a first threshold.  The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, wherein the controller is configured to set a pulsating frequency of the light emitted from the light source in response to a distance of the keyfob exceeding a second threshold.  A lighting device for a vehicle, comprising: a door configured to engage in an opening formed by a body of the vehicle; and a light source disposed near an edge of the door such that light emission from the light source is projected through a gap between the door and at least one body panel or body panel of the vehicle.  The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a controller configured to activate the light source in response to the door being disposed in a gap wide open position. Apparatus according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the gap, which is formed between the closure frame and the body part or body panel, corresponds to a Türgeibung. An apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the light source is disposed on an inner surface of the door outside a door seal disposed on the inner surface of the door frame. An apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the light source corresponds to a substantially flat LED array disposed on the inner surface of the door frame. The apparatus of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the light source comprises a photoluminescent layer configured to convert a first emission from at least one emitter of the light source to a second emission. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first emission corresponds to a first color and the second emission corresponds to a second color other than the first color. Apparatus according to any of claims 18 or 19, wherein the photoluminescent layer comprises an organic photoluminescent dye.

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