GB2554103A

GB2554103A - Vehicle lamp

Info

Publication number: GB2554103A
Application number: GB1616020.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lenart Daniel; Jervis Mark; Brown David; Lane Jeremy
Original assignee: Truck Lite Europe Ltd
Current assignee: Truck Lite Europe Ltd
Priority date: 2016-09-20
Filing date: 2016-09-20
Publication date: 2018-03-28
Also published as: GB201616020D0

Abstract

A vehicle lamp 10 implementing display functions that comprise a direction indicator function illuminated in a first colour and at least one other vehicle lighting function illuminated in a different second colour, the lamp comprising: a plurality of illuminable elements 68 arranged in a two-dimensional array that extends across a display face, each element being capable of illuminating selectively to emit light of the first or second colour in accordance with a selected state of illumination; and an addressing system that is arranged to address each element individually and to select a state of illumination of each element, such that elements emitting one of said colours of light, grouped to define a display function, form an illuminated region having selectively different shapes or positions on the display face.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Vehicle lamp

Abstract Title: A programmable rear lamp for a commercial vehicle (57) A vehicle lamp 10 implementing display functions that comprise a direction indicator function illuminated in a first colour and at least one other vehicle lighting function illuminated in a different second colour, the lamp comprising: a plurality of illuminable elements 68 arranged in a two-dimensional array that extends across a display face, each element being capable of illuminating selectively to emit light of the first or second colour in accordance with a selected state of illumination; and an addressing system that is arranged to address each element individually and to select a state of illumination of each element, such that elements emitting one of said colours of light, grouped to define a display function, form an illuminated region having selectively different shapes or positions on the display face.

Figure 2

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

1/6

..-16

Figure 1

12 17

Figure 2

Figure 3

• ........

WWWWtAMT

80a

VM

V)

12 17

Figure 4b

M'/MT^

80c

Λ\ /Λ\ ZZN ZZv\ /ΛΥ ZZM ΖΛΥ Z'Z

II ZSS^SSS^/SHZSi/y' ‘2M?WW2225?

:ΪΛΪίχ·

VM: ΜΑΓ O v<

II

80a '/WWWWWXS vSTvvgvgvvgS^ •X // ΛΥΖΖ Xs# \Y // % -ff 'λ ZZ V, ZZ \\# Λ />' ii ZZ AS,

Figure 4c

ii (\ mm mm .Mm MM 7\ MM 7m ma. mm

„.....

;! ......<ίκ^;γκκ^»κκκίζ»κκ»Γ»κκΛ-ίκκκί5»κκ,«-.»κκ«:»κκ^^^^^^ν

V\\ss\i¥SSSSSSSSS^ySSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS^^^

V \X Αλ~Ά \>M vii w v ______________jyi

Figure 4d

3/6

12 17

3i λ 82 _oco0 x 86 80

Figure 5a ⁸⁸ 80

Figure 5d

4/Q

5/6

12 17

Finiirp 7a

Figure 7b

80

Figure 7d

124

6/6

12 17

Figure 8

Vehicle Lamp

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a lamp for a road vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a rear lamp for a commercial vehicle and particularly to a programmable functionality of such a lamp.

BACKGROUND

Road vehicles are usually fitted with a pair of rear lamps; one lamp of the pair being positioned on each side at the rear end of the vehicle. Each lamp will include a housing containing a set of lighting elements which selectively illuminate optic elements of a lens, which are aligned with the lighting elements so that the light that is emitted from each lighting element is dispersed or directed as it exits the lamp. The illumination of the lighting elements is controlled in order to perform various lighting functions.

The optic elements typically include:

rear position optics to indicate the position of the rear end of the vehicle using lighting elements and reflex reflectors, which usually illuminate red and may include side marker lamps;

reversing optics to illuminate the space behind the vehicle for reversing, which usually illuminate white;

brake lamp optics, which may be combined with or separated from the rear position optics and usually also illuminate red, but with greater brightness than the rear position optics; and direction indicators that indicate the driver’s intention to turn the vehicle and usually illuminate amber.

Usually the lighting elements of one lamp of the pair are a mirror image of the elements of the other lamp of the pair. Also, the direction indicators of both lamps of the pair flash in unison to convey a hazard warning.

Conventionally, direction indicators simply turn on and off repeatedly. This presents a problem in the event that one rear lamp is obscured by an obstruction or has failed entirely, especially if an observer such as a fellow road user cannot see the outline of the vehicle as a whole. In that case, the observer has no way of knowing whether he or she is looking at the right or left (offside or nearside) rear lamp. Consequently, the observer cannot determine whether the driver intends to turn left or right or indeed whether a hazard warning has been activated instead.

Even in daylight and clear visibility, it is important for road users quickly to determine the status and likely direction changes of other vehicles. They must understand at a glance what other vehicles are likely to do in time to react accordingly, without being distracted from their own attention to the road. There has therefore been much effort to ensure that vehicle direction indicators convey clear and readily-understood signals.

As a recent example, progressive direction indicators illuminate progressively or sequentially from an inboard end to an outboard end of the direction indicators. Specifically, the indicators are divided into a series of indicator lamp regions that can be illuminated in sequence. In operation, a first indicator lamp region is illuminated and then during subsequent illumination stages, additional indicator lamp regions are illuminated progressively in an outboard direction, with any illuminated indicator lamp regions staying illuminated as progression continues. Finally, after all of the indicator lamp regions have been illuminated, all of them are extinguished before the cycle begins again.

During normal operation, the time period for progressive direction indicators to complete a full sequence of illumination, i.e. from the point of initiating the illumination to the point where every indicator lamp region is fully illuminated, can typically last up to 200ms. During much of this period, the direction indicator necessarily produces an illumination with an intensity that is lower than the maximum illumination intensity. Therefore, up until the point where the lamp is fully illuminated, the progressive direction indicator is less visible than a conventional direction indicator, which instantly illuminates at full intensity upon being switched on. Thus, the progressive direction indicator is less noticeable to other road users during the initial, potentially crucial, moments of operation.

The above illumination pattern requires that the indicator lamp regions are arranged in a substantially linear fashion, typically from an inboard end to an outboard end of a conventional rear lamp unit. However, this linear arrangement requires that the direction indicator must occupy a large area on the rear of the vehicle. Consideration must, therefore, be made when such indicators are incorporated into the vehicle body so that they do not disrupt the other functional and/or aesthetic characteristics of the vehicle. Even where lamps are not incorporated into a vehicle body, there is limited space on the lens of the lamp to accommodate all of the lighting functions that may be necessary in addition to direction indicators, such as stop/taiI lamp or reversing lamp functions.

As well as the above-mentioned functional aspects, the demands of legislation and vehicle styling place considerable demands upon the relative positions and sizes of the various lighting elements, which must be accommodated in a confined space on the lamp. That space is usually generally rectangular when viewed from behind when the lamp is oriented for use. Such lamps are usually oriented with the long axis horizontal in use, although they may instead be oriented with the long axis at a different angle such as vertical.

Increasingly, vehicle lamps are designed to be incorporated within the overall design aesthetic of the vehicle. Vehicle lamps may even be designed so that they illuminate in such a way as to denote a particular model or brand of vehicle. Hence, there is an increasing demand amongst lamp manufacturers to provide customised rear lamp designs to vehicle manufacturers. This is conventionally achieved by producing lamps with a signature shape or by combining the various optical functions of the light within a particular arrangement.

The lighting elements of a vehicle lamp are typically made from a number of injection moulded plastic components. To create a new lamp shape or to integrate a new optical function into an existing lamp requires that a new manufacturing tool must be provided or an existing tool must be modified. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process, which often cannot be justified especially for low-volume manufacture. It is also necessary to design new control electronics, which are used to operate the enhanced functionality of a progressive direction indicator lamp, which can further add to the cost of producing a new lamp design.

Existing attempts to produce customisable vehicle lamps have relied on a modular design approach in which the individual lighting elements may be arranged within a constrained footprint. However, each lighting element is limited to providing a pre-defined illumination function and the modular arrangement only allows for a limited number of combinations and no potential for customising the function of each element itself.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle lens which overcomes or mitigates one or more of the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

The invention is defined according to the features as set out in the appended independent claims, with optional features as set out in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic rear view of a commercial vehicle, showing a pair of rear lamps of the invention in their context of use.

Figure 2 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a rear lamp for a commercial vehicle in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 is a front view of the lamp of Figure 2, showing brake light and rear position light optics in an illuminated state;

Figures 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are front views of the lamp of Figure 2, showing direction indicator optics in first, second and third illuminated states, respectively, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 5a, 5b, 5c and 5d are schematic, simplified front views of a rear lamp for a commercial vehicle in accordance with the invention, showing direction-indicator optics in first, second and third partially illuminated states, respectively, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic flow diagram representing modes of operation of the lamp shown in any of Figures 1 to 5d;

Figures 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d are schematic front views of a rear lamp for a commercial vehicle in accordance with the invention, showing direction-indicator optics in first, second and third states, respectively, according to a still further embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 8 is a schematic flow diagram representing modes of operation of the lamp of Figures 7a to 7d.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment of a rear lamp 10 for a road vehicle is shown in Figure 1, in which a pair of rear lamps 10 of the invention are shown in their context of use, mounted at the rear end 12 of a vehicle 14, in this case a truck. The lamps 10 are in mirrored, handed relation about the vertical plane 16 that extends centrally along the truck 14.

With reference to Figure 2, the lamp 10, which is shown in a cut-away view, comprises an open-fronted housing 18 that is enclosed by a lens 20 when fully assembled. The housing 18 and the lens 20 of the lamp 10 are substantially rectangular and elongated along a central longitudinal plane 22 that is generally horizontal when the lamp 10 is oriented for use. The central longitudinal plane 22 is shown as a dashed line, together with an orthogonal line representing a central lateral plane 24 that is generally vertical when the lamp 10 is oriented for use.

The lens 20 has an inboard end 26, an outboard end 28, an upper edge 30 and a lower edge 32 that together define a rectangular shape. Figure 2 shows that between those ends 26, 28 and edges 30, 32, the lens 20 has a flat shape comprising an inboard face 36 and an outboard face 38.

In this example, the inboard face 36 and the outboard face 38 are separated by a triangular reflector 40 which extends, respectively, downwardly and upwardly from the upper 30 and lower 32 edges of the lens 20. The reflector 40, the inboard face 36 and the outboard face 38 are all arranged in a common plane that is generally orthogonal to the central longitudinal and lateral planes 22, 24 of the lens 20.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that the reflector 40 may be located in any position within the lens 20. In some embodiments, the reflector 40 may be arranged towards the outboard end 28 of the lens or in a central position such that the lens 20 is symmetrical about its longitudinal plane 22. Alternatively, the reflector 40 may take various shapes including, for example, a circle, a square, a hexagon or a rectangle. The reflector 40 may also be provided in a number of different orientations and sizes so as to accommodate a variety of different lens designs. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 5a to 5d and 6a to 6d, the reflector 40 may be omitted from the lens 20 altogether, such that the inboard 36 and outboard 38 faces are replaced by a single continuous optic.

The inboard and outboard faces 36, 38 of the lens 20 each comprise numerous triangular optic elements 42 arranged in a continuously tessellating array or matrix. In this way the optic elements 42 are arranged so that they do not overlap one another; nor are there any significant gaps between the elements 42 of the array. Each optic element 42 is orthogonal to the longitudinal and lateral planes 22, 24 of the lens 20 such that they lay parallel with the housing 18 of the lamp 10.

Each of the optic elements 42 is configured to disperse or to direct any light that passes through it as it exits the lamp 10. According to the embodiment described herein, the optic elements 42 are shown to exhibit a substantially equilateral triangular shape which allows them to align together in a repeating pattern. The skilled person will appreciate that there are a number of other geometric shapes, including squares, rectangles and hexagons etc, which can also be arranged into an array with similar characteristics. Alternatively, circular optic elements may also be used.

Figure 2 shows that the housing 18 of the lamp 10 comprises an inboard end wall 52 and a lower side wall 54; an outboard end wall and an upper side wall are also present but are obscured. The lens 20 comprises a wraparound side wall which includes an inboard end wall 56, a lower side wall 58 and an upper side wall 60. An outboard region 62 at the extreme edge of the lens 20 is tapered towards an outboard edge 64 of the lens 20 so as to improve viewing angles and may provide for ‘side-marker’ functionality along the outboard edge 64 of the lens 20.

When the lamp 10 and the lens 20 are fully assembled, the wraparound side wall of the lens 20 is accommodated within a groove 66 which runs along the inside of the side walls of the housing 18.

The housing 18 contains a plurality of lighting elements 68 arranged in an array across a lighting support 44 held by the lamp housing 18. Each lighting element 68 is aligned with a corresponding optic element 42 of the lens 20 and is configurable, in use, to selectively illuminate its corresponding optic element 42.

Each lighting element 68 includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs), preferably at least three LEDs in the respective colours used in vehicle lighting, namely white, amber and red. Alternatively it would be possible for each lighting element 68 to include a single LED that can be driven to emit white, amber or red light selectively.

Where each lighting element 68 includes three LEDs, the LEDs may be arranged in a triangular cluster around a central focal point. A first LED is configured to emit yellow light (or amber light), a second LED is configured to emit red light and a third LED of the cluster is configured to emit white light. Alternatively, the individual LEDs may each be arranged in a single respective housing. In another alternative, each lighting element 68 may comprise a different number of LEDs. For example, for applications that do not require reversing functionality, only amber and red LEDs may need be included in the cluster.

The amber light from the first LED is used primarily during a direction indicating function of the lamp 10, in order to indicate the driver’s intention to change direction. The red light from the second LED is used during a braking operation, in which the driver’s use of the brake is indicated to other road users. Red light is also used to indicate the position of the rear of the vehicle. The white light from the third LED is used during a reversing operation, in which the space behind the vehicle is illuminated to aid reversing.

To differentiate between the braking function and the rear-positioning function, the illumination intensity of the red LED is variable. Thus, the illumination intensity of the red LED is significantly greater during a braking operation than when the lamp 10 is simply indicating the position of the rear of the vehicle.

Advantageously, each lighting element 68 comprises a plurality of independently controllable LEDs, each operable to emit light of a different colour. In the above described example, each lighting element 68 is configurable to produce light of either amber, red or white, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, each of the lighting elements 68 are controllable such that they can produce light independently of any other lighting element 68. In this way, the array of lighting elements 68 can be coordinated to display a customisable, and potentially moving, pattern of illumination in order to perform various lighting functions, as will be described in greater detail below.

In alternative embodiments, the three LEDs may be configured to emit light of different colours, for example, an arrangement is envisaged in which the colour of the first, second and third LEDs are blue, green and red, respectively, relating to the three primary colours of the visual spectrum. By varying the illumination intensity of the LEDs in such an arrangement, it is possible to produce any colour.

Each LED is sealed into the lighting support 44 of the housing 18 so that the LED housing may protrude above an upper surface 46 of the lighting support 44, whereas connecting wires of the LEDs protrude beneath the lighting support 44 where they are connected to an addressing system in the form of a light-array controller of the lamp 10. In this way the electronics for the LEDs are encapsulated within the housing 18 of the lamp 10 to protect them from the ingress of moisture and dirt into the interior of the lamp housing 18.

The operation of the lamp 10 will now be described in detail. Turning first to the fully assembled lamp 10 which is shown in Figure 3, it can be seen that a first group of optic elements 42, located in the outboard face 38 of the lens 20, are illuminated to define a substantially C-shaped region of the lamp 10, comprising an upper arm 72 and a lower arm 74 joined by a vertically-extending junction region 76. This C-shaped illumination defines a rear-positioning region 70 of the lamp 10. A second group of optic elements 42 are illuminated to form a substantially rectangular region that defines a braking region 78, embraced between the arms 72, 74 of the C-shaped region. The illumination of the rearpositioning region 70, in use, corresponds to a rear-positioning function of the lamp 10, for example when vehicle headlamps are switched on in darkness.

The illuminated optic elements 42 corresponding to the braking region 78 are identified here as the elements 42 with downwardly diagonal cross-hatching viewed from left to right, whereas the elements 42 corresponding to the rear-positioning region 70 are identified here as the elements with upwardly diagonal cross-hatching viewed from left to right. For the purposes of this description, the two regions have been further delineated by a series of dashed lines, as can be seen in Figure 3.

In this example, the rear-positioning region 70 is disposed between the upper and lower arms 72, 74 of the braking region 78. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention could be configured to produce many alternative illumination patterns to that shown in Figure 3.

In Figure 4a, it can be seen that a group of optic elements 42 are illuminated to define a substantially parallelogram-shaped illuminated region, which corresponds to a direction indicator region 80 of the lens 20. The illumination of the indicator region 80, in use, corresponds to a direction indicator function of the lamp 10. In this example, the indicator region 80 is identified here by the optic elements 42 with horizontal cross-hatching. The indicator region 80 as shown in Figure 4a represents how the direction optic elements 42 are initially illuminated at the beginning of a progressive illumination sequence, typically with amber light, although other colours would be possible if legislation permits.

The indicator region 80 extends between the upper 30 and lower 32 edges of the lens 20 and has an effective width that is equal to four of the tessellated triangular optic elements 42. At the first stage of the progressive illumination, a first portion 80a of the outboard face 38 is illuminated when the direction indicator function of the lamp 10 is initiated. The first portion 80a is located at an extreme inboard end of the outboard face 38 such that it aligns with, and is positioned adjacent to, the equilateral triangular reflector 40 of the lens 20.

Next, at a second stage of a progressive illumination sequence, shown in Figure 4b, the first portion 80a is turned off and a second portion 80b is illuminated. The second portion 80b corresponds to the direction indicator region 80 during the second stage of the progressive illumination sequence of the direction indicator function. Consequently, the second portion 80b is also parallelogram-shaped and is produced by the illumination of the same number of optic elements 42 as the first portion 80a. The second portion 80b is located outboard of the first portion 80a along the longitudinal plane 22 of the lamp 10.

At a third stage of a progressive illumination sequence, shown in Figure 4c, the second portion 80b is turned off and a third portion 80c is illuminated. As with the previous illumination stage, the third portion 80c corresponds to the direction indicator region 80 during the third stage of the progressive illumination sequence of the direction indicator function. Consequently, the third portion 80c is also parallelogram-shaped and is produced by the illumination of the same number of optic elements 42 as the first and second portions 80a, 80b. The third portion 80c is located outboard of both the first and second portions 80a, 80b along the longitudinal plane 22 of the lamp 10.

Finally, at a fourth stage of the progressive illumination sequence, the third portion 80c is turned off and the first portion 80a is illuminated once again, as shown in Figure 4d. In this way, the direction indicator effectively returns to the first stage of the illumination sequence before the cycle repeats.

In use, the indicator function is engaged by a user of the vehicle operating an indicator switch as would be commonly known in the art. Once engaged, the lamp 10 is configured to initiate the progressive sequence of illumination as exemplified above; there could of course be more or fewer steps in the sequence. The sequence is then repeated in a cyclical fashion until the direction indicator function is disengaged or cancelled.

At each stage of the sequence the more recently activated portion is fully illuminated for a brief period, in accordance with legislation, and then the illumination is extinguished at the same time that the portion corresponding to the next sequential stage begins. The sequence shown in Figures 4a to 4d repeats cyclically thereafter until the driver cancels the direction indicator signal. In this way, the direction indicator function, in this example with a constant shape and size, is displayed moving across the light array, whilst maintaining the level of illumination intensity within the legal limits.

By operating in this way, a number of the optic elements 42 are progressively and sequentially illuminated so as to give the appearance that the direction indicator region 80 is moving across the lens 20 in a generally inboard-to-outboard direction. This conveniently indicates the direction in which the vehicle is going to turn to other road users.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the progressive direction indicator sequence may comprise a number of intermediate steps between those described with reference to Figures 4a to 4d. In some variants, each sequential step may result in the illumination of a portion of lens 20 that is immediately adjacent to or even overlapping with the previous portion, thereby producing a continuous and fluid movement of the illumination across the face of the lamp 10.

In alternative embodiments, the illumination region of the direction indicator 80 may take any number of shapes and sizes. Indeed, it will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the range of possible configurations is only limited by the number of optic elements 42 in the lens 20 and their orientation with regard to one another. For example, the direction indicator region 80 according to the presently described embodiment of the invention may take the form of an arrow, an arrow head or a chevron, which would provide a particularly clear indication to other road users as to the direction in which the vehicle is about to turn.

It is also envisaged that the direction indicator region 80 may comprise multiple illuminated regions which each move in either a coordinated or staggered fashion so as to emphasise the impending motion of the vehicle.

In a conventional lamp, a significant portion of the optic surface would be devoted to other functions, such as the braking and/or rear-positioning functions. Advantageously, the lamp according to the presently-described embodiment of the invention is able to perform multiple functions using the same array of optic elements 42. Indeed, each function can be performed using the entirety of the lens area. For example, the sequential movement of the indicator region, as described in Figures 4a to 4d, is particularly effective at drawing the attention of other road users, and unlike conventional direction indicator lights, the area of illumination which is illuminated at the beginning of the sequence may be equal to the area of illumination at the end of the sequence. Thus, the direction indicator is equally noticeable throughout the whole of the progressive illumination sequence and there is no delay before the direction indicator reaches its maximum illumination.

Now turning to Figures 5a to 5d, the lamp 10 is shown performing two lighting functions simultaneously, namely the direction indicator and rear-positioning functions of the lamp 10.1 In each of Figures 5a to 5d, the lens 20 has been overlaid with a grid pattern of orthogonal dashed lines which is used to represent the array of optic elements 42. According to the embodiment described herein, the plurality of optic elements 42 form a rectangular matrix of five rows and thirteen columns. Thus, the matrix is thirteen elements long, as between the inboard 26 and outboard 28 ends of the lens 20, and five elements wide or high, as between the upper 30 and lower 32 edges of the lens 20.

With reference to Figure 5a, a first illuminated region 82 is shown as a shaded region representing how the direction indicator region 80 is illuminated typically with amber light, although other colours would be possible if legislation permits. Also shown in Figure 5a is a second illuminated region 84 shown as a second shaded region, which represents how the rear-positioning region 70 is illuminated typically with red light. The first and second shaded regions merely represent each respective type of illumination in general terms and should not be interpreted as depicting the exact dimensions of each illuminated region.

The direction indicator region 80 occupies a minor proportion of the overall area of the lens 20. However, the direction indicator region 80 must be large enough to be adequately visible and therefore preferably extends between the upper 30 and lower 32 edges of the lens 20 as shown. As can be seen from Figure 5a, this corresponds to a rectangular area that is two optic elements 42 across and five elements high. The second illuminated region 84 occupies the remainder of the overall area of the lens 20 that is not occupied by the first illuminated region 82.

Prior to activation of the direction indicator function; the rear-positioning region may occupy the whole area of the lens 20, which is illuminated at a constant intensity corresponding to the operation of the rear-positioning function ofthe lamp 10.

Upon initiating the direction indicator function, the red illumination of the area of the first illuminated region 82 is replaced with the amber light of the direction indicator function, as shown in Figure 5a. This is achieved by switching off the red LED of each lighting element corresponding to the first illuminated region 82. Simultaneously, the amber LED of each of these lighting elements is switched on.

At a first stage of the progressive illumination, the lamp 10 exhibits a combined illumination comprising the direction indicator region 80, which is illuminated in amber, and the remainder which remains illuminated in red, corresponding to the rear-positioning function of the lamp 10. At this first stage an inboard edge of the direction indicator region 80 is four columns of optic elements 42 from the inboard end 26 and an outboard edge of the direction indicator region 80 is seven columns of optic elements 42 from the outboard end 28 of the lens 20.

Next, at a second stage of a progressive illumination sequence, shown in Figure 4b, the direction indicator region 80 shifts in a substantially outboard direction along the longitudinal plane 22 of the lamp 10. In this way, the indicator region 80 moves from the first position 86, shown in Figure 5a, to a second position 88 shown in Figure 5b. At the second position 88, an inboard edge of the direction indicator region 80 is seven columns of optic elements 42 from the inboard end 26 and an outboard edge of the direction indicator region 80 is four columns of optic elements 42 from the outboard end 28 of the lens 20. This transition is achieved by switching off the amber LED, and turning on the red LED, of each lighting element corresponding to the direction indicator region 80 in the first position 86. This is coordinated with the switching off of the red LED, and switching on of the amber LED, of each lighting element corresponding to the direction indicator region 80 in the second position 88.

At a third stage of progressive illumination sequence, shown in Figure 4c, the sequence continues such that the direction indicator region 80 occupies a third position 90 ofthe lens 20 that is outboard of both the first and second positions 86, 88 along the longitudinal plane 22 of the lens 20. At the third position 90, an inboard edge of the direction indicator region 80 is ten columns of optic elements 42 from the inboard end 26 and an outboard edge of the direction indicator region 80 is one column of optic elements 42 from the outboard end 28 of the lens 20. As with the second stage of the sequence, this further transition is achieved by selectively controlling the illumination of the amber and red LEDs of the lighting elements which correspond to the direction indicator region 80 in the second and third positions 88, 90.

Finally, at a fourth stage of the progressive illumination sequence, the sequence continues such that the direction indicator region 80 returns to the first position 86, as shown in Figure 5d. In this way, the direction indicator effectively reverts to the first stage of the illumination sequence. These four, or more, stages of the progressive sequence are then repeated in a cyclical fashion until the direction indicator function is disengaged or cancelled.

Thus, by controlling the LEDs of different colours within each lighting element, the required lighting function can be selectively displayed across the lamp 10. In this way, the optic elements can transform from displaying one light function to another by varying illumination intensity and/or the colour of light that emitted from each lighting element. This enables the lamp 10 to display multiple light functions simultaneously, thereby maximising the use of the display area of the lamp 10.

Turning now to the programming and operation of the vehicle lamp 10 during normal use, Figure 6 is a schematic flow diagram outlining the operation of the vehicle lamp 10 according to the embodiment of the invention described in Figures 5a to 5d.

In general, the illumination of each vehicle lamp is managed by a microcontroller 110, typically in the form of a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). A light function control module 112 of the microcontroller 110 is configured to receive light function control signals 114 from a human machine interface (HMI), which is operated by a user of the vehicle during normal use.

In use, the microcontroller 110 is also configured to supply power to each of the lighting elements 60 of the lamp 10. Alternatively, power may be supplied to the lighting array by a dedicated power supply.

The shape and size of the each lighting function is created using a graphical image processing module 116 of an external computing system. The shape and size of the lighting function is sent to a conversion module 118 of the computing system which is configured to generate a set of instructions, in the form of light function data, which are then sent to the microcontroller 110 of the lamp 10.

An input module 120 of the microcontroller 110 is configured to receive the light function data from the external conversion module 118 and store it for later use during the operation the lamp 10. A number of light function graphics can be uploaded and stored onto the microcontroller 110, preferably when the lamp is manufactured or installed on the vehicle.

The microcontroller 110 further comprises a light array configuration module 122 containing configuration data corresponding to the control inputs associated with a set of light array controllers 124. The light array controllers 124 are connected to each lighting element 60 so as to control the illumination of the LEDs that are formed therein. In this way the light array configuration data defines the layout of the individual lighting elements 60 that are illuminated during the operation of a given lighting function.

When a light function control signal 114 is received from the HMI the associated light function data is recalled from the input module 120 and sent to a light array control output module 126 of the microcontroller 110. The control output module 126 then processes the light function data in accordance with the light array configuration data which it receives from the light array configuration module 122 and sends processed light function data to the light array controllers 124.

The light array controllers 124 receive this data and individually control the state and/or illumination intensity of the LEDs in each lighting element or cell 60 of the lamp 10. Each lighting element 60 contains at least two channels and is therefore capable of emitting light of at least two colours. According to the embodiment of the invention described herein three channels are used corresponding to three separate LEDs, each comprising a different colour.

Advantageously, the microcontroller of above described configuration is configurable so as to be programmed with new lighting functions without a need to move the position of the light sources of the lamp. Furthermore, the lamp according to the invention can be installed on a vehicle where it can perform numerous customisable lighting functions without the need for manufacturing and installing new lamps. In this way, the lamp of the invention can perform the capabilities of a number of conventional vehicle lamps. Thus, the associated cost of modifying lamp manufacturing equipment to produce multiple lamp variants can be avoided.

Turning now to Figures 7a to 7d, an alternative direction indicator operation is shown, in which the first illuminated region 82 is shown as a shaded region representing how the direction indicator region 80 is illuminated. As shown in Figure 7a, the direction indicator region 80 forms a large square illumination region in this example, although other shapes such as circles are possible. Also shown in Figure 7a is the second illuminated region 84 shown as a second shaded region, which represents how the rear-positioning region 70 is illuminated. Thus, at this first stage, the lamp 10 exhibits a combined illumination comprising the direction indicator region 80, which is illuminated in amber, and the remainder which is illuminated in red, corresponding to the rear positioning function of the lamp 10.

In each of Figures 7a to 7d, the lens 20 has been overlaid with a grid pattern of orthogonal dashed lines which is used to represent the array of optic elements 42. According to the embodiment described herein, the plurality of optic elements 42 form a rectangular matrix of five rows and thirteen columns. Thus, the matrix is thirteen elements long, as between the inboard 26 and outboard 28 ends of the lens 20, and five elements wide or high, as between the upper 30 and lower 32 edges of the lens 20.

In some embodiments, the second illuminated region 84 may be configured in an off state such that only the first illuminated region 82 is configured to emit light. This may be used, for example, during daylight conditions where the rear-positioning function would not be activated.

Moving from the first to the second stage of the illumination sequence, the direction indicator region 80 reduces in size in mutually-orthogonal directions that are respectively parallel to both the lateral and longitudinal planes 22, 24 of the lens 20, thereby forming an indicator region 80 with a substantially smaller area, as shown in Figure 7b. In this way the direction indicator 80 transitions between a larger first state 92 and a smaller second state 94, corresponding to the size of the indicator region 80 in the first and second stages of the progressive illumination sequence, respectively. It will appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the longitudinal plane 22 would lie in a horizontal orientation when the lamp 10 is oriented for use on a vehicle.

As can be seen from Figure 7a, the first state 92 corresponds to a rectangular area that is five optic elements 42 across and five optic elements 42 high. The first state 94 is further defined by an inboard edge that is eight columns of optic elements 42 from the inboard end 26 of the lens 20, an outboard edge that is aligned with the outboard end 28 of the lens 20, an upper edge that is aligned with the upper edge of the lens 20, and a lower edge that is aligned with the lower edge of the lens 20.

As can be seen from Figure 7b, the second state 94 corresponds to a rectangular area that is three optic elements 42 across and three optic elements 42 high. The second state 94 is further defined by an inboard edge that is nine columns of optic elements 42 from the inboard end 26 of the lens 20, an outboard edge that is one column of optic elements 42 from the outboard end 28 of the lens 20, an upper edge that is one row of optic elements 42 from the upper edge of the lens 20, and a lower edge that is one row of optic elements 42 from the lower edge of the lens 20.

A transition region is defined by the difference between the size of the direction indicator region 80 when in the first and second states 92, 94. With reference to Figure 7b, the transition region is defined by the area of the lens 20 which is formed between the dashed line 96 and a perimeter 98 of the direction indicator region 80 when in the second state 94. The transition from the first to the second stage of the illumination sequence is achieved by switching off the amber LEDs, and optionally then turning on the red LEDs, of every lighting element that corresponds to transition region.

At the third stage, as shown in Figure 7c, the area occupied by the direction indicator region 80 reduces yet further to define a third state 100 occupying a single element of the lens 20. Thus, the third state 100 is further defined by an inboard edge that is ten columns of optic elements 42 from the inboard end 26 of the lens 20, an outboard edge that is two columns of optic elements 42 from the outboard end 28 of the lens 20, an upper edge that is two rows of optic elements 42 from the upper edge of the lens 20, and a lower edge that is two rows of optic elements 42 from the lower edge of the lens 20.

Following the third stage, the direction indicator region 80 may reduce further such that none of the lighting elements are configured to emit amber light, and optionally all to emit only red light. The progressive sequence then returns to the first state as shown in Figure 7d and is then repeated in a cyclical fashion until the direction indicator function is disengaged or cancelled.

Operating the lamp in this way gives the impression that the direction indicator region 80 is collapsing in on itself so as to disappear into a single focal point in the centre of the direction indicator region 80. Put another way, the convergence of the indictor region 80 over the course of the illumination sequence results in the formation of a series of concentric regions (referred to here as the first 92, second 94 and third 100 illumination states of the indicator region 80) which ultimately disappear into a central point corresponding to a shared central axis of the concentric regions.

As described above, conventional progressively illuminated indicators operate by initially illuminating just a small region followed by the subsequent illumination of adjacent regions leading ultimately to a final stage of the sequence in which a maximum illumination intensity is achieved. By contrast, by controlling the lamp 10 of the invention according to the abovedescribed ‘collapsing’ (or converging) direction indicator function, the size of the illumination region associated with the direction indicator starts the illumination sequence at the maximum brightness, whilst also maintaining a sense of movement of the diminishing light in subsequent steps. In this way, the converging direction indicator function is able to produce maximum illumination without significant delay, in order to attract the attention of other road users more quickly. The motion associated with the subsequent convergence or collapse of the illumination region then retains the user’s attention.

In some variants, the intensity of light that is emitted by the lighting elements at each successive stage of the illumination sequence may be reduced so as to further enhance the visual effect of the direction indicator converging or collapsing in on itself.

Turning now to Figure 8, this is a flow chart that illustrates the control of the converging direction indicator function of the lamp 10 as shown in Figures 7a to 7d, in which the direction indicator is configured to collapse progressively inwardly.

The microcontroller 110 is configured to define the shape and size of the direction indicator illumination during each stage of the illumination sequence. The timing of each stage is also controlled by the microcontroller 110, as well as the relative illumination intensity, colour and illumination state for each lighting element, such that the intensity, colour and state may be varied during the illumination sequence.

The shape, size and timing of direction indicator illumination is determined using a graphical image processing module (not shown) of an external computing system. The characteristics of the direction indicator illumination is then converted into a set of instructions in the form of indicator configuration data, which is uploaded onto a segment control module 130 of the microcontroller 110 during the production or installation of the lamp 10. The indicator configuration data defines the shape, size, colour, intensity and timing of the illumination that is output by the lamp according to a given lighting function.

In use, the converging direction indicator function is activated when an external direction indicator function control signal 128 is received by a control signal analysis module 130 of the microcontroller 110.

The segment control module 130 then processes the control signal 128 in accordance with 10 the indicator configuration data and outputs a set of command signals to the light array controllers 124 (otherwise referred to as drivers) via a control switching output module 132.

The light array controllers 124 receive command signals and individually control the state and/or intensity of the LEDs in each lighting element 60 of the lamp 10 according to the direction indicator lighting function.

The microcontroller 110 controls the output of the light array controllers 124 including, for example, timing of the flash rate such that the lamp 10 operates in compliance with a legally defined range of flash rates.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the invention could be modified to take many alternative forms to that described herein, without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Whilst the direction indicator optics 60 of the invention have particular advantages when part of a rear lamp cluster unit 10 for a commercial vehicle 14, such optics may be used in other contexts.

Claims

1. A vehicle lamp implementing display functions that comprise a direction indicator function illuminated in a first colour and at least one other vehicle lighting function illuminated in a different second colour, the lamp comprising:

a plurality of illuminable elements arranged in a two-dimensional array that extends across a display face, each element being capable of illuminating selectively to emit light of the first or second colour in accordance with a selected state of illumination; and an addressing system that is arranged to address each element individually and to select a state of illumination of each element, such that elements emitting one of said colours of light, grouped to define a display function, form an illuminated region having selectively different shapes or positions on the display face.

2. The lamp of Claim 1, further comprising an on-board controller that communicates with the addressing system.

3. The lamp of Claim 1 in combination with an external controller that communicates with the addressing system.

4. The lamp of Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the controller is programmable to customise the shapes, positions or movements of the illuminated regions on or across the display face.

5. The lamp of any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the controller is programmed to drive cyclical movement of the direction indicator function across the display face.

6. The lamp of any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the controller is programmed to drive movement of the direction indicator function across at least one other vehicle lighting function also displayed on the display face.

7. The lamp of any of any preceding claim, wherein the direction indicator function is implemented by illuminating a region of the display face that remains of substantially the same size and intensity as it moves across the display face.

8. The lamp of any preceding claim, wherein the direction indicator function moves across the display face in an outboard direction with respect to vehicle width in steps from an initial inboard position to a series of successively outboard positions before returning to the inboard position.

9. The lamp of Claim 8, wherein the illuminated region that implements the direction indicator function overlaps a boundary of the illuminated region in an immediately preceding step.

10. The lamp of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one lens configured to disperse or direct the light emitted from the or each illuminable element.

11. The lamp of Claim 10, wherein the lens extends across the display face and comprises a two-dimensional array of lens formations that correspond with the array of illuminable elements.

12. The lamp of any preceding claim, wherein the illuminable elements are arranged in a tessellated configuration to define said two-dimensional array.

13. A method of implementing display functions on a vehicle lamp, which functions comprise a direction indicator function illuminated in a first colour and at least one other vehicle lighting function illuminated in a different second colour, the method comprising addressing each of a plurality of illuminable elements individually to emit light of either the first or second colour, such that elements emitting one of said colours of light, grouped to define a display function, form an illuminated region having selectively different shapes or positions on the display face.

14. A vehicle direction indicator lamp comprising a plurality of illuminable elements that together define an illuminable direction indicator region, the elements being controllable to illuminate in a cyclical progressive direction indicator sequence that comprises a step in which an illuminated area is in a maximal state and progresses in at least two further steps in which the illuminated area shrinks in at least two mutually-opposed directions before returning to the maximal state.

15. The lamp of Claim 14, wherein, on activation of the lamp, the progressive direction indicator sequence starts with the illuminated area in the maximal state.

16. The lamp of Claim 14 or Claim 15, wherein a pair of the mutually-opposed directions are substantially horizontal when the lamp is oriented for use.

17. The lamp of any of Claims 14 to 16, wherein a pair of the mutually-opposed directions are substantially vertical when the lamp is oriented for use.

18. The lamp of any of Claims 14 to 17, wherein first and second pairs of the mutuallyopposed directions lie on respective mutually-orthogonal axes.

19. The lamp of Claim 18, wherein the illuminated area, when in its maximal state, is substantially rectangular.

20. The lamp of Claim 19, wherein the illuminated area, when shrunk in at least one of the further steps, remains substantially rectangular.

21. The lamp of any of Claims 14 to 18, wherein pairs of mutually-opposed directions are oriented substantially radially with respect to a central axis of the illuminated area.

22. The lamp of Claim 21, wherein the illuminated area, when in its maximal state, is substantially circular.

23. The lamp of Claim 22, wherein the illuminated area, when shrunk in at least one of the further steps, remains substantially circular.

24. A method of operating a vehicle direction indicator lamp, the method comprising controlling a plurality of illuminable elements of the lamp to illuminate in a cyclical progressive direction indicator sequence, which sequence comprises a step in which an illuminated area is in a maximal state and progresses in at least two further steps in which the illuminated area shrinks in at least two mutually-opposed directions before returning to the maximal state.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1616020.2 Examiner: Mr Charles Ellwood