WO2016094735A2

WO2016094735A2 - An illumination device

Info

Publication number: WO2016094735A2
Application number: PCT/US2015/065118
Authority: WO
Inventors: Teng Chieh LU; Jui Sheng HUANG; Shyh-Yi Kuo
Original assignee: Gogoro Inc.
Priority date: 2014-12-10
Filing date: 2015-12-10
Publication date: 2016-06-16
Also published as: WO2016094735A3; TW201632388A; TWI613116B

Abstract

An illumination device for a vehicle includes a light source configured to be installed at the vehicle, and a switch electrically coupled with the light source, wherein the switch and the light source are operable by magnetism.

Description

AN ILLUMINATION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to an illumination device for a vehicle, and particularly a lighting system installed in the vehicle for illuminating a recess of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles such as scooters, motorcycles, bicycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are generally provided with a storage chamber for storing an article within the vehicle. The vehicle typically includes a body, a seat disposed on the recess for a rider and/or passengers seating thereon, and the storage chamber disposed under the seat and defined by the body of the vehicle. The storage chamber can accommodate one or more articles, for example a helmet, a handbag, etc.

Since the storage chamber has a certain depth, the article particularly small object inside the storage chamber could not be seen clearly and thus causing inconvenience to a user. Generally, a light is installed within the storage chamber in order to easily access the article in the storage chamber. The user could turn on the light when accessing the storage chamber or whenever necessary. However, the light could not be used effectively. Also, such manual operation of the light is not reliable. For example, the light has not turned off by the user after use and thus causing energy wastage and shortening a lifespan of the light.

Based upon such configuration, the light could not effectively cooperate with the access of the storage chamber. Therefore, there is a continuous need to improve the structure and configuration of the light and the storage chamber for maximizing their functions and solve the above deficiencies. BRIEF SUMMARY

An improved illumination device is provided. In some embodiments, the illumination device is provided for a vehicle such motorcycles, scooter, bicycle or etc. In some embodiments, the illumination device includes a light source configured to be installed at the vehicle, and a switch electrically coupled with the light source, wherein the switch is operable by magnetism to control the light source.

In some embodiments, the switch is controllable by a sensor configured to sense the existence of the magnetism in a location adjacent to the sensor, and the switch is operative in response to the sensor. In some embodiments, the switch includes a sensor for sensing existence of the magnetism and controlling the switch. In some embodiments, the light source and the switch are electrically connected by a circuit, and the switch controls opening and closing of the circuit. In some embodiments, the light source and the magnetic switch are connected to a power source. In some embodiments, the switch is normally closed. In some embodiments, the switch is opened by moving a magnet adjacent to the switch or a sensor controlling the switch. In some embodiments, the light source is switched upon a movement of a magnet over the switch or a sensor controlling the switch. In some embodiments, the switch or a sensor controlling the switch is disposed on a periphery of the recess of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the light source is configured to be installed on a sidewall of the recess of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the illumination device further includes a housing including the light source, and the housing includes translucent or transparent material that is permeable to light beams radiated from the light source. In some embodiments, the recess is a storage space for storing an article. In some embodiments, the illumination device further includes a universal serial bus (USB) port for connecting with and/or charging an external device.

A lighting system for a vehicle is also provided. The lighting system includes a housing disposed correspondingly to the recess, a light source contained in the housing and configured to illuminate the recess of the vehicle, a magnetic switch electrically coupled with the light source and controlling the light source, and a magnetic member for switching the magnetic switch to turn on or off the light source.

In some embodiments, the lighting system further includes a magnetic sensor controlling the magnetic switch, and the magnetic member is displaceable over the magnetic switch or the magnetic sensor. In some embodiments, the lighting system further includes a magnetic sensor controlling the magnetic switch, and the magnetic switch is opened by moving the magnetic member adjacent to the magnetic switch or the magnetic sensor controlling the magnetic switch. In some embodiments, the magnetic member is disposed at a cover configured to cover an opening of the recess of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the magnetic member is disposed at a periphery portion of the cover.

In some embodiments, the cover is displaceable between an open position where the recess is accessible through the opening and a closed position where the recess is covered by the cover. In some embodiments, the light source emits light when the cover is in the open position, and the light source does not emit light when the cover is in the closed position. In some embodiments, the cover is configured for a person to sit on. In some embodiments, the vehicle includes a slot for insertion of the light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic view of an illumination device in open circuit according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 2 is a schematic view of an illumination device in closed circuit according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 3 is a schematic view of an illumination device in open circuit according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 4 is a schematic view of an illumination device in closed circuit according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment. Figure 5 is a schematic view of an illumination device installed within a recess of a vehicle according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 6 is a schematic view of an illumination device installed within a recess of a vehicle according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 7 is a schematic view of a lighting system in open circuit according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of a lighting system in closed circuit according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 9 is a schematic view of a lighting system installed within a recess of a vehicle according to one non -limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 10 is a schematic view of a lighting system with a cover in a closed position according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 11 is a schematic view of a lighting system with a cover in an open position according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 12 is a schematic view of a lighting system with a cover in a closed position according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 13 is a schematic view of a lighting system with a cover in an open position according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 14 is a schematic view of a lighting system including a slot for holding a light source according to one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with switches, sensors, controllers, and communications systems and structures and networks have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments. Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense that is as "including, but not limited to."

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The use of ordinals such as first, second and third does not necessarily imply a ranked sense of order, but rather may only distinguish between multiple instances of an act or structure.

Headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

In at least some embodiments, a feature "vehicle" is directed to a scooter, a motorcycle or a motor driven vehicle. However, in principle, "vehicle" is not limited to these embodiments. The "vehicle" is also intended to direct to non-motor driven vehicles, manual vehicles (for example, bicycle), single wheel vehicles, multi-wheel vehicles, any other kinds of vehicles, etc. which are also intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, an illumination device is installable within a vehicle. The illumination device includes a light source and a switch. The light source can be used to illuminate a recess of the vehicle, and the switch is electrically coupled with the light source. The switch can be operated by magnetism to control the light source. Illumination of the light source can be controlled in response to magnetism. For example, the illumination includes a magnet and a circuit connecting with the light source, and when the magnet is moved close to the switch, the circuit connecting the light source will be opened and accordingly the light source will be turned off and become not luminous. When the magnet is moved away from the switch, the circuit will be closed, and the light source will be turned on and become luminous. As such, illumination to the recess by the light source can be effectively achieved by using magnetism.

Furthermore, a lighting system for a vehicle is also disclosed in some embodiments. The vehicle comprises a recess and a cover configured to cover the recess. The lighting system includes a frame, a housing encapsulating a light source, a magnetic switch connected with the light source and a magnetic member installed on the cover. The recess is illuminated or not in response to movement of the cover. When the cover closes the recess, the magnetic switch is opened by the magnetic member and the light source is turned off. When the cover is opened, the magnetic switch is closed and the light source is turned on. Thus, the recess is illuminated by the light source only when the cover is opened.

Figure 1 shows an illumination device 100 according to illustrated embodiments. In some embodiments, the illumination device 100 is configured for use in a vehicle such as but not limited to a scooter, a motorcycle, a bicycle, etc. In some embodiments, the illumination device 100 is installable within or on the vehicle. In some implementation, the illumination device 100 is disposed at a body of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the illumination device 100 is disposed with respect to a recess of the body of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the recess is a storage space for storing an article such as but not limited to helmet, bag, etc.

In some embodiments, the illumination device 100 is installable at a scooter 200 as shown in Figure 5. The scooter 200 includes a body 201. The body 201 defines a recess 202. The illumination device 100 is disposed with respect to the recess 202 of the scooter 200. In some embodiments, the recess 202 is a storage box for storing an article, such as but not limited to helmet, bag, etc.

Referring back to Figure 1, the illumination device 100 includes a light source 101. In some embodiments, the light source 101 is installable at the vehicle. In some embodiments, the light source 101 is installable within or on the vehicle. In some embodiments, the light source 101 is installed with respect to the recess 202 of the vehicle and configured to illuminate the recess 202 of the vehicle. The light source 101 can emit light beams. In some implementations, the light source 101 comprises a filament, a light bulb, a light emitting diode (LED) light, a light emitting device or the like.

In some embodiments, the light source 101 is electrically connected to an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the light source

101 is electrically connected to a power source 104. In some embodiments, the light source 101 is electrically connected with the ECU or the power source 104 by any suitable means such as an electrical wire, conductive line, wireless transmission, or etc.

In some embodiments, the light source 101 is detachable from the vehicle. The light source 101 is detachable from the body 201 of the vehicle 200 or away from the recess 202 of the body 201 of the vehicle 200 so as to make the light source 101 portable for use. The light source 101 can be detached and carried away from the vehicle. In some embodiments, the light source 101 can be served as a portable torch. For example, a user can detach the light source 101 from the vehicle and carry the light source 101 to light up any place where desired. In some embodiments, the illumination device 100 further includes a power storage device such as but not limited to battery. The power storage device can be charged when the light source 101 is attached to the vehicle, or electrically connected to the ECU or the power source 104. In some embodiments, the power storage device of the light source 101 can provide electrical energy to the light source 101 when the light source 101 is detached from the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the illumination device 100 includes a switch 102. In some embodiments, the switch 102 is integral with or separated from the light source 101. In some embodiments, the switch 102 is electrically coupled with the light source 101. In some embodiments, the light source 101 and the switch 102 are electrically connected by a circuit 103. In some embodiments, the switch 102 controls opening and closing of the circuit 103. In some implementations, the switch 102 is disposed inside or outside the recess of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the switch

102 is electrically connected to the ECU of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the switch 102 and the light source 101 are connected to a power source 104. In some embodiments, the power source 104 is disposed inside or outside the recess of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the power source 104 is distal to the switch 102 and/or the light source 101. In some embodiments, the power source 104 is electrically connected to the ECU of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the switch 102 is operated by magnetism to control the light source 101. The light source 101 is switched on or off in response to the application or non-application of magnetism. In some embodiments, the switch 102 is a magnetic switch. In some embodiments, the switch 102 includes an arm which is movable by magnetism. In some embodiments, the light source 101 is switched on or off by movement of a magnet 105. When the magnet 105 is displaced adjacent to the arm of the switch 102, the switch 102 switches the circuit 103 from closed to open. When the magnet 105 is displaced away from the arm of the switch 102, the switch 102 switches the circuit 103 from open to closed. Thus, the light source 101 can be switched on or off by the magnetism from the magnet 105. Accordingly, the light source 101 can be turned on or off by a magnet.

Figure 1 illustrates that the circuit 103 is opened by the switch 102 and thus, the light source 101 is turned off. On the other hand, Figure 2 illustrates that the circuit 103 is closed by the switch 102 and thus, the light source 101 is turned on. In some embodiments as shown in Figure 1, the switch 102 is opened by moving the magnet 105 adjacent to the arm of the switch 102. In some implementations, the arm of the switch 102 is repelled by the magnet 105 so as to open the circuit 103 and thus turn off the light source 101. As a result, the light source 101 does not emit light when the magnet 105 is moved adjacent to the arm of the switch 102.

In some embodiments as shown in Figure 2, the switch 102 is closed by moving the magnet 105 away from the arm of the switch 102. In some implementations, the arm of the switch 102 is moved towards the conductive line or the circuit 103, closing the circuit 103 so as to turn on the light source 101. The switch 102 is closed when the magnet 105 is moved away from the arm of the switch 102, and as a result, the light source 101 is turned on. In some implementations, the switch 102 is normally closed as shown in Figure 2. In some embodiments, the switch 102 normally closes the circuit 103. The circuit 103 is also normally closed and the light source normally illuminates. In some embodiments, the switch 102 is switched from closed to open (from Figure 2 to Figure 1) when the magnet 105 is moved towards the arm of the switch 102. The switch 102 becomes open when the magnet 105 is disposed adjacent to the arm of the switch 102. As a result, the circuit 103 is switched from closed to open and the light source is switched from being turned on to being turned off.

In some embodiments, the switch 102 is switched from open (as illustrated in Figure 1) to closed ( as illustrated in Figure 2) when the magnet 105 is moved away from the arm of the switch 102. The switch 102 becomes closed when magnetism of the magnet 105 does not affect the arm of the switch 102. As a result, the switch 102 returns to the closed position. The circuit 103 is switched from open to closed and the light source is switched from being turned off to being turned on.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate an illumination device 100 including the sensor

108 for sensing the magnetism and controlling the switch 102 according to one embodiment. The switch 102 is opened or closed in response to a change sensed by the sensor 108. In some embodiments, the sensor 108 can sense a change of electromagnetic field within a predetermined distance of the sensor 108. For example, the sensor 108 is a magnetic sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor 108 can sense the change of electromagnetic field (EM field) within a predetermined distance of the sensor 108, such as an increase of the EM field intensity when a magnet approaches the sensor 108 or a decrease of the EM field when a magnet moves away from the sensor 108. As shown in Figure 3, the sensor 108 can open the switch 102 when the magnet 105 is moved adjacent to the sensor 108, and accordingly, the light source 101 is turned off. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4, the sensor 108 can close the switch 102 when the magnet 105 is moved away from the sensor 108, and accordingly, the light source can be turned on.

In some embodiments, the sensor 108 is integral with the switch 102. In some embodiments, the sensor is a magnetic sensor configured to sense a change of magnetic field in a location adjacent to the sensor. The magnetic sensor itself, rather than a separate switch 102, can be used as a magnetic switch to control opening or closing of the circuit 103 (i.e. lighting up or turning off the light source 101) in response to the change of the magnetic field in a location adjacent to the magnetic sensor or the switch 102.

In some embodiments, the sensor 108 is integral with the light source 101. Therefore, light source 101 can be used to control opening or closing of the circuit 103 (i.e. turning on or off the light source 101) in response to the change of the magnetic field in a location adjacent to the sensor 108 or the light source 101. In some embodiments, the light source 101, the switch 102 and the sensor 108 all are integrated together.

In some implementations as shown in Figure 5, the switch 102 and/or the sensor 108 are disposed adjacent to a periphery of the recess 202 of the vehicle 200. In some implementations, the light source 101 is configured to be installed on a sidewall 203 of the recess 202 of the vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the light source 101 is distal to the switch 102. In some embodiments as shown in Figure 6, the light source 101, the switch 102 and/or the sensor 108 are integrated together and disposed on the periphery of the recess 202. In some embodiments, the light source 101, the switch 102 and/or the sensor 108 are integrated together and disposed on the sidewall 203 of the recess 202 of the vehicle 200.

In some embodiments, the illumination device 100 further includes a housing 106 that houses the light source 101. In some embodiments, the housing 106 accommodates the light source 101 and the switch 102. In some embodiments, the housing 106 contains the light source 101, the switch 102 and/or the sensor 108. In some embodiments, the housing 106 comprises a substantially rectangular, quadrilateral or polygonal shape. In some embodiments, the housing 106 is disposed within or on the vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the housing 106 is disposed within or with respect to the recess 202 of the vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the housing 106 is attachable to or into the sidewall 203 of the recess 202 of the vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the housing 106 is detachable from the vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the housing 106 containing the light source 101 is portable and can serve as a portable illumination apparatus such as portable torch. In some embodiments, the housing 106 further includes a power storage device for providing an electrical power to the light source 101, and with that, the light source 101 can produce light when the housing 106 is detached from the vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the power storage device can be charged when the housing 106 is connected to the vehicle 200.

In some embodiments, the housing 106 includes translucent or transparent material. In some embodiments, some portions 106a of the housing 106 are made of translucent or transparent material which is permeable to at least visible light. In some implementations, the housing 106 is made of plastic material or the like. In some embodiments, the housing 106 is permeable to light beams radiated from the light source 101. Therefore, light from the light source 101 can pass through the housing 106 and illuminate the recess 202 of the vehicle 200. In some embodiments, the light source 101 can be used to illuminate other desirable spaces when the housing 106 including translucent or transparent material is detached from the vehicle 200.

In some embodiments, the illumination device 100 further includes a universal serial bus (USB) port 107 for connecting with an external device. In some embodiments, the external device could be configured to be charged through the USB port 107. In some embodiments, the external device is an electronic device such as mobile phone, music player, notebook, laptop, etc. In some implementations, the USB port 107 is connected with the power source 104. In some embodiments, the housing 106 with the USB port 107 is detachable from the vehicle, and thus the housing 106 with the USB port 107 is portable and can serve as a portable battery for charging the external device. In some embodiments, a power storage device is included within the housing 106. The power storage device is configured to store electrical energy and can be charged when the housing 106 is attached to the vehicle. The power storage device inside the housing 106 is able to charge the external device through the USB port 107 when the housing 106 is detached from the vehicle. Figure 7 is a lighting system 300 according to illustrated embodiments. In some embodiments, the lighting system 300 is configured for use with a vehicle such as but not limited to a scooter, a motorcycle, a bicycle, etc. In some embodiments, the lighting system 300 is installable within or on the vehicle. In some embodiments, the lighting system 300 is disposed at a body of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the lighting system 300 is disposed within a recess of the body of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the recess of the vehicle is a storage space for storing an article such as helmet, bag, etc.

In some embodiments, the lighting system 300 is installable within a scooter 200 as shown in Figure 9. The scooter 200 includes a body 201. In some embodiments, the body 201 defines a recess 202. The lighting system 300 is disposed within or beside the recess 202 of the scooter 200. In some embodiments, the recess 202 is a storage space for storing an article. In some embodiments, the lighting system 300 is disposed over a periphery of the recess 202. The lighting system 300 is disposed on the periphery of the recess 202.

Referring back to Figure 7, the lighting system 300 includes a frame 301, a housing 106 set in the frame 301, a light source 101 disposed in the housing 106, and a magnetic switch 102. In some embodiments, the frame 301 is configured to be disposed within the recess 202 of the body 201 of the vehicle 200. In some implementations, the frame 301 includes a periphery portion 301a. The periphery portion 301a of the frame 301 is configured to be received by the periphery of the recess 202, so that the lighting system 300 is held on the periphery of the recess 202.

In some embodiments, the housing 106 is attachable to or detachable from the frame 301 and disposed within or beside the recess 202. In some embodiments, the housing 106 includes translucent or transparent material. In some embodiments, some portions of the housing 106 are made of translucent or transparent material which is permeable to at least visible light. In some implementations, the housing 106 includes plastics or the like.

In some embodiments, the light source 101 is housed in the housing 106 and is configured to illuminate the recess 202 of the vehicle 200. In some implementations, the light source 101 comprises a filament, a light bulb, a light emitting diode (LED) light, a light emitting device or the like. In some embodiments, the light source 101 emits visible light. In some embodiments, the housing 106 is permeable to light beams radiated from the light source 101. Therefore, the light source 101 can illuminate the recess 202 of the vehicle 200 through the housing 106. In some embodiments, the light source 101 is switchable between a luminous state and a non- luminous state.

In some embodiments, the magnetic switch 102 is electrically coupled with the light source 101. In some embodiments, the magnetic switch 102 and the light source 101 are connected by at least one conductive line or are wirelessly connected to each other, forming a circuit 103. In some embodiments, the magnetic switch 102 is used to control the light source 101. The magnetic switch 102 can render the circuit 103 open or closed, and thereby turns the light source 101 on (active) or off (inactive). In some implementations, the magnetic switch 102 is closed and the light source 101 emits light, and the magnetic switch 102 is open and the light source 101 stops emitting light. In some implementations, the magnetic switch 102 is contained in the housing 106 or is disposed outside the housing 106. In some embodiments, the magnetic switch 102 is integral with the light source 101.

In some embodiments, the lighting system 300 includes a magnetic sensor 108 for sensing a change of magnetic field at a place adjacent to the magnetic sensor 108 and controlling opening and closing of the magnetic switch 102. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensor 108 is configured to work with a magnetic member 105. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensor 108 is integral with the magnetic switch 102. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensor 108 is disposed separately from the light source 101 and/or the magnetic switch 102. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensor 108 is encapsulated by the housing 106 or is disposed outside the housing 106. In some embodiments, the magnetic sensor 108 is disposed at an end of the periphery portion 301a of the frame 301.

In some embodiments, the light system 300 further includes the magnetic member 105 configured to open and close the magnetic switch 102. The light source 101 is controlled by the magnetic member 105. In some embodiments, the magnetic member 105 can switch the magnetic switch 102 from closed to open or vice versa, such that the light source 101 is switched from luminous to non-luminous or vice versa. In some embodiments, the magnetic member 105 can be sensed by the magnetic sensor 108 and thus the magnetic switch 102 would close or open in response to the magnetism of the magnetic member 105.

Figure 7 illustrates that the circuit 103 is opened by the magnetic switch 102 and thus the light source 101 is turned off. On the other hand, Figure 8 illustrates that the circuit 103 is closed by the magnetic switch 102 and thus the light source 101 is turned on. In some embodiments, the magnetic member 105 is configured to cooperate with the magnetic switch 102 or the magnetic sensor 108. In some embodiments as shown in Figure 7, the magnetic switch 102 is opened by moving the magnetic member 105 adjacent to the magnetic switch 102 or the magnetic sensor 108, so as to open the circuit 103 and turn off the light source 101. As a result, the light source 101 does not emit light when the magnetic member 105 is moved adjacent to the magnetic switch 102 or the magnetic sensor 108.

In some embodiments as shown in Figure 8, the magnetic switch 102 is closed by displacing the magnetic member 105 away from the magnetic switch 102. In some implementations, the arm of the switch 102 is moved by the magnetic member 105 to connect the circuit 103 so as to close the circuit 103 and turn on the light source 101. The magnetic switch 102 is closed when the magnetic member 105 is moved away. Therefore, the light source 101 emits light when the magnetic member 105 is moved away from the magnetic switch 102.

In some implementations, the magnetic switch 102 is normally closed as shown in Figure 8. In some embodiments, the magnetic switch 102 is switched from closed to open (from Figure 8 to Figure 7) when the magnetic member 105 is moved adjacent to the magnetic switch 102. In some embodiments, the magnetic switch 102 is closed until the magnetic member 105 is disposed adjacent to the magnetic switch 102. As a result, the circuit 103 is switched from close to open and the light source is switched from on to off. In some embodiments, the magnetic switch 102 is switched from open to close (from Figure 7 to Figure 8) when the magnetic member 105 is moved away from the magnetic switch 102 with the magnetism of the magnetic member 105 no more affecting the magnetic switch 102 or the magnetic sensor 108. As a result, the circuit 103 is switched from open to close and the light source is switched from off to on.

Figure 10 illustrates that the frame 301 is covered by a cover 303. In some embodiments, the magnetic member 105 to switch the light source 101 is disposed at the cover 303 configured to cover an opening 302 of the recess 202 of the frame 301. In some implementations, one end 303a of the cover 303 is hinged.

Figure 11 illustrates that the cover 303 is opened from the recess 202 or the frame 301. The cover 303 is pivoted about a hinge connected with the end 303a of the cover 303 to be opened from the recess 202 or the frame 301, so that the recess 202 or the opening 302 is accessible.

In some embodiments, the cover 303 is movable between an open position where the recess 202 is accessible through the opening 302 and a closed position where the recess 202 is covered by the cover 303. The cover 303 is in the closed position as shown in Figure 7, and the cover 303 is in the open position as shown in Figure 8. When the cover 303 is in the open position, the article stored within the recess 202 is accessible, and the article can be taken out or put into the recess 202.

Referring back to Figure 10, the magnetic switch 102 is opened when the cover is at the closed position, because the magnetic member 105 on the cover 303 is moved adjacent to the magnetic switch 102 or the magnetic sensor 108. As a result, the light source 101 does not emit light when the cover 303 is at the closed position.

Referring back to Figure 11, the magnetic switch 102 is closed when the cover is in the open position. As the magnetic member 105 is moved away from the magnetic switch 102, the magnetic switch 102 is switched closed. Therefore, the light source 101 emits light when the cover is in the open position.

In some embodiments, the magnetic member 105 is disposed at a periphery portion 303b of the cover 303. In some implementations, the magnetic member 105 is disposed at an end of the cover 303. In some embodiments, the magnetic member 105 is disposed at a backside of the cover 303 facing the recess 202.

In some embodiments, the cover 303 is configured for a person seating thereon. In some embodiments, a front side of the cover 303 opposite to the backside (where the magnetic member 105 may be disposed at) is configured for a person to sit on. In some embodiments as shown in Figure 12, the cover 303 is in the closed position and a person can sit on the front side of the cover 303 to ride the vehicle 200. In contrast, a person cannot sit on the front side of the cover 303 when the cover 303 is in the open position as shown in Figure 13.

In some implementations, the light source 101 or the housing 106 is disposed at or within a sidewall 203 of the recess 202. In some embodiments, the frame 301 includes a slot 304 for insertion of the light source 101 or the housing 106 as shown in Figure 14. In some implementations, the slot 304 is disposed at a side portion 301b of the frame 301.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. To the extent that they are not inconsistent with the specific teachings and definitions herein, all of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications.

Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

While generally discussed in the environment and context of collection, charging and distribution of portable electrical energy storage devices for use with personal transportation vehicle such as all-electric scooters and/or motorbikes, the teachings herein can be applied in a wide variety of other environments, including other vehicular as well as non-vehicular environments.

The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract of the Disclosure, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art.

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

1. An illumination device for a vehicle, comprising: a light source configured to be installed at the vehicle; and a switch electrically coupled with the light source,

wherein the switch is operable by magnetism to control the light source.

2. The illumination device of Claim 1, wherein the switch is controllable by a sensor configured to sense existence of the magnetism in a location adjacent to the sensor, and the switch is operative in response to the sensor.

3. The illumination device of Claim 1, wherein the switch includes a sensor for sensing existence of the magnetism and controlling the switch.

4. The illumination device of Claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the light source and the switch are electrically connected by a circuit, and the switch controls opening and closing of the circuit.

5. The illumination device of Claim 1, wherein the switch is normally closed.

6. The illumination device of Claims 1, 2, 3, or 4 wherein the switch is opened by moving a magnet adjacent to the switch or a sensor controlling the switch.

7. The illumination device of Claim 1, wherein the light source is switched upon a movement of a magnet over the switch or a sensor controlling the switch.

8. The illumination device of Claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 wherein the switch or a sensor controlling the switch is disposed on a periphery of the recess of the vehicle.

9. The illumination device of Claim 1, wherein the light source is configured to be installed on a sidewall of the recess of the vehicle.

10. The illumination device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing including the light source, and the housing includes translucent or transparent material that is permeable to light beams radiated from the light source.

11. The illumination device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a universal serial bus (USB) port for connecting with and/or charging an external device.

12. A lighting system for a vehicle including a recess, comprising: a housing disposed correspondingly to the recess;

a light source contained in the housing and configured to illuminate the recess of the vehicle;

a magnetic switch electrically coupled with the light source and controlling the light source; and

a magnetic member for switching the magnetic switch to turn on or off the light source.

13. The lighting system of Claim 12, further comprising a magnetic sensor controlling the magnetic switch, wherein the magnetic member is displaceable over the magnetic switch or the magnetic sensor.

14. The lighting system of Claim 12, further comprising a magnetic sensor controlling the magnetic switch, wherein the magnetic switch is opened by moving the magnetic member adjacent to the magnetic switch or the magnetic sensor controlling the magnetic switch.

15. The lighting system of Claims 12, 13 or 14, wherein the magnetic member is disposed at a cover configured to cover an opening of the recess of the vehicle.

16. The lighting system of Claim 15, wherein the magnetic member is disposed at a periphery portion of the cover.

17. The lighting system of Claim 15, wherein the cover is displaceable between an open position where the recess is accessible through the opening and a closed position where the recess is covered by the cover.

18. The lighting system of Claim 17, wherein the light source emits light when the cover is in the open position, and the light source does not emit light when the cover is in the closed position.

19. The lighting system of Claim 15, wherein the cover is configured for a person to sit on.

20. The lighting system of Claim 12, wherein the vehicle includes a slot for insertion of the light source.