U.S. patent application number 09/437247 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-04 for passenger-cabin lighting device.
Invention is credited to IWASA, TADANOBU, MUKOGAWA, TAKAO, SUGIHARA, HIROSHI, YAMANAKA, OSAMU.
Application Number | 20020085377 09/437247 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26464265 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020085377 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MUKOGAWA, TAKAO ; et
al. |
July 4, 2002 |
PASSENGER-CABIN LIGHTING DEVICE
Abstract
A passenger-cabin lighting device comprises as follows. A
transparent member is made of synthetic resin not containing
scattering material, and has a light emitting surface and a light
reflecting surface. A semitransparent member is made of
semitransparent synthetic resin containing the scattering material.
The semitransparent member is bonded to an inside of the
transparent member to constitute a 1 ight emitting body. A
plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed on one end face of
the light emitting body for projecting light into the transparent
member and the semitransparent member. A control circuit controls
flickering of the plurality of light emitting diodes. The thus
constructed passenger-cabin lighting device may be used for
lighting and illuminating the passenger cabin, and for highlighting
the car itself.
Inventors: |
MUKOGAWA, TAKAO; (BISAI-SHI,
JP) ; YAMANAKA, OSAMU; (NISHIKASUQAI-GUN, JP)
; IWASA, TADANOBU; (ICHINORIYA-SHI, JP) ;
SUGIHARA, HIROSHI; (OGAKI-SHI, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PILLSBURY MADISON & SUTRO LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
1100 NEW YORK AVENUE NW
NINTH FLOO EAST TOWER
WASHINGTON
DC
200053918
|
Family ID: |
26464265 |
Appl. No.: |
09/437247 |
Filed: |
November 10, 1999 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 362/80 20130101;
B60Q 3/64 20170201; B60Q 3/88 20170201; F21V 5/00 20130101; F21W
2106/00 20180101; F21V 2200/30 20150115; F21Y 2115/10 20160801;
B60Q 3/80 20170201; B60Q 3/85 20170201 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/184 |
International
Class: |
F21V 033/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 12, 1998 |
JP |
HEI-10-12B657 |
Claims
1. A passenger-cabin lighting device comprising: a light emitting
body comprising: a transparent member comprising synthetic resin
not containing scattering material, said transparent member having
a light emitting surface and a light reflecting surface; and a
semitransparent member comprising semitransparent synthetic resin
containing the scattering material, said semitransparent member
being bonded to an inside of said transparent member, thereby
forming a light diffusion surface an a surtace thereof; a plurality
of light emitting diodes for projecting light into said transparent
member and said semitransparent member, said light emitting diodes
being disposed on one end face of said light emitting body; and a
control circuit for controlling flickering of said plurality of
light emitting diodes.
2. A paseenger-cabin lighting device according to claim 1, wherein
said light emitting diodes emit light of two or more colors.
3. A passenger-cabin lighting device according to claim 2., wherein
said light emitting diodes emit light of three primary colors.
4. A passenger-cabin lighting device according to claim 1, wherein
said control circuit for controlling the flickering of said
plurality of light emitting diodes selectively performs a control
for one of a spot lighting and an illumination control.
5. A passenger-cabin lighting device according to claim 1, wherein
said control circuit for controlling the fickering of said
plurality of light emitting diodes varies colors one to another in
a time sequential manner.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Inyvntion
[0002] The present invention relates to a passenger-cabin lighting
device with a light emitting diode (referred with "LED"
hereinafter), which is operable as a spot lighting device or an
illuminator.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] There is known a passenger-cabin lighting device of the type
which receives electric power from a cigarette socket of a
cigarette lighter ot the vehicle. This type of the passenger-cabin
lighting device uses a predetermined bulb as a light source, and is
used as a lighting device or an illuminator.
[0005] When the bulb is lighted for the lighting or illuminating
purpose, a load to a car battery increases. The increased load will
adversely affect the starting operation of a starter of the vehicle
or car. The passenger-cabin lighting device may be used as an
illuminator, indeed. However, its function of color expression is
simple to such a degree that it is only enough to produce seasonal
atmosphere created by cabin temperature in summer or winter.
SUMMARY OF THE INENTION
[0006] Accordingly, an object of the present invention includes
provision of a passenger-cabin lighting device which enables less
power consumption, sophisticated and dramatic color expression, and
hence increases the range of its use.
[0007] To achieve the above object, there is provided a
passenger-cabin lighting device comprising: a light emitting body
having a transparent member including a layer made of synthetic
resin not containing scattering material, one of the surfaces of
the transparent member as viewed in the thickness direction serving
as a light reflecting surface and the other surface being a light
emitting surface, and a semitransparent member including
semitransparent synthetic resin containing scattering material, the
semitransparent amber being bonded to the inside of the transparent
member; a plurality of light emitting diodes for projecting light
into the transparent member and the semitransparent member, the
light emitting diodes being provided in one of the end face of at
least the light emitting body; and a control circuit of an
electronic control unit and the like for controlling flickering of
the plurality of light emitting diodes.
[0008] The light emitting diodes preferably emit light of at least
two colors.
[0009] The light emitting diodes preferably emit light of three
primary colors.
[0010] Preferably, the control circuit for controlling the
flickering of the plurality of light emitting diodes selectively
performs a control for spot lighting or an illumination
control.
[0011] Preferably, the control circuit for controlling the
flickering of the light emitting diodes varies colors one to
another in a time sequential manner.
[0012] Features and advantages of the invention will be evident
from the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments described in conjunction with the attached
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In the accompanying drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a view showing an overall passenger-cabin lighting
device which is an embodiment of the present i nvention, a key
portion of the lighting device being sectionally shown;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A in
FIG. 2;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a key
portion of a passenger-cabin lighting device which is a second
embodiment of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a control circuit for
controlling the passenger-cabin lighting device of the first
embodiment; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a flow of the control for the
passenger-cabin lighting device of the first embodinent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a view showing an overall passenger-cabin lighting
device which is an embodiment of the present invention, a key
portion of the lighting device being sectionally shown. FIG. 2 is a
cross sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a
longitudinal sectional view showing a key portion of a
passenger-cabin Xlighting device which is a second embodiment of
the invention. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a control
circuit for controlling the passenger-cabin Lighting device of the
first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of the
control for the passenger-cabin lighting device of the first
embodiment.
[0021] Reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2. A cylindrical
transparent member 11 is made of a transparent material not
containing light scattering material. The cylindrical transparent
member 11 may be made of thermoplastic resin such as acrylic resin,
polystyrene, AS resin, polycarbonate, acryl-styrene monomer
copolymer resin, or the like. This transparent member 11 may be
also made of thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin, urethane
resin or the like. The outer peripheral eurfaoe of transparent
member 11 serves as a 1ight emitting surface, and the inner surface
thereof serves as a light reflecting surface for reflecting the
light emitted from a semitransparent member 12 hereinafter
described.
[0022] The column-like semitransparent member 12 may be formed with
a s emitransparent resin layer containing scattering material ot.
thermoplastic resin, such as acrylic resin, Polystyrene, AS resin,
polycarbonate, acryl-styrene monomer copolymer resin, or the like.
The column-like semitransparent member 12 is bonded onito the inner
surface of the cylindrical transparent mexmer 11. The
semitransparent thermoplastics containing scattering material may
also be replaced with thermosetting resin, such as epoxy resin,
uxethane reEin, or the like.
[0023] A convex transparent member 13 is made of transparent
material not containing scattering material, which is
thermoplastics as of the cylindrical transparent meNber 11. The
convex transparent member 13 is bonded, by adhesive, to one end
(first end) of the combination of the cylindrical transparent
inemeer 11 and the column-like semitransparent member 12
[0024] The passenger-cabin lighting device may also be manutactured
in the following manner. A semitransparent member 12 made of resin
containing scattering material iS poured into a cylindrical
transparent member 11, which is made of transparent material not
containing scattering material and is closed at one end with a
convex transparent member 13, whereby the semitransparent member 12
is bonded to the transparent member 11.
[0025] The cylindrical transparent member 11, semitransparent
member 12 and transparent meember 13 cooperate to form a light
emitting body 10.
[0026] In the structure in which the transparent members 11 and 13
are made of thermoplastics and the semitransparent metber 12 made
of thermoplastics is used as a filling member, a diffusion layer 14
is formed in the interface between those joined resin members. Even
if any of the transparent members 11 and 13 and the semitransparent
member 12 is first formed, the diffusion layer 14 is inevitably
formed when those resin members are united into a single body. The
semitransparent member 12 is used in order to form the diffusion
layer 14 in the interface between the resin members when those are
joined together, especially, on the outer peripheral surface of the
the semitransparent member 12 for dif fusing and emitting
light.
[0027] Therefore, the amount of scattering material used may be
small,. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface Cof the
column-like semitransparent member 12 serves as a light emitting
surface as well as a light diffusion surface. The diffusion layer
14 is formed by mixing powder scattering material such as TiC.sub.2
into the resin,, or by mixing noncompatible resin into the
semitransparent member 12, or by other manners.
[0028] A plurality of LEDs 16 are provided on the other end (second
end) of the combination of the transparent member 11 and the
semitransparent member 12. Each of LEDs comprises LED lamps 16 of
red, green and blue. An LED device is constituted by a printed
circuit board 17, and the LED lamps 16 of red, green and blue,
which are mounted on the printed circuit board 17. The LEDs 16
including red, green and blue LED lamps are put in concavities
formed in the second end of the combination of the transparent
member 11 and the semitransparent member 12. The former is bonded
to the surface of the concavity by adhesive so as to minimize light
reflection by the end face of the combined members 11 and 12.
[0029] While the LED device includes paired LED lamps 16 of red.
green and blue, those LED lamps may be substituted by LED chips 16
of red, green and blue. In this case, the LED device, which is put
on the second end of the column-like semitransparent member 12,
contains LED chips 16 of three primary colors, red, green and
blue.
[0030] The passenger-cabin lighting device of this embodiment may
be manufactured by the following method. Paired LED lamps or chips
of red, green and blue (those LED lamps and chips will be referred
generally to as LED elements frequently), which are mounted on the
printed circuit board 17, is prepared. A semitransparent member 12
is formed on the printed circuit bodrd with the paired LED lamps or
chips. Then, a transparent member 11 is formed on the resultant
structure. This method is advantageous in that it eliminates the
bonding work for bonding the LED device, the transparent member 11
and the semitransparent member 12 by adhesive, and that light is
imore efficiently input to the structure. In the embodiment, it is
preferable to increase an amount of light input from the LED device
to the diffusion layer 14 as the bonding surface between the
transparent member 11 and the semitransparent member 12 rather than
the column-like semitransparent member 12. A ratio of the amount of
light from the LED device to the transparent member 11 to the
amount of light from the same to the semitransparent member 12 is
not of significance in-the embodiment under discussion.
[0031] To form an electronic control unit 20, an electronic control
circuit 21 for controlling a light emission from the LED device
with duty ratio, which is mounted on the printed circuit board 17,
a mode switch 22 and a subswitch 23 are assembled into one unit of
a synthetic resin housing 32 by molding process. The mode switch 22
and the subrwitch 23, each consisting of a four-position switch,.
are arrayed side by side.
[0032] The subswitch 23 is sued for changing colors and varying an
intensity of light. The electronic control unit 20 receives
electric power from a cigarette lighter socket 31, which is coupled
to a car battery 25. The cigarette lighter socket 31 and the
housing 32 are mechanically interconnected by means of a flexible
tube 30 which contains a lead wire therein. The lead wire
electrically connects the electronic control unit 20 to the car
battery 25. For the formation of the electronic control unit 20,
the electronic control circuit 21 for controlling a light emission
in terms of duty ratio, the mode switch 22 as a four-position
switch, and the subawitch 23 as a four-position switch for changing
colors and varying an intensity of light are arranged and set at
predetermined positions, and inthis state, and are fixed by
injectionmolding the housing 32.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the electronic control circuit 21 for
controlling the duty ratio of the plurality of LEns 15, which forms
the electronic control unit 20, contains a microcomputer as a major
component. The mode switcb 22 (four-position switch) includes a
movable contact and fixed contacts 0 to 3. The movable contact of
the mode Switch 22 is connected to one end (first end) of the car
battery 25. The fixed contacts of the mode switch 22 are connected
to the first ends of the diodes 24, respectively. The second ends
of the diodes 24 are connected together to the electronic control
circuit 21. The subswitch 23 (four-position switch) also includes a
movable contact and fixed contacts 0 to 3. The mauvable contact of
the subswitch 23 is also connected to the first end of the car
battery 25. The fixed contacts 0 to 3 of the subswitch 23 are
directly connected to the electronic control circuit 21,
respectively. The electronic control circuit 21 is connected at the
output terminals to the LEns 16 of the LE3D device. The
passenger-cabin lighting device of the invention is operable in
different modes, mode C to mode 3. To select a desired operation
mode of the lighting device, the mode switch 22 is operated. The
fixed contacts 0 to 3 of the mode switch 22 correspond to those
operation modes 0 to 4. To select the mode 0O the mode switch 22 is
operated to bring the movable contact into contact with the fixed
contact 0. The details of the operation of the mode switch 22 will
subsequently be described.
[0034] The passenger-cabin lighting device of the first embodiment
is designed as a spot lighting device. However, it should be
understood that the passenger-cabin lighting device of the
invention is applicable to other devices than the spot lighting
device.
[0035] Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown another embodiment Or
a passenger-cabin lighting device according to the present
invention. In the figure, like or equivalent portions are
designated by like reference numerals FIGS. 1 and 2, for
Simplification.
[0036] A cup-shaped transparent member tl is made of transparent
material not containing scattering material. A semitransparent
member 12, which is formed within the transparent member h1r is
made of thermoplastics containing scattering material. To form the
semitransparent member 12, semitransparent material of
thermoplastics is poured into the hollow of the transparent member
11. In the resultant structure, the semitransparent member 12 is
bonded to the inner surface of the transparent member 11.
[0037] The structure of the transparent member 1I1 and the
semitransparent member 12 is capable of substantially uniformly
radiating light.
[0038] The operations of the passenger-cabin lighting devices of
the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be
described.
[0039] When the mode switch 22 is operated and its operation mode
is changed from a mode 0 to any of modes 1 to 3. As already stated,
the mode 0 is set up when the movable contact ot the mode switch 22
is brought into contact with the fixed contact 0. The fixed contact
0 for the mode 0 is connected to nothing. Accordingly, in the mode
0, no electric power is supplied to the electronic control circuit
21. The fixed contacts 1 to 3 fur the modes 1 to 3 are connected
through the diodes 24 to the electronic control circuit 21.
Therefore, when any of the modes 1 to 3 is set up, electric power
is supplied to the electronic control circuit 21 to render it
active, viz., to start a program stored in the electronic control
circuit 21 to run. A step S1 in the program judges which of the
modes 1 to 3 is set up by the mode switch 22. If the mode 1 is set
up, a step S2 judges which of the fixed contacts of the subswitch
23 for color selection and light intensity varying is selected
(viz., to which its movable contact is set). It the fixed contact 1
(=position 1 for strong lighting) of the subewitch 23 is selected,
a step S3 places the lighting device in a continuous lighting mode.
If the fixed contact 2 (=position 2 for medium lighting) is
selected, a step S4 sets the duty ratio at 33%. If the fixed
contact 3 em position 3 for weak lighting) is selected, a step S5
sets the duty ratio at 20%.,
[0040] A step S6 lights on the all LSD elements simultaneously. In
particular when the nledium lighting position 2 and weak lighting
position 3 are selected, the time-division control can be executed
taking the duty ratio into consideration not to simnultaneously
supply electric power to a plurality of LED elements. In particular
when the medium lighting position 2 and weak lighting position 3
are selected and the duty rati is 33% or less, a load to the car
battery 25 Ls below a predetermined level and uniform. This Leads
to elongation of the lifetime of the car battery 25; an energy
saving mode is set up. In this case, appropriate increase of the
frequency of the flickering of the lighting device Lessens the
flickering to be negligible for the human eyes. For the brightness
of the lighting device in this mode, the peak current feeding is
used for the intenEB lighting (continuous lighting).
[0041] The simultaneous lighting mode in which the LED elements 16
of the LED device are simultaneously lighted on, is suitable for a
spot illumination carried out by emitting light from the convex
transparent member 13. The spot lighting may be used for writing of
memos, reading and searching.
[0042] When the step 1 judges that the mode 2 (fixed contact 2) of
the mode switch 22 is selected, a step S7 judges which of the fixed
contacts of the subewitch 23 is selected. If the intense lighting
position 1 (=fixed contact 1) is selected, a step SO sets the duty
ratio to 33% to 0%. If the medium lighting position 2 (=fixed
contact 2) is selected, a step S9 sets the duty ratio to 20% to 0%.
If the weak lighting position 3 (=fixed contact 3) is selected, a
step S10 sets the duty ratio to 10% to 0%. A step S11 sequentially
lights on the LED elements of red, green and blue in this order,
for example; it sets up a duty-varying lighting mode.
[0043] In the duty-varying lighting noder light colors are
sequentially changed in the order of red, green and blue.
Accordingly, this mode may be used for cabin illumination. When the
passenger-cabin lighting device is operated in the duty-varying
lighting mode, attention may be attracted to the car being on
display. Further, during running of two cars in the night, if the
first car operates the lighting device in this modef a driver of
the second car can easily recognize the first car.
[0044] If the step Sl judges that the mode 3 (=fixed contact 3) is
selected by the subewitch 23, a step S12 judges which of the fixed
contacts 1 to 3 of the subswitch 23 is selected. If the red
lighting position 1 (=fixed contact 1) is selected, a step S13
selects the red LED element 16 of the LED device. of
thegreenlightingpcsition2 (=fixedccntact 2) is selected, a step S14
selects a green LED element 16 of the LED device. of the blue
lighting position 3 (-fixed contact 3) is selected, a step S15
selects a blueLED element 16. And a step S16 lights on those LED
elements 16 continuously.
[0045] In this state, the passenger cabin of the car may be lighted
up with red, green and blue colors.
[0046] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the output signal of the
LED device Is controlled in the torm of a change of the duty ratio.
Alternatively, the same thing may be realized by changing the pair
of LEDS 16 to be lighted. In this case, to use the lighting device
for the lighting purpose, the pair of LEDs are switched so as to
inhibit the LED device located at the end of the semitransparent
member 12 from lighting.
[0047] As described above, the passenger-cabin lighting device of
each embodiment comprises: a light emitting body 10 having a
transparent member 11 including a layer made of synthetic resin not
containing scattering material, one of the sarfaces of the
transparent member as viewed in the thickness direction serving as
a light reflecting surface and the other surface being a light
emitting surtaces and a semitransparent member 12 including
semitransparent synthetic resin containing scattering material, the
semitransparent member being bonded to the inside of the
transparent meiaber 11; a plurality of LEDs 16 for projecting light
into the transparent member 11 and the semitransparent member 12,
the LEns 16 being provided in one of the end face of at least the
light emitting body 10; and a control circuit of an electronic
control unit 20 and the like for controlling flickering of the
plurality of LEDS 16.
[0048] Thus, the passenger-cabin lighting device enables the driver
to light the passenger cabin of a car with a desired color.
Further, it may be used for lighting and illuminating the passenger
cabin, and for highlighting the car itself. Further, it is noted
that the LED device is flickered. This feature results in less
power consumption, and sophisticated and dramatic color expression,
and hence increases the range of its use. Further, it is noted that
light emitted from the LED device can be scattered by the diffusion
layer at high efficiency without forming a reflecting surface, e.g.
, a white coating, on the light introducing portion or the
transparent member 11. Additionally, the passenger-cabin lighting
device provides a less costly construction when comparing with the
lighting device of the type in which the inner surface of the
transparent member 11 is processed for prism.
[0049] Where the LED device capable of emitting light of two or
more number of colors is used, a desired color may be produced.
where the LED device is capable of emitting light of three primary
colors, every color can be produced, and the passenger cabin of the
car being on view may be lighted with white light.
[0050] The control circuit of the electronic control unit 20 for
controlling the flickering of the LED device selectively pertorms a
control for s pot lighting or an illumination control. Therefore,
the user can selectively use either of those controls according to
his desire.
[0051] The control circuit of the electronic control unit 20 for
controlling the flickering operation of the LED device varies
colors one to another in a time sequential manner. This function
enables the user to produce in-cabin illumination of the car being
on display as desired.
[0052] The passenger-cabin lighting device of each embodiment,
satisfying the requirement of securing a bonding surface between
the transparent member 11 and the semitransparent member 12
suffices for a light emitting body 10, which has a transparent
member 11 including a layer made of synthetic resin not containing
scattering material, one of the surfaces of the transparent member
as viewed in the thickness direction serving as a light reflecting
surface and the other surface being a light emitting surface, and a
semitransparent member 12 including semitransparent synthetic resin
containing scattering material, the semitransparent member being
bonded to the Inside of the transparent mber 11. Therefore, the
light emitting body 10 may be shaped as desired.
[0053] The mode switch 22 and the subswitch 23 are used in the
above-mentioned embodiirents. If required, the mode switch 22 may
be substituted by a sensor. In this case, the sensor may be a
sensor for sensing a pitch or an intensity of sound within the
cabin, an antitheft sensor, or a temperature sensor. Use of the
sensor allows information gathered from the sensor to be caught
outside the car.
[0054] Thea shape of the light emitting body is not limited to the
shapes of the aforementioned embodiments. For example, the light
emitting body may be shaped in a plate-like body or the like.
[0055] As seen from the foregoing description, the present
invention provides a passenger-cabin lighting device, comprising: a
light emitting body having a transparent member including a layer
made of synthetic resin not containing scattering material, one of
the surfaces of the transparent member as viewed in the thickness
direction serving as a light reflecting surface and the other
surface being a light emitting surface, and a semitransparent
member including semitransparent synthetic resin containing
scattering material, the semitransparent member being bonded to the
inside of the transparent member; a plurality of LEDs for
projecting light into the transparent meember and the
semitransparent member, the LEDs being provided in one of the end
face of at least the light emitting body; and a control circuit of
an electronic control unit and the like for controlling flickering
of the LEDs. The passenger-cabin lighting device thus constructed
accrues to the following significant advantages.
[0056] The passenger cabin of the car may be lighted with a desired
color. The lighting device may be used for lighting and
illuminating the passenger cabin, and for highlighting the car
itself. Further, the LED device is flickered. This feature enables
less power consumption, intricate and dramatic color expression,
and hence increases the range of its use. Further, it eliminates
the necessity of coating the light introducing portion of the
transparent member with white material or processing the same
location for prism. This results in reduction of cost to
manufacture.
[0057] Thus, the passenger-cabin lighting device consumes less
electric power, and is capable of producing intricate color
expression. rf it is combined with various types of sensors, the
range of its use is increased.
[0058] In the passenger-cabin lighting device, the LED device emits
light of at least two colors. Therefore, the lighting device has an
advantage of producing color expression as desired, in addition to
the advantages of the above passenger-cabin lighting device.
[0059] In the passenger-cabin lighting device, the light emitting
diodes emit light of three primary colors. Therefore, the lighting
device has an advantage of producing expression of every kind of
color, in addition to the advantages of the above passenger-cabin
lighting device.
[0060] In the passenger-cabin lighting device, the control circuit
for controlling the flickering of the plurality of light emitting
diodes selectively performs a control fQr spot lighting--or an
illumination control. Therefore, the user can selectively use
either of those controls according to his desire in addition to the
advantages of the above paasenger-cabin lighting device.
[0061] In the passenger-cabin lighting device, the control circuit
of the electronic control unit for controlling the flickering of
the light emitting diodes varies colors one to another in a time
sequential manner. This function enables the user to produce
in-cabin illumination of the car being on display as desired, in
addition to the advantages of the above passenger-cabin lighting
device.
[0062] Although the invention has been described in its preferred
form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that
the present disclosure of the preferred form can be d arrangement
of parts without departing from the spirit and the scope of the
invention as hereinafter claimed.
* * * * *