U.S. patent number RE42,340 [Application Number 10/967,117] was granted by the patent office on 2011-05-10 for vehicle interior lighting systems using electroluminescent panels.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Federal Mogul World Wide, Inc.. Invention is credited to James Burr Anderson, John Christopher Brown.
United States Patent |
RE42,340 |
Anderson , et al. |
May 10, 2011 |
Vehicle interior lighting systems using electroluminescent
panels
Abstract
A vehicle interior component and lighting assembly that includes
a vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over a
substrate or foam layer, or both. An electroluminescent panel is
located between the fabric and substrate/foam layer and directs
light from the panel through the fabric. In this way, the light
source can be effectively hidden when not in use and can be
incorporated into the interior component in a manner that requires
little space. The vehicle interior component can be any of a number
of different interior articles, including, for example, a
headliner, door panel, vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and
trunk panel. Also disclosed are vehicle interior illumination
systems using touch switches and electroluminescent panels to
provide back lighting of the switch and/or vehicle interior
illumination through the switch.
Inventors: |
Anderson; James Burr
(Cookeville, TN), Brown; John Christopher (Lascassas,
TN) |
Assignee: |
Federal Mogul World Wide, Inc.
(Southfield, MI)
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Family
ID: |
22680627 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/967,117 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60185349 |
Dec 26, 2000 |
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Reissue of: |
09793205 |
Feb 26, 2001 |
06464381 |
Oct 15, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/488; 362/489;
362/153; 362/84; 362/492; 362/501; 362/490 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60Q
3/30 (20170201); H01H 9/18 (20130101); B60Q
3/745 (20170201); B60Q 3/82 (20170201); H01H
2219/018 (20130101); H01H 2009/186 (20130101); H01H
2231/026 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B60Q
1/00 (20060101); B60Q 1/26 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;156/293,256,257,108
;362/488,489,492,84,490,501,153,23,26 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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29908994 |
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Jul 1999 |
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299 08 994 |
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Sep 1999 |
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0 979 760 |
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Feb 2000 |
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EP |
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2779398 |
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Dec 1999 |
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FR |
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2 002 522 |
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Feb 1979 |
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GB |
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2333829 |
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Jan 1998 |
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GB |
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2 333 829 |
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Aug 1999 |
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GB |
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62182843 |
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Nov 1987 |
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JP |
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03014746 |
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Jan 1991 |
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JP |
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333737 |
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Apr 1991 |
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JP |
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475739 |
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Jul 1992 |
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JP |
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740486 |
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Feb 1995 |
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JP |
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11115629 |
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Apr 1999 |
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JP |
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Other References
*Corresponds to DE 29908994. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Payne; Sharon E
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Stearns; Robert L. Dickinson
Wright, PLLC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/185,349, filed Feb. 26, 2000.
Claims
We claim:
1. A vehicle interior component assembly for providing interior
vehicle illumination, comprising: a vehicle interior component
having .[.a substrate and a.]. fabric .[.disposed over said
substrate.]. .Iadd.covering.Iaddend.; and an electroluminescent
panel disposed between said fabric .[.and substrate.].
.Iadd.covering.Iaddend., with said electroluminescent panel being
configured to direct light from said panel through said fabric
.Iadd.covering.Iaddend..
2. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said interior component includes a foam layer disposed
between said fabric and .[.said.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.substrate
.Iadd.of said interior component.Iaddend..
3. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 2,
wherein said electroluminescent panel is disposed between said foam
layer and said substrate.
4. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 2,
wherein said electroluminescent panel is disposed in an opening in
said foam layer.
5. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said .Iadd.vehicle interior component includes a
.Iaddend.substrate .[.includes.]. .Iadd.having .Iaddend.a recessed
portion facing said fabric and wherein said electroluminescent
panel is disposed in said recessed portion.
6. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 1,
further comprising an electrical circuit for energizing said
electroluminescent panel, where said circuit includes a
manually-operated switch.
7. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 2,
further comprising an electrical circuit for energizing said
electroluminescent panel, where said circuit includes a timer
circuit for controlling the length of energization of said
electroluminescent panel.
8. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a vehicle
headliner.
9. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 8,
wherein said electroluminescent panel comprises one of a plurality
of electroluminescent panels located in said headliner at spaced
locations from each other.
10. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a door panel.
11. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a vehicle
seat.
12. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a rear deck.
13. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a sun visor.
14. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 1,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a trunk
panel.
15. A vehicle interior component assembly for providing interior
vehicle illumination, comprising: a vehicle interior component
having a foam layer and a fabric disposed over said foam layer; and
an electroluminescent panel disposed between said fabric and foam
layer, with said electroluminescent panel being configured to
direct light from said panel through said fabric.
16. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 15,
wherein said vehicle interior component includes a foam substrate
with said foam layer being disposed between said fabric and said
substrate.
17. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 15,
further comprising an electrical circuit for energizing said
electroluminescent panel, where said circuit includes a
manually-operated switch.
18. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 15,
further comprising an electrical circuit for energizing said
electroluminescent panel, where said circuit includes a timer
circuit for controlling the length of energization of said
electroluminescent panel.
19. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 15,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a vehicle
headliner.
20. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 19,
wherein said electroluminescent panel comprises one of a plurality
of electroluminescent panels located in said headliner at spaced
locations from each other.
21. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 15,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a door panel.
22. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 15,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a vehicle
seat.
23. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 22,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a seat back.
24. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 15,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a sun visor.
25. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 15,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a rear deck.
26. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim 15,
wherein said vehicle interior component comprises a trunk
panel.
27. A vehicle carpet, comprising: a substrate; a carpet pile
attached to said substrate; and an electroluminescent panel mounted
underneath said carpet pile, with said electroluminescent panel
being configured to direct light from said panel through said
carpet pile.
28. A vehicle carpet as defined in claim 27, wherein said substrate
and attached carpet pile together comprise a floor mat.
.[.29. A instrument panel assembly for a vehicle, comprising: an
instrument panel having a lower surface that faces towards a floor
area of the vehicle when installed within the vehicle, said lower
surface having a light-transmitting region; and an
electroluminescent panel mounted within said instrument panel
behind said lower surface at said light-transmitting region, with
said electroluminescent panel being configured to direct light from
said panel through said light-transmitting region of said lower
surface..].
.Iadd.30. A vehicle interior component assembly for providing
interior vehicle illumination, comprising: a vehicle interior
component having a substrate and a foam layer disposed over said
substrate wherein said substrate includes a recessed portion facing
said foam layer; and an electroluminescent panel disposed in said
recessed portion with said electroluminescent panel being
configured to direct light through said foam layer..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. A headliner for providing illumination to an interior of
a vehicle, comprising: a laminate having an interior surface for
facing the interior of the vehicle; an electroluminescent
illumination source immovably fixed to said laminate below said
interior surface, the electroluminescent illumination source
comprising a plurality of electroluminescent panels in spaced
relation to one another; and a controller coupled to each of said
plurality of electroluminescent panels and operative to operate
said plurality of electroluminescent panels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. A headliner as defined in claim 31, further comprising
separate switches coupled to said controller and corresponding to
each of said plurality of electroluminescent panels for
individually operating each of said plurality of electroluminescent
panels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. A headliner as defined in claim 32, wherein each of said
switches is configured to individually control a light intensity of
each of said plurality of electroluminescent panels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. A headliner as defined in claim 31 wherein said laminate
comprises a substrate and a lining disposed over said
substrate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. A vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body defining an
interior and including a headliner comprising a laminate having an
interior surface facing said interior; an electroluminescent
illumination source immovably fixed to said laminate below said
interior surface, the electroluminescent illumination source
comprising a plurality of electroluminescent panels in spaced
relation to one another; and a controller coupled to each of said
plurality of electroluminescent panels and operative to operate
said plurality of electroluminescent panels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. A vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body defining an
interior having a plurality of seating positions; a headliner
disposed above said plurality of seating positions; an
electroluminescent illumination source incorporated into said
headliner and extending across said plurality of seating positions
to illuminate each of said plurality of seating positions, the
electroluminescent illumination source comprising a plurality of
electroluminescent panels in spaced relation to one another; and a
controller coupled to each of said plurality of electroluminescent
panels and operative to operate said plurality of
electroluminescent panels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. A vehicle as defined in claim 36, further comprising
separate switches coupled to said controller and corresponding to
each of said plurality of electroluminescent panels for
individually operating each of said plurality of electroluminescent
panels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. A vehicle as defined in claim 37, wherein each of said
switches is configured to individually control a light intensity of
each of said plurality of electroluminescent panels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. A vehicle as defined in claim 36, wherein said headliner
comprises a laminate having an interior surface for facing said
interior of said vehicle, said laminate having a recessed portion
extending beneath said interior surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. A vehicle as defined in claim 39, wherein said
electroluminescent illumination source is secured to said laminate
and disposed in said recessed portion below said interior surface
such that said electroluminescent illumination source does not
protrude into said interior..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. A vehicle interior component assembly for providing
illumination to an interior of a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle
interior component having a substrate and a lining disposed over
said substrate wherein said vehicle interior component includes a
recessed portion for facing the interior of the vehicle; a
plurality of electroluminescent panels disposed in said recessed
portion; and controller coupled to each of said plurality of
electroluminescent panels and operative to operate said plurality
of electroluminescent panels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim
41, wherein said controller is programmed for individually
operating each of said plurality of electroluminescent
panels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim
42, further comprising separate switches coupled to said controller
and corresponding to each of said plurality of electroluminescent
panels for individually operating each of said plurality of
electroluminescent panels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.44. A vehicle interior component assembly as defined in claim
43, wherein each of said switches is configured to individually
control a light intensity of each of said plurality of
electroluminescent panels..Iaddend.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to interior vehicle lighting systems and
lighted switch assemblies used for automotive applications.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Interior lighting systems for automotive and other vehicle
applications are generally used for two purposes. One is to provide
general area illumination and the other is feature lighting of
specific objects, either for aesthetic or functional reasons.
Traditionally, these interior lighting systems have utilized
incandescent lamps for both area and feature lighting, often using
lenses to control the shape and light intensity distribution of the
emitted light. Although incandescent lamp systems can often be
integrated into various vehicle interior trim components in a
simple manner, various considerations do arise which complicates
their use for automotive lighting. For example, where heat from the
lamp could damage adjacent components or otherwise cause problems,
thermal management of that heat must be implemented. Also, there is
often little room in or behind a particular vehicle interior body
panel or trim component for the lamp, socket, and lensing.
This constraint on space behind the vehicle panels can be
especially true with vehicle headliners where there may be little
room between the headliner and roof of the vehicle. For headliners,
the solution has typically been to either require more room between
the headliner and roof or to utilize a light assembly that
protrudes downwardly from the headliner for a short distance. Where
sufficient space is available, various functional components such
as electrical conduits, lamp soffits, electrical connectors, HVAC
ducts, flat speakers, and head airbags can be molded into the
headliner during its manufacture. See, for example, European Patent
Application EP 0979760, published Feb. 16, 2000. However, where the
headliner thickness is to be kept to a minimum, the use of
molded-in lamp soffits may not be practical.
The use of alternative light sources, such as electroluminescent
panels, has been proposed for a wide range of vehicle lighting
applications. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,473 to Tokarz et al.
discloses an electroluminescent panel dome lamp designed for a
convertible-type automobile. The panel is mounted on a housing that
is attached to the headliner of the convertible's roof. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,013,967 to Hirotaka et al. discloses a detachable
electroluminescent panel light source that can be located at
various places about the inside of a vehicle to provide
illumination. These locations include inside the trunk, at the
glove compartment, and on the backside of the front seats. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,564,813 to Curtindale discloses a sun visor that
includes incandescent light sources to provide courtesy, reading,
and vanity illumination. The patent states that electroluminescent
lighting strips could be used in place of the incandescent lamps.
However, while various automotive lighting uses of
electroluminescent panels have been proposed, as exemplified by
these patents, much of the prior art discloses the use of
electroluminescent panels as a direct substitute for incandescent
and/or LED lamps without taking full advantage of the unique
structural features of the electroluminescent technology.
Accordingly, it is a general object of the invention to provide a
vehicle interior lighting system that can be used to provide area
or feature fighting in a manner that minimizes the aesthetic impact
of the light source when not in use and that requires negligible
space behind the interior body panel or trim component where the
light source is located.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to various interior vehicle
assemblies that provide illumination using electroluminescent
panels. In accordance with one aspect, the present invention is
directed to a vehicle interior component assembly that includes a
vehicle interior component having a fabric disposed over either a
substrate or foam layer (or both). An electroluminescent panel is
located between the fabric and substrate (or foam layer) and is
configured to direct light from the panel through the fabric. In
this way, the light source can be effectively hidden when not in
use and an be incorporated into the interior component in a manner
that requires little, if any, space behind the interior component.
The vehicle interior component can be any of a number of different
interior articles, including, for example, a headliner, door panel,
vehicle seat, rear deck, sun visor, and trunk panel.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a vehicle carpet utilizing an electroluminescent panel,
with the carpet including a substrate and a carpet pile attached to
the substrate. The electroluminescent panel is mounted underneath
the carpet pile and is configured to direct light from the panel
through the carpet pile. A vehicle carpet so constructed can be
used as a floor mat or as installed floor carpet.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a vehicle instrument panel utilizing an electroluminescent
panel to provide downwardly-directed light. The instrument panel
includes a lower surface that faces towards a floor area of the
vehicle when installed, with the lower surface having a
light-transmitting region. The electroluminescent panel is mounted
within the instrument panel behind the lower surface at the
light-transmitting region, and electroluminescent panel is
configured to direct light from the panel through the
light-transmitting region of the lower surface.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a vehicle interior illumination system that includes a
light source, a switch assembly, and an electronic circuit for
energizing the light source. The switch assembly includes at least
one light-transmissive touch switch and an electroluminescent panel
that is located behind the touch switch to provide back lighting of
the touch switch upon energization by the electronic circuit. The
electronic circuit is connected to the light source, touch switch,
and electroluminescent panel, and is operable upon activation of
the switch to energize the light source and to change energization
of the electroluminescent panel.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a vehicle interior lighting and switch assembly,
comprising a light-transmissive touch switch, a. light source
disposed behind the touch switch, and an electronic circuit
connected to both the touch switch and light source. The light
source comprises an electroluminescent panel and the circuit is
operable upon activation of the touch switch to energize the
electroluminescent panel to thereby provide area illumination
through the touch switch. A vehicle lighting and switch assembly
constructed in this manner can be used for dome lights and map
lights within the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention will hereinafter
be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein
like designations denote like elements, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle headliner constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic of a control circuit for operation of the
electroluminescent light sources used in the headliner of FIG.
1;
FIGS. 3-8 depict fragmentary, cross-sectional views of the
headliner of FIG. 1 showing different mounting arrangements that
can be used for the electroluminescent panels;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an interior region of a vehicle
showing vehicle seating, door panel, instrument panel, and floor
carpeting assemblies that incorporate electroluminescent panels in
accordance with the invention;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a vehicle trunk interior showing
trunk panel assemblies that incorporate electroluminescent panels
in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an interior region of a vehicle
showing a floor mat assembly and a vehicle seat back assembly that
incorporate electroluminescent panels in accordance with the
invention;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a sun visor assembly for a vehicle
that incorporates an electroluminescent panel in accordance with
the invention;
FIG. 13 is a front view of a vehicle showing a rear deck assembly
that incorporates an electroluminescent panel in accordance with
the invention;
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of lighted,
touch switch assembly of the invention;
FIG. 15 is a schematic of a control circuit for the switch assembly
of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a vehicle
interior lighting and switch assembly of the invention; and
FIG. 17 is a schematic showing a controller that forms a part of
the lighting and switch assembly of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment of a headliner 10
as it might be constructed in accordance with the invention.
Although the following description is primarily directed to the use
of the invention to provide illumination from headliner 10, it will
of course be appreciated that, in its broader aspects, the
invention is directed to a vehicle interior component assembly that
uses one or more electroluminescent panels to provide interior
vehicle illumination, and that the invention can thus be used for
any of a wide variety of interior trim articles and other vehicle
interior components. For example, it can be used in conjunction
with door panels, instrument panels, floor carpeting, floor mats,
trunk panels, occupant seating, sun visors, and rear decks, as will
be described further below.
To provide general area illumination at each of the four main
occupant seats of a typical automotive sedan, headliner 10 includes
four electroluminescent panels 12 that are spaced within headliner
10 at locations corresponding to the main occupant seats. As shown
in the schematic of FIG. 2, the electroluminescent panels 12 are
connected to an electronic circuit 14 that includes a controller 16
and a switch 18 for each of the panels 12. For simplicity, only two
of the electroluminescent panels 12 and their corresponding
switches 18 are shown. Controller 16 receives operating power from
the vehicle battery (not shown) and is operable to energize each
electroluminescent panel 12 independently of the other panels when
its corresponding switch 18 is activated. Each switch 18 can be a
manually activated switch positioned within the vehicle at a
location that allows the occupant of any of the four main seats to
activate the light corresponding to that seat. Of course, the
switches could also be wired to a second set of switches on an
operator console to permit the driver to activate, de-activate, or
even block activation of any of the panels. Optionally, the panels
12 can be controlled by a vehicle computer (not shown). In this
regard, the circuit 14 (or controller 16 itself) can include a
timer circuit that controls the length of time that the panels 12
are illuminated. Similarly, controller 16 can also include suitable
circuitry for control of the brightness level of the panels. The
design and implementation of these different electrical circuits is
well known to those skilled in the art and no further discussion of
these circuits is therefore necessary.
As is also known by those skilled in the art, the
electroluminescent panels 12 are substantially flat panels that can
be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes. They are energized by
suitable operating power from controller 16. The construction and
use of such panels is also well known and therefore no further
explanation of their construction or operation is necessary.
Referring now to FIGS. 3-6, there are shown a number of
fragmentary, cross-sectional views of some of the different
possible embodiments of one of the electroluminescent panels 12 as
it can be integrated into headliner 10. Headliner 10 can be made
using conventional techniques and can include three primary
layers--a relatively rigid fiberglass substrate 20, an intermediate
foam layer 22, and a fabric layer 24 that is exposed to the
occupants for an aesthetically pleasing look and feel. As shown in
FIG. 3, the electroluminescent panel 12 can be disposed between the
substrate 20 and foam layer 22 with the panel oriented to direct
light through foam layer 22 and fabric 24. Together these layers
are typically translucent such that suitable illumination from
panel 12 can be achieved.
As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, a discontinuity or opening 26
can be formed in the foam layer 22 with the electroluminescent
panel 12 attached in place within this opening. This arrangement
prevents the bulging of the foam layer 22 and fabric 24 shown in
FIG. 3. It also permits light transmission that is unimpeded by the
foam layer 22. Although electroluminescent panel 12 is shown having
a smaller thickness than foam layer 22, it will be appreciated that
the relative thickness of panel 12 and foam layer 22 can be
selected as appropriate for any particular vehicle application.
Referring to FIG. 5, the electroluminescent panel 12 can also be
attached within a recessed portion 28 of substrate 20. This recess
can be formed as a part of the original molding of substrate 20 and
has the advantage that it helps locate the proper position of the
panel 12 during assembly. Also, in instances where either substrate
20 or foam layer 22 are formed in a molding process, the panel 12
can be molded in place so that it is co-bonded to either the
substrate 20, foam layer 22, or both.
FIG. 6 depicts yet another embodiment in which the panel 12 is
exposed to the occupants of the vehicle by placing it onto the foam
layer 22 in an opening 30 in the fabric. The fabric layer 24 can
simply abut and terminate at panel 12 or, as shown in FIG. 6A, a
bezel 32 can be used around the periphery of the panel 12 to
provide proper fit and finish. The exposed panels can allow for
many options, such as touch controls, information display, or
styling features. In this regard, the panels 12 need not be used
for area illumination or passenger-specific illumination. Rather,
they can be used for styling features, such as a light strip that
extends about the periphery of the headliner or a sun roof. The
panels can also include text, vehicle logos, or other graphics that
are discernable by the occupants when the panels are
illuminated.
An advantage of the embodiments of FIGS. 3-5 is that, in each
instance, the electroluminescent panels 12 are concealed from the
vehicle occupants until illuminated. However, the embodiments of
FIGS. 3 and 5 illuminate through both the foam and fabric layers,
whereas the embodiment of FIG. 4 requires the formation of an
opening in the foam layer 22. To maintain the concealment of the
panels in a simple manner while maximizing the light illuminating
down on the passengers, the arrangement of FIG. 7 can be utilized.
In this embodiment, the panels 12 are each located between the
fabric layer 24 and foam layer 22 (not shown). To further increase
the light output, the arrangement of FIG. 8 can be used, with the
panels 12 being covered by a different fabric 34 having a more open
weave to increase the light throughput. The two fabrics 24 and 34
can be joined by seams 36.
As will be appreciated, by using one or more of the
electroluminescent panels 12 in the headliner, mood, ambiance,
reading, and general cab lighting can be provided using a light
source that occupies essentially no space. Also, as shown in FIGS.
9-13, the lighting system can instead incorporate the panels onto
other interior vehicle components.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the electroluminescent
panels 12 can be incorporated into other fabric-surfaced interior
components, such as a door panel 40 or seat riser 42. The various
techniques discussed above in connection with FIGS. 3-8 for
incorporating the panels into a fabric-surfaced component can be
used for these applications as well. In addition to or in lieu of
their use in fabric-surfaced components, the panels 12 can also be
incorporated into other interior components such as an instrument
panel 44 or floor carpet 46. For the instrument panel, the panel
can be located at a lower surface that faces the floor area of the
vehicle when the instrument is installed as shown. The lower
surface has a light-transmitting region which can comprise either a
translucent portion of the instrument panel or perforations of the
instrument panel through which light from the electroluminescent
panel is transmitted. When used with the floor carpet 46, the
electroluminescent panel can be located underneath the carpet pile,
either above or below the substrate on which the carpet pile is
attached.
As shown in FIG. 10, the electroluminescent panels 12 can be
incorporated into one or more trunk panels 48, 50, using the
construction techniques discussed above in connection with FIGS.
3-8. In FIG. 11, there is shown another carpet application in which
the electroluminescent panel 12 is incorporated into a floor mat 52
in the same manner discussed above in connection with the floor
carpet 46 of FIG. 9. Also, the panels 12 can be incorporated
underneath the fabric on the seat backs 54 of the front driver and
passenger side seats. In FIG. 12, there is shown a sun visor 56
which can include an electroluminescent panel 12 mounted underneath
the visor fabric on either or both sides of the visor. Finally, in
FIG. 13, there is shown an electroluminescent panel 12 incorporated
into a rear deck 58, again underneath the fabric layer to hide its
presence when not illuminated. For both the sun visor and rear deck
applications, the various implementations disclosed in FIGS. 3-8
can be used.
Turning now to FIGS. 14 and 15, a second use of electroluminescent
panels for vehicle interior lighting systems will now be described.
FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a lighted, touch switch assembly 60
and FIG. 15 is a schematic showing the use of a switch assembly 60
in a vehicle interior illumination system 62. Switch assembly 60
includes as its primary components a set of light transmissive
touch switches 64 and a corresponding set of electroluminescent
panels 66, each of which are aligned with one of the touch switches
64 to thereby provide back lighting of the switches. Appropriate
indicia can be printed on each of the touch switches to identify
the function of each switch 64. Alternatively, and as shown, a
light-transmissive graphics overlay 68 can be provided with the
desired indicia. When assembled, the switches 64, panels 66, and
overlay 68 form a backlit, low profile switch assembly having a
thickness of only a few millimeters. This provides great
flexibility in placement of the switch assembly within the
vehicle.
The electronic circuit 70 of FIG. 15 is shown as it would be
connected to a single one of the touch switches 64 and
electroluminescent panels 66 of FIG. 14. The circuit 70 includes a
controller 72 and light source 74 which is used to provide
illumination in response to activation of its corresponding touch
switch 64. Controller 72 is operable in response to activation of
switch 64 to energize light source 74 and to change the
energization of the panel 66 used to back-light switch 64. This
change in energization of panel 66 can be, for example,
switching-on of the panel so that it provides illumination of the
switch 64 as an indication that the light source 74 is on.
Conversely, since the activation of the light source may be
self-evident, the switch 64 can be normally illuminated by
operation of the panel 66 when the light source 74 is switched off,
with controller 72 then changing the energization of panel 66 so
that it is off when the light source 74 is switched on. In this
way, the switch is illuminated and may be seen in the dark when the
light source 74 is off. In yet another variation, the panel can be
illuminated at different levels of energization so that, for
example, it glows dimly when the light is off and brightly when it
is on (or vice-a-versa). This multiple-level brightness control can
also permit the brightness to be varied automatically according to
ambient light levels.
Although shown symbolically as a conventional incandescent lamp,
light source 74 can of course be an electroluminescent panel
itself. More generally, light source 74 can instead be some other
electronically-actuated device, such as a motor or solenoid, in
which case its corresponding touch switch 64 can be any of the
various function switches used in the vehicle, including door lock
switches, window switches, etc.
Turning now to FIGS. 16 and 17, a third use of electroluminescent
panels for vehicle interior lighting systems will now be described.
In particular, FIG. 16 depicts a vehicle interior lighting and
switch assembly 80 with FIG. 17 also showing a controller 82 that
is connected to and forms a part of the lighting and switch
assembly 80. The assembly 80 can be mounted to a vehicle headliner
(not shown) and includes a dome light and integral switch, as well
as separate driver and front passenger map lights with integral
switches. The dome light comprises a central electroluminescent
panel 84 located underneath a light-transmissive touch switch 86
that can be manually activated by an occupant to switch on the dome
light 84 via controller 82. Similarly, each of the map lights
comprise an electroluminescent panel 88 located behind a
corresponding touch switch 90. Only one of the map switches and
lights are shown connected to the controller 82 in FIG. 17,
although it will of course be understood that the other map
light/switch and dome light/switch would also be connected as well.
In each case, activation of one of the switches 86, 90 causes
controller 82 to switch on the corresponding electroluminescent
panel 84, 88 with the light from the panel transmitting though the
switch and into the interior of the vehicle. The dome lamp 84 can
also be separately controlled to switch on, for example, when any
of the vehicle doors are opened.
It will thus be apparent that there has been provided in accordance
with the present invention several vehicle interior lighting
systems and lighted switch assemblies which achieve the aims and
advantages specified herein. It will of course be understood that
the foregoing description is of preferred exemplary embodiments of
the invention and that the invention is not limited to the specific
embodiments shown. Various changes and modifications will become
apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the two-layer
switch/light assembly shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 can be used for
other lighting applications as well, including for example reading
lights for the rear occupants. All such variations and
modifications are intended to come within the scope of the appended
claims.
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