A magnetic type switch may include a magnet having a magnetic pole face arranged to face a magnetic body provided in an object. A change in magnetic field due to a change in distance between the magnetic body and the magnet by an operation of the object may be detected to output a signal for indicating at lease one of a presence and an absence of the operation of the object. The switch may also include a casing in which the magnet may be disposed, where the casing may have a facing part between the magnet pole face of the magnet and the magnetic body. The switch may further include a protector member formed of a non-magnetic body having a predetermined thickness in a direction vertical to the magnetic pole face, where the protector member maybe attached to the casing to cover at least the facing part.

When a parking brake mechanism is in a braking state and an operation switch is switched to a braking-released state, a control unit of an electric vehicle brings a parking brake mechanism into a braking-released state on the condition that the control unit detects using a stop lamp switch that the brake pedal is not depressed and detects that the shift range of the shift lever is a P range.

A variable accelerator light assembly. The variable accelerator light assembly includes a light bar having light elements spanning between a first end and an opposing second end. A sensor connected to a vehicle accelerator pedal of a vehicle detects how much a user depresses the vehicle accelerator pedal, and transmits this information to the light bar. The light elements energize sequentially from a middle portion outward to the opposing first and second end. The progressive actuation of the vehicle accelerator pedal causes an increasing number of the light elements to energize in the sequential configuration.

A microprocessor-controlled rechargeable brake light control circuit is a compact package with connectors that includes a rechargeable power source, a power supply sensor, and a non-volatile memory connected to a microprocessor. When power is abruptly disconnected, as when the brake is disengaged, there still is enough power to the device from the rechargeable power source for a period of time that allows a microprocessor to store an indication, such as a time stamp, of approximately where in time the pulse sequence terminated. When the brake is again depressed and power is restored to the circuit, that time stamp may be used as a reference point to restart the pulse sequence. Pulsing of the brake light is through a MOSFET switch pulse circuit that receives vehicle power when the brake pedal is depressed and imprints a pulse pattern on that vehicle power responsive to pulse sequence command from the microprocessor.

A light assembly includes a housing adapted for mounting on a vehicle, wherein the housing includes a brake light input coupled to the light source and a marker light input coupled to the light source. An electrical circuit is configured to energize the light source at a brightness suitable for an identification lamp when at least one headlight of the vehicle is illuminated and also is configured to energize the light source at a brightness suitable for a stop lamp when the vehicle brake is applied, whether or not the identification lamp is energized. In this configuration, the can function as an identification light and as a center high mount stop light (CHMSL).

A brake lamp control method of a vehicle is provided. The method includes determining whether a deceleration of the vehicle based on regenerative brake through the electric motor is present in a hysteresis period between an off threshold as a reference for turning off a brake lamp and an on threshold as a reference for turning on the brake lamp. When the deceleration of the vehicle is present in the hysteresis period, the method includes determining a state of the brake lamp before the deceleration of the vehicle enters the hysteresis period. In response to determining that the brake lamp is turned on or off for a reason except for the regenerative brake before the deceleration of the vehicle enters the hysteresis period, a request for turning on the brake lamp is set or reset based on the regenerative brake in response to the determined state of the brake lamp.

A visual deceleration indication apparatus signals to pedestrians and other vehicles that a vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. Illuminating devices, such as LEDs, contained in a license plate frame located in the front of the car, are activated when the vehicle decelerates. An accelerometer or other sensory device is used to detect deceleration and sends a signal to illuminate the LEDs, thereby letting others know that the vehicle is slowing down. The license plate frame may be connected directly to a rear brake light component without the use of accelerometers or other sensors. When the brake is applied, the LEDs in the license plate frame are illuminated. The LEDs may be contained in other forms and located in different positions on the front or side of the car.

A brake lamp module for a vehicle, wherein the module includes a housing, lamp device, sensor, and electronic control unit (ECU). The lamp device, sensor and ECU are carried by the housing. The ECU is configured based at least in part on data received from the sensor to provide a power signal that causes illumination of the lamp device. In at least some embodiments, this arrangement permits actuation of the brake lamp or other lamp device in response to detection of a hazard event, such as rapid deceleration of the vehicle. And, in at least some embodiments, this may be done independently of actuation of the brake pedal by the driver.

Systems, apparatus, and methods for operating brake lights on moving vehicles. A sensor transduces level or state of current braking of the vehicle. The transduced level or state of braking is converted into an instruction to produce a display of luminance at the brake lights which is proportional to the level or state of current braking to allow viewers to react accordingly. In one example, brake fluid pressure in the braking system is measured to transduce level or state of braking. Preset thresholds of brake fluid pressure are correlated to plural braking levels or states. Luminance at the brake light is expanded or contracted in real time with the changing of braking levels or states.

When a parking brake mechanism is in a braking state and an operation switch is switched to a braking-released state, a control unit of an electric vehicle brings a parking brake mechanism into a braking-released state on the condition that the control unit detects using a stop lamp switch that the brake pedal is not depressed and detects that the shift range of the shift lever is a P range.