Signaling module, signalling device, and associated methods
By using a transparent film and a multi-layer structured light guide signaling module in the signaling device of a motor vehicle, the problem of visible appearance of the signaling device when it is not activated is solved, and the pattern is personalized through the electrical control circuit, which improves the aesthetics and functionality of the vehicle.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380067208.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-19
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-04-25
AI Technical Summary
The existing signaling device of motor vehicles can be visible when it is not activated, which affects the aesthetics of the vehicle, and lacks personalized logo changes.
A signaling module is adopted, which includes a transparent film, a multi-layer structured light guide and an electrical control circuit. By controlling the activation of the light source and the light guide, the light ray is transmitted different paths, so that the module is invisible when not activated, and the illuminated pattern is replaced by changing the activation light source to achieve personalized identification changes.
The signaling device is not visible when not activated, which enhances the beauty of the vehicle. At the same time, through switching of multiple patterns, the signaling device is given a personalized logo to meet the needs of different usage scenarios.
Smart Images
Figure CN119895197A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The technical field of the invention is that of lighting and / or signalling for motor vehicles.
[0002] The invention relates to a signalling module, a signalling device for an associated motor vehicle, a method for changing a logo, and a method for switching a signalling device from an indicator light function to a daytime running light function. Background Art
[0003] In the field of lighting and signaling of motor vehicles, various types of devices are known, among which in particular:
[0004] - signalling devices at the front of the vehicle, in particular having position lights, indicator lights and DRLs (daytime running lights) (whether or not incorporated into the headlights providing the above mentioned lighting functions); and
[0005] - Signalling devices at the rear of the vehicle, including in particular fog lights, tail lights, indicator lights, and brake lights.
[0006] Conventionally, indicator lights or flashing indicators emit orange light when they are actuated. Most commonly, these indicators include a housing having an opening and an outer enclosing lens of the housing in an orange color. Thus, the orange outer enclosing lens is part of the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle on which the indicator lights are installed.
[0007] It is desirable to make the appearance of indicator lights imperceptible when they are not actuated so that they do not detract from the exterior appeal of the vehicle.
[0008] It is also desirable to personalize the appearance of the signaling devices when they are switched on, in other words to give them a specific identification, for example for a given model. Summary of the invention
[0009] The present invention provides a solution to the above-mentioned problem, making it possible to customize the appearance of signaling lights while making them invisible when they are not actuated.
[0010] A first aspect of the invention relates to a signalling module for a signalling device, the signalling device being capable of acting as an indicator light, the signalling module comprising:
[0011] - a transparent film having a light incident surface;
[0012] - a first light source;
[0013] - a second light source;
[0014] - a first light guide positioned opposite the light entrance surface;
[0015] - a first light source is positioned to illuminate the first light guide;
[0016] - the signalling module further comprises a second light guide positioned opposite the light incident face;
[0017] - a second light source is positioned to illuminate the second light guide;
[0018] - the signaling module further comprises an electrical control circuit configured to control the lighting of an activation light source selected from the first light source and the second light source;
[0019] - the transparent film is a multi-layer structure, the multi-layer structure comprising at least a first layer having first microetchings forming a first pattern, and a second layer having second microetchings forming a second pattern different from the first pattern;
[0020] - the entrance face is configured to allow light from the first light source to enter the first layer when the first light source is switched on and to be guided in the first light guide so as to illuminate the first pattern;
[0021] The entrance face is configured to allow light from the second light source to enter the second layer when the second light source is switched on and to be guided in the second light guide so as to illuminate the second pattern.
[0022] Thanks to the invention, the signaling module does not affect the aesthetics of the vehicle on which it is installed, due to the presence of the transparent film, and is only visible when the signaling module is activated, that is to say when the first light source is switched on. In addition, by switching from illuminating the first pattern to illuminating the second pattern by alternately switching on the first light source and the second light source, the identity of the signaling device acting as an indicator light on which the signaling module is installed can be changed.
[0023] Advantageously, the signaling device signaling module further comprises:
[0024] -N light sources;
[0025] - N light guides, the N light guides being positioned opposite the light incident surface, the N light guides being superimposed on the first light guide and the second light guide;
[0026] The multilayer structure further includes N layers, each of the N layers including microetching forming a pattern different from the first pattern and the second pattern;
[0027] The incident surface is configured to allow light from a corresponding light source in the N light sources to enter each of the N layers and be guided in a corresponding light guide in the N light guides. In other words, each pattern in each of the N layers is different. Therefore, the signaling module has N+2 different identifiers, which can be selected by turning on the N light sources and the light sources corresponding to the layers of the desired pattern in the first light source and the second light source.
[0028] Advantageously, the activated light source is selected from the first light source, the second light source, and N light sources. Therefore, preferably, only one light source is illuminated at a time, thereby allowing a specific pattern to be illuminated.
[0029] Advantageously, the first light source, the second light source, and the N light sources are configured to sometimes emit white light and sometimes emit orange light. This configuration allows the signaling module to emit an orange light beam, so that the signaling device installed with the signaling module, which can act as an indicator light and a daytime running light, acts as an indicator light, or to emit a white light beam, so that the signaling device installed with the signaling module, which can act as an indicator light and a daytime running light, acts as a daytime running light. Therefore, the signaling module is dual-functional.
[0030] Advantageously, the control circuit is further configured to control the color of light emitted by the activated light source.
[0031] A second aspect of the invention relates to a signaling device for a motor vehicle, the signaling device comprising: a housing having an opening, and an external enclosing lens for the housing;
[0032] and at least one signaling module according to one of the preceding claims;
[0033] The housing and the enclosing lens define an interior volume;
[0034] The lighting module is positioned within the interior volume such that at least a portion of light exiting the light module exits the lighting device through the outer enclosing lens.
[0035] Advantageously, the signalling device is an indicator light when the activation light source is switched on and emits orange light.
[0036] Advantageously, the signaling device is a daytime running light when the activation light source is switched on and emits white light.
[0037] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method for changing the identification of a signaling device, the signaling device comprising a signaling module, the signaling module comprising one of the aforementioned characteristics, and an electrical control circuit, the electrical control circuit being configured to control the lighting of an activation light source selected from a first light source, a second light source, and N light sources, the identification corresponding to a pattern selected from a first pattern, a second pattern, and N layers of patterns, the method comprising the step of turning on the activation light source through the control circuit, the activation light source corresponding to the layer of the selected pattern.
[0038] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for switching a signalling device from an indicator light function to a daytime running light function and vice versa. The signalling device comprises a signalling module comprising one of the aforementioned characteristics, and the control circuit is further configured to control the colour of the light emitted by the activation light source, the method comprising: a control step by the control circuit for changing from orange to white and vice versa when the activation light source is switched on.
[0039] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] These figures are presented by way of indication and in no way limit the invention.
[0041] ·[ Figure 1 ] shows a signaling device according to the present invention mounted on a vehicle.
[0042] ·[ Figure 2 ]yes[ Figure 1 ] is a schematic depiction of a signaling device.
[0043] ·[ Figure 3 ] shows an embodiment of a signaling module according to the present invention.
[0044] ·[ Figure 4 ] is an illustration of a first pattern that is illuminated when the signaling device according to the present invention is turned on.
[0045] ·[ Figure 5 ] is an illustration of a second pattern that is illuminated when the signaling device according to the present invention is turned on.
[0046] ·[ Figure 6 ] is an illustration of a third pattern that is illuminated when the signaling device according to the present invention is turned on.
[0047] ·[ Figure 7 ] schematically shows an example of optical coupling between a first light source, a first light guide and a first layer that can be used in the context of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] These figures are presented in an indicative manner and in no way limit the invention. Unless otherwise indicated, identical elements appearing in different figures have a single reference number.
[0049] [ Figure 1] is a front view of a signaling device 2 mounted on a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As will be explained below, one of the specific features of the present invention is that the signaling device 2 can be controlled to act as an indicator light or a daytime running light. In addition, another specific feature of the present invention is that the identification of the signaling device 2 can be modified. "Indication" refers to the light pattern perceived by an observer observing the signaling device 2 when the signaling device 2 is turned on. In other words, according to a specific feature of the present invention, the identification of the signaling device 2 can be customized.
[0050] As in [ Figure 2 ], the signaling device 2 comprises a signaling module 1, a housing 3 having an opening, and an external lens 4 for closing the housing 3. The housing 3 and the external lens 4 define an internal volume. The signaling module 1 is configured to emit a light beam F, and is placed in the internal volume so that at least a portion of the light beam F emitted by the signaling module 1 passes through the external closing lens 4 to leave the signaling device 2.
[0051] The signaling module 1 comprises:
[0052] - a transparent film 5;
[0053] - a first light source S1;
[0054] - a second light source S2;
[0055] - a plurality of N light sources different from the first light source S1 and the second light source S2, wherein N is a positive integer;
[0056] - a first light guide G1;
[0057] - a second light guide G2;
[0058] - a plurality N of light guides different from the first light guide G1 and the second light guide G2;
[0059] - Electrical control circuit 10.
[0060] There are therefore N+2 light sources and N+2 light guides in the signalling module 1 .
[0061] For simplicity, in this description we will consider the number N to be equal to 1, but this description is applicable when N is any other positive value.
[0062] Therefore, reference is made to [ Figure 3 ], in this case, the module includes a first light source S1, a second light source S2, and a third light source S3. In this case, the signaling module 1 includes a first light guide G1, a second light guide G2, and a third light guide G3. For example, the first light guide G1, the second light guide G2, and the third light guide G3 have a parallelepiped shape.
[0063] The transparent film 5 is a multilayer structure having a front and a back, and comprising a first layer C1, a second layer C2, and a third layer C3. The first layer C1, the second layer C2, and the third layer C3 are stacked. The front and the back are substantially parallel. The transparent film 5 can be flexible. Typically, the thickness of the first layer C1, the second layer C2, and the third layer C3 is less than 200 microns.
[0064] The first layer C1 includes a first microetching forming a first pattern M1. The second layer C2 includes a second microetching forming a second pattern M2 different from the first pattern M1. The third layer C3 includes a third microetching forming a third pattern M3 different from the first pattern M1 and the second pattern M2. The identification of the signaling device 2 is selected by irradiating the first pattern M1, the second pattern M2, or the third pattern M3, the principle of which will be described below. Typically, the first microetching, the second microetching, and the third microetching are etched in the first layer C1, the second layer C2, and the third layer C3, respectively.
[0065] [ Figure 4 ] shows an example of a first pattern M1. This first pattern M1 may be selected to indicate an "adventure" mode of a vehicle on which the signaling device 2 is installed. [ Figure 5 ] shows an example of a second pattern M2. This second pattern may be selected to indicate a "sport" mode of the vehicle on which the signaling device 2 is installed. [ Figure 6 ] shows an example of a third pattern M3. This third pattern M3 can be selected to indicate a "city" mode of a vehicle on which the signaling device 2 is installed. Figures 4 to 6 The form of patterns M1 , M2 and M3 is purely illustrative and in no way limiting.
[0066] When light enters the first layer C1, only the portion of the first layer C1 including the first microetching diffuses the light, or in other words, is illuminated. When light enters the second layer C2, only the portion of the second layer C2 including the second microetching diffuses the light, or in other words, is illuminated. When light enters the third layer C3, only the portion of the third layer C3 including the third microetching diffuses the light, or in other words, is illuminated.
[0067] Each of the first layer C1, the second layer C2, and the third layer C3 can be made of polycarbonate, PMMA, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). These components can have a transparency of more than 97%, a light extraction efficiency between 25% and 80% when illuminated, and can have a range of 100 cd / m2 when illuminated by a light flux source of 400 lumens to 2000 lumens. 2 Up to 1000cd / m 2 brightness.
[0068] The transparent film 5 comprises a light incident surface 6. The light incident surface 6 is substantially perpendicular to the front and rear faces. For example, the light incident surface 6 is constituted by one of the two lateral edges of the transparent film 5.
[0069] refer to[ Figure 3 ], the first light guide G1, the second light guide G2, and the third light guide G3 are superimposed. The first light guide G1, the second light guide G2, and the third light guide G3 are also attached to the light incident surface 6 to ensure optical coupling with the light incident surface 6. The first light guide G1 is juxtaposed with the first layer C1. The second light guide G2 is juxtaposed with the second layer C2. The third light guide G3 is juxtaposed with the third layer C3.
[0070] The first light source S1 is configured to emit a first light beam and is positioned so that the first light beam illuminates the first light guide G1. For example, the first light source S1 is positioned to face the end e1 of the first light guide G1, as shown in [ Figure 7 ] is shown. The first light beam is sometimes orange and sometimes white, so that the signaling device 2 can be dual-functional, as will be explained below. "Dual-functional" means that the signaling device 2 can act as an indicator light or a daytime running light. For example, the first light source S1 is a tunable light emitting diode, which can in particular emit an orange light beam or a white light beam. In another example, the first light source S1 is a dual-chip light emitting diode, which includes a first chip that emits orange light and a second chip that emits white light.
[0071] The second light source S2 is configured to emit a second light beam and is positioned so that the second light beam illuminates the second light guide G2. For example, the second light source S2 is positioned facing one end of the second light guide G2. The second light beam is sometimes orange and sometimes white, so that the signaling device 2 can be dual-functional, as will be explained below. For example, the second light source S2 is a tunable light emitting diode, which can in particular emit an orange light beam or a white light beam. In another example, the second light source S2 is a dual-chip light emitting diode, which includes a first chip that emits orange light and a second chip that emits white light.
[0072] The third light source S3 is configured to emit a third light beam and is positioned so that the third light beam illuminates the third light guide G3. For example, the third light source S3 is positioned facing the end of the third light guide G3. The third light beam is sometimes orange and sometimes white, so that the signaling device 2 can be dual-functional, as will be explained below. For example, the third light source S3 is a tunable light emitting diode, which can in particular emit an orange light beam or a white light beam. In another example, the third light source is a dual-chip light emitting diode, which includes a first chip that emits orange light and a second chip that emits white light.
[0073] The electric control circuit 10 is configured to control the lighting of the first light source S1, the second light source S2, or the third light source S3. Preferably, a single light source (hereinafter referred to as an activated light source) among the first light source S1, the second light source S2, and the third light source S3 is lit separately. In other embodiments, two light sources among the first light source S1, the second light source S2, and the third light source S3 are lit simultaneously.
[0074] The electrical control circuit 10 is also configured to control the change of the first, second and third light beams from orange to white to allow the signalling device 2 to switch from an indicator light function to a daytime running light function and vice versa, as will be explained below.
[0075] The electric control circuit 10 is also configured to control two signaling modules 1 , one of these modules being designed to be positioned on the right side of the vehicle and the other being designed to be positioned on the left side of said vehicle.
[0076] Examples of optical coupling between the first light source S1, the first light guide G1, and the first layer C1 of the transparent film 5 are described below and in [ Figure 7 This example can also be used for optical coupling between the second light source S2, the second light guide G2, and the second layer C2 of the transparent film 5, and for optical coupling between the third light source S3, the third light guide G3, and the third layer C3 of the transparent film 5, on the other hand.
[0077] According to this coupling example, the first layer C1 is divided into a plurality of longitudinal strips 71 at the light incident surface 6. The longitudinal strips are then folded into folds of 81 to 90 degrees along the light incident surface 6 and are stacked in transverse strips 91. The transverse strips 91 thus constitute the first light guide G1. The first light source S1 is positioned to face the end e1 of the transverse strip 91 opposite to the end of the transverse strip 91 closest to the fold 81.
[0078] Any other type of optical coupling may be used between the respective first light source S1 , second light source S2 , or third light source S3 and the respective first layer C1 , second layer C2 , or third layer C3 .
[0079] Therefore, when the signaling module 1 is placed in the internal volume defined by the shell 3 and the external enclosed lens 4, the front of the transparent film 5 is placed to face the external enclosed lens 4, so that at least a portion of the first light beam or the second light beam or the third light beam passes through the external enclosed lens 4 to leave the signaling device 2.
[0080] A method for activating a signaling function by means of the previously described signaling device 2 is described below.
[0081] Assume that two signaling devices 2 are installed on a vehicle occupied and driven by a user, one being a signaling device located on the left side of the vehicle and the other being a signaling device located on the right side of the vehicle.
[0082] To activate the signaling function, the user sends a command to the electric control circuit 10 via an actuator (such as a lever), which has, for example, a first right tilt (or translation) position, a second neutral tilt (or translation) position, and a third left tilt (or translation) position, as well as a first rotation position, a second rotation position, and a third rotation position. The actuator is connected to the electric control circuit 10. The tilt (or translation) position can be combined with the rotation position.
[0083] Any other type of actuator may be used that combines two controls. The two controls correspond to the control of the identification of the two signaling devices and the control of the type of signaling function of the signaling devices (indicator lights or daytime running lights), respectively. Alternatively, two separate actuators may be used, each corresponding to one of the two previous controls. Any type of actuator may be used, in particular actuators other than rotation or tilt.
[0084] In a first right tilt (or translation) position, the lever actuates the right indicator lamp function of the signaling device on the right side of the vehicle and the daytime running light function of the signaling device on the left side of the vehicle. In a second neutral tilt (or translation) position, the lever actuates the daytime running light function of the right signaling device and the left signaling device. In a third left tilt (or translation) position, the lever actuates the left indicator lamp function of the signaling device on the left side of the vehicle and the daytime running light function of the signaling device on the right side of the vehicle.
[0085] In the first rotational position, the lever actuates the first light source S1 to illuminate the first pattern M1 via the first light guide G1. The identification of the signaling device 2 is the first pattern M1. In the second rotational position, the lever actuates the second light source S2 to illuminate the second pattern M2 via the second light guide G2. The identification of the signaling device 2 is the second pattern M2. In the third rotational position, the lever actuates the third light source S3 to illuminate the third pattern M3 via the third light guide G3. The identification of the signaling device 2 is the third pattern M3.
[0086] If the lever is in a first right tilt (or translation) position, the electrical control circuit 10 triggers the right signaling device to emit a first orange light beam, a second orange light beam, or a third orange light beam, and triggers the left signaling device to emit a first white light beam, a second white light beam, or a third white light beam, respectively, according to whether the lever is in the first rotation position, the second rotation position, or the third rotation position.
[0087] If the lever is in the second neutral tilt (or translation) position, the electrical control circuit 10 triggers the right signaling device and the left signaling device to emit the first white light beam, the second white light beam, or the third white light beam respectively according to whether the lever is in the first rotational position, the second rotational position or the third rotational position.
[0088] If the lever is in the third left tilt (or translation) position, the electrical control circuit 10 triggers the left signaling device to emit the first orange light beam, the second orange light beam, or the third orange light beam, and triggers the right signaling device to emit the first white light beam, the second white light beam, or the third white light beam, respectively, according to whether the lever is in the first rotation position, the second rotation position or the third rotation position.
[0089] Since the brightness levels of the indicator lights and the daytime running lights are regulated, the first light beam, the second light beam, and the third light beam typically have a light intensity of less than 900 candelas.
[0090] Variations on the above described embodiments are possible.
[0091] For example, two of the first pattern M1 , the second pattern M2 , and the third pattern M3 may be illuminated simultaneously to form a composite pattern together.
[0092] Furthermore, as previously described, any other value of N greater than or equal to 2 may be used.
Claims
1. A signaling module (1) for a signaling device, the signaling device being capable of acting as an indicator light, the signaling module (1) comprising: - a transparent film (5) having a light incident surface (6); - a first light source (S1); - a second light source (S2); - a first light guide (G1) positioned opposite the light entrance surface (6); The first light source (S1) is positioned to illuminate the first light guide (G1), Features: - the signalling module further comprises a second light guide (G2) positioned opposite the light incident surface (6); - said second light source (S2) is positioned to illuminate said second light guide (G2); - the signaling module further comprises an electrical control circuit (10) configured to control lighting of an activation light source selected from the first light source (S1) and the second light source (S2); - the transparent film (5) is a multi-layer structure, the multi-layer structure comprising at least a first layer (C1) having a first micro-etching forming a first pattern (M1), and a second layer (C2) having a second micro-etching forming a second pattern (M2) different from the first pattern (M1); - the incident surface (6) is configured to allow light from the first light source (S1) to enter the first layer (C1) and be guided in the first light guide (G1) so as to illuminate the first pattern (M1) when the first light source is switched on; The incident surface (6) is configured to allow light from the second light source (S2) to enter the second layer (C2) and be guided in the second light guide (G2) to illuminate the second pattern (M2) when the second light source is switched on.
2. The signaling device signaling module (1) according to claim 1, further comprising: -N light sources; - N light guides, said N light guides being positioned opposite said light entrance face (6), The N light guides are stacked on the first light guide (G1) and the second light guide (G2); The multilayer structure further comprises N layers, each of the N layers comprising microetching forming a pattern different from the first pattern (M1) and the second pattern (M2); The incident surface (6) is configured to allow light from a corresponding light source among the N light sources to be input into each of the N layers and to be guided in a corresponding light guide among the N light guides.
3. The signaling module (1) for a signaling device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The activation light source is selected from the first light source (S1), the second light source (S2), and the N light sources.
4. A signalling module (1) for a signalling device according to one of claims 2 or 3, the device being capable of acting as an indicator light and a daytime running light, characterised in that: The first light source (S1), the second light source (S2), and the N light sources are configured to sometimes emit white light and sometimes emit orange light.
5. The signaling module (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The electrical control circuit (10) is further configured to control the color of light emitted by the activated light source.
6. A signaling device (2) for a motor vehicle, the signaling device comprising a housing (3) having an opening, and an outer enclosing lens (4) of the housing (3); and at least one signaling module (1) according to one of the preceding claims; The housing (3) and the external sealing lens (4) define an internal space; The signalling module (1) is placed in the inner volume such that at least a portion of the light leaving the signalling module (1) leaves the signalling device (2) through the outer closing lens (4).
7. The signaling device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that The signaling device (2) is an indicator light when the activation light source is turned on and emits orange light.
8. The signaling device (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that The signaling device (2) is a daytime running light when the activation light source is switched on and emits white light.
9. A method for changing the identification of a signaling device (2), the signaling device comprising a signaling module (1) as described in claim 3, or one of claims 4 to 5 when dependent on claim 3, the identification corresponding to a pattern selected from the first pattern (M1), the second pattern (M2), and the patterns of the N layers, the method comprising the step of lighting the activation light source through the electrical control circuit (10), the activation light source corresponding to the layer of the selected pattern.
10. A method for switching a signaling device (2) from an indicator light function to a daytime running light function and vice versa, the signaling device (2) comprising a signaling module (1) according to claim 5, the method comprising: When the activation light source is turned on, the control steps of changing from orange to white and from white to orange are performed by the electric control circuit (10).