Motor vehicle comprising auxiliary lighting device

Abstract

A motor vehicle includes: a motor vehicle body; at least two wheels; a traction engine; at least one headlight secured to the front portion; and at least one rear light secured to the tail. The motor vehicle further comprises: an electronic control unit operatively connected to the first auxiliary lighting device in order to activate and deactivate the first auxiliary lighting device, the electronic control unit for automatically activating the first lighting device when the speed of the motor vehicle is below a threshold speed; a radio interface operably connected to the electronic control unit, the electronic control unit programmed to activate the first auxiliary lighting device when the speed is equal to zero and when a radio control signal is received from the radio interface, the radio interface being a key chain. A first auxiliary lighting device is secured to the motor vehicle body and is adapted to be electrically controlled so as to be activated and deactivated, the first auxiliary lighting device being arranged and oriented such that, when activated, it illuminates a ground portion located below a central portion of the motor vehicle body.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese invention patent application filed on May 25, 2017, with application number 201780038782X and invention title "Motor Vehicle Including Auxiliary Lighting Device". Technical Field

[0002] This description relates to the field of motor vehicle (motorcycle) technology, and more particularly to a motor vehicle including an auxiliary lighting device. Background Technology

[0003] The lighting systems on motor vehicles, which allow for safe use, have been in use for a long time. In fact, motor vehicles are equipped with headlights, taillights, turn indicators, etc. Headlights illuminate the area of ​​the ground in front of the vehicle and make the vehicle visible to people in front of it. Taillights make the vehicle visible to people behind it and provide a braking signal.

[0004] However, existing lighting systems do not allow motor vehicle drivers to perform stopping and / or parking operations safely enough because during stopping and parking operations, the motor vehicle or driver may lose balance due to different ground levels and / or due to ground plasticity (compliance) conditions and / or due to the presence of slippery materials, thus determining injury to the driver and / or damage to the motor vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A general objective of this description is to provide a motor vehicle with auxiliary lighting that allows for at least partial overcoming or reduction of the disadvantages of existing motor vehicles.

[0006] This and other objectives are achieved by the motor vehicle as defined in claim 1 in its more general form and in some of the claims that are dependent on it in particular embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of embodiments, which are for illustrative purposes and are not limited to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of a motor vehicle is shown; - Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A floor plan of the motor vehicles; - Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A side view of a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle is in a first operating configuration; - Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Another view of the motor vehicle, in which the motor vehicle is in a second operating configuration; - Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an electronic control unit for a motor vehicle; - Figure 6 An alternative was shown. Figure 1 A side view of one possible embodiment of the motor vehicle described in the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0008] In the accompanying drawings, the same or similar elements will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0009] In the attached Figures 1 to 4 The illustration shows one embodiment of a motor vehicle 1, which in the specific example shown is non-limitingly represented as a two-wheeled motor vehicle and, in particular, a two-wheeled scooter, having a front wheel 5 and a rear wheel 6.

[0010] In the following description, reference will be made to general motor vehicles 1, which means that the following description generally applies to any type of L-category motor vehicle 1, including: - Vehicle body 2, 3, 4; - At least two wheels 5 and 6, which are constrained to the vehicle body 2, 3 and 4; - A traction engine 7, for example, thermal, electric, or hybrid, is constrained to the vehicle body 2, 3, 4 and operatively connected to at least one of the two wheels 5, 6.

[0011] For example, the aforementioned motor vehicle 1 is a two-wheeled motor vehicle, such as a scooter or motorcycle, or a three-wheeled motor vehicle that is steered and tilted with respect to at least two of its front wheels, or a four-wheeled vehicle with two pairs of tilting wheels and at least two steering wheels.

[0012] The vehicle body 2, 3, and 4 extend along a longitudinal axis LL parallel to the driving axis of the vehicle 1, and have a front portion 2, a rear portion 4, and a central portion 3 included between the front portion 2 and the rear portion 4. The central portion 3 represents the part of the vehicle 1 in which the driver's body is arranged to board or ride the vehicle 1 under normal use. In this example, the central portion includes a platform 35, a support placed under a saddle 36, and a front portion 37 of the saddle. In this example, the front portion 2 includes a front fairing 21, a steering handlebar 22, a front wheel 5, and a front fender 23. In this example, the rear portion 4 includes a rear portion 47 of the saddle, a storage container 45, one or two rear suspensions 41, a rear wheel 6, and a traction engine 7.

[0013] The motor vehicle 1 includes at least one headlight 12 fixed to the front 2 and at least one taillight 14 fixed to the rear 4 and pointing in the opposite direction to the headlight 12. When the steering handlebar 22 is not rotated, i.e., when both the front wheel 5 and the rear wheel 6 are aligned along the longitudinal axis LL, the headlight 12 is configured to emit a beam of light that is primarily centered along the longitudinal axis LL and faces toward the ground portion of the front of the motor vehicle 1. The taillight 14 is configured to emit non-directional optical radiation that is generally concentrated at the same height as its taillight to avoid dazzling vehicles following the motor vehicle 1.

[0014] The motor vehicle 1 also includes a first auxiliary lighting device 30 fixed to the motor vehicle body 2, 3, 4 and adapted to be electrically controlled for activation and deactivation. The first auxiliary lighting device 30 is arranged and oriented such that, when activated, it illuminates the ground portion G1 located below and / or on the side (above) of the center portion 3 of the motor vehicle body 2, 3, 4. Preferably, the first auxiliary lighting device 30 is arranged and oriented in such a way that, when activated, it selectively illuminates the aforementioned ground portion G1. For the purposes of this invention, "selectively" means primarily or exclusively. Preferably, the first auxiliary lighting device 30 is arranged on the motor vehicle body 1 at the midpoint or substantially midpoint between the front wheel 5 and the rear wheel 6.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first auxiliary lighting device 30 is arranged in the central portion 3 of the body of the motor vehicle 1 and oriented towards the ground. In an example consistent with the embodiment shown in the figure, the motor vehicle 1 is a scooter, and the central portion 3 of the motor vehicle body 2, 3, 4 includes a platform 35, and the first auxiliary lighting device 30 is placed below the platform 35, particularly below the footrest wall of the platform 35.

[0016] Preferably, the first auxiliary lighting device 30 has a main emitting light axis D1, oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis LL and facing the ground. This can be achieved using a direct light source, such as an LED, and / or using an optical system, such as including at least one lens and / or at least one spotlight capable of spatially shaping light radiation emitted by a non-directional light source, such as an incandescent or halogen lamp. Preferably, when the vehicle is in motion, the aforementioned light source is not visible when viewed from a point behind the vehicle 1 along the longitudinal axis LL.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the motor vehicle 1 includes an electronic control unit 100 operatively connected to the first auxiliary lighting device 30 for activating and deactivating it. When the speed of the motor vehicle 1 is below a threshold speed, the electronic control unit 100 thus automatically activates the second lighting device 30. Conveniently, the threshold speed has an absolute value higher than zero. For example, the threshold speed is equal to 10 km / h or equal to 5 km / h. According to one embodiment, refer to... Figure 5 The electronic control unit 100 is used to receive, for example, an electrical signal carrying information related to the speed of the vehicle 1 from a speed sensor 102 mounted on or operatively connected thereto.

[0018] For example, the electronic control unit 100 and the first auxiliary lighting device 30 are powered by a battery 101 of the vehicle 1.

[0019] Always refer to Figure 5 According to a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic control unit 100 is the ECU (engine control unit) of the motor vehicle 1 and causes it to also control the traction motor 7 of the motor vehicle 1.

[0020] According to an advantageous and non-limiting embodiment, the first auxiliary lighting device 30 includes a pair of auxiliary lighting devices placed on opposite sides of them relative to the longitudinal axis LL.

[0021] According to an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle 1 also includes a low-light (dim) sensor 105 operatively connected to the electronic control unit 100. The electronic control unit 100 is programmed to detect a certain level of ambient lighting and keep the first auxiliary lighting device 30 off regardless of the speed of the vehicle 1. This avoids activating the first auxiliary lighting device 30 when it is not needed.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the vehicle 1 includes a radio interface 103 operatively connected to an electronic control unit 100. The electronic control unit 100 is programmed to activate a first auxiliary lighting device 30 when the speed of the vehicle 1 is zero and when it receives a radio control signal from the radio interface 103. Therefore, the first auxiliary lighting device 30 can advantageously also be used to enable an authorized user of the vehicle 1 to detect the parking position of the vehicle 1 in darkness and at a certain distance. The aforementioned radio interface 103 is, for example, an interface for a wireless portable device authorized for use by the vehicle 1, such as an alarm controller and / or key fob.

[0023] According to an advantageous and non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 1 includes at least one support 10 adapted to be moved to selectively present a resting operating position and a working operating position, wherein, in the working operating position, the support has at least one end portion that rests against the ground and is laterally positioned and / or (placed) under the vehicle body. Preferably, in such an embodiment, the vehicle 1 also includes a second auxiliary lighting device 50 adapted to illuminate or brighten the support 10. It should be noted that, in Figure 1 and Figure 4 The image shows the support 10 in its operational position, while... Figure 3 The image shows it in the resting operating position.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the second auxiliary lighting device 50 is configured such that the bracket 10 is illuminated or brightened when it is in a resting position. For example, from Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be observed in the example, the second auxiliary lighting device illuminates part M of the vehicle 1, and in particular the rear of the vehicle 1, and more precisely part M1 of the traction motor 7. While it is convenient for the second lighting device 50 to illuminate or brighten the bracket 10 when the bracket is in the resting position, it is possible to provide that the second auxiliary lighting device 50 illuminates or brightens the bracket 10 when the bracket is in the working position.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second auxiliary lighting device 50 is operatively connected to the electronic control unit 100 for activation and deactivation by it, and the electronic control unit 100 is thus configured to activate the second auxiliary lighting device 50 when the vehicle speed is zero and / or when the traction engine 7 changes from an active (on) state to an off state and / or when it is detected that the driver has disembarked from the motor vehicle 1.

[0026] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the second auxiliary lighting device 50 is integrated into the bracket 10, thereby illuminating the bracket. According to an alternative embodiment, the second auxiliary lighting device 50 is external to the bracket, secured to the body 2, 3, 4 of the vehicle 1, and oriented towards the bracket when the bracket is in a resting position, thereby illuminating the bracket.

[0027] Therefore, based on the above, it can be understood that the above-described type of motor vehicle can achieve the aforementioned objectives as described in the prior art. In fact, thanks to the first lighting device 50, the driver can see the portion of the ground below the motor vehicle and / or located laterally relative to the motor vehicle 1, and choose the most suitable area to stop and park the motor vehicle or simply place his feet, thus avoiding dangers caused by the presence of holes, puddles, cutting objects such as glass shards, or stones on uneven ground.

[0028] The above-described embodiment is particularly advantageous in that when it detects that the speed of the motor vehicle has decreased from any positive value to below a certain threshold, the first auxiliary lighting device 30 is automatically activated, so that the aforementioned first auxiliary lighting device 30 is automatically activated when the driver may be performing a stop and / or parking operation of the motor vehicle 1.

[0029] It may be provided that, upon activation, the first auxiliary lighting device 30 automatically deactivates if an event occurs or if it is time-controlled, for example, under the control of the electronic control unit 100. It may be provided that the motor vehicle includes a device adapted to detect the presence of a driver in the motor vehicle (referred to as "driver presence sensor 106"), operatively connected to the electronic control unit 100, and deactivates the first auxiliary lighting device 30 such that it detects the driver has alighted from the motor vehicle 1 or, after a period of time following such detection. A non-limiting example of the driver presence sensor 106 is described in the same applicant's patent EP2130713B1.

[0030] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the presence of the aforementioned driver presence sensor 106, this device can, for example, be used to activate the second auxiliary lighting device 50 if the latter is installed in the vehicle 1, for example when the driver gets out of the vehicle 1, in order to deactivate the first auxiliary lighting device 30 and activate the second lighting device 50, thereby enabling the driver to... Figure 3 Switch to configuration Figure 4 Configuration.

[0031] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 An alternative implementation method for motor vehicles. Figure 6 The vehicle is a motor vehicle and includes a first auxiliary lighting device 30, which is fixed to a platform 35, particularly below the footrest wall of the platform 35. Two first auxiliary lighting devices 30 may be provided, one fixed to the right side of the platform 35 of the vehicle 1 and the other fixed to the left side of the platform 35. Optionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, a second auxiliary lighting device 50 suitable for illuminating or brightening the bracket 10 may also be provided in the motor vehicle 1.

[0032] Without departing from the principles of the invention and without leaving the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, the implementation methods and details will vary extensively with respect to what has been described and shown for illustrative purposes.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle (1), comprising: - The vehicle body (2, 3, 4) extends along the longitudinal axis (LL) and has a front part (2), a rear part (4) and a central part (3) included between the front part (2) and the rear part (4); - At least two wheels (5, 6) are constrained to the vehicle body (2, 3, 4), including the front wheel (5) and the rear wheel (6); - A traction engine (7) constrained to the vehicle body (2, 3, 4) and operably connected to at least one of the wheels (5, 6); - At least one headlamp (12) is fixed to the front (2); - At least one rear light (14) is fixed to the tail (4). - Electronic control unit (100), which is operatively connected to the first auxiliary lighting device (30) to activate and deactivate the first auxiliary lighting device (30), wherein the electronic control unit (100) is used to automatically activate the first lighting device (30) when the speed of the motor vehicle (1) is below a threshold speed. - A radio interface (103) operably connected to the electronic control unit (100), and wherein the electronic control unit (100) is programmed to activate the first auxiliary lighting device (30) when the speed is equal to zero and when a radio control signal is received from the radio interface (103), wherein the radio interface (103) is a keychain; The first auxiliary lighting device (30) is fixed to the vehicle body (2, 3, 4) and is adapted to be electrically controlled for activation and deactivation, wherein the first auxiliary lighting device (30) is arranged and oriented such that, when activated, the first auxiliary lighting device (30) illuminates the ground portion (G1) located below the center portion (3) of the vehicle body (2, 3, 4).

2. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The absolute value of the threshold velocity is greater than zero.

3. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The threshold speed is greater than or equal to 5 km / h.

4. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first auxiliary lighting device (30) is arranged in the central part (3) and is oriented toward the ground.

5. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first auxiliary lighting device (30) has a main emitting light axis (D1) which is oriented in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (LL) and faces the ground.

6. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The central part (3) includes a platform (35), and a second auxiliary lighting device (30) is placed under the platform (35).

7. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 1 further includes a low-light sensor (105) operably connected to the electronic control unit (100), wherein the electronic control unit (100) is programmed to keep the first auxiliary lighting device (30) off when a certain level of ambient lighting is detected, regardless of the speed of the motor vehicle (1).

8. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first auxiliary lighting device (30) includes two auxiliary lighting devices placed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis (LL).

9. The motor vehicle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one bracket (10), said at least one bracket being movable to selectively present a resting operating position and a working operating position, wherein, In the working position, the bracket has at least one end portion that rests against the ground, is placed laterally and / or under the body of the motor vehicle (1), and also includes a second auxiliary lighting device (50) adapted to illuminate or brighten the bracket (10).

10. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The second auxiliary lighting device (50) is used to illuminate the support (10) when the support is in the resting position.

11. The motor vehicle (1) according to claims 1 and 9, wherein, The second auxiliary lighting device (40) is operatively connected to the electronic control unit (100) so as to be activated and deactivated therefrom, and wherein the electronic control unit (100) is configured to activate the second auxiliary lighting device (50) when the speed of the motor vehicle (1) is equal to zero and / or the traction engine (7) changes from an active state to an off state and / or when the driver is detected to have disembarked from the motor vehicle (1).

12. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The second auxiliary lighting device (50) is integrated into the bracket (10).

13. The motor vehicle (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The second auxiliary lighting device (50) is outside the bracket, fixed to the body (2, 3, 4) of the motor vehicle (1), and oriented toward the bracket (10) when the bracket is in the rest position.

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