LIGHTING DEVICE OF A VEHICLE

Abstract

A lighting device for a vehicle is described. The lighting device comprises at least one actuator that can be connected to a support frame of at least one front headlight unit and one rear light unit. The at least one actuator can be selectively actuated under predefined conditions. A collar is movably arranged on a shaft connected to the at least one actuator and is displaceable between one or more positions along an axis XX of the shaft based on the selective actuation of the at least one actuator. Furthermore, at least one lighting element is pivotably coupled to one end of the collar and can be displaced between the one or more positions along the axis in collision with the collar.The displacement of the collar between one or more positions along the axis consequently shifts the at least one lighting element between an extended state and a retracted state in order to create different artistic representations.

Description

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION

[0001] The following description explains the invention and how it is to be implemented in more detail. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of motor vehicles. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to lighting modules in vehicles. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a lighting device provided in a front headlight and rear light of the vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0003] Passenger cars have evolved over several decades to offer occupants the best features and comfort. Today, the focus is on making the driving experience even more enjoyable and luxurious. Automakers are constantly working to develop and deliver premium in-vehicle features that foster a sense of connection between the user and their car. In this context, manufacturers have introduced various features, including those found in passenger compartments and on the exterior of the vehicle (e.g., in lighting modules), to enhance the driving experience. Exterior lighting modules are not merely decorative elements; they are also used in artistic installations, creating a captivating experience that draws the viewer into an emotional connection with the car.Conventional lighting modules in cars are not very visually appealing to the user, as they are static and attached to a mounting frame of the headlights, increasing the size and weight of the frame. Automakers are working tirelessly to make the functions associated with the lighting modules as customizable as possible, so that the user feels connected to their vehicle, while also reducing the complexity of the lighting modules themselves.

[0004] There is prior art that discloses an optical device for a vehicle headlight. For example, patent specification DE102023000969A1 discloses an optical device for a vehicle headlight. According to the invention, the optical device has at least two light source segments that are offset from each other in such a way that they exhibit a viewing-angle-dependent, predetermined light distribution and generate a symbolic shape. However, the optical device of DE102023000969A1 is complex and presents challenges in its arrangement. Accordingly, the prior art is unable to solve one or more of the problems that are discussed in the background.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned limitations or other limitations associated with the prior art.

[0006] The information disclosed in this section concerning the background of the disclosure is provided solely for a better understanding of the general background of the invention and is not to be understood as an acknowledgment or an indication that this information constitutes prior art already known to the person skilled in the art. SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0007] One or more shortcomings of conventional systems are overcome, and additional advantages are provided by the device as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered part of the claimed disclosure.

[0008] In a non-restrictive embodiment of the disclosure, a lighting device for a vehicle is described. The lighting device comprises at least one actuator that can be connected to a support frame of at least one front headlight unit and one rear light unit. The at least one actuator can be selectively actuated under predefined conditions. A collar is movably arranged on a shaft connected to the at least one actuator and is displaceable between one or more positions along a longitudinal axis XX of the shaft, based on the selective actuation of the at least one actuator. Furthermore, at least one lighting element is pivotably coupled to one end of the collar and, in conjunction with the collar, is displaceable between the one or more positions along the longitudinal axis XX.The displacement of the collar between one or more positions along the XX axis consequently shifts the at least one lighting element between an extended state and a retracted state in order to create different artistic representations.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft is defined by a worm thread along a length of the shaft.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the at least one illumination element is defined by a main optical surface and a secondary optical surface.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lighting device comprises a control module that is communicatively coupled to the at least one actuator. The control module is configured to selectively actuate the at least one actuator based on predefined states.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predefined states correspond to the operating modes of the vehicle, including park mode, drive mode, follow-me-home mode and guide-me mode.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one lighting element moves into the extended state when the collar is moved away from the at least one actuator along the axis XX of the shaft. In the extended state, the main optical surface of the at least one lighting element is at a predefined angle relative to the shaft. Furthermore, the at least one lighting element moves into the retracted state when the collar is moved towards the at least one actuator along the axis XX of the shaft. In the retracted state, the main optical surface of the at least one lighting element is substantially parallel to the shaft.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the lighting device may include a connecting element that pivotably connects each of the at least one lighting element to a housing of the actuator. The connecting element is structured such that it can move each of the at least one lighting element between the extended state and the retracted state.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one lighting element is dynamically displaceable between the extended state and the retracted state, based on a change in the predefined states. The displacement of the at least one lighting element between the extended state and the retracted state creates a shape with different dimensions that corresponds to the manufacturer's logo.

[0016] The foregoing summary serves only for illustration and is in no way intended to be limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become clear by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ENCLOSED DRAWINGS

[0017] The new features and properties of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. However, the disclosure itself, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described only by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which identical reference numerals represent identical elements and in which: Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary perspective view of the front of a vehicle with a headlight unit with a lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows an exemplary perspective view of a vehicle rear with a rear light unit with the lighting device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary perspective view of the lighting device for the front headlight unit and the rear light. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic front and side view of the lighting device. Fig. 3 in a retracted state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic front and side view of the lighting device. Fig. 3 in an extended state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0018] The figures show embodiments of the disclosure, which serve only for illustration. A person skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the device shown here can be used without deviating from the principles of the disclosure described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] While the embodiments described in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are illustrated by way of example in the figures and are described below. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular form that was disclosed, but rather, on the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the disclosure.

[0020] It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated by the present disclosure to modify various features of the vehicle's lighting device without going beyond the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be readily apparent to the average person skilled in the art who benefits from the description herein. Furthermore, the system of the present disclosure can be used in any type of vehicle, including commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and the like. However, for the sake of simplicity, neither the vehicle nor its complete vehicle frame is depicted in the drawings of the disclosure.

[0021] The terms “includes…a”, “comprehensive”, or other variations thereof used in the disclosure are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a system comprising a list of components may include not only those components but also other components not expressly listed or belonging to such a mechanism. In other words, one or more elements in a mechanism continued with “includes…a” does not, without further limitations, exclude the existence of other or additional elements in the system or device.

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure reveal a lighting device for a vehicle. For example, the lighting device can be used in a headlight assembly and / or a taillight assembly of the vehicle. The lighting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure can feature a manufacturer's logo in the headlight assembly and / or the taillight assembly, or be configured to resemble the manufacturer's logo. In addition to configuring the lighting device to display the manufacturer's logo, the lighting device can also be configured to project various artistic illustrations. In this way, the lighting device of the present disclosure provides a captivating experience for the vehicle's user and gives the user a sense of connection with their vehicle.Furthermore, the lighting device draws the attention of onlookers to the vehicle and enhances its presence on the road. The lighting device of this disclosure can be dynamically activated based on the vehicle's operating modes to provide the vehicle's user with a touch of luxury. Moreover, the lighting device features a very compact and less complex mechanism, which is illustrated in the following explanation in conjunction with the figures in the embodiments shown. Due to its compact design, the lighting device requires less space in the headlight assembly and / or the taillight assembly.

[0023] The vehicle's lighting device comprises at least one actuator that can be connected to a support frame of the front headlight unit and / or the rear light unit. The at least one actuator can be selectively actuated based on predefined states. A collar can be movably arranged on a shaft connected to the at least one actuator. The collar can be displaceable between one or more positions along an axis XX of the shaft based on the selective actuation of the at least one actuator. The lighting device further comprises at least one lighting element that can be pivotally coupled to one end of the collar and can be displaced together with the collar between the one or more positions along the axis XX.The displacement of the collar between one or more positions along axis XX consequently shifts the at least one lighting element between an extended state and a retracted state to create various artistic representations. The lighting device is explained below in conjunction with the corresponding figures.

[0024] In the following sections, the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the Fig. Figures 1 to 5 are described. In the figures, the same element or elements having similar functions are designated by the same reference numerals. By general reference to the drawings, a lighting device of a vehicle according to the teachings of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure is shown and is generally identified in the corresponding figures by reference numeral 1003. In the figures, the vehicle with the lighting device (1003) is shown and designated by reference numeral "1000" [only a section of the vehicle is shown in the figures]. Other features and / or elements of the lighting device (1003) of the vehicle (1000) are represented in the corresponding figures by corresponding reference numerals [see the list of reference numerals], and these are used below according to the respective features.It is understood that the teachings of the present revelation are not limited to any particular vehicle. Furthermore, the corresponding figures only show one section, i.e., a front end […]. Fig. 1] and a rear end [ Fig. 2] of the vehicle, the entire vehicle (1000) is not shown in the corresponding figures for the sake of simplicity.

[0025] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit application and use. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound to any theory presented in the preceding background, summary, or detailed description. It is understood that the disclosure may take various alternative orientations and sequences of steps unless expressly stated otherwise. The devices or components depicted in the accompanying drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the accompanying claims. Therefore, specific dimensions or other physical properties relating to the embodiments are not to be considered limiting unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some specific terms are used that point in a particular direction, the use of these terms or words is solely intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention with reference to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meaning of these terms or words should not unreasonably limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0026] Furthermore, the term "approximation" as "essentially," when used in relation to physical properties in this disclosure, should be understood to encompass a range of deviations that a person skilled in the art would consider satisfactory for a given use, function, purpose, or the like. The term "essentially" is a descriptive term frequently used in disclosures to avoid imposing a strict numerical limit on the specified parameter. The term "essentially" should be read in conjunction with terms such as "perpendicular," "central," "circular," "vertical," "conformal," etc.

[0027] It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein serve descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "accommodated," "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled," as well as their variations, are used in the broadest sense and include both direct and indirect fastenings, connections, supports, and couplings. Furthermore, the terms "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein serves to describe certain embodiments by way of example and is not to be understood as limiting the claimed invention.The following description outlines various embodiments. For explanatory purposes, specific configurations and details are sketched to enable a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be clear to those skilled in the art that the embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. Furthermore, known features may be omitted or simplified so as not to obscure the described embodiment. The lighting device (1003) is described below with reference to the... Fig. Items 1 to 5 are explained in detail.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 of the corresponding figures shows an exemplary schematic perspective front view of the vehicle (1000) and an exemplary schematic perspective rear view. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, reference to the vehicle is understood to mean that the vehicle (1000) can have at least several different uses and can be described as a passenger vehicle, heavy and light commercial vehicle, etc. The vehicle (1000) can have a plurality of wheels to provide mobility to the vehicle (1000). In addition, the vehicle (1000) can include a vehicle frame / frame. Accordingly, the vehicle (1000) can have a body-on-frame construction, such as may be known for use as a passenger vehicle or the like. In some embodiments, the vehicle (1000) can have a tubular frame / monocoque / backbone construction.The vehicle (1000) can be a passenger vehicle, a commercial vehicle, an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), a station wagon and / or an off-road vehicle, a MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle), a sedan, or any other type of automobile, without this deviating from the scope of the disclosure. The vehicle (1000) can be any type of vehicle, including electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE vehicles).

[0029] The vehicle (1000) can have a front, also referred to as the front structure, a rear, a right side, and a left side [not shown in the figures], which define a profile of the vehicle (1000). As can be seen by those skilled in the art, the structure of the vehicle's (1000) body can be configured to support a drivetrain that drives the wheels via a system for moving the vehicle (1000) on a surface such as the road in a known manner. Furthermore, the front end can have provisions for receiving a hood (not explicitly shown), which can be configured to cover a compartment that can be configured as an engine compartment, structured to accommodate an internal combustion engine [in the case of an ICE-powered vehicle] or a traction drive motor [in the case of electric cars].In one embodiment, the hood can also be configured to cover the storage compartment provided at the front end of the vehicle (1000). The hood can be pivotally secured to the frame of the vehicle (1000) and be slidable between a closed and an open position. In some embodiments, for example, in electric vehicles, the compartment described above at the front end can be configured as a storage space for luggage or various accessories of the vehicle (1000) and is generally referred to as the front trunk. The front section can further include components such as radiators, fans, blowers, headlight assemblies, and bumpers. The front section can be prefabricated with the components described above and then precisely joined to the frame of the vehicle.

[0030] Furthermore, the left and right sides of the vehicle body (1000) can be structured to accommodate one or more doors that can be selectively opened or closed to provide access to the vehicle's interior. A tailgate can be secured at the rear end, which may be designed to cover the rear compartment of the vehicle. The vehicle includes a central section, which can extend between the front and rear ends of the vehicle and separates the occupants. The occupant compartment can include, among other components, an instrument panel between the front section and the central section. The driver's seat and front passenger seat can be secured to the floor panel at the front end of the vehicle (1000) immediately behind the instrument panel. Likewise, the passenger compartment can include a rear compartment for the occupants with multiple rows of seats.Furthermore, a steering mechanism may be provided in the compartment towards the driver's seat. The steering mechanism may be positioned at a predefined angle relative to the dashboard and configured to be operated to steer the vehicle in the desired direction. The steering wheel may be equipped with one or more accessories / components. These accessories / components may include one or more levers connected to the steering column. The steering column may also be configured to accommodate other components, including the connections necessary to enable various functions of the lever(s). For example, operations such as washing the front and rear windshields may be assigned to one or more levers.One or more levers can be operated to apply wiper fluid and also to operate the wiper lever for cleaning the front and rear windscreens. The remaining levers can be used to switch on the vehicle's headlights and / or taillights and turn signals (1000). In one embodiment, the one or more levers can also be configured to include the control of the headlights or taillights.

[0031] The headlights described above can be combined in a headlight assembly (1001) [as shown in Fig. [1 shown] arranged, which can be secured to a support frame defined at the front end of the vehicle (1000). The term 'support frame' refers to a section of the body structure at the front end of the vehicle (1000) designed to receive and accommodate the front headlight assembly (1001). Similarly, the rear lights can be arranged in a rear light assembly (1002) [as shown in Fig. [2 shown]. The rear light assembly (1002) can be secured to the support frame defined at the rear end of the vehicle (1000). The term "support frame" refers to a section of the body structure at the rear end of the vehicle (1000) that is configured to receive and accommodate the rear light assembly (1002). The front headlight assembly (1001) and the rear light assembly (1002) can include the at least one lighting device (1003). In one embodiment, the at least one lighting device (1003) can be secured to the support frame at the front and rear ends of the vehicle (1000).In another embodiment, the front headlight unit (1001) and the rear light unit (1002) can be defined by a housing (not explicitly shown), wherein the at least one lighting device (1003) is arranged within the housing and can be secured to a surface of the housing without this deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The at least one lighting device (1003) in the front headlight unit (1001) and the rear light unit (1002) can have features / functions, including, but not limited to, position lights, daytime running lights, turn signals, and advanced markings for the driver assistance system. Furthermore, the at least one lighting device (1003) can be structured to resemble the manufacturer's logo and also project various artistic illustrations, providing the vehicle user with a captivating experience.The configuration of the at least one lighting device (1003) is determined in conjunction with the . Fig. 3 to 5 are explained below.

[0032] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the lighting device (1003), which can be arranged within the front headlight unit (1001) and the rear light unit (1002). While in Fig. Since only the front headlight unit (1001) is labelled, the following description also applies to the rear light unit (1002). The lighting device (1003) can comprise at least one actuator (1033) [hereinafter referred to as actuator (1033)]. The actuator (1033) can be an electrical actuator. However, other possible actuators can also be considered without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. The actuator (1033) can be secured to the support frame of at least one of the front headlight units (1001) and the rear light unit (1002). However, the lighting device (1003) can also be arranged inside and attached to the housing of the front headlight unit (1001) and the rear light unit (1002), as described above.The housing of the front headlight unit (1001) and the rear light unit (1002) with the lighting device (1003) can then be attached to the support frame at the front and rear ends of the vehicle (1000). The actuator (1033) can have an output shaft which is located in . Fig. Figure 3 is represented by the identifier “1053”. The output shaft (1053) can be rotatable by the actuator (1033) when it is actuated based on predefined states, which are explained in the following sections. The output shaft (1053) can be referred to below as “the shaft (1053)” and can be used interchangeably. The shaft (1053) can extend in length about a longitudinal axis (XX) [the axis (XX) refers to an imaginary axis extending in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle]. The longitudinal axis (XX) can be referred to as the axis (XX) and can be used interchangeably below. The shaft (1053) can be defined by external threads [not explicitly shown] around an outer circumferential surface. In one embodiment, the threads can be screw threads that can extend along the axis (XX) over part or all of the length of the shaft (1053).In another embodiment, the shaft (1053) can be defined by a worm gear which can extend over part of the shaft (1053) or the entire length of the shaft (1053) along the axis (XX) without this deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] Furthermore, the shaft (1053) can be structured to accommodate a collar (1043). The collar (1043) can be movably arranged on the shaft (1053). The collar (1043) can be provided with a through-opening (not explicitly shown) which can be structured to accommodate the shaft (1053) of the actuator (1033). The inner circumferential surface of the shaft (1053) can be structured to engage with the external thread defined on the shaft (1053). An inner circumferential surface of the collar (1043) can be provided with internal threads that are identical to the external threads of the shaft (1053). The collar (1043) can be structured to be displaceable between one or more positions along the length of the shaft (1053) about the axis (XX).Rotation of the shaft (1053) by the actuator (1033) can impart a rotational movement to the collar (1043) and enable a linear displacement of the collar (1043) about the axis (XX) relative to the shaft (1053). For example, a clockwise rotation of the shaft (1053) can displace the collar (1043) linearly by the length of the shaft (1053) and away from the actuator (1033). Likewise, a counterclockwise rotation of the shaft (1053) can displace the collar (1043) linearly by the length of the shaft (1053) and in the direction of the actuator (1033). The collar (1043) can be structured to accommodate at least one lighting element (1013). In one embodiment, the collar (1043) can be provided with one or more projections, each extending radially outward from an outer circumferential surface of the collar (1043).One end of each of the at least one lighting element (1013) can be pivotably secured to the respective projection of one or more projections defined on the outer circumferential surface of the collar (1043). However, other conceivable means for connecting the at least one lighting element (1013) can also be considered without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. For example, a surface of the collar (1043) facing away from the actuator (1033) can be structured such that it pivotably receives the at least one lighting element (1013). Accordingly, other configurations for securing the at least one lighting element (1013) can also be considered without deviating from the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the at least one lighting element (1013) can be displaceable together with or in conjunction with the collar (1043).The at least one lighting module (1013) can be structured such that, in conjunction with the displacement of the collar (1043) between one or more positions along the length of the shaft (1053) about the axis (XX) between an extended state (EC) [shown in . Fig. 5] and a broken-in state (RC) [shown in Fig. 4] is pivotably displaced. That is, a displacement of the collar (1043) away from the at least one actuator (1033) can consequently bring the at least one lighting element (1013) into the extended state (EC), as in Fig. 5 shown. Furthermore, a displacement of the collar (1043) towards the actuator (1033) can cause the at least one lighting element (1013) to be moved into the retracted state (RC), as shown in Fig. 4 shown. The configuration of the lighting element (1013) is explained in the following sections.

[0034] The lighting element (1013) can have a cylindrical, cuboid, triangular, or similar profile. However, the profile of the lighting element (1013) can have any geometric structure, including symmetrical and asymmetrical profiles, without exceeding the scope of this disclosure. In an illustrative embodiment, the profile of the lighting element (1013) can resemble a cuboid structure. The lighting element (1013) with the cuboid profile can be defined by four principal surfaces and two subsidiary surfaces. The principal surfaces of the lighting element (1013) can be referred to as the optical principal surface and represented by the reference numeral "MS". Likewise, the subsidiary surfaces of the lighting element (1013) can be referred to as optical subsidiary surfaces and represented by the reference alphabet "SS".In one embodiment, all four principal optical surfaces (MS) of the illumination element (1013) can be either transparent or translucent and structured to emit light. In another embodiment, one of the four principal optical surfaces (MS) facing the wave (1053) can be either transparent or translucent and structured to emit light, while the remaining principal optical surfaces (MS) can be opaque. In a further embodiment, two or three of the principal optical surfaces (MS) can be either transparent or translucent and structured to emit light, while the remaining principal optical surfaces (MS) can be opaque. Similar to the principal optical surfaces (MS) of each of the at least one illumination element (1013), the secondary optical surfaces (SS) can also be structured to be either transparent, translucent, or opaque.

[0035] In an illustrative embodiment and as in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, one of the principal optical surfaces (MS), which faces the wave (1053), is configured to be transparent or translucent and able to emit light, while the remaining principal optical surface (MS) is shown as opaque. In the figures, the opaque principal optical surface (MS) is represented by hatched lines, while the transparent / translucent principal optical surface (MS) is represented by a simple bounding box. The smaller optical surfaces (SS) are also shown in Fig.3 depicted as transparent or translucent. The main optical surface (MS) and the secondary optical surface (SS) may face an external environment of the vehicle (1000) and may be configured to emit light or produce artistic representations. As described above, each of the at least one lighting module (1013) may be structured to be pivotable between the extended state (EC) and the retracted state (RC) in conjunction with the displacement of the collar (1043) between one or more positions along the length of the shaft (1053) about the axis (XX). In the retracted state (RC), the main optical surface (MS) [i.e.,In the extended state (EC), the main optical surface (MS) [i.e., it is transparent or translucent] of each of the at least one lighting elements (1013) can be substantially parallel to and facing the shaft (1053), while the secondary optical surface (SS) can be perpendicular to the shaft (1053) and oriented towards the front and rear of the vehicle. In the extended state (EC), the main optical surface (MS) [i.e., it is transparent or translucent] of each of the at least one lighting elements (1013) can be at a predefined angle relative to the shaft (1053) and oriented towards the external environment of the vehicle (1000). The predefined angle in the extended state (EC) can be at least an acute angle or an obtuse angle. In one embodiment, the main optical surface (MS) [i.e., it is transparent or translucent] can be...[It is configured to be transparent or translucent] each of the at least one lighting element (1013) is substantially perpendicular to the shaft (1053) and can be oriented to face the external environment of the vehicle (1000). In the extended state (EC), the smaller optical area (SS) can also be positioned at a predefined angle to the shaft (1053).

[0036] In one embodiment, a connecting element (1023) can be provided in the lighting device (1003) to assist the displacement of each of the at least one lighting element (1013) between the extended state (EC) and the retracted state (RC). The connecting element (1023) can be pivotally connected at one end to a substantially central section of each of the at least one lighting element (1013), and at another end, the connecting element (1023) can be pivotally coupled to a section of a housing of the actuator (1033). The connecting element (1023) can pull each of the at least one lighting element (1013) from the retracted state (RC) to the extended state (EC) as the collar (1043) moves away from the actuator (1033).Similarly, the connecting element (1023) can allow a gradual displacement of the at least one lighting element (1013) from the extended state (EC) to the retracted state (RC) as the collar (1043) moves toward the actuator (1033). As described in previous sections, the displacement of the collar (1043) between one or more positions along the length of the shaft (1053) can be achieved by rotating the shaft (1053) clockwise or counterclockwise. The shaft (1053) can be rotated by the actuator (1033), which can be selectively triggered based on predefined states. The predefined states can correspond to the operating modes of the vehicle (1000). The operating modes of the vehicle (1000) can include parking mode, driving mode, and the like. In addition, the predefined states can also include the "follow-me-home" mode [i.e.,The actuator (1033) can be triggered to dynamically move each of the at least one lighting element (1013) based on the operation of the vehicle (1000) in the predefined states, i.e., the modes in which the vehicle (1000) is operated.

[0037] The actuator (1033) can be selectively triggered by a control module (not explicitly shown) which may be communicatively coupled to the actuator (1033). In one embodiment, the control module may be a standalone control module connected to the lighting device (1003). In another embodiment, the control module may be a central control unit for the vehicle, without this deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The control module may be a specialized control module, such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating-point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The control module may include a microprocessor such as AMD Athlon, Duron, or Opteron, ARM's application, embedded, or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel's Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron, or another series of processors, etc.The control module can be implemented using a mainframe, a distributed processor, a multicore, parallel, grid, or other architecture. In some embodiments, embedded technologies such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc., can be used. The control module can be configured to detect a change in predefined states, such as a change in vehicle mode (1000), and simultaneously trigger the actuator (1033) to move each of the at least one lighting element (1013) between the extended state (EC) and the retracted state (RC). The movement of each of the at least one lighting element (1013) between the extended state (EC) and the retracted state (RC) can create a shape with varying dimensions corresponding to the manufacturer's logo.The following section describes an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting device (1003) can be in the retracted state (RC) when the vehicle (1000) is in park mode. That is, each of the at least one lighting element (1013) can be in the retracted state (RC). In the retracted state (RC), the smaller optical area (SS) can be oriented so that it faces the external surroundings of the vehicle (1000) and can display the manufacturer's logo in a smaller dimension. When the mode of the vehicle (1000) is changed from park mode to driving mode, the lighting device (1003) can move into the extended state (EC), as described in detail above. That is, each of the at least one lighting element (1013) can move from the retracted state (RC) to the extended state (EC).In the extended state (EC), the main optical surface (MS) of each of the at least one lighting element (1013) can face the external environment of the vehicle (1000) and display the manufacturer's logo in a larger dimension. Although the exemplary embodiment illustrates the display of the manufacturer's logo in different dimensions during the displacement of the at least one lighting element (1013), this should not be understood as a limitation, since various other artistic representations can also be incorporated without deviating from the scope of this disclosure.

[0039] The lighting device (1003) according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can incorporate the manufacturer's logo into the front headlight unit (1001) and / or the rear light unit (1002) or be configured to resemble the manufacturer's logo. In addition to configuring the lighting device (1003) to resemble the manufacturer's logo, the lighting device (1003) can also be configured to project various artistic illustrations, thereby providing a captivating experience for the user of the vehicle (1000) and fostering a sense of connection between the user and their vehicle (1000). Furthermore, the lighting device (1003) attracts the attention of onlookers of the vehicle (1000) and enhances the vehicle's (1000) presence on the road.The lighting device (1003) of this disclosure can be dynamically activated based on the modes of the vehicle (1000), thus offering the user of the vehicle (1000) unparalleled luxury. Furthermore, the lighting device (1003) has a very compact and less complex mechanism. Due to its compact size, the lighting device (1003) requires less space in the front headlight unit (1001) and / or the rear light unit (1002).

[0040] It is self-evident that a person skilled in the art can develop a system with a similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations can be made without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations, provided they fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Equivalents:

[0041] Regarding the use of terms in the plural and / or singular, the expert may translate from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural, depending on the context and / or application. For the sake of clarity, the various singular / plural permutations are explicitly listed here.

[0042] The person skilled in the art will understand that the terms used here, and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims), are generally to be understood as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "with" as "with at least", the term "comprises" as "comprises but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a specific number of introduced claims is intended, such intention will be expressly stated in the claim, and if no such statement is made, no such intention exists. For better understanding, the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" may be used in the claims below, for example, to introduce claim mentions.However, the use of such expressions should not be interpreted as meaning that the introduction of a claim enumeration by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits a particular claim containing such an introduced claim enumeration to inventions that contain only such an enumeration, even if the same claim contains the introductory expressions "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as meaning "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies to the use of certain articles to introduce claim formulations. Even if a specific number of introduced claim enumerations is expressly mentioned, the person skilled in the art recognizes that such an enumeration should typically be interpreted as meaning at least the stated number (e.g.,The mere listing of "two enumerations" without further modifiers typically means at least two enumerations or two or more enumerations. Furthermore, in cases where a convention is used analogously to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc.", such a construction is generally meant in the sense in which a person skilled in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system with at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but is not limited to, systems having A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art know that virtually any disjunctive word and / or disjunctive phrase with two or more alternative terms in the description, claims, or drawings is to be understood as including the possibility of one of the terms, one of the terms, or both of them.For example, the phrase "A or B" includes the possibilities "A" or "B" or "A and B". Although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed here, other aspects and embodiments are obvious to the person skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed here serve for illustration and are not to be understood as limiting, the true scope and spirit being specified by the following claims. Reference symbol list: 1000 vehicles 1001 Front headlight unit 1002 Rear light unit 1003 Lighting device 1013 Lighting element 1023 Connecting link 1033 Actuator 1043 collars 1053 wave EC Extended State RC Retracted state SS Low surface area MS Large surface QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102023000969A1

[0004]

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