Lighting system for a motor vehicle and procedures

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting system (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a vehicle-mounted housing (12) which has a disc (14), wherein a lighting module (16) is arranged in the housing (12) and behind the disc (14), the lighting module (16) comprising: a carrier plate (18), an elongated aperture (20) adjustable relative to the carrier plate (18) in the longitudinal direction (Y) or on a circular path, at least one central lighting element (22) in the direction of illumination (X) after the aperture (20), and at least one pair of vertical lighting elements (24a, 24b) which extend from the central lighting element (22) and transversely to the elongated direction of extension of the aperture (20) and are each attached to the carrier plate (18) via a pivot point (26a, 26b), wherein the pivot points, preferably ball joints, (26a, 26b) extend along the elongated direction (Z) of the vertical lighting elements (24a, 24b) are movable, wherein the vertical lighting elements (24a,24b) are attached to the aperture (20) on their side facing the aperture (20), and , - wherein, during a translational adjustment of the aperture (20) in its longitudinal direction (Y) or on the circular path, the central illuminating element (22) attached thereto and the sides of the vertical illuminating elements (24a, 24b) attached to the aperture (20) are displaceable. The invention further relates to a method.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting system for a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a method.

[0002] Such lighting systems are designed for the targeted control of light emission from motor vehicles, particularly passenger cars. They are specifically intended for displaying light signatures or characteristics; adaptation to driving and / or environmental conditions, as well as the generation of dynamic and / or adaptive light distributions, is also possible. The demands placed on motor vehicles are constantly increasing in various ways – they reflect, for example, the luxury strategies of individual companies. A significant aspect of this is offering customers an appealing vehicle design that combines style with function. Accordingly, particularly in the area of ​​headlights and lighting systems, not only the lighting function but also dynamic elements that make the lighting system more visually sophisticated are highly valued.

[0003] EP 3 315 358 A1 discloses a motor vehicle lamp comprising a lamp housing, a base substrate located on the lamp housing, and several planar light sources. The light sources are arranged spaced apart from one another on the base substrate.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 10 2004 023 358 B3, EP 2 703 218 A2 and KR 10 2020 0 070 865 A disclose further noteworthy lighting devices to the state of the art.

[0005] The object of the invention is to enable improved control of the light characteristics of a lighting system.

[0006] This problem is solved by means of a lighting system with the features of claim 1 and by means of a method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the lighting system according to the invention are to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention, wherein the means of the lighting system can be used to carry out the respective method steps. Furthermore, advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a lighting system for a motor vehicle with a vehicle-mounted housing comprising a lens, wherein a lighting module is arranged in the housing and behind the lens. The lighting system also includes a carrier plate, which serves as a mounting structure for the lighting components. Furthermore, the carrier plate includes an elongated aperture, which is adjustable longitudinally relative to the carrier plate, thereby enabling mechanical movement to influence the light characteristics. At least one central lighting element is also provided, which is arranged behind the aperture in the direction of illumination and is designed for targeted light emission. The lighting system further includes at least one pair of vertical lighting elements, which extend transversely to the direction of extension of the aperture and are supported on both the carrier plate and the aperture.The respective components work together in such a way that a translational adjustment of the aperture results in a targeted geometric change in the light source arrangement by the respective lighting elements, thereby influencing the resulting light characteristics.

[0008] Accordingly, in order to solve the problem of the invention and thus provide improved control of the light characteristics, the invention provides that the lighting module and the carrier plate comprise the elongated aperture, which is adjustable longitudinally relative to the carrier plate, at least the central lighting element, and at least one pair of vertical lighting elements. The vertical lighting elements extend from the central lighting element transversely to the direction of extension of the aperture and are attached to the carrier plate via respective pivot points. The respective pivot points are displaceable along the extension of the vertical lighting elements, while the vertical lighting elements are mechanically connected to the aperture on each side facing it. A translational displacement of the aperture moves both the central lighting element and the vertical lighting elements attached above and below it.Moving the aperture changes the orientation of the vertical lighting elements, thereby creating a suitable arrangement that significantly influences the lighting system's characteristics. For example, when the vehicle is turning, the vertical lighting elements can form an arrow-like structure, indicating the direction of the turn. They can either continuously switch between a vertical position and a tilted arrow position, or alternatively, switch to the arrow position once and then return to their original position after the turn is completed—namely, the I-shaped position as opposed to the V-shaped position.For example, the vertical lighting elements can be controlled sequentially, so that, for instance, when turning right, the central lighting element with its vertically arranged elements first switches to an arrow position, and after a defined but short time interval, further lighting elements, or a central lighting element with corresponding vertical elements, also follow in the direction of the turn. Furthermore, it can also be provided that only one lighting element with its respective vertical element is active at a time to display the arrow, and is then successively replaced by the next lighting element (insert this if there are multiple lighting elements).

[0009] It is also provided according to the invention that a plurality of pairs of vertical luminaire elements and their respective associated central luminaire elements are arranged along the longitudinal extension of the aperture, thereby enabling segmented and / or multi-cell light modulation along the light line. This enables or provides a complex light signature or light characteristic that allows for particularly dynamic changes.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the central lighting element is attached to the aperture by means of a holder for the central lighting element, thereby providing a particularly mechanically stable and defined connection or attachment. The holder acts as a support element and enables the central lighting element to be positioned relative to the aperture or to the aperture movement.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the holder is connected to the vertical lighting elements via ball joints, thus enabling a movable coupling of the components. This design allows for adherence to movement paths or adjustment options when the aperture is adjusted accordingly, without rigid deformations occurring. This particularly avoids unwanted stresses in the joint area.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the aperture can be moved longitudinally by means of an actuator, thereby enabling, in particular, electronic control of the lighting system. The actuator enables automated adjustment, which can be detected, in particular, in response to signals from the assistance system or from other systems of the vehicle or subsystems, thus allowing the lighting system to be operated externally, for example, for flashing or indicating arrow directions.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator has a drive eccentric which is mechanically coupled to a guide of the aperture via an elongated hole, and the displacement direction of the aperture is reversible depending on the rotation direction of the drive eccentric. This mechanical implementation thus enables a simple and robust adjustment movement with minimal installation space, particularly behind the mounting plate.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuator is held on the carrier plate via a base plate, thus enabling stable and compact mounting and power transmission. In this embodiment, the carrier plate holds the base plate, the actuator is connected to the base plate, and the actuator adjusts the adjustable aperture via the drive eccentric. The adjustable aperture, in turn, adjusts the position of the respective vertical lighting elements, which are themselves attached to the carrier plate via the respective joints.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pivot points are displaceable along the longitudinal direction of extension of the vertical lighting elements by means of rail elements, thereby providing a defined movement, a movement path, or a direction of movement for the pivot points. This guidance by means of the rail elements enables low-friction movement of the respective vertical lighting elements during aperture displacement.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the support plate is convex in the direction of illumination. This shape supports the orientation of the light rays and enables an improved, more stable structure of the support element.

[0017] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for changing the light characteristics of a lighting system of a passenger car, wherein the lighting system is designed according to the previous aspect and its embodiments. The method comprises the steps of controlling an actuator for the translational displacement of the elongated aperture in the longitudinal direction relative to the support plate. A further step is the movement of the central lighting element attached to the aperture along with the displacement of the aperture, as well as the pulling of the side of the vertical lighting elements attached to the aperture and the changing of the orientation of the vertical lighting elements from a perpendicular position to an inclined position relative to the longitudinal extension direction of the aperture.

[0018] In other words, the lighting system is designed not only to consist of individual movable shutters with lighting elements, but also to be modular, with multiple lighting elements along the shutter length, allowing for more complex light patterns and characteristics. The combination of mechanical movement, targeted light direction, and variable lighting geometry enables differentiated light distribution and varying light characteristics for different driving situations.

[0019] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and from the drawings. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0020] This shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a possible design of a lighting system with a housing in which a lighting module is integrated; Fig. 2 a front view of a corresponding carrier plate of the lighting module with the respective components for providing different light characteristics; Fig. 3 a back side of the carrier plate made of Fig. 2; and Fig. 4 a cross-section through the lighting module with a detailed view of the connections of the lighting elements relative to a aperture relative to the carrier plate.

[0021] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a lighting system 10, in particular with a vehicle-mounted housing 12, which has a transparent disc 14. A lighting module 16 is arranged behind the disc 14 and inside the housing 12. The in Fig. Figure 1 illustrates the general structural integration of the lighting system 10, which can be arranged on the front of a vehicle. Furthermore, such a lighting system 10 can also be arranged in the rear of the vehicle. In other words, the invention proposed here is not limited to one arrangement but can also be arranged in areas of the front and rear of the vehicle or on flanking body elements.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 shows a front view of a carrier plate 18 of the lighting module 16, with all non-light-emitting components fully depicted. A longitudinal direction Y of the adjustable aperture 20 is shown, to which a central lighting element 22 is attached. On both sides, and in this case above and below, a vertical lighting element 24a, 24b extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the aperture 20 and is connected to the carrier plate 18 via hinged bearing points. These hinged bearing points 26a, 26b are movable along the direction Z of the vertical lighting elements 24a, 24b and allow them to move geometrically with the aperture 20. This arrangement thus enables a targeted change in the light characteristics.In particular, a situation is provided in which the vertical lighting elements 24a, 24b are converted into an inclined V-shaped orientation, thereby enabling, for example, dynamic directional signaling such as during a turning maneuver. Sequential control of the lighting elements 24a, 24b with the corresponding central lighting element 22 along the aperture 20 allows for an arrow-like light signature. Even with a large number of individual lighting elements 24a, 24b with the corresponding central lighting element 22, the individual lighting elements 24a, 24b, 22 can be activated staggered to enable an animated lighting characteristic.

[0024] Fig. Figure 3 shows the rear view of the carrier plate 14, illustrating an actuator 30 which is attached to the rear of the carrier plate 18 via a base plate 18a. The actuator 30 comprises a drive eccentric 32, which is mechanically coupled to an elongated slot 34a of a corresponding guide 34 of the aperture 20. This arrangement allows for a translational displacement of the aperture in the longitudinal direction Y during rotational movements of the drive eccentric 32, with the direction of movement being reversible depending on the direction of rotation of the drive eccentric 32. To enable this movement, a groove 21 is provided along which the guide 34 moves the aperture 20. The rear view shown here thus provides insight into the kinematic implementation of the adjustment, which results in a change in the position of both the central light element 22 and the vertical light elements 24a, 24b that are moved along the aperture 20 (see Figure 3). Fig. 2) The structured connection via the carrier plate 18 and the mechanism of the drive eccentric 32 thus enable a compact and functionally integrable actuator system.

[0025] Fig.Figure 4 shows an enlarged cross-section through the lighting module 16 in the area of ​​the mechanical connection of the lighting elements 22, 24a, 24b. The mechanical coupling between the vertical lighting elements 24a, 24b and the aperture 20 is shown, in particular the guiding of the vertical lighting elements 24a, 24b via corresponding rail elements 25 and their connection to articulated retaining elements. Furthermore, a control sleeve 27 of a corresponding holder 28 is shown, wherein the central lighting element 22 is attached to the aperture 20 via the holder 28 and thus via the control sleeve 27. It is provided that joints 29a, 29b are arranged on the control sleeve 27, via which the respective vertical lighting elements 24a, 24b are movably mounted.The holder 28 itself has joint elements 28a to which the respective vertical lighting elements 24a, 24b are attached, so that they can be moved from their transverse position to an angled position when the aperture 20 is repositioned. This allows the arrow-shaped or V-shaped arrangement of the lighting elements 22, 24a, 24b, and a plurality thereof, to be achieved on the aperture 20 or by repositioning the aperture 20. This is intended to enable the light characteristics of the lighting system 10 to be adjusted depending on the control of the actuator 30. In summary, the invention proposes a dynamic lighting system 10.

Claims

[1] Lighting system (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a vehicle-mounted housing (12) which has a disc (14), wherein a lighting module (16) is arranged in the housing (12) and behind the disc (14), the lighting module (16) comprising: - a carrier plate (18), - an elongated aperture (20) adjustable in the longitudinal direction (Y) relative to the carrier plate (18), - at least one central luminous element (22) in the direction of illumination (X) after the aperture (20), as well as - at least one pair of vertical light elements (24a, 24b) which extend from the central light element (22) and transversely to the elongated direction of extension of the aperture (20) and are each attached to the carrier plate (18) via a pivot point (26a, 26b), - wherein the pivot points (26a, 26b) are movable along the longitudinal extension direction (Z) of the vertical lighting elements (24a, 24b), - wherein the vertical light elements (24a, 24b) are attached to the aperture (20) on their side facing the aperture (20), and - wherein, in the case of a translational adjustment of the aperture (20) in its longitudinal direction (Y), the central luminaire element (22) attached to it and the sides of the vertical luminaire elements (24a, 24b) attached to the aperture (20) are movable together, characterized by , that a plurality of pairs of vertical luminous elements (24a, 24b) and each associated central luminous element (22) are arranged along the elongated extent of the aperture (20). [2] Lighting system (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the attachment of the central light element (22) to the aperture (20) is provided by means of an attachment to a holder (28) of the central light element (22). [3] Lighting system (10) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the holder (28) is connected to the vertical lighting elements (24a, 24b) via ball joints (30a, 30b). [4] Lighting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the aperture (20) can be moved in the longitudinal direction (Y) by means of an actuator (30). [5] Lighting system (10) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the actuator (30) has a drive eccentric (32) which is mechanically coupled to a slot (34a) on a guide (34) of the aperture (20) and the displacement direction of the aperture (20) is reversible depending on the rotation direction of the drive eccentric (32). [6] Lighting system (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the actuator (30) is held on the carrier plate (18) via a base plate (18a). [7] Lighting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the pivot points (26a, 26b) along the longitudinal extension direction (Z) of the vertical lighting elements (24a, 24b) can be moved by means of rail elements (25). [8] Lighting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the carrier plate (18) is convex in the direction of illumination (X). [9] Method for changing the light characteristics of a lighting system (10) for a motor vehicle, wherein the lighting system (10) is designed according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, comprising the method steps: - Controlling an actuator (30) for translational displacement of the elongated aperture (20) in the longitudinal direction (Y) relative to a carrier plate (18), - Carrying of the central light element (22) attached to the aperture (20) as a result of the displacement of the aperture (20), - Pulling the sides of the vertical light elements (24a, 24b) attached to the aperture (20), and - Changing the orientation of the vertical illuminating elements (24a, 24b) from a vertical position to an angled position relative to the elongated extension direction of the aperture (20).

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