LIGHTING DEVICE WITH A MOVABLE SIGNAL MODULE AND A MOVABLE LIGHTING MODULE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automotive lighting systems. More specifically, the invention relates to the luminous appearance of an automotive lighting system under daytime and nighttime conditions.

[0002] Vehicle lighting systems, and especially headlights, play a significant role in the aesthetic appeal of these vehicles. In particular, car manufacturers now design these lighting systems so that their distinctive appearance differentiates them from other manufacturers through a unique light signature created by the various lighting and signaling modules when illuminated.

[0003] This need for a distinctive lighting signature is countered by regulatory constraints that define not only the photometry of light beams, whether for signaling or lighting, but also the period, night or day, during which these light beams must be emitted. This is how we distinguish, for example, between the daytime running light (DRL) signaling function, which must be illuminated during the day, and the low beam (dipped headlight) function, which must be illuminated at night. These two functions cannot therefore be activated simultaneously.

[0004] In order to achieve a consistent light signature, both day and night, a vehicle lighting system was devised comprising a mobile signaling module and a fixed lighting module. The signaling module can be activated during the day and retracted at night to reveal the lighting module, which, when activated, replaces the signaling module's illuminated appearance. DE 10 2016 124111 A1 discloses a lighting device known from the prior art.

[0005] However, this solution is not satisfactory. It has been observed that a significant portion of the light beam emitted by the lighting module when activated is obstructed by part of the retracted signaling module. This poses a problem in terms of regulatory requirements, as the light intensity of the beam produced by the lighting module does not meet the prescribed minimums at certain points. Furthermore, it is not possible to retract the signaling module sufficiently to avoid obstructing the light beam emitted by the lighting module, as the available space is limited by other components of the vehicle.

[0006] There is a need for a vehicle lighting system that exhibits a generally consistent light signature in both daytime and nighttime modes. This is achieved by moving a signaling module to reveal a lighting module in nighttime mode, and the light beam(s) emitted by the lighting module must meet regulatory requirements for such beams. The present invention falls within this context and aims to address this need.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a signaling module movable in at least one first direction and a lighting module movable in a second direction distinct from the first direction, the movable lighting module being able to assume an invisible position and a position visible from outside the lighting device; the lighting device comprising a controller arranged to control a movement of the lighting module such that: a. In a first mode called daytime mode, the lighting module takes the invisible position; b. In a second mode called nighttime mode, the lighting module takes the visible position.

[0008] The invention is characterized in that, during the transition from the first mode to the second mode, the controller is arranged to control a movement of the signaling module so that at least a part of the signaling module moves along the first direction to allow a movement of the lighting module along the second direction from the invisible position to the visible position.

[0009] It is thus understood that, thanks to the invention, while the signaling module is retracted to reveal the lighting module, the lighting module itself moves to fit into the space left available by the signaling module. In this way, the emission area available to the lighting module when it is in its visible position is significantly larger than that available when it is in its invisible position. The light beam emitted by the lighting module when activated is therefore no longer obstructed by the signaling module, thus meeting the requirements for this beam.

[0010] A signaling module is defined as a module comprising at least one optical unit with a light source and an optical element arranged to emit a light beam that performs all or part of at least one daytime signaling function, for example, a daytime running light. Where applicable, the signaling module may comprise a plurality of optical units, each with a light source and an optical element, each light source being selectively activatable. The signaling module is thus arranged to perform all or part of a daytime running light, a position light, a fixed or scrolling direction indicator, and / or a welcome lighting scenario. In this case, the plurality of optical units may be arranged on a common mounting plate that is movably positioned within the lighting system in the first direction.

[0011] A lighting module is defined as a module comprising at least one optical unit including a light source and an optical element arranged to emit a light beam performing all or part of at least one regulatory lighting function, for example a dipping or road type lighting function.

[0012] Advantageously, the controller can include an internal clock to determine whether the lighting device should operate in daytime or nighttime mode. Alternatively, the controller can be configured to receive information about the lighting device's operating mode from, for example, an external computer.

[0013] Advantageously, the signaling and lighting modules can be arranged so that, in the concealed position of the lighting module, the lighting module is hidden by all or part of the signaling module, for example, by being positioned behind the signaling module. Further advantageously, the signaling and lighting modules can be arranged so that, in the transition to the visible position of the lighting module, the signaling module retracts in the first direction and the lighting module is moved in the second direction into the space cleared by the signaling module. For example, the first direction is directed upwards towards the lighting device, specifically towards the top and rear of the lighting device, and the second direction is directed towards the front of the lighting device.

[0014] In a first embodiment of the invention, the mobile signaling module can assume a position that is at least partially invisible and a position visible from outside the lighting device, and the controller can be arranged to control a movement of the signaling module such that: a. in the first mode, the signaling module takes the visible position; b. in the second mode, the signaling module takes the at least partially invisible position.

[0015] For example, in the at least partially invisible position of the signaling module, the signaling module may be partially or totally masked by a mask of the lighting device or by a portion of the bodywork of the motor vehicle.

[0016] In a second alternative or cumulative embodiment of the invention, the controller can be arranged to control the switching on and off of each of the mobile signaling and lighting modules. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the controller is arranged to control the switching on of the signaling module and the switching off of the lighting module; and in the second embodiment, the controller is arranged to control the switching on of the lighting module and the switching off of the signaling module. These two embodiments, whether used together or separately, provide a consistent light signature in both daytime and nighttime modes.

[0017] If desired, the system can include a fixed signaling module. For example, the fixed signaling module can be positioned opposite the mobile signaling module and, if applicable, the lighting module in its visible position.

[0018] According to the invention, the mobile signaling module comprises a first mobile signaling sub-module along said first direction and a second mobile signaling sub-module along a third direction distinct from the first and second directions. For example, the third direction is substantially symmetrical to the first direction. In one example, the third direction is substantially symmetrical to the first direction along an axis defined by the second direction.

[0019] Advantageously, the mobile signaling module can assume a closed position in which the first and second signaling sub-modules are substantially contiguous, and an open position in which the first and second signaling sub-modules are separated. For example, in the open position, the first and second signaling sub-modules are positioned on either side of, for example, above and below, the lighting module in its visible position. If necessary, the controller is configured to control the movement of the signaling module so that in the first mode, the signaling module assumes the closed position; and in the second mode, the signaling module assumes the open position.The closed position can thus define the visible position of the signaling module and the open position can thus define the invisible position of the signaling module.

[0020] In one embodiment of the invention, the lighting device includes a first actuator for driving movement of the mobile signaling module and a second actuator for driving movement of the mobile lighting module. Optionally, the controller is configured to control the first and second actuators so that the movements of the mobile signaling and lighting modules in the first and second directions are synchronous.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the lighting device includes a drive system mechanically linking the mobile signaling and lighting modules. The drive system is arranged such that a movement of one of the mobile signaling and lighting modules in the first direction, or the second direction respectively, causes the other module to move in the same direction. In some cases, only the movement of one of the mobile signaling and lighting modules is driven directly by an actuator, while the movement of the other module is driven by the drive system. For example, the drive system may include one or more connecting rods linking the signaling and lighting modules together.

[0022] Advantageously, the mobile signaling module and / or the mobile lighting module comprises a plate that is movably mounted in translation within a fixed slide. If desired, the slide may have an S-shaped profile. For example, the lighting system may include two slides arranged on either side of said movable plate. In the embodiment where the signaling module comprises first and second signaling sub-modules, a common guide piece may be provided, in which at least one first slide is formed for receiving a finger from a plate of the first sub-module and a second slide is formed for receiving a finger from a plate of the second sub-module. If necessary, the first and second slides may be symmetrical.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for controlling a lighting device according to the invention.

[0024] The present invention is now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying illustrations, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] represents a front view of a lighting device in daytime mode according to an embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] represents a side view cross-section of the lighting system of the [ Fig. 1 ]; [ Fig. 3 ] represents a top view cross-section of the lighting system of the [ Fig. 1 ] ; ] Fig. 4 ] represents a front view of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ] in night mode; [ Fig. 5 ] represents a side view cross-section of the lighting system of the [ Fig. 4 ] ; And [ Fig. 6 ] represents a top view cross-section of the lighting system of the [ Fig. 4 ].

[0025] In the following description, identical elements, whether structural or functional, appearing in different figures retain the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the terms "front," "rear," "top," and "bottom" should be interpreted in the context of the orientation of the lighting device as depicted, corresponding to normal use of the lighting device, such as when mounted in a motor vehicle.

[0026] We have represented in [ Fig. 1 ] a front view of a lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. A side view section of the device 1 is also shown in [ Fig.2 ] and a top view section of device 1 in [ Fig. 3 The description of device 1 that follows thus refers to the three figures [ Fig. 1], [Fig. 2 ] And [ Fig. 3 ].

[0027] The lighting device 1 comprises a housing 5 closed by a sealing glass 6. The lighting device 1 is a front spotlight, shown in [ Fig. 1 ] in daytime mode and installed in a motor vehicle, between the bodywork 7 and the bumper 8, which thus frame the glass 6.

[0028] The lighting system comprises a mobile signaling module 2, a fixed signaling module 3 and a mobile lighting module 4, all installed in the housing 5. The mobile modules 2 and 4 are mounted movable relative to the housing 5.

[0029] The mobile signaling module 2 comprises a first mobile signaling sub-module 21 along a direction D1 and a second mobile signaling sub-module 22 along a direction D2. The first sub-module 21 is a so-called upper sub-module while the second sub-module 22 is a so-called lower sub-module, arranged below the upper sub-module 21. The direction D1 is oriented upwards and towards the rear of the lighting device, while the direction D2 is oriented downwards and towards the rear of the lighting device, symmetrically to the direction D1.

[0030] The structures of the upper sub-module 21 and lower sub-module 22 are identical. Therefore, only that of the upper sub-module 21 will be described. The upper sub-module 21 comprises a plurality of optical units 21a to 21e arranged side by side along the width of the lighting device 1. Each of the optical units 21a to 21e comprises a light source S, a reflector R, and a screen E. The plurality of optical units 21a to 21e is arranged on a common plate 23 of the upper sub-module 21, which has two wings 24 extending towards the rear of the lighting device 1. Each wing 24 has two fingers 25, each mounted in a slot 26 in a guide piece 27. The lighting device 1 thus comprises two guide pieces 27 arranged on either side of the mobile signaling module 2.It should be noted that the guide pieces 27 are common to the upper sub-modules 21 and lower sub-modules 22, and that each has four slides 26, two upper and two lower, to receive one of the fingers of the wings of each plate. The slides are symmetrical along a horizontal plane and each has an S-shaped profile that defines the directions of movement D1 and D2 of the upper sub-modules 21 and lower sub-modules 22. A pair of actuators, not shown, is provided in the lighting device 1 to drive synchronous movement of the upper sub-modules 21 and lower sub-modules 22 along the directions D1 and D2, for example by applying a simultaneous force of equal intensity to the wings 24.

[0031] The mobile lighting module 4 comprises a first lighting sub-module 41 and a second lighting sub-module 42, arranged side by side across the width of the lighting device 1. Each of the sub-modules 41 and 42 includes a plurality of light sources associated with an optical system, for example, a light guide and lens (not shown). These sub-modules 41 and 42 are mounted on a common plate 43, which is movably mounted in translation within the housing 5 of the lighting device 1 along a horizontal direction D3, oriented towards the front of the lighting device 1. An actuator, not shown, is also provided in the lighting device 1 to drive the movement of the lighting module 4 along the direction D3.

[0032] Finally, the fixed signaling module 3 is permanently fixed in the housing 5, opposite the mobile signaling module 2, and includes a light source and a reflector (not shown).

[0033] We will now describe the positions of the different modules 2, 3 and 4 in the daytime mode of the lighting device 1 as well as the different functions that these modules can perform.

[0034] In daytime mode, as shown on the [ Fig. 1], [Fig. 2 ] And [ Fig. 3 The upper signaling sub-modules 21 and 22 are positioned in which they are substantially joined, with the mobile signaling module 2 thus occupying a closed position P21, in which it is visible from outside the lighting device 1 through the lens 6. Position P21 corresponds to the end-of-travel position, proximal to the lens 6, of the fingers 25 in the guides 26. Also in this daytime mode, the mobile lighting module 4 is positioned P41, in which it is located behind the mobile signaling module 2 in its closed position P21. In this invisible position P41, the lighting module 4 is completely hidden by the mobile signaling module 2.

[0035] A controller (not shown) can thus control the mobile signaling modules 2 and fixed signaling modules 3 to perform one of the following functions: a. simultaneous emission by the light sources of optical units 21a to 21e and by that of the fixed signaling module 3 of a white light beam, for example to perform a function of daytime running light or regulatory DRL; b. sequential emission by each of the light sources of optical units 21a to 21e and then by that of the fixed signaling module 3 of a yellow or amber light beam, for example to perform a function of regulatory scrolling direction indicator; c. sequential emission by each of the light sources of optical units 21a to 21e and then by that of the fixed signaling module 3 of a white light beam, for example to perform a welcome lighting scenario function.

[0036] During the performance of the functions mentioned above, the mobile lighting module 4 is switched off.

[0037] The controller is equipped with an internal clock that allows it to determine the operating conditions of the lighting device 1, and in particular whether the lighting device 1 should operate in daytime or nighttime mode. Furthermore, the controller is configured to control the actuators that move the mobile signaling module 2 and the mobile lighting module 4.

[0038] We will now describe the transition from daytime to nighttime mode of the lighting device 1 and the positions of the different modules 2, 3, and 4, as well as the different functions that these modules can perform in this nighttime mode. To this end, a front view has been shown in [ Fig. 4 ], a side view cross-section in [ Fig.5 ] and a top view section in [ Fig. 6 ] of the lighting device 1 in night mode.

[0039] During the transition from daytime to nighttime mode, the controller controls the actuators that move the upper signaling sub-modules 21 and lower 22 so that these sub-modules 21 and 22 move along directions D1 and D2 to positions where they are separated from each other. In nighttime mode, the mobile signaling module 2 thus assumes an open position P22, with the sub-modules 21 and 22 partially obscured by the bodywork 7 and the bumper 8, and the mobile signaling module 2 being partially invisible from outside the lighting device 1. Position P22 corresponds to a distal end-of-travel position, relative to the glass 6, of the fingers 25 in the guides 26.

[0040] Furthermore, during the transition from daytime to nighttime mode, the controller controls the actuator that moves the lighting module 4 so that the lighting module 5 moves along direction D3, towards the space cleared by the signaling sub-modules 21 and 22. The actuators are controlled synchronously so that the movement of the signaling sub-modules 21 and 22 along directions D1 and D2 allows the movement of the lighting sub-modules 41 and 42 along direction D3. In other words, the space gradually cleared by the signaling sub-modules 21 and 22 accommodates the lighting module 4 during its own movement.

[0041] In night mode, the mobile lighting module 2 thus takes a position P42 said to be visible from outside the lighting device 1, in which, on the one hand, it is no longer masked by the signaling sub-modules 21 and 22 and on the other hand, the space made available by the retraction of the signaling sub-modules 21 and 22 creates a sufficient emission zone for a light beam to be emitted by the lighting sub-modules 41 and 42 without risking obstruction by these sub-modules 21 and 22.

[0042] In night mode, the controller can thus control the mobile lighting module 4 to perform one of the following functions: a. simultaneous emission by the light sources of the lighting sub-modules 41 and 42 of a white light beam, for example to perform a function of the type of dipped beam or regulatory road lighting; b. emission by only some of the light sources of the lighting sub-modules 41 and 42 of a white light beam comprising a dark area, for example to perform a function of the type of non-glaring road lighting.

[0043] In addition, during the performance of the functions mentioned above, the controller controls the activation of the fixed signaling module 3 to perform a position light type function, the mobile signaling module 4 remaining off.

[0044] We can thus observe that, whether in daytime or nighttime conditions, the lit appearance of the lighting device 1 remains generally the same, which makes it possible to obtain a constant light signature, day and night.

[0045] The preceding description explained how the transition from daytime to nighttime mode occurs. It is understood that the movements of the mobile signaling module 2 and the mobile lighting module 4 are reversible, so that during the transition from nighttime to daytime mode, the mobile lighting module 4 returns to its invisible position P41 and the mobile signaling module 2 simultaneously returns to its closed position P21. In other words, the controller manages the movement of the mobile lighting module 4 so that it moves along direction D3, allowing the mobile signaling module 2 to move along directions D1 and D2 from its open position to its closed position.

[0046] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention achieves its objectives, particularly by providing a lighting device in which, during the transition from daytime to nighttime mode, the movement of a signaling module reveals a lighting module while simultaneously allowing the movement of this lighting module. In this way, the retraction of the signaling module enlarges the emission area available to the lighting module, thus preventing obstruction of a light beam emitted by this module.

[0047] In any event, the invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and any technically feasible combination thereof. In particular, other configurations for the visible and invisible positions besides the open / closed configuration may be provided, as well as other methods of moving the lighting and mobile signaling modules, and especially the use of a drive system, for example based on a connecting rod, allowing these modules to be moved synchronously using a single actuator.

Claims

1. A motor-vehicle lighting device (1), comprising a signaling module (2) that is moveable in at least a first direction (D1) and a lighting module (4) that is moveable in a second direction (D3) different from the first direction, the moveable lighting module being able to assume a position (P41) in which it is invisible and a position (P42) in which it is visible from outside the lighting device; the lighting device comprising a controller arranged to control a movement of the lighting module so that: a. in a first mode, called the daytime mode, the lighting module assumes the invisible position; b. in a second mode, called the nighttime mode, the lighting module assumes the visible position; the lighting device being such that, during the transition from the first mode to the second mode, the controller is arranged to control a movement of the signaling module so that at least one portion of the signaling module moves in the first direction to permit a movement of the lighting module in the second direction from the invisible position to the visible position characterized in that the moveable signaling module (2) comprises a first signaling sub-module (21) that is moveable in said first direction (D1) and a second signaling sub-module (22) that is moveable in a third direction (D2) different from the first and second directions.

2. The lighting device (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein the moveable signaling module (4) is able to assume a position (P22) in which it is at least partially invisible and a position (P21) in which it is visible from outside the lighting device, and wherein the controller is arranged to control a movement of the signaling module so that: a. in the first mode, the signaling module assumes the visible position; b. in the second mode, the signaling module assumes the position in which it is at least partially invisible.

3. The lighting device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is arranged to control the turn-on and turn-off of each of the moveable signaling and lighting modules (2, 4), and wherein: a. in the first mode, the controller is arranged to turn on the signaling module and turn off the lighting module; b. in the second mode, the controller is arranged to turn on the lighting module and turn off the signaling module.

4. The lighting device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, comprising a fixed signaling module (3).

5. The lighting device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the third direction (D2) is substantially symmetric to the first direction (D1).

6. The lighting device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable signaling module (2) is able to assume a closed position (P21) in which the first and second signaling sub-modules (21, 22) assume positions in which they are substantially contiguous and an open position (P22) in which the first and second signaling sub-modules assume positions in which they are distant from each other, and wherein the controller is arranged to control a movement of the signaling module so that: a. in the first mode, the signaling module assumes the closed position; b. in the second mode, the signaling module assumes the open position.

7. The lighting device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, the lighting device comprising a first actuator for driving a movement of the moveable signaling module (2) and a second actuator for driving a movement of the moveable lighting module (4), wherein the controller is arranged to control the first and second actuators so that the movements of the moveable signaling and lighting modules in the first and second directions (D1, D3) are synchronous.

8. The lighting device (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lighting device comprises a drive system that mechanically links the moveable signaling and lighting modules (2, 4), the drive system being arranged so that a movement of one of the moveable signaling and lighting modules in the first direction (D1) drives a movement of the other of the modules of the moveable signaling and lighting modules in the first direction, and so that a movement of one of the moveable signaling and lighting modules in the second direction (D3) drives a movement of the other of the modules of the moveable signaling and lighting modules in the second direction.

9. The lighting device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the moveable signaling module (2) and / or the moveable lighting module (4) comprises a plate (23, 43) that is mounted so as to be moveable translationally in a fixed slideway (26).