Automotive interior lighting system for sun visors

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle interior lighting system comprising: - a sun visor having a body (20), a lighting device (23) comprising at least two light sources and a power source (24) configured to supply electricity to the light sources of the lighting device individually or in groups, - a control device (3) connected to the power source, - at least one control button (4) connected to the control device for controlling the execution of functions of the control device. The control device is configured to: - execute at least one function of selecting a lighting configuration of the lighting device from at least two lighting configurations, - generate a control signal for at least one of the light sources of the lighting device associated with the selected lighting configuration, each lighting configuration providing a specific brightness.Figure for abstract: Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Motor vehicle interior lighting system for sun visors

[0001] The subject of the invention is an interior lighting system for a motor vehicle, in particular having a lighting device integrated into the sun visor.

[0002] Most vehicles offer internal lighting that allows users to better see the interior of the vehicle and / or to illuminate specific areas of the passenger compartment. Lighting is thus commonly found on the roof in the front central area, in the central area between the two rows of seats, on the dashboard, on the sun visors.

[0003] These lighting systems can provide a lit atmosphere when all the light sources are on. However, most often, these lighting systems are not or only slightly adjustable, so that the lighting obtained, and in particular its brightness, cannot always be individualized. Finally, these lighting systems are generally part of the standard equipment of vehicles and are therefore not always suitable for vehicles used for professional purposes, in particular to allow the driver to work.

[0004] On sun visors equipped with specific lighting, the light source is typically arranged on the inner wall of the sun visor and is triggered automatically when the sun visor is deployed. This is generally close-up lighting, for the face, and linked to a vanity mirror integrated into the sun visor. There are also sun visors comprising a lighting device whose brightness can be modulated in order to facilitate entry and exit from the vehicle, in particular for vehicles not having a roof, as described in document US20050281041. Such an arrangement can however dazzle a passenger and is not suitable for other situations, for example for reading a document or working. Document DE102012015039 A1 describes a sun visor equipped with a lighting device whose brightness is adjusted according to the information received by a brightness sensor such as a camera, making the system relatively complex.Document JP2010269737 describes a sun visor equipped with a lighting device whose brightness is adjusted according to the opening angle of the sun visor. The position of the optical axis of the lighting device can also be adjusted in order to avoid dazzling a user using the vanity mirror. The light sources described are arranged on either side of the vanity mirror and their optical axes intersect substantially at the level of the passenger's head. The orientation of these light sources can be modified by the user. Document DE29923288 finally describes . a sun visor equipped with a lighting device whose switching on and off can be controlled depending on the closed and open position of the sun visor.

[0005] There is, however, a need for an interior lighting system, in particular integrated into a sun visor, which is simple to produce and which allows numerous different lighting configurations allowing the occupant of a seat to select a lighting configuration most suited to use.

[0006] To this end, a first object of the invention relates to an interior lighting system for a motor vehicle comprising:

[0007] - a sun visor having:

[0008] a body,

[0009] a vehicle attachment element connected to the body by a rotation axis and intended to be attached to the vehicle,

[0010] a lighting device extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the body located on a side opposite the axis of rotation and comprising at least two light sources,

[0011] a power source configured to supply electricity to the light sources of the lighting device individually or in groups,

[0012] - a control device connected to the power source,

[0013] - at least one control button connected to the control device for command the execution of functions of the control device,

[0014] wherein the control device is configured, in particular specifically programmed, to:

[0015] - execute at least one function of selecting a lighting configuration of the lighting device among at least two lighting configurations,

[0016] - generate a control signal for at least one of the light sources of the device lighting associated with the selected lighting configuration, each lighting configuration providing a specific brightness.

[0017] It is thus possible to choose different lighting configurations depending on the desired use of the lighting device. In particular, it is possible to modulate the brightness by supplying one or more light sources simultaneously. In particular, the control device can be configured to execute a selection function, or any other function, in response to the actuation of the control button(s). For this purpose, a single control button may be provided to control the execution of all the functions or a control button associated with each function.

[0018] For example, different lighting configurations could be provided providing different brightnesses, allowing, for example, reading a document, using a vanity mirror without being dazzled, lighting the interior of the vehicle with low brightness, etc. By "brightness" we mean the luminous flux measured in lumens emitted by the lighting device.

[0019] These specific brightnesses can be obtained by generating a power control signal for the light sources individually or in groups, and / or by generating a power control signal for each light source with a specific (or even zero) electric current intensity.

[0020] Depending on the nature of the light sources, it is also possible to provide lighting configurations with different colors. This makes it possible to create different lighting atmospheres depending on the number and / or color of the light sources used, or even their position.

[0021] Furthermore, mounting the lighting device on the edge of the sun visor, at least on the side opposite its axis of rotation (and thus its attachment element to the vehicle), allows the occupant of the vehicle to choose the orientation he wishes, in particular for reading or working, without having to provide a specific orientation system for the light sources, thus simplifying the production of the assembly.

[0022] It will be noted that the control device may be integrated into the sun visor or be located at a distance from it and be, for example, integrated into the vehicle. Similarly, the control button may advantageously be integrated into the sun visor, or be remote from it.

[0023] In one embodiment, the lighting device may comprise a multiplicity of light sources extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the body located on a side opposite the axis of rotation. This makes it possible to finely modulate the brightness by powering one or more light sources simultaneously. This also makes it possible to create different light ambiances depending on the number and / or color and / or position of the light sources powered simultaneously.

[0024] In another embodiment, the lighting device may comprise at least two light sources, in particular only two, and at least one light guide extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the body located on a side opposite the axis of rotation, the at least one light guide being positioned so as to receive the light emitted by the light sources. This makes it possible to limit the number of components while allowing modulation of the emitted brightness by varying the intensity of the current supplying the light source(s) and / or by supplying the light source(s) individually or in groups.

[0025] Regardless of the embodiment, the light sources may be light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0026] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the sun visor may comprise an angular position sensor secured to the body and positioned close to the axis of rotation, the angular position sensor being configured to generate a position signal representative of an angular position of the body relative to the fixing element when the latter is in a fixed position mounted on the vehicle. The control device is then configured, in particular specifically programmed, to:

[0027] - execute a function of selecting at least one lighting configuration of the lighting device dependent on the angular position of the body,

[0028] - receive the position signal generated by the angular position sensor and

[0029] - generate a control signal for at least one of the light sources of the device lighting according to said position signal so as to provide a specific brightness for each angular position of the sun visor body.

[0030] It is thus possible to modulate the brightness emitted by the lighting system as a function of the angular position of the body of the sun visor relative to its fixing element, and consequently relative to the vehicle when the sun visor is mounted on the vehicle.

[0031] The control device may for example be configured, in particular specifically programmed, to generate a control signal: - providing a first minimal or zero brightness in an initial angular position of the sun visor corresponding to an unused position in which the sun visor is in a substantially horizontal storage position, typically against a vehicle roof, - providing a second maximum brightness in an intermediate angular position of the sun visor corresponding to a position of use of the sun visor in which it extends substantially vertically, in particular for reading a document and / or writing, - providing a third minimum or zero brightness in a maximum angular position of the sun visor corresponding to a position of use of the sun visor in which it extends against the windshield of the vehicle on which it is mounted (use of the sun visor as a privacy screen).

[0032] When this lighting configuration is selected, the control device may be configured, in particular specifically programmed, to generate a control signal progressively increasing / reducing the brightness provided by the lighting device between each of these angular positions.

[0033] Advantageously, the angular position sensor can be a potentiometer, which makes it possible to produce a simple, robust and inexpensive lighting system. Other angular position sensors can however be used although not preferred, such as Hall effect integrated circuits, sensors with inductive, magnetic, optical or magnetoresistive technology, etc.

[0034] Advantageously, the control device can be configured, in particular specifically programmed, to execute at least one other function chosen from a function of switching on the lighting device, in particular according to a predefined lighting configuration, and a function of switching off the lighting device.

[0035] The user can thus choose whether or not to use the lighting device and / or it can be switched on in a particular lighting configuration, for example with low brightness, before the user selects the lighting configuration which suits him best.

[0036] Advantageously, the control device can be configured, in particular specifically programmed, to execute at least one function according to a predetermined operating state of the vehicle, this function being chosen from an ignition function, an extinction function and a function for selecting a lighting configuration of the lighting device. This makes it possible, for example, to switch off the lighting device or to reduce its brightness when the vehicle is traveling at night, or to switch it on, according to a particular lighting configuration when the vehicle is opened, etc.

[0037] Advantageously, the lighting device (in particular the light sources thereof) can be positioned inside a housing located on the periphery of the body of the sun visor, in the thickness thereof. This allows better protection of the components of the lighting device and a better aesthetic rendering. This housing can in particular be closed by a transparent or translucent wall allowing the light rays to pass through, improving the protection and the aesthetic rendering.

[0038] Advantageously, the body of the sun visor may be provided with a side wall extending beyond the lighting device from an upper wall of the sun visor intended to be directed upwards when the sun visor is in a horizontal or substantially horizontal position of use. This makes it possible to avoid dazzling the user by the lighting device, in particular when the sun visor is in a substantially vertical position allowing a document to be read, a position in which the brightness of the lighting device may be maximum or high to allow the document to be read.

[0039] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with at least one lighting system according to the invention.

[0040] The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying non-limiting drawings, in which:

[0041] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of the underside of a sun visor according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0042] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a perspective view from above of the sun visor of the [Fig.l].

[0043] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents the rotation axis and the angular position sensor associated integrated into the sun visor of figures 1 and 2 and schematically represents the control device.

[0044] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents a sectional view of the lighting device of a windshield sun according to an embodiment along the AA axis of [Fig.2].

[0045] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a sectional view of the lighting device of a windshield sun according to another embodiment along the AA axis of [Fig.2].

[0046] [Fig.6] LA [Fig.6] is a graph representing the brightness in lumens as a function of the angular position of the sun visor (in degrees).

[0047] By substantially horizontal or vertical is meant a direction / plane forming an angle of at most ±20°, or even at most ±10° or at most ±5°, with a horizontal or vertical direction / plane. The vertical direction corresponds to the direction of gravity.

[0048] Figures 1 and 2 represent different views of an interior lighting system 1 of a motor vehicle. This lighting system 1 comprises in particular a sun visor 2, a control device 3 (shown schematically [Fig. 3]) and at least one control button 4.

[0049] The sun visor 2 has a body 20, typically of parallelepipedal general shape. Usually, the body 20 has an upper wall 201 and a lower wall 202 connected to each other along the periphery 203 of the sun visor. These walls 201 and 202 generally form two half-shells assembled by their periphery to form the body of the sun visor. When the sun visor 2 is mounted on the vehicle, the upper wall 201 extends substantially horizontally upwards in the stowed position of the sun visor, typically against the roof of the vehicle when it is present, the lower wall 202 then being visible to the occupants. This lower wall 202 is against the windshield of the vehicle when the sun visor is fully deployed.The circumference 203 has a general quadrilateral shape, having in particular two long sides 203a and 203b opposite each other, one of which 203a is intended to be connected to the vehicle, and two short sides 203c, 203d opposite each other.

[0050] The sun visor 2 further comprises a fixing element 21 for fixing to the vehicle connected to the body by a rotation axis 22. Typically, the rotation axis is integral with the fixing element 21 and mounted to rotate inside the body 20, however the opposite could be provided (axis integral with the body mounted to rotate on the fixing element). The fixing element 21 is generally in the form of a plate fixed to the vehicle, for example to a part of the trim of the passenger compartment of the vehicle. This type of fixing is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in more detail. The fixing element 21 is located on the side of the long edge 203a of the body of the sun visor 2.

[0051] The sun visor 2 also comprises a lighting device 23 comprising at least two light sources 230, only one of which is shown in the figures. This lighting device 23 extends along at least a portion of the periphery 203 of the body located on a side opposite the axis of rotation 22. In the examples shown, the lighting device 23 extends along the long edge 203b. Alternatively, it could extend over the long edge 203b as well as over one of the short edges 203c, 203d of the periphery 203 or over both short edges 203c, 203d.

[0052] Finally, the body 20 is equipped with an electrical power source 24 configured to supply electricity to the lighting device 23. This power source typically comprises electrical wires 24 passing through the fixing element 21 and intended to be connected to the electrical power system of the vehicle in a conventional manner. This power source 24 is configured to supply electricity to the light sources of the lighting device individually or in groups.

[0053] Furthermore, at least one control button 4, preferably only one, is connected to the control device 3 to control the execution of functions thereof. This control button 4 can be arranged anywhere on the sun visor, but preferably also around the periphery thereof in order to facilitate its access regardless of the inclination of the sun visor, as shown [Fig.l] it is located on the short edge 203d. It will be noted that this control button could also be positioned elsewhere than on the sun visor inside the vehicle.

[0054] The control device 3 is thus configured, in particular specifically programmed, to:

[0055] - execute at least one function of selecting a lighting configuration of the lighting device 23 chosen from at least two lighting configurations, - generate a control signal for at least one of the light sources of the lighting device associated with the selected lighting configuration, each lighting configuration providing a specific brightness.

[0056] It is thus possible to vary the brightness emitted by the lighting device depending on the desired use.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the lighting system according to the invention also comprises an angular position sensor 25. This is secured to the body 20 and positioned close to the axis of rotation 22. This angular position sensor 25 is configured to generate a position signal representative of an angular position of the body relative to the fixing element 21 when the latter is in a fixed position mounted on the vehicle. In the example shown, this is a potentiometer integrated inside the body 20 (between the upper wall 201 and the lower wall 202, here secured to the lower wall 202).

[0058] The control device 3 is then further configured (in particular specifically programmed) to: - perform a function of selecting at least one lighting configuration of the lighting device depending on the angular position of the body, - receiving the position signal generated by the angular position sensor 25, and - generating a control signal for at least one of the light sources of the lighting device as a function of said position signal so as to provide a specific brightness for each angular position of the body of the sun visor.

[0059] It is then possible, in this type of lighting configuration, to vary the brightness emitted by the lighting device as a function of the angular position of the sun visor 2 relative to the fixing element 21 by generating an appropriate control signal.

[0060] Preferably, for greater freedom for the user, the control device 3 can further be configured, in particular specifically programmed, to execute at least one other function chosen from a function of switching on the lighting device and a function of switching off the lighting device.

[0061] Alternatively or in combination with the various embodiments described, the control device may finally be configured to execute at least one function according to a predetermined operating state of the vehicle, this function being chosen from an ignition function, an extinction function and a function for selecting a lighting configuration of the lighting device. This may in particular make it possible to avoid using the lighting system at night in a lighting configuration likely to dazzle other vehicles, or to turn on the lighting device when a door is opened, etc.

[0062] The signal generated by the control device 3 is typically a current intensity to be delivered to at least one of the light sources of the lighting device 23.

[0063] Generally speaking, regardless of the embodiment, the control device 3 may comprise, or consist of, one or more processors, for example microprocessors or microcontrollers. The control device, in particular the processor(s), may comprise storage means, which may be a random access memory (RAM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a flash memory, an external memory or the like. These storage means may, among other things, store a database associating at least one control signal of the lighting device with a specific lighting configuration and in particular associate at least one control signal of the lighting device with an angular position of the body of the sun visor for at least one specific lighting configuration. The control device may be configured to receive and / or transmit data. It may be specifically programmed for this purpose or include means of communication, optionally bidirectional, with the angular position sensor and the lighting device. These means of communication may be wired or other. For example, they may be output or input / output interfaces. They may be wireless communication interfaces (Bluetooth, WIFI or other) or connectors (network port, USB port, serial port, Firewire® port, SCSI port or other).

[0064] The lighting device 23 may comprise a multiplicity of light sources 230 extending along the portion 203b of the periphery of the body (or over all or part of the short edges 203c, 203d). It may for example be a strip of light-emitting diodes.

[0065] Alternatively, the lighting device 23 may comprise at least two light sources 230 and at least one light guide, for example a single one, extending along the portion 203b of the periphery of the body, this light guide being positioned so as to receive the light emitted by the light sources 230. For example, a light source 230 may be provided at each end of the light guide. The light sources may advantageously be light-emitting diodes.

[0066] In the example shown, the lighting device 23 (and more specifically the light sources 230) is positioned inside a housing 204 of the body 20 located on the periphery of the body of the sun visor, in the thickness thereof. As visible in FIGS. 4 and 5, this housing 204 is closed by a translucent or transparent wall 205 thus ensuring protection of the light source(s) from external dirt. In a variant not shown, a light guide could be inserted into this housing 204. In this case, the wall 205 can be omitted.

[0067] Furthermore, the sun visor 2 shown [Fig.5] is provided with a side wall 206 extending beyond the lighting device from the upper wall 201 of the body of the sun visor. This extension 206 of the upper wall 201 of the sun visor thus forms an anti-glare wall for the passenger using the lighting system according to the invention. Of course, the invention is not limited by the shape and length of this side wall 206, provided that it is sufficient to avoid, or at least limit, the glare of the passenger using the sun visor to read a document or work on a computer, in particular in a position of the sun visor close to the vertical (at more or less 20°). The side wall 206 may for example project from the wall 205 by a few millimeters to 10 mm in a direction substantially parallel to the short edges 203c, 203d.

[0068] The control device of the lighting system according to the invention thus makes it possible to manage different lighting configurations, as explained in the example described below. Example

[0069] In this example, the lighting device comprises several light sources, here 42 LEDs arranged on a strip of the RGB, RGBW or RGB+W type.

[0070] The LEDs have been grouped into five segments controllable by pulsing the control button 4 and according to several lighting configurations. These segments are defined as follows from one end of the LED strip:

[0071] - segment S1 of nine LEDs, - segment S2 of eight LEDs, - segment S3 (central) of eight LEDs, - segment S4 of eight LEDs, - S5 segment of nine LEDs.

[0072] To increase the luminous flux, the desired number of segments is thus supplied with electricity. It is in particular possible to control the luminous flux of each segment, and therefore of each LED, by appropriately choosing the intensity of the current supplying each segment and by generating a corresponding control signal.

[0073] For example, the following different lighting configurations can be defined:

[0074] - PO position “off”: no Segment (no LED) powered,

[0075] - PI position (light therapy type): five powered segments (42 LEDs powered) with low intensity,

[0076] - Position P2 (low intensity light): Segment S3 powered (8 LEDs) powered,

[0077] - Position P3 (medium intensity light): Segments SI, S2 and S3 powered (24 LEDs),

[0078] - Position P4 (full intensity light): five Segments powered (42 LEDs) but high intensity,

[0079] - Position P5 (“double flow” light): Segments SI and S5 powered (18 LEDs),

[0080] - Position P6: luminous flux more or less strong depending on the angular position of the sun visor.

[0081] In the case of a user working in the driver's seat (car stationary), he can then deploy the sun visor downwards. Then, he operates the control button 4 to select the desired lighting configuration by one or more pulses or by different pulse lengths. He can also turn the sun visor in order to direct the lighting as he wishes.

[0082] Operational safety may be provided so that not all lighting configurations can be used when the vehicle is moving. For example, in the case of a sun visor deployed as close as possible to the windshield, provision may be made to light a small number of segments with a low luminous flux in order to limit / avoid dazzling of people outside the vehicle.

[0083] In the last lighting configuration (“Position P6”), the luminous flux range is defined as a function of the angular position of the sun visor (between a folded down stowed position and a position fully deployed towards the windshield). This lighting configuration makes it possible to provide low brightness when the sun visor is slightly inclined, the luminous flux increasing automatically as the sun visor is deployed.

[0084] For example, it is possible to define a range of light emission when rotating the sun visor from AO to A5 (see [Fig.6]), the notation "Ax" designating an angular position of the sun visor, AO corresponding to a stowed position (sun visor folded towards the top of the passenger compartment, for example against the roof lining) and A5 corresponding to the fully deployed position (sun visor in contact with the windshield).

[0085] Thus, in the example of [Fig.6]: - between A0 and Al, there is no light emission because it could bother the driver when the sun visor is deployed, - between A1 and A2, rapid increase in light emission in order to illuminate the steering wheel area without disturbing the driver, - between A2 and A3, level of light emission without modulation (without variation in brightness), - between A3 and A4, slow decrease of light emission in order to find a desired brightness level depending on the angle, - between A4 and A5, there is no emission of light because it is of no interest due to the proximity of the sun visor to the windshield which could be a nuisance outside the vehicle (especially when driving).

[0086] Table 1 gives an example of the angles and luminous fluxes that can be applied in each position.

[0087] [Tables 1] Angular position Angle (°) Luminous flux (lumen) A0 0 0 Al 30 0 A2 50 250 A3 100 250 A4 150 0 A5 160 0

Claims

1. Claims Interior lighting system (1) for a motor vehicle comprising: - a sun visor (2) having: a body (20), a fixing element (21) to the vehicle connected to the body by a rotation axis (22) and intended to be fixed to the vehicle, a lighting device (23) extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the body located on a side opposite the axis of rotation and comprising at least two light sources, a power source (24) configured to supply electricity to the light sources of the lighting device individually or in groups, - a control device (3) connected to the power source, - at least one control button (4) connected to the control device for controlling the execution of functions of the control device, wherein the control device is configured to: - perform at least one function of selecting a lighting configuration of the lighting device from at least two lighting configurations, - generating a control signal for at least one of the light sources of the lighting device associated with the selected lighting configuration, each lighting configuration providing a specific brightness, characterized in that the body of the sun visor is provided with a side wall (206) extending beyond the lighting device from an upper wall (201) of the sun visor intended to be directed upwards when the sun visor is in a horizontal use position, the sun visor further comprises an angular position sensor (25) secured to the body and positioned close to the axis of rotation (22), the angular position sensor being configured to generate a position signal representative of an angular position of the body relative to the fixing element (21) when the latter is in a fixed position mounted on the vehicle, and in that the control device (3) is configured to: - performing a function of selecting at least one lighting configuration of the lighting device depending on the angular position of the body, - receiving the position signal generated by the angular position sensor and - generating a control signal of at least one of the light sources of the lighting device as a function of said position signal so as to provide a specific brightness for each angular position of the body of the sun visor, wherein the control device being configured, to generate a control signal: - providing a first minimum or zero brightness in an initial angular position of the sun visor corresponding to an unused position in which the sun visor is in a substantially horizontal storage position, typically against a vehicle roof,- providing a second maximum brightness in an intermediate angular position of the sun visor corresponding to a position of use of the sun visor in which it extends substantially vertically, in particular for reading a document and / or writing, - providing a third minimum or zero brightness in a maximum angular position of the sun visor corresponding to a position of use of the sun visor in which it extends against the windshield of the vehicle on which it is mounted.,

2. Lighting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting device (23) comprises a multiplicity of light sources (230) extending along at least a portion (203b) of the periphery of the body located on a side opposite the axis of rotation.

3. Lighting system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting device (23) comprises at least two light sources and at least one light guide extending along at least a portion of the periphery of the body located on a side opposite the axis of rotation, the at least one light guide being positioned so as to receive the light emitted by the light sources.

4. Lighting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the angular position sensor is a potentiometer.

5. Lighting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control device (3) is configured to execute at least one other function chosen from: - a function of switching on the lighting device, - a function of switching off the lighting device.

6. Lighting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control device (3) is configured to execute at least one function according to a predetermined operating state of the vehicle, this function being chosen from an ignition function, an extinction function and a function for selecting a lighting configuration of the lighting device.

7. Lighting system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lighting device (3) is positioned inside a housing (204) located on the periphery of the body of the sun visor, in the thickness thereof, and optionally, the housing is closed by a transparent or translucent wall (205).

8. Motor vehicle equipped with at least one lighting system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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