Rear-view device for motor vehicles.

Abstract

This device (10) is configured to be positioned at the top of a vehicle windshield (100) comprising a housing (20) and a rear-vision mirror (40) integrated into the housing (20) configured to reflect visible light to reproduce a road scene. It further comprises an optical module (60) including a source emitting a beam (F2) of infrared light, housed within the housing (20). The mirror (40) forms a dichroic optical component configured to allow the passage of infrared light through the mirror (40) and towards a predefined target area (Z), such as a driver's seat of the motor vehicle. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Rear-vision device for motor vehicles.

[0001] This invention relates to the general field of well-being by utilizing the concepts of photobiomodulation and phototherapy. Photobiomodulation refers to the use of light to stimulate biological processes, thereby promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation through the action of light. Phototherapy, on the other hand, uses specific light sources to treat various conditions, ranging from skin disorders to chronic pain. Thus, this invention aims to improve the health and well-being of individuals in a natural and effective manner.

[0002] Approximately 85% of waking hours are spent indoors, limiting exposure to natural light, which contains visible and invisible spectra, including infrared light, representing about 54% of solar radiation. The absence of this radiation can be detrimental to health and well-being.

[0003] The biological or circadian clock regulates human bodily functions over a period of approximately 24 hours, varying between 23h30 and 24h30 depending on the individual. Located in the brain, this clock is made up of thousands of neurons whose pulsatile activity regulates processes such as the sleep / wake cycle, body temperature, heart rate, hormone secretion, cell division, and DNA repair.

[0004] To maintain its synchronization with the daily cycle, the biological clock takes into account environmental signals, including light. Inappropriate exposure to artificial light can disrupt this clock, leading to consequences for cognitive functions, sleep, alertness, memory, and cardiovascular health.

[0005] The biological clock can be disrupted by various factors, such as prolonged exposure to screens, jet lag, night work, or an inadequate lifestyle. These imbalances can cause adverse effects, including disturbances in the sleep / wake cycle, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and seasonal depression.

[0006] The invention aims in particular to develop a new solution for providing efficient exposure to specific light without wasting time. This means that users can benefit from the positive effects of light without interrupting their daily activities, thus making this approach practical and accessible. This solution could be easily integrated into users' routines. maximizing the benefits of photobiomodulation and phototherapy while adapting to their lifestyle. Description of the invention

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a rear-vision device configured to be positioned in the upper part of a vehicle windshield comprising a housing and a rear-vision mirror integrated in the housing configured to reflect visible light in order to reproduce a road scene, characterized in that it further comprises an optical module comprising a source emitting an infrared light beam, housed in the housing and in that the mirror forms a dichroic optical component configured to allow the passage of infrared light through the mirror and towards a predefined target area, such as a driver's seat of the motor vehicle.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, a user, driving his motor vehicle, can receive beneficial infrared light for example during a daily commute without requiring a change in his routine.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mirror is orientable so as to direct the infrared light towards said target area.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dichroic mirror is configured to filter only wavelengths in the infrared range with a transmission greater than 90%.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the optical module is a photo-biomodulation module, intended for cellular stimulation.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the module source emits infrared light between 820 and 860 nanometers, for example 830 or 850 nanometers.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes a detector and a means of triggering the infrared optical module in the event of detection of a presence at the driver's seat by the detector.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes a clock configured to deliver a daily dose of infrared light energy for a predetermined duration.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes an indicator light to signal that the infrared optical module is activated.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes a forced mode allowing the infrared optical module to be activated manually.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the infrared (IR) light beam generated by the optical module is defined by a cone whose axis is intended to be substantially confused with the line of sight, with an emission angle between 60° and 120°, thus guaranteeing optimal coverage of the target area.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a fixed base configured to be fixed to a structure of the motor vehicle and on which the rear-vision housing is articulated.

[0019] The invention will be better understood and its advantages will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of embodiments shown by way of non-limiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the device arranged in a motor vehicle passenger compartment according to the invention;

[0021] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic front view of a part of the device according to the invention.

[0022] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a functional schematic view of the device of the [Fig.1]. Detailed description of the invention

[0023] A rear-vision device 10 configured to be positioned in the upper part of a front windscreen 110 of a motor vehicle 100 is schematically represented in [Fig.1]. The vehicle 100 also includes a rear window referenced 130.

[0024] The device 10 comprises a housing 20, for example, with a generally rectangular or circular cross-section, adapted for mounting inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle 100, and, for example, a window 30 associated with the housing 20. The housing 20 is designed to protect and hold the window 30 in position while allowing it to be oriented, and may be made of robust materials such as reinforced plastics or lightweight metal alloys. The window 30, which may be made of glass or a transparent synthetic material, is preferably attached to the housing 20 to ensure optimal visibility.

[0025] The entire device 10 is designed to allow easy adjustment of the reflection angle of the window 30 by means of a mechanism integrated into the housing 20. For this purpose, preferably, the device 10 includes a fixed base 50 configured to be fixed on a structure, for example the window 110 of the motor vehicle and on which the rear-vision housing 20 is articulated.

[0026] In addition, in particular, the device 10 includes a rear-vision mirror 40 integrated into the housing 20 configured to reflect visible light in order to reproduce a road scene according to a beam Fl. Of course, alternatively, the glass 30 and the mirror 40 can be formed from a single element.

[0027] The device 10 further includes an optical module 60 comprising a source 62 emitting an F2 beam of infrared light, housed in the casing 20.

[0028] According to the invention, the mirror 40 forms a dichroic optical component configured to allow the passage of infrared light through the mirror 40 and towards a predefined target area Z, such as a driver's seat 120 of the motor vehicle 100. The dichroic optical component 40 is configured to reflect visible light, for example according to the Fl beam.

[0029] The mirror 40 is preferably orientable so as to direct the infrared light towards said target area Z. In addition, as can be seen in [Fig.1], the beam Fl of visible light is reflected both on the glass 30 and on the mirror 40.

[0030] In an unillustrated embodiment of the invention, the mirror 40 is movable between a predetermined day position and a second night position, namely an anti-glare position.

[0031] For example, the movement of the mirror 40 is determined by sliding a finger (not shown in the figures) or a slider that can be accessed directly from outside the housing 20, allowing the mirror 40 to be tilted towards the night position from the day position. The finger can be operated manually.

[0032] Preferably, the dichroic mirror 40 is configured to filter only wavelengths in the infrared range with a transmission greater than 90%.

[0033] According to the invention, the optical module 60 is a photobiomodulation module intended for cell stimulation. For example, the source 62 of the module 60 emits infrared light between 820 and 860 nanometers. For example, the infrared light is emitted at a wavelength of approximately 830 or 850 nanometers, plus or minus 5%.

[0034] As schematically illustrated in [Fig.3], the device 10 comprises a detector 70 and a means 80 for controlling the activation of the infrared optical module 60 in the event of detection of a presence at the driver's seat by the detector 70. This detector 70 is also visible in [Fig.1] and in [Fig.2].

[0035] Furthermore, the device 10 includes a clock 72, configured to define a time period during which a daily dose of infrared light energy is delivered. The device 10 includes an indicator light 74 to signal that the source 62 of the infrared optical module 60 is activated. The device 10 includes a forced mode allowing the infrared optical module 60 to be activated manually, for example, by means of a switch 76 mounted on the housing 20. In addition, in a conventional manner, the device 10 also includes a switch 78 configured to allow the activation and deactivation of the optical module 60.

[0036] The device 10 comprises the infrared (IR) light beam generated by the optical module 60, which is defined by a cone whose axis is intended to be substantially confused with the line of sight, with an emission angle b between 60° and 120°, thus ensuring optimal coverage of the target area Z.

[0037] We will now describe the main aspects of the device according to the invention with reference to figures 1 to 3.

[0038] Initially, the driver sits on the driver's seat 120, then makes the necessary adjustments to the reflective housing 20, which is mounted in an articulated manner on a base fixed to a structural wall of the vehicle's passenger compartment.

[0039] Then, the detector 70 detects the presence of the driver, and the control module of the device 10 activates the phototherapy mode of the device 10. The infrared light beam emits light onto the driver, who benefits from a facial skin treatment without needing to dedicate any specific time. The indicator light 74, for example, emits a green light to indicate that the infrared light mode is active.

[0040] The clock 72, controlling the control module 80, emits a signal to deactivate the phototherapy mode at the end of the predetermined period. In the example described, the indicator light 74 turns red.

[0041] In addition, it is also possible to activate this phototherapy mode by manually pressing the forced activation button 76, which results in the emission of infrared light for the predefined period of time.

[0042] Of course, other embodiments are conceivable without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art to the invention just described by way of example.

Claims

Demands

1. A rear-vision device (10) configured to be positioned in the upper part of a vehicle windshield (100) comprising a housing (20) and a rear-vision mirror (40) integrated in the housing (20) configured to reflect visible light in order to reproduce a road scene, characterized in that it further comprises an optical module (60) comprising a source emitting a beam (F2) of infrared light, housed in the housing (20), and in that the mirror (40) forms a dichroic optical component configured to allow the passage of infrared light through the mirror (40) and towards a predefined target area (Z), such as a driver's seat (120) of the motor vehicle.

2. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the mirror (40) is orientable so as to direct the infrared light towards said target area (Z).

3. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dichroic mirror (40) is configured to filter only wavelengths in the infrared range with a transmission greater than 90%.

4. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical module (60) is a photo-biomodulation module, intended for cell stimulation.

5. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the source (62) of the module (60) emits infrared light between 820 and 860 nanometers, for example 830 or 850 nanometers.

6. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a detector (70) and a means for triggering the infrared optical module (60) in the event of detection of a presence at the driver's seat (110) by the detector (70).

7. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a clock (72) configured to deliver a daily dose of infrared light energy for a predetermined duration.

8. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an indicator light to signal that the infrared optical module (60) is activated.

9. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a forced mode for manually activating the infrared optical module (60).

10. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the infrared (IR) light beam generated by the optical module (60) is defined by a cone whose axis is intended to be substantially coincident with the axis of sight, with an emission angle (b) between 60° and 120°, thus ensuring optimal coverage of the target area (Z).

11. Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a fixed base (50) configured to be fixed on a structure of the motor vehicle (100) and on which the rear-vision housing (20) is articulated.

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