Lighting or signaling device with a moveable daytime element

A lighting and/or signalling device arranged so as to provide at least a first photometric function and a second photometric function, wherein the device comprises at least one moveable element on which at least the first photometric function is installed and the movement of which is subject to the operation of the second photometric function.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to French Application No. 1056875 filed Aug. 31, 2010, which application is incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The technical field of the present invention is that of lighting and/or signalling devices for automotive vehicles.

2. Description of the Related Art

A new lighting function has appeared recently on automotive vehicles. It is lighting that is switched on during the daytime. This function is ensured either by switching on a headlamp that is normally reserved for night-time use, or by installing a specific lighting device mounted on the front bumper of the vehicle.

In this second case, the daytime lighting device must meet a standard concerning the location on the vehicle and the power of the light beam of the daytime lighting device.

One drawback of this type of daytime-specific lighting device is that it requires a lot of space. Specifically, certain vehicles such as, for example, sports cars, have peculiarly shaped front bumpers, with sharp edges, on which it is impossible to install such a daytime lighting device while respecting the standard mentioned above. Furthermore, these sports vehicles often have retractable headlight optics so as to improve the aerodynamics and the appearance of the vehicle. In such a case it is impossible to use the headlamp intended for night-time use to provide the daytime lighting function because it would mean keeping these optical systems open constantly, whatever the conditions of use of the vehicle. This evidently runs contrary to the retractable function of this optical system and negates the aerodynamic and aesthetic advantages desired by manufacturers.

Moreover, manufacturers of these sports vehicles wish to ensure that their vehicles have an attractive outline that is as uncluttered as possible whereas such a daytime lighting device is liable to be detrimental to this attractive outline.

Finally, providing the space to install this daytime lighting device in the bumper requires additional design and production time on the part of the manufacturers of these bumpers.

It would therefore be good to find a solution that overcomes these drawbacks so that the daytime lighting device may be installed without degrading the appearance of the vehicle while respecting the aforementioned standard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to obviate the drawbacks described above, mainly by integrating the daytime lighting function with a lighting or signalling element of the vehicle, so as to allow it to be seen during the day while also making it possible for it to cede its place to conventional lighting under night-time conditions.

The subject of the invention is therefore a lighting and/or signalling device arranged so as to provide at least a first photometric function and a second photometric function, wherein the device comprises at least one moveable element on which at least the first photometric function is installed and the movement of which is subject to the operation of the second photometric function. It will firstly be noted that the first photometric function is advantageously different to the second photometric function. It may, for example, be that the first photometric function is a daytime lighting and/or signalling function and the second photometric function is a low beam and/or a high beam. It will also be understood that the moveable element is advantageously triggered when the second photometric function is activated. This movement of the moveable element may be a motion that makes the first photometric function substantially less visible.

According to a first feature of the invention, the operation of the first photometric function may be subject to the second photometric function. Specifically, the first photometric function is switched on or activated when the second photometric function is not in operation or is deactivated and it is switched off or deactivated when the second photometric function is started up, for example, when a sidelight, high beam or low beam is switched on.

According to a second feature of the invention, the element can rotate. Thus easy disengagement of the first photometric function, so as to make way for the second photometric function, is guaranteed.

According to another feature of the invention, the first photometric function comprises at least one light source comprising at least one light-emitting diode. This type of source is particularly advantageous because of its low electricity consumption and its low thermal losses relative to its light yield.

According to yet another feature of the invention, the first photometric function takes the form of a lighting means that comprises a support receiving the light source. The support thus forms a mounting that receives the source and it may advantageously call to mind the color of the bodywork. Thus the support comprises at least one face located on the light-source side, the face having an identical color to that of the bodywork. This may, for example, be a coat of paint. Finally, in such a case, the lighting means comprises a component, for example, a window, which is at least translucent and advantageously transparent, allowing the face of the support to be seen.

According to yet another feature of the invention, the moveable element and the support are rigidly connected. They, for example, form one and the same part.

Advantageously, the second function takes the form of a headlamp. The latter comprises components such as a light source, lens, reflector, and a switching device for switching from the high-beam function to the low-beam function.

More advantageously, the element bears the second photometric function. This guarantees that the movement of the moveable element also engages with it the second photometric function, for example, a headlamp and more generally headlight optics. Here, more particularly, the case of retractable front headlights mounted on sports vehicles is targeted. The face of the retractable headlights, commonly painted the color of the bodywork, is used to receive and serve as a support for the first photometric function.

The first photometric function and the second photometric function can rotate about the same axis. In this case it is extremely easy to integrate the first photometric function with an existing retractable headlight.

According to a first variant of the invention, the device comprises a housing inside of which are installed a headlamp forming the second photometric function and a light source, especially a light-emitting-diode-based light source, forming the first photometric function. Headlight optics enclosed on one side by a housing and on the other by a transparent screen, for example, a window thus bounding an internal volume, are targeted here, the internal volume receiving both the first photometric function and the second photometric function, the first being moveably mounted, and the second fixedly or moveably mounted, relative to the housing.

According to one feature of the invention, the lighting means forms a screen protecting the housing. This structure is particularly advantageous because it makes use of the first photometric function to form a barrier and prevent light rays (for example, sunlight) from entering into the interior of the housing. It will therefore be understood that the first photometric function is arranged so as to form a screen that protects the interior of the lighting and/or signalling device according to the invention. Degradation of certain parts of the housing or headlamp via concentration of daylight is therefore prevented.

In an improvement to the invention, the first photometric function is arranged in order to, or also serves to, provide a third photometric function. This third photometric function is, for example, the indicator function or sidelight or parking lamp function.

In such a case, the first photometric function comprises at least one light source comprising a plurality of light-emitting diodes, some of these diodes being arranged so as to provide the third photometric function. In such a case, the rest of the diodes are not activated or are activated at different powers. Thus use is made of certain components of the first photometric function to provide the third photometric function. Such a structure makes it possible to avoid using conventional components relative to the sidelight function, such as a dedicated light source or even its power supply bundle. This structure also avoids opening the retractable headlight, conventionally carried out when the sidelight function is activated.

Advantageously, the plurality of light-emitting diodes is mounted on a printed circuit board that has an end, the third photometric function being provided by at least one diode mounted on the end.

Generally, the lighting means may comprise at least one device intended to direct and/or reflect a light flux and a support formed especially by a printed circuit board. This device intended to direct and/or reflect a light flux is, for example, a light-reflecting plate or else a light guide.

This light guide may form part of the first photometric function and/or the second photometric function and/or the third photometric function. The same light guide may be used for both of these functions or a multiplicity of light guides may be used, each light guide being assigned one of these functions. This light guide is made of a transparent plastic and directs the light from the light source to one or more points where it is desired to see this light appear. This light guide is installed in line with the light-emitting diode or diodes associated with the function. Generally, the light guide or the reflecting plate may be an optical part produced from a material that is, for example, transparent.

The light guide is placed on the periphery of the moveable element or support. Thus it is guaranteed that the third photometric function will be highly visible without degrading the first photometric function.

By way of example, the light guide extends so as to form an arc.

Finally, the lighting means comprises a reflector dedicated to the first photometric function. Advantageously, this reflector may be incorporated with the aforementioned light guide. They are, in this case, one and the same part. This reflector advantageously has several flats joined by oblique slants, these slants serving to reflect the light coming from the light source.

One first advantage according to the invention resides in the possibility of integrating the daytime lighting function without degrading the appearance of the vehicle while respecting the criteria imposed by the current standard for this type of component.

Another advantage resides in obviating any difficulty with installing such a function in a front bumper.

Other features, objects, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer on reading the description given below by way of indication in relation to the appended drawings in which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It should be noted that the figures show the invention in detail so as to demonstrate the invention, the figures may of course be used to better define the invention if required.

FIG. 1illustrates schematically the lighting and/or signalling device as seen from above, under daytime conditions. This device is designed to be installed on the front part of the vehicle so as to deliver a light beam. It comprises at least two photometric functions1and2. The first photometric function1is a daytime lighting device, i.e., a device that is employed during the day. The second photometric function2is a night-time lighting device, i.e., a device that is employed when the ambient lighting level passes below a certain threshold. The activation or operation of this second photometric function is controlled by the user of the vehicle via a switch or automatically by means of a light detector installed on the vehicle.

The device according to the invention comprises a housing3that forms the back part of the device. This housing is made of an opaque plastic and serves to fix the device to the vehicle and hide the internal mechanisms of the device according to the invention. The open section of the housing3is capped or closed-off by a transparent window4that forms the part of the device visible to the user, also called the front part of the optic.

The first photometric function1takes the form of a lighting means6that comprises a support and a light source, the latter being held mechanically by the support. A front face6ais transparent so as to let the light beam emitted by the light source pass, this transparent face6abeing directly adjacent to the window4. In practice, this face6amay consist of a glass or transparent plastic window.

The second photometric function2takes the form of a headlamp5that lies along a longitudinal direction A. This headlamp5comprises, for example, at least one light source, the latter, for example, taking the form of an incandescent lamp, a xenon lamp or else a light-emitting diode. This headlamp5comprises, for example, a reflector the function of which is to reflect the light beam towards the window4, a switching device the function of which is to implement the change from high beam to low beam, a lens that acts to concentrate the light flux and optionally a mask the function of which is to hide certain components of the headlamp5.

It will be noted that the headlamp5lies mainly in an internal volume bounded by the housing3whereas the lighting means6is installed between the headlamp5and the window4when the second photometric function is inactive. The lighting means6lies along a longitudinal direction B, for example, parallel to the window4so as to obscure a substantial amount of its area. The first photometric function1, for example, consisting of the lighting means6, thus forms a protective screen that prevents external light rays from hitting the headlamp5or the internal wall of the housing3. This screen may be formed by a support forming part of the lighting means6. This screen or barrier function is thus provided when on the one hand the second photometric function is inactive (sidelights, low beam or high beam switched off) and on the other hand when the longitudinal direction B of the first photometric function1is perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction A of the second photometric function2.

The first photometric function is installed or mounted so as to be mechanically connected to a moveable element8. In the case of the first variant, this moveable element8maybe a plate to which the lighting means6is rigidly attached. The moveable element8may also be formed directly by an external mounting of the lighting means6which encloses the support and the light source, the support being rigidly connected, whether directly or indirectly, to the mounting. Alternatively, the support may also form directly the moveable element8.

The element8on which the first photometric function is installed may move translationally, rotationally or via a combination of these two movements. The lighting means6forming part of the first photometric function1thus follows the movement of the moveable element8. By way of example,FIG. 1illustrates by way of four rectangles in succession a rotation about an axis symbolized by the reference7.

This movement of the moveable element8is subject to the operation of the second photometric function. The term “operation” is understood to mean activating or switching on, or deactivating or switching off, the second photometric function2. In these two cases, the moveable element8is set in motion so as to pass from a first extreme position, illustrated inFIG. 1, to a second extreme position illustrated inFIG. 2. In practice the movement of the moveable element8is initiated when the user of the vehicle requests use of the second photometric function2, for example, for the low beam to be switched on. This information may be sensed directly at the switch, directly at the device according to the invention or by the electrical network of the vehicle, for example, when the latter is equipped with a multiplexed network of the CAN or LIN type.

The operation, in other words the switch-on or switch-off, of the first photometric function1, is also subject to the second photometric function2. This is because switching on the low beam causes the light source contained in the lighting means6to switch off. On the contrary, switching off the low beam causes the light source contained in the lighting means6to switch on.

FIG. 2shows the same device as that inFIG. 1but shown under conditions of night-time use. The space between the window4and the headlamp5is freed up by moving the first photometric function1. The lighting means6forming part of this first function is then located on the side of the headlamp5in the internal volume bounded by the housing3and more particularly by the rear part of the housing3. In this situation, the longitudinal axis B of the first photometric function1lies parallel, or substantially parallel, to the longitudinal direction A of the headlamp5. Such an arrangement makes it possible to completely free up the space between the window4and the headlamp5, and the lighting means6does not obstruct the light beam of the projector5. Alternatively, the lighting means6may be located above the headlamp5or else below the latter.

In the example given above, the lighting means6is placed to the side of the headlamp5. The expression “to the side” is understood to mean any position around or behind the headlamp5provided that the lighting means6does not hinder the use of the second photometric function2.

FIG. 3shows an exemplary concrete embodiment of a headlight optic according to a first variant embodiment.

The housing3and the window4bound an internal volume in which the headlamp5and the lighting means6lie. The headlamp5here comprises a light source9followed by a switching device10and a lens11. This assembly therefore forms the second photometric function2. Just after the headlamp5a mask12is installed having a substantially conical shape and the center of which contains a hole that corresponds substantially to the size of the lens11.

The first photometric function1is here shown in the active position, i.e., between the window4and the mask12, and switched on.

This first photometric function1comprises a support that mechanically holds the light source formed by a plurality of light-emitting diodes14. The support takes the form of a circular arc having a radius substantially equal to the curvature of the window4.

The movement of the support13that forms here the moveable element8is operated by means of a, for example, mechanical, electrical or pneumatic, actuating system15that acts on linked rods consisting of two levers16and17.

The housing3comprises an internal wall from which emerges a device18for holding the first photometric function1. This holding device receives the support13of the first photometric function1when the latter is deactivated as illustrated inFIG. 4. This holding device18therefore has the function of holding the support13in its deactivated position so as to guarantee that the latter frees up the space between the headlamp5and the window4and thus does not stop the second photometric function2from working properly. This holding device18comprises two rails19separated from each other by a distance equivalent to the thickness of the support13. Each rail19comprises an end20on the window4side and these ends are curved so as to form together a funnel that makes insertion of the support13in the holding device18easier.

An improvement to the first variant will now be described. It will more particularly be noted that one end21of the support13extends beyond, i.e., outside of, the holding means18and remains visible through the window4. Some22of the light-emitting diodes14installed in line with this end provide the lighting and/or signalling device of the invention with an additional function. This is because the first photometric function1is arranged so as to provide a third photometric function23, separate from the first or second photometric function. In practice, this third photometric function23is a sidelight or parking light but it may also be an indicator. Whereas in the preceding variant the plurality of light-emitting diodes was switched off once the second photometric function was activated, in this case some22of these diodes located on the end21of the support13are activated to provide the third photometric function23. The first photometric function1is then used to provide the sidelight function, more particularly by activating a specific region of the support13, the second photometric function2being activated at the same time if required. The first photometric function1is therefore controlled by two separate data items and thus provides the daytime lighting function in a first extreme position (between the headlamp5and the window4) and the sidelight or indicator function in a second extreme position (to the side, above or below the headlamp5) opposed to the first extreme position.

FIG. 5illustrates a second variant embodiment suited to the retractable headlights of sports vehicles. The first photometric function1and the second photometric function2are both assembled on the moveable element8. The latter therefore serves to support these two photometric functions mechanically. In the present case, the moveable element8is formed by the housing3that encloses the second photometric function2, in this case the headlamp5. The housing3, for example, has a window4, a lower wall24and an upper wall25. The latter forms the support13, or receives the support13, on which the light source, consisting of a plurality of light-emitting diodes, is installed.

The first photometric function1and the second photometric function2can rotate about the same axis7. These two functions rotate simultaneously because the two photometric functions are rigidly connected to one and the same moveable element8.

When the second photometric function2is inactive, it folds into the interior of the bodywork of the vehicle and the first photometric function1is activated or switched on. This is the situation under daytime conditions.

FIG. 6illustrates the same variant but under night-time conditions. Under such conditions, the second photometric function2is activated thereby causing the headlight to open or exit from the bodywork of the vehicle, and optionally the first photometric function1to switch off.

The rotation of the element8about the axis7, between the situation shown inFIG. 5and the situation shown inFIG. 6, is operated by the actuating system15. The latter is a mechanical, electrical or pneumatic system that is connected via a hinge at one end to the moveable element8and at the other end to the body of the vehicle.

The third photometric function23is also illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6. As in the first variant, it is formed from one end of the support13which holds at least one light source, for example, a light-emitting diode.

FIG. 7shows in detail the structure of the lighting and/or signalling device of the second variant of the invention. The first photometric function1is placed on the second photometric function2and they are rigidly connected to each other. Advantageously, these two functions form a unitary assembly.

Contrary toFIGS. 5 and 6, the rotation axis7is here part of the first photometric function1it being connected to the moveable element8. In this exemplary embodiment, the support13is formed by a printed circuit board that lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the moveable element8. The support13is mechanically connected to the moveable element8. The printed circuit board then serves as a receiving support for delivering power and for mechanically holding the plurality of light-emitting diodes14. A transparent window31dedicated to the first photometric function1takes the form of a flat plate that lies substantially parallel to the moveable element8. Furthermore, it will be observed that the support13and the plurality of light-emitting diodes14are installed outside of the internal volume bounded by the window31and the moveable element8.

The window31has an end26immediately adjacent the plate13that supports the light-emitting diodes14. This end26is shaped into dioptric collimators so as to direct the light flux towards the internal volume bounded by the window31and the moveable element8. A reflector27associated with the first photometric function1is also located in this internal volume. This reflector is a generally flat component installed between the end26of the window31and an opposite end of this window, the latter forming the third photometric function23. This reflector27is transparent and comprises an alternation of flats28and oblique slants29. The flats28lie in a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which the moveable element8lies and the oblique slants lie in a plane inclined at an angle lying between 20° and 45° to the plane of the flats28. A final oblique slant29acomprises an end that makes contact with the window31whereas a first flat28ahas an end that extends to the prismatic end26. The light source of the second photometric function2is here shown in the form of an incandescent bulb30.

Just as for the variant inFIG. 5, it will be noted that the window31of the first photometric function1lies in a plane parallel to and generally coincident with the plane of the bodywork32of the vehicle. The moveable element8that here serves as a plate for holding components of the first photometric function1comprises a face33turned towards the window31. As the window31and the reflector27are transparent, the face33is painted the color of the bodywork32, thereby contributing to increase the aesthetical integration of the daytime lighting function.

Of course, the reflection function provided by the reflector27may be provided by the face33, the first photometric function then comprising no reflector.

FIG. 8illustrates the first photometric function as seen from above. The prismatic end26of the window31and the alternation of flats28and oblique slants29may be seen.

The support13is formed by the printed circuit board to which the light-emitting diodes14are rigidly attached. The printed circuit board has two ends34and35to which at least one light-emitting diode36or37is fixed. These additional diodes36and37form part of the first photometric function1and/or of the third photometric function23. The prismatic end26shaped into dioptric collimators is divided into three parts26a,26band26c, the reference26bdenoting a central part installed between the two side parts denoted by the references26aand26c. In practice, the central part26bis used for the first photometric function1whereas the side parts26aand26care used for the third photometric function23. The central part26band the side parts26aand26care separated by a groove38formed by removing material from the prismatic end26. Thus the light flux from the additional diodes36and37, when they are used for the third photometric function, is prevented from travelling towards the reflector27and being seen as the daylight lighting.

A light guide39is integrated into the lighting means6forming the first photometric function. This light guide39may only be a part of the first photometric function1or only part of the third photometric function but this light guide39may optionally be employed simultaneously in the first and third photometric function. Alternatively, the lighting means6may comprise a plurality of separate light guides each dedicated to a photometric function.

This light guide39is formed from a transparent plastic. In an exemplary embodiment, the light guide39has the shape of an arc. In other words, the light guide extends along a curve that in the example shown inFIG. 8is “U”-shaped. This “U” shape thus bounds the third photometric function23and the part located between the arms40and a base41of the “U” bounds the first photometric function1. Each end of the arms40of the “U” is placed in front of each side part26aand26cof the prismatic end26. Thus the light flux emitted by the additional diodes36and37is deflected by the side parts26aand26cbefore entering into the light guide39via its ends. At this stage, the direction of the light flux is substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction in which each arm40of the “U” lies. The light flux then travels along the arms40of this “U” without exiting via its sides. The base41lies in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the arms40. This configuration makes it possible for the light flux to exit the light guide39via the base41, in order for the third photometric function23, for example, the sidelight or indicator, to be seen.

It is important to note that the plurality of light-emitting diodes14is used both for the first photometric function1and for the third photometric function23. This is because the additional diodes36and37form part of the plurality of light-emitting diodes14and are used in the context of the two aforementioned functions. Thus, when the daytime lighting function is used, all the light-emitting diodes, including the additional diodes36and37, are activated. The lighting means6then delivers a light flux to the base41of the light guide39and between the arms40of this same light guide, i.e., to the reflector27. On the other hand, when the third photometric function23is activated, only the additional diodes36and37are switched on so that only the base41of the light guide is visible. Such a structure makes it possible to avoid actuating or opening the retractable headlight while the sidelight function is active, the sidelight function being sufficiently distinct from the daytime lighting for it not to be confused with the latter.

Of course, the invention also covers the case where the third photometric function is activated at the same time as the second photometric function. The headlamp is thus switched on to provide the low- or high-beam function while the sidelight function is also switched on.

While the system and apparatus herein described constitute preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise system and apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.