FR2797614A1 - Light assembly for car comprises control unit which controls the prisms orientation and light distribution to obtain different light beams depending on e.g. climatic conditions, traffic and route followed - Google Patents

Abstract

Light assembly comprises light emitting (1) and light focusing (2) devices, which are prisms independently orientables and receiving different light beams. The control unit (12) receives information from sensors (31,32) and data storing unit (33) about the climatic conditions, the traffic and the route followed. It then controls the prisms orientation and light distribution to obtain different light beams. An Independent claim is also included for a lighting system using the novel lighting assembly.

Description

The invention relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for a vehicle.

The invention also relates to a vehicle lighting system equipped with such a device.

The invention relates more particularly to a lighting and / or signaling device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, which adapts in real time and automatically to the conditions of use of the vehicle.

The document FR 2 760 705 describes a lighting system for a vehicle comprising two headlights with straight cutoff, and means for detecting the deflection of the wheels, for controlling the power supply of the headlights as a function of the trajectory of the vehicle. This device makes it possible to adapt the lighting close to the vehicle to the curves of the road.

However, this device has many drawbacks. Thus, it is only suitable for "straight cut" headlights, and for short range lights, of the "code" type. Furthermore, this system does not make it possible to adapt the lighting of the vehicle to other driving conditions of the vehicle, such as climatic conditions, the state of road traffic or the operation of the vehicle.

object of the present invention is to provide a lighting and / or signaling device for a vehicle, overcoming all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art noted above.

This object is achieved by the fact that the lighting and / or signaling device for a vehicle comprises means for emitting light and means for focusing this light outwards in at least one beam, the focusing means comprising a plurality of optical elements orientable in space and / or able to be supplied with light independently of one another the light beam or beams of the lighting device, being made up of the addition of the respective beams of each of the optical elements , the movement of the optical elements and / or the distribution of light towards the latter being controlled by data processing means, to adapt the shape and / or the orientation of the beams, according to the conditions of use of the vehicle.

Furthermore, the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics - the data processing means are connected to a plurality of sensors and / or to means for reading at least one data medium, and / or to means of communication, delivering information representative of conditions of use of the vehicle such as the mapping of the route of the vehicle, the climatic conditions outside the vehicle, and the state of road traffic, - the means of data processing are connected to an information medium containing a law for controlling the orientation and / or distribution of light to the optical elements, as a function of the information relating to the conditions of use of the vehicle, - the data processing means are capable of controlling the amount of light distributed to the optical elements, to control the light intensity of the light projected by the optical elements depending on the conditions of use of the vehicle, - at least a part of the optical elements consist of parts of generally prismatic shape and consist of a translucent material, - at least a part of the optical elements each consist of at least one reflecting wall, - at least one of the optical elements is movable at least in rotation according to a respective one substantially vertical with respect to the vehicle, - the device comprises at least two rows each consisting of at least one optical element, each of the rows of optical element being arranged to focus a respective light beam having determined and adaptable shapes and orientation, An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle lighting system provided with two optical units and comprising at least one such device.

According to another particularity, in the lighting system, the optical elements of each of the optical blocks focus a plurality of distinct light beams towards the outside, the beams of each block being adaptable, and capable of being generated and extinguished independently of each other. others automatically, depending on the conditions of use of the vehicle.

Other features and advantages will appear on reading the description below, made with reference to the figures in which - Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of a vehicle optical unit comprising a lighting device according to the invention, - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an example of arrangement of the optical elements of the lighting device of Figure 1, in which the optical elements are movable, - Figure 3 shows a top view of 'A vehicle whose front light units include a lighting device according to the invention. FIG. 1 represents an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle optical unit provided with lighting device according to the invention. The optical unit comprises a box 13 of generally elliptical shape and the front face of which is closed by a transparent wall, consisting for example of glass. In its lower part, the optical unit 13 comprises a code function conventionally constituted by a lamp 15 arranged in a reflective parabola 14. In its upper part, the optical unit 13 includes a night light function consisting of an opaque housing 16 in which a light source (not shown) is arranged. front face of the opaque housing 16 has an orifice from which protrudes a stud 17 conducting the light emitted by the source located in the housing 16. The optical unit 3 also includes a signaling or flashing light function consisting, for example, of three fibers 18 conductive of light and comprising means for reflecting this light to the outside. The three fibers 18 are illuminated at their ends by light sources (not shown) such as light-emitting diodes.

The flagship function of the optical unit 13 comprises means 1 for emitting light and means 2 for focusing this light into at least one beam. The headlight focusing means are located between the code function 14, 15 and the pilot light function 16, 17.

According to the invention, the focusing means consist of a plurality of optical elements 2 each having the general shape of a prism. The optical elements 2 each consist of a light conducting material, preferably transparent, for example glass, plastic or any other suitable material. The optical elements 2 focus the light of the emission means 1, 11 directly towards the outside of the optical unit 13.

Advantageously, all or part of the prismatic optical elements 2 can be covered, at least in part, with a layer of reflective material, to help reflect and focus the light from the emission means 1. For example, the face rear 18 (Figure 2) of at least part of the prisms 2 can be covered with aluminum.

In a variant also, all or part of the prismatic elements 2 can be replaced by walls or mirrors of determined shape, to ensure the focusing of the light in at least one beam. For example, the mirrors may each have a shape corresponding to the curved rear face of the prisms 2 described above.

For the sake of simplification, in the following description of the invention, the optical elements 2 will be called "prisms. However, the description below also applies to other equivalent embodiments of the optical elements, and in particular to mirrors.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the vehicle lighting device comprises nine prisms 2, arranged in three rows of three prisms. The three prism rows 2 are located respectively in three planes substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The three prism rows 2 can be arranged at different respective heights in the optical unit 13, so that the front face of each prism 2 is not masked. Thus, the nine prisms 2 form a coherent geometric assembly when the lighting device is viewed from the front.

The light from the lighthouse is produced by emission means consisting of one or more light sources 1 located, for example, outside the optical unit. As shown in FIG. 1, the prisms 2 can be supplied with light by a single light source 1, each of the prisms 2 being illuminated by means of a respective optical fiber 3. In particular, the optical fibers can convey light at the base of each prism 2. The source 1 can consist of a lamp cooperating with a reflector or any other equivalent means. Advantageously, the light source 1 can be arranged in a space of the vehicle which is distant from the optical unit.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the example embodiment of the light emission means described above. In fact, as a variant, a separate light source can be arranged at the base of each of the prisms 2. Each light source can consist of a light-emitting diode or any other equivalent means. Each light source can be arranged in obviously formed in the base of the prism 2 concerned.

The rear face 18 of each prism 2 can describe a convexity of determined shape, so that the prism 2 focuses the light coming from the source 1 towards the outside, through its front face 19 (FIG. 2). In particular, the geometry of the prism can be determined so that the latter performs the function of an optical lens, that is to say that it is not necessary to have an optical lens on the path of the light enters on the one hand the prism 2 and, on the other hand, the source 1 or the optical fiber 3.

Preferably, the light emission means (single source 1 or multiple sources) and / or the light distribution means to each of the prisms (optical fibers 3) can be arranged so as to allow light to be supplied to the different prisms independently. That is, light can be selectively distributed to certain specific prisms, while others are not supplied with light.

In the same way, the light emission and distribution means 1 and 3 are preferably able to deliver to the different prisms 2 respective determined and variable amounts of light. In this way, it is possible to selectively control the light intensity of the light reflected and focused by each of the prisms 2. For example, it is possible to envisage providing each optical fiber 3 with a system of the diaphragm type, making it possible to vary the amount of light transmitted by the fiber 3. Likewise, in the case where each of the prisms is supplied by a clean source, it is possible to envisage varying the electric voltage applied to each of the sources.

Preferably also, at least part of the prisms 2 can be oriented in space. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, each of the nine prisms 2 is arranged on a respective mobile support 4 (Figure 2). Each support 4 is movable in rotation about a respective axis. The axes of rotation of each of the supports 4 are preferably substantially perpendicular to the ground when the optical unit 13 is mounted on a vehicle. The three supports 4 of the same row of prism 2 are mounted free to rotate in a respective base 24. The lower end of each support 4 is made integral in rotation with a respective transmission disc 10. The different transmission discs 10 are connected by return means such as links 8, 9. The rotation of the supports 4 can be ensured by a servomotor 5 which controls a linear actuator 6. The linear actuator 6 is connected by at least a rod 7 for controlling at least one of the transmission discs 10.

The means for transmitting the movement 7, 8, 9 to the supports 4 are arranged so as to couple the rotational movements of each support 4. Furthermore, the amplitudes of rotation of each of the supports 4 can be determined. Thus, the movements of the prisms 2 are simultaneous and have respective determined amplitudes.

Of course, as a variant, the means for setting in motion 5, 6 and the means for transmitting 7, 8, 9, 10 of the movement can be arranged so that at least part of the prisms 2 are movable independently of each other . In addition, the prisms 2 can be mounted on mobile supports in rotation according to two distinct axes of rotation. For example, the prisms 2 can thus be pivoted on the one hand along a substantially vertical axis and on the other hand according to a substantially horizontal with respect to the vehicle.

According to the invention, the means for setting in motion 5, 6 of the prisms 2 are connected to data processing means such as a computer. The computer controls the movement means 5, 6 and thus, the displacement and orientation of the prisms 2. Preferably, the computer 2 consists of the Intelligent Servitude Box (BSI) of the vehicle.

The computer 12 is also connected to the light emission means 1 and / or to the means 3 for distributing this light to the prisms 3, to selectively control the light supply to each prism 2.

Furthermore, a plurality of sensors 31, 32 are connected to the computer 12 by means of a bus 30. The sensors 31, 32 supply the computer 12 with information relating to the conditions of use of the vehicle.

The information relating to the conditions of use of the vehicle may include, in particular, one or more of the following information - the speed of the vehicle, - the accelerations and decelerations of the vehicle, - the angle at the steering wheel of the vehicle, - the height of vehicle body, - external climatic conditions, - profile and / or type of route taken by the vehicle, - presence and / or position and / or speed of other vehicles, and, - presence of intersections.

As shown in FIG. 1, reading means 33 of at least one data carrier can also be connected to the computer 12. Data carriers containing, for example, cartographic information can thus be read by the computer 12.

Likewise, means 34 for receiving radio and / or satellite data can be connected to the computer 12 via the bus 30. Thus, information relating, for example, to the state of road traffic and / or to weather conditions can be delivered real time to the computer 12 via this channel.

Thus, the computer 12 can control the movement of the optical elements 2 and / or the distribution of light towards the latter, as a function of the parameters delivered by the sensors 31, 32 and / or the data carriers and / or the communication means.

In particular, the computer 12 can control the lighting device so that it projects one or more beams whose shapes and / or orientations can be adapted to the road conditions of the vehicle. For example, the three rows of prisms 2 can project three separate beams respectively. Of course, the different beams can be generated by other distributions of prisms 2. Similarly, the prisms 2 can be ordered to project one or two, or more than three separate beams.

The law for controlling the orientation and / or distribution of light optical elements 2 can, for example, be frozen in the form of software in a non-volatile memory contained in computer 12, or connected to the latter. Preferably, the control software manages the interactions between the driver and the information from the mapping. more, the software can manage and filter the information coming from the various sensors 33, 34. In particular, the software can ensure the management, the timing and the memorization of information coming from the sensors 31, 32. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of application of the lighting device according to the invention to a motor vehicle 35.

The vehicle 35 shown in FIG. 3 comprises two front optical units 40, 41. The two optical units 41 each comprise a plurality of optical elements or prisms such as those described above. Preferably, the prisms 2 of the two optical units 40, 41 are controlled by the same computer.

Each block 40, 41 projects three light beams A1, B1, C1; A2, B2, C2 towards the front of the vehicle, via its optical elements 2. A first beam A1, A2 called "proximity" is projected forward with a range of the order, for example, of twenty meters. In a substantially horizontal plane, the first beam A1, A2 can extend for example, by 45 degrees on either side of an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Preferably, the first beam A1, A2 can extend horizontally by 20 degrees on either side of the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Similarly, in a substantially vertical plane, this first beam A1, A2 may extend by six degrees, and preferably two degrees, on either side of an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction.

The first beams A1, A2 can be used advantageously when the visibility conditions are poor, in particular due to the climatic conditions.

A second beam B1, B2, or intermediate beam, is projected towards the front of the vehicle with a range of the order, for example, of forty meters. This second beam B1, B2 can extend horizontally, for example, by 20 degrees on either side of the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Preferably, the second beam B1, B2 can extend horizontally by 5 degrees on either side of the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Similarly, in a substantially vertical plane, this second beam B1, B2 can extend, by six degrees, preferably two degrees, on either side of the longitudinal direction.

The intermediate beams left B1 and right B2 can, for example, be useful in the case of city driving, to illuminate possible obstacles located on the sides of the road, such as pedestrians.

The third beam C1, C2 is, for its part, a long-range beam, of the order, for example, of eighty meters. This third beam C1, C2 can extend horizontally, for example, by 8 degrees on either side of an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Preferably, the third beam C1, C2 can extend horizontally by 3 degrees on either side of the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

Furthermore, in a vertical plane, this third beam C1, C2 can extend, by three degrees, and preferably one degree, on either side of the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

The long-range beams C1, C2 are particularly suitable for driving on a clear and straight road.

Advantageously, each of the six beams (the three beams on the left side A1, B1, C1, and the three beams on the right side A2, B2, C2) can be switched on independently of the others. Similarly, these beams can be oriented independently, depending in particular on the attitude of the vehicle and / or the profile of the road.

In particular, in the case, for example, of a right-hand drive, all or part of the beams located on the left A1, B1, C1 can be shifted to the right and / or down and / or extinguished during a crossing of an oncoming vehicle. Similarly, the light intensity of the beam (s) located on the left side can be reduced when other vehicles are crossed. In particular, the long-range beam C1, C2 located on the side of crossed vehicles can be turned off when the computer 12 is warned, for example by sensors, 32, that a vehicle is arriving in the opposite direction.

In another example of application, when the computer is informed of the presence of a signaling panel, by the sensors 31, 32 or communication means, a beam, for example of long range C1, C2 located on the side of the panel can be raised and oriented for a short time so as to more specifically illuminate the sign.

It is therefore easily understood that the device according to the invention, while being of simple structure, makes it possible to arrange the lighting of the vehicle in a multitude of different configurations. For example, the lighting system can describe all the functions defined in the European program, within the framework of the EUREKA 1403 project, entitled "Advanced Frontlighting Systems".

Another advantage of the invention lies in the fact that it is possible to use the same type of headlamp as well for a vehicle intended for driving on the left as a vehicle intended for driving on the right. Indeed, the lighting device control software can configure a standard headlamp for both right-hand drive and left-hand drive. Likewise, the software can automatically adapt to different legal lighting requirements, such as compulsory daylighting in certain countries.

In addition, the invention makes it possible to dispense with a projector correction device. Indeed, this function can also be performed via the device control software. Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Thus, the lighting device can be applied to other functions of the optical unit. For example, the "code" or "flashing" functions of the optical unit can also be performed by one or more fixed or mobile optical elements.

Finally, although the invention has been described in connection with particular embodiments, it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described.

Claims (10)

<B><U>REVENDICATIONS</U> </B> 1. Lighting and signaling device for a vehicle, comprising means for emitting (1) light and means (2) for focusing this light outwards into at least one beam, characterized in that the means of focusing comprise a plurality of optical elements (2) orientable in space and / or able to be supplied with light independently of each other, the light beam or beams of the lighting device (A1, A2; B1, B2; C1 , C2), being constituted by the addition of the respective beams of each optical element (2), the displacement of the optical elements (2) and / or the distribution of light towards the latter being controlled by data processing means (12 ), to adapt the shape and / or orientation of the beams (A1, A2; B1, B2; C1, C2), depending on the conditions of use of the vehicle. 2. Lighting and / or signaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the data processing means (12) are connected to a plurality of sensors (31, 32) and / or to reading means ( 33) of at least one data medium, and / or to communication means (34), delivering information representative of the conditions of use of the vehicle such as the mapping of the route of the vehicle, the climatic conditions outside the vehicle, and road traffic conditions. 3. Lighting and / or signaling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the data processing means are connected to an information medium containing a law for controlling the orientation and / or distribution. light to the optical elements (2), according to the information relating to the conditions of use of the vehicle. 4. Lighting and / or signaling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the data processing means (12) are capable of controlling the quantity of light distributed to the optical elements (2) , to control the light intensity of the light projected by the optical elements (2) according to the conditions of use of the vehicle. 5. Lighting and / or signaling device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least part of the optical elements (2) consist of parts of generally prismatic shape and consist of a translucent material. 6. Lighting and / or signaling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least part of the optical elements each consist of at least one reflecting wall. 7. A lighting and / or signaling device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the optical elements (2) is movable at least in rotation about a respective substantially vertical axis by report to the vehicle. 8. Lighting and / or signaling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least two rows each consisting of at least one optical element (2), each of the rows d the optical element (2) being arranged to focus a respective light beam (A1, A2; B1, B2; C1, C2) having determined and adaptable shapes and orientation. 9. Vehicle lighting system comprising two optical units (40, 41), characterized in that it comprises at least one lighting and / or signaling device according to any one of the preceding claims. 10. Lighting system according to claim 9, characterized in that the optical elements (2) of each of the optical units (40, 41) focus a plurality of distinct light beams (A1,, C1; A2, B2, C2) outwards, the beams of each block (40, 41) being adaptable, and capable of being generated and extinguished independently of each other automatically, according to the conditions of use of the vehicle.