FR2977207A1 - Method for operating lighting and/or signaling device of electric car, involves supplying temporally variable electrical signals to light sources for emitting light signals, where sum of luminous intensities of light signals is constant - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves supplying temporally variable electrical signals to light sources (6, 7) of a lighting and/or signaling device (1), respectively, where the sum of current and/or voltages of the electrical signals is constant and the current and/or the voltage of the electric signals are periodic at same period. A light signal is emitted by each light source, where luminous intensities of the light signals are variable, and sum of the luminous intensities of the light signals is constant. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for operating a light source electrical supply device (2) a light source electrical supply device (3) a lighting and/or signaling device.

Description

The present invention relates to a method of operating a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle comprising several light sources. The invention also relates to a method of operating a power supply device of several light sources of a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of light sources and such a device for powering a plurality of light sources of a lighting and / or signaling device. a motor vehicle. The invention finally relates to a vehicle comprising such a lighting and / or signaling device.

Document US 2008/297 338 discloses a braking signaling device in which, at the rear of a motor vehicle, a pair of brake lights or two pairs of brake lights are activated depending on the braking intensity of the vehicle. automobile.

In the field of signaling, as in that of lighting, many regulatory constraints leave little room to change the appearance of lights in the lit state, since the photometry of light beams is imposed to a very large extent . However, style and aesthetics are very important data for this type of product, and OEMs and automakers seek to give a "signature" to their products, so that they are easily identifiable by the end user. This signature is often different when the product is switched off, switched on in daytime mode and switched on in the lighting mode. Indeed, at night, the lighting and / or signaling devices are generally not visible on their entire outer surface: only the illuminating surfaces of the basic optical functions are illuminated. Thus, a traffic light is composed of several illuminating areas corresponding to the various optical functions to be performed, including continuously lit functions such as the lantern function, and functions that are lit only by periods.

The lighting and / or signaling devices therefore have two very different aspects depending on whether they are on or off.

The object of the invention is to provide a method and a lighting and / or signaling device overcoming the drawbacks mentioned above and improving the lighting and / or signaling devices known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a lighting and / or signaling device having a simple and inexpensive structure while allowing to obtain an original and / or aesthetic signature or illuminated appearance.

According to the invention, the method governs the operation of a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle comprising n light sources, with n natural integers greater than 1, each emitting respectively a light signal, the n intensities the n signals being temporally variable and the sum of the n light intensities of the n signals being at least substantially constant. Such a method makes it possible to confer on the lighting and / or signaling device a particular and original visual or lit visual signature while respecting the standards related to photometry.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the n light sources are each supplied respectively by an electrical signal, the n electrical supply signals of the n light sources being temporally variable and the sum of the intensities and / or the voltages of the n electrical signals being at least substantially constant.

The device may comprise n sets of light sources, the light sources of the same set each emitting a light signal synchronized with the other light sources of the assembly, in particular the different sources of the assembly emitting the same light signal, and or all the light sources of the same set being fed by synchronized electrical signals, in particular by the same electrical signal. Such a structure makes it possible to produce a visual signature whose area is extended.

The intensities and / or the voltages of the signals may be periodic and of the same period. Thus, it is possible to supply the different light sources with simple electrical signals that are easy to generate.

In particular, the intensities or the voltages may comprise sinusoidal or triangular or crenellated components. According to the invention, a method governs the operation of a power supply device of n light sources, with n natural integers greater than 1, of a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle. The operating method comprises a step of generating n variable power supply signals of the n sources, and - the sum of the intensities and / or voltages of the n electrical signals being at least substantially constant, or - the n electrical signals being such the sum of the n light intensities of the n light signals produced by the n sources is at least substantially constant.

The intensities and / or the voltages of the electrical signals may be periodic and of the same period. In particular, the intensities and / or the voltages comprise sinusoidal or triangular or crenellated components. According to the invention, a power supply device of n light sources, with n natural integers greater than 1, of a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle, comprises hardware and / or software means. implementation of the operating method defined above. The material means may comprise an element for generating n variable power supply signals for supplying the n light sources, and the sum of the intensities and / or voltages of the n electrical signals being at least substantially constant, or n electrical signals being such that the sum of the n light intensities of the n light signals produced by the n light sources is at least substantially constant.

The lighting and / or signaling device may comprise a feed device defined above and at least n light sources. The lighting and / or signaling device may comprise n sets of light sources. The n sets of light sources may be arranged at least substantially parallel.

The invention also relates to a data storage medium readable by a computer on which is recorded a computer program comprising computer program code means for implementing the phases and / or steps of the method defined above.

The invention further relates to a computer program comprising a computer program code means adapted to perform the steps of the method defined above, when the program runs on a computer or computer.

The invention finally relates to a motor vehicle comprising a lighting and / or signaling device defined above. The invention is described in detail with the aid of a nonlimiting exemplary embodiment, illustrated by the following figures: FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle signaling device According to the invention, FIG. 2 is a front view of a variant of this embodiment of a motor vehicle signaling device according to the invention, in a first configuration. FIG. 3 is a front view of the invention. According to the invention, in a second configuration, FIG. 4 is a timing diagram representing two light signals emitted by the light sources of the embodiment of the lighting device.

All these figures are very schematic and do not necessarily respect the scale for easy reading.

One embodiment of a lighting and / or signaling device 1 according to the invention is described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The device mainly comprises a housing 3 comprising a cavity 4 closed by a closing window 5. The housing encloses a first light source 6 and a second light source 7, emitting light beams along axes substantially parallel to a common direction 10.

For example, the device is intended to provide an optical function having a main optical axis 10. This optical function is for example a signaling function, including a lantern type signaling function or braking type.

The lighting and / or signaling device also comprises a power supply device 2 for electrically powering the first and second light sources 6 and 7. When the lighting and / or signaling device is activated, the first and second light sources 6 and 7. light source 6 is electrically powered via a first line 11 from the power supply device and the second light source 7 is electrically powered via a second line 12 from the power supply device. The power device is powered by an electrical energy source of the electric vehicle, such as a battery, via an electrical connection 13.

The first and second light sources 6, 7 are fed so that they respectively emit a first and a second light signal respectively. The light intensities of the first and second signals being variable and the sum of the light intensities of the first and second signals being at least substantially constant. These light intensities are, for example, those of the light rays produced along the main optical axis 10. Thus, the temporal evolutions of the light intensities of the two signals are distinct, their sum being substantially constant and equal to the nominal intensity prescribed by the regulations. To do this, the first light source is powered by a first electrical signal and the second light source is powered by a second electrical signal, the first and second electrical supply signals being variable and the sum of the intensities and / or voltages. first and second electrical signals being at least substantially constant. Thus, the temporal evolutions of the intensities and / or voltages of the first and second signals are distinct. This power supply is enabled by a power signal generation element 21 such as an electric power generator or a voltage generator.

For example, the luminous intensity of each light source changes temporally between a maximum value and a minimum value, - the minimum value representing between 100/0 and 450/0 of the nominal intensity of the signaling function, - the maximum value representing between 550/0 and 900/0 of the nominal intensity of the signaling function, and - the sum of the minimum and maximum values being substantially constant and equal to the nominal intensity of the signaling function.

To do this, the intensities and / or the voltages of the first and second signals must evolve appropriately. In particular, the intensities and / or the voltages of the first and second signals may vary in different ranges, the intensity of light produced by a light source not necessarily being proportional to the intensity and / or voltage applied to the light source. this light source.

Advantageously, the luminous intensity emitted by each light source has a profile comprising a periodic component. More preferably, in order to ensure the constancy of the total luminous intensity, the temporal evolution frequency of the first and second signals is the same. For example, it is possible to envisage light intensities having a profile comprising a periodic component of the sinusoidal, triangular or slot type. Nevertheless, it may be simpler that the intensities and / or the voltages of the first and second signals have a periodic component of the sinusoidal, triangular or slot type.

In this case, the evolutions of the light intensities produced can be carried out according to profiles comprising a sinusoidal, triangular or crenel component more or less deformed. This is not necessarily disturbing as long as the sum of the light intensities produced, in a given direction, in particular the main optical axis, by the first and second sources remains at least substantially constant over time. Advantageously, the sum of the light intensities produced remains at least substantially constant over time in all directions, in particular in the directions contained in a cone having an apex angle of at least 20 °, and up to 45 °, and centered on the main optical axis 10.

In order to best ensure the constancy over time of the sum of the light intensities produced by the first and second light sources, the first and second signals may be in phase opposition. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4, it is possible to produce light intensities in phase opposition, so that the total light intensity produced by the first and second light sources is constant. In the case of FIG. 4, the light intensities emitted by the first and second light sources evolve according to a profile comprising a sinusoidal component. Curve 8 represents the light intensity emitted by the first light source 6 and curve 9 represents the light intensity emitted by the second light source 7. It is noted that the sum of the two light intensities is constant in time.

In the case where the light intensities produced by the first and second light sources are proportional or substantially proportional to the intensities and / or voltages of the electrical signals supplying these light sources, the sum of the intensities and / or the voltages of the two electrical signals may be at least substantially constant, or - the two electrical signals may be such that the sum of the two light intensities of the two light signals produced by the two sources is at least substantially constant.

Of course, the power supply device of the light sources and the lighting and / or signaling device comprise all the hardware and / or software means making it possible to implement the methods according to the invention and to govern their operation in accordance with the invention. In particular, the software means may comprise computer programs.

It is understood that the lighting and / or signaling device preferably comprises n sets of one or more light sources, all the light sources of the same set emitting synchronized light signals, in particular the same light signals and / or all the light sources of the same set being powered by synchronized electrical signals, in particular by the same electrical signal.

As represented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lighting and / or signaling device comprises two sets of light sources, a first set comprising three first light sources 6 and a second set comprising three second light sources 7.

For example, the first three light sources 6 are powered by a first electrical signal making it possible to generate a light intensity represented by the curve 8 of FIG. 4 and the three second light sources 7 are powered by a second electrical signal making it possible to generate an intensity 9 at a time T2 shown in FIG. 4, the lighting and / or signaling device appears as represented in FIG. 2, that is to say that the first three light sources 6 appear more strongly illuminated than the second two light sources 7. On the other hand, at a time T3 shown in FIG. 4, the lighting and / or signaling device appears as shown in FIG. that is to say that the three second light sources 6 appear more strongly illuminated than the first two light sources 7.

These temporal variations in illumination of the different light sources cause an observer to feel like sliding or moving along the arrow 22 of FIG. 3 or in a direction opposite to the areas illuminated in time. This allows for a lit lit signature of the lighting and / or signaling device particularly interesting.

Of course, in FIGS. 2 and 3, the zones referenced 6 and 7 may each be illuminated by the activation of a light source, but each of these zones may also be illuminated by the activation of several light sources.

Similarly, there may be more than two sets of light sources, for example three sets, four sets or five sets (and more generally n sets with n natural integers greater than 1) for the same lighting and / or signaling device. . The larger the number of sets, the more the movement or sliding of the illuminated areas may appear fluid to the observer.

For example, the different sets of light sources may be arranged in the form of strips or parallel or substantially parallel stripes. Nevertheless, all configurations are possible. In particular, the different light sources of the same first set can be arranged randomly on one surface and the different light sources of the same second set can also be arranged randomly on the same surface. It then follows, for an observer, an impression of progressive change in the time of the contours of the lit signature of the lighting and / or signaling device.

In what has just been described, the light sources can be made by any means. In particular, the light sources may comprise light-emitting diodes. The frequency of the periodic signals may be of the order of 1 Hz. Typically, the frequency of the periodic signals is between 0.2 Hz and 2 Hz. In such a way that the lighting and / or signaling device complies with In the different regulations, the intensity fluctuations must remain moderate, on the one hand not to disturb the attention of the other drivers, and on the other hand not to be confused with the function of indication of change of direction. In the present description, the expression "intensity at least substantially constant" is understood to mean that the intensity value is constant or substantially constant. The expression "substantially constant intensity" means that the intensity value does not vary by more than 100/0, or even varies by more than 50/0. This constancy is such that the photometric constraints of the regulations are respected.

Claims (13)

CLAIMS 1- A method of operation of a device (1) for lighting and / or signaling of a motor vehicle comprising n light sources (6, 7), with n natural integers greater than 1, each emitting respectively a light signal, the n light intensities of the n signals being temporally variable and the sum of the n light intensities of the n signals being at least substantially constant. 2- Operating method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the n light sources are each supplied respectively by an electrical signal, the n electrical supply signals of the n light sources being temporally variable and the sum of the intensities and / or the voltages of the n electrical signals being at least substantially constant. 3- Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) comprises n sets of light sources, the light sources of the same set each emitting a light signal synchronized with the other light sources of the light. together, including the different sources of all emitting the same light signal and / or all light sources of the same set being fed by synchronized electrical signals, in particular the same electrical signal. 4- Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intensities and / or the voltages of the signals are periodic and of the same period. 5. Operating method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intensities or voltages comprise sinusoidal or triangular or crenellated components. 6- Operating method of a power supply device of n light sources, with n natural integer greater than 1, of a device (1) for lighting and / or signaling of a motor vehicle, the method of operation comprising a step of generating n variable power supply signals of the n sources, and - the sum of the intensities and / or voltages of the n electrical signals being at least substantially constant, or - the n electrical signals being such that the sum the n light intensities of the n light signals produced by the n sources is at least substantially constant. 7- Operating method according to claim 6, characterized in that the intensities and / or the voltages of the signals are periodic and of the same period. 8- The operating method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the intensities and / or voltages comprise sinusoidal or triangular or crenellated components. 9- Device (2) for powering n light sources (6, 7), with n natural number greater than 1, of a device (1) for lighting and / or signaling a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises hardware means (21) and / or software for implementing the operating method according to one of claims 6 to 8. 10- Feeding device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the material means comprise an element (21) for generating n variable power supply signals to supply the n light sources, and - the sum of the intensities and / or the voltages of the n electrical signals being at least substantially constant, or the n electrical signals being such that the sum of the n light intensities of the n light signals produced by the n light sources is at least substantially constant. 11- Device (1) for lighting and / or signaling of a motor vehicle comprising a power supply device (2) according to one of claims 9 and 510 and at least n light sources (6, 7). 12- Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises n sets of light sources (6, 7). 13- Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the n sets of light sources (6, 7) are arranged to emit light beams along axes substantially parallel to a common direction (10).