MXPA06009220A - Lamp assembly having variable focus and directionality - Google Patents

Abstract

A lightingassembly (10) is adjustable between flood and spot lighting conditions for selectively illuminating an interior passenger compartment in a motor vehicle. The assembly (10) includes a housing (16) which clamps to a supporting member, such as a headliner (12), via a sleeve (18) interacting with a rotary cam lock (22). An LED light source (26) is orbitally supported within the housing (16) for projecting light in a directionally adjustable manner. A lens (50) is disposed in the light path (28) and is moveable between an extended spot position for task lighting and a retracted flood position for general illumination within the interior compartment. A switch (74) is responsive to movement of the lens (50) into its spot position for automatically energizing the LED (30). The switch (74) opens, thus de-energizing the LED (30) when the lens (50) is returned to its flood condition. A lighting control circuit (78, 78') is responsive to an override signal, such as from a door switch (80, 80'), for independently activating the light source (26) when the lens (50) is in its flood position. The light source (26) is supported for orbital movement within the housing (16) by a gimbal mechanism which includes an inner gimbal (38) carried in a cross (40). Pintals (42, 44) establish intersecting perpendicular axis (A, B) to accomplish the orbital movement. A latch mechanism (64) cooperates with leaf springs (62) by controlling movement of the lens (50) between its flood and spot conditions by a repeated push impulse applied by the finger of an operator. The switch (74) is incorporated into the leaf springs (62).

Description

LAMP ASSEMBLY WITH VARIABLE FOCUS AND DIRECTIONALITY FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is generally concerned with lighting assemblies for illuminating the interior passenger compartment of a motor vehicle and more specifically with a lighting assembly that is adjustable under lighting conditions. intense and punctual lighting and also directionally adjustable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lighting sets are well known for use in interior cabins of motor vehicles, trucks, engine compartments and other environments where light is necessary. Such lighting sets provide direct lighting, indirect lighting and backlighting, among other applications and have become smaller, more efficient, more durable and last longer. Commonly, indirect lighting or lighting in general is carried out by dome lamp assemblies or other lighting device that scatters light over a large area. This is in contrast to directing or targeting lighting applications, such as map lights or reading lights, where light from the light source is focused in a relatively narrow area. Commonly, the aspects of intense and punctual lighting are carried out by means of a set of separate lighting dedicated to each function. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,502,969 issued to Logel et al discloses a multifunctional lighting assembly in which separate lighting devices are required to perform the intense and spot lighting functions. Although Logel uses a unitary structure to carry out all these functions, the overall package is nevertheless large, troublesome and expensive to manufacture. Several focus lighting assemblies have been proposed with limited functionality. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,070,434 issued to Suman et al discloses an incandescent bulb with a reflector that can be repositioned to focus and blur the light path. However, the Suman et al lighting set is deficient in that the beam pattern is directionally adjustable only when in the point lighting condition; it is motionless in the condition of intense illumination. In addition, multiple user inputs are required to turn the illumination set on and off and to refocus the beam pattern. These multiple entries can present an inconvenience, also as a distraction to the driver. Thus, there is a need for an improved lighting set that is adjustable between intense and spot lighting conditions in which it is easier to operate, less distracting to a driver and fully directionally adjustable in intense and punctual lighting conditions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the disadvantages and deficiencies of the prior art by providing a lighting assembly that is adjustable between intense and spot lighting conditions to selectively illuminate the interior passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The lighting assembly comprises a housing for attaching the assembly to a support element in an interior compartment of the motor vehicle. A light source is carried in the housing to project light along a light path. An energy input is operatively connected to the light source to selectively energize the light source. An optical element is placed to influence the light path. The optical element is movable between a position of intense illumination wherein the light of the light source is scattered in a generally wide area within the passenger compartment and a point position where the light of the light source is focused on a generally narrow area inside the passenger compartment. A switch is sensitive to the movement of the optical element to automatically interrupt the operational connection between the power input and the light source when the optical element is moved to the bright lighting position and automatically restore the operational connection when the optical element is moved to the point lighting position to energize the light source and thereby illuminate the passenger compartment with a focused beam of light. A) Yes, the user's only input action of refocusing the light source from intense to spot lighting conditions automatically energizes the light source to provide point lighting functionality. Conversely, returning the optical element to its intense illumination position automatically de-energizes the light source. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a separate lighting control circuit is provided which is responsive to a cancellation signal to activate the light source independently of the switch when the optical element is in its strong illumination position. For example, the lighting control circuit could be sensitive to a door switch or an interior lighting control switch such that the cancellation signal energizes the light source together with other general indoor lighting elements during the entry and exit of the occupant. According to another aspect of the present invention, the lighting assembly is adjustable between intense lighting conditions and spot lighting to selectively illuminate the interior passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. The lighting assembly comprises a housing for attaching the assembly to a support element in an interior compartment. A light source is carried in the housing to project light along a light path. An energy input is operatively connected to the light source to selectively energize the light source. An optical element is arranged in the light path and is movable between a position of intense illumination, wherein the light of the light source is influenced by the optical element to scatter light over a broad general area within the passenger compartment. and a point lighting position, wherein the light from the light source is influenced by the optical element to focus on a generally narrow area within the passenger compartment. The optical element is arranged within the housing for an orbital movement in both its positions of intense illumination and point lighting as long as the light source is still energized. Thus, the light source is directionally adjustable in its point lighting position, which can be useful for reading maps and other task-oriented activities and is also directionally adjustable in its intense lighting condition such that general lighting It can be directed towards certain areas or directed away from other areas. For example, it may be desirable to direct intense light far away from a sleeping child or direct intense illumination into the entry / exit area. According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for selectively illuminating the interior passenger compartment of a motor vehicle between intense and point lighting conditions. The method comprises the steps of supporting a light source in an interior compartment, projecting light from the light source along a path of illumination, selectively varying the focus of the light path between a condition of intense illumination, in where light is scattered over a relatively large area in the passenger compartment and a point lighting condition, where the light is focused on a relatively narrow area within the passenger compartment, automatically energizing the light source in response to the stage of varying the focus of the light path to the point lighting condition and automatically de-energizing the light source in response to the step of varying the focus of the light path to the bright lighting condition. Thus, these various aspects of the present invention provide a lighting assembly for interior vehicular illumination which is adjustable both directionally and in focus and which is convenient to put into operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES These and other elements and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated when considered in connection with the following detailed description and appended figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a set of light according to the present invention supported within the headliner of a motor vehicle; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lighting assembly of the present invention; Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of the lighting assembly; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the directional mobility of the illumination assembly around a first axis A; Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical element disposed in the position of intense illumination with the light path scattered over a generally broad area; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view as in Figure 5 showing the optical element disposed in the spot illumination position with the emitted light path focused over a generally narrow area; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the lens and back plate assembly showing a retention mechanism in the point-lighting position in relation to a cam member; Figure 8 is a schematic representation of an electrical circuit for controlling the lighting assembly of the present invention; and Figure 9 is a schematic representation of an alternative electrical circuit for controlling the lighting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODE Referring to the figures, wherein like numbers indicate similar or corresponding parts in all the various views, a lighting assembly according to the present invention is shown in general with the number in Figure 1, placed inside a headliner 12 under the roof of a motor vehicle. By reference, pillars B and C 14 are shown extending from the headliner 12. Although mounting the lighting assembly 10 within the headliner 12 is a preferred application of the invention, the lighting assembly 10 may conveniently be located at other portions of a motor vehicle, in which they are included within the trim elements of the pillars 14, in a door panel, in a console or support for the arms, in the instrument tubular, in the trunk area, in the engine compartment, or in any convenient location. The lighting assembly 10 is adjustable between intense lighting conditions and spot lighting in such a way that regardless of its location within the motor vehicle, it is useful for both general lighting and tasks. In addition, the lighting assembly 10 is fully directionally adjustable in both intense lighting and spot lighting conditions thus providing increased functionality and convenience. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the lighting assembly 10 is shown to include a housing, indicated generally with the numeral 16 for attaching to a support element, such as the headliner 12. The housing 16 may take many configurations and shapes, but is shown for illustrative purposes including a cylindrical sleeve 18 and a flange-like bezel 20 that lies against the visible side of the headliner 12 to cover the hole and support the lighting assembly 10 against it. The sleeve 18 is provided with a cam fastener 22 which cooperates with a support plate 24 located on the recessed side of the headliner 12. Thus, the headliner 12 • is sandwiched between the support plate 24 and the bevel 20, with the cam fixing element 22 securing the assembly 10 in its operative position. A light source, indicated generally with the number 26, is carried within the housing 16 and functions to project light along a light path which is represented by broken lines 28 in Figure 5 and 6. The light source 26 can take any convenient form and modality, in which an incandescent coil is included, however, in the preferred embodiment, the light source 26 comprises one or more light emitting diodes (LED) 30. The LED 30 is mounted on a back plate 32 which may also contain a circuit board 34 through which the electricity of an energy input 36 is directed. The power input 36, which in the case of a motor vehicle application includes a DC power supply, is thus operatively connected to the light source 26, through the circuit board 34, to selectively energize the light source 26. The rear plate 32 is joined to an internal gimbal, generally indicated at 38, which is in turn supported movably within the housing 16. This is carried out by pivotally connecting the inner gimbal 38 to a cross or cross-piece 40 via struts 42 falling through a common first axis A. The cross 4 is in turn pivotally connected to the sleeve 18 of the housing 16 via perpendicular struts 44 seated in corresponding holes 46 in the sleeve 18.

The struts 44 are aligned along a second common axis B. The first axis A and the second axis B are thus perpendicular to and intersect with each other to provide a free angular movement of the inner gimbal 38 relative to the housing 16. Thus , because the LED 30 and the back plate 32 are fixed in relation to the inner gimbal 38, they also enjoy a free range of orbital movement within the housing 16, thereby providing directional adjustment to the lighting assembly 10. An optical element, indicated in general with the number 48, is positioned to influence the light path 28 and is movable between a position of intense illumination and a point lighting position. In the position of intense illumination, the light from the light source 26 is scattered over a generally wide area within the passenger compartment, as shown in Figure 5. In contrast, when the optical element 48 is in the position of spot lighting, the light from the light source 26 is focused on a generally narrow area within the passenger compartment. The optical element 48 can take many forms. As an example, the optical element 48 could be a reflector for focusing the light path-28 by varying its shape or its spatial relationship to the light source 26. Preferably, however, the optical element 48 is a lens 50 which is placed within light path 28 at all times. Alternatively, the optical element 48 can be a combination of reflector and lens 50 and can be of any type moving in and out of the light path 28, in relative terms, since it moves between the positions of intense illumination and spot lighting. Also, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the optical element 48 can remain stationary in relation to the inner gimbal 38 or perhaps in relation to the housing 16, while the light source 26 is moved. Regardless of the design strategy, the optical element 48 moves relative to the light source 26 and can remain in the light path 28 at all times, as shown in the accompanying figures or can be moved intermittently within and out of the light path 28. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the lens 50 is shown in its brightly illuminated position in FIG. 5. The lens 50 is supported within a frame 52. The frame 52 is an element cylindrical dimensioned for relative sliding movement within an opening 54 in the inner gimbal 38. A shoulder catch 56 extending from the frame 52 is connected to the inner surface of the inner gimbal 38, behind the opening 54, to limit travel of the frame 52. Thus, the fully extended position of the optical element 48 is shown in Figure 6 and comprises the point lighting position, wherein the shoulder catch 56 is connected to the card inner 38 and is effective to maintain the lens 50 in the spot illumination position. In the intense illumination condition, the lens 50 is spatially closer to the LED 30 than when the lens 50 is in the spot illumination position. The frame 52 further includes at least one and preferably four slides 58 which slidably engage linear tracks 60 provided in the inner gimbal 38. The slides 58 and their corresponding tracks 60 guide the movement of the optical element 48 between their positions of intense illumination. and spot lighting. These slides 58 and tracks 60 maintain the lens 50 in an appropriate orientation relative to the LED 30, such that the optical characteristics of the lens 50 function in accordance with design under both intense lighting and spot lighting conditions. The slides 58 may be displaced from each other in a non-symmetrical manner to require the mounting of the optical element 48 within the inner gimbal 38 in a particular orientation. Although in the preferred modality, the light source 26 comprises a single LED 30 that emits white light, it is possible to vary the color of the light path 28 by various means. For example, the lens 50 can be coated or impurified with several elements to produce a particular color distribution or a group of LEDs can be chosen from the red, green and blue varieties and grouped to emit a particular color or tone within the light path 28. Also, a different combination of colored LEDs 30 can be energized in the high light condition as opposed to the spot light condition such that different light tones or intensities can be emitted in the various conditions. In addition, it is possible to establish one or more intermediate positions of the optical element 48 relative to the light source 26 between the positions of intense illumination and point lighting to provide a graduated or infinitely variable focus of the light path 28. In the preferred embodiment , however, the lighting assembly 10 is provided with only two conditions, intense lighting and spot lighting as shown in Figures 5 and 6. This is accomplished by providing a pair of metal leaf springs 62 on the back plate. 32 which react against the slides 58 and drive the frame 52 towards the point lighting position with the shoulder catch 56 which is connected to the inner cardan 38. A bridge-like stabilizing element 65 can extend between the two springs 62. When the optical element 48 is moved to the bright illumination position of FIG. 5, the leaf springs 62 are compressed s. A bolt mechanism, indicated generally with the number 64, is operatively disposed between the frame 52 and the internal gimbal 38 to maintain the lens 50 in its intense illumination position. The lock mechanism 64 includes a flexible finger 66 which extends cantileveredly from the back plate 32. The finger 66 is disposed in a path 68 that is formed around a cam member 70 extending from one of the slides. 58. (Path 68 is represented by dashed directional arrows in Figure 7). Finger 66 traces a course along path 68 as lens 50 moves between its positions of intense illumination and point illumination. Thus, as shown in Figure 7, the finger 66 is placed below the cam member 70 when the lens 50 is in the point illumination position. However, as the lens 50 is forced against the momentum of the leaf springs 62 towards its intense illumination position, the finger 66 follows the path 68 around the left edge of the cam member 70. A cavity 72 is formed in the upper portion of the cam member 70 and functional for temporarily trapping the finger 66 when the lens 50 has been moved to the fully compressed intense illumination position. Thus trapped in the cavity 72, the finger 66 holds the lens 50 in the bright lighting condition, thereby placing the bolt mechanism 64 in tension. To return the optical element 48 in the spot illumination position, a slight additional compressive force is applied to the frame 52, allowing the resilient finger 66 to rise out of the cavity and continue along the path 68 around the right surface of the cam element 70. Thus, the optical element 48 returns to the point lighting condition under the momentum of the leaf springs 62. In much the same way as a ball point pen is moved between extended and retracted conditions, the element Optical 48 is subjected to cycles between positions of intense illumination and point illumination by manual pressure applied repeatedly against the lens 50. These cycles between positions of intense illumination and point lighting is controlled in part by means of the finger 60 which orbits the path 68 around the cam element 70. The lighting assembly 10 includes a switch 74 which is responsive to the movement of the optical element 48 to automatically interrupt the operative connection between the power input 36 and the source of light 26 when the optical element 48 is moved to its position of intense illumination. The switch 74 automatically restores the operative electrical connection when the optical element 48 is moved to the point lighting position (Figure 6). A) Yes, the switch 74 energizes the light source 26 with a focused light beam 28 directed to the passenger compartment whenever the optical element 48 is moved to its point lighting position. The switch 74 may take any of a variety of forms. Preferably, the switch 74 is placed on the back plate 32 and can be incorporated in the springs 62. In this configuration, the springs 62 are formed with hook-shaped free ends 73 which bear against a common contact surface 75 when It is in the position of point lighting. The contact surface 75 is electrically connected to the power input 36. The other fixed ends of the springs 62 are operatively linked to the circuit board 34 in such a way that the electricity is transmitted from the power input 36 to the circuit board 36. via the leaf springs 86 that touch the contact surface 75. This condition is illustrated in Figure 7. When the lens 50 is moved to the position of intense illumination, the free ends 63 of the springs 62 slide out of the register with the contact surface 75, to the right as seen in Figure 7, thus opening the switch 74. In Figures 8 and 9, the switch 74 is shown schematically within a global circuit including a power source such as the 76 battery of the vehicle. The switch 74 is placed between the battery 76 and the LED 30, such that when it is closed, the LED is energized and emits light. Preferably, the circuit also includes a lighting control circuit, generally indicated at 78, which is responsive to a cancellation signal to activate the light source 26 independently of the switch 74 when the optical element 48 is in the bright illumination position. . In the case of Figure 8, the lighting control circuit 78 comprises a single door switch 80 which leads to a cancellation energy input 82 associated with the lighting assembly 10. While the primary energy input 36 receives energy of operation at all times (or could receive power part time via an ignition switch) such that the LED 30 is activated using this operating energy via the switch 74. However, the cancellation energy input 82 receives a signal of the lighting control circuit 78 depending on the state of the door switch 80. When the door switch 80 is open, no signal is supplied to the cancellation energy input 82. When the door switch is closed, the cancellation energy input 82 receives the signal in the form of operating energy of the battery 76 which activates the LED 30 regardless of the position of the optical element 48. Referring again to Figure 7 , the secondary contact surface 84 is shown adjacent the contact surface 75. The secondary contact surface 84 is electrically connected to the cancellation energy input 82. When the lens 50 is driven to its intense illumination position, the ends 63 of the leaf springs 62 slide in register with the secondary contact surface 84. Thus, whenever the lighting control circuit 78 requires illumination, such as when a door is opened, the secondary contact surface 84 is energized . If it happens that the free ends 63 of the leaf springs 62 are touching the secondary contact surface 84, then the circuit board 34 will be energized and the LED 30 on. Figure 9 shows a second exemplary circuit which is a more representative embodiment in which the lighting control circuit 78 'is connected to several door switches 80' and perhaps other inputs as well, such as an instrument panel switch (not shown). The functionality of the assembly 10 in this Figure 9 is otherwise the same as that described above in relation to Figure 8. More particularly, the lighting control circuit 78 'allows a cancellation signal, such as the door switch 80, 80' or an instrument panel switch or other signal to energize the light source 26 even when the lens 50 is in its intense lighting condition. In practice, this arrangement allows the lighting assembly 10 to function as a dome or general lighting element, provided it is in the retracted condition, of intense illumination, such that it is energized as the doors are opened or otherwise way when the interior lighting systems in general are activated. When objective lighting is required and the lighting control circuit 78, 78 'is otherwise inactive, the lighting assembly 10 can be used in its focused task lighting mode by simply moving the optical element 48 to its position of spot lighting. Thus, by simple pressure of the operator's finger against the lens 50, the lighting assembly 10 can be placed in its spot illumination position and simultaneously activated to make a focused light path 28 shine within the passenger compartment. By inverting this single operation, the lighting set can be turned off and returned to its general intense lighting condition. The fixation with cardan of the light source 26 inside the housing 16 allows the directional adjustment of the light path 28 both in the point lighting condition as well as in the bright lighting condition. Thus, the lighting assembly 10 is functionally simple to use, even by a vehicle driver without undue distraction or multiple complicated entrances required. Additionally, the lighting assembly 10 is highly functional by allowing the reorientation of the light path 28 under both intense lighting and spot lighting conditions to accommodate better occupants and various conditions. While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted by elements thereof without departing from the scope of this invention. Obviously, many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Accordingly, it will be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims (43)

1. CLAIMS 1. A set of adjustable lighting between conditions of intense lighting and spot lighting, to selectively illuminate the interior compartment for the passenger of a motor vehicle, the assembly is characterized in that it comprises: a housing for attaching the assembly to a support element in an interior compartment; a light source carried in the housing for projecting light along a light path; an energy input operatively connected to the light source, for selectively energizing the light source; an optical element positioned to influence the light and movable path between a position of intense illumination, wherein the light of the light source is scattered over a generally wide area within a passenger compartment and a spot lighting position, in where the light from the light source is focused on a generally narrow area within the passenger compartment and a switch responsive to the movement of the optical element to automatically interrupt the operative connection between the energy input and the light source when the optical element is moved to the bright lighting position and automatically restore the operational connection when the optical element is moved to the spot lighting position, to energize the light source and thereby illuminate the passenger compartment with a focused beam of light. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it also includes a lighting control circuit sensitive to a cancellation signal for activating the light source independently of the switch, when the optical element is in the bright lighting position. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy input includes a DC power supply (direct current). 4. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source comprises a light emitting diode. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source is pivotally supported within the housing. 6. The set in accordance with the claim 5, characterized by the light source is arranged in an internal gimbal. 7. The assembly in accordance with the claim 6, characterized in that it further includes a cross or crosshead connected to the internal gimbal along a first pivotal axis and connected to the housing along a second pivotal axis generally perpendicular to and intersecting with the first pivotal axis, whereby the light source is freely movable angularly in relation to the housing. The assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the optical element comprises a lens. The assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the lens is spatially closer to the light source when it is in the position of intense and spaced illumination away from the light source when in the point lighting position. The assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the internal gimbal includes at least one track and the light source includes a slide slidably coupled with the track to guide the movement of the light source between the positions of intense illumination. and spot lighting. 11. The assembly in accordance with the claim 6, characterized in that the light source includes a fixed rear plate in relation to the internal gimbal. 12. The assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that it also includes a circuit board arranged on the back plate. The assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the switch is arranged on the back plate. The assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that it also includes a spring interposed between the back plate and the light source. 15. The assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the spring comprises a leaf spring. 16. The set in accordance with the claim 6, characterized in that it also includes a shoulder retainer operatively disposed between the light source and the internal gimbal to maintain the light source in the point lighting position. 17. The set in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that it also includes a support plate which is coupled to the housing by means of a cam fastening element. 18. An adjustable lighting assembly between intense lighting conditions and spot lighting, to selectively illuminate the interior compartment for the passenger of a motor vehicle, the assembly is characterized in that it comprises: a housing for attaching the assembly to a support element in a interior compartment; a light source carried in the housing for projecting light along a light path; an energy input operatively connected to the light source, for selectively energizing the light source; an optical element placed in the light path and movable between a position of intense illumination, wherein the light of the light source is influenced by the optical element to scatter the light over a generally wide area within the passenger compartment and a point lighting position, wherein the light from the light source is influenced by the optical element to focus on a generally narrow area within the passenger compartment and the optical element disposed within the housing for orbital movement in both the lighting positions intense as point lighting, while the light source remains energized. 19. The set in accordance with the claim 18, characterized in that it further includes a switch responsive to the movement of the optical element to automatically interrupt the operative connection between the energy input and the light source when the optical element is moved to the bright illumination position and automatically restore the operative connection when the The optical element is moved to the spot lighting position to energize the light source and thereby energize the passenger compartment with a focused beam of light. 20. The set in accordance with the claim 19, characterized in that it also includes a lighting control circuit responsive to a cancellation signal for activating the light source independently of the switch, when the optical element is in the bright illumination position. 21. The assembly according to claim 20, characterized in that the light source includes a back plate, the switch is arranged on the back plate. 22. The assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the power input includes a DC power source (direct current). 23. The set in accordance with the claim 18, characterized in that the light source comprises a light emitting diode. 24. The assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that the light source and the optical element are arranged in an internal gimbal. The assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that it further includes a cross or crosshead connected to the internal gimbal along a first pivotal axis and connected to the housing along a second pivotal axis generally perpendicular to and intersecting with the first pivotal axis, whereby the light source is freely movable angularly in relation to the housing. 26. The assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the optical element comprises a lens. 27. The assembly according to claim 26, characterized in that the lens is spatially closer to the light source when it is in the position of intense and spaced illumination away from the light source when it is in the point lighting position. 28. The assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the internal gimbal includes at least one track and the light source includes a slide slidably coupled with the track to guide the movement of the light source between the positions of intense illumination and spot lighting. 29. The assembly according to claim 24, characterized in that the light source includes a fixed rear plate in relation to the internal gimbal. 30. The set in accordance with the claim 29, characterized in that it also includes a circuit board arranged on the back plate. 31. The assembly according to claim 29, characterized in that it also includes a spring interposed between the back plate and the light source. 32. The assembly according to claim 31, characterized in that the spring comprises a leaf spring. The assembly according to claim 34, characterized in that it further includes a shoulder catch operatively disposed between the light source and the internal gimbal to maintain the light source in the point lighting position. 34. The assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that it further includes a support plate that engages with the housing by means of a cam fastener. 35. A method for selectively illuminating the interior compartment of the passenger of a motor vehicle between intense lighting conditions and spot lighting, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: supporting a light source in an interior compartment; projecting light from the light source along a light path; selectively varying the focus of the light path between an intense lighting condition, wherein the light is scattered over a relatively large area in the passenger compartment and a point lighting condition, wherein the light is focused over a relatively large area Narrow inside the passenger compartment and automatically energize the light source in response to varying the focus of the light path to the spot lighting condition and automatically de-energize the light source in response to the variation of the light path focus to the condition of intense illumination. 36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that it further includes the step of automatically activating the light source in response to a cancellation signal when the light source is in the strong lighting condition. 37. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that the variation of the focus of the light path includes the step of moving an optical element within the light path. 38. The method of compliance with the claim 37, characterized in that the step of moving the optical element includes passing the light path through a lens. 39. The method of compliance with the claim 38, characterized in that the step of moving the optical element includes placing the lens in an intense illumination position spatially closer to the light source than when the light source is in the point illumination position. 40. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that the step of moving the optical element includes guiding the lens for a linear movement between the positions of intense illumination and point lighting. 41. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that the step of moving the optical element includes keeping the lens in the position of intense illumination with a retainer. 42. The method of compliance with the claim 39, characterized in that the step of moving the optical element includes holding the lens in the point-lighting position with a shoulder catch. 43. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that supporting the light source in an interior compartment includes movably supporting the light source for a directional adjustment. SUMMARY A lighting assembly (10) is described which is adjustable between high intensity lighting conditions and spot lighting to selectively illuminate the interior compartment for the passenger in a motor vehicle. The assembly (10) includes a housing (16) that is fastened to a support element, such as a header (21) via a sleeve (18) that interacts with a rotating cam lock (22). An LED light source (26) is supported orbitally within the housing (16) to project light in a directionally adjustable manner. A lens (50) is disposed in the light path (28) and is movable between a spot lighting position for objective illumination and a bright illuminated position retracted for general illumination within the interior compartment. A switch (74) is sensitive to the movement of the lens (50) to its point lighting position to automatically energize the LED (30). The switch (74) is opened, thus de-energizing the LED (30) when the lens (50) is returned to its intense lighting condition. An illumination control circuit (78, 78 ') is responsive to a cancellation signal, such as from a door switch (80, 80') to independently activate the light source (26) when the lens (50) is find in its position of intense illumination. The light source (26) is supported for its orbital movement within the housing (16) by a gimbal mechanism that includes an internal gimbal (38) carried on a crossbar (40) The dowels (42, 44) establish the perpendicular axis intersection (A, B) to perform the orbital movement. A retaining mechanism (64) cooperates with leaf springs (62) by controlling the movement of the lens (50) between its conditions of intense illumination and point lighting by a repeated thrust pulse applied by the finger of an operator. The switch (74) is incorporated in the leaf springs (62).