Rear lighting active panels including fixed light source

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aerodynamic device for a motor vehicle, comprising a fixed spoiler (1) connected to the vehicle body and a movable panel (2), wherein the movable panel (2) slides along a longitudinal axis in the interior space of the fixed spoiler (1) between a retracted position and an open position in the rear extension of the fixed spoiler (1), characterized in that the movable panel (2) has at least one scattering light guide (22), the at least one scattering light guide (22) comprising at least one longitudinally extending light entrance track and one or more light exit surfaces (26) arranged on the surface of the movable panel (2) visible from the outside of the vehicle, and is further characterized in that one or more light sources are arranged on the inner wall of the interior space of the fixed spoiler (1), the one or more light sources facing and adjacent to each of the at least one light entrance track.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of aerodynamic devices on board motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] These devices, which extend the roof shape in the form of spoilers, are intended to provide additional aerodynamic support on the rear axle and / or to reduce the vehicle's air resistance when travelling at high speeds.

[0003] In order to enhance the rearward visibility of the vehicle, in particular when the vehicle is braking, it is known to equip the spoiler with a lighting device extending over the entire or part of the transverse length of the stationary spoiler and illuminating simultaneously with the brake lights of the vehicle. The lighting device is usually arranged at the trailing edge of the spoiler.

[0004] Such a device is described, for example, in document DE 20 2006 010 701 or in document FR 2 932 767.

[0005] To improve aerodynamics, manufacturers recommend making the spoiler movable.

[0006] Thus, document US5923245 or document US5119068 describe a wing comprising lighting means arranged on the trailing edge and rotatably movable about a transverse axis between a retracted position and an open position to adjust the angle of incidence of the spoiler and thus increase the vertical support at the rear of the vehicle.

[0007] However, the disadvantage of these devices is that the lighting device is not visible when the flap is in the retracted position. In fact, the lighting angle of the lighting device varies according to the angle of incidence of the flap and is ineffective when the angle of incidence decreases, which causes the lighting device to be deactivated when the flap is not opened.

[0008] Recent developments to improve the aerodynamic coefficients of vehicles have led manufacturers to propose rear wings that include a stationary spoiler and a translationally movable portion, also called a mobile flap, the sliding of which in the stationary portion of the spoiler in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle extends the stationary portion toward the rear. This rearward surface extension, achieved by the mobile flap, allows turbulence to be reduced, thereby improving the aerodynamics at the rear of the vehicle.

[0009] These devices, which translate in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, have a significant aerodynamic effect, including at low speeds, for example from 70 km / h. They also reduce the vehicle's drag without significantly affecting the rear support. Summary of the invention

[0010] In particular, the object of the invention is to provide a solution for equipping the novel aerodynamic device with a lighting device that is visible from the rear of the vehicle in all configurations of use.

[0011] The aerodynamic device for a motor vehicle according to the invention comprises a stationary spoiler connected to the vehicle body and a movable panel which slides along a longitudinal axis in the interior of the stationary spoiler between a retracted position and an open position in the rear extension of the stationary spoiler.

[0012] The aerodynamic device is characterized in that the movable plate includes at least one scattering light guide, which includes at least one longitudinally extending light incident track and one or more light exit surfaces arranged on the surface of the movable plate visible from the outside of the vehicle; it is also characterized in that one or more light sources are arranged on the inner wall of the internal space of the fixed spoiler, and the one or more light sources face and are adjacent to each of the light incident tracks.

[0013] Arranged in this way, the lighting device has a substantially constant angle of incidence about the transverse axis and remains visible from the rear of the vehicle, regardless of the open or retracted position of the active panel. It is thus possible to keep the lighting device active, regardless of the speed of the vehicle, while respecting the strict angular ranges and lighting intensities, in particular those prescribed by standards ECE R48 and ECE R7.

[0014] Furthermore, the stationary light source may be powered by routing stationary cables on the inner wall of the stationary spoiler.

[0015] The present invention also contemplates other optional features that can be used alone or in combination:

[0016] One or more light exit surfaces are arranged on the trailing edge of the movable plate;

[0017] At least one light source is arranged to face the side wall of the movable plate;

[0018] At least one light source is arranged to face the lower wall of the movable plate;

[0019] The length and longitudinal position of the light entrance track are arranged such that in the open position the light entrance track is completely arranged in the interior space of the stationary spoiler;

[0020] The at least one scattering light guide is covered with one or more coatings that do not allow light to pass through on its entire surface except for the light incident track and the light exit surface;

[0021] The cladding includes a first layer that reflects light toward an interior of the diffusing light guide;

[0022] The covering includes patterned local interruptions through which light emerges toward the outer surface of the active plate to form a light pattern;

[0023] The at least one diffusing light guide is formed of a material different from the material forming the structural portion of the movable panel;

[0024] The structural portion of the movable panel is formed of a thermoplastic material overmolded over the at least one diffusing light guide;

[0025] The structural portion of the movable plate and the at least one diffusing light guide are each formed of a thermoplastic material and manufactured by double injection molding;

[0026] The movable plate is entirely formed of a material that acts as a diffuse light guide;

[0027] at least one protective cover of a transparent material is arranged on the light exit surface to protect the light exit surface from external aggressions;

[0028] The structural portion of the movable panel is formed of a thermoplastic material overmolded on the protective cover;

[0029] collimating the one or more light sources so that light rays penetrate into the at least one scattering light guide perpendicular to the surface of the light incidence track;

[0030] The one or more light sources are formed by light emitting diodes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] - Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an aerodynamic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention when the movable panel is in a retracted position;

[0033] - Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the aerodynamic device when the movable panel is in an open position and the light source is activated;

[0034] - Figure 3 is a schematic simplified cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an aerodynamic device when the movable panel is in a retracted position;

[0035] - Figure 4 is a schematic simplified top view of the aerodynamic device according to the first embodiment described above when the movable panel is in a retracted position;

[0036] - Figure 5is a schematic simplified cross-sectional view of the aerodynamic device according to the first embodiment when the movable panel is in the retracted position and the light source is activated;

[0037] - Figure 6 is a schematic simplified top view of the aerodynamic device according to the first embodiment when the movable panel is in the retracted position and the light source is activated;

[0038] - Figure 7 is a schematic simplified cross-sectional view of an aerodynamic device according to a first embodiment when the movable panel is in an open position and the light source is activated;

[0039] - Figure 8 is a schematic simplified top view of the aerodynamic device according to the first embodiment when the movable panel is in the open position and the light source is activated;

[0040] - Fig. 9 is a schematic simplified top view of a variant of the first embodiment of the aerodynamic device when the movable panel is in the retracted position and the light source is activated;

[0041] - Fig.10 is a schematic simplified top view of a variant of the first embodiment of the aerodynamic device when the movable panel is in an open position and the light source is activated;

[0042] - Fig.11 is a schematic simplified cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an aerodynamic device when the movable panel is in a retracted position;

[0043] - Fig.12 is a schematic simplified top view of a second embodiment of the aerodynamic device when the movable panel is in a retracted position;

[0044] - Fig.13 is a schematic simplified cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the aerodynamic device when the movable panel is in a retracted position and the light source is activated;

[0045] - Fig.14 is a schematic simplified top view of a second embodiment of the aerodynamic device when the movable panel is in the retracted position and the light source is activated;

[0046] - Fig.15 is a schematic simplified cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an aerodynamic device when the movable panel is in an open position and the light source is activated;

[0047] - Fig.16 is a schematic simplified top view of a second embodiment of an aerodynamic device according to the invention when the movable panel is in an open position and the light source is activated;

[0048] - Fig.17 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the aerodynamic device when the movable panel is in an open position and the light source is activated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following, reference will be made to the XYZ coordinate system of the vehicle, wherein the longitudinal axis X'X points from the rear to the front of the vehicle. In a horizontal plane, the transverse axis Y'Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The Z'Z axis denotes a vertical axis perpendicular to the X'X axis and the Y'Y axis.

[0050] Figure 1 The rear of a motor vehicle is shown. A stationary spoiler 1 is arranged in the extension of the roof (not shown) and extends rearwardly above a rear window 5 .

[0051] The mobile panel 2 is in a retracted position in the interior space of the stationary spoiler 1. From the outside of the vehicle, only the rear end, which embodies the rear part of the lighting device 20 and is arranged on the rear edge 23 of the mobile panel 2, is visible.

[0052] Optionally, a transparent cover 24 covers the lighting device to protect it from external damage.

[0053] Figure 2 The same rear part of the vehicle is shown, with the movable panel 2 in the open position. The lighting device 20 emits light from the rear edge 23 of the movable panel 2.

[0054] Figures 3 to 10 An aerodynamic device according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein the lighting device is formed by one or more scattering light guides 22 .

[0055] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Allow observation in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The spatial position of the movable plate relative to the XYZ coordinate system defined above is shown in the following figures.

[0056] The light guide 22 takes the form of a transparent or translucent element comprising a light entrance face and a light exit face, made of a material, such as transparent plastic, having a higher refractive index than the surrounding medium (typically ambient air) in which it is intended to be immersed.

[0057] In a non-scattering light guide, a ray of light entering the light guide through an incident surface reaches the inner wall of the light guide at a given angle relative to the normal of the surface reached. When the angle is greater than a determined threshold angle, it is reflected inside the light guide. The ray of light then propagates in the light guide by successive reflections on the inner wall to advance toward the exit surface, where it is arranged so that the ray of light reaches the inner wall at an incident angle relative to the normal of the wall less than the threshold, so that the ray of light emerges toward the outside of the device by refraction.

[0058] The manufacture of the scattering light guide can use different techniques known per se. A first technique, which is preferred for implementing the invention, consists in doping the material forming the light guide with reflective particles of microscopic size. The light rays then start from the light entry surface, scatter throughout the light guide and exit through all the surfaces of the light guide. This technique makes the diffusion of the light more uniform and does not require any special arrangement between the light entry surface and the light exit surface.

[0059] Another technique is to treat the surface of the light guide considered as the exit surface so as to make it rough or form a frosted surface. This roughness then forms as many elementary surfaces as possible that allow a portion of the light to escape from the light guide to the outside. This inexpensive technique allows making only that portion of the light guide used for illumination diffuse.

[0060] Materials typically used for light guides are polymers, usually thermoplastics, preferably selected from the group consisting of amorphous polymers or copolymers, such as polyacrylates, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyethersulfones or epoxysilicone polyesters, and cycloolefin polymers.

[0061] Reference Figures 3 to 10 It can be observed here that the number of scattering light guides 22 is not limited and the lighting device 20 can also completely include a single or multiple light guides 22 cooperating with one or more light sources.

[0062] Each light guide comprises a light incident surface extending in the longitudinal direction, referred to herein as light incident track 25 .

[0063] The light source 21 is arranged on the inner wall of the stationary spoiler 1 in a stationary manner, facing each light incident track 25 and adjacent to each light incident track 25. Here, the so-called "adjacent" means that the light incident track 25 and the light source 21 paired therewith are separated by a few millimeters, which are necessary to allow the longitudinal movement of the movable plate 2 without causing unnecessary friction between the light incident track 25 and the light source 21.

[0064] exist Figures 3 to 10 In the case shown, the light source is arranged on the lower wall of the inner cavity of the stationary spoiler 1. Therefore, the light incidence track is arranged on the lower wall of the plate 2.

[0065] The light source 21 is connected to a power source 3 which is also arranged on the lower wall of the inner cavity of the stationary spoiler 1 .

[0066] The light sources 2 can be formed, for example, by light-emitting diodes or laser sources.

[0067] Each light guide comprises one or more light exit surfaces 26 , such that light propagates in the light guide 22 between the light source 21 and the light exit surface 26 .

[0068] The motorized group 4 makes it possible to drive the mobile blade 2 forwards or backwards along the longitudinal axis XX'. This motorized group 4 may, for example, comprise a worm system.

[0069] That part of the light guide which emerges towards the rear of the movable blade 2 and which is arranged on the rear edge 23 of the movable blade 2 constitutes the light exit surface.

[0070] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the embodiment, the movable plate 2 is in the retracted position. The light source 21 is turned off.

[0071] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is shown that when the light source is activated (in grey), the aerodynamic device is in the same retracted position as before.

[0072] The light exit surface 26 arranged on the trailing edge may be formed as follows: Figure 2 The light is shown in the form of a continuous light line extending over all or part of the trailing edge 23.

[0073] Likewise, various lighting effects can be achieved by deliberately arranging the exit surface of the light guide, such as a polyhedral effect, point-shaped light with interruptions, or light emission in the form of light points to present a pixelated surface appearance.

[0074] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The aerodynamic device is shown when the movable panel is opened rearwardly in the longitudinal direction and the light source is activated.

[0075] It should be noted that when the movable panel 2 moves from the open position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the open position, the incident angle around the horizontal axis YY′ of the lighting device 20 remains unchanged. Therefore, regardless of the position of the movable panel 2, the light flow emitted by the lighting device 20 to the rear of the vehicle remains substantially constant.

[0076] The structural part of the mobile panel 2 is preferably manufactured by molding a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), with or without reinforcement. In this context, the term "structural part" refers to that part of the mobile panel which gives it its general shape and its ability to withstand aerodynamic and actuation stresses.

[0077] It may therefore prove particularly useful and advantageous to overmould structural parts of the active plate simultaneously on the diffusing light guide 22 and on the protective cover 24, or to manufacture these parts in one operation by double injection moulding.

[0078] An alternative embodiment consists in making the structural portion of the mobile plate 2 of a scattering material suitable for guiding the light, so as to combine the structural portion and the light guide in a single component made in one piece.

[0079] To produce the individual components, the following materials are suitable: translucent natural polypropylene; cyclic olefin copolymer (COC); polyethylene (PE); polyamide (PA); polycarbonate (PC); acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS); a mixture of polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0080] After the molding operation is completed, the entire component is covered with one or more opaque coatings 27 that do not allow light to pass, taking care not to cover the light entrance track 25 arranged face to face with the light source 21 and the exit surface arranged at the trailing edge 23. This coating 27 can be formed, for example, by one or more coatings. An alternative embodiment can also be intended to cover the component with an opaque adhesive film.

[0081] For this purpose, it is useful to implement the known technique of framing or roughening the surface with the aid of laser light.

[0082] It will be observed here that when the light source 21 is activated, the entire volume of the scattering light guide 22 is illuminated and all walls of the scattering light guide potentially constitute light exit surfaces.

[0083] Although the number and arrangement of the exit surfaces are not limited, in order to avoid glare for vehicles present behind, it is sought to limit the exit surfaces to only those surfaces of the diffusing light guide housing where light must emerge.

[0084] To this end, the surface which is not to be revealed to light may be covered with an opaque shell which may consist of a material forming part of the structure of the movable panel as described above or of one or more opaque coatings 27 .

[0085] In order to enhance the luminous efficiency of the device 20 , the first cladding 27 positioned directly in contact with the wall of the light guide 22 may usefully be formed of a material that reflects light towards the interior of the scattering light guide 22 .

[0086] However, when the movable plate 2 is in the open position, the uncovered light entrance track 25 necessarily constitutes a light exit surface that may be visible from the outside. Figures 3 to 8 As shown, the light emitted from the lower wall of the movable panel may generate unnecessary reflections on the rear window 5 .

[0087] Therefore, it may appear useful to reduce the lateral width of the light entry track 25 by covering the lower surface of the active plate and / or the light guide 22 with one or more opaque coverings 27 according to one of the above-mentioned techniques. Thus, the width of the light entry track 25 can be reduced to a width that is only useful for allowing light to penetrate into the scattering light guide 22.

[0088] Furthermore, preferably, the light source sends collimated light arranged so that the light rays penetrate into the light guide 22 perpendicularly to the surface of the light input track 25. This arrangement then makes it possible to reduce the width of the light input track 25 to the only width of the collimated light rays.

[0089] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10 1 shows an embodiment variant which avoids making the light entry track 25 clearly visible from the outside of the vehicle. According to this embodiment variant of the aerodynamic device, the longitudinal length L of the light entry track 25 is reduced so that in the open position the light track remains in the interior of the stationary spoiler 1. The length L' by which the movable panel 2 can be extended is then less than the length L.

[0090] Therefore, this arrangement does not allow the movable panel 2 to be opened to a large extent without a sufficiently long fixed spoiler 1 .

[0091] A second alternative embodiment of the aerodynamic device is Figures 11 to 16 Shown in.

[0092] According to this second alternative, provision is made so that the light entry track is arranged on a portion of the mobile blade that does not suffer from the above-mentioned disadvantages and that the light entry track belongs to the signaling element that participates in the overall illumination of the mobile blade.

[0093] For this purpose, the light incident track 25 is arranged on the side of the movable plate; therefore, the light sources 21 are arranged opposite to each other on the side walls of the stationary spoiler 1 .

[0094] Fig.13 and Fig.14 The same aerodynamic device according to the second embodiment is shown when the movable panel is in the retracted position and the light source is activated.

[0095] and Fig.15 and Fig.16 A situation is shown in which the movable panel is in an open position and the light source is activated.

[0096] Reference Fig.16 In the open position and when the light source is activated, the mobile panel 2 has a continuous light band on its rear face arranged on the rear edge 23 and on its sides.

[0097] As mentioned above, the light guide is covered with one or more opaque covering layers 27 over its entire surface except for the light entrance track and the light exit surface arranged on the trailing edge.

[0098] The coating 27 which does not allow the passage of light may then be interrupted locally to create graphic-patterned channels which allow the light to leave the scattering light guide 22 .

[0099] Fig.12 , 14 16 show the case where the graphic pattern is formed by the letters STOP.

[0100] Fig.17 A schematic perspective view of this second alternative embodiment of the aerodynamic device is shown when the movable panel is in the open position and the light source is activated. When the light source is activated, only the trailing edge 23, the side edges and the light pattern on the upper surface of the movable panel 2 are illuminated.

[0101] The teachings and advantages associated with this second embodiment are similar to those described above with respect to the first embodiment.

[0102] It goes without saying that alternative embodiments of the invention described above can be combined, for example by forming such an aerodynamic device with a light entry track 25 on the lower surface of the movable panel 2 and a light pattern on the upper surface of the movable panel, or even with a light entry track on the side and an exit surface formed by the pattern arranged on the trailing edge. Alternatively, the movable panel made of scattering material formed as a single part may not contain an opaque coating and emit light through each of its outer surfaces when the light source 21 is activated in the open position, by adjusting the light intensity.

[0103] List of reference numerals:

[0104] 1: Fixed spoiler

[0105] 2: Activity Plate

[0106] 20: Lighting device

[0107] 21: Light Source

[0108] 22: Scattered light guide

[0109] 23: Trailing Edge

[0110] 24: Protective cover

[0111] 25: Light incident track

[0112] 26: Light exit surface

[0113] 27: Opaque Overlay

[0114] 3: Cable

[0115] 4: Mobile Group

[0116] 5: Rear Window

Claims

1. An aerodynamic device for a motor vehicle, comprising a stationary spoiler (1) connected to the vehicle body and a movable panel (2), the movable panel (2) sliding in the interior space of the stationary spoiler (1) along a longitudinal axis (XX') between a retracted position and an open position in the rear extension of the stationary spoiler (1), characterized in that The movable plate (2) has at least one scattering light guide (22), the at least one scattering light guide (22) includes at least one light incident track (25) extending longitudinally and one or more light exit surfaces (26) arranged on the surface of the movable plate (2) visible from the outside of the vehicle, and is further characterized in that one or more light sources (21) are arranged on the inner wall of the inner space of the fixed spoiler (1), and the one or more light sources (21) face and are adjacent to each of the light incident tracks (25).

2. The aerodynamic device according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more light exit surfaces (26) are arranged on the trailing edge (23) of the movable panel (2).

3. An aerodynamic device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: At least one light source (21) is arranged to face the side wall of the movable plate (2).

4. An aerodynamic device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: At least one light source (21) is arranged to face the lower wall of the movable plate (2).

5. An aerodynamic device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The length and longitudinal position of the light entrance track (25) are arranged such that in the open position, the light entrance track (25) is completely arranged in the inner space of the stationary spoiler (1).

6. An aerodynamic device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The at least one scattering light guide (22) is covered with one or more coatings (27) that do not allow light to pass through on its entire surface except for the light incident track (25) and the light exit surface (26).

7. The aerodynamic device according to claim 6, wherein: The cladding (27) comprises a first layer that reflects light towards the interior of the scattering light guide (22).

8. The aerodynamic device according to claim 6, wherein: The coating (27) comprises patterned local interruptions through which light emerges towards the outer surface of the movable plate (2) to form a light pattern.

9. An aerodynamic device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The material forming the at least one scattering light guide (22) is different from the material forming the structural part of the movable plate (2).

10. The aerodynamic device according to claim 9, wherein: The structural portion of the movable plate (2) is formed by a thermoplastic material overmolded onto the at least one scattering light guide (22).

11. The aerodynamic device according to claim 9, wherein: Each of the structural portion of the movable plate (2) and the at least one scattering light guide (22) is formed of a thermoplastic material and is manufactured by double injection molding.

12. An aerodynamic device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The movable plate (2) is entirely formed of a material that serves as a scattering light guide.

13. An aerodynamic device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: At least one protective cover (24) made of a transparent material is arranged on the light exit surface (26) to protect the light exit surface from external damage.

14. The aerodynamic device according to claim 13, wherein: The structural portion of the movable plate (2) is formed by a thermoplastic material overmolded on the protective cover (24).

15. An aerodynamic device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The one or more light sources (21) are collimated so that light rays penetrate into the at least one scattering light guide (22) perpendicularly to the surface of the light incident track (25).

16. An aerodynamic device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The one or more light sources (21) are formed by light emitting diodes.

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