Element with an angled part of a vehicle lighting device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an element (1) of a vehicle lighting device (2), the element being made of a synthetic polymer material and comprising an injection space (V) formed by a main volume (10) and a secondary volume (11), characterized in that the element (1) further comprises a material injection channel (12), the material injection channel comprising: - at least two portions (120, 121) extending in different directions (Ax, Ay), wherein the first portion (120) comprises an injection point (120a), and the second portion (121) is connected to the secondary space (11); - at least one angled portion (122) having a variable angle (α), the at least one angled portion connecting the at least two portions (120, 121) and comprising a protrusion (123).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an element of a vehicle lighting device. It is particularly applicable but not limited to motor vehicles. Background Art

[0002] Elements of motor vehicle lighting devices known to those skilled in the art (such as the intermediate screen of a position light) include an injection volume formed by a main volume and a secondary volume. One of these volumes is smaller than the other. Each of these volumes has an injection point through which material is injected to form the two parts of the element. A sequential injection process is used, in which the material is injected via the first injection point by means of a nozzle to fill the main volume, and then, at the end of the injection of the main volume, the material is injected via the same nozzle through the second injection point to fill the smaller secondary volume. The injection points are opened one after the other in sequence to inject the material.

[0003] The disadvantage of this prior art is that during the filling of the secondary volume with material, overpressure occurs at the level of the nozzle, which generates a so-called frosting problem that propagates around the second injection point and in a part of the secondary volume. In addition to the frosting problem, a whitish halo may also appear around the second injection point. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In this context, the present invention aims to propose an element of a vehicle lighting device that also makes it possible to solve the mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] To this end, the present invention proposes an element of a vehicle lighting device, the element being made of a synthetic polymer material and including an injection volume formed by a main volume and a secondary volume, characterized in that the element further includes a material injection channel, the material injection channel including:

[0006] - at least two parts extending in different directions respectively, wherein the first part includes an injection point and the second part is connected to the secondary volume;

[0007] - at least one bend with a variable angle, the at least one bend connecting the at least two parts and including a protrusion.

[0008] Thus, as will be seen in detail below, the protrusion will make it possible to capture the volume of material that is under overpressure during the second injection, and this volume of material cools while the rest of the material continues to flow in the other parts of the injection channel. This volume of material remains stored in the protrusion. After the change in direction defined by the bend, the flow pressure of the material is more uniform and there is no overpressure in the secondary volume of the element.

[0009] According to a non - limiting embodiment, the element of the vehicle lighting device may further include one or more additional features among the following, either individually or according to all technically possible combinations.

[0010] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the at least one bending portion includes an angle of approximately 90°.

[0011] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the at least one bending portion is rounded or has a sharp corner.

[0012] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the injection point is configured to perform an injection substantially perpendicular to the plane of the element.

[0013] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the main volume and the secondary volume are separated or are edge - to - edge.

[0014] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the protrusion has a trapezoidal cross - section, or a hemispherical cross - section, or a rectangular cross - section.

[0015] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the element includes one or more layers.

[0016] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the element includes a plurality of layers and the material injection channel is overmolded by one layer.

[0017] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the element includes three layers.

[0018] According to one non - limiting embodiment, one of the three layers is opaque and another of the three layers is transparent.

[0019] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the element is an intermediate screen.

[0020] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the element is made of PMMA or PC.

[0021] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the element includes two bending portions.

[0022] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the material injection channel includes more than two parts.

[0023] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the material injection channel includes more than one bending portion.

[0024] According to one non - limiting embodiment, the material injection channel includes two bending portions.

[0025] A vehicle lighting device is also proposed, wherein the lighting device comprises at least one light source, an optical element, a transparent outer output lens, and an element according to any one of the foregoing features.

[0026] According to a non - limiting embodiment, the element is an intermediate screen arranged between the optical element and the transparent outer output lens.

[0027] According to a non - limiting embodiment, the lighting device is a position lamp. Description of the Drawings

[0028] The present invention and its various different applications will be better understood by reading the following description and referring to the drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle lighting device according to a non - limiting embodiment of the present invention, the lighting device comprising at least one light source, an optical element, an outer output lens, and an element arranged between the optical element and the outer output lens;

[0030] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the element of the lighting device according to a first non - limiting embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 , the element comprising a main volume, a secondary volume, a material injection channel comprising at least two parts, and a bend connecting the two parts, the bend comprising a protrusion;

[0031] Figure 3a shows a view of the material injection channel according to the first non - limiting embodiment Figure 2 of the lighting device, the material injection channel not being overmolded;

[0032] Figure 3b shows a view of the material injection channel according to a non - limiting embodiment Figure 3a of the lighting device, the injection channel being overmolded;

[0033] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of the material injection channel of the element according to a non - limiting embodiment Figure 3a of the lighting device;

[0034] Figure 5 shows a view of the material injection channel according to a second non - limiting embodiment Figure 1 which forms part of the element of the lighting device.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, elements that are identical in structure or function and appear in different drawings retain the same reference numerals. The elements are represented regardless of scale. Detailed Description​​​​​​

[0036] Reference Figures 1 to 5 Element 1 of the vehicle lighting device 2 according to the invention is described. In a non - limiting embodiment, the vehicle is a motor vehicle. The term "motor vehicle" is understood to mean any type of motorized vehicle. Throughout the remainder of the specification, this embodiment is considered a non - limiting example. Throughout the remainder of the specification, the vehicle is thus also referred to as a motor vehicle.

[0037] In a non - limiting embodiment, the lighting device 2 is a position light T known as a tail light. In a non - limiting embodiment, the lighting device 2 also performs a signaling function TI, or alternatively referred to as an indicating function, and the device is called a turn indicator. In Figure 2 In the non - limiting embodiment shown, the signaling function TI is centered between two parts 11 and 10 of the lighting device 2, and these two parts enable the performance of the positioning function T.

[0038] As Figure 1 Shown, the lighting device 2 includes at least one light source 20, an optical element 21 (e.g., in a non - limiting example, a reflector, a light guide, or a lens), the element 1, and a transparent outer output lens 22. The optical element 21 is configured to generate a light beam F from the light rays R emitted by the light source 20, and the light beam F illuminates the element 1.

[0039] In a non - limiting embodiment, the element 1 is an intermediate screen arranged between the optical element 21 and the outer output lens 22. Thus, the element 1 is back - illuminated by the light beam F generated by the optical element 21. As Figure 2 Shown, the element 1 is made of three layers (or alternatively referred to as stations). In a non - limiting embodiment, the first layer 1a is opaque (or alternatively referred to as the opaque layer 1a), the second layer 1b is milky white (or alternatively referred to as the milky - white layer 1b), and the third layer 1c is transparent. This last layer 1c is also referred to as the crystal layer 1c. The first layer 1a is black in a non - limiting example, which enables an aesthetic function.

[0040] In a non - limiting embodiment, the element 1 is made of a synthetic polymer. In a non - limiting embodiment, the synthetic polymer is PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) or PC (polycarbonate). Since it is produced in three layers, in a non - limiting embodiment, three different injections are used to produce the three layers. It should be noted that the signaling function TI is located in the third layer 1c.

[0041] As Figure 2As shown, the element 1 includes an injection volume V formed by a main volume 10 and a secondary volume 11, and the main volume 10 and the secondary volume 11 thus each define a part of the lighting device 2 for performing the positioning function T. In the first non-limiting embodiment shown in the drawings, the main volume 10 and the secondary volume 11 are separated. In this non-limiting example, the main volume 10 and the secondary volume 11 are separated by a part of the crystal layer 1c. This part of the crystal layer 1c also enables the signaling function TI to be performed. In a second non-limiting embodiment not shown, the main volume 10 and the secondary volume 11 are not separated. The main volume 10 and the secondary volume 11 are edge-to-edge.

[0042] In a non-limiting embodiment, the main volume 10 is approximately five times the secondary volume 11. The element 1 includes a first injection point for the main volume 10 and a second injection point for the secondary volume 11. The material is first injected into the main volume 10 and then into the secondary volume 11. The two injections end simultaneously. The main volume 10 thus includes an injection point 100a (or otherwise referred to as the first injection point 100a), and the smaller secondary volume 11 thus includes an injection point 120a (or otherwise referred to as the second injection point 100a). The first injection point 100a enables the injection of the material to start before the injection of the material via the second injection point 120a. The injection of the material via the first injection point 100a does not produce any appearance defects such as frosting. The injection of the material via the second injection point 120a produces appearance defects such as frosting, which will be trapped in the protrusion 123 of the material injection channel 12 described below. The material injection channel 12 is connected to the secondary volume 11 and thus to the smallest volume of the element 1.

[0043] As Figures 2 to 5 shown, the element 1 further includes a material injection channel 12 configured to inject material into the secondary volume 11. The material injection channel 12 includes:

[0044] - at least two portions 120, 121 extending in different directions Ax, Ay respectively, wherein the first portion 120 includes an injection point 120a and the second portion 121 is connected to the secondary volume 11;

[0045] - at least one bending portion 122 having a variable angle α, the at least one bending portion 122 connecting the at least two portions 120, 121 and including a protrusion 123.

[0046] As Figures 3a to 5 shown, the material injection channel 12 further includes an injection threshold (seuil d'injection) 120b that defines a transition region between the material injection channel 12 and the secondary volume 11, particularly a visible portion not hidden by the first layer 1b.

[0047] In a non - limiting embodiment, the material injection channel 12 is overmolded with a first material 1a, which is opaque. As Figure 3b shown, the first material 1a covers the material injection channel 12. Thus, the material injection channel 12 will not be visible to an observer outside the vehicle with the naked eye. Figure 3b The material injection channel 12 is shown in dashed lines and is covered by a first material 1b of the element 1. In a non - limiting embodiment, the first material 1b incorporates a visual window 125, which is made of a third material 1c. Thus, the light beam F exiting through the second material 1b can also exit through the visual window 125.

[0048] In a non - limiting embodiment, the material injection channel 12 includes straight or rounded walls. In a non - limiting embodiment, the injection point 120a is configured to perform an injection substantially perpendicular to the plane AA' of the element 1. This allows for symmetric filling of the material in the secondary volume 11 while injecting into the main volume 10.

[0049] In a non - limiting embodiment, the first part 120 includes a length L1 greater than 50 mm. This allows for a sufficient volume for the material to have time to flow along the first part 120.

[0050] The first part 120 and the second part 121 extend in different directions Ax, Ay, which allows the material injected into the material injection channel 12 to change its flow direction. This change in direction allows preventing frosting from spreading in the second part 121 of the material injection channel 12 and thus in the secondary volume 11. Recall that frosting results in a set of local or superimposed micro - bubbles that are randomly distributed around the injection point and the injection threshold, and these micro - bubbles can travel up to approximately 50 mm from the injection point. Besides the frosting problem, the change in direction allows avoiding the so - called free - jet problem in the secondary volume 11. Recall that due to the pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the injection threshold, the free - jet problem manifests as an uncontrolled projection of the front of the material, which leads to non - uniform filling of the material, manifested as a snake - like appearance.

[0051] As Figure 4As shown, the bent portion 122 includes an inner perimeter 122a and an outer perimeter 122b (shown in dashed lines in the drawings). In one non-limiting embodiment, the bent portion 122 includes an angle of approximately 90°. Thus, the first portion 120 extends in the direction Ax, and the second portion 121 extends in the direction Ay perpendicular to the first portion 120. This enables good control of the flow of the material. In another embodiment, the bent portion 122 includes an acute angle. In one non-limiting embodiment, the bent portion 122 has a sharp corner, as Figure 4 shown; or is rounded, as Figure 5 shown.

[0052] In Figure 4 the first non-limiting embodiment shown, the element 1 includes a single bent portion 122.

[0053] In Figure 5 the second non-limiting embodiment shown, the element 1 includes two bent portions 1221 and 1222. This enables an increase in the volume in which the material flows, and thus an increase in the volume in which frosting extends. The bent portion 1221 includes a protrusion 123. The other bent portion 1222 does not include a protrusion.

[0054] The protrusion 123 is configured to capture the material injected into the material injection channel 12, which is under overpressure during the injection of the material via the injection point 120a, and has an effect of frosting in particular. Recall that the injection via the material injection channel 12 represents a second injection of the element 1, that is, an injection into the secondary volume 11 of the minimum volume. The material under overpressure is captured in the protrusion 123 and remains stored therein; the material cools and hardens; while the remaining material continues to flow in the second portion 121 of the material injection channel 12. It should be noted that the overpressure to which the injected material is subjected is limited in time. It lasts for about 1.5 seconds. When the injection point 120a is opened, the frosting defect propagates from the injection point 120a to the protrusion 123, and thus stops at the protrusion 123.

[0055] In non-limiting embodiments, the protrusion 123 has a trapezoidal or hemispherical or rectangular cross-section. In Figure 4 and Figure 5 the non-limiting embodiments shown, the protrusion 123 extends on the outer perimeter 122b of the bent portions 122, 1221 respectively.

[0056] It should be noted that thanks to the material injection channel 12 including at least one bent portion 122 having a protrusion 123, it is possible to inject materials of the same color into two different volumes 11 and 10 of the same part (here the element 1).

[0057] Of course, the description of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and the fields described above. Thus, the element 1 can be made of any injectable synthetic polymer material. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the protrusion 123 can have the shape of a droplet. Thus, in other non-limiting embodiments, the element 1 comprises a single layer, two layers or more than three layers. In a non-limiting variant embodiment, when the element 1 comprises a single layer or two layers, the material injection channel 12 is in this case covered by an additional part of the lighting device 2, which makes it possible to prevent the material injection channel 12 from being visible to the naked eye by an observer outside the vehicle. In the case of a single layer, this layer is the milky white layer 1b. In the case of two layers, these two layers are the milky white layer 1b and the crystalline layer 1c. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, the main volume 10 is equal to the secondary volume 11.

[0058] Thus, the described invention particularly has the following advantages:

[0059] - Thanks to the protrusion 123, the described invention makes it possible to capture the volume of material at the injection point 120a that is at overpressure during the injection shock and is injected into the smallest volume of the element 1 (here the secondary volume 11); the various problems of frosting, whitening halos or free jets thus stop at the protrusion 123; these problems do not spread into the secondary volume 11;

[0060] - Also thanks to the overmolding of the material injection channel 12, there is no longer any waste of appearance related to the problems of frosting, whitening halos or free jets; the material injection channel 12 is completely hidden and integrated into the element 1;

[0061] - When there is a visual window 125, there is no light leakage in such a visual window 125;

[0062] - The described invention allows the use of a sequential material injection process on the same part (here the element 1).

Claims

1. An element (1) of a vehicle lighting device (2), said element (1) being made of a synthetic polymer material and comprising an injection volume (V) formed by a main volume (10) and a secondary volume (11), characterized in that, The element (1) further comprises a material injection channel (12), and the material injection channel (12) comprises: - At least two portions (120, 121) extending in different directions (Ax, Ay), wherein the first portion (120) includes an injection point (120a), and the second portion (121) is connected to the secondary volume (11); - At least one bend (122) having a variable angle (α), the at least one bend (122) connecting the at least two portions (120, 121) and including a protrusion (123), and wherein the element (1) is an intermediate screen.

2. The element (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one bending portion (122) includes an angle (α) of about 90 o degrees.

3. The element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The at least one bend (122) is rounded or has a sharp corner.

4. The element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The injection point (120a) is configured to perform an injection substantially perpendicular to the plane (AA') of the element (1).

5. The element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The main volume (10) and the secondary volume (11) are separated or edge-to-edge.

6. The element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The protrusion (123) has a trapezoidal cross-section, or a hemispherical cross-section, or a rectangular cross-section.

7. The element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The element (1) includes one or more layers.

8. The element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The material injection channel (12) is overmolded by one layer.

9. The element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The element (1) includes three layers (1a, 1b, 1c).

10. The element (1) according to claim 9, wherein, One of the three layers (1a, 1b, 1c) is opaque, and another layer (1c) of the three layers is transparent.

11. The element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The element (1) is made of PMMA or PC.

12. The element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The element (1) includes two bends (122).

13. A vehicle lighting device (2), wherein, The lighting device includes at least one light source (20), an optical element (21), a transparent outer output lens (22), and the element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the element (1) being an intermediate screen disposed between the optical element (21) and the transparent outer output lens (22).

14. The lighting device (2) according to claim 13, wherein, The lighting device is a positioning light.

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