Lighting device for vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) comprising:-a transparent support (10) comprising a front face (10.1) and a rear face (10.2), said rear face (10.2) being open; -a light guide (11) configured to be arranged in said transparent support (10) alongside a front face (10.1) and to diffuse light (Fx1) towards the outside of said transparent support (10), characterized in that the light-emitting device further comprises a compressible flexible element (12) configured to be arranged in said transparent support (10) alongside a rear face (10.2), the transparent support (10) has an attachment shape portion (122) configured to engage with a corresponding shape portion (102) of the transparent support (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle. The present invention is particularly but not exclusively applicable to motor vehicles.

[0002] In the field of motor vehicles, lighting devices for vehicles known to those skilled in the art include:

[0003] - A transparent support, which includes a front face and a rear face, the rear face being open,

[0004] - An optical waveguide, which is configured to be arranged in the transparent support next to the front face and to diffuse light towards the outside of the transparent support.

[0005] This lighting device is used for front position lights or rear position lights.

[0006] In order to position the optical waveguide in the transparent support, the transparent support includes a plurality of positioning ribs along its entire length.

[0007] In order to seal the entire lighting device, once the optical waveguide has been arranged in the transparent support, a seal made of a sealing fluid is deposited along the entire length of the transparent support with an adhesive, the sealing fluid being an adhesive. After the adhesive crosslinks, the optical waveguide is held in place in the transparent support. The optical waveguide is used to diffuse light towards the outside of the vehicle.

[0008] In order to prevent light loss towards the inside of the vehicle, the lighting device further includes a reflective portion, which is arranged behind the optical waveguide (relative to the front face of the transparent support), i.e., between the optical waveguide and the seal.

[0009] One drawback of this prior art is that the lighting device is not removable. Specifically, the adhesive cannot be removed. Thus, if a part of the lighting device (the optical waveguide, the transparent support, or another part) is damaged, it cannot be replaced or recycled. The entire lighting device must be discarded.

[0010] In this context, the present invention aims to propose a lighting device for a vehicle that is configured to overcome the above drawbacks.

[0011] To this end, the present invention proposes a lighting device for a vehicle, which includes:

[0012] - A transparent support, which includes a front face and a rear face, the rear face being open,

[0013] - An optical waveguide, which is configured to be arranged in the transparent support next to the front face and to diffuse light towards the outside of the transparent support,

[0014] Characterized in that, the light-emitting device further comprises a compressible flexible element, which is configured to be arranged in the transparent support adjacent to the rear face, and includes an attachment shape portion, which is configured to engage with a corresponding shape portion of the transparent support.

[0015] Thus, as elaborated in detail below, using a compressible flexible element with an attachment shape portion to attach a part of the light-emitting device to the transparent support allows that part to be detached from the transparent support in case of damage, so that the part can be replaced and recycled. In addition, the compressible flexible element provides an effective seal for the light-emitting device. Therefore, it allows the light-emitting device to be removed while ensuring a good seal.

[0016] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the light-emitting device may further include one or more of the following additional features, either individually or in any technically possible combination.

[0017] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element is made of an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0018] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element is configured to contact the light guide to position and hold the light guide in the transparent support.

[0019] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element is reflective.

[0020] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element is white or has a metallic appearance.

[0021] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the attachment shape portion extends along the compressible flexible element.

[0022] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the corresponding shape portion extends along the transparent support.

[0023] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the attachment shape portion is a convex shape and / or a concave shape.

[0024] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the light-emitting device further includes light sources, which are configured to emit light rays that cooperate with the light guide to generate a light beam.

[0025] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the light-emitting device is a position light.

[0026] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the corresponding shape portion is a convex shape and / or a concave shape.

[0027] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the corresponding shape portion is a groove and / or a boss.

[0028] According to a non - limiting embodiment, the attachment shape is a boss and / or a tab.

[0029] According to a non - limiting embodiment, the light guide is composed of one or more light - diffusing optical fibers. This allows light extraction along the entire length of the light guide.

[0030] The present invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective top view of a light - emitting device including a transparent support, a light guide, and a compressible flexible element according to a non - limiting embodiment of the present invention,

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic cross - sectional view of the light - emitting device of Figure 1 according to a first non - limiting embodiment,

[0033] Figure 3 shows the light - emitting device of Figure 2 without the compressible flexible element,

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic cross - sectional view of the light - emitting device of Figure 1 according to a second non - limiting embodiment,

[0035] Figure 5 shows the light - emitting device of Figure 4 without the compressible flexible element,

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic cross - sectional view of the light - emitting device of Figure 1 according to a third non - limiting embodiment,

[0037] Figure 7 shows the light - emitting device of Figure 6 without the compressible flexible element.

[0038] Unless otherwise specified, elements that are identical in structure or function and appear in different figures are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0039] Reference Figures 1 to 7 describes a light - emitting device 1 for a vehicle according to the present invention. In a non - limiting embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a motor vehicle. "Motor vehicle" means any type of motorized vehicle. In the remainder of the specification, this embodiment is given as a non - limiting example. In the remainder of the specification, the vehicle 2 is thus also referred to as the motor vehicle 2. Figure 1 ​​​​​​​The vehicle axis Ox is shown. The motor vehicle 2 includes the lighting device 1.

[0040] The lighting device 1 is configured to perform a signaling function f1. In a non-limiting embodiment, the signaling function is a position light. Thus, the lighting device 1 is a position light. This position light is a rear position light or a front position light. In the case where the lighting device 1 is a front position light, the lighting device is positioned around the grille (also known as the front grille, as Figure 1 shown in a non-limiting example) at the front of the motor vehicle 2, or is positioned in the headlamp of the motor vehicle 2. In a non-limiting example, when the lighting device 1 is positioned at the rear of the motor vehicle 2, the lighting device is positioned in the tail of the motor vehicle 2.

[0041] As Figure 1 shown, the lighting device 1 includes:

[0042] - a transparent support 10,

[0043] - an optical waveguide 11, and

[0044] - a compressible flexible element 12.

[0045] As Figure 1 shown, the lighting device 1 further includes a light source 14 and two optical engines 15, and the light source 14 is arranged in these two optical engines. For the sake of clarity, Figure 1 only two light sources 14 are shown. As Figure 1 shown, the two optical engines 15 are distributed on both sides of the transparent support 10 at two corresponding ends of the transparent support. As Figure 1 shown in the enlarged view in Figure 1 , each optical engine 15 includes: a housing 150, which is divided into two parts 150.1 and 150.2; and an electronic support 140, on which the light source 14 is arranged; and a protective cover 141 for the electronic support 140. It should be noted that the light source 14 has been shown in a transparent manner here because

[0046] In a non - limiting embodiment, the light source 14 is a semiconductor light source. In a non - limiting embodiment, the semiconductor light source forms part of a light - emitting diode or a laser diode. A "light - emitting diode" refers to any type of light - emitting diode, by way of non - limiting examples, these light - emitting diodes include LEDs (light - emitting diodes), OLEDs (organic LEDs), AMOLEDs (active - matrix organic LEDs), or FOLEDs (flexible OLEDs). The light source 14 is configured to emit light rays that produce a light beam Fx1 (also referred to as light Fx1).

[0047] In a non - limiting embodiment, the transparent support 10 includes: a central portion 10a that, when the transparent support is mounted on the motor vehicle 2, extends longitudinally substantially along an axis Oy perpendicular to the vehicle axis Ox; and two lateral portions 10b that are located on both sides of the central portion 10a and extend vertically along an axis Oz perpendicular to the vehicle axis Ox and the axis Oy.

[0048] The transparent support 10 is transparent to allow light to pass through. In a non - limiting embodiment, the transparent support is made of polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0049] As Figures 2 to 7 shown, the transparent support 10 includes a front face 10.1 and an open rear face 10.2, and the front face 10.1 is closed. The transparent support also includes a lower face 10.3 and an upper face 10.4, and the front face 10.1 and the rear face 10.2 are connected by the lower face 10.3 and the upper face 10.4. These faces together form a housing 100 that is configured to receive the light guide 11. The transparent support 10 also includes two ends 10.5 ( Figure 1 one of the ends is shown in the figure).

[0050] As Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 shown, the transparent support 10 also includes a corresponding shape portion 102 configured to engage with an attachment shape portion 122 (described below) of the light guide 11. In a non - limiting embodiment, the corresponding shape portion 102 extends along the transparent support 10 over the entire length of the transparent support, almost reaching the two ends 10.5. This achieves mechanical retention.

[0051] In a non - limiting embodiment, the corresponding shape portion 102 is a convex corresponding shape portion and / or a concave corresponding shape portion. In a non - limiting embodiment, the corresponding shape portion 102 is a groove as Figure 3 shown in the figure or a boss as Figure 5 shown in the figure or a combination of both as Figure 7 shown in the figure.

[0052] As shown Figure 2 and Figure 3 in the first non - limiting embodiment of [[ID=]], in a non - limiting embodiment, the transparent support 10 includes two grooves 102 dug out from the lower surface 10.3 on the inner side and two grooves dug out from the upper surface 10.4 on the inner side. The grooves 102 (referred to as internal grooves 102) are configured to engage with the bosses 122 of the light guide 11. Having multiple grooves 102 improves mechanical strength and sealing.

[0053] As shown Figure 4 and Figure 5 in the second non - limiting embodiment of [[ID=]], the transparent support 10 includes bosses 102 on the outer side of the lower surface 10.3 and bosses 102 on the outer side of the upper surface 10.4. The bosses 102 (referred to as external bosses 102) are configured to engage with the tabs 122 of the light guide 11.

[0054] As shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 in the third non - limiting embodiment of [[ID=]], the transparent support 10 includes two grooves 102 on the inner side of the lower surface 10.3 and bosses 102 on the outer side of the upper surface 10.4. The grooves 102 (referred to as internal grooves 102) are configured to engage with the bosses 122 of the light guide 11, and the bosses 102 (referred to as external bosses) are configured to engage with the tabs 122 of the light guide 11.

[0055] In a non - limiting embodiment, the light guide 11 is a cylindrical light guide. The light guide has a cylindrical cross - section. The light guide 11 includes two ends 11.5.

[0056] The light guide 11 is configured to be arranged beside the front face 10.1 in the transparent support 10. The light guide is inserted through the open rear face 10.2 of the transparent support 10 for this purpose and is inserted into the transparent support along the entire length of the transparent support 10. Once the light guide 11 is inserted into the transparent support 10, it extends along the entire length of the transparent support. As shown Figure 1 , the ends 11.5 of the light guide protrude from the ends 10.5 of the transparent support 11 and are respectively connected to the above - mentioned light engine 15 so that the light guide can engage with the light source 14. Thus, the light generated by the light source 14 of each light engine 15 enters through each end 11.5 of the light guide 11 respectively.

[0057] The light guide 11 is configured to diffuse the light Fx1 towards the outside of the transparent support 10 substantially along the vehicle axis Ox when the lighting device 1 is mounted on the motor vehicle 2. If the lighting device 1 is a front position light (as shown Figure 1If, as shown by a non - limiting example in [], the light Fx1 diffuses outwardly towards the front end of the motor vehicle 2, and if the lighting device 1 is a rear position light, the light Fx1 diffuses outwardly towards the rear of the motor vehicle 2.

[0058] Thus, the light source 14 is configured to emit light rays that cooperate with the light guide 11 to produce a light beam Fx1 that exits the lighting device 1 substantially along the axis Ox.

[0059] In a non - limiting embodiment, the light guide 11 is formed of one or more light - diffusing optical fibers. The optical fibers are called light - diffusing because light is extracted along the entire length of the optical fiber. In a non - limiting embodiment, the light - diffusing optical fibers forming the light guide 11 have an extruded or injection - molded profile. The extruded profile provides an extruded flexible light guide that is less expensive than the injection - molded profile, which requires a dedicated mold for manufacturing.

[0060] The compressible flexible element 12 is configured to be arranged in the transparent support 10 next to the rear face 10.2. Thus, the compressible flexible element is placed behind the light guide 11, which is arranged next to the front face 10.1 of the transparent support 10. The compressible flexible element 12 extends along the transparent support 10 when inserted into the transparent support 10 and reaches both ends 10.5 of the transparent support. Thus, the compressible flexible element closes the rear of the transparent support 10, thereby positioning and holding the light guide 11 in place along the entire length of the transparent support 10.

[0061] In a non - limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element 12 is configured to be in contact with the light guide 11 in order to hold the light guide 11 in the transparent support 10 such that the light guide is held between the compressible flexible element 12 (especially at its front face 12.1) and the inner side of the front face 10.1 of the transparent support 10. Thus, the light guide can no longer move. In fact, when the compressible flexible element 12 is inserted into the transparent support 10 next to the rear face 10.2, the compressible flexible element pushes the light guide 11 against the front face 10.1 of the transparent support 10 and contacts the front face 10.1 of the transparent support 10 along the entire length of the transparent support 10. In a non - limiting embodiment, the length of the compressible flexible element 12 is thus substantially equal to the length of the light guide 11, thereby holding the light guide in place along the entire length in the transparent support 10. Thus, the light guide 11 is positioned and held in the transparent support 10 along the entire length.

[0062] The compressible flexible element 12 includes a lower face 12.3 and an upper face 12.4. The compressible flexible element also includes a front face 12.1 and a rear face 12.2. When the compressible flexible element 12 is disposed in the transparent support 10, the front face 12.1 is in contact with the light guide 11. In one non-limiting embodiment, the front face 12.1 has a curved shape so as to be able to fit the curved surface of the light guide 11, since the light guide is of a cylindrical shape in the non-limiting embodiment under consideration.

[0063] The compressible flexible element 12 includes attachment shaped portions 122 that are configured to engage corresponding shaped portions 102 of the transparent support 11. In one non-limiting embodiment, the attachment shaped portions 122 extend along the compressible flexible element 12 to ensure that the light guide 11 is effectively held by the compressible flexible element 12 over the entire length of the light guide 11.

[0064] In non-limiting embodiments, the attachment shaped portions 122 are of a convex shape and / or a concave shape. In non-limiting embodiments, the attachment shaped portions 122 are Figure 2 bosses as shown, or Figure 4 tabs as shown, or Figure 6 a combination of both as shown.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2 the first non-limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element 12 includes two bosses 122 on its lower face 12.3 and two bosses 122 on its upper face 12.4. The bosses 122 are configured to engage the internal grooves 102 of the above-mentioned transparent support 10. It should be noted that the rear face 12.2 of the compressible flexible element 12 does not protrude from the open face 10.2 of the transparent support.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4 the second non-limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element 12 includes tabs 122 on its lower face 12.3 and tabs 122 on its upper face 12.4. These tabs are external tabs 122 located on the side of the transparent support 10 having the open face 10.2. The tabs 122 are configured to engage the external bosses 102 of the above-mentioned transparent support 10. It should be noted that the rear face 12.2 of the compressible flexible element 12 protrudes from the open face 10.2 of the transparent support to support the external tabs 122.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6As shown in the third non - limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element 12 includes two bosses 122 located on one of its lower or upper surfaces (in this case its lower surface 12.3), and tabs 122 located on the other of its lower or upper surfaces (in this case its upper surface 12.4). The bosses 122 are configured to engage with the internal grooves 102 of the above - mentioned transparent support 10. The tabs 122 are configured to engage with the external bosses 102 of the above - mentioned transparent support 10.

[0068] In a non - limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element 12 is made of an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer. In non - limiting examples, the compressible flexible element 12 is made of silicone, silicone foam or rubber. This gives the compressible flexible element flexibility and compressibility. It should be noted that silicone, silicone foam and rubber are lightweight materials.

[0069] Flexibility enables the compressible flexible element to adapt to any shape of the transparent support 10. Thus, if the transparent support 10 is a complex part including several curves with different radii of curvature, the compressible flexible element 12 will be able to easily adapt to different curvatures.

[0070] Compressibility allows Figure 2 the bosses 122 in the non - limiting example to deform in order to be inserted into the corresponding internal grooves 102. Additionally, compressibility allows the compressible flexible element 12 to be removed easily and quickly. Specifically, in Figure 2 the non - limiting example, if the compressible flexible element 12 is disengaged from the transparent support 10, the bosses 122 leave the internal grooves 102 of the transparent support 10. In Figure 4 the non - limiting example, all that is required is to lift the tabs 122 and, for example, pull the compressible flexible element along the entire length of its rear surface 12.2. In a limiting example, it can start from its end 12.5.

[0071] The combination of flexibility and compressibility allows the compressible flexible element 12 to be forced into engagement in the transparent support 10 by pushing, without the risk of breaking it. Engagement by force results in a permanent stress being applied to the interior of the transparent support 10. The material of the compressible flexible element 12 presses permanently against the transparent support 10, especially against the lower surface 10.3 of the transparent support, against the upper surface 10.4 of the transparent support, and, where applicable, against the grooves 102 of the transparent support 10. Thus, there are no mechanical gaps. This enables the entire light - emitting device 1 to be well - sealed against water, dust, etc. This provides a good seal with protection ratings of IP67K and IP69K. It should be noted that in Figure 2In a non - limiting example, the boss 122 (which is a deformable lip) fills the irregularities of the transparent support 10, thus ensuring a seal.

[0072] In one non - limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element 12 is reflective. Notably, its front face 12.1 is reflective. Thus, the surface of the front face 12.1 in contact with the light guide 11 is reflective. This provides a shiny surface for reflecting the light Fx1 (which is diffused by the light guide 11) towards the outside of the motor vehicle 2. This reflection provides additional brightness for the light Fx1 emitted towards the outside of the motor vehicle 2. In one non - limiting example, an additional 20% to 30% is provided. An additional 20% to 30% flux in the correct direction (towards the outside of the motor vehicle 2) increases the brightness without increasing the power of the light source 14 and thus without increasing the weight and / or size of the light source. In one non - limiting example, the surface condition of the compressible flexible element 12 is smooth. This allows for the provision of a reflective function.

[0073] In one non - limiting embodiment, the compressible flexible element 12 is white or has a metallic appearance. This provides a reflective surface.

[0074] Of course, the description of the present invention is not limited to the above - mentioned embodiments and the above - mentioned fields. Thus, in another non - limiting embodiment, the concave part and the convex part can be inverted. Thus, the attachment shape part 122 can be a groove, while the corresponding shape part 102 can be a boss. Thus, in another non - limiting embodiment, the attachment shape part 122 can be a groove, while the corresponding shape part 102 can be a tab. Thus, in another non - limiting embodiment, the transparent support 10 includes a single groove 102 dug out from the lower face 10.3 on the inner side and a single groove dug out from the upper face 10.4 on the inner side, and the compressible flexible element 12 includes a single boss 122 on its lower face 12.3 and a single boss 122 on its upper face 12.4. Thus, in another non - limiting embodiment, the transparent support 10 includes three grooves 102 dug out from the lower face 10.3 on the inner side and three grooves dug out from the upper face 10.4 on the inner side, and the compressible flexible element 12 includes three bosses 122 on its lower face 12.3 and three bosses 122 on its upper face 12.4.

[0075] Thus, the present invention as described especially has the following advantages:

[0076] - Allows the light - emitting device 1 to be removed. Thus, the parts of the light - emitting device 1 can be easily disassembled in order to replace them and recycle them.

[0077] - Since the optical waveguide 11 is sandwiched between the front face 10.1 of the transparent support 10 and the compressible flexible element 12 that blocks the optical waveguide along its entire length, the optical waveguide 11 is allowed to be positioned in the transparent support 10 in the same way along its entire length; the positioning of the optical waveguide 11 in the transparent support 10 does not change regardless of where it is placed.

[0078] - Replacing the sealing fluid and reflective part of the prior art with the smooth reflective compressible flexible element 12 ensures the reflection of light towards the outside of the motor vehicle 2 while avoiding the disadvantages of the reflective part (specifically avoiding the risk of incorrect placement of the reflective part that may move when depositing the sealing fluid), as well as the depth dimension of the transparent support 10; therefore, the present invention is also capable of reducing the depth of the entire transparent support 10, thereby reducing the volume of the transparent support 10 and thus its size.

[0079] - Sealing the light-emitting device 1 along the entire length of the light-emitting support 10. No longer using the sealing fluid avoids the risk of incorrect deposition of the sealing fluid before the adhesive cross-links and the risk of poor sealing, especially in the case where the transparent support is a complex part.

[0080] - Reduces the weight of the light-emitting device 1, thereby reducing CO2 consumption. In the case of an electric vehicle, reducing the mass of the electric vehicle increases its range.

[0081] - Ensures that the optical waveguide 11 is positioned and held in place along the entire length of the transparent support 10 by the compressible flexible element 12. Therefore, ribs for holding and positioning the transparent support are not required, and these ribs are used in the prior art and have the following disadvantages:

[0082] - They can be seen from outside the vehicle and generate hot spots, resulting in uneven light.

[0083] - They create injection points on the transparent support, resulting in surface defects and thus uneven light.

[0084] - They make the mold more complex and increase the cost of the mold for producing the transparent support.

[0085] - If there are too many ribs to correctly position the optical waveguide in the transparent support, they generate too many hot spots, or if there are too few ribs, it leads to incorrect positioning of the optical waveguide (due to the long length of the optical waveguide).

[0086] - Therefore, a single part (specifically the compressible flexible element 12) performs the following three functions: positioning / holding, sealing, and reflecting light, replacing three parts in the prior art (ribs on the transparent support for positioning / holding, sealing fluid with adhesive for sealing, and an additional reflective part for reflecting light).

Claims

1. A lighting device (1) for a vehicle (2), comprising: - A transparent support (10), the transparent support comprising a front face (10.1) and a rear face (10.2), the rear face (10.2) being open, - An optical waveguide (11), the optical waveguide being configured to be arranged in the transparent support (10) beside the front face (10.1) and to diffuse a light beam (Fx1) towards the outside of the transparent support (10). The light-emitting device (1) further comprises a compressible flexible element (12), the compressible flexible element being configured to be arranged in the transparent support (10) beside the rear face (10.2) and comprising an attachment shape portion (122), the attachment shape portion being configured to engage with a corresponding shape portion (102) of the transparent support (10).

2. The lighting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The compressible flexible element (12) is made of an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer.

3. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The compressible flexible element (12) is configured to contact the optical waveguide (11) to position and hold the optical waveguide (11) in the transparent support (10).

4. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The compressible flexible element (12) is reflective.

5. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The compressible flexible element (12) is white or has a metallic appearance.

6. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The attachment shape portion (122) extends along the compressible flexible element (12).

7. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The corresponding shape portion (102) extends along the transparent support (10).

8. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The attachment shape portion (122) is a convex shape and / or a concave shape.

9. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The light-emitting device (1) further comprises a light source (14), the light source being configured to emit light rays that cooperate with the optical waveguide (11) to generate a light beam (Fx1).

10. The lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The light-emitting device (1) is a position light.

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