Signaling device for a vehicle, in particular for a road freight vehicle

Abstract

A light signaling device for the car body of a vehicle, in particular a road freight vehicle, of the type comprising vertical side panels, a floor and a ceiling defining an interior space, and a cladding part attached to the lower end of the vertical side panels and at least partially defining recesses for the routing of cables, wherein the device comprises: a holder (32) intended to be attached to the car body between two successive profile parts of the cladding part and having an L-shape, wherein the holder (32) comprises a mounting plate (38) intended to be attached to the car body, and a mounting plate (40) extending the mounting plate, the plates being substantially perpendicular to each other, and an emitting means (36) for emitting light radiation, which is installed in a recess (46) of the holder.the radiating means opens onto a frontal outer surface (40a) of the mounting plate (40) of the holder, wherein the radiating means comprises a radiating element (52) for emitting the light radiation and at least one electrical connecting cable (62) connected to the radiating element, wherein the holder comprises at least one lateral opening (72a) for the passage and exit of the electrical connecting cable (62) from the holder, wherein the holder comprises a rim (44) which extends projecting from a frontal inner surface (40f) of the mounting plate (40) of the holder, the frontal inner surface being opposite the frontal outer surface (40a), and which together with the mounting plate (38) defines the receiving area (46) of the radiating means.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of signaling devices for vehicles, in particular for road freight vehicles.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a signaling device for a car body intended to be mounted on the chassis of a road freight vehicle such as a truck, semi-trailer, or trailer.

[0003] According to the applicable legal provisions, such a road vehicle must in particular have so-called outline lights, which are attached to the car body and consist of lights visible from the front, lights visible from the rear and side lights.

[0004] The cargo space of the car body of such a road vehicle is bounded by two opposing vertical side panels, a floor, a ceiling, a front, and a rear, all of which are assembled. The power supply line for all the marker lights is connected to a junction box located at the front of the car body. The power supply line is partially concealed within a trim strip or external panel located at the lower end of the vertical side panels and extends to the rear. This panel primarily serves to cover the lower ends of the vertical side panels and the ends of the floor, and to provide a passage for the power supply line's electrical cables. The trim panel assigned to each vertical side panel generally consists of two profiles whose ends abut each other.

[0005] To mount each side marker light to the car body, a bracket in the form of an angle is typically used, which is attached to the underside of the panel. Power to each side light is supplied via a connector branching off from the supply line running inside the panel, from which connecting cables extend to the light.

[0006] This solution has the disadvantage of making the various connecting cables, which are linked to the power supply line running inside the body panel, visible and accessible from the outside. Furthermore, the side marker lights and their connecting cables, located beneath the body panel, can interfere with other vehicle components attached to the body, potentially causing damage. Additionally, the connectors branching off from the power supply line are generally not completely sealed against splashing water, dirt, and dust.

[0007] The present compound has the task of overcoming these disadvantages.

[0008] More specifically, the present invention aims to provide a light signaling device for a vehicle body, in particular a road freight vehicle, which can be easily assembled and attached and has increased functional reliability.

[0009] In one embodiment, the light signaling device for a vehicle body, in particular a road freight vehicle, of the type which is provided with vertical side panels, a floor and a ceiling defining an interior space, and with a panel attached to the lower end of the vertical side panels and at least partially defining openings for cables, comprises a holder designed to be attached to the vehicle body between two successive profile sections of the panel, and an emitting means for emitting light radiation, which is mounted in a recess of the holder that opens onto a frontal outer surface of the holder. The emitting means comprises an emitting element for emitting the light radiation and at least one electrical connecting cable connected to the emitting element.The holder includes at least one lateral opening for the insertion and exit of the electrical connection cable from the holder.

[0010] The lateral opening is advantageously located on the holder on the side of an inner surface that is opposite the front outer surface and is intended to come into a position opposite the car body.

[0011] The holder can include a rim that extends outwards from the inside and partially limits the receiving area of ​​the emitting medium. The holder preferably includes a lateral opening at each longitudinal end of the rim.

[0012] Preferably, the holder comprises a mounting plate arranged opposite the rim and designed to be attached to the car body, the plate and the rim defining the receptacle for the emissive element between them. The lateral opening of the holder may be located between the mounting plate and the rim.

[0013] In one embodiment, the holder comprises at least one rib extending between the mounting plate and the edge strip, on which the lateral opening is formed.

[0014] The mounting plate and the rim may include lateral stops to hold the radiating device in position within the receptacle. The mounting plate may also include a groove for inserting the radiating device into the receptacle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one reflector mounted on the front outer surface of the holder, wherein the reflector and the receptacle for the reflecting element extend over different areas of this outer surface. The holder may include a mounting plate that extends the mounting plate and supports the rim and the reflector.

[0016] In one embodiment, the emitting means is provided with a housing that is mounted in the receptacle and supports the emitting element, with the connecting cable extending out of the housing, and with a cover for diffusing the emitted light radiation, which is attached to the housing and partially encloses a closed space in which the emitting element is housed. The emitting means can further comprise a support plate located inside the housing on which the emitting element is mounted, a printed circuit board located inside the housing on the side opposite the emitting element with respect to the support plate and connected to the electrical connecting cable, and a sheathing material that covers the printed circuit board and the portion of the electrical connecting cable located inside the housing.

[0017] The invention further relates to a vehicle body, in particular a road freight vehicle, comprising vertical side panels, a floor and a ceiling defining an interior space, a paneling element attached to the lower end of the vertical side panels and comprising several profile sections that at least partially define recesses for routing cables, and at least one signaling device, as defined above, which is mounted between two successive profile sections of the paneling element. The vehicle body may include several light signaling devices that are electrically connected in series and each is arranged between two successive profile sections of the paneling element.

[0018] The present invention will be better understood upon study of the detailed description of an embodiment which is presented as a non-limiting example and is illustrated by the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] Fig. 1 a side view of a car body according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0020] Fig. 2 a front view of a lighting signaling device of the car body of Fig. 1 is,

[0021] Fig. 3 a perspective view of the device of Fig. 2 is,

[0022] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the assembly of the device Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows,

[0023] Fig. 5 a sectional view along the axis VV of Fig. 2 is,

[0024] Fig. 6 a perspective partial view of a panel part of the car body of Fig. 1 is, into which the light signaling device of the Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 is integrated, and

[0025] Fig. 7 a sectional view of the light signaling device of the Fig. 2 to Fig. 6 is in a position attached to the car body.

[0026] In Fig. 1 is, in its entirety, with 10 The designated car body is shown, mounted on a chassis. 12 is attached to a road transport vehicle, extending longitudinally and passing through wheels 14 is supported.

[0027] The car body 10 comprises two opposing, longitudinally extending vertical side panels 16 , a floor 18 ( Fig. 7) a blanket 20 , a reverse side 22 and a front 24, which are assembled to define an internal cargo space. The car body 10 It also includes the bottom of each side panel. 16 a trim strip or a panel 26 , on which several identical light signaling devices 30 are attached. The signaling devices 30 They form lateral outline lights. In the illustrated embodiment, five devices are used. 30 provided on each side of the car body.

[0028] As from the Fig. 2 to Fig. 4 is more clearly visible, each signaling device includes 30 a holder 32 , which is designed to be attached to the cladding part of the car body, as well as a reflector 34 and an emissive 36 for emitting light radiation, which is attached to the holder. As will be explained in more detail below, the holder32 designed to allow cables to be routed to the cladding section of the car body. In Fig. 2 is the holder 32 shown in a position corresponding to a position attached to the car body.

[0029] The holder 32 It essentially has an L-shape and can advantageously be manufactured from a single piece of plastic. The holder 32 includes a mounting plate 38 , which is designed to be attached to the underside of the floor of the car body, and a mounting plate 40 , which extends the mounting plate, the plates being essentially perpendicular to each other. In a mounted position, the mounting plate extends 38 horizontal, and the mounting plate 40 extends essentially vertically. The mounting plate 38 includes two through holes 38a, to allow the passage of screws (not shown) and to attach the holder to the underside of the floor of the car body.

[0030] The mounting plate 40 includes a frontal outer surface 40a , on which the reflector 34 is attached and which is longitudinally defined by two opposing vertical edges 40b , 40c and vertically through a horizontal upper edge 40d and through a horizontal border 40e , which is on the outside 40a opposite side through the mounting plate 38 is extended, is limited. The reflector 34 is in a blind recording 42 attached to the outside 40a the holder is designed. The reflector 34 is attached to the holder 32attached by any suitable means, for example by gluing, snapping, etc. The reflector 34 forms a means of reflecting light radiation, which serves to indicate the presence of the car body to an external observer who is near the source by reflecting this radiation emanating from a source outside the vehicle.

[0031] The holder 32 It also includes a border strip 44 , which refers above to a frontal inner side 40f extends which of the outside 40a opposite and designed to come into a position opposite one of the vertical side panels of the car body. The edge strip 44 extends lengthwise on the inside 40f , positioned vertically between the reflector 34 and the mounting plate 38 is arranged. The sidebar 44is vertically below the reflector 34 It is arranged and extends essentially over the entire length of the reflector. The edge strip 44 extends parallel to the mounting plate 38 , spaced apart from it. The mounting plate 38 and the sidebar 44 limit between themselves a recording 46 for the application of the radiant 36 on the holder 32 .

[0032] As from Fig. 5, which is more clearly visible, leads to the recording. 46 on the outside 40a of the holder, whereby they have regard to the reflector 34 and the associated recording 42 is offset downwards. The recording 46 is vertically below the reflector 34 arranged. The recording 46 ends on the outside 40a in an area different from where the reflector 34appropriate. The recording 42 of the reflector, which is on the outside 40a the holder is trained, and the recording 46 The emission medium, which terminates on this side, extends over a first and a second area of ​​the outer surface, which are distinct from each other. The recording 46 includes a first part 46a of cuboid general shape, located between the mounting plate 38 and the sidebar 44 is formed and is formed by a second, right-angled part 46b is extended, which increases the thickness of the mounting plate 40 traversed and on the frontal outer side 40a It terminates in order to allow the emitted light radiation to be scattered outwards.

[0033] As in Fig. As also shown in section 5, the emitting medium includes 36 A housing forming a base for emitting light radiation48 for installation in the first part 46a the recording 46 of the holder, a support plate 50 , which is located inside the housing, a light-emitting diode 52 , which are on an outside of the plate 50 is appropriate and suitable to direct light radiation through the second part 46b to allow the recording to pass through a printed circuit board 54 , which is attached to an opposite inside of the plate, and one on the housing 48 attached cover forming a diffusing lens 56 .

[0034] The case 48 It has a cuboid general shape, which corresponds to the shape of the first part. 46a the recording 46 the holder matches. The housing 48 is located between the mounting plate 38 and the underside of the sidebar 44 firmly inside the first part 46a the recording 46held by the holder. The housing 48 It can be made, for example, by molding a plastic. The cover 56 seals the side of the diode 52 located end of the housing 48 and limited by the support plate 50 a closed space in which the diode is located. The cover 56 includes a perimeter wall 56a , which are at the end of the case 48 is centered and on the outside of the plate carrying the diode 50 is attached adjacent to, and a frontal end wall 56b , which forms the perimeter wall 56a extended and by which the diode 52 emitted light radiation is transmitted. The front wall 56b is in the second part 46b the holder's mounting is centered and is locally aligned with the outside. 40a of the holder flush.

[0035] The support plate 50forms a partition wall which divides the interior of the housing 48 limited, and supports the diode on both sides 52 and the printed circuit board 54 The printed circuit board 54 extends above with respect to the inside of the plate 50 and is connected to the diode 52 via solder joints 58 electrically connected, which are attached to the plate 50 are planned. The printed circuit board 54 includes two electrical contact pins (not shown), to which the stripped ends of a sheathed 60 the connecting wires of an electrical connection cable 62 ( Fig. 2 to Fig. 4) of the emitting medium are soldered on. The connecting cables 62 are connected to the diode 52 via the printed circuit board 54 tied together.

[0036] The case 48 and the support plate 50together they define an open depression on the cover 56 and the diode 52 opposite side, inside of which the printed circuit board 54 and the electrical cables 62 are attached. The casing 48 forms the perimeter wall of the hollow and the plate 50 the bottom of the recess. The housing 48 is covered with a coating material 64 filled, into which the printed circuit board 54 , the ends of the electrical connecting wires connected to this card and the adjacent end sections of the casings 60 the electrical cables are embedded. The sheathing material 64 It can, for example, be made of a resin that hardens at ambient temperature or under the influence of heat. Advantageously, the coating material is 64 chosen so that it attaches to the casing 48 , on the covers 60the electrical cables, the connecting wires surrounded by these sheaths, and the printed circuit board 54 adheres. The one attached to the card 54 connected ends of the cables 62 are with the coating material 64 potted. The coating material 64 It could be, for example, an epoxy resin. Between the printed circuit board 54 and the cables 62 is achieved through the use of the sheathing material 64 A completely airtight connection is ensured. Complete airtightness is achieved between the inside and outside of the housing. 48 of the radiating medium achieved. Each cable 62 It extends out of the housing and projects beyond a side edge of the housing. A recess (without a reference mark) is provided on each side edge of the housing for receiving and routing the associated cable. 62 from the case 48 also provided.

[0037] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in 4, the housing includes 48 , to secure the radiant 36 on the holder 32 to ensure that there are projections on its upper side 66 , which extend towards the sidebar 44 of the holder and are suitable with complementary recesses 68 to work together, which are provided opposite each other on the edge strip. The recesses 68 are located near a free rear edge of the sidebar 44 The protrusions 66 are designed to move into the interior of the corresponding recesses 68 to extend beyond the edge strip, thus ensuring a positive connection of the emitting element. 36 and the holder 32 to ensure the advantages 66 form means for fastening or hooking by snapping the emitting medium into place 36inside the recording 46 the holder 32 , such that the device 30 forms a unified whole that can be handled, transported and attached to the car body in a single operation.

[0038] The holder 32 It also includes a groove 69 , which are located on the top of the mounting plate 38 starting from a free rear edge and extending to the recording 46 extends along the length of the groove. The groove 69 has a width equal to that of the casing 48 of the radiation medium. The application of the radiation medium. 36 on the holder 32 can be inserted by sliding it along the groove 69 , until the emissive 36 into the recording 46 is introduced and through the interaction of the projections 66 with the cutouts 68is locked, take place. The protrusions 66 They have a beveled outer shape, which is suitable for allowing their movement under the edge strip 44 and their penetration at the recesses 68 to make it easier.

[0039] The holder 32 includes a first pair of stiffening ribs 70 , which are perpendicular between the mounting plate 38 and the sidebar 44 extend and connect them together. The space between the ribs 70 is designed in such a way that these ribs simultaneously form stops that are located on the vertical lateral edges of the housing. 48 of the radiant medium to the system. The ribs 70 They have a dual function of stiffening the holder and laterally supporting the housing. 48 on the holder 32 In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 48 to the holder 32attached. However, in one version it might be possible to use a housing. 48 to provide that with the holder 32 is made from one piece.

[0040] The holder 32 It also includes a second pair of stiffening ribs. 72 , which are perpendicular between the free longitudinal ends of the mounting plate 38 and the sidebar 44 extend. The stiffening ribs 70 , 72 connect to the sidebar 44 , to the record 38 and to the inside 40f the mounting plate 40 to.

[0041] Each rib 70 , 72 includes a continuous lateral opening that varies in thickness 70a , 72a , to route one of the connecting cables out 62 of the radiation agent from the recording 46 and the holder 32and the cable exiting into the space outside the device 30 to enable this. In the illustrated embodiment, each opening has 70a , 72a the shape of a groove, which leads to the inside 40f The openings are facing the opposite side of the holder. 70a , 72a They are located on the holder on the inside side. 40f of the holder and on the side that is the frontal outside 40a opposite. The connection openings 70a , 72a form images inside which the cables 62 of the emitting medium. The openings 72a enable the routing and exit of the cables 62 from the holder 30 out. Each one from the case 48 upcoming connection cables 62 extends through the openings 70a , 72athrough and out of the holder, with respect to one of the vertical edges 40b , 40c protrudes, limiting the holder in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 70a , 72a manufactured in the form of grooves attached to the stiffening ribs 70 , 72 are trained by the holder. Alternatively, the holder could 30 Nor should it be provided with such ribs. In that case, a lateral opening at each end of the holder would be formed by the space between the mounting plate. 38 and the sidebar 44 is designed. In another design variant, the lateral opening of the holder could be formed solely by the gap between the mounting plate and the mounting plate. 38 and the mounting plate 40 is planned.

[0043] As in Fig.As shown in section 6, each signaling device 30 between two profile sections 26a , 26b of the cladding part of identical shape, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction. The device 30 is between the profile parts 26a , 26b arranged and forms an extension of these profile parts, such that a continuous surface is formed along the cladding part. 26 is retained. Each profile section 26a , 26b includes a groove 80 , which is open at the bottom and extends over the entire length of the profile section. Each groove 80 forms a receptacle for cables, especially for connecting cables 62 the devices 30 and connecting cables (not shown) for the rear outline lights of the car body.

[0044] In a position attached to the car body, the mounting plate extends 38of the holder of each device 30 horizontally a lower horizontal part of each profile section 26a , 26b , which is designed to be attached to the underside of the floor of the car body, and the mounting plate 40 Each profile section extends horizontally an upper vertical portion, which is designed to meet the outside of the associated vertical side panel of the car body. 26a , 26b It includes an L-shaped step that connects the lower horizontal part and the upper vertical part, forming a mounting surface for the lower end of the associated vertical side panel. The edge strip 44 The device is located in the longitudinal extension of the shoulder. The lateral vertical edges of the mounting plate 38 , the mounting plate 40 and the sidebar 44come into contact with the ends of the two profile parts on both sides in the longitudinal direction. 26a , 26b of the trim panel. The openings are located in an installed position. 70a , 72a of the car body in the extension of the grooves 80 of the profile parts in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] Each connecting cable 62 The signaling device extends longitudinally through the associated opening. 72a through out of the holder 30 out and is then directly inside the groove 80 the associated profile section, which is located opposite the opening. If the various signaling devices 30 The emitting elements, which are assigned to a vertical side section of the car body and are electrically connected in series, form the emission means. 36 a string of lights and are connected by electrical cables 62connected. In this case, the first emitting medium is 36 connected on the one hand to the connection housing (not shown), which is located on the front of the car body, and on the other hand to the second emitting element 36 The last radiation agent 36 is alone with the preceding radiation medium 36 tied together.

[0046] All connection cables 62 The signaling devices, which are provided on each side of the car body, extend simultaneously inside the grooves. 80 the profile parts of the cladding part 26 and inside the passages that are between the mounting plate 38 and the sidebar 44 on the back of the frontal outer side 40a each holder 32 are trained. All connecting cables 62are therefore completely laterally separated between, on the one hand, the floor and the associated vertical side part of the car body, and on the other hand, the profile parts 26a , 26b of the fairing part and the signaling devices 30 arranged. In the described embodiment, grooves for routing the cables are provided in the cladding part. Alternatively, it would be possible to install them at the output of the signaling devices. 30 to provide a passage for cables between the trim panel and the floor of the car body.

[0047] Thanks to the invention, the signaling devices, which form side marker lights, are arranged longitudinally along the extension of the various profile sections of the cladding panel, which is attached to the lower end of the vertical side panels of the car body. The electrical connection cables of the signaling devices are neither visible nor accessible from the outside. This increases the operational reliability of the signaling devices and their sealing against splashing water, dirt, and dust.

Claims

[1] Light signaling device for a vehicle body, in particular a road freight vehicle, of the type comprising vertical side panels, a floor and a ceiling defining an interior space, and a trim panel attached to the lower end of the vertical side panels and at least partially defining openings for the passage of cables, wherein the device comprises: a holder ( 32 ), which is intended to be attached to the car body between two successive profile parts of the cladding, and an radiating medium ( 36 ) to emit light radiation that is captured in a recording ( 46 ) of the holder, which is attached to a frontal outer side ( 40a ) of the holder, wherein the emitting medium is an emitting element ( 52 ) for emitting light radiation and at least one electrical connection cable ( 62), which is connected to the emitting element, wherein the holder comprises at least one lateral opening ( 72a ) for the routing and routing of the electrical connection cable ( 62 ) from the holder. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the lateral opening ( 72a ) on the holder on the side of an inside ( 40b ), the frontal outer side ( 40a ) opposite and is intended to come into a position opposite the car body. [3] Device according to claim 2, wherein the holder has a rim strip ( 44 ) which extends from the inside ( 40b ) from above extends and partially includes the recording ( 46 ) of the emitting medium limited. [4] Device according to claim 3, wherein the holder is located at each longitudinal end of the edge strip ( 44 ) a side opening ( 72a ) includes. [5] Device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the holder is a mounting plate ( 38 ) includes those opposite the sidebar ( 44 ) is arranged and is intended to be attached to the car body, with the plate and the edge strip between them forming the receptacle ( 46 ) limit the amount of the emitting agent. [6] Device according to claim 5, wherein the lateral opening ( 72a ) of the holder between the mounting plate ( 38 ) and the sidebar ( 44 ) is located. [7] Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the holder has at least one rib ( 72 ) includes, which is located between the mounting plate ( 38 ) and the sidebar ( 44 ) extends and at which the side opening ( 72a ) is trained. [8] Device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the mounting plate ( 38 ) and the sidebar ( 44) lateral stops ( 70 ) include the emitting agent ( 36 ) to keep it in its position in the recording. [9] Device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the mounting plate ( 38 ) a groove ( 69 ) for the application of the radiant device ( 36 ) in the recording ( 46 ) by insertion. [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one reflector ( 34 ) includes the area on the frontal outer side ( 40a ) of the holder is attached, with the reflector and the receiver ( 46 ) on different areas of this outer surface ( 40a extend. [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the emitting medium ( 36 ) with a housing ( 48 ) is provided, which is in the recording ( 46 ) is attached and the radiating element ( 52) supports, with the connecting cable ( 62 ) extends out of the housing, and is covered with a cover ( 56 ) to scatter the emitted light radiation that reaches the housing ( 48 ) is attached and partially defines an enclosed space, inside of which the radiating element ( 52 ) is recorded. [12] Device according to claim 11, wherein the emitting medium ( 36 ) also a support plate ( 50 ), which is located inside the housing and on which the emitting element ( 52 ) is attached, a printed circuit board ( 54 ), which are located inside the housing on the side opposite the emission element with respect to the support plate and are connected to the electrical connection cable ( 62 ) is connected, and a sheathing material ( 64 ), which includes the printed circuit board and the part of the electrical connection cable located inside the housing (62 ) covered, includes. [13] Wagon body for a vehicle, in particular for a road freight vehicle, which has vertical side panels ( 16 ), a floor ( 18 ) and a blanket ( 20 ), which define an interior space, a trim panel ( 26 ), which is attached to the lower end of the vertical side panels and includes several profile parts ( 26a , 26b ) includes, at least partially limiting the openings for the routing of cables, and at least one signaling device ( 30 ) according to one of the preceding claims, which is attached between two successive profile parts of the cladding part.

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