VEHICLE LIGHTING UNIT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting assembly for a vehicle. It finds a particular, but not limiting, application in motor vehicles.

[0002] Documents EP 1 270 319 A2, GB 2 451 125 A, DE 10 2014 110348 A1 and EP 3 069 966 A1 illustrate the knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

[0003] In the field of motor vehicles, a lighting assembly for a vehicle, as understood by those skilled in the art, comprises two headlights and a strip across the headlights to create a unified visual appearance. Three components are used to form the strip.

[0004] One drawback of this state of the art is to properly adjust the three parts together while taking into account mechanical clearances.

[0005] In this context, the present invention aims to provide a lighting system for a vehicle that solves the aforementioned problem.

[0006] To this end, the invention proposes a lighting assembly for a vehicle, said lighting assembly comprising: a primary lighting device comprising a primary lighting module disposed in a primary housing, a secondary lighting device comprising a secondary lighting module disposed in a secondary housing, a primary part comprising a first part and a second part, said second part being transparent, a secondary part comprising a first part and a part, said second part being transparent, a logo, the characteristics of the characterizing part of claim 1.

[0007] According to non-limiting embodiments, said lighting assembly may further comprise one or more additional features taken alone or in all technically possible combinations, from among the following.

[0008] According to a non-limiting embodiment: the first part of the primary part is opaque, semi-opaque or transparent, the first part of the secondary part is opaque, semi-opaque or transparent.

[0009] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said indexing device is a male part configured to insert into a female part, or vice versa.

[0010] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the female part is a closed well, and the male part is a stud.

[0011] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first part and the second part are overmolded. They are overmolded by bi-injection.

[0012] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said lighting assembly further comprises a primary style mask and a secondary style mask configured to be assembled respectively on said primary lighting module and on said secondary lighting module

[0013] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said light assembly further comprises a primary style piece and a secondary style piece configured to be hung respectively on said primary piece and on said secondary piece.

[0014] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said lighting assembly further includes an indexing device on the vehicle body.

[0015] According to a non-limiting embodiment, one of said primary or secondary parts includes said logo mounting surface.

[0016] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said mounting surface includes said indexing device on the vehicle body.

[0017] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said lighting assembly further comprises a central structural component including said logo mounting surface

[0018] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said central structural part includes said indexing device on the vehicle body.

[0019] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said primary lighting device and said secondary lighting device are vehicle front headlights or vehicle rear lights.

[0020] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures: [ Fig. 1 ] is a perspective view of a vehicle lighting assembly, said lighting assembly comprising a first lighting device with a primary module, a second lighting device with a secondary module, a strip formed by a primary part and a secondary part, a logo, and a logo mounting surface, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 2a ] illustrates a diagram of said lighting assembly of the figure 1 , according to a first non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 2b ] illustrates a diagram of said lighting assembly of the figure 1 , according to a second non-limiting embodiment, certain features of the invention such as the overlap of the primary and secondary parts and the device for fixing the mounting surface not being illustrated in this diagram, [ Fig. 3 ] is an exploded view of said light assembly of the figure 2a , according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 4 ] illustrates said primary part and said secondary part of said lighting assembly of the figure 2a , according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 5 ] is a zoomed-in view of said secondary room of the figure 4 , according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 6 ] illustrates a device for attaching a logo holder to the secondary part of the figures 2a And 2b, according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 7 ] illustrates a primary part indexing device figures 2a And 2b compared to the secondary part of the figures 2a And 2b , according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 8 ] illustrates the primary piece of the figure 4 , the logo of said illuminated set of figures 2a And 3 , the surface on which the logo is placed, forming part of said primary part, according to a first non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 9 ] illustrates a rear view of the logo of the figures of said luminous ensemble of figures 2a And 2b , according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 10 ] illustrates the mounting surface of said luminous assembly of figures 2a And 2b , according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 11 ] illustrates the logo of the figure 9 positioned on the mounting surface of the figure 10 , according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 12 ] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the luminous assembly of the figure 2a , according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 13 ] is a zoomed view of a primary housing configured to accommodate the primary light module of said light assembly of figures 2a Or 2b , and a secondary housing configured to accommodate the secondary lighting module of said lighting assembly figures 3 Or 12 , according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 14 ] is an exploded view of said light assembly of the figure 2b , according to a second, non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 15 ] illustrates said primary part and said secondary part of said lighting assembly of the figure 2b , according to a non-limiting embodiment, [ Fig. 16 ] is a zoomed-in view of said secondary room of the figure 15 , according to a non-limiting embodiment.

[0021] Identical elements, whether structural or functional, appearing on different figures retain the same references unless otherwise specified.

[0022] The lighting assembly 1 of a vehicle according to the invention is described with reference to figures 1 à 16 In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle is a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle is defined as any type of motorized vehicle. This embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the following description. In the following description, the vehicle is thus also referred to as a motor vehicle.

[0023] As illustrated on the figures 2a et 2b Or 3 et 12 The lighting assembly 1 of a vehicle includes: a primary lighting device 10 comprising a primary lighting module 11 (illustrated on the figures 2a And 2b) arranged in a primary housing 12, a secondary lighting device 13 comprising a secondary lighting module 14 (illustrated on the figures 2a And 2b ) arranged in a secondary housing 15, a primary part 16, a secondary part 17, a logo 27, and a mounting surface 28 for said logo 27.

[0024] In one non-limiting embodiment, the primary light device 10 and the secondary light device 13 are the vehicle's headlights. In a non-limiting example shown, the primary light device 10 is the vehicle's right headlight, and the secondary light device 13 is the vehicle's left headlight. In another non-limiting embodiment, the primary light device 10 and the secondary light device 13 are the vehicle's taillights. In a non-limiting example not shown, the primary light device 10 is the vehicle's right taillight, and the secondary light device 13 is the vehicle's left taillight.

[0025] As illustrated on the figures 2a And 2b , the primary light module 11 and the secondary light module 14 each further comprise at least one light source referenced respectively 110, 140 on the figures 2a And 2bThe primary light module 11 and the secondary light module 14 each generate a light beam (as illustrated) enabling the corresponding lighting function of the light device 10 or 13 (headlight or taillight). In a non-limiting embodiment, the light source 110, 140 is a semiconductor light source. In a non-limiting embodiment, said semiconductor light source is part of a light-emitting diode (LED). The term "light-emitting diode" includes any type of LED, including, but not limited to, LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), OLEDs (Organic LEDs), AMOLEDs (Active-Matrix Organic LEDs), and FOLEDs (Flexible OLEDs).

[0026] As illustrated on the figures 2a And 2bIn a non-limiting embodiment, the primary light module 11 and the secondary light module 14 further comprise each an optical module, referenced respectively as 111 and 141, such as, in non-limiting examples, a reflector, a lens, or a light guide. It may comprise several reflectors, lenses, or light guides.

[0027] As illustrated on the figures 2a et 2b Or 3 et 12 In a non-limiting embodiment, the light element 1 further comprises a primary style mask 21 and a secondary style mask 22 configured to be assembled respectively on the primary light module 11 and on the secondary light module 14. They are arranged between the primary light module 11 - secondary light module 14 assembly and the primary part 16 - secondary part 17 assembly. In a non-limiting illustrated embodiment, the primary style mask 21 is part of the primary light device 10. The secondary style mask 22 is part of the secondary light device 13.

[0028] As illustrated on the figures 2a et 2b Or 3 et 12 In a non-limiting embodiment, the lighting element 1 further comprises a primary style piece 23 and a secondary style piece 24 configured to be hung respectively on said primary piece 16 and on said secondary piece 17. In a non-limiting example, the primary style piece 23 and the secondary style piece 24 are chrome-plated. The primary style piece 23 and the secondary style piece 24 comprise respectively a series of mounting tabs 230 and 240 for attaching them respectively to said primary piece 16 and to said secondary piece 17.

[0029] As illustrated on the figure 13 The primary housing 12 includes a bonding groove 120 for bonding all or part of the primary part 16. The bonding groove 120 is configured to receive adhesive. The adhesive will cure during the passage of the light assembly 1 through an oven. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the first part 16a and the second part 16b of the primary part are bonded to the primary housing 12 using the adhesive contained in the bonding groove 120. This ensures a good seal.

[0030] As illustrated on the figure 13 The secondary housing 15 includes a bonding groove 150 for bonding all or part of the secondary part 17. The bonding groove 150 is configured to receive adhesive. The adhesive will cure during passage through an oven. Thus, in a non-limiting embodiment, the first part 17a and the second part 17b of the primary part are bonded to the secondary housing 15 via the adhesive contained in the bonding groove 150. This ensures a good seal.

[0031] As illustrated on the figures 3 And 12 For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 comprise respectively a first part 16a, 17a and a second part 16b, 17b.

[0032] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first part 16a and the second part 16b of the primary part 16 are overmolded. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first part 17a and the second part 17b of the secondary part 17 are overmolded. The first part 16a and the second part 16b of the primary part 16 are overmolded by bi-injection. The same applies to the first part 17a and the second part 17b of the secondary part 17. This makes it possible to obtain a single part, namely the primary part 16 or the secondary part 17, and to use only one mold to produce said part. Furthermore, manufacturing is faster and less expensive than if it were necessary to assemble the two parts 16a, 16b of the primary part 16, or 17a, 17b of the secondary part 17.

[0033] In a non-limiting embodiment, the first part 16a of the primary part 16 is opaque, semi-opaque (in a non-limiting example, smoked), or transparent, and the second part 16b is transparent. In a non-limiting embodiment, the first part 17a of the secondary part 17 is opaque, semi-opaque (in a non-limiting example, smoked), or transparent, and the second part 17b is transparent.

[0034] In a non-limiting example, the first part 16a and the first part 17a are black. In another non-limiting embodiment, the primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 are made of PC (polycarbonate) or PP (polypropylene). Specifically, the first part 16a and the second part 16b are made of PC or PP, and the first part 17a and the second part 17b are made of PC or PP.

[0035] As illustrated on the figures 3 And 12In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary part 16 is configured to be positioned opposite the primary lighting device 10, namely opposite the right front projector in the illustrated example; and the secondary part 17 is configured to be positioned opposite the secondary lighting device 13, namely opposite the left front projector in the illustrated example. In particular, their second transparent portion 16b, 17b is positioned opposite the primary lighting device 10 and the secondary lighting device 13, respectively, so as to allow the passage of the light beam generated by the primary lighting module 11 and the secondary lighting module 14, respectively.

[0036] The primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 are configured to form a band which covers the primary lighting device 10 and the secondary lighting device 14 with a logo 27 in the center of said band so as to obtain a visual appearance of a single part.

[0037] As illustrated on the figure 10 The mounting surface 28 of the logo 27 includes a fastening device 200 on one of said primary part 16 or secondary part 17. The mounting surface 28 of the logo 27 includes a fastening device 200 on the secondary part 17. In a non-limiting example, the fastening device 200 is a fastening tab configured to fit into a slot 201 of the secondary part 17 as illustrated in the figure 6 . Thus, the secondary part 17 includes a counterpart 201 of the fastening device 200. The primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 are thus clipped together.

[0038] As illustrated on the figure 10 The mounting surface 28 includes one or more slots 280 for receiving mounting tabs 270 for the logo 27, allowing the logo 27 to be clipped onto it. In the non-limiting example shown, there are five slots. As illustrated on the figure 9 The logo 27 includes on its rear face 27b the aforementioned fixing tabs 270, namely five in the illustrated, non-limiting example. The logo 27 is thus fixed to the mounting surface 28 by means of the aforementioned fixing tabs 270. figure 11 Figure 27a illustrates the front face of the logo 27, the latter being positioned on the mounting surface 28. In a non-limiting embodiment, the mounting surface 28 has a shape relatively similar to the logo 27. In the non-limiting example, the logo 27 has a circular shape. The mounting surface 28 also has a circular shape.

[0039] The primary part 16 includes an indexing device 190 on the secondary part 17. The indexing device 190 is configured to position the primary part 16 relative to the secondary part 17.

[0040] As illustrated on the figures 4 , 7 , 8 And 15 In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary part 16 includes an indexing device 190 on said secondary part 17. For its part, as illustrated in the figures 4 , 5 et 7 , 15 et 16 The secondary part 17 includes a counterpart 191 of the indexing device 190. In a non-limiting embodiment, it is the first part 17a that includes this counterpart 191. As illustrated on the figure 7 In a non-limiting embodiment, the indexing device 190 is a male part configured to insert into a female part 191, or vice versa. In a non-limiting embodiment, the female part 191 is a closed well, and the male part 190 is a pin. In the non-limiting example illustrated in the figure 7 , the male part 190 is part of the primary part 16, and the female part 191 is part of the secondary part 17.

[0041] In a non-limiting embodiment, the indexing device 190 is located at one end of the primary part 16. In the illustrated example, it is located at the end of the first part 16a. In the illustrated example, the indexing device 190 is located at the bottom of the primary part 16, while the fastening device 200 is located at the top of the primary part 16. Thus, indexing is performed from below, and fastening from above. The primary part 16 is positioned and adjusted relative to the secondary part 17 from below, and then fastened to the secondary part 17 from above via the fastening device 200.

[0042] As illustrated on the figures 2a , 2b And 12In a non-limiting embodiment, said lighting assembly 1 further comprises an indexing device 31 on the vehicle body 40. In a non-limiting variant illustrated in the figures, the indexing device 31 comprises two pins.

[0043] The lighting assembly 1 is described below according to a first, non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the figures 2a à 5 , And 8 .

[0044] According to this first, non-limiting embodiment, the primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 are assembled directly together to form the band so as to have a single-piece visual appearance, with the logo 27 positioned in the center of said band. "Directly" means that there is no intermediate part for joining them.

[0045] According to this first, non-limiting embodiment, one of said primary part 16 or secondary part 17 comprises the mounting surface 28 for said logo 27. In this first, non-limiting embodiment, the logo 27 is thus integrated into one of the two parts. The primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 are asymmetrical since one of them comprises the mounting surface 28 for the logo 27. In a non-limiting variant of the embodiment illustrated in the figures 3 , 4 And 8 , the primary part 16 includes said mounting surface 28. Thus, since the mounting surface 28 includes the fixing device 200 on the secondary part 17, the primary part 16 is directly fixed to the secondary part 17 via said mounting surface 28.

[0046] According to this first, non-limiting embodiment, in a non-limiting embodiment illustrated on the figure 2a , it is the mounting surface 28 which includes the indexing device 31 on the vehicle body 40. As illustrated on the figure 2a , the indexing device 31 allows the assembly primary part 16 (in which the mounting surface 28 is integrated) - secondary part 17 (which is fixed to the primary part 16) to be positioned in relation to the body 40 of the vehicle.

[0047] The lighting assembly 1 is described below according to a second, non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the figures 2b , 14 à 16 .

[0048] According to this second non-limiting embodiment, the primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 are not assembled directly together to form a band, but are assembled together via a central structural part 30.

[0049] Thus, according to this second non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated on the figure 14 and schematically on the figure 2b The lighting assembly 1 comprises a central structural piece 30 including the mounting surface 28 for the logo 27. The mounting surface 28 is thus integrated into the central structure 30. The logo 27 is therefore separated from the primary piece 16 and the secondary piece 17. It is not integrated into either of the two pieces. The primary piece 16 and the secondary piece 17 are relatively symmetrical. As the mounting surface 28 includes the fastening device 200 on the secondary piece 17, the central structural piece 30 is thus fixed to the secondary piece 17 via the mounting surface 28.

[0050] As illustrated on the figure 14 According to the second embodiment of the invention, the mounting surface (28) is separated from the central structural part (30) into which it is integrated. It is integrated into a location 300 of the central structural part 30 dedicated for this purpose.

[0051] In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated on the figures 15 And 16 The primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 further each comprise, respectively, a fastening device 32, 33 on the central structural part 30. In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the figures 15 And 16 The fastening device 32, 33 of the primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 respectively includes at least one fastening tab. In the non-limiting example shown, it includes three fastening tabs that are inserted into a slot (not shown) in the central structural part 30. The primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 are thus clipped onto the central structural part 30.

[0052] When assembled on the central structural piece 30, the primary piece 16 and the secondary piece 17 form a band with a logo 27 in the center of said band so as to have a visual appearance of a single piece.

[0053] According to this second, non-limiting embodiment, in a non-limiting embodiment illustrated on the figure 14 This is the central structural part 30 which includes the indexing device 31 on the vehicle body 40. As illustrated in the figure 2b , the indexing device 31 allows the assembly primary part 16 (which is fixed to the central structural part 30) - central structural part 30 - secondary part 17 (which is fixed to the central structural part 30) to be positioned in relation to the body 40 of the vehicle.

[0054] Of course, the description of the invention is not limited to the embodiments and scope described above. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, only one of the first part 16a or the second part 16b of the primary part 16 may be bonded to the primary housing 12. Similarly, only one of the first part 17a or the second part 17b of the secondary part 17 may be bonded to the secondary housing 15. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, the primary part 16 and the secondary part 17 are made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). Thus, in yet another non-limiting embodiment, the mounting tabs of the fastening device 32 on the central structural part 30 may be replaced by fastening screws. The same applies to the mounting tabs of the fastening device 33 on the central structural part 30.On the other hand, the term logo should be understood in a very broad sense, that is to say, as an additional element that may or may not represent a distinctive sign representing a brand. It could also refer to a cover positioned in front of a driver assistance sensor.

[0055] Thus, the described invention offers the following advantages in particular: Compared to the prior art, it allows the formation of a band with two pieces instead of three pieces, so as to have the visual appearance of a single piece; it allows the two pieces to be easily assembled thanks to the indexing device 190; there are no longer any adjustment problems due to mechanical play; it allows for a logo to be integrated into the band; it allows for good sealing of the band formed by the primary piece 16 and the secondary piece 17 with the primary lighting device 10 and the secondary lighting device 13; thus there is no risk of a fluid entering the primary lighting device 10 and the secondary lighting device 13.

Claims

1. A light assembly (1) of a vehicle, said light assembly (1) comprising: - a primary light device (10) comprising a primary light module (11) arranged in a primary housing (12), - a secondary light device (13) comprising a secondary light module (14) arranged in a secondary housing (15), - a primary component (16) comprising a first part (16a) and a second part (16b), said second part (16b) being transparent and arranged facing the primary light device (10), - a secondary component (17) comprising a first part (17a) and a part (17b ), said second part (17b) being transparent and arranged facing the secondary light device (13) - a logo (27), characterized in that: - the primary component (16) and the secondary component (17) respectively comprises an indexing device (190) and a counterpart (191) of the indexing device (190) configured to position the primary component (16) and the secondary component (17) relative to one another, - one of said primary component (16) or secondary component (17) partially covering the other of said primary component (16) or secondary component (17), - said light assembly (1) further comprising a mounting surface (28) for said logo (27), the mounting surface (28) being either included in the primary part (16) or produced in the form of a separate part intended to be attached to an optional central structural part (30) of the light assembly (1), the primary (16) and secondary (17) parts being in this second case assembled via said optional central structural part (30), the mounting surface (28) comprises a fixing device (200) on the secondary component (17).

2. The light assembly (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein: - the first part (16a) of the primary component (16) is opaque, semi-opaque or transparent, - the first part (17a) of the secondary component (17) is opaque, semi-opaque or transparent.

3. The light assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said indexing device is either a male part (191) configured to be inserted into a female part (190), or a female part (190) intended to receive a male part (191).

4. The light assembly (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein wherein the female part (191) is a closed well, and the male part (190) is a stud.

5. The light assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (16a, 17a) and the second part (16b, 17b) are overmolded.

6. The light assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said light assembly (1) further comprises a primary style mask (21) and a secondary style mask (22) configured to be assembled respectively on said primary light module (11) and on said secondary light module (14).

7. The light assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said light assembly (1) further comprises a primary style part (23) and a secondary style part (24) configured to be fastened respectively to said primary component (16) and to said secondary component (17).

8. The light assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said light assembly (1) further comprises an indexing device (31) on the body (40) of the vehicle.

9. The light assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of said primary component (16) or secondary component (17) comprises said mounting surface (28) for said logo (27).

10. The light assembly (1) as claimed in claim 8 and claim 9, wherein said mounting surface (28) comprises said indexing device (31) on the body (40) of the vehicle.

11. The light assembly (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein said light assembly (1) further comprises a central structural part (30) comprising said mounting surface (28) for said logo (27).

12. The light assembly (1) as claimed in claim 8 and claim 11, wherein said central structural part (30) comprises said indexing device (31) on the body (40) of the vehicle.

13. The light assembly (1) of a vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said primary light device (10) and said secondary light device (13) are vehicle front headlights or vehicle taillights