LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of automotive lighting. More specifically, the invention relates to the field of shock absorption experienced by a vehicle lighting system.

[0002] In the automotive sector, modern lighting systems tend to be larger, contributing significantly to the vehicle's aesthetic appeal, both for headlights and taillights. A headlight can now form a major part, or even the entirety, of a vehicle's grille. Consequently, the surface area of ​​a lighting system susceptible to impact or shock increases.

[0003] Furthermore, in the context of semi-autonomous or autonomous navigation in motor vehicles, it is becoming common practice to integrate one or more sensors into the vehicle's lighting system to acquire information about the vehicle's environment. Consequently, the price of such a lighting system increases, and replacement costs in the event of damage caused by an impact or shock become prohibitive. In addition, the various components within the lighting system, whether light modules or sensors, require precise calibration. Thus, a simple impact or accidental contact with the lighting system can disrupt this calibration, necessitating repairs.

[0004] A vehicle lighting device comprising a housing movable relative to a plate and at least one spring enabling the housing to return to a rest position is known from DE 38 02 104 A1.

[0005] There is therefore a need for a lighting device capable of absorbing or cushioning a shock or impact without disrupting the internal arrangement and adjustment of the various elements it contains.

[0006] This need is particularly evident in the context of semi-autonomous or autonomous navigation, as the vehicle's intelligence can cause frequent contact between its lighting system(s) and obstacles during maneuvers. The absorption of these impacts must therefore be repeatable without affecting the settings of the various components within the vehicle.

[0007] The present invention is thus situated within this context and aims to meet this need.

[0008] For these purposes, the invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle, comprising the characteristics of claim 1.

[0009] In the invention, the mounting plate forms a rigid structure to which the housing is attached to the vehicle. Positioning mechanisms ensure isostatic positioning of the housing relative to this plate when the housing is in its rest position. Upon impact, due to the lighting device's mobility through at least three, or even six, degrees of freedom, the lighting device can retract, regardless of the direction of the impact. This retraction absorbs the shock, thus preventing damage to the lighting module and any other components within the housing. Once the shock has been absorbed, the elastically deformable mechanism returns the housing to its rest position. Since this rest position corresponds to an isostatic position of the housing, the return to the rest position is repeatable.

[0010] It is understood that, according to the invention, the function of the positioning elements is to immobilize the housing stably in the rest position, in the absence of shock. That is to say, this positioning is ensured at least isostatically, but more positioning elements than necessary for this isostatic positioning can also be provided, so as to achieve hyperstatic positioning. For the sake of simplicity, the terms "isostatic position" or "isostatic rest position" shall be understood to designate the position or rest position which is at a minimum isostatic in the strict sense, but which may also be hyperstatic.

[0011] Advantageously, the lighting system may include at least one sensor capable of detecting the presence of an obstacle and possibly estimating the position of said obstacle relative to the motor vehicle. This sensor may, for example, include a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, or a camera.

[0012] Preferably, the housing may include an opening closed by a protective glass, the housing and the glass defining an enclosed volume in which the light module is arranged.

[0013] A guiding element is understood to be an element arranged to guide a positioning element of the housing, which has moved away from its rest position due to a shock on the luminous device of its position and which is brought back by the elastically deformable element, towards this rest position in which this guiding element and this positioning element are in contact.

[0014] A guiding element could, for example, be a recess in the plate, having, for instance, one or more supporting walls, either contiguous or opposing, with which a positioning element can come into contact. The recess could, in particular, have a "V" or "U" profile.

[0015] A positioning element could, for example, be a lug extending from the housing and having a peripheral surface through which it can come into contact with a guiding element. The lug could, in particular, have a cylindrical shape.

[0016] Advantageously, the mounting plate can form a frame surrounding the housing, with the guide elements arranged around the entire perimeter of the frame. The frame could, for example, comprise a plurality of uprights, with at least one guide element arranged on each upright.

[0017] For example, longitudinal guide elements can define a substantially vertical plane to which an optical axis of the lighting device is perpendicular. In this case, the longitudinal positioning and guide elements ensure that the housing remains fixed in its rest position along this optical axis.

[0018] If desired, the housing can include four longitudinal positioning elements and four longitudinal guide elements. This configuration is particularly suitable when the lighting system forms a major part, or even the entirety, of the vehicle's grille, as the dimensions of the lighting system allow for the identification of a plane passing approximately through each of the longitudinal guide elements. For example, two longitudinal positioning elements could be arranged on an upper post of the mounting plate and two longitudinal positioning elements on a lower post of the mounting plate, with these elements stacked vertically in pairs.

[0019] Advantageously, each of the longitudinal guide members of the plate comprises a recess formed in the plate and provided with a bearing wall. Each of the longitudinal positioning members comprises a lug extending from the housing into the recess of one of the longitudinal guide members such that, in the rest position of the housing, a peripheral surface of the lug is in contact with the bearing wall of the recess. For example, each recess may have a V-shaped profile and each lug may have a cylindrical shape. Preferably, the bearing wall may be substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the light-emitting device. Alternatively, the bearing wall may be oblique to an optical axis of the light-emitting device.

[0020] Advantageously, at least two longitudinal positioning elements are also lateral positioning elements, and at least two longitudinal guiding elements are also lateral guiding elements, these positioning and guiding elements being referred to as double. Where applicable, the recess of each double guiding element is provided with two contiguous bearing walls, and the lug of each double positioning element extends from the housing into one of said recesses of the double guiding elements such that, in the rest position of the housing, the peripheral surface of this lug is in contact with the two contiguous bearing walls of this recess. In this embodiment, the positioning elements and the double guiding elements thus contribute to immobilizing the housing in its rest position both along the optical axis of the light source and along a horizontal axis perpendicular to this optical axis.

[0021] Advantageously, the adjoining support walls of a recess may form an angle of approximately 90° with each other. If necessary, the recess may have a V-shaped profile. Preferably, the height of the lug of each double positioning member may be substantially greater than that of the recess of the double guide member in which it extends, so that together they form a short centering connection. This increases the housing's ability to move in multiple directions, or even to perform complex trajectories.

[0022] If desired, each double guide element can have two teeth extending on either side of its recess.

[0023] Advantageously, each of said vertical guide members of the plate has a recess formed in the plate and provided with two opposing support walls and each of said vertical positioning members has a lug extending from the housing into the recess of a vertical guide member so that, in the rest position of the housing, a peripheral surface of said lug is in contact with the opposing support walls of said recess.

[0024] Where appropriate, the recess of each vertical guide element may have a U-shaped profile, with the opposite bearing walls of this recess being substantially parallel to each other and normal to a substantially vertical axis. Preferably, each vertical positioning element and the vertical guide element with which it cooperates may form a short centering connection.

[0025] In one embodiment of the invention, the plate comprises at least one stop mounted opposite one of the guide members, and each elastically deformable member includes a spring fixed to one of the positioning members and cooperating with said stop(s) of the plate. By way of non-limiting example, the plate may comprise four stops, each mounted opposite one of the double longitudinal guide members, and the lighting device may comprise four elastically deformable members, each comprising a spring fixed to one of the double longitudinal guide members.

[0026] Advantageously, the spring comprises a torsion spring wound around the positioning member and two arms extending from one of the arms of the torsion spring, each arm contacting a lateral face of the stop. Preferably, the arms contact the lateral face on either side of the stop. The recoil of the housing relative to the plate, under the force of contact exerted on the luminous device, thus causes a displacement of the arms due to contact with the stop, and consequently a deformation of the torsion spring, thereby returning the housing to its rest position. Furthermore, the torsion spring forms a hinge allowing the housing to pivot relative to the plate around an axis passing through the positioning member, particularly when the torsion spring is not under load.

[0027] Advantageously, each arm extends from one of the spring's branches at an angle to that branch, such that the arms cross. In this way, the arms cross behind the stop, locking the spring against it. If desired, each arm can extend from its branch at an angle such that the arms form an angle with each other of approximately 45°.

[0028] Advantageously, the lateral face of the stop has a profile defining a cam that cooperates with each of the arms. This cam allows, on the one hand, for defining a spring retention threshold and, on the other hand, for modulating the recoil force of the housing.

[0029] For example, the cam can be arranged so that the torsion spring deforms only if a force exceeding a given threshold is applied to the housing. This retention threshold prevents movement of the housing relative to the mounting plate that could be caused by vibrations from the movement of the motor vehicle.

[0030] Alternatively, or cumulatively, the cam is arranged so that the evolution of the angle between the spring arms caused by a force applied to the housing is non-linear. In other words, the deformation of the torsion spring, and therefore the restoring force exerted by this spring, is not linear, and it is possible to control how the housing retracts relative to the plate and is returned to its rest position. For example, a cam profile could be designed to allow a significant retraction of the housing at the beginning of its travel, followed by a smaller retraction as it approaches the end of its travel. Alternatively, a cam profile could be designed to limit the retraction of the housing at the beginning of its travel and then allow a greater retraction as it approaches the end of its travel.

[0031] If desired, the side face of the stop may have a lip against which the spring arms bear. The lip may extend, continuously or discontinuously, over all or part of the perimeter of the side face.

[0032] Advantageously, the end of each arm is curved to form a hook. This hook then presses against the stop when the arm is extended, thus defining the spring's end-of-travel position. Preferably, the hook's profile can be shaped to match the profile of the stop's side face.

[0033] The lighting device according to the invention can be any vehicle lighting device, including a front projector (also called a vehicle headlight), a rear light, a side or repeater light, an illuminated front grille, a light panel arranged on the front or rear of the vehicle.

[0034] Another object of the invention is a vehicle comprising a lighting device according to the invention, the plate being fixed by said fixing members to the chassis of the vehicle and / or to the body of the vehicle.

[0035] The present invention is now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures represent:

[0036] [ Fig. 1 ] represents, schematically and partially, a rear view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] [ Fig. 2 ] represents, schematically and partially, a top view of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ] ;

[0038] [ Fig. 3 ] represents, schematically and partially, a side view of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ] ;

[0039] [ Fig. 4 ] represents, schematically and partially, an example of the realization of an elastically deformable organ used in the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ].

[0040] In the following description, identical elements, whether structural or functional, appearing in different figures retain the same references unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "vertical," "front," "rear," "top," and "bottom" should be interpreted in the context of the orientation of the lighting device as depicted, corresponding to normal use of the lighting device, such as when mounted in a motor vehicle.

[0041] We have represented in [ Fig. 1 ] a lighting device 1 of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. The [ Fig. 2 ] represents a top view of the lighting device 1 and the [ Fig. 3 ] represents a side view of the lighting device 1.

[0042] In the example described, the light device 1 is arranged as a left front headlight of a motor vehicle.

[0043] The lighting device 1 includes a plate 2 comprising mounting elements (not shown) for attaching the lighting device 1 to a vehicle chassis. These mounting elements may, for example, consist of a plurality of mounting tabs extending from the plate 2 and intended to be screwed into a plurality of mounting points on the chassis.

[0044] The lighting device 1 also includes a housing 3 closed by a protective glass cover 4, defining an enclosed volume within which are arranged a plurality of light modules (not shown) and a sensor, for example of the lidar type, capable of detecting the presence of an obstacle and possibly estimating the position of said obstacle relative to the motor vehicle. The lighting device 1 thus has an optical axis X, defined by the overall direction of emission of the light modules arranged in the housing 3. The housing 3 also extends transversely along an axis Y and vertically along an axis Z. These axes X, Y, and Z have thus been projected onto each of the [Fig. 1] à [Fig. 3] .

[0045] The mounting plate 2 forms a frame through which the housing 3 passes. This frame forms a rigid structure by which the housing 3 is attached to the light-emitting vehicle. The housing 3 is mounted movably, with at least three degrees of freedom, on the mounting plate 2, so that contact with the lens 4 can cause the housing to recoil relative to the mounting plate 2, in any translational and / or rotational manner. The light-emitting device 1 is, however, equipped with a plurality of elastically deformable elements by which the housing 3 is connected to the mounting plate 2, so that the housing 3 can be returned to an isostatic rest position relative to the mounting plate.

[0046] To define this isostatic rest position, the plate 2 has six guide members 51 to 56, distributed around the entire perimeter of the frame. Two members 51 and 52 are arranged on an upper post 21 of the plate 2, two members 53 and 54 are arranged on a lower post 22 of the plate 2, and two members 55 and 56 are each arranged on a lateral post 23, respectively 24, of the plate 2. The [ Fig. 2 ] shows enlargements of organs 51 and 52.

[0047] The guide members 51 to 54 are longitudinal guide members, each having a recess in a rear wall of the plate 2. The guide members 52 and 54 are also lateral guide members, these members being thus said to be double.

[0048] The recesses of the members 51 and 53 have a V-shaped profile and are provided for this purpose with a vertical support wall 51a, respectively 53a, substantially normal to the optical axis X. The recess of the member 51 is vertically superimposed with the recess of the member 53.

[0049] The recesses of the members 52 and 54 also have a V-shaped profile and are provided for this purpose with two supporting walls 52a and 52b, respectively 54a and 54b, joined together, making an angle of approximately 90° between them, and each extending vertically and obliquely to the optical axis X. The recess of the member 52 is vertically superimposed with the recess of the member 54.

[0050] The double guide members 52 and 54 each have two teeth 52c, extending the bearing walls of their recess.

[0051] The guide members 55 and 56 are vertical guide members, each having a recess formed in a rear wall of the plate 2. Each recess has a U-shaped profile and is provided for this purpose with two opposing bearing walls 55a and 55b, respectively 56a and 56b, parallel to each other and each extending horizontally and normal to the Z-axis. The recesses are also extended by teeth.

[0052] To cooperate with these guiding elements and in order to define the isostatic rest position of the housing 3, the housing 3 includes six positioning elements 61 to 66.

[0053] Each positioning member 61 to 66 has a cylindrical lug extending from a peripheral wall of the housing and having a peripheral surface through which it can come into contact with one of the guide members 51 to 56. The lugs are thus distributed on the peripheral wall of the housing in a similar manner to the recesses of the guide members 51 to 56. The positioning members 61 and 63 are therefore longitudinal positioning members, the positioning members 62 and 64 are double positioning members, namely longitudinal and transverse, and the positioning members 65 and 66 are vertical positioning members.

[0054] The guiding elements and the positioning elements, when in contact, thus form links between the housing 3 and the plate 2 defining an isostatic position of the housing 3 on the plate 2.

[0055] More specifically, each of the lugs of the double longitudinal positioning members 61 to 64 is adapted to come into contact with the support wall(s) of one of the longitudinal guide members 51 to 54 so that the housing 3, in its rest position, rests flat against the plate 2, in a plane substantially vertical and normal to the optical axis X of the light-emitting device. This connection ensures that the housing 3 is immobilized in its rest position along this optical axis X.

[0056] Each of the lugs of the double positioning members 62 and 64 is also capable of contacting the bearing surfaces of one of the double guide members 52 and 54 so that the housing 3, in its rest position, is in a straight linear connection with the plate 2, in a substantially vertical direction. This connection ensures that the housing 3 is immobilized in its rest position along the Y-axis.

[0057] Each of the lugs of the vertical positioning members 65 and 66 is able to come into contact with the support walls of one of the vertical guide members 55 and 56 so that the housing is, in its rest position, in a sliding connection with the plate, in a substantially horizontal direction parallel to the Y axis. This connection makes it possible to immobilize the housing 3 in its rest position along the Z axis.

[0058] It should be noted that for the recesses of the guide members 51 and 53, when the lug of the positioning member 61 and 63 is in contact with the bearing surface 51a, respectively 53a of this recess, there is clearance between a second wall 51b of the V-shaped profile of this recess and this lug. Furthermore, the height of the lug of each double positioning member 62 and 64 is significantly greater than that of the recess of the associated double guide member 52 and 54, so that together they form a short centering connection. The lugs of the vertical positioning members 65 and 66 are also dimensioned to form a short centering connection with the associated recesses. The housing 3 can thus move in several directions and can follow complex trajectories without risking significant deformation stresses on the housing 3.

[0059] In order to allow the return of the housing 3 to its rest position, the light device 1 includes four elastically deformable members 7 connecting the housing 3 to the plate 2. The plate 2 includes four stops 8, each provided at the right of one of the guide members 51 to 54 and each elastically deformable member 7 includes a spring fixed on one of the positioning members 61 to 64 and cooperating with one of said stops 8 of the plate.

[0060] In the [Fig. 1] à [Fig. 3] , only one of these organs 7 and only one of these stops 8 have been represented, for the sake of clarity, it being understood that these organs and stops are identical and that the description which will be made of this organ 7 and this stop 8, in connection with the [ Fig. 4 ], is applicable to all others.

[0061] The spring comprises a torsion spring 71 wound on the lug of the positioning member 62 and two arms 72 and 73 each extending from one of the branches of said torsion spring.

[0062] Each arm 72 and 73 comes into contact with a lateral face 81 of the stop 8, on either side of the stop.

[0063] Each arm 72 and 73 extends at an angle with the spring 71 so that the arms cross behind the stop, making an angle between them approximately equal to 45°.

[0064] The recoil of the housing 3 relative to the plate 2, under the force of a contact exerted on the glass 4, thus causes a separation of the arms 72 and 73, due to the contact with the stop 8, and therefore a deformation of the torsion spring 71 thus causing the housing 3 to return to its rest position.

[0065] The lateral face 81 of the stop 8 has a profile defining a cam that cooperates with each of the arms 72 and 73. This cam is arranged, firstly, so that the torsion spring 71 deforms only if a force exceeding a given threshold is exerted on the housing 3. Secondly, the cam is arranged so that the angle between the arms 72 and 73 changes non-linearly with respect to a force exerted on the housing. In other words, it is possible to control how the housing retracts relative to the plate and is returned to its rest position.

[0066] The lateral face 81 of the stop 8 has a rim 82 against which the arms 72 and 73 rest.

[0067] Finally, the end of each of the arms 72 and 73 is bent to form a hook 74 and 75 coming against the stop 8 to fit the profile of the lateral face 81 and define an end-of-travel position of the spring.

[0068] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set for itself, namely to obtain a luminous device capable of repeatedly absorbing a shock, regardless of the direction of that shock, without risking damage or misalignment of the various components it contains, by allowing the housing of this luminous device to recoil under the effect of the shock and then returning the housing to an isostatic rest position.

[0069] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically operative combination of these means as defined by the attached claims.

[0070] Furthermore, this detailed description is applicable to any vehicle lighting device whose housing, such as housing 3, is mounted in a plate, such as plate 2. This lighting device may also be, in particular: A rear light, the mounting plate being intended to be arranged at the rear of the rear wing, the tailgate, or at the rear under the tailgate of the vehicle; a side or repeater light, the mounting plate being intended in particular to be arranged in a corresponding part of the chassis and / or body of the vehicle; an illuminated front grille, the mounting plate being intended in particular to be arranged on the front of the vehicle, a portion of the grille forming the housing according to the invention; a light panel, in particular arranged on the front or rear of the vehicle, especially for displaying information, the mounting plate being intended in particular to be arranged in a corresponding part of the chassis and / or body of the vehicle. In these various cases, the housing is arranged on the mounting plate similarly to what is illustrated.

Claims

1. Lighting device (1) for a vehicle, comprising a plate (2) including means for fixing the lighting device to a vehicle chassis, a housing (3) and at least one lighting module arranged in the housing, characterised in that the plate includes guide means (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56), in that the housing comprises positioning members (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66), each positioning member being associated with one of the guide members and being capable of coming into contact with at least one point on this associated guide member to define a rest position for the housing on the plate, the housing being mounted so as to be movable, according to at least three degrees of freedom, on the plate by at least one elastically deformable member (7) capable of returning the housing to said rest position, in that the housing (3) comprises at least three longitudinal members (61, 62, 63, 64) for positioning along a longitudinal axis (X), in that the plate (2) comprises at least three longitudinal guide members (51, 52, 53, 54) along the longitudinal axis (X), and in that each of said longitudinal positioning members is capable of coming into contact with one of the longitudinal guide members so that the at least three longitudinal positioning and guide members form, in the rest position, a flat support for the housing against the plate in a plane normal to the longitudinal axis (X) , in that the housing (3) comprises at least two lateral positioning members (62, 64) along a lateral axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), in that the plate (2) comprises at least two lateral guide members (52, 54) along the lateral axis (Y), and in that each of said lateral positioning members is capable of coming into contact with one of the lateral guide members so that the at least two lateral positioning and guide members form, in the rest position, a straight linear connection between the housing and the plate in a normal direction to the lateral axis (Y) and axis along a vertical axis (Z), the vertical axis (Z) being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) and the lateral axis (Y), in that the housing (3) comprises at least two vertical positioning members (65, 66) along the vertical axis (Z), in that the plate (2) comprises at least two vertical guide members (55, 56) along the vertical axis (Z), and in that each of said vertical positioning members is capable of coming into contact with a vertical guide member of the plate so that the at least two vertical positioning and guide members form, in the rest position, a sliding connection between the housing and the plate oriented along the lateral axis (Y).

2. Lighting device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the plate (2) forms a frame surrounding the housing (3), the guide elements (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) being arranged around the entire circumference of the frame.

3. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which each of said longitudinal guide members (51, 52, 53, 54) of the plate (2) comprises a recess formed in the plate and provided with a support wall (51a, 52a, 53a, 54a), and wherein each of said longitudinal positioning members (61, 62, 63, 64) comprises a lug extending from the housing (3) into the recess of one of the longitudinal guide members so that, in the rest position of the housing, a peripheral surface of said lug is in contact with the support wall of this recess.

4. Lighting device (1) according to claim 3, in which at least two longitudinal positioning members (62, 64) are also lateral positioning members, in which at least two longitudinal guide members (52, 54) are also lateral guide members, these positioning and guide members being referred to as double, wherein the recess of each double guide member is provided with two adjoining support walls (52a, 52b, 54a, 54b), and wherein the lug of each double positioning member extends from the housing (3) into one of said recesses of the double guide members so that, in the rest position of the housing, the peripheral surface of this lug is in contact with the two adjoining support walls of this recess.

5. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which each of said vertical guide members (55, 56) of the plate (2) comprises a recess formed in the plate and provided with two opposing support walls (55a, 55b, 56a, 56b) and wherein each of said vertical positioning members (65, 66) comprises a lug extending from the housing (3) into the recess of a vertical guide member such that, in the rest position of the housing, a peripheral surface of said lug is in contact with the opposite support walls of said recess.

6. Lighting device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the plate (2) comprises at least one stop (8) mounted opposite one of the guide members (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56) and in which the or each elastically deformable member (7) comprises a spring fixed to one of the positioning members (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66) and cooperating with the or one of said stops on the plate.

7. Lighting device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the spring comprises a torsion spring (71) wound around said positioning member (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66) and two arms (72, 73) each extending from one of the legs of said torsion spring, each arm coming into contact with a side face of the stop (8).

8. Vehicle comprising a lighting device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, the plate (2) being secured by said securing members to the vehicle chassis and / or to the vehicle bodywork.