System for motor vehicle using a surface light source

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device comprising at least one surface light source (100) and a support (200) thereof, in which the surface light source (100) has a fixing member (1) having a cross-section in which a "T" shape is present, and in which the support (200) has a receiving part (2) of the fixing member (1), a cross-section of the receiving part (2) having a shape complementary to the cross-section of the fixing member (1). In the lighting device according to the invention, the fastening member (1) comprises an upright (10) and a head (11), the upright (10) extending from a lower face (101) of the surface light source (200), the upright (10) and the head (11) defining, with this lower face (101), at least one engagement groove (3a, 3b) in the receiving portion (2) of the support (200). Application to motor vehicles.

Description

[0001] The field of the present invention is that of lighting and / or signaling devices for motor vehicles, and the present invention relates more particularly to lighting and / or signaling devices which implement at least one surface light source.

[0002] Aesthetic and regulatory developments, and the changing constraints of weight and size of the elements entering a motor vehicle mean that there is an increasing demand for producing lighting and / or signaling devices that combine extensive aesthetic possibilities with luminous power, long service life, small size, flexibility and ease of implementation. In this sense, the use of light sources comprising one or more surface light sources and, in particular, one or more organic light-emitting diodes, is a research and development avenue that opens up wide possibilities both in terms of optical performance and in terms of design flexibility.

[0003] An organic light-emitting diode, or OLED, from the English acronym OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), typically comprises a light module formed by two electrodes between which is placed a set of organic layers which, under the effect of a voltage applied between the two electrodes, emit light. The assembly formed by the electrodes and the organic layers is generally sandwiched between two substrates of a translucent material. In practical terms, an OLED source for a lighting and / or signaling system of a motor vehicle is typically composed of an emitting part formed by the aforementioned organic layers, electrodes and substrates, and a base on which the emitting part is fixed by a suitable adhesive, the assembly being connected to a power supply and control device by suitable connection means.

[0004] Surface light sources, and in particular OLED sources, are increasingly used in the automotive field, both for lighting or signaling the vehicle itself and for aesthetic reasons, in particular for questions of visual and luminous signature of the vehicle. In this context, the present invention finds a preferred, but not exclusive, application to lights intended for the rear signaling of motor vehicles.

[0005] Such a light comprises, in a known manner, a housing closed by a glass, the housing and the closing glass together delimiting a volume for receiving one or more light sources. Such a light further comprises a support for the light sources which separates the receiving volume into an optical volume, visible from outside the vehicle, in which the emitting parts of the light sources are located, and a technical volume in which the elements for connecting the light sources to a device for powering and controlling these sources are located. Such a support is conventionally produced by injection, into a mold, of a material chosen for its thermal and mechanical properties. In the case of a light using surface light sources, these must be fixed to this support.

[0006] The technical problem to which the present invention proposes a solution is that of fixing surface light sources on such a support. Indeed, the currently implemented fixing method requires support shapes whose production by molding is complex and expensive, in particular because this fixing method requires the use of molds comprising drawers. Furthermore, these drawers induce molding traces on the support, molding traces which can generate visual quality defects. The known fixing method also creates design constraints on the surface light sources, limiting the aesthetic possibilities and preventing the full benefits of the technology of these surface light sources from being taken advantage of.Finally, in the currently implemented fixing method, the surface light sources are received between two fins substantially parallel to each other and configured to project from a surface of the support: it is understood that when the surface light sources are put in place, any movements of the latter relative to the support are limited only by these fins, i.e. in a single direction of space. Furthermore, the abutment of the surface light sources is not reliably ensured. This may result in slight offsets and / or reproducibility defects in the placement of the surface light sources. When they emit light, this may generate visual discontinuities, sources of quality rejection.

[0007] US 5,924,790 A and CN205991336U describe attachments of a light source to a support.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a simple, reproducible fixing method, the implementation of which is compatible with a simple and less expensive production of the support intended to carry the surface light sources in a lighting and / or signaling light, for example a rear light, of a motor vehicle.

[0009] For this purpose, the invention relates to a lighting and / or signaling system according to claim 1.

[0010] The support of the lighting device is, for example, a mask intended to hide a technical volume of a rear light of a motor vehicle.

[0011] According to the invention, the receiving part comprises a guide portion of the fixing member and an engagement portion of the fixing member, located in the extension of one another in a main direction of elongation of the receiving part. It should be understood here that the guide portion and the engagement portion are located side by side at the end of one another in the longitudinal direction, and that they share, at their intersection, a common end.

[0012] A surface light source is understood to mean a source having a light-emitting surface and whose dimensions of the light-emitting surface are significantly greater than the height of the surface source, for example whose area is greater than or equal to 1 cm 2< , or even greater than 10 cm 2< .

[0013] Advantageously, the surface light source comprises an emitting part which is in the general form of a plate, one face of which emits light. In the following, the emitting face of the surface light source will be arbitrarily designated as "upper".

[0014] Advantageously, the fixing member extends from a base attached, by a suitable adhesive, against a face of the emitting part of the surface light source opposite the aforementioned upper face.

[0015] According to a characteristic of the invention, the fixing member is formed of an upright topped with a head, the upright extending from a lower face of the surface light source, the upright and the head delimiting, with this lower face, at least one engagement groove in the receiving part of the support.

[0016] Advantageously, the head terminates the fixing member since there is no material extending from the head and in a direction opposite to that directed towards the surface light source. In other words, there is no additional amount emerging from the head other than the amount constituting the fixing member.

[0017] It should be understood here that the lower face of the surface light source is understood to mean the lower face of the base previously defined, that is to say the face of the base opposite the face by which the latter is attached to the emitting part of the surface light source.

[0018] The amount of the fixing member is advantageously in the form of a bar which extends from the lower face of the surface light source, in a first direction, called the height of the fixing member, substantially perpendicular to this lower face. This amount also extends along the lower face of the surface light source in a second direction, or main direction of extension, also called the longitudinal direction of the surface light source in the following. The dimension of the amount of the fixing member in this longitudinal direction will be designated as the length of the fixing member in the following.

[0019] According to an advantageous, but not exclusive, variant embodiment, the amount of the fixing member has substantially the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped: its cross section, along a straight cutting plane perpendicular to the aforementioned longitudinal direction, therefore has the general shape of a rectangle.

[0020] The head of the fixing member extends substantially parallel to the lower face of the surface light source, from a lower edge of the upright of the fixing member opposite the edge by which this upright is attached to the lower face of the surface light source. Advantageously, the head of the fixing member extends, in the longitudinal direction previously defined, substantially over the entire length of the fixing member.

[0021] Advantageously, the head of the fixing member extends substantially symmetrically on either side of the upright of the fixing member, in a transverse direction perpendicular to the aforementioned longitudinal direction and to the previously defined height. The dimension of the head of the fixing member in this transverse direction is defined as the width of this head. It will be noted that a ratio between the width of the head and a width of the upright, measured along the same straight line, is greater than at least three. The head is thus significantly wider than the upright, so as to form usable grooves.

[0022] It follows from the above that the cross-section of the assembly formed by the upright and the head of the fixing member, along a straight section plane perpendicular to the aforementioned longitudinal direction, has the general shape of a "T" whose vertical branch is formed by the cross-section of the upright of the fixing member, and whose horizontal branch is formed by the cross-section of the head of the fixing member.

[0023] It results from this particular configuration of the upright and the head of the fixing member that the lower face of the surface light source delimits, with the vertical branch of the aforementioned T-shape, materialized by the upright of the fixing member, and with each part of the horizontal branch of this T, materialized by the two parts of the head of the fixing member which extend transversely on either side of the upright thereof, an engagement groove. The fixing member thus forms, with the lower face of the surface light source, two engagement grooves located on either side of the upright of the fixing member in the transverse direction previously defined.

[0024] According to another characteristic of the invention, the stop comprises at least one blocking wall, and advantageously two blocking walls, which extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fixing member, in particular along a plane substantially perpendicular to the previously defined longitudinal direction. This blocking wall extends, from the lower face of the surface light source, to one end, in the longitudinal direction, of the upright of the fixing member. Advantageously, the dimension, in the aforementioned transverse direction, of the blocking wall, is at least equal to the dimension, in this same transverse direction, of the head of the fixing member. The blocking wall thus forms, at the end of the upright of the fixing member to which it is attached, a closure of the previously defined engagement grooves.

[0025] Upright, head and locking wall form the fixing member of the surface light source, configured to cooperate by engagement with the receiving part of the support of the surface light source.

[0026] The receiving part of the support of the lighting device according to the invention has, taken separately or in combination, one or more of the following characteristics: the engagement portion projects from the guide portion in a direction perpendicular to a plane in which the guide portion is inscribed. Advantageously, the guide portion also projects, in this same elevation direction, from a surface of the support on which the receiving portion is arranged. In other words, the receiving portion as a whole forms a projection from the mask, the engagement portion is formed of two side walls, a top wall extending between the side walls, an inlet wall, and optionally an end wall, which together define a cavity for receiving the surface light source fixing member. The side walls of the engagement portion are substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the top wall. The inlet wall and the end wall are both perpendicular to both the top wall and the side walls of the engagement portion, and they extend between them.Advantageously, the side walls of the engagement portion extend from the surface of the support on which the receiving part is arranged, the entry wall of the engagement portion is arranged at the intersection of the guide portion and the engagement portion, in the main direction of elongation of the receiving part, the entry wall comprises an opening forming an entrance to the aforementioned receiving cavity. In other words, the shapes and dimensions of the opening are defined to allow the engagement of the fixing member of the surface light source within the receiving cavity through this opening, a slot is arranged in the upper wall of the engagement portion. The largest dimension of this slot is directed in the main direction of elongation of the receiving part.More precisely, this slot extends in a substantially median position of the upper wall of the engagement portion, in a transverse direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction of elongation and to a direction of elevation of the receiving portion, a width of the slot, measured perpendicular to the main direction of elongation of the receiving portion, is greater close to the guide portion than close to an end edge longitudinally delimiting the slot. In this way, the insertion of the fixing member into the receiving portion is facilitated. The width of the slot can evolve linearly, by keeping side walls parallel to each other or by inclining them.The side walls can therefore be inclined relative to each other so that the width of the slot, measured perpendicular to the main direction of elongation of the receiving part, is greater near the guide portion than near an end edge which terminates the slot, the entry wall forms a zone of the receiving part against which the stop between the fixing member and the receiving part bears to limit an insertion movement of the fixing member into the receiving part, advantageously, the dimensions of this slot are complementary to the dimensions of the upright of the fixing member and, in particular, the height and width thereof as previously defined, in such a way that this upright can be easily inserted into this slot and move therein, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the upright.In addition, the thickness of the upper wall is advantageously defined as less than the height of the upright of the fixing member, such that the lateral edges of the aforementioned slot can be engaged in the engagement grooves of the fixing member, at one of its ends in the main direction of elongation of the receiving part, the slot opens onto the entry wall of the engagement portion in an opening configured to allow the passage of the upright of the fixing member.At its opposite end along this main direction of elongation, the slot is limited by a bottom substantially parallel to the entry wall of the receiving cavity of the fixing member, the dimension of the slot, measured along the main direction of elongation of the engagement portion of the receiving part, between the aforementioned opening and bottom, is at least equal to the length of the upright of the fixing member, each side wall comprises, on its inner face oriented towards the receiving cavity of the fixing member, a shoulder for guiding the head of the fixing member of the surface light source. Advantageously, each of these shoulders is arranged on the side of the upper wall of the engagement portion, and its dimension, along the main direction of elongation of the receiving part, is substantially equal to the dimension, along this same direction, of the previously defined slot.More precisely, each shoulder is located, according to the previously defined elevation direction, closer to the upper wall of the receiving cavity of the fixing member than to the surface of the support from which the receiving part emerges. Advantageously, the dimension, measured perpendicular to the main direction of elongation of the receiving part, between the two shoulders, is at least equal to the width of the head of the fixing member.

[0027] The surface light source is fixed to its support as follows: the head of the fixing member is placed in abutment on the guide portion and is caused to slide along it, until the end of the fixing member opposite the stop, called the front end, reaches the opening of the previously defined receiving cavity. Such an arrangement makes it possible to align the "T" of the fixing member with the receiving portion, the fixing member is engaged in the receiving cavity according to a longitudinal translation, that is to say according to a movement parallel to the longitudinal direction of the fixing member. More precisely, the lateral edges of the slot arranged in the upper wall of the engagement portion are each received in an engagement groove of the fixing member. Each engagement groove thus forms a sliding and guiding rail in which a lateral edge of the slot engages.In this sliding movement, the amount of the fixing member slides along the previously defined slot, and the side walls of the head of the fixing member slide along each guide shoulder arranged in the side walls of the engagement portion. Each of these shoulders therefore forms a complementary guide for the fixing member in its movement within the receiving cavity, the sliding of the fixing member along the previously defined slot continues until the blocking wall abuts against the entry wall of the engagement portion.

[0028] It follows from the above that, when the surface light source is fixed on its support, the longitudinal direction of its fixing member and the main direction of elongation of the receiving part of the support are merged. Similarly, the direction of elevation of the receiving part and the direction of the height of the fixing member are merged, and the same is true of the width of the fixing member and the transverse direction of the engagement portion.

[0029] Thus, the height, width and length, previously defined, of the fixing member, become, when the surface light source is received in the receiving cavity, respectively height, width and length of this lighting device. It should however be noted here that these names do not in any way prejudge the final orientation of the lighting device according to the invention in a lighting and / or signaling light of a motor vehicle.

[0030] When the surface light source is assembled with its support to form the lighting device according to the invention, it is blocked in several directions in space: firstly, the stop of the fixing member against the receiving part, in particular by pressing the blocking wall against the entry wall and / or the front end of the fixing member against the end edge of the slot, form a blocking in the same direction of the longitudinal direction previously defined, the lateral edges of the slot, as well as the side walls of the engagement portion, possibly the shoulders arranged on them, form a blocking in two directions of the transverse direction previously defined, the T-shape of the fixing member and the engagement of the lateral edges of the slot in the engagement grooves delimited by the fixing member and the lower face of the surface light source achieve a blocking in two directions of the elevation direction of the lighting device according to the invention.

[0031] Such blocking guarantees the reproducible mounting of the surface light source on its support, thus fulfilling one of the aims that the invention has set for itself.

[0032] Furthermore, the shapes of the receiving part arranged on the support of the surface light source allow this support to be produced by a simple molding operation, in particular not requiring the use of drawer molds: the manufacturing process of such a support is therefore simplified, and of lower cost, thus fulfilling another of the aims that the invention has set for itself.

[0033] According to another aspect of the invention making it possible to further facilitate the mounting of the surface light source on its support, the invention provides a hook for pre-mounting the surface light source on the support. Such a pre-mounting hook comprises a lug arranged projecting from a side wall of the engagement portion and a flexible tab arranged on the fixing member. According to an alternative embodiment, the pre-mounting hook extends within the receiving cavity of the fixing member in the receiving part of the support. This pre-mounting hook comprises the lug which advantageously extends projecting from one of the side walls of the engagement portion, inside the aforementioned receiving cavity.

[0034] The pre-assembly hook also comprises, arranged at the front end of the upright of the fixing member, the flexible tab configured to cooperate with the aforementioned lug. As a reminder, the front end of the upright of the fixing member is the end of this upright which is opposite, in the longitudinal direction of this fixing member, to the end of said upright which comprises the locking wall. Advantageously, the flexible tab is configured in such a way that, in the longitudinal sliding movement of the fixing member within the receiving cavity, it deforms when it reaches the aforementioned lug and then, once the longitudinal sliding movement has led it to cross this lug, it comes to bear against it, preventing any sliding movement in the opposite direction.In other words, the pre-assembly hook formed by the lug and the flexible tab locks the surface light source in the receiving part in the longitudinal direction of the lighting device according to the invention, in the direction opposite to the direction of insertion of the surface light source with its support. This makes it possible to carry out a pre-assembly, which prevents the surface light source(s) from accidentally coming out of the support in the event of manipulation of the latter.

[0035] Preferably, the surface light source has a light emitting surface greater than 1 cm 2< , or even greater than 10 cm 2< . Preferably, the surface light source is an organic light-emitting diode.

[0036] The invention also extends to a lighting and / or signaling system for a motor vehicle comprising at least one lighting device having, taken separately or in combination, one or more of the characteristics which have just been described.

[0037] Advantageously, such a lighting system comprises a plurality of lighting devices as just described, all fixed on a support common to the plurality of surface light sources. Advantageously, the surface light sources are arranged in a staggered pattern on this support: such an arrangement makes it possible, in particular, to increase the luminous surface generated by these sources within the lighting and / or signaling light.

[0038] According to this aspect of the invention, such a lighting and / or signaling system comprises a housing closed by a glass, the housing and the glass together delimiting a receiving volume which houses a plurality of lighting devices according to the invention, the support then forming a mask arranged in the receiving volume to divide it between a first sub-volume in which the lighting devices according to the invention extend and a second sub-volume, called the technical volume or zone, in which the connection elements of each lighting device extend.

[0039] More precisely, the first sub-volume is visible from the outside of the vehicle, while the technical volume is not.

[0040] According to the invention, such a lighting and / or signaling system comprises a single-piece part configured to lock at least two surface light sources on the support, for example in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion of the surface light sources in their receiving part. This single-piece part makes it possible to secure the mounting of the surface light sources on the support, once they are installed on the latter, by means of the fixing members and receiving parts previously described. The single-piece part is thus common to several lighting devices according to the invention.

[0041] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below for information purposes in relation to the following drawings, in which: there figure 1 is a perspective view of an organic light-emitting diode of a lighting device according to the invention, the figure 2 is a perspective view of a receiving portion of an organic light-emitting diode support of a lighting device according to the invention, the figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a lighting device according to the invention, the figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode of a lighting device according to the invention, the figure 5 is a bottom view of a detail of the lighting device according to the invention as illustrated by the figure 4 , there figure 6 is a perspective view of a lighting device as illustrated by the figures 4 et 5 , in which the organic light-emitting diode is assembled with its support, the figure 7 is an exploded view of the various components of a lighting and / or signaling system according to the invention, and the figure 8 is a rear view of a lighting and / or signaling system according to the invention.

[0042] It should first be noted that if the figures set out the invention in detail for its implementation, these figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate.

[0043] Furthermore, to simplify reading, organic light-emitting diodes will be referred to below as OLED diodes, from the Anglo-Saxon acronym Organic Light Emitting Device.

[0044] With reference to the various figures, and as described previously, a lighting device according to the invention comprises at least one OLED diode 100 and a support 200 for fixing the latter. OLED diode 100 and support 200 are mechanically connected by a fixing member 1 provided on the OLED diode 100 side and by a receiving part 2 of the fixing member 1 provided on the support 200 side.

[0045] With particular reference to the figure 1 , an OLED diode 100 of a lighting device according to the invention is formed of a light ray emitting part 110 attached to a base 120 advantageously produced by injection into a mold of a synthetic material. The OLED diode 100 also comprises a connection element 130 making it possible to ensure its electrical connection to a power supply assembly not shown in the figure 1 The connection element 130 is for example a flexible printed circuit board, or even connection wires.

[0046] Formed from a set of organic layers, electrodes and substrates, the emitting part 110 of the OLED diode 100 takes, according to the embodiment variant illustrated by the figure 1 , the general shape of a flat plate of which a lower face 111 is placed against an upper face 121 of the base 120. The lower face 111 of the emitting part 110 is here defined as being the face opposite the emitting face 112 of the OLED diode 100 from which the light rays generated by the OLED diode 100 emerge, also referred to below as the upper face 112 of the OLED diode 100.

[0047] As shown in the figure 1 , the fixing member 1 of the OLED diode 100 comprises an upright 10 which extends from the lower face 101 of the base 120. The lower face 101 of the base 120 is here defined as being the face of this base opposite the upper face 121 by which the latter is attached to the emitting part 110 of the OLED diode 100. By extension, the lower face 101 of the base 120 will be designated in the following as the lower face of the OLED diode 100. Advantageously, the upright 10 of the fixing member 1 extends opposite the upper face 112 of the OLED diode 100, in a direction Z, called height, substantially perpendicular to the lower face 101 of the OLED diode 100. Along the lower face 101 of the OLED diode 100, the upright 10 of the fixing member 1 extends in a main direction of extension X, called the longitudinal direction in the following.The dimensions along this longitudinal direction will be referred to as lengths in the following.

[0048] According to the embodiment variant more particularly illustrated by the figures, the upright 10 of the fixing member 1 is in the general form of a rectangular parallelepiped comprising two lateral faces, respectively 10a, 10b, substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the lower face 101 of the OLED diode 100. More precisely, the lateral faces 10a, 10b of the upright 10 extend along a plane substantially parallel to the height Z and to the longitudinal direction X previously defined. As just defined, the upright 10 of the fixing member 1 has, in particular, a longitudinal plane of symmetry P1 defined by the aforementioned longitudinal direction X and parallel to the lateral faces 10a, 10b, the longitudinal plane of symmetry P1 being a median longitudinal plane of the upright 10 along a transverse direction Y, called width, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and to the height Z previously defined.The upright 10 also comprises, in the longitudinal direction X, an end wall 10d, called the front end, and an end wall 10e, called the rear end. The front end 10d and the rear end 10e are substantially perpendicular to the side walls 10a, 10b. With reference to the . figure 1 , the front end 10d is the end of the upright 10 closest to the connection element 130 of the OLED diode 100, the rear end 10e being the end of the upright 10 furthest from this connection element 130. By extension, the front end 10d and the rear end 10e of the upright 10 will be respectively designated in the following as the front end and rear end of the fixing member 1, and the names "front" and "rear" will be designated with reference to the longitudinal direction X.

[0049] The fixing member 1 also comprises a head 11 which extends substantially parallel to the lower face 101 of the OLED diode 100, on either side of the upright 10 along the width Y. It should be noted that the fixing member 1 is advantageously formed in a single piece made from the same material as the base 120. According to the embodiment variant more particularly illustrated by the figures, the head 11 is in the form of a substantially parallelepiped plate symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal plane P1.

[0050] It results from the respective configuration of the upright 10 and the head 11 that these two elements form, in section along a straight section plane P2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X previously defined, an inverted T whose vertical branch is formed by the upright 10 and the horizontal branch is formed by the head 11. This inverted T extends below the base 120 of the OLED diode 100, substantially perpendicular to the lower face 101 thereof. Here, "below" should be understood to mean that this inverted T shape extends, relative to the base 120 and according to the height Z previously defined, opposite the emitting part 110 of the OLED diode 100. This inverted T shape is more particularly visible on the figure 3 , which shows a section of the lighting device according to the invention along the aforementioned straight section plane P2. In other words, the head 11 delimits, on each side of the upright 10, with each lateral face 10a, 10b of the latter, and with the lower face 101 of the OLED diode 100, an engagement groove, respectively referenced 3a, 3b, which extends in the longitudinal direction X.

[0051] As shown in the figure 1 , the lighting device comprises a stop 12 of the fixing member 1 against the receiving part 2. Such a stop 12 limits the relative movement between this fixing member 1 and the receiving part 2, along the longitudinal direction X of the fixing member 1. The stop 12 is produced at the end of the fixing member 1, and more particularly at the end of the T-shaped part of this fixing member 1. This stop 12 longitudinally closes at least one of the grooves 3a, 3b.

[0052] According to an exemplary embodiment, the stop 12 comprises at least one blocking wall 12a which extends, from the lower face 101 of the OLED diode 100, substantially perpendicular to the upright 10 and to the head 11. The blocking wall 12a thus extends along a plane substantially parallel to both the height Z and the width Y previously defined. More precisely, the blocking wall 12a extends to the rear end 10e of the upright 10 furthest from the electrical connection element 130 of the OLED diode 100. Advantageously, the blocking wall 12a forms a closure of the engagement grooves 3a, 3b, at the end 10e of the upright 10. By way of example, the width of the blocking wall 12a is at least equal to the width of the head 11.

[0053] In reference to the figure 2 , the receiving part 2 of the support 200 of the lighting device according to the invention comprises a first portion 21, called the guide portion, and a second portion 22, called the engagement portion.

[0054] According to the embodiment more particularly illustrated by this figure, the guide portion 21 extends projecting from a surface of the support 200 from which the receiving part 2 emerges, in a direction B of the receiving part 2, called the elevation direction. The guide portion 21 is formed of a substantially planar upper wall 21a and two side walls 21b, 21c, substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the upper wall 21a. The side walls 21b, 21c of the guide portion 21 extend in particular substantially parallel to the elevation direction B. The upper wall 21a of the guide portion extends between the edges of the side walls 21b, 21c opposite the edges by which these side walls are attached to the surface of the support 200.

[0055] The invention provides that the engagement portion 22 projects, in the aforementioned direction of elevation B, from the guide portion 21. The invention also provides that the guide portion 21 and the engagement portion 22 extend in the extension of one another in a main direction of elongation A of the receiving part 2, perpendicular to the aforementioned direction of elevation B. More precisely, the engagement portion 22 extends side by side with the guide portion 21 in the main direction of elongation A of the receiving part 2, from one end of the guide portion 21. Here, by side by side, it is to be understood that the engagement portion 22 is attached, by one of its ends in the aforementioned main direction of elongation A, to one end of the guide portion 21 in this main direction of elongation A. According to the variant embodiment more particularly illustrated by the figure 2 , the guide portion 21 and the engagement portion 22 each have the general form of a substantially parallelepiped block whose largest side extends along the main direction of elongation A. This non-exclusive embodiment variant is particularly advantageous in terms of manufacturing the support 200, in that the production, by injection into a mold of a synthetic material, of the substantially parallelepiped shapes of the receiving part 2, does not require the implementation of drawers in this mold. This makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the support 200.

[0056] The engagement portion 22 is formed of an upper wall 23 and two side walls 24a, 24b substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the upper wall 23 of the engagement portion 22. It also comprises, at its end by which it is attached to the guide portion 21, an inlet wall 25, and, at its opposite end along the main elongation direction A, an end wall 26 substantially parallel to the inlet wall 25. The inlet wall 25, upper wall 23, side walls 24a, 24b, and optionally the end wall 26 of the engagement portion 22, together delimit a cavity 220 for receiving the fixing member 1 of the OLED diode 100.

[0057] According to the invention, the cavity 220 for receiving the fixing member 1 opens into the entry wall 25 of the engagement portion 22 in an opening 250. According to the variant embodiment more particularly illustrated by the figure 2 , the opening 250 extends, on the upper wall 21a of the guide portion 21, into a presentation orifice 210, the interest of which will be explained later.

[0058] It should be noted that, according to the embodiment variant more particularly illustrated by the figures, the side walls, respectively 21c and 24a, of the guide portion 21 and of the engagement portion 22, form a single wall, as do the side walls, respectively 21b and 24b, of the guide portion 21 and of the engagement portion 22. In other words, the dimension, measured perpendicular to the main direction of elongation A of the receiving part 2, between the side walls 21c, 21b, of the guide portion 21, is substantially equal to the dimension, measured perpendicular to the aforementioned main direction of elongation A, between the side walls 24a, 24b, of the engagement portion 22.

[0059] The upper wall 23 of the engagement portion 22 comprises a slot 230 which extends along the main direction of elongation A of the receiving part 2. The slot 230 is limited by two lateral edges 230a, 230b substantially parallel to each other and to the main direction of elongation A. The slot 230 opens into the inlet wall 25, in an engagement opening 231. Advantageously, the slot 230 is centered on the upper wall 23 of the engagement portion 22, that is to say that it extends symmetrically on either side of a plane of symmetry P3 defined by the main direction of elongation A of the receiving part 2 and by the elevation direction B previously defined. The plane of symmetry P3 being a median longitudinal plane of the upper wall 23 in a transverse direction C perpendicular to the direction of elevation B and to the main direction of elongation A.

[0060] At its end opposite the engagement opening 231 along the main direction of elongation A of the receiving part 2, the slot 230 is closed by an end edge 230c substantially perpendicular to the lateral edges 230a, 230b delimiting the slot 230. In other words, the slot 230 forms, in the upper wall 23 of the engagement portion 22, a substantially rectangular groove whose large side is directed along the main direction of elongation A previously defined.

[0061] It will be noted that a width l1, measured perpendicular to the main direction of elongation A between the lateral edges 230a and 230b of the slot 230, is slightly greater than the width l2, measured in the same direction, of the upright 10 of the fixing member 1. Furthermore, a length of the slot 230, in the main direction of elongation A, is substantially equal to a length of the upright 10 of the fixing member 1. It should be understood here that these dimensions are defined in such a way that the upright 10 of the fixing member 1 can be fully inserted easily, but without excessive play, into the slot 230.

[0062] As shown in the figure 3 , each side wall 24a, 24b, of the engagement portion 22 comprises, on its internal face located on the side of the interior volume of the receiving cavity 220, at least one shoulder, respectively two shoulders referenced 27a, 27b, which extends substantially between the inlet wall and the end wall which longitudinally delimit the receiving cavity 220. As shown more precisely in figure 3 , the shoulders 27a, 27b are advantageously arranged from the inner face 23b of the upper wall 23, located inside the receiving cavity 220. Each shoulder 27a, 27b forms a narrowing of the inner volume of the receiving cavity 220. More precisely, a width l3, measured perpendicular to the main direction of elongation A between the shoulders 27a and 27b, is slightly less than a width l4, measured in the same direction between the inner faces of the side walls 24a, 24b of the engagement portion 22.

[0063] The width l3 measured between the shoulders 27a and 27b is greater than the width, measured along the width Y of the fixing member 1, of the head 11. It should be understood here that this dimension is defined in such a way that the head 11 of the fixing member 1 can be inserted between the shoulders 27a, 27b, easily but without excessive play, in particular along the direction of the width of said head 11.

[0064] It follows from the above that along a straight section plane substantially perpendicular to the main direction of elongation A, the slot 230 and the receiving cavity 220 have a shape substantially complementary to the inverted T shape of the assembly formed by the upright 10 and the head 11 of the fixing member 1.

[0065] In reference to the figure 3 , the assembly kinematics of the OLED diode 100 with its support 200 is as follows.

[0066] In a first step of the assembly, the fixing member 1 of the OLED diode 100 is engaged in the receiving cavity 220 previously defined. To facilitate this guidance, the fixing member 1 can be placed in abutment, by its head 11, on the upper wall 21a of the guide portion 21. The front end 10d of the upright 10 of the fixing member 1 is thus engaged in the opening 250 of the entry wall 25. It results from the respective configurations and dimensions of the slot 230 and of the fixing member 1 that the upright 10 then engages in the engagement opening 231 through which the slot 230 opens into the entry wall 25. In this operation, the upper wall 21a of the guide portion 21 and the presentation orifice 210 arranged within it play a guiding role and facilitate the engagement of the fixing member 1 within the receiving cavity 220.

[0067] The fixing member 1 and the OLED diode 100 which carries it are then slid along the main direction of elongation A of the receiving portion 2, towards the end wall 26 of the receiving cavity 220 and the end edge 230c of the slot 230. In this longitudinal sliding movement, it results from the respective dimensions of the slot 230 and the upright 10 of the fixing member 1 that the lateral edges 230a, 230b of the slot 230 each engage in an engagement groove 3a, 3b of the fixing member 1. In other words, each engagement groove 3a, 3b forms a rail in which a part of the upper wall 23 of the engagement portion 22 engages.It should be noted that the lower face 101 of the OLED diode 100 is then substantially in abutment against the outer face 23a of the upper wall 23 of the engagement portion 22, the outer face 23a being the face of the upper wall located outside the receiving cavity 220.

[0068] In the aforementioned sliding movement, the side walls of the head 11 of the fixing member 1 are guided by the shoulders 27a, 27b arranged in the receiving cavity 220. The OLED diode 100 is therefore guided, by the cooperation of its fixing member 1, respectively with the slot 230 and advantageously with the shoulders 27a, 27b, in its sliding within the receiving part 2.

[0069] This sliding movement along the main direction of elongation A continues until the front end 10d of the upright 10 of the fixing member 1 abuts against the end edge 230c of the slot 230. Advantageously, the dimensions and in particular the width of the stop 12 and the dimension, along the transverse direction C previously defined, of the opening 250 are defined in such a way that the stop 12 substantially completely closes this opening 250, thus closing the receiving cavity 220. Such an arrangement limits any light leakage between the technical part and the visible part of the lighting system according to the invention.

[0070] When the sliding movement of the fixing member 1 along the slot 230 is completed, that is to say when the front end 10d of the upright 10 of the fixing member 1 is in abutment against the end edge 230c of the slot 230, the OLED diode 100 is assembled with the support 200 via the receiving part 2, thus forming the lighting device according to the invention. In this position, the longitudinal direction X of the fixing member 1 and the main direction of elongation A of the receiving part 2 are merged, or substantially merged. Likewise, the direction in which the receiving part 2 projects from the support 200 is coincident, or substantially coincident, with the height Z of the fixing member 1. The longitudinal direction X, the height Z, and the width Y, of the fixing member 1 therefore become respectively the longitudinal direction, height and width of the lighting device according to the invention.It also follows that the previously defined planes of symmetry P1 and P3 are merged, or substantially merged.

[0071] In this assembled position of the lighting device according to the invention illustrated in the figure 3 , the OLED diode 100 is blocked relative to the receiving part 2 in different directions and senses: the engagement of the lateral edges 230a, 230b of the slot 230 in the engagement grooves 3a, 3b, of the fixing member 1, achieves a blocking of the fixing member 1 receiving part 2 in the two directions of the direction of the height Z of the lighting device according to the invention. Indeed, the lower face 101 of the OLED diode 100, bearing against the outer face 23a of the upper wall 23 of the engagement portion limits any relative movement of the OLED diode 100 and the receiving part 2 in the two directions of the direction Z, corresponding to the height of the lighting device according to the invention.moreover, the engagement of the lateral edges 230a, 230b of the slot 230 in the engagement grooves 3a, 3b of the fixing member 1, as well as the particular configuration of the head 11 of the fixing member 1 with the receiving cavity 220, achieve a locking of the fixing member 1 relative to the receiving part 2 in both directions of the direction Y, corresponding to the width of the lighting device according to the invention. finally, the stop 12 produced by the support of the front end 10d of the upright 10 of the fixing member 1 against the end edge 230c of the slot 230 and / or the abutment of the blocking wall 12a of the stop 12 against the entry wall 25 of the receiving part 2, produce a blocking of the fixing member 1 with the support 200 in a direction of the longitudinal direction X of the lighting device according to the invention.More precisely, this longitudinal blocking is carried out in the longitudinal direction of insertion of the fixing member 1 into the receiving cavity 220.

[0072] The OLED 100 diode is thus assembled with its support 200 in a simple and reproducible manner.

[0073] THE figures 4 et 5 illustrate the locking of the OLED diode 100 with its support 200, in particular in the longitudinal direction X previously defined, carried out in both directions of this longitudinal direction. To do this, the lighting device comprises a pre-assembly hook 3.

[0074] In reference to the figure 5 , the pre-assembly hook 3 comprises a lug 30 arranged to project, along the width Y of the lighting device according to the invention, from at least one of the side walls 24a, 24b of the engagement portion 22, here the side wall 24a. Advantageously, the lug 30 is arranged, along the longitudinal direction X of the lighting device according to the invention, in the immediate vicinity of the end edge of the slot formed in the engagement portion 22, that is to say closer to this end edge than to the entry wall of the engagement portion 22.

[0075] In reference to the figures 4 et 5 , the pre-assembly hook 3 further comprises a flexible tab 31 and a light 32, arranged on or in the head 11 of the fixing member 1. More precisely, the flexible tab 31 and the light 32 are arranged in at least one of the side walls of the head 11. Advantageously, the flexible tab 31 projects relative to the side wall of the head 11. According to the embodiment variant more particularly illustrated by the figures 4 et 5 , non-exclusive, the flexible tongue 31 has a general L shape of which a small branch 31b is oriented in the longitudinal direction X of the lighting device according to the invention and of which a large branch 31a is directed in the aforementioned transverse direction Y.

[0076] According to this variant embodiment, the light 32 also has an L shape substantially complementary to the L shape of the flexible tongue 31. More precisely, the light 32 is formed by a recess in the head 11 around the branches of the L formed by the flexible tongue 31.

[0077] According to the invention, the respective dimensions and / or positions of the lug 30 and the flexible tongue 31 are defined in such a way that, during the longitudinal sliding movement during the insertion of the fixing member 1, within the receiving cavity 220, the lug 30 forms an obstacle to the progression of the fixing member 1. In other words, during this sliding movement, the large branch 31a of the flexible tongue 31 abuts against the lug 30.

[0078] It then results from the flexibility of the flexible tab 31 and the particular conformation of the light 32 that, under the effect of the stress applied longitudinally by the continuation of the sliding movement of the fixing member 1 in the receiving cavity 220, the flexible tab 31 deforms. The large branch 31 then escapes from the lug 30 and crosses the latter.

[0079] In the continuation of the sliding movement of the fixing member 1 in the receiving cavity 220 in the direction of the end wall 26, it results from the natural elasticity of the material constituting the fixing member 1 and of the light 32, that the flexible tongue 31 returns to its initial position. A rear face of the large branch 31a of the flexible tongue 31 then constitutes a longitudinal stop preventing any sliding of the fixing member 1 towards the rear, that is to say in the direction of the entry wall 25 of the receiving cavity 220.

[0080] By placing the pre-assembly hook 3 formed from the lug 30 and the flexible tab 31, the invention therefore makes it possible to ensure intermediate locking of the OLED diode 100 in its support 200, i.e. prior to its final locking.

[0081] There figure 6 illustrates in perspective a lighting device according to the invention as just described and a part of its connection assembly to a power supply device. This figure shows the OLED diode 100 and its support 200, as well as the engagement portion 22 of the receiving part 2. It is also clear from this figure that the support 200 comprises, on the side of the front end of the fixing member 1, a projecting portion 4, a part of which is configured to be placed above the upper face 112 of the OLED diode 100, thus masking the longitudinal head end 11.

[0082] This figure also schematically shows a connector 5 intended to provide the electrical connection between the connection element 130 previously described and a power supply device for the OLED diode 100, not shown in the figure. It is clear that the connector 5 is arranged opposite the receiving part 2 relative to the support 200. In other words, the connector 5 and the lighting device, formed by the OLED diode 100 and the receiving part 2, are each arranged on one side of a wall forming the support 200.

[0083] There figure 7 schematically illustrates the various components of a lighting and / or signaling system of a motor vehicle comprising at least one lighting device according to the invention. With reference to this figure, such a system consists of a housing 6 and a transparent or translucent glass 7, which together delimit a receiving volume 600 of at least one lighting device according to the invention.

[0084] At least one OLED diode 100, received on a support 200, is placed in the reception volume 600. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated by the figure 7 , non-exclusive, the support 200 comprises a plurality of receiving parts 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, each intended to accommodate an OLED diode 100 (only one OLED diode 100 is shown in the figure 7 ).

[0085] According to the particular arrangement illustrated by the figure 7 , the OLED diodes 100 are arranged side by side on the support 200 in the transverse direction Y previously defined. According to other exemplary embodiments, not shown here, the OLED diodes 100 and corresponding receiving parts may, for example, be arranged in a staggered pattern on the support 200, in particular two by two.

[0086] The support 200 here forms a mask which separates the reception volume 600 into a first sub-volume in which the OLED diodes and corresponding reception parts are placed, and a second sub-volume, also designated technical volume, in which the connectors such as the connector 5 illustrated in the figure 6 , by which the OLED diodes 100 are connected to a power supply device.

[0087] There figure 8 illustrates in rear view the lighting and / or signaling system as just described. Here, rear view is understood to mean a view of the support 200 observed from the aforementioned technical volume. According to the invention, a single-piece part 8 is placed against a face 201 of the support 200 oriented towards this technical volume, in such a way that it blocks at least two OLED diodes 100 in their respective receiving part, in particular in the aforementioned longitudinal direction X. Advantageously, the single-piece part 8 blocks all of the OLED diodes 100 of the lighting and / or signaling system in a direction opposite to the direction of insertion of the OLED diodes 100 in the receiving part concerned.

[0088] As more precisely shown in the figure 8 , the single-piece part 8 is common to a plurality of lighting devices according to the invention.

[0089] The common part 8, advantageously fixed on the support 200, for example by at least one screw not shown in the figure 8 , allows complete securing of all the OLED diodes 100 in their receiving part in a single step of fixing the single-piece part 8.

[0090] The lighting devices according to the invention are electrically connected to a printed circuit board 35 via a common connection element 500, to which all or part of the previously described connection elements 130 can be linked. The electrical connection of the printed circuit board 35 is then carried out by means of a connection assembly 9 to an electrical power supply device external to the lighting system.

[0091] The invention thus makes it possible to produce a lighting device and a lighting and / or signaling system for a motor vehicle using at least one diode of the OLED diode type, a lighting device and system in which the OLED diode(s) are fixed in a simple and reproducible manner on a support 200, or mask, of simple and inexpensive production.

[0092] The invention described above finds a particularly advantageous, but not exclusive, application to lighting and / or signaling lights located at the rear of motor vehicles.

[0093] The invention described above cannot, however, be reduced to the means and configurations described and illustrated, and it also applies to any equivalent means or configurations and to any combination of such means. In particular, the shapes described and illustrated here, in particular the shape of the emitting part of the OLED diode, the substantially parallelepipedal shapes of the elements of the fixing member 1 of the OLED diode 100 and of the receiving part 2, are not exclusive, and any other shape can be envisaged to the extent that it fulfills the functionalities described in this document.

[0094] Furthermore, if the invention has been illustrated by considering the particular example of an OLED source as a surface light source, it goes without saying that the invention applies to any type of surface light source as defined in the present text.

Claims

1. Lighting and / or signalling system for an automotive vehicle consisting of a housing (6) and a transparent or translucent outer lens (7), which together delimit a volume (600) for housing at least one lighting device comprising at least one surface luminous source (100) and a support (200) therefor, wherein the surface luminous source (100) includes a fastening member (1) extending in a longitudinal direction (X) and having a T-shaped cross section, and wherein the support (200) includes a part (2) for receiving the fastening member (1), a cross section of the receiving part (2) having a shape complementary to the cross section of the fastening member (1), the lighting device comprising at least one stop (12) stopping the fastening member (1) against the receiving part (2), the stop (12) being aligned with the fastening member (1) in the longitudinal direction (X), the receiving part (2) including a guide portion (21) for the fastening member (1) and an engagement portion (22) for the fastening member (1), the guide portion (21) and the engagement portion (22) being aligned with each other in a main direction of elongation (A) of the receiving part (2), the lighting and / or signalling system including a hook (3) for pre-mounting the surface luminous source (100) on the support (200) formed by a lug (30) arranged to project from a side wall (24a, 24b) of the engagement portion (22) and a flexible tongue (31) arranged on the fastening member (1).

2. Lighting and / or signalling system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fastening member (1) comprises an upright (10) topped by a head (11), the upright (10) extending from a lower face (101) of the surface luminous source (100), the upright (10) and the head (11) delimiting, with this lower face (101) of the surface luminous source (100), at least one groove (3a, 3b) for engagement in the receiving part (2) of the support (200).

3. Lighting and / or signalling system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the stop (12) has at least one immobilizing wall (12) which extends substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (X) of the fastening member (1).

4. Lighting and / or signalling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement portion (22) projects from the guide portion (21) in a direction of elevation (B) perpendicular to the main direction of elongation (A).

5. Lighting and / or signalling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement portion (22) comprises an upper wall (23) in which a slot (230) is formed, the largest dimension of which extends substantially in the main direction of elongation (A) of the receiving part (2).

6. Lighting and / or signalling system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the engagement portion (22) comprises a first side wall (24a) and a second side wall (24b), as well as an entry wall (25), which delimit, with the upper wall (23), a cavity (220) for receiving the fastening member (1) of the surface luminous source (100).

7. Lighting and / or signalling system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the entry wall (25) extends at the intersection of the guide portion (21) and the engagement portion (22) in the main direction of elongation (A), substantially perpendicularly to this main direction of elongation (A).

8. Lighting and / or signalling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes a plurality of lighting devices and a support (200) common to the plurality of lighting devices.

9. Lighting and / or signalling system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it includes a one-piece part (8) designed to immobilize at least two surface luminous sources (100) on the support.

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