Lighting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle, characterised in that it comprises: - a printed circuit board (5) provided with a first electrical connection means (15); - a wiring harness (6) provided with a second electrical connection means (16); - a support (11) to which the printed circuit board is directly or indirectly attached, the support comprising an elastic retaining element (20) that is configured to apply pressure to the second electrical connection means in a direction (F1) for connecting the second electrical connection means to the first electrical connection means.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a method of mounting such a lighting device. Prior art

[0002] The lighting systems of motor vehicles must fulfill various lighting functions while integrating harmoniously with the vehicle's silhouette. Thus, lighting systems generally comprise numerous components, including light sources, printed circuit boards controlling these light sources, optical elements capable of guiding the light beams, decorative elements, means of cooling the lighting system, and means of adjusting the direction of a light beam. These lighting systems must also meet robustness requirements while remaining compact, lightweight, and cost-effective. Assembling the various components of a lighting system is a delicate operation due to the large number of components, the precision required for their relative positioning, and limited access to certain areas of the lighting system.

[0003] To meet these needs, card-edge connectors are commonly used to provide an electrical connection to the printed circuit board of the lighting device. However, the use of this type of connector sometimes leads to connection problems because it is difficult to ensure proper contact between the connector and the printed circuit board. Furthermore, it is also difficult to guarantee that this connection will remain secure during vehicle operation, particularly due to the vibrations experienced by the lighting devices.

[0004] Solutions exist for ensuring the connection between an electrical connector and a printed circuit board. One such solution is described, for example, in patent US2019 / 0020132. In these prior art documents, the shape of the printed circuit board and / or the shape of the connector are designed to work together to maintain the connection. However, such solutions are complex to implement and not always effective enough. US2019 / 271457 discloses a lighting device according to the preamble of claim 1. Presentation of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide a lighting device and a method for mounting such a lighting device which remedies the above disadvantages and improves upon lighting devices and their mounting methods known in the prior art.

[0006] More specifically, a first object of the invention is a lighting device equipped with electrical connection means that are easy to plug in and robust against vibrations.

[0007] A second object of the invention is a method for mounting a lighting device that is particularly reliable and easy to implement. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, the lighting device comprising: a printed circuit board provided with a first means of electrical connection, an electrical harness provided with a second means of electrical connection, a support to which the printed circuit board is fixed directly or indirectly, the support comprising an elastic retaining element configured to exert pressure on the second electrical connection means in a direction of connection of the second electrical connection means to the first electrical connection means.

[0009] The first means of electrical connection may be formed by a set of electrical traces on the printed circuit board, said traces leading to an edge of the printed circuit board, and the second means of electrical connection may include a pluggable connector.

[0010] The second electrical connection means may include a flat face extending perpendicularly to said branching direction, said face extending between two lateral edges of the second electrical connection means, and the retaining element may be configured to exert pressure on said face.

[0011] The support can be a single-piece plastic element, particularly polycarbonate.

[0012] The support may include a base to which the printed circuit board is fixed directly or indirectly, and the retaining element may include at least one elastic leg and a support element configured to exert said pressure on the second electrical connection means, at least one leg connecting the support element to the base.

[0013] The support element may extend over the entire width of the second electrical connection means, and the elastic retaining element may include two legs, each connecting a lateral end of the support element to said base, the two legs extending substantially perpendicularly to the support element.

[0014] The support element may include at least one stiffening rib.

[0015] The lighting device may include a light reflector fixed directly or indirectly to the support, and the printed circuit board may be fixed to the support via the light reflector.

[0016] The lighting device may include a heat sink configured to dissipate heat that may be produced by the printed circuit board, the heat sink being attached directly or indirectly to the support, the printed circuit board being attached to the support via the heat sink.

[0017] The heat sink may include a plate having an opening, the printed circuit board being arranged on one first side of the plate, the retaining element being arranged on a second side of the plate opposite the first side, the first electrical connection means and the second electrical connection means defining an electrical connection passing through said opening.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for mounting a lighting device as defined above, the mounting method comprising: a step of direct or indirect fixing of the printed circuit board to the support, then a step of elastic deformation of the retaining element, then a step of positioning the second electrical connection means opposite the first electrical connection means, the elastic retaining element being held under tension, then a step of releasing the retaining element simultaneously with a step of connecting the second electrical connection means with the first electrical connection means. Presentation of the figures

[0019] These objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which: There figure 1 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to one embodiment of the invention. figure 2 is a perspective view of a first subset of the lighting system of the figure 1 including, in particular, a reflector and a printed circuit board for the lighting device. figure 3 is a perspective view of a second subset of the lighting system of the figure 1 including, in particular, the reflector and a heat sink. The figure 4 is a perspective view of a third subset of the lighting system of the figure 1 including the printed circuit board and a support. figure 5is a perspective view of a first means of electrical connection, a second means of electrical connection, and a retaining element for the lighting device of the figure 1 . There figure 6 is a perspective view of the support for the lighting device of the figure 1 . There figure 7 is a perspective view of the second electrical connection means, the heat sink, and the retaining element of the lighting device. figure 1 . Detailed description

[0020] There figure 1This schematically illustrates a lighting device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The lighting device is intended to be attached to a motor vehicle. In the illustrated example, the lighting device is a spotlight intended to be attached to the front of a motor vehicle. Alternatively, the lighting device could be a taillight intended to be attached to the rear of a motor vehicle. The lighting module 1 comprises a housing 2 closed by a transparent or translucent lens 3, and inside which are one or more light sources such as, for example, light-emitting diodes or incandescent bulbs. The lighting device 1 also includes various optical components, among which is a reflector 4 visible through the lens 3. The reflector 4 is intended to receive light rays produced by the light sources and to reflect them through the lens 3.The lighting device may also include other optical components such as light guides and / or optical lenses.

[0021] In this document, the X-axis designates the longitudinal axis of a vehicle. When moving forward in a straight line, the vehicle progresses from rear to front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X-axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle, that is, in the direction of reverse. The Y-axis designates the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y-axis is oriented from left to right, with left and right defined from the perspective of a driver of the vehicle. The Z-axis designates the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis. The vehicle is assumed to be resting on a horizontal surface. The X and Y axes define a horizontal plane, and the Z-axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y, and Z axes form an orthogonal coordinate system. This same coordinate system, defined with reference to a vehicle, will also be used to describe the lighting device 1, even when considered outside the vehicle, since it is intended for mounting in a specific orientation within the vehicle.

[0022] With reference to the figure 2 On which some of the components of the lighting system are masked, it can be seen that the system also includes a printed circuit board 5, that is, an electronic board on which electrical traces are etched and which carries various electronic components. This printed circuit board 5 is electrically connected on one side to the light sources, and on the other side to an electrical harness 6. The electrical harness 6 can itself be electrically connected to an electronic control unit of the vehicle and / or to an on-board electrical power source in the vehicle.

[0023] The printed circuit board 5 extends generally in a horizontal plane, above the reflector 4. The light sources can be arranged on or near the printed circuit board, in particular substantially in the same plane as the printed circuit board 5. In particular, the light sources can be arranged so as to emit light rays downwards, these rays then being reflected forwards by a reflective surface 7 of the reflector 4, the reflective surface 7 having a rounded shape.

[0024] With reference to the figure 3The lighting device 1 also includes a heat sink 8 configured to dissipate the heat that may be generated by the printed circuit board 5, and in particular to dissipate the heat that may be generated by the light sources positioned on the printed circuit board, including the light-emitting diodes. The heat sink 8 includes a plate, in particular a metal plate, at least a first portion 9 of which extends horizontally along the printed circuit board 5, above it. A second portion 10 of the heat sink 8 extends vertically behind the printed circuit board 5.

[0025] The lighting device 1 also includes a support 11 (illustrated on the figure 4configured to directly or indirectly support various components of the lighting device. This support 11 is an interface piece between the housing 2 and various components of the lighting device. To this end, the support 11 may include various fastening means 12 such as holes and / or clips. It may also include positioning means 13 for these components, such as centering pins and / or stops. Finally, it also includes sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the various components attached to it. For this purpose, the support 11 may include stiffening ribs 14. The fastening means 12, the positioning means 13, and the ribs 14 are arranged on a common base 21 of the support 11. Advantageously, the support 11 is a one-piece plastic element, particularly made of polycarbonate. It can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding plastic.

[0026] In particular, base 21 of support 11 supports reflector 4 (masked on the figure 4 ), the printed circuit board 5 and the heat sink 8. Additionally, the support 11 could also support other components of the lighting device, including light sources, and / or optical elements, and / or decorative elements, and / or cooling means, and / or means for adjusting the direction of a light beam produced by the lighting device. The base 21 has a three-dimensional shape conforming to the shape of the components it supports. It preferably extends below and / or behind the components it supports.

[0027] According to the particular embodiment shown, the printed circuit board 5 is attached to the heat sink 8. The heat sink 8 is attached to the reflector 4. And the reflector 4 is attached to the support 11. Therefore, the support 11 directly supports the reflector 4. It indirectly supports the heat sink 8 via the reflector 4. Finally, it indirectly supports the printed circuit board 5 via the heat sink 8 and the reflector 4. Alternatively, other mechanical connections between these components could be provided.

[0028] With reference to the figure 5It can be observed that the printed circuit board 5 is provided with a first electrical connection means 15, and the electrical harness 6 is provided with a second electrical connection means 16 that cooperates with the first electrical connection means 15 to electrically connect the printed circuit board 5 to the electrical harness 6. The connection of the second electrical connection means 16 to the first electrical connection means 15 is achieved by a translational movement of the second electrical connection means 16 parallel to a connection direction, illustrated by an arrow F1. The connection direction can be horizontal, or at least roughly parallel to the X-axis.

[0029] In particular, the first electrical connection means 15 is formed, on the one hand, by a set of electrical traces on the printed circuit board, said traces leading to an edge of the printed circuit board. On the other hand, the second electrical connection means 16 is a card-edge connector, into which the edge of the printed circuit board 5 is inserted to ensure direct contact with the electrical traces printed on the edge of the printed circuit board.

[0030] The plug-in connector may have at least a roughly parallelepiped shape. It comprises a flat face 17 extending perpendicularly to the branching direction F1. The face 17 extends between two lateral edges 18 of the plug-in connector. The plug-in connector also comprises a plurality of electrical outputs 19 extending perpendicularly to the branching direction F1, substantially parallel to the Z-axis, and distributed between the two lateral edges 18.

[0031] Furthermore, the support 11 includes an elastic retaining element 20 configured to exert pressure on the second electrical connection means 16 in the connection direction F1 of the second electrical connection means to the first electrical connection means 15. In particular, the retaining element 20 is configured to exert pressure on the face 17 of the plug-in connector. The retaining element is particularly visible on the figures 5 and 6 .

[0032] As can be clearly seen on the figure 6The retaining element 20 comprises two elastic legs 22 and a support element 23 configured to exert pressure on the second electrical connection means 16, specifically on the face 17 of the plug-in connector. The two legs 22 extend substantially perpendicularly to the support element 23. In particular, the two legs 22 can extend substantially vertically and the support element 23 can extend substantially horizontally. Each of the two legs 22 connects one end of the support element 23 to the base 21. The length L1 of each leg 22 can be of the same order of magnitude as the length L2 of the support element 23; in particular, it can be between 50% and 200% of the length of the support element 23. Thus, a substantially square opening 24 is obtained. This opening 24 is delimited by the two legs 22, the support element 23 and an edge of the base 21.The length L2 of the support element 23 can be substantially equal to the length of the insertable connector defined between its two lateral edges 18.

[0033] Alternatively, the number of legs could be different; for example, one leg, three legs, or even more legs could connect the support element 23 to the base 21. These legs could be arranged between the base 21 and a central part of the support element 23. They could form an angle other than 90° with the support element 23. According to another variant, the retaining element could comprise a single leg forming a plate between the base 21 and the support element 23. This plate could optionally be provided with openings of any shape.

[0034] Advantageously, the support element 23 comprises at least one stiffening rib 25, in particular at least two stiffening ribs. Thus, the stiffness of the support element 23 can be greater than the stiffness of the legs 22. When pressure is applied to the support element in the opposite direction to the branching direction F1, the support element 23 does not deform, or deforms very little compared to the deformation of the legs 22. According to one embodiment of the invention, the face 17 of the insertable connector could comprise first ridges, and the support element 23 could comprise second ridges complementary to the first ridges. This would provide improved guidance of the insertable connector and a clear visual means of error correction.If the first reliefs do not correspond to the second reliefs, then an operator in charge of assembling the lighting device could deduce that the insert connector he is about to plug in is not correctly positioned.

[0035] There figure 7This illustrates another feature of the invention. Advantageously, the plate forming the heat sink 8 includes an opening 26 providing access to the first electrical connection means 15 of the printed circuit board. The opening 26 is arranged at the interface between the first part 9 and the second part 10 of the heat sink 8. The first electrical connection means 15 and the second electrical connection means 16 thus define an electrical link that passes through the opening 26. In particular, the first electrical connection means 15 and the second electrical connection means 16 are both positioned at the opening 26. Alternatively, the printed circuit board 5 could be positioned further back from the opening 26, so that it would instead be the cable 6 that would be positioned at the opening 26.Alternatively, circuit board 5 could include a portion protruding through opening 26.

[0036] The printed circuit board 5 is arranged on one side of the plate forming the heat sink 8, and the retaining element 20 is arranged on a second side of the plate opposite the first side. In particular, the second portion 10 of the heat sink 8 separates the printed circuit board 5 from the retaining element 20. The integration of the opening 26 in the heat sink 8 allows for a particularly compact heat sink while still benefiting from the advantages of the retaining element 20. The opening 24 in the center of the retaining element allows the second portion 10 of the heat sink 8 to remain exposed to ambient air, thus enabling efficient dissipation of the heat accumulated in the heat sink.

[0037] To assemble the lighting device 1 as previously described, the following procedure can be followed. First, the printed circuit board 5 is attached to the support 11. More specifically, the reflector 4 can be attached to the support 11, and the printed circuit board 5 can be attached to the heat sink 8. Then, the heat sink 8, fitted with the printed circuit board 5, can be attached to the reflector 4. These components could, of course, be attached in a different order.

[0038] Next, in a second step, the retaining element 20 is elastically deformed. To do this, an operator can exert pressure on the support element 23 with their fingers. Advantageously, the second part 10 provides a reference surface against which the operator can place their hand to exert pressure on the support element 23. Under the effect of the pressure on the support element 23, the legs 22 bend elastically. This allows the support element 23 to be moved away from the first electrical connection means 15, thus leaving sufficient space for the insertion of the second electrical connection means 16. It is therefore understood that the elasticity of the retaining element 20 is sufficient to allow the assembly of the second electrical connector 16 without breaking the retaining element.Preferably, the elasticity of the retaining element allows the support element to be moved away by a distance of at least 110%, or even at least 150%, of the width of the second electrical connector 16 along the branching direction F1.

[0039] Next, in a third step, the second electrical connection means 16 is positioned opposite the first electrical connection means, the elastic retaining element being held in tension, that is to say that the support element 23 is held away from its rest position.

[0040] Finally, in a fourth step, the retaining element 20 is released and returns to its rest position under the effect of a restoring force. Simultaneously with the release of the retaining element, a fifth step is carried out in which the second electrical connection means is connected to the first electrical connection means. The force exerted by the retaining element on the second electrical connection means may be sufficient on its own to complete the connection of the second electrical connection means to the first electrical connection means. Alternatively, the force exerted by the retaining element on the second electrical connection means may only assist the connection operation performed by the operator. Advantageously, the connection operation is carried out by pressing on the face 17 of the plug-in connector via the support element 23.Thus, the connection force is homogeneous and perfectly oriented in the connection direction F1. This results in a more reliable connection of the printed circuit board 5, even if the connection must be made blindly.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining element 20 can be designed so that a residual voltage remains in the retaining element when the electrical connection means are fully connected to each other. Thus, the support element remains firmly pressed against the face 17. Alternatively, the retaining element can be designed so that it is no longer under voltage when the electrical connection means are fully connected to each other. In such a case, a slight gap (for example, on the order of a few tens of millimeters, or even a few millimeters) between the face 17 and the support element 23 can even be provided.

[0042] Advantageously, the retaining element also acts as a misalignment device, or in other words, a poka-yoke. If the second electrical connection means 16 is incorrectly connected to the first electrical connection means 15, the retaining element 20 will not fully return to its rest position, or it will not return sufficiently to its rest position, or the retaining element may even break, which can be easily detected visually or by a means of controlling the position of the retaining element 20.

[0043] Next, the lighting device 1 can be mounted on a motor vehicle. During vehicle operation, the lighting device may be subject to vibrations. Advantageously, the retaining element 20 secures the connection of the second electrical connection means 16 to the first electrical connection means 15, even in the presence of vibration. This also prevents accidental disconnection of the printed circuit board 5 during vehicle maintenance. Since the retaining element is integrated directly into the support, the electrical connection is secured without requiring any additional components in the lighting device. The lighting device remains compact and simple to manufacture.

Claims

1. A luminous device (1) for an automotive vehicle, comprising: - a printed circuit board (5) provided with a first electrical connection means (15), - a wiring harness (6) provided with a second electrical connection means (16), - a support (11) to which the printed circuit board is directly or indirectly attached, characterized in that the support comprises an elastic retaining element (20) that is configured to apply pressure to the second electrical connection means in a connecting direction (F1) for connecting the second electrical connection means to the first electrical connection means.

2. The luminous device (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the first electrical connection means (15) is formed by a set of electric tracks of the printed circuit board, said tracks leading to one edge of the printed circuit board, and in that the second electrical connection means (16) comprises a card edge connector.

3. The luminous device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second electrical connection means (16) comprises a flat face (17) extending perpendicularly to said connecting direction (F1), said face extending between two lateral edges of the second electrical connection means, and in that the retaining element (20) is configured to apply pressure to said face.

4. The luminous device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (11) is a one-piece element made of plastic, in particular of polycarbonate.

5. The luminous device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (11) comprises a base (21) to which the printed circuit board (5) is directly or indirectly attached, and in that the retaining element (20) comprises at least one elastic leg (22) and a bearing element (23) that is configured to apply said pressure to the second electrical connection means (16), the at least one leg (22) connecting the bearing element (23) to the base (21).

6. The luminous device (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the bearing element (23) extends over the entire width of the second electrical connection means (16), and in that the elastic retaining element comprises two legs (22) each connecting one lateral end of the bearing element to said base (21), the two legs (22) extending substantially perpendicularly to the bearing element.

7. The luminous device (1) as claimed in one of claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the bearing element (23) comprises at least one reinforcing rib (25).

8. The luminous device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a light reflector (4) attached directly or indirectly to the support (11), and in that the printed circuit board (5) is attached to the support by way of the light reflector.

9. The luminous device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a heat sink (8) configured to dissipate the heat that is likely to be produced by the printed circuit board (5), the heat sink being attached directly or indirectly to the support (11), the printed circuit board being attached to the support by way of the heat sink.

10. The luminous device (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the heat sink (8) comprises a plate provided with an opening (26), the printed circuit board (5) being arranged on a first side of the plate, the retaining element (20) being arranged on a second side of the plate that is opposite the first side, the first electrical connection means (15) and the second electrical connection means (16) defining an electrical connection passing through said opening.

11. A method for assembling a luminous device (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: - a step of directly or indirectly attaching the printed circuit board (5) to the support (11), then - a step of elastically deforming the retaining element (20), then - a step of positioning the second electrical connection means (16) face-to-face with the first electrical connection means (15), the elastic retaining element being kept tensioned, then - a step of relaxing the retaining element (20) simultaneously with - a step of connecting the second electrical connection means to the first electrical connection means.

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