Vehicle lighting device comprising a translucent substrate and a mask and associated manufacturing method

Abstract

The lighting device comprises a translucent substrate (12), a mask (18) covering the substrate (12), the mask comprising an appearance layer (22) and an opacifying layer (24), and a light source (20). The mask (18) has a plurality of holes (16) through the opacifying layer (24) to allow light to pass through the mask (18) when the light source (20) is switched on, each hole (26) having a diameter strictly less than 0.40 mm, the holes (26) being distributed so as to jointly create a luminous pattern when the light source (20) is switched on.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting devices for vehicles, in particular for a motor vehicle.

[0002] It is possible to provide a light device comprising a translucent substrate covered by a mask delimiting through openings allowing the passage of light generated by a light source located behind the translucent substrate.

[0003] The lighting device is, for example, a daytime running light, also called a daytime running light, fixed to the front of the vehicle. This device allows the driver of the vehicle to be better seen by other road users during the day in normal traffic conditions.

[0004] Alternatively, the light device is a position light allowing the driver of the vehicle to signal his presence to other road users at night or when visibility conditions are poor (rain, fog, poorly lit road, etc.).

[0005] Alternatively, the light device is a flashing light allowing the driver of the vehicle to indicate his intention to change direction to other road users.

[0006] Alternatively, the light device is part of a human-machine interface system. In this case, its function is to display information, for example in the form of one or more light patterns.

[0007] Alternatively, the lighting device is an accompanying light or an embellishment light used to provide a distinctive signature to the vehicle.

[0008] One of the aims of the invention is to propose a light device forming a contrasting and homogeneous light pattern, the light device being very discreet or even almost invisible to the user in the absence of backlighting.

[0009] To this end, the invention provides a vehicle light device comprising a translucent substrate, a mask covering the substrate, the mask comprising an appearance layer and an opacifying layer, and a light source, the mask having a plurality of holes passing through the opacifying layer to allow the passage of light through the mask when the light source is on, each hole having a diameter equal to or less than 0.40 mm, the holes being distributed so as to jointly draw a light pattern when the light source is on.

[0010] The plurality of small holes spaced apart from each other makes it possible to define a light pattern formed from a plurality of distinct light points spaced apart from each other, each light point corresponding to a respective hole in the opacifying layer.

[0011] Each hole is difficult for a user to detect when the light source is off. The holes together form a contrasting and homogeneous light pattern when the light source is on.

[0012] In particular embodiments, the lighting device further comprises one or more of the following optional features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination: the light pattern is formed by at least 50 holes, in particular at least 100 holes; each hole has a diameter equal to or less than 0.30 mm, in particular equal to or less than 0.20 mm, preferably equal to or less than 0.15 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 0.10 mm; the distance between each hole and each other hole is for example equal to or greater than 0.20 mm; the distance between each hole and at least one other hole is equal to or less than 0.50 mm, in particular equal to and / or less than 0.40 mm; the mask covers an internal surface of the substrate; the mask covers an external surface of the substrate; the appearance layer is located in front of the opacifying layer; the holes extend through the appearance layer; the appearance layer is a colored paint; the opacifying layer is an opacifying paint.

[0013] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a luminous device as defined above, comprising obtaining a substrate, applying the appearance layer and the opacifying layer to the substrate, and forming the plurality of holes in the opacifying layer, and optionally in the appearance layer, using laser pulses generated by a laser, preferably an infrared laser.

[0014] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings among which: there Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a light device; the Figure 2 is a partial front schematic view of the lighting device of the Figure 1 ; there Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view of a lighting device according to a variant; the Figure 4 schematically represents the stages of the manufacture of the light device of the Figure 1 ; there Figure 5 schematically represents the stages of the manufacture of the light device of the Figure 3 . There Figure 1 presents a schematic sectional view of a lighting device 10 for a vehicle.

[0015] The light device 10 comprises a translucent substrate 12 comprising an external surface 14 and an internal surface 16, a mask 18 covering the substrate 12 and a light source 20 arranged behind the substrate 12, i.e. on the side of the internal surface 16 of the substrate 12.

[0016] The outer surface 14 is intended to be visible. The outer surface 14 faces towards the outside of the light device 10.

[0017] The inner surface 16 faces away from the outer surface 14. The inner surface 16 faces towards the inside of the light device 10.

[0018] In the following description, the term "translucent" refers to a body that transmits light, i.e. has a light transmission rate of between 5% and 100%.

[0019] The term "transparent" refers to a body that transmits light and through which objects are clearly visible, i.e. a body with a light transmission rate greater than 90%, for example close to or equal to 100%.

[0020] The terms "opaque" and "opacifying" refer to a body that allows little or no light to pass through, i.e. a body with a light transmission rate of less than 5%, or even close to or equal to 0%.

[0021] Light is considered in the visible range, that is to say composed of electromagnetic waves whose wavelength is generally between 380 nm and 780 nm.

[0022] The light device 10 is for example a lighting and / or signaling device.

[0023] The vehicle is for example a motor vehicle, such as a car, truck, bus or other.

[0024] When the light device 10 is a lighting and / or signaling device, the substrate 12 is also called an “ice light”.

[0025] The external surface 14 and the internal surface 16 of the substrate 12 are substantially parallel to each other locally. In other words, the thickness of the substrate 12 is substantially constant.

[0026] The thickness of the substrate 12 is for example between 2 mm and 5 mm.

[0027] Advantageously, the thickness of the substrate 12 is between 2 mm and 3 mm, for example 2 mm.

[0028] This makes it possible to limit the optical deformation of the light pattern created by the mask 18, in particular when the light pattern is created through the substrate 12.

[0029] The substrate 12 is preferably made of plastic material.

[0030] Advantageously, the substrate 12 is made of polycarbonate or polymethyl methacrylate acrylic (PMMA).

[0031] This makes it possible to obtain a substrate 12 having a high transmission rate, greater than 90%, i.e. a transparent substrate 12.

[0032] Using a substrate 12 makes it possible to obtain a luminous device 10 with a powerful luminous intensity while limiting electrical consumption.

[0033] In addition, polycarbonate and PMMA each have very good mechanical strength and good sealing and appearance properties.

[0034] The mask 18 comprises an appearance layer 22 and an opacifying layer 24 arranged one on top of the other, and has a plurality of holes 26, for example of circular outline, passing through the opacifying layer 24, and possibly the appearance layer 22, the holes 26 being spaced from one another, each hole 26 allowing the passage of light from the light source 20 through the mask 18.

[0035] The holes 26 of the plurality of holes 26 together form a geometric pattern and / or a symbol and / or a text and / or a design such as a brand logo.

[0036] As illustrated in the Figure 2 , each hole 26 has a diameter D equal to or less than 0.40 mm, preferably a diameter equal to or less than 0.30 mm, more preferably a diameter equal to or less than 0.20 mm, more preferably a diameter equal to or less than 0.15 mm, in particular a diameter equal to or less than 0.10 mm.

[0037] A reduced diameter D of the holes 26 makes it possible to preserve the discretion of the holes 26 when the light source 20 is switched off.

[0038] The distance E between each hole 26 and each other hole 26 is for example equal to or greater than 0.20 mm. In other words, the minimum distance between two holes 26 of the plurality of holes 26 is equal to or greater than 0.20 mm.

[0039] The distance E between two holes 26 is measured between the centers of these holes 26.

[0040] A minimum distance between adjacent holes 26 allows the holes 26 to remain discreet when the light source is switched off.

[0041] The distance between each hole 26 and at least one other hole 26 is equal to or less than 0.50 mm, in particular equal to and / or less than 0.40 mm. In other words, each hole 26 is at a distance from at least one other hole 26 which is equal to or less than 0.50 mm, in particular equal to and / or less than 0.40 mm.

[0042] A maximum distance between adjacent holes 26 makes it possible to form a contrasting and homogeneous light pattern when the light source 20 is switched on.

[0043] Preferably, the holes 26 also pass through the appearance layer 22. In this case, the holes 26 pass through the mask 18.

[0044] This allows good transmission of light through the mask 18, in particular regardless of the light transmission rate of the appearance layer 22.

[0045] Alternatively, the holes 26 pass through the opacifying layer 24 without passing through the appearance layer 22.

[0046] This allows the holes 26 to remain discreet when the light source is off. This is possible when the appearance layer 22 is translucent or transparent.

[0047] The appearance layer 22 is arranged in front of the opacifying layer 24. The appearance layer 22 is located on the outside relative to the opacifying layer 24.

[0048] The appearance layer 22 is for example a layer of colored paint.

[0049] The color of the appearance layer 22 corresponds for example substantially to the color of an element of the vehicle bodywork adjacent to the lighting device 10 such as a bumper or a rearview mirror.

[0050] The color of the appearance layer 22 corresponds to the color of the mask 18 as visible to the user observing the light device 10 from the outside and more generally to the color of the light device 10 seen from the outside when the light source 20 is off.

[0051] Thus, an assembly is obtained comprising a vehicle body element and a light device 10 in which the body element and the appearance layer 22 have the same color.

[0052] The appearance layer 22 comprises, for example, a pigmentation or a compound giving a metallic or pearly effect.

[0053] The opacifying layer 24 is for example a layer of opacifying paint, in particular a layer of black paint.

[0054] The opacifying layer 24 ensures that the solid areas of the mask 18 are opaque and that there is no light leakage.

[0055] This makes it possible to improve the contrast between the regions of the substrate 12 covered by the solid areas of the mask 18 through which there is no transmission of light, and the regions of the substrate 12 opposite the holes 26 through which the light from the light source 20 is transmitted.

[0056] The appearance layer 22 has a thickness of between 5 µm and 30 µm, for example 12 µm.

[0057] The opacifying layer 24 has a thickness of between 5 µm and 40 µm, for example 20 µm.

[0058] Thus, the mask 18 has a thickness of between 10 µm and 70 µm, for example 30 µm.

[0059] As illustrated in the Figure 1 , in one example, the mask 18 covers the outer surface 14 of the substrate 12.

[0060] In this case, the opacifying layer 24 covers the external surface 14 of the substrate 12 and the appearance layer covers the opacifying layer 24. The opacifying layer 24 is located between the substrate 12 and the appearance layer 22.

[0061] This arrangement promotes the formation of a homogeneous and contrasting light pattern.

[0062] As illustrated in the Figure 3 , in one example, the mask 18 covers the inner surface 16 of the substrate 12.

[0063] In this case, the appearance layer 22 covers the internal surface 16 of the substrate 12 and the opacifying layer 24 covers the appearance layer 22. The appearance layer 22 is located between the substrate 12 and the opacifying layer 24.

[0064] This arrangement promotes the protection of the appearance layer 22 which is protected by the substrate 12.

[0065] Optionally, the light device 10 comprises a protective coating layer 30.

[0066] When the mask 18 is arranged on the external surface 14 of the substrate 12 ( Figure 1 ), the protective coating layer 30 covers the mask 18. The mask 18 is disposed between the protective coating layer 30 and the substrate 12.

[0067] When the mask 18 is arranged on the inner surface 16 of the substrate 12 ( Figure 3 ), the protective coating layer 30 is arranged on the external surface of the substrate 12. The protective coating layer 30 and the mask 18 are arranged on either side of the substrate 12.

[0068] The protective coating layer 30 is translucent, and preferably transparent.

[0069] The protective coating layer 30 makes it possible to protect the mask 18 or the external surface 14 of the substrate 12 against scratches, abrasion, impacts, ultraviolet rays, chemicals present in the surrounding air, yellowing, weathering, etc.

[0070] The protective coating layer 30 has, for example, a thickness of between 5 µm and 30 µm, for example 10 µm.

[0071] For example, the protective coating layer 30 comprises a primer layer attached, as the case may be, to the mask 18 or to the external surface 14 of the substrate 12, and a varnish layer attached to the primer layer.

[0072] The primer coat allows for better fixation of the varnish layer.

[0073] Preferably, the varnish layer comprises a modified siloxane resin.

[0074] The light source 20 comprises, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes 32.

[0075] Advantageously, the light device 10 comprises an electronic control module 34 configured to control each light-emitting diode 32.

[0076] The electronic control module 34 makes it possible to control the lighting of each of the light-emitting diodes 32 independently of each other, the lighting of the light-emitting diodes 32 by groups of light-emitting diodes 32 and / or the lighting of all the light-emitting diodes 32.

[0077] In operation, when the light source 20 is off, the small holes 26 are difficult to see by the user.

[0078] When the light source 20 is switched on, the light passes through the substrate 12 and then the holes 26 of the mask 18 ( Figure 1 ) by drawing the light pattern or passes through the holes 26 of the mask 18 then through the substrate 12 ( Figure 3 ) by drawing the light pattern. The light pattern is drawn with good homogeneity and satisfactory contrast.

[0079] A method of manufacturing a light device 10 will now be described with reference to Figures 4 And 5 .

[0080] The method of manufacturing a light device 10 comprises providing the substrate 12. The substrate 12 is for example manufactured by injection into a mold.

[0081] Preferably, the substrate 12 is manufactured by injection of polycarbonate or PMMA to obtain a transparent substrate 12.

[0082] The method then comprises applying the mask 18 to the substrate 12.

[0083] As illustrated in the Figure 4 , in the case of a mask 18 arranged on the external surface 14 of the substrate 12, the application of the mask 18 comprises for example the application of the opacifying layer 24 on the external surface 14 of the substrate 12, then the application of the appearance layer 22 on the opacifying layer 24.

[0084] The manufacturing method comprises forming the holes 26, each hole 26 extending through the opacifying layer 24 and, optionally, through the appearance layer 22.

[0085] Each hole 26 is formed using laser radiation generated by a laser 36, generating one or more laser pulses.

[0086] The use of laser radiation 56 makes it possible to define holes 26 having precise dimensions with precise positioning of the holes 26, in particular relative to each other, so as to form a precise overall geometric pattern.

[0087] The laser 36 is moved relative to the substrate 12 between the formation of a previous hole 26 and the formation of a subsequent hole 26.

[0088] Each hole 26 is formed so as to pass through the opacifying layer 24, and possibly the appearance layer 22.

[0089] The laser 36 is for example configured to generate infrared laser radiation, i.e. with a wavelength in the infrared range.

[0090] The operating parameters of the laser 36 are adjusted to pierce each hole 26 through the opacifying layer 24, and possibly the appearance layer 22, in one or more laser pulses, with an adequate depth.

[0091] The operating parameters of the laser 36 include in particular the light frequency of the laser 36, the power of the laser 36 and the number of laser pulses generated to form each hole 26.

[0092] The usage parameters are chosen according to the material and thickness of the opacifying layer 24, and, where appropriate, according to the material and thickness of the appearance layer 22.

[0093] As illustrated in the Figure 4 , in the case of a mask 18 arranged on the external surface 14 of the substrate 12, each hole 26 is for example formed after having applied the opacifying layer 24 then the appearance layer 22, by forming each hole 26 through the appearance layer 22 and the opacifying layer 24.

[0094] In a variant, in the case of a mask 18 arranged on the external surface 14 of the substrate 12, each hole 26 is for example formed after having applied the opacifying layer 24 and before having applied the appearance layer 22. Each hole 26 thus passes through the opacifying layer 24 without passing through the appearance layer 22.

[0095] As illustrated in the Figure 5 , in the case of a mask 18 arranged on the internal surface 16 of the substrate 12, each hole 26 is for example formed after having applied the appearance layer 22 then the opacifying layer 24, by forming each hole 26 through the opacifying layer 24 and optionally the appearance layer 22.

[0096] In one example, each hole 26 is formed through the opacifying layer 24 and the appearance layer 22.

[0097] In one example, each hole 26 is formed through the opacifying layer 24 without passing through the appearance layer 22. In this case, the operating parameters of the laser 36 are set to form each hole 26 by passing through the opacifying layer 24 without passing through the appearance layer 22.

[0098] Where appropriate, the manufacturing method comprises a step of applying a protective coating layer 30.

[0099] As illustrated in the Figure 4 , in the case of a mask 18 arranged on the external surface 14 of the substrate 12, the protective coating layer 30 is applied to the mask 18, preferably after having formed the holes 26.

[0100] As illustrated in the Figure 5 , in the case of a mask 18 arranged on the internal surface 16 of the substrate 12, the protective coating layer 30 is for example applied to the external surface 14 of the mask 18, before or after having deposited the mask on the internal surface 16 and before or after having formed the holes 26 in the mask 18.

[0101] In one example, applying the protective coating layer 30 first comprises depositing a primer layer, for example by spraying, and then depositing a varnish layer, for example by spraying.

[0102] The protective coating layer 30 is optionally heat treated to harden the varnish layer 28 and improve the adhesion of the primer layer 26 and the varnish layer with, as the case may be, the mask 18 or the external surface 14 of the substrate 12.

[0103] The light device 10 is then assembled as shown in the Figure 1 or the Figure 3 The substrate 12 is arranged opposite the light source 20. The assembly is for example fixed in a housing (not shown). The light device 10 is then fixed to the vehicle.

Claims

1. A vehicle light device comprising a translucent substrate (12), a mask (18) covering the substrate (12), the mask comprising an appearance layer (22) and an opacifying layer (24), and a light source (20), the mask (18) having a plurality of holes (16) passing through the opacifying layer (24) to allow the passage of light through the mask (18) when the light source (20) is turned on, each hole (26) having a diameter equal to or less than 0.40 mm, the holes (26) being distributed so as to jointly draw a light pattern when the light source (20) is turned on.

2. Vehicle light device according to claim 1, wherein the light pattern is formed by at least 50 holes, in particular at least 100 holes.

3. Vehicle lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each hole (26) has a diameter equal to or less than 0.30 mm, in particular equal to or less than 0.20 mm, preferably equal to or less than 0.15 mm, more preferably equal to or less than 0.10 mm.

4. Vehicle lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the distance between each hole (26) and each other hole (26) is for example equal to or greater than 0.20 mm.

5. Vehicle lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance between each hole (26) and at least one other hole (26) is equal to or less than 0.50 mm, in particular equal to or less than 0.40 mm.

6. A vehicle light device according to any preceding claim, wherein the mask (18) covers an inner surface (16) of the substrate (12) or an outer surface (14) of the substrate (12).

7. Vehicle lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the appearance layer (22) is located in front of the opacifying layer (24).

8. A vehicle lighting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the holes (26) extend through the appearance layer (22).

9. A vehicle lighting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the appearance layer (22) is a colored paint.

10. A vehicle lighting device according to any preceding claim, wherein the opacifying layer (24) is an opacifying paint.

11. A method of manufacturing a vehicle light device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - obtaining a substrate (12); - applying the appearance layer (22) and the opacifying layer (24) to the substrate (12); and - forming the plurality of holes (26) in the opacifying layer (24), and optionally in the appearance layer (22), using laser pulses generated by a laser (36), preferably an infrared laser.

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