Vehicle light device configured to perform a high-mount stop light function

Abstract

The invention relates to a light device (1) configured to perform a high-mount stop light function and comprising: - a housing (10) configured to receive optical modules (12, 13), - an optical module support (11) fixed to said housing (10), - a primary optical module (12) configured to perform the high-mount stop light function, - a secondary optical module (13) configured to perform a function of projecting a light pattern onto a reflection surface (20), - an output lens (14) comprising a pattern (m0) and configured to close said housing (10), characterized in that: - said primary optical module (12) is a cylindrical light guide configured to cooperate with primary light rays generated by at least one primary light source, and - said secondary optical module (13) comprises a first electronic support (131) and at least one secondary light source (130) configured to generate secondary light rays (r2).

Description

Vehicle lighting device configured to perform a high-mounted stop lamp function

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device configured to perform a high-mounted brake light function. It finds a particular but non-limiting application in motor vehicles.

[0002] In the field of motor vehicles, a vehicle lighting device configured to perform a high-mounted stop light function known to those skilled in the art comprises:- a housing configured to accommodate optical modules,- an optical module support fixed to said housing,- a primary optical module configured to perform the high-mounted stop light function,- a secondary optical module configured to perform a function of projecting a light pattern onto a reflection surface,- an exit lens comprising a pattern.

[0003] The primary optical module comprises:- an electronic support,- a plurality of light sources (approximately eighteen) arranged on the electronic support and configured to emit light rays,- a plurality of reflectors on which the light rays of the light sources are reflected to form a primary light beam which exits towards the outside of the motor vehicle.

[0004] The secondary optical module is configured to perform a function of projecting a light pattern onto an output glass, said light pattern being reflected on a reflection surface. The secondary optical module comprises:- an electronic support,- a plurality of light sources (approximately fifty-four) arranged on the electronic support and configured to emit light rays to form a secondary light beam which passes through an output glass to form said light pattern which is reflected on the reflection surface.

[0005] A disadvantage of this state of the art is that the assembly formed by the housing, the optical module support, the primary optical module and the secondary optical module, is bulky in the vertical dimension and is too deep.

[0006] In this context, the present invention aims to provide a vehicle lighting device configured to perform a high-mounted stop light function which makes it possible to solve the mentioned drawback.

[0007] To this end, the invention proposes a vehicle lighting device configured to perform a high-mounted stop light function and comprising:- a housing configured to accommodate optical modules,- an optical module support fixed to said housing,- a primary optical module configured to perform the high-mounted stop light function,- a secondary optical module configured to perform a function of projecting a light pattern onto a reflection surface,- an output lens comprising a pattern and configured to close said housing,characterized in that:- said primary optical module is a cylindrical light guide configured to cooperate with primary light rays generated by at least one primary light source, and- said secondary optical module comprises a first electronic support and at least one secondary light source configured to generate secondary light rays

[0008] Thus, as will be seen in detail later, replacing the reflectors with a cylindrical light guide will considerably reduce the vertical size of the lighting device. Furthermore, due to the reduction in the number of primary light sources and the surface area of ​​their electronic support, this will also reduce the depth size of the lighting device.

[0009] According to non-limiting embodiments, said light device may further comprise one or more additional characteristics taken alone or in all technically possible combinations, among the following.

[0010] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said reflection surface is a rear window of said vehicle.

[0011] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said optical module support is configured to accommodate said primary optical module

[0012] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said secondary optical module is assembled directly on the housing

[0013] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said optical module support is configured to accommodate said primary optical module and said secondary optical module

[0014] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one primary light source and said at least one secondary light source can be activated independently of one another.

[0015] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one primary light source is arranged on at least one second electronic support different from said first electronic support or is arranged on said first electronic support.

[0016] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said exit window comprises a first part integrating said pattern and a second part arranged on either side of the first part configured to form a junction with said housing.

[0017] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said housing comprises a cavity configured to receive a separation rib of the optical module support.

[0018] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said light device is a high-mounted brake light.

[0019] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the light device comprises two primary light sources.

[0020] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one primary light source and said at least one secondary light source are semiconductor light sources.

[0021] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first central part of the exit window is transparent.

[0022] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first central part of the exit window is semi-transparent.

[0023] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first central part of the outlet glass is diffusing.

[0024] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the second part of said closing glass is opaque.

[0025] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said primary optical module comprises at least one end comprising a face opposite which a primary light source is arranged.

[0026] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said primary optical module comprises curved ends such that the faces of said ends are located opposite the primary light sources respectively.

[0027] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the optical module support comprises a housing in which the primary optical module is housed and comprises a separation rib in said housing.

[0028] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the optical module support comprises a housing in which the primary optical module is housed, a separation rib in said housing and a flat part configured to receive the first electronic support.

[0029] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures:

[0030] illustrates a diagram of a vehicle lighting device configured to perform a high-mounted stop light function, said lighting device comprising a housing, an optical module support, a primary optical module which is a cylindrical light guide, a secondary optical module comprising a first electronic support, and an output lens, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention,

[0031] illustrates a longitudinal schematic view of a rear spoiler of a vehicle comprising said light device of the, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0032] illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the light device of the, according to a first non-limiting embodiment,

[0033] illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the light device of the, according to a second non-limiting embodiment,

[0034] illustrates a top view of the housing of the light device with said cylindrical light guide and associated primary light sources, and said secondary optical module comprising secondary light sources, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0035] illustrates a schematic view of the primary optical module of the with an arrangement of primary light sources according to a first non-limiting embodiment, and the first electronic support of the secondary optical module of the with secondary light sources, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0036] illustrates a schematic view of the primary optical module of the with an arrangement of primary light sources according to a second non-limiting embodiment, and the first electronic support of the secondary optical module of the with secondary light sources, according to a non-limiting embodiment.

[0037] Identical elements, by structure or function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

[0038] The lighting device 1 for a vehicle according to the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a motor vehicle. By motor vehicle is meant any type of motorized vehicle. This embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description. In the remainder of the description, the vehicle 2 is thus otherwise called motor vehicle 2. The vehicle axis Ox is shown in the. The motor vehicle 2 comprises said lighting device 1.

[0039] The lighting device 1 is configured to perform: - a high-mounted stop light function f1 (called in English CHMSL for "Center High Mounted Spot Light"), otherwise called third stop light, and - a projection function f2 of a light pattern m1 (illustrated on the) onto a reflection surface 20 (illustrated in figures 2 to 4) of said motor vehicle 2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the reflection surface 20 is the rear window of said motor vehicle 2, thus called rear window 20 in the remainder of the description.

[0040] Said light device 1 is thus a high-mounted brake light which incorporates an additional function, function f2.

[0041] In a non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 is arranged in a rear spoiler 21, otherwise called spoiler 21 (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the motor vehicle 2 which is installed on the rear window 20 of the motor vehicle 2. The spoiler 21 extends substantially perpendicular to the vehicle axis Ox in a direction Oy. This non-limiting embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description.

[0042] As illustrated in the, the light device 1 comprises:- a housing 10,- an optical module support 11,- a primary optical module 12 configured to perform the high-mounted stop light function f1,- a secondary optical module 13 configured to perform a projection function f2 of a light pattern m1 onto the reflection surface 20,- an exit lens 14.

[0043] The light device 1 further comprises: - at least one primary light source 120, otherwise called light source 120, - at least one secondary light source 130, otherwise called light source 130.

[0044] In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, the lighting device 1 comprises two primary light sources 120. This non-limiting embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description. Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the, the lighting device 1 comprises more than two secondary light sources 130. In a non-limiting variant embodiment, it comprises between 20 and 60 secondary light sources 130. In a non-limiting example, it comprises 54 secondary light sources 130.

[0045] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 10 is configured to accommodate the primary optical module 12, the secondary optical module 13, the optical module holder 11 and the primary light sources 120 and the secondary light sources 130.

[0046] As illustrated in the, the housing 10 includes a cavity 100 configured to receive a separation rib 111 (described later) of the optical module support 11.

[0047] The optical module support 11, otherwise called support 11, is fixed to the housing 10. In non-limiting embodiments, it is fixed to the housing 10 by screwing or clipping.

[0048] In a first non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the, the support 11 is configured to accommodate only the primary optical module 12. As illustrated in the sectional view of the, the support 11 comprises a housing 110 in which the primary optical module 12 is housed. The support 11 further comprises a separating rib 111 for separating the two functions f1 and f2, which extends the housing 110, which extends substantially along the axis Oz perpendicular to the vehicle axis Ox, and which is configured to be inserted into the cavity 100 of the housing 10. It makes it possible to hold the support 11 in the housing 10. In non-limiting embodiments, the primary optical module 12 is fixed to the support 11 by clipping, screwing, or riveting. The housing 110 and the separating rib 111 further extend longitudinally substantially along the axis Oy when the lighting device 1 is installed in the spoiler 21.In the case of this first non-limiting embodiment, the second secondary module 13 is directly assembled on the housing 10, in particular a first electronic support 131 of said secondary optical module 13. In non-limiting examples, the assembly is done by screwing, gluing, stapling, clipping, etc.

[0049] In a second non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the, the support 11 is configured to accommodate the primary optical module 12 and the secondary optical module 13. As illustrated in the sectional view of the, the support 11 comprises the same housing 110 as in the case of the first non-limiting embodiment in which the primary optical module 12 is housed, and the separating rib 111 as well. The support 11 further comprises a flat portion 112 which extends along the housing 110 and is longitudinally joined with the housing 110 on one side. The separating rib 111 is then located between the housing 110 and this flat portion 112. The flat portion 112 is configured to receive the secondary optical module 13, in particular a first electronic support 131 of said secondary optical module 13.The first electronic support 131 of the secondary optical module 13 is in planar contact with this planar part 1 and is assembled on this planar part 112. In non-limiting examples, the assembly is done by screwing, gluing, stapling, clipping, etc. The housing 110, the separation rib 111 and the planar part 112 extend longitudinally substantially along the axis Oy when the lighting device 1 is installed in the spoiler 21.

[0050] The primary optical module 12 is a cylindrical light guide as illustrated in the sectional views of Figures 3 and 4 which illustrate a section of the cylindrical light guide 12. The primary optical module 12 is otherwise called primary cylindrical light guide 12. A cylindrical section allows good distribution of the light rays r1 of the associated primary light source 120. The primary optical module 12 extends longitudinally in the housing 10 substantially along the axis Oy along the spoiler 21 of the motor vehicle 2 when the lighting device 1 is installed in said spoiler 21. The primary optical module 12 cooperates with the primary light sources 120. As illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the primary optical module 12 together with the primary light sources 120 is configured to generate a primary light beam fx1 in a first direction d1 substantially horizontal (i.e.substantially parallel to the vehicle axis Ox) towards the outside of the motor vehicle 1 to perform the high-mounted stop light function f1. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the housing 10 comprises a window 101 made of transparent material configured to allow the primary light beam fx1 to pass through. As illustrated in the, the primary optical module 12 comprises at least one end 12.1 comprising a face 12.10 opposite which a primary light source 120 is arranged. In a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, it comprises two ends 12.1 with a face 12.10 opposite which a respective primary light source 120 is arranged.

[0051] The secondary optical module 13 comprises the first electronic support 131, otherwise called PCBA card (Printed Circuit Board Assembly). The secondary optical module 13 extends longitudinally in the housing 10 substantially along the axis Oy along the spoiler 21 of the motor vehicle 2 when the lighting device 1 is installed in said spoiler 21. The secondary optical module 13 comprises the secondary light sources 130. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the secondary optical module 13 is configured to generate a secondary light beam fx2 in a second direction d2 substantially vertical along an axis Oz (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the vehicle axis Ox) downwards to perform the projection function f2 of a light pattern m1.The secondary light beam f2 passes through the exit window 14 comprising a pattern m0 (illustrated in Figures 3 and 4) so ​​as to create the light pattern m1 (illustrated in the) which is reflected on the rear window 20 of the motor vehicle 2. The reflection surface 20, here the rear window, makes it possible to create a holographic projection visible from the outside of the motor vehicle 2 but not from the inside of the motor vehicle 2. The holographic projection on the rear window 20 thus does not disturb the driver. For reasons of clarity in Figures 3 and 4, only one secondary light source 130 has been illustrated.

[0052] In a non-limiting embodiment, the light sources 120 and 130 are semiconductor light sources. In a non-limiting embodiment, the semiconductor light sources are part of a light-emitting diode or a laser diode. By light-emitting diode, we mean any type of light-emitting diode, whether in non-limiting examples LEDs (“Light Emitting Diodes”), OLEDs (“Organic LEDs”), AMOLEDs (“Active-Matrix-Organic LEDs”), or FOLEDs (“Flexible OLEDs”).

[0053] In a first non-limiting embodiment, said at least one primary light source 120 is arranged on at least one second electronic support 121 different from the first electronic support 131. As illustrated in the, in the case of two primary light sources 120 associated with the primary light guide 12, the two primary light sources 120 are arranged respectively on two second electronic supports 121 different from the first electronic support 131. Each second electronic support 121 is arranged opposite each face 12.10 of each end 12.1 of the cylindrical light guide 12. Thus, the two primary light sources 120 are distributed on either side of the cylindrical light guide 12. This first embodiment is simple to implement.

[0054] In a second non-limiting embodiment, said at least one primary light source 120 is arranged on the first electronic support 131. The second electronic support(s) 121 have thus been eliminated. As illustrated in the, in the case of two primary light sources 120 associated with the primary light guide 12, the two primary light sources 120 are arranged on the first electronic support 131 on which the secondary light sources 130 are arranged. In this case, the primary optical module 120 comprises curved ends 12.1 such that the faces 12.10 of these ends 12.1 are located facing the primary light sources 120 respectively.

[0055] In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary light sources 120 and the secondary light sources 130 are activatable independently of each other. This makes it possible to control the high-mounted stop light function f1 and the projection function f2 of a light pattern m1 independently of each other.

[0056] In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary light sources 120 have a power greater than or equal to 30 lumens. In a non-limiting embodiment, the secondary light sources 130 have a power substantially equal to 9 lumens. It will be noted that due to the distribution of the secondary light sources 130 on the first electronic support 131 and their low power, there is good thermal behavior. The heat emitted by the secondary light sources 130 is dissipated easily.

[0057] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the primary light sources 120 emit primary light rays r1 (illustrated in 1a and 1a), otherwise called r1 light rays, which pass through the primary light guide 12 so as to generate the primary light beam fx1 (illustrated in Figures 1 to 4) which performs the high-mounted stop light function.

[0058] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the secondary light sources 130 emit secondary light rays r2, otherwise called light rays r2, and form the secondary light beam fx2 (illustrated in Figures 1 to 4) which performs the projection function f2 of the light pattern m1.

[0059] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the exit window 14 is configured to close the housing 10. It comprises: - a first central part 140 integrating said pattern m0, otherwise called window 140, - a second part 141 arranged on either side of the central part 140 which acts as a mask.

[0060] The first central portion 140 of the exit window 14 is transparent, namely it lets light pass through, or is diffusing (it allows the light rays r2 to be diffused). As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the central portion 140 is crossed by the secondary light beam fx2 so as to create a light pattern m1 as illustrated in the. The light pattern m1 is thus visible through this central portion 140 but also thanks to its reflection downwards along the axis Oz on the reflection surface 20, here on the rear window of the motor vehicle 20. There is thus a split effect of the light pattern m1. A so-called holographic light logo m1 is thus obtained. In a non-limiting embodiment, the pattern m0 is a manufacturer's logo. It should be noted that to have a luminous logo m1 in the right place on the rear window 20, there is a reversed tracing of the logo m0 on the central part 140 of the exit window 14.The illus- trates the luminous logo m1 upside down which results from the logo m0 (not visible on the) crossed by the secondary light beam fx2, and the luminous logo m1 at the location which results from the reflection of the luminous logo m1 on the rear window 20. The secondary light sources 130 thus illuminate the logo m0 which is upside down. The second part 141 the exit window 14 is configured to make the connection, otherwise called junction, between the exit window 14 and the housing 10.

[0061] In a non-limiting embodiment, the second part 141 of the outlet glass 14 is made of PC (polycarbonate). PC provides a robust external face, which does not break unlike PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). In another non-limiting embodiment, the second part 141 of the outlet glass 14 is made of PMMA. In non-limiting embodiments, the first part 140 is made of ABS (“acrylonitrile butadiene styrene”), vinyl, PET (“Polyethylene Terephthalate”), PMMA, or PC.

[0062] The pattern m0 of the outlet glass 14 is produced according to different non-limiting embodiments presented below.

[0063] In a first non-limiting embodiment, the pattern m0 is formed by bi-injection. Thus, the outlet glass 14 is bi-injected. This makes it possible to create the central part 140 with the pattern m0 and the second part 141.

[0064] In a second non-limiting embodiment, the pattern m0 is formed by means of a screen-printed or printed film. The output glass 14 comprises a window on which the screen-printed or printed film is assembled (i.e., placed and glued). In non-limiting embodiments, the film is made of ABS (“acrylonitrile butadiene styrene”), vinyl, PET (“Polyethylene Terephthalate”), PMMA or PC. In a first non-limiting embodiment variant, the output glass 14 is completely transparent. In a second non-limiting embodiment variant, the output glass 14 is bi-material with a first transparent part 140 and a second opaque part 141. This makes it possible to manage light leaks at the junction with the housing 10, the output glass 14 - housing 10 junction being made via the opaque part 141.

[0065] In a third non-limiting embodiment, the pattern m0 is formed by a film overmolded in the outlet glass 14. There is no further assembly. In a first non-limiting variant embodiment, the outlet glass 14 is completely transparent. In a second non-limiting variant embodiment, the outlet glass 14 is bi-material with a first transparent part 140 and a second opaque part 141. In non-limiting embodiments, the film is made of ABS (“acrylonitrile butadiene styrene”), vinyl, PET (“Polyethylene Terephthalate”), PMMA or PC.

[0066] In a first non-limiting embodiment, the film is overmolded using an IML (In Mold Labeling) process. As a reminder, the IML process comprises the steps of forming and cutting a screen-printed film, placing it in a mold where a resin is injected. Since the IML process is known to those skilled in the art, it is not described in more detail here.

[0067] In a second non-limiting embodiment, the film is overmolded using an IMD (In Mold Decoration) process. As a reminder, the IMD process comprises the steps of unrolling a screen-printed film in a mold, forming it, and injecting a resin into the mold. Since the IMD process is known to those skilled in the art, it is not described in further detail here.

[0068] In a fourth non-limiting embodiment, the pattern m0 is formed by a laser screen printing process. In a first non-limiting variant embodiment, the screen printing process is laser ablation. An opaque paint is applied to the output glass 14, then the pattern m0 is ablated by laser. In a non-limiting embodiment, the output glass 14 is transparent. In a second non-limiting variant embodiment, the screen printing process is laser etching. An opaque paint is applied to a transparent or translucent film. The film is applied to the output glass 14. Then, the pattern m0 is laser etched onto the film.

[0069] In a fifth non-limiting embodiment, the pattern m0 is formed by a hot stamping process. A die is mounted and heated on the output glass 14. A plastic film with a hot-melt layer and opaque ink is inserted between the die and the output glass 14, the die exerting pressure on the film. When the die heats up, the opaque ink is transferred onto protrusions of the output glass 14, which forms a relief of the pattern m0.

[0070] In a sixth non-limiting embodiment, the pattern m0 is formed by a pad printing process (called in English "tampo-print"). A pad which comprises the pattern m0 in relief is dipped in ink and is applied to the output glass 14 by exerting pressure on it. The pattern m0 is thus transferred to the output glass 14.

[0071] Of course, the description of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and to the field described above. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, a single primary light source 120 cooperates with the primary optical module 12. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, the first central part 140 of the exit glass 14 is semi-transparent.

[0072] Thus, the invention described has in particular the following advantages: - it makes it possible to integrate in the same lighting device 1 the high-mounted stop light function f1 and the projection function f2 while reducing the vertical size of the lighting device 1 due to the elimination of the reflectors of the prior art and their replacement by a cylindrical light guide, - it makes it possible to respect the defined height of a rear high-mounted stop light for any type of vehicle 2, - it thus makes it possible to adapt to very inclined rear windows and smaller dimensions than for conventional vehicles, as in the case of coupe motor vehicles; thus, the lighting device 1 is easily integrated into this type of rear window, - it makes it possible to considerably reduce the number of primary light sources 120.The surface area of ​​said at least one second electronic support 121 (when it is different from the first electronic support 131) on which the primary light sources 120 rest is thus reduced, which also makes it possible to reduce the depth of the lighting device 1.

Claims

A light device (1) configured to perform a high-mounted stop light function (f1) and comprising: - a housing (10) configured to accommodate optical modules (12, 13), - an optical module support (11) fixed to said housing (10), - a primary optical module (12) configured to perform the high-mounted stop light function (f1), - a secondary optical module (13) configured to perform a projection function (f2) of a light pattern (m1) onto a reflection surface (20), - an output lens (14) comprising a pattern (m0) and configured to close said housing (10), characterized in that: - said primary optical module (12) is a cylindrical light guide configured to cooperate with primary light rays (r1) generated by at least one primary light source (12),and- said secondary optical module (13) comprises a first electronic support (131) and at least one secondary light source (130) configured to generate secondary light rays (r2)., A light device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said reflecting surface (20) is a rear window of said vehicle (2). A light device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said optical module support (11) is configured to accommodate said primary optical module (12). Luminous device (1) according to the preceding claim, according to which said secondary optical module (13) is assembled directly on the housing (10). A light device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said optical module support (11) is configured to accommodate said primary optical module (12) and said secondary optical module (13). A light device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one primary light source (120) and said at least one secondary light source (130) are activatable independently of each other. A light device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said at least one primary light source (120) is arranged on at least one second electronic medium (121) different from said first electronic medium (131) or is arranged on said first electronic medium (131). Luminous device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which said output glass (14) comprises a first part (140) integrating said pattern (m0) and a second part (141) arranged on either side of the first part (140) configured to form a junction with said housing (10). Luminous device (1) according to the preceding claim, according to which said housing (10) comprises a cavity (100) configured to receive a separation rib (111) of the optical module support (11). A light device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said light device (1) is a high-mounted stop light.

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