Lighting device for a structure such as a vehicle

Abstract

The lighting device (150) comprises several modules (20) each comprising: - an electronic card (30) carrying light sources (35) on its upper face; - wires (40) a first end of which is soldered under the electronic card and a second end of which can be soldered to an identical adjacent module; - a transparent cover in which the electronic card is mounted; - and a covering layer of polymer resin which covers the lower face of the electronic card and coats the first end part of the wires. The lighting device also comprises a translucent diffusion part (90) which is placed opposite the light sources and which comprises an assembly part (92) for the modules. The diffusion part is made in a single piece and placed opposite at least two adjacent modules of the lighting device.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device intended to be fixed to a structure such as a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle.

[0002] The invention also relates to a light signaling system comprising at least one such light device. Finally, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising at least one such light signaling system.

[0003] It is known to equip certain vehicles with lighting devices that allow them to be clearly visible to people in their surroundings, for safety reasons. This is particularly the case for trams, since these vehicles travel close to pedestrians, and can be relatively silent and therefore more difficult to detect, particularly in poor visibility conditions (low light, fog, etc.).

[0004] The lighting devices can take the form of strips arranged on the front of the vehicle, for example following the curved shapes of the vehicle's surface. Providing lighting devices in the form of strips rather than smaller areas such as traffic lights has the advantage of indicating to a person the overall shape of the vehicle. It is thus possible to clearly identify the vehicle and distinguish it from a smaller, potentially less dangerous vehicle, such as a bicycle for example. On the other hand, the manufacture and installation of such a lighting device on a vehicle are more complex. Indeed, certain constraints, such as flexibility, sealing, or robustness are all the more difficult to manage as the lighting device is extended in length. In addition, handling such a device can be difficult, due to its length, which poses even more of a problem as certain fragile components may be exposed.

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0006] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a lighting device intended to be fixed to an element forming part of or fixed to a structure such as a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, the lighting device comprising at least one series of modules capable of emitting light, the or each series of modules comprising at least a first module and a second module assembled to each other.

[0007] The element forming part of the structure may consist of the metal casing of a vehicle. The element fixed to the structure may, for example, comprise a housing which is itself fixed to the metal casing of a vehicle.

[0008] Each module includes: an electronic card defining a longitudinal direction and having a lower face and an upper face; a plurality of light sources mounted on the upper face of the electronic card; a plurality of wires, each wire comprising a first end portion soldered to the electronic card, on the lower face side thereof, and a second end portion which extends beyond the electronic card, the wires being configured to allow the electrical connection of the module to an adjacent electrical or electronic device such as a connector, or to a substantially identical module; a cover made of transparent plastic material, the electronic card being assembled to the cover with its upper face facing the cover;a covering layer having the shape of a plate, said covering layer being made of polymer resin, covering the lower face of the electronic card and coating the first end part of the wires, so as to form with the cover a sealed space in which the electronic card is housed.;

[0009] The second end portion of the wires of the first module is configured to be able to be connected to a connector intended to be connected to a power supply and / or control system of the first and second modules, and the second end portion of the wires of the second module is soldered onto the electronic card of the first module, on the lower face thereof, and is coated in the covering layer of the first module, the edges of the first module and of the second module which are arranged opposite one another being distant from one another.

[0010] Furthermore, the lighting device comprises a diffusion part, said diffusion part comprising on the one hand a diffusion wall made of a translucent material which is placed opposite the light sources, preferably substantially parallel to the electronic card of the modules, and on the other hand a part for assembly to at least one of the modules or to the element, the diffusion part being made in a single piece and placed opposite at least two adjacent modules of the lighting device.

[0011] Thanks to the covering layer and the cover, the module according to the invention forms a sealed unit. It is therefore not necessary to use sealed light sources. Standard light sources, which are much less expensive and more efficient, can be used. In addition, the cover forms a mechanical protection against impacts and other attacks likely to damage the light sources, thus giving the module great robustness.

[0012] Furthermore, by providing a module that can be assembled with other modules to form a lighting device, rather than a single-piece lighting device of considerable length, the invention has significant advantages in terms of ease of storage, transport and assembly. This configuration also allows adaptability to different vehicle shapes, by offering the possibility of producing different shapes of lighting devices. Also, by providing modules linked together by wires, which are flexible components, it is possible to obtain a lighting device that has significant overall flexibility, even if the modules are rigid.

[0013] In other words, an advantage of the lighting device according to the invention is that it forms a fully assembled and sealed assembly, but which nevertheless retains internal flexibility since it is formed of modules which are not rigidly connected but connected to each other via flexible wires.

[0014] However, a single module, due to its potentially elongated and thin shape, may itself have a certain flexibility. In addition, the material constituting the covering layer may be chosen to give the module a certain flexibility. For example, the material constituting the covering layer may have a Shore D hardness of the order of 30 to 50.

[0015] The first end portion of each wire may be soldered near a transverse edge of the electronic card, i.e. at a longitudinal end of the card; the second end portion may extend longitudinally beyond the electronic card, preferably beyond said transverse edge.

[0016] According to a possible embodiment, the two modules are assembled to each other substantially in the longitudinal direction. The facing edges are therefore the transverse edges, and the wires can extend substantially longitudinally.

[0017] The first end part of each wire is electrically connected to a conductive track on the electronic card. The second end part is free, in particular not coated in the covering layer of said module.

[0018] Light sources may typically protrude upwards from the top face of the circuit board.

[0019] Furthermore, the presence of the diffusion piece makes it possible to homogenize the light effect obtained, giving the lighting device a uniformly lit appearance, without it being possible to individually discern the lighting provided by each of the light sources. Indeed, by "translucent" we mean a material that lets light rays pass through but does not allow the contours or colors of objects to be clearly distinguished.

[0020] For example, for each module, the relevant portion of the diffusion wall is parallel to the corresponding electronic card, which does not require the electronic cards to be coplanar.

[0021] Preferably, the diffusion part is assembled to each of the modules, which ensures good mechanical strength.

[0022] The two adjacent modules opposite which the diffusion part is arranged are not necessarily modules belonging to the same series of modules. Furthermore, in particular depending on the manufacturing constraints and the geometric constraints imposed by the structure, the lighting device may comprise a single diffusion part or several diffusion parts.

[0023] The diffusion part may be made from a single piece of plastic, for example elastomer or silicone. In particular, the diffusion wall and the assembly part may be made from a single piece. The diffusion part preferably has a flexibility allowing it to be curved to adapt to the shape of the element on which the lighting device is mounted. For example, the material constituting the diffusion part may have a Shore A hardness of the order of 60 to 80, for example of the order of 70.

[0024] Thus, the portion of the diffusion part which is placed opposite a module can be made from a single piece.

[0025] Preferably, the diffusion part is in the form of a section of profile.

[0026] According to a possible embodiment, the diffusion part has the shape of a U comprising a base wall forming the diffusion wall, and two branches forming the assembly part, each of the branches projecting from the base wall and comprising at its end a lug projecting towards the opposite branch. The lugs can be configured to cooperate with the lower face of at least one of the modules. They can cooperate with the lower face of the cover, for example with the lower face of the peripheral wall, in particular with the lower face of the housing of the peripheral wall. The profile can be clipped onto the module.

[0027] The cover may comprise a peripheral wall which comprises at least one housing projecting outwards and open downwards, said housing being filled with the polymer resin from which the covering layer is formed. In addition, the lugs of the diffusion part may be configured to cooperate with the lower face of the housing(s).

[0028] Furthermore, the diffusion part may comprise fins projecting outwards from the assembly part, said fins being intended to cooperate in a sealed manner with the element to which the module is fixed.

[0029] The diffusion part can be made in a single piece and placed opposite all the modules in a series of the lighting device.

[0030] The lighting device may comprise several series of modules, the diffusion part being made in a single piece and being common to all series of modules. The diffusion part is then located opposite all the modules, the intervals between two adjacent modules, and the intervals between two adjacent series of modules.

[0031] The hood may comprise a generally planar main wall and a peripheral wall projecting orthogonally from the main wall, downwardly, from the longitudinal and transverse edges of the main wall.

[0032] According to a possible embodiment, the cover comprises a main wall which has a substantially flat lower face arranged in contact with the upper face of the electronic card, the main wall further comprising cavities each having a lower opening which is located in the lower face of the main wall, each of said cavities receiving one of the light sources mounted on the upper face of the electronic card. Having the cover in contact with the electronic card, with shapes which fit together, makes it possible to create a cavity of reduced dimensions and having little communication with the surrounding air, or even no communication with the surrounding air, which limits the risk of condensation occurring.

[0033] According to one possible embodiment, the cover comprises a peripheral wall which has a plurality of vertical slots - i.e., slots orthogonal to the electronic card. These slots give the cover a certain flexibility. Thus, the cover can take a slightly curved shape in the plane of the electronic card.

[0034] For example, the electronic card comprises at least one opening and the cover comprises a main wall and a well projecting downwardly from the lower face of the main wall, the well being engaged in the opening of the electronic card and coated in the covering layer over a portion of its height, the well comprising a passage for a member for fixing the module to the element. Thus, the sealing of the space receiving the electronic card is preserved even around the fixing member.

[0035] According to one possible embodiment, the cover comprises a main wall and a plurality of pins projecting downwards from the underside of the main wall, the pins having the same height and protruding beyond the covering layer. The pins form spacers for positioning the module relative to the element. They ensure that the module is always parallel to the surface to which it is attached, even if this surface is crooked.

[0036] According to a possible embodiment, a first module and a second module each comprise: a main part comprising a plurality of light sources; and at least one appendage which extends from the main part substantially parallel to the electronic card in the longitudinal direction and which comprises at least one light source, the appendage having a width less than the width of the main part so that the module has a notch adjoining the appendage; the first module being configured to be able to be assembled to the second module, arranged adjacent to the first module, the appendage of the first module being at least partially housed in the notch of the second module.

[0037] Such a configuration makes it possible to produce a series of modules with a strong curvature while minimizing the apparent light discontinuity.

[0038] A light unit may be provided comprising at least one module as previously described as well as a diffusion part, said diffusion part comprising on the one hand a diffusion wall made of a translucent material which is placed opposite the light sources, preferably substantially parallel to the electronic card of the module(s), and on the other hand an assembly part for the or each of the modules.

[0039] The diffusion part may have any of the above characteristics, alone or in combination.

[0040] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a light signaling system intended to be fixed to a structure such as a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle. The light signaling system comprises: a groove-shaped housing, comprising a bottom, two side walls and an opening opposite the bottom, the housing being open towards the outside of the structure in the mounted position; at least one lighting device as previously described, each module being fixed to the bottom of the housing with the light sources facing the opening, and the diffusion part being mounted in the housing.

[0041] Furthermore, the diffusion part is preferably made in a single piece for the entire light signaling system. In other words, in the case where the light device comprises several series of modules, there are no separate diffusion parts for the series of modules, but a single diffusion part common to all series of modules.

[0042] The housing may constitute all or part of the element attached to the structure.

[0043] It may be provided that the housing comprises a recess which is set back from the bottom and which is located opposite the space between two adjacent modules, said recess being configured to receive a central portion of the wires connecting said two adjacent modules.

[0044] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising a metal casing and at least one light signaling system as previously described, the housing being fixed to the metal casing, preferably so that its opening is substantially flush with said metal casing.

[0045] A possible embodiment of the invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended figures: There figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a light signaling system according to one embodiment of the invention, said system comprising a plurality of modules; The figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a module according to one embodiment of the invention; The figure 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of the module of the figure 2 , from another angle of view; The figure 4 is a partial perspective view of a series of modules assembled together; The figure 5 is a perspective view of a diffusion room; The figure 6 illustrates the installation of modules and a diffusion part in a housing, to form a light signaling system intended to be fixed on a vehicle; The figure 7 is a perspective view of a series of modules assembled together; The figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a light signaling system; The figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a light signaling system; The figure 10 is a schematic and partial view of the light signaling system of the figure 1 ; There figure 11 is a schematic view of a series of modules assembled together, according to another embodiment; The figure 12 is a variant of the figure 11 ; There figure 13 is a schematic view of a series of modules assembled together, according to yet another embodiment.

[0046] There figure 1 represents a vehicle 1 which is here a railway vehicle, in particular a train. The invention can however be applied to any other railway vehicle, such as a tram or a metro, as well as to another vehicle, in particular public transport, for example a bus.

[0047] The vehicle 1 comprises a metal casing 2 formed of different adjacent panels 3, some of which form doors 4. The vehicle 1 has a front face 5, sides 6 and a roof 7. The vehicle 1 is here a self-propelled train, and therefore has a glazed wall 8 at the front face 5, through which the driver can see the environment of the vehicle 1.

[0048] The vehicle 1 further comprises a light signaling system 100. The light signaling system 100 comprises a housing 101 which is fixed to the vehicle 1, and at least one light device 150 received in the housing 101.

[0049] The housing 101 can be fixed to the metal casing 2. This fixing can be indirect, the housing being for example fixed to a frame of the vehicle 1 on which the metal casing 2 is also fixed. This fixing can be carried out by any known means, in particular by screwing or bolting.

[0050] The light signaling system 100 may for example be arranged on the front face 5 of the vehicle 1, or at the junction between the front face 5 and each of the sides 6. Other arrangements are however conceivable. For example, the light signaling system 100 could be arranged not only on the front face, but along the entire length of the vehicle 1.

[0051] In the embodiment shown in the figure 1 , the light signaling system 100 is arranged on the periphery 9 of the glass wall 8, between said glass wall 8 and each of the adjacent panels 3. The periphery 9 here comprises: a line 9a substantially horizontal at the junction between the glass wall 8 and the roof 6; a line 9b also substantially horizontal and opposite to the line 9a, located under the glass wall 8; and two opposite lines 9c which connect the lines 9a and 9b and which run along the glass wall 8 on either side of the median plane P of the vehicle 1.

[0052] The vehicle 1 may further comprise an electronic control unit 10.

[0053] As seen on the figure 6 , the housing 101 of the light signaling system 100 has the shape of a groove. It comprises a bottom 102, two side walls 103 and an opening 104 opposite the bottom 103. The side walls 103 may comprise at their free end rims 105 extending parallel to the bottom 102, opposite the opening 104. The housing 101 may be made of metal or composite material.

[0054] The housing 101 is open to the outside of the vehicle 1 in the mounted position. Preferably, the opening 104 of the housing 101 is substantially flush with the metal casing 2 of the vehicle 1. For example, the flanges 105 are in contact with the outer face of the metal casing 2, as illustrated in the figure 6 .

[0055] Furthermore, the housing 101 may comprise a recess 106 which is set back from the bottom 102, i.e. located further from the opening 104 than the bottom 102. The housing 101 may comprise several recesses 106, for example substantially regularly spaced from each other. The function of this or these recesses 106 will be explained later.

[0056] The light device 150 comprises at least one series 140 of several modules 20 capable of emitting light, which are assembled together. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures 2 à 10 , the modules 20 are preferably identical. Alternatively, modules of identical structures could be provided, differing only in their length and / or their width.

[0057] The module 20 comprises an electronic card 30 which has a plate on which electronic components connected by conductive tracks are fixed. The electronic card 30 has a lower face 31 and an upper face 32.

[0058] For the description of module 2 and the light device 150, and as seen in the figure 3 , the vertical direction Z is defined as the direction orthogonal to the lower 31 and upper 32 faces of the electronic card 30, it being specified that, in the position mounted on the vehicle 1, this direction Z may not be vertical. In addition, the electronic card 30 defines a longitudinal direction X orthogonal to the direction Z and a transverse direction orthogonal to the directions X and Z.

[0059] The electronic card 30 is preferably rectangular, and elongated in the longitudinal direction. The length L of the electronic card 30 (in the X direction) may be at least four times its width l (in the Y direction), for example close to 9 l. The width l of the electronic card 30 may be close to 3 cm and its thickness (in the Z direction) may be of the order of 0.8 mm. The electronic card 30 has two longitudinal edges 38 and two transverse edges 39.

[0060] The electronic card 30 comprises at least one opening 33 passing through the thickness, intended to receive a member for fixing the electronic card 30 to the vehicle 1, more specifically to the housing 101 itself fixed to the vehicle 1. The electronic card 30 may also comprise notches 34 passing through the thickness and open at the periphery, for example at the longitudinal edges 38. The function of these notches 34 will be explained later.

[0061] The module 20 further comprises a plurality of light sources 35 mounted on the upper face 32 of the electronic card 30.

[0062] For example, the light sources 35 are arranged along one or more longitudinal lines, for example two lines of ten to fifteen light sources 35, for example twelve light sources, preferably regularly spaced, with an interval which may be around 2 cm.

[0063] Each light source 35 is for example an LED which may comprise one or more chips, for example a set of four chips including one blue, one red, one green and one white. From these four colours, it is possible by individually controlling the chips to produce any overall colour.

[0064] The module 20 also comprises a plurality of wires 40, to allow the electrical connection of the module 20 to an adjacent electrical or electronic device. Each wire 40 comprises a first end portion 41 which is soldered to the electronic card 30, on the side of the lower face 31, and a second end portion 42 which extends beyond the electronic card 30. The wires 40 are preferably arranged substantially longitudinally, the first end portion 41 being located near a transverse edge 39 of the electronic card 30. In the embodiment shown, the module 20 comprises five wires 40, this not being considered as limiting, the number of wires 40 depending in particular on the number of tracks on the electronic card 30.

[0065] In addition, the module 20 comprises a cover 60 in which the electronic card 30 is assembled, with its upper face 32 facing the cover 60. The cover 60 is for example made by molding a plastic material, such as a transparent and colorless polycarbonate. The material constituting the cover preferably has properties of resistance to the propagation of fire and to the emanation of toxic or opaque fumes.

[0066] The cover 60 comprises a main wall 63 which is generally flat and rectangular, with dimensions slightly larger than those of the electronic card 30. The main wall 63 has a lower face 61 and an upper face 62, and comprises cavities 65 each having a lower opening which is located in the lower face 61 of the main wall 63. The cavities 65 can form protrusions 64 projecting upwards from the upper face 63 of the cover 60.

[0067] In the mounted position of the hood 60, as seen in particular on the figures 8 et 9 , the lower face 61 of the main wall 63 of the cover 60, which is substantially planar, is arranged in contact with the upper face 32 of the electronic card 30. In addition, each of the cavities 65 receives one of the light sources 35 mounted on the upper face 32 of the electronic card 30. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures, the cavities 65 are arranged along two longitudinal lines of twelve regularly spaced cavities 65. Preferably, the bottom of the cavities 65 is located at a distance from the light sources 35.

[0068] The cover 60 further comprises a peripheral wall 66 which projects orthogonally from the main wall 63, downwardly, from the periphery of the main wall 63. The peripheral wall 66 comprises two longitudinal walls 68 and two transverse walls 69.

[0069] The peripheral wall 66 of the cover 60 may have a plurality of vertical slots 67. The slots 67 allow a certain deformation of the cover 60 which allows the cover 60 to adopt a slightly curved shape, in particular in a plane (X,Y) or (X,Z).

[0070] It is possible to provide lugs 70 projecting inwards from the peripheral wall 66 of the cover 60. The lugs 70 allow the electronic card 30 to be snapped into the cover 60. In addition to holding, the lugs 70 ensure the appropriate positioning of the electronic card 30 relative to the cover 60, and the repeatability of this positioning, in particular with a view to adding a covering layer 50 (described below).

[0071] Furthermore, the cover 60 may comprise several pins 74 projecting downwards from the lower face 61 of the main wall 63. Each pin 74 is configured to engage in one of the notches 34 provided in the electronic card 30, to ensure centering during assembly of the module 20. Furthermore, the pins 74, which have the same height, form positioning spacers for the module 20 as will be seen later.

[0072] The peripheral wall 66 of the cover 60 may also comprise at least one housing 71 projecting outwards and open downwards. Each housing 71 is intended to cooperate with a part of a diffusion part 90 for snap-fastening thereof (see below). Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the cover 60 comprises two housings 71 on each of the longitudinal edges 68, the housings 71 arranged on a longitudinal edge 68 being arranged opposite - in the transverse direction Y - the housings 71 arranged on the opposite longitudinal edge 68. A transversely oriented rib 72 may be provided, to join the longitudinal wall of the housing 71 to the pin 74 located opposite.

[0073] Furthermore, the cover 60 may comprise at least one well 73 projecting downwardly from the lower face 61 of the main wall 63. In the mounted position, each of the wells 73 is engaged in one of the openings 33 of the electronic card 30. The well 73 may have an oblong interior shape and an oblong exterior shape, seen in section in a plane (X,Y). In addition, the well 73 may have ribs 75 on its exterior face, oriented in the vertical direction Z.

[0074] Each of the wells 73 has a passage 77 opening out and oriented in the vertical direction Z. This passage 77 is intended to receive a fixing member 80 of the module 20 to the housing 101, as can be seen in the figures 6 , 8 et 9 .

[0075] Furthermore, the module 20 comprises a covering layer 50 which is made of polymer resin and preferably has properties of resistance to the propagation of fire and to the emanation of toxic or opaque fumes. For example, the covering layer 50 is made of polyurethane. The covering layer 50 covers the lower face 31 of the electronic card 30 and coats the first end portion 41 of the wires 40.

[0076] In practice, the covering layer 50 is produced by solidification of a layer of polymer deposited in the fluid state on the lower face 31 of the electronic card 30, on which the wires 40 have previously been soldered, the electronic card 30 being assembled inside the cover 60. After solidification, the covering layer 50 is secured to the cover 60 by adhesion. For example, the covering layer 50 may have a thickness of the order of 4 mm.

[0077] The covering layer 50 therefore has a shape complementary to that of the cover 60. In particular, the covering layer 50 has the shape of a plate having substantially the same dimensions as the internal dimensions of the cover 60, in the X and Y directions. This is how the covering layer 50 is represented on the figure 2 , it being specified that this is a theoretical exploded view, the covering layer 50 not appearing in practice as a separate component of the cover 60.

[0078] The cover 60 and the covering layer 50 therefore form a sealed space in which the electronic card 30 is housed. As a result, it is not necessary for the light sources 35 to be sealed.

[0079] The covering layer 50 comprises a peripheral face 56 formed of two longitudinal edges 58 and two transverse edges 59.

[0080] The covering layer 50 may further comprise an orifice 53 passing through the thickness, which is formed around the or each of the wells 73 of the cover 60 and which is located in correspondence with the or each of the openings 33 formed in the electronic card 30. The inner face of the orifice 53 has grooves 55 corresponding to the ribs 75 of the well 73. The covering layer 50 coats the well or wells 73 over a portion of the height of the well 73 only, that is to say that the well 73 extends downwards beyond the covering layer 50.

[0081] The covering layer 50 may also comprise notches 54 passing through the thickness and formed around the pins 74. Furthermore, the covering layer 50 may comprise vertical ribs 57 projecting from the peripheral face 56 of the covering layer 50 towards the outside, and corresponding to the slots 67 of the cover 60.

[0082] The covering layer 50 may also comprise at least one bead 51 comprising a slot 52, corresponding to the housing 71 and the rib 72 provided on the cover 60.

[0083] In practice, several modules 20 are assembled together to form the series 140 of modules.

[0084] An example of a 140 series of 20 modules is illustrated in the figure 4 (where neither the covering layers 50 nor the covers 60 are shown for greater visibility) and on the figure 7 It comprises three modules 20, namely a first module 20a, a second module 20b and a third module 20c assembled longitudinally in this order.

[0085] The second end portion 42a of the wires 40a of the first module 20a is connected to a connector 85 which is configured to be connected to a system 86 for supplying and / or controlling the modules 20 of the lighting device 150. Said system 86, which is preferably located inside the vehicle 1, can also be connected to the electronic control unit 10 of the vehicle 1. Said system 86 makes it possible to control the lighting device 150, and in particular the color of the light obtained by individual control of the chips forming the light sources 35 of all the modules 20.

[0086] Each of the electronic cards 30 is placed in a cover 60.

[0087] The second end portion 42b of the wires 40b of the second module 20b is soldered to the electronic card 30 of the first module 20a, on the side of the lower face 31 thereof, and is coated in the covering layer 50 of the first module 20a. The transverse edges 39 of the first module 20a and of the second module 20b which are arranged opposite one another are distant from one another.

[0088] Similarly, the second end portion 42c of the wires 40c of the third module 20c is soldered to the electronic board 30 of the second module 20b, on the side of the lower face 31 thereof, and is coated in the covering layer 50 of the second module 20b. The transverse edges 39 of the second module 20b and of the third module 20c which are arranged opposite one another are distant from one another.

[0089] Once the desired number of modules 20 have been assembled together, the series 140 thus formed can be placed in the housing 101, as illustrated in the figures 6 à 9 , to form all or part of the light signaling system 100.

[0090] The modules 20 are placed in the housing 101 so that each electronic card 30 is substantially parallel to the bottom 102, with its lower face 31 facing the bottom 102, that is to say with the light sources 35 facing the opening 104 of the housing 101. In addition, the modules 20 are placed in such a way that the space between two adjacent modules 20 is located facing the recess 106 of the housing 101, so that this recess 106 can receive the central portion 43 of the wires 40 which connect said two adjacent modules 20. This central portion 43 can form a loop of a certain volume which cannot be housed between a module 20 and the area of ​​the bottom 102 of the housing 101 facing said module 20, either due to lack of space or due to the risk of damaging the wires 40.

[0091] As seen on the figure 7 , the central portion 43 of the wires 40 which connect said two adjacent modules 20 can be surrounded by a sheath 44, which can provide mechanical protection, holding the wires 40 against each other, and / or electromagnetic shielding. The sheath 44 can be held around the wires 40 by means of one or more collars 45.

[0092] Each module 20 is fixed to the bottom 102 of the housing 101, for example by means of a fixing member 80 engaged in the passage 77 of each of the wells 73 of the cover 20, in the corresponding opening 33 of the electronic card 30, and in a hole 107 made in the bottom 102 of the housing 101. As can be seen in the figure 8 , the pins 74 come to bear against the bottom 102 of the housing 101. They ensure that the modules 20 as a whole follow the geometry of the bottom 102 of the housings 101, guaranteeing parallelism, even if this bottom 102 is a skewed surface.

[0093] Next, a diffusion part 90 is placed in the housing 101, above the modules 20, and assembled to each of the modules 20. The diffusion part 90 is preferably a single part for the entire lighting device 150, whether the latter comprises a single series 140 of modules 20 or several series 140, as will be described later.

[0094] The diffusion part 90 is made of a translucent material, for example a material with an opaline appearance. It can be made of a plastic material, for example silicone, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). The diffusion part 90 is preferably in the form of a section of profile, and is therefore made of a single piece.

[0095] The diffusion part 90 may have the shape of a U comprising a generally planar base wall 91 and two branches 92 which extend substantially orthogonally to the base wall 91. In the embodiment shown, each of the branches 92 comprises at its free end a lug 93 projecting towards the opposite branch 92, that is to say towards the inside of the U. Furthermore, each of the branches 92 comprises fins 94 projecting outwards.

[0096] The diffusion part 90 is inserted into the housing 101 by translation towards the bottom 102, the lugs 93 being directed downwards.

[0097] In the mounted position, as seen on the figures 6 , 8 et 9 , the lugs 93 cooperate with the lower face of the modules 20, for example the lower face of each of the covers 60. More precisely, the lugs 93 can be positioned under the housings 71 of the cover 60, as illustrated in the figure 8 . Thus, the two branches 92 form an assembly part of the diffusion part 90 to the modules 60, for example by a snap-type connection. In addition, the fins 94 cooperate in a sealed manner with the inner face of the side walls 103 of the housing 101. An advantage of this method of fixing is that it does not require screws or other fixing means. In particular, this eliminates the need for any visible screws.

[0098] Furthermore, the base wall 91 is placed substantially parallel to the electronic card 30 of the modules 20, opposite the light sources 35, and at a distance from the cover 60. By way of example, the distance between the base wall 91 and the light sources 35 can be of the order of 10 to 20 mm.

[0099] The base wall 91 forms a diffusion wall which makes it possible to obtain a uniform light effect, the light sources 35 not being visible individually.

[0100] The base wall 91 may have a thickness of the order of 3 to 8 mm, for example around 6 mm.

[0101] The diffusion part may be arranged recessed inside the housing 101 or be positioned flush with the edges 105.

[0102] We now refer to the figure 10 , which illustrates the light device 150 intended to be installed in a housing 101 to form the light signaling system 100 of the vehicle 1 illustrated in the figure 1 .

[0103] The light device 150 may comprise several series 140 of modules 20 arranged one after the other, as well as a single diffusion part 90 common to all of these series 140. In the example shown, and without this being considered limiting, the light device 150 comprises: a series 140-1 forming substantially half of line 9a of the perimeter 9 of the glazed wall 8 of the vehicle 1, comprising three modules 20; a series 140-2 forming part of line 9c, comprising eight modules 20; a series 140-3 forming part of line 9c and substantially half of line 9b, comprising eight modules 20; and series 140-4, 140-5, 140-6 symmetrical to series 140-3, 140-2 and 140-1, respectively, with respect to the median plane P of the vehicle 1.

[0104] The series can be connected individually, collectively, or by subset, to a system 86 for supplying and / or controlling the module(s) 20.

[0105] Thanks to : the intrinsic flexibility of each module 20, due in particular to the small thickness of the module and to the slots 67 of the cover 60, and possibly to the flexibility of the material constituting the covering layer 50, the connection by flexible wires 40 between two adjacent modules 20, whether these modules 20 belong to the same series 140 or to two adjacent series 140, and to the flexibility of the diffusion part 90, which is given to it by its constituent material and / or its geometry, the overall light device 150 may be curved in different directions, to adapt to the left shape of the vehicle 1 or other structure on which it is mounted.

[0106] It should be noted that the “longitudinal direction X” is defined locally for each module 20 and each corresponding portion of the housing 101, and may vary between a given module 20 and the module 20 adjacent to it. Thus, the housing 101 as a whole may be left-handed, i.e. non-planar, and possibly in different directions.

[0107] We now refer to the figures 11 à 13 which illustrate another embodiment of the invention.

[0108] In this embodiment, the modules 20 do not, or not all, have a rectangular shape.

[0109] A module 20 comprises a main part 21 which comprises a plurality of light sources 35. The module 20 further comprises at least one appendage 22 which extends from the main part 21 substantially parallel to the electronic card 30, in the longitudinal direction X, and which comprises at least one light source 35. Furthermore, the appendage 22 has a width less than the width of the main part 21. As a result, the module 20 has a notch 23 which adjoins the appendage 22. The wires 40 of a module 20 can be soldered to the end part of the appendage 22 of this module 20.

[0110] Such a shape of the module 20 is also the shape of the cover 60 and of the electronic card 30.

[0111] It is thus possible to assemble, via the wires 40, at least a first module 20a and a second module 20b both having this configuration, so that the second module 20b is adjacent to the first module 20a, the appendage 22 of the first module 20a being at least partially housed in the notch 23 of the second module 20b. A series 140 is thus formed in which there is no area that appears devoid of a light source, this continuity effect being reinforced by the diffusion part 90.

[0112] For example, a T-shaped module 20 can be provided, with a substantially rectangular or square main part 21, from which two appendages 22 protrude in opposite directions. On the figures 11 à 13 , for example such a module comprises four light sources arranged in squares in the main part 21, and each appendage comprises a single light source 35, the successive modules 20 being assembled head to tail.

[0113] On the figure 11 , the series 140 of T-shaped modules 20 forms a line L having a certain curvature, and on line 12, the series 140 forms a line L having an even greater curvature. The light sources 35 of the successive modules 20 of the series 140 are distributed in two curved and adjacent lines L1 and L2, respectively on the inner side of the curved line L and on the outer side. On line L2, on the outer side of the curve, there is a gap between the adjacent light sources 35 which belong to two different modules 20. This gap is all the greater as the curvature of the line L is significant. However, due to the appendages 22 and the notches 23, this gap is significantly reduced compared to a series 140 which would only comprise rectangular modules 20 as described previously.

[0114] Alternatively, a module 20c may be provided having a main part 21 that is substantially square or rectangular and provided with a single appendage 22. As illustrated in the figure 13 , such a 20c module can be placed at one end of the 140 series, so that the lines L1 and L2 have their ends on the same line transverse to the curve L, and not offset from each other. Such a 20c module can also be reversible, which allows it to be placed at both ends of the 140 series without providing two modules of distinct configurations.

[0115] It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above as an example but that it includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

1. A lighting device (150) intended to be attached to an element forming part of or attached to a structure such as a vehicle (1), in particular a railway vehicle, the lighting device (150) comprising at least one series (140) of modules (20) capable of emitting light, the or each series (140) of modules (20) comprising at least a first module (20a) and a second module (20b) assembled together, each module (20) comprising: - an electronic card (30) defining a longitudinal direction (X) and having a lower face (31) and an upper face (32); - a plurality of light sources (35) mounted on the upper face (32) of the electronic card (30);- a plurality of wires (40), each wire (40) comprising a first end portion (41) soldered to the electronic card (30), on the side of the lower face (31) thereof, and a second end portion (42) which extends beyond the electronic card (30), the wires (40) being configured to allow the electrical connection of the module (20) to an adjacent electrical or electronic device such as a connector (85), or to a substantially identical module (20); - a cover (60) made of transparent plastic material, the electronic card (30) being assembled to the cover (60) with its upper face (32) facing the cover (60);- a covering layer (50) having the shape of a plate, said covering layer (50) being made of polymer resin, covering the lower face (31) of the electronic card (30) and coating the first end part (41) of the wires (40), so as to form with the cover (60) a sealed space in which the electronic card (30) is housed;wherein the second end portion (42a) of the wires (40a) of the first module (20a) is configured to be able to be connected to a connector (85) intended to be connected to a system (86) for supplying and / or controlling the first and second modules (20a, 20b), and the second end portion (42b) of the wires (40b) of the second module (20b) is soldered onto the electronic card (30) of the first module (20a), on the side of the lower face (31) thereof, and is coated in the covering layer (50) of the first module (20a), edges (39) of the first module (20a) and of the second module (20b) which are arranged opposite one another being distant from one another;the light device (150) further comprising a diffusion part (90), said diffusion part (90) comprising on the one hand a diffusion wall (91) made of a translucent material which is placed opposite the light sources (35), preferably substantially parallel to the electronic card (30) of the modules (20), and on the other hand an assembly part (92) to at least one of the modules (20) or to the element, the diffusion part (90) being made in a single piece and placed opposite at least two adjacent modules (20) of the light device (150).; 2. Luminous device according to claim 1, characterized in that the diffusion part (90) is made from a single piece of plastic material and has a flexibility allowing it to be curved to adapt to the shape of the element, said diffusion part (90) preferably being in the form of a section of profile.

3. Luminous device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the diffusion part (90) has the shape of a U comprising a base wall forming the diffusion wall (91), and two branches forming the assembly part (92), each of the branches projecting from the base wall and comprising at its end a lug (93) projecting towards the opposite branch, said lugs (93) being configured to cooperate with the lower face of at least one of the modules (20).

4. Module according to claim 3, characterized in that the cover (60) comprises a peripheral wall (66) which comprises at least one housing (71) projecting outwards and open downwards, said housing (71) being filled with the polymer resin from which the covering layer (50) is formed, and in that the lugs (93) of the diffusion part (90) are configured to cooperate with the lower face of the housing(s) (71).

5. Luminous device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in thatthe diffusion part (90) comprises fins (94) projecting outwards from the assembly part (92), said fins (94) being intended to cooperate in a sealed manner with the element to which the module (20) is fixed.

6. Luminous device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the diffusion part (90) is made in a single piece and placed opposite all of the modules (20) of a series (140) of the lighting device (150).

7. Luminous device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it includes several series (140) of modules (20) and in that the diffusion part (90) is made in a single piece and common to all series (140) of modules (20).

8. Luminous device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in thatthe cover (60) comprises a main wall (63) which has a substantially planar lower face (61) arranged in contact with the upper face (32) of the electronic card (30), the main wall (63) further comprising cavities (65) each having a lower opening which is located in the lower face (31) of the main wall (63), each of said cavities (65) receiving one of the light sources (35) mounted on the upper face (32) of the electronic card (30).

9. Luminous device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cover (60) comprises a peripheral wall (66) which has a plurality of vertical slots (67).

10. Luminous device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in thatthe electronic card (30) comprises at least one opening (33) and the cover (60) comprises a main wall (63) and a well (73) projecting from the lower face (61) of the main wall (63) downwards, the well (73) being engaged in the opening (33) of the electronic card (30) and coated in the covering layer (50) over a portion of its height, the well (73) comprising a passage (77) for a member (80) for fixing the module (20) to the element.

11. Luminous device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the cover (60) comprises a main wall (63) and a plurality of pins (74) projecting from the lower face (61) of the main wall (63) downwards, the pins (74) having the same height and protruding beyond the covering layer (50), the pins (74) forming spacers for positioning the module (20) relative to the element.

12. Luminous device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a first module (20a) and a second module (20b) each comprise: - a main part (21) comprising a plurality of light sources (35); - and at least one appendage (22) which extends from the main part (21) substantially parallel to the electronic card (30) in the longitudinal direction (X) and which comprises at least one light source (35), the appendage (22) having a width less than the width of the main part (21) so that the module (20a, 20b) has a notch (23) adjoining the appendage (22); the first module (20a) being configured to be able to be assembled to the second module (20b), arranged adjacent to the first module (20a), the appendage (22) of the first module (20a) being at least partially housed in the notch (23) of the second module (20b).

13. Light signaling system (100) intended to be fixed to a structure such as a vehicle (1), in particular a railway vehicle, the light signaling system (100) comprising: - a groove-shaped housing (101), comprising a bottom (102), two side walls (103) and an opening (104) opposite the bottom (102), the housing (101) being open towards the outside of the structure in the mounted position; - at least one light device (150) according to one of claims 1 to 12, each module (20) being fixed to the bottom of the housing (101) with the light sources (35) facing the opening (104), and the diffusion part (90) being mounted in the housing (101), the diffusion part (90) preferably being made in a single piece for the entire light signaling system (100).

14. Light signaling system according to claim 13, characterized in thatthe housing (101) comprises a recess (106) which is set back from the bottom (102) and which is located opposite the space between two adjacent modules (20), said recess (106) being configured to receive a central portion (43) of the wires (40) connecting said two adjacent modules (20).

15. Vehicle (1), in particular railway vehicle, comprising a metal casing (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one light signaling system (100) according to claim 13 or 14, the housing (101) being fixed to the metal casing (2), preferably so that its opening (104) is substantially flush with said metal casing (2).

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