Lighting device with a housing inserted into a protective lens

Abstract

A lighting device (ED) comprises at least: - a housing (BB1) including a rear wall (PRB) and two first side walls (PLB1-PLB2) extending forward from the rear wall (PRB) and defining with the latter a first cavity (CB) housing a light guide (GL1) delivering photons onto a front face (FV1), and - a protective glass (GP1) coupled to the housing (BB1) and including a front wall (PVG) oriented towards the front face (FV1) through which the delivered photons exit, and second side walls (PLG1-PLG2) extending backward from the front wall (PVG) and defining with the latter a second cavity (CG) housing at least the first side walls (PLB1-PLB2), after they have been respectively fitted with tension by the second side walls (PLG1-PLG2) and interposed glue.

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to lighting devices comprising at least one elongated part. State of the art

[0002] In certain technical fields, such as in certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, lighting devices are used which include at least one long section comprising a long housing and a long protective glass coupled together.

[0003] Here, "longilineous" means an element having a length and height and thickness that are strictly less than this length and perpendicular to each other and to the latter.

[0004] Generally, each (elongated) housing comprises a rear wall and two side walls extending forward from this rear wall, defining with it a first cavity housing a light guide designed to deliver photons onto a front surface. Each protective glass panel includes a front wall oriented towards the front surface, through which the photons delivered by the light guide exit. It should be noted that, typically in this type of lighting device, a diffusion screen is inserted between the front face of each light guide and the front wall of each protective glass panel.

[0005] For example, in a motor vehicle such a lighting device can be fitted to a grille installed at the front end in order to make that grille illuminated.

[0006] When the height of the case and protective glass is not too small, the case generally includes a peripheral groove into which a peripheral edge of the protective glass is housed and bonded. However, when this height becomes too small, typically less than 30 mm, it is no longer possible to define a peripheral groove.

[0007] The invention is therefore intended, in particular, to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a lighting device comprising at least one housing including a rear wall and two first side walls extending forward from this rear wall and defining with the latter a first cavity housing a light guide suitable for delivering photons onto a front face, and a protective glass coupled to this housing and including a front wall oriented towards the front face and through which the delivered photons exit.

[0009] This lighting device is characterized by the fact that the (each) protective glass includes second side walls extending backwards from its front wall and defining with the latter a second cavity housing at least the first side walls, after they have been respectively fitted together with stress placed by the second side walls and interposition of glue.

[0010] Thanks to this stress combined with the bonding, we obtain not only a perfect and permanent immobilization of the case in the protective glass, but also a perfect seal, without the case having a peripheral groove.

[0011] The lighting device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: Each of the first side walls may include an external face with at least two first protrusions designed to bear against an internal face of a corresponding second side wall in order to contribute to the stress application; in the first option, each first protrusion may be arranged as a rib extending along a direction of the housing's insertion and having at least one beveled front portion; the rear wall of the housing may include a rear face with a coupling wall. In this case, at least one of the second side walls may be coupled to the coupling wall by at least one clip; in the last option, each clip may be U-shaped; each of the first side walls may include an external face forming a first acute angle with a rear face of the rear wall; in the last option, the first angle may be between 87° and 89°;Each of the second side walls may include an internal face forming a second obtuse angle with a front face of the front wall; in the presence of the latter option, the second angle may be between 91° and 93°; each of the first side walls may include an internal face provided with at least two second protrusions suitable for contributing to immobilizing the light guide by press fitting; it may include a central lighting module bearing a vehicle brand logo and to which are coupled right and left protective lenses associated respectively with right and left housings.

[0012] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a lighting device of the type presented above, this device being a signaling device or a device for creating a light signature.

[0013] For example, this vehicle may include a front end with a grille to which the lighting device is fixedly attached. Brief description of the figures

[0014] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which: [ Fig. 1 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front, an example of the front end of a vehicle comprising a grille equipped with an example embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front, the lighting system of the figure 1 , before it was fitted to a vehicle grille, [ Fig. 3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front and in cross-section in a longitudinal and vertical foreground, the straight, elongated part of the lighting device of the figure 2 , without its photon source, [ Fig. 4 ] schematically illustrates, in a first perspective view from the front, the right-hand housing of the lighting device of the figure 2 , before it is fitted into the right-hand protective ice, [ Fig. 5 ] schematically illustrates, in a second perspective view from the front and below, the right-hand housing of the lighting device of the figure 2 , before it is fitted into the right-hand protective ice, and [ Fig. 6 ] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a second longitudinal and vertical plane, the straight, elongated part of the lighting device of the figure 2 , without its photon source. Detailed description of the invention

[0015] The invention aims, in particular, to provide a lighting device comprising at least one elongated portion, including a elongated BBj housing fitted and bonded into a elongated GPj protective lens. This lighting device is preferably a signaling device or a device for creating a light signature.

[0016] In what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the DE lighting device is intended to equip a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, the DE lighting device can equip any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), any electrical appliance, any installation (including industrial), and any building (public or private) that must (or may) include an DE lighting device comprising at least one elongated section with an elongated housing and an elongated protective lens that must be coupled together.

[0017] Furthermore, the following is considered, by way of non-limiting example and as illustrated non-limitingly on the figure 1The DE lighting device is intended to be fitted to a CV grille installed in the front EV end of a motor vehicle. However, the DE lighting device could also be intended to be fitted to the rear end of a motor vehicle, for example.

[0018] On the figures 1 to 6 The X direction is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides including the side doors, the Y direction is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0019] In the preceding and following text, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined relative to the front end of the vehicle. Therefore, the front part of a component is located closer to the front end of the vehicle than the rear part of that same component.

[0020] We have schematically illustrated on the figure 1 an example of the front end EV of a vehicle comprising a CV grille to which is fixedly attached, for example by clipping and / or screwing, an example of an embodiment of a DE lighting device according to the invention.

[0021] As illustrated at least partially on the figures 2 , 3 And 6 , a lighting device DE, according to the invention, comprises at least one long-lined part referenced by the index j and comprising a housing BBj, a light guide GLj and a protective glass GPj.

[0022] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, on the figures 1 and 2The DE lighting system comprises a straight linear section (j = 1) and a left linear section (j = 2) coupled to a central MEC lighting module bearing a vehicle brand logo. However, the DE lighting system could consist of only one linear section.

[0023] As illustrated on the figures 3 to 6 Each BBj package comprises a rear wall PRB and two first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 extending forward from the rear wall PRB. These first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 and the rear wall PRB together define a first cavity CB which houses a light guide GL designed to deliver photons onto a front face FV1.

[0024] It should be noted that the photons that power a GLj light guide can be supplied by a photon source common to the elongated right and left sections, or by two SPj photon sources as illustrated, but not limited to, the figure 2For example, this (each) SPj photon source may include at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). But alternatively, it could include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example.

[0025] As illustrated at least partially on the figures 2 , 3 And 6 Each GPj protective glass is coupled to a BBj housing and comprises a PVG front wall oriented towards the FV1 front face of the corresponding GL light guide, and secondary side walls PLG1 and PLG2 extending rearward from the PVG front wall. Photons emitted by the FV1 front face exit through the PVG front wall at the level of an FVG front face.

[0026] These second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 and the front wall PVG together define a second cavity CG which houses at least the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 of the associated BBj housing, after they (PLB1 and PLB2) have been respectively fitted under tension by the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 and the interposition of adhesive. It will be understood that the first side wall PLB1 (here upper) and the second side wall PLG1 (here upper) are arranged so that fitting the BBj housing into the second cavity CG of the protective glass GPj causes tension on the first upper side wall PLB1. Similarly, the first side wall PLB2 (here lower) and the second side wall PLG2 (here lower) are arranged so that fitting the BBj housing into the second cavity CG of the protective glass GPj causes tension on the first lower side wall PLB2.

[0027] This double pressure application aims to tightly press the external faces FEB of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 against the internal faces FIG of the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2, and the adhesive ensures a permanent, fixed bond under stress. This results not only in perfect, permanent immobilization of the BBj housing within the GPj protective glass, but also in a perfect seal, without the BBj housing having a peripheral groove. This is particularly advantageous when the height of the BBj housing and GPj protective glass is small (typically less than 30 mm).

[0028] Note that the glue can be pre-positioned on the external faces FEB of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 of the BBj housing and / or on the internal faces FIG of the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 of the associated GPj protective glass.

[0029] For example, the length of the PVG front wall of the GPj protective glass can be between 50 cm and 70 cm and its height can be between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0030] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 2 , 4 And 5 Each elongated section of the lighting device DE can also include a diffusion screen EDj installed between the front face FV1 of the light guide GLj and the front wall PVG of the protective glass GPj. Here, the diffusion screen EDj is housed in the second cavity CG, downstream of (or in front of) the housing BBj. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the diffusion screen EDj could be housed in the first cavity CB (and therefore in the housing BBj in front of (or downstream of) the light guide GLj).

[0031] Each EDj broadcast screen is flat and has a length (here along the transverse Y direction), a height (here along the vertical Z direction), and a thickness (here along the longitudinal X direction) that are perpendicular to each other. For example, the height and thickness can be strictly less than the length. As an illustrative example, the length can be between 50 cm and 70 cm, the height between 8 mm and 15 mm, and the thickness between 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0032] In addition, each EDj diffusion screen is arranged to diffuse onto a front face photons which are delivered by the front face FV1 of the associated GLj light guide.

[0033] For example, each EDj broadcast screen can be made by molding in polycarbonate (or PC), possibly transparent (or crystal colored).

[0034] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 4 And 5 The outer face FEB of each of the first two side walls PLB1 and PLB2 may include at least two first protrusions PMC designed to bear against the inner face FIG of the corresponding second side wall PLG1 or PLG2, thus contributing to the stress application. It will be understood that when the housing BBj is inserted (or fitted) into the second cavity CG of the associated protective glass GPj, a point is reached where the first PMC protrusions come into contact with the inner faces FIG of the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2. Consequently, as the insertion (or fitting) continues, these inner faces FIG exert pressure on the first PMC protrusions, which causes the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2, which include these protrusions (PMC), to be stressed.

[0035] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 4 And 5 Each first PMC protrusion can be arranged as a rib extending along the BBj housing's insertion direction (here, the longitudinal X direction). Furthermore, each PMC rib preferably includes at least one beveled front portion to prevent the insertion from jamming before the BBj housing reaches its final position in the second CG cavity. However, each PMC rib could be entirely beveled.

[0036] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 3 And 6The rear wall PRB of each BBj housing may include a rear face FRB equipped with a PCB coupling wall (extending rearward). In this case, at least one of the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 may be coupled to the PCB coupling wall by at least one AC clip. This reinforces the immobilization of the BBj housing relative to the protective glass GPj, and also maintains this immobilization even if the adhesive fails or no longer performs adequately. Preferably, several (at least two) AC clips are provided coupling the second upper side wall PLG1 to the PCB coupling wall, and several (at least two) AC clips coupling the second lower side wall PLG2 to the PCB coupling wall.

[0037] It should be noted that each AC staple can be inserted into a previously defined through hole in a second side wall PLG1 and PLG2, then into a corresponding and previously defined blind hole in the PCB coupling wall, or by means of a specific tool (such as an electric stapler).

[0038] For example, and as illustrated but not limited to, this PCB coupling wall can be substantially perpendicular to the PRB rear wall. But this is not mandatory.

[0039] Also, for example, and although this does not appear on the figures 3 And 6 Each AC staple can have a U-shape. But other types of staples can be used.

[0040] Also, for example, and as illustrated but not limited to the following: figures 3 And 6The outer face FEB of each of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 can form a first acute angle with the rear face FRB of the rear wall PRB of the BBj housing. This option is intended to facilitate not only the fitting of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 relative to the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 respectively, but also the demolding of the BBj housing, when the latter (BBj) is made in a mold by injection of a rigid and resistant plastic material, such as polyamide (or PA).

[0041] Also, for example, the first angle can be between 87° and 89°. As an illustrative example, it can be equal to 88.5°.

[0042] Also, for example, and as illustrated but not limited to the following: figures 3 And 6The inner face FIG of each of the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 can form a second obtuse angle with the front face FVG of the front wall PVG of the protective glass GPj. This option is also intended to facilitate not only the fitting of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 relative to the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 respectively, but also the demolding of the protective glass GPj, when the latter (GPj) is made in a mold by injection of a rigid and resistant plastic material, such as polycarbonate (or PC), possibly transparent (or crystal colored).

[0043] Also, for example, the second angle can be between 91° and 93°. As an illustrative example, it can be equal to 91.5°.

[0044] Also, for example, and as illustrated but not limited to the following: figures 4 And 5The inner face FIB of each of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 may include at least two second protrusions PIG designed to secure the light guide GLj by press-fitting it into the BBj housing. This option advantageously eliminates the need for fastening means (such as clips or added collars or links) in the BBj housing and / or on the GLj light guide to ensure the GLj light guide is permanently attached to the BBj housing in its first cavity CB, thus simplifying assembly and reducing the mold in which the BBj housing is manufactured.

[0045] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 4 And 5, each second PIG protrusion can be arranged in the form of a rib (preferably entirely beveled) which extends along a direction of fitting of the GLj light guide (and the BBj housing), here the longitudinal direction X.

[0046] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, on the figures 1 and 2The front PVG wall of each GPj protective glass can include through-holes T3, allowing direct exit of scattered photons emitted by the front face FV1 of the GLj light guide or the optional EDj scattering screen. This provides a contrast between the solid areas of each PVG front wall (through which scattered photons must pass) and the through-holes T3 in the PVG. However, each PVG front wall of each GPj protective glass might not include through-holes T3. It should be noted that the extent of the through-holes T3 along the transverse Y direction can be identical or variable.

[0047] The possible central lighting module MEC may, for example, include at least one central photon source, a central diffusion screen and a central protective glass.

[0048] The central photon source is arranged to generate photons for the central diffusion screen. For example, this central photon source may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, it could include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example.

[0049] For example, the MEC central lighting module may also include an electronic board containing the central photon source and electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of this central photon source. This electronic board may also be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0050] The central diffusion screen is flat and the central protective glass is placed in front of it. The photons generated by the central photon source therefore reach a rear face of the central diffusion screen, which then diffuses them onto its front face towards the central protective glass. This glass includes a central FVC front face through which the diffused photons exit and which may include a vehicle brand logo (which is then backlit).

[0051] Note that the long, narrow parts (here right and left) are preferably coupled (or even fixedly attached) to the possible central MEC lighting module.

Claims

1. Lighting device (ED) comprising at least i) a housing (BBj) including a rear wall (PRB) and two first side walls (PLB1, PLB2) extending forward from said rear wall (PRB) and defining with the latter (PRB) a first cavity (CB) housing a light guide (GLj) suitable for delivering photons onto a front face (FV1), and ii) a protective glass (GPj) coupled to said housing (BBj) and including a front wall (PVG) oriented towards said front face (FV1) and through which said delivered photons exit, characterized in that said protective glass (GPj) includes second side walls (PLG1, PLG2) extending rearward from said front wall (PVG) and delimiting with the latter (PVG) a second cavity (CG) housing at least said first side walls (PLB1, PLB2), after they have been respectively fitted with stress by said second side walls (PLG1, PLG2) and interposition of glue.

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that Each of the said first lateral walls (PLB1, PLB2) includes an external face (FEB) provided with at least two first protrusions (PMC) designed to bear against an internal face (FIG) of a corresponding second lateral wall (PLG1, PLG2) in order to participate in said stressing.

3. Lighting device according to claim 2, characterized in that each first protrusion (PMC) is arranged in the form of a rib extending along a direction of fitting said housing (BBj) and comprising at least one beveled front part.

4. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said rear wall (PRB) comprises a rear face (FRB) provided with a coupling wall (PCB), and in that at least one of said second side walls (PLG1, PLG2) is coupled to said coupling wall (PCB) by at least one clip (AC).

5. Lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that Each staple (AC) has a U-shape.

6. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Each of the said first lateral walls (PLB1, PLB2) includes an external face (FEB) making a first acute angle with a rear face (FRB) of said rear wall (PRB).

7. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that Each of the said second lateral walls (PLG1, PLG2) includes an internal face (FIG) making a second obtuse angle with a front face (FVG) of said front wall (PVG).

8. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that Each of the said first lateral walls (PLB1, PLB2) includes an internal face (FIB) provided with at least two second protuberances (PIG) ​​suitable for participating in an immobilization of said light guide (GLj) by press fitting.

9. Vehicle, characterized in thatit includes a lighting device (ED) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, this device being a signaling device or a device for creating a light signature.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it includes a front end (EV) comprising a grille (CV) to which the said lighting device (DE) is fixedly attached.

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