Vehicle exterior lighting device

Abstract

Exterior lighting device (3) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, intended to be arranged at a location of a fixed rear part of a vehicle body, in particular a wing, the lighting device (3) comprising: - a housing (11); - an at least partially transparent lens (13), comprising an illumination surface intended to be visible from the rear of the vehicle, the lens (13) being mounted on the housing (11) to delimit a volume between the housing and the lens; - at least one first light source arranged inside said volume and intended to participate in creating a signalling function, by emitting a first beam of light, in particular through the lens (13); - a second light source (20) separate from the first light source, intended to participate in creating the signalling function, by emitting a second beam of light; wherein the housing (11) comprises a transparent area (22) arranged at a location of an opaque side wall (12) of the housing, the second light source (20) being arranged inside said volume facing the transparent area (22) in order to emit the second beam of light through the transparent area (22).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Exterior lighting device for a vehicle.

[0003] The invention relates to an exterior lighting device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, intended to be arranged at a location of a fixed rear part of a vehicle body, in particular a wing. The invention also relates to an exterior lighting system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such a lighting device and another lighting device intended to be arranged at a location of a movable part of a vehicle body, in particular an opening movable between a closed position and an open position, for example a trunk door. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a lighting device and / or such a lighting system. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a lighting device.

[0004] In a motor vehicle, it is important to provide a rear light that complies with current approvals.

[0005] A wing light is known which is fitted with a lens comprising a lighting surface intended to be visible from the rear of a vehicle.

[0006] However, existing fender lights have disadvantages. In particular, where the vehicle has a significant curvature, the light beams emitted by the fender light to form a lighting function, such as a signaling function, may be insufficient, particularly in certain directions. In particular, to comply with current regulations, it is necessary for part of the emitted light beams to be oriented along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and for another part of the emitted light beams to be oriented in a direction inclined to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. For example, it is necessary for part of the light beams to be directed at 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, towards the inside of the vehicle. However, due to the curvature of the fender light, it is possible that the light beams will not be able to achieve this orientation.

[0007] The aim of the invention is to provide a light device and a method for manufacturing a light device which overcomes the above drawbacks and improves the devices and methods known from the prior art. In particular, the invention makes it possible to produce a device and a method which allow the realization of an improved signaling function.

[0008] The invention relates to an exterior lighting device for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, intended to be arranged at a location in a fixed rear part of a vehicle body, in particular a wing, the lighting device comprising:

[0009] - a case;

[0010] - an at least partially transparent window, comprising a lighting surface intended to be visible from the rear of the vehicle, the window being mounted on the housing by delimiting a volume between the housing and the window;

[0011] - at least one first light source arranged inside said volume and intended to participate in the performance of a signaling function, by the emission of a first light beam, in particular through the glass;

[0012] - a second light source distinct from the first light source, intended to participate in the performance of the signaling function, by remission of a second light beam; in which the housing comprises a transparent zone arranged at a location on an opaque side wall of the housing, the second light source being arranged inside said volume opposite the transparent zone to emit the second light beam through the transparent zone. The first light beam may be intended to be emitted in a first orientation substantially perpendicular to said lighting surface of the glass.

[0013] The first light beam may be intended to be emitted at least in part in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle on which the light device is intended to be mounted.

[0014] The second light beam may be intended to be emitted in a second orientation inclined relative to said first orientation.

[0015] The light device may further comprise an optical system, in particular a reflector, associated with the at least one first light source.

[0016] The ice can be curved.

[0017] The window may comprise at least one at least partially transparent part, in particular smoked, and an opaque part, the at least one at least partially transparent part being in particular located at a location on an edge of the window intended to be juxtaposed with a second external lighting device intended to be arranged at a location on a rear movable part of a vehicle body.

[0018] The invention also relates to an exterior lighting system for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an exterior lighting device defined above, called the first lighting device, and a second exterior lighting device intended to be arranged at a location of a rear movable part of a body of a vehicle, in particular an opening, movable between a closed position and an open position, for example a trunk door, the second lighting device comprising: - a second housing;

[0019] - a second at least partially transparent window, comprising a second lighting surface intended to be visible from the rear of the vehicle, the second window being mounted on the second housing by delimiting a second volume between the second housing and the second window;

[0020] - at least one third light source arranged inside said second volume and intended to participate in performing the signaling function; in which the second housing comprises a second transparent zone arranged at a location on an opaque side wall of the second housing, the second transparent zone being arranged, when the opening is in the closed position, opposite the transparent zone of the first light device, to allow the second light beam to pass through.

[0021] The second light device may further comprise a third optical system, in particular a third reflector, associated with the at least one third light source, the third reflector comprising a hole intended to allow the second light beam to pass through the second glass.

[0022] The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting device defined previously and / or a lighting system defined previously.

[0023] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, an embodiment of a light device according to the invention and an embodiment of a manufacturing method according to the invention.

[0024] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 shows an exterior lighting system for a vehicle. [Fig. 2] Figure 2 shows a lens of a first exterior lighting device for a vehicle intended to be arranged at a location on a wing.

[0025] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 shows a first exterior lighting device for a vehicle intended to be arranged at a location on a wing.

[0026] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 shows a first exterior lighting device for a vehicle intended to be arranged at a location on a wing.

[0027] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows a second exterior lighting device for a vehicle intended to be arranged at a location of a rear movable part of a vehicle body.

[0028] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 is a perspective and sectional view showing an exterior lighting system for a vehicle.

[0029] An example of an exterior lighting system 1 for a vehicle 100 is described below with reference to FIG. 1.

[0030] Vehicle 100 may be a motor vehicle.

[0031] The exterior lighting system 1 comprises, for example, an exterior lighting device 3, also called the first exterior lighting device 3, intended to be arranged at a location of a fixed rear part of a body of a vehicle 100, in particular a wing. The exterior lighting system 1 may further comprise a second exterior lighting device 5 intended to be arranged at a location of a movable rear part of a body of a vehicle, in particular an opening movable between a closed position and an open position, for example a trunk door.

[0032] The exterior lighting system 1 may be a motor vehicle tail light. The exterior lighting device 3 is called a fender light. The second exterior lighting device 5 is called a trunk light. The exterior lighting system 1 may comprise a housing 8 and a lens 2.

[0033] The lighting system 1 can take two configurations.

[0034] The lighting system 1 can take a first configuration in which the second external lighting device 5 is in a first position. In the first configuration, an opening, for example a trunk door, is in the closed position.

[0035] The lighting system 1 can take a second configuration in which the second external lighting device 5 is in a second position. In the second configuration, an opening, for example a trunk door, is in the open position.

[0036] In the second configuration, the light beams emitted by the first light device to perform a signaling function must be visible when viewed from the rear of the vehicle in an offset manner relative to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle. This offset observation may in particular be inclined by 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In certain cases, particularly in the case of a first light device having a high curve, the light beams emitted by the first light device 3 may be invisible or barely visible depending on this inclined observation.

[0037] In the first configuration, the wing light 3 and the trunk light 5, forming the exterior lighting system, as defined previously, are positioned juxtaposed, giving the visual impression of a single continuous lighting device. In this first configuration, it is desired to obtain the best possible signaling function emitted by the exterior lighting system formed by these two separate lights. In all cases, it is desired to obtain an optimal signaling function, even in the case where the glass 2 of the lighting device 3 comprises transparent parts 4 and opaque parts 6 reducing the quantity of light rays forming the light beam passing through the glass 2.

[0038] To optimize such a lighting system 1, the two aforementioned configurations are considered. In the second configuration, the first light beam emitted by the first lighting device 3 and the third light beam emitted by the second lighting device 5 are evaluated separately. In the first configuration, the first light beam emitted by the first lighting device 3 and the third light beam emitted by the second lighting device 5 are evaluated simultaneously.

[0039] In the prior art, the transparent glass of a lighting device extends towards the interior of the vehicle. To achieve approval of a first lighting device when a lighting system is in the second configuration, it is then possible to pass light from the light sources of the first lighting device through this portion of glass extending into the vehicle, to allow visibility of the lighting in directions inclined relative to the longitudinal direction. However, this solution of the prior art has drawbacks. For example, it requires a completely transparent glass, at least in its lateral portion intended for arrangement towards the interior of the trunk of the vehicle, which is limiting. On the other hand, it requires a particular shape of the first lighting device, with a glass that is not very curved, which is again limiting.

[0040] The invention aims in particular to facilitate the approval of the lighting device 3 when the lighting system 1 is in the second configuration. The embodiment of the exterior lighting device 3 for a vehicle 100, in particular a motor vehicle, intended to be arranged at a location of a fixed rear part of a vehicle body, in particular a wing, is described below with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

[0041] The lighting device 3 comprises a housing 11, in particular opaque, and a glass 13 which is at least partially transparent. The glass 13 is mounted on the housing 11, delimiting a closed or substantially closed volume, preferably sealed, between the housing 11 and the glass 13.

[0042] The window 13 comprises a lighting surface 14 intended to be visible from the rear of a vehicle 100.

[0043] The light device 3 comprises at least a first light source arranged inside said closed volume and intended to participate in the performance of a signaling function, by the emission of a first light beam, in particular through the glass 13.

[0044] The first light beam may be intended to be emitted in a first orientation substantially perpendicular to said lighting surface 14 of the glass 13.

[0045] The first light beam may be intended to be emitted at least in part in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle 100 on which the light device 3 is intended to be mounted.

[0046] The lighting device 3 may comprise an optical system, in particular a reflector, associated with the at least one first light source. The optical system is intended to orient the first light beam emitted by the at least one first light source mainly towards the window 13, in particular according to the first orientation. The optical system is in particular intended to send light towards the rear of the vehicle. The optical system is in particular configured to straighten the light rays emitted by the at least one first light source, so that they are emitted along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0047] The at least one first light source may comprise at least one light-emitting diode, commonly referred to by the acronym of Anglo-Saxon origin LED (“light-emitting diode”).

[0048] The lighting device 3 may comprise a printed circuit, commonly designated by the acronym of Anglo-Saxon origin PCB (“Printed Circuit Board”), on which LEDs are arranged, which are oriented upwards to obtain longitudinal lighting towards the rear of a vehicle 100 via the reflector.

[0049] According to the embodiment, the light device 3 comprises a second light source 20, comprising for example at least one LED, distinct from the first light source, intended to participate in the performance of the signaling function, by the emission of a second light beam.

[0050] The second light beam may be intended to be emitted in a second orientation inclined relative to said first orientation. This second orientation is distinguished from the first orientation, in particular by comparing the direction of the second light beam of the LED(s) of the second light source 20 and the direction of the first light beam of the LED(s) of the first light source positioned close to said LED(s) of the second light source 20.

[0051] The second orientation is for example a lateral direction of the vehicle. The second light source 20 can be arranged on a PCB board.

[0052] The signaling function is, for example, a flashing light, position light or brake light function.

[0053] According to the embodiment, the housing 11 comprises a transparent zone 22 arranged at a location of an opaque side wall 12 of the housing, the second light source 20 being arranged inside said closed volume opposite the transparent zone 22 to emit the second light beam through the transparent zone 22, in particular according to the second orientation.

[0054] The second light source 20 can advantageously emit the second light beam directly towards the transparent zone 22.

[0055] The second light source 20 is for example arranged at a location of a lateral zone of the lighting device 3 intended to be arranged on the side of a trunk door of a vehicle 100, so that the second light source 20 illuminates laterally towards the trunk.

[0056] As an optional variant, the lighting device 3 may further comprise a second optical system, in particular a second reflector, associated with the second light source 20. The second reflector is intended to amplify the illumination of the second light source 20. The second optical system may be of a type other than a reflector. The second optical system may be of any type, advantageously adapted to the space constraints of the lighting device 3. The second optical system may comprise an optical element arranged on the transparent zone 22 inside said volume.

[0057] The glass 13 may be curved or bent. A curved glass 13 is intended to increase the perceived quality of the vehicle 100. In the case of a fender light of the type commonly used, a curved glass may result in points where light is not sent by the fender light towards the rear of the vehicle along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. These points, called loss of visibility points, may make it difficult to obtain the regulatory photometric grid. A lighting device 3 of the type described above is particularly advantageous in the case where the glass 13 is curved.An advantage of a lighting device 3 of the type described above lies in the fact that it makes it possible to compensate for possible losses of visibility, in particular in the case of a curved window 13, due to the fact that part of the light rays are not emitted along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, even in the case where the lighting device 3 comprises an optical system.

[0058] The glass 13 may comprise at least one at least partially transparent part 16, in particular smoked, and an opaque part 18, in particular for aesthetic reasons.

[0059] The at least one at least partially transparent part 16 is in particular located at a location on an edge of the window 13 intended to be juxtaposed with a second external light device 5 intended to be arranged at a location on a rear movable part of a vehicle body.

[0060] An exterior lighting system 1, for example a rear light, for a vehicle 100, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising the exterior lighting device 3 as described above, for example a fender light, also called a first exterior lighting device, and a second exterior lighting device 5 intended to be arranged at a location of a rear movable part of a body of a vehicle, in particular an opening movable between a closed position and an open position, for example a trunk door, is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6. An exemplary embodiment of a second exterior lighting device 5, intended to be arranged at a location of a rear movable part of a body of a vehicle 100, is described below with reference to FIG. 5.

[0061] The second exterior lighting device 5 is for example a trunk light mounted on a trunk door of a vehicle 100.

[0062] The second lighting device 5 comprises a second housing 51, in particular opaque, and a second glass 53 at least partially transparent. The second glass 53 is mounted on the second housing 51 by delimiting a second closed or substantially closed volume, preferably sealed, between the second housing 51 and the second glass 53.

[0063] The second window 53 comprises a second lighting surface 54 intended to be visible from the rear of the vehicle 100. The second lighting device 5 comprises at least a third light source arranged inside said second closed volume and intended to participate in performing the signaling function. In particular, the third light source allows the emission of a third light beam participating in the signaling function.

[0064] Advantageously, the second housing 51 comprises a second transparent zone 62 arranged at a location of an opaque side wall 52 of the second housing, the second transparent zone 62 being arranged, when the opening is in the closed position, opposite the transparent zone 22 of the lighting device 3, to allow the second light beam emitted by the second light source 20 to pass through. The second light beam emitted by the second light source 20 of the lighting device 3, in particular a wing light, can thus be transmitted to the second lighting device 5, in particular a trunk light. The lighting system 1 may further comprise a third optical system 70, in particular a third reflector, associated with the at least one third light source. The third reflector makes it possible to reflect the light rays emitted by the third light source to form the third light beam.

[0065] Advantageously, the third reflector 70 may comprise a hole 71 intended to allow the second light beam emitted by the second light source 20 to pass through in the case where it extends over a surface which would come close to or superimposed on the second transparent zone 62. As a result, the light transmitted by the first light device 3, in particular the second light beam transmitted in the second orientation, becomes visible through the second glass 53 of the second light device 5 in this first configuration of the light system, that is to say when the opening is closed. The overall quantity of light emitted by the light system is thus increased.

[0066] An embodiment of a method for manufacturing a light device 3 of the type described above is described below.

[0067] The housing 11 and the transparent zone 22 can be formed by molding, in particular by injection, in the form of a single two-material part.

[0068] Another embodiment of a method for manufacturing a light device 3 of the type described above is described below.

[0069] In a first step, a through opening is formed at a location of an opaque side wall 12 of the housing 11.

[0070] The opening may optionally also pass through a reflector layer or another layer if necessary. In a second step, a transparent insert is introduced into the through opening, so as to fill the through opening and close it tightly and to obtain said transparent zone 22.

[0071] A method of carrying out a method of manufacturing a lighting system 1 of the type described above is described below.

[0072] In one step, a second through opening can be formed at a location of an opaque side wall 52 of the second housing 51. The second opening is advantageously formed opposite the opening of the light device 3.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Exterior lighting device (3) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, intended to be arranged in a location of a fixed rear part of a vehicle body, in particular a wing, the lighting device (3) comprising: - a housing (1 1 ); - a window (13) at least partially transparent, comprising a lighting surface (14) intended to be visible from the rear of the vehicle, the window (13) being mounted on the housing (11) by delimiting a volume between the housing and the window; - at least one first light source arranged inside said volume and intended to participate in the performance of a signaling function, by the emission of a first light beam, in particular through the glass (13); - a second light source (20) distinct from the first light source, intended to participate in the performance of the signaling function, by the emission of a second light beam; in which the housing (11) comprises a transparent zone (22) arranged at a location of an opaque side wall (12) of the housing, the second light source (20) being arranged inside said volume opposite the transparent zone (22) to emit the second light beam through the transparent zone (22).

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, in which the first light beam is intended to be emitted in a first orientation substantially perpendicular to said lighting surface (14) of the glass (13).

3. A light device according to claim 2, wherein the second light beam is intended to be emitted in a second orientation inclined relative to said first orientation.

4. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the first light beam is intended to be emitted at least in part in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (100) on which the lighting device (3) is intended to be mounted.

5. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an optical system, in particular a reflector, associated with the at least one first light source.

6. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, in which the glass (13) is curved.

7. Lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the glass (13) comprises at least one at least partially transparent part (16), in particular smoked, and an opaque part (18), the at least one at least partially transparent part (16) being in particular located at a location on an edge of the glass intended to be juxtaposed with a second external lighting device (5) intended to be arranged at a location on a rear movable part of a body of a vehicle.

8. Exterior lighting system (1) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising an exterior lighting device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 7, called the first lighting device, and a second exterior lighting device (5) intended to be arranged at a location of a rear movable part of a body of a vehicle, in particular an opening, movable between a closed position and an open position, for example a trunk door, the second lighting device (5) comprising: - a second housing (51); - a second window (53) at least partially transparent, comprising a second lighting surface (54) intended to be visible from the rear of the vehicle, the second window (53) being mounted on the second housing (51) by delimiting a second volume between the second housing and the second window; - at least one third light source arranged inside of said second volume and intended to participate in the performance of the signaling function; in which the second housing (51) comprises a second transparent zone (62) arranged at a location on an opaque side wall (52) of the second housing, the second transparent zone (62) being arranged, when the rear movable part is in the closed position, opposite the transparent zone (22) of the first light device (3), to allow the second light beam to pass through.

9. Lighting system according to claim 8, wherein the second lighting device (5) further comprises a third optical system (70), in particular a third reflector, associated with the at least one third light source, the third reflector (70) comprising a hole (71) intended to allow the second light beam to pass through the second glass (53).

10. Vehicle (100), in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a lighting device (3) according to one of claims 1 to 7 or a lighting system (1) according to claim 8 or 9.

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