Vehicle storage set with lighting device and associated vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle storage assembly with lighting device and associated vehicle The invention relates to a storage assembly (10) for a vehicle, said storage assembly (10) comprising a fixed part (12) delimiting a storage compartment (14) and a cover (16), said cover (16) being movable relative to the fixed part (12) between a closed position in which the storage compartment (14) is closed and at least one open position in which the storage compartment (14) is open, the storage assembly (10) comprising a lighting device (18), the lighting device (18) being arranged to illuminate the storage compartment (14) in the open position of the cover (16).The lighting device is arranged outside the storage compartment (14), the lighting device being integrated into the fixed part (12), the lighting device (18) being arranged on an opposite side of the cover (16) when it is in the closed position relative to the storage compartment (14). The invention further relates to an associated vehicle. Figure for abstract: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle storage unit with lighting device and associated vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage assembly for a vehicle, said storage assembly comprising a fixed part delimiting a storage compartment and a cover, said cover being movable relative to the fixed part between a closed position in which the storage compartment is closed and at least one open position in which the storage compartment is open, the storage assembly comprising a lighting device, the lighting device being arranged to illuminate the storage compartment in the open position of the cover.

[0002] The invention further relates to an associated vehicle.

[0003] When storage compartments are provided in vehicles, corresponding lighting devices are generally provided inside the compartment, so that when a user searches for something in the storage compartment, the light emitted by the lighting device makes it easier to see its contents.

[0004] However, when a cover closes the storage compartments, the light is no longer visible.

[0005] Thus, the lighting device is only used when the storage unit is open.

[0006] The invention aims to provide a storage assembly with a lighting device which can be used to illuminate the interior of the storage compartment, but not only.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a storage assembly of the aforementioned type, in which the lighting device is arranged outside the storage compartment, the lighting device being integrated into the fixed part, the lighting device being arranged on an opposite side of the cover when it is in the closed position relative to the storage compartment.

[0008] Since the lighting device is provided outside the storage compartment on an opposite side of the cover when in the closed position relative to the storage compartment, it can be used for other purposes such as creating ambient lighting and / or indicating the position of the storage assembly, especially when it is dark.

[0009] The storage assembly according to the invention may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, considered alone or in any technically possible combination(s):

[0010] - the lighting device is arranged at a distance of less than 5 centimeters from the storage compartment;

[0011] - the fixed part defines a gap, the gap being located between the device lighting and the storage compartment, light passing through the gap;

[0012] - the gap is located in the continuity of the storage compartment above the cover;

[0013] - the fixed part delimits an alcove outside the storage compartment, the lighting device being arranged in the alcove;

[0014] - the fixed part has a space between the alcove and the storage compartment, said space being visible from outside the storage compartment;

[0015] - the space is free when the cover is in the closed position or in which the cover is adapted to fill the space when the cover is in the closed position;

[0016] - the alcove is a groove, the lighting device comprising a light guide extending into the groove;

[0017] - the fixed part comprises a diffuser extending between the alcove and a surface exterior of the fixed part;

[0018] - the diffuser extends opposite the cover relative to the lighting device;

[0019] - the cover is movable between the closed position and at least one position opened by translation; and / or

[0020] - the cover is provided with a reflector on a surface facing the device lighting.

[0021] The invention further relates to a vehicle comprising a storage assembly as mentioned above.

[0022] The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description, provided solely by way of example and with reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a portion of a set of storage according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0024] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a portion of a storage assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

[0025] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a portion of a storage assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0026] A first embodiment of a storage assembly 10 according to the invention will now be described with reference to [Fig.l].

[0027] Said storage assembly 10 is, for example, a trim element, for example a cup holder and / or a storage compartment of a central console, covered by a roller shutter.

[0028] The storage assembly 10 comprises a fixed part 12 delimiting a storage compartment 14, a cover 16 and a lighting device 18.

[0029] The fixed part 12 here consists of a plurality of parts fixed to each other in an immobile manner.

[0030] Alternatively, the fixed part 12 is made in a single piece.

[0031] More particularly, in the embodiment shown, the fixed part 12 comprises a rear part 22 delimiting the storage compartment 14 and an outer part 24 fixed to the rear part 22.

[0032] The storage compartment 14 defines a volume for storing objects.

[0033] The storage compartment 14 has an edge 20.

[0034] The edge 20 is adapted to cooperate with the cover 16 as explained below.

[0035] The edge 20 defines for example a rim on which the cover 16 rests.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the edge 20 comprises, for example, guide rails for guiding the cover 16 in translation.

[0037] In the embodiment shown, the edge 20 further comprises a shoulder 21 at the distal end of the storage compartment 14.

[0038] The shoulder 21 extends radially inwardly relative to the remainder of the edge.

[0039] The outer part 24 is fixed to the rear part 22, here around the edge 20 of the storage compartment 14.

[0040] The outer part 24 defines the exterior, in particular the visible part of the storage assembly, of the storage assembly 10 with the exception of the cover 16.

[0041] The fixed part 12, more particularly the outer part 24, defines an alcove 26 outside the storage compartment 14, more particularly on an opposite side of the shoulder 21 relative to the storage compartment 14.

[0042] In the embodiment shown, the alcove 26 is a groove.

[0043] The groove extends along at least one side of the edge 20 of the storage compartment 14.

[0044] The opening of the alcove 26, here the groove, faces the shoulder 21.

[0045] The alcove 26, here the groove, is not visible from the outside of the storage unit 10.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, the fixed part 12, more particularly the outer part 24, comprises an outer wall 28 delimiting an outer surface 30.

[0047] The outer surface 30 forms the exterior of the fixed part 12.

[0048] The outer wall 28 partially delimits the alcove 26.

[0049] The outer wall 28, opposite the outer surface 30, here defines the bottom of the groove.

[0050] The outer wall 28 further defines one side of the groove.

[0051] The fixed part 12, more particularly the outer part 24, comprises an additional wall 32 forming the other side of the groove.

[0052] The additional wall 32 is not visible from the outside of the set of compartments 10.

[0053] The outer wall 28 is opaque.

[0054] More particularly, here, the entire fixed part 12 is opaque.

[0055] The fixed part comprises an empty space 27 between the alcove 26 and the shoulder 21. Space 27 is visible from outside storage assembly 10.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the side of the groove defined by the outer wall 28 extends at a distance from the shoulder 21 creating said space 27.

[0057] Said distance is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.

[0058] The cover 16 is movable relative to the fixed part 12 between a closed position in which the storage compartment 14 is closed and at least one open position in which the storage compartment 14 is open, i.e. the volume of the storage compartment 14 is accessible.

[0059] The cover 16 is movable by translation between the closed position and at least one open position.

[0060] The cover 16 cooperates with the fixed part 12, more particularly with the edge 20.

[0061] The cover 16 is adapted to slide in translation while bearing on the edge 20, more particularly on the rim and / or on the guide rails.

[0062] The cover 16 includes end portions 33 which rest on the rim in a closed position of the cover 16.

[0063] The cover 16, here the end parts 33, comprises for example rails guided by rail guides on the edge 20.

[0064] The cover 16 is opaque.

[0065] The cover 16, when closed, extends below or flush with the distal end of the edge 20, here the shoulder 21. By "below" is meant here closer to the interior of the storage compartment 14.

[0066] The cover 16 has an outer surface 36. The outer surface 36 is here flat.

[0067] The lighting device 18 is adapted to emit light.

[0068] The lighting device 18 is arranged so as to illuminate the compartment of storage 14 in open position of cover 16.

[0069] The lighting device 18 has, for example, a preferred lighting direction, more than 50% of the light emitted by the lighting device 18 being emitted in the preferred lighting direction.

[0070] The preferred direction of illumination is here such that it is aligned with the space 27. The majority of the light emitted by the lighting device 18 is emitted towards the space 27.

[0071] The lighting device 18 is arranged outside the storage compartment 14.

[0072] The lighting device 18 is integrated into the fixed part 12.

[0073] The lighting device 18 is provided on an opposite side of the cover 16 in position closed with respect to storage compartment 14.

[0074] The lighting device 18 is arranged at a distance of less than 5 centimeters from the storage compartment 14. In the embodiment shown, the lighting device 18 is arranged in contact with the storage compartment 14, more particularly with a distal end of the storage compartment 14 relative to the volume defined by the storage compartment 14.

[0075] The lighting device 18 is here arranged inside the alcove 26.

[0076] More particularly, the lighting device 18 comprises, and is here constituted by, a light guide extending in the groove.

[0077] The lighting device 18 extends at a distance from the bottom of the groove.

[0078] The lighting device 18 is arranged at the opening of the alcove 26, here the groove.

[0079] A gap 34 or opening is provided between the lighting device 18 and the cover 16 when it is in the closed position, so that light from the lighting device 18 reaches the outer surface 36 of the cover 16.

[0080] The gap 34 is arranged between the lighting device 18 and the storage compartment 14. When the cover 16 is open, the light from the lighting device 18 reaches the volume defined by the storage compartment.

[0081] The gap 34 extends in the continuity of the storage compartment 14 above the cover 16.

[0082] The gap 34 comprises the space 27 between the shoulder 21 and the alcove 26. More specifically, the light from the lighting device 18 escapes from the alcove 26 through the space 27 and reaches the outer surface 36 of the cover 16.

[0083] The lighting device 18 is advantageously arranged so that the light emitted in the preferred lighting direction reaches the gap 34.

[0084] This allows most of the light emitted by the lighting device 18 to illuminate the storage compartment 14 when the cover 16 is open, so that it is particularly bright, for example for the user looking inside the storage compartment 14.

[0085] Thus, the light emitted by the lighting device towards the gap 34 reaches the outer surface 36 of the cover 16 when it is closed so that it creates a light effect, in particular a light halo coming from the gap 34, and in the storage compartment 14 when the cover 16 is open.

[0086] A second embodiment of a storage assembly 10 according to the invention is partially shown in [Fig.2].

[0087] Only the elements by which the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment will be described.

[0088] Elements of the second embodiment similar to the first embodiment have the same reference numeral as in the first embodiment.

[0089] The outer wall 28, more particularly the fixed part 12, is opaque with the exception of a diffuser part 50.

[0090] The diffuser portion 50 extends from the outer surface 30 to the alcove 26, more particularly to the bottom of the groove.

[0091] The diffuser portion 50 extends through a thickness of the outer wall 28.

[0092] The diffuser portion 50 extends over the entire length of the groove.

[0093] The diffuser portion 50 extends opposite the cover 16 relative to the lighting device 18.

[0094] The diffuser part 50 consists of a light diffuser embedded in the rest of the fixed part 12, more particularly embedded in the external part 24.

[0095] The diffuser portion 50 is adapted to diffuse light therethrough.

[0096] The diffuser portion 50 is, for example, made of polycarbonate material.

[0097] The specific polycarbonate material is, for example, chosen according to the luminance and homogeneity to be obtained in said specific embodiment.

[0098] Thus, the light emitted by the lighting device towards the gap 34 reaches the storage compartment 14 when the cover 16 is open and reaches the outer surface 36 of the cover 16 when it is closed so as to create an external light effect, in particular a light halo coming from the gap 34. The light emitted towards the diffuser part 50 is diffused towards the outer surface 30 and can be seen from outside the storage assembly.

[0099] A third embodiment of a storage assembly 10 according to the invention is shown in [Fig.3].

[0100] Only the elements by which the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment will be described.

[0101] Elements of the third embodiment similar to the second embodiment have the same reference numeral as in the second embodiment.

[0102] The cover 16 is provided with a reflector 60 on a surface facing the lighting device.

[0103] More particularly, the reflector 60 forms the entire exterior surface 36 of the cover 16.

[0104] Alternatively, the reflector 60 forms only a part of the outer surface 36 of the cover 16, advantageously in the vicinity of the gap 34.

[0105] The reflector 60 is, for example, an all-white material or a high-gloss material.

[0106] The high-gloss material is, for example, a material with a PVD coating, i.e. a coating deposited by physical vapor deposition, or a high-gloss paint.

[0107] The reflector 60 provides a mirror effect.

[0108] The reflector 60 has a reflectance greater than or equal to 92%, which means that it is suitable for reflecting 92% or more of the incident light, in particular having a wavelength between 380 nm and 780 nm.

[0109] The light emitted by the lighting device 18 towards the gap 34 reaches the storage compartment 14 when the cover 16 is open and reaches the outer surface 36 of the cover 16 when it is closed where it is reflected on the reflector 60 so as to reach the diffuser portion 50. The light emitted towards the diffuser portion 50 is diffused towards the outer surface 30. The lighting device thus creates a light effect even when the storage compartment is closed.

[0110] In an alternative embodiment of the embodiment of [Fig. 3], the storage assembly does not include a diffuser as in the second embodiment. The light emitted by the lighting device towards the space reaches the storage compartment when the cover 16 is open and reaches the outer surface of the cover when it is closed where it is reflected on the reflector and creates a halo effect.

[0111] In an alternative embodiment of the embodiment of [Fig.2], when the cover is closed, there is no gap between the lighting device and the cover so that light from the lighting device does not reach the outer surface of the closed cover.

[0112] More particularly, the cover comprises a concealing portion inserting into the space between the alcove and the shoulder when the cover is in the closed position, so that the space is filled by the cover in the closed position.

[0113] The light emitted by the lighting device towards the space reaches the storage compartment when the cover is open and is blocked by the cover when it is closed. The light emitted towards the diffuser part is diffused towards the outer surface. The lighting device thus creates a light effect even when the storage compartment is closed.

[0114] Thus, in the storage assembly of the invention, the lighting device is adapted to illuminate the storage compartment when the lid is open, and further creates a lighting effect even when the lid is closed.

[0115] Said storage unit can be adapted according to the desired lighting effect, as can be seen in the different embodiments described.

Claims

Claims

1. A storage assembly (10) for a vehicle, said storage assembly (10) comprising a fixed part (12) delimiting a storage compartment (14) and a cover (16), said cover (16) being movable relative to the fixed part (12) between a closed position in which the storage compartment (14) is closed and at least one open position in which the storage compartment (14) is open, the storage assembly (10) comprising a lighting device (18), the lighting device (18) being arranged to illuminate the storage compartment (14) in the open position of the cover (16), characterized in that the lighting device is arranged outside the storage compartment (14), the lighting device being integrated in the fixed part (12), the lighting device (18) being arranged on an opposite side of the cover (16) when it is in the closed position relative to the storage compartment (14),wherein the fixed part (12) delimits an alcove (26) outside the storage compartment (14), the lighting device (18) being arranged in the alcove (26), the fixed part (12) comprising a diffuser extending between the alcove (26) and an outer surface (30) of the fixed part (12), the diffuser (50) extending opposite the cover (16) with respect to the lighting device (18).,

2. Storage assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device (18) is arranged at a distance of less than 5 centimeters from the storage compartment (14).

3. A storage assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixed portion (12) defines a gap (34), the gap (34) being located between the lighting device (18) and the storage compartment (14), light passing through the gap (34).

4. A storage assembly according to claim 3, wherein the gap (34) is located in the continuity of the storage compartment (14) above the cover (16).

5. A storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fixed part has a space (27) between the alcove (26) and the storage compartment (14), said space (27) being visible from outside the storage compartment.

6. A storage assembly according to claim 5, wherein the space (27) is free when the cover (16) is in the closed position or wherein the cover (16) is adapted to fill the space (27) when the cover (16) is in the closed position.

7. A storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the alcove (26) is a groove, the lighting device (18) comprising a light guide extending into the groove.

8. A storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cover (16) is movable between the closed position and the at least one open position by translation.

9. A storage assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover (16) is provided with a reflector (60) on a surface (36) facing the lighting device (18).

10. A vehicle comprising a storage compartment according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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