Vehicle lighting device configured to perform a raised brake light function

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (1) configured to perform a raised brake light function and comprising: - a housing (10) configured to accommodate optical modules (12, 13), - a primary optical module (12) configured to perform the raised brake light function, - a secondary optical module (13) configured to project a light pattern onto a reflective surface (20), - an output lens (14) comprising a pattern and configured to close said housing (10), characterized in that: - said primary optical module (12) is a flat light guide, and - said secondary optical module (13) is a flat light guide. Figure for abbreviation: Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Vehicle lighting device configured to perform a high-mounted stop light function

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0007] To this end, the invention proposes a lighting device for a vehicle configured to perform a high-mounted stop light function and comprising: - a box configured to accommodate optical modules, - a primary optical module configured to perform the high-mounted stop light function, - a secondary optical module configured to perform a function of projecting a light pattern onto a reflection surface, - an exit window comprising a pattern and configured to close said housing, characterized in that: - said primary optical module is a flat light guide, and - said secondary optical module is a flat light guide.

[0008] Thus, as will be seen in detail later, replacing the reflectors with the flat primary light guide will make it possible to considerably reduce the vertical size of the lighting device and the number of primary light sources used.

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

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

[0011] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said secondary optical module includes prisms or screen printing.

[0012] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said light device comprises at least one primary light source configured to generate primary light rays which cooperate with said primary optical module so as to create a primary light beam along an emission axis of said primary light rays.

[0013] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said light device comprises at least one secondary light source configured to generate secondary light rays which cooperate with said secondary optical module so as to create a secondary light beam in a direction transverse to an emission axis of said secondary light rays.

[0014] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one primary light source and said at least one secondary light source are arranged respectively on the opposite faces of the same electronic support arranged between said primary optical module and said secondary optical module.

[0015] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one primary light source and said at least one secondary light source can be activated independently of one another.

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

[0017] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said second part of said closing glass is opaque.

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

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

[0020] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the light device comprises more than two secondary light sources.

[0021] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one primary light source and said at least one secondary light source are semiconductor light sources.

[0022] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said primary optical module comprises an end comprising a face opposite which at least one primary light source is arranged.

[0023] According to a non-limiting embodiment, said secondary optical module comprises an end comprising a face opposite which at least one secondary light source is arranged.

[0024] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first central part of the exit window is transparent.

[0025] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first central part of the exit window is semi-transparent.

[0026] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the first central part of the outlet glass is diffusing.

[0027] The invention and its various applications will be better understood upon reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures:

[0028] [Fig-1] illustrates a diagram of a vehicle lighting device configured to perform a high-mounted stop light function, said lighting device comprising a housing, a primary optical module which is a flat light guide, a secondary optical module which is a flat light guide, and an output lens, according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention,

[0029] [Fig.2] illustrates a longitudinal schematic view of a rear spoiler of a vehicle comprising said light device of [Fig.l], according to a non-limiting embodiment,

[0030] [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the lighting device of [Fig.l], according to a non-limiting embodiment.

[0031] Identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

[0032] The lighting device 1 for a vehicle according to the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a motor vehicle. By motor vehicle is meant any type of motorized vehicle. This embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description. In the remainder of the description, the vehicle 2 is thus otherwise called motor vehicle 2. The vehicle axis Ox is shown in [Fig.l]. The motor vehicle 2 comprises said lighting device 1.

[0033] The light device 1 is configured to perform: - a high-mounted stop light function (CHMSL for “Center High Mounted Spot Light”), otherwise known as a third stop light, and - a projection function f2 of a light pattern ml (illustrated in [Fig.2]) onto a reflection surface 20 (illustrated in figures 2 to 3) of said motor vehicle 2. In a non-limiting embodiment, the reflection surface 20 is the rear window of said motor vehicle 2, thus called rear window 20 in the remainder of the description.

[0034] Said light device 1 is thus a raised stop light which integrates an additional function, function f2.

[0035] In a non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 is arranged in a rear spoiler 21, otherwise called spoiler 21 (illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2) of the motor vehicle 2 which is installed on the rear window 20 of the motor vehicle 2. The spoiler 21 extends substantially perpendicular to the vehicle axis Ox in a direction Oy. This non-limiting embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description.

[0036] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the light device 1 comprises: - a housing 10, - a primary optical module 12 configured to perform the high-mounted stop light function fl, - a secondary optical module 13 configured to perform the projection function f2 of a light pattern ml onto the reflection surface 20, - an exit window 14.

[0037] The light device 1 further comprises: - at least one primary light source 120, otherwise called light source 120, - at least one secondary light source 130, otherwise called light source 130.

[0038] In a non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 comprises more than two primary light sources 120. In a non-limiting variant embodiment, it comprises between 20 and 60 primary light sources 120. In a non-limiting example, it comprises 30 primary light sources 120. In a non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 comprises more than two secondary light sources 130. In a non-limiting variant embodiment, it comprises between 20 and 60 secondary light sources 130. In a non-limiting example, it comprises 30 secondary light sources 130. These non-limiting embodiments are taken as non-limiting examples in the remainder of the description.

[0039] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 10 is configured to accommodate the primary optical module 12, the secondary optical module 13, and the primary light sources 120 and the secondary light sources 130.

[0040] The primary optical module 12 is a flat light guide, as illustrated in the sectional view of [Fig. 3] which illustrates a section of said primary optical module 12. This makes it possible to return the light along the Oz axis. It is otherwise called primary light guide 12, or light guide 12. The primary optical module 12 extends longitudinally in the housing 10 substantially along the Oy axis along the spoiler 21 of the motor vehicle 2 when the lighting device 1 is installed in said spoiler 21. The primary optical module 12 cooperates with the primary light sources 120. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the primary optical module 12 together with the primary light sources 120 is configured to generate a primary light beam fxl in a first direction dl substantially horizontal (i.e. substantially parallel to the vehicle axis Ox) towards the outside of the motor vehicle 1 to perform the high-mounted stop light function fl.As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the housing 10 comprises a window 101 made of transparent material configured to allow the primary light beam fxl to pass through. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the primary optical module 12 comprises an end 12.1 comprising a face 12.10 opposite which the primary light sources 120 are arranged. For reasons of clarity in [Fig. 3], only one primary light source 120 has been illustrated. In non-limiting embodiments not illustrated, the primary optical module 12 is fixed to the housing 10 by screwing, stapling or clipping.

[0041] The secondary optical module 13 is a flat light guide, as illustrated in the sectional view of [Fig. 3] which illustrates a section of said secondary optical module 13. It is otherwise called secondary light guide 13, or light guide 13. The secondary optical module 13 extends longitudinally in the housing 10 substantially along the axis Oy along the spoiler 21 of the motor vehicle 2 when the lighting device 1 is installed in said spoiler 21. The secondary optical module 13 cooperates with the secondary light sources 130. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the secondary optical module 13 is configured to generate a beam secondary light beam fx2 in a second direction d2 substantially vertical along an axis Oz (i.e. substantially perpendicular to the vehicle axis Ox) downwards to perform the projection function f2 of a light pattern ml. The secondary light beam f2 passes through the exit window 14 comprising a pattern mO (illustrated in [Fig. 3]) so as to create the light pattern ml (illustrated in [Fig. 2]) which is reflected on the rear window 20 of the motor vehicle 2. The reflection surface 20, here the rear window, makes it possible to create a holographic projection visible from the outside of the motor vehicle 2 but not from the inside of the motor vehicle 2. The holographic projection on the rear window 20 thus does not disturb the driver. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the secondary optical module 13 comprises an end 13.1 comprising a face 13.10 opposite which the secondary light sources 130 are arranged. For reasons of clarity in [Fig.3], only one secondary light source 130 has been illustrated. In a non-limiting embodiment, the secondary optical module 13 comprises prisms or screen printing. This makes it possible to deflect the secondary light rays r2 (described later) generated by the secondary light sources 130 in the correct direction, namely the second direction d2. In non-limiting embodiments not illustrated, the secondary optical module 13 is fixed to the housing 10 by screwing, stapling or clipping.

[0042] In a non-limiting embodiment, the secondary optical module 13 is different from the primary optical module 12. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], in this case, the light guide 13 is placed behind the light guide 13 in the depth of the housing 10, namely in the direction of the vehicle axis Ox.

[0043] In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary light sources 120 and the secondary light sources 130 are semiconductor light sources. In a non-limiting embodiment, the semiconductor light sources are part of a light-emitting diode or a laser diode. By light-emitting diode, we mean any type of light-emitting diode, whether in non-limiting examples LEDs (“Light Emitting Diodes” in English), OLEDs (“Organic LEDs” in English), AMOLEDs (“Active-Matrix-Organic LEDs” in English), or FOLEDs (“Flexible OLEDs” in English).

[0044] In a non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 further comprises an electronic support 16, otherwise called a PCB A (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) configured to accommodate the primary light sources 120 and the secondary light sources 130. It comprises two opposite faces 16.1 and 16.2. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the primary light sources 120 and the secondary light sources 130 are arranged on the electronic support 16 and respectively on each of its opposite faces 16.1, 16.2. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the light guide 12 and the light guide 13 are arranged on either side of the electronic support 16. They thus extend into the depth of the housing 10, the secondary optical module 13 being located behind the primary optical module 12 and therefore further from the output glass 14 in the direction of the vehicle axis Ox. The electronic support 16 is thus arranged between the primary optical module 12 and the secondary optical module 13 in the direction of the vehicle axis Ox. This electronic support 16 makes it possible to have primary light sources 12 and secondary light sources 13 in a compact environment in z. In non-limiting embodiments not illustrated, the electronic support 16 is fixed to the housing 10 by screwing, stapling, clipping.

[0045] In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary light sources 120 and the secondary light sources 130 are activatable independently of each other. This makes it possible to control the high-mounted stop light function fl and the projection function f2 of a light pattern ml independently of each other.

[0046] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the primary light sources 120 emit primary light rays rl (illustrated in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 3]), otherwise called light rays rl, which cooperate with the light guide 12 so as to create a primary light beam fxl (illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3) along an emission axis axl of said primary light rays rl to perform the high-mounted stop light function fl.

[0047] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the secondary light sources 130 emit secondary light rays r2 (illustrated in [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 3]), otherwise called light rays r2, which cooperate with the light guide 13 so as to create the secondary light beam fx2 (illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3) in a direction transverse to an emission axis ax2 of said secondary light rays r2 to perform the projection function f2 of the light pattern ml.

[0048] As illustrated in [Fig.3], the exit window 14 is configured to close the housing 10. It comprises: - a first central part 140 integrating said pattern mO, otherwise called window 140, - a second part 141 arranged on either side of the central part 140 which acts as a mask.

[0049] The first central part 140 of the exit window 14 is transparent, namely it lets the light pass through, or is diffusing (it allows the light rays r2 to be diffused). As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the central part 140 is crossed by the secondary light beam fx2 so as to create a light pattern ml as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. The light pattern ml is thus visible through this central part 140 but also thanks to its reflection downwards along the axis Oz on the reflection surface 20, here on the rear window of the motor vehicle 20. There is thus an effect splitting the light pattern ml We thus obtain a so-called holographic light logo ml. In a non-limiting embodiment, the pattern mO is a manufacturer's logo. It will be noted that to have a light logo ml in the right place on the rear window 20, we have an upside-down tracing of the logo mO on the central part 140 of the exit window 14. [Fig. 2] illustrates the upside-down light logo ml which results from the logo mO (not visible in [Fig. 2]) crossed by the secondary light beam fx2, and the light logo ml in the right place which results from the reflection of the light logo ml on the rear window 20. The secondary light sources 130 thus illuminate the logo mO which is upside down. The second part 141 the exit window 14 is configured to make the connection, otherwise called junction, between the exit window 14 and the housing 10.

[0050] In a non-limiting embodiment, the second part 141 of the outlet glass 14 is made of PC (polycarbonate). PC provides a robust external face, which does not break unlike PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). In another non-limiting embodiment, the second part 141 of the outlet glass 14 is made of PMMA. In non-limiting embodiments, the first part 140 is made of ABS (“acrylonitrile butadiene styrene”), vinyl, PET (“Polyethylene Terephthalate”), PMMA, or PC.

[0051] The pattern mO of the outlet glass 14 is produced according to different non-limiting embodiments presented below.

[0052] In a first non-limiting embodiment, the pattern mO is formed by bi-injection. Thus, the outlet glass 14 is bi-injected. This makes it possible to create the central part 140 with the pattern mO and the second part 141.

[0053] In a second non-limiting embodiment, the pattern mO is formed by means of a screen-printed or printed film. The output glass 14 comprises a window on which the screen-printed or printed film is assembled (i.e. placed and glued). In non-limiting embodiments, the film is made of ABS (“acrylonitrile butadiene styrene”), vinyl, PET (“Polyethylene Terephthalate”), PMMA or PC. In a first non-limiting variant embodiment, the output glass 14 is completely transparent. In a second non-limiting variant embodiment, the output glass 14 is bi-material with a first transparent part 140 and a second opaque part 141. This makes it possible to manage light leaks at the junction with the housing 10, the output glass 14 - housing 10 junction being made via the opaque part 141.

[0054] In a third non-limiting embodiment, the pattern mO is formed by a film overmolded in the exit glass 14. There is no further assembly. In a first non-limiting variant embodiment, the exit glass 14 is completely transparent. In a second non-limiting variant embodiment, the exit glass 14 is bi-material with a first transparent part 140 and a second opaque part 141. In non-limiting embodiments, the film is made of ABS. (“acrylonitrile butadiene styrene”), vinyl, PET (“Polyethylene Terephthalate”), PMMA or PC.

[0055] In a first non-limiting embodiment, the film is overmolded using an IML (In Mold Labeling) process. As a reminder, the IML process comprises the steps of forming and cutting a screen-printed film, placing it in a mold where a resin is injected. Since the IML process is known to those skilled in the art, it is not described in more detail here.

[0056] In a second non-limiting embodiment, the film is overmolded using an IMD (In Mold Decoration) process. As a reminder, the IMD process comprises the steps of unrolling a screen-printed film in a mold, forming it, and injecting a resin into the mold. Since the IMD process is known to those skilled in the art, it is not described in more detail here.

[0057] In a fourth non-limiting embodiment, the mO pattern is formed by a laser screen printing process. In a first non-limiting variant embodiment, the screen printing process is a laser ablation. An opaque paint is applied to the output glass 14, then an ablation of the mO pattern by laser is carried out. In a non-limiting embodiment, the output glass 14 is transparent. In a second non-limiting variant embodiment, the screen printing process is a laser etching. An opaque paint is applied to a transparent or translucent film. The film is applied to the output glass 14. Then, the mO pattern is laser etched onto the film.

[0058] In a fifth non-limiting embodiment, the pattern mO is formed by a hot stamping process. A die is mounted and heated on the output glass 14. A plastic film with a heat-meltable layer and opaque ink is inserted between the die and the output glass 14, the die exerting pressure on the film. When the die heats up, the opaque ink is transferred onto protrusions of the output glass 14, which forms a relief of the pattern mO.

[0059] In a sixth non-limiting embodiment, the pattern mO is formed by a pad printing process (called in English “tampo-print”). A pad which comprises the pattern mO in relief is dipped in ink and is applied to the output glass 14 by exerting pressure on it. The pattern mO is thus transferred to the output glass 14.

[0060] Of course, the description of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and to the field described above. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, a single primary light source 120 is associated with the primary optical module 12. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, a single secondary light source 130 is associated with the secondary optical module 13. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, the secondary optical module 13 and the primary optical module 12 are merged. They thus form a single flat light guide. In this case, there are junctions between the secondary optical module 13 and the primary optical module 12 throughout the electronic support 16. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, the first central part 140 of the output glass 14 is semi-transparent.

[0061] Thus, the invention described presents in particular the following advantages: - it allows the high-mounted stop light function fl and the projection function f2 to be integrated into the same lighting device 1 while reducing the vertical size of the lighting device 1 due to the elimination of the reflectors of the prior art and their replacement by a flat light guide, - it allows the defined height of a rear high-mounted brake light to be respected for any type of vehicle 2, - it thus makes it possible to adapt to very inclined rear windows and smaller dimensions than for conventional vehicles, as in the case of coupe motor vehicles; thus, the lighting device 1 is easily integrated into this type of rear window, - it allows to reduce the number of electronic supports. This thus reduces the cost of the lighting device 1. The integration of a single electronic support facilitates the manufacture of the lighting device 1, - it makes it possible to reduce the number of primary light sources 120 and the number of secondary light sources 130, and consequently the cost of the lighting device 1.

Claims

Claims

1. A light device (1) configured to perform a high-mounted stop light function (fl) and comprising: - a housing (10) housing optical modules (12, 13), - a primary optical module (12) configured to perform the high-mounted stop light function (fl), - an output lens (14) comprising a pattern (mO) and closing said housing (10), - a secondary optical module (13) configured to generate a secondary light beam (fx2) passing through the output lens (14) comprising said pattern (mO), so as to create a projection function (f2) of a light pattern (ml) onto a reflection surface (20), - said primary optical module (12) being a flat light guide, and - said secondary optical module (13) being a flat light guide comprising prisms (131) or screen printing,- said light device (1) comprising at least one primary light source (120) configured to generate primary light rays (rl) which cooperate with said primary optical module (12) so as to create a primary light beam (fxl) along an emission axis (axl) of said primary light rays (rl) characterized in that said at least one primary light source (120) and said at least one secondary light source (130) are arranged respectively on the opposite faces (16.1, 16.2) of the same electronic support (16) arranged between said primary optical module (12) and said secondary optical module (13).,

2. A light device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said reflecting surface (20) is a rear window of said vehicle (2).

3. A lighting device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said lighting device (1) comprises at least one secondary light source (130) configured to generate secondary light rays (r2) which cooperate with said secondary optical module (13) so as to create a secondary light beam (fx2) in a direction transverse to an emission axis (ax2) of said secondary light rays (r2).

4. A light device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one primary light source (120) and said at least one secondary light source (130) are activatable independently of each other.

5. Luminous device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which said output glass (14) comprises a first part (140) integrating said pattern (mO) and a second part (141) arranged on either side of the first part (140) configured to make a junction with said housing (10).

6. A light device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said second portion (141) of said closing glass is opaque.

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