GLAZING COMPRISING AN INTERIOR LIGHTING SYSTEM, INTERIOR LIGHTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH GLAZING

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle glazing comprising a curved glazed element, comprising a lighting system comprising at least two light modules (7, 7') whose two longitudinal ends are carried by at least one orientation support (8), preferably a single one, having a base (80) which is reversibly attached to said profiled joint (6) by a key (15) which is movable between a keying position and a keying position, said key (15) preferably being movable on itself by elastic deformation of a bent part (150). The invention also relates to a lighting system for such glazing, and a method for manufacturing such glazing. Abstract figure: [Fig. 4]

Description

Title of the invention: GLAZING COMPRISING AN INTERIOR LIGHTING SYSTEM, INTERIOR LIGHTING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SUCH GLAZING

[0001] The invention relates to the field of vehicle glazing, in particular for motor vehicles, and relates in particular to glazing for a vehicle roof. The invention relates more specifically to glazing comprising a curved, i.e. non-flat, glazed element and an interior lighting system.

[0002] The invention relates to a glazing comprising a glazed element, possibly curved, providing a separation between an exterior space and an interior space and having an exterior face oriented towards said exterior space, an interior face oriented towards said interior space and an edge located between these two faces, said glazing comprising a lighting system comprising several point light sources, of the LED type, and extending along at least one edge of said window, and, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, along two opposite edges of said window, being located further inside the vehicle than said interior face of the glazed element.

[0003] In such glazing, a prismatic system is often interposed between the point light sources and the glazed element or a part of the glazed element (recess over a part of the thickness of the glazed element). In such glazing, it is important that the positioning in the interior-exterior direction of the point light sources follows with an acceptable tolerance (for example plus or minus 2.0 mm, or even less) the shape (the curvature) of the glazed element, without being in direct contact with this glazed element, in order to achieve uniform lighting through the glazed element.

[0004] However, when the glazed element is curved, this curvature is not uniform in the sense that it is made up of a plurality of radii of curvature, at different locations on the glazed element, and in particular along the edge(s) which accommodate(s) the lighting system(s). It is then difficult to control the distance between the point light sources and the glazed element because the point light sources would have to be arranged on a support which also precisely follows the curves of the curvature along this (or these) edge(s).

[0005] Furthermore, the bending has a fairly large manufacturing tolerance and the production of a curved point light source support also has a manufacturing tolerance; the combination of these two tolerances complicates the control of the distance between the point light sources and the glazed element to remain within the required tolerance.

[0006] The present invention is based on the discovery that, surprisingly, it is possible to produce a glazing unit with a glazed element, in particular a curved one, and point light sources which are not all located at exactly the same distance from the glazed element (for example by applying a tolerance of one tenth of a millimeter) but which are all located at an acceptable distance from the glazed element (for example by applying a tolerance of plus or minus 2.0 mm), by using several supports, or light modules, and by providing at least one intermediate orientation support which makes it possible both to attach light modules to the glazed element and to modify the orientation of the ends of two adjacent light modules relative to the glazed element at the time of this attachment.

[0007] Thus, it is no longer necessary to provide a particular curvature of the light modules; it is possible to use rectilinear light modules (i.e. not curved along their length); the orientation support will make it possible to apply, at the time of attachment of a light module to the support, a particular orientation to the light module along its length which will be different from the orientation along its length of the adjacent light module attached to the same orientation support, in order to allow it to follow the curvature of the glazed element.

[0008] This adaptation of the orientation of the light module relative to the glazed element is sufficient to allow the lighting system to be adapted to the curvature of the glazed element and to obtain that the point light sources of the module are all at the same distance from the inner face of the glazed element, with a satisfactory tolerance.

[0009] By providing that a single orientation support allows two ends each belonging to a light module to be attached, these light modules being adjacent, then the attachment of these modules to the glazing can be compact; there is then little space between the two module ends and the lighting can appear uniform along the length of the light modules, notwithstanding the presence of the orientation support.

[0010] Furthermore, the way in which such an orientation support is attached, directly or indirectly, to the glazed element is important: it is important that this attachment is both reliable, quick to implement, and can be implemented in the opposite direction (detachment) without difficulty.

[0011] The invention thus relates, in its broadest sense, to vehicle glazing, said glazing comprising a glazed element, providing a separation between an exterior space and an interior space and having an exterior face, an interior face on the side of which said interior space is located, and an edge connecting said exterior face and said interior face, said glazing comprising at least one lighting system comprising several point light sources and / or several diodes LED electroluminescent lights extending along at least one edge of said glazed element and located at a distance from said inner face of the glazed element on the side of the interior space, said glazing comprising a profiled seal which is fixed to said edge of the glazed element while being closer to said edge of the glazed element than said lighting system.

[0012] According to the invention, said at least one lighting system comprises, arranged end to end one after the other and substantially aligned along at least one said edge, at least two light modules each carrying said point light sources and / or said light-emitting diodes LED, longitudinal, adjacent, each extending in its length in a longitudinal direction and each having longitudinal ends, two of which are arranged opposite each other, one of said two longitudinal ends, and preferably the two longitudinal ends, being carried by at least one orientation support, preferably single, having a base which is reversibly attached to said profiled joint by a key which is movable between a keying position and a keying position, said key preferably being movable on itself by elastic deformation of a bent part.

[0013] For the purposes of the present invention, a fixing is a chemical bond between at least two elements and attachment is a purely mechanical bond between at least two elements; attachment, such as clipping or screwing, can be reversed by a detachment operation and this operation does not influence the integrity of the detached elements whereas fixing, such as gluing, cannot be reversed without modifying the integrity of the elements fixed together.

[0014] Said orientation support is preferably made of plastic, to be light, and said key is made of metal or metal alloy to have the adequate elasticity, both at the time of passage into the keying position, and later, if necessary for passage into the unkeying position.

[0015] Said key is preferably movable between a keying position and a keying position by removing a pin, preferably made of plastic. The pin is thus removable and is no longer present in the keying position. The pin is not present on the glazing in the state installed in a bodywork bay.

[0016] Said key is preferably reversibly attached to said orientation support (with the possible interposition of a magnetized part) by an axial fixing element having an axis oriented substantially perpendicular to said inner face of the glazed element, said axial fixing element preferably being a screw or a bolt or a clip, penetrating (directly or indirectly) into said orientation support.

[0017] Said key is preferably located closer to said edge of the glazed element than said orientation support (cross-sectional view relative to a mean plane of the glazed element).

[0018] Said orientation support is preferably attached to said profiled joint by means of a fixing element, preferably made of metal or metal alloy, projecting from said profiled joint towards said interior space, said protruding fixing element preferably having a hole, for the passage of a hooked end of said key in the keying position.

[0019] Said fixing element is preferably a fixing lug having a fixing base which extends flat inside said profiled joint, substantially parallel to said inner face, a bent fixing part extending from said fixing base towards said inner space, this bent fixing part having a projecting part located outside of said profiled joint.

[0020] Said fixing element preferably extends into a slot of said orientation support, said slot preferably opening out on the sides (to accommodate a fixing element wider than the slot, and thus very strong); preferably the entirety of said projecting part if the base comes into contact with the profiled joint or only part of said projecting part preferably extends into a slot of said orientation support.

[0021] Said fixing element preferably has an overall projecting width of between 5.0 and 50.0 mm, preferably between 10.0 and 30.0 mm.

[0022] The fact that the light modules are each oriented along their length in a longitudinal direction means that they are each oriented along their length in a single longitudinal direction; each light module is thus, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, rectilinear; in absolute terms, the light modules can be slightly curved.

[0023] In a particular non-limiting embodiment, said orientation support makes it possible to orient said two longitudinal ends around at least one axis of rotation, or even two axes of rotation, substantially parallel to said glazed element (i.e. the axis or axes are not perpendicular to said glazed element) in order to facilitate adaptation to the curvature of the glazed element.

[0024] Thus, to compensate for a curvature of the glazed element where necessary, said longitudinal directions of the two adjacent light modules are not parallel.

[0025] The fact that each light module has a longitudinal end opposite a longitudinal end of the other means that these two ends are generally opposite each other in space but may not be strictly opposite, in space, since the longitudinal directions of the two adjacent light modules may not be parallel.

[0026] At least one said orientation support is preferably arranged to carry a first end of a first light module and a second end of a second light module and allow the adjustment of orientation in space, in an adjustment position, of said light modules, each, relative to said orientation support and to maintain said first light module and said second light module fixed in said adjustment position.

[0027] Thus the light module is easily orientable to best follow the curvature of the glazing, if necessary.

[0028] Preferably, a single orientation support is arranged to orient in space two longitudinal ends each belonging to a light module.

[0029] More particularly, said orientation support is attached to a profiled seal fixed to a said edge of said glazed element using a fixing element projecting from said profiled seal towards the interior of said vehicle.

[0030] More particularly, said at least one lighting system preferably extends along at least two opposite edges of said glazed element.

[0031] This allows for good distribution of lighting throughout the vehicle.

[0032] This arrangement makes it possible, independently of the light sources, to fix other components, such as a covering and in particular a roof covering ("sky holder" in English), a concealment system, an electric cable, or other.

[0033] In a particular non-limiting embodiment, said glazing comprises one, and, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, only one, orientation support at each connection between two adjacent light modules. The orientation supports are thus located at the location of a connection between two light modules, or even further at one or both longitudinal ends of a lighting system along an edge of the glazed element. In a particular non-limiting embodiment, to save material (and also to reduce weight), there is no orientation support material between two orientation supports of a lighting system.

[0034] In a particular non-limiting embodiment, said glazing comprises an integer number n of light modules which are located along an edge of said glazed element and an integer number n+1 of orientation supports which make it possible to attach and orient these light modules along this edge; thus, each light module of a lighting system is attached at its two longitudinal ends by a single orientation support.

[0035] In a variant, the base of the orientation support can be fixed or attached directly to said glazed element.

[0036] The invention further relates to a lighting system for glazing according to the invention.

[0037] According to the invention, this lighting system comprises at least two longitudinal light modules, each supporting several point light sources and / or several light-emitting diodes (LEDs), each having at least one end longitudinal, one of said two longitudinal ends, and preferably both longitudinal ends, being carried by at least one orientation support, preferably single, having a base which is reversibly attachable to a profiled seal of said glazing by a key which is movable between a keying position and a keying position, said key preferably being movable on itself by elastic deformation of a bent part.

[0038] Thus the lighting system is adaptable to any form of glazing.

[0039] In a particular non-limiting embodiment, in a lighting system according to the invention all the light modules are identical; all the light modules have the same length, the same width, the same number of point light sources and the same means allowing their attachment to the connecting element. Thus, during the manufacture of the glazing, it is not necessary to pay particular attention to the selection of a particular light module according to its future positioning in the glazing; all the light modules are identical and are interchangeable with each other.

[0040] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a vehicle glazing according to the invention, said glazing comprising a glazed element, providing a separation between an exterior space and an interior space and having an exterior face, an interior face on the side of which said interior space is located, and an edge connecting said exterior face and said interior face, said glazing comprising at least one lighting system comprising several point light sources and / or several light-emitting diodes (LEDs) extending along at least one edge of said glazed element and located at a distance from said interior face of the glazed element on the side of the interior space, said glazed element being previously provided with a profiled seal.

[0041] This method is remarkable in that, in a first step, a base of an orientation support is reversibly attached to said profiled joint by a key which is movable between a keying position and a keying position, said key preferably being movable on itself by elastic deformation of a bent part, then in a second step, at least two said light modules are positioned adjacent to one another along their length and each with one longitudinal end facing one longitudinal end of the other, then in a third step, two longitudinal ends are fixed to said at least one orientation support, which is preferably single, then in a fourth step, said two longitudinal ends are oriented in space and are blocked.

[0042] More particularly, during said step prior to said first step, a fixing element, preferably made of metal or metal alloy, is positioned projecting from said profiled joint towards said interior space, said fixing element projecting preferably having a hole, for the passage of a hooked end of said key in the keying position.

[0043] The invention makes it possible to more easily orient and more reliably attach the light modules to the glazed element. This orientation is both relative to the curvature of the glazed element (distance relative to the inner face of the glazed element) and in the centrifugal-centripetal direction in the general plane of the glazed element (distance relative to the edge of the glazed element).

[0044] Advantageously, this attachment is particularly compact both in the interior-exterior direction so as not to create too much space in the interior space and both in the centrifugal-centripetal direction so as not to limit the clear view.

[0045] Advantageously, fixing the ends of the adjacent light modules with a single orientation support between two ends of the light modules makes it possible to achieve a compact fixing and the lighting produced by these light modules appears uniform along the length of the light modules.

[0046] Advantageously, in addition, in the event of failure of a light module, it can be changed without changing the other light modules of the lighting system, and without needing to change the glazing.

[0047] The method according to the invention has the advantage of being easier to implement than the methods for manufacturing glazing with lighting system(s) of the prior art.

[0048] Several embodiments of the present invention will be described below, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended figures in which: - [Fig.l] represents, schematically and in side view, a motor vehicle comprising glazing according to the invention; - [Fig.2] represents, in a schematic and perspective manner, a glazing according to the invention seen from the interior space; - [Fig.3] represents, in a schematic and partial manner, a central longitudinal section of the glazing of [Fig.2]; - [Fig.4] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of an orientation support located near a longitudinal edge of a glazing according to the invention in the installed state, in a vehicle bodywork bay; - [Fig.5] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of the keyed orientation support according to the invention after removal of the pin for its attachment to the glazing, without the glazed element or the profiled seal; - [Fig.6] represents a schematic cross-sectional view of a keyed orientation support according to the invention, just before its fixing to the glazing, and comprising a pin; - [Fig.7] represents a synthetic view of the movement of the key between [Fig.6] and [Fig.5], when removing the pin; - [Fig.8] represents, schematically and in perspective from inside the vehicle, the holding of a key by a pin; - [Fig.9] represents a partial perspective view of the keyed orientation support according to the invention after removal of the pin for its attachment to the glazing, without the glazed element or the profiled seal; - [Fig. 10] represents an exploded perspective view of the elements of [Fig.9]; - [Fig. 11] represents a perspective view of a pin; and - [Fig. 12] represents, in a schematic manner, the succession of steps of a method of manufacturing vehicle glazing according to the invention.

[0049] The present invention is described by way of example in the context of an application as fixed glazing 1 of a vehicle 1000. In particular, this glazing closes a bay by creating a separation between an exterior space E, which is exterior to the vehicle, and an interior space I, which is interior to the vehicle. The notions of “exterior” and “interior” are therefore considered in relation, respectively, to the exterior space and the interior space.

[0050] The arrangements specific to the present invention are also applicable to other types of glazing, in particular and not limited to building glazing.

[0051] The present invention is described, by way of non-limiting example, by being applied to a glazing 1 of a vehicle roof 1000, as visible in [Fig.l].

[0052] With reference to [Fig.2], the glazing 1 is seen from the inside, oriented horizontally, that is to say turned over on itself relative to its position as vehicle roof glazing. In only [Fig.1], [Fig.4], [Fig.6] and [Fig.9] of this document the glazing is installed in a bodywork bay 1100; this bay is however not visible in [Fig.6] and [Fig.9].

[0053] The glazing 1 comprises at least one glazed element 2. This glazed element 2 may be monolithic, i.e. made up of a single sheet of material, or be composite, i.e. made up of several sheets of material between which is inserted at least one intermediate layer of adhesive material, in the case of laminated glazing. The sheet(s) of material may be mineral, in particular glass, having for example undergone annealing or tempering, or organic, in particular plastic material such as polyvinyl butyral. The intermediate layer contains, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, at least one thermoplastic plastic material, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).However, the thermoplastic interlayer may also contain, for example, polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylate, polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, . polyacetate resin, casting resins, acrylates, fluorinated ethylene-propylene, polyvinyl fluoride and / or ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, or copolymers or mixtures thereof. The thermoplastic intermediate layer may be formed from one or more superimposed thermoplastic films, the thickness of a thermoplastic film not exceeding, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, 1.0 mm, in particular from 0.25 mm or 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm or 0.9 mm, typically around 0.4 mm or 0.7 mm.

[0054] The glazing may form a vehicle side window. The vehicle may be a land road vehicle, such as a car, a truck, a bus, a tram, a rail vehicle. It may also be a fixed glazing (not mobile in the vehicle's frame of reference).

[0055] Here, the glazing is, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, positioned horizontally or essentially horizontally in the frame of reference of the vehicle: the axis of advance of the vehicle 1000 is generally called the “X axis” of the vehicle, the lateral axis is the Y axis and the vertical is the Z axis.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the glazing 1 comprises a glazed element 2 which is curved (i.e. not flat) and laminated. In another variant, the glazed element 2 could be monolithic.

[0057] The glazed element 2 has an outer face 20 which is oriented towards the exterior E, an inner face 22 which is oriented towards the interior space I and an edge 21 located between these two faces.

[0058] In the non-limiting example illustrated, the glazed element 2 has a longitudinal edge 23, left, a lateral edge 24, rear, a longitudinal edge 25, right and a lateral edge 26, front.

[0059] The glazed element 2 advantageously has corners, in particular four corners comprising positioning and attachment systems 29, for positioning and attaching the glazing to the vehicle bay.

[0060] The glazing 1 comprises a profiled seal 6, which is here peripheral; it extends along edges, in particular four edges, of the glazed element 2. The profiled seal 6 extends over an edge of the inner face 22, in contact with this inner face 22. It can also extend along all or part of the edge 21, or even along all or part of an edge of the outer face 20.

[0061] The glazed element 2 is a laminated glazed element which comprises, as visible in the vertical sectional view of [Fig.3], an outer glass sheet 3, an inner glass sheet 5 and an interlayer sheet of plastic material 4 located between said two glass sheets 3 and 5.

[0062] In a variant, it is possible for at least one other sheet to be interposed between the outer glass sheet 3 and the interposed plastic sheet 4 or between the plastic interlayer sheet 4 and the inner glass sheet 5.

[0063] The glazing 1 comprises, in addition to the glazed element 2, at least one lighting system 27, 27', and here, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, two lighting systems 27, 27', each comprising several point light sources of the light-emitting diode or LED type. In the non-limiting example of [Fig.2], the lighting system 27 extends along the left longitudinal edge 23 of the glazed element 2, and the lighting system 27' extends along the right longitudinal edge 25 of the glazed element 2.

[0064] Each lighting system 27, 27' is located further towards the interior space I than the interior face 22 of the glazed element 2 and therefore constitutes an interior lighting system. The electrical power supply of these modules is not detailed here.

[0065] A prismatic system, not illustrated, may be inserted between the point light sources and the glazed element; it may have a part which fits into a recess in the glazed element, in particular into a recess in the inner glass sheet 5, or even a recess in the interlayer sheet of plastic material 4. The light emitted by the point light sources of the lighting systems 27, 27' is oriented towards the inner face 22, to produce lighting in the mass of the glazed element 2 and a redirection of this lighting towards the inner space I.

[0066] Thus, the invention relates to a glazing unit 1 of a vehicle 1000. This glazing unit 1 comprises at least one curved glazed element 2, providing a separation between an exterior space E and an interior space I, and having an exterior face 20, an interior face 22 on the side of which the interior space I is located, and an edge 21 connecting the exterior face 20 and the interior face 22. The glazing unit 1 comprises at least one lighting system 27, 27', comprising several point light sources and / or several light-emitting diodes LED extending along at least one edge 23, 24, 25, 26 of the glazed element 2, and located at a distance from the interior face 22 of the glazed element 2 on the side of the interior space I.

[0067] According to the invention, this at least one lighting system 27, 27', comprises, arranged end to end one after the other and substantially aligned following the curvature of at least one edge 23, 24, 25, 26, at least two light modules 7, 7', each carrying point light sources and / or light-emitting diodes LED, longitudinal, adjacent, each extending in its length in a longitudinal direction 70, 70', and each having longitudinal ends 71, 71', two of which are arranged opposite each other. Each light module 7, 7', is carried by at least one orientation support 8 having a base 80 further from the glazed element 2 than the two longitudinal ends 71, 71'. This base 80 is arranged to be, indirectly, attached to the glazed element 2. The orientation support 8 is arranged to attach the light module 7, 7', and allow its mobility in space.

[0068] The orientation support 8 constitutes the support of two longitudinal ends 71, 71', each longitudinal end being that, respectively, of a light module 7, 7'. More particularly, the orientation support 8 is arranged to orient in space both the two longitudinal ends 71, 71', of two light modules 7, 7', independently of one another with respect to this orientation support 8.

[0069] More particularly, this at least one lighting system 27, 27' extends along at least two opposite edges of the glazed element 2.

[0070] More particularly, at least one said orientation support 8 is arranged to carry a first end 71 of a first light module 7 and a second end 71' of a second light module 7', and to allow the adjustment of orientation in space, in an adjustment position, of the second light module 7' relative to the first light module 7, and to keep the first light module 7 and the second light module 7' fixed in the adjustment position.

[0071] More particularly, as visible in [Fig.5] to [Fig.9], the orientation support 8 attaches the light modules 7, 7' to the profiled seal 6 which is fixed to an edge 23, 24, 25, 26, of the glazed element 2 using a fixing system 78.

[0072] In the example of fixing system 78 illustrated in [Fig.5] to [Fig.9], the orientation support 8 orients in space the two longitudinal ends 71, 71' each around an axis A, A' of rotation extending transversely, relative to the length of the glazed element 2.

[0073] It is this rotation, or these rotations, which make it possible to orient the longitudinal ends 71, 71' so that the longitudinal directions 70, 70' of the two adjacent light modules are not parallel and thus to make it possible to compensate for the curvature of the glazed element where necessary.

[0074] More particularly, as seen in [Fig.5], [Fig.6], [Fig.7], the orientation support 8 is attached to a profiled seal 6 fixed to an edge 23, 24, 25, 26, of the glazed element 2 using a key 15 which is attached to the base 80 and which is movable relative to the base 80 between a keying position and a keying position.

[0075] This key 15 is preferably movable on itself by elastic deformation of a bent part 150.

[0076] [Fig.5] shows that in the keying position, the bent part 150 is in contact with the base 80.

[0077] In the non-keyed, or unkeyed, position, illustrated in [Fig.6], a proximal part of the bent part 150, close to the profile joint 6 and extending in the direction of the inner face 22 is spaced from the base 80 while a distal end of the part elbow 150, opposite the proximal part, remains in contact with the base 80.

[0078] [Fig.7] shows the existence of an angle a for the bent part 150, between the keying position and the unkeying position. This angle is between 10° and 25° and is here 14°. The black arrow located under the reference a indicates the direction of the keying.

[0079] The key 15 is preferably made of metal or metal alloy, for good elasticity both during the first attachment of the orientation support 8 in the glazing 1 and for good elasticity over time and to allow detachment, re-attachment after years of use of the vehicle.

[0080] It has the general shape of a U, with a bottom which connects two parallel wings extending perpendicularly from the bottom, the U being positioned on the side to embed the base 80 of the orientation support 8 between the two wings. The bottom with one wing constitutes a bent part 150 and the bottom with the other wing constitutes a hooked end 151; the bent part 150 and the hooked end 151 thus constitute the key 15.

[0081] The key 15 is reversibly attached to the orientation support 8 (directly or indirectly and then with the interposition of a magnetized part, as described later) by an axial fixing element 101 having an axis D oriented substantially perpendicular to said inner face 22 of the glazed element 2. This axial fixing element 101 is preferably a screw 94 or a bolt or a clip, penetrating (directly or indirectly) into the orientation support 8. This particular orientation facilitates access, if necessary, to the axial fixing element. A boss 86, of the base 80, laterally retains a distal end of the bent part 150 of the key.

[0082] The key 15 here has a width 115, between 5.0 and 30.0 mm, preferably between 8.0 and 25.0 mm, in order to be compact.

[0083] The orientation support 8 is preferably made of plastic material to be light.

[0084] The key 15 is preferably movable between a keying position and a keying position by removing a pin 16, preferably made of plastic (to be light).

[0085] This pin, visible in [Fig.l 1] is made up of a body 16a having a protuberance and a loop 16b. The body 16a is intended to be positioned, in contact, between the base 80 and the bent part 150, in the non-keyed or unkeyed position.

[0086] The base 80 is narrow and has a length, along the X axis, of between 10.0 and 50.0 mm. This length is sufficient to allow good attachment.

[0087] The base 80 is compact and has a height, along the Z axis, of between 10.0 and 50.0 mm. This height is sufficient to allow good attachment.

[0088] The key 15 is located closer to the edge 21 of the glazed element 2 than the orientation support 8, (cross-sectional view relative to a mean plane of the element glazed); The key 15 is located on the other side of the orientation support 8 relative to the light modules 7, 7'; thus, in the non-keyed or unkeyed state, the pin 16 is also located closer to the edge 21 of the glazed element 2 than the orientation support 8, seen in cross-section relative to a mean plane of the glazed element.

[0089] The orientation support 8 is attached to the profiled seal 6 fixed to an edge 23, 24, 25, 26 of the glazed element 2 using a fixing element 10, preferably made of metal or metal alloy, projecting from the profiled seal 6 towards the interior space I, the projecting fixing element 10 preferably having a hole 10d, for the passage of a hooked end 151 of said key 15 in the keying position.

[0090] The fixing element 10 is preferably a fixing lug having a fixing base 10a which extends flat inside the profiled seal 6, substantially parallel to the inner face 22. A bent fixing part 10b extends from the fixing base 10a towards the inner space I. This bent fixing part 10b has a projecting part 10c which is located outside the profiled seal 6. The projecting part 10c is a plate which extends substantially in the longitudinal direction 70, 70' while being substantially perpendicular to the inner face 22 of the glazed element. This constitutes a guide in the XYZ reference frame.

[0091] Preferably, the fixing element 10 is not an axial fixing element having an axis and in particular an axis which would be oriented substantially perpendicular to said inner face of the glazed element; the fixing element 10 is, preferably, not a screw, nor a bolt, nor a clip.

[0092] The fixing element 10 (and preferably said projecting part 10c if the base 80 comes into contact with the profiled joint 6 or otherwise only a part of the projecting part 10c) enters a slot 89 of the orientation support 8. This slot has substantially the same interior-exterior orientation as the projecting part 10c and is open towards the exterior space to allow the projecting part 10c to enter inside.

[0093] The slot 89 is preferably open on the sides in order to accommodate a fixing element 10 wider than the slot 89, and wider than the base 80.

[0094] The fixing element 10 here has an overall projecting width 110, between 5.0 and 50.0 mm, preferably between 10.0 and 30.0 mm.

[0095] More particularly, the base 80 of each light module 7, 7' may comprise at least one element arranged to carry and hold at least one other component of the glazing 1 or of the vehicle 1000 or a roof lining.

[0096] More particularly here, a magnet 9 is fixed on the orientation support 8, so as to face the interior space I.

[0097] This magnet 9 may comprise a stirrup 91 made of plastic or metal material, inside which are arranged two permanently magnetized elements 92a, 92b, for example of parallelepiped shape.

[0098] As is more particularly visible in [Fig.4] to [Fig. 10], between the two magnetic elements 92a, 92b, the stirrup 91 comprises an orifice 93 crossed by a means for fixing this magnet 9 on the orientation support 8.

[0099] This fixing means may comprise a screw 94 cooperating with a thread formed in the orientation support 8.

[0100] This fixing means serves here to fix a distal end of the bent part 150 of the key 15 to the orientation support 8.

[0101] This fixing means may also comprise a protuberance made of the same material as the orientation support 8, and passing through the orifice 93 formed in the stirrup 91 of the magnet, a clip-type fixing washer then being placed on this protuberance to hold the magnet 9.

[0102] A clearance is preferably provided in the fixing of the magnet 9 on the support 8, this clearance allowing limited rotations of the magnet 9 at least in the XY and XZ planes.

[0103] As can be seen in particular in [Fig.4] to [Fig.10], between the magnet 9 and the orientation support 8, and around the means 94 for fixing this magnet 9 to this support 8, a washer 95 formed from a flexible material is placed.

[0104] This washer 95, which may for example be circular or square in shape, may be formed from a relatively flexible plastic material, such as polyurethane with a hardness of 60 Shore A.

[0105] Once all of the aforementioned parts have been assembled as can be seen in Figures 3, 6 and 7, a fixing device is obtained which is ready to accommodate a trim 110 extending to the periphery of the glazing 1, inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, as can be seen in [Fig.4].

[0106] This lining 110 can be formed from a single or a plurality of thermoformed and fabric-covered chutes, inside which there are ferromagnetic parts 111 arranged so as to come opposite the magnets 9.

[0107] The fixing of the trim 110 under the periphery of the roof glazing 1 is carried out by pairing ferromagnetic elements 111 of this trim with the magnets 9 distributed around the periphery of this glazing 1.

[0108] Once in place, this trim completely hides the profiled seal 6, the orientation supports 8 distributed along the profiled seal 6, the magnets 9, as well as any additional elements such as the modules 7, 7' of light-emitting diodes making it possible to illuminate the roof glazing 1 from the interior space I of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0109] The method of fixing the magnets 9 on the orientation supports 8, with controlled play and the presence of flexible parts 95 interposed between the magnets 9 and these orientation supports 8, makes it possible, in a very simple manner and with minimal bulk, to ensure frank contact between these magnets 9 and the associated ferromagnetic elements 111 of the lining 110, and to prevent any risk of vibration of this lining 110.

[0110] Thanks to the small size, the trim 110 can in particular be sized so that the space for passengers inside the passenger compartment is optimized.

[0111] [Fig. 10] shows a very simple and very compact embodiment in only eight elements: the fixing element 10, the orientation support 8, the key 15, the stirrup 91, the two magnetic elements 92a, 92b, the fixing means 94 and the washer 95.

[0112] The invention also relates to a lighting system 27, 27', for such glazing 1. This lighting system 27, 27', comprises at least two longitudinal light modules 7, 7', each supporting several point light sources and / or several light-emitting diodes LED,

[0113] More particularly, for at least one lighting system, and, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, for each lighting system 27, 27', at least two light modules 7, 7', and here four light modules 7, 7', 7”, 7”', all longitudinal, are arranged adjacent, each oriented along their length in a longitudinal direction. There may be, for example, ten LEDs per light module.

[0114] More particularly, each light module is rectilinear, straight; it thus has the shape of an elongated straight block along its length; all the light modules of a lighting system are preferably identical, so as not to complicate the installation (so as not to have to reference the modules in relation to their respective positions). All the point light sources are rectilinear inside a rectilinear light module.

[0115] As can be seen in more detail in [Fig. 3], two light modules 7, 7' are arranged adjacent and are each oriented along their length in a longitudinal direction 70, 70', following one another and each have a longitudinal end 71 opposite a longitudinal end 71' of the other. Although the longitudinal directions of the other light modules are not illustrated in this figure, these other light modules are also oriented along their length in a longitudinal direction following one another and each have a longitudinal end opposite a longitudinal end of the other.Thus, all the light modules of a lighting system, and, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, of each lighting system, are arranged one after the other along their length to form a modular series; only the two modules each located at one end of this modular series can have a free end which. is not opposite a longitudinal end of another module.

[0116] Advantageously, the glazing 1 comprises at least one orientation support 8 at the connection between two adjacent light modules (here the light modules 7, 7', for simplicity). This orientation support 8 comprises a base 80 which is located next to the two longitudinal ends 71, 71', and more centrifugal than the two longitudinal ends 71, 71', that is to say closer to the edge 23 than the longitudinal ends 71, 71'.

[0117] In the non-limiting embodiments illustrated, the base 80 is indirectly fixed to the glazed element 2 by the key 15.

[0118] [Fig. 3] shows that the adjacent light modules are not located at every point at the same distance from the glazed element 2: there are parts of each light module which are closer to the glazed element 2 and other parts of these light modules which are further away from the glazed element 2 (from the inner face 22 of the glazed element 2). Thus, the point light sources inside the light modules are not all located at exactly the same distance from the glazed element (for example by applying a tolerance of one tenth of a millimeter). However, the point light sources are all located at an acceptable distance from the glazed element, i.e. from the inner face 22 of the glazed element 2 (for example by applying a tolerance of plus or minus 2.0 mm).

[0119] The orientation support 8 attaches and orients in space the two longitudinal ends 71, 71', such that the longitudinal directions 70, 70', of these two adjacent light modules 7, 7', are not parallel.

[0120] The orientation support 8 constitutes a support for the longitudinal ends 71, 71'. More particularly, the orientation support 8 is arranged to orient in space each of the two longitudinal ends 71, 71', of two light modules 7, 7', independently of each other with respect to this orientation support 8.

[0121] Each light module 7, 7' is preferably attached and oriented at its two longitudinal ends by an orientation support 8, which ensures the overall rigidity of each lighting system 27, 27'.

[0122] The material constituting the profiled seal 6 may be a polymer material such as a thermoplastic (PVC, TPE, or similar), a polyurethane or even a synthetic rubber of the EPDM type or any other suitable flexible plastic material.

[0123] The attachment of the base 80 by the key 15 is practical: this allows the orientation support 8 to be attached very quickly, in a single movement of withdrawal of the pin 16, to the glazed element 2. This is much easier and faster than screwing for example; it does not require any particular manual or electric tool.

[0124] Detachment of the base 80 is possible by sliding a pin 16, or an element equivalent, between base 80 and key 15.

[0125] The attachment is thus reversible, in the sense that this system makes it possible to attach the orientation support 8 to the glazed element 2, but also to detach it, without damaging the rest of the glazing.

[0126] To fix the profiled seal 6 to the glazed element 2, it is possible to use a prefabricated profiled seal and to make this profiled seal adhere to the glazed element; this adhesion can be achieved using an adhesion strip formed by a layer of glue or an adhesive tape and in particular a double-sided adhesive tape.

[0127] However, it is preferable to use an encapsulation method: it comprises a step of molding the profiled seal 6 in a molding device, between two molding elements, a molding element receiving the inner face 22 and a molding element receiving the outer face 20, these two molding elements being closed on each other during the molding step while creating between them a molding cavity which is filled with the material constituting the profiled seal 6 during the molding step of this seal.

[0128] The profiled seal 6 is, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, arranged over the entire periphery of the glazed element 2. This profiled seal 6 could also, in a variant, be positioned only on one or more part(s) of the glazed element 2.

[0129] When the glazing is installed in a bodywork bay 1100, the profiled seal 6 is glued to this bay by a bead of glue 1200.

[0130] The glazed element 2 is manufactured before the profiled seal 6 is fixed to the glazed element 2 and before the orientation support 8 is attached to the fixing element 10.

[0131] Thus, the lighting system 27, 27', can be attached (indirectly, by means of the orientation support(s) 8) to the glazing 1 independently of the manufacture of the glazed element 2, possibly provided with a profiled seal 6: it is therefore possible to provide, for the same series of glazings, glazings comprising one or more lighting system(s) and glazings without any lighting system; this is important to allow the presence of at least one lighting system to be optional for the vehicle.

[0132] Such a lighting system 27, 27' according to the invention advantageously comprises at least two longitudinal light modules 7, 7', and, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, the number of light modules necessary for a complete edge of the glazing (here four light modules) and each light module has at least one longitudinal end 71, 71', and, in a particular non-limiting embodiment, two longitudinal ends, each comprising means making it possible to attach the two longitudinal ends 71, 71' to the orientation support 8 and to orient in space the two longitudinal ends 71, 71', of two longitudinal ends 71, 71', adjacent with respect to the orientation support 8.

[0133] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a glazing 1 for a vehicle 1000, shown diagrammatically in [Fig. 12], this glazing 1 comprising a curved glazed element 2, providing a separation between an exterior space E and an interior space I and having an exterior face 20, an interior face 22 on the side of which the interior space I is located, and an edge 21 connecting the exterior face 20 and the interior face 22, the glazing 1 comprising at least one lighting system 27, 27', comprising several point light sources and / or several light-emitting diodes LED extending along at least one edge 23, 24, 25, 26 of the glazed element 2 and located at a distance from the interior face 22 of the glazed element 2 on the side of the interior space I.

[0134] In a prior step 200, the glazed element 2 is provided with a profiled seal 6.

[0135] According to the invention, in a first step 210 at least one support is provided orientation support 8 of which a base 80 is attached, reversibly, to the profiled joint 6 by a key 15 which is movable between a keying position and a keying position, said key 15 being preferably movable on itself by elastic deformation of a bent part 150, then in a second step 220 at least two light modules 7, 7' are positioned adjacent to one another along their length and each with a longitudinal end 71 opposite a longitudinal end 71' of the other, then in a third step 230 two longitudinal ends 71, 71' are fixed to this at least one orientation support 8, then in a fourth step 240 the two longitudinal ends 71, 71' are oriented in space, preferably following the curve of the glazed element 2 and the two longitudinal ends are blocked 71.71', in the service position under the action of a tightening force.

[0136] Thus, during the first step 210, the key 15 engages (i.e. in the keying position) with the profiled joint 6 (i.e. in the keying position), to attach the orientation support 8 to the profiled joint 6.

[0137] The body 16a of the pin 16 is positioned, in contact, between the base 80 and the bent portion 150, in the non-keyed or unkeyed position. In this position, the bent portion 150 is spaced from the base 80 and the bent fixing portion 10b can penetrate into the slot 89.

[0138] To move to the keying position, the body 16a is removed by manually pulling the pin by its loop 16b. This causes the hook end 151 to penetrate into the hole 10d and the fixing element 10 to be blocked by the hook end 151. The orientation support 8 is then attached to the profiled joint 6.

[0139] More particularly, in the prior step 200 the profiled joint 6 is provided with a fixing element 10, preferably made of metal or metal alloy, such that it is positioned with a part 10c which projects from the profiled joint 6 towards the interior space I, the projecting part 10c preferably having a hole 10d, for the passage of a hooked end 151 of the key 15 in the keying position.

[0140] Thus, when the key 15 engages (i.e. in the keying position) with the profiled joint 6 (i.e. in the keying position), to attach the orientation support 8 to the profiled joint 6, this is an indirect engagement: this is an engagement via the fixing element 10.

[0141] More particularly, in the fourth step 240 the light modules 7, 7' are placed in support on the inner face 22 of the glazed element 2.

[0142] In a particular non-limiting embodiment, all the bases 80 of all the orientation supports 8 are first attached (steps 210) to the seal 6 of the glazed element 2 before the rest of the steps.

[0143] More particularly, in the second step 220, for each orientation support 8, two longitudinal light modules 7, 7' are each oriented along their length in a longitudinal direction 70, 70' and are positioned adjacent to one another along their length and each with a longitudinal end 71 facing a longitudinal end 71' of the other while being located less centrifugally than the base 80 of the orientation support 8.

[0144] In a particular non-limiting embodiment, during the prior step 200, the fixing element 10 is fixed to the profiled seal 6 which is previously fixed to the glazed element 2.

[0145] More particularly, the fixing element 10, in particular a fixing lug, is overmolded in the encapsulation, itself adhering to the glass.

[0146] In the particular case of roof glazing, the position of the fixing lug is along the roof demolding axis during the encapsulation process. This axis is itself given by the tooling.

[0147] In a variant not illustrated, the light modules are arranged under a black layer, such as for example a layer of enamel, which is arranged on or in the glazed element 2, so as not to be visible from the outside space.

[0148] In short, thanks to the invention, each light module can be arranged with the same relative position (angle and height) on the surface of the glazed element to guarantee diffusion of light regardless of its curve, if it is curved.

[0149] The invention does not require adhesive fixing of the light module to the glazed element, which makes it easy to replace it. The absence of gluing also makes it possible to avoid any risk of disruption of the light flux by a possible smear of glue.

Claims

Claims

1. Glazing (1) of a vehicle (1000), said glazing (1) comprising a glazed element (2), providing a separation between an exterior space (E) and an interior space (I) and having an exterior face (20), an interior face (22) on the side of which said interior space (I) is located, and an edge (21) connecting said exterior face (20) and said interior face (22), said glazing (1) comprising at least one lighting system (27, 27') comprising several point light sources and / or several light-emitting diodes LED extending along at least one edge (23, 24, 25, 26) of said glazed element (2) and located at a distance from said interior face (22) of the glazed element (2) on the side of the interior space (I), said glazing (1) comprising a profiled seal (6) which is fixed to said edge (23, 24, 25, 26) of the glazed element (2) being closer to said edge (21) of the glazed element (2) than said lighting system (27, 27'),characterized in that said at least one lighting system (27, 27') comprises, arranged end to end one after the other and substantially aligned along at least one said edge (23, 24, 25, 26), at least two light modules (7, 7') each carrying said point light sources and / or said light-emitting diodes LED, longitudinal, adjacent, each extending in its length in a longitudinal direction (70, 70') and each having longitudinal ends (71, 71') two of which are arranged opposite each other, one of said two longitudinal ends (71, 71'), and preferably the two longitudinal ends (71, 71'), being carried by at least one orientation support (8), preferably a single one, having a base (80) which is reversibly attached to said profiled joint (6) by a key (15) which is movable between a keying position and a keying position,said key (15) preferably being movable on itself by elastic deformation of a bent part (150).,

2. Glazing (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said orientation support (8) is made of plastic material and said key (15) is made of metal or metal alloy.

3. Glazing (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said key (15) is movable between a keying position and a keying position by withdrawal of a pin (16), preferably made of plastic material.

4. Glazing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said key (15) is reversibly attached to said orientation support (8) by an axial fixing element (101) having an axis (D) oriented substantially perpendicular to said inner face (22) of the glazed element (2), said axial fixing element (101) preferably being a screw (94) or a bolt or a clip, penetrating into said orientation support (8).

5. Glazing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said key (15) is located closer to said edge (21) of the glazed element (2) than said orientation support (8).

6. Glazing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said orientation support (8) is attached to said profiled seal (6) using a fixing element (10), preferably made of metal or metal alloy, projecting from said profiled seal (6) towards said interior space (I), said protruding fixing element (10) preferably having a hole (10d), for the passage of a hooked end (151) of said key (15) in the keying position.

7. Glazing (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said fixing element (10) is a fixing lug having a fixing base (10a) which extends flat inside said profiled seal (6), substantially parallel to said inner face (22), a bent fixing part (10b) extending from said fixing base (10a) towards said inner space (I), this bent fixing part (10b) having a projecting part (10c) located outside said profiled seal (6).

8. Glazing (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said fixing element (10) extends into a slot (89) of said orientation support (8), said slot (89) preferably opening out on the sides.

9. Glazing (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said fixing element (10) has an overall projecting width (110), between 5.0 and 50.0 mm, preferably between 10.0 and 30.0 mm.

10. Glazing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said at least one lighting system (27, 27') extends along at least two opposite edges of said glazed element (2).

11. Glazing (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one said orientation support (8) is arranged to carry a

12.

13. first end (71) of a first light module (7) and a second end (71') of a second light module (7') and allowing the adjustment of orientation in space, in an adjustment position, of said light modules (7, 7'), each, relative to said orientation support (8) and to maintain said first light module (7) and said second light module (7') fixed in said adjustment position. Lighting system (27, 27') for a glazing (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least two longitudinal light modules (7, 7'), each supporting several point light sources and / or several light-emitting diodes LED, each having at least one longitudinal end (71, 71'), one of said two longitudinal ends (71, 71'), and preferably both longitudinal ends (71, 71'), being carried by at least one orientation support (8), preferably single, having a base (80) which is reversibly attachable to a profiled seal (6) of said glazing (1) by a key (15) which is movable between a keying position and a keying position, said key (15) preferably being movable on itself by elastic deformation of a bent part (150). A method of manufacturing a glazing unit (1) for a vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, said glazing unit (1) comprising a glazed element (2), providing a separation between an exterior space (E) and an interior space (I) and having an exterior face (20), an interior face (22) on the side of which said interior space (I) is located, and an edge (21) connecting said exterior face (20) and said interior face (22), said glazing unit (1) comprising at least one lighting system (27, 27') comprising several point light sources and / or several light-emitting diodes (LED) extending along at least one edge (23, 24, 25, 26) of said glazed element (2) and located at a distance from said interior face (22) of the glazed element (2) on the side of the interior space (I), said glazed element (2) being previously provided with a profiled seal (6), characterized in that,in a first step (210) a base (80) of an orientation support (8) is reversibly attached to said profiled joint (6) by a key (15) which is movable between a keying position and a keying position, said key (15) preferably being movable on itself by elastic deformation of a bent part (150), then in a second step (220), at least two said light modules (7, 7') are positioned adjacent to one another along their length and each with a longitudinal end (71) opposite a longitudinal end (71') of the other, then in a third step (230) two longitudinal ends (71, 71') are fixed to said at least one orientation support (8), which is preferably single, then in a fourth step (240) said two longitudinal ends (71, 71') are oriented in space and are blocked.

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that, during said step prior to said first step (210), a fixing element (10), preferably made of metal or metal alloy, is positioned projecting from said profiled joint (6) towards said interior space (I), said projecting fixing element (10) preferably having a hole (10d), for the passage of a hooked end (151) of said key (15) in the keying position.

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