LIGHTING DEVICE WITH FLAT AND LONGER DIFFUSION SCREEN(S)

Abstract

A lighting device (DE) comprises: - at least one source generating photons for at least one diffusion screen (ED2) of flat type, having a length and height and thickness strictly less than this length and perpendicular to each other and to the latter, and subdivided into first (P1) and second (P2) parts fixedly secured to each other by extending each other and diffusing on a first front face (FV1) photons from the source, and - at least one protective glass (GP2) comprising a wall (PG1) having lengths and heights substantially identical to those of the diffusion screen (ED2), installed in front of the first front face (FV1) by being coupled to the first (P1) and second (P2) parts, and suitable for being crossed by the diffused photons. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: LIGHTING DEVICE WITH FLAT AND ELONGATE DIFFUSION SCREEN(S) Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to lighting devices with flat and elongated diffusion screen(s). State of the art

[0002] In certain technical fields, such as for example in certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, lighting devices are used which comprise a source generating photons for a flat type diffusion screen and responsible for diffusing the generated photons on a front face.

[0003] For example, in a motor vehicle the lighting device can equip a grille installed in the front end in order to make this grille luminous.

[0004] In some of these lighting devices the diffusion screen has a length and height and thickness which are strictly less than this length and perpendicular to each other and to the latter.

[0005] The diffusion screen is usually used instead of a light guide as soon as the length becomes relatively large, typically greater than 30 cm, because in this case a light guide is no longer capable of delivering the photons homogeneously when it receives the photons generated on one of its two opposite ends.

[0006] However, since the diffusion screen is usually manufactured by molding a plastic material, the greater its length relative to its height and thickness, the more fragile it becomes and the more likely it is to deform when it leaves its injection mold. Typically, it becomes very difficult to mold a diffusion screen having a length greater than 40 cm when its height is of the order of 10 mm. Furthermore, this difficulty is further increased when it is desired to impose on the diffusion screen a sudden change of direction in an intermediate part.

[0007] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0008] For this purpose, it proposes in particular a lighting device comprising at least one source capable of generating photons for at least one flat-type diffusion screen and having a length and height and thickness strictly less than this length and perpendicular to each other and to the latter.

[0009] This lighting device is characterized by the fact:

[0010] - that its (each) broadcast screen is subdivided into first and second parts fixedly secured to each other by extending each other, and capable of diffusing photons from the source on a first front face, and

[0011] - that it also comprises at least one protective glass comprising a wall having substantially the same length and height as those of the diffusion screen, installed in front of the first front face while being coupled to the first and second parts of the diffusion screen, and capable of being crossed by the diffused photons.

[0012] Thanks to the subdivision of the diffusion screen into first and second parts secured to each other, it is now possible for this diffusion screen to have a significant and very large length compared to its height and thickness without risk of deformation or fragility, both during the manufacture of its first and second parts and once its last parts are secured to each other.

[0013] The lighting device according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0014] - the first and second parts of its (each) broadcast screen can respectively comprise first and second coupling elements cooperating together to ensure their fixed connection;

[0015] - in the presence of the first option, the first and second coupling elements can be arranged respectively in the form of a tab and a through hole suitable for being crossed by this tab;

[0016] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the leg can be deformed by heating after passing through the through hole, in order to ensure fixed connection between the first and second parts;

[0017] - also in the presence of the last sub-option, the first part of its (each) diffusion screen may comprise an end defining a forward recess comprising the tab on a first rear face which is oriented towards the first front face of the second part;

[0018] - in the presence of the last two sub-sub-options, the end of the first part of its (each) diffusion screen may comprise on its first rear face, near the tab, at least one protuberance which is suitable for wedging it relative to the second part of the diffusion screen before heating the tab;

[0019] - its (each) protective glass and each of the first and second parts of its (each) diffusion screen may respectively comprise third and fourth coupling elements which cooperate together to ensure multiple coupling between the protective glass and these first and second parts;

[0020] - in the presence of the last option, the third and fourth coupling elements can be arranged respectively in the form of tabs and through holes suitable for being crossed respectively by these tabs;

[0021] - in the presence of the last sub-option, each of the first and second parts of its (each) diffusion screen may comprise forward recesses in which the through holes (or fourth coupling elements) are respectively defined;

[0022] - it may comprise a central part comprising a vehicle brand logo and to which are coupled right and left diffusion screens and right and left protective windows coupled respectively to these right and left diffusion screens.

[0023] The invention also provides a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a lighting device of the type presented above.

[0024] For example, this vehicle may comprise a front end comprising a grille to which the lighting device is fixedly secured. Brief description of the figures

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings (obtained for the most part in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:

[0026] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, an example of a front end of a vehicle comprising a grille equipped with an example embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention,

[0027] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the lighting device of [Fig.l], before it is fitted to a vehicle grille,

[0028] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front and section in a horizontal plane, the left part of the lighting device of [Fig.2], without its light guide and its photon source,

[0029] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the part left of the lighting device in [Fig.2], without its light guide, its photon source and its protective glass,

[0030] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the screen left diffusion of the lighting device of [Fig.2], before the joining of its first and second parts,

[0031] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, the area of joining between the first and second parts of the left diffusion screen of the lighting device of [Fig.2],

[0032] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, the first end of the first part of the left diffusion screen of the lighting device of [Fig.2], before its attachment to the first end of the second part of this left diffusion screen,

[0033] [Fig-8] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, a forward detachment of the first part of the right diffusion screen of the lighting device of [Fig.2], provided with a fourth coupling means,

[0034] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, the right protective glass of the lighting device of [Fig.2],

[0035] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, a sub-part of the right protective glass of the lighting device of [Fig.2], provided with a third coupling means, and

[0036] [Fig. 11] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side and in section in a horizontal plane, a part of the multiple coupling between the right protective glass and the right diffusion screen of the lighting device of [Fig.2]. Detailed description of the invention

[0037] The invention aims in particular to propose a lighting device DE comprising at least one flat and elongated diffusion screen EDj of great length.

[0038] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the lighting device DE is intended to equip a vehicle of the automobile type, such as for example a car. But the lighting device DE can equip any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), any electrical appliance, any installation (including industrial), and any building (public or private) which must (or can) include a lighting device DE comprising at least one flat and elongated diffusion screen.

[0039] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], that the lighting device DE is intended to equip a grille CV installed in the front end EV of a motor vehicle. But the lighting device DE could be intended to equip the rear end of a motor vehicle, for example.

[0040] In Figures 1 to 11, the X direction is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0041] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates an example of a front end EV of a vehicle comprising a grille CV to which is fixedly secured, for example by clipping and / or screwing, an example embodiment of a lighting device DE according to the invention.

[0042] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 4 and 11, a device lighting DE, according to the invention, comprises at least one photon source SPj, at least one diffusion screen EDj and at least one protective glass GPj.

[0043] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the lighting device DE comprises a right part comprising a right photon source SP1 (j = 1) associated with a right diffusion screen EDI and a right protective glass GP1, and a left part comprising a left photon source SP2 (j = 2) associated with a left diffusion screen ED2 and a left protective glass GP2, these right (j = 1) and left (j = 2) parts being coupled to a central part PC comprising a vehicle brand logo. But the lighting device DE could only comprise a photon source SPj associated with a diffusion screen EDj and a protective glass GPj. This central part PC can optionally be backlit by a third photon source or by the right SP1 and left SP2 photon sources.

[0044] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the lighting device DE also comprises a housing BD housing at least partially the elements (EDj, GPj, SPj) of its right (j = 1) and left (j = 2) parts and its central part PC, and arranged so as to be fixedly secured (here) to the grille CV, for example by clipping and / or screwing. But a lighting device DE may not comprise a housing BD or could comprise a right housing for housing at least partially the elements (ED1, GP1, SP1) of its right part and a left housing for housing at least partially the elements (ED2, GP2, SP2) of its left part.

[0045] The (each) photon source SPj is arranged so as to generate photons for the associated diffusion screen EDj. For example, this (each) photon source SPj may comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). But as a variant it could comprise at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example.

[0046] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 2] the photons generated by a photon source SPj are guided to the associated diffusion screen EDj by an associated light guide GLj of the lighting device DE. In this case, each light guide GLj comprises a part which is installed (in the possible housing BD) opposite a first rear face FRI of the associated diffusion screen EDj and comprising a front face delivering the guided photons for this first rear face FRI. But a lighting device DE may not comprise a light guide GLj.

[0047] As appears better, and at least partially in figures 3 to 5 and 11, each diffusion screen EDj is of the flat type and has a length (here in the transverse direction Y), a height (here in the vertical direction Z) and a thickness (here following the longitudinal direction X) which are perpendicular to each other. The height and thickness are strictly less than the length.

[0048] For example, the length may be between 50 cm and 70 cm, the height may be between 8 mm and 15 mm, and the thickness may be between 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0049] In addition, each diffusion screen EDj is subdivided into first PI and second P2 parts which are fixedly secured to each other by extending each other (see figures 3, 4, 6 and 11). These first PI and second P2 parts are arranged so as to diffuse on a first front face FV1 photons which come from the associated photon source SPj. It will be noted that the first front face FV1 is opposite the first rear face FRI which receives the photons (here from the associated light guide GLj).

[0050] For example, the first PI and second P2 parts can be made by molding in polycarbonate (or PC), possibly transparent (or crystal colored).

[0051] The (each) protective glass GPj comprises a first wall PG1 having lengths and heights which are substantially identical to those of the associated diffusion screen EDj. It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation the first wall PG1 is installed substantially vertically in a plane YZ. In addition, the (each) protective glass GPj is installed in front of the first front face FV 1 of the associated diffusion screen EDj by being coupled to the first PI and second P2 parts of the latter (EDj), and is capable of being crossed by the photons diffused by this first front face FV1.

[0052] The subdivision of each diffusion screen EDj into first PI and second P2 parts secured to each other advantageously allows it to have a significant and very large length compared to its height and thickness without risk of deformation or fragility. It will be understood in fact that each of the first PI and second P2 parts is manufactured by molding with a length which is less than the limit length beyond which it becomes fragile and risks deforming when leaving its injection mold.

[0053] Furthermore, this subdivision now makes possible a sudden change of direction (or “break”) in an intermediate part of an EDj diffusion screen (either in the area of ​​joining of its first PI and second P2 parts, or in its first PI or second P2 part), due to a technical constraint or a desired stylistic effect.

[0054] In addition, the coupling between a protective glass GPj and the first PI and second P2 parts of the associated diffusion screen EDj advantageously makes it possible to protect these first PI and second P2 parts within an assembly which “reinforces” them, thus making it possible to significantly reduce the risk that these first PI and second P2 parts become deformed or broken.

[0055] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3, 5 to 7 and 11, the first PI and second P2 parts may respectively comprise first MCI and second MC2 coupling elements which cooperate together to ensure their fixed attachment. For this purpose, the first PI and second P2 parts respectively comprise first ends E11 and E21 (or Ej1) provided respectively with the first MCI and second MC2 coupling elements in order to be coupled and secured to each other so that the first PI and second P2 parts extend each other (here) in the transverse direction Y.

[0056] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3, 5 to 7 and 11, the first coupling element MCI can be arranged in the form of a (first) (coupling) tab, and the second coupling element MC2 can be arranged in the form of a through hole which is suitable for being crossed by this first coupling tab MCI. This makes it possible to precisely position the first end E11 of the first part P1 relative to the first end E21 of the second part P2.

[0057] But other arrangements of the first MCI and second MC2 coupling elements can be envisaged since they allow the coupling and the securing together of the first ends E1 and E21 respectively of the first PI and second P2 parts, so that the latter (PI and P2) extend mutually (here) in the transverse direction Y.

[0058] It will be noted that the first coupling tab MCI may, for example, be deformed by heating after passing through the through hole MC2, in order to ensure fixed connection between the first PI and second P2 parts. It will be understood that this deformation of the first coupling tab MCI is intended to definitively prevent any movement of the first end E11 relative to the first end E21.

[0059] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3, 5 to 7 and 11, the first end El 1 of the first part PI can define a step forward (and therefore towards the associated protective glass GPj) which comprises the first coupling tab MCI on its first rear face FRI (oriented towards the first front face FV1 of the associated second part P2). It will be understood that this step advantageously makes it possible to house the first end E21 of the second part P2, so that the first front face FV1 of the second part P2 is placed at the same level (along the longitudinal direction X) as the rest of the first front face FV1 of the first part PI (excluding the first end Eli). This first end Eli is therefore projecting (towards the front) on the first front face FV1 of the diffusion screen EDj (consisting of the first PI and second P2 parts).

[0060] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3, 5 to 7 and 11, the first end El 1 of the first part PI may comprise on its first rear face FRI, near its first coupling tab MCI, at least one (first) protuberance PR1 which is suitable for wedging it relative to the second part P2 before heating the first coupling tab MCI. This makes it possible to guarantee the placement of the first front face FV1 of the second part P2 at the same level (along the longitudinal direction X) as the rest of the first front face FV 1 of the first part PI (excluding the first end Eli), as illustrated in [Fig.6].

[0061] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.7] the first rear face FRI of the first end Eli of the first part PI comprises three first protrusions PR1 around the tab MCI, in order to ensure precise alignment in a plane. But the number of first protrusions PR1 can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0062] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3 to 5 and 8 to 11, the (each) protective glass GPj and each of the first PI and second P2 associated parts may respectively comprise third MC3 and fourth MC4 coupling elements cooperating together to ensure multiple coupling between the protective glass GPj and the first PI and second P2 parts. It will be understood that the (each) protective glass GPj comprises third coupling elements MC3 which cooperate with fourth coupling elements MC4 of the first associated PI part (defined between its first end E11 and its second end E12), and other third coupling elements MC3 which cooperate with fourth coupling elements MC4 of the second associated P2 part (defined between its first end E21 and its second end E22).

[0063] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3 to 5 and 8 to 11, the third coupling elements MC3 may be arranged in the form of (second) (coupling) tabs, and the fourth coupling elements MC4 may be arranged in the form of through holes which are suitable for being traversed respectively by the second coupling tabs MC3. In this case, the second coupling tabs MC3 are defined on the second rear face FR2 of the first wall PG1 of the (each) protective glass GPj, which is opposite its second front face FV2. This makes it possible to precisely position the (each) protective glass GPj relative to each of the first PI and second P2 associated parts.

[0064] But other arrangements of the third MC3 and fourth MC4 coupling elements can be envisaged as long as they allow multiple coupling between the (each) protective glass GPj and the associated first PI and second P2 parts.

[0065] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3 to 5, 8 and 11, each of the first PI and second P2 parts may comprise forward recesses DV (and therefore towards the associated protective glass GPj) in which the through holes MC4 are respectively defined. Each forward recess DV therefore projects on the first front face FV1 of its first PI or second P2 part.

[0066] Preferably, the depth of each forward step DV (here along the longitudinal direction X) of a first PI or second P2 part is equal to the depth of the forward step defined by the first end El 1 of this first part PI.

[0067] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 9 to 11, the first wall PG1 of the (each) protective glass GPj may comprise on its second rear face FR2, for example and in particular near its second coupling tabs MC3, second protuberances PR2 which are suitable for wedging it relative to the first PI and second P2 parts. This makes it possible to guarantee the placement of the first wall PG1 of the (each) protective glass GPj relative to the first PI and second P2 parts of the associated diffusion screen EDj.

[0068] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2, 3 and 9 to 11, the first wall PG1 of the (each) protective glass GPj may comprise through holes T3 allowing direct exit of the scattered photons which are delivered by the first front face FV1 of the first PI or second P2 part located behind. This makes it possible to obtain a contrast between the solid zones of the first wall PG1 (to be crossed by scattered photons) and the through holes T3 of the latter (PG1). But the first wall PG1 of the (each) protective glass GPj could not comprise through holes T3.

[0069] It will be noted that the extensions of the through holes T3 along (here) the transverse direction Y can be identical or variable (for example of increasing or decreasing length, as illustrated non-limitingly in figures 2, 3 and 9).

[0070] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 9 and 11, the (each) protective glass GPj may have a transverse section (in a plane XZ) in the general shape of a lying U. In this case, the (each) protective glass GPj also comprises second PG2 and third PG3 walls extending substantially at 90° two opposite ends of its first wall PG1. Here, the second wall PG2 is the upper wall placed above the associated diffusion screen EDj, the third wall PG3 is the lower wall placed below, and supporting, this diffusion screen EDj, and the first wall PG1 is the substantially vertical wall (and transverse).

[0071] But the (each) protective glass GPj could have an L-shaped transverse section (with only the first PG1 and third PG3 walls), or could only have the first wall PG1, for example.

Claims

Claims

1. Lighting device (DE) comprising at least one source (SPj) capable of generating photons for at least one diffusion screen (EDj) of flat type and having a length and height and thickness strictly less than said length and perpendicular to each other and to the latter, characterized in that said diffusion screen (EDj) is subdivided into first (PI) and second (P2) parts fixedly secured to each other by extending each other, and capable of diffusing on a first front face (FV1) photons coming from said source (SPj), and in that it further comprises at least one protective glass (GPj) comprising a wall (PG1) having lengths and heights substantially identical to those of said diffusion screen (EDj), installed in front of said first front face (FV1) by being coupled to said first (PI) and second (P2) parts, and capable of being traversed by said diffused photons.

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first (PI) and second (P2) parts respectively comprise first (MCI) and second (MC2) coupling elements cooperating together to ensure said fixed connection.

3. Lighting device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first (MCI) and second (MC2) coupling elements are arranged respectively in the form of a tab and a through hole suitable for being crossed by said tab (MCI).

4. Lighting device according to claim 3, characterized in that said tab (MCI) is deformed by heating after passing through said through hole (MC2) in order to ensure said fixed connection between said first (PI) and second (P2) parts.

5. Lighting device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said first part (PI) comprises an end (Eli) defining a forward recess comprising said tab (MCI) on a first rear face (FRI) oriented towards said first front face (FV1) of the second part (P2).

6. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said protective glass (GPj) and each of said first (PI) and second (P2) parts respectively comprise third (MC3) and fourth (MC4) coupling elements cooperating together to ensure multiple coupling between said protective glass (GPj) and said first (PI) and second (P2) parts.

7. Lighting device according to claim 6, characterized in that said third (MC3) and fourth (MC4) coupling elements are arranged respectively in the form of tabs and through holes suitable for being crossed respectively by said tabs (MC3).

8. Lighting device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a central part (PC) comprising a vehicle brand logo and to which are coupled right and left diffusion screens (EDj) and right and left protective windows (GPj) coupled respectively to said right and left diffusion screens (EDj).

9. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a lighting device (DE) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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

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