FLAT AND LONG-LINED DIFFUSION SCREEN(S) LIGHTING DEVICE
By subdividing the diffusion screen into parts and using protective glass with coupling elements, the design addresses fragility and deformation issues, ensuring stable and uniform photon distribution in extended lighting devices.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing diffusion screens used in lighting devices, particularly in vehicles, face challenges with fragility and deformation when manufactured to lengths greater than 40 cm due to their length-to-height and thickness ratio, especially when requiring sudden directional changes, making it difficult to achieve homogeneous photon distribution.
The diffusion screen is subdivided into first and second parts joined together, with protective glass installed in front, and coupled using various coupling elements to ensure stability and prevent deformation, allowing for significant length without fragility.
This design enables the diffusion screen to maintain structural integrity and achieve homogeneous photon distribution even at extended lengths, reducing the risk of deformation and breakage during manufacturing and use.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: LIGHTING DEVICE WITH FLAT AND LONG-LINED 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 include a source generating photons for a flat type diffusion screen and responsible for diffusing the generated photons onto a front face.
[0003] For example, in a motor vehicle the lighting device can be fitted to a grille installed at 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 able to deliver photons homogeneously when it receives 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 as it exits the injection mold. Typically, it becomes very difficult to mold a diffusion screen longer than 40 cm when its height is around 10 mm. Furthermore, this difficulty is compounded when a sudden change of direction is required in the diffusion screen at an intermediate point.
[0007] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0008] In particular, it proposes for this purpose 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 that:
[0010] - that its (each) broadcast screen is subdivided into first and second parts fixedly joined together by extending mutually, and capable of diffusing photons from the source onto a first front face, and
[0011] - that it also includes at least one protective glass having a wall having substantially the same length and height as the diffusion screen, installed in front of the first front face by being coupled to the first and second parts of the diffusion screen, and suitable for being traversed by the diffused photons.
[0012] Thanks to the subdivision of the diffusion screen into first and second parts joined together, it is now possible for this diffusion screen to have a significant length and much greater than 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 joined together.
[0013] The lighting device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0014] - the first and second parts of its (each) broadcast screen may respectively include 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 leg and a through hole suitable for this leg to pass through;
[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 the fixed connection between the first and second parts;
[0017] - also in the presence of the last sub-option, the first part of its (each) broadcast screen may include an end defining a forward recess having 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 include on its first rear face, near the leg, at least one protrusion which is suitable for securing it in relation to the second part of the diffusion screen before heating the leg;
[0019] - its (each) protective glass and each of the first and second parts of its (Each) diffusion screen may respectively include 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 legs and through holes suitable for being traversed respectively by these legs;
[0021] - in the presence of the last sub-option, each of the first and second parts of its (each) diffusion screen may include forward recesses in which the through holes (or fourth coupling elements) are respectively defined;
[0022] - it may include a central piece bearing a vehicle brand logo and to which are coupled right and left broadcast screens and right and left protective glass coupled respectively to these right and left broadcast screens.
[0023] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a lighting device of the type presented above.
[0024] For example, this vehicle may include a front end comprising a grille to which the lighting device is fixedly attached. Brief description of the figures
[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (mostly obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:
[0026] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, an example of the 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. 1], before it was fitted to a vehicle grille,
[0028] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side and in section in a horizontal plane, the left part of the lighting device of [Fig.2], without its light guide and 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, photon source and 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, the area of joining 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, the first end of the first part of the left broadcast screen of the device lighting of [Fig.2], before its attachment to the first end of the second part of this left-hand diffusion screen,
[0033] [Fig-8] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear, a forward recess in the first part of the right-hand diffusion screen of the lighting device of [Fig.2], equipped with a fourth coupling means,
[0034] [Fig.9] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear, the right protective glass of the lighting device of the [Fig.2],
[0035] [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear, a sub-part of the right-hand protective glass of the lighting device of [Fig. 2], equipped with a third coupling means, and
[0036] [Fig. 11] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear and in cross-section in a horizontal plane, a portion 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 provide a lighting device DE comprising at least one flat and long-spanning diffusion screen EDj of great length.
[0038] In what follows, the DE lighting device is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be intended for use in a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, the DE lighting device can be used in any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), any electrical device, any installation (including industrial), and any building (public or private) that is required (or may be required) to include a DE lighting device comprising at least one flat, elongated diffusion screen.
[0039] Furthermore, in the following, by way of non-limiting example and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the DE lighting device is considered to be intended for use with a CV grille installed in the front end EV of a motor vehicle. However, the DE lighting device could also be intended to be used with 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 direction X and the transverse direction Y.
[0041] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of the front end EV of a vehicle comprising a grille CV to which is fixedly attached, for example by clipping and / or screwing, an example of the realization of a DE lighting device according to the invention.
[0042] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 4 and 11, a lighting device 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 should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 2, the lighting device DE comprises a right-hand portion with a right-hand photon source SP1 (j = 1) associated with a right-hand diffusion screen EDI and a right-hand protective glass GP1, and a left-hand portion with a left-hand photon source SP2 (j = 2) associated with a left-hand diffusion screen ED2 and a left-hand protective glass GP2. These right-hand (j = 1) and left-hand (j = 2) portions are coupled to a central component PC bearing a vehicle brand logo. However, the lighting device DE could comprise only a photon source SPj associated with a diffusion screen EDj and a protective glass GPj. This central component PC may optionally be backlit by a third photon source or by the right-hand photon sources SP1 and the left-hand photon sources SP2.
[0044] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 2, the lighting device DE also includes a housing BD that at least partially accommodates the elements (EDj, GPj, SPj) of its right (j = 1) and left (j = 2) parts and its central piece PC, and is arranged so as to be fixedly attached (here) to the grille CV, for example by clipping and / or screwing. However, a lighting device DE may not include a housing BD, or it may include a right-hand housing to at least partially accommodate the elements (ED1, GP1, SP1) of its right-hand part and a left-hand housing to at least partially accommodate the elements (ED2, GP2, SP2) of its left-hand part.
[0045] Each photon source SPj is arranged to generate photons for the associated scattering screen EDj. For example, each photon source SPj may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, it could include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example.
[0046] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the photons generated by a photon source SPj are guided to the associated scattering screen EDj by an associated light guide GLj of the lighting device DE. In this case, each light guide GLj comprises a portion that is installed (in the optional housing BD) opposite a first rear face FRI of the associated scattering screen EDj and having a front face delivering the guided photons to this first rear face FRI. However, a lighting device DE may not include a light guide GLj.
[0047] As can be seen more clearly, 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 along the transverse direction Y), a height (here along the vertical direction Z) and a thickness (here along 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 can be between 50 cm and 70 cm, the height can be between 8 mm and 15 mm, and the thickness can be between 2 mm and 6 mm.
[0049] Furthermore, each diffusion screen EDj is subdivided into first PI and second P2 parts which are fixedly joined together by extending each other (see Figures 3, 4, 6 and 11). These first PI and second P2 parts are arranged so as to diffuse onto a first front face FV1 photons originating from the associated photon source SPj. It should 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 colour).
[0051] Each protective glass GPj comprises a first wall PG1 having a length and height substantially identical to those of the associated scattering screen EDj. It should be noted that in the illustrated example (which is not exhaustive), the first wall PG1 is installed substantially vertically in a YZ plane. Furthermore, each protective glass GPj is installed in front of the first front face FV1 of the associated scattering screen EDj, being coupled to the first PI and second P2 parts of the latter (EDj), and is designed to allow passage of photons scattered by this first front face FV1.
[0052] Subdividing each diffusion screen EDj into first PI and second P2 parts joined together advantageously allows it to have a significant length, much greater than its height and thickness, without risk of deformation or fragility. It will be understood that each of the first PI and second P2 parts is manufactured by molding with a length that is less than the maximum length beyond which it becomes fragile and risks deformation upon exiting its injection mold.
[0053] In addition, this subdivision now makes possible an abrupt change of direction (or "break") in an intermediate part of a broadcast screen EDj (either in the area of joining 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] Furthermore, the coupling between a protective glass GPj and the first PI and second P2 parts of the associated diffusion screen EDj advantageously protects these first PI and second P2 parts within an assembly which "reinforces" them, thus significantly reducing the risk that these first PI and second P2 parts will deform or break.
[0055] For example, and as illustrated, without limitation 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 that cooperate to ensure their fixed connection. To this end, the first PI and second P2 parts comprise respectively first ends E1 and E21 (or E1) equipped respectively with the first MCI and second MC2 coupling elements so as to be coupled and secured to each other so that the first PI and second P2 parts extend mutually (here) along the transverse direction Y.
[0056] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation 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 lug, and the second coupling element MC2 can be arranged in the form of a through hole suitable for this first coupling lug MCI to pass through. This allows the first end El 1 of the first part PI to be precisely positioned 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 as long as they allow the coupling and the joining together of the first ends Eli and E21 respectively of the first PI and second P2 parts, so that the latter (PI and P2) mutually extend each other (here) along the transverse direction Y.
[0058] It should be noted that the first coupling leg MCI can, for example, be deformed by heating after passing through the hole MC2, in order to ensure a fixed connection between the first PI and second P2 parts. It will be understood that this deformation of the first coupling leg MCI is intended to permanently prevent any movement of the first end Eli relative to the first end E21.
[0059] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation 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 forward-facing step (and therefore towards the associated protective glass GPj) which includes 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 accommodates the first end E21 of the second part P2, so that the first front face FV1 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 (made up of the first PI and second P2 parts).
[0060] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 3, 5 to 7 and 11, the first end El 1 of the first part PI may include on its first rear face FRI, near its first coupling pin MCI, at least one (first) protrusion PR1 which is designed to orient it relative to the second part P2 before the heating of the first coupling pin MCI. This ensures that the first front face FV 1 of the second part P2 is positioned 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 should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, 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 leg MCI, in order to ensure precise alignment in a plane. However, the number of first protrusions PR1 can take any value greater than or equal to one.
[0062] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 3 to 5 and 8 to 11, each protective glass GPj and each of the associated first PI and second P2 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 each protective glass GPj comprises third coupling elements MC3 that cooperate with fourth coupling elements MC4 of the associated first PI part (defined between its first end E1 and its second end E12), and other third coupling elements MC3 that cooperate with fourth coupling elements MC4 of the associated second P2 part (defined between its first end E21 and its second end E22).
[0063] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 3 to 5 and 8 to 11, the third coupling elements MC3 can be arranged in the form of (second) coupling lugs, and the fourth coupling elements MC4 can be arranged in the form of through holes suitable for the passage of the second coupling lugs MC3. In this case, the second coupling lugs MC3 are defined on the second rear face FR2 of the first wall PG1 of (each) protective glass GPj, which is opposite its second front face FV2. This allows the (each) GPj protective glass to be precisely positioned in relation 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 first PI and second P2 associated parts.
[0065] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 3 to 5, 8 and 11, each of the first PI and second P2 parts may include forward-facing recesses DV (and therefore towards the associated protective glass GPj) in which the through holes MC4 are respectively defined. Each forward-facing recess DV is therefore salient 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, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 9 to 11, the first wall PG1 of each protective glass GPj may include on its second rear face FR2, for example, and particularly near its second coupling tabs MC3, second protrusions PR2 designed to orient it relative to the first PI and second P2 sections. This ensures the placement of the first wall PG1 of each protective glass GPj relative to the first PI and second P2 sections of the associated diffusion screen EDj.
[0068] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2, 3, and 9 to 11, the first wall PG1 of each protective glass panel GPj may include through holes T3 allowing direct exit of the scattered photons delivered by the first front face FV1 of the first PI or second P2 part located behind. This provides a contrast between the solid areas of the first wall PG1 (which must be traversed by scattered photons) and the through holes T3 of the latter (PG1). However, the first wall PG1 of each protective glass panel GPj might not include through holes T3.
[0069] It should 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 without limitation 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 horizontal U. In this case, the (each) protective glass GPj also includes second PG2 and third PG3 walls extending approximately at 90° from 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 (and transverse) wall.
[0071] But the (each) protective glass GPj could have an L-shaped cross-section (with only the first PG1 and third PG3 walls), or could include only the first wall PG1, for example.
Claims
Demands
1. Lighting device (ED) comprising at least one source (SPj) capable of generating photons for at least one flat diffusion screen (EDj) having a length and height and thickness strictly less than said length and perpendicular to each other and to said length, characterized in that said diffusion screen (EDj) is subdivided into first (PI) and second (P2) parts fixedly joined together by extending each other, and capable of diffusing onto a first front face (FV1) photons from said source (SPj), and in that it further comprises at least one protective glass (GPj) having a wall (PG1) having a length and height 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,in which said first (PI) and second (P2) parts respectively comprise first (MCI) and second (MC2) coupling elements cooperating together to ensure said fixed connection, said first (MCI) and second (MC2) coupling elements being arranged respectively in the form of a tab and a through hole adapted to be traversed by said tab (MCI), said tab (MCI) being 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.
2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that said first part (PI) comprises an end (Eli) defining a forward recess having said tab (MCI) on a first rear face (FRI) oriented towards said first front face (FV1) of the second part (P2).
3. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said protective glass (GPj) and each of said first (PI) and second (P2) parts comprise respectively 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.
4. Lighting device according to claim 3, 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 traversed respectively by said tabs (MC3).
5. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a central piece (PC) bearing a vehicle brand logo and to which are coupled right and left diffusion screens (EDj) and right and left protective glass (GPj) coupled respectively to said right and left diffusion screens (EDj).
6. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a lighting device (ED) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. Vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a front end (EV) including a grille (CV) to which said lighting device (DE) is fixedly attached.