Lighting device for a structure such as a vehicle

Abstract

Lighting Device for a Structure Such as a Vehicle The lighting device (150) comprises several modules (20), each including: - an electronic board (30) carrying light sources (35) on its upper surface; - wires (40), one end of which is soldered to the underside of the electronic board and the other end of which can be soldered to an identical adjacent module; - a transparent cover in which the electronic board is mounted; - and a polymer resin coating that covers the underside of the electronic board and encases the first end of the wires. The lighting device also includes a translucent diffuser (90) positioned opposite the light sources and comprising a module mounting portion (92). The diffuser is made in one piece and positioned opposite at least two adjacent modules of the lighting device. Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Lighting device for a structure such as a vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device intended to be attached to a structure such as a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle.

[0002] The invention also relates to a light signaling system comprising at least one such light device. Finally, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising at least one such light signaling system.

[0003] It is known to equip certain vehicles with lighting devices to make them clearly visible to people in their surroundings, for safety reasons. This is particularly the case for trams, since these vehicles travel close to pedestrians and can be relatively quiet, therefore more difficult to detect, especially in poor visibility conditions (low light, fog, etc.).

[0004] The lighting devices can take the form of strips arranged on the front of the vehicle, for example, following the contours of the vehicle's surface. Using strips of lighting rather than smaller areas like traffic lights has the advantage of indicating the vehicle's overall shape to a person. This makes it possible to clearly identify the vehicle and distinguish it from a smaller, potentially less dangerous vehicle, such as a bicycle. However, manufacturing and mounting such a lighting device on a vehicle is more complex. Indeed, certain constraints, such as flexibility, watertightness, and robustness, become increasingly difficult to manage as the length of the lighting device increases.Furthermore, handling such a device can be difficult due to its length, which is all the more problematic as some fragile components may be exposed.

[0005] The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks mentioned above.

[0006] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a lighting device intended to be fixed to an element forming part of or fixed to a structure such as a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, the lighting device comprising at least one series of modules capable of emitting light, the or each series of modules comprising at least a first module and a second module assembled together.

[0007] The element forming part of the structure may consist of the metal body of a vehicle. The element fixed to the structure may, for example, include a housing itself fixed to the metal body of a vehicle.

[0008] Each module comprises:

[0009] - an electronic card defining a longitudinal direction and having a face lower and an upper face;

[0010] - a plurality of light sources mounted on the upper surface of the card electronics;

[0011] - a plurality of wires, each wire comprising a first end portion welded to the electronic board, on the underside of it, and a second extreme part which extends beyond the electronic board, the wires being configured to allow the electrical connection of the module to an adjacent electrical or electronic device such as a connector, or to a substantially identical module;

[0012] - a transparent plastic cover, the electronic board being assembled to hood with its upper face turned towards the hood;

[0013] - a covering layer having the shape of a plate, said layer of covering being made of polymer resin, covering the underside of the electronic board and encasing the first extreme part of the wires, so as to form with the cover a sealed space in which the electronic board is housed.

[0014] The second extreme part of the wires of the first module is configured to be able to be connected to a connector intended to be connected to a power supply and / or control system of the first and second modules, and the second extreme part of the wires of the second module is soldered onto the electronic board of the first module, on the underside of the latter, and is embedded in the covering layer of the first module, the edges of the first module and the second module which are arranged opposite each other being spaced apart.

[0015] In addition, the lighting device includes a diffusion piece, said diffusion piece comprising on the one hand a diffusion wall made of a translucent material which is placed opposite the light sources, preferably substantially parallel to the electronic board of the modules, and on the other hand an assembly part to at least one of the modules or to the element, the diffusion piece being made in one piece and placed opposite at least two adjacent modules of the lighting device.

[0016] Thanks to the covering layer and the hood, the module according to the invention forms a sealed assembly. Therefore, it is not necessary to use sealed light sources. Standard light sources, which are much less expensive and more efficient, can be used. Furthermore, the hood provides mechanical protection against impacts and other forms of damage that could harm the light sources, thus giving the module great robustness.

[0017] Furthermore, by providing a module that can be assembled with other modules to form a lighting device, rather than a single lighting device Because the component is quite long, the invention offers significant advantages in terms of ease of storage, transport, and assembly. This configuration also allows for adaptability to different vehicle shapes, making it possible to create various forms of lighting devices. Furthermore, by using modules connected by wires, which are flexible components, a lighting device with significant overall flexibility can be obtained, even if the modules themselves are rigid.

[0018] In other words, an advantage of the lighting device according to the invention is that it forms a fully assembled and sealed unit, but which nevertheless retains internal flexibility since it is made up of modules not rigidly linked but linked together via flexible wires.

[0019] However, a single module, due to its potentially elongated and thin shape, can itself exhibit a certain degree of flexibility. Furthermore, the material constituting the top layer can be chosen to impart a certain degree of flexibility to the module. For example, the material constituting the top layer may have a Shore D hardness of approximately 30 to 50.

[0020] The first extreme part of each wire can be soldered near a transverse edge of the electronic board, i.e. at a longitudinal end of the board; the second extreme part can extend longitudinally beyond the electronic board, preferably beyond said transverse edge.

[0021] According to one possible embodiment, the two modules are assembled to each other substantially along the longitudinal direction. The facing edges are therefore the transverse edges, and the wires can extend substantially longitudinally.

[0022] The first end portion of each wire is electrically connected to a conductive trace of the electronic board. The second end portion is free, in particular not embedded in the coating layer of said module.

[0023] The light sources can typically be projected upwards from the top face of the electronic board.

[0024] Furthermore, the presence of the diffusion element homogenizes the resulting lighting effect, giving the lighting device a uniformly illuminated appearance, without allowing the individual illumination provided by each light source to be discerned. Indeed, "translucent" refers to a material that allows light rays to pass through but does not allow the contours or colors of objects to be clearly distinguished.

[0025] For example, for each module, the relevant portion of the diffusion wall is parallel to the corresponding electronic board, which does not require that the electronic boards be coplanar.

[0026] Preferably, the diffusion piece is assembled to each of the modules, which ensures good mechanical strength.

[0027] The two adjacent modules opposite which the diffusion element is arranged are not necessarily modules belonging to the same series of modules. Furthermore, depending in particular on manufacturing constraints and the geometric constraints imposed by the structure, the lighting device may comprise a single diffusion element or several diffusion elements.

[0028] The diffusion element can be made from a single piece of plastic, for example, elastomer or silicone. In particular, the diffusion wall and the assembly part can be made from a single piece. The diffusion element preferably has sufficient flexibility to allow it to be bent to conform to the shape of the element on which the lighting device is mounted. For example, the material of the diffusion element may have a Shore A hardness of approximately 60 to 80, for example, approximately 70.

[0029] Thus, the portion of the diffusion piece that is placed opposite a module can be made from a single piece.

[0030] Preferably, the diffusion piece is in the form of a profile section.

[0031] According to one possible embodiment, the diffusion element has a U-shape comprising a base wall forming the diffusion wall, and two arms forming the assembly part, each arm projecting from the base wall and having at its end a lug projecting towards the opposite arm. The lugs can be configured to cooperate with the underside of at least one of the modules. They can cooperate with the underside of the cover, for example, with the underside of the peripheral wall, in particular with the underside of the peripheral wall housing. The profile can be clipped onto the module.

[0032] The hood may include a peripheral wall having at least one outwardly projecting, downwardly open housing, said housing being filled with the polymer resin from which the coating layer is formed. Furthermore, the lugs of the diffusion piece may be configured to cooperate with the underside of the housing(s).

[0033] In addition, the diffusion piece may include fins projecting outwards from the assembly part, said fins being intended to cooperate tightly with the element to which the module is attached.

[0034] The diffusion piece can be made in one piece and placed opposite all the modules of a series of the lighting device.

[0035] The lighting device may comprise several series of modules, the diffusion piece being made in one piece and being common to all of the series of modules. The diffusion room is then located opposite the set of modules, the intervals between two adjacent modules, and the intervals between two series of adjacent modules.

[0036] The hood may include a main wall that is generally flat and a peripheral wall that projects orthogonally downwards from the main wall, from the longitudinal and transverse edges of the main wall.

[0037] According to one possible embodiment, the cover comprises a main wall having a substantially flat lower face in contact with the upper face of the electronic board. The main wall further comprises cavities, each having a lower opening located in the lower face of the main wall. Each of these cavities receives one of the light sources mounted on the upper face of the electronic board. Having the cover in contact with the electronic board, with contours that fit snugly, creates a cavity of small dimensions with little or no communication with the surrounding air, thus limiting the risk of condensation.

[0038] According to one possible embodiment, the cover comprises a peripheral wall having a plurality of vertical slots—that is, slots orthogonal to the electronic board. These slots give the cover a certain degree of flexibility. Thus, the cover can assume a slightly curved shape in the plane of the electronic board.

[0039] For example, the electronic board has at least one opening and the cover includes a main wall and a recess projecting downwards from the underside of the main wall, the recess being engaged in the opening of the electronic board and embedded in the cover layer over a portion of its height, the recess having a passage for a module fastening element. Thus, the sealing of the space receiving the electronic board is maintained even around the fastening element.

[0040] According to one possible embodiment, the hood comprises a main wall and a plurality of pins projecting downwards from the underside of the main wall, the pins having the same height and extending beyond the cover layer. The pins form positioning struts for the module relative to the element. They ensure that the module is always parallel to the surface to which it is attached, even if that surface is warped.

[0041] According to one possible embodiment, a first module and a second module each comprise:

[0042] - a main part comprising a plurality of light sources;

[0043] - and at least one appendage extending substantially from the main part parallel to the electronic board in the longitudinal direction and which includes at least one light source, the appendage having a width less than the width of the main part so that the module has a notch adjoining the appendage;

[0044] the first module being configured to be able to be assembled to the second module, arranged adjacent to the first module, the appendage of the first module being at least partially housed in the notch of the second module.

[0045] Such a configuration makes it possible to produce a series of modules with a strong curvature while minimizing the apparent light discontinuity.

[0046] A light unit can be provided comprising at least one module as previously described and a diffusion piece, said diffusion piece comprising on the one hand a diffusion wall made of a translucent material which is placed opposite the light sources, preferably substantially parallel to the electronic board of the module(s), and on the other hand an assembly part to the module(s).

[0047] The diffusion piece may have any of the aforementioned characteristics, alone or in combination.

[0048] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a light signaling system intended to be fixed to a structure such as a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle. The light signaling system comprises:

[0049] - a groove-shaped housing, comprising a bottom, two side walls and a opening opposite the bottom, the housing being open towards the outside of the structure in the assembled position;

[0050] - at least one lighting device as previously described, each module being fixed to the back of the housing with the light sources opposite the opening, and the diffusion piece being mounted in the housing.

[0051] Furthermore, the diffusion element is preferably made in a single piece for the entire light signaling system. In other words, where the lighting device comprises several series of modules, there are not separate diffusion elements for the series of modules, but a single diffusion element common to all the series of modules.

[0052] The housing may constitute all or part of the element fixed to the structure.

[0053] It can be provided that the housing includes a recess which is set back from the bottom and which is located opposite the space between two adjacent modules, said recess being configured to receive a central portion of the wires linking said two adjacent modules.

[0054] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle, in particular a railway vehicle, comprising a metal casing and at least one light signaling system as previously described, the housing being fixed to the metal casing, preferably so that its opening is substantially flush with said metal casing.

[0055] A possible embodiment of the invention is now described by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures:

[0056] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a signaling system luminous according to an embodiment of the invention, said system comprising a plurality of modules;

[0057] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of a module according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0058] [Fig.3] is a partial exploded perspective view of the module of [Fig.2], from another viewpoint;

[0059] [Fig.4] is a partial perspective view of a series of modules assembled together;

[0060] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a diffusion part;

[0061] [Fig.6] illustrates the installation of modules and a diffusion unit in a housing, to form a light signaling system intended to be fixed on a vehicle;

[0062] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a series of modules assembled together;

[0063] [Fig.8] is a cross-sectional view of a light signaling system;

[0064] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a light signaling system;

[0065] [Fig. 10] is a schematic and partial view of the light signaling system of [Fig.1];

[0066] [Fig. 11] is a schematic view of a series of modules assembled together, according to another embodiment;

[0067] [Fig. 12] is a variant of [Fig.1 1];

[0068] [Fig. 13] is a schematic view of a series of modules assembled together, according to yet another embodiment.

[0069] Figure 1 represents a vehicle 1, which is here a railway vehicle, in particular a train. However, the invention can be applied to any other railway vehicle, such as a tram or a metro, as well as to other vehicles, in particular public transport vehicles, for example a bus.

[0070] The vehicle 1 comprises a metal shell 2 formed of various adjacent panels 3, some of which form doors 4. The vehicle 1 has a front face 5, sides 6 and a roof 7. The vehicle 1 is here a self-propelled train, and therefore has a glazed wall 8 at the front face 5, through which the driver can see the surroundings of the vehicle 1.

[0071] The vehicle 1 further comprises a light signaling system 100. The light signaling system 100 comprises a housing 101 which is fixed to the vehicle 1, and at least one light device 150 received in the housing 101.

[0072] The housing 101 can be fixed to the metal casing 2. This fixing can be indirect, the housing being for example fixed to a frame of the vehicle 1 on which the metal casing 2 is also fixed. This fixing can be achieved by any known means, in particular by screwing or bolting.

[0073] The light signaling system 100 can, for example, be arranged on the front face 5 of the vehicle 1, or at the junction between the front face 5 and each of the sides 6. Other arrangements are, however, possible. For example, the light signaling system 100 could be arranged not only on the front face, but along the entire length of the vehicle 1.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the light signaling system 100 is arranged around the perimeter 9 of the glazed wall 8, between said glazed wall 8 and each of the adjacent panels 3. The perimeter 9 here comprises:

[0075] - a substantially horizontal line 9a at the junction between the glazed wall 8 and the roof 6;

[0076] - a line 9b also substantially horizontal and opposite to line 9a, located under the glass wall 8;

[0077] - and two opposing lines 9c which connect lines 9a and 9b and run along the wall glazed 8 on either side of the median plane P of vehicle 1.

[0078] The vehicle 1 may further include an electronic control unit 10.

[0079] As can be seen in [Fig. 6], housing 101 of the signaling system The luminous 100 has the shape of a groove. It comprises a base 102, two side walls 103 and an opening 104 opposite the base 103. The side walls 103 may have at their free end rims 105 extending parallel to the base 102, opposite the opening 104. The housing 101 may be made of metal or composite material.

[0080] The housing 101 is open to the outside of the vehicle 1 in the mounted position. Preferably, the opening 104 of the housing 101 is substantially flush with the metal casing 2 of the vehicle 1. For example, the edges 105 are in contact with the outer face of the metal casing 2, as illustrated in [Fig. 6].

[0081] Furthermore, the housing 101 may include a recess 106 which is set back from the bottom 102, that is, located further from the opening 104 than the bottom 102. The housing 101 may include several recesses 106, for example, spaced approximately regularly from one another. The function of this or these recesses 106 will be explained later.

[0082] The lighting device 150 comprises at least a series 140 of several light-emitting modules 20, which are assembled together. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 10, the modules 20 are preferably identical. Alternatively, modules of identical structure could be provided, differing only in their length and / or width.

[0083] The module 20 comprises an electronic board 30 which has a plate on which electronic components are mounted and connected by conductive tracks. The electronic board 30 has a lower face 31 and an upper face 32.

[0084] For the description of module 2 and the lighting device 150, and as shown in [Fig. 3], the vertical direction Z is defined as the direction orthogonal to the lower face 31 and upper face 32 of the electronic board 30, it being specified that, in the vehicle-mounted position 1, this direction Z may not be vertical. Furthermore, the electronic board 30 defines a longitudinal direction X orthogonal to the direction Z and a transverse direction orthogonal to the directions X and Z.

[0085] The electronic card 30 is preferably rectangular and elongated along the longitudinal direction. The length L of the electronic card 30 (along the X direction) can be at least four times its width L (along the Y direction), for example, approximately 9 L. The width L of the electronic card 30 can be approximately 3 cm and its thickness (along the Z direction) can be on the order of 0.8 mm. The electronic card 30 has two longitudinal edges 38 and two transverse edges 39.

[0086] The electronic card 30 has at least one opening 33 through its thickness, intended to receive a fixing element for the electronic card 30 to the vehicle 1, more specifically to the housing 101 itself fixed to the vehicle 1. The electronic card 30 may also have notches 34 through its thickness and open at the periphery, for example at the longitudinal edges 38. The function of these notches 34 will be explained later.

[0087] The module 20 further includes a plurality of light sources 35 mounted on the upper face 32 of the electronic card 30.

[0088] For example, the light sources 35 are arranged along one or more longitudinal lines, for example two lines of ten to fifteen light sources 35, for example twelve light sources, preferably regularly spaced, with an interval that may be close to 2 cm.

[0089] Each light source 35 is, for example, an LED which may comprise one or more chips, for example, a set of four chips including one blue, one red, one green and one white. From these four colors, it is possible, by individually controlling the chips, to produce any overall color.

[0090] The module 20 also includes a plurality of wires 40, to allow the electrical connection of the module 20 to an adjacent electrical or electronic device. Each wire 40 has a first end portion 41 which is soldered to the electronic board 30, on the underside 31, and a second end portion 42 which extends beyond the electronic board 30. The wires 40 are preferably arranged substantially longitudinally, with the first end portion 41 located near a transverse edge 39 of the electronic board 30. In the embodiment shown, the module 20 comprises five wires 40, this not being considered limiting, the number of wires 40 depending in particular on the number of tracks on the electronic board 30.

[0091] Furthermore, the module 20 includes a cover 60 into which the electronic board 30 is assembled, with its upper face 32 facing the cover 60. The cover 60 is, for example, made by molding a plastic material, such as a transparent and colorless polycarbonate. The material constituting the cover preferably has properties of resistance to fire propagation and to the emission of toxic or opaque fumes.

[0092] The hood 60 comprises a main wall 63 which is generally flat and rectangular, with dimensions slightly larger than those of the electronic board 30. The main wall 63 has a lower face 61 and an upper face 62, and includes cavities 65 each having a lower opening which is located in the lower face 61 of the main wall 63. The cavities 65 can form protrusions 64 projecting upwards from the upper face 63 of the hood 60.

[0093] In the mounted position of the cover 60, as shown in particular in Figures 8 and 9, the lower face 61 of the main wall 63 of the cover 60, which is substantially flat, is in contact with the upper face 32 of the electronic board 30. Furthermore, each of the cavities 65 receives one of the light sources 35 mounted on the upper face 32 of the electronic board 30. Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the cavities 65 are arranged in two longitudinal rows of twelve regularly spaced cavities 65. Preferably, the bottom of the cavities 65 is located at a distance from the light sources 35.

[0094] The hood 60 further includes a peripheral wall 66 which projects orthogonally downwards from the main wall 63, from the periphery of the main wall 63. The peripheral wall 66 includes two longitudinal walls 68 and two transverse walls 69.

[0095] The peripheral wall 66 of the hood 60 may have a plurality of vertical slots 67. The slots 67 allow a certain deformation of the hood 60, which allows the hood 60 to adopt a slightly curved shape, particularly in a (X,Y) or (X,Z) plane.

[0096] Tabs 70 can be provided projecting inwards from the peripheral wall 66 of the cover 60. The tabs 70 allow the electronic board to be snapped into place. 30 in the hood 60. In addition to holding, the lugs 70 ensure the proper positioning of the electronic board 30 relative to the hood 60, and the repeatability of this positioning, in particular with a view to adding a covering layer 50 (described below).

[0097] In addition, the cover 60 may have several pins 74 projecting downwards from the lower face 61 of the main wall 63. Each pin 74 is configured to engage in one of the notches 34 provided in the electronic board 30, to ensure centering during the assembly of the module 20. Furthermore, the pins 74, which have the same height, form positioning spacers for the module 20, as will be seen later.

[0098] The peripheral wall 66 of the cover 60 may also include at least one recess 71 projecting outwards and open downwards. Each recess 71 is intended to cooperate with a portion of a diffusion element 90 for snapping the latter into place (see below). Thus, in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the cover 60 has two recesses 71 on each of the longitudinal edges 68, the recesses 71 arranged on one longitudinal edge 68 being arranged opposite each other – along the transverse direction Y – with the recesses 71 arranged on the opposite longitudinal edge 68. A transversely oriented rib 72 may be provided to join the longitudinal wall of the recess 71 to the pin 74 located opposite it.

[0099] Furthermore, the cover 60 may include at least one well 73 projecting downwards from the lower face 61 of the main wall 63. In the mounted position, each of the wells 73 is engaged in one of the openings 33 of the electronic board 30. The well 73 may have an oblong inner and outer shape, viewed in section in a plane (X,Y). In addition, the well 73 may have ribs 75 on its outer face, oriented along the vertical direction Z.

[0100] Each of the wells 73 has an opening 77 oriented along the vertical direction Z. This opening 77 is intended to receive a fixing element 80 of the module 20 to the housing 101, as can be seen in figures 6, 8 and 9.

[0101] In addition, the module 20 includes a covering layer 50 made of polymer resin and preferably exhibiting properties of resistance to fire propagation and the emission of toxic or opaque fumes. For example, the covering layer 50 is made of polyurethane. The covering layer 50 covers the underside 31 of the electronic board 30 and encases the first extreme portion 41 of the wires 40.

[0102] In practice, the coating layer 50 is produced by solidifying a polymer layer deposited in a fluid state on the underside 31 of the electronic board 30, onto which the wires 40 have previously been soldered, the electronic board 30 being assembled inside the cover 60. After solidification, the The cover layer 50 is bonded to the cover 60 by adhesion. For example, the cover layer 50 may have a thickness of approximately 4 mm.

[0103] The cover layer 50 therefore has a shape complementary to that of the cover 60. In particular, the cover layer 50 has the shape of a plate having substantially the same dimensions as the internal dimensions of the cover 60, along the X and Y directions. This is how the cover layer 50 is represented in [Fig. 2], it being specified that this is a theoretical exploded view, the cover layer 50 not being in practice a separate component of the cover 60.

[0104] The hood 60 and the covering layer 50 thus form a sealed space in which the electronic board 30 is housed. As a result, it is not necessary for the light sources 35 to be sealed.

[0105] The cover layer 50 has a peripheral face 56 formed of two longitudinal edges 58 and two transverse edges 59.

[0106] The cover layer 50 may further include a through orifice 53 along the thickness, which has formed around the well or each of the wells 73 of the cover 60 and which is located in correspondence with the opening or each of the openings 33 provided in the electronic board 30. The inner face of the orifice 53 has grooves 55 corresponding to the ribs 75 of the well 73. The cover layer 50 covers the well or wells 73 over only a portion of the height of the well 73, i.e. the well 73 extends downwards beyond the cover layer 50.

[0107] The cover layer 50 may also include notches 54 through the thickness and formed around the pins 74. Furthermore, the cover layer 50 may include vertical ribs 57 projecting outwards from the peripheral face 56 of the cover layer 50, and corresponding to the slots 67 of the hood 60.

[0108] The cover layer 50 may also include at least one bead 51 having a slot 52, corresponding to the housing 71 and the rib 72 provided on the hood 60.

[0109] In practice, several modules 20 are assembled together to form the series 140 of modules.

[0110] An example of a series 140 of modules 20 is illustrated in [Fig.4] (where neither the cover layers 50 nor the hoods 60 are shown for greater visibility) and in [Fig.7]. It comprises three modules 20, namely a first module 20a, a second module 20b and a third module 20c assembled longitudinally in that order.

[0111] The second extreme part 42a of the wires 40a of the first module 20a is connected to a connector 85 which is configured to be connected to a power supply system 86 and / or control of the modules 20 of the lighting device 150. Said system 86, which is preferably located inside the vehicle 1, can also be connected to the electronic control unit 10 of the vehicle 1. Said system 86 allows control of the lighting device 150, and in particular the color of the light obtained by individual control of the chips forming the light sources 35 of all the modules 20.

[0112] Each of the electronic boards 30 is placed in a cover 60.

[0113] The second extreme part 42b of the wires 40b of the second module 20b is soldered on the electronic card 30 of the first module 20a, on the side of the lower face 31 thereof, and is embedded in the covering layer 50 of the first module 20a. The transverse edges 39 of the first module 20a and of the second module 20b which are arranged opposite each other are spaced apart.

[0114] Similarly, the second extreme part 42c of the wires 40c of the third module 20c is soldered onto the electronic board 30 of the second module 20b, on the underside 31 thereof, and is embedded in the cover layer 50 of the second module 20b. The transverse edges 39 of the second module 20b and the third module 20c, which are arranged opposite each other, are spaced apart.

[0115] Once the desired number of modules 20 have been assembled together, the series 140 thus formed can be placed in the housing 101, as illustrated in figures 6 to 9, to form all or part of the light signaling system 100.

[0116] The modules 20 are placed in the housing 101 such that each electronic card 30 is substantially parallel to the base 102, with its lower face 31 facing the base 102, that is, with the light sources 35 opposite the opening 104 of the housing 101. Furthermore, the modules 20 are positioned so that the space between two adjacent modules 20 is located opposite the recess 106 of the housing 101, so that this recess 106 can receive the central portion 43 of the wires 40 that connect said two adjacent modules 20. This central portion 43 can form a loop of a certain volume that cannot be accommodated between a module 20 and the area of ​​the base 102 of the housing 101 opposite said module 20, either due to lack of space or due to the risk of damaging the wires 40.

[0117] As can be seen in [Fig. 7], the central portion 43 of the wires 40 that connect the two adjacent modules 20 can be surrounded by a sheath 44, which can provide mechanical protection, hold the wires 40 together, and / or provide electromagnetic shielding. The sheath 44 can be held around the wires 40 by means of one or more clips 45.

[0118] Each module 20 is fixed to the bottom 102 of the housing 101, for example by means of a fastening member 80 engaged in the passage 77 of each of the wells 73 of the cover 20, in the corresponding opening 33 of the electronic board 30, and in a hole 107 is provided in the bottom 102 of the housing 101. As can be seen in [Fig.8], the pins 74 come to rest against the bottom 102 of the housing 101. They ensure that the modules 20 as a whole conform to the geometry of the bottom 102 of the housings 101, guaranteeing parallelism, even if this bottom 102 is a curved surface.

[0119] Next, a diffusion piece 90 is placed in the housing 101, above the modules 20, and assembled to each of the modules 20. The diffusion piece 90 is preferably a single piece for the entire lighting device 150, whether it comprises a single series 140 of modules 20 or several series 140, as will be described later.

[0120] The diffusion piece 90 is made of a translucent material, for example, an opalescent material. It can be made of a plastic material, for example, silicone, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), or TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). The diffusion piece 90 is preferably in the form of a profile section and is therefore made in one piece.

[0121] The diffusion piece 90 may have the shape of a U comprising a generally flat base wall 91 and two arms 92 extending substantially orthogonally to the base wall 91. In the embodiment shown, each of the arms 92 has at its free end a lug 93 projecting towards the opposite arm 92, i.e. towards the inside of the U. In addition, each of the arms 92 has fins 94 projecting outwards.

[0122] The diffusion piece 90 is inserted into the housing 101 by translation towards the bottom 102, the lugs 93 being directed downwards.

[0123] In the mounted position, as seen in Figures 6, 8, and 9, the lugs 93 cooperate with the underside of the modules 20, for example, the underside of each of the covers 60. More precisely, the lugs 93 can be positioned under the recesses 71 of the cover 60, as illustrated in [Fig. 8]. Thus, the two arms 92 form part of the assembly of the diffuser piece 90 to the modules 60, for example, by means of a snap-fit ​​connection. In addition, the fins 94 cooperate in a sealing manner with the inner face of the side walls 103 of the recess 101. An advantage of this method of attachment is that it does not require screws or other fasteners. In particular, it eliminates the need for any visible screws.

[0124] Furthermore, the base wall 91 is placed substantially parallel to the electronic board 30 of the modules 20, opposite the light sources 35, and at a distance from the hood 60. As an example, the distance between the base wall 91 and the light sources 35 can be on the order of 10 to 20 mm.

[0125] The base wall 91 forms a diffusion wall which makes it possible to obtain a uniform lighting effect, the light sources 35 not being individually visible.

[0126] The base wall 91 can have a thickness of around 3 to 8 mm, for example close to 6 mm.

[0127] The diffusion piece can be arranged recessed inside the housing 101 or positioned flush with the edges 105.

[0128] Reference is now made to [Fig.10], which illustrates the light device 150 intended to be installed in a housing 101 to form the light signaling system 100 of the vehicle 1 illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0129] The lighting device 150 may comprise several series 140 of modules 20 arranged one after the other, as well as a single diffusion element 90 common to all these series 140. In the example shown, and without this being considered limiting, the lighting device 150 comprises:

[0130] - a series 140-1 forming substantially half of line 9a of perimeter 9 of the glazed wall 8 of vehicle 1, comprising three modules 20;

[0131] - a series 140-2 forming part of line 9c, comprising eight modules 20;

[0132] - a 140-3 series forming part of line 9c and substantially half of the line 9b, comprising eight modules 20;

[0133] - and of series 140-4, 140-5, 140-6, symmetric to series 140-3, 140-2 and 140-1, respectively, with respect to the median plane P of vehicle 1.

[0134] The series can be connected individually, collectively, or by subset, to a power supply and / or control system 86 for the module(s) 20.

[0135] Thanks to:

[0136] - the intrinsic flexibility of each module 20, due in particular to the low thickness of the module and to the slots 67 of the cover 60, and possibly to the flexibility of the material constituting the covering layer 50,

[0137] - the connection by means of flexible wires 40 between two adjacent modules 20, that these modules 20 belong to the same series 140 or to two adjacent series 140,

[0138] - and to the flexibility of the diffusion piece 90, which is conferred upon it by its material constituent and / or its geometry,

[0139] The overall lighting device 150 can be bent in different directions, to adapt to the left shape of the vehicle 1 or other structure on which it is mounted.

[0140] It should be noted that the "longitudinal direction X" is defined locally for each module 20 and each corresponding portion of the dwelling 101, and can vary between a given module 20 and the module 20 adjacent to it. Thus, the dwelling 101 as a whole can be warped, i.e., not planar, and possibly in different directions.

[0141] Reference is now made to figures 11 to 13 which illustrate another embodiment of the invention.

[0142] In this embodiment, the modules 20 do not have, or not all have, a rectangular shape.

[0143] A module 20 comprises a main part 21 which includes a plurality of light sources 35. The module 20 further comprises at least one appendage 22 which extends from the main part 21 substantially parallel to the electronic board 30, in the longitudinal direction X, and which includes at least one light source 35. In addition, the appendage 22 has a width less than the width of the main part 21. Consequently, the module 20 has a notch 23 which adjoins the appendage 22. The wires 40 of a module 20 can be soldered to the end part of the appendage 22 of this module 20.

[0144] Such a shape of the module 20 is also the shape of the hood 60 and of the electronic card 30.

[0145] It is thus possible to assemble, via the wires 40, at least one first module 20a and a second module 20b, both having this configuration, so that the second module 20b is adjacent to the first module 20a, the appendage 22 of the first module 20a being at least partially housed in the notch 23 of the second module 20b. This forms a series 140 in which there is no area that appears to be without a light source, this effect of continuity being reinforced by the diffusion piece 90.

[0146] For example, a T-shaped module 20 can be provided, with a main part 21 that is substantially rectangular or square, from which two appendages 22 project in opposite directions. In Figures 11 to 13, for example, such a module comprises four light sources arranged in squares in the main part 21, and each appendage comprises a single light source 35, the successive modules 20 being assembled end-to-end.

[0147] In [Fig. 11], the series 140 of T-shaped modules 20 form a line L with a certain curvature, and in line 12, the series 140 forms a line L with an even greater curvature. The light sources 35 of successive modules 20 in the series 140 are distributed in two adjacent curved lines L1 and L2, respectively on the inner and outer sides of the curved line L. In line L2, on the outer side of the curve, there is a gap between adjacent light sources 35 belonging to two different modules 20. This gap is larger the greater the curvature of the line L. However, due to the appendages 22 and the notches 23, this gap is significantly reduced compared to a series 140 consisting only of rectangular modules 20 as described above.

[0148] Alternatively, a module 20c may be provided having a main part 21 that is substantially square or rectangular and furnished with a single appendage 22. As illustrated in [Fig. 13], such a module 20c may be placed at one end of the series 140, so that lines L1 and L2 have their ends on the same line transverse to the curve L, and not offset from each other. Such a 20c module can also be reversible, which allows it to be placed at both ends of the 140 series without requiring two modules with distinct configurations.

[0149] It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above by way of example but includes all technical equivalents and variants of the means described as well as their combinations.

Claims

1. Demands A lighting device (150) intended to be fixed to an element forming part of, or fixed to, a structure such as a vehicle (1), in particular a railway vehicle, the lighting device (150) comprising at least one series (140) of modules (20) capable of emitting light, the or each series (140) of modules (20) comprising at least a first module (20a) and a second module (20b) assembled together, each module (20) comprising: - an electronic board (30) defining a longitudinal direction (X) and having a lower face (31) and an upper face (32); - a plurality of light sources (35) mounted on the upper face (32) of the electronic board (30); - a plurality of wires (40), each wire (40) having a first end portion (41) soldered onto the electronic board (30), on the underside (31) thereof, and a second end portion (42) extending beyond the electronic board (30), the wires (40) being configured to allow the electrical connection of the module (20) to an adjacent electrical or electronic device such as a connector (85), or to a substantially identical module (20); - a cover (60) made of transparent plastic material, the electronic board (30) being assembled to the cover (60) with its upper face (32) turned towards the cover (60); - a cover layer (50) having the shape of a plate, said cover layer (50) being made of polymer resin, covering the lower face (31) of the electronic board (30) and encasing the first extreme part (41) of the wires (40), so as to form with the cover (60) a sealed space in which the electronic board (30) is housed; in which the second extreme part (42a) of the wires (40a) of the first module (20a) is configured to be able to be connected to a connector (85) intended to be connected to a power supply and / or control system (86) for the first and second modules (20a, 20b), and the second extreme part (42b) of the wires (40b) of the second module (20b) is soldered onto the electronic board (30) of the first module (20a), on the underside (31) thereof, and is embedded in the cover layer (50) of the first module (20a), the edges (39) of the first module (20a) and of the second module (20b). which are arranged opposite each other being distant from each other; the lighting device (150) further comprising a diffusion piece (90), said diffusion piece (90) comprising on the one hand a diffusion wall (91) made of a translucent material which is placed opposite the light sources (35), preferably substantially parallel to the electronic board (30) of the modules (20), and on the other hand an assembly part (92) to at least one of the modules (20) or to the element, the diffusion piece (90) being made in one piece and placed opposite at least two adjacent modules (20) of the lighting device (150).

2. A lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the diffusion piece (90) is made of a single piece of plastic material and has a flexibility allowing it to be bent to adapt to the shape of the element, said diffusion piece (90) preferably being in the form of a section of profile.

3. A lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the diffusion piece (90) has the shape of a U comprising a base wall forming the diffusion wall (91), and two arms forming the assembly part (92), each of the arms projecting from the base wall and having at its end a lug (93) projecting towards the opposite arm, said lugs (93) being configured to cooperate with the lower face of at least one of the modules (20).

4. Module according to claim 3, characterized in that the hood (60) comprises a peripheral wall (66) which has at least one housing (71) projecting outwards and open downwards, said housing (71) being filled with the polymer resin from which the covering layer (50) is formed, and in that the lugs (93) of the diffusion piece (90) are configured to cooperate with the lower face of the housing(s) (71).

5. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the diffusion piece (90) comprises fins (94) projecting outwards from the assembly part (92), said fins (94) being intended to cooperate tightly with the element to which the module (20) is attached.

6. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the diffusion piece (90) is made in one piece and placed opposite all the modules (20) of a series (140) of the lighting device (150).

7. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises several series (140) of modules (20) and in that the diffusion piece (90) is made in one piece and common to all series (140) of modules (20).

8. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the hood (60) comprises a main wall (63) which has a substantially flat lower face (61) disposed in contact with the upper face (32) of the electronic board (30), the main wall (63) further comprising cavities (65) each having a lower opening which is located in the lower face (31) of the main wall (63), each of said cavities (65) receiving one of the light sources (35) mounted on the upper face (32) of the electronic board (30).

9. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the hood (60) comprises a peripheral wall (66) which has a plurality of vertical slots (67).

10. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the electronic board (30) has at least one opening (33) and the cover (60) includes a main wall (63) and a well (73) projecting downwards from the lower face (61) of the main wall (63), the well (73) being engaged in the opening (33) of the electronic board (30) and embedded in the cover layer (50) over a portion of its height, the well (73) having a passage (77) for a device (80) for fixing the module (20) to the element.

11. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the hood (60) comprises a main wall (63) and a plurality of pins (74) projecting downwards from the lower face (61) of the main wall (63), the pins (74) having the same height and extending beyond the cover layer (50), the pins (74) forming positioning spacers for the module (20) relative to the element.

12. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a first module (20a) and a second module (20b) each comprise: - a main part (21) comprising a plurality of light sources (35); - and at least one appendage (22) extending from the main part (21) substantially parallel to the electronic board (30) in the longitudinal direction (X) and comprising at least one light source (35), the appendage (22) having a width less than the width of the main part (21) so that the module (20a, 20b) has a notch (23) adjoining the appendage (22); the first module (20a) being configured to be able to be assembled to the second module (20b), arranged adjacent to the first module (20a), the appendage (22) of the first module (20a) being at least partially housed in the notch (23) of the second module (20b).

13. Light signaling system (100) intended to be fixed to a structure such as a vehicle (1), in particular a railway vehicle, the light signaling system (100) comprising: - a groove-shaped housing (101) having a base (102), two side walls (103) and an opening (104) opposite the base (102), the housing (101) being open to the outside of the structure in the mounted position; - at least one light device (150) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, each module (20) being fixed to the base of the housing (101) with the light sources (35) opposite the opening (104), and the diffusion piece (90) being mounted in the housing (101), the diffusion piece (90) preferably being made in one piece for the entire light signaling system (100).

14. Light signaling system according to claim 13, characterized in that the housing (101) includes a recess (106) which is set back from the bottom (102) and which is located opposite the space between two adjacent modules (20), said recess (106) being configured to receive a central portion (43) of the wires (40) linking said two adjacent modules (20).

15. Vehicle (1), in particular railway vehicle, comprising a metallic casing (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one light signaling system (100) according to claim 13 or 14, the housing (101) being fixed to the metallic casing (2), preferably so that its opening (104) is substantially flush with said metallic envelope (2).

Images