Enclosure of a vehicle lighting device comprising at least one mechanical interface pad.

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle lighting device casing (1), comprising a shell (10) and at least one pad (11), the shell comprising an external surface (S1') which comprises at least one cavity (101) comprising a bottom (S4) in which the pad is fitted, the cavity and the pad being dimensioned so that an external face (S1) of the pad remains projecting from the external surface once the pad is fitted into the cavity, characterized in that, for each pad fitted into a respective cavity, at least one channel (C') is configured to connect an environment external to the casing to a chamber (C) defined inside the cavity between the bottom and an internal face (S3) of the pad. Figure for abstract: Figure 8

Description

Title of the invention: Enclosure of a vehicle lighting device comprising at least one mechanical interface pad. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device of a vehicle, said vehicle being for example a motor vehicle which comprises at least one lighting device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a mechanical interface between a lighting device of a vehicle and one or more bodywork or fittings elements. Technological background

[0003] The lighting devices of motor vehicles today fulfill several functions such as illuminating and defining a vehicle's light signature. Lighting allows the driver of a vehicle to precisely perceive the vehicle's environment and to be seen by other road users. The light signature allows a vehicle to be easily identified, day and night.

[0004] Such lighting devices are integrated, for example, into the exterior silhouette of a vehicle or its passenger compartment. These lighting devices generally comprise numerous components including light sources, electronic cards, electrical harnesses, optical elements capable of guiding the light rays, ornamental elements, cooling means or adjustment means. These various elements are arranged in an envelope, most often sealed and having at least one transparent part allowing the diffusion of the light emitted by the light source(s).

[0005] In order to best integrate the lighting device into the exterior silhouette of the vehicle or its passenger compartment, the casing of the lighting device follows lines, for example of the bodywork, and the functional clearances between this casing and the surrounding elements of the vehicle, for example of the bodywork or fittings, are increasingly reduced. Indeed, a reduced and homogeneous clearance between the casing and these surrounding elements reveals a high level of perceived quality.

[0006] However, reducing functional clearances requires control of both the dimensions of the envelope, including its various sub-assemblies, and the various surrounding elements and their relative positions. In addition, any contact between the envelope and the surrounding elements risks damaging the envelope because forces are then transmitted via a point of contact located on the casing or transmit vibrations from the surrounding element in contact with the casing to the latter. However, the vibration of a device generates discomfort for a user. Indeed, if a light device vibrates or some of its components vibrate, then a light beam emitted by this light device is unstable and generates visual discomfort, for example, for the driver of the vehicle if the light device illuminates a road on which he is traveling.

[0007] It is known to stick pads forming cushions on an external wall of the casing, these cushions coming into contact with the elements surrounding the casing to absorb vibrations. This implementation is however very restrictive, because it must be carried out manually by operators and requires precise handling of the cushions which have an adhesive face which sticks to a receiving area provided for this purpose on the casing. Summary of the present invention

[0008] The present invention overcomes the problems of the technological background described above by designing a lighting device which meets several of the requirements at once, in particular a lighting device capable of guaranteeing functional clearance between a part of its casing and surrounding elements of the vehicle while making it possible to considerably attenuate vibrations, or even eliminate them, while a part of the casing is in contact with at least one surrounding element of the vehicle. Another objective is to facilitate the installation of the pads on the casing of the lighting device.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates firstly to a vehicle lighting device casing, comprising a shell and at least one pad, the shell comprising an external surface which comprises at least one cavity comprising a bottom in which the at least one pad is fitted, the at least one cavity and the at least one pad being dimensioned so that an external face of the at least one pad remains projecting from the external surface once the pad is fitted into the cavity. According to the invention, for each pad fitted into a respective cavity, at least one channel is configured to connect an environment external to the casing, to a chamber defined inside the cavity between the bottom and an internal face of the pad.

[0010] Such a lighting device makes it possible to ensure functional clearance between its casing and a surrounding element belonging to the vehicle receiving the lighting device thanks to the presence of at least one pad inserted between the shell and this surrounding element. The fitting of the pad into a corresponding cavity eliminates the sticking of the pad to the casing, which makes it possible to grip the pad without the risk of it remaining stuck to the user's fingers and, thus, to automate the task for example by means of a manipulator robot.

[0011] The presence of a channel connecting a chamber to the external environment allows in particular air to escape from the chamber when the pad is inserted or fitted into the cavity arranged in the shell, the chamber being arranged in this cavity. The escape of air via the channel then facilitates the insertion of the pad and avoids compressing air trapped in the chamber, which once compressed would tend to push the pad out of the cavity.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the bearing comprises a surface of revolution between the outer face and the inner face, the outer face and the inner face being parallel.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment, the pad has a shape: - cylindrical, or - barrel, or - of two inverted truncated cone-shaped parts. Other forms of bearing revolution remain possible, for example a tapered shape.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, a fillet is arranged between the inner face and the surface of revolution. This facilitates the introduction of the bearing into the cavity.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the cavity has a cylindrical shape and comprises at least one rib arranged along a wall of the cavity.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the cavity has a cylindrical shape and comprises at least one groove arranged along the wall and extending from the external surface of the shell to the bottom of the cavity.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the cavity comprises a protuberance extending from the bottom, a bearing surface of the distal protuberance of the bottom being configured to receive the inner face of the pad as a support, a distance between the outer face of the pad and the outer surface of the shell being a function of a height of the protuberance defined between the bearing surface and the bottom.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, the shell and / or the at least one pad are made of thermoplastic materials.

[0019] The invention also relates to a light device comprising the envelope as described above and to a vehicle comprising at least one such light device.

[0020] Thus, thanks to all the functional and structural technical characteristics of the present invention, such a lighting device allows its integration into an environment by being perfectly adjusted to the latter, the functional clearances between the surrounding elements of the vehicle and the lighting device being controlled through the interfaces generated via the pads. In addition, the pads of the device The luminous elements dampen the forces or vibrations transmitted from a surrounding element of the vehicle to the luminous device, thus preventing any stress exerted on the casing of the luminous device and any vibration of the luminous device. Such characteristics then make it possible to easily integrate this luminous device into different vehicles. The installation of the pad(s) on the casing shell is also easy, possibly allowing automation of the installation of the pads on the casing shell with increased efficiency and optimal performance. Brief description of the figures

[0021] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 10 which illustrate different exemplary embodiments thereof without any limiting character and in which: - [Fig.l] represents a perspective view of an envelope of a luminous device in accordance with the present invention, according to a first particular exemplary embodiment; - [Fig.2] represents a perspective view of a bearing according to the present invention, according to the first particular exemplary embodiment; - [Fig.3] represents a side view of the pad of [Fig.2], according to the first particular embodiment; - [Fig.4] represents a sectional view of a part of a shell according to a first section, according to the first particular exemplary embodiment, showing the interior of a cavity on said shell, according to the first particular exemplary embodiment; - [Fig.5] represents a top view of the part of the hull of [Fig.4], according to the first particular embodiment; - [Fig.6] represents a top view of a part of a hull, according to a second particular embodiment; - [Fig.7] represents a sectional view of a light device casing according to the first section, according to the first particular embodiment, showing a pad in a nested position in a cavity of the shell; - [Fig.8] represents a sectional view of the luminous device casing of [Fig.7] according to a second section, according to the first particular embodiment;

[0022] - [Fig.9] represents a detailed view of the casing of the light device of the [Fig.l], according to the first particular embodiment example; and

[0023] - [Fig. 10] represents a sectional view of the casing of the light device of the [Fig.l], according to the first particular example of realization. Description of examples of implementation

[0024] An example of a lighting device will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. The lighting device is intended in particular to equip a vehicle, for example - but not exclusively - a motor vehicle. The lighting device makes it possible, for example, to perform an automotive signaling function such as a daytime running light, a direction indicator, a front or rear position light, a brake light in a stand-alone module or integrated into a vehicle headlight or rear light, and / or a lighting function provided by a dipped beam headlight, also called a "coded light" or by a main beam headlight. According to another example, the lighting device is installed inside the vehicle, for example in the passenger compartment of the vehicle and corresponds to a ceiling light or a light insert arranged in a dashboard or a door.

[0025] [Fig. 1] represents a perspective view of an envelope 1 of a luminous device according to the present invention, according to a first particular exemplary embodiment.

[0026] According to the example illustrated in [Fig.l], the light device comprises an envelope 1, comprising a shell 10 and a pad 11. The shell is a part of the envelope 1 enclosing functional elements of the light device, such as some of the following elements: • at least one light source, for example a bulb or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted on an electronic board, and / or • an optical device, for example a lens, a light guide or a reflector, and / or • electrical conductors, for example an electrical harness, and / or • an electrical connector, which passes for example through the hull.

[0027] In order to protect these elements, the casing is, for example, dust- and water-tight, so as to guarantee a defined protection index, called “IP index”. The casing 1 is, for example: • IP20, the performance of which is suitable for a lighting device placed in a passenger compartment, • IP67, the performance of which is suitable for a lighting device placed outside the vehicle, or • any other index defined as a function of the environment in which the light device is located, the surrounding elements of the vehicle and its orientation for example.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the shell 10 comprises a housing 10a, which is for example opaque, and a diffuser 10b, also called a closing glass, which are assembled together. In one embodiment, the housing 10a comprises the cavities which receive the pads and, in another embodiment, the diffuser 10b comprises the cavities which receive the bearings, another version for which the housing 10a and the diffuser 10b each comprise one or more cavities also being possible.

[0029] The housing 10a corresponds, for example, to an element on which the aforementioned functional elements are assembled, which are for example clipped or screwed so as to be integral with this housing 10a and held in predefined positions so as to arrange them correctly relative to each other. The housing 10a is for example a non-visible part of the casing 1 once the lighting device is mounted on the vehicle. The diffuser 10b, for its part, generally corresponds to the visible part of the shell 10, which is transparent or semi-transparent and allows the light emitted by the light source of the lighting device to pass through to the outside of the lighting device.

[0030] To achieve expected sealing performance, for example defined by an IP index, the interface between the housing 10a and the diffuser 10b comprises for example complementary shapes configured to receive or crush a sealing gasket, for example to receive a silicone or polyurethane-based gasket, which dries after assembly of the elements of the casing and then guarantees the sealing of the lighting device once the casing 1 is sealed.

[0031] When the lighting device is installed in the vehicle, it comes into contact with elements of the vehicle, which are hereinafter called “surrounding elements”. These surrounding elements are, for example: • bodywork elements made of metal, for example a wing, or plastic, for example a bumper, • fittings made of various materials, for example chrome inserts, • another lighting device juxtaposed with the lighting device comprising the casing 1, • interior panels not covered or covered with fabric, leather, veneer.

[0032] Thus, the casing 1 of the light device is inserted into an environment particularly adjusted to it, in particular at the level of the visible parts and the outcrops with the surrounding elements. To guarantee a regular functional clearance between the surrounding elements and the casing 1, for example between edges of these surrounding elements and those of the shell 10, one or more pads 11 are arranged on the shell 10 of the casing 1 so as to come into contact with the surrounding elements and guarantee a distance between an external surface of the shell 10 and an external surface of each surrounding element in contact with a pad 11.

[0033] [Fig. 2] represents a perspective view of a bearing according to the present invention, according to the first particular embodiment.

[0034] According to this first particular embodiment, the bearing 11 is a solid of revolution with main axis Ai, the shape of which is obtained from two parts inverted truncated cones. Thus, the bearing 11 comprises a surface of revolution S2 between an outer face SI and an inner face S3, the outer face SI and the inner face S3 being parallel. The surface of revolution S2 is composed of three zones, the first zone 112a being conical in shape and of minimum section on the side of the outer face SI, the section increasing away from the outer face SI up to the junction with the second zone 111, the latter connecting the first zone 112a to a third zone 112b which is also truncated cone-shaped but inverted with respect to the first zone 112a. Thus, the third zone 112b has its maximum section at the junction with the second zone 111, its section decreasing as it approaches the inner face S3 to be minimum at its junction with the inner face S3.

[0035] Note that, according to the first embodiment illustrated in [Fig.2], fillets 110 are made at the junction of the first zone 112a with the outer face SI and at the junction of the third zone 112b with the inner face S3. In other words, fillets 110 are made at the junctions between the surface of revolution S2 and the outer faces SI and inner faces S3.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, the fillets 110 have the same diameter and the frustoconical parts are symmetrical, thus making it possible to obtain a symmetrical bearing 11, thus having the advantage of not having a preferred orientation during its assembly.

[0037] Obviously, the shape of the pad 11 is not limited to the shape of two inverted truncated cone-shaped parts. Indeed, various shapes are conceivable allowing the pad 11 to be assembled in the shell 10 while ensuring the pad 11 protrudes from the shell 10, that is to say its protruding character, so that it plays its role as a spacer between the casing 1 and a surrounding element once mounted on the vehicle.

[0038] As a result, the bearing 11 takes, according to other particular embodiments, various shapes such as a cylindrical or barrel shape for example. The barrel shape corresponds to a shape obtained by revolution of a curve around an axis of rotation and comprised between two flat and parallel faces, these flat faces being normal to the axis of revolution.

[0039] [Fig.3] represents a side view of the pad of [Fig.2], according to the first particular embodiment.

[0040] The inner face S3 and the outer face SI are parallel and distant from the height Hn of the pad 11. Such a height is, for example, between 5 and 10 mm, for example equal to 7.5 mm. The third zone 111, which extends over a height close to 1 mm for example, has the function of ensuring mechanical contact with a wall of a cavity of the shell 10 and then corresponds to the zone of largest diameter Du. Such overall dimensions then allow easy handling by an operator or an automaton during an operation of assembling the bearing 11 with the shell 10.

[0041] The bearing 11 being intended to be inserted into a cavity, the largest diameter Du is determined so as to compress the pad 11 during its insertion into the cavity. The third zone 112b of truncated cone shape then makes it possible to facilitate this insertion of the pad 11 into the cavity, the smallest diameter D'n being for example less than a diameter at the entrance to the cavity and in particular less than the largest diameter Du. For example, if the largest diameter Du is equal to 5 mm, then the smallest diameter D'n is equal to 4.8 mm. Additionally, the fillets 110 further facilitate the insertion of the pad 11 into the cavity, the latter being defined for example with a radius RI of between 0.2 and 0.5 mm, for example 0.3 mm.

[0042] The pad 11, according to the particular embodiment illustrated in the figures 2 and 3 is deliberately symmetrical. Indeed, the assembly of the bearing 11 with the shell 10 is thus facilitated, an operator or a robot being able to orient the bearing 11 indifferently in such a way that the inner faces S3 and outer faces SI are reversible, as are the first zone 112a and third zone 112b, the latter being defined relative to the positions of the inner faces S3 and outer faces SL

[0043] It should be noted that the second zone 111 is for example cylindrical plane, then offering a large contact surface in the case of a cavity wall that is also cylindrical, or barrel-shaped, that is to say generated by the rotation of a rounded curve around the main axis Ai of the bearing, then generating a smaller bearing surface with the cavity wall compared to that obtained for a cylindrical shape.

[0044] The pad 11 is, for example, made from one of the following materials: • an ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, • a liquid silicone rubber, also called LSR (from the English “Liquid Silicone Rubber”), • a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0045] These different materials give the pad 11 mechanical properties such as elasticity, thus allowing the pad 11 to deform when it is inserted into the cavity and also to absorb shocks and vibrations transmitted from the surrounding elements, thus protecting the shell 10 on which it is installed from any mechanical aggression and stresses that could damage it.

[0046] These different materials also make it possible to produce the bearing 11 by injection molding. The joint plane is thus positioned along a plane comprising the main axis Ai or along the plane of symmetry of the bearing 11 normal to the main axis Ai.

[0047] Figures 4 and 5 respectively represent a sectional view of a part of the shell 10 and a top view of this part of the shell 10, according to the first particular exemplary embodiment, this part of the shell 10 comprising a cavity 101 configured to receive a bearing 11 and arranged on an external surface SI' of the shell 10.

[0048] The section is made along a plane AA comprising the central axis A2 of the cavity 101, the cavity 101 being, according to this particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, of generally cylindrical shape. More precisely, the cavity 101 comprises a relief, making it slightly conical, the cavity 101 having a diameter Dioi at the external surface SI', that is to say at the top of the cavity 101, and a diameter D'ioi smaller than the diameter Dioi at the bottom S4, that is to say at the bottom of the cavity 101. If the largest diameter Du of the bearing 11 is equal to 5 mm, then the diameter Dioi at the entrance of the cavity is for example equal to 5.7 mm so as to freely allow the passage of the bearing 11.The cavity 101 comprises in particular ribs 103 distributed uniformly on the wall S2' of the cavity 101, the ribs 103 being here four in number and being configured to describe contact zones arranged according to an inscribed diameter Dins passing through the ends of the ribs 103 and receiving the surface of revolution S2 of the pad 11 when the latter is inserted into the cavity 101, a part of the surface of revolution S2 deforming so as to match the ribs 103 at the level of the inscribed diameter Dins. Indeed, the inscribed diameter Dins is necessarily less than the largest diameter Du of the pad, thus the inscribed diameter Dins is for example equal to 4.85 mm so as to obtain an interference between the pad 11 and the ribs 103 of 0.15 mm at the nominal dimensions.Note that the ribs 103 are for example vertical, that is to say that they extend parallel to the central axis A2 and the contact zones follow the inscribed diameter Dins over the entire height of the cavity from the bottom S4. Thus, the force of insertion of the pad 11 into the cavity 101 is constant once the pad 11 is deformed and this until the pad 11 comes into contact with the protuberance 102 which then serves as a mechanical stop.

[0049] The width L103 of the ribs 103 is defined at their base, that is to say at the level of the wall S2', these being for example of rounded shape. Other shapes are however conceivable, for example obtained with rectangular sections having or not fillets. Similarly, the number of ribs 103 is not limited to four. Indeed, a single rib 103 is sufficient to obtain the desired effect of compressing a part of the surface of revolution S2 of the bearing 11, thus the number of ribs 103 is greater than or equal to one according to this first particular embodiment.

[0050] The section plane AA passes in particular through these ribs 103, while a second section plane BB also comprising the central axis A2 passes outside the ribs 103.

[0051] The cavity 101 also comprises a bottom S4 on which a protuberance 102 is arranged, which is configured to receive the inner face S3 of the pad 11 in abutment when the latter is inserted into the cavity 101. The protuberance 102 thus makes it possible to define the depth Pioi to which the pad 11 sinks relative to the external surface SI', this depth Pioi being defined between the top of the protuberance 102 and the external surface SI'. The protuberance 102 has in particular a height 'h' defined between the bottom S4 and the top of the protuberance 102.

[0052] Note that the height of the ribs 103 is here equal to the sum of the depth Pioi and the height 'h' of the protuberance 102.

[0053] According to this particular embodiment, the protrusion has the shape of a rib passing through the bottom S4 from one side to the other, its width L103 being defined for the top of the protrusion and the walls of this rib being, for example, stripped.

[0054] According to the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the housing 10a and / or the diffuser 10b of the shell 10 is a part produced by injection molding of a thermoplastic material such as one of the following materials: • polymethyl methacrylate acrylic (PMMA), • polycarbonate (PC), which is crystal type for a transparent diffuser, • acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), • a mixture of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and polycarbonate (ABS / PC), or • polypropylene (PP).

[0055] The presence of the previously mentioned drafts then makes it possible to easily remove the shell 10 from the mold.

[0056] [Fig. 6] represents a top view of a part of a shell, according to a second particular embodiment for which the cavity 101 does not comprise a vertical rib but a vertical groove 104 extending from the external surface SI' to the bottom S4 of the cavity. Thus, the cavity has, according to this second particular embodiment, a cylindrical shape and comprises at least one groove 104 arranged along the wall S2'. Indeed, the number of grooves 104 is not limited to one but is greater than or equal to one.

[0057] According to this second particular embodiment, the surface of revolution S2 of the bearing 11 comes into contact with the entire wall S2' of the cavity 101 outside the zones where the groove(s) 104 are located.

[0058] Each groove 104 corresponds for example to a groove of square or rectangular section, which includes reliefs on its different faces.

[0059] Figures 7 and 8 each represent a sectional view of the light device casing illustrated in [Fig.l], according to the first particular embodiment. [Fig.7] thus represents a sectional view of the casing 1 along the section plane AA passing through the ribs 103 while [Fig.8] represents a sectional view of the casing 1 along the section plane BB not passing through the ribs 103. In these figures, the pad 11 is inserted into the shell 10. A portion of the pad 11 is thus inserted into the cavity 101 and the pad 11 is in abutment, its inner face S3 coming into abutment with the protuberance 102.

[0060] Indeed, the protuberance 102 extends from the bottom S4 and has a bearing surface S3' distal to the bottom S4 and configured to receive the inner face S3 of the pad 11 as a support. The distance between the outer face SI of the pad and the outer surface SI' of the shell is then a function of the height 'h' of the protuberance 102 defined between the bearing surface S3' and the bottom S4. The cavity 101 and the pad 11 are dimensioned so that the outer face SI of the pad 11 remains projecting from the outer surface SI' of the shell 10 once the pad 11 is fitted into the cavity 101. Thus, the pad 11 protrudes by a thickness 'e' from the shell 10, defined as being the difference between the height Hn of the pad and the depth Pioi of the cavity.

[0061] The height 'h' defining the depth Pioi of the cavity, it is then possible to adjust the thickness 'e' by modifying this height 'h'. Indeed, the protuberance 102 is for example obtained using an insert arranged in the mold making it possible to obtain the shell 10, which can be modified so as to perfectly adjust the thickness 'e' by adjusting the height 'h' of the protuberance 102 serving as a support for the pad 11. Indeed, any translation of the support surface S3' generates an equal translation of the outer face SI of the pad 11 relative to the outer surface SI'. The projection of the pad 11 relative to the shell 10 is thus easily adjustable and the adjustment between the casing 1 of the lighting device and the surrounding elements is controlled.

[0062] A chamber C appears when the pad 11 is inserted into the cavity 101. This chamber C is defined inside the cavity 101 between the bottom S4 and the inner face S3 of the pad. This chamber C is capable of trapping air, which would then be compressed when the pad 11 is inserted into the cavity 101 under the effect of the reduction in the volume of this chamber C, the volume of which is then minimal once the pad 11 is in abutment. In order to facilitate the insertion of the pad 11, it is then advantageous to allow the air to escape. Note that the cavity 101 is not open in order to guarantee the sealing of the shell 10 and thus of the casing 1. Indeed, the lighting device is, as mentioned previously, required to guarantee a level of sealing making it possible to preserve the elements arranged inside this lighting device. Thus, air is not able to escape through the shell 10.The ribs 103 according to the first particular embodiment or the grooves 104 according to. the second particular embodiment makes it possible to create channels C' connecting an environment external to the envelope 1 to the chamber C. The air can then escape from the chamber C to the external environment by flowing via these channels C'.

[0063] Thanks to these channels C', it is thus possible to push each pad 11 more easily into a cavity 101, including at high speed, thus making it possible to increase production rates, particularly when the assembly is carried out automatically.

[0064] [Fig. 9] represents a detailed view of the casing of the light device of [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 10] represents a sectional view of this same casing, according to the first particular embodiment. In these views, a pad 11 is arranged in a cavity 101 of the housing 10a and channels C' are arranged regularly around the pad 11 so as to connect the chamber C to the outside of the cavity 101, thus putting the chamber C at the same pressure as atmospheric pressure, for example. Thus, once the bearing 11 is in its final position, that is to say once the casing 1 is assembled, no differential pressure is exerted on its free external walls, only the pressure exerted by the ribs 103 on a part of the surface of revolution S2, which is then deformed, the bearing 11 being more flexible or less hard than the housing 10a, makes it possible to maintain the bearing 11 in this position relative to the housing 10a.

[0065] Thus, the light device comprises pads arranged at different locations on the casing constituting it so as to judiciously position the pads between a shell and a surrounding element. The distance separating the external surface of the shell from the surrounding element is then controlled thanks to the precise definition of the thickness of the projecting part of the pad relative to the external surface of the shell, the functional clearance is thus controlled.

[0066] The areas or points of contact between the lighting device and the surrounding elements are also defined via the position of the pads, thus making it possible to limit the vibrations and / or stresses applied to the hull.

[0067] In addition, the shapes of the pad and the cavities allow for quick and simple assembly while ensuring that the pad is held in the associated cavity without the need for bonding means, the absence of adhesive making it easier to handle the pads.

[0068] In conclusion, the lighting device is, thanks to this design, perfectly integrated into its environment and protected from mechanical attacks on the latter thanks to the pads placed on the shell.

[0069] The present invention also relates to a light device and a vehicle, for example an automobile, comprising the light device as presented in this description.

[0070] It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case does this description have any limiting character with respect to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, its objective is to remove any possible imprecision or any misinterpretation of the claims which follow.

[0071] It should also be noted that the reference signs placed in parentheses in the following claims are in no way limiting; these signs have the sole purpose of improving the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims as well as the scope of the protection sought.

Claims

Claims

1. A vehicle light device casing (1), comprising a shell (10) and at least one pad (11), the shell comprising an outer surface (SE) which comprises at least one cavity (101) comprising a bottom (S4) in which the at least one pad (11) is fitted, the at least one cavity (101) and the at least one pad (11) being dimensioned so that an outer face (SI) of said at least one pad (11) remains protruding from the outer surface (SE) once the pad (11) is fitted into the cavity (101), characterized in that, for each pad (11) fitted into a respective cavity, at least one channel (C') is configured to connect an environment external to the casing (1) to a chamber (C) defined inside the cavity between said bottom (S4) and an inner face (S3) of said pad.

2. Envelope (1) according to claim 1, for which the pad (11) comprises a surface of revolution (S2) between the outer face (SI) and the inner face (S3), the outer face (SI) and the inner face (S3) being parallel.

3. Envelope (1) according to claim 2, for which the pad (11) has a shape: - cylindrical, or - barrel, or - of two inverted truncated cone-shaped parts.

4. Envelope (1) according to one of claims 2 to 3, for which a fillet (110) is arranged between the inner face (S3) and the surface of revolution (S2).

5. Envelope (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, for which the cavity (101) has a cylindrical shape and comprises at least one rib (103) arranged along a wall (S2') of the cavity.

6. Envelope (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, for which the cavity (101) has a cylindrical shape and comprises at least one groove (104) arranged along the wall (S2') and extending from the external surface (SE) of the shell to the bottom (S4') of the cavity.

7. Envelope (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, for which the cavity (101) comprises a protuberance (102) extending from the bottom (S4), a bearing surface (S3') of the protuberance (102) distal to the bottom (S4) being configured to receive the face inner surface (S3) of the pad, a distance between the outer face (SI) of the pad and the outer surface (ST) of the shell being a function of a height (h) of the protuberance defined between the support surface (S3') and the bottom (S4).

8. Envelope (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, for which the shell (10) comprises a housing (10a) and a diffuser (10b), the housing (10a), the diffuser (10b) and / or the at least one pad (11) being made of thermoplastic materials.

9. A luminous device comprising an envelope (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Vehicle comprising at least one light device according to claim 9.

Images