SUPPORT PIECE FOR A BACKLIT AREA DEVICE

Abstract

A support piece (PS) is part of a device comprising a front piece (PV) having a backlit area (ZA), and includes a housing (LP) having, on the one hand, first coupling elements cooperating with second coupling elements of a lighting device (DE) to immobilize the latter (DE) in the housing (LP), and, on the other hand, third coupling elements cooperating with fourth coupling elements of the front piece (PV) to immobilize the latter in the housing (LP) in front of the lighting device (DE) so that the area (ZA) is backlit by the lighting device (DE). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: SUPPORT PIECE FOR A BACKLIT AREA DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to devices comprising an area to be backlit by a lighting device. State of the art

[0002] In certain technical fields, such as that of vehicles (possibly automobiles), equipment or devices are used that include an area to be backlit by a lighting device. For example, such equipment could be a motor vehicle seat with a backrest having a cover with a backlit area. In this example, the lighting device must be installed inside the backrest with its output face, which delivers the photons providing the backlighting, facing the area of ​​the cover, as described in particular in document DE-U1 20 2023 102 747.

[0003] When a device includes the area to be backlit and is to be installed in a piece of equipment (such as a seat), it is necessary to securely fasten not only the device itself but also the lighting unit providing the backlighting within the equipment. This requires several means of fastening that work together. Installing the device and its associated lighting unit within the equipment therefore involves numerous manual operations, sometimes quite complex (and thus not very ergonomic) and time-consuming, particularly when the installation space is cluttered or small. Furthermore, the lighting unit is generally bulky and therefore cannot be used in a space that is already crowded or small.Furthermore, it is common for the area to be unevenly lit in the end, which an observer may consider a design or operational flaw, and therefore detracts from the impression of quality.

[0004] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0005] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a support piece intended to be part of a device comprising a front piece having a backlit area.

[0006] This support piece is characterized in that it includes a housing comprising:

[0007] - first coupling elements capable of cooperating with second elements coupling a lighting device in order to immobilize it within the dwelling, and

[0008] - third coupling elements capable of cooperating with fourth elements coupling elements of the front part in order to immobilize the latter in the housing in front of the lighting device so that the area is backlit by the lighting device.

[0009] Thanks to the invention, the installation in equipment of the device and the lighting device providing backlighting is now very simple and easy, and therefore ergonomic, and consequently reduces the time required for this installation and therefore the cost thereof.

[0010] The support piece according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0011] - the first and second coupling elements can be means of clipping;

[0012] - the third and fourth coupling elements can be means of clipping;

[0013] - it may include a through hole communicating with its housing and adapted to the passage of a bundle of electrical cable(s) intended to be connected to the lighting device;

[0014] - it may include a rear wall comprising first elements of fastenings designed to cooperate with secondary fastening elements included in a piece of equipment in order to securely attach the support piece to the latter

[0015] - in the presence of the last option, the first fastening elements can be clipping methods.

[0016] The invention also proposes a device comprising a front piece having a backlit area and a support piece of the type shown above and fixedly housing this front piece and a lighting device placed behind this front piece and arranged so as to backlit this area.

[0017] For example, this device can constitute a heating device designed to draw in hot air. In this case, the front part can, for example, include a through passage designed to channel the forced hot air to deliver it at a front outlet, and placed above or below the area.

[0018] The invention also proposes a seat suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising a backrest or a headrest inside which is installed a device of the type of that presented above.

[0019] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising at least one seat of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0020] 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:

[0021] [Fig-1] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, part of an example vehicle comprising a seat having a headrest equipped with a heating device including a support piece according to the invention to which a front piece and a lighting device are fixedly attached,

[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, an example of an embodiment of a support piece according to the invention to which a front piece of a heating device and a lighting device are fixedly attached,

[0023] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a part of the support piece of [Fig.2], after the passage of the bundle of electrical cable(s) through the dedicated through hole and before the installation of the lighting device in its housing,

[0024] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates, in a side perspective view, an example of a lighting device intended to be installed in the housing of the support piece of Figures 2 and 3, and

[0025] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a transverse and vertical plane, the support piece of the [Fig.2], during the installation of the lighting device in the housing. Detailed description of the invention

[0026] The invention aims in particular to provide a support piece PS intended to be part of a DC device comprising a zone ZA to be backlit by a lighting device DE, and allowing a simple and easy assembly of this lighting device DE and the front PV part of the DC device comprising this zone ZA.

[0027] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the PS support piece is intended to be part of a DC heating device to be fitted to a seat SV of a motor vehicle V, such as a car. However, a PS support piece, according to the invention, can be fitted to any device comprising a backlit area and intended to be part of the equipment of a vehicle, and in particular to a dashboard or a side door. Furthermore, a PS support piece, according to the invention, can be part of any type of vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), of an electrified building, of an electrified installation (possibly industrial), or of an electrified device or system, provided that the device of which it is a part has an area to be backlit.

[0028] Furthermore, in the preceding and following text, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to the front end of the DE illumination device through which the photons exit. Consequently, the front part of an element is located closer to the front end of the DE illumination device than the rear part of that same element.

[0029] Figure 1 schematically illustrates part of an example vehicle V comprising a seat SV including a DC device (here for heating) comprising a support piece PS according to the invention to which a front piece PV and a lighting device DE are fixedly attached.

[0030] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the DC device (and therefore its support piece PS) is installed inside a headrest AT attached to the backrest of the seat SV. However, the DC device (and therefore its support piece PS) could be installed inside the backrest of the seat SV (for example, behind an opening defined in its cover).

[0031] As partially illustrated in [Fig. 2], the DC device includes, in particular, a front piece PV having a backlit zone ZA, a lighting device DE, and a support piece PS according to the invention. By way of example, this zone ZA may include the logo of the brand (here) of the vehicle V. When the DC device constitutes a heating device DC designed to draw warm air towards the nape of the neck of a person seated in the seat SV, its front piece PV may include a through-hole PT designed to channel this pulsed warm air to deliver it at a front outlet (directed towards the aforementioned nape of the neck). In the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 and 3, the through-hole PT is located above the zone ZA. This through-hole PT is located in continuity with another through-hole PT' defined in the rear wall PR of the support piece PS.But in an unillustrated variant it could be placed below the ZA zone.

[0032] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2, 3 and 5, a support piece PS, according to the invention, comprises a housing LP delimited by a rear wall PR and an internal wall PL

[0033] The LP housing includes first coupling elements EC1 which are arranged to cooperate with second coupling elements EC2 of the lighting device DE in order to immobilize the latter (DE) in the LP housing.

[0034] For example, and as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5, the first coupling elements EC1 can be defined on the rear wall PR. But alternatively they could be defined on the inner wall PI.

[0035] The LP housing also includes third coupling elements EC3 which are arranged to cooperate with fourth coupling elements (not visible) of the front PV part in order to immobilize the latter (PV) in the LP housing in front of the lighting device DE so that the ZA area is backlit by the lighting device DE.

[0036] For example, and as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the third coupling elements EC3 can be defined on the inner wall PI. Alternatively, they could be defined on the rear wall PR.

[0037] Thanks to this PS support piece, installing the DC device and the DE backlighting device in the AT equipment is now very simple, easy, and therefore ergonomic. For example, one simply installs the portion of the DC device that does not include the PV front piece in the AT equipment, then installs the DE lighting device in the bottom of the LP housing in the PS support piece, then installs the PV front piece in the front part of this LP housing (and thus in front of the DE lighting device), and finally installs the PS support piece in the AT equipment in front of the portion installed first. This significantly reduces the time required for the aforementioned installation, and therefore reduces the cost of this installation (and consequently, the cost of the SV seat as well).

[0038] In addition, the PS support piece allows for a very compact assembly with DE lighting device and PV front piece, which allows its installation in a space of equipment that is cluttered or of small dimensions.

[0039] In addition, the lighting device DE being positioned precisely in relation to the area ZA to be backlit in the room before PV and at a very short distance from this area ZA, the latter (ZA) can be backlit more homogeneously, which avoids compromising the impression of quality.

[0040] As illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 3 and 4, the first EC1 and second EC2 coupling elements can be clipping means.

[0041] For example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 3 and 4, the first coupling elements EC1 of the support piece PS may comprise two clipping holes (not visible) and a clipping tab with a clipping notch. In this case, the second coupling elements EC2 of the lighting device DE may comprise two clipping tabs with a clipping notch and a clipping tab with a clipping hole. With such an arrangement, the clipping tab EC1 is first made to cooperate from a clipping hole with the clipping tab EC2 equipped with a clipping notch by tilting the lighting device DE (see [Fig.5]), then straighten the latter (DE) until the clipping notches of the two clipping tabs EC2 clip into the two clipping holes EC1 (not visible), which allows the lighting device DE to be fixedly attached to the support piece PS, in the bottom of the housing LP.

[0042] As illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3 and 4, the third EC3 and fourth coupling elements can also be clipping means cooperating together, and for example chosen from clipping notches (optionally carried by clipping tabs) and clipping holes (optionally carried by clipping tabs).

[0043] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 5, it may include a through hole TT communicating with its housing LP and adapted for the passage of a bundle of electrical cable(s) FC intended to be connected to the lighting device DE. For example, this through hole TT may be defined in the inner wall PI of the support piece PS, as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 5. In this case, before coupling the lighting device DE to the support piece PS, the bundle of electrical cable(s) FC is first introduced into the housing LP through the through hole TT, and then this bundle of electrical cable(s) FC is connected to the connector of the lighting device DE.

[0044] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in [Fig.2], the rear wall PR of the support piece PS may include, on its rear face, first fixing elements EF1 which are suitable for cooperating with second fixing elements (not shown) of the equipment AT (here a headrest) in order to fix the support piece PS to the latter (AT).

[0045] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in [Fig. 2], the first fastening elements EF1 may be clipping means cooperating with other clipping means constituting the second fastening elements. Thus, in the example illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in [Fig. 2], the first fastening elements EF1 comprise at least two clipping tabs adapted to cooperate respectively with clipping holes (possibly carried by clipping tabs) constituting the second fastening elements of the AT equipment. But other types of first EF1 and second fastening elements may be envisaged, and in particular screws cooperating with threaded holes (or vice versa).

[0046] It will be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in [Fig. 4], that the lighting device DE may, for example, comprise at least one BD case, a photon source (not visible), a light guide (not visible) and an ED diffusion screen.

[0047] The housing BD accommodates the photon source and the light guide to protect them at least partially. It should be noted, as illustrated (without limitation) in [Fig. 4], that when the housing BD does not include a rear wall enclosing it, the lighting device DE may also include a rear cover CR designed to close it in order to completely protect the rearmost photon source. In this case, the housing BD and the rear cover CR may respectively include fifth coupling elements EC5 and sixth coupling elements EC6 designed to cooperate in order to secure them to each other. For example, and as illustrated (without limitation) in [Fig. 4], the fifth coupling elements EC5 may be clipping tabs, each with a clipping hole, and the sixth coupling elements EC6 may be clipping notches designed to be housed in, and retained by, these clipping holes.

[0048] The photon source is arranged to generate photons for the light guide. For example, this SP photon source may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, it could include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example.

[0049] It should be noted that the photon source and the electronic components and / or circuit(s) enabling the control of the power supply and operation of this photon source may be part of an electronic board housed in the BD casing and / or in the optional rear cover CR. For example, this electronic board may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0050] The light guide comprises opposing first rear face and first front face. The first rear face is adapted to receive the photons generated by the photon source. The first front face is adapted to deliver the photons received by the first rear face.

[0051] As illustrated at least partially in [Fig. 4], the ED diffusion screen can be fixedly attached to the BD housing and comprises opposing second rear face and second front face FV2. The second rear face is positioned opposite the first front face of the light guide. The second front face FV2 is the face through which the guided photons exit the illumination device DE to backlight the ZA area. This ED diffusion screen is designed to diffuse homogeneously, at its second front face FV2, the photons delivered by the first front face of the light guide.

[0052] Thanks to this arrangement, the lighting device DE has a significant compactness which facilitates its housing in the LP housing of the support part PS, and allows the associated ZA area to be backlit in a (fairly) homogeneous manner, which reinforces The high-quality impression can be enhanced and may introduce elegance and / or personalization. Furthermore, this backlighting of the ZA zone, when the ZA zone includes the brand logo (here) of vehicle V, can reinforce that brand identity.

[0053] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 4], the ED diffusion screen and the BD housing may respectively comprise seventh (EC7) and eighth (EC8) coupling elements designed to cooperate in order to secure them to each other. Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 4], the seventh (EC7) coupling elements may be clipping tabs, each with a clipping hole, and the eighth (EC8) coupling elements may be clipping notches designed to be housed in, and retained by, these clipping holes. However, other coupling means may be envisaged, in particular screws cooperating with threaded holes.

[0054] It should also be noted that the light guide can, for example, be made of acrylic polymethyl methacrylate (or “PMMA”).

[0055] It should also be noted that the ED diffusion screen can, for example, be made of polycarbonate (or PC), and more preferably of PC “TARFLON” (registered trademark) which promotes the diffusion of photons.

[0056] It should also be noted that the BD case can, for example, be made of polypropylene (or PP).

[0057] It should also be noted that the possible rear cover CR can, for example, be made of polyethylene terephthalate (or PBT).

[0058] It should also be noted that the PS support piece can, for example, be made of polypropylene (or PP).

Claims

Demands

1. Support piece (PS) for a device (DC) comprising a front piece (PV) having a backlit zone (ZA), characterized in that it comprises a housing (LP) having i) first coupling elements (EC1) adapted to cooperate with second coupling elements (EC2) of a lighting device (DE) in order to immobilize the latter (DE) in said housing (LP), and ii) third coupling elements (EC3) adapted to cooperate with fourth coupling elements of said front piece (PV) in order to immobilize the latter (PV) in said housing (LP) in front of said lighting device (DE) so that said zone (ZA) is backlit by said lighting device (DE).

2. Support piece according to claim 1, characterized in that said first (EC1) and second (EC2) coupling elements are clipping means.

3. Support piece according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said third (EC3) and fourth coupling elements are clipping means.

4. Support piece according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a through hole (TT) communicating with said housing (LP) and adapted for the passage of a bundle of electrical cable(s) (FC) intended to be connected to said lighting device (DE).

5. Support piece according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a rear wall (PR) having first fixing elements (EF1) adapted to cooperate with second fixing elements comprising a piece of equipment (AT) in order to fixably secure said support piece (PS) to the latter (AT).

6. Support piece according to claim 5, characterized in that said first fixing elements (EF1) are clipping means.

7. Device (DC) comprising a front piece (PV) having a backlit zone (ZA), characterized in that it further comprises a support piece (PS) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, fixedly housing said front piece (PV) and a lighting device (DE) placed behind said front piece (PV) and arranged to backlit said zone (ZA).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it constitutes a heating device (DC) suitable for drawing in hot air.

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that said front part (PV) includes a through passage (PT) adapted to channel said pulsed hot air to deliver it at the level of a front outlet, and placed above or below said zone (ZA).

10. Seat (SV) suitable for equipping a vehicle (V), characterized in that it comprises a backrest or a headrest (AT) inside which is installed a device (DC) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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