MONOBLOCK PROTECTIVE GLASS LIGHTING DEVICE

Abstract

A lighting system (LS) comprises: - two primary light sources (SP11, SP12) designed to generate photons for two flat, elongated lateral diffusion screens (EDL1, EDL2), respectively; and - a single-piece main protective glass (MPG) defining two lateral housings (BL1, BL2) which house the lateral diffusion screens (EDL1, EDL2), respectively; and a central housing (CH) extended on two opposite sides by the lateral housings (BL1, BL2) and containing a central lighting module (CLM) with a second light source designed to generate photons for a flat central diffusion screen, in front of which is placed a central protective glass (CPM). Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: MONOBLOCK PROTECTIVE GLASS LIGHTING DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to lighting devices comprising at least two flat and elongated diffusion screens. State of the art

[0002] In certain technical fields, such as for example in certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, early lighting devices are used which include two sources designed to generate photons respectively for two lateral diffusion screens (generally right and left) of a flat, elongated type, designed to diffuse the generated photons onto a front face.

[0003] For example, in a motor vehicle such a first lighting device can equip the right and left parts of a grille installed in the front end in order to make this grille luminous.

[0004] Sometimes, a second lighting device, called the central lighting device because it is installed between the two lateral display screens, can be combined with the first lighting device described above. This second device is responsible for backlighting one or more shapes that may, for example, represent a brand logo. This provides a central illuminated area surrounded (on the right and left) by two lateral illuminated areas.

[0005] A first drawback of such an arrangement lies in the fact that it requires the design of the first and second lighting devices separately, but possibly with coupling elements allowing them to be coupled together. This is time-consuming and expensive.

[0006] A second disadvantage of such an arrangement lies in the fact that the manufacture of the first and second lighting devices requires the design and use of independent specific tooling, which is also time-consuming and expensive.

[0007] A third disadvantage of such an arrangement lies in the fact that the two right and left sub-parts of the first lighting device and the second lighting device generally have to be installed separately, which is also time-consuming and expensive.

[0008] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0009] It proposes in particular for this purpose a lighting device comprising two first sources suitable for generating photons respectively for two lateral diffusion screens of the flat and elongated type.

[0010] This lighting device is characterized by the fact that it also includes a one-piece main protective glass and defines:

[0011] - two side housings respectively accommodating the side display screens, and

[0012] - a central housing extended on two opposite sides by the lateral housings and housing at least partially a central lighting module comprising a second source capable of generating photons for a central flat-type diffusion screen and in front of which is placed a central protective glass.

[0013] Thanks to the invention, a single piece makes it possible to house at least partially the two lateral diffusion screens and the central lighting module, which simplifies the design of the lighting device and the associated independent specific tooling, simplifies the assembly of the different components of the lighting device and the installation of the latter in a system, and therefore reduces the design and manufacturing costs of the lighting device and the system that it equips.

[0014] The lighting device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0015] - the main protective glass may comprise, at each interface between its central housing and one of its side housings, the first positioning elements. In this case, the central lighting module may include second positioning elements cooperating with these first positioning elements to position a central front face of the central protective glass in a chosen position relative to the side front faces of the side housings;

[0016] - in the presence of the first option, the first and second elements of positioning can cooperate together to position the central front face at the same level as the side front faces;

[0017] - also in the presence of the first option, the central lighting module can include an auxiliary unit containing the second positioning elements, and housing the second source and the central broadcast screen;

[0018] - also in the presence of the first option, the second elements of positioning elements can be arranged in the form of legs extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central front face and opposite to it, and the first positioning elements can define grooves housing these legs closely, partially and respectively;

[0019] - in the presence of one of the last two sub-options, the auxiliary unit can be fixedly attached to the central housing;

[0020] - the first sources can be attached to a rear face of the central housing, opposite the central front face;

[0021] - the main protective glass can be made by bi-injection molding of first and second plastic materials, the first plastic material being transparent to photons scattered by the lateral diffusion screens, and the second plastic material partially surrounding this first plastic material and being opaque to photons generated by the first and second sources;

[0022] - each side housing can have a strictly defined length, height and thickness shorter than this length and perpendicular to each other and to the latter.

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

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

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:

[0026] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, an example of the front end of a vehicle comprising a grille equipped with an example embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention,

[0027] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the lighting device of [Fig. 1], before it was fitted to a vehicle grille,

[0028] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the ice main protection of the lighting device of [Fig.2],

[0029] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the central lighting module of the lighting device shown in Figures 1 and 2, before it is attached to the central housing of the main protective glass,

[0030] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view of the front side and in cross-section in a horizontal plane, a central part of the lighting device of [Fig.2], and

[0031] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the central housing of the main protective glass of the lighting device of [Fig.2], before it receives the central lighting module of the lighting device of figures 2 and 4. Detailed description of the invention

[0032] The invention aims in particular to provide a DE lighting device comprising a main protective glass GPP monobloc and housing two lateral diffusion screens EDLj (j = 1 or 2) and at least part of a central lighting module MEC.

[0033] In what follows, the DE lighting device is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be intended for use on a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, the DE lighting device can be used on any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), any electrical device, any installation (including industrial), and any building (public or private) that is required (or may be required) to have a lighting device comprising two lateral diffusion screens and a central lighting module.

[0034] Furthermore, in the following, by way of non-limiting example and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the DE lighting device is considered to be intended for use with a CV grille installed in the front end EV of a motor vehicle. However, the DE lighting device could also be intended to be used with the rear end of a motor vehicle, for example.

[0035] In figures 1 to 6 the direction X is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0036] Furthermore, in the preceding and following text, the term "front" is defined with respect to the front end of the vehicle, and the term "rear" is defined with respect to the rear end of the vehicle (opposite the front end). Consequently, the front part of an element is (intended to be) oriented towards the front end of the vehicle, while the rear part of that element is (intended to be) oriented towards the rear end of the vehicle.

[0037] Figure [1] schematically illustrates an example of the front end EV of a vehicle comprising a grille CV to which is fixedly attached, for example by clipping and / or screwing, an example of an embodiment of a lighting device DE according to the invention.

[0038] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2, 4 and 5, a lighting device DE, according to the invention, comprises two first sources SP11 (j = 1, right) and SP12 (j = 2, left), two lateral diffusion screens EDL1 (j = 1, right) and EDL2 (j = 2, left), a main protective glass GPP, and a central lighting module MEC.

[0039] Each first SPlj source is arranged to generate photons for one of the two associated EDLj lateral scattering screens. For example, each first SPlj photon source may include at least one light-emitting diode (or LED (Light Emitting Diode). But alternatively, it could include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example.

[0040] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 and 4, the photons generated by a first photon source SP1j are guided to the associated lateral scattering screen EDLj by an associated light guide GL of the lighting device DE. In this case, each light guide GL is installed in the main protective glass GPP and includes a portion installed opposite a first rear face FRI of the associated lateral scattering screen EDLj (see [Fig. 5]) and having a front face delivering the guided photons to this first rear face FRI. However, a lighting device DE may not include a light guide GL.

[0041] As can be partially seen in [Fig. 5], each EDLj lateral diffusion screen is flat and elongated. It therefore has a length (here along the transverse direction Y), a height (here along the vertical direction Z), and a thickness (here along the longitudinal direction X) that are perpendicular to each other. The height and thickness are strictly less than the length.

[0042] For example, the length can be between 50 cm and 70 cm, the height can be between 8 mm and 15 mm, and the thickness can be between 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0043] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the main protective glass GPP is a single piece and defines two lateral housings BLj (here right (j = 1) and left (j = 2)) and a central housing BC. For example, this main protective glass GPP can be made by molding in polycarbonate (or PC), at least partially transparent to photons (for example, crystal clear).

[0044] As partially illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, each side housing BLj houses one of the two side broadcast screens EDLj.

[0045] When the EDLj side diffusion screens are of the flat and elongated type, each side box BLj can have a length (here along the transverse direction Y), and height (here along the vertical direction Z) and thickness (here along the longitudinal direction X) strictly less than this length and perpendicular to each other and to the latter.

[0046] Furthermore, each lateral housing BLj, which participates in the protection of a lateral diffusion screen EDLj, while allowing the photons it diffuses to pass through, therefore comprises a solid front wall with a lateral front face FVLj (oriented outwards). It should be noted that in the example illustrated, which is not exhaustive, to give a discontinuous lighting effect, this front wall of each lateral housing BLj includes first through-holes Tl through which the photons from the first associated source SPlj preferentially exit.

[0047] As partially illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6, the central housing BC is extended on two opposite sides (here along the transverse direction Y) respectively by the two lateral housings BLj. Furthermore, this central housing BC at least partially accommodates the central lighting module MEC. It is therefore open on its front face (facing outwards).

[0048] As partially illustrated in Figures 2, 4 and 5, the central lighting module MEC includes at least one second SP2 source, a central EDC diffusion screen and a central GPC protective glass.

[0049] The second source SP2 is arranged to generate photons for the central EDC diffusion screen. For example, the second photon source SP2 may include at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). Alternatively, it could include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example.

[0050] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 5], the central lighting module MEC may also include an electronic CE board comprising the second source SP2 and electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of this source SP2. Also, for example, this electronic CE board may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0051] As partially illustrated in [Fig. 5], the central EDC scattering screen is flat and the central GPC protective glass is positioned in front of it. The photons generated by the second source SP2 thus reach a rear face of the central EDC scattering screen, and the latter (EDC) scatters them on its front face towards the central GPC protective glass, which includes a central front face FVC through which the scattered photons exit.

[0052] Thanks to the one-piece nature of the main protective glass (GPP), a single piece (GPP) can house at least partially the two side diffusion screens (EDLj) and the central lighting module (MEC). This offers several advantages. Firstly, it simplifies the design of the lighting device (DE), thereby reducing its design costs. Secondly, it reduces the number of independent, specific tooling pieces that need to be designed and used to manufacture the lighting device, which also reduces its design and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, it simplifies the assembly of the various components of the lighting device and its installation, in this case on the CV grille of a vehicle (to illuminate it), which also reduces the manufacturing costs of both the device and the vehicle.

[0053] For example, and as illustrated without limitation and at least partially in Figures 3, 5 and 6, the main protective glass GPP may include initial PPE positioning elements at each interface between its central housing BC and one of its side housings BLj. In this case, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 4 and 5, the central lighting module MEC may include second positioning elements EP2 which cooperate with the first positioning elements EPI to position the central front face FVC of the central protective glass GPC in a position which is chosen relative to the side front faces FVLj of the side housings BLj.

[0054] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 2 and 5, the first EPI and second EP2 positioning elements can cooperate to position the central front face FVC at the same level (here along the longitudinal direction X) as the level at which the lateral front faces FVLj are placed. This gives the impression of a flush appearance between the central front face FVC and the lateral front faces FVLj. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, there could be an offset (here along the longitudinal direction X) between the level at which the central front face FVC is placed and the level at which the lateral front faces FVLj are placed.

[0055] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 4 to 6, the second positioning elements EP2 can be arranged in the form of tabs extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central front face FVC (and therefore parallel here to the longitudinal direction X), and in the opposite direction to this central front face FVC (and therefore towards the rear). In this case, the first positioning elements EPI can define grooves that closely, partially, and respectively accommodate the tabs EP2.

[0056] It should be noted that the central front face FVC may include at least one area comprising at least one predefined shape. For example, each predefined shape may participate in (or be) the representation of a brand logo, possibly a vehicle logo.

[0057] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 2, 4, and 5, the central lighting module MEC may also include an auxiliary housing BA containing the second positioning elements EP2, housing the second light source SP2 (and its optional electronic board CE) and the central diffusion screen EDC, to which the central protective glass GPC is fixedly attached. This provides a compact, easily handled central lighting module MEC that ensures perfect protection of its internal components and is easy to couple to the central housing BC. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the central lighting module MEC may not include an auxiliary housing BA, and in this case, its components must be installed in the central housing BC.

[0058] It should be noted that the auxiliary housing BA is preferably fixedly attached to the central housing BC. However, preferably, the first EPI and second EP2 positioning elements are intended to define (very) precisely the position of the central front face FVC relative to the lateral front faces FVLj, and not to ensure the coupling of the auxiliary housing BA to the central housing BC.

[0059] This fixed fastening can, for example, be achieved by screwing using screws (not shown) intended to pass through second through holes T2 defined in the rear wall of the central housing BC (which includes the second rear face FR2 of the latter (BC)), and to screw into corresponding threaded holes defined in the rear face of the auxiliary housing BA. But in an alternative embodiment not shown, this fixed fastening could be achieved by clipping, for example.

[0060] It will also be noted that in order to precisely position the auxiliary housing BA relative to the central housing BC, the auxiliary housing BA may include positioning pins PP extending rearward (here along the longitudinal direction X) from its third rear face FR3, and intended to be partially housed in corresponding third through holes T3 defined in the rear wall of the central housing BC (including the second rear face FR2), as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 4 and 5.

[0061] It should also be noted that the auxiliary housing BA can, for example, be made by molding a polycarbonate, preferably opaque to photons generated by the second source SP2 (for example black in color).

[0062] It should also be noted that the central EDC diffusion screen can, for example, be made by molding a polycarbonate (or PC) that is transparent to the photons it diffuses (for example, crystal clear). Preferably, a "TARFLON" PC (registered trademark) will be used, which promotes photon diffusion.

[0063] It should also be noted that the central protective glass GPC can, for example, be made by molding a polycarbonate transparent to photons scattered by the central diffusion screen EDC (for example of crystal color).

[0064] It should also be noted that the main protective glass GPP can, for example, be made by bi-injection molding of first and second plastic materials. In this case, the first plastic material is transparent to photons scattered by the lateral EDLj scattering screens, and the second plastic material partially surrounds the first plastic material and is opaque to photons generated by the first SP1j and second SP2 sources.

[0065] It will be understood that the front walls of the side housings BLj, which include the side front faces FVLj, are defined only by the first plastic material, while at least part of the side walls and the rear walls of the side housings BLj are preferably defined by the first and second materials Plastics. For example, the first plastic material could be a photon-transparent polycarbonate (or PC) (e.g., crystal clear), and the second plastic material could be a photon-opaque polycarbonate (or PC) (e.g., black). Preferably, the first plastic material is a "TARFLON" PC (registered trademark) that promotes photon scattering.

[0066] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially in [Fig. 5], the first SPlj sources can be attached to the second rear face FR2 of the central housing BC, which is opposite the central front face FVC. This attachment can be achieved by clipping and / or screwing, for example.

Claims

Demands

1. Lighting device (ED) comprising two first sources (SP1j) suitable for generating photons respectively for two lateral diffusion screens (EDLj) of the flat and elongated type, characterized in that it further comprises a one-piece main protective glass (GPP) and defining i) two lateral housings (BLj) respectively housing said lateral diffusion screens (EDLj), and ii) a central housing (BC) extended on two opposite sides by said lateral housings (BLj) and housing at least partially a central lighting module (MEC) comprising a second source (SP2) suitable for generating photons for a central diffusion screen (EDC) of the flat type and in front of which is placed a central protective glass (GPC).

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that said main protective glass (GPP) comprises, at each interface between said central housing (BC) and one of said side housings (BLj), first positioning elements (EPI), and said central lighting module (MEC) comprises second positioning elements (EP2) cooperating with said first positioning elements (EPI) to position a central front face (FVC) of said central protective glass (GPP) in a position chosen relative to side front faces (FVLj) of said side housings (BLj).

3. Lighting device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first (EPI) and second (EP2) positioning elements cooperate together to position said central front face (FVC) at the same level as said lateral front faces (FVLj).

4. Lighting device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said central lighting module (CEM) comprises an auxiliary housing (BA) comprising said second positioning elements (EP2), and housing said second source (SP2) and said central diffusion screen (EDC).

5. Lighting device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said second positioning elements (EP2) are arranged in the form of tabs extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to said central front face (FVC) and opposite to the latter (FVC), and said first positioning elements (EPI) define grooves that closely, partially and respectively house said legs (EP2).

6. Lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that said auxiliary housing (BA) is fixedly attached to said central housing (BC).

7. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first sources (SP1j) are attached to a rear face (FR2) of said central housing (BC), opposite said central front face (FVC).

8. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said main protective glass (GPP) is made by bi-injection molding of first and second plastic materials, said first plastic material being transparent to said photons scattered by said lateral diffusion screens (EDLj), and said second plastic material partially surrounding said first plastic material and being opaque to said photons generated by said first (SP1j) and second (SP2) sources.

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

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

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