LIGHTING DEVICE WITH HOUSING SEAL IN A PROTECTIVE GLASS

Abstract

A lighting device (ED) comprises at least: - a housing (BB1) including a rear wall (PRB) and two first side walls (PLB1-PLB2) extending forward from the rear wall (PRB) and defining with the latter a first cavity (CB) housing a light guide (GL1) delivering photons onto a front face (FV1), and - a protective glass (GP1) coupled to the housing (BB1) and including a front wall (PVG) oriented towards the front face (FV1) through which the delivered photons exit, and second side walls (PLG1-PLG2) extending backward from the front wall (PVG) and defining with the latter a second cavity (CG) housing at least the first side walls (PLB1-PLB2), after they have been respectively fitted with tension by the second side walls (PLG1-PLG2) and interposed glue. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: LIGHTING DEVICE WITH A HOUSING FITTED INTO A PROTECTIVE GLASS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to lighting devices comprising at least one elongated part. State of the art

[0002] In certain technical fields, such as for example in certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, lighting devices are used which include at least a long-lined part comprising a long-lined housing and a long-lined protective glass coupled together.

[0003] Here, "longiline" means an element having a length and height and thickness which are strictly less than this length and perpendicular to each other and to the latter.

[0004] Generally, each (elongated) housing comprises a rear wall and two first side walls extending forward from this rear wall, defining with it a first cavity housing a light guide designed to deliver photons onto a front face. Each protective glass panel comprises a front wall oriented towards the front face, through which the photons delivered by the light guide exit. It should be noted that, typically in this type of lighting device, a diffusion screen is interposed between the front face of each light guide and the front wall of each protective glass panel.

[0005] For example, in a motor vehicle such a lighting device can be fitted to a grille installed at the front end in order to make this grille luminous.

[0006] When the height of the housing and protective glass is not too small, the housing generally includes a peripheral groove inside which a peripheral edge of the protective glass is housed and bonded. However, when this height becomes too small, typically less than 30 mm, it is no longer possible to define a peripheral groove.

[0007] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a lighting device comprising at least one housing including a rear wall and two first lateral walls extending forward from this rear wall and defining with the latter a first cavity housing a light guide suitable for delivering photons onto a front face, and a protective glass coupled to this housing and comprising a front wall oriented towards the front face and through which the delivered photons exit.

[0009] This lighting device is characterized by the fact that the (each) protective glass includes second side walls extending backwards from its front wall and defining with the latter a second cavity housing at least the first side walls, after they have been respectively fitted with stress by the second side walls and interposition of glue.

[0010] Thanks to this stress combined with the bonding, not only is a perfect permanent immobilization of the case in the protective glass obtained, but also a perfect seal, without the case including a peripheral groove.

[0011] The lighting device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0012] - each of the first side walls may include an external face provided of at least two initial protuberances designed to rest against an inner face of a second corresponding lateral wall in order to participate in the stressing;

[0013] - in the presence of the first option, each first protrusion can be arranged in the form of a rib extending along a direction of insertion of the housing and comprising at least one beveled front part;

[0014] - the rear wall of the housing may include a rear face provided with a wall of coupling. In this case, at least one of the second side walls can be coupled to the coupling wall by at least one clip;

[0015] - in the presence of the last option, each staple can have a U-shaped form;

[0016] - each of the first lateral walls may include an external face forming a first acute angle with a rear face of the rear wall;

[0017] - in the presence of the last option, the first angle can be between 87° and 89°;

[0018] - each of the second lateral walls may include an internal face forming a second obtuse angle with a front face of the front wall;

[0019] - in the presence of the last option, the second angle can be between 91° and 93°;

[0020] - each of the first side walls may include an inner face provided of at least two seconds protuberances suitable for participating in immobilizing the light guide by force fitting;

[0021] - it may include a central lighting module bearing a brand logo of vehicle and to which are coupled right and left protective glass associated respectively with right and left housings.

[0022] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a lighting device of the type presented above.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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:

[0025] [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,

[0026] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front, the lighting device of [Fig.1], before it was fitted to a vehicle grille,

[0027] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side and in cross-section in a first longitudinal and vertical plane, the straight elongated part of the lighting device of [Fig.2], without its photon source,

[0028] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a first perspective view from the front side, the right-hand housing of the lighting device of [Fig.2], before it is fitted into the right-hand protective glass,

[0029] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a second perspective view from the front and below, the right-hand housing of the lighting device of [Fig.2], before it is fitted into the right-hand protective glass, and

[0030] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a second longitudinal and vertical plane, the straight long part of the lighting device of [Fig.2], without its photon source. Detailed description of the invention

[0031] The invention aims in particular to provide a DE lighting device comprising at least one long-lined part including in particular a long-lined BBj housing fitted and glued into a long-lined GPj protective glass.

[0032] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the DE lighting device is intended to equip a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, the DE lighting device can equip any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), any electrical device, any installation (including industrial), and any building (public or private) which must (or may) include an DE lighting device comprising at least one elongated part comprising an elongated housing and an elongated protective lens which must be coupled together.

[0033] Furthermore, in what follows, by way of non-limiting example and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the lighting device DE is intended to equipping a CV grille installed in the front end of an EV motor vehicle. But the DE lighting device could be intended to equip the rear end of a motor vehicle, for example.

[0034] In figures 1 to 6, the X direction is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0035] In the preceding and following text, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to the front end of the vehicle. Consequently, the front part of an element is located closer to the front end of the vehicle than the rear part of that same element.

[0036] 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.

[0037] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2, 3 and 6, a lighting device DE, according to the invention, comprises at least one long-lined part referenced by the index j and comprising a housing BBj, a light guide GLj and a protective glass GPj.

[0038] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 2, the DE lighting device comprises a straight longitudinal section (j = 1) and a left longitudinal section (j = 2) coupled to a central lighting module MEC bearing a vehicle brand logo. However, the DE lighting device could comprise only a single longitudinal section.

[0039] As illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, each BBj housing comprises a rear wall PRB and two first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 extending forward from the rear wall PRB. These first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 and the rear wall PRB together define a first cavity CB which houses a light guide GL designed to deliver photons onto a front face FV1.

[0040] It should be noted that the photons that power a light guide GLj can be supplied by a photon source common to the right and left elongated sections, or by two photon sources SPj as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2]. For example, this (each) photon source SPj may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, it could include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example.

[0041] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2, 3 and 6, the (each) protective glass GPj is coupled to the (one) housing BBj and comprises a front wall PVG oriented towards the front face FV1 of the corresponding light guide GL and second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 extending rearward from the front wall PVG. The photons delivered by the front face FV1 exit through the front wall PVG at the level of a front face FVG.

[0042] These second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 and the front wall PVG together define a second cavity CG which houses at least the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 of the associated BBj housing, after they (PLB1 and PLB2) have been respectively fitted under stress by the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 and the interposition of adhesive. It will be understood that the first side wall PLB1 (here upper) and the second side wall PLG1 (here upper) are arranged so that fitting the BBj housing into the second cavity CG of the protective glass GPj causes stress on the first upper side wall PLB1. Similarly, the first side wall PLB2 (here lower) and the second side wall PLG2 (here lower) are arranged so that the fitting of the housing BBj into the second cavity CG of the protective glass GPj causes the first lower side wall PLB2 to be stressed.

[0043] This double stress-application aims to tightly press the external faces FEB of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 against the internal faces FIG of the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2, and the adhesive ensures a permanent, fixed bond under stress. This results not only in perfect, permanent immobilization of the housing BBj within the protective glass GPj, but also in a perfect seal, without the housing BBj having a peripheral groove, which is particularly advantageous when the height of the housing BBj and the protective glass GPj is small (typically less than 30 mm).

[0044] It should be noted that the glue can be pre-positioned on the external faces FEB of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 of the BBj housing and / or on the internal faces FIG of the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 of the associated protective glass GPj.

[0045] For example, the length of the PVG front wall of the GPj protective glass can be between 50 cm and 70 cm and its height can be between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0046] For example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2, 4 and 5, each elongated portion of the lighting device DE may also include a diffusion screen EDj installed between the front face FV 1 of the light guide GLj and the front wall PVG of the protective glass GPj. Here, the diffusion screen EDj is housed in the second cavity CG, downstream of (or in front of) the housing BBj. But in an alternative embodiment not shown, the diffusion screen EDj could be housed in the first cavity CB (and therefore in the housing BBj in front of (or downstream of) the light guide GLj).

[0047] Each EDj diffusion screen is flat and has a length (here along the transverse direction Y), a height (here along the vertical direction Z), and a thickness (here along the longitudinal direction X) that are perpendicular to each other. For example, the height and thickness may be strictly less than the length. By way of illustration, the length may be between 50 cm and 70 cm, the height may be between 8 mm and 15 mm, and the thickness may be between 2 mm and 6 mm.

[0048] In addition, the (each) diffusion screen EDj is arranged so as to diffuse onto a front face photons which are delivered by the front face FV1 of the associated light guide GLj.

[0049] For example, the (each) EDj diffusion screen can be made by molding in polycarbonate (or PC), possibly transparent (or crystal colour).

[0050] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 4 and 5, the outer face FEB of each of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 may include at least two first protrusions PMC which are adapted to bear against the inner face FIG of the corresponding second side wall PLG1 or PLG2 in order to contribute to the stress application. It will be understood that when the housing BBj is inserted (or fitted) into the second cavity CG of the associated protective glass GPj, a point is reached where the first protrusions PMC come into contact with the inner faces FIG of the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2. Consequently, as the insertion (or fitting) continues, these inner faces FIG exert pressure on the first protrusions PMC, which causes the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2, which include these protrusions (PMC), to be stressed.

[0051] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 4 and 5, each first protrusion PMC can be arranged in the form of a rib extending along a direction of engagement of the housing BBj (here the longitudinal direction X). Furthermore, each PMC rib preferably includes at least one beveled front portion, in order to prevent the engagement from jamming before the housing BBj has reached its final position in the second cavity CG. However, each PMC rib could be entirely beveled.

[0052] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation and at least partially in Figures 3 and 6, the rear wall PRB of the (each) BBj housing may include a rear face FRB which is provided with a PCB coupling wall (extending towards the rear). In this case, at least one of the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 can be coupled to the PCB coupling wall by at least one AC clip. This reinforces the immobilization of the BBj housing relative to the GPj protective glass, and also maintains this immobilization even if the adhesive fails or no longer performs its function adequately. Preferably, several (at least two) AC clips are provided coupling the second upper side wall PLG1 to the PCB coupling wall, and several (at least two) AC clips coupling the second lower side wall PLG2 to the PCB coupling wall.

[0053] It should be noted that each AC staple can be introduced into a previously defined through hole in a second side wall PLG1 and PLG2, then into a corresponding and previously defined blind hole in the PCB coupling wall, or by means of a specific tool (such as an electric stapler).

[0054] For example, and as illustrated without limitation, this PCB coupling wall may be substantially perpendicular to the PRB rear wall. But this is not mandatory.

[0055] Also, for example, and although this does not appear in Figures 3 and 6, each AC staple can have a U-shaped form. But other types of staples can be used.

[0056] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 6, the outer face FEB of each of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 can form a first acute angle with the rear face FRB of the rear wall PRB of the BBj housing. This option is intended to facilitate not only the fitting of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 relative to the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 respectively, but also the demolding of the BBj housing, when the latter (BBj) is produced in a mold by injection of a rigid and resistant plastic material, such as polyamide (or PA).

[0057] Also, for example, the first angle can be between 87° and 89°. As an illustrative example, it can be equal to 88.5°.

[0058] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 3 and 6, the inner face FIG of each of the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 can form a second obtuse angle with the front face FVG of the front wall PVG of the protective glass GPj. This option is also intended to facilitate not only the fitting of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 relative to the second side walls PLG1 and PLG2 respectively, but also the demolding of the protective glass GPj, when the latter (GPj) is made in a mold by injection of a rigid and resistant plastic material, such as polycarbonate (or PC), possibly transparent (or crystal clear).

[0059] Also, for example, the second angle can be between 91° and 93°. As an illustrative example, it can be equal to 91.5°.

[0060] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 4 and 5, the inner face FIB of each of the first side walls PLB1 and PLB2 may include at least two second protrusions PIG designed to help secure the light guide GLj by press-fitting it into the housing BBj. This option advantageously eliminates the need to provide fastening means (such as clips or added collars or links) in the housing BBj and / or on the light guide GLj to ensure the fixed attachment of the light guide GLj to the housing BBj in its first cavity CB, thus facilitating assembly and simplifying the mold in which the housing BBj is produced.

[0061] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 4 and 5, each second protuberance PIG can be arranged in the form of a rib (preferably entirely beveled) which extends along a fitting direction of the light guide GLj (and the housing BBj), here the longitudinal direction X.

[0062] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 1 and 2, the front PVG wall of each protective glass panel GPj may include through holes T3 allowing direct exit of the scattered photons delivered by the front face FV1 of the light guide GLj or the optional scattering screen EDj. This provides a contrast between the solid areas of each front PVG wall (through which scattered photons must pass) and the through holes T3 of the PVG. However, each front PVG wall of each protective glass panel GPj might not include through holes T3. It should be noted that the extent of the through holes T3 along the transverse Y direction may be identical or variable.

[0063] The possible central lighting module MEC may, for example, include at least one central photon source, a central diffusion screen and a central protective glass.

[0064] The central photon source is arranged to generate photons for the central diffusion screen. For example, this central photon source 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.

[0065] Also, for example, the central lighting module MEC may also include an electronic board comprising the central photon source and electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of this central photon source. Also, for example, this electronic card can be a printed circuit board of the PCB type ("Printed Circuit Board").

[0066] The central diffusion screen is of the flat type and the central protective glass is placed in front of it. The photons generated by the central photon source thus reach a rear face of the central diffusion screen, and the latter diffuses them on its front face towards the central protective glass which includes a central front face FVC through which the diffused photons exit and which may include a vehicle brand logo (which is then backlit).

[0067] It should be noted that the long, narrow parts (here right and left) are preferably coupled (or even fixedly joined) to the possible central lighting module MEC.

Claims

Demands

1. Lighting device (ED) comprising at least i) a housing (BBj) including a rear wall (PRB) and two first side walls (PLB1, PLB2) extending forward from said rear wall (PRB) and defining with the latter (PRB) a first cavity (CB) housing a light guide (GLj) adapted to deliver photons onto a front face (FV1), and ii) a protective glass (GPj) coupled to said housing (BBj) and including a front wall (PVG) oriented towards said front face (FV1) and through which said delivered photons exit, characterized in that said protective glass (GPj) includes second side walls (PLG1, PLG2) extending backward from said front wall (PVG) and defining with the latter (PVG) a second cavity (CG) housing at least said first side walls (PLB1, PLB2), after they have been respectively fitted together with stress placed by the said second lateral walls (PLG1,PLG2) and interposition of glue.

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said first side walls (PLB1, PLB2) comprises an external face (FEB) provided with at least two first protrusions (PMC) adapted to bear against an internal face (FIG) of a corresponding second side wall (PLG1, PLG2) in order to participate in said stressing.

3. Lighting device according to claim 2, characterized in that each first protrusion (PMC) is arranged in the form of a rib extending along a fitting direction of said housing (BBj) and comprising at least one beveled front part.

4. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said rear wall (PRB) comprises a rear face (FRB) provided with a coupling wall (PCB), and in that at least one of said second side walls (PLG1, PLG2) is coupled to said coupling wall (PCB) by at least one clip (AC).

5. Lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that each clip (AC) has a U-shaped shape.

6. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each of said first side walls

7.

8.

9.

10. (PLB1, PLB2) comprises an outer face (FEB) forming a first acute angle with a rear face (FRB) of said rear wall (PRB). Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each of said second side walls (PLG1, PLG2) comprises an inner face (FIG) forming a second obtuse angle with a front face (FVG) of said front wall (PVG). Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each of said first side walls (PLB1, PLB2) comprises an inner face (FIB) provided with at least two second protrusions (PIG) ​​adapted to contribute to immobilizing said light guide (GLj) by press fitting. Vehicle, characterized in that it includes a lighting device (ED) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 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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