DEEP-DEEP LIGHTING AND PHOTON DIFFUSION DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A lighting device (LD) is fitted to a vehicle and comprises: - a photon source (PS) generating photons, - a first optical element (EO1) delivering the generated photons received at a first input (E1) to a first output (S1), - a scattering chamber (SC) installed downstream of the first optical element (EO1) and designed to scatter the photons delivered at the first output (S1) by reflection, and - a second optical element (EO2) installed downstream of the scattering chamber (SC) and delivering the photons scattered by the scattering chamber (SC) and received at a second input (E2) to a second output (S2), so that they perform a photometric function. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: DEEP DEEP LIGHTING AND PHOTON Scattering Device for a Vehicle Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising at least one lighting device capable of ensuring at least one photometric function. State of the art

[0002] Some vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, include, generally in a front end, at least one lighting device comprising a source generating photons and an optical element capable of delivering on its output the generated photons received on its input so that they perform (or participate) in a photometric function.

[0003] In this type of vehicle the lighting device often provides a photometric signaling function of the daytime running light (or DRL (“Daytime Running Light (or Lamp)”) type - photometric signaling function, possibly of variable intensity), or direction change indicator (or turn signal).

[0004] It should be noted that the lighting device presented above may possibly be part of an optical block providing at least two photometric functions.

[0005] Sometimes, this lighting device must have a significant depth (the distance between its photon source and the front face through which the photons exit, performing the photometric function, typically greater than 15 cm), due to technical and / or space constraints and / or architectural limitations. It has been proposed to use an optical element arranged as a light guide to guide the photons generated by the source from its input to its output, with an extension almost equal to the aforementioned depth. However, it proves very difficult to manufacture a light guide-type optical element with an extension (along the depth direction) greater than approximately 10 cm, particularly due to problems encountered during demolding.

[0006] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0007] It proposes in particular for this purpose a lighting device, on the one hand, suitable for equipping a vehicle, and, on the other hand, comprising a photon source suitable for generating photons and at least a first optical element suitable for delivering on a first output the generated photons received on a first input.

[0008] This lighting device is characterized by the fact that it also includes:

[0009] - a diffusion chamber installed downstream of the (of each) first optical element (with respect to the direction of photon propagation) and capable of scattering by reflection the photons delivered on the first output, and

[0010] - a second optical element installed downstream of the diffusion chamber (relative to (in the sense of photon propagation) and capable of delivering on a second output the photons scattered by the scattering chamber and received on a second input, so that they perform a photometric function.

[0011] Thanks to the diffusion chamber which acts as an intermediate optical diffusion element, the first and second optical elements can respectively have small depths which do not pose demolding problems, even though the depth of the lighting device is significant.

[0012] The lighting device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0013] - it may also include a support piece comprising a rear part housing the (each) first optical element, a front part housing at least partially the second optical element, and a central part located between these rear and front parts and defining the diffusion chamber;

[0014] - in the presence of the first option, at least the central part may include inner faces having a white color optimizing the reflection of photons;

[0015] - its (each) first optical element can be a light guide suitable for guiding photons from the first input to the first output;

[0016] - its second optical element can be a light guide suitable for guiding the photons scattered from the second input to the second output;

[0017] - its second optical element may comprise a first part comprising the second entrance and extended forward by a second part defining at least two blades substantially parallel to each other and having respectively front faces defining the second exit;

[0018] - in the presence of the first and last options, the first part of the second element optics may include, on the one hand, a first lateral face provided with a first coupling element suitable for cooperating with a second coupling element of the support piece, to participate in the coupling of the second optical element to the support piece, and, on the other hand, a second lateral face provided with a third coupling element suitable for cooperating with a fourth coupling element of the support piece, to participate in the coupling of the second optical element to the support piece;

[0019] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the third and fourth elements of coupling can be means of clipping;

[0020] - also in the presence of the last sub-option, the first lateral face can include a projecting sub-part in which at least one hole is defined through-hole constituting the first coupling element and suitable for being traversed by a screw. In this case, the support piece may include a recess suitable for housing the protruding sub-part and delimited by a wall in which is defined at least one other hole constituting the second coupling element and suitable for partially housing this screw;

[0021] - each of the first and second optical elements can be a single piece made by molding;

[0022] - it can perform a daytime running light (or DRL) function.

[0023] The invention also proposes an optical block suitable for equipping a vehicle and ensuring at least two photometric functions, and comprising a lighting device of the type presented above.

[0024] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, comprising at least one lighting device of the type presented above and / or at least one optical unit of the type presented above. 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, a example of an embodiment of a left optical block including an example of an embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention,

[0027] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in another perspective view from the front side and in a horizontal section plane, the optical block of the [Fig.1],

[0028] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear, a rear part of the lighting device of Figures 1 and 2, before assembly of its components, and

[0029] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a vertical and longitudinal plane, a part of the optical block of figures 1 and 2. Detailed description of the invention

[0030] The invention aims in particular to provide a DE lighting device intended to equip a vehicle and having a large depth while ensuring a diffusion of photons on its front face FV.

[0031] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the DE lighting device is intended to be fitted to the front end of a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, the DE lighting device can be fitted to any front or rear end of a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air).

[0032] Furthermore, in the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the DE lighting device performs a photometric daytime running light (or DRL) function – a photometric signaling function, possibly with variable intensity. However, the DE lighting device could perform another photometric signaling function, such as a turn signal (or flashing) function.

[0033] Finally, in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the lighting device DE is considered to be part of an optical unit BO intended to equip the front end of a motor vehicle, and providing at least one other photometric function in addition to that provided by the lighting device DE. However, the lighting device DE could be an independent optical component (and therefore constitute an optical unit of a vehicle).

[0034] In figures 1 to 4 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.

[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 intended to be located closer to the front end of the vehicle than the rear part of that same element.

[0036] Figures 1, 2 and 4 schematically illustrate at least partially an example of an embodiment of an optical block BO (here left) comprising an example of an embodiment of a lighting device DE according to the invention and intended (here) to be installed in a left part of a front end of a vehicle.

[0037] This optical block BO comprises, in addition to the lighting device DE according to the invention, at least one other lighting device DEC ensuring at least one other photometric function in addition to that ensured by the lighting device DE, a housing BB in which each other lighting device DEC and the lighting device DE are fixedly installed, and a protective glass GP located furthest downstream (with respect to the direction of propagation of the photons), fixedly attached to the housing BB in front of the front face FV of the lighting device DE, and through which the photons ensuring the photometric functions exit.

[0038] For example, each other photometric function can be a lighting photometric function chosen from a low beam (or dipped beam) function and a high beam function.

[0039] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 4, a lighting device DE, according to the invention, comprises a photon source SP, at least one first optical element EO1, a second optical element EO2, and a diffusion chamber CD.

[0040] It should be noted that here the DE lighting device does not include a housing because it is intended to be part of an optical block BO. However, a DE lighting device, according to the invention, may also include a housing and a protective lens when it constitutes an independent optical block.

[0041] The SP photon source is suitable for generating photons to participate in the photometric function (here a daytime running light (or DRL) function).

[0042] For example, this SP photon source may include at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). But alternatively, it could include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example.

[0043] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially shown in Figures 2 to 4, the photon source SP comprises two high-power light-emitting diodes, placed one above the other. However, it could comprise a single light-emitting diode or more than two light-emitting diodes.

[0044] It should also be noted, as illustrated but not limited to Figures 2 to 4, that the lighting device DE may also include an electronic board CE comprising the photon source SP and electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of this photon source SP. For example, this electronic board CE may also be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0045] It should also be noted, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4 (though not limited to these examples), that the lighting device DE may also include a cooling radiator (or heat sink) RR designed to dissipate the heat produced by the photon source SP, particularly when the latter (SP) includes power elements that generate a significant amount of heat during operation. Such a cooling radiator RR may be finned and made of aluminum, for example. For instance, this cooling radiator RR may be permanently attached to the electronic board CE on its rear side (opposite to its front side, which (here) contains the high-power LEDs).

[0046] The first optical element EO1 comprises a first input El located opposite at least a portion of the photon source SP, and a first output SI located downstream of its first input El (with respect to the direction of photon propagation). Furthermore, it is arranged to deliver the photons generated by at least part of the SP photon source and received on its first El input.

[0047] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, in Figures 2 to 4, the lighting device DE comprises two first optical elements EO1 placed one above the other, with their first inputs El positioned respectively opposite the two light-emitting diodes of the photon source SP. However, the number of first optical elements EO1 can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0048] The CD diffusion chamber is installed downstream of the first optical element EO1 and upstream of the second optical element EO2. It is designed to diffuse by reflection the photons delivered to the first output SI of the first optical element EO1, so that they reach a second input E2 of the second optical element EO2, dispersed by diffusion. Schematic and non-limiting examples of photon reflections are shown in [Fig. 2].

[0049] In addition to its second input E2, the second optical element EO2 includes a second output S2 located downstream of its second input E2 (with respect to the direction of photon propagation). Furthermore, it is arranged so as to deliver to its second output S2 the photons scattered by the scattering chamber CD and received at its second input E2, so that they perform the photometric function of the lighting device DE.

[0050] It will be understood that the reflection scattering provided by the scattering chamber CD advantageously optimizes the distribution of photons on the surface of the second entrance E2 of the second optical element EO2, even though there is no intermediate optical element between the first EO1 and second EO2 optical elements to ensure scattering. In other words, the scattering chamber CD acts as an intermediate scattering optical element, allowing the first EO1 and second EO2 optical elements to have reduced extensions along the depth direction of the illumination device DE (here, the longitudinal direction X), even though the depth of the illumination device DE is significant. It should be noted that here, the depth of the illumination device DE is the distance separating its photon source SP from its front (or output) face FV.Thus, we can have a DE lighting device with a depth greater than 15 cm (and for example equal to about 20 cm (or even more)), offering good homogeneity of illumination at the level of its front face FV, and using first(s) EO1 and second EO2 optical elements that are easy to make by molding (because they do not pose demolding problems).

[0051] For example, and as illustrated without limitation and at least partially in Figures 2 to 4, the lighting device DE may include a support piece PS including rear parts PR, central PC and front PV which extend in pairs.

[0052] The rear portion PR houses the (each) first optical element EO1, preferably closely to prevent the exit of photons (and therefore light leakage) before the (each) first output SI. It should be noted that this rear portion PR preferentially surrounds the entirety of the (each) first optical element EO1 except for its (the) first input El and its (the) first output SI, as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 3].

[0053] The front part PV houses at least partially the second optical element EO2. This housing is preferably sealed on at least some of the faces of the second optical element EO2 to prevent the exit of photons (and therefore light leakage) before the second exit S2.

[0054] The central part PC is located between the rear parts PR and the front parts PV and defines the diffusion chamber CD. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially shown in Figures 2 to 4, the central part PC does not include an upper wall, and therefore the diffusion chamber CD is open at its top. However, the central part PC could also include an upper wall so that the diffusion chamber CD is closed at its top to participate in the scattering of photons by reflection.

[0055] Also, for example, at least the central part PC of the support piece PS may include internal faces FI having a white color intended to optimize photon reflections. It should be noted that it is possible to consider that all the internal faces FI of the rear part PR, central part PC, and front part PV of the support piece PS may be white.

[0056] Also, for example, the (each) first optical element EO1 can be a light guide, possibly of a flat type, arranged so as to guide photons from its first input El to its first output SL. It will be understood that the interfaces with the outside of the (each) first optical element EO1, apart from those of the first input El and first output SI, ensure internal reflections enabling the aforementioned guiding of photons.

[0057] Also, for example, the second optical element EO2 can be a light guide arranged to guide the scattered photons from its second input E2 to its second output S2. It will be understood that the interfaces with the outside of the (of each) first optical element EO1, apart from those of the second input E2 and second output S2, provide internal reflections enabling the aforementioned guiding of the photons.

[0058] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation and at least partially in Figures 2 to 4, the (each) first optical element EO1 and the second optical element EO2 can be one-piece parts made by molding of a rigid material that is transparent to the photons generated by the SP photon source. For example, this material could be polycarbonate (or PC), and possibly "TARFLON" PC (registered trademark).

[0059] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 1, 2, and 4, the second optical element EO2 may comprise first PI and second P2 parts that extend each other. The first PI part includes the second input E2 and is extended forward by the second P2 part. The latter (P2) defines at least two plates L that are substantially parallel to each other and have front faces FV that define the second output S2. It will be understood that, with such an arrangement, the photons exit the plates L primarily through their front faces FV, ​​and therefore, during operation, parallel and spaced illuminated areas can be observed (each defined by a front face FV of a plate L).

[0060] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, in Figures 2 to 4, the number of blades L in the second part P2 is equal to six. However, this number of blades L can take any value greater than or equal to two.

[0061] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in [Fig. 4], the first part PI of the second optical element EO2 may comprise first FL1 and second FL2 lateral faces provided with coupling elements enabling its attachment to the support piece PS. More specifically, the first lateral face FL1 is provided with a first coupling element EC1 which is arranged to cooperate with a second coupling element EC2 of the support piece PS in order to participate in the coupling of the second optical element EO2 to the support piece PS. Furthermore, the second lateral face FL2 is provided with a third coupling element EC3 which is arranged to cooperate with a fourth coupling element EC4 of the support piece PS in order to participate in the coupling of the second optical element EO2 to the support piece PS.

[0062] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 4], the first lateral face FL1 is a lower face (oriented towards the bottom of the vehicle), while the second lateral face FL2 is a upper face (oriented towards the top of the vehicle). However, the first FL1 and second FL2 lateral faces could respectively be the substantially vertical opposite faces (right and left) that are substantially perpendicular to the lower and upper faces of the second optical element EO2, for example, but not limited to.

[0063] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], the third EC3 and fourth EC4 coupling elements can be clipping means. More specifically, in the illustrated example, the third coupling element EC3 is a clipping tab (protruding (here) from the upper wall of the second optical element EO2), while the fourth coupling element EC4 is a notch (or clip hole) (defined (here) in the upper wall of the support piece PS). It should be noted that an inverse arrangement, namely a fourth coupling element EC4 arranged in the form of a clip tab (protruding (here) from the upper wall of the support piece PS), and a third coupling element EC3 arranged in the form of a notch (or clip hole) (defined (here) in the upper wall of the second optical element EO2), is also possible.

[0064] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in [Fig. 4], the first lateral face FL1 (here the lower face) may include a projecting sub-part SPS in which at least one through hole is defined, constituting the first coupling element EC1 and suitable for a screw VF to pass through it. In this case, the support piece PS may include (here in its lower wall) a recess DP suitable for housing this projecting sub-part SPS (for example, a mounting tab) and which is delimited by a wall PD in which at least one other hole is defined, constituting the second coupling element EC2 and suitable for this screw VF to pass through it. Preferably, this other hole includes an internal thread for tightening and securing the screw VF, but this is not mandatory, as securing it could be achieved by means of a nut.

[0065] Also, for example, the (each) first optical element EO1 can be fixedly installed in the support piece PS by means of clipping and / or screwing.

[0066] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 3, the (each) first output SI of the (of a) first optical element EO1 can include a multiplicity of three-dimensional (or 3D) diffusing elements, so as to distribute the photons in the diffusion chamber CD along a multiplicity of propagation directions, and thus further improve the distribution of the scattered photons on the second input S2 of the second optical element EO2.

[0067] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 4, the second input E2 of the second optical element EO2 can include a multiplicity of three-dimensional (or 3D) diffusing elements, so as to distribute the photons in the first part PI of the second optical element EO2 and thus further improve the distribution of the scattered photons in the different plates L of the second part P2 of the second optical element EO2.

Claims

Demands

1. Lighting device (ED) suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising a photon source (SP) suitable for generating photons and at least one first optical element (EO1) suitable for delivering on a first output (SI) said generated photons received on a first input (E1), characterized in that it further comprises i) a diffusion chamber (CD) installed downstream of said first optical element (EO1) suitable for diffusing by reflection said photons delivered on said first output (SI), and ii) a second optical element (EO2) installed downstream of said diffusion chamber (CD) suitable for delivering on a second output (S2) said photons diffused by said diffusion chamber (CD) and received on a second input (E2), so that they perform a photometric function.

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a support piece (PS) comprising i) a rear part (PR) housing said first optical element (EO1), ii) a front part (PV) housing at least partially said second optical element (EO2), and iii) a central part (PC) located between said rear (PR) and front (PV) parts and defining said diffusion chamber (CD).

3. Lighting device according to claim 2, characterized in that at least said central part (PC) comprises internal faces (FI) having a white color optimizing the reflections of said photons.

4. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first optical element (EO1) is a light guide suitable for guiding said photons from said first input (El) to said first output (SI).

5. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said second optical element (EO2) is a light guide suitable for guiding said scattered photons from said second input (E2) to said second output (S2).

6. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said second optical element (EO2) comprises a first part (PI) having said second inlet (E2) and extended forward by a second part (P2) defining at least two blades (L) substantially parallel to each other and having respectively front faces (FV) defining said second output (S2).

7. Lighting device according to claim 2 taken in combination with claim 6, characterized in that said first part (PI) of the second optical element (EO2) comprises i) a first lateral face (FL1) provided with a first coupling element (EC1) adapted to cooperate with a second coupling element (EC2) of said support piece (PS), to participate in the coupling of said second optical element (EO2) to said support piece (PS), and ii) a second lateral face (FL2) provided with a third coupling element (EC3) adapted to cooperate with a fourth coupling element (EC4) of said support piece (PS), to participate in the coupling of said second optical element (EO2) to said support piece (PS).

8. Lighting device according to claim 7, characterized in that said first side face (FL1) comprises a protruding sub-part (SPS) in which is defined at least one through hole constituting said first coupling element (EC1) and suitable for being traversed by a screw (VF), and in that said support piece (PS) comprises a recess (DP) suitable for housing said protruding sub-part (SPS) and delimited by a wall (PD) in which is defined at least one other hole constituting said second coupling element (EC2) and suitable for partially housing said screw (VF).

9. Optical unit (OU) suitable for equipping a vehicle and for ensuring at least two photometric functions, characterized in that it includes a lighting device (WD) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one lighting device (ED) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and / or at least one optical unit (OU) according to claim 9.

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