LIGHTING DEVICE WITH DISORIENTED LIGHT GUIDES, FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A lighting device (LD) is fitted to a vehicle and comprises a photon source that generates photons, a first light guide (GL1) that receives the generated photons and delivers them to a first front face (FV1) in a first general direction, and a second, flat light guide (GL2) that receives the photons delivered to the first front face (FV1) on a rear face (FR2) and delivers them to a second front face (FV2), inclined relative to the first general direction. This first light guide (GL1) includes, near at least one end (E1, E2) of the first front face (FV1), a projecting portion (PS1, PS2) with an auxiliary front face (FVA1, FAV2) that delivers generated photons towards the rear face (FR2) in at least one auxiliary general direction inclined relative to the first general direction. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: LIGHTING DEVICE WITH DISORIENTED LIGHT GUIDES, 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] Certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, include at least one lighting device comprising a source generating photons, a first light guide suitable for receiving the generated photons and delivering them to a first front face in a general direction, and a second flat type light guide suitable for receiving on a rear face the photons delivered to the first front face and delivering them to a second front face so that they perform a photometric function.

[0003] It should be noted that this type of lighting device is generally housed in a casing that is part of the latter or of an optical block ensuring one or more photometric functions.

[0004] It should also be noted that this type of lighting device generally provides a photometric lighting function, for example intended to illuminate a grille installed in a front end of a vehicle.

[0005] Typically, the first and second light guides are installed along the same axis (parallel to the aforementioned general direction) so that the photons received by the first guide are distributed throughout the second light guide and that the second front face of the latter is illuminated homogeneously. However, such an arrangement requires that the front wall of the housing (generally a protective glass panel) be designed to leave sufficient space for the installation of the front part of the second light guide with minimal clearance (typically 2 mm or 3 mm).

[0006] However, constraints related to the housing's placement and / or design may prevent the front portion of the second light guide from being installed with the predefined minimum clearance. In this situation, the second light guide must be tilted relative to the first general direction, and therefore the first and second light guides are no longer installed along the same axis. This prevents the distribution of photons throughout the second light guide and consequently results in uneven illumination of its second outward-facing front face, which may prevent the predefined characteristics of the photometric function from being obtained.

[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, on the one hand, suitable for equipping a vehicle, and, on the other hand, comprising:

[0009] - a photon source suitable for generating photons,

[0010] - a first light guide suitable for receiving the generated photons in order to deliver them on a first front face following a first general direction, and

[0011] - a second flat-type light guide adapted to receive on a rear face the photons delivered on the first front face to be delivered on a second front face to ensure a photometric function.

[0012] This lighting device is characterized by the fact that:

[0013] - its second light guide is inclined relative to the first general direction, And

[0014] - its first light guide comprises near at least one end of the first front face a protruding part comprising an auxiliary front face suitable for delivering photons generated in the direction of the rear face along at least one general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to the first general direction.

[0015] Thanks to this double inclination, the photons delivered by the first light guide can now be distributed throughout the second light guide, which makes it possible to obtain homogeneous illumination of the second front face of the latter and therefore the predefined characteristics of the photometric function.

[0016] The lighting device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0017] - its second light guide may include at least one sub-part specific to modify by refraction and / or reflection the first general auxiliary direction so that the delivered photons which reach it arrive in at least one chosen internal zone of the second front face;

[0018] - the second front face of the second light guide can be curved in order to deflect the photons that reach it towards at least one chosen external area;

[0019] - its first light guide can include proximity to a first at the end of its first front face a first projecting part comprising a first auxiliary front face adapted to deliver photons generated in the direction of the rear face along at least one first general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to the first general direction, and near a second end of its first front face a second projecting part comprising a second face before auxiliary suitable for delivering in the direction of the rear face photons generated along at least a second general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to the first general direction;

[0020] - in the presence of the last option, the first protruding part may have a section, in a plan containing the first general direction, in the general shape of an L;

[0021] - also in the presence of the last option, the second salient part may have a section, in a plane containing the first general direction, in a generally rectangular shape;

[0022] - its first and second light guides may respectively comprise first and second coupling elements cooperating together to couple each other.

[0023] The invention also proposes an optical block suitable for equipping a vehicle and ensuring at least one photometric function, and comprising a housing, on the one hand, housing a lighting device of the type presented above, and, on the other hand, comprising a front wall provided with at least one passage through which exit photons delivered by the second front face of the lighting device.

[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.

[0025] For example, this vehicle may include a front end equipped with a grille incorporating the lighting device or the optical unit. Brief description of the figures

[0026] 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:

[0027] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, an example of an embodiment of an optical block comprising an example of an embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention,

[0028] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a vertical and longitudinal plane, a part of the optical block of [Fig.1] at the level of its lighting device,

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a vertical and longitudinal plane, the lighting device of [Fig.2] with the representation in dashed lines of several photon paths,

[0030] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the first light guide of the lighting device of Figures 2 and 3 before its coupling to the second light guide,

[0031] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a rear perspective view, a portion of the first light guide of [Fig.4] at the level of one of its first coupling elements,

[0032] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side and in a cross-sectional view in a vertical and longitudinal plane at the level of a first coupling element, the part of the first light guide of the [Fig.5],

[0033] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the second light guide of the lighting device of Figures 2 and 3 before its coupling to the first light guide, and

[0034] [Fig. 8] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front, the coupling between the first and second light guides of Figures 4 and 7. Detailed description of the invention

[0035] The invention aims in particular to provide a DE lighting device intended to equip a vehicle and having first GL1 and second GL2 light guides which are not aligned along the same axis (or disoriented) while allowing homogeneous illumination.

[0036] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the lighting device DE is part of an optical unit BO intended to equip the front end of a motor vehicle, and which may optionally perform at least one other photometric function in addition to that performed 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).

[0037] Furthermore, in the following, by way of non-limiting example, it is considered that the optical block BO (but it could be the lighting device DE) is intended to equip a grille installed in the front end of the vehicle.

[0038] But the DE lighting device can be fitted to any front or rear end of a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air).

[0039] Finally, in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the DE lighting device is considered to perform a photometric lighting function. More specifically, it is intended (here) to illuminate at least part of the grille. But the DE lighting device could perform another photometric lighting or signaling function, such as a daytime running light (or DRL – a photometric signaling function, possibly with variable intensity), or a turn signal (or indicator) function.

[0040] In Figures 1 to 8, 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 transverse direction Y.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate, at least partially, an example of an embodiment of an optical block BO comprising an example of an embodiment of a lighting device DE according to the invention and intended (here) to be installed in a grille of a vehicle.

[0043] This optical block BO comprises, in addition to the DE lighting device according to the invention, a housing BB in which this DE lighting device is fixedly installed, and a front panel PV having a protective glass GP located furthest downstream (with respect to the direction of photon propagation), fixedly attached to the housing BB in front of the second front face FV2 of the DE lighting device, and through which the photons perform the photometric function of the latter (DE) exit. It should be noted that here the PV front panel is provided with seven PP passages through which photons emitted by a second front face FV2 of the DE lighting device exit, each PP passage housing a sub-part of the GP protective glass. However, the PV front panel can be provided with any number of PP passages greater than or equal to one and housing a GP protective glass or a sub-part of a GP protective glass.

[0044] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 and 3, a lighting device DE, according to the invention, comprises a photon source SP, a first light guide GL1, and a second light guide GL2.

[0045] It should be noted that here the lighting device DE does not include a housing because it is intended to be part of an optical unit BO comprising such a housing BB. However, a lighting device DE, according to the invention, may also include a housing and a protective lens when it constitutes an independent optical unit.

[0046] The SP photon source is suitable for generating photons to participate in the photometric function (here a function of lighting a grille).

[0047] 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. It should also be noted, although not shown in Figures 2 and 3, that the lighting device DE may also include an electronic board comprising the SP photon source and electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of this SP photon source. Also, for example, this electronic board can be a PCB type printed circuit board ("Printed Circuit Board").

[0048] The first light guide GL1 is arranged to receive the photons generated by the photon source SP and deliver them to a first front face FV1 along a first general direction dgl (see [Fig.2]).

[0049] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2, 3, 7, and 8, the second light guide GL2 is of the flat (or "blade") type and is inclined with respect to the first general direction dgl. This means that it has an axis a2 that is parallel to its largest faces (here, the lower and upper faces) and forms a chosen, non-zero acute angle with the first general direction dgl. This inclination is intended to provide sufficient clearance for the front portion of the second light guide GL2 so that it can be mounted with minimal play (typically 2 mm or 3 mm) in the BB housing.

[0050] This second light guide GL2 is arranged so as to receive on a second rear face FR2 the photons which are delivered on the first front face FV 1 of the first light guide GL1 to deliver them on its second front face FV2 (oriented towards the front wall PV (and its protective glass GP)), so that they perform the photometric function (here of lighting).

[0051] Furthermore, the first light guide GL1 includes, near at least one end Ej (j = 1 or 2) of the first front face FV1, a projecting part PSj which has an auxiliary front face FVAj suitable for delivering photons generated in the direction of the second rear face FR2 along at least one general auxiliary direction which is inclined with respect to the first general direction dgl.

[0052] Thanks to the inclination of each auxiliary general direction relative to the first general direction dgl and the inclination of axis a2 relative to the first general direction dgl, the photons delivered by the first light guide GL1 can now be distributed throughout the second light guide GL2, thus obtaining homogeneous illumination of the second outward-facing front face FV2. This therefore makes it possible to obtain the predefined characteristics of the photometric function.

[0053] For example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2 and 3, the second light guide GL2 may include at least one sub-part SPj which is adapted to modify, by refraction and / or reflection, the first general auxiliary direction so that the delivered photons which reach it arrive in at least one chosen internal region Zlj of the second front face FV2. It will be understood that each sub-part SPj is associated with an auxiliary front face FVAj in order to act specifically on the photons delivered by the latter (FVAj).

[0054] As illustrated, each subpart SPj can take the form of an inward step or notch or bulge defining a curved (or curvilinear) portion, for example.

[0055] Some purely illustrative photon paths are shown as dashed lines in [Fig. 3], in order to illustrate examples of photon refraction at the outer / inner interface of the second rear face FR2 and at the inner / outer interface of the second front face FV2, and examples of internal photon reflection in the second light guide GL2. Some of these internal reflections and refractions shown are due to the presence of a sub-part SPj.

[0056] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2, 3, 7 and 8, the second front face FV2 of the second light guide GL2 can be curved in order to deflect the photons that reach it towards at least one chosen external zone ZE.

[0057] It should be noted that there are as many external ZE zones chosen as there are PP passages defined in the front wall PV (and therefore sub-parts of the protective glass GP), namely (here) seven. But the second front face FV2 of the second light guide GL2 can be curved continuously, over its entire extension (here along the transverse direction Y).

[0058] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 6, the first light guide GL1 may include, near a first end El (j = 1, and here lower) of the first front face FV1, a first protruding part PSI comprising a first auxiliary front face FVA1, and, near a second end E2 (j = 2, and here upper) of the first front face FV1, a second protruding part PS2 comprising a second auxiliary front face FVA2.

[0059] The first auxiliary front face FVA1 is adapted to deliver photons generated along at least one first general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to the first general direction dgl towards the second rear face FR2 of the second light guide GL2. The second auxiliary front face FVA2 is adapted to deliver photons generated along at least one second general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to the first general direction dgl towards the second rear face FR2.

[0060] But the first light guide GL1 could include, near only one of the two ends Ej (here the lower or the upper) of its first front face FV1, only a single protruding part PSj comprising an auxiliary front face FVAj.

[0061] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation and at least partially in Figures 2, 3 and 6, when the first light guide GL1 It includes a first projecting part PSI (here lower), the latter (PSI) having a generally L-shaped cross-section in a plane (here XZ) containing the first general direction dgl. This allows for an increase not only in the surface area of ​​the first auxiliary front face FVA1 but also in the number of different first general auxiliary directions of the photons exiting the first auxiliary front face FVA1, as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 3] by some of the lower paths shown in dashes. However, in an unillustrated alternative embodiment, the first projecting part PSI could have a generally rectangular cross-section in a plane (here XZ) containing the first general direction dgl.

[0062] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 2, 3, and 6, when the first light guide GL1 includes a second projecting part PS2 (here upper), the latter (PS2) may have a generally rectangular cross-section in a plane (here XZ) containing the first general direction dgl. But in an alternative embodiment not shown, the second projecting part PS2 could have a generally L-shaped cross-section in a plane (here XZ) containing the first general direction dgl.

[0063] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 4 to 8, the first GL1 and second GL2 light guides may respectively comprise first EC1 and second EC2 coupling elements that cooperate to couple them to each other. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 4 to 8, the first EC1 and second EC2 coupling elements are coupling tabs intended to be pressed against each other and provided with through holes allowing the passage of screws or bolts cooperating with nuts placed against the rear faces of the first coupling tabs EC1. However, the first EC1 and second EC2 coupling elements could be clipping means, such as, for example, notched clipping tabs and clipping holes.

[0064] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 7 and 8, one of the first GL1 and second GL2 light guides may include at least two PF mounting tabs for attaching the first GL1 and second GL2 light guides, after coupling, to the BB housing. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 7 and 8, it is the second GL2 light guide that includes the mounting tabs. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, it is the first GL1 light guide that could include the PF mounting tabs.

[0065] Also, for example, the first GL1 and second GL2 light guides can be one-piece parts made by molding a rigid material that is transparent to the photons generated by the SP photon source. For example, this material can be a polycarbonate (or PC), and possibly a PC "TARFLON" (registered trademark) because the latter promotes the scattering of photons.

[0066] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 5 to 8, the first rear face FRI of the first light guide GL1 may comprise a multitude of three-dimensional (or 3D) diffusing elements, so as to distribute the photons from the photon source SP in the first light guide GL1. Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 5 to 8, the second front face FV2 of the second light guide GL2 may comprise a multitude of three-dimensional (or 3D) diffusing elements, so as to distribute the photons in each outer zone ZE (and therefore in each PP passage).

Claims

Demands

1. Lighting device (ED) suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising i) a photon source suitable for generating photons, ii) a first light guide (GL1) suitable for receiving said generated photons and delivering them to a first front face (FV1) in a first general direction, and iii) a second flat light guide (GL2) suitable for receiving said photons delivered to said first front face (FV1) on a rear face (FR2) and delivering them to a second front face (FV2) to perform a photometric function, characterized in that said second light guide (GL2) is inclined with respect to said first general direction,and in that said first light guide (GL1) comprises, near at least one end (Ej) of said first front face (FV1), a protruding part (PSj) having an auxiliary front face (FVAj) adapted to deliver, in the direction of said rear face (FR2), photons generated along at least one general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to said first general direction.

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that said second light guide (GL2) comprises at least one sub-part (SPj) adapted to modify by refraction and / or reflection said first general auxiliary direction so that the delivered photons which reach it arrive in at least one selected internal zone (Zlj) of said second front face (FV2).

3. Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said second front face (FV2) is curved in order to deflect said photons which reach it towards at least one selected external zone (ZE).

4. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first light guide (GL1) comprises, near a first end (E1) of said first front face (FV1), a first protruding part (PSI) having a first auxiliary front face (FVA1) adapted to deliver, in the direction of said rear face (FR2), photons generated along at least one first general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to said first general direction, and near a second end (E2) of said first front face (FV1) a second protruding part (PS2) comprising a second auxiliary front face (FVA2) suitable for delivering photons generated in the direction of said rear face (FR2) along at least one second general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to said first general direction.

5. Lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that said first protruding part (PSI) has a section, in a plane containing said first general direction, in the general shape of L.

6. Lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that said second protruding part (PS2) has a section, in a plane containing said first general direction, in a generally rectangular shape.

7. Lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first (GL1) and second (GL2) light guides comprise respectively first (EC1) and second (EC2) coupling elements cooperating together to couple them to each other.

8. Optical unit (OU) suitable for equipping a vehicle and ensuring at least one photometric function, characterized in that it comprises a housing (BB) housing a lighting device (ED) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and comprising a front wall (PV) provided with at least one passage (PP) through which photons delivered by said second front face (FV2) of said lighting device (ED) exit.

9. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one lighting device (ED) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and / or at least one optical unit (OU) according to claim 8.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a front end equipped with a grille including said lighting device (DE) or said optical unit (BO).

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