VEHICLE LIGHTING ASSEMBLY INCLUDING AN LED LIGHTING MODULE AND ITS ASSEMBLY METHOD

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle lighting assembly (10), comprising a glazing unit (1) and an LED lighting module having a base (3), fixed to an inner face (11a) of the glazing unit (1), and arranged to receive a removable illuminating part (2) comprising light-emitting diodes (22), and comprising an elastic return means (36) arranged to hold, by clipping, in a service position, an illuminating part (2) resting on the base, near the inner face (11a), at a predetermined distance from the inner face (11a) of the glazing unit (1), relates to a vehicle equipped with at least one such lighting assembly (10), and a method for reversibly assembling such a lighting assembly (10), and in particular the illuminating part (2) relative to the base (3). Abstract figure: [Fig. 8]

Description

Title of the invention: LIGHTING ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLES COMPRISING AN LED LIGHTING MODULE, AND ITS ASSEMBLY METHOD

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting assembly for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a glazing having an outer face intended to be oriented towards an outer space, an edge, and an inner face intended to be oriented towards an inner space, said lighting assembly comprising at least one LED lighting module having on the one hand a base and on the other hand at least one lighting part comprising at least one light-emitting diode.

[0002] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one such lighting assembly.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method of assembling such a lighting assembly for a vehicle.

[0004] The invention relates to light-emitting diode modules, hereinafter referred to as "LEDs" (from the English "light emitting diode"), for glazing, in particular for motor vehicles.

[0005] It is known in the prior art to have glazing incorporating one or more light-emitting diodes. Document WO 2018 / 178591 discloses a motor vehicle lighting assembly comprising a light-emitting diode module and laminated glazing, an inner sheet of glass having a through-hole, the module having an illuminating part disposed in this opening.

[0006] However, the module's mounting may become unreliable, and its positioning relative to the center of the inner glass pane's thickness may vary. Even a small variation in this positioning can lead to a significant loss of the amount of light ultimately transmitted through the inner glass pane. This can result in a deviation of the module's light-emitting portion from its nominal position relative to the inner glass pane.

[0007] Currently, several LED module mounting systems for illuminated glazing, known as "lighting" in English, exist, notably those described in document WO2022 / 229542A1. However, these systems require tools and complicated assembly / disassembly of the LED modules and surrounding parts on the vehicle. Constraints related to limited space and the operating procedure must be taken into account. assembly and disassembly when changing LED modules, which must remain easy, especially in after-sales service.

[0008] The object of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing a light-emitting diode module that is simple to mount and dismount, while being extremely reliable over time and in the use of the vehicle, as well as a method of assembling such a module with glazing, which is simplified and more reliable than in the prior art.

[0009] The present invention is thus based on a solution in which the light-emitting diode module is permanently under the effect of a clipping force in order to ensure that an illuminating part (light-emitting part) of this module is permanently correctly positioned with respect to the inner face of the glazing.

[0010] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a lighting assembly for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a glazing having an outer face intended to be oriented towards an outer space, an edge, and an inner face intended to be oriented towards an inner space, said lighting assembly comprising at least one LED lighting module having on the one hand a base and on the other hand at least one lighting part comprising at least one light-emitting diode.

[0011] According to the invention, each said base is either arranged to be fixed to said inner face on the side of said inner space, or incorporated into said glazing of which said base is projecting on the side of said inner space, and each said base comprises at least one bearing surface, for receiving at least one said removable lighting part, and comprises elastic return means which are arranged to hold by clipping, in a service position, said lighting part in support on said at least one bearing surface, near said inner face, at a predetermined distance from said inner face of said glazing.The said elastic return means are at least two support tabs, each support tab being linked to said base at a connecting end and extending substantially towards the center of said glazing, in order to allow at least one said illuminating part to be introduced between said support tabs and said base in a movement generally oriented from the center of said glazing towards an edge of said glazing.

[0012] Advantageously, said elastic return means consist solely of support tabs linked to said base at a connecting end and extending substantially towards the center of said glazing, in order to allow at least one said illuminating part to be introduced between said support tabs and said base in a movement generally oriented from the center of said glazing towards an edge of said glazing.

[0013] Advantageously, said support tabs have a certain flexibility, so as to be able to deform under the effect of the introduction of said illuminating part between them and said base. They may have a corrugated shape, with a free end located not in contact with but at a distance from said illuminating part.

[0014] Thus, the illuminating part of the module is correctly positioned relative to the inner face of the glazing and correctly held in this position. Thanks to the support tabs, assembly (or disassembly) is carried out from the side; assembly and disassembly are tool-free; in the prior art, the available space was not taken into account, whereas here the invention requires very little space; furthermore, for a particular "rooftop" configuration (glazing in the roof of the vehicle), assembly (or disassembly) is carried out from the center of the glazing, which is one application among many.

[0015] Advantageously, said illuminating part is arranged to be inserted between a first spar of said base and each of said elastic return means of said base, or to be extracted from said base between said first spar and each of said elastic return means of said base, obliquely with respect to a plane tangent locally to said inner face of said glazing at the level of said base.

[0016] The insertion or extraction maneuver is thus easy, and along a single path.

[0017] Advantageously, said first spar of said base comprises a first bearing surface arranged to cooperate in support with a first complementary bearing surface which comprises said lighting part in said service position in which said lighting part is clipped onto said base, and said base comprises a second spar which comprises a second bearing surface arranged to cooperate in support with a second complementary bearing surface which comprises said lighting part in said service position.

[0018] A unique relative positioning of the illuminating part with respect to the base is thus ensured, in the service position.

[0019] Advantageously, each of said elastic return means of said base has an elastic stroke allowing the insertion of said lighting part in support on said first spar and on said second spar.

[0020] The illuminating part can thus take a stable service position.

[0021] Advantageously, said second longitudinal member or elastic return means comprises at least a second front stop bearing surface arranged to constitute a front stop of a second front surface comprising said lighting part, when said lighting part is inserted.

[0022] This stable service position is thus a fixed position.

[0023] Advantageously, said first longitudinal member comprises at least a first frontal stop bearing surface arranged to constitute a frontal stop for a first frontal surface comprising said illuminating part, in order to oppose the extraction of said illuminating part in the absence of any manipulation of said at least one elastic return means.

[0024] The illuminating part is thus kept locked in its service position.

[0025] Advantageously, said illuminating part includes at least one operating surface arranged to be operated by a tool or a user to exert on said illuminating part a force tending to move it away from said glazing and to elastically deform said elastic return means to allow the release of said first front surface relative to said first front stop support surface, and to allow an angular movement of said illuminating part relative to said plane tangent locally to said inner face of said glazing at the level of said base.

[0026] Thus, dismantling the lighting part from the base and the glazing is only possible with the application of a directed force, applied on a particular surface.

[0027] Advantageously, said lighting part comprises, in the vicinity of said second front surface, at least one elastic thrust means, which tends to oppose the introduction of said lighting part into a butt against second front stop support surface, and which is arranged to, in the absence of external force, extract said lighting part from said base when said first front surface is clear of said first front stop support surface.

[0028] Thus, the locking position is maintained with a compensation of the play by this means of elastic push, and the extraction of the illuminating part from the base and the glazing is facilitated, as soon as the unlocking is carried out by pressing on the operating surface.

[0029] In a first alternative, said base is held on said glazing by means of bonding.

[0030] The base is therefore versatile, and is adaptable to different glazing.

[0031] In a second alternative, said base is overmolded onto said glazing.

[0032] The connection between the glazing and the base is then very close, and provides great resistance to this lighting assembly.

[0033] Advantageously, said base forms a frame comprising longitudinal members and ribs, which is arranged to completely surround said illuminating part in said service position, and to constitute means of blocking light leakage into the interior of the vehicle.

[0034] Such a frame is particularly rigid, and makes it easy to achieve optical sealing when the LEDs are switched on.

[0035] More particularly, said glazing is laminated glazing comprising an inner sheet of glass, an outer sheet of glass, and at least one interlayer sheet of plastic material located between said inner sheet of glass and said outer sheet of glass.

[0036] The invention is thus well suited for use on a motor vehicle.

[0037] Advantageously, each said illuminating part of said at least one LED lighting module includes electrical connection means for its connection by plugging into the power supply and control means included in said vehicle.

[0038] This lighting part is therefore removable, not only mechanically, but also electrically.

[0039] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one such lighting assembly.

[0040] The invention further relates to a method of assembling such a lighting assembly for a vehicle.

[0041] According to the invention, this method comprises a first step of preparing said glazing: either of overmolding said base onto said glazing, or of applying at least one adhesive material to said base and / or to said inner face of said glazing; in the alternative of applying adhesive material, a second step of depositing said base onto said inner face; then a sequence of reversible assembly steps comprising a third step of preparing said illuminating part by fixing or gluing at least one light-emitting diode, and associated electrical connection means, onto a second complementary support surface comprising said illuminating part and which is intended to face said inner face of said glazing;a fourth step of obliquely presenting at least one of said lighting parts between, on the one hand, a first longitudinal member of said base, and on the other hand, at least one of said elastic return means of said base; a fifth step of butting each of said lighting parts against a second longitudinal member of said base; a sixth step of resting each of said lighting parts on said first longitudinal member and on said second longitudinal member, in a service position in which said lighting part is held in rest on said base parallel to said inner face of said glazing under the force exerted by the clipping of said elastic return means, at a predetermined distance from said inner face of said glazing; a seventh step of connecting said electrical connection means to power supply and control means of said vehicle.

[0042] This method thus comprises, after a durable fixing of the base on the glazing, a sequence of reversible operations allowing the assembly or extraction of the illuminating part.

[0043] Advantageously, said illuminating part includes at least one elastic thrust means, and said fifth stop step is accompanied by a compression of said at least one elastic thrust means.

[0044] Thus, the gaps are caught during the insertion of the illuminating part.

[0045] Advantageously, a preliminary marking step of said inner face of said glazing is carried out before said first preparation step of said glazing.

[0046] Such marking is therefore easier to carry out than once the base has been put in place.

[0047] Advantageously, the method comprises, after said seventh connection step, a reversible dismantling sequence comprising an eighth dismantling step of disconnecting said electrical connection means from the power supply and control means, and a ninth dismantling step of operating each said lighting part by pressure by a tool or by a user on at least one operating surface, which comprises each said lighting part, against said elastic return means, to allow the oblique extraction of said lighting part relative to said base, under the action of extraction push of at least one elastic push means which comprises said lighting part.

[0048] Electrical and mechanical disassembly is therefore extremely easy, without damaging the base or the glazing.

[0049] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig.1] illustrates schematically and in perspective, a base, arranged to be fixed on a glazing, and which includes a vehicle lighting assembly according to the invention; its non-limiting form is that of a frame with two parallel longitudinal members held by ribs, one of the longitudinal members carrying elastic return means, here two in number, designed to exert a support force by clipping on a removable lighting part, not shown here, inserted in this base; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates in cross-section passing through an elastic return means, perpendicular to the stringers and parallel to the ribs of the base of [Fig.1], this same base fixed on the inner face of a glazing, here by means of bonding on each of the stringers of the base; - [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates, in perspective and showing its side intended to face the inner face of the glazing, a removable lighting element carrying a plurality of light-emitting diodes, known as LEDs. This removable lighting element is notably plate-shaped and opaque; at the top right of the figure, a front surface designed to abut against a the surface of the base is interrupted by two elastic thrust means in the form of oblique leaf springs, each of which can be compressed in an adjacent housing; at the bottom left of the figure a maneuvering surface allows a manipulator or operator to maneuver this removable illuminating part for its insertion into the base, or for its extraction from the base; [Fig.4] schematically illustrates the removable lighting part of [Fig.3] in perspective showing its side opposite that of [Fig.3], we can distinguish two housings with substantially flat bearing surfaces intended to cooperate with the elastic clipping return means of [Fig.1], these two surfaces being here surrounded by a plurality of lightening and stiffening cells; [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, similarly to [Fig.2], a first alternative where the base is glued to the inner face of the glazing, on each of the base's stringers; [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, similarly to [Fig.5], a second alternative where the base is overmolded with the glazing, during encapsulation on the glass, and remains protruding from the inner face of the glazing, carrying each of the base's stringers; [Fig.7] schematically illustrates, similarly to [Fig.2], an operation of oblique presentation of the illuminating part between a first spar of the base, and the elastic return means of clipping the base; [Fig.8] schematically illustrates, similarly to [Fig.7], the final state after a complete insertion operation of the lighting part into the base according to [Fig.2], with its tilting parallel to the inner face of the glazing, and its butting against a second base rail, on the left of the figure, by compressing the oblique spring blades of [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] in their housing, and by blocking against the edge of the first base rail two butting support surfaces forming a dihedral, on the right side of the figure, this positioning allowing the lighting part to be clipped onto the base in a very precise geometric position; this final state constitutes the service position of the lighting part; [Fig.9] schematically illustrates, similarly to [Fig.8], the final state after a complete introduction of the illuminating part into the base according to [Fig.5]; [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates, in perspective from the same side as [Fig. 4], the lighting assembly according to the invention, with the glazing, the base according to [Fig. 2], and the removable lighting part according to [Fig. 4], fixed in its service position by clipping the elastic return means of the base onto the substantially flat support surfaces of the removable lighting part, of which electrical connection means are seen on the right of the figure, comprising a mobile cable bundle and a mobile connector ready for its connection by plugging into the power supply and control means included in the vehicle, also comprising a fixed connector and a fixed cable bundle, in the left part of the figure; - [Fig. 11] illustrates schematically and in perspective in a similar way to [Fig. 10], the same lighting setup after disconnection between the mobile connector and the fixed connector; - [Fig. 12] illustrates schematically and in cross-section similar to [Fig.8], the application of a bearing force on a maneuvering surface of the illuminating part, against the elastic return means, to allow the oblique extraction of the illuminating part relative to the base; - [Fig. 13] illustrates schematically and in perspective in a similar way to [Fig.11], the same lighting assembly after its release according to [Fig.12], the elastic restoring force exerted by the release of the spring blades of [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] out of their housing, to push the lighting part obliquely relative to the base and thus extract it completely; - [Fig. 14] schematically illustrates, in cross-section, the particular case of laminated glass glazing; - [Fig. 15] schematically illustrates, in elevation, a vehicle comprising a lighting system according to the invention; - [Fig. 16] illustrates in the form of a block diagram, the steps of an assembly process for such a lighting set, comprising a reversible assembly sequence in solid line, followed by a disassembly sequence in dashed line.

[0050] The invention relates to a lighting assembly 10 for a vehicle, in particular for a motor vehicle 1000.

[0051] This lighting assembly 10 comprises a glazing 1 having an exterior face 12b intended to be oriented towards an exterior space EXT, an edge, and an interior face lia intended to be oriented towards an interior space INT.

[0052] The lighting assembly 10 comprises at least one LED lighting module, itself comprising on the one hand a base 3, visible in [Fig.1] and [Fig.2], and on the other hand at least one lighting part 2, visible in [Fig.3] and [Fig.4], comprising at least one LED or light-emitting diode 22.

[0053] According to the invention, each base 3 is either arranged to be fixed to the inner face lia on the side of the inner space INT, as seen in [Fig.2] and [Fig.5], or incorporated into the glazing 1, the base 3 of which is projecting on the side of the interior space INT, as seen in [Fig.6]. And each base 3, thus fixed to the glazing 1, has at least one bearing surface 345, 315, for receiving at least one removable lighting part 2, and has at least one elastic return means 36, preferably elastic return means 36, which is arranged or are arranged to hold by clipping, in a service position, a lighting part 2 resting on at least one bearing surface 345, 315, near the interior face 1la, at a predetermined distance from the interior face 1la of the glazing 1.

[0054] And these elastic return means 36 are preferably at least two support tabs, one connecting end 33 of which is fixed to the base 3 near the edge of the glazing 1, and are oriented substantially towards the center of the glazing 1, in order to allow at least one illuminating part 2 to be introduced in a movement oriented generally from the center of the glazing 1 towards this edge.

[0055] The base 3 comprises longitudinal members 31, 34, which extend along a longitudinal direction Y. The elastic return means 36 extend along a transverse direction X, and are arranged to exert a thrust force along a frontal direction Z, this thrust force being directed towards the glazing 1 on which the base 3 is fixed.

[0056] More particularly, each illuminating part 2 is a plate, preferably opaque, arranged to be inserted between a first spar 31 of the base 3 and each elastic return means 36 of the base 3, or to be extracted from the base 3 between the first spar 31 and each elastic return means 36 of the base 3, obliquely with respect to a plane tangent locally to the inner face 1 of the glazing 1 at the level of the base 3, as seen in [Fig.7].

[0057] Advantageously, each lighting part 2 comprises at least one housing 28 arranged to cooperate with an elastic return means 36 of the base 3, and to limit to a minimum of play its movement along the longitudinal direction Y; this housing 28 advantageously comprises a substantially flat bearing surface 237, arranged to cooperate with a projection 37 of the elastic return means 36 of the base 3. This elastic return means 36 is advantageously embedded at a connecting end 33, and comprises a free end 38 for its operation by a manipulator or a user.

[0058] Advantageously, each illuminating part 2 has lightening and stiffening cells 230, 250.

[0059] Each lighting part 2 comprises a support plate 23 carrying at least one LED 22 on a support 21, this support plate 23 comprises a front part 24 having a second front surface 230 along the transverse direction X. The support plate 23 is adjacent to an operating plate 25.

[0060] Advantageously, the illuminating part 2 includes longitudinal stop means 249 arranged to cooperate with ribs 39 of the base 3, for precise positioning.

[0061] More particularly, the first longitudinal member 31 of the base 3 has a first bearing surface 315, for example at the level of a straight part 343, and which is arranged to cooperate in support with a first complementary bearing surface 215 which comprises a lighting part 2 in the service position, in which the lighting part 2 is clipped onto the base 3. And the base 3 has a second longitudinal member 34 which has a second bearing surface 345 arranged to cooperate in support with a second complementary bearing surface 240 which comprises the lighting part 2 in the service position, as seen in [Fig.7] and [Fig.8].

[0062] More particularly, each elastic return means 36 of the base 3 has an elastic stroke allowing the insertion of the illuminating part 2 in support on the first longitudinal member 31 and on the second longitudinal member 34.

[0063] More particularly, the second longitudinal member 34 or the elastic return means 36 comprises at least a second front stop bearing surface 330, which is arranged to constitute a front stop of a second front surface 230 which comprises the illuminating part 2, when the illuminating part 2 is inserted, as seen in [Fig.7].

[0064] More particularly, the first longitudinal member 31 includes at least a first front stop bearing surface 310, which is arranged to constitute a front stop of a first front surface 210 which comprises the illuminating part 2, to oppose the extraction of the illuminating part 2 in the absence of any manipulation of the elastic return means 36, as seen in [Fig.8].

[0065] More particularly, the illuminating part 2 includes at least one operating surface 29, which is arranged to be operated, as seen in [Fig. 12], by a tool or by a user to exert on the illuminating part 2 a force tending to move it away from the glazing 1 and to elastically deform the elastic return means 36 to allow the first front surface 210 to be released from the first front stop support surface 310, and to allow an angular movement of the illuminating part 2 with respect to the plane tangent locally to the inner face 1 of the glazing 1 at the level of the base 3.

[0066] More particularly, the illuminating part 2 comprises, in the vicinity of the second front surface 230, at least one elastic thrust means 26, as seen in [Fig.2] and [Fig.3], which tends to oppose the introduction of the illuminating part 2 against the second front abutment support surface 330, and to compensate for any play, and which is arranged to, in the absence of external force, extract the illuminating part 2 from the base 3 when the first front surface 210 is clear of the first front stop support surface 310, as seen in [Fig. 13].

[0067] In a first alternative, the base 3 is held on the glazing 1 by means of adhesive 32, 35, as seen in [Fig.2] and [Fig.5].

[0068] In a second alternative, the base 3 is overmolded onto the glazing 1, as seen in [Fig.6] and [Fig.9]. Supports 311 and 335 can then respectively carry a first spar 312 with overmolding points 320, and a second spar 340 with overmolding points 350, this second spar 340 carrying each elastic return means 360 with its projection 370.

[0069] More particularly, as seen in [Fig.1], the base 3 forms a frame comprising longitudinal members 31, 34 and ribs 39; this frame is arranged to completely surround the illuminating part 2 in the service position, and makes it possible to constitute means of blocking light leakage into the interior of the vehicle.

[0070] More specifically, the glazing 1 is a laminated glazing comprising an inner glass sheet 11, an outer glass sheet 12, and at least one interlayer of plastic material 13 situated between the inner glass sheet 11 and the outer glass sheet 12. The interlayer of plastic material 13 may be, for example, flexible polyurethane, a plasticizer-free thermoplastic such as ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The interlayer of plastic material 13 may, for example, have a thickness of between 0.2 mm and 1.1 mm, or even between 0.38 mm and 0.76 mm.

[0071] As shown in [Fig. 14], the inner glass sheet 11 has an inner face lia, oriented towards the interior INT of the glazing 1, and an interlayer face 11b, oriented towards the exterior EXT of the glazing 1. The outer glass sheet 12 has an interlayer face 12a, oriented towards the interior INT of the glazing 1, and an outer face 12b oriented towards the exterior EXT of the glazing 1. The inner face lia is the inner face of the glazing 1 and the outer face 12b is the exterior face of the glazing 1. The plastic interlayer sheet 13 allows the inner glass sheet 11 to be bonded to the outer glass sheet 12.

[0072] A glazing unit is said to be "laminated" in the sense that there is no gas space or void space between the at least three sheets that constitute it in the exterior-interior transverse direction. Although not illustrated, the glazing unit may in particular include two interlayer sheets of plastic material.

[0073] More specifically, each illuminating part 2 of the LED lighting module includes electrical connection means 40 for plugging into power supply and control means 50 of a vehicle 1000. As shown in [Fig. 10] and [Fig. 11], these electrical connection means 40 include a movable cable harness 42 and a movable connector 41 arranged to its connection by plugging into a fixed connector 51 and a fixed cable bundle 52 comprising the power supply and control means 50.

[0074] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle 1000 comprising at least one such lighting assembly 10.

[0075] The invention further relates to a method of assembling such a lighting assembly 10 for a vehicle 1000, the method comprising a succession of steps as follows.

[0076] A first step 100 of preparing the glazing 1, or of overmolding the base 3 onto the glazing 1, or of applying at least one adhesive material 32, 35, onto the base 3 and / or onto the inner face 1la of the glazing 1; in the alternative of applying adhesive material, a second step 200 of depositing the base 3 onto the inner face lia.

[0077] Then a sequence of reversible assembly steps as follows.

[0078] A third step 300 of preparing an illuminating part 2 by fixing or gluing at least one light-emitting diode 22, and associated electrical connection means 40, on a second complementary support surface 240 which comprises the illuminating part 2 and which is intended to face the inner face 1 of the glazing 1.

[0079] A fourth step 400 of oblique presentation of at least one illuminating part 2 between on the one hand a first spar 31 which comprises the base 3, and on the other hand at least one elastic return means 36 of the base 3.

[0080] A fifth step 500 of butting each lighting part 2 against a second longitudinal member 34 which comprises the base 3.

[0081] A sixth step 600 of placing each lighting part 2 on the first spar 31 and on the second spar 34, in a service position in which the lighting part 2 is held in support on the base 3 parallel to the inner face 1 la of the glazing 1 under the force exerted by the clipping of the elastic return means 36, this holding being carried out at a predetermined distance from the inner face lia of the glazing 1.

[0082] A seventh step 700 of connecting the electrical connection means 40 to the power supply and control means 50 included in the vehicle 1000.

[0083] More particularly, the illuminating part 2 includes at least one elastic thrust means 26, and the fifth stop step 500 is accompanied by a compression of at least one elastic thrust means 26.

[0084] More specifically, a preliminary marking step of the inner face 1 of the glazing 1 is carried out before the first step 100 of preparing the glazing 1.

[0085] More particularly, the assembly process comprises, after the seventh step 700 of connection, a reversible disassembly sequence comprising an eighth disassembly step 800 of disconnecting the electrical connection means 40 supply and control means 50, and a ninth dismantling step 900 of maneuvering each lighting part 2 by pressure by a tool or by a user on at least one maneuvering surface 29, which comprises each lighting part 2, against the elastic return means 36, to allow the oblique extraction of the lighting part 2 relative to the base 3, under the action of extraction push of at least one elastic push means 26 which comprises the lighting part 2.

[0086] In summary, the invention proposes a system for mounting / dismounting LED modules, thanks to a simple assembly of two elements: the base, fixed to the glazing by means of adhesive or overmolded within the encapsulation, serving as a base and support for at least one illuminating element (which can be easily juxtaposed with the same base). This illuminating element integrates the LED module and the wiring. The assembly of the base and the illuminating element is simple, quick, and tool-free, achieved by sliding the illuminating element onto the base at an angle, without having to remove the glazing. Disassembly is just as easy and allows for easy replacement of the LEDs.

[0087] Thanks to the support tabs, assembly (or disassembly) is carried out from the side; assembly and disassembly are tool-free. In the prior art, the available space was not taken into account, whereas here the invention requires very little space. Furthermore, for a particular, non-limiting configuration, such as a "rooftop" (glazing in the vehicle's roof), assembly (or disassembly) is carried out from the center of the glazing. But of course, this is not the only application of the invention.

[0088] The invention allows for the easy, quick, and tool-free mounting and dismounting of LED modules from a vehicle-mounted glazing unit. This glazing unit can be encapsulated and include, via overmolding, the base that serves as a receiver for the LED module of the illuminating section. Furthermore, since the assembly of the two components is quite thin (approximately 8 mm relative to the inner surface of the glazing), this results in a space saving in terms of height within the vehicle.

Claims

Demands

1. A lighting assembly (10) for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising a glazing (1) having an outer face (12b) intended to be oriented towards an exterior space (EXT), an edge, and an inner face (1a) intended to be oriented towards an interior space (INT), said lighting assembly (10) comprising at least one LED lighting module having on the one hand a base (3) and on the other hand at least one illuminating part (2) comprising at least one light-emitting diode (22), characterized in that each said base (3) is either arranged to be fixed to said inner face (1a) on the side of said interior space (INT), or incorporated into said glazing (1) of which said base (3) is projecting on the side of said interior space (INT), and in that each said base (3) comprises at least one bearing surface (345, 315) for receiving at least one said removable illuminating part (2),and comprises elastic return means (36) arranged to hold, by clipping, in a service position, said illuminating part (2) bearing on said at least one bearing surface (345, 315) near said inner face (1a), at a predetermined distance from said inner face (1a) of said glazing (1), and in that said elastic return means (36) are at least two support tabs, each support tab being connected to said base (3) at a connecting end (33) and extending substantially towards the center of said glazing (1), in order to allow at least one said illuminating part (2) to be inserted between said support tabs and said base (3) in a movement generally oriented from the center of said glazing (1) towards an edge of said glazing (1).

2. Lighting assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein each said lighting part (2) is arranged to be inserted between a first spar (31) of said base (3) and each said elastic return means (36) of said base (3), or to be extracted from said base (3) between said first spar (31) and each said elastic return means (36) of said base (3), obliquely with respect to a plane tangent locally to said inner face (lia) of said glazing (1) at the level of said base (3).

3. Lighting assembly (10) according to claim 2, wherein said first longitudinal member (31) of said base (3) comprises a first bearing surface (315) arranged to cooperate in support with a first complementary bearing surface (215) comprising a said lighting part (2) in said service position in which said lighting part (2) is clipped onto said base (3), and in that said base (3) comprises a second longitudinal member (34) which comprises a second bearing surface (345) arranged to cooperate in support with a second complementary bearing surface (240) comprising said lighting part (2) in said service position.

4. Lighting assembly (10) according to claim 3, wherein each of said elastic return means (36) of said base (3) has an elastic stroke allowing the insertion of said lighting part (2) bearing on said first spar (31) and on said second spar (34).

5. Lighting assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein said second spar (34) or said elastic return means (36) comprises at least one second front stop bearing surface (330) arranged to constitute a front stop of a second front surface (230) comprising said lighting part (2), when said lighting part (2) is inserted.

6. Lighting assembly (10) according to claim 5, wherein said first spar (31) comprises at least a first front stop bearing surface (310) arranged to constitute a front stop of a first front surface (210) comprising said lighting part (2), to oppose the extraction of said lighting part (2) in the absence of any manipulation of said at least one elastic return means (36).

7. Lighting assembly (10) according to claim 6, wherein said lighting part (2) comprises at least one operating surface (29) arranged to be operated by a tool or a user to exert on said lighting part (2) a force tending to move it away from said glazing (1) and to elastically deform said elastic return means (36) to allow the release of said first front surface (210) from said first front stop support surface (310), and to allow angular movement of said lighting part (2) with respect to said plane tangent locally to said inner face (lia) of said glazing (1) at the level of said base (3).

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15. Lighting assembly (10) according to claim 7, wherein said lighting part (2) comprises, in the vicinity of said second front surface (230), at least one elastic thrust means (26), which tends to oppose the introduction of said lighting part (2) into a butt against second front stop support surface (330), and which is arranged to, in the absence of external force, extract said lighting part (2) from said base (3) when said first front surface (210) is clear of said first front stop support surface (310). Lighting assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said base (3) is held on said glazing (1) by means of bonding (32, 35). Lighting assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said base (3) is overmolded onto said glazing (1). Lighting assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said base (3) forms a frame comprising longitudinal members (31, 34) and ribs (39), which is arranged to completely surround said illuminating part (2) in said service position, and to constitute means for blocking light leakage into the interior of the vehicle. Lighting assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said glazing (1) is a laminated glazing comprising an inner glass sheet (11), an outer glass sheet (12), and at least one interlayer sheet of plastic material (13) situated between said inner glass sheet (11) and said outer glass sheet (12). Lighting assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each said illuminating part (2) of said at least one LED lighting module comprises electrical connection means (40) for plugging into power supply and control means (50) included in said vehicle. Motor vehicle (1000) comprising at least one lighting assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Method of assembling a lighting assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for a vehicle (1000), said method comprising a first step (100) of preparing said glazing (1): either of overmolding said base (3) onto said glazing (1), or of applying at least one material adhesive (32, 35) on said base (3) and / or on said inner face (lia) of said glazing (1); in the alternative of applying adhesive material a second step (200) of depositing said base (3) on said inner face (lia); then a sequence of reversible assembly steps comprising a third step (300) of preparing said illuminating part (2) by fixing or gluing at least one light-emitting diode (22), and associated electrical connection means (40), on a second complementary support surface (240) comprising said illuminating part (2) and which is intended to face said inner face (lia) of said glazing (1); a fourth step (400) of obliquely presenting at least one said illuminating part (2) between on the one hand a first stringer (31) comprising said base (3), and on the other hand at least one said elastic return means (36) of said base (3);a fifth step (500) of butting each said lighting part (2) against a second longitudinal member (34) comprising said base (3); a sixth step (600) of resting each said lighting part (2) on said first longitudinal member (31) and on said second longitudinal member (34), in a service position in which said lighting part (2) is held in rest on said base (3) parallel to said inner face (lia) of said glazing (1) under the force exerted by the clipping of said elastic return means (36), at a predetermined distance from said inner face (lia) of said glazing (1); a seventh step (700) of connecting said electrical connection means (40) to power supply and control means (50) comprising said vehicle (1000).

16. Assembly method according to claim 15, wherein said illuminating part (2) comprises at least one elastic thrust means (26) according to claim 8, and wherein said fifth stop step (500) is accompanied by a compression of said at least one elastic thrust means (26)

17. Assembly method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein a preliminary marking step of said inner face (lia) of said glazing (1) is carried out before said first preparation step (100) of said glazing (1).

18. An assembly method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising, after said seventh step (700) of connection, a reversible disassembly sequence comprising an eighth step of dismantling (800) of disconnecting said electrical connection means (40) of the power supply and control means (50), and a ninth dismantling step (900) of maneuvering each said lighting part (2) by pressure by a tool or by a user on at least one maneuvering surface (29), which comprises each said lighting part (2), against said elastic return means (36), to allow the oblique extraction of said lighting part (2) relative to said base (3), under the action of extraction push of at least one elastic push means (26) which comprises said lighting part (2).

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