CONTROLLED LIGHT LEAKAGE LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A lighting device (LD) is fitted to a vehicle and comprises a photon-generating source (PGS) and a light guide (LG) comprising: - a first part (P1) having a first end (E1) receiving the generated photons, a second end (E2) opposite this first end (E1), and a front face (FV) delivering the received photons to perform a photometric function, and made by injection molding of a first material transparent to photons, and - a second part (P2) attached to this second end (E2), and made by injection molding of a second material opaque to photons so as to prevent photons from escaping through the second end (E2). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: CONTROLLED LIGHT LEAKAGE LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to lighting devices which are suitable for equipping certain vehicles, and which include a light guide. State of the art

[0002] Some vehicles, generally of the automobile type, include, usually in a front end (possibly including a grille), at least one lighting device comprising a source generating photons and a light guide receiving these generated photons and transferring them to a front face so that they perform a photometric function.

[0003] As those skilled in the art know, in a light guide, in order for photons to propagate between an inlet and the front face, they must undergo one or more internal reflections at the interfaces with the outside air. However, it frequently happens that photons manage to exit a light guide through one of these interfaces, generally the one located opposite the inlet, before reaching the front face. These prematurely exiting photons create what are commonly called light leaks, which are unsightly and detract from the perceived quality of the vehicle.

[0004] Eliminating these light leaks is generally difficult. It can, for example, be done during a geometric fine-tuning phase in the design office to make any play between parts of the lighting system virtually nonexistent. However, this type of fine-tuning is time-consuming and expensive, and does not guarantee either the systematic elimination of light leaks due to the dimensional tolerances of the parts, or the permanence of the result (since a light leak can sometimes reappear). It is also possible to use blackout adhesive strips at each location where a light leak has been detected. But this proves time-consuming and expensive and requires precise manual intervention, and moreover, there is no guarantee of the permanence of the result (particularly due to the variability of vehicle operating conditions, which affect the duration and quality of adhesion).

[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] In particular, it proposes for this purpose a lighting device suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising a photon source suitable for generating photons and a guide of light suitable for receiving the generated photons and transferring them to a front face so that they perform a photometric function.

[0007] This lighting device is characterized by the fact that its light guide comprises:

[0008] - a first part comprising a first end suitable for receiving the generated photons, a second end opposite this first end, and the front face, and made by injection molding of a first material transparent to photons, and

[0009] - a second part attached to the second end of the first part, and achieved by injection molding of a second material opaque to photons so as to prevent photons from escaping through the second end.

[0010] Thus, there is no longer any light leakage through the light guide on the side opposite its first end (through which the generated photons enter), which makes it possible to avoid having to carry out a geometric focusing phase of the lighting device in the design office and / or to use blackout adhesive strips.

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

[0012] - the light guide may include an isolation piece placed behind the guide of light opposite the front face, and designed to prevent photons from escaping through a rear area of ​​the lighting device;

[0013] - the first part of the light guide may comprise, on the one hand, a part an end suitable for receiving the generated photons and transferring them to an output, and, on the other hand, an intermediate part fixedly attached to this output in order to receive the transferred photons, and comprising the second end and the front face;

[0014] - in the presence of the last option, the intermediate part of the light guide can include N sub-parts separated for at least some of them by first passes, with N > 2, and each defining a sub-part among N of the front face and a sub-part among N of the second end;

[0015] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the second part of the light guide may include N sub-parts extending respectively the N sub-parts of the second end;

[0016] - in the presence of the first option and the last sub-sub-option, the part isolation may include a number of second passes which is equal to a number of first passes of the intermediate part, each second pass being placed opposite a corresponding first pass.

[0017] The invention also proposes a grille suitable for fitting to the front end of a vehicle, and comprising at least one lighting device of the type described above.

[0018] For example, this grille may include at least one air intake grille comprising at least one lighting device.

[0019] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, comprising a front end having a grille of the type shown above, and / or at least one lighting device of the type shown above. Brief description of the figures

[0020] 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:

[0021] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side and partially in cross-section in a vertical and longitudinal plane, a part of an air intake grille of a vehicle's grille comprising an example of an embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention,

[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the lighting device of [Fig. 1], and

[0023] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a vertical plane and longitudinal, part of the lighting device of the [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention

[0024] The invention aims in particular to provide a DE lighting device intended to equip a vehicle and whose light leakage is controlled.

[0025] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the DE lighting device is intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, the DE lighting device can be fitted to any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air).

[0026] Furthermore, in the following, by way of non-limiting example and as partially and non-limitingly illustrated in [Fig. 1], the DE lighting device is considered to be intended for use with a GEA air intake grille, itself intended for use with a CV grille to be installed at the front end of a motor vehicle. However, the DE lighting device could also be intended to be used with a different part of a grille than an air intake grille, or even with a vehicle independent of its grille, for example.

[0027] In Figures 1 to 3, 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 direction vertical of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

[0028] In the preceding and following text, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to the front end of the vehicle. Consequently, the front part of an element is located closer to the front end of the vehicle than the rear part of that same element.

[0029] Figure [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates at least partially a portion of a GEA air intake grille intended to equip a CV grille to be installed in the front end of a vehicle (here automobile), and including an example of an embodiment of a DE lighting device according to the invention.

[0030] It should be noted that a CV grille may include one or more GEA air inlet grilles, each comprising at least one DE lighting device according to the invention. It should also be noted that a DE lighting device, according to the invention, may, for example, be permanently attached to a GEA air inlet grille of a CV grille or to a CV grille by screwing and / or clipping.

[0031] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 and 3, a lighting device DE, according to the invention, comprises at least one photon source SOP and a light guide GL.

[0032] The SOP photon source is suitable for generating photons to participate in a photometric function, such as here the illumination of the GEA air inlet grille.

[0033] For example, this SOP photon source may include at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). But alternatively, the SOP photon source could include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example.

[0034] The light guide GL is arranged to receive the photons generated by the photon source SOP and to transfer these generated photons to a front face FV (which it includes) so that they perform a photometric function (here, illuminating the air inlet grille GEA). It will therefore be understood that the photons exit through the front face FV.

[0035] In order to perform its functions, the light guide GL comprises first PI and second P2 parts which extend each other.

[0036] The first part PI of the light guide GL comprises first and second ends E1 and E2, opposite each other, and the front face FV. The first end E1 is arranged to receive the photons generated by the photon source SOP. Furthermore, this first part PI is produced by injection molding of a first material that is transparent to photons.

[0037] The second part P2 of the light guide GL is attached to the second end E2 of the first part PI. In addition, it is made by injection molding of a second material which is opaque to photons so as to prohibit the (premature) exit of photons by this second end E2.

[0038] In other words, the GL light guide is made by bi-injection.

[0039] Thanks to this second part P2, which is opaque to photons, there is no longer any leakage of Light is transmitted through the light guide GL on the side opposite its first end El, through which the photons generated by the photon source SOP enter. This is particularly advantageous because it eliminates the need for a geometric adjustment phase of the lighting device DE in the design office and / or the use of blackout tape.

[0040] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 and 3, the first end El is the upper end of the first part PI of the light guide GL, and the second end E2 is the lower end of this first part PL. However, in a first embodiment, the first El and second E2 ends could be the lower and upper ends of the light guide GL, respectively. In a second embodiment, the first El and second E2 ends could be the right and left ends of the light guide GL, respectively (or vice versa). This depends, in fact, on the final orientation of the light guide GL relative to the vehicle.

[0041] It should also be noted that the first material can, for example, be produced by a first injection of polycarbonate (or PC), possibly transparent (or crystal clear). When multidirectional scattering of photons is desired at the front FV face, one can, for example, use a "TARFLON" PC (registered trademark).

[0042] It should also be noted that the second material can, for example, be produced by a second injection, following immediately (in the same mold) the first injection, of another black polycarbonate (or PC).

[0043] For example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 3, the lighting device DE may also include an electronic board CE on which the photon source SOP is installed. In addition to this photon source SOP, this electronic board CE may also include electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of the photon source SOP. Also, for example, this electronic board CE may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0044] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation and at least partially in Figures 2 and 3, the electronic board CE can be attached to a sub-part (here upper) of the first part PI of the light guide GL by for example by clipping and / or screwing. This allows the photon source SOP to be securely positioned relative to the first end El. But in an alternative embodiment not shown, the electronic board CE could be attached to another part of the lighting device DE (such as the possible isolation part PDI described below).

[0045] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 1 to 3, the lighting device DE may also include an isolation piece PDI which is placed behind the light guide GL opposite the front face FV, and which is arranged so as to prevent the escape of photons through a rear area ZR of the lighting device DE (and more specifically of the light guide GL). Preferably, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 1 to 3, this isolation piece PDI surrounds (here) the upper part (containing the electronic board CE) and the lower part (containing the second part P2).This PDI isolation piece thus provides a protective rear cover function for the GL light guide and a useful anti-light leakage function when photons prematurely exit the GL light guide from somewhere other than its front face FV (which is however very unlikely due to the second opaque material in which the second part P2 is made (which was previously the main source of light leakage)).

[0046] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 and 3, the first PI portion may comprise an end portion PE and an intermediate PI portion that extend each other. The end portion PE (here, the upper portion) is arranged to receive the photons generated by the photon source SOP and to transfer them to an output SI (located at the interface with the intermediate PI portion). The intermediate PI portion is fixedly attached to this output SI of the end portion PE in order to receive the photons that have been transferred to it. Furthermore, this intermediate PI portion comprises the second end E2 and the front face FV.

[0047] It should be noted that the intermediate part PI also includes a rear face FR, opposite the front face FV, and preferably arranged to reflect the photons it receives (via the output SI) by internal reflections. For example, this rear face FR may include a multitude of three-dimensional (or 3D) elements that are suitable for reflecting (by internal reflections) the photons propagating inside its intermediate part PI towards the front face FV. These three-dimensional elements may, for example, be arranged in the form of inclined facets or microfacets of different orientations.

[0048] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the intermediate part PI may comprise N sub-parts SPP which are separated For at least some of them, this is achieved through initial PA1 passes, with N > 2. In the example illustrated (though not exhaustively) in [Fig. 2], the number N is equal to six. However, it can take any value greater than or equal to two. Furthermore, each SPP sub-part defines one SPF sub-part among N of the front face FV and one SPE2 sub-part among N of the second end E2. It will be understood that each SPP sub-part constitutes a kind of blade, here of small extent along the transverse direction Y, but of large extent along the vertical direction Z and the longitudinal direction X, and comprising an SPF sub-part of the front face FV (through which photons exit), a sub-part of the rear face FR, and an SPE2 sub-part of the second end E2. Thus, N illuminated bands can be obtained, respectively, on the N SPF sub-parts of the front face FV.

[0049] It should be noted that in the example illustrated in [Fig. 2], the photon source SOP can comprise N light-emitting diodes associated respectively with the N sub-parts SPP in order to supply them with photons dedicated to them. Preferably, each light-emitting diode is then placed substantially on the axis of the associated sub-part SPP.

[0050] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated in [Fig. 2] the number of first passes PA1 is equal to N-2 (i.e., four). But this number can take any value between one and N1.

[0051] Furthermore, it will be understood that when the lighting device DE is fixedly attached to an air intake grille GEA of a CV grille (as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1]), the first passages PA1 advantageously allow air circulation. This incoming air is intended to cool the equipment and components installed in the vehicle's engine compartment and / or to supply air to certain equipment or components of the vehicle (such as, for example, an internal combustion engine or an air conditioning system).

[0052] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2 and 3, the second part P2 of the light guide GL may comprise N sub-parts SPP2 which respectively extend the N sub-parts SPE2 of the second end E2 of the intermediate part PI. Each sub-part SPE2 and the corresponding sub-part SPP2 thus together define (here) a kind of foot attaching an SPP blade to the rest of the second part P2 (here a strip extending mainly along the transverse direction Y).

[0053] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], when the lighting device DE includes an isolation piece PDI, the latter (PDI) may include a number of second passages PA2 that is equal to the number of first passages PA1 of the intermediate part PI. In this case, each second passage PA2 is placed opposite a corresponding first passage PA1. will understand that when the DE lighting device is fixedly attached to a GEA air intake grille of a CV grille (as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.1]), the second passages PA2 allow air to pass through the first passages PA1 and thus allow the air circulation described above.

[0054] It should also be noted that the possible PDI isolation piece can, for example, be made by molding a rigid and resistant plastic or synthetic material.

Claims

Demands

1. Lighting device (ED) suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising a photon source (SOP) suitable for generating photons and a light guide (GL) suitable for receiving said generated photons and transferring them to a front face (FV) so that they perform a photometric function, characterized in that said light guide (GL) comprises i) a first part (PI) having a first end (El) suitable for receiving said generated photons, a second end (E2) opposite said first end (El), and said front face (FV), and made by injection molding of a first material transparent to said photons, and ii) a second part (P2) attached to said second end (E2), and made by injection molding of a second material opaque to said photons so as to prohibit an exit of photons by said second end (E2).

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an isolation piece (PDI) placed behind said light guide (GL) opposite said front face (FV), and adapted to prevent photon exit through a rear zone (ZR) of said lighting device (DE).

3. Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first part (PI) comprises i) an end part (PE) adapted to receive said generated photons and to transfer them to an output (SI), and ii) an intermediate part (PI) fixedly attached to said output (SI) in order to receive said transferred photons, and comprising said second end (E2) and said front face (FV).

4. Lighting device according to claim 3, characterized in that said intermediate part (PI) comprises N subparts (SPP) separated for at least some of them by first passes (PA1), with N > 2, and each defining a subpart (SPF) among N of said front face (FV) and a subpart (SPE2) among N of said second end (E2).

5. Lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that said second part (P2) comprises N sub-parts (SPP2) extending respectively said N sub-parts (SPE2) from said second end (E2).

6. Lighting device according to claim 2 taken in combination with claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said isolation piece (PDI) comprises a number of second passes (PA2) equal to a number of first passes (PA1) of said intermediate part (PI), each second pass (PA2) being placed opposite a corresponding first pass (PA1).

7. Grille (CV) suitable for fitting a front end of a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one lighting device (DE) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Grille according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one air inlet grille (AIG) including at least one lighting device (LD).

9. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a front end including a grille (CV) according to claim 7 or 8, and / or at least one lighting device (DE) according to any one of claims 1 QA

10. of U. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.

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