LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH LIGHT GUIDES PLACED IN PREDEFINED STAGED POSITIONS, FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A lighting system (LS) is fitted to a vehicle and comprises: - an electronic board (EB) with N photon sources (SP1-SP2) generating photons, with N ≥ 2, - N light guides (GL1-GL2), each designed to receive on a rear face (FR2, FR1) the photons generated by an associated photon source (SP1, SP2) and to deliver these received photons on a front face (FV1, FV2) to perform one of N photometric functions, and - a chassis (CC) that permanently holds the N light guides (GL1-GL2) in N predefined positions arranged vertically, and the electronic board (EB) in a predefined position in which the N photon sources are respectively placed in predefined ways opposite the rear faces (FR1-FR2) of the N light guides (GL1-GL2). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: LIGHTING DEVICE WITH LIGHT GUIDES PLACED IN PREDEFINED STAGED POSITIONS, FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to lighting devices suitable for ensuring at least two photometric functions within vehicles. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, include an electronic card comprising N sources suitable for generating photons, with N > 2, and N light guides each suitable for receiving on a rear face the photons generated by an associated photon source and for delivering these received photons on a front face so that they perform one of N photometric functions.

[0003] It should be noted that this type of lighting device generally provides at least a first photometric signaling function, such as a brake light function, and a second photometric signaling function, such as a turn signal (or flashing) indicator function.

[0004] It should also 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 providing at least N photometric functions.

[0005] Installing the electronic board and the N light guides in predefined positions within the housing requires defining numerous positioning, fastening, and coupling elements, which significantly complicates the design and manufacturing of the injection mold used to produce the housing, as well as its internal architecture and overall dimensions. Furthermore, this complicates the assembly of the lighting device or optical unit, thereby increasing its manufacturing cost.

[0006] Furthermore, the more compact the lighting device or optical unit needs to be, the more difficult it becomes to define the positioning elements and the fixing or coupling elements of the housing, and the more its size increases, which makes assembly and the dissipation of heat generated by the electronic board increasingly difficult. It should be noted that this difficulty is further compounded when compactness is combined with a superposition of N photometric functions.

[0007] On the other hand, due to the dimensional manufacturing tolerances of the various components of a lighting device or optical block, it is very difficult to guarantee precise positioning of the N photon sources relative to the rear faces of the N light guides and / or their front faces relative to the housing. However, when positioning is not perfect, this can cause potentially unsightly light leaks and / or an impression of assembly defects that can detract from the perceived quality of the vehicle and / or prevent the regulatory implementation of a photometric function.

[0008] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0009] 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 an electronic card having N photon sources suitable for generating photons, with N > 2, and N light guides each suitable for receiving on a rear face the photons generated by an associated photon source and for delivering these received photons on a front face so that they perform one of N photometric functions.

[0010] This lighting device is characterized in that it also includes a chassis arranged to permanently receive:

[0011] - the N light guides in N predefined positions arranged in a direction which is designed to be parallel to a vertical direction of the vehicle, and

[0012] - the electronic card in a predefined position in which the N sources of photons are respectively placed in predefined ways opposite the back faces of the N light guides.

[0013] Thus, we are now certain that the N light guides are precisely and correctly installed in the housing and that the N photon sources are precisely and correctly installed in front of the rear faces of the N light guides, and therefore there is no risk of light leakage or impression of assembly defect or that one of the N photometric functions is not carried out in a regulatory manner.

[0014] The lighting device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0015] - in its predefined position the electronic board can be perpendicular to the N light guides;

[0016] - its chassis may include initial positioning elements and of the first coupling elements. In this case, each light guide may include second positioning elements and second coupling elements that are designed to cooperate respectively with corresponding first positioning elements and corresponding first coupling elements to immobilize it relative to the chassis in its predefined position, and its electronic board may include third positioning elements and third coupling elements designed to cooperate respectively with corresponding first positioning elements and corresponding first coupling elements to immobilize it relative to the chassis in its predefined position;

[0017] - in the presence of the last option, the first positioning elements may include N pairs of first grooves into which are respectively inserted opposite edges of the N light guides;

[0018] - also in the presence of the last option, the first elements of positioning may include initial protrusions that are designed to extend to the N light guides in order to participate in their installation in their respective predefined positions;

[0019] - also in the presence of the last option and the last sub-option, the second positioning elements may include second prominences designed to contact corresponding first prominences in order to participate in the installation of the N light guides in their respective predefined positions;

[0020] - also in the presence of the last option, the first elements of positioning may include a pair of second grooves into which opposite edges of the electronic board are respectively inserted by sliding;

[0021] - also in the presence of the last option, the first elements of Positioning may include ribs. In this case, the third positioning elements may include notches designed to house the ribs in order to participate in the installation of the electronic board in its predefined position;

[0022] - also in the presence of the last option, the first, second and third coupling elements can be clipping elements;

[0023] - its chassis may include in at least one wall, located just after one side of the electronic board, at least one through hole suitable for allowing the dissipation of heat generated by the electronic board.

[0024] The invention also proposes an optical block suitable for equipping a vehicle and ensuring at least N photometric functions, with N > 2, and comprising a housing containing at least one lighting device of the type presented above.

[0025] 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

[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 an external perspective view, an example of an embodiment of an optical block comprising a lighting device according to the invention,

[0028] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a first perspective view, the main components of an example of an embodiment of a lighting device for the optical block of [Fig. 1], before they are coupled to each other,

[0029] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a second perspective view, the device lighting of [Fig.2], after coupling of its main components,

[0030] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the first and second light guides of the lighting device shown in Figures 2 and 3,

[0031] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a front view of the front faces of the first and second light guides, part of the lighting device of [Fig.3],

[0032] [Fig.6] illustrates schematically, in a partially perspective view and in section in a horizontal plane at the level of the second light guide, part of the lighting device of [Fig.3],

[0033] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the coupling between the electronic board and the first and second light guides of the lighting device of [Fig. 3], in the absence of the chassis, and

[0034] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates, in a partially perspective view of the side of the back face of the electronic board and in section in a vertical and transverse plane, the coupling between the electronic board and the chassis and first and second light guides of the lighting device of the [Fig.3]. Detailed description of the invention

[0035] The invention aims in particular to provide a compact DE lighting device, intended to equip a vehicle, and having N light guides GLj (j = 1 to N, with N > 2) installed precisely in predefined staggered positions.

[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 which may optionally perform at least one other photometric function in addition to the N photometric functions 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 what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the optical block BO (but this could be the lighting device DE) is intended to To equip the rear end of a motor vehicle, such as a car. It therefore constitutes a rear light. But the DE lighting device (or BO optical unit) can equip any front or rear end of a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air).

[0038] Finally, in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the lighting device DE is considered to provide at least two (N = 2) photometric signaling functions. More specifically, it is intended (here) to provide at least one first photometric brake light function, and a second photometric turn signal (or indicator) function. However, in an alternative embodiment, at least one of its N photometric functions could be a lighting function, such as a daytime running light (or DRL) photometric signaling function, possibly with variable intensity.

[0039] 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 the transverse direction Y.

[0040] In the preceding and following text, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to the rear end of the vehicle. Therefore, the front part of an element is intended to be located closer to the rear end of the vehicle than the rear part of that same element.

[0041] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of an embodiment of an optical unit BO comprising an example of an embodiment of a lighting device DE according to the invention and intended (here) to be installed in the rear end of a vehicle (here, a car). It should be noted that this optical unit BO is intended to be installed on the left side of the rear end.

[0042] This optical block BO comprises, in addition to the lighting device DE according to the invention, a housing BB in which the lighting device DE is 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 and through which exit the photons ensuring the N photometric functions of at least this lighting device DE.

[0043] As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, a lighting device DE, according to the invention, comprises a chassis CD, an electronic board CE comprising N photon sources SPj (j = 1 to N, with N > 2), and N light guides GLj, for example molded by injection of material in a mold (and therefore monobloc).

[0044] 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 optional protective glass when it constitutes an independent optical unit.

[0045] It should also be noted that in the embodiment illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 1 to 8, the lighting device DE comprises two (N = 2) light guides GL1 (j = 1) and GL2 (j = 2). However, the number N can take any value greater than or equal to two (i.e., N > 2).

[0046] Each of the N photon sources SPj is suitable for generating photons that must participate in one of the N photometric functions (here brake light and direction change functions).

[0047] For example, each SPj 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.

[0048] The N photon sources SPj are installed in N parallel zones on the electronic board CE, as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2]. It should be noted, as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], that the electronic board CE also includes electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of its N photon sources SPj. For example, this electronic board CE may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0049] Furthermore, the N photon sources SPj are respectively associated with the N light guides GLj. The latter (GLj) are one-piece components made by molding a rigid material that is transparent to the photons generated by the N photon sources SPj. For example, this material can be polycarbonate (or PC), and possibly "TARFLON" PC (registered trademark) when strong photon scattering is required.

[0050] Each of the N light guides GLj comprises opposing rear faces FRj and front faces FVj. The front face FVj is oriented outwards, while the rear face FRj is oriented inwards.

[0051] Moreover, each of the N light guides GLj is designed to receive on its rear face FRj the photons which are generated by the associated photon source SPj, and to deliver these received photons on its front face FVj so that they perform one of the N photometric functions.

[0052] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in figures 1 to 7 the N light guides GLj are of the flat type (and therefore constitute what those skilled in the art frequently call blades).

[0053] The chassis CD is arranged so as to receive fixedly, on the one hand, the N light guides GLj in N predefined positions staggered along a direction which is proper to be parallel to the vertical direction Z (of the vehicle), and, on the other hand, the electronic board CE in a predefined position in which the N photon sources SPj are respectively placed in predefined ways opposite the rear faces FRj of the N light guides GLj.

[0054] It will be understood that the N predefined positions of the N light guides GLj are spaced apart along the vertical direction Z, being parallel to each other, and are therefore staggered along this vertical direction Z. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 to 7, the N light guides GLj are installed in horizontal XY planes. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, they could be inclined with respect to the horizontal XY plane (upwards, downwards, to the right, or to the left).

[0055] Thanks to this arrangement, it is certain not only that the N light guides GLj are precisely and correctly installed in the BB housing, but also that the N photon sources SPj are precisely and correctly installed in front of the rear faces of the N light guides GLj. Consequently, there is no risk of light leakage induced by a relative positioning defect or the appearance of an assembly defect, or that any of the N photometric functions will not be performed correctly.

[0056] Furthermore, since the CD chassis is fixedly attached to the BB housing, only a very limited number of fastening or coupling elements and any positioning elements need to be defined within the latter (BB). This significantly simplifies not only the internal architecture and dimensions of the BB housing, but also the assembly of the various components of the DE lighting device or the BO optical block, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the latter (DE or BO). Moreover, this significantly simplifies the design and production of the injection mold for manufacturing the BB housing, thereby reducing its cost. Finally, it also allows the DE lighting device to be compact while offering a superposition of N photometric functions.

[0057] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 3 and 5 to 7, in its predefined position the CE electronic board can be perpendicular to the N light guides GLj. In this case, the CE electronic board is installed in a vertical and transverse plane YZ. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the CE electronic board could be slightly inclined with respect to this vertical and transverse plane YZ.

[0058] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation and at least partially in Figures 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8, the CD chassis may include first EPI positioning elements and first EC1 coupling elements. Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 to 8, each GLj light guide may include second EP2 positioning elements suitable for cooperating with corresponding first EPI positioning elements, and second EC2 coupling elements suitable for cooperating respectively with corresponding first EC1 coupling elements, to immobilize it relative to the CD chassis in its predefined position.Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 and 8, the electronic CE board may include third positioning elements EP3 which are suitable for cooperating with corresponding first positioning elements EPI, and third coupling elements EC3 which are suitable for cooperating respectively with corresponding first coupling elements EC1, to immobilize it relative to the chassis CD in its predefined position.

[0059] It will be understood that the positioning elements EPI to EP3 allow the N light guides GLj and the electronic board CE to be positioned precisely (in predefined positions) relative to the chassis CD, and the coupling elements EC1 to EC3 allow the N light guides GLj and the electronic board CE to be permanently maintained in these respective predefined positions relative to the chassis CD.

[0060] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 5 and 6, the first positioning elements EPI can include N pairs of first grooves RL. In this case, opposite edges BG of the N light guides GLj are introduced by sliding respectively into these N pairs of first grooves RL. Here the N pairs of first grooves RI and the edges BG extend along the longitudinal direction X. These pairs of first grooves RI are defined in walls of the chassis CD which also delimit N housings Lj (here L1 and L2) respectively for the N light guides GLj (here GL1 and GL2).

[0061] During the installation of the N light guides GLj in the chassis CD, each light guide GLj is introduced by translation (or sliding), here along the longitudinal direction X, into the corresponding housing Lj and into the corresponding pair of first grooves RI.

[0062] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in [Fig. 5], the first EPI positioning elements (of the CD chassis) may include first PI protrusions that are designed to extend to the N GLj light guides in order to participate in their installation in their respective predefined positions. Here, the first PI protrusions extend substantially along the vertical Z direction, in order to allow precise positioning (or alignment) of the N light guides GLj relative to the chassis CD along the vertical Z direction. Note that one or more (at least two) first protrusions PI can be defined for the precise positioning (or alignment) of each light guide GLj.

[0063] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2, 4, 5, and 7, the second positioning elements EP2 (of each light guide GLj) may include second protrusions P2 adapted to contact corresponding first protrusions PI in order to participate in the installation of the N light guides GLj in their respective predefined positions. Here, the second protrusions P2 extend substantially along the vertical Z direction, in order to participate in the precise positioning (or alignment) of the N light guides GLj relative to the frame CD along the vertical Z direction. It should be noted that one or more (at least two) second protrusions P2 may be defined for the precise positioning (or alignment) of each light guide GLj.

[0064] But it could be envisaged that it be an upper or lower face of a light guide GLj, and not a second protrusion P2 that comes into contact with a first protrusion PL. Similarly, it could be envisaged that a second protrusion P2 comes into contact with an upper or lower face of a wall of the chassis CD and not with a first protrusion PL.

[0065] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 3 and 8, the first EPI positioning elements may include a pair of second grooves R2. In this case, opposite edges (here upper and lower) of the CE electronic board are slid into the second grooves R2 of this pair. Here, the second grooves R2 and the upper and lower edges extend substantially along the transverse direction Y.

[0066] During the installation of the CE electronic board in the CD chassis, the CE electronic board is introduced by translation (or sliding), here substantially along the transverse direction Y, into the pair of second grooves R2.

[0067] These second grooves R2 are defined in walls of the CD chassis and allow, here, a precise positioning (or alignment) of the electronic board CE relative to the CD chassis, along the vertical direction Z and the longitudinal direction X.

[0068] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in [Fig. 8], the first EPI positioning elements may include NP ribs, and the third EP3 positioning elements may include ENP notches which are suitable for housing these NP ribs in order to participate in the installation of the card CE electronics in its predefined position. Here the NP (EPI) ribs and ENP (EP3) notches extend substantially along the transverse Y direction, and the ENP (EP3) notches are defined on a lateral edge BC (here substantially vertical) of the CE electronics board.

[0069] This cooperation between NP ribs (EPI) and ENP notches (EP3) allows, here, a precise positioning (or alignment) of the CE electronic board relative to the CD chassis, along the vertical direction Z and partly along the transverse direction Y.

[0070] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 2 to 8, the first EC1, second EC2, and third EC3 coupling elements can be clipping elements. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 to 8, the first EC1 coupling elements are arranged as clipping tabs that cooperate with clipping notches or clipping holes defined by the second EC2 and third EC3 coupling elements. However, other combinations of shapes for the first EC1, second EC2, and third EC3 coupling elements can be considered.

[0071] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2, 4, 5, 7 and 8, the N light guides GLj and the electronic board CE may respectively include fourth EP4 and fifth EP5 positioning elements which are suitable for cooperating together to precisely position the electronic board CE relative to the N light guides GLj.

[0072] Here, the fourth positioning elements EP4 are arranged in the form of ribs, and the fifth positioning elements EP5 are arranged in the form of notches that are adapted to house these EP4 ribs. Here, the EP4 ribs and EP5 notches extend substantially along the transverse Y direction. But other types of fourth EP4 and fifth EP5 positioning elements can be considered.

[0073] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2 and 3, the CD chassis may also include, in at least one PC wall located immediately behind one side of the CE electronic board, at least one through hole TT designed to allow the dissipation of heat generated by the CE electronic board. Here, the PC wall is an upper wall of the CD chassis, because hot air (containing heat) tends to rise, and therefore it is easier to dissipate heat from the top of the CD chassis. Consequently, the side of the CE electronic board mentioned above (and located immediately before the upper PC wall) is the upper side (perpendicular to the edges BC).

[0074] But one could also define one or more additional through holes (to evacuate heat) in at least one other wall of the CD chassis (and for example a lower wall).

Claims

Demands

1. Lighting device (ED) suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising an electronic board (EB) having N photon sources (SPj) suitable for generating photons, with N > 2, and N light guides (GLj) each suitable for receiving on a rear face (FRj) said photons generated by an associated photon source (SPj) and for delivering these received photons on a front face (FVj) so that they perform one of N photometric functions, characterized in that it further comprises a chassis (CD) arranged to fixedly receive i) said N light guides (GLj) in N predefined positions arranged in a direction suitable for being parallel to a vertical direction of said vehicle, and ii) said electronic board (EB) in a predefined position in which said N photon sources (SPj) are respectively placed in predefined ways opposite said rear faces (FRj) of the N light guides (GLj).

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that in its predefined position said electronic board (CE) is perpendicular to said N light guides (GLj).

3. Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said chassis (CD) comprises first positioning elements (EPI) and first coupling elements (EC1), and in that i) each light guide (GLj) comprises second positioning elements (EP2) and second coupling elements (EC2) adapted to cooperate respectively with corresponding first positioning elements (EPI) and corresponding first coupling elements (EC1) to immobilize it relative to said chassis (CD) in its predefined position, and ii) said electronic board (CE) comprises third positioning elements (EP3) and third coupling elements (EC3) adapted to cooperate respectively with corresponding first positioning elements (EPI) and corresponding first coupling elements (EC1) to immobilize it relative to said chassis (CD) in its predefined position.

4. Lighting device according to claim 3, characterized in that said first positioning elements (PPE) comprise N pairs of first grooves (RI) into which are inserted by sliding respectively the opposite edges (BG) of said N light guides (GLj).

5. Lighting device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said first positioning elements (EPI) comprise first protrusions (PI) adapted to extend to said N light guides (GLj) in order to participate in their installation in their respective predefined positions.

6. Lighting device according to claim 3 or 4 taken in combination with claim 5, characterized in that said second positioning elements (EP2) comprise second protrusions (P2) adapted to contact corresponding first protrusions (PI) in order to participate in the installation of said N light guides (GLj) in their respective predefined positions.

7. Lighting device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that said first positioning elements (EPI) comprise a pair of second grooves (R2) into which opposite edges of said electronic board (CE) are respectively inserted by sliding.

8. Lighting device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that said first positioning elements (EPI) comprise ribs (NP), and in that said third positioning elements (EP3) comprise notches (ENP) adapted to house said ribs (NP) in order to participate in the installation of said electronic board (CE) in its predefined position.

9. Lighting device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that said first (EC1), second (EC2) and third (EC3) coupling elements are clipping elements.

10. Optical unit (OU) suitable for equipping a vehicle and providing at least N photometric functions, with N > 2, characterized in that it comprises a housing (H) housing at least one lighting device (WD) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.