Lighting device for a vehicle comprising a decorative film

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, the lighting device (1) being configured to perform at least one lighting function and comprising at least one light source and an exit lens (3), the exit lens (3) comprising a zone (Z) through which light rays from the light source are intended to pass, the lighting device (1) being characterised in that the exit lens (3) comprises an overmoulded decorative film (5), the decorative film (5) having opaque patterns (7, 71, 72) that extend at least partially into the zone (Z) so as to block the light rays from the light source, the opaque patterns (7, 71, 72) being arranged so as to maintain uniformity of appearance regardless of the viewing angle from which the exit lens (3) is observed.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Illuminated device for vehicle comprising a decorative film.

[0003] The present invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle configured to perform at least one lighting function.

[0004] To ensure the safety of motor vehicle drivers and any passengers, vehicles are equipped with a large number of visual aids that allow the driver to see and be seen. Among these visual aids, lighting devices are used to illuminate the vehicle's surroundings at varying distances. Lighting devices also provide signaling functions or provide a stylish lighting feature.

[0005] Thus, manufacturers are often asked to have opaque black front or rear facades (called "black panels" in English) and to integrate the lighting device into these facades so that in off mode, the interior elements of the lighting device cannot be seen, and in on mode, there is better contrast for said lighting function, particularly if it relates to a reinforced lighting function for communication with pedestrians, or a style function such as a given lighting signature.

[0006] Furthermore, it is preferable that the light functions are clear and distinct so as to ensure unambiguous signaling, thus enabling effective communication.

[0007] A known solution consists of using light devices configured to perform at least one light function, these devices are generally equipped with at least one light source and an output glass comprising an area intended to be crossed by light rays from the light source. A mask with opaque patterns can be arranged between the light source and the output glass to prevent certain light rays from reaching the output glass.

[0008] However, this solution has drawbacks. In particular, this type of light device may be less visible when viewed from certain points of view. In addition, it is bulky, as sufficient space is required to arrange the mask with the opaque patterns between the light source and the exit window. One or more means of attaching the mask to the device must also be provided to prevent the mask from moving when the vehicle is in use.

[0009] The aim of the invention is to provide a device improving the lighting devices known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes a simple, compact, economical and reliable device, as well as a manufacturing method for producing such a device.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, said lighting device being configured to perform at least one lighting function and comprising at least one light source and an exit window, the exit window comprising an area intended to be crossed by light rays from the light source, the lighting device being characterized in that said exit window comprises an overmolded decorative film, said decorative film having opaque patterns extending at least partially in said area so as to block the light rays from the light source, said opaque patterns being arranged so as to maintain a homogeneity of appearance independent of a viewing angle from which the exit window is observed.By decorative film, we understand in the context of the invention, an element obtained from a thin sheet of plastic material, where appropriate shaped to give it the shape of the ice, more precisely the shape of the area of ​​the ice where said film is intended to be placed.

[0011] The lighting device may advantageously include one or more of the following characteristics.

[0012] In one embodiment, the exit window has a curved profile.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the opaque patterns comprises a set of segments parallel to each other.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the opaque patterns comprises a plurality of adjacent patterns distributed along an axis, each pattern of the plurality of opaque patterns comprising an area whose value is an increasing or decreasing function of the position of the pattern on this axis, so as to form a brightness gradient.

[0015] In one embodiment, the exit window comprises two faces opposite each other, one face of which is oriented towards the light source, and the overmolded decorative film is arranged on said face oriented towards the light source.

[0016] In one embodiment, the opaque patterns are formed by one or more ink deposits on the decorative film.

[0017] In one embodiment, the decorative film has one or more reliefs which form the opaque patterns.

[0018] In one embodiment, the decorative film has a thickness of between 0.3mm and 0.5mm inclusive. In one embodiment, the light function is a lighting function and / or a signaling function and / or a style light function.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the opaque patterns comprises letters and / or numbers, in particular to indicate a brand of the vehicle.

[0020] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a lighting device according to the invention.

[0021] The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a lighting device for a motor vehicle, the manufacturing method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: inserting the decorative film into the mold; injecting the material of the output glass; overmolding the decorative film with the material of the output glass.

[0022] The attached drawings represent, by way of example, an embodiment of a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0023] Figure 1 represents a schematic sectional view of a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to the state of the art.

[0024] Figure 2 represents a schematic sectional view of a lighting device according to the invention.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a decorative film with an example of opaque patterns.

[0026] Figure 4 represents a detailed view of a lighting device according to the invention mounted within a motor vehicle.

[0027] An example of a light device 1' for a motor vehicle according to the state of the art is described below with reference to FIG. 1. This light device 1' is configured to perform at least one light function and it comprises a housing (represented by the hatched peripheral part in FIG. 1) having an opening on one side (on the left in FIG. 1) inside which is arranged at least one light source 2', an outlet glass 3' which closes the opening of the housing and a mask 4' arranged between the light source 2' and the outlet glass 3'. The mask 4' comprises transparent or translucent portions 4a' and opaque portions 4b'.

[0028] The transparent or translucent portions 4a' of the mask 4' are intended to allow light rays R (illustrated very schematically by dotted arrows in FIG. 1) to pass through from the light source 2' while the opaque portions 4b' are configured to block light rays R from this same light source 2'. Other paths not illustrated may be taken by the light, for example with a reflection on a reflector arranged between the light source 2' and the peripheral wall of the housing of the lighting device 1'.

[0029] In Figure 1, these different transparent, translucent or opaque portions 4a', 4b' are not all located at the same distance from the output glass 3'. This heterogeneous distribution of the transparent or translucent portions 4a' and the opaque portions 4b' can create clutter within the lighting device 1'. Furthermore, too great a distance between the mask 4' and the output glass 3' can blur the boundaries between the transparent or translucent portions 4a' and the opaque portions 4b', which can degrade the visual quality of the signals emitted by the lighting device 1'.

[0030] In the sectional view of Figure 1, it can also be seen that the transparent or translucent portions 4a' and the opaque portions 4b' have different angles of inclination. Thus, the light rays which strike the opaque portions 4b' are blocked while the light rays which reach the transparent or translucent portions 4a' are oriented in a given direction, like a shutter. In addition, a phenomenon of distortion of the light signals coming from this light device 1' can be observed in cases where the exit window 3' is not flat but curved.

[0031] Thus, the visual rendering of the lighting device 1' for an external observer depends on his angle of view of the lighting device 1'. In other words, the lighting function of the lighting device 1' is not necessarily perceived in a homogeneous manner depending on the position of the observer relative to the motor vehicle equipped with such a lighting device 1'.

[0032] In order to overcome the aforementioned problems, it is preferable to equip motor vehicles with one or more lighting devices 1 according to the invention as described below. An example of an embodiment of a lighting device 1 for a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0033] This lighting device 1 is configured to perform at least one lighting function. This lighting function may be a lighting function and / or a signaling function and / or a style lighting function. The lighting device 1 illustrated in Figure 2 comprises a housing (represented by the hatched peripheral part in Figure 2) having an opening on one side (on the left in Figure 2) inside which is arranged at least one light source 2 and an exit glass 3 which closes the opening of the housing, but not the mask 4' as shown in the lighting device 1' according to the prior art. An exit glass 3 is generally in the form of a transparent plastic panel mounted on a face of the lighting device 1 intended to be oriented towards the outside of the motor vehicle 10.The exit window 3 makes it possible to diffuse the rays R represented by dotted arrows and coming from the light source 2 towards the outside of the motor vehicle 10. The exit window 3 can be flat or curved. The edges which delimit the exit window 3 can be straight or rounded. The exit window 3 also makes it possible to protect the elements arranged inside the lighting device 1. The exit window 3 comprises a zone Z intended to be crossed by light rays R coming from the light source 2. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the zone Z is delimited by a double arrow with dashes.

[0034] Furthermore, said exit glass 3 comprises an overmolded decorative film 5, said decorative film 5 having opaque patterns 7 extending at least partially in said zone Z so as to block the light rays R coming from the light source 2. The decorative film 5 also comprises transparent or translucent areas 6 between the opaque patterns 7. These transparent or translucent areas 6 can for example be obtained by forming openings in the decorative film 5, in particular by cutting out said decorative film 5. The decorative film 5 can comprise polycarbonate (PC) and / or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Other materials can be envisaged for the manufacture of this decorative film 5. Other possible characteristics of the decorative film 5 are described below, in the part relating to the method for manufacturing a lighting device 1 according to the invention.

[0035] Several distinct materials can also be used to manufacture the decorative film 5. In the case where the decorative film 5 is manufactured with two materials, one of the materials can be used to form the opaque patterns 7 while the other material can be used to form the transparent or translucent areas 6 between the opaque patterns 7.

[0036] The outlet glass 3 may also comprise polycarbonate and / or polymethyl methacrylate or other materials. According to a preferred embodiment, the decorative film 5 may be manufactured from the same material as the outlet glass 3. Using identical materials for the manufacture of the outlet glass 3 and for the manufacture of the decorative film 5 makes it possible to have good cohesion between the decorative film 5 and the outlet glass 3 during the overmolding operation.

[0037] The decorative film 5 can have a thickness between 0.3mm and 0.5mm inclusive.

[0038] According to a particular embodiment, the exit glass 3 may have a curved profile. In other words, at least a portion of the exit glass 3 may have a radius of curvature. This scenario is illustrated in particular in Figures 3 and 4.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an example of exit windows 3a, 3b and 3c respectively overmolded by decorative films 5a, 5b, 5c. This assembly is intended to equip three separate lighting devices, two of which are illustrated in Figure 4.

[0040] In Figure 4, a first lighting device 1 a is arranged on the left rear wing 1 1 of the motor vehicle 10 and a second lighting device 1 b can be arranged on the tailgate 12 or on the trunk door of the motor vehicle 10. A third lighting device (not shown in Figure 4) can be arranged on the right rear wing of the motor vehicle 10. The third lighting device can be designed by symmetry of the first lighting device.

[0041] The light devices located respectively on the left rear wing 11 of the vehicle 10 and the right rear wing of the vehicle 10 each comprise an exit window 3a, respectively 3c, which have a curved profile.

[0042] In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the exit window 3c of the light device 1c more particularly comprises a first tangent T1 which is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 10 and a second tangent T2 substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle 10. The first tangent T1 may be substantially perpendicular to the second tangent T2. By "substantially" is meant for example + / -30 0 .

[0043] According to a particular embodiment, the opaque patterns 7 on the decorative film 5 are volumetric patterns, that is to say that the decorative film 5 can have one or more reliefs which form the opaque patterns 7. Such reliefs can improve the contrast between the opaque patterns 7 and the transparent or translucent areas 6 of the decorative film 5. Such opaque patterns 7 can, for example, be metallized or non-metallized.

[0044] According to another particular embodiment, the opaque patterns 7 on the decorative film 5 are surface patterns. The surface patterns have a smaller thickness than the volume patterns described previously, which makes it possible to lighten the decorative film 5. In this specific embodiment, the opaque surface patterns 7 and / or the transparent or translucent areas 6 are in particular formed by one or more ink deposits on the decorative film 5. The ink is preferably oriented towards the light source 2, in particular deposited on the side of the face oriented towards the light source of the exit glass 3. Orienting the ink deposit towards the light source contributes to the sharpness of the patterns and to ensuring the desired uniformity of appearance. Using one or more ink deposits on the decorative film 5 also makes it possible to envisage a variety of colors, in particular for the transparent or translucent areas 6.

[0045] According to an alternative embodiment, the decorative film 5 can be mass-tinted.

[0046] In a manner common to all embodiments, the output glass 3 which equips the lighting device 1 according to the invention comprises an overmolded decorative film 5. More precisely, the output glass 3 comprises two faces opposite each other, one face of which is oriented towards the light source 2, and the overmolded decorative film 5 which comprises the opaque patterns 7 is arranged on the face oriented towards the light source 2. The distance between the opaque patterns 7 of the decorative film 5 and the output glass 3 is then minimal. This makes it possible to improve the contrast for the lighting function provided by the lighting device 1, which allows effective communication.

[0047] Furthermore, a minimum distance between the opaque patterns 7 of the decorative film 5 and the output glass 3 makes it possible to improve the sharpness of the opaque patterns 7. It then becomes possible to use very fine opaque patterns 7 with a greater richness of detail.

[0048] Thus, at least one part 71 of the opaque patterns 7 may comprise letters and / or numbers, in particular to indicate a brand of the vehicle, such as in the example of the exit window 3b comprising the overmolded decorative film 5b illustrated in FIG. 3. In particular, at least one part 71 of the opaque patterns 7 may correspond to the logo representing a brand of a motor vehicle manufacturer.

[0049] According to a variant, the opaque patterns 7 may comprise a plurality of adjacent patterns distributed along an axis, in particular along a horizontal axis H or a vertical axis V. More particularly, each opaque pattern 7 of the plurality of adjacent patterns comprises a surface whose value is an increasing or decreasing function of the position of the opaque pattern 7 on this axis, so as to form a brightness gradient when the light source illuminates the exit window 3.

[0050] Thus, according to a particular example of this embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, at least a portion of the opaque patterns 7 comprises a set of segments 72 parallel to each other. These segments 72 have, for example, a width of between 1 and 50 mm inclusive. The space between the segments 72 is, for example, between 1 and 20 mm inclusive. Other values, larger or smaller, are also possible for said width and said space. Such sets of segments 72 make it possible to obtain very good parallelism between these opaque patterns 7 in comparison with the result observed with the use of a state-of-the-art mask 4' obtained by assembling several parts.

[0051] In the example illustrated in Figure 3, the sets of segments 72 make it possible in particular to delimit three horizontal bands with variable widths and lengths at the level of the first light device 1 a arranged on the left rear wing 1 1 of the motor vehicle 10 and at the level of the second light device 1 b arranged on the tailgate 12 or on the trunk door of the motor vehicle 10.

[0052] Other sets of segments 72 also make it possible to delimit vertical or inclined bands on these first and second light devices 1 a and 1 b. These vertical or inclined bands have a surface area that is much smaller than that of the horizontal bands described previously. These small vertical or inclined bands are notably located at the ends of all three horizontal bands described previously.

[0053] In a manner common to all the embodiments described above, the opaque patterns 7 can be arranged so as to maintain a homogeneity of appearance independent of the viewing angle from which the exit window 3 is observed. By “homogeneity of appearance”, we mean the same visual rendering of the opaque patterns 7 of the decorative film 5 on the exit window 3, regardless of the angle from which the exit window 3 is observed when the lighting device 1 is mounted in a vehicle. Such homogeneity of appearance makes it possible to avoid the effect of a “shutter” type mounting as explained above in the paragraphs of the description which detail the state of the art. The homogeneity of appearance is schematically represented in Figure 4.

[0054] In Figure 4, the eyes arranged around the first and second light devices 1 a and 1 b mounted at the rear of a motor vehicle 10 represent different viewing angles P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 of an observer outside the vehicle 10. The visual appearance of said devices 1 a and 1 b is the same for all viewing angles P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5. In other words, the distribution of the opaque patterns 7 and in particular the sets of segments 72 are perceived in an identical manner for an observer looking at the rear of the motor vehicle 10, independently of its position relative to the first and second light devices 1 a and 1 b mounted at the rear of said vehicle 10.

[0055] Although Figure 4 illustrates the non-limiting example of the light devices 1 a and 1 b mounted at the rear of a motor vehicle 10, it is entirely possible to arrange one or more similar light devices at the front of the motor vehicle 10 or on the sides thereof.

[0056] A method of manufacturing a light device 1 for a motor vehicle 10 according to the embodiments described above may, among other things, comprise the following steps:

[0057] - Insertion of decorative film 5 into a mold;

[0058] - Injection of the material of the exit ice 3;

[0059] - Overmolding of the decorative film 5 with the material of the exit glass 3.

[0060] Such a manufacturing method proves to be efficient and economical, because it makes it possible to dispense with the assembly of an additional part such as the mask 4 with transparent or translucent portions 4a' and opaque portions 4b' as in the case of the state of the art during the assembly of the lighting device 1. The lighting device 1 according to the invention thus has the advantage of being lighter and more compact.

[0061] Such a method can be adapted to manufacture light devices 1 with decorative films 5 and exit windows 3 of various dimensions. In particular, it is possible to envisage the manufacture of light devices 1 with exit windows 3 equipped with decorative films 5 having more or less large surfaces.

[0062] Furthermore, the decorative film 5 used in the method described above can be obtained by extrusion and cut to obtain the desired shape. Extrusion makes it possible to obtain a thin sheet before cutting the decorative film 5 from said sheet. The decorative film 5 can be flexible, so as to be able to deform it so that it matches the curve of the outlet glass 3. More precisely, said sheet, or the decorative film 5 cut from said sheet, is shaped so that the decorative film 5 has the shape of the outlet glass 3, more precisely the shape of the area of ​​the outlet glass 3 where said decorative film 5 is intended to be arranged following the injection of the material of the outlet glass 3. Thus, the decorative film 5 has, before being inserted into the mold, a shape compatible with that of the outlet glass 3.

[0063] Furthermore, it is conceivable to apply a surface treatment to the output glass 3 in order to increase the lighting performance and / or reduce the risk of scratches. In the latter case, this may in particular be an anti-scratch surface treatment. This makes it possible to further protect the lighting device 1 by reducing the probability of having permanent scratches on the output glass 3, which would lead to a degradation of the quality of the emitted light signal.

[0064] It is thus possible to provide and manufacture a more compact and lighter luminous device 1 for a motor vehicle having a decorative film 5 overmolded on the exit window 3 with opaque patterns 7 arranged so as to maintain a homogeneity of appearance independent of the viewing angle from which the exit window 3 is observed. Thanks to the invention, decorations of large dimensions and with great geometric precision can be envisaged. The overmolding also makes it possible to avoid detachment of the decorative film 5 from the exit window 3.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle (10), said lighting device being configured to perform at least one lighting function and comprising at least one light source (2) and an exit window (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), the exit window comprising a zone (Z) intended to be crossed by light rays (R) coming from the light source (2), the lighting device (1) being characterized in that said exit window (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) comprises an overmolded decorative film (5, 5a, 5b, 5c), said decorative film (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) having opaque patterns (7) extending at least partially in said zone (Z) so as to block the light rays (R) coming from the light source (2), said opaque patterns (7) being arranged so as to maintain a homogeneity of appearance independent of a viewing angle (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) according to which the exit ice (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) is observed.

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the exit glass (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) has a curved profile.

3. Luminous device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least part of the opaque patterns (7) comprises a set of segments (72) parallel to each other.

4. Luminous device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion of the opaque patterns (7) comprises a plurality of adjacent patterns distributed along an axis (H, V), each pattern of the plurality of opaque patterns (7) comprising a surface whose value is an increasing or decreasing function of the position of the pattern on this axis (H, V), so as to form a gradient of brightness.

5. Luminous device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exit glass (3, 3a, 3b, 3c) comprises two faces opposite each other, one of which is oriented towards the light source (2), and in that the overmolded decorative film (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) is arranged on said face oriented towards the light source (2), and in that the opaque patterns (7) are formed by one or more ink deposits on the decorative film (5, 5a, 5b, 5c).

6. Luminous device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative film (5) has one or more reliefs which form the opaque patterns (7).

7. Luminous device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative film (5, 5a, 5b, 5c) has a thickness of between 0.3mm and 0.5mm inclusive.

8. Lighting device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting function is a lighting function and / or a signaling function and / or a style lighting function.

9. Luminous device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one part (71) of the opaque patterns (7) comprises letters and / or numbers, in particular to indicate a make of the vehicle.

10. Method of manufacturing a luminous device 1 for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: Inserting the decorative film (5) into the mold; Injection of the output ice material (3); Overmolding of the decorative film (5) with the material of the exit glass (3).

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