Lighting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a structure (6) of a lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), the structure being characterised in that it comprises: - a base (14) provided with a first attachment means (151) for attaching the lighting device to the vehicle and provided with a first electrical connection means (20) intended to be electrically connected to a wiring harness of the vehicle; - a support (21) for a lighting unit (7), the support comprising a second electrical connection means (25) intended to be electrically connected to a lighting unit; - a frame (10) extending from the base to the support, the frame further comprising electrical conduction means (26) connecting the first electrical connection means (20) to the second electrical connection means (25).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Lighting device for motor vehicle

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a new type of lighting device for a motor vehicle.

[0005] State of the prior art

[0006] Motor vehicles include lighting devices configured to perform various lighting functions, including lighting functions for the vehicle's surroundings and signaling functions intended to make the vehicle clearly visible and / or to communicate certain information to other motorists. In addition to their primary lighting function, lighting devices must integrate harmoniously into a motor vehicle and contribute significantly to its style. In addition, lighting devices must be resistant to all mechanical stresses or constraints to which they are subjected. They must also be easy to install in a motor vehicle. Furthermore, since a lighting device is generally highly exposed to the impacts that a vehicle may experience, a lighting device must also be easy to repair or replace.

[0007] To meet all these requirements, in recent years, lighting device models have continued to incorporate more and more components, to increase in size, and to become increasingly heavy. Current lighting devices are thus the result of successive additions of different functions that were added to previous generations of lighting devices. A lighting device today comprises, on average, around 90 components. It is included in a volume of approximately 450mm in the transverse direction, approximately 400mm in the longitudinal direction and 260mm in the vertical direction, and weighs on average 4.7 kg. Furthermore, the different components of a lighting device are manufactured from very varied materials and are assembled together by complex and / or irreversible processes such as, for example, gluing processes. This makes the disassembly of such lighting devices very complex, if not impossible.In practice, when a lighting device is damaged, for example following an impact, the entire lighting device is replaced. At the end of its life, recycling the various components of the lighting device is also very complex to achieve.

[0008] Presentation of the invention

[0009] The aim of the invention is to provide a lighting device which overcomes the above drawbacks and improves the lighting devices known from the prior art.

[0010] More specifically, a first object of the invention is a simpler, more economical, and easier to install or remove lighting device in a motor vehicle.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] The invention relates to a light device structure for a motor vehicle, the structure comprising:

[0013] - a base provided with a first fixing means for fixing the light device to the vehicle and provided with a first electrical connection means intended to be electrically connected to an electrical harness of the vehicle,

[0014] - a support for a light equipment, the support comprising a second electrical connection means intended to be electrically connected to a light equipment,

[0015] - a frame extending from the base to the support, the frame further comprising electrical conduction means connecting the first electrical connection means to the second electrical connection means.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the electrical conduction means are electrical tracks extending along an exterior surface of the armature, or the electrical conduction means are electrical tracks embedded inside the armature.

[0017] According to one or more embodiments, the frame comprises a body extending from the base and a plurality of extensions extending from the body, the plurality of extensions comprising at least a first extension carrying a second fixing means for fixing the light device to the vehicle and / or at least a second extension carrying said support.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the structure comprises at least one primary stay connecting two extensions together or connecting an extension to the body.

[0019] According to one or more embodiments, the structure comprises at least one secondary stay connecting the at least one primary stay to an extension or to the body.

[0020] According to one or more embodiments, the structure comprises at least one third extension carrying a third fixing means for fixing the light device to the vehicle, and / or at least one fourth extension carrying the support together with the second extension.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments, the first fixing means comprises a fixing lug intended to be placed in an engine compartment of the motor vehicle, in particular under a hood covering the engine compartment, and said support and said frame of the structure are intended to be placed on an exterior side of a body of the vehicle.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, the structure comprises at least one light guide extending along the frame.

[0023] According to one or more embodiments, the base further comprises at least one light source configured to inject light rays into the at least one light guide.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments, the frame comprises a channel inside which the at least one light guide is inserted.

[0025] According to one or more embodiments, said channel comprises at least a first closed portion completely enveloping the light guide so as to make the light guide invisible at the height of the first portion, and at least a second open portion only partially enveloping the light guide so as to make the light guide visible at the height of the second portion.

[0026] According to one or more embodiments, the second electrical connection means is in the form of a snap-on electrical connector or in any other form allowing a removable electrical connection to be made.

[0027] According to one or more embodiments, the base comprises a printed circuit board connected to both the first electrical connection means. The invention also relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle comprising a lighting device structure as defined above and lighting equipment electrically connected to the second electrical connection means of the structure, the lighting equipment being in particular configured to produce a lighting function for the environment of the vehicle.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments, the light device is not covered by a closing glass.

[0029] According to one or more embodiments, the light device is intended to be generally positioned outside the body of the vehicle.

[0030] According to one or more embodiments, the base comprises a printed circuit board connected both to the first electrical connection means and to any additional light sources of the lighting device.

[0031] According to one or more embodiments, the first electrical connection means makes it possible to supply electrical energy to the lighting equipment, and possibly to additional light sources embedded in the lighting device.

[0032] The invention also relates to an arrangement comprising a light device structure as defined above and / or a light device as defined above, the arrangement further comprising a motor vehicle bodywork element, in particular a motor vehicle front end element, said frame and said support of the structure being positioned on an outer side of the bodywork element.

[0033] According to one or more embodiments, the bodywork element comprises at least a first opening positioned opposite the first electrical connection means and the first fixing means.

[0034] According to one or more embodiments, the arrangement further comprises an electrical harness electrically connected to the first electrical connection means.

[0035] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a light device as defined above to a motor vehicle or to a part of a motor vehicle, the mounting method comprising:

[0036] - the supply of a motor vehicle or a part of a motor vehicle comprising a bodywork element, in particular a front end,

[0037] - the supply of a lighting device as defined above, then

[0038] - the installation of the light device against said bodywork element and on an exterior side of the bodywork element, then

[0039] - fixing the light device to the motor vehicle or to the part of the motor vehicle by means of the first fixing means, and electrically connecting the light device to an electrical harness of the motor vehicle or of the part of the motor vehicle by means of the first electrical connection means.

[0040] The motor vehicle or motor vehicle part may comprise an engine compartment and a hood for closing the engine compartment, the first attachment means and the first electrical connection means extending inside the engine compartment after the light device has been placed against the bodywork element, the attachment and connection of the light device being carried out while the hood is in the open position, the mounting method then comprising closing the hood to lock access to the first attachment means and the first electrical connection means.

[0041] Presentation of figures

[0042] These objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be explained in detail in the following description of a particular embodiment made without limitation in relation to the attached figures among which:

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a left front portion of a motor vehicle equipped with a lighting device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0044] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the light device of Figure 1.

[0045] Figure 3 is a top view of the light device of Figure 1.

[0046] Figure 4 is a rear view of the light device of Figure 1.

[0047] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a light fixture of the light device of Figure 1.

[0048] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a structure of the light device of Figure 1.

[0049] Figure 7 is a side view of the structure of Figure 6.

[0050] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a structure of a light device according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0051] Figure 9 is a schematic sectional view of a frame of the structure of Figure 8.

[0052] Figure 10 is a schematic sectional view of a frame of the structure of Figure 6. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a left portion of a face of the motor vehicle of Figure 1.

[0053] Figure 12 is a sectional view of the structure of Figure 6.

[0054] Detailed description

[0055] Figure 1 illustrates a front left part of a motor vehicle 1 comprising a lighting device 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The embodiment which will be described, in relation to a front left lighting device 2, can of course be transposed to a front right lighting device, to a rear left lighting device, to a rear right lighting device, or even to any other lighting device on board the vehicle 1.

[0056] The X axis is defined as the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1 . When moving forward and in a straight line, the vehicle 1 moves from the rear to the front in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis. The X axis is oriented from the front to the rear of the vehicle 1 , that is to say in the direction of reverse travel. The Y axis designates the transverse axis of the vehicle. The Y axis is oriented from left to right, left and right being defined according to the point of view of a driver of the vehicle. The Z axis designates the axis perpendicular to the X axis and the Y axis. The vehicle is considered to be resting on horizontal ground. The Z axis is a vertical axis, oriented from bottom to top. The X, Y and Z axes form an orthogonal reference frame. This same reference frame, defined with reference to the vehicle 1 , will also be used to describe the lighting device 2, even considered outside the vehicle, since it is intended to be mounted in a specific orientation in the vehicle.

[0057] The lighting device 2 may, for example, be integrated at an interface between a hood 3 providing access to an engine compartment of the vehicle, a front face 4 and a left front wing 5 of the vehicle. It may in particular be positioned in a housing formed in the bodywork of the vehicle at the interface between the hood 3, the front face 4 and the front wing 5 of the vehicle 1. The lighting device 2 is generally positioned outside the bodywork of the vehicle. The lighting device 2 may not protrude from the general silhouette of the vehicle 1. Preferably, the lighting device 2 is not covered by a closing window.

[0058] The lighting device 2 is illustrated in isolation from the vehicle 1 in Figures 2, 3 and 4. The lighting device 2 comprises a structure 6 as well as lighting equipment 7 fixed to the structure 6. The lighting equipment 7 may for example be a projector intended to provide a lighting function, in particular intended to produce a dipped beam and / or a main beam. Alternatively, this lighting equipment 7 could also be configured to perform a signaling function, for example to produce a position light.

[0059] The lighting equipment 7 is illustrated in isolation from the structure 6 in FIG. 5. It notably comprises at least one light source, at least one optical element configured to shape a light beam produced by the at least one light source, and a housing 8 enclosing the at least one light source and the at least one optical element.

[0060] The housing 8 is provided with a transparent exit window 9, in particular of rectangular shape, through which light rays can be emitted. The housing 8 can advantageously form a sealed envelope around the at least one light source and the at least one optical element. The housing 8 can be formed by assembling two half-shells 81, 82. In addition, the housing 8 can also comprise fixing means intended to fix the lighting equipment 7 to a base (not shown) integrated into the vehicle 1. The fixing means of the housing 8 can in particular comprise fixing lugs 83 projecting transversely or longitudinally. The housing 8 can also comprise studs 84 projecting transversely. The studs 84 are cylindrical elements capable of cooperating with a support to adjust the inclination of the lighting equipment 7 around an axis parallel to the transverse axis Y.Finally, the housing 8 can also be equipped with electrical connection means 85, in particular in the form of electrical plugs 85. The electrical plugs 85 can be arranged on an upper face of the housing 8.

[0061] According to the embodiment presented, the structure 6 and the lighting equipment 7 are therefore two separate components of the lighting device 2. These two elements can nevertheless be easily fixed and electrically connected to each other as we will see later. According to an alternative embodiment, all or part of the housing 8 of the lighting equipment 7 could be integrated into the structure 6. For example, the upper half-shell 82 of the housing 8 could form a single piece with a support 21 of the structure 6.

[0062] The structure 6 of the lighting device 2 is illustrated in isolation in Figures 6 and 7. The structure 6 comprises a branched frame 10. The frame 10 comprises a body 12 from which a plurality of extensions 131, 132, 133, 134 extend. The frame 10 is made of a rigid material such as plastic: this frame is not intended to deform when the lighting device 2 is put in place and / or when it is in use. On the contrary, the frame 10 is a supporting frame. The frame 10 is therefore not a flexible electrical harness for a motor vehicle or a simple electrical wire sheath.

[0063] In this case, the frame 10 comprises four extensions but alternatively this number could be different, for example at least two extensions, at least three extensions, or even any other number of extensions greater than or equal to five. The structure 6 comprises a base 14 from which the body 12 extends. The body 12 extends substantially parallel to the transverse axis Y of the vehicle, towards the outside of the vehicle (i.e. towards the left when considering a left-hand lighting device). The body 12 may nevertheless comprise a certain curvature in order to match the lines and contours of the vehicle 1. The body 12 may in particular be oriented slightly towards the rear to follow the vanishing line of the vehicle.

[0064] The base 14 comprises a first fixing means 151 for fixing the lighting device to the vehicle. The first fixing means 151 may be in the form of a fixing lug 18 projecting parallel to the X axis towards the rear from a rear face of the base 14. The fixing lug 18 may be arranged so as to respect an isostatism of installation of the lighting device on the vehicle. The fixing lug is provided with a fixing hole 19 oriented parallel to the Z axis. The first fixing means 151 thus provides a reference for positioning the lighting device along the vertical Z axis. The fixing lug 18 may be provided with stiffening ribs. The fixing lug 18 may also comprise a centering finger projecting parallel to the Z axis and intended to cooperate with a complementary shape secured to the vehicle 1.

[0065] Advantageously, the fixing lug 18 is intended to cooperate with a structural element, for example a body element, positioned in an engine compartment of the vehicle 1. The compartment is capable of being locked by the hood 3. Thus, the lighting device 2 can be configured so that it is necessary to open the hood 3 to access the first fixing means 151. This makes it possible to protect the lighting device 2 against theft since it is generally necessary to have the vehicle keys to open the hood, in particular to operate a lever located inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle to unlock the hood. When the hood 3 is lowered, the first fixing means 151 is not visible and not accessible from outside the vehicle.

[0066] The base 14 also comprises a first electrical connection means 20 for the light device. The first electrical connection means 20 may be in the form of an electrical connector intended to be electrically connected to an electrical harness of the vehicle. The electrical connector may also project towards the rear, substantially parallel to the fixing lug 18.

[0067] The first electrical connection means 20 makes it possible to supply electrical energy to the lighting equipment 7, and possibly to additional light sources embedded in the lighting device. The base 14 may also comprise a printed circuit board connected both to the first electrical connection means 20 and to any additional light sources of the lighting device.

[0068] The extensions 131, 132, 133, 134 extend obliquely from the body 12 in different directions. The directions in which the extensions extend may be different from each other. For example, a first extension 131 extends generally to the left, backwards and upwards. A second extension 132 extends generally to the left. Each extension may form with the direction in which the body extends, or with the direction in which another extension extends, an angle of between 5° and 45°, for example an angle of between about ten degrees and about twenty degrees. Each extension 13 is connected to the body 12 at a different point on the body 12 along the transverse axis Y. Alternatively, at least two extensions could also be connected to the body 12 at the same point. Each extension 12 may also adopt a slightly curved shape.The body 12 associated with the extensions 13 thus have the shape of a tree or part of a tree. The body 12 can be likened to a tree trunk and the extensions can be likened to branches of the tree. The direction in which each extension extends and / or the shape of each extension can be adapted so as to integrate harmoniously into a given vehicle. According to an alternative embodiment, the structure 6 could also comprise a body, a set of first-order extensions extending from the body, and a set of second-order extensions, each second-order extension extending from a first-order extension.

[0069] Each extension 131, 132, 133, 134 thus comprises an end linked to the body and a free end. The free end of each extension 131, 132, 133, 134 supports a particular function of the lighting device 2 which can be either a function of fixing the lighting device 2 to the vehicle 1, or a function of fixing a lighting equipment, such as the lighting equipment 7 previously described. As we will see in more detail later, each extension as such can also integrate a lighting function.

[0070] The frame 10 makes it possible to ensure the maintenance of lighting equipment and the attachment of the lighting device 2 to the vehicle. The structure 6 is thus radically different from the lighting device structures known from the state of the art in which the lighting equipment is attached to the vehicle by means of a housing which envelops them. On the contrary, the housing traditionally used in the lighting devices of the state of the art is replaced by a particular branched frame, comprising a body from which extensions extend. The number of extensions, the shape and the direction of each extension can be easily adapted according to the number of lighting equipment on board, and according to the silhouette of the vehicle. The body 12 and the extensions 131, 132, 133, 134 are not masked, but on the contrary are intended to remain visible and to contribute to the style of the vehicle 1.

[0071] As can be clearly seen in Figure 3, the first extension 131 and the third extension 133 each comprise a fixing means 152, 153 configured to fix the light device to the vehicle 1. These two extensions 131, 133 extend generally obliquely upwards and to the left. The two extensions 131, 133 are substantially parallel to each other. In this case, each of the two fixing means 152, 153 comprises an axis 16 at the end of which is arranged a spherical head 17 intended to cooperate with a housing secured to the vehicle 1 and of a shape complementary to the spherical head 7. The axis 16 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis X, towards the rear. It is noted that the free end of the extensions 131 and 133 also extends at least roughly parallel to the longitudinal axis X. Thus, the axes 16 each extend from an end section of an extension, substantially in the extension of the extension to which it is fixed.The fixing means 152, 153 thus provide a positioning reference for the lighting device along the longitudinal axis X. Such fixing means are particularly simple to use since it is sufficient to push the structure parallel to the longitudinal axis X, towards the rear, for the spherical heads to engage in the corresponding housings.

[0072] As can be clearly seen in Figures 6 and 7, the second extension 132 and the fourth extension 134 jointly carry a support 21 supporting the lighting equipment 7. The use of two extensions connected to the support 21 makes it possible to better support the weight of the lighting equipment 7. Alternatively, a single extension or at least three extensions could also be connected to the support 21. Generally speaking, the frame 10 forms a rigid mechanical connection between the base 14 and the support 21. The frame 10 thus has sufficient rigidity to transmit forces exerted by all or part of the weight of the lighting equipment 7 to the base 14.

[0073] According to the embodiment presented, the support 21 forms a second housing surrounding a front face of the housing 8 of the lighting equipment 7. In addition to supporting the lighting equipment 7, the support 21 also has an aesthetic function by masking the technical elements of the lighting equipment 7. With the exception of the transparent exit window 9, no part of the lighting equipment 7 is thus visible from outside the vehicle. On the other hand, the structure 6 with its body 12 and its extensions 131, 132, 133, 134 is clearly visible and contributes to the overall aesthetics of the lighting device 2, and of the vehicle 1 in which the lighting device 2 is integrated.

[0074] The support 21 thus comprises a front face provided with an opening 21 1 positioned opposite the transparent exit window 9. The opening 21 1 is framed by walls including a front wall 212, side walls 213, 214, and an upper wall 215. The extensions 132 and 134 are connected to the front wall 212 of the support 21. More precisely, the extension 132 is connected to a left part of the front wall 212, under the opening 21 1 . The extension 134 is connected to a right part of the front wall 212, to the right of the opening 21 1 .

[0075] The support 21 further comprises holding tabs 216 cooperating with the studs 84 of the housing 8. The holding tabs 216 are provided along the side walls 213 and 214. The lighting equipment 7 is thus fixed to the support 21 according to a rotational connection about an axis parallel to the transverse axis Y, in order to allow adjustment of the projection height of the light beam produced by the lighting equipment 7. Alternatively, the lighting equipment could be fixed more simply to the support 21, in particular according to a connection of the embedding type, that is to say without a degree of freedom. As mentioned previously, according to another variant embodiment, the support 21 and all or part of the housing 8 of the lighting equipment 7 could also form a single piece.

[0076] As illustrated in Figure 9, the support 21 further comprises a second electrical connection means 25 intended to be electrically connected to the lighting equipment 7. The second electrical connection means 25 is electrically connected to the first electrical connection means 20 by electrical conduction means 26. Thus, the lighting equipment 7 can be connected to an electrical harness of the vehicle via the structure 6 which supports it.

[0077] The second electrical connection means may take the form of a set of conductive electrical terminals 251 extending on the surface of a wall of the support, in particular on the lower face of the upper wall 215. Alternatively, these electrical terminals could be arranged on any other wall of the support 21. Each electrical terminal 251 is positioned opposite an electrical plug 85 of the housing 8 of the lighting equipment 7. Each electrical plug 85 is thus in electrical contact with an electrical terminal 251 when the lighting equipment 7 is in place in the support 21. Consequently, when the lighting equipment 7 is placed in the support 21, the electrical connection of the lighting equipment with the second electrical connection means 25 is automatically made. The installation and / or replacement of the lighting equipment 7 within the lighting device 2 is therefore particularly simple to carry out.

[0078] Alternatively, the second electrical connection means 25 could be in the form of a snap-on electrical connector or in any other form allowing a removable electrical connection to be made. In Figures 5 and 8, the housing is shown with six electrical plugs 85 and the structure 6 is shown with six electrical terminals 251. Alternatively, this number could be different.

[0079] The electrical conduction means 26 may be electrical tracks 261. These electrical tracks may be made of an electrically conductive material such as copper. According to a first embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, these electrical tracks 261 may extend along an outer surface of the frame, in particular along an outer surface of the body 12 and / or an extension 131, 132, 133, 134. Advantageously, the electrical tracks 261 then extend along non-visible sides of the frame 10. Thus, the electrical tracks 261 remain invisible from the outside of the vehicle. Such an embodiment may in particular be obtained by screen printing or printing conductive tracks directly onto the frame, and is particularly simple to implement.

[0080] According to a second embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 10 and 12, these electrical tracks can be embedded inside the frame 10, that is to say they are entirely covered by the material forming the frame. Such an embodiment can in particular be obtained by overmolding the conductive tracks and has the advantage of offering better electrical insulation of the electrical tracks 261.

[0081] It is therefore understood that the armature 10 is made of electrically insulating material, at least at the level of its parts in contact with the electrical tracks 261. As mentioned previously, the armature 10 is preferably made of plastic material. The armature 10 may nevertheless comprise metal inserts, distinct from the electrical tracks 261, and intended to reinforce the armature 10, provided that these metal inserts do not short-circuit the electrical tracks 261. In Figure 8, the structure 8 is shown with three electrical tracks 261. In Figures 9 and 10, the structure 8 is shown with six electrical tracks 261. In Figure 12, the structure 8 is shown with a single electrical track 261. These representations are made by way of example: in practice, the number of electrical tracks 261 extending along the armature 10 may be equal to any number greater than or equal to one.

[0082] Advantageously, the structure 6 comprises a set of primary stays 221, 222, 223, 224 connecting two extensions together or connecting an extension to the body. In this case, a first primary stay 221 connects the body 12 to the first extension 131. The first primary stay 221 extends substantially from the mid-length of the body 12 to the mid-length of the first extension 131. A second primary stay 222 connects the body 12 to the second extension 132. The second primary stay 222 extends substantially from the base of the body 12 to the mid-length of the second extension 132. A third primary stay 223 connects the first extension 131 to the third extension 133. The third primary stay 223 extends substantially from the mid-length of the first extension 131 to the base of the third extension 133. A fourth primary stay 224 connects the second extension 132 to the fourth extension 134.The third primary stay 223 extends substantially from the mid-length of the second extension 132 to the mid-length of the fourth extension 134. The primary stays 221, 222, 223, 224 may be substantially straight or, on the contrary, follow a curved line. The primary stays make it possible, on the one hand, to reinforce the rigidity of the structure 6 but also to provide an original style effect.

[0083] In addition, and as illustrated in the figures, the structure 6 comprises a set of secondary stays 225 connecting each of the primary stays 221, 222, 223, 224 to an extension 131, 132, 133, 134 or to the body 12. The secondary stays 225 make it possible to further reinforce the rigidity of the structure 6 while providing an original style effect.

[0084] The assembly formed by a primary stay and the secondary stays connected to it extends along an openwork web, or in other words an openwork web. This web is capable of extending in various planes depending on the primary stay considered. Each web is thus provided with holes formed between the secondary stays. According to the embodiment presented, the holes have a generally triangular shape but alternatively any other shape of hole could be envisaged.

[0085] Advantageously, the body 12, the extensions 131, 132, 133, 134, where appropriate the primary stays 221, 222, 223, 224 and the secondary stays form a monolithic assembly, that is to say formed from a block of the same material. This assembly may, for example, be formed by molding, in particular by plastic injection, or by additive synthesis, or even by hybrid manufacturing processes. Due to the complex shape of this assembly, three-dimensional printing may be preferable. Advantageously, the support 21 and / or a housing of the base 14, including in particular the fixing lug 18, may also be part of this monolithic assembly.

[0086] Figure 11 illustrates a left portion of the front face 4 of the vehicle 1. The front face 4 is a bodywork element. It is a panel shaped to the shape of the vehicle. The front face 4 comprises an external face facing the outside of the vehicle. This external face corresponds to the face visible in Figure 11. The front face 4 also comprises an internal face, opposite the external face. The internal face faces the engine compartment of the vehicle. The frame 10, the support 21 and the lighting equipment 7 are positioned outside the front face, that is to say against the external face of the front face. In other words, the frame 10, the support 21 and the lighting equipment 7 are positioned in front of the front face 4 and not through or on the side of the front face, moreover, the front face 4 comprises a recess 41 in which the lighting device is placed.

[0087] The front face comprises a first opening 42 through which the first fixing means 151 and the first electrical connection means 20 extend, a second opening 43 through which the second fixing means 152 extends, and a third opening 44 through which the third fixing means 153 extends. The three fixing means 151, 152, 153 can thus cooperate with structural parts of the vehicle to hold the lighting device in position.

[0088] With the exception of the first electrical connection means 20 and its three fixing means 151, 152, 153, the lighting device therefore extends entirely outside the bodywork.

[0089] The openings 42, 43 and 44 are holes formed through the front face. The openings therefore have a closed contour. The openings have dimensions substantially identical to the dimensions of the base 14 and the extensions 131 and 133. Thus, when the lighting device 2 is in place in the vehicle 1, these openings 42, 43, 44 are covered respectively by the base and the extensions 131 and 133 and are therefore no longer visible.

[0090] According to another aspect of the invention, the structure 6 advantageously comprises at least one light guide extending along at least one extension 131, 132, 133, 134 and / or along the body 12. Each light guide may be a single-source light guide, i.e. a light guide associated with a single light source arranged at one end of the light guide, or a multi-source light guide, i.e. a light guide comprising a plurality of light sources distributed along the light guide. These light guides may be intended to perform signaling functions. In this case, the light device 2 comprises three light guides 231, 232, 233. A first light guide 231 extends along the body 12 and extends into the first extension 131. A second light guide 232 extends along the body 12 and extends into the second extension 132.A third light guide 233 extends along the body 12 and extends into the third extension 133.

[0091] Each light guide 231, 232, 233 extends in a channel 241, 242, 243 provided in the body 12 and in the corresponding extension for this purpose. Each channel 241, 242, 243 may comprise closed portions completely enveloping the light guide 231, 232, 233 so as to make it invisible, and open portions, for example with a “U”-shaped section locally revealing the light guide. The different portions of a channel may correspond to different sections of the channel perpendicular to the direction in which it extends. Thus, the first light guide 231 is only visible at the first extension 131. The second light guide 232 is visible over the entire length of the body 12 and the second extension 132. The third light guide 233 is only visible at the third extension 133.The appearance of the light device 2 can be varied simply by adapting the closed portions and the open portions of each channel, but also by varying the size and / or thickness and / or shape of each light guide.

[0092] Figure 12 is a sectional view of the structure 6 at a plane P identified in Figure 6. It can be seen that each light guide 231, 232, 233 has a rectangular section. Alternatively, other section shapes could be envisaged. The section of a light guide could comprise at least one curved side. The size of this section can be adapted according to the light function performed by the light guide. At the section shown in Figure 12, only the channel 242 is open while the channels 141 and 143 are closed. Thus, only the second light guide 132 is visible while the light guides 131 and 133 are hidden inside the body 12. The light guides 131 and 133 become visible further on, when they extend to the height of the extension 131 and respectively the extension 133.

[0093] Each channel 241, 242, 243 may comprise dimensions such that the light guide associated with this channel is mounted with a slight clearance. This facilitates the operation of mounting and dismounting the light guides within the structure 6. In order to prevent water or particles from infiltrating into the base 14 by passing through the clearance existing between each channel and the corresponding light guide, the base 14 advantageously comprises sealing means and / or a water-resistant design.

[0094] The light guides 231, 232, 233 are made of a transparent material suitable for guiding light rays. Preferably, this material may be a flexible material so as to allow the deformation of the light guides during their insertion into the structure 6. Each light guide can thus be easily inserted within the structure 6. This facilitates the initial assembly operation of the lighting device. This also facilitates the extraction of the light guide from the structure 6 for the purposes of repair. For example, if the structure 6 is damaged following an impact, the light guides can easily be extracted from the damaged structure 6, then reinserted into a new structure. According to the illustrated embodiment, the base 14 further comprises a light source positioned opposite one end of each light guide 231, 232, 233. The light guides are therefore single-source light guides.The light sources are thus configured to inject light rays into each light guide. These three light sources can be controlled individually. The different light sources integrated in the base 14 can be electrically connected to the same printed circuit board.

[0095] The different light sources used to activate each light guide are therefore grouped together in the same housing. Thus, maintenance of the lighting device is made easier since it is easier to separate all of the light sources from the other parts of the lighting device. In particular, the lighting device 2 is easier to repair than a lighting device known from the prior art in which the light sources associated with each light guide are integrated into separate housings and / or electrically connected to separate printed circuit boards. The closed portions of the channels 241, 242, 243 make it possible to provide a lighting device in which the visible parts of the light guides are well separated from each other, and in which the light sources associated with these light guides are grouped together in the same housing.

[0096] At least one light source among these three light sources can be configured to emit light of different colors, for example white light or orange light. Thus, the light guide associated with this light source can perform a positioning light function or a flashing light function to indicate an intention to turn, depending on the selected light color. A variation in the color of the light emitted by this light source can for example be achieved by means of a PDLC type filter, integrated in the base 14.

[0097] Finally, the architecture of the light device 2 allows for a wide variety of different designs. The number of extensions, the shape, and the orientation of the body and extensions can be easily adapted. If necessary, the shape of the primary and secondary shrouds, and / or the number and arrangement of light guides can also be easily adapted or customized. This gives car manufacturers considerable flexibility in offering original and aesthetically pleasing light devices.

[0098] In general, the lighting device 2 comprises fewer components, is much more compact and is lighter than the lighting devices known from the prior art. The embodiment of the lighting device 2 presented may comprise less than sixty components. It can be contained in a volume of approximately 530 mm in the transverse direction, approximately 400 mm in the longitudinal direction and 122 mm in the vertical direction. The overall dimensions in the vertical direction can thus be halved. The mass of the lighting device can be reduced by approximately 2 kg.

[0099] To assemble the lighting device 2 to the vehicle 1, it is sufficient to bring the lighting device 2 against the front face 4 of the vehicle with the hood 3 in the open position. The first electrical connection means 20 and the fixing means 151, 152, 153 are then inserted into the three openings 42, 43, 44 provided in the front face 4. The fixing lug 18 and the first electrical connection means 20 then protrude into the engine compartment and are easily accessible. The fixing lug 18 can then be fixed to a structural element of the vehicle, for example by means of a fixing screw. The spherical heads 17 can be placed in their respective housing by simply pushing the lighting device backwards. The lighting device is thus fixed to the vehicle.Then, an electrical harness of the vehicle can be connected to the first electrical connection means 20, which makes it possible to supply power to the lighting equipment 7, as well as all the auxiliary light sources of the lighting device. The lighting device is thus electrically connected to the vehicle. The hood 3 can then be closed so as to lock, and therefore secure, access to the first fixing means and to the first electrical connection means.

[0100] The lighting device 2 is also much more easily disassembled and repaired compared to a lighting device according to the prior art in which the various components are integrated into a housing sealed with a glass. Indeed, the operations necessary for the installation of the lighting device are easily reversible and repeatable. In the event that the lighting device 2 is damaged, for example following an impact against the vehicle 1, the lighting device can be easily disassembled from the vehicle and then disassembled. The intact components can be preserved while the damaged components are replaced. The intact components are reassembled with the replaced components to form a repaired lighting device. In particular, the lighting equipment 7 can easily be disassembled and reassembled with the structure 6. These operations are simple and can be carried out directly at a garage.This minimizes the consumption of components and reduces the ecological impact of such a repair.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Structure (6) of a light device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a base (14) provided with a first fixing means (151) for fixing the light device to the vehicle and provided with a first electrical connection means (20) intended to be electrically connected to an electrical harness of the vehicle, - a support (21) for a light equipment (7), the support comprising a second electrical connection means (25) intended to be electrically connected to a light equipment, - an armature (10) extending from the base to the support, the armature further comprising electrical conduction means (26) connecting the first electrical connection means (20) to the second electrical connection means (25).

2. Structure (6) of a light device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first fixing means (151) comprises a fixing lug (18) intended to be placed in an engine compartment of the motor vehicle, in particular under a hood (3) covering the engine compartment, and in that said support (21) and said frame (10) of the structure are intended to be placed on an external side of a body of the vehicle.

3. Structure (6) of a light device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical conduction means (26) are electrical tracks (261) extending along an outer surface of the frame, or in that the electrical conduction means are electrical tracks embedded inside the frame.

4. Structure (6) of a light device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame comprises a body (12) extending from the base (12) and a plurality of extensions (131, 132, 133, 134) extending from the body, the plurality of extensions comprising at least a first extension (131) carrying a second fixing means (152) for fixing the light device to the vehicle and / or at least a second extension (132) carrying said support (21).

5. Structure (6) of a light device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one light guide (231, 232, 233) extending along the frame (10).

6. Structure (6) of a light device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (4) further comprises at least one light source configured to inject light rays into the at least one light guide.

7. Structure (6) of a light device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the frame (10) comprises a channel (241, 242, 243) inside which the at least one light guide is inserted.

8. Structure (6) of a light device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said channel comprises at least a first closed portion completely enveloping the light guide so as to make the light guide invisible at the height of the first portion, and at least a second open portion only partially enveloping the light guide so as to make the light guide visible at the height of the second portion.

9. Structure (6) of a light device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second electrical connection means (25) is in the form of a snap-on electrical connector or in any other form allowing a removable electrical connection to be made.

10. Lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle comprising a lighting device structure (6) according to one of the preceding claims and lighting equipment (7) electrically connected to the second electrical connection means (25) of the structure, the lighting equipment being in particular configured to produce a lighting function for the environment of the vehicle. 1 1. Lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lighting device (2) is not covered by a closing glass.

12. Lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the lighting device (2) is intended to be generally positioned outside the body of the vehicle.

13. Lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle according to claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the base (14) comprises a printed circuit board connected both to the first electrical connection means (20) and to any additional light sources of the lighting device.

14. Arrangement, characterized in that it comprises a structure (6) of a light device according to one of claims 1 to 9 and / or a light device (2) according to claims 10 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises a motor vehicle bodywork element, in particular a motor vehicle front face element (4), said frame (10) and said support (21) of the structure being positioned on an outer side of the bodywork element.

15. Method for mounting a light device (2) according to claims 10 to 13 to a motor vehicle (1) or to a part of a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises: - the supply of a motor vehicle (1) or a part of a motor vehicle comprising a bodywork element, in particular a front end (4), - the provision of a luminous device (2) according to claim 12, then - the installation of the light device against said bodywork element and on an exterior side of the bodywork element, then - fixing the light device to the motor vehicle or to the motor vehicle part by means of the first fixing means, and electrically connecting the light device to an electrical harness of the motor vehicle or of the motor vehicle part by means of the first electrical connection means (20).

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