Light-guide-based lighting device for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (DE) with which a vehicle is equipped, the lighting device comprising a photon source generating photons, a first light guide (GL1) receiving the generated photons with a view to delivering them to a first front face (FV1) in a first general direction, and a second light guide (GL2) of flat type, receiving on a rear face (FR2) the photons delivered to the first front face (FV1) with a view to delivering them to a second front face (FV2) that is inclined with respect to the first general direction. The first light guide (GL1) comprises, in proximity to at least one end (E1, E2) of the first front face (FV1), a projecting portion (PS1, PS2) comprising an auxiliary front face (FVA1, FAV2) delivering in the direction of the rear face (FR2) generated photons in at least one auxiliary general direction that is inclined with respect to the first general direction.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: LIGHTING DEVICE WITH DISORIENTED LIGHT GUIDES, FOR A VEHICLE The present invention claims priority from French application No. 2410223 filed on 25.09.2024, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to vehicles comprising at least one lighting device capable of providing at least one photometric function. State of the art

[0002] Some vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, include at least one lighting device comprising a source generating photons, a first light guide suitable for receiving the generated photons to deliver them on a first front face in a general direction, and a second flat type light guide suitable for receiving on a rear face the photons delivered on the first front face to deliver them on a second front face so that they perform a photometric function.

[0003] It should be noted that this type of lighting device is generally housed in a casing that is part of the optical unit or block, providing one or more photometric functions.

[0004] It should also be noted that this type of lighting device generally provides a photometric lighting function, for example intended to illuminate a grille installed in the front end of a vehicle.

[0005] Usually, the first and second light guides are installed along the same axis (parallel to the general direction) (as mentioned above) so that the photons received by the first light guide are distributed throughout the second light guide, and that the second front face of the latter is illuminated homogeneously. However, such an arrangement requires that the front panel of the housing (usually a protective glass) be designed to leave sufficient space for the installation of the front part of the second light guide with minimal clearance (typically 2 mm or 3 mm).

[0006] However, constraints related to the housing's placement and / or design may prevent the front portion of the second light guide from being installed with the predefined minimum clearance. In this situation, the second light guide must be tilted relative to the first, and therefore the first and second light guides are no longer installed along the same axis. This prevents the photons from being distributed evenly across the second light guide, resulting in uneven illumination of its outward-facing front face, which may prevent the predefined characteristics of the photometric function from being achieved.

[0007] The invention is therefore intended, in particular, to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In particular, it offers for this purpose a lighting system, firstly, suitable for equipping a vehicle, and, secondly, comprising:

[0009] - a source of photons capable of generating photons,

[0010] - a first light guide designed to receive the generated photons and deliver them onto a first front face in a first general direction, and

[0011] - a second flat light guide designed to receive on a rear face the photons delivered on the first front face and deliver them on a second front face to ensure a photometric function.

[0012] This lighting system is characterized by the fact that:

[0013] - its second light guide is inclined relative to the first general direction, and

[0014] - its first light guide includes, near at least one end of the first front face, a projecting part having an auxiliary front face suitable for delivering photons generated in the direction of the rear face along at least one general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to the first general direction.

[0015] Thanks to this double tilt, the photons delivered by the first light guide can now be distributed throughout the second light guide, which makes it possible to obtain homogeneous illumination of the second front face of the latter and therefore the predefined characteristics of the photometric function.

[0016] The lighting device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0017] - its second light guide may include at least one sub-part suitable for modifying by refraction and / or reflection the first general auxiliary direction so that the delivered photons which reach it arrive in at least one chosen internal area of ​​the second front face;

[0018] - the second front face of the second light guide can be curved in order to deflect the photons that reach it towards at least one chosen external area;

[0019] - its first light guide may include, near a first end of its first front face, a first projecting part having a first auxiliary front face adapted to deliver, towards the rear face, photons generated along at least one first general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to the first general direction, and, near a second end of its first front face, a second part protruding having a second auxiliary front face suitable for delivering photons generated in the direction of the rear face along at least one second general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to the first general direction;

[0020] - in the presence of the last option, the first salient part may have a section, in a plane containing the first general direction, in the general shape of an L;

[0021] - also in the presence of the last option, the second salient part may have a section, in a plane containing the first general direction, in a general rectangular shape;

[0022] - its first and second light guides may respectively include first and second coupling elements cooperating together to couple them to each other.

[0023] The invention also proposes an optical block suitable for equipping a vehicle and ensuring at least one photometric function, and comprising a housing, on the one hand, housing a lighting device of the type presented above, and, on the other hand, comprising a front wall provided with at least one passage through which exit photons delivered by the second front face of the lighting device.

[0024] 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.

[0025] For example, this vehicle may include a front end equipped with a grille incorporating the lighting device or the optical unit. Brief description of the figures

[0026] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description below, and of the attached drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), on which:

[0027] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front, an example of an embodiment of an optical block comprising an example of an embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention,

[0028] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a vertical and longitudinal plane, a part of the optical block of figure 1 at the level of its lighting device,

[0029] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a vertical and longitudinal plane, the lighting device of figure 2 with the representation in dashed lines of several photon paths,

[0030] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front, the first light guide of the lighting device of Figures 2 and 3 before its coupling to the second light guide,

[0031] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates, in a rear perspective view, a portion of the first light guide of Figure 4 at the level of one of its first coupling elements,

[0032] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear and in a cross-sectional view in a vertical and longitudinal plane at the level of a first coupling element, the part of the first light guide of figure 5,

[0033] [Fig. 7] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front, the second light guide of the lighting device in Figures 2 and 3 before its coupling to the first light guide, and

[0034] [Fig. 8] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the coupling between the first and second light guides of figures 4 and 7. Detailed description of the invention

[0035] The invention aims in particular to provide a DE lighting device intended to equip a vehicle and having first GL1 and second GL2 light guides which are not aligned along the same axis (or are disoriented) while allowing homogeneous illumination.

[0036] In what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the DE lighting device is part of a BO optical unit intended to equip the front end of a motor vehicle, and which may possibly perform at least one other photometric function in addition to that performed by the DE lighting device. However, the DE lighting device could be an independent optical component (and therefore constitute a vehicle optical unit).

[0037] Furthermore, in what follows, we consider, as a non-limiting example, that the BO optical unit (but it could be the DE lighting device) is intended to equip a grille installed in the front end of the vehicle.

[0038] But the DE lighting system can be fitted to any front or rear end of a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air).

[0039] Finally, in what follows, we consider, by way of non-limiting example, that the DE lighting device performs a photometric lighting function. More specifically, it is intended (here) to illuminate at least part of the grille. However, the DE lighting device could perform another photometric lighting or signaling function, such as a daytime running light (or DRL – a photometric signaling function, possibly with variable intensity), or a turn signal (or indicator) function.

[0040] 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 including 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 transverse direction Y.

[0041] In the preceding and following text, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined relative to the front end of the vehicle. Therefore, the front portion of a component is intended to be located closer to the front end of the vehicle than the rear portion of that same component.

[0042] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate, at least partially, an example of an embodiment of an optical block BO comprising an example of an embodiment of a lighting device DE according to the invention and intended (here) to be installed in a grille of a vehicle.

[0043] This optical unit BO comprises, in addition to the DE lighting device according to the invention, a housing BB in which this DE lighting device is fixedly installed, and a front panel PV having a protective glass GP located furthest downstream (with respect to the direction of photon propagation), fixedly attached to the housing BB in front of the second front panel FV2 of the DE lighting device, and through which the photons performing the photometric function of the latter (DE) exit. It should be noted that here the front panel PV is provided with seven PP passages through which photons emitted by a second front panel FV2 of the DE lighting device exit, each PP passage housing a sub-part of the GP protective glass. However, the front panel PV can be provided with any number of PP passages greater than or equal to one, each housing a GP protective glass or a sub-part of a GP protective glass.

[0044] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 and 3, a DE lighting device, according to the invention, comprises a source of SP photons, a first GL1 light guide, and a second GL2 light guide.

[0045] It should be noted that here the DE lighting device does not include a housing because it is intended to be part of an optical unit BO that includes such a housing BB. However, a DE lighting device, according to the invention, can also include a housing and a protective lens when it constitutes an independent optical unit.

[0046] The SP photon source is designed to generate photons that must participate in the photometric function (here a function of lighting a grille).

[0047] For example, this SP photon source may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, it could include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, for example. It should also be noted, although not shown in Figures 2 and 3, that the DE lighting device may also include an electronic board containing the SP photon source and electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of this SP photon source. This electronic board could also be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0048] The first light guide GL1 is arranged to receive the photons generated by the photon source SP and deliver them to a first front face FV1 along a first general direction dg1 (see figure 2).

[0049] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2, 3, 7, and 8, the second light guide GL2 is of the flat (or "blade") type and is inclined relative to the first general direction dg1. This means that it has an axis a2 that is parallel to its largest faces (here, the lower and upper faces) and forms a chosen, non-zero acute angle with the first general direction dg1. This inclination is intended to allow sufficient space for the front portion of the second GL2 light guide so that it can be installed with minimal clearance (typically 2 mm or 3 mm) in the BB housing.

[0050] This second light guide GL2 is arranged so as to receive on a second rear face FR2 the photons which are delivered on the first front face FV1 of the first light guide GL1 to deliver them on its second front face FV2 (oriented towards the front wall PV (and its protective glass GP)), so that they perform the photometric function (here of lighting).

[0051] In addition, the first light guide GL1 includes, near at least one end Ej (j = 1 or 2) of the first front face FV1, a projecting part PSj which has an auxiliary front face FVAj suitable for delivering photons generated in the direction of the second rear face FR2 along at least one general auxiliary direction which is inclined with respect to the first general direction dg1.

[0052] Thanks to the inclination of each auxiliary general direction relative to the first general direction dg1 and the inclination of axis a2 relative to the first general direction dg1, the photons delivered by the first light guide GL1 can now be distributed throughout the second light guide GL2, thus achieving homogeneous illumination of the second outward-facing front face FV2. This allows us to obtain the predefined characteristics of the photometric function.

[0053] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 2 and 3, the second light guide GL2 may include at least one sub-part SPj designed to modify the first general auxiliary direction by refraction and / or reflection so that the delivered photons reaching it arrive in at least one chosen internal region Zlj of the second front face FV2. It will be understood that each sub-part SPj is associated with an auxiliary front face FVAj in order to act specifically on the photons delivered by the latter (FVAj).

[0054] As illustrated, each sub-part SPj can take the form of an inward step or notch or bulge defining a curved (or curvilinear) portion, for example.

[0055] Some purely illustrative photon paths are shown as dashed lines in Figure 3, to illustrate examples of photon refraction at the outer / inner interface of the second rear face FR2 and at the inner / outer interface of the second front face FV2, and examples of internal photon reflection in the second light guide GL2. Some of these internal reflections and refractions shown are due to the presence of a sub-part SPj.

[0056] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2, 3, 7 and 8, the second front face FV2 of the second light guide GL2 can be curved in order to deflect the photons that reach it towards at least one chosen external zone ZE.

[0057] Note that there are as many external ZE zones chosen as there are PP passages defined in the front wall PV (and therefore sub-parts of the GP protective glass), namely (here) seven. But the second front face FV2 of the second light guide GL2 can be curved continuously, over its entire extension (here along the transverse direction Y).

[0058] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 6, the first light guide GL1 may include, near a first end E1 (j = 1, and here lower) of the first front face FV1, a first protruding part PS1 comprising a first auxiliary front face FVA1, and, near a second end E2 (j = 2, and here upper) of the first front face FV1, a second protruding part PS2 comprising a second auxiliary front face FVA2.

[0059] The first auxiliary front face FVA1 is designed to deliver photons generated along at least one general auxiliary direction inclined relative to the first general direction dg1 towards the second rear face FR2 of the second light guide GL2. The second auxiliary front face FVA2 is designed to deliver photons generated along at least one general auxiliary direction inclined relative to the first general direction dg1 towards the second rear face FR2.

[0060] But the first GL1 light guide might only include, near only one of the two ends Ej (here the lower or the upper) of its first front face FV1, a single protruding part PSj comprising an auxiliary front face FVAj.

[0061] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 2, 3, and 6, when the first light guide GL1 includes a first protruding part PS1 (here lower), the latter (PS1) can have a generally L-shaped cross-section in a plane (here XZ) containing the first general direction dg1. This allows for an increase not only in the surface area of ​​the first auxiliary front face FVA1 but also in the number of different first general directions of the photons exiting the first auxiliary front face FVA1, as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figure 3 by some of the lower paths shown in dashed lines. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the first protruding part PS1 could have a generally rectangular cross-section in a plane (here XZ) containing the first general direction dg1.

[0062] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 2, 3, and 6, when the first light guide GL1 includes a second projecting part PS2 (here, the upper part), the latter (PS2) may have a generally rectangular cross-section in a plane (here, XZ) containing the first general direction dg1. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the second projecting part PS2 could have a cross-section in general form of L in a plane (here XZ) containing the first general direction dg1.

[0063] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 4 to 8, the first GL1 and second GL2 light guides may respectively comprise first EC1 and second EC2 coupling elements that cooperate to couple them to each other. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 4 to 8, the first EC1 and second EC2 coupling elements are coupling tabs designed to be pressed against each other and equipped with through holes allowing the passage of screws or bolts that cooperate with nuts positioned against the rear faces of the first EC1 coupling tabs. However, the first EC1 and second EC2 coupling elements could also be clipping means, such as notched clipping tabs and clipping holes.

[0064] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 7 and 8, one of the first GL1 and second GL2 light guides may include at least two PF mounting tabs for attaching the first GL1 and second GL2 light guides, after coupling, to the BB housing. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 7 and 8, it is the second GL2 light guide that includes the mounting tabs. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, it is the first GL1 light guide that could include the PF mounting tabs.

[0065] For example, the first GL1 and second GL2 light guides can also be one-piece components made by molding a rigid material that is transparent to the photons generated by the SP photon source. For example, this material could be polycarbonate (or PC), and possibly "TARFLON" PC (registered trademark) because the latter promotes photon scattering.

[0066] Also, for example, and as illustrated but not limited to figures 5 to 8, the first rear face FR1 of the first light guide GL1 can comprise a multitude of three-dimensional (or 3D) diffusing elements, so as to distribute the photons from the photon source SP in the first light guide GL1. Also, for example, and as illustrated (but not limited to) in Figures 5 to 8, the second front face FV2 of the second light guide GL2 can comprise a multitude of three-dimensional (or 3D) diffusing elements, so as to distribute the photons in each outer zone ZE (and therefore in each passage). PP).

Claims

DEMANDS

1. Lighting device (ED) suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising i) a photon source suitable for generating photons, ii) a first light guide (GL1) suitable for receiving said generated photons and delivering them to a first front face (FV1) in a first general direction, and iii) a second flat light guide (GL2) suitable for receiving said photons delivered to said first front face (FV1) on a rear face (FR2) and delivering them to a second front face (FV2) to perform a photometric function, characterized in that said second light guide (GL2) is inclined with respect to said first general direction,and in that said first light guide (GL1) comprises, near at least one end (Ej) of said first front face (FV1), a protruding part (PSj) having an auxiliary front face (FVAj) adapted to deliver, in the direction of said rear face (FR2), photons generated along at least one general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to said first general direction.

2. Lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that said second light guide (GL2) comprises at least one sub-part (SPj) adapted to modify by refraction and / or reflection said first general auxiliary direction so that the delivered photons which reach it arrive in at least one selected internal zone (Zlj) of said second front face (FV2).

3. Lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said second front face (FV2) is curved in order to deflect said photons which reach it towards at least one selected external zone (ZE).

4. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first light guide (GL1) comprises, near a first end (E1) of said first front face (FV1), a first protruding part (PS1) having a first auxiliary front face (FVA1) adapted to deliver, in the direction of said rear face (FR2), photons generated along at least one first general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to said first general direction, and near a second end (E2) of said first front face (FV1) a second protruding part (PS2) comprising a second auxiliary front face (FVA2) suitable for delivering in the direction of said rear face (FR2) photons generated along at least one second general auxiliary direction inclined with respect to said first general direction.

5. Lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that said first protruding part (PS1) has a section, in a plane containing said first general direction, in the general shape of L.

6. A lighting device according to claim 4, characterized in that said second protruding part (PS2) has a generally rectangular cross-section in a plane containing said first general direction.

7. A lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first (GL1) and second (GL2) light guides comprise, respectively, first (EC1) and second (EC2) coupling elements cooperating together to couple them to each other.

8. Optical unit (OU) suitable for equipping a vehicle and ensuring at least one photometric function, characterized in that it comprises a housing (BB) housing a lighting device (ED) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and comprising a front wall (PV) provided with at least one passage (PP) through which photons delivered by said second front face (FV2) of said lighting device (ED) exit.

9. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one lighting device (ED) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and / or at least one optical unit (OU) according to claim 8.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a front end equipped with a grille including said lighting device (DE) or said optical unit (BO).

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