Luminous device for an automotive vehicle

Abstract

A luminous device (10) for an automotive vehicle comprises a housing (1) and an outer lens (2) defining an interior housing space (3). The outer lens (2) includes an auxiliary opening (25) traversing a front face of the device. A support element (9) is fitted within the auxiliary opening (25) and configured to retain at least one interaction system (5, 7) with the exterior of the vehicle. The support element (9) comprises a main frame adapted to the auxiliary opening (25), a first hole (23) for receiving an image acquisition element (5), and a second hole (24) for receiving a cleaning element (7). The cleaning element (7) comprises a main barrel (11) secured to an auxiliary part (12) fixed to the outer lens (2). This modular configuration enables replacement of the interaction system (5, 7) through the auxiliary opening (25) without disassembling the luminous device (10).

Description

LUMINOUS DEVICE FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE

[0001] This invention is related to the field of automotive lighting, and more particularly, to the improvement of the interior arrangement of multiple devices on the headlamp, especially the configuration of the interior elements of the same.

[0002] Automotive lighting market can be considered one of the most competitive in the world and new lighting functionalities are constantly required.

[0003] Current lighting functionalities include cameras and sensors. These elements are usually incorporated into the structure of the vehicle, but they are difficult to replace. The need of this replacement may be caused by damages or malfunctioning of the same.

[0004] However, a simple replacement design is not enough, since the place and relative location of each element with the rest of the elements of the vehicle are crucial for the operation of the whole assembly.

[0005] A solution for this is sought.

[0006] The present invention overcomes the above limitations of the prior art, by providing a luminous device for a luminous device according to the invention.

[0007] In a first inventive aspect, the invention provides a luminous device for an automotive vehicle, the luminous device comprising:an enclosure comprising a housing and an outer lens at least partially transparent and closing said housing so as to define an interior housing space of the enclosure,a front face, formed at least in part by said outer lens, said front face being intended to be the visible part of the luminous device from the exterior of the automotive vehicle,a second auxiliary opening traversing said front face, said second auxiliary opening being intended to receive at least one interaction system with the exterior of the automotive vehicle.

[0008] According to the invention, the luminous device further comprises a support element intended to maintain said interaction system partially inside the interior housing space and / or in alignment with said auxiliary opening and in that the support element comprises a main frame suitable for being adapted to the auxiliary opening.

[0009] Stated differently, the auxiliary opening is covered by the support element supporting the interaction system with the exterior of the automotive vehicle. The support element is configured to retain said interaction system in a fixed position partially inside the interior housing space and partially protruding through said auxiliary opening. For example, the interaction system includes a main body housed at least partially inside the interior housing space, and an active part arranged at the front face and configured to interact with the exterior of the motor vehicle.

[0010] An interaction system may be defined as a component or assembly of components configured to engage directly with its physical environment to perform a designated task. This engagement can be passive, in the form of a sensor that detects, measures, or receives input from the environment, such as a thermometer sensing temperature, a radar, or an image acquisition element such as a camera capturing light. Alternatively, the engagement can be active, in the form of an actuator or effector that applies a force, energy, or substance to cause a direct physical change within that environment. For example, a cleaning element, such as a rotating brush or a spray nozzle, which physically interacts with a surface to dislodge contaminants or apply a treatment, can be considered as an interaction system with the exterior of the automotive vehicle.

[0011] The technical effect achieved by the support element according to the invention is that it allows for modular replacement of interaction systems without requiring disassembly of the outer lens or housing, while maintaining precise alignment and environmental sealing. This significantly reduces maintenance time and cost compared to prior art solutions where the entire headlamp assembly must be disassembled.

[0012] Consequently, the luminous device as proposed offers the possibility to replace the interaction system when needed, due to manufacturer’s option or due to damage produced in the component. The interaction system can be extracted across the auxiliary opening.

[0013] In some particular embodiments, the support element, specifically the main frame of the support element, comprises a first hole and a second hole. The interaction system is fixed to the support element and is arranged to access the exterior of the luminous device through the first hole. In other words, the interaction system is arranged partially inside of the housing space and therefore partially outside of the housing space. Thus, the interaction system can be accessed directly from the outside and can be easily disengaged from the support element.

[0014] In some particular embodiments, the at least one interaction system is an image acquisition element comprising a focus lens. The luminous device further comprises a cleaning element configured to operate on the focusing lens of the image acquisition element. Finally, the cleaning element is fixed to the outer lens and is arranged to access the exterior of the luminous device through the second hole of the support element. In this manner, the cleaning element ensures the focus lens remains free from dirt, dust, and other contaminants. This maintains optimal image quality and prevents degradation of optical performance over time. Furthermore, the cleaning element, fixed to the outer lens and accessing the exterior through a second hole in the support element, creates a compact integrated solution that utilizes existing structural elements while eliminating the need for separate access points or cleaning mechanisms.

[0015] Throughout this document, the term 'image acquisition element ', one of the interaction system-type, refers to any device capable of capturing visual information, including but not limited to cameras, digital imaging sensors, and optical detection systems. In preferred embodiments, the image acquisition element is a camera.

[0016] In some particular embodiments, the cleaning element comprises a main barrel and an auxiliary part. The main barrel is put through the second hole of the support element and secured to the auxiliary part. Lastly, the auxiliary part is secured to the outer lens. In this embodiment, the interaction system may be directly fixed to the support element due to its low weight. The cleaning element is fixed to the outer lens since it needs a bigger support surface to be fixed. The auxiliary part of the cleaning system may be designed to support the main barrel and to transmit the forces to the outer lens. The main barrel is configured to perform the cleaning operations, while the auxiliary part is designed to absorb any tolerance in the size of the main barrel, which is usually manufactured following diverse criteria. Due to the interposition of the auxiliary part, constructive tolerances are met.

[0017] Furthermore, the structure of the cleaning element enables optimal load distribution by securing lightweight components directly to the support element while anchoring the other part of the cleaning element to the outer lens for enhanced structural stability, resulting in a mechanically robust assembly that maintains precise alignment and facilitates easier maintenance or replacement of separate parts as needed.

[0018] In some particular embodiments, the main barrel is secured to the auxiliary part by clipping. In a particular embodiment, the auxiliary part is secured to the outer lens by screws.

[0019] In some particular embodiments, the outer lens is a multi-material injection moulding part, comprising a main portion and a secondary portion. Furthermore, the auxiliary part is secured to the secondary portion of the outer lens.

[0020] Multi-material injection moulding allows obtainment of a polymeric part comprising two different substances in a single process. This secondary portion allows a better positioning and attachment of the cleaning element on the outer lens.

[0021] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises a first auxiliary opening and a second auxiliary opening, wherein the second auxiliary opening traverses the front face and is intended to receive at least one interaction system with the exterior of the automotive vehicle. The luminous device further comprises a sensor element which is able to be put through the first auxiliary opening. In an example, the first auxiliary opening is covered by a detachable cap.

[0022] The sensor is configured to detect a predetermined input, such as a physical stimulus, a change in an environmental condition, or incident electromagnetic waves. Upon said detection, the sensor generates a corresponding data signal representative of the detected input. This data signal is then transmitted to the processing unit, which is configured to interpret the signal and execute a corresponding action. The at least one sensor may be selected from a diverse group including, but not limited to, thermal, acoustic, mechanical, and chemical sensors. In certain embodiments, the sensor may comprise an image acquisition element configured to capture spatial, visual, or range data from the environment, such as a digital camera, a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) sensor, or a Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR) sensor. As explained earlier, the sensor element may be considered as an interaction system with the exterior of the automotive vehicle.

[0023] The configuration featuring a second auxiliary opening for external interaction systems and a first auxiliary opening with a detachable cap for sensor element installation provides significant technical advantages in automotive luminous device design: it enables modular installation and maintenance of sensor components without disturbing the other components of the luminous device. In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises a third auxiliary opening provided in the housing different from the first auxiliary opening and from the second auxiliary opening (i.e. the auxiliary opening traversing the front face). This feature provides the device with modularity and adaptability, allowing for flexibility in mounting configurations and better integration with other vehicle systems.

[0024] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises a conduit that traverses the housing and connects the second auxiliary opening to the third auxiliary opening. This conduit is configured to allow the passage of the interaction system through the third auxiliary opening and to provide access to the support element, thereby facilitating the mounting and dismounting of the interaction system.

[0025] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises a sealing means arranged between the outer lens and the conduit to ensure sealing between the conduit and the interior housing space of the enclosure. This configuration delivers environmental protection, as the sealing means effectively prevents moisture, dust, and contaminants from entering the interior housing space of the enclosure.

[0026] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises one or more interaction systems that are mounted by screwing onto the retaining means. This technical configuration offers the advantage of providing a secure yet adjustable attachment method that facilitates both initial installation and subsequent maintenance operations.

[0027] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises one or more interaction systems that are mounted by clipping onto the retaining means. This technical configuration delivers the advantage of enabling a tool-free, rapid assembly process that reduces manufacturing time and complexity.

[0028] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises an interaction system that comprises an electrical connector linked to the main body and accessible from the third auxiliary opening. This technical configuration provides the advantage of facilitating electrical connections to the interaction system without requiring disassembly of the luminous device or access from the front face.

[0029] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises an interaction system that comprises a wireless communication module configured to transmit data to a central electronic system of the motor vehicle without requiring a direct wired connection. This technical configuration offers the advantage of eliminating complex wiring harnesses between the luminous device and the vehicle's central systems, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and installation time.

[0030] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises an interaction system that is configured to control or modify the operation of at least one light source of the luminous device based on data collected from the exterior of the motor vehicle. This technical configuration provides the advantage of creating an adaptive lighting system that responds dynamically to external environmental conditions without requiring driver intervention. By integrating sensing and lighting control functions within a single device, the system can automatically adjust illumination patterns, intensity, or color based on detected external factors such as ambient light levels, weather conditions, approaching vehicles, or pedestrians.

[0031] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises a waterproof electrical connector passing through the conduit and configured to establish an electrical connection between the interaction system and an electrical harness of the motor vehicle. This electrical connection can be established and disconnected from outside the luminous device. This technical configuration offers the advantage of providing a secure and environmentally protected electrical connection while maintaining ease of installation and serviceability.

[0032] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises a thermal dissipation element in contact with the interaction system and configured to evacuate heat generated by the interaction system toward the housing through the conduit. This technical configuration provides the advantage of efficiently managing the operating temperature of sensitive electronic components within the interaction system, thereby ensuring optimal performance and extending the operational lifespan of these components.

[0033] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises a retaining means that comprises an adjustment mechanism allowing for the angular position of the interaction system to be adjusted relative to the front face after installation, thereby ensuring optimal alignment of the interaction system with the exterior of the motor vehicle. This technical configuration offers the advantage of providing post-installation fine-tuning capability without requiring disassembly or replacement of components. The adjustment mechanism enables precise calibration of sensors, cameras, or other interactive elements to achieve the optimal field of view or operational angle, compensating for manufacturing tolerances or installation variations that might otherwise compromise performance.

[0034] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises a removable cap configured to hermetically seal the third auxiliary opening when no maintenance operations are being performed, with the removable cap providing additional protection against water and dust infiltration. This technical configuration delivers the advantage of ensuring environmental integrity of the conduit while maintaining serviceability. By implementing a removable sealing solution, the design prevents moisture, dust, and other contaminants from entering the conduit through the third auxiliary opening during normal vehicle operation, thereby protecting sensitive internal components from environmental damage.

[0035] In some particular embodiments,the outer lens comprises a first face facing towards the interior housing space and a second face opposite to the first face facing towards the exterior of the luminous devicethe luminous device further comprises a foil installed on the first face of the outer lens;the luminous device further comprises an opaque layer installed on a portion of the foilthe luminous device further comprises a plurality of heating wires embedded between the first face of the outer lens and the foil.

[0036] The additional foil allows the embedded installation of additional heating wires, which may be used to clean the portion which is in front of the sensor element by applying local heat to the zone, thus eliminating fog or ice or water from this zone.

[0037] In some particular embodiments, the foil has a thickness comprised between 0.35 mm and 0.4 mm.

[0038] With this data, the foil does not affect to the operation of the sensor element which is placed behind the outer lens.

[0039] In some particular embodiments, the heating wires have a diameter comprised between 0.1 and 0.2 mm and the distance between two adjacent wires is comprised between 4 and 6 mm.

[0040] This range provides a good compromise between heating power and small affection to the operation of the sensor element.

[0041] In some particular embodiments, the sensor element is configured to emit a wave cone and the opaque layer is installed on a first portion of the foil, wherein the first portion of the foil includes the boundary of the second auxiliary opening and also includes a coverage area of the sensor element, wherein the coverage area of the sensor element is the intersection of the wave cone emitted by the sensor element and the foil.

[0042] The sensor element is in these embodiments configured to emit a wave cone, which may be a light cone or, in general, a cone of electromagnetic waves, which is emitted by the sensor element so that some of these waves are reflected, so that information is acquired by the sensor element. The opaque layer may prevent stray light and, at the same time, allowing the operation of the sensor element.

[0043] In some particular embodiments, the opaque layer is made of a material which has a relative permittivity comprised between 3.9 and 4.0. In some particular embodiments, the opaque layer is made of a material which has a dissipation factor between 0.04 and 0.05.

[0044] These values are optimal in the compromise of allowing the operation of the sensor element and improving the behaviour against stray light.

[0045] The relative permittivity (also known as dielectric constant) is the permittivity of a material expressed as a ratio with the electric permittivity of a vacuum. A dielectric is an insulating material, and the dielectric constant of an insulator measures the ability of the insulator to store electric energy in an electrical field.

[0046] The dissipation factor (DF) is a measure of loss-rate of energy of a mode of oscillation (mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical) in a dissipative system.

[0047] In some particular embodiments, the housing comprises a main connector, and the sensor element and the heating wires are electrically connected to the main connector.

[0048] This allows an optimal cable routing, allowing the additional element (heating wires) to be electrically fed without involving more complexity in the cable routing of the luminous device.

[0049] In some particular embodiments, the luminous device comprises at least one luminous module comprising at least one light source and arranged in the interior housing space. For example, the light source is a solid-state light source, such as a light emitting diode.

[0050] The term "solid state" refers to light emitted by solid-state electroluminescence, which uses semiconductors to convert electricity into light. Compared to incandescent lighting, solid state lighting creates visible light with reduced heat generation and less energy dissipation. The typically small mass of a solid-state electronic lighting device provides for greater resistance to shock and vibration compared to brittle glass tubes / bulbs and long, thin filament wires. They also eliminate filament evaporation, potentially increasing the lifespan of the illumination device. Some examples of these types of lighting comprise semiconductor light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), or polymer light-emitting diodes (PLED) as sources of illumination rather than electrical filaments, plasma or gas. These light sources are specifically advantageous, since they provide the required luminous properties for the automotive regulations with a high efficiency and reliability.

[0051] In some particular embodiments, the sensor element is a LiDAR or a RADAR.

[0052] These elements have proved to be accurate in receiving information about the environment surrounding the vehicle.

[0053] All the terms and embodiments described anywhere in this document are equally applicable to all aspects of the invention. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include their plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “comprises” or “comprising” as used herein also describes “consists of” or “consisting of” in accordance with generally accepted patent practice.

[0054] The foregoing and other features and advantages will be more fully understood from the detailed description of the invention, as well as from examples referring to the attached figures, which are described in the following paragraphs, wherein:

[0055] shows a perspective view of some elements of a luminous device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] shows a perspective view of the luminous device of, with the outer lens coupled in the main opening of the housing;

[0057] shows a detail of the support element of a luminous device of;

[0058] shows a rear view of a luminous device of;

[0059] shows a top view of a luminous device of, which has been cut to show some relevant elements of the same;

[0060] shows a front perspective view of a portion of a housing of a luminous device according to a second embodiment, shown without an outer lens;

[0061] a rear perspective view of the housing portion of;

[0062] shows a front perspective view of the housing portion of, further comprising a support element and interaction systems;

[0063] shows a rear perspective view of the housing portion of, further comprising a cleaning element arranged in a conduit; and

[0064] shows a cross-sectional view of the housing portion oftaken along the conduit.

[0065] The detailed description of the present invention to be described below refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the present invention may be implemented. These embodiments will be described in detail sufficient to enable those skilled in the art to implement the present invention. It should be understood that various embodiments of the present invention are different from each other but need not be mutually exclusive. Accordingly, the detailed description to be described below is not intended to be taken in a limiting meaning, and the scope of the present invention, if properly described, is limited only by the appended claims, in addition to all scopes equivalent to those claimed by the appended claims. In the drawings, reference numerals refer to the same or similar functions over several aspects.

[0066] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the various embodiments and figures, reference numerals that are identical refer to elements that are identical or correspond to one another.

[0067] shows a perspective view of some elements of a luminous device 10 according to the present invention.

[0068] In this view, the luminous device 10 comprises a housing 1 comprising a main opening. This main opening is intended to be closed by an outer lens that will be shown in a subsequent figure. In this, this outer lens is not shown, so that the elements inside the housing may be appreciated in a clearer way.

[0069] Inside the housing 1 there is a luminous module 4 and a hollow space to receive an image acquisition element, which in some embodiments, is a camera, as will be seen inThere is also a sensor element 6, which in some embodiments is a LiDAR or a RADAR. The device also comprises a cleaning element 7 configured to clean the camera 5 and its outer lens, which will be seen in Figures 2, 3, and 5. The luminous module 4 comprises a plurality of LEDs, which are intended to provide lighting and signalling functions for the automotive vehicle.

[0070] shows a front face 50 of the luminous device 10 of, with the outer lens 2 coupled with the main opening of the housing 1, thus defining an interior housing space 3.

[0071] Here, the housing 1 and the outer lens 2 form an enclosure 20 enclosing various components internally.

[0072] A portion of the camera 5, in particular its focusing lens, protrudes away from the interior housing space 3, to increase the field of view of the same. A portion of the cleaning element 7 also protrudes from the surface of the outer lens 2 so that it is able to clean the focusing lens of the camera 5.

[0073] This arrangement is enabled by a second auxiliary opening 25 which is made in the outer lens 2. This second auxiliary opening 25 is configured such that the camera 5 and the cleaning element 7 are able to be put through it. The outer lens 2 having the second auxiliary opening 25, enables the image acquisition element and / or the cleaning element to be put through the second auxiliary opening 25 and secured on the outer lens 2.

[0074] In this figure, the second auxiliary opening 25 is covered with a support element 9, which is inserted in the second auxiliary opening 25 and is secured on the housing 1. The housing 1 and the outer lens 2 provides support for the insertion of the camera 5 and the cleaning element 7.

[0075] This figure also shows a plurality of heating wires 15 that are embedded in a zone of the outer lens 2 that is arranged in front of a sensor element 6. The heating wires 15 are provided between a first face and a second face of the outer lens 7 that will be explained later with reference toThe heating wires 15 enable the various components present inside the luminous device 10 to withstand adverse weather conditions such as fog, snow etc that may have an impact on the output and function of the headlamp.

[0076] shows a detail of this support element 9. The support element 9 comprises a main frame, a first hole 23 and a second hole 24. The frame is suitable for being adapted to the second auxiliary opening 25 of the outer lens 2.

[0077] The camera 5 is directly fixed to the support element 9 and is arranged to access the exterior of the luminous device 10 through the first hole 23. This direct fixing is done by means of a simple mechanism of tabs, where the camera 5 is inserted. Due to the low weight of the camera 5, the simple tabs are sufficient to fit the camera 5 into position and provide a stable support to it.

[0078] The cleaning element 7 is fixed to the outer lens 2 and is arranged to access the exterior of the luminous device through the second hole 24.

[0079] To achieve this fixation, the cleaning element 9 comprises a main barrel 11 and an auxiliary part 12, which are assembled in the following way: the main barrel 11 is secured to the auxiliary part 12 and the auxiliary part 12 is secured to a secondary portion 13 of the outer lens 2. Preferably, the main barrel 11 is clipped to the auxiliary part 12 and the auxiliary part 12 is screwed to a secondary portion 13 of the outer lens 2.

[0080] Hence, the weight of the main barrel 11 is distributed and the system can be placed respecting the tolerances.

[0081] The second portion 13 is made of a different material from the main portion of the outer lens 2. The outer lens 2 is a multi-material injection moulding part, and this process allows a good integration between these two portions.

[0082] shows a rear view of the luminous device of

[0083] As may be seen in this figure, the housing 1 comprises a first auxiliary opening 8 covered by a detachable cap, which is not seen in this figure, so that the interior of the housing 1 may be seen. This detachable cap is designed to allow the sensor element 6 to be removed and put through it, in the event it needs repairing or replacing.

[0084] This detachable cap is attached to the first auxiliary opening 8 in a watertight manner, to maintain the properties of the luminous device 10.

[0085] As can be further seen in this image, the housing 1 comprises a main connector 16. This main connector 16 is intended to provide electric supply both to the sensor element 6 and to the heating wires (not shown in figure).

[0086] shows a top view of the luminous device of, which has been cut to show some relevant elements of an embodiment of a luminous device according to the invention.

[0087] As may be seen in this figure, the outer lens 2 comprises a first face 21 facing towards the interior housing space 3 and a second face 22 opposite to the first face 21 facing towards the exterior of the luminous device 10.

[0088] The luminous device 10 further comprises a foil 14 installed on the first face 21 of the outer lens 2. This foil is made of the same material of the outer lens 2, which in this case is polycarbonate, but has a thickness which is lower than the main portion of the outer lens 2.

[0089] In this particular embodiment, the foil 14 covers the whole extension of the first face 21 of the outer lens 2. This foil has different functions.

[0090] A first function is to be used as a sandwich cap to embed the heating wires 15, that are arranged between the first face 21 of the outer lens 2 and the foil 14. These heating wires 15 have a diameter of 0.15 mm and the distance between two adjacent wires is 5 mm. The foil has a thickness of 0.375 mm.

[0091] A second function is to support an opaque layer 17 installed on a portion of the foil 14, which includes the boundary of the second auxiliary opening and also includes a coverage area 18 of the sensor element 6, wherein the coverage area of the sensor element is the intersection of the wave cone emitted by the sensor element 6 and the foil 14.

[0092] This opaque layer 17 is used to prevent stray light from the luminous module of the lighting device.

[0093] In an embodiment, the opaque layer is made of a black ink which has a relative permittivity comprised between 3.95 and has a dissipation factor of 0.045. These values allow the opaque layer to prevent stray light from coming from the light sources of the luminous module and also hide the heating wires, but being transparent to the action of the sensor element 6.

[0094] shows a partial perspective front view of the housing 1 of the luminous device 10 according to a second embodiment.

[0095] The housing 1 is manufactured by plastic injection molding. Theshowing the design of the end part of the housing illustrates the conduit 100 passing through the housing 1. Theshows the housing 1 of the luminous device 10 without any interaction systems or support elements installed, allowing for clear visualization of the design of the conduit 100 and its integration with the luminous device 10.

[0096] The wall of the conduit 100 creates a sealed barrier between the interior of the enclosure and the exterior of the enclosure represented by conduit 100. The integrity of the internal components such as electronic components of the enclosure is protected from external aggressions such as dust or moisture. The sealing property is reinforced here with the sealing element 110 that allows the connection between the conduit 100 and the outer lens 2 that does not appear in the figure. The conduit 100 allows the passage of the interaction systems 5 and 7 (not shown in the figure). The conduit 100 is a way to facilitate the access of the interaction systems 5 and 7 to be mounted or dismounted without dismounting any component of the luminous device 10. The figure clearly shows how the diameter of the conduit 100 and its profile are precisely engineered to ensure proper fitting and positioning of interaction systems once installed.shows a partial perspective rear view of the housing 1 of the luminous device 10. This rear view shows that the conduit 100 is passing through the housing 1. The third auxiliary opening 250 allows the access of the conduit 100 to mount or dismount the interaction systems 5 and 7 (not shown in the figure). The figure shows at the end of the conduit 100 leading to the front view of the housing 1 the sealing element 110. The sealing element 110 is the junction part between the conduit 100 and the outer lens 2 (not shown in the figure) to seal the interior of the enclosure from the exterior.

[0097] shows a partial view of the front face 50 of the luminous device 10. The figure shows the housing 1 of the luminous device 10 with the interaction systems 5 and 7 and the support element 9 installed inside the conduit 100. Here, in this embodiment as well, the luminous device 1 includes a first interaction system 5, which is a camera, and a second interaction system 7, which is a cleaning element for the focus lens of the camera. The figure shows partially the second auxiliary opening 25 similar to the one that is illustrated in theThe support element 9 and the interaction systems 5, 7 are seated in the second auxiliary opening 25.

[0098] Here, as illustrated in the figures 6 and 7, the conduit is a through-conduit extending through the luminous device from the rear to the front. The conduit extends from the third auxiliary opening 250 at the rear to a second auxiliary 25 opening at the front.

[0099] shows that the third auxiliary opening 250 allows the access of the conduit 100 to mount or dismount the interaction systems 5 and 7. This figure shows how the conduit 100 is used to mount or dismount the auxiliary part 12 retaining the cleaning element 7. A specific tool is used through the conduit 100 to reach the different dismountable components.

[0100] shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment, showing the detailed internal arrangement and assembly sequence of the components within the conduit 100 that contains the image acquisition element 5 and cleaning element 7, which are arranged within the support element 9. The conduit 100 extends from the housing 1 and provides a protected pathway that connects to the third auxiliary opening 250. This conduit 100 serves as a sealed channel that allows access to the auxiliary part 12 of the cleaning element 7 without compromising the integrity of the luminous device 10. The sealing means 110 is positioned at the junction between the conduit 100 and the outer lens 2 (not shown), ensuring a weatherproof seal that prevents environmental contaminants from entering the internal enclosure.

[0101] This cross-sectional view of the auxiliary part 12 demonstrates how it can be accessed and serviced through the third auxiliary opening 250 via the conduit 100. This configuration enables the auxiliary part 12 to be removed, serviced, or replaced independently of the main housing components, providing significant maintenance advantages. The cleaning element 7 extends through the conduit 100, with its main barrel portion positioned to interact with the image acquisition element 5 for cleaning operations.

[0102] This cross-sectional view demonstrates the modular construction of the device, where individual components can be accessed and maintained without requiring complete disassembly of the luminous device 10. The conduit 100 maintains the protective characteristics of the sealed luminous device 10 while providing necessary access pathways for maintenance operations. The positioning of the sealing means 110 ensures that the environmental protection of the luminous device 10 is preserved even when the conduit 100 is connected to external auxiliary systems.

[0103] The configuration shown inenables efficient maintenance operations while preserving the protective characteristics of the luminous device 10. This arrangement provides both functional performance and serviceability advantages, allowing the auxiliary part 12 to be accessed through the third auxiliary opening 250.

[0104] Numerical references used in the drawings:

[0105] In order to provide a better understanding of the technical features of the invention, the following numerical references have been used:

[0106] Feature nameReference sign for the First embodimentReference sign for the Second embodimentHousing11Outer lens22Enclosure20not mentionedInterior housing space3not mentionedLuminous module4not mentionedImage acquisition element55Sensor element6not mentionedCleaning element77Detachable cap8not mentionedSupport element99Luminous device1010Main barrel11Not mentionedAuxiliary part1212Secondary portion13Not mentionedFoil14Not mentionedHeating wires15Not mentionedMain connector16Not mentionedOpaque layer17Not mentionedCoverage area18Not mentionedFirst face of the outer lens21Not mentionedSecond face of the outer lens22Not mentionedFirst hole23Not mentionedSecond hole24Not mentionedSecond auxiliary opening2525Front face5050

Claims

Luminous device (10) for an automotive vehicle comprising :an enclosure (20) comprising a housing (1) and an outer lens (2) at least partially transparent and closing said housing (1) so as to define an interior housing space (3) of the enclosure (20),a front face (50), formed at least in part by said outer lens (2), said front face (50) being intended to be the visible part of the luminous device (10) from the exterior of the automotive vehicle,an auxiliary opening (25) traversing said front face (50), said auxiliary opening (25) being intended to receive at least one interaction system (5, 7) with the exterior of the automotive vehicle,characterized in that the luminous device further comprises a support element (9) configured to retain said interaction system (5, 7) partially inside and / or in alignment with said auxiliary opening (25) and in that the support element (9) comprises a main frame suitable for being adapted to the auxiliary opening (25).Luminous device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the support element (9) comprises a first hole (23) and a second hole (24); and wherein the at least one interaction system (5) with the exterior of the automotive vehicle is fixed to the support element (9) and is arranged to access the exterior of the luminous device (10) through the first hole (23).Luminous device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one interaction system (5) is an image acquisition element (5) comprising a focus lens, wherein the luminous device further comprises a cleaning element (7) configured to operate on the focusing lens of the image acquisition element (5), and wherein the cleaning element (7) is fixed to the outer lens (2) and is arranged to access the exterior of the luminous device through the second hole (24) of the support element (9).Luminous device (10) according to claim 3, wherein the cleaning element (7) comprises a main barrel (11) and an auxiliary part (12), wherein the main barrel (11) is put through the second hole (24) of the support element (9) and secured to the auxiliary part (12), and wherein the auxiliary part (12) is secured to the outer lens (2).Luminous device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the outer lens (2) is a multi-material injection moulding part, comprising a main portion and a secondary portion (13); and wherein the auxiliary part (12) of the cleaning element (7) is secured to the secondary portion (13) of the outer lens (2).Luminous device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the luminous device comprises a sensor element (6) arranged in the interior housing space (3), wherein the luminous device comprises a first auxiliary opening (8) and a second auxiliary opening (25), wherein the second auxiliary opening (25) traverses the front face (50) and is intended to receive at least one interaction system (5, 7) with the exterior of the automotive vehicle; and wherein the sensor element (6) is able to be put through the first auxiliary opening (8).Luminous device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the luminous device comprises a third auxiliary opening (250) provided in the housing (1) different from the first auxiliary opening (8) and from the second auxiliary opening (25).Luminous device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the luminous device comprises a conduit (100) traversing said housing (1) and connecting said second auxiliary opening (25) to said third auxiliary opening (250), said conduit (100) being configured to allow the passage of said interaction system (5, 7) through said third auxiliary opening (250) and to provide access to said support element (9) so as to allow the mounting and dismounting of said interaction system (5, 7).Luminous device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the luminous device comprises a sealing means (110) arranged between said outer lens (2) and said conduit (100) to ensure sealing between the conduit (100) and the interior housing space of the enclosure (20).

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