EP3354978A1 - Lighting device having a mask with the front face illuminated by the image of a colour part - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device (DE) comprises: at least one light source (SL) generating photons, a mask (M) inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, comprising a rear face (FR) receiving the generated photons and a front face (FV), facing outwards, and provided with metallized opaque zones (ZO) preventing the output of received photons and transparent zones (ZT) allowing photons received to pass outside, and a piece (PC) having a chosen color, installed over at least a portion of the front face (FV) of the mask (M) in a position inclined relative to the latter (M) so that an image colored of it (PC) is reflected on at least part of the opaque areas metallized (ZO) and thus induces their illumination.

Description

The invention relates to lighting devices, and more specifically those which comprise at least one light source associated with a mask to ensure at least one photometric function.

In what follows, the term "lighting device" means a light device that can provide at least a photometric function of lighting or signaling or light effect, possibly decorative.

In some areas, such as for example vehicles, possibly of the automotive type, lighting devices, such as those defined above, are used to ensure at least one photometric function, for example a position light function ( or night light or lantern) or a daylight running function (or DRL (for "Daytime running Light (or Lamp)" - illuminated automatically when the vehicle is operated during the day).

The mask of this type of lighting device is a room, usually made of plastic, and charged to prevent the passage of photons generated except at predefined locations. For example, it is possible, for example, to define opaque areas, which may appear when they are backlit, and one or more transparent areas passing photons.

As proposed in the patent document FR 3011312 , the mask may have on its front face patterns that appear when backlit by the back and are virtually invisible in the absence of backlight. These patterns are generally defined by metallization and laser ablation, or by partial metallization by means of a metallization saving mask, or by screen printing on a glued or overmolded film, or by printing.

When the mask is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, its the part that is located the most towards the back (and therefore the deepest) appears dark, even very dark in case of low inclination, when the (the) source (s) of light is (are) not in operation. In this case, any patterns that are located in the dark part of the mask become almost invisible, which is detrimental to the aestheticism or style effect sought, and therefore can affect the impression of quality.

The invention is therefore particularly intended to improve the situation.

It proposes for this purpose a lighting device comprising at least one source of light suitable for generating photons, and a mask inclined with respect to a horizontal plane and having a rear face receiving the generated photons and a front face oriented towards the outside, and provided with metallized opaque areas adapted to prevent the output of photons received and transparent areas capable of passing outward photons received.

This lighting device is characterized in that it also comprises a part having a chosen color, installed over at least a portion of the front face of the mask in a position inclined relative to the latter so that a colored image of this part is reflected on at least part of the metallized opaque areas and thus induces their illumination.

Thanks to this colored piece whose colored image is reflected towards opaque metallic zones darkened by their positioning in depth, we obtain their illumination (with possible patterns), which allows to see them when the (the) source (s) ( s) light is (are not) in operation.

• son masque peut être incliné par rapport au plan horizontal d'un angle qui est compris entre 20° et 50° ;
• sa pièce peut être parallèle au plan horizontal ;
• sa pièce peut comprendre une face supérieure opposée à la face avant du masque et munie de nervures de rigidification ;
• sa pièce peut comprendre une face inférieure orientée vers la face avant du masque et comportant une partie lisse placée en regard de la partie au moins des zones opaques métallisées et dont l'image colorée induit l'éclairement ;
• la face avant du masque peut être munie d'éléments tridimensionnels comportant chacun une face principale constituant l'une des zones opaques métallisées et au moins une face latérale inclinée par rapport à cette face principale, assurant une jonction entre cette dernière et une face principale d'au moins un autre élément tridimensionnel voisin, et transparente afin de constituer l'une des zones transparentes par lesquelles passent les photons générés ;
  • 
    les faces latérales des éléments tridimensionnels peuvent se prolonger mutuellement le long de lignes qui s'intersectent et où les photons définissent des bandes lumineuses qui se croisent ;
• chaque source de lumière peut être une diode électroluminescente ;
• il peut comprendre un réflecteur propre à réfléchir les photons générés vers une face arrière du masque, opposée à la face avant.

The lighting device according to the invention may comprise other characteristics that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

• its mask may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane by an angle which is between 20 ° and 50 °;
• his piece may be parallel to the horizontal plane;
• its part may comprise an upper face opposite to the front face of the mask and provided with stiffening ribs;
• its part may comprise a lower face oriented towards the front face of the mask and having a smooth portion placed facing the at least part of the metallized opaque areas and whose colored image induces illumination;
• the front face of the mask may be provided with three-dimensional elements each comprising a main face constituting one of the metallized opaque zones and at least one lateral face inclined relative to this main face, providing a junction between the latter and a main face of at least one other neighboring three-dimensional element, and transparent to form one of the transparent areas through which the photons generated;
  • 
    the lateral faces of the three-dimensional elements may extend mutually along intersecting lines and where the photons define intersecting light bands;
• each light source may be a light emitting diode;
• it may include a reflector adapted to reflect the photons generated towards a rear face of the mask, opposite to the front face.

The invention also proposes a vehicle optical unit, possibly of automobile type, and comprising at least one lighting device of the type of that presented above.

The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of automobile type, and comprising at least one lighting device of the type of the one presented above and / or at least one optical block of the type of that presented above.

• la figure 1 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en coupe longitudinale, un exemple de bloc optique comprenant un exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif d'éclairage selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective, un exemple de réalisation d'un masque d'un dispositif d'éclairage selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective du côté de la face supérieure, un exemple de réalisation d'une pièce de couleur du dispositif d'éclairage de la figure 1, et
• la figure 4 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective du côté de la face inférieure, la pièce de couleur de la figure 3.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 illustrates schematically, in a longitudinal sectional view, an example of an optical block comprising an exemplary embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention,
• the figure 2 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, a embodiment of a mask of a lighting device according to the invention,
• the figure 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view of the side of the upper face, an embodiment of a color piece of the lighting device of the figure 1 , and
• the figure 4 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view of the side of the underside, the color piece of the figure 3 .

The object of the invention is in particular to propose an illumination device DE with light source (s) SL and mask M, capable of providing at least one photometric function.

In the following, by way of nonlimiting example, the lighting device DE is intended to equip an optical block BO of a vehicle of automobile type, such as for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, a lighting device DE may be an equipment in itself (possibly including its own housing), or may be part of another equipment that a vehicle optical unit. Thus, a lighting device DE can be part of any vehicle (land, sea (or fluvial), or air), any installation, including industrial type, any device ( or system), and any building.

Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical block BO (comprising at least one lighting device DE) is a rear light providing at least one photometric signaling function, for example a position light function (or night light or lantern). But the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, the lighting device DE, according to the invention, is a light device that can provide at least a photometric function of lighting or signaling or light effect, possibly decorative. Thus, it could, for example, provide a daylight running function (or DRL (for "Daytime running Light (or Lamp)" - light signaling automatically illuminated when the vehicle is operated during the day)).

We have schematically illustrated on the figure 1 , part of a block optical vehicle BO (here a taillight) comprising, in particular, a lighting device DE according to the invention.

As illustrated, this optical block BO comprises in particular a housing BB delimiting a portion of a cavity housing a lighting device DE according to the invention, as well as any other lighting means providing at least one other photometric function, and a protective glass GP glass or plastic.

The BB housing is intended, here, to be secured to a part of the body of a vehicle (here in a rear left part). It is made of a rigid material, such as a plastic or synthetic material. In this case, it can be made by molding.

As illustrated on the figure 1 a lighting device DE according to the invention comprises at least one light source SL, a mask M and a PC part having a chosen color.

Each light source SL is able to generate photons for the mask M, directly or indirectly. By way of example, each light source SL may be a light-emitting diode of the conventional type (or LED ("Light-Emitting Diode")) or organic type (or OLED ("Organic Light-Emitting Diode")), or a laser diode.

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 1 , that each light source SL can, for example, be installed on a support plate PS. This PS support plate may, for example, be a printed circuit board (PCB), rigid or flexible ("Flex" type).

The mask M is inclined relative to a horizontal plane and has rear faces FR and front face FV, opposite to each other.

For example, the angle of inclination of the mask M with respect to the horizontal plane can be between 20 ° and 50 °. By way of example, this angle may be equal to 30 °.

The rear face FR of the mask M receives the photons that have been generated by each light source SL. The front face FV of the mask M is oriented towards the outside (and thus here towards the protective glass GP), and is provided with metallized opaque zones ZO and transparent zones ZT.

For example, this mask M can be made by molding in a plastic material such as polycarbonate (or PC) or poly-methyl methacrylate (or PMMA), or glass.

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 1 that the lighting device DE may also comprise a reflector RP capable of reflecting the photons, generated by the light source (s) SL, towards the rear face FR of the mask M. In this case, the photons generated by (the) source (s) of light SL initially go to the RF reflector which reflects them to the rear face FR of the mask M. But in an alternative embodiment the lighting device DE may not include a reflector RP , and in this case the photons generated by the light source (s) SL go directly to the rear face FR of the mask M.

ZO metallized opaque zones are able to prevent the photons they receive from coming out. To do this, they (ZO) may, for example, be coated (on the front face FV) of a metal layer which is adapted to ensure their opacity. For example, this metal layer may be aluminum or nickel / chromium.

The transparent zones ZT are able to let out the photons they receive coming from the rear face FR and which have been generated by the light source (s) SL.

This transparency may, for example, result from ablation, by means of a laser, of a metal layer previously deposited on the whole of the front face FV of the mask M, or of a deposit of a saving (or a savings mask) during the metallization phase. It will be understood that, in the first alternative, the entire front face FV of the mask M is metallized, then this metallization is removed on each transparent zone ZT by means of a laser, whereas in the last alternative a saving (or a mask of savings) on each transparent zone ZT before the metallization phase, and once the latter is completed (and therefore once the ZO metallized opaque zones are defined), all the savings (or all the savings masks) are removed.

The PC color piece is installed over at least a portion of the front face FV of the mask M in a position which is inclined by relative to the latter (M) so that a colored image of it (PC) is reflected on at least part of the metallized opaque zones ZO and thus induces their illumination.

It will be understood that the inclination of the mask M with respect to the horizontal plane makes it dark, or even very dark in case of low inclination, its part PAS which is located the most towards the rear (and therefore the deepest), when the ( the light source (s) SL is (are) not in operation. The colored image of the PC-colored part, which is reflected towards the part PAS comprising ZO metallized opaque zones darkened by their positioning in depth, induces an illumination of this part PAS, and therefore makes it very advantageously possible to see it (as well as its metallized opaque zones ZO) when the light source (s) SL is (are not) in operation. As a result, there is no longer any degradation of aesthetics or the desired stylistic effect, and therefore more degradation of quality printing.

As illustrated without limitation on the figure 1 the piece PC may, for example, be parallel to the horizontal plane. But it could be slightly inclined compared to the latter.

Moreover, and as illustrated in no way figures 1 and 3 the piece PC may, for example, comprise an upper face FS opposite to the front face FV of the mask M and provided with reinforcing ribs NR. This makes it possible to increase significantly its rigidity. We will note, as illustrated on the figure 3 that at least some of the stiffening ribs NR can cross.

Moreover, and as illustrated in a non-limiting way on figures 1 and 4 the color piece PC may, for example, comprise a lower face FI oriented towards the front face FV of the mask M and comprising a smooth part PL placed opposite the part PAS at least of the metallized opaque zones ZO and whose image colored induces illumination. This smooth part PL makes it possible to optimize the homogeneity and the quality of the illumination of the part PAS.

For example, the PC color piece may be made by molding in a plastic material such as polycarbonate (or PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (or PMMA), or possibly glass.

It will be noted that the advantage obtained by the illumination by the colored image of the PC color part is further increased when the metallized opaque zones ZO and the transparent zones ZT of the front face are constituted by three-dimensional elements AND.

As illustrated without limitation on Figures 1 and 2 each three-dimensional element ET may comprise an opaque main face FP constituting one of the metallized opaque zones Z0, and at least one transparent FL side face and constituting one of the transparent zones ZT through which the generated photons pass.

For example, each lateral face FL of a three-dimensional element ET may be inclined with respect to the main face FP of the latter and may provide a junction between this main face FP and the main face FP of at least one other three-dimensional element AND neighbor.

It will be understood that each main face FP of a three-dimensional element ET constitutes a 3D pattern that appears when it is backlit by the rear face FR, and whose relief is highlighted (or even amplified) by the photons coming out of each face. FL lateral which extends to the main face FP of at least one neighboring three-dimensional element ET. Numerous 3D patterns can thus be defined by molding. Similarly, many light effects, possibly decorative, can be obtained.

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 2 that the side faces FL of the three-dimensional elements ET (here belonging to different levels) can extend mutually along lines (here oblique) which intersect each other and where the photons define light bands which intersect. A kind of grid or light grid is thus obtained via the lateral faces FL.

The angle existing between a main face FP and an associated lateral face FL (which extends it) may possibly vary, for example as a function of the level at which the three-dimensional element ET belongs. But this angle could be substantially constant.

Moreover, this angle can be a function of the general angle of inclination of the mask M with respect to the horizontal plane and / or the shape of a sub-part of the optional reflector RP which is predefined so as to reflect the photons to three-dimensional elements AND associated (and therefore especially to their main faces FP and lateral FL).

In the example shown, not limitation, on the figure 2 , each main face FP of a three-dimensional element AND has a general shape of rhombus. More precisely, each main face FP comprises (or is subdivided into) two facets FCj (j = 1 or 2) in the general shape of a triangle and having different orientations. It should be noted that each main face FP could comprise more than two facets FCj. In addition, each of these facets FCj has a side which is extended by a side face FL ensuring its joining to one side of a facet FCj '(j' ≠ j) of another neighboring three-dimensional element ET.

It will also be noted that in the example illustrated, without limitation, on the figure 2 each three-dimensional element ET comprises two lateral faces FL extending its main face FP. This results from the fact that the latter (FP) is subdivided into two facets FCj. But a three-dimensional element ET can include any number of side faces FL extending its main face FP, and this number is preferably equal to the number of facets FCj.

It will also be noted that when the lighting device DE is a rear light providing a position light function, it must produce a red light. In this case, the red color may result, for example, from the use of light source (s) SL generating photons whose wavelength is that of white and a mask M having this red color (possibly crystal). This last combination makes it possible to have an extinguished rendering of red color on the lateral faces FL.

When the lighting device DE must produce a red light, the color piece PC may for example also be red. But in the presence of a photometric function associated with a color other than red, it could also be of a color other than red, such as white.

It will also be noted that the use of a reflector RP comprising, as indicated above, predefined sub-parts in order to reflect the photons respectively to three-dimensional AND associated elements (placed at different levels), makes it possible to have a homogeneous rendering at each main face FP while respecting the photometric constraints thanks to the output of the photons by the side faces FL.

Claims (10)

A lighting device (DE) comprising at least one light source (SL) capable of generating photons, and a mask (M) inclined with respect to a horizontal plane and having a rear face (FR) receiving said generated photons and a front face (FV), facing outwards, and provided with metallized opaque zones (ZO) adapted to prevent the exit of received photons and transparent zones (ZT) able to let out photons received, characterized in that it further comprises a piece (PC) having a selected color, installed in a portion above at least said front face (FV) of the mask (M) in an inclined position relative to the latter (M ) so that a colored image of said piece (PC) is reflected on at least part of said metallized opaque areas (ZO) and thus induces their illumination. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said mask (M) is inclined with respect to said horizontal plane by an angle of between 20 ° and 50 °. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said piece (PC) is parallel to said horizontal plane. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said piece (PC) comprises an upper face (FS) opposite to said front face (FV) of the mask (M) and provided with stiffening ribs (NR). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said piece (PC) comprises a lower face (FI) facing said front face (FV) of the mask (M) and having a smooth part (PL) placed in view of said part at least metallized opaque areas (ZO) and whose colored image induces said illumination. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said front face (FV) of the mask (M) is provided with three-dimensional elements (ET) each having a main face (FP) constituting one of said opaque zones (ZO) and at least one lateral face (FL) inclined with respect to said main face (FP), ensuring a junction between this last (FP) and a main face (FP) of at least one other adjacent three-dimensional element (ET), and transparent to form one of said transparent zones (ZT) through which the photons generated. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said lateral faces (FL) of the three-dimensional elements (ET) extend mutually along intersecting lines and where the photons define intersecting light bands. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a reflector (RP) adapted to reflect said photons generated towards said rear face (FR) of the mask (M). Vehicle optical block (BO), characterized in that it comprises at least one lighting device (DE) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical block (BO) according to Claim 9 and / or at least one lighting device (DE) according to one of Claims 1 to 8.

Images