EP3597986A1 - Lighting device with floating module - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting device (DE) comprises at least one module (ME1) comprising: - a source generating photons, - a lens (L) acting on the photons generated so that they go towards a front zone (ZA) and participate in a chosen photometric function, - a support wall (PS), - upper (C1) and lower (C2) shells each having an elongated shape in the direction of the front zone (ZA), and joined together by defining a internal space in which the lens (L) is fixedly installed, the upper shell (C1) comprising a first rear part (PR1) defining a housing (LA), in which the source is installed at least partially, and coupled to the wall of support (PS).

Description

The invention relates to lighting devices, and more precisely those which comprise at least one lighting module comprising a photon source and a lens participating in the performance of a photometric function.

In what follows, the term “photometric function” means both a photometric lighting function, a photometric signaling function or a photometric light effect function, possibly decorative.

In certain fields, such as for example that of vehicles, possibly of automobile type, lighting devices are used comprising at least one lighting module comprising a source generating photons and a lens acting on these photons so that they are directed towards a front zone and participate in a chosen photometric function. Such lighting devices may possibly be part of an optical unit possibly ensuring at least one other photometric function, in particular in a vehicle.

For example, in a land vehicle, the photometric function of the lighting device can be chosen from a high beam function, a low beam (or code) function, and a fog light function. But it could also be a photometric signaling function.

Currently, the photon source and the lens of a lighting module are fixedly and respectively secured to an internal face of a support wall which is generally part of an optical unit housing. The source is frequently mounted on a printed circuit board (possibly of PCB type (“Printed Circuit Board”)), in particular when it comprises at least one light-emitting diode, this board generally being screwed on fixing lugs which the wall comprises. of support. Likewise, the lens generally comprises at least one fixing lug which is screwed onto a corresponding fixing lug of the support wall, or else is fixedly secured to a coupling piece which is itself screwed onto a corresponding fixing lug. of the support wall. The number of operations required to install a lighting module is therefore significant, which increases the assembly time and therefore the manufacturing costs. In addition, the number of fixing lugs that the support wall must include complicates the production of the latter (generally by molding a plastic material) and possibly of the lens, and increases the size. Furthermore, masking what the skilled person calls the technical part (printed circuit board with source, fixing lugs and possible coupling part) requires the use of a mask of often complex and bulky shape. , and therefore rarely aesthetic. Finally, the method of fixing the source and the lens limits the possibilities of style effect, and in particular prevents giving the impression that the lighting module is "levitating" (or "floats") relative to the mask, and more generally makes it difficult for the lighting module to participate in the style and / or signature of the system it equips.

The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation.

To this end, it proposes in particular a lighting device comprising at least one (lighting) module comprising a source generating photons and a lens acting on these generated photons so that they go towards a front zone and participate in a function. photometric chosen.

• qu'il comprend aussi une paroi de support, et
• que chaque module (d'éclairage) comprend des coques supérieure et inférieure présentant chacune une forme allongée en direction de la zone avant, et solidarisées entre elles en définissant un espace interne dans lequel est installée fixement la lentille, la coque supérieure comprenant une première partie arrière définissant un logement, dans lequel est installée au moins partiellement la source, et couplée à la paroi de support.

This lighting device is characterized by the fact:

• that it also includes a support wall, and
• that each (lighting) module comprises upper and lower shells, each having an elongated shape in the direction of the front zone, and joined together by defining an internal space in which the lens is fixedly installed, the upper shell comprising a first part rear defining a housing, in which the source is installed at least partially, and coupled to the support wall.

Thus, each module has a long overhang which gives the impression that it is levitating (or floating), which can allow it to participate in a style and / or a signature, for example d 'an optical unit.

• chaque module peut comprendre un radiateur métallique solidarisé fixement à la paroi de support, auquel est solidarisée fixement la première partie arrière de la coque supérieure, et évacuant des calories produites par la source dans le logement ;
  
  la (chaque) coque inférieure peut comprendre une deuxième partie arrière solidarisée fixement à la première partie arrière de la coque supérieure et au radiateur métallique ;
  • la deuxième partie arrière de la coque inférieure peut comprendre une patte de couplage s'étendant vers la paroi de support et comportant un trou traversant. Dans ce cas, le radiateur métallique peut comprendre un pion de couplage perpendiculaire à cette patte de couplage et traversant ce trou traversant afin de coupler la deuxième partie arrière au radiateur métallique dans une zone inférieure ;
  • la (chaque) coque supérieure peut comprendre une première partie avant opposée à sa première partie arrière, à laquelle est couplée fixement une deuxième partie avant de la coque inférieure opposée à sa deuxième partie arrière, et munie d'une ouverture logeant étroitement une troisième partie avant de la lentille, opposée à la source ;
• la lentille peut présenter une forme allongée en direction de la zone avant et peut comprendre une troisième partie arrière solidarisée fixement à la première partie arrière de la coque supérieure, à la deuxième partie arrière de la coque inférieure, et à l'éventuel radiateur métallique ;
• chaque module peut comprendre une pièce d'habillage placée devant la lentille, couplée fixement à une première partie avant de la coque supérieure opposée à sa première partie arrière, et transparente afin de laisser passer les photons sortant de la lentille et se dirigeant vers la zone avant ;
• il peut aussi comprendre un masque solidarisé fixement à sa paroi de support, muni d'au moins une ouverture traversée par une partie intermédiaire du module associé qui prolonge la première partie arrière de la coque supérieure vers la zone avant, et masquant une partie arrière de ce module ;
• la fonction photométrique peut être choisie parmi une fonction photométrique d'éclairage et une fonction photométrique de signalisation.

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

• each module may include a metal radiator fixedly attached to the support wall, to which the first rear part of the upper shell is fixedly attached, and discharging calories produced by the source in the housing;
  
  the (each) lower shell may comprise a second rear part fixedly secured to the first rear part of the upper shell and to the metal radiator;
  • the second rear part of the lower shell may comprise a coupling tab extending towards the support wall and comprising a through hole. In this case, the metal radiator may include a coupling pin perpendicular to this coupling tab and passing through this through hole in order to couple the second rear part to the metal radiator in a lower zone;
  • the (each) upper shell may comprise a first front part opposite to its first rear part, to which is fixedly coupled a second front part of the lower shell opposite to its second rear part, and provided with an opening closely accommodating a third part front of the lens, opposite the source;
• the lens may have an elongated shape in the direction of the front zone and may comprise a third rear part fixedly fixed to the first rear part of the upper shell, to the second rear part of the lower shell, and to the possible metal radiator;
• each module may include a covering piece placed in front of the lens, fixedly coupled to a first front part of the upper shell opposite its first rear part, and transparent in order to allow passage photons coming out of the lens and heading towards the front area;
• it can also include a mask fixedly fixed to its support wall, provided with at least one opening traversed by an intermediate part of the associated module which extends the first rear part of the upper shell towards the front zone, and masking a rear part of this module;
• the photometric function can be chosen from a photometric lighting function and a photometric signaling function.

The invention also provides a vehicle optical unit, possibly of the automotive type, and comprising a lighting device of the type presented above.

The invention also provides a vehicle, possibly of the automotive type, and comprising at least one optical unit of the type presented above.

• la figure 1 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective de devant, une partie d'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, le dispositif d'éclairage de la figure 1 sans son masque et avant son installation dans le boîtier du bloc optique,
• la figure 3 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective, un exemple de réalisation d'un module du dispositif d'éclairage des figures 1 et 2,
• la figure 4 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective, certains des éléments d'un module du dispositif d'éclairage des figures 1 et 2, avant leur assemblage,
• la figure 5 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective, certains éléments assemblés et certains autres éléments à assembler d'un module du dispositif d'éclairage des figures 1 et 2, et
• la figure 6 illustre schématiquement, dans une vue en perspective du dessous, le couplage inférieur entre la coque inférieure et le radiateur métallique d'un module du dispositif d'éclairage des figures 1 et 2.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAD ("Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing"), whence the apparently discontinuous nature of certain lines), on which:

• the figure 1 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front, part of an example of an optical unit comprising an embodiment of a lighting device according to the invention,
• the figure 2 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the lighting device of the figure 1 without its mask and before its installation in the optical unit housing,
• the figure 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a module of the lighting device for Figures 1 and 2 ,
• the figure 4 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, some of the elements of a module of the lighting device for Figures 1 and 2 , before their assembly,
• the figure 5 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, certain assembled elements and certain other elements to be assembled of a module of the lighting device for Figures 1 and 2 , and
• the figure 6 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from below, the lower coupling between the lower shell and the metal radiator of a module of the lighting device of the Figures 1 and 2 .

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a lighting device DE comprising at least one lighting module MEj (with photon source and lens L) ensuring a chosen photometric function and giving the impression of levitating (or floating).

It is considered in what follows, by way of nonlimiting example, that the lighting device DE is intended to equip an optical unit BO of a vehicle of the automobile type, such as for example a car. However, the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, a lighting device DE can be an equipment per se (possibly comprising its own housing and its own protective glass), or else can be part of other equipment than an optical unit of the vehicle. Thus, a DE lighting device can be part of any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), any installation, including industrial type, any device ( or system), including the general public type, and any building.

Furthermore, it is considered in what follows, by way of nonlimiting example, that the optical unit BO (comprising a lighting device DE) is a headlight (or headlight) providing at least one photometric lighting function. However, the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, the lighting device DE, according to the invention, is a light device capable of ensuring at least one photometric function of lighting or signaling or of light effect, possibly decorative, since this photometric function requires at least a photon source and a lens forming part of a lighting module.

On the Figures 1 to 6 , the direction X is a direction known as longitudinal because it is intended to be parallel to a longitudinal side of a vehicle, direction Y is a direction known as transverse because it is intended to be perpendicular to the longitudinal sides of this vehicle and therefore perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is a vertical direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

We have schematically illustrated on the figure 1 , a part of an optical unit BO of the vehicle (here a front headlight) comprising, in particular, a housing BB delimiting with a protective glass (not shown) a cavity housing in particular a lighting device DE according to the invention.

The BB unit is intended, here, to be secured to a part of the body of a vehicle (here in a front part, such as for example a front wing). It is made of a rigid material, such as for example a plastic or synthetic material. In this case, it can be produced by molding.

The protective glass can, for example, be made of glass or plastic. It is fixedly secured to a front part of the housing BB, for example by gluing, welding or screwing. Furthermore, it may possibly have one or more colors chosen from crystal white, red and orange.

As illustrated (at least partially) on the Figures 1 to 5 , a lighting device DE, according to the invention, comprises a support wall PS and at least one lighting module MEj comprising at least one upper shell C1, a lower shell C2, a photon source (not shown), and an L lens.

In the example illustrated without limitation on the Figures 1 and 2 , the lighting device DE comprises three (lighting) modules MEj (j = 1 to 3), which are substantially identical. But it can include any number of (lighting) modules MEj, as long as this number is at least equal to one. Thus, it could include only one, or two, or even four or five, as needed. Furthermore, the modules MEj of a lighting device DE can have different shapes and / or dimensions from one another.

Each MEj module is fixedly secured on the side of its rear part to the support wall PS, as will be seen below and as illustrated in the figure 2 . In the example which is described here, the support wall PS is coupled to the housing BB of the optical unit BO (in the cavity). Note that the DE lighting device may optionally be movably mounted in the housing, so that it can be moved over a predefined distance in at least one direction. In this case, the support wall PS can, for example, be coupled to the housing BB via ball joints and actuated (or moved) via a site corrector (electric motor) controlled by electronic control means in order to offer, by example, a height correction based on the attitude of the vehicle.

This support wall PS can be produced by molding a rigid plastic or synthetic material, such as polyethylene (or PE) or polypropylene (or PP) or even polycarbonate (or PC).

The source (of photons) of each module MEj is arranged so as to generate photons which must participate in a chosen photometric function.

For example, in the case of a vehicle, this photometric function is a dipped beam (or code) function. But it could also be a main beam or fog light function, or, as mentioned above, any signaling function.

Each photon source may, for example, comprise at least one light-emitting diode, of the conventional type (or LED (“Light-Emitting Diode”)) or of the organic type (or OLED (“Organic Light-Emitting Diode”)), or well a laser diode.

The operation of the source (of photons) of each module MEj is controlled by control means which can, for example, be part at least partially of at least one printed circuit board CC (visible on the figures 3 and 5 ), possibly PCB (“Printed Circuit Board”) type. It will be noted that the source (of photons) of a module MEj can possibly also be installed on this printed circuit board CC. In this case, this printed circuit board CC is also part of the module MEj.

The lens L of each module MEj is arranged so as to act on the photons generated by the source so that they go towards a front zone ZA and participate in the chosen photometric function. In the example described here, the front zone ZA is located at the level of the block's protective glass. BO optic. In the absence of protective glass, this front zone ZA is located in front of the lens L of each module MEj.

Each lens L can, for example, be produced by molding a transparent plastic material such as poly methyl methacrylate (or PMMA) or polycarbonate (or PC).

The upper C1 and lower C2 shells of each module MEj each have an elongated shape in the direction of the front zone ZA (and therefore in the longitudinal direction X), and are joined together by defining an internal space EI in which is fixedly installed the lens L.

The upper shell C1 of each module MEj comprises a first rear part PR1, a first front part PV1 and an intermediate part joining the first rear parts PR1 and before PV1. The first rear part PR1 defines a housing LA in which the associated source is installed at least partially, and is coupled to the support wall PS.

The upper C1 and lower C2 shells can be produced by molding a rigid plastic or synthetic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene or else polycarbonate. Furthermore, at least one of the upper C1 and lower C2 shells can be at least partially stylized.

Thanks to the coupling of the first rear part PR1 of the upper shell C1 of a module MEj and to the elongated shape along X of this upper shell C1, this module MEj has a long overhang which gives the impression that it is levitating (or floating) (here inside the optical unit BO). In addition, this makes it possible here to involve the lighting device DE, and in particular each of its modules MEj, in the style and / or in the signature of the optical unit BO.

The overhang of each MEj module can, for example, be between 30 mm and 100 mm. Thus, it can, for example, be equal to about 80 mm.

For example, and as illustrated without limitation on the figures 3 and 5 , each module MEj can comprise a metallic radiator RM fixedly fixed to the support wall PS and to which is fixedly fixed at least the first rear part PR1 of its upper shell C1. This radiator metallic RM is arranged so as to evacuate calories which are produced by the source in the housing LA which this first rear part PR1 comprises.

For example, each RM metal radiator can be made of aluminum, which provides good rigidity for a low weight. This rigidity allows it to support a large overhang.

As illustrated without limitation on the figures 3 and 5 , each metal radiator RM may comprise a rear part fixedly fixed to the support wall PS and a front part placed above the housing LA of the first rear part PR1 of the upper shell C1 and to which is fixedly fixed at least this first rear part PR1, for example by screwing.

It will be noted that when each module MEj comprises its own printed circuit board CC and its source is mounted on the latter (CC), this printed circuit board CC is placed above the housing LA of the first rear part PR1 of the upper shell C1 with the source housed in this housing LA to supply the lens L. In this case, the printed circuit board CC is interposed closely between the front part of the metal radiator RM and the first rear part PR1 of the upper shell C1 ( at its housing LA) in order to be fixedly fixed to this first rear part PR1 and to the metal radiator RM (for example via the screws illustrated on the figure 5 and which cross holes which it understands for this purpose).

For example, and as illustrated without limitation on the figures 3 and 5 , the lower shell C2 of each module MEj may comprise a second rear part PR2, a second front part PV2 and an intermediate part joining the second rear parts PR2 and before PV2. In this case, this second rear part PR2 can advantageously be fixedly secured to the first rear part PR1 of the upper shell C1 and to the metal radiator RM (for example via the screws illustrated on the figure 5 and whose threaded ends can cooperate with holes, possibly threaded, which it includes for this purpose. This advantageously enables the upper shells C1 to be fixedly secured to each other (and to the metal radiator RM). and lower C2 via their respective first PR1 and second PR2 rear parts.

It will be noted that the first PV1 and second PV2 front parts, respectively of the upper C1 and lower C2 shells, can be fixedly joined together by clipping, screwing or interlocking by cooperation of shapes.

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation on the figure 3 to 6 , the lower shell C2 of each module MEj can be coupled to the metallic radiator RM in order to position it precisely with respect to the latter (RM). To this end, the lower shell C2 can comprise a coupling tab PC1 extending towards the support wall PS (and therefore rearward) and comprising a through hole TT, and the metal radiator RM can comprise a coupling pin PC2 perpendicular to this coupling lug PC1 and passing through the through hole TT in order to couple the second rear part PR2 to the metallic radiator RM in a lower area. Preferably, this PC2 coupling pin has a conical shape with circular section in order to facilitate its introduction into the through hole TT and the stressing of the elements (C1, C2, CC, RM) between them to avoid vibrations.

Note, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 5 , that in order to obtain a good isostatism of the assembly of each module MEj, consisting of the upper C1 and lower C2 shells and of the lens L, relative to the metallic radiator RM, the latter RM can also include in an upper part two other PC3 coupling pins (in addition to its PC2 coupling pin). These two other coupling pins PC3 are intended to pass through corresponding through holes defined in the printed circuit board CC and the first rear part PR1 of the upper shell C1 (in its housing LA). It will in fact be understood that when these two other coupling pins PC3 pass through the corresponding through holes and at the same time the coupling pin PC2 passes through the through hole TT the aforementioned assembly is very precisely positioned with respect to the metallic radiator RM, and so we are certain of its good isostatism.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 4 , that the first front part PV1 of the upper shell C1 (opposite its first rear part PR1 and to which the second front part PV2 of the lower shell C2 is fixedly coupled) can be provided with an opening 01 which closely accommodates a third front part PV3 of lens L, opposite the source. This makes it possible to precisely position the third front part PV3 of the lens L with respect to the second front part PV2 of the lower shell C2 in the three directions X, Y and Z.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 4 , that the lens L can have an elongated shape in the direction of the front zone ZA (and therefore in the longitudinal direction X). In this case, it (L) may include a third rear part PR3, opposite its third front part PV3 (and therefore at the source), and fixedly secured to the first rear part PR1 of the upper shell C1, to the second part rear PR2 of the lower shell C2, and to the metallic radiator RM (for example via the screws illustrated on the figure 5 and which cross holes which it understands for this purpose). It will be understood that with such an arrangement, the third rear part PR3 of the lens L comprises an end (rear) placed under the source of its module MEj, which allows it to be supplied with photons in an optimized manner. The shape of the lens L is suitable for guiding the photons towards its third front part PV3 which is more specifically responsible for acting on the latter so that they participate correctly in the chosen photometric function.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the Figures 1 to 5 , that each module MEj can comprise a covering part PA placed in front of its lens L (and more precisely in front of its third front part PV3) and fixedly coupled to the first front part PV1 of the upper shell C1, for example by clipping or screwing . This covering piece PA is transparent in order to allow the photons which exit from the lens L and pass towards the front zone ZA to pass. It is intended to hide the front face of the third front part PV3 and the opening 01 of the first front part PV1 of the upper shell C1. Furthermore, this PA covering piece can be at least partially stylized.

The covering piece PA can, for example, be produced by molding a transparent plastic material such as poly methyl methacrylate (or PMMA) or polycarbonate (or PC).

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 1 , that the lighting device DE can also include a mask MA fixedly attached to its support wall PS and provided with as many openings 02j as there are modules MEj. Each opening 02j is crossed by an intermediate part of the associated module MEj (which extends the first rear part PR1 of the upper shell C1 towards the front zone ZA). This advantageously makes it possible to hide the rear part (PR1-PR3, RM) of each module MEj which constitutes the technical part of the latter (MEj). Thus, all the technical part of the lighting device DE is invisible when one is placed in front of the latter (DE), or in front of the protective glass of the optical unit BO. In addition, this makes it possible to reinforce the impression that each module MEj floats through the associated opening 02j. This impression can be further reinforced by using a black MA mask.

This MA mask can be produced by molding a rigid plastic or synthetic material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene or even polycarbonate.

It will also be noted that the lighting device DE can advantageously be pre-assembled, which makes it possible only to have it fixedly attached to the system which it must equip, such as for example an optical unit BO, for example by screwing 'at least its support wall PS to the housing BB of this optical unit BO.

Claims (7)

Lighting device (DE) comprising at least one module (MEj) comprising a source generating photons and a lens (L) acting on said generated photons so that they go towards a front zone (ZA) and participate in a function photometric chosen, said device further comprising a support wall (PS), and each module (MEj) comprising upper (C1) and lower (C2) shells each having an elongated shape in the direction of said front zone (ZA), and joined together by defining an internal space (EI) in which said lens (L) is fixedly installed, said upper shell (C1) comprising a first rear part (PR1) defining a housing (LA), in which is installed at least partially said source, and coupled to said support wall (PS), said device being characterized in that each module (MEj) comprises a metal radiator (RM) fixedly secured to said support wall (P S), to which said first rear part (PR1) of the upper shell (C1) is fixedly attached, and discharging calories produced by said source in said housing (LA), in that said lower shell (C2) comprises a second part rear (PR2) fixedly secured to said first rear part (PR1) of the upper shell (C1) and to said metal radiator (RM) and in that said upper shell (C1) comprises a first front part (PV1) i) opposite to its first rear part (PR1), ii) to which is fixedly coupled a second front part (PV2) of the lower shell (C2) opposite its second rear part (PR2), and iii) provided with an opening (O1) closely accommodating a third front part (PV3) of said lens (L), opposite to said source. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said second rear part (PR2) of the lower shell (C2) comprises a coupling tab (PC1) extending towards said support wall (PS) and comprising a through hole (TT ), and in that said metallic radiator (RM) comprises a coupling pin (PC2) perpendicular to said coupling tab (PC1) and crossing said through hole (TT) in order to couple said second rear part (PR2) to said metallic radiator (RM) in a lower zone. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each module (MEj) comprises a covering piece (PA) placed in front of said lens (L), fixedly coupled to a first front part (PV1) of said shell upper (C1) opposite to its first rear part (PR1), and transparent in order to allow the photons passing from said lens (L) to pass towards said front zone (ZA). Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a mask (MA) fixedly secured to said support wall (PS), provided with at least one opening (02j) traversed by an intermediate part of said associated module (MEj) which extends said first rear part (PR1) of the upper shell (C1) towards said front zone (ZA), and masking a rear part (PR1-PR3, RM) of this module (MEj). Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said photometric function is chosen from a photometric lighting function and a photometric signaling function. Optical unit (BO) of a vehicle, characterized in that it comprises a lighting device (DE) according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (BO) according to claim 6.

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