EP3597986B1 - Lighting device with floating module - Google Patents

Description

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

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

In certain fields, such as for example that of vehicles, possibly of the 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 selected photometric function. Such lighting devices can optionally form part of an optical unit possibly providing at least one other photometric function, in particular in a vehicle.

By way of 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 secured and respectively to an internal face of a support wall which generally forms part of an optical unit housing. The source is frequently mounted on a printed circuit board (possibly of the PCB (“Printed Circuit Board”) type), in particular when it comprises at least one light-emitting diode, this board being generally screwed onto fixing lugs that 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. Such a module is disclosed in the document EP 3 260 764 A1 . The number of operations necessary for the installation of a lighting module is therefore large, which increases the assembly time and therefore the manufacturing costs. In addition, the number of fixing lugs that the support wall must include makes the production of the latter (generally by molding a plastic material) and possibly of the lens more complex, and increases the bulk. Furthermore, the masking of what a person skilled in the art 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 for a style effect, and in particular prevents giving the impression that the lighting module is "levitating" (or "floating") relative to the light. mask, and more generally makes it difficult for the lighting module to participate in the style and / or signature of the system that it equips.

The aim of the invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation.

For this purpose, 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 move towards a front zone and participate in a function. selected photometric.

This lighting device comprises the technical characteristics of claim 1.

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 of 'an optical unit.

• 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 can include other characteristics which can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

• each module can include a covering piece placed in front of the lens, fixedly coupled to a first front part of the upper shell opposite to its first rear part, and transparent in order to allow passage the photons exiting the lens and heading towards the front area;
• it can also include a mask fixedly secured to its support wall, provided with at least one opening through which an intermediate part of the associated module extends the first rear part of the upper shell towards the front zone, and masking a rear part of the this module;
• the photometric function can be chosen from a lighting photometric function and a signaling photometric function.

The invention also proposes an optical unit for a vehicle, optionally of the automobile type, and comprising a lighting device of the type of that presented above.

The invention also proposes a vehicle, optionally of the automobile type, and comprising at least one optical unit of the type of that 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 become apparent on examination of the detailed description below, and of the accompanying drawings (obtained in CAD / DAO ("Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Design"), hence the apparently discontinuous character of certain lines), on which:

• the figure 1 schematically illustrates, in a front perspective view, part of an exemplary optical unit comprising an exemplary 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 of the figures 1 and 2 , before 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 of 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 provide a lighting device DE comprising at least one lighting module MEj (with photon source and lens L) providing 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 automotive type, such as for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, a DE lighting device can be a piece of equipment per se (possibly comprising its own box and its own protective glass), or else can form part of a piece of equipment other than a vehicle optical unit. 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 consumer 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 lighting photometric function. But the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, the lighting device DE, according to the invention, is a lighting device capable of providing at least one photometric function of lighting or signaling or of light effect, possibly decorative, since this photometric function requires at least a source of photons and a lens forming part of a lighting module.

On the figures 1 to 6 , the X direction is a so-called longitudinal direction because it is intended to be parallel to a longitudinal side of a vehicle, the Y direction is a so-called transverse direction 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 a 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 box is intended, here, to be secured to a part of the bodywork 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 of plastic. It is fixedly secured to a front part of the housing BB, for example by gluing, welding or screwing. Furthermore, it may optionally 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 source of photons (not shown), and an L.

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), substantially identical. But it can include any number of (lighting) modules MEj, provided that 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 shapes and / or dimensions that are different from each other.

Each module MEj 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. 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 as to be able to 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 correction in height according to the attitude of the vehicle.

This PS support wall can be produced by molding a rigid plastic or synthetic material, such as polyethylene (or PE) or polypropylene (or PP) or else 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 low beam (or code) function. But it could also be a high beam or fog light function, or, as discussed earlier, any signaling function.

Each photon source can, for example, comprise at least one light-emitting diode, of conventional type (or LED ("Light-Emitting Diode")) or of 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, form part at least partially of at least one printed circuit board CC (visible on the figures 3 and 5 ), possibly of the PCB (“Printed Circuit Board”) type. It will be noted that the source (of photons) of a module MEj can optionally 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 move towards a front zone ZA and participate in the chosen photometric function. In the example which is described here, the front zone ZA is located at the level of the protective glass of the block BO optics. 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 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 front PV1. The first rear part PR1 defines a housing LA in which the associated source is at least partially installed, 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 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 the signature of the optical unit BO.

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

According to the invention, and as illustrated without limitation on the figures 3 and 5 , each module MEj comprises a metal radiator RM fixedly secured to the support wall PS and to which at least the first rear part PR1 of its upper shell C1 is fixedly secured. This radiator metallic RM is arranged so as to evacuate the 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 offers good rigidity for low weight. This rigidity makes it possible to support a large overhang.

As illustrated without limitation on the figures 3 and 5 , each metallic radiator RM may include a rear part fixedly secured 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 at least this first is fixedly secured 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 power 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 the level of its housing LA) in order to be fixedly secured to this first rear part PR1 and to the metallic radiator RM (for example via the screws illustrated on the figure 5 and which pass through holes that it includes for this purpose).

According to the invention, and as illustrated without limitation on the figures 3 and 5 , the lower shell C2 of each module MEj comprises a second rear part PR2, a second front part PV2 and an intermediate part joining the second rear parts PR2 and front PV2. This second rear part PR2 is 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 allows the upper C1 shells to be fixed together (and to the RM metal radiator). and lower C2 via their first PR1 and second PR2 respective rear parts.

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

Also according to the invention, and as illustrated without limitation on the figure 3 to 6 , the lower shell C2 of each module MEj is coupled to the metallic radiator RM in order to position it precisely with respect to the latter (RM). For this purpose, the lower shell C2 comprises a coupling tab PC1 extending towards the support wall PS (and therefore towards the rear) and comprising a through hole TT, and the metallic radiator RM comprises a perpendicular coupling pin PC2 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 zone. Preferably, this PC2 coupling pin has a conical shape with a 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.

It will be noted, 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, with respect to the metallic radiator RM, the latter RM can also comprise in an upper part two other PC3 coupling pins (in addition to its PC2 coupling pin). These two other PC3 coupling pins 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 PC3 coupling pins pass through the corresponding through holes and that at the same time the PC2 coupling pin crosses the through hole TT the aforementioned assembly is very precisely positioned relative to the metallic radiator RM, and therefore we are certain of its good isostatism.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation on figure 4 , that the first front part PV1 of the upper shell C1 (opposite to its first rear part PR1 and to which the second front part PV2 of the lower shell C2 is fixedly coupled) is provided with an opening O1 which closely accommodates a third part before PV3 of the lens L, opposite the source. This makes it possible to precisely position the third front part PV3 of the lens L relative 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 figure 4 , that the lens L has an elongated shape in the direction of the front zone ZA (and therefore in the longitudinal direction X). The lens (L) comprises a third rear part PR3, opposite to its third front part PV3 (and therefore to the source), and fixedly secured to the first rear part PR1 of the upper shell C1, to the second rear part PR2 of the lower shell C2, and to the metal radiator RM (for example via the screws shown on the figure 5 and which pass through holes that it includes 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 adapted to guiding the photons towards its third front part PV3 which is more precisely 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 include 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 PA covering part is transparent in order to allow the photons which come out of the lens L to pass through and go towards the front zone ZA. It is intended to hide the front face of the third front part PV3 and the opening O1 of the first front part PV1 of the upper shell C1. In addition, this PA trim piece can be at least partially stylized.

The PA covering part 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 figure 1 , that the lighting device DE can also include a mask MA fixedly secured to its support wall PS and provided with as many openings O2j as there are modules MEj. Each opening O2j 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, the entire 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 O2j. This impression can be further enhanced 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 else polycarbonate.

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

Claims (6)

1. Lighting device (DE) comprising at least one module (MEj) including a source generating photons and a lens (L) acting on said generated photons so that they are directed towards a front zone (ZA) and participate in a selected photometric function, 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 said source is installed at least partially, and coupled to said support wall (PS), each module (MEj) comprising a metal radiator (RM) fixedly attached to said support wall (PS) to which said first rear portion (PR1) of the upper shell (C1) is fixedly attached, and discharging calories produced by said source into said housing (LA), said lower shell (C2) comprising a second rear portion (PR2) fixedly attached to said first rear portion (PR1) of the upper shell (C1) and to said metal radiator (RM) said upper shell (C1) comprising a first front portion (PV1) i) opposite its first rear portion (PR1), ii) to which is fixedly coupled a second front portion (PV2) of the lower shell (C2) opposite its second rear portion (PR2) and iii) provided with an opening (O1) tightly housing a third front portion (PV3) of said lens (L), opposite to said source, the device being characterized in that said second rear portion (PR2) comprises a coupling tab (PC1) extending towards said support wall (PS) and having a through hole (TT) in that said metal heat sink (RM) comprises a coupling pin (PC2) perpendicular to said coupling tab (PC1) and passing through said through hole (TT) to couple said second rear portion (PR2) to said metal heat sink (RM) in a lower region, in that the lens has an elongated shape towards the front region (ZA) in that the lens comprises a third rear portion (PR3), opposite to the third front portion (PV3), and in that said third rear portion (PR3) is fixedly attached to the first rear portion (PR1) of the upper shell (C1), to the second rear portion (PR2) of the lower shell (C2), and to the metal radiator (RM).
2. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that each module (MEj) comprises a cladding piece (PA) placed in front of said lens (L), fixedly coupled to a first front portion (PV1) of said upper shell (C1) opposite its first rear portion (PR1), and transparent in order to let pass the photons coming out of said lens (L) and going towards said front area (ZA).
3. Device according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that it comprises a mask (MA) fixedly attached to said support wall (PS), provided with at least one opening (O2j) through which passes 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).
4. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said photometric function is selected from a photometric lighting function and a photometric signaling function.
5. Vehicle optical unit (BO), characterized in that it comprises a lighting device (DE) according to one of the preceding claims.
6. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (BO) according to claim 5.

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