ES2501842T3 - Luminous light guide device with fixing means that reflects the light down, and associated support - Google Patents

Abstract

Luminous device (D) comprising at least one longilinear light guide (G) comprising two opposite ends (E1, E2), each provided with an appropriate first fixing means (MF1) to allow its fixing to a support ( S), and joined by a main part (PP) suitable for guiding the light and comprising an external face (FE) provided in a portion of a rear part (PR) of appropriate reflection means (MR) to reflect the light towards a front part (PV), characterized in that it comprises at least a second fixing means (MF2), connected to a place chosen from said main part (PP) on the side of its rear part (PR) and just above of the aforementioned means of reflection (MR) so as to reflect the light downwards, and appropriate to be in solidarity with said support (S).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Luminous light guide device with fixing means that reflects the light down, and associated support

The invention concerns luminous devices comprising at least one light guide.

As the person skilled in the art knows, certain luminous devices comprise at least one longilinear light guide comprising two opposite limbs joined by a main part.

Each of the two extremities is generally provided with a first fixing means designed to allow fixing the light guide to a support, such as, and not limited to, a vehicle optical block housing, optionally of car type On the other hand, at least one of the two extremities is generally placed in front of a light source that can comprise, for example, at least one electroluminescent diode (or LED).

It should be noted that in this case "optical block" means both a headlamp and a pilot.

The main part of the light guide is arranged so that it guides the light coming from the light sources and comprises an external face that is provided in a portion of a rear part of reflection means that are appropriate to reflect the light towards a front of.

As long as the light guide is not too long, typically less than about 25 cm, its first two fixing means are considered sufficient to effectively support its support. But, when its length is important it is the obligation to add at least a second fixing means to its main part

or provide specific means of retention, added and comprising press studs.

Such lugs appear in transparency and / or induce areas of shadows, which impairs the style effect and can be considered as a defect or an indicator of lower range level.

On the other hand, each second fixing means is currently in solidarity with the main part of the light guide, on the side of its rear part and just below the reflection means. Unfortunately, such positioning induces inconveniences that impair the style effect and can be considered as a defect or a lower level level indicator. In fact, when the light guide is not illuminated, the natural light that penetrates a second fixing means has a tendency to be reflected forward and slightly upwards, which not only makes it visible to a person standing in front of it. and whose eyes are placed at a height higher than yours, but also induces an effect of enlargement of its base by a magnifying glass effect. On the other hand, when the light guide is illuminated, a part of the light that propagates in the main part of the light guide penetrates the second fixing means, which not only causes a decrease in the number of photons participating in the lighting function but also induces a shadow zone at the base level, observable by transparency.

Especially from EP-A-1 048 893, a device according to the preamble of claim 1 is known.

The invention then aims to improve the situation, and more precisely to prevent a second means of fixing a light guide from being observable by a person who is placed in front of it and whose eyes are positioned at a height greater than his own. .

For this purpose, it especially proposes a luminous device according to the characterizing part of claim 1.

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

-each second fixing means may be arranged in the form of a leg;

 the leg can project beyond the back of the main part of the light guide;

-each second fixing means can be an integral part of the light guide;

-each first fixing means can be an integral part of the light guide;

-the reflection means may be defined in a substantially flat portion of the rear part of the main part of the light guide;

-the reflection means can be arranged in the form of a three-dimensional (or 3D) relief;

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 the three-dimensional relief may consist of grooves substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the general direction of the light guide. For example, the grooves may have a triangular section;

-this can comprise at least one light source in front of at least one of the extremities of the light guide;

Each light source may comprise at least one electroluminescent diode (or LED).

The invention also proposes a support comprising at least one luminous device of the type presented above. Such a support may constitute, for example, a vehicle optical block housing, optionally of the automobile type.

The invention also proposes an optical vehicle block, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a support of the type shown above.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the examination of the detailed description that follows, and of the accompanying drawings (obtained in CAO / DAO, where the apparently discontinuous character, of certain lines) in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, an example of an optical block equipped with an embodiment of a luminous device according to the invention,

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the luminous device of FIG. 1, before it is joined to the housing of the optical block, and

-Figure 3 schematically illustrates, in a sectional view and in perspective from the rear side, a part of the light guide of the luminous device of Figure 2.

The attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also, where appropriate, contribute to its definition.

The purpose of the invention is to propose a luminous device (D) intended to be supported by a support (S) in order to perform a photometric function.

In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the support (S) is a housing of an optical block (BO) of the vehicle, possibly of the automobile type. But, the invention is not limited to this type of support. This, in effect, concerns any type of support to which at least one luminous device with a light guide (s) can be supported, and which belongs to the field of lighting or to the field of signaling. Thus, a support (S) can be joined, for example, to a housing or an optical block reflector.

On the other hand, in the following it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical block (BO) is intended to be installed on the front of a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type. But the invention is not limited to this type of implantation. This also concerns certain optical blocks intended to be installed in the rear of a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type.

In addition, in the following it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the light device (D) is intended to ensure a function called DRL (of "Daytime Running Light (or Lamp)") - light signaling automatically switched on when the vehicle starts to move forward). But, the invention is not limited to this application when it concerns a vehicle. Thus, this also concerns, and especially, the position light function (or pilot or flashlight) or the direction indicator function.

It should be noted that in the following the term "front" means a part that is oriented towards the outside of the support (in this case an optical block housing), and by "rear" a part that is oriented towards the inside of the support. It should also be noted that in the following the term "lower part" means a part that is generally oriented downwards (BA), that is to say oriented towards the road, and by "upper part" a part that is generally oriented upwards (H ), that is to the side opposite the road.

An exemplary, non-limiting, embodiment of an optical block BO of a motor vehicle comprising a housing S defining a support to which, in this case, a single luminous device D, according to FIG. with the invention

It is recalled that an optical vehicle block BO generally comprises a housing S to which a mask, an eventual RF reflector, and a glass that is placed in front of the RF reflector as well as eventually in front of the mask are attached. The housing S defines at least one open cavity that houses the mask, the eventual RF reflector and at least one light source, such as a bulb or a lamp or still an electroluminescent diode or the light device D.

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In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 1, the (luminous) device D is connected to the housing S in an upper peripheral part.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, a luminous device D, according to the invention, comprises at least one light guide G. It should be noted that in Figures 1 and 2 the device D only comprises a light guide G. But, this one could comprise several (at least two) light guides G.

The light guide G is of the longilinear type, possibly curvilinear (as illustrated in a non-limiting manner), and comprises two opposite ends E1 and E2 joined together by a main part PP.

It should be noted that the light guide G can be made, for example, by molding in a synthetic material, for example in PC (polycarbonate) or in PMMA. On the other hand, the light guide G may eventually be colored in the mass.

Each end E1 or E2 of the light guide G is provided, on an external face FE, with a first fixing means MF1 which is arranged so as to allow the fixing of the light guide G to the support S (in this case the Case).

It should be noted that each first fixing means MF1 preferably forms an integral part of the light guide G, in particular when the latter (G) is made by molding.

It should also be noted that the device D may eventually comprise at least one light source (SL) in front of at least one of the two extremities E1 and E2 of its light guide G. It should be noted that in the non-limiting example illustrated in the figure 2, the device D comprises two light sources SL respectively in front of its extremities E1 and E2. This allows to have a good homogeneity of illumination in the whole of the main part PP of the light guide G.

For example, each light source SL may comprise at least one electroluminescent diode (or LED). It should be noted that each electroluminescent diode may be arranged to emit a white light (especially for a front optical block) or a colored light (for example red, especially for a rear optical block).

When electroluminescent diodes are used, it is advantageous that these are mounted on a support plate intended to allow at least their control and power supply. This support plate can be, for example, a printed circuit board, of the PCB type ("Printed Circuit Board"), rigid or flexible (of the "Flex" type).

Each electroluminescent diode can be coupled to an end E1 or E2 of the light guide G, either directly, for example by sticking or fitting into a defined hole in its injection end face, or indirectly, for example through The support plate.

Each first fixing means MF1 of a limb E1 or E2 can be arranged, for example, in the form of a fixing leg intended to be joined to the housing S. This solidarity can be done by snap fitting into a snap fitting means corresponding to the housing S (for example defined in a housing) or by screwing. In the latter case (screwing), the MF1 fixing leg can comprise an opening, possibly threaded for the passage of a screw.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 2, the first fastening means MF1 of the first E1 and second E2 limbs are oriented downwards and slightly forward. However, the first fastening means MF1 may have other orientations (possibly substantially different from each other) as long as these ensure their invisibility for a person who is located in front of the optical block BO.

The main part PP of the light guide G is arranged so that it guides (in its mass) the light that is generated by each light source SL.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 3, the light guide G has a generally circular section that is substantially circular. But this is not mandatory. This section, in effect, could be, for example, rectangular or square or pentagonal or hexagonal.

The main part PP of the light guide G comprises, on its outer face FE in a portion of its rear part PR, reflection means MR that are arranged so as to reflect the light coming from the extremities E1 and E2 towards its front part PV, in order to ensure the photometric function of device D.

As illustrated in a non-limiting manner in Figures 2 and 3, the rear part PR of the main part PP of the light guide G can comprise a substantially flat portion PN in which the reflection means MR which are intended for favor the reflection of the light towards its front PV. As illustrated in a non-limiting manner in Figure 3, these reflection means MR may be arranged in the form of a three-dimensional (or 3D) relief that optimizes the transfer to the front part PV of the light guide G of the light being propagates inside the latter (G).

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The term "light transfer" means in this case a deviation caused by a reflection or a refraction, including a diffraction, at the level of a matter-air or air-matter interface, and therefore at the level of the 3D MR relief (side internal).

As illustrated in a non-limiting manner in Figure 3, the 3D MR relief can be constituted, for example, by grooves (or ribs, which is the same) that are, on the one hand, substantially parallel to each other (and therefore in this case substantially perpendicular to the general direction of the light guide G. It is important to note that due to the possible curvatures that the light guide G presents, the grooves (or ribs) MR may not be locally parallel to each other. (in particular in the areas of curvature.) The parallelism must be understood in this case as a general trend.

For example, the grooves (or ribs) MR may have a section that is substantially triangular (possibly insulated) or more generally in the form of saw teeth.

It should be noted that the 3D MR relief is not necessarily constituted by lines (grooves or ribs or also stretch marks). This, in effect, may be constituted by three-dimensional (3D) motifs, possibly diffractants, or be arranged in the form of a diffraction network.

On the other hand, and as illustrated in Figure 3, the main part PP of the light guide G comprises at least a second fixing means MF2 which is secured to a chosen place of its rear part PR, just above the MR reflection means (and therefore in this case just above the flat portion PN), in order to reflect down BA the light that has penetrated its mass (see the white arrows that materialize the multiple reflections).

The light coming from a second fixing means MF2 is now reflected downwards BA (and not upwards H as in the prior art), at the level of the interface between the second fixing means MF2 and the light guide G, this therefore it always induces an image of the base of the second fixing means MF2. But, this image can only be observed by a person who is located in front of the optical block BO and whose eyes OP are placed at a height strictly below the level of the second fixing means MF2. In other words, this image is invisible to a person who is located in front of the optical block BO and whose eyes OP are placed at a height higher than the second fixing means MF2, which is almost always the case of an observer who does not Make a repair. Thus, thanks to the invention, a person normally located in front of the device D does not perceive apparent visual defect, whether it is illuminated or not.

Each second fixing means MF2 is intended to be secured to the housing S, and as illustrated in a non-limiting manner, it can be presented, for example, in the form of a fixing leg. Preferably, this fixing leg MF2 projects beyond the rear part PR of the main part PP of the light guide G. On the other hand, this solidarity can be done by snap fit in a corresponding snap fit means of the housing S (defined for example in a housing), or by screwing (as illustrated in a non-limiting way). In the latter case (screwing), each second MF2 fixing means (in this case a fixing leg) can comprise an OV opening possibly threaded for the passage of a screw.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 2, the main part PP of the light guide G is provided with two second fixing means MF2 in two chosen places, in order to further improve the solidarity with the housing S. But, This could include only one of these, or more than two.

It should be noted that each second fixing means MF2 preferably forms an integral part of the light guide G, in particular when the latter (G) is made by molding.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments of the light, support and optical block device described above only by way of example, but it encompasses all the variants that the person skilled in the art may consider in the context of the claims that follow.

Claims (13)

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one.

Luminous device (D) comprising at least one longilinear light guide (G) comprising two opposite ends (E1, E2), each provided with an appropriate first fixing means (MF1) to allow its fixing to a support ( S), and joined by a main part (PP) suitable for guiding the light and comprising an external face (FE) provided in a portion of a rear part (PR) of appropriate reflection means (MR) to reflect the light towards a front part (PV), characterized in that it comprises at least a second fixing means (MF2), connected to a place chosen from said main part (PP) on the side of its rear part (PR) and just above of the aforementioned means of reflection (MR) so as to reflect the light downwards, and appropriate to be in solidarity with said support (S).

2.

 Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each second fixing means (MF2) is arranged in the form of a leg.

3.

 Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said leg (MF2) projects beyond said rear part (PR) of the main part (PP) of the light guide (G).

Four.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each second fixing means (MF2) forms an integral part of said light guide (G).

5.

 Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each first fixing means (MF1) forms an integral part of said light guide (G).

6.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said reflection means (MR) are defined in a substantially flat portion (PN) of the rear part (PR) of the main part (PP) of said light guide (G).

7.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said reflection means (MR) are arranged in the form of a three-dimensional relief.

8.

Device according to claim 7, characterized in that said three-dimensional relief (MR) is constituted by grooves substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to a general direction of said light guide (G).

9.

Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one light source (SL) in front of at least one of the two extremities of said light guide (G).

10.

Device according to claim 9, characterized in that each light source (SL) comprises at least one electroluminescent diode.

eleven.

 Support (S), characterized in that it comprises at least one luminous device (D) according to one of the preceding claims.

12.

 Support according to claim 11, characterized in that it constitutes a vehicle optical block (BO) housing.

13.

Optical vehicle block (BO), characterized in that it comprises a support (S) according to one of claims 11 and 12.

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