FR3144081A1 - Body panel with light signature - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (2) of a body panel (4) of a motor vehicle and of several light modules (6) distributed over the body panel and forming a light signature on the body panel (4), each light module (6) comprising: - at least one housing (12) comprising at least one light source (14), - at least one light guide (16) configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source (14) at through the body panel (4) so as to make light visible from an external face (22) of the body panel (4), the assembly (2) comprising at least one drive member (26) of the light modules (6) configured to move all or part of the light modules (6) relative to the body panel (4) in at least two positions different from each other. Figure for abstract: figure 2

Description

Body panel with light signature

The invention relates to motor vehicle body panels and more particularly those incorporating a light signature.

It has been known for several years to place, at the level of motor vehicle body panels, elements of personalization of the motor vehicle.

It is for example known to integrate one or more light devices into a body panel, or to place it or them in the immediate vicinity of the latter, for example a bumper skin or a tailgate, in order to define a signature light visible from outside the vehicle.

However, current solutions exclusively dedicated to the implementation of a light signature often only allow you to play on a limited number of parameters in the implementation of the light signature, such as for example the color, or even the length. of the light source or a light guide. For example, many light signatures are produced by installing several continuous lines or curves, formed for example by a light guide, on the surface of a body panel (or adjacent to the latter). This therefore limits the possibilities for personalizing a light signature.

The invention aims in particular to provide a body panel comprising one or more light devices making it possible to further personalize a light signature than according to the solutions of the prior art.

• au moins un boîtier comprenant au moins une source de lumière, le boîtier étant disposé en regard d’une face interne du panneau de carrosserie,
• au moins un guide lumière s’étendant, depuis le boîtier, dans un premier orifice traversant ménagé dans le panneau de carrosserie et configuré pour diffuser la lumière émise par la source de lumière au travers du panneau de carrosserie de manière à rendre visible la lumière depuis une face externe du panneau de carrosserie,

l’ensemble comprenant au moins un organe d’entraînement des modules lumineux configuré pour déplacer tout ou partie des modules lumineux par rapport au panneau de carrosserie dans au moins deux positions différentes l’une de l’autre.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a set of a motor vehicle body panel and a plurality of light modules distributed over the body panel and forming a light signature on the body panel, each light module comprising :

• at least one housing comprising at least one light source, the housing being arranged facing an internal face of the body panel,
• at least one light guide extending, from the housing, into a first through hole provided in the body panel and configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source through the body panel so as to make the light visible from an external face of the body panel,

the assembly comprising at least one light module drive member configured to move all or part of the light modules relative to the body panel in at least two positions different from each other.

Thus, we obtain a solution in which several light modules, and therefore the light guides, are movable relative to the body panel and can occupy different positions relative to the latter. This possibility of moving the light modules therefore increases the possibilities of personalizing a light signature placed at the level of a body panel. We therefore obtain a light signature which can be large thanks to the use of a multitude of light modules of smaller dimensions, with numerous possibilities of movement, both at the level of a light module and at the level of the light modules. between them.

We can consider different positions of the light modules relative to the body panel, for example depending on the interactions between a user and the vehicle (movement of the light module(s) when unlocking the vehicle, etc.), or even depending on the speed at which the vehicle is traveling.

• au moins une des positions des modules lumineux correspond à une position dans laquelle une face des guides lumière est affleurante avec la face externe du panneau de carrosserie ;
• chaque position des modules lumineux est associée à un état d’activation de la source de lumière ;
• les modules lumineux sont répartis en plusieurs groupes de modules lumineux, chaque groupe de modules lumineux est couplé à un organe d’entraînement différent, configuré pour déplacer le groupe de modules lumineux par rapport au panneau de carrosserie indépendamment des autres groupes de modules lumineux ;
• le guide lumière comprend une extrémité de fixation du guide lumière dans un orifice de fixation du boîtier ;
• l’extrémité de fixation débouche face à la source de lumière, l’extrémité de fixation comprenant une face placée en regard de la source de lumière et dans un champ de diffusion de la lumière ;
• un joint d’étanchéité est placé à une interface entre le guide lumière et le boîtier ;
• au moins une partie d’une surface du guide lumière est au moins partiellement transparente ;
• une partie d’une surface du guide lumière est peinte, de préférence une face visible à partir de la face externe du panneau de carrosserie ;
• le boîtier comprend un corps principal et un couvercle fixé au corps principal, le corps principal et le couvercle définissant un espace interne du boîtier dans lequel est logée la source de lumière ;
• un joint d’étanchéité est placé à une interface entre le corps principal et le couvercle ;
• le couvercle porte la source de lumière et un élément de raccordement de la source de lumière à une source d’énergie ;
• au moins une des positions du module lumineux est une position de repos du module lumineux ;
• le boîtier comprend au moins un organe de rappel du module lumineux dans sa position de repos :
• le boîtier comprend plusieurs jambes de rappel déformables élastiquement, de préférence moulées avec le boîtier, configurées pour être déformées par une sollicitation de l’organe d’entraînement sur le module lumineux, et pour replacer le module lumineux dans sa position de repos par retour à leur forme initiale ;
• l’ensemble comprend une plaque de support disposée entre la face interne du panneau de carrosserie et le module lumineux ;
• la plaque de support comprend un épaulement formant une butée contre laquelle s’appuie le guide lumière quand il occupe une des positions ;
• la plaque de support comprend un organe de guidage du guide lumière dans le premier orifice traversant ;
• l’ensemble comprend un élément d’ajustement de position du module lumineux par rapport au panneau de carrosserie configuré pour ajuster une des positions.

According to other optional characteristics of the assembly according to the invention taken alone or in combination:

• at least one of the positions of the light modules corresponds to a position in which one face of the light guides is flush with the external face of the body panel;
• each position of the light modules is associated with an activation state of the light source;
• the light modules are distributed into several groups of light modules, each group of light modules is coupled to a different drive member, configured to move the group of light modules relative to the body panel independently of the other groups of light modules;
• the light guide comprises one end for fixing the light guide in a fixing hole in the housing;
• the fixing end opens facing the light source, the fixing end comprising a face placed facing the light source and in a light diffusion field;
• a seal is placed at an interface between the light guide and the housing;
• at least part of a surface of the light guide is at least partially transparent;
• a part of a surface of the light guide is painted, preferably a face visible from the external face of the body panel;
• the housing comprises a main body and a cover attached to the main body, the main body and the cover defining an internal space of the housing in which the light source is housed;
• a seal is placed at an interface between the main body and the cover;
• the cover carries the light source and an element for connecting the light source to an energy source;
• at least one of the positions of the light module is a rest position of the light module;
• the housing comprises at least one member for returning the light module to its rest position:
• the housing comprises several elastically deformable return legs, preferably molded with the housing, configured to be deformed by a bias of the drive member on the light module, and to replace the light module in its rest position by returning to their initial form;
• the assembly comprises a support plate arranged between the internal face of the body panel and the light module;
• the support plate comprises a shoulder forming a stop against which the light guide rests when it occupies one of the positions;
• the support plate comprises a member for guiding the light guide in the first through hole;
• the assembly includes a position adjustment element of the light module relative to the body panel configured to adjust one of the positions.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

is an exploded view from the front of a part of an assembly according to the invention,

is a perspective view from the rear of a part of an assembly according to the assembled invention,

is a first perspective view from the rear of a light module according to the invention,

is a second perspective view from the front of a light module according to the invention,

is a perspective view from the front of a housing of a light module according to the invention,

is a perspective view from the front of a body panel of an assembly according to the invention,

is a perspective view of a fraction of a support plate of an assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the invention,

is a sectional view, along a section plane AA, of a part of an assembly according to the invention,

is a view of an assembly according to the invention in which a light module is in a first position, and

is a view of an assembly according to the invention in which a light module is in a second position.

detailed description

The figures include an XYZ marker illustrating the conventional orientation axes of a motor vehicle. The reference mark takes the longitudinal axis X, the transverse axis Y and the vertical axis Z of a motor vehicle. The terms “front” and “rear” used in particular during the introduction of the figures have the meaning commonly adopted in the automotive field.

We now refer to the illustrating part of an assembly 2 (visible in Figures 9 and 10) formed first of all by a body panel 4. By body panel is meant an exterior trim panel of a motor vehicle, for example a bumper skin, an exterior tailgate skin, a door panel, a side wing or even a motor vehicle roof panel. The body panel 4 can be made in a conventional manner from plastic. The materials forming it as well as the possible processes for manufacturing it are known to those skilled in the art and will not be the subject of a more detailed description in the present description.

Set 2 also includes at least one light module 6. By light module we mean a body comprising means for generating light and diffusing this light. An isolated light module 6 is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

The light module 6, and more particularly a housing 12 of the latter, is placed facing an internal face 10 of the body panel 4. By “placed facing” is meant an arrangement of the light module 6 facing the face internal 10 of the body panel 4, by direct contact or with the presence of an intermediate element, for example a support plate 8 (described subsequently), placed between them.

The light module 6 comprises a housing 12 comprising at least one light source 14 (visible on the ). This housing 12 is placed opposite the internal face 10 of the body panel 4. The light source 14 is arranged so as to emit light towards a light guide 16 described subsequently. The light source 14 can for example be formed by at least one light-emitting diode, carried by a printed circuit. The light source 14 can be activated remotely by an electronic control unit (depending for example on the position of the light guide of each light module 6). We can also provide the presence of an activation button carried by each light module 6. In this second example, it is necessary to provide a mobile means, for example carried by the drive member 26, making it possible to activate said button is activation.

The housing 12 may comprise a main body 18 and a cover 20 fixed to the main body 18, for example by screwing, welding, gluing, snap-fastening, etc. The housing 18 and the cover 20 define an internal space of the housing 12 in which the light source 14 is housed. A seal can be placed between the main body 18 and the cover 20.

The cover 20 can carry the light source 14, for example the printed circuit carrying one or more light-emitting diodes. It may also include an element for connecting the light source to an energy source. This connection element can for example be formed by one or more metal rods overmolded in the cover 20, the plastic material forming the cover being able to define a housing in which the metal rod(s) extend.

Each light module 6 also comprises a light guide 16 extending, from the housing 12, into a first through orifice 9 provided in the body panel 4 and configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source 14 through it, and through the first through hole 9 of the body panel 4 so as to make visible the light from an external face 22 of the body panel 4. In other words, the light emitted from the housing 12 is facing the internal face 10 of the body panel 4, the light guide 16 allowing the light to pass through the body panel 4 to be visible from an external face 22 of the body panel 4. This external face 22 will be that visible from the outside of a motor vehicle on which assembly 2 will be attached.

The through holes can be obtained during the molding of the body panel 4, or made by reworking the body panel 4 after molding the latter.

Advantageously, the light guide 16 comprises a nesting end 24 (referenced on the ) in a nesting orifice 25 of the housing 12, more precisely formed in the main body 18, opening facing the light source 14, the nesting end 24 comprising a face placed opposite the light source 14 and in a field of light diffusion. In other words, the light guide 16 comprises one end passing through the main body 18 to reach the internal space of the housing 12 and the light source 14, and thus capture the light to be guided through the body panel 4.

The example illustrated in the figures shows a mounting by nesting of the light guide 16 in the housing 12 (and therefore of the nesting end 24 in the main body 18), for example by tight fit. Obviously, other types of assembly can be considered, for example assembly by snap-fit or gluing.

A seal can be placed between the light guide 16 and the housing 12. Alternatively, one of the aforementioned assemblies, typically a forced assembly, can make it possible to obtain the required seal. It is also possible to produce the main body 18 of the housing 12 and/or the light guide 16 by integrating there during manufacturing, for example by molding, a sealing element, for example overmolded on the main body 18 of the housing 12 and/or on the light guide 16.

The part of the light guide 16 visible from the external face 22 of the body panel 4, forming a symbol visible from the outside of a motor vehicle carrying the assembly according to the invention, can take the desired shape, a triangle on the example of the figures.

The light guide 16 can be entirely or partly transparent in order to diffuse the light from its entire surface. Alternatively or in combination, it may be opaque, for example by having at least one painted face, preferably the face of the light guide opposite the housing 12 (i.e. that which may be flush with the external face 22 of the body panel 4), or a face which would only be visible when the light guide 16 extends projecting from the external face 22 of the body panel 4. Opacification of part of the surface of the light guide 16 makes it possible to direct the light towards particular faces of the light guide 16. It is also possible that part of the surface of the light guide undergoes a surface treatment of the laser scraping type, etc.

The assembly 2 further comprises at least one drive member 26 of the light module 6 configured to move the light module 6 relative to the body panel 4 in at least two positions, relative to the body panel 4, different one from the other. The mobility of the light modules 6 as well as the positions that can be taken by the latter correspond to an entry or exit of the light guide projecting relative to the external face 22 of the body panel 4, in a direction locally perpendicular to the body panel 4 .

In the example illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the drive member 26 comprises an actuation motor 28 setting in motion, by rotation, an actuation cam 30. The latter interacts with a cam track 32 during of its movement in order to move in translation an actuation plate 34. The actuation plate 34 allows, thanks to its movement here guided by guide legs 35, to move the light modules 6 by pushing them, each of them them interacting with a pusher 36 carried by the actuation plate 34.

Figures 9 and 10 respectively illustrate two extreme positions of the actuation cam 30, with one face of the latter in end-of-travel stop against a wall of a housing 37 enclosing the actuation cam 30.

On the , the actuation cam 30 does not exert any constraint on the actuation plate 34, and the light modules 6 are in the so-called rest position. In the example illustrated, this position corresponds to a position in which one face of the light guide 16, here the face opposite the housing 12, is flush with the external face 22 of the body panel 4.

On the , the actuation cam 30 exerts a constraint on the actuation plate 34, and the light modules 6 are therefore moved to a second position. In the example illustrated, this position corresponds to a position in which one face of the light guide 16, here the face opposite the housing 12, projects from the external face 22 of the body panel 4.

It is possible that the actuation cam 30 occupies one or more intermediate positions between the two extreme positions of Figures 9 and 10, which would lead the light modules 6, and more particularly the light guides 16, to occupy several intermediate positions between the extreme positions of Figures 9 and 10. This is obviously true whatever the nature of the drive member.

Alternatively to the example illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the drive member 26 may comprise an actuation motor setting in motion, by translation, an actuation cam. The latter interacts with a cam track during its movement in order to move an actuation plate, for example perpendicular to the translation of the actuation cam. Guide legs can ensure the correct movement of the actuation plate, for example in a direction perpendicular to that of movement of the actuation cam. The actuation plate can allow, thanks to its movement, to move the light modules, for example in the same positions as for the example of Figures 9 and 10.

Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a movement of a light module 6 by a single drive member 26. This movement could be the same (i.e. movement of all the light patterns by the same drive member) for all the light modules 6 of a set 2 according to the invention or for only part of them. In the second scenario, there may be several drive members 26, each of which makes it possible to set several light modules 6 in motion.

Alternatively to this, it is possible that each light module is coupled to a different drive member, configured to move the light module 6 according to the body panel independently of the other light modules. We can therefore personalize the possible movements of each light module 6 independently of the other light modules 6. We can therefore envisage simultaneous or non-simultaneous movement of all the light modules 6, with the same deployment stroke or deployment strokes. different. It is also possible to set several groups of light modules 6 in motion independently of each other, by coupling each group of light modules 6 to a specific light sequence.

It is also possible that part of the light modules 6 is coupled to a drive member configured to move this part of the light modules 6 as a function of the body panel 4 independently of the other light modules 6. This is a another possibility of customizing movements.

It is also possible to determine the speed at which the drive member 26 moves each light module 6. It is also possible to provide several movements of each light module 6 at different speeds. The programming of an electronic control unit coupled with the use of one or more actuating motors that can be set in motion at different speeds allows the implementation of these possibilities.

Advantageously, each position of each light module 6 is associated with an activation state of the light source 14. For example, a positioning of a light module 6 is in a position in which its light guide 16 is flush with the face external 22 of the body panel 4 can correspond to an off state of the light source 14. The latter can be lit when the light guide(s) 16 are projecting from the external face 22 of the body panel 4. The light source 14 can be activated when the light module 6 has reached a given position, or when it begins to move and during its movement.

At least one of the positions that can be occupied by each light module 6 can correspond to a rest position of the light module 6. By this we mean that, in this position, the drive member 26 does not exert any constraint on the light module. 6.

Advantageously, the housing 12 comprises at least one member for returning each light module 6 to its rest position. This return member can be carried by another part of the light module 6 than the housing 12. For example, and as can be seen in Figures 3 to 5 and 8 to 10, the housing 12 can include several deformable return legs 38 elastically, preferably molded with the housing 12, configured to be deformed by a bias of the drive member 26 on a light module 6, and to replace the light module 6 in its rest position by returning to their initial shape.

In the example illustrated in the figures, each light module 6 comprises three return legs 38, molded with the housing 12 and bearing against the support plate 8. By pressing against the cover 12, the actuation plate 34 moves each light module 6, which leads to a deformation of the return legs 38. When the actuation plate 34 stops pressing on the light module 6, the return legs 38 return to their initial shape, replacing the light module 6 in its rest position, here the position in which the light guide 16 is flush with the external face 22 of the body panel 4.

The return member can, alternatively to a molded element with a light module 6, be an element attached to a light module 6. It can for example be a return spring, or even a washer made of material elastic, arranged between the housing 12 and the support plate 8.

As can be seen in the figures (and described above), assembly 2 comprises a support plate 8 arranged between the internal face 10 of the body panel 4 and each light module 6. As described above, it can serve as a support surface for the return legs 38. The support plate comprises a number of second through holes 9' identical to that of the body panel 4, the first through holes 9 of the body panel 4 and the second through holes 9 ' of the support plate 8 being aligned to allow the passage of each light module 6.

The support plate 8 may comprise a shoulder 40 forming a stop against which the light guide 16 rests when the light module 6 occupies one of the positions, for example its rest position (corresponding here to the position in which one face of the guide light 16 is flush with the external face 22 of the body panel 4). This shoulder 40 makes it possible to precisely define a position, here the rest position of the light module 6. In the absence of support plate 8, the body panel 4 can include the shoulder 40. Generally speaking, the shoulder 40 could have a varied position on the assembly 2 depending on the desired effect (for example on guide leg 35 to block the raising of the actuating plate 34). It will be noted that, in such a configuration, the light guide 16 and the housing 12 are only assembled together after assembly of the body panel 4 and the support plate 8 (or simply after obtaining a body panel 4 comprising the through holes in the absence of a support plate). Indeed, it is necessary in this case to assemble the light guide 16 and the housing 12 by placing them on either side of the body panel 4 (or of the assembly formed by the support plate 8 and the panel bodywork 4).

The support plate 8 may further comprise a guide member 42 of the light guide 16 in the first through orifice 9. This guide member 42 may further interact with a complementary form of a light module 6, for example of the light guide 16, to ensure an anti-rotation function of the light guide 16 in the first through orifice 9. Anti-rotation is of particular interest when the respective shapes of the light guide 16 and the first through orifice 9 do not prohibit such rotation, or if the light guide 16 is, when it is set in motion, placed in a position in which its shape no longer allows its rotation to be avoided (for example if the part of the light guide which allows anti-rotation is entirely projecting of the body panel 4. This guide member 42 could also be carried by the body panel 4, particularly in the absence of support plate 8. Generally speaking, the guidance of the light module 6 during its movement can be ensured by the support plate 8, or by the body panel 4, particularly in the absence of support plate 8.

In the example illustrated on the , the support plate comprises three guide fins 44 (also allowing here the centering of the light guide 16) guiding the light guide 16, and more particularly its portion extending from the housing 12 through the first through orifice 9 of the panel. bodywork 4. Orifices are provided near the guide fins 44 so that the latter are carried by the elastic tongues 46 to allow the latter to be moved by a constraint exerted on them by the light guide 16, in order to hinder or even prevent the movement of the latter between the different positions of the light module 6.

Reference list

2: together

4: body panel

6: light module

8: support plate

9: first through hole

9': second through hole

10: internal face of the body panel

12: housing

14: light source

16: light guide

18: main body of the housing

20: cover

22: external face of the body panel

24: fixing end

25: fixing hole

26: drive member

28: actuation motor

30: actuation cam

32: cam track

34: actuation plate

35: guide legs

36: pusher

37: housing

38: abseiling legs

40: shoulder

42: guide member

44: guide fins

46: elastic tabs

Claims (18)

Assembly (2) of a body panel (4) of a motor vehicle and a plurality of light modules (6) distributed on the body panel (4) and forming a light signature on the body panel (4), each module luminous (6) comprising:

• at least one housing (12) comprising at least one light source (14), the housing being arranged facing an internal face (10) of the body panel (4),
• at least one light guide (16) extending from the housing (12) into a first through hole (9) provided in the body panel (4) and configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source (14 ) through the body panel (4) so as to make light visible from an external face (22) of the body panel (4),

the assembly (2) comprising at least one drive member (26) of the light modules (6) configured to move all or part of the light modules (6) relative to the body panel (4) in at least two different positions one from the other. Assembly (2) according to claim 1, in which at least one of the positions of the light modules (6) corresponds to a position in which one face of the light guides (16) is flush with the external face (22) of the body panel ( 4). Assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each position of the light modules (6) is associated with an activation state of the light source (14). Assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the light modules (6) are distributed into several groups of light modules (6), each group of light modules (6) being coupled to a drive member ( 26) different, configured to move the group of light modules (6) according to the body panel (4) independently of the other groups of light modules (6). Assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the light guide (16) comprises a fixing end (24) in a fixing orifice of the housing (12) opening facing the light source (14). Assembly (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the fixing end (24) opens facing the light source (14), the fixing end (24) comprising a face placed opposite the light source ( 14) and in a light diffusion field. Assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a seal is placed at an interface between the light guide (16) and the housing (12). Assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least part of a surface of the light guide (16) is at least partially transparent. Assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which part of a surface of the light guide (16) is painted, preferably a face visible from the external face (22) of the body panel (4 ). An assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (12) comprises a main body (18) and a cover (20) attached to the main body (18), the main body (18) and the cover (20) defining an internal space of the housing in which the light source (14) is housed. Assembly (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the cover (20) carries the light source (14) and an element for connecting the light source (14) to an energy source. Assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the positions of the light module (6) is a rest position of the light module (6). Assembly (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the housing (12) comprises at least one return member (38) of the light module (6) in its rest position. Assembly (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the housing (12) comprises several elastically deformable return legs (38), preferably molded with the housing (12), configured to be deformed by a stress on the member of drive (26) on the light module (6), and to replace the light module (6) in its rest position by returning to their initial shape. Assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support plate (8) disposed between the internal face (10) of the body panel (4) and the light module (6). Assembly (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the support plate (8) comprises a shoulder (40) forming a stop against which the light guide (16) rests when it occupies one of the positions. Assembly (2) according to any one of claims 15 and 16, in which the support plate (8) comprises a guiding member (42) of the light guide (16) in the first through orifice (9). Assembly (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, a position adjustment element of the light module (6) relative to the body panel (4) configured to adjust one of the positions.