Abstract:
A vehicle light device comprising an element made up of a plurality of portions each having a functional surface, at least two consecutive portions being linked together by an articulation. The main feature of a light device according to the invention is that each articulation allows the displacement of the two consecutive portions until their functional surfaces come into continuity with one another.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to French Application No. 1450630 filed Jan. 24, 2014, which application is incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    A modular vehicle light device. Such a light device can, for example, be used as a lighting or signaling light. It can also be used, for example, as a stoplight, to signal to a driver located behind the vehicle a braking phase of the vehicle. The term “modular” means that the light device can be made available in a plurality of versions, linked to its dimensions. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Light devices in a plurality of portions exist, and have already been the subject of patents. The patent FR2790541 can, for example, be cited, which relates to a light device such as a signaling light, and which can be produced in a plurality of sections of translucent plate. These various sections are connected together by rebating, which is one fixing method likely to create plays between the different sections. Now, such plays present the drawback of being able to locally influence the trajectory of the light beams emitted by the device, and of being able to embrittle the mechanical strength of the device. Furthermore, such plays can also degrade the appearance of the device and therefore that of the vehicle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The vehicle light devices according to the invention are produced in at least two portions, and overcome the main drawbacks noted in the prior art. 
         [0007]    The subject of the invention is a vehicle light device comprising an element made up of a plurality of portions each having a functional surface, at least two consecutive portions being linked together by an articulation. 
         [0008]    The main feature of a light device according to the invention is that each articulation allows the displacement of the two consecutive portions, until their functional surfaces come into continuity with one another. Through an alignment of the functional surfaces of the portions forming the element of the light device, the element will be able to ensure its function within the light device, with the same accuracy and with the same precision as if it were of a single piece. The term “in continuity” means that the two consecutive portions will not induce any play between them, likely to introduce a visible separation between their functional surfaces. By being produced in at least two portions, such an element can have very large dimensions. In effect, an element of the desired size can be obtained by simply adding the number of necessary portions. 
         [0009]    To sum up, by producing an element in at least two portions having their functional surfaces in perfect continuity with one another, it is possible to obtain two major technical effects:
       the element of the light device can be of variable size, depending on the number and the size of the portions of which it is made. This element can thus provide a multiplicity of functions in a vehicle,   a possibility of obtaining an element of large size that has the properties sought. In effect, the techniques that are usually used do not make it possible to manufacture one-piece elements of large size, because they would require molds of excessively large dimensions and/or premature wear of the tools, such as milling machines, that would have to be renewed during the process.       
 
         [0012]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the two consecutive portions are displaced until their functional surfaces become tangential to one another. 
         [0013]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the relative displacement between the two consecutive portions cannot be extended beyond a threshold position for which the functional surfaces are aligned. The displacement of each portion can be performed, either by rotation, or by translation, or by a combination of these two movements. 
         [0014]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the two consecutive portions are mounted to rotate, that is to say that the consecutive portions, once mounted, are free to rotate. In one example, the rotation between the two consecutive portions cannot be extended beyond a threshold position for which the functional surfaces are aligned. According to a nonlimiting example, a mechanical abutment can advantageously block the rotational movement of the two consecutive portions. For example, the abutment can be made directly on the flank of the two consecutive portions. 
         [0015]    Preferentially, the two consecutive portions are elongate and are arranged relative to one another in such a way that their longitudinal axes are parallel, and in such a way that both the two consecutive portions are in continuity with one another. For this configuration, the final element has rather a tapered geometry. 
         [0016]    Preferentially, each articulation is produced by means of the penetration of a pin belonging to one of the two consecutive portions, into a void of the other adjacent consecutive portion. According to one embodiment of the invention, the pin is molded with the rest of the portion. This is a simplified configuration, because it does not implement an added hinge requiring the use of particular fixing means and appropriate tools. 
         [0017]    Advantageously, the penetration of the pin into the void can be produced only for a given relative position between the two consecutive portions, and for which the consecutive portions form a predetermined angle between them. In effect, the pin and the void have complementary profiles only for a given angular position between the two consecutive portions involved. In other words, the pin and the void have asymmetrical geometries, which actually match only for a given relative position between the two consecutive portions. For all the other positions, the bored section of the void is smaller than the cross section of the pin, thus preventing the penetration of the pin into the void. 
         [0018]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the predetermined angle is between 90° and 160°. In this way, the handling of the two consecutive portions to allow their functional surfaces to be in continuity becomes easy and well controlled. 
         [0019]    Preferentially, the pin is placed at one end of a consecutive portion and the void is placed at one end of the other consecutive portion, which is adjacent to it. Thus, when the element is in a configuration for which the functional surfaces of the two consecutive portions are in continuity with one another, the portions do not overlap. The length of the element then corresponds to the sum of the lengths of its constituent portions. 
         [0020]    Preferentially, the element is obtained by means of a first translational movement to allow the penetration of the pin into the void, then by a second rotational movement about the pin. In this way, the penetration of the pin into the void makes it possible to link together the two consecutive portions, and the rotation of the portions makes it possible to bring their functional surfaces into continuity with one another. By virtue of these two movement components between two consecutive portions, the functional surfaces are brought into continuity with one another, reliably and in a controlled manner. According to one embodiment of the invention, the second rotational movement about the pin is made until the functional surfaces of the parts are brought flush, notably for them to become tangential relative to one another. 
         [0021]    Advantageously, the element is an optical element. An optical element can, for example, consist of a reflecting mirror or a wall intended to be passed through by light rays, notably a translucent or transparent wall. 
         [0022]    According to one embodiment of the invention, each portion consists of a Fresnel module. The Fresnel module can comprise Fresnel mirrors suitable for reflecting the light. Alternatively, the Fresnel module can comprise Fresnel lenses suitable for transmitting the light. 
         [0023]    Preferentially, the functional surface is a diopter suitable for being passed through by light rays. It is important for the element to have a resulting diopter that is uniform, involving a quasi-perfect alignment of the diopters of the portions of the element. 
         [0024]    Preferentially, the device comprises a plurality of light sources distributed along the optical element and intended to light the functional surface. According to one embodiment of the invention, the light sources are evenly distributed along the optical element, in such a way that the resulting functional surface of the element is lit uniformly. For example, the light sources can be distributed equidistantly from one another. 
         [0025]    Advantageously, each portion comprises a printed circuit board. 
         [0026]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the boards are electrically connected together. 
         [0027]    Preferentially, the printed circuit boards comprise light sources. 
         [0028]    Preferentially, the light sources are light-emitting diodes. 
         [0029]    Advantageously, the two consecutive portions of the element are held in a position for which their functional surfaces are in continuity with one another, via at least one mechanical locking member situated at the level of the articulation. Since the light device is intended to be installed in a vehicle, it will notably undergo vibrations inherent to the operation of the vehicle. It is therefore necessary to hold the element in a functional position, without the risk of having its constituent portions displaced under the effect of the vibrations. Preferentially, the locking member is a part that can be implemented by rotation or by sliding to fix the relative position of the two consecutive portions of the element. 
         [0030]    According to one embodiment of the invention, each locking member consists of a clip. A clip is a locking system that is quick and simple to implement, and which offers good reliability. 
         [0031]    According to one embodiment of the invention, each locking member consists of a clamp. For example, each consecutive portion can comprise at least one ridge or at least one protruding tab. The ribs or the tabs of each consecutive portion converge or come into contact at the end of displacement of the two portions, then the clamp grips the ribs or the tabs of the two consecutive portions. 
         [0032]    According to one embodiment of the invention, each locking member consists of a bar. For example, each consecutive portion can comprise at least one hook, the hook being able to be an element with “U”- or “L”-shaped section. At the end of displacement of the two portions, the bar is placed in the hooks of at least two consecutive portions. 
         [0033]    Preferentially, the light device according to the invention comprises a support housing, the constituent portions of the element being fixed in the housing, when they are linked together in a position for which their functional surfaces are in continuity. According to one embodiment of the invention, this housing consists of at least one wall. This housing has a dual function: on the one hand, it protects the element of the light device, and, on the other hand, it serves as an anchoring support for the consecutive portions of the element, to prevent them from moving and therefore from moving away from their positions for which their functional surfaces are in continuity. 
         [0034]    Preferentially, the consecutive portions are fixed in the housing by snap-fitting. Snap-fitting is a fixing means that is simple and quick to use, and that offers a good level of reliability. 
         [0035]    A second subject of the invention is a method for mounting a light device according to the invention. 
         [0036]    The main feature of a method according to the invention is that it comprises the following steps:
       a step of translationally fitting a first portion into a second adjacent portion, each comprising a functional surface, the portions forming a predetermined angle between them to produce the fitting,   a step of rotating the portions so as to bring the functional surfaces into continuity.       
 
         [0039]    In this way, the fitting step makes it possible to link two consecutive portions together, and the rotation step makes it possible to align the functional surface of the portions. 
         [0040]    According to one embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises a step of locking the consecutive portions in a position for which their functional surfaces are in continuity with one another. It is important for the consecutive portions of the element of the light device not to have a position that fluctuates, under the effect of stresses such as, for example, vibrations, otherwise the device may be made inoperative. 
         [0041]    A third subject of the invention is a vehicle signaling light comprising a light device according to the invention. 
         [0042]    A fourth subject of the invention is a vehicle interior lighting light comprising a light device according to the invention. 
         [0043]    A fifth subject of the invention is a headlight of a vehicle comprising a light device according to the invention, notably comprising a daytime running light, also called DRL. 
         [0044]    A vehicle light device according to the invention offers the advantage of being modular dependent on the number and the size of the portions of which it is composed. It can therefore be manufactured to order, to meet a specific lighting or signaling need in a vehicle. It further has the advantage of being able to be of large size, in order, for example, to provide a spread stoplight function in the vehicle interior, a facility that cannot be provided with the current manufacturing techniques. Finally, it offers the advantage of being of a constant cost relative to an existing light device and fulfilling the same function, because it is implemented by means of a small number of parts manufactured conventionally by molding. 
         [0045]    These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 
         [0046]    A detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a light device according to the invention is given hereinbelow, with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 6 . 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 
         [0047]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a light device according to the invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one end of one of the portions of an element of a light device according to the invention, the end being provided with a pin; 
           [0049]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one end of one of the portions of an element of a light device according to the invention, the end being provided with a void intended to receive the pin of the portion illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of two portions of an element of a light device according to the invention, in a first phase of a method of joining the portions; 
           [0051]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of the two portions of  FIG. 4A , in a second phase of joining the portions; 
           [0052]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of the two portions of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in a final phase of joining the portions; 
           [0053]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view from a first angle of a link area between two portions of an element of a light device according to the invention, the element being mounted; and 
           [0054]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view from a second angle of a link area between two portions of an element of a light device according to the invention, the element being mounted. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0055]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a light device  1  according to the invention can, for example, consist of a signaling light of raised stoplight type, placed at the rear of the interior of a vehicle. Such a stoplight  1  has the structural peculiarity of being extended along a transverse axis of the vehicle, over a length that can correspond to more than half of the width of the vehicle. Such a stoplight  1  is also known by the acronym CHMSL (Centered High Mounted Stop Lamp). 
         [0056]    A stoplight  1  according to the invention has an optical element  20  produced in two portions  2 ,  3  each comprising a functional surface  4 ,  5 , the portions  2 ,  3  being linked to one another so that the functional surfaces  4 ,  5  are perfectly aligned with one another, without leaving the slightest play between them. Each of the portions  2 ,  3  consists of a Fresnel module, and each functional surface  4 ,  5  is a diopter suitable for being passed through by light rays. The term “surface” should be interpreted as “wall”. Each diopter  4 ,  5  therefore consists of a substantially planar wall, having a multiplicity of domed individual reliefs, so as to produce light spots when this diopter  4 ,  5  is lit by a light source. Each portion  2 ,  3  is elongate and is of tapered form. 
         [0057]    A diopter  4 ,  5  is extended at one of its elongate edges by a planar secondary wall  6 ,  7 , the length of which is substantially equivalent to that of the diopter  4 ,  5 . This secondary wall  6 ,  7  is at right angles to the diopter  4 ,  5  and is itself extended by a rear surface  8 ,  9 , which is substantially parallel to the diopter  4 ,  5 . Thus, each portion  2 ,  3  comprises a front surface consisting of the diopter  4 ,  5 , a rear surface  8 ,  9  which is parallel to the diopter  4 ,  5 , the surfaces  4 ,  5 ,  8 ,  9  being linked by a secondary wall  6 ,  7  which is at right angles to them. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , each portion  2 ,  3  is equipped with a printed circuit board  31 ,  32 , placed on the rear face  8 ,  9 . Each board  31 ,  32  is rectangular, and extends substantially over the entire length of a portion  2 ,  3 , such that the longitudinal axis of the board  31 ,  32  is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the portion  2 ,  3  to which it is fixed. Each board  31 ,  32  comprises a plurality of light sources  33  in the form of light-emitting diodes, evenly distributed along its longitudinal axis. The light-emitting diodes  33  placed on the rear face of each portion  2 ,  3  thus light the diopters  4 ,  5  placed on the front face of each of the portions  2 ,  3 . 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , one portion  2  of the two portions  2 ,  3  comprises a pin  10  starting from the secondary wall  6  and extending inside the portion  2 , parallel to the front  4  and rear  8  faces. In this way, the pin  10  is located in the space delimited by the front  4  and rear  8  walls, and by the secondary wall  6 . This pin  10  has a base  11  from which emerges an elongate body  12  having at least one protruding rib  13  extending along a longitudinal axis of the pin  10 . A collar  14  is inserted between the base  11  and the body  12 , the collar  14  being planar and of small thickness. This collar  14  extends partially around the body  12  of the pin  10 , over a limited angular segment, less than 90°. This collar  14  is placed at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the pin  10 , and emerges from the base  11  of the pin  10 . 
         [0060]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the other portion  3 , the one not comprising the pin  10 , has, at one of its ends, considered relative to its longitudinal axis, a void  15  intended to receive the pin  10 . The penetration of the pin  10  into the void  15  makes it possible to ensure that the portions  2 ,  3  are fitted together, in order to obtain the final optical element  20  of the stoplight  1 . This void  15  is delimited by a partial cylindrical wall  16 , of substantially constant length. This wall  16  extends over an angular segment slightly greater than 180°, and therefore leaves an opening  17  showing. In the extension of this opening  17 , the secondary wall  7  of this portion  3  comprises notches  18 ,  19 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the particular forms of the pin  10  and of the void  15  allow a penetration of the pin  10  into the void  15  only for a particular relative position between the two portions  2 ,  3  forming the optical element  20  of the stoplight  1 . In effect, the portions  2 ,  3  have to form, between them, a very precise angle, as indicated by the arrow  21  of  FIG. 4B , for the pin  10  to be able to penetrate into the void  15 . This angle preferentially lies between 90° and 160°. The angular opening between the portions  2 ,  3 , to perform the penetration of the pin  10  into the void  15 , is dictated by the particular geometries of the pin  10  and of the void  15 . In effect, the two portions  2 ,  3  must be positioned relative to one another, in such a way that the pin  10 , provided with its rib  13  and its collar  14 , is perfectly registered with the void  15  provided with its opening  17  and the two notches  18 ,  19 . 
         [0062]    Thus, referring to  FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C, a method for mounting an optical element  20  of a stoplight  1  according to the invention involves the following main steps:
       a step of relative positioning between the two portions  2 ,  3  as illustrated by  FIG. 4A , so as to place the pin  10  and the void  15  in the extension of one another,   a step of a first translational movement between the two portions  2 ,  3  in the direction indicated by the arrow  22  of  FIG. 4A , so as to make the pin  10  of one portion  2  penetrate into the void  15  of the other portion  3 ,   a step of a second rotational movement between the two portions  2 ,  3 , once the pin  10  is housed in the void  15 . This rotation is performed in the direction indicated by the two arrows  23 ,  24  of  FIG. 4B , and its aim is to align the longitudinal axis of one portion  2 ,  3  with the longitudinal axis of the other portion  2 ,  3 , as illustrated by  FIG. 4C . By thus aligning the longitudinal axes of the two portions  2 ,  3 , the diopters  4 ,  5  of the portions  2 ,  3  are in perfect continuity with one another, without introducing the slightest play between them,   a step of locking together the portions  2 ,  3  in their aligned positions for which the diopters  4 ,  5  are in continuity. This step is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , and is performed at the end of travel, at the end of the rotation between the two portions  2 ,  3 , by means of a snap-fitting involving the collar  14  of the pin  10  and a rectilinear edge  25  of the wall  16  delimiting the void  15 . The object of this locking is to hold the two portions  2 ,  3  in an aligned position, without the possibility of reverse rotation. According to a variant embodiment, this locking can also be ensured by a link hook mounted to rotate on one of the two portions  2 ,  3 , and which, through pivoting, clamps a receiving element of the other part  2 ,  3 , provided for this purpose,   a step of electrical connection between the two printed circuit boards  31 ,  32  by means of an electrical connection member  34  linking a terminal  35 ,  36  of each of the boards  31 ,  32 ,   a step of mounting the aligned and locked portions  2 ,  3  in a support housing  26 , consisting of a planar wall that is substantially rectangular and of small thickness. The assembly of the two portions  2 ,  3  is thus fixed to the housing  26  by snap-fitting, in two end areas  27 ,  28  and one central area  29  corresponding to the link area between the two portions  2 ,  3 . This particular distribution of the points of anchoring of the two portions  2 ,  3  on the housing  26  makes it possible to ensure a robust and uniform fixing of the portions  2 ,  3 , notably by balancing the forces produced in the fixing. This housing  26  comprises four fixing tabs  30  that are planar and of small thickness, evenly distributed along its longitudinal axis, the tabs  30  making it possible to moor the stoplight  1  at the rear of the interior of a motor vehicle. Said light  1  is thus located at height in the vehicle interior, in a position for which it extends horizontally, in a direction transversal to the vehicle.       
 
         [0069]    While the system, apparatus, process and method herein described constitute preferred embodiments of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise system, apparatus, process and method, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.