EP3721135B1 - Signalling device for a motor vehicle, comprising one or more homogeneously illuminated light screens - Google Patents

Signalling device for a motor vehicle, comprising one or more homogeneously illuminated light screens Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3721135B1
EP3721135B1 EP18830912.4A EP18830912A EP3721135B1 EP 3721135 B1 EP3721135 B1 EP 3721135B1 EP 18830912 A EP18830912 A EP 18830912A EP 3721135 B1 EP3721135 B1 EP 3721135B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
screen
light
light source
face
signalling device
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP18830912.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3721135A1 (en
Inventor
Erwan PROVOT
Alain Buisson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Marelli Automotive Lighting France SAS
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Marelli Automotive Lighting France SAS
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Publication of EP3721135A1 publication Critical patent/EP3721135A1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/27—Attachment thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/26—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/30—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors
    • F21S43/33—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/40—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the combination of reflectors and refractors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising one or more homogeneously illuminated light screens.
  • An organic light-emitting diode or EO diode consists of a substrate, two electrodes intended to inject charges of opposite sign and an organic layer interposed between the electrodes.
  • the EO diode emits light when the electrodes pass sufficient electrical current through the organic layer. At least one electrode must be transparent for the light to diffuse outside.
  • the electrodes are supplied with current via electrical connectors arranged on the periphery of the EO diode.
  • the electrical connectors are usually hidden behind a fixing frame of a certain thickness and surrounding the EO diode. The position of the electrical connectors or the The presence of the fixing frame makes it difficult to arrange them to form a single, continuous luminous surface.
  • the homogeneous lighting surfaces obtained from EO diodes are generally limited to the dimensions of the EO diode itself.
  • EO diodes currently used in the automotive sector are limited to a few square centimeters. It is therefore not possible to form homogeneous luminous surfaces of large dimensions and at low cost.
  • the invention aims to resolve these defects by proposing a signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising at least one luminous screen, homogeneously illuminated, of larger dimensions, more reliable and less expensive.
  • the signaling device therefore comprises a means of obscuring a peripheral part of the light beam emitted by the light source, so that only the part of the screen illuminated by the center of the light beam is visible by an observer.
  • the concealment means does not deflect and/or does not obscure a central part of the light beam homogeneously illuminating the second face of the screen.
  • the central part of the light beam is surrounded by the peripheral part mentioned above.
  • homogeneous we mean a luminous surface whose appearance appears uniform to an observer.
  • the concealment means therefore makes it possible to hide the parts of the screen perceived by an observer as being of different light intensity relative to the center of the screen.
  • a screen can be illuminated homogeneously from a lower cost light source compared to an organic light-emitting diode or EO diode.
  • the light source may be a light source commonly used in the automotive field such as a filament bulb.
  • the source of light is a light-emitting diode.
  • the light source is oriented so that its light beam directly illuminates the first side of the screen. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the bulk of the signaling device and facilitate its integration in or on a motor vehicle.
  • the invention thus offers a more reliable and more economical alternative to the use of EO diodes in signaling devices for motor vehicles.
  • the dimensions of the homogeneously illuminated screen are not limited by the manufacturing process of the light source, as is currently the case for EO diodes. Indeed, we can easily modify the dimensions of the screen by adjusting for example the opening angle of the light beam emitted by the light source and/or the distance between the screen and the light source.
  • the invention also allows the production of light screens of very varied dimensions, in particular of dimensions greater than EO diodes.
  • the light source is placed behind the screen, so that its electrical connectors do not clutter the periphery of the screen as for the EO diodes and can be hidden behind said screen.
  • the concealment means comprises an opaque film surrounding the part of the screen illuminated by the light beam emitted by the light source.
  • opaque film we mean the fact that the film obscures the light beam emitted by the light source.
  • the opaque film thus makes it possible to hide from an observer the areas of the second side of the screen which would be perceived as non-homogeneous in intensity.
  • the opaque film can also mask a part of the screen, illuminated homogeneously, so as to define a light pattern such as a pictogram, a letter or a number.
  • the opaque film is placed in front of the second face of the screen.
  • the opaque film is placed in front of the first face of the screen.
  • the opaque film comprises an ink covering part of the second face of the screen.
  • the signaling device may comprise several opaque films which overlap and move, so as to form light patterns of different shapes at the level of the screen when the opaque films are shifted.
  • the concealment means comprises a sheath present between the light source and the screen, the sheath being arranged so as to surround the light beam emitted by the light source so that only a central part of the beam bright directly illuminates the screen.
  • the sheath is configured so that the most intense part of the light beam directly illuminates the first face of the screen.
  • the sheath is positioned so as to intercept and/or deflect the peripheral part of the light beam.
  • the invention can also make it possible to avoid the use of an opaque film as described above, while obtaining a similar result, in particular in order to reduce the bulk of the signaling device.
  • the invention makes it possible to illuminate a screen homogeneously for an observer, by using a light source of lower light intensity compared to the state of the art.
  • a light source of lower light intensity the size of the light source in the signaling device is significantly reduced, in particular the size of the devices making it possible to dissipate the heat produced by the light source.
  • the invention also makes it possible to reduce the size of the light source in the signaling device.
  • the internal face of the sheath is light in color, preferably white in color.
  • This embodiment advantageously allows the sheath to reflect the peripheral part of the light beam towards the screen, in particular in order to increase its light intensity.
  • the internal face of the sheath comprises means for diffusing the light beam.
  • This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to homogenize the intensity of the beam reflected by the sheath.
  • the sheath comprises a distal end, facing the first face of the screen, delimiting a first opening, and the contour of the first opening is hidden behind a film opaque, preferably the opaque film is placed in front of the second face of the screen.
  • the contour of the first opening delimits an oval or polygonal shape.
  • the opaque film delimits a shape identical or similar to the contour of the first opening.
  • the sheath comprises a proximal end facing the light source and the proximal end defines an oval contour around the light beam.
  • the proximal end forms an optical reflector around the light beam.
  • the screen is translucent.
  • This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to attenuate variations in light intensity at the level of the second face of the screen.
  • the diffusion coefficient of the screen decreases when one moves away from the center of the light beam.
  • the diffusion coefficient of the screen varies so as to substantially compensate for the variation in light intensity at the level of the second face of the screen when the screen is illuminated by the light beam. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to attenuate variations in light intensity at the level of the second face of the screen.
  • the signaling device comprises at least two adjacent screens described above, and a control unit making it possible to independently turn on or turn off each light source independently.
  • the control unit can be configured to simultaneously light up several adjacent screens in order to form a larger luminous screen and/or successively light up several screens so as to create an animation.
  • the invention allows the use of a light source of lower light intensity compared to the state of the art, in order to backlight a screen whose light intensity is perceived homogeneously by an observer.
  • an overall light screen of larger dimensions can be formed.
  • the depth of the light device then does not vary as a function of the dimensions of the overall light screen.
  • the depth of the light device is identical or substantially identical for one or more adjacent screens.
  • the invention advantageously allows the production of global light screens of larger surfaces, perceived with homogeneous light intensity by an observer, for a much smaller footprint in depth compared to the state of the art.
  • the size of the light source in the signaling device is significantly reduced, in particular the size of the devices making it possible to dissipate the heat produced by the light source.
  • this embodiment also makes it possible to reduce the size of the light source in the signaling device.
  • the concealment means comprises a sheath arranged between the light source and the screen, each sheath being configured to surround the light beam emitted by each light source of so that only a central part of the light beam directly illuminates the screen and in that the sheath is translucent.
  • This embodiment makes it possible to create a gradient of light intensity around a lit screen, while preserving the homogeneous appearance of the screen in intensity.
  • the adjacent screens have their sheath in contact in order to promote the diffusion of the light emitted by the lit screen in the unlit and adjacent screens.
  • the signaling device can display gradients of light around one or more lit screens whose intensity is homogeneous.
  • the concealment means comprises a sheath arranged between the light source and the screen, each sheath being configured to surround the light beam emitted by each light source so that only a central part of the light beam directly illuminates the screen, and in that the internal face of each sheath is dark in color, preferably black in color.
  • this embodiment allows the light from each screen to be confined so that the signaling device can display sharper patterns.
  • the screen placed in front of the light source comprises at least two distinct superimposed layers: a translucent layer and a metallized layer at least partially covering the translucent layer.
  • the metallized layer is in contact with the second face of the translucent screen and configured to reflect ambient external light.
  • the metallized layer completely covers the translucent layer so that the elements facing the first face of the translucent layer are not visible through the screen when the light source is turned off.
  • the metallized layer is made from one of the following materials: chrome, stainless steel, bronze, aluminum or tungsten.
  • the metallized layer may be colored.
  • the translucent layer is colored non-uniformly, with one or more distinct colors in order to form patterns visible to an observer facing the signaling device.
  • the translucent layer comprises passages passing through said layer, the dimensions of which are configured to form zones illuminated by the light source more intensely at the level of the metallized layer.
  • This embodiment aims to allow patterns to be formed on the surface of the metallized layer when the light source is turned on.
  • the smallest dimension of a passage is between 1 mm and 5 cm, preferably between 1 cm and 3 cm.
  • the creation of these passages can make it possible to meet both aesthetic wishes and regulatory constraints.
  • the translucent layer is screen printed on at least one of its faces, so as to locally modify its transmittance when illuminated by a light source.
  • the signaling device comprises a transparent layer placed in front of the metallized layer, so that the metallized layer is present between the translucent layer and the transparent layer.
  • the transparent layer is in contact with the metallized layer.
  • This embodiment is particularly advantageous when it is desired for the screen to form an outer shell or an indicator light for a traffic light.
  • the transparent layer is colored, preferably red.
  • the invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a signaling device as described above.
  • the invention aims to propose a signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising at least one luminous screen, illuminated homogeneously, of larger dimensions, more reliable and less expensive compared to the state of the art.
  • FIG. 1 presents a first embodiment of a signaling device 2A falling outside the scope of the invention.
  • This signaling device comprises a light source 4 mounted on a support 6.
  • the support comprises conductive tracks not shown, connecting the light source to a control unit 8 via conductive wires 10.
  • the control unit 8 is configured to control the operation of the light source 4, that is to say turn it on or off.
  • the light source is a light-emitting diode.
  • the light source 4 is positioned opposite a screen 12 via a frame holding the support 6 to the screen 12, so as to directly illuminate a first face 14 of the screen.
  • the screen is chosen so as to transmit the light emitted by the light source 4 to a second face 16 opposite the first face. More precisely, the frame 18 maintains the light source at a distance D from the first face of the screen, so that its light beam 20 is circumscribed to the first face 14 of the screen.
  • the screen is flat.
  • the light beam 20 emitted by the light source decreases in intensity as we approach its periphery.
  • the light beam 20 decreases in intensity as we move away from its optical axis (OO'), the intensity of the light beam being maximum at its center.
  • the control unit 8 turns on the light source 4
  • the first face 14 is illuminated non-uniformly by the light beam 20.
  • the second face 16 of the screen appears brighter at the level of the optical axis (OO') of the light source.
  • the invention aims to overcome this defect, by proposing to position an opaque film 22 in front of the second face 16 of the screen, masking the areas of the second face appearing of less intensity when illuminated by the light beam 20.
  • the opaque film 22 includes a passage 24 whose shape and dimensions are adapted so as to leave visible only an area of the second face, appearing to an observer to be homogeneously illuminated by the light beam 20.
  • a surface is perceived as uniformly or homogeneously illuminated, when the difference in light intensity between the brightest area of the screen and another area of the screen, divided by the intensity value of the brightest area of the screen is equal to or does not exceed 60%, or is equal to or less than 40%, or is equal to or less than 20%.
  • the opaque film 22 is sized and placed in front of the second face 16 of the screen, so as to allow only a central part 26 of the light beam 20 to pass, and mask another so-called peripheral part whose intensity, at the level of the second face of the screen, is equal to or less than 80% relative to the center of the light beam 20, preferably equal to or less than 60% relative to the center of the light beam 20.
  • the central part 26 of the light beam defined by the angle ⁇ on the figure 1
  • the peripheral part 28 of the light beam surrounding the central part 26, defined by the angle ⁇ on the figure 1 is stopped by the opaque film 22.
  • the passage 24 provided through the opaque film 22 can delimit one or more pictograms and/or letters and/or numbers.
  • FIG. 2 now illustrates a second embodiment of a 2B signaling device according to the invention.
  • the invention differs from the previous embodiment in that the opaque film 22 is no longer present.
  • the opaque film 22 is replaced by a sheath 30 positioned between the light source 4 and the first face 14 of the screen 12. More precisely, the sheath 30 is arranged around the light beam 20.
  • the sheath comprises a proximal end 32 in opposite the light source 4 and a distal end 34 in contact with the screen 12.
  • the distal end 34 is configured to intercept the peripheral part 28 of the light beam defined above, so that only the central part 26 of the light beam directly illuminates the first face 14 of the screen.
  • the distal end 34 is configured to absorb the light emitted by the light source 4 in order to preserve, for an observer, the impression of homogeneity of the light diffusing through the second face 16 of the screen 12.
  • the invention makes it possible to obtain substantially the same result as the previous embodiment, while avoiding the use of an opaque film placed in front of the screen.
  • the invention is therefore advantageous when it is desired to preserve the appearance of the second face and/or reduce the bulk of the signaling device.
  • the distal end 34 can be configured to reflect, in the direction of the screen 12, the light emitted by the light source 4. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to increase the light intensity of the screen 12.
  • the surface of the distal end 34 is configured to diffuse the light in a diffuse manner, in order to increase the impression of homogeneous lighting of the screen 12 when it is backlit by the light source 4.
  • the internal face of the sheath 30 is light or substantially light in color.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a third embodiment of a 2C signaling device according to the invention.
  • several light sources 4A, 4B and 4C are placed on the same support 6.
  • the support comprises conductive tracks not shown, connecting each light source to a control unit 8 via conductive wires 10.
  • the control unit 8 is configured to control the operation of each light source 4A, 4B and 4C, simultaneously or alternately.
  • the light sources 4A, 4B and 4C are positioned opposite a screen 12 via a frame 18 holding the support to the screen 12, so as to illuminate a first face 14 of the 'screen.
  • the screen is chosen so as to transmit the light emitted by the light sources 4 to a second face 16 opposite the first face.
  • Each light beam 20 emitted by a light source is surrounded by a dedicated sheath 30. As described above, each sheath is configured to intercept the peripheral part 28 of the light beam, so that only the central part 26 of the light beam directly illuminates the first face 14 of the screen.
  • the sheaths 30 are opaque to the light beams 20 and configured to allow the central parts 26 of the light beams to cross before or at the level of the second face 16 of the screen, so that said face is illuminated so uniform.
  • the dimensions of the signaling screen can be easily increased and exceed the largest dimensions of current EO diodes.
  • the invention therefore makes it possible to obtain large-sized signaling screens of homogeneous intensity for a low manufacturing cost.
  • the signaling device 2C comprises three light sources 4A, 4B and 4C, so that the display device can display three pixels 17A, 17B, X17C bright at the second side 16 of the screen.
  • the invention is not limited to this number of light sources so that the light screen can display a greater number of pixels.
  • control unit 8 can be configured to turn on each light source 4A, 4B and 4C alternately or in a complementary manner, in order to form pixelated images or information, the dimensions and shapes of which can be modified. at will.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a 2D signaling device outside the scope of the invention.
  • This device differs from the third mode in that the sheaths 30 are made of a material allowing the passage of part of the light emitted by the light sources 4A, 4B and 4C into the adjacent sheaths.
  • This embodiment makes it possible to display at the second face 16 of the screen one or more light pixels 13 of the same intensity, surrounded by a light halo whose intensity decreases when one moves away from said pixel(s). luminous.
  • the screen 12 displays a light pixel 17B homogeneous in intensity, illuminated by the central part 26B of the light beam 20B emitted by the light source 4B, and two light pixels 17A and 17C of non-homogeneous intensity when the light sources 4A and 4B are not lit.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a 2E signaling device according to the invention.
  • This signaling device is a hybrid mode between the first and third embodiments described above.
  • an opaque film 22 is placed in front of the second face 16 of the screen 12 of the signaling device 2C so as to conceal the contour of each opening delimited by the distal end 34A, 34B and 34C of a sheath.
  • the opaque film 22 here comprises several passages, each passage forming a pattern of different shape and dimensions. The invention thus allows the production of a large luminous screen, formed of different luminous pixels 17A, 17B, 17C and 17C', to display different luminous information simultaneously or alternately.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a 2F signaling device according to the invention.
  • This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment described above, with the difference that the screen 12 is curved. So that the screen can be illuminated homogeneously by the light sources 4A, 4B and 4C, these are placed on separate supports 36. Each support is connected to the control unit 8 via a plate 38. The plate 38 also makes it possible to hold each support to the chassis 18, so that each light source 4A, 4B and 4C is substantially at the same distance than the screen 12.
  • the light source is preferably a light-emitting diode in order to limit the depth of the signaling devices.
  • Light-emitting diodes can be the same or different.
  • each light source may comprise several light-emitting diodes of different colors.
  • the signaling device can display one or more pixels of different colors.
  • the screens 12 mentioned above are made from PMMA type plastic materials. They may include one or more layers of these materials. Preferably, they are configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source(s) 4A, 4B and 4C, so as to accentuate the homogeneous lighting effect of the screen 12. For this, the surface of the screen can be grained and/or contain inclusions.
  • the opaque films 22 described above can also be made from the same plastic materials. In this case, they can be tinted to accentuate their opacity.
  • the opaque films 22 may comprise a metallic material, in the form of a metallized layer.
  • Opaque films may include multiple layers of the materials mentioned above.
  • the sheaths 30 mentioned above may comprise the same materials as the opaque films.
  • the internal face of the proximal part 32 of the sheaths is covered with a light-reflecting material, and configured to reflect the light in the direction of the screen 12 of the display device, as is illustrated in Fig. figure 2 .

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  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE AUQUEL SE RAPPORTE L'INVENTIONTECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de signalisation pour un véhicule automobile, comprenant un ou plusieurs écrans lumineux éclairés de façon homogène.The present invention relates to a signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising one or more homogeneously illuminated light screens.

ARRIÈRE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUETECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND

Pour des raisons évidentes de sécurité, la réglementation impose aux véhicules automobiles d'être équipés de dispositifs d'éclairage et de signalisation. Au cours du temps, les dispositifs d'éclairage et de signalisation sont également devenus des éléments esthétiques permettant de personnaliser le style de chaque véhicule automobile. Le document EP 1 528 527 A1 montre un dispositif de signalisation.For obvious safety reasons, regulations require motor vehicles to be equipped with lighting and signaling devices. Over time, lighting and signaling devices have also become aesthetic elements allowing the style of each motor vehicle to be personalized. The document EP 1 528 527 A1 shows a signaling device.

Les sources lumineuses surfaciques sont particulièrement prisées pour cela, en raison de leur grande surface d'éclairage homogène pour une faible profondeur d'encombrement. Les progrès techniques récents ont permis d'envisager l'utilisation des diodes électroluminescentes organiques, également connues sous l'acronyme anglo-saxon OLED pour « Organic Light Emiting Diode », à l'intérieur comme à l'extérieur des véhicules automobiles.Surface light sources are particularly popular for this, due to their large homogeneous lighting surface with a small footprint. Recent technical progress has made it possible to consider the use of organic light emitting diodes, also known by the acronym OLED for “Organic Light Emiting Diode”, both inside and outside of motor vehicles.

Une diode électroluminescente organique ou diode EO se compose d'un substrat, de deux électrodes destinées à injecter des charges de signe contraire et une couche organique interposée entre les électrodes. La diode EO émet de la lumière lorsque les électrodes font passer un courant électrique suffisant dans la couche organique. Au moins une électrode doit être transparente pour que la lumière se diffuse à l'extérieur. Les électrodes sont alimentées en courant par l'intermédiaire de connecteurs électriques agencés à la périphérie de la diode EO. Les connecteurs électriques sont habituellement dissimulés derrière un cadre de fixation d'une certaine épaisseur et entourant la diode EO. La position des connecteurs électriques ou la présence du cadre de fixation rend difficile leur agencement pour former une seule et même surface lumineuse continue. De ce fait, les surfaces d'éclairage homogène obtenues à partir des diodes EO se limitent généralement aux dimensions de la diode EO elle-même. Pour des raisons économiques et techniques, les diodes EO actuellement utilisées dans le domaine automobile se limitent à quelques centimètres carrés. Il n'est donc pas possible de former des surfaces lumineuses homogènes de grandes dimensions et à faibles coûts.An organic light-emitting diode or EO diode consists of a substrate, two electrodes intended to inject charges of opposite sign and an organic layer interposed between the electrodes. The EO diode emits light when the electrodes pass sufficient electrical current through the organic layer. At least one electrode must be transparent for the light to diffuse outside. The electrodes are supplied with current via electrical connectors arranged on the periphery of the EO diode. The electrical connectors are usually hidden behind a fixing frame of a certain thickness and surrounding the EO diode. The position of the electrical connectors or the The presence of the fixing frame makes it difficult to arrange them to form a single, continuous luminous surface. As a result, the homogeneous lighting surfaces obtained from EO diodes are generally limited to the dimensions of the EO diode itself. For economic and technical reasons, EO diodes currently used in the automotive sector are limited to a few square centimeters. It is therefore not possible to form homogeneous luminous surfaces of large dimensions and at low cost.

Selon un autre inconvénient, les sources de lumière OLED sont bien plus coûteuses que les sources de lumière à ampoules à filament ou à diodes électroluminescentes (LED). De plus, la faible épaisseur d'une diode OLED par rapport à sa surface lumineuse rend celle-ci particulièrement vulnérable aux chocs. Les diodes EO sont ainsi très fragiles et nécessitent d'être utilisées avec soin et précaution. Or, l'environnement d'un véhicule automobile n'est pas favorable à l'utilisation d'une diode EO en raison des nombreuses contraintes mécaniques, notamment des vibrations et des accélérations, et des contraintes thermiques auxquelles sont soumis ses composants. Cet environnement provoque donc fréquemment des défaillances des dispositifs d'éclairage embarqués dans les véhicules automobiles utilisant des diodes EO.Another disadvantage is that OLED light sources are much more expensive than filament bulb or light emitting diode (LED) light sources. In addition, the small thickness of an OLED diode compared to its luminous surface makes it particularly vulnerable to shock. EO diodes are therefore very fragile and need to be used with care and caution. However, the environment of a motor vehicle is not favorable to the use of an EO diode due to the numerous mechanical constraints, in particular vibrations and accelerations, and the thermal constraints to which its components are subjected. This environment therefore frequently causes failures of on-board lighting devices in motor vehicles using EO diodes.

L'invention vise à résoudre ces défauts en proposant un dispositif de signalisation pour un véhicule automobile comprenant au moins un écran lumineux, éclairé de façon homogène, de plus grandes dimensions, plus fiable et moins coûteux.The invention aims to resolve these defects by proposing a signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising at least one luminous screen, homogeneously illuminated, of larger dimensions, more reliable and less expensive.

OBJET DE L'INVENTIONOBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Afin de remédier aux inconvénients précités, la présente invention propose un dispositif de signalisation pour un véhicule automobile comprenant au moins un écran éclairé de façon homogène.In order to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks, the present invention proposes a signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising at least one homogeneously illuminated screen.

L'invention est remarquable en ce que le dispositif de signalisation comporte entre autres:

  • une source de lumière configurée pour émettre un faisceau lumineux, dont l'intensité lumineuse diminue lorsqu'on s'approche de la périphérie du faisceau lumineux; et
  • un écran comprenant une première face opposée à une deuxième face, l'écran laissant passer au moins une partie du faisceau lumineux émis par la source de lumière ; et
  • un moyen de maintien de l'écran devant la source de lumière de sorte que la source de lumière puisse éclairer sa première face ; et
  • un moyen d'occultation d'une partie périphérique du faisceau lumineux émis par la source de lumière, de sorte qu'au niveau de la deuxième face de l'écran la variation maximale d'intensité lumineuse est égale ou inférieure à 60% lorsque le faisceau lumineux éclaire l'écran.
The invention is remarkable in that the signaling device comprises, among other things:
  • a light source configured to emit a light beam, the light intensity of which decreases as the periphery of the light beam is approached; And
  • a screen comprising a first face opposite a second face, the screen allowing at least part of the light beam emitted by the light source to pass through; And
  • means for holding the screen in front of the light source so that the light source can illuminate its first face; And
  • means for obscuring a peripheral part of the light beam emitted by the light source, so that at the level of the second face of the screen the maximum variation in light intensity is equal to or less than 60% when the light beam illuminates the screen.

Le dispositif de signalisation selon l'invention comprend donc un moyen d'occultation d'une partie périphérique du faisceau lumineux émis par la source de lumière, de sorte que seule la partie de l'écran éclairée par le centre du faisceau lumineux est visible par un observateur. En d'autres termes, le moyen d'occultation ne dévie pas et/ou n'occulte pas une partie centrale du faisceau lumineux éclairant de façon homogène la deuxième face de l'écran. La partie centrale du faisceau lumineux est entourée par la partie périphérique mentionnée ci-dessus. Par le terme « homogène », on entend une surface lumineuse dont l'aspect semble uniforme pour un observateur. L'inventeur estime que cette impression visuelle est obtenue lorsque la différence d'intensité lumineuse entre la zone la plus lumineuse de l'écran et une autre zone de l'écran, divisée par la valeur de l'intensité de la zone la plus lumineuse de l'écran, est égale ou ne dépasse pas 60%, ou est égale ou inférieure à 40%, ou est égale ou inférieure à 20%.The signaling device according to the invention therefore comprises a means of obscuring a peripheral part of the light beam emitted by the light source, so that only the part of the screen illuminated by the center of the light beam is visible by an observer. In other words, the concealment means does not deflect and/or does not obscure a central part of the light beam homogeneously illuminating the second face of the screen. The central part of the light beam is surrounded by the peripheral part mentioned above. By the term “homogeneous” we mean a luminous surface whose appearance appears uniform to an observer. The inventor believes that this visual impression is obtained when the difference in light intensity between the brightest area of the screen and another area of the screen, divided by the value of the intensity of the brightest area of the screen, is equal to or does not exceed 60%, or is equal to or less than 40%, or is equal to or less than 20%.

Le moyen d'occultation permet donc de cacher les parties de l'écran perçues par un observateur comme étant d'intensité lumineuse différente par rapport au centre de l'écran. Ainsi, grâce à l'invention, un écran peut être éclairé de façon homogène à partir d'une source de lumière de moindre coût par rapport à une diode électroluminescente organique ou diode EO.The concealment means therefore makes it possible to hide the parts of the screen perceived by an observer as being of different light intensity relative to the center of the screen. Thus, thanks to the invention, a screen can be illuminated homogeneously from a lower cost light source compared to an organic light-emitting diode or EO diode.

Selon un autre avantage, des sources de lumière plus résistantes aux vibrations mécaniques et aux variations de température que les diodes EO peuvent ainsi être utilisées. La source de lumière peut être une source de lumière couramment utilisée dans le domaine de l'automobile comme une ampoule à filament. De préférence, la source de lumière est une diode électroluminescente. La source de lumière est orientée de sorte que son faisceau lumineux éclaire directement la première face de l'écran. Ce mode de réalisation permet de limiter l'encombrement du dispositif de signalisation et faciliter son intégration dans ou sur un véhicule automobile.According to another advantage, light sources more resistant to mechanical vibrations and temperature variations than EO diodes can thus be used. The light source may be a light source commonly used in the automotive field such as a filament bulb. Preferably, the source of light is a light-emitting diode. The light source is oriented so that its light beam directly illuminates the first side of the screen. This embodiment makes it possible to limit the bulk of the signaling device and facilitate its integration in or on a motor vehicle.

L'invention offre ainsi une alternative plus fiable et plus économique à l'utilisation des diodes EO dans les dispositifs de signalisation pour véhicules automobiles.The invention thus offers a more reliable and more economical alternative to the use of EO diodes in signaling devices for motor vehicles.

Selon un autre avantage de l'invention, les dimensions de l'écran éclairé de façon homogène ne sont pas limitées par le procédé de fabrication de la source de lumière, comme c'est actuellement le cas pour les diodes EO. En effet, on peut aisément modifier les dimensions de l'écran en jouant par exemple sur l'angle d'ouverture du faisceau lumineux émis par la source de lumière et/ou la distance entre l'écran et la source de lumière. Ainsi, l'invention permet également la réalisation d'écrans lumineux de dimensions très variées, notamment de dimensions supérieures aux diodes EO.According to another advantage of the invention, the dimensions of the homogeneously illuminated screen are not limited by the manufacturing process of the light source, as is currently the case for EO diodes. Indeed, we can easily modify the dimensions of the screen by adjusting for example the opening angle of the light beam emitted by the light source and/or the distance between the screen and the light source. Thus, the invention also allows the production of light screens of very varied dimensions, in particular of dimensions greater than EO diodes.

Selon un autre avantage de l'invention, la source de lumière est placée derrière l'écran, de sorte que ses connecteurs électriques n'encombrent pas la périphérie de l'écran comme pour les diodes EO et peuvent être dissimulés derrière ledit écran.According to another advantage of the invention, the light source is placed behind the screen, so that its electrical connectors do not clutter the periphery of the screen as for the EO diodes and can be hidden behind said screen.

Selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention, le moyen d'occultation comprend un film opaque entourant la partie de l'écran éclairée par le faisceau lumineux émis par la source de lumière. Par film opaque, on entend le fait que le film occulte le faisceau lumineux émis par la source de lumière. Le film opaque permet ainsi de dissimuler à un observateur les zones de la deuxième face de l'écran qui seraient perçues non homogène en intensité. Le film opaque peut également masquer une partie de l'écran, éclairée de façon homogène, de manière à définir un motif lumineux comme un pictogramme, une lettre ou un chiffre.According to a variant embodiment of the invention, the concealment means comprises an opaque film surrounding the part of the screen illuminated by the light beam emitted by the light source. By opaque film we mean the fact that the film obscures the light beam emitted by the light source. The opaque film thus makes it possible to hide from an observer the areas of the second side of the screen which would be perceived as non-homogeneous in intensity. The opaque film can also mask a part of the screen, illuminated homogeneously, so as to define a light pattern such as a pictogram, a letter or a number.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, le film opaque est placé devant la deuxième face de l'écran. Selon une variante de réalisation, le film opaque est placé devant la première face de l'écran. Selon une autre variante de réalisation, le film opaque comprend une encre recouvrant une partie de la deuxième face de l'écran. Il est à noter que le dispositif de signalisation peut comprendre plusieurs films opaques se superposant et mobiles, de sorte à former des motifs lumineux de formes différentes au niveau de l'écran lorsque les films opaques sont décalés.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the opaque film is placed in front of the second face of the screen. According to a variant embodiment, the opaque film is placed in front of the first face of the screen. According to another alternative embodiment, the opaque film comprises an ink covering part of the second face of the screen. He is note that the signaling device may comprise several opaque films which overlap and move, so as to form light patterns of different shapes at the level of the screen when the opaque films are shifted.

Selon l'invention, le moyen d'occultation comprend une gaine présente entre la source de lumière et l'écran, la gaine étant agencée de manière à entourer le faisceau lumineux émis par la source de lumière de sorte que seule une partie centrale du faisceau lumineux éclaire directement l'écran. En d'autres termes, la gaine est configurée pour que la partie la plus intense du faisceau lumineux éclaire directement la première face de l'écran. Pour cela, la gaine est positionnée de manière à intercepter et/ou dévier la partie périphérique du faisceau lumineux. L'invention permet avantageusement de réduire l'épaisseur des bords du film opaque visant à dissimuler les zones de l'écran éclairées dont l'intensité est susceptible d'être perçue, par un observateur, comme étant différente de la zone de l'écran éclairée par le centre du faisceau lumineux. L'invention peut également permettre de s'affranchir de l'emploi d'un film opaque tel que décrit ci-dessus, tout en obtenant un résultat similaire, afin notamment de réduire l'encombrement du dispositif de signalisation. Par le terme « encombrement », on entend ici une diminution de la profondeur du dispositif de signalisation, la profondeur étant définie selon une direction normale ou sensiblement normale aux plus grandes faces de l'écran. Selon un autre avantage, l'invention permet d'éclairer un écran de façon homogène pour un observateur, en employant une source de lumière de moindre intensité lumineuse par rapport à l'état de la technique. En utilisant une source de lumière de plus faible intensité lumineuse, on réduit de façon significative l'encombrement de la source de lumière dans le dispositif de signalisation, notamment l'encombrement des dispositifs permettant de dissiper la chaleur produite par la source de lumière. Selon un autre avantage, l'invention permet également de réduire l'encombrement de la source lumineuse dans le dispositif de signalisation.According to the invention, the concealment means comprises a sheath present between the light source and the screen, the sheath being arranged so as to surround the light beam emitted by the light source so that only a central part of the beam bright directly illuminates the screen. In other words, the sheath is configured so that the most intense part of the light beam directly illuminates the first face of the screen. To do this, the sheath is positioned so as to intercept and/or deflect the peripheral part of the light beam. The invention advantageously makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the edges of the opaque film aimed at concealing the illuminated areas of the screen whose intensity is likely to be perceived, by an observer, as being different from the area of the screen illuminated by the center of the light beam. The invention can also make it possible to avoid the use of an opaque film as described above, while obtaining a similar result, in particular in order to reduce the bulk of the signaling device. By the term “bulk”, we mean here a reduction in the depth of the signaling device, the depth being defined in a direction normal or substantially normal to the largest faces of the screen. According to another advantage, the invention makes it possible to illuminate a screen homogeneously for an observer, by using a light source of lower light intensity compared to the state of the art. By using a light source of lower light intensity, the size of the light source in the signaling device is significantly reduced, in particular the size of the devices making it possible to dissipate the heat produced by the light source. According to another advantage, the invention also makes it possible to reduce the size of the light source in the signaling device.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, la face interne de la gaine est de couleur claire, de préférence de couleur blanche. Ce mode de réalisation permet avantageusement à la gaine de réfléchir la partie périphérique du faisceau lumineux en direction de l'écran, afin notamment d'accroître son intensité lumineuse.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the internal face of the sheath is light in color, preferably white in color. This embodiment advantageously allows the sheath to reflect the peripheral part of the light beam towards the screen, in particular in order to increase its light intensity.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, la face interne de la gaine comprend des moyens de diffusion du faisceau lumineux. Ce mode de réalisation permet avantageusement d'homogénéiser l'intensité du faisceau réfléchi par la gaine.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the internal face of the sheath comprises means for diffusing the light beam. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to homogenize the intensity of the beam reflected by the sheath.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, la gaine comprend une extrémité distale, en vis-à-vis de la première face de l'écran, délimitant une première ouverture, et le contour de la première ouverture est dissimulé derrière un film opaque, de préférence le film opaque est placé devant la deuxième face de l'écran.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the sheath comprises a distal end, facing the first face of the screen, delimiting a first opening, and the contour of the first opening is hidden behind a film opaque, preferably the opaque film is placed in front of the second face of the screen.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, le contour de la première ouverture délimite une forme ovale ou polygonale. De préférence, le film opaque délimite une forme identique ou similaire au contour de la première ouverture.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the contour of the first opening delimits an oval or polygonal shape. Preferably, the opaque film delimits a shape identical or similar to the contour of the first opening.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, la gaine comprend une extrémité proximale en vis-à-vis de la source de lumière et l'extrémité proximale définit un contour ovale autour du faisceau lumineux. Selon l'invention, l'extrémité proximale forme un réflecteur optique autour du faisceau lumineux.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the sheath comprises a proximal end facing the light source and the proximal end defines an oval contour around the light beam. According to the invention, the proximal end forms an optical reflector around the light beam.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, l'écran est translucide. Ce mode de réalisation permet avantageusement d'atténuer les variations d'intensité lumineuse au niveau de la deuxième face de l'écran. De préférence, le coefficient de diffusion de l'écran, diminue lorsqu'on s'écarte du centre du faisceau lumineux. Selon une variante de réalisation préférée, le coefficient de diffusion de l'écran varie de sorte à compenser sensiblement la variation d'intensité lumineuse au niveau de la deuxième face de l'écran lorsque l'écran est éclairé par le faisceau lumineux. Ce mode de réalisation permet avantageusement d'atténuer les variations d'intensité lumineuse au niveau de la deuxième face de l'écran.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the screen is translucent. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to attenuate variations in light intensity at the level of the second face of the screen. Preferably, the diffusion coefficient of the screen decreases when one moves away from the center of the light beam. According to a preferred embodiment, the diffusion coefficient of the screen varies so as to substantially compensate for the variation in light intensity at the level of the second face of the screen when the screen is illuminated by the light beam. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to attenuate variations in light intensity at the level of the second face of the screen.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif de signalisation comprend au moins deux écrans adjacents décrits ci-dessus, et une unité de commande permettant d'allumer ou d'éteindre indépendamment chaque source de lumière de façon indépendante. L'unité de commande peut être configurée pour allumer simultanément plusieurs écrans adjacents afin de former un écran lumineux de plus grandes dimensions et/ou allumer successivement plusieurs écrans de manière à créer une animation. Comme mentionné ci-dessus, l'invention permet l'utilisation d'une source de lumière de plus faible intensité lumineuse par rapport à l'état de la technique, afin de rétroéclairer un écran dont l'intensité lumineuse est perçue de façon homogène par un observateur. Ainsi, en juxtaposant plusieurs dispositifs de signalisation selon l'invention, un écran lumineux global de plus grandes dimensions peut être formé. De façon avantageuse, la profondeur du dispositif lumineux ne varie alors pas en fonction des dimensions de l'écran lumineux global. En effet, la profondeur du dispositif lumineux est identique ou sensiblement identique pour un ou plusieurs écrans adjacents. De ce fait, l'invention permet avantageusement la réalisation d'écrans lumineux global de plus grandes surfaces, perçus d'intensité lumineuse homogène par un observateur, pour un encombrement bien moindre en profondeur par rapport à l'état de la technique.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the signaling device comprises at least two adjacent screens described above, and a control unit making it possible to independently turn on or turn off each light source independently. The control unit can be configured to simultaneously light up several adjacent screens in order to form a larger luminous screen and/or successively light up several screens so as to create an animation. As mentioned above, the invention allows the use of a light source of lower light intensity compared to the state of the art, in order to backlight a screen whose light intensity is perceived homogeneously by an observer. Thus, by juxtaposing several signaling devices according to the invention, an overall light screen of larger dimensions can be formed. Advantageously, the depth of the light device then does not vary as a function of the dimensions of the overall light screen. Indeed, the depth of the light device is identical or substantially identical for one or more adjacent screens. As a result, the invention advantageously allows the production of global light screens of larger surfaces, perceived with homogeneous light intensity by an observer, for a much smaller footprint in depth compared to the state of the art.

Selon un autre avantage, on réduit de façon significative l'encombrement de la source de lumière dans le dispositif de signalisation, notamment l'encombrement des dispositifs permettant de dissiper la chaleur produite par la source de lumière. Selon un autre avantage, ce mode de réalisation permet également de réduire l'encombrement de la source lumineuse dans le dispositif de signalisation.According to another advantage, the size of the light source in the signaling device is significantly reduced, in particular the size of the devices making it possible to dissipate the heat produced by the light source. According to another advantage, this embodiment also makes it possible to reduce the size of the light source in the signaling device.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, pour chaque écran, le moyen d'occultation comprend une gaine agencée entre la source de lumière et l'écran, chaque gaine étant configurée pour entourer le faisceau lumineux émis par chaque source de lumière de sorte que seule une partie centrale du faisceau lumineux éclaire directement l'écran et en ce que la gaine est translucide. Ce mode de réalisation permet de créer un dégradé d'intensité lumineuse autour d'un écran allumé, tout en préservant l'apparence homogène de l'écran en intensité. De préférence, les écrans adjacents ont leur gaine en contact afin de favoriser la diffusion de la lumière émise par l'écran allumé dans les écrans non allumés et adjacents. Ainsi, le dispositif de signalisation selon l'invention peut afficher des dégradés de lumière autour d'un ou plusieurs écrans allumés dont l'intensité est homogène.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, for each screen, the concealment means comprises a sheath arranged between the light source and the screen, each sheath being configured to surround the light beam emitted by each light source of so that only a central part of the light beam directly illuminates the screen and in that the sheath is translucent. This embodiment makes it possible to create a gradient of light intensity around a lit screen, while preserving the homogeneous appearance of the screen in intensity. Preferably, the adjacent screens have their sheath in contact in order to promote the diffusion of the light emitted by the lit screen in the unlit and adjacent screens. Thus, the signaling device according to the invention can display gradients of light around one or more lit screens whose intensity is homogeneous.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, pour chaque écran le moyen d'occultation comprend une gaine agencée entre la source de lumière et l'écran, chaque gaine étant configurée pour entourer le faisceau lumineux émis par chaque source de lumière de sorte que seule une partie centrale du faisceau lumineux éclaire directement l'écran, et en ce que la face interne de chaque gaine est de couleur sombre, de préférence de couleur noire. Ce mode de réalisation permet à l'inverse de confiner la lumière de chaque écran afin que le dispositif de signalisation puisse afficher des motifs plus nets.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, for each screen the concealment means comprises a sheath arranged between the light source and the screen, each sheath being configured to surround the light beam emitted by each light source so that only a central part of the light beam directly illuminates the screen, and in that the internal face of each sheath is dark in color, preferably black in color. Conversely, this embodiment allows the light from each screen to be confined so that the signaling device can display sharper patterns.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, l'écran placé devant la source de lumière comporte au moins deux couches superposées distinctes : une couche translucide et une couche métallisée recouvrant au moins partiellement la couche translucide. La couche métallisée est en contact avec la deuxième face de l'écran translucide et configurée pour réfléchir la lumière extérieure ambiante. De préférence, la couche métallisée recouvre entièrement la couche translucide de sorte que les éléments en vis-à-vis de la première face de la couche translucide ne sont pas apparents à travers l'écran lorsque la source de lumière est éteinte. La couche métallisée est réalisée à partir de l'un des matériaux suivants : chrome, inox, bronze, aluminium ou tungstène. Eventuellement, la couche métallisée peut être colorée.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the screen placed in front of the light source comprises at least two distinct superimposed layers: a translucent layer and a metallized layer at least partially covering the translucent layer. The metallized layer is in contact with the second face of the translucent screen and configured to reflect ambient external light. Preferably, the metallized layer completely covers the translucent layer so that the elements facing the first face of the translucent layer are not visible through the screen when the light source is turned off. The metallized layer is made from one of the following materials: chrome, stainless steel, bronze, aluminum or tungsten. Optionally, the metallized layer may be colored.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, la couche translucide est colorée de façon non uniforme, avec une ou plusieurs couleurs distinctes afin de former des motifs visibles par un observateur faisant face au dispositif de signalisation.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the translucent layer is colored non-uniformly, with one or more distinct colors in order to form patterns visible to an observer facing the signaling device.

Selon une autre variante de réalisation de l'invention, la couche translucide comporte des passages traversants ladite couche, dont les dimensions sont configurées pour former des zones éclairées par la source de lumière de façon plus intense au niveau de la couche métallisée. Ce mode de réalisation vise à permettre de former des motifs à la surface de la couche métallisée lorsque la source de lumière est allumée. De préférence, la plus petite dimension d'un passage est comprise entre 1 mm et 5 cm, de préférence entre 1 cm et 3 cm. De façon avantageuse, la réalisation de ces passages peut permettre à la fois de répondre à des souhaits esthétiques et des contraintes réglementaires.According to another alternative embodiment of the invention, the translucent layer comprises passages passing through said layer, the dimensions of which are configured to form zones illuminated by the light source more intensely at the level of the metallized layer. This embodiment aims to allow patterns to be formed on the surface of the metallized layer when the light source is turned on. Preferably, the smallest dimension of a passage is between 1 mm and 5 cm, preferably between 1 cm and 3 cm. Advantageously, the creation of these passages can make it possible to meet both aesthetic wishes and regulatory constraints.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, la couche translucide est sérigraphiée sur au moins une de ses faces, de manière à modifier localement sa transmittance lorsqu'elle est éclairée par source de lumière.According to another embodiment of the invention, the translucent layer is screen printed on at least one of its faces, so as to locally modify its transmittance when illuminated by a light source.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, le dispositif de signalisation comprend une couche transparente placée devant la couche métallisée, de sorte que la couche métallisée est présente entre la couche translucide et la couche transparente.According to another embodiment of the invention, the signaling device comprises a transparent layer placed in front of the metallized layer, so that the metallized layer is present between the translucent layer and the transparent layer.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, la couche transparente est en contact avec la couche métallisée. Ce mode de réalisation est particulièrement avantageux lorsqu'on souhaite que l'écran forme une coque extérieure ou un voyant d'un feu de signalisation.According to another embodiment of the invention, the transparent layer is in contact with the metallized layer. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when it is desired for the screen to form an outer shell or an indicator light for a traffic light.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, la couche transparente est colorée, de préférence de couleur rouge.According to another embodiment of the invention, the transparent layer is colored, preferably red.

L'invention concerne également un véhicule automobile comprenant un dispositif de signalisation tel que décrit ci-dessus.The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a signaling device as described above.

Bien entendu, les différentes caractéristiques, variantes et formes de réalisation mentionnées ci-dessus peuvent être associées les unes avec les autres selon diverses combinaisons, dans la mesure où elles ne sont pas incompatibles ou exclusives les unes des autres.Of course, the different characteristics, variants and embodiments mentioned above can be associated with each other in various combinations, as long as they are not incompatible or exclusive of each other.

DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESDESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

La description qui va suivre en regard des dessins annexés suivants, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, permettra de mieux comprendre en quoi consiste l'invention et comment elle peut être réalisée :

  • la figure 1 illustre une coupe longitudinale d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation sortant du cadre de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 illustre une coupe longitudinale d'un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 3 illustre une coupe longitudinale d'un troisième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 4 illustre une coupe longitudinale d'un quatrième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation sortant du cadre de l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 illustre une coupe longitudinale d'un cinquième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 6 illustre une coupe longitudinale d'un sixième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation selon l'invention.
The description which follows with reference to the following appended drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it possible to better understand what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out:
  • there figure 1 illustrates a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of a signaling device outside the scope of the invention;
  • there figure 2 illustrates a longitudinal section of a second embodiment of a signaling device according to the invention;
  • there Figure 3 illustrates a longitudinal section of a third embodiment of a signaling device according to the invention;
  • there Figure 4 illustrates a longitudinal section of a fourth embodiment of a signaling device outside the scope of the invention;
  • there Figure 5 illustrates a longitudinal section of a fifth embodiment of a signaling device according to the invention;
  • there Figure 6 illustrates a longitudinal section of a sixth embodiment of a signaling device according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION DÉTAILLÉE D'UN EXEMPLE DE RÉALISATIONDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXAMPLE OF PRODUCTION

Pour rappel, l'invention vise à proposer un dispositif de signalisation pour un véhicule automobile comprenant au moins un écran lumineux, éclairé de façon homogène, de plus grandes dimensions, plus fiable et moins coûteux par rapport à l'état de la technique.As a reminder, the invention aims to propose a signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising at least one luminous screen, illuminated homogeneously, of larger dimensions, more reliable and less expensive compared to the state of the art.

La figure 1 présente un premier mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation 2A sortant du cadre de l'invention. Ce dispositif de signalisation comporte une source de lumière 4 montée sur un support 6. Le support comprend des pistes conductrices non représentées, reliant la source de lumière à une unité de commande 8 par l'intermédiaire de fils conducteurs 10. L'unité de commande 8 est configurée pour contrôler le fonctionnement de la source de lumière 4, c'est-à-dire l'allumer ou l'éteindre. La source de lumière est une diode électroluminescente.There figure 1 presents a first embodiment of a signaling device 2A falling outside the scope of the invention. This signaling device comprises a light source 4 mounted on a support 6. The support comprises conductive tracks not shown, connecting the light source to a control unit 8 via conductive wires 10. The control unit 8 is configured to control the operation of the light source 4, that is to say turn it on or off. The light source is a light-emitting diode.

La source de lumière 4 est positionnée en vis-à-vis d'un écran 12 par l'intermédiaire d'un châssis maintenant le support 6 à l'écran 12, de sorte à éclairer directement une première face 14 de l'écran. L'écran est choisi de manière à transmettre la lumière émise par la source de lumière 4 jusqu'à une deuxième face 16 opposée à la première face. Plus précisément, le châssis 18 maintient la source de lumière à une distance D de la première face de l'écran, de sorte que son faisceau lumineux 20 est circonscrit à la première face 14 de l'écran. L'écran est plan.The light source 4 is positioned opposite a screen 12 via a frame holding the support 6 to the screen 12, so as to directly illuminate a first face 14 of the screen. The screen is chosen so as to transmit the light emitted by the light source 4 to a second face 16 opposite the first face. More precisely, the frame 18 maintains the light source at a distance D from the first face of the screen, so that its light beam 20 is circumscribed to the first face 14 of the screen. The screen is flat.

Le faisceau lumineux 20 émis par la source de lumière diminue en intensité lorsqu'on s'approche de sa périphérie. En d'autres termes, le faisceau lumineux 20 diminue en intensité lorsqu'on s'écarte de son axe optique (OO'), l'intensité du faisceau lumineux étant maximale en son centre. Ainsi, lorsque l'unité de commande 8 allume la source de lumière 4, la première face 14 est éclairée de façon non uniforme par le faisceau lumineux 20. Pour un observateur, la deuxième face 16 de l'écran apparaît plus lumineuse au niveau de l'axe optique (OO') de la source de lumière.The light beam 20 emitted by the light source decreases in intensity as we approach its periphery. In other words, the light beam 20 decreases in intensity as we move away from its optical axis (OO'), the intensity of the light beam being maximum at its center. Thus, when the control unit 8 turns on the light source 4, the first face 14 is illuminated non-uniformly by the light beam 20. For an observer, the second face 16 of the screen appears brighter at the level of the optical axis (OO') of the light source.

L'invention vise à pallier ce défaut, en proposant de positionner devant la deuxième face 16 de l'écran un film opaque 22, masquant les zones de la deuxième face apparaissant de moindre intensité lorsqu'elles sont éclairées par le faisceau lumineux 20. Pour cela, le film opaque 22 comporte un passage 24 dont la forme et les dimensions sont adaptées de manière à laisser apparente uniquement une zone de la deuxième face, semblant pour un observateur être éclairée de façon homogène par le faisceau lumineux 20.The invention aims to overcome this defect, by proposing to position an opaque film 22 in front of the second face 16 of the screen, masking the areas of the second face appearing of less intensity when illuminated by the light beam 20. this, the opaque film 22 includes a passage 24 whose shape and dimensions are adapted so as to leave visible only an area of the second face, appearing to an observer to be homogeneously illuminated by the light beam 20.

L'inventeur a constaté que pour un observateur, une surface est perçue comme éclairée de façon uniforme ou homogène, lorsque la différence d'intensité lumineuse entre la zone la plus lumineuse de l'écran et une autre zone de l'écran, divisée par la valeur de l'intensité de la zone la plus lumineuse de l'écran, est égale ou ne dépasse pas 60%, ou est égale ou inférieure à 40%, ou est égale ou inférieure à 20%.The inventor noted that for an observer, a surface is perceived as uniformly or homogeneously illuminated, when the difference in light intensity between the brightest area of the screen and another area of the screen, divided by the intensity value of the brightest area of the screen is equal to or does not exceed 60%, or is equal to or less than 40%, or is equal to or less than 20%.

Ces mesures ont été réalisées dans un environnement dont l'intensité lumineuse ambiante est de l'ordre de 0,023 cd (candela), à l'aide d'un dispositif de mesure permettant de mesurer la luminance lumineuse de l'écran 12. Le dispositif de mesure est placé en vis-à-vis de l'écran 12 à une distance de 1,8 mètre. Selon le présent exemple, le dispositif de mesure est commercialisé par la société LMK.These measurements were carried out in an environment whose ambient light intensity is of the order of 0.023 cd (candela), using a measuring device making it possible to measure the light luminance of the screen 12. The device measurement is placed opposite the screen 12 at a distance of 1.8 meters. According to the present example, the measuring device is marketed by the company LMK.

Il est à noter que ces mesures sont réalisées au niveau de la deuxième face 16 de l'écran éclairée par la source de lumière, et non pas directement à partir du faisceau lumineux car ces mesures sont sensibles à la nature de l'écran et à sa distance D par rapport à la source de lumière 4.It should be noted that these measurements are carried out at the level of the second face 16 of the screen illuminated by the light source, and not directly from the light beam because these measurements are sensitive to the nature of the screen and to its distance D from the light source 4.

À partir de cette constatation, il est aisé de déterminer de façon expérimentale les dimensions et la forme du passage 24 ménagé dans le film opaque 22. Il suffit pour cela de mesurer à l'aide d'un dispositif dédié la variation de l'intensité lumineuse au niveau de la deuxième face 16 de l'écran lorsque la source de lumière 4 éclaire l'écran 12.From this observation, it is easy to experimentally determine the dimensions and shape of the passage 24 made in the opaque film 22. To do this, it is sufficient to measure the variation in intensity using a dedicated device. light at the level of the second face 16 of the screen when the light source 4 illuminates the screen 12.

Suite à ces mesures, le film opaque 22 est dimensionné et placé devant la deuxième face 16 de l'écran, de sorte à laisser passer uniquement une partie centrale 26 du faisceau lumineux 20, et masquer une autre partie dite périphérique dont l'intensité, au niveau de la deuxième face de l'écran, est égale ou inférieure à 80% par rapport au centre du faisceau lumineux 20, de préférence égale ou inférieure à 60% par rapport au centre du faisceau lumineux 20. Ainsi, seule la lumière contenue dans la partie centrale 26 du faisceau lumineux, définie par l'angle α sur la figure 1, est visible par un observateur à travers l'écran 12, alors que la partie périphérique 28 du faisceau lumineux entourant la partie centrale 26, définie par l'angle β sur la figure 1, est stoppée par le film opaque 22.Following these measurements, the opaque film 22 is sized and placed in front of the second face 16 of the screen, so as to allow only a central part 26 of the light beam 20 to pass, and mask another so-called peripheral part whose intensity, at the level of the second face of the screen, is equal to or less than 80% relative to the center of the light beam 20, preferably equal to or less than 60% relative to the center of the light beam 20. Thus, only the light contained in the central part 26 of the light beam, defined by the angle α on the figure 1 , is visible to an observer through the screen 12, while the peripheral part 28 of the light beam surrounding the central part 26, defined by the angle β on the figure 1 , is stopped by the opaque film 22.

Selon une variante de réalisation non représentée, le passage 24 ménagé à travers le film opaque 22 peut délimiter un ou plusieurs pictogrammes et/ou lettres et/ou chiffres.According to a variant embodiment not shown, the passage 24 provided through the opaque film 22 can delimit one or more pictograms and/or letters and/or numbers.

La figure 2 illustre à présent un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation 2B selon l'invention. L'invention se distingue du précédent mode de réalisation en ce que le film opaque 22 n'est plus présent. Il est à noter que les éléments identiques entre les différents modes de réalisation décrits ci-après, sont indexés par les mêmes numéros de référence. Le film opaque 22 est remplacé par une gaine 30 positionnée entre la source de lumière 4 et la première face 14 de l'écran 12. Plus précisément, la gaine 30 est agencée autour du faisceau lumineux 20. La gaine comprend une extrémité proximale 32 en vis-à-vis de la source de lumière 4 et une extrémité distale 34 en contact avec l'écran 12. L'extrémité distale 34 est configurée pour intercepter la partie périphérique 28 du faisceau lumineux définie ci-dessus, de sorte que seule la partie centrale 26 du faisceau lumineux éclaire directement la première face 14 de l'écran. Selon l'invention, l'extrémité distale 34 est configurée pour absorber la lumière émise par la source de lumière 4 afin de préserver, pour un observateur, l'impression d'homogénéité de la lumière diffusant à travers la deuxième face 16 de l'écran 12. L'invention permet d'obtenir sensiblement le même résultat que le mode de réalisation précédent, tout en s'affranchissant de l'utilisation d'un film opaque placé devant l'écran. L'invention est donc avantageuse lorsqu'on souhaite préserver l'aspect de la deuxième face et/ou réduire l'encombrement du dispositif de signalisation. Selon une variante de réalisation sortant du cadre de l'invention, l'extrémité distale 34 peut être configurée pour réfléchir en direction de l'écran 12, la lumière émise par la source de lumière 4. Ce mode de réalisation permet avantageusement d'accroître l'intensité lumineuse de l'écran 12. De préférence, la surface de l'extrémité distale 34 est configurée pour diffuser de façon diffuse la lumière, afin d'accroître l'impression d'éclairage homogène de l'écran 12 lorsqu'il est rétroéclairé par la source de lumière 4. A titre d'exemple non limitatif, la face interne de la gaine 30 est de couleur claire ou sensiblement claire.There figure 2 now illustrates a second embodiment of a 2B signaling device according to the invention. The invention differs from the previous embodiment in that the opaque film 22 is no longer present. It should be noted that the identical elements between the different embodiments described below are indexed by the same reference numbers. The opaque film 22 is replaced by a sheath 30 positioned between the light source 4 and the first face 14 of the screen 12. More precisely, the sheath 30 is arranged around the light beam 20. The sheath comprises a proximal end 32 in opposite the light source 4 and a distal end 34 in contact with the screen 12. The distal end 34 is configured to intercept the peripheral part 28 of the light beam defined above, so that only the central part 26 of the light beam directly illuminates the first face 14 of the screen. According to the invention, the distal end 34 is configured to absorb the light emitted by the light source 4 in order to preserve, for an observer, the impression of homogeneity of the light diffusing through the second face 16 of the screen 12. The invention makes it possible to obtain substantially the same result as the previous embodiment, while avoiding the use of an opaque film placed in front of the screen. The invention is therefore advantageous when it is desired to preserve the appearance of the second face and/or reduce the bulk of the signaling device. According to an alternative embodiment falling outside the scope of the invention, the distal end 34 can be configured to reflect, in the direction of the screen 12, the light emitted by the light source 4. This embodiment advantageously makes it possible to increase the light intensity of the screen 12. Preferably, the surface of the distal end 34 is configured to diffuse the light in a diffuse manner, in order to increase the impression of homogeneous lighting of the screen 12 when it is backlit by the light source 4. As a non-limiting example, the internal face of the sheath 30 is light or substantially light in color.

La figure 3 illustre un troisième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation 2C selon l'invention. Dans ce mode de réalisation, plusieurs sources de lumière 4A, 4B et 4C sont placées sur un même support 6. Le support comprend des pistes conductrices non représentées, reliant chaque source de lumière à une unité de commande 8 par l'intermédiaire de fils conducteurs 10. L'unité de commande 8 est configurée pour contrôler le fonctionnement de chaque source de lumière 4A, 4B et 4C, de façon simultanée ou alternée.There Figure 3 illustrates a third embodiment of a 2C signaling device according to the invention. In this embodiment, several light sources 4A, 4B and 4C are placed on the same support 6. The support comprises conductive tracks not shown, connecting each light source to a control unit 8 via conductive wires 10. The control unit 8 is configured to control the operation of each light source 4A, 4B and 4C, simultaneously or alternately.

Les sources de lumière 4A, 4B et 4C sont positionnées en vis-à-vis d'un écran 12 par l'intermédiaire d'un châssis 18 maintenant le support à l'écran 12, de sorte à éclairer une première face 14 de l'écran. L'écran est choisi de manière à transmettre la lumière émise par les sources de lumière 4 jusqu'à une deuxième face 16 opposée à la première face. Chaque faisceau lumineux 20 émis par une source de lumière est entouré par une gaine 30 dédiée. Comme décrit ci-dessus, chaque gaine est configurée pour intercepter la partie périphérique 28 du faisceau lumineux, de sorte que seule la partie centrale 26 du faisceau lumineux éclaire directement la première face 14 de l'écran. Selon l'invention, les gaines 30 sont opaques aux faisceaux lumineux 20 et configurées pour permettre aux parties centrales 26 des faisceaux lumineux de se croiser avant ou au niveau de la deuxième face 16 de l'écran, afin que ladite face soit éclairée de façon uniforme. Ainsi, les dimensions de l'écran de signalisation peuvent être facilement augmentées et dépasser les plus grandes dimensions des diodes EO actuelles. L'invention permet donc d'obtenir des écrans de signalisation d'intensité homogène de grandes dimensions pour un coût de fabrication faible. Selon le présent exemple, le dispositif de signalisation 2C comporte trois sources de lumière 4A, 4B et 4C, de manière à ce que le dispositif de visualisation puisse afficher trois pixels 17A, 17B, X17C lumineux au niveau de la deuxième face 16 de l'écran. Bien entendu, l'invention ne se limite pas à ce nombre de sources de lumière de sorte que l'écran lumineux peut afficher un nombre plus important de pixels.The light sources 4A, 4B and 4C are positioned opposite a screen 12 via a frame 18 holding the support to the screen 12, so as to illuminate a first face 14 of the 'screen. The screen is chosen so as to transmit the light emitted by the light sources 4 to a second face 16 opposite the first face. Each light beam 20 emitted by a light source is surrounded by a dedicated sheath 30. As described above, each sheath is configured to intercept the peripheral part 28 of the light beam, so that only the central part 26 of the light beam directly illuminates the first face 14 of the screen. According to the invention, the sheaths 30 are opaque to the light beams 20 and configured to allow the central parts 26 of the light beams to cross before or at the level of the second face 16 of the screen, so that said face is illuminated so uniform. Thus, the dimensions of the signaling screen can be easily increased and exceed the largest dimensions of current EO diodes. The invention therefore makes it possible to obtain large-sized signaling screens of homogeneous intensity for a low manufacturing cost. According to the present example, the signaling device 2C comprises three light sources 4A, 4B and 4C, so that the display device can display three pixels 17A, 17B, X17C bright at the second side 16 of the screen. Of course, the invention is not limited to this number of light sources so that the light screen can display a greater number of pixels.

Il est à noter que l'unité de commande 8 peut être configurée pour allumer alternativement ou de façon complémentaire chaque source de lumière 4A, 4B et 4C, afin de former des images ou des informations pixélisées, dont les dimensions et les formes peuvent être modifiées à volonté.It should be noted that the control unit 8 can be configured to turn on each light source 4A, 4B and 4C alternately or in a complementary manner, in order to form pixelated images or information, the dimensions and shapes of which can be modified. at will.

La figure 4 illustre un quatrième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation 2D sortant du cadre de l'invention. Ce dispositif se distingue du troisième mode en ce que les gaines 30 sont réalisées dans un matériau permettant le passage d'une partie de la lumière émise par les sources de lumière 4A, 4B et 4C dans les gaines adjacentes. Ce mode de réalisation permet d'afficher au niveau de la deuxième face 16 de l'écran un ou plusieurs pixels lumineux 13 de même intensité, entouré d'un halo lumineux dont l'intensité décroît lorsqu'on s'écarte du ou desdits pixels lumineux. Ainsi, comme illustré par la figure 4, l'écran 12 affiche un pixel 17B lumineux homogène en intensité, éclairé par la partie centrale 26B du faisceau lumineux 20B émis par la source de lumière 4B, et deux pixels lumineux 17A et 17C d'intensité non homogène lorsque les sources de lumière 4A et 4B ne sont pas allumées.There Figure 4 illustrates a fourth embodiment of a 2D signaling device outside the scope of the invention. This device differs from the third mode in that the sheaths 30 are made of a material allowing the passage of part of the light emitted by the light sources 4A, 4B and 4C into the adjacent sheaths. This embodiment makes it possible to display at the second face 16 of the screen one or more light pixels 13 of the same intensity, surrounded by a light halo whose intensity decreases when one moves away from said pixel(s). luminous. Thus, as illustrated by the Figure 4 , the screen 12 displays a light pixel 17B homogeneous in intensity, illuminated by the central part 26B of the light beam 20B emitted by the light source 4B, and two light pixels 17A and 17C of non-homogeneous intensity when the light sources 4A and 4B are not lit.

La figure 5 illustre un cinquième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation 2E selon l'invention. Ce dispositif de signalisation est un mode hybride entre le premier et le troisième mode de réalisation décrits ci-dessus. Plus précisément, un film opaque 22 est placé devant la deuxième face 16 de l'écran 12 du dispositif de signalisation 2C de manière à dissimuler le contour de chaque ouverture délimitée par l'extrémité distale 34A, 34B et 34C d'une gaine. À la différence du premier mode de réalisation, le film opaque 22 comprend ici plusieurs passages, chaque passage formant un motif de forme et de dimensions différentes. L'invention permet ainsi la réalisation d'un écran lumineux de grandes dimensions, formé de pixels 17A, 17B, 17C et 17C' lumineux différents, pour afficher simultanément ou alternativement différentes informations lumineuses.There Figure 5 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a 2E signaling device according to the invention. This signaling device is a hybrid mode between the first and third embodiments described above. More precisely, an opaque film 22 is placed in front of the second face 16 of the screen 12 of the signaling device 2C so as to conceal the contour of each opening delimited by the distal end 34A, 34B and 34C of a sheath. Unlike the first embodiment, the opaque film 22 here comprises several passages, each passage forming a pattern of different shape and dimensions. The invention thus allows the production of a large luminous screen, formed of different luminous pixels 17A, 17B, 17C and 17C', to display different luminous information simultaneously or alternately.

La figure 6 illustre un sixième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de signalisation 2F selon l'invention. Ce mode de réalisation est similaire au troisième mode de réalisation décrit ci-dessus, à la différence que l'écran 12 est courbé. Afin que l'écran puisse être éclairé de façon homogène par les sources de lumière 4A, 4B et 4C, celles-ci sont placées sur des supports 36 distincts. Chaque support est connecté à l'unité de commande 8 par l'intermédiaire d'une platine 38. La platine 38 permet également de maintenir chaque support au châssis 18, de sorte que chaque source lumineuse 4A, 4B et 4C est sensiblement à la même distance que l'écran 12.There Figure 6 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a 2F signaling device according to the invention. This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment described above, with the difference that the screen 12 is curved. So that the screen can be illuminated homogeneously by the light sources 4A, 4B and 4C, these are placed on separate supports 36. Each support is connected to the control unit 8 via a plate 38. The plate 38 also makes it possible to hold each support to the chassis 18, so that each light source 4A, 4B and 4C is substantially at the same distance than the screen 12.

Dans les exemples ci-dessus, la source lumineuse est de préférence une diode électroluminescente afin de limiter la profondeur des dispositifs de signalisation. Les diodes électroluminescentes peuvent être identiques ou bien différentes. Selon un autre mode de réalisation, chaque source lumineuse peut comprendre plusieurs diodes électroluminescentes de couleurs différentes. Ainsi, le dispositif de signalisation peut afficher un ou plusieurs pixels de différentes couleurs.In the examples above, the light source is preferably a light-emitting diode in order to limit the depth of the signaling devices. Light-emitting diodes can be the same or different. According to another embodiment, each light source may comprise several light-emitting diodes of different colors. Thus, the signaling device can display one or more pixels of different colors.

Les écrans 12 mentionnés ci-dessus sont réalisés à partir de matériaux plastiques de type PMMA. Ils peuvent comprendre une ou plusieurs couches de ces matériaux. De préférence, ils sont configurés pour diffuser la lumière émise par la ou les sources lumineuses 4A, 4B et 4C, de manière à accentuer l'effet d'éclairement homogène de l'écran 12. Pour cela, la surface de l'écran peut être grainée et/ou contenir des inclusions.The screens 12 mentioned above are made from PMMA type plastic materials. They may include one or more layers of these materials. Preferably, they are configured to diffuse the light emitted by the light source(s) 4A, 4B and 4C, so as to accentuate the homogeneous lighting effect of the screen 12. For this, the surface of the screen can be grained and/or contain inclusions.

Les films opaques 22 décrits ci-dessus peuvent également être réalisés à partir des mêmes matériaux plastiques. Ils peuvent dans ce cas être teintés afin d'accentuer leur opacité. Alternativement ou en complément, les films opaques 22 peuvent comprendre une matière métallique, sous la forme d'une couche métallisée. Les films opaques peuvent comprendre plusieurs couches des matériaux mentionnés ci-dessus.The opaque films 22 described above can also be made from the same plastic materials. In this case, they can be tinted to accentuate their opacity. Alternatively or in addition, the opaque films 22 may comprise a metallic material, in the form of a metallized layer. Opaque films may include multiple layers of the materials mentioned above.

Les gaines 30 mentionnées ci-dessus peuvent comprendre les mêmes matériaux que les films opaques. Selon l'invention, la face interne de la partie proximale 32 des gaines est recouverte d'un matériau réfléchissant la lumière, et configurée pour réfléchir la lumière en direction de l'écran 12 du dispositif de visualisation, comme cela est illustré à la figure 2.The sheaths 30 mentioned above may comprise the same materials as the opaque films. According to the invention, the internal face of the proximal part 32 of the sheaths is covered with a light-reflecting material, and configured to reflect the light in the direction of the screen 12 of the display device, as is illustrated in Fig. figure 2 .

Claims (12)

  1. A signalling device (2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) for a motor vehicle comprising at least one homogeneously illuminated screen (12), the signalling device (2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) including:
    - a light source (4, 4A, 4B, 4C) configured to emit a light beam (20, 20A, 20B, 20C), the light intensity of which decreases as the periphery of the light beam (20, 20A, 20B, 20C) is approached; and
    - a screen (12) comprising a first face (14) opposite to a second face (16), the screen (12) allowing at least part of the light beam (20, 20A, 20B, 20C) emitted by the light source (4, 4A, 4B, 4C) to pass through; and
    - a means for holding the screen (12) in front of the light source (4, 4A, 4B, 4C) in such a way that the light source (4, 4A, 4B, 4C) can illuminate directly the first face (14) thereof; and
    - a means (22, 30, 30A, 30B, 30C) for occulting at least a peripheral portion (28, 28A, 28B, 28C) of the light beam emitted by the light source (4, 4A, 4B, 4C), in such a way that, at the second face (16) of the screen (12), the maximum variation of light intensity is equal to or lower than 60% when the light beam (20, 20A, 20B, 20C) illuminates the screen (12), the occulting means comprising a sheath (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) present between the light source (4, 4A, 4B, 4C) and the screen (12), the sheath (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) being arranged in such a way as to surround the light beam (20, 20A, 20B, 20C) emitted by the light source (4, 4A, 4B, 4C) in such a way that only a central portion (26, 26A, 26B, 26C) of the light beam (20, 20A, 20B, 20C) illuminates directly the screen (12);
    characterized in that the sheath (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) comprises a proximal end (32) opposite the light source (4) and a distal end (34) in contact with the screen (12), the distal end (34) is configured to absorb the light emitted by the light source (4) and the internal face of the proximal portion (32) of the sheath is covered with a material reflecting the light towards the screen (12).
  2. The signalling device (2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the light source (4, 4A, 4B, 4C) is a light-emitting diode.
  3. The signalling device (2A, 2E) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the occulting means comprises an opaque film (22) surrounding the portion of the screen (12) that is illuminated by the light beam (20, 20A, 20B, 20C) emitted by the light source (4, 4A, 4B, 4C).
  4. The signalling device (2A, 2E) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the opaque film (22) is placed in front of the second face (16) of the screen (12).
  5. The signalling device (2E) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal face of the sheath (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) is light in colour, preferably white.
  6. The signalling device (2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the internal face of the sheath (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) comprises means for scattering the light beam (20, 20A, 20B, 20C).
  7. The signalling device (2E) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distal end of the sheath (30, 30A, 30B, 30C), opposite the first face (14) of the screen (12), delimits a first opening, and in that the contour of the first opening is hidden behind an opaque film (22), the opaque film (22) being preferably placed in front of the second face (16) of the screen (12).
  8. The signalling device (2A, 2E) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the contour of the first opening delimits an oval or polygonal shape.
  9. The signalling device (2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the proximal end (32) of the sheath (30, 30A, 30B, 30C) defines an oval contour around the light beam.
  10. The signalling device (2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (12) is translucent.
  11. The signalling device (2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) for a motor vehicle comprising at least two adjacent screens (12) according to one of the preceding claims and a control unit (8) for switching on or off each light source (4, 4A, 4B, 4C) independently.
  12. A motor vehicle comprising a signalling device (2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F) according to claim 11.
EP18830912.4A 2017-12-05 2018-12-04 Signalling device for a motor vehicle, comprising one or more homogeneously illuminated light screens Active EP3721135B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1761648A FR3074563B1 (en) 2017-12-05 2017-12-05 SIGNALING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, COMPRISING ONE OR MORE HOMOGENEOUSLY LUMINOUS LUMINOUS SCREENS
PCT/FR2018/053106 WO2019110919A1 (en) 2017-12-05 2018-12-04 Signalling device for a motor vehicle, comprising one or more uniformly illuminated luminous screens

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EP3721135B1 true EP3721135B1 (en) 2024-01-03

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EP3839325A1 (en) * 2019-12-18 2021-06-23 Marelli Automotive Lighting Italy S.p.A. Automotive lighting and/or signaling device
FR3123411B1 (en) * 2021-05-31 2023-08-04 Valeo Vision Motor vehicle light module.

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PL3721135T3 (en) 2024-05-06
WO2019110919A1 (en) 2019-06-13
FR3074563A1 (en) 2019-06-07
EP3721135A1 (en) 2020-10-14
FR3074563B1 (en) 2019-11-08

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