EP1847770B1 - Lighting or signalling device, in particular for an automobile - Google Patents

Lighting or signalling device, in particular for an automobile Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1847770B1
EP1847770B1 EP07290390A EP07290390A EP1847770B1 EP 1847770 B1 EP1847770 B1 EP 1847770B1 EP 07290390 A EP07290390 A EP 07290390A EP 07290390 A EP07290390 A EP 07290390A EP 1847770 B1 EP1847770 B1 EP 1847770B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support
counterpart
housing
contactors
locking
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP07290390A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1847770A1 (en
Inventor
Olivier Capron
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.)
Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Vision SAS filed Critical Valeo Vision SAS
Publication of EP1847770A1 publication Critical patent/EP1847770A1/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
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
    • F21S41/194—Bayonet attachments
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/19—Attachment of light sources or lamp holders
    • F21S41/198—Snap-fit attachments

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lighting or signaling device, in particular for equipping a motor vehicle.
  • a lighting or signaling device in particular for equipping a motor vehicle.
  • a projector comprises a housing with a reflector, a closing window and at least one lamp mounted on the housing.
  • each lamp has a transparent bulb which is translucent or can be colored, and which encloses an incandescent filament or any other light-generating device.
  • the bulb is assembled to a base. It is mounted on the housing via the base which is retained directly in an opening of the housing, or which is assembled using a support or lamp holder, or by any other appropriate device.
  • the electrical connection of the lamp is made most often by means which are located at the base.
  • the filament of the lamp and thus the bulb occupies a precise position relative to the reflector. It is therefore necessary that the base of the lamp is held firmly relative to the housing in a defined position.
  • lamp manufacturers, car manufacturers or equipment manufacturers refer to regulations or standards.
  • the UNECE R37 regulation defines the size characteristics and electrical characteristics of a number of lamps that can be found on the market on a regular basis.
  • These unconventional lamps are usually associated with a support.
  • This support forms an interface with the projector casing on the mechanical plane and secondarily on the electrical plane.
  • a seal which ensures a sealing function between the lamp and the housing.
  • Patent applications WO 00/74 099 , WO 03/032 365 , WO 03/056 237 , EP 1 455 134 describe such a lamp with its support.
  • the lamp and its support on one side, the support and the housing on the other side have complementary mechanical assembly means.
  • the last three documents describe a lamp which is engaged in an opening of the housing from outside the housing and which is assembled by a rotational movement. This rotational movement causes the engagement of complementary assembly means of the support and the housing.
  • the support is equipped with a handle that an operator can grasp by hand to rotate the support in the direction of an assembly or the opposite direction to disassemble the lamp.
  • the assembly is said to internal connectivity, that is to say that the lamp with its support is connected to an inner beam to the housing that connects all the lamps to a main connector.
  • the assembly is said to external connectivity, that is to say that the lamp holder is directly connected to the electrical harness of the vehicle using a connector.
  • the automobile manufacturer or the equipment manufacturer provides a specific connector for each of the lamps of the housing.
  • the assembly of the support occurs in the continuity of the movement of engagement of the lamp in the opening of the housing.
  • the assembly is made using elastically deformable tabs whose ends have hooking claws.
  • the invention proposes a lamp holder for a lighting or signaling device, in particular for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a housing and at least one lamp assembled to the housing by means of a lamp holder. , and preferably an electrical connection between the lamp and the housing, the lamp and the housing having complementary mechanical assembly means, the support having mechanical assembly means provided for cooperating with means complementary to the housing which operate according to a engagement phase and a locking phase, at least the assembly means of the support on the housing being preferably reversible.
  • the bearing surface of the gripping handle is oriented perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to said direction of locking, and in that its complementary portion is oriented parallel or approximately parallel to said direction of locking.
  • a coupling fingerprint is provided to allow coupling with a tool.
  • the support has a gripping handle, which has at least one manual bearing face and at least one complementary portion which completes the handle, with the bearing face oriented to manually manipulate the support in the direction of the locking by support, it and its complementary portion being inoperative to manually operate the handle in the opposite direction of locking.
  • the invention also relates to a lighting or signaling device especially for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a housing, a lamp holder according to the present invention, at least one lamp assembled to the housing via this lamp holder and an electrical connection between the lamp and the housing, the lamp and the housing having complementary mechanical assembly means, the support having mechanical assembly means provided to cooperate with complementary means of the housing which operate in a phase of engagement and a locking phase, at least the connecting means between the support and the housing being reversible.
  • the figure 1 shows in exploded view the various elements of a lighting device according to a non-limiting mode of implementation of the invention.
  • the figure 2 represents the support of the figure 1 seen from above.
  • the figure 3 shows the counterpart of the support.
  • the figure 4 represents the lamp mounted on the support.
  • the figure 5 is a view from below of the support.
  • the figure 6 shows the lamp and its support assembled to the counterpart.
  • the figure 7 is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the invention.
  • the projector that is represented in figure 1 includes a lamp 1, a lamp holder or support 2, and a counterpart 3.
  • the figure 1 also shows partially and schematically the housing 4 of the projector.
  • the counterpart 3 is intended to be assembled to the housing using known means which are not shown in the figure, for example using elastically deformable claws. This is however not limiting, and any other mechanical assembly means may also be suitable, the counterpart may also be glued or welded to the housing, or form a single piece with the housing.
  • the lamp is of any suitable type and will not be described in detail.
  • a transparent bulb 6 which is translucent or colored.
  • the bulb encloses the light generating device, for example a filament.
  • the bulb is mounted on a base 7 which has a generally cylindrical shape of revolution.
  • two protruding pins 8 and 9 provide the electrical connection between the filament and an external power supply.
  • the base 7 has in its lower part one or more recesses which are provided to cooperate with protruding shapes of the support and which form a key to allow the assembly of the lamp on its support only in a precise orientation around the l longitudinal axis that the lamp defines.
  • the lamp may contain several distinct filaments, the electrical connection means and the polarizer may be constructed differently.
  • the support 2 performs a function of mechanical interface, it is intended to receive the lamp 1, and it is also intended to be assembled to the counterpart 3 from outside the projector.
  • the support 2 also provides the electrical connection between the lamp and the rest of the projector.
  • the support 2 has a generally cylindrical shape of revolution with a shank 12 and a base 13.
  • the inside diameter of the shank 12 is substantially equal to the external diameter of the base to allow the engagement of the base of the lamp inside the shank .
  • the assembly of the lamp is carried out by any appropriate means.
  • the wall of the barrel 12 is cut in its upper part and over part of its length. Due to the cuts, this zone of the barrel wall forms four tabs 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. A portion of the legs, in this case the tabs 14b and 14d has a radial claw 15b, 15d oriented towards the inside of the barrel.
  • the tabs 14b and 14d which bear the claws deform elastically and then return to their original shape as soon as the claw has passed a hooking shoulder carried by the base.
  • the pellet is then trapped in the barrel, so the lamp is assembled to the support.
  • the length of the barrel is determined according to the dimensions of the base so that the assembly occurs when the base is fully engaged in the barrel and provided that the base is well oriented around its axis so that the keying allows assembly. In principle only one claw is sufficient to achieve the attachment, but several claws are also suitable. The number of legs could also be different.
  • the assembly mode of the lamp is not limiting and other assembly methods may also be suitable.
  • the lamp could be assembled by bayonet type mounting, screw mounting or any other mounting mode.
  • the electrical connection between the lamp and the support is made with the mechanical assembly.
  • the support has at the bottom of the barrel two resilient strips of conductive material which are provided to come into contact with the pins 8 and 9 during assembly of the lamp.
  • the pins 8 and 9 There could also be at the bottom of the barrel conductive bushings or any other equivalent means in which the pins engage during the assembly of the lamp also establishing an electrical contact. Any other appropriate means may also be suitable.
  • the embodiment that has just been described has the advantage of allowing the disassembly of the lamp. It is sufficient to remove the claw or claws possibly using a tool to release the base and out of its housing. The lamp can then be exchanged while retaining the same support.
  • the support 2 and the counterpart 3 also have assembly means that cooperate together.
  • the assembly means are at the periphery of the barrel 12 and at the inner wall of a recess 26 of the counterpart 3 which is intended to receive the support 2.
  • the mechanical assembly means here are of the bayonet type.
  • the mechanical assembly means consist of two locking ears 20 and 21 projecting from the outer wall of the barrel 12.
  • the two lugs 20 and 21 are diametrically opposed, but this is not limiting.
  • the outer wall of the barrel 12 also comprises two safety lugs 22 and 23 whose function will be described later.
  • the counterpart 3 has a general shape of revolution, and it is composed of a hollow body 24 extended at the base by a skirt 25 whose function will be described later.
  • the body 24 has a central recess 26 which is provided to receive the shaft 12 of the support.
  • the inner wall of the recess 26 is hollowed with longitudinal grooves 28 and 29 which are provided to allow the passage of the locking lugs 20, 21 and grooves 30 and 31 provided for the passage of the safety lugs 22, 23.
  • each flange 34, 35 has a stopper which blocks the rotation of the support in a precise angular position. In addition to reaching the angular stop position one must go through a hard point which can be marked by a bump in the locking flange or any other suitable means.
  • the assembly of the support 2 on the counterpart 3 is made by a longitudinal translation along the longitudinal axis defined by the support followed by a rotation about this axis.
  • longitudinal translation is not possible.
  • the mechanical assembly of the support to the counterpart also establishes the electrical continuity.
  • the shaft 12 of the support has two windows 38, 39 in which conductive strips 40, 41 are housed. These slats are in electrical connection with the pins of the lamp. As we can see in figures 1 and 4 a part of these conductive strips 40, 41, passes through the windows 38, 39. These strips 40, 41 are thus projecting relative to the shaft 12 of the support.
  • Different lamella embodiments are possible. According to the example shown for illustrative purposes figures 1 and 4 the lamellae form a curvature whose apex protrudes from the barrel 12.
  • the counterpart 3 has on its side two recessed pillars 44, 45 in which are engaged by contactors 46, 47.
  • the slats 40, 41 come into contact with the contactors 46, 47.
  • the safety lugs 22, 23 at least partially cap the contactors 46, 47, thus preventing any accidental movement of these contactors relative to their housing in the counterpart.
  • the recessed pillars 44, 45 each comprise a pin, 44a respectively, 45a
  • the contactors 46 and 47 of the support comprise curved blades 46a and 47a respectively. It is these curved blades which are engaged in force inside the hollow pillars 44, 45.
  • the curved plates 46a, 47a have a curvature whose radius is oriented towards the tenons 44a, 45a.
  • the lamellae 46a, 47a, contactors 46 and 47 will be prestressed in contact against the conductive lamellae 40, 41 of the drum 12 of the support.
  • the connection will remain effective, even if the projector undergoes vibrations during its operation.
  • the lamellae 46a, 47a of the contactors comprise at the bottom, with respect to the figure 3 , fastening means for engaging them in force in the pillars 44, 45 and against the pin 44a, 45a, but preventing them from moving in the direction opposite to the direction of their engagement. It may be in particular claws, constituted by a folding of the bottom of the lamella upwards and on the inside of the radius of curvature the lamella 46a, 47a, or towards the tenon of the hollowed abutment, respectively 44a, 45a. .
  • each pillar 44, 45 comprises an opening on a part of the counterpart 3 external to the central recess 26, to let the part of the contactors 46, 47 which is not inside the pillars 44, 45 and which will be connected to the electrical harness to supply the lamp inside the projector. This allows for an internal electrical connection of the lamp, that is to say inside the housing.
  • the openings giving on an external part to the central recess 26 and the openings giving inside this central recess 26 are constituted by a slot inside the wall of the hollowed pillars 44, 45.
  • embodiment allows a natural demolding along a vertical axis of the counterpart 3, when the latter is performed.
  • the walls of the pillars 44 and 45 are elliptical.
  • the lamellae 46a and 47a of the contactors 46 and 47 are also elliptical in order to conform to the shape of the interior of the walls of the pillars and to improve their adhesion thereto.
  • the lamellae 46a and 47a comprise lightening zones of material (not shown), such as slots or crenellations, allowing the lamellae of the contactors 46 and 47 to bend more easily when the conductive lamellae 40, 41 of the barrel 12 come into contact with them.
  • the part of the contactors coming into force in the pillars consists of two lamellae symmetrical to each other.
  • the figure 3 represents only one lamella 46a, 47a for each contactor 46, 47.
  • the second lamella would be the symmetrical lamella 46a with respect to an axis passing through the pin 44a and the opening on an external part to the central recess 26.
  • the second lamella would be the symmetrical of the strip 47a with respect to an axis passing through the pin 45a and the opening on an external part to the central recess 26.
  • each contactor can be indifferently mounted in the pillar 44 or the other pillar 45, which simplifies the assembly of the contactors and their implementation.
  • the contactors 46 and 47 are adapted to a mode of internal connection, that is to say to a connection with a beam specific to the projector which is then connected to the vehicle's electrical harness by a general power supply connector. all the lamps of the projector.
  • the contactors 46 and 47 allow a wire feed in a variable orientation, which gives great flexibility in the realization of the beam specific to the projector.
  • the base 13 of the support has gripping means.
  • these gripping means allow the mounting of the support in the counterpart by a manual operation, but prevent its disassembly by the same manual operation mode.
  • the support is equipped with coupling means provided to cooperate with a tool in order to achieve the separation of the support with its counterpart using this tool.
  • the rear part of the base has a gripping handle 50.
  • This handle is composed of two portions of helical ramps symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the support and each comprising a helical portion, respectively 51 and 52, and a manual bearing face, respectively 53 and 54.
  • the bearing faces 53 and 54 are oriented in the locking direction of the support, that is to say that they are radial relative to the axis of rotation of the support, or approximately radial provided that they provide a straight support to rotate the support about its axis of rotation in the direction of a lock. Under these conditions “approximately” means a deviation of less than 45 degrees, or preferably less than 30 degrees with respect to the defined radial orientation. Given their orientation, the bearing faces are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the direction of locking of the support.
  • the bearing faces are not necessarily flat, they can be rounded or curved. Their orientation is in fact defined according to the general direction the thrust they define.
  • the helical portions 51 and 52 provide a contact surface that is approximately parallel to the locking direction of the carrier. "Approximately” here means a difference of less than 30 degrees and preferably less than 20 degrees. In these conditions although their bearing face is oriented in the direction of unlocking, they do not provide sufficient adhesion for such an unlocking can be achieved by a manual action.
  • the ramp portions may be solid, or as shown they may be delimited by a peripheral wall and recessed behind this wall, provided that the recess does not allow to introduce a finger.
  • an operator carries out the locking of the support by resting on the two manual support faces 53, 54 for example with the thumb and the index finger.
  • the manual bearing faces 53 and 54 provide a straight support in the drive direction to the locked position. The assembly operation is thus performed manually without any difficulty.
  • the helicoidal portions 51, 52 do not offer any free grip, they offer no adhesion for the hand of an operator, the bearing faces 53 and 54 are oriented opposite the direction of the operator. unlocking so that neither can be used to manually rotate the media. The bearing faces and the helical portions are therefore inoperative in the unlocking direction.
  • the complementary portions of the manual bearing faces 53, 54 are not necessarily helical, and for these portions of other shapes may also be suitable provided that the bearing face of these portions remains parallel or approximately parallel to the direction of locking.
  • the complementary portions could have a bearing face parallel to the locking direction, and have a terminal chamfer.
  • the handle may also have a single portion with a manual bearing face and a complementary portion inoperative, or conversely three portions or more.
  • the body of the counterpart is extended with a skirt 25 in which the base 13 is housed during assembly.
  • the depth of the skirt is equal to or greater than the height of the base.
  • the skirt 25 envelopes and protects the base 13, it prevents grasping the base by hand at its periphery and that it is rotated by adhesion in the direction of unlocking.
  • the support is provided with a coupling fingerprint 56 which is provided for coupling with a tool.
  • the recess 56 is a recess centered on the longitudinal axis of the support which has in section a profile with lobes of Torx type. This is not limiting and other recessed or raised sections may also be suitable, including hexagonal type, slotted, cruciform or otherwise.
  • the wall of the coupling footprint has small dimensions, it is very close to the axis of rotation of the support, so that even if it was in relief it would not be possible to use it to manually unlock the support .
  • the tool intended to be coupled with the support is a wrench or a screwdriver whose end has a complementary shape.
  • This is a common tool, but the print may also have a specific form, that is to say different from those that currently exist on the market. In this case the tool would also be specific.
  • the use of the tool makes it possible to unlock the support and extract it from the counterpart.
  • a spring or other suitable device which initiates the release movement of the support at the end of unlocking.
  • a seal 58 is at the base of the drum 12 of the support 2 and provides a seal with the counterpart.
  • the seal may also contribute to facilitating release of the support, due to its elasticity.
  • the base of the support also carries identification tabs, for example the tabs 60, 61, in relation to the characteristics of the lamp, for example its power and color.
  • These tabs cooperate with corresponding recesses of the counterpart.
  • These recesses are for example formed by recesses or cutouts of the skirt 25 which have not been shown in the figures. These recesses have a polarizing function relative to the nature of the lamp.
  • the angular position of the tongues relative to the locking lugs is variable depending on the nature of the lamp.
  • the tabs may advantageously carry inscriptions to facilitate the identification of the lamp. Any other appropriate means may also be suitable.
  • the support and the counterpart are made of any suitable material, in particular they are made of a plastic material by molding.
  • the support 2 which has been described has a very simple structure, and therefore a low cost. It is also possible to manufacture supports for different lamps with minor modifications of the manufacturing mold, in this case to have the identification tabs in a suitable position.
  • the lamp As the lamp is removable relative to the support, it can be exchanged at the least cost because the support is reusable.
  • the nature of the manual bearing faces, complementary portions and the coupling fingerprint is related to the locking mode of the support in the counterpart.
  • the locking occurs by a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the support, which is a common mode of locking.
  • For locking by translation along the longitudinal axis of the support would have a different nature of the manual bearing faces, complementary portions and the coupling fingerprint.
  • figure 7 shows a lamp 67 mounted on a support 68 which is intended to be engaged and locked in a counterpart 69.
  • the support 68 has a barrel 71 and on the back of the barrel a base 70 with a gripping handle 72.
  • the barrel is intended to be introduced into the body 74 of the counterpart.
  • the locking of the support on the counterpart is achieved here by a translational movement along the longitudinal axis defined by the support. This movement comes as a result of the translation movement for the engagement of the barrel 71 in the body 74 of the counterpart.
  • the locking is carried out by any appropriate means and for example using gadroons such as the flutes 77a, 77b mounted on resilient flaps 78a, 78b which are made by cuts in the wall of the barrel 71.
  • the flutes are for example guided in grooves of the body 74 having housings in which the gadroons enter the locking position. Other means for angular positioning of the support and other support means may also be suitable.
  • the locking position may be optionally marked by a shoulder flange 80 of the barrel 71 which abuts against the base of the body 74.
  • the operation of engaging and locking the support in the counterpart is performed by a thrust exerted on the rear face 82 of the handle.
  • This face is oriented in the direction of the locking of the support, and forms because of its orientation the manual bearing face of the handle 72 of the support 68.
  • the rear face 82 offers no direct grip that would exert traction on the support 68.
  • the complementary portion of the thrust face is here formed by the peripheral wall 84 of the projecting portion of the handle and if necessary by the inner wall of a central recess which opens at the handle.
  • the wall or walls of this complementary portion are parallel or approximately parallel to the direction of unlocking the support. According to the shape given to the base 70, the complementary portion can be extremely reduced. Whatever the case may be, the wall of this portion is therefore inoperative in order to extract the support manually, since it does not offer a sufficient gripping by adhesion to transmit to the support a force oriented in the extraction direction.
  • this coupling fingerprint is formed by a recess of the base 70 of the support 68 which forms a support rim 83 for example for the blade of a screwdriver or any other suitable tool that can be operated in the manner of 'a lever.
  • the rim has small dimensions, so even though it was accessible, it could not be used to manually unlock the media.
  • the base of the handle may have one or more other flanges such as the flange 83, and in particular a symmetrical flange of the flange 83. The two symmetrical flanges can thus be hung with the aid of an extraction gripper.
  • the edge or edges are housed inside the skirt. They are inaccessible without the help of a tool.
  • the skirt 75 advantageously has two radial extensions 85 and 86. The edge of these extensions can be used as support for the tool during a lever movement.
  • the support handle is released from the skirt, it can be entered manually to completely remove the support.
  • the invention applies to any type of lighting device and / or signaling front or rear of a motor vehicle and any type of lamp regardless of its function, power or color.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)

Abstract

The bracket has a lamp (1) assembled at a case, and a base (13) comprising a gripping handle (50) composed of two ramp portions symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis defined by the bracket which is made of a plastic material. The ramp portions comprise respective helicoid portions and support surfaces (53, 54), which are oriented in a locking direction of the bracket. The helicoid portions provide a contact surface parallel to the locking direction, and the support surfaces permit to pivot the bracket around a rotation axis in the locking direction.

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation notamment destiné à équiper un véhicule automobile. De façon connue un tel dispositif que l'on conviendra d'appeler un projecteur comprend un boîtier avec un réflecteur, une glace de fermeture et au moins une lampe montée sur le boîtier.The invention relates to a lighting or signaling device, in particular for equipping a motor vehicle. In known manner such a device that it will be appropriate to call a projector comprises a housing with a reflector, a closing window and at least one lamp mounted on the housing.

Usuellement chaque lampe a un bulbe transparent qui est translucide ou qui peut être coloré, et qui renferme un filament incandescent ou tout autre dispositif générateur de lumière. Le bulbe est assemblé à un culot. Elle est montée sur le boîtier par l'intermédiaire du culot qui est retenu directement dans une ouverture du boîtier, ou qui est assemblé à l'aide d'un support ou porte lampe, ou par tout autre dispositif approprié. Le branchement électrique de la lampe est réalisé le plus souvent par des moyens qui se situent au niveau du culot.Usually each lamp has a transparent bulb which is translucent or can be colored, and which encloses an incandescent filament or any other light-generating device. The bulb is assembled to a base. It is mounted on the housing via the base which is retained directly in an opening of the housing, or which is assembled using a support or lamp holder, or by any other appropriate device. The electrical connection of the lamp is made most often by means which are located at the base.

Pour un bon fonctionnement du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation, il faut que le filament de la lampe et donc le bulbe occupe une position bien précise par rapport au réflecteur. Il est donc nécessaire que le culot de la lampe soit maintenu fermement relativement au boîtier dans une position définie.For a good operation of the lighting or signaling device, it is necessary that the filament of the lamp and thus the bulb occupies a precise position relative to the reflector. It is therefore necessary that the base of the lamp is held firmly relative to the housing in a defined position.

De façon à permettre l'équipement de différents véhicules avec des mêmes lampes et faciliter le remplacement de ces lampes en cas de besoin, les fabricants de lampes, les constructeurs d'automobiles ou les équipementiers se référent à des réglementations ou des normes. Ainsi, la réglementation UNECE R37 définit les caractéristiques de dimension et les caractéristiques électriques d'un certain nombre de lampes que l'on peut trouver de façon courante sur le marché.In order to allow different vehicles to be equipped with the same lamps and to facilitate the replacement of these lamps when needed, lamp manufacturers, car manufacturers or equipment manufacturers refer to regulations or standards. For example, the UNECE R37 regulation defines the size characteristics and electrical characteristics of a number of lamps that can be found on the market on a regular basis.

Par exemple le brevet US 5 313 135 décrit un modèle de lampe dont le culot et le connecteur de branchement électrique sont de type H4.For example the patent US 5,313,135 describes a lamp model whose base and the electrical connection connector are of type H4.

Toutefois, il existe aussi des lampes dont les caractéristiques ne suivent pas les prescriptions de la réglementation précitée. En effet les moyens techniques modernes permettent de réaliser des lampes plus performantes, qui par exemple pour une même puissance d'éclairage ont un volume réduit et une durée de vie supérieure.However, there are also lamps whose characteristics do not comply with the requirements of the aforementioned regulations. In fact, the modern technical means make it possible to produce more efficient lamps, which for example for the same lighting power have a reduced volume and a longer service life.

Ces lampes non conventionnelles sont usuellement associées à un support. Ce support forme une interface avec le boîtier du projecteur sur le plan mécanique et secondairement sur le plan électrique. Généralement, au niveau du support on trouve aussi un joint qui assure une fonction d'étanchéité entre la lampe et le boîtier.These unconventional lamps are usually associated with a support. This support forms an interface with the projector casing on the mechanical plane and secondarily on the electrical plane. Generally, at the level of the support there is also a seal which ensures a sealing function between the lamp and the housing.

Les demandes de brevet WO 00/74 099 , WO 03/032 365 , WO 03/056 237 , EP 1 455 134 décrivent une telle lampe avec son support.Patent applications WO 00/74 099 , WO 03/032 365 , WO 03/056 237 , EP 1 455 134 describe such a lamp with its support.

Selon ce qui est décrit dans ces documents la lampe et son support d'un côté, le support et le boîtier d'un autre côté ont des moyens d'assemblage mécanique complémentaires. En particulier les trois derniers documents décrivent une lampe qui est engagée dans une ouverture du boîtier depuis l'extérieur du boîtier et qui est assemblée par un mouvement de rotation. Ce mouvement de rotation provoque l'engagement de moyens d'assemblage complémentaires du support et du boîtier. Pour permettre la rotation, le support est équipé d'une poignée qu'un opérateur peut saisir à la main pour faire pivoter le support dans le sens d'un assemblage ou le sens inverse pour un démontage de la lampe.According to what is described in these documents the lamp and its support on one side, the support and the housing on the other side have complementary mechanical assembly means. In particular the last three documents describe a lamp which is engaged in an opening of the housing from outside the housing and which is assembled by a rotational movement. This rotational movement causes the engagement of complementary assembly means of the support and the housing. To allow rotation, the support is equipped with a handle that an operator can grasp by hand to rotate the support in the direction of an assembly or the opposite direction to disassemble the lamp.

En ce qui concerne la connexion électrique, il existe deux modes principaux de montage. Ou bien le montage est dit à connectique interne, c'est-à-dire que la lampe avec son support est reliée à un faisceau interne au boîtier qui relie toutes les lampes à un connecteur principal. Ou bien le montage est dit à connectique externe, c'est-à-dire que le support de la lampe est directement connecté sur le faisceau électrique du véhicule à l'aide d'un connecteur. Dans ce cas le constructeur d'automobile ou l'équipementier prévoit un connecteur spécifique pour chacune des lampes du boîtier.With regard to the electrical connection, there are two main modes of assembly. Or the assembly is said to internal connectivity, that is to say that the lamp with its support is connected to an inner beam to the housing that connects all the lamps to a main connector. Or the assembly is said to external connectivity, that is to say that the lamp holder is directly connected to the electrical harness of the vehicle using a connector. In this case the automobile manufacturer or the equipment manufacturer provides a specific connector for each of the lamps of the housing.

Pour le premier document, WO 00/74 099 l'assemblage du support se produit dans la continuité du mouvement d'engagement de la lampe dans l'ouverture du boîtier. L'assemblage est réalisé à l'aide de pattes élastiquement déformables dont les extrémités ont des griffes d'accrochage.For the first document, WO 00/74 099 the assembly of the support occurs in the continuity of the movement of engagement of the lamp in the opening of the housing. The assembly is made using elastically deformable tabs whose ends have hooking claws.

Les lampes non conventionnelles et leur support qui existent actuellement sur le marché ne sont pas totalement satisfaisantsThe unconventional lamps and their support that currently exist on the market are not totally satisfactory

En effet certaines lampes sont fixées à demeure sur leur support. En cas d'échange il est nécessaire de changer l'ensemble de la lampe avec son support. Les lampes de rechange sont de ce fait plus coûteuses.Indeed some lamps are fixed permanently on their support. In case of exchange it is necessary to change the entire lamp with its support. Replacement lamps are therefore more expensive.

Pour d'autres lampes le support présente des formes complexes, il est donc coûteux à réaliser.For other lamps the support has complex shapes, so it is expensive to achieve.

D'autres dispositifs, en particulier comme ceux décrits dans le WO 03/032 365 , WO 03/056 237 , ou le EP 1 455 134 , ne sont pas suffisamment sûrs dans la mesure où le démontage du support peut être réalisé par une simple action manuelle. Compte tenu de la spécificité de la lampe par rapport aux réglementations usuelles une telle facilité de démontage n'est pas satisfaisante.Other devices, in particular such as those described in the WO 03/032 365 , WO 03/056 237 , where the EP 1 455 134 , are not safe enough since the disassembly of the support can be achieved by a simple manual action. Given the specificity of the lamp compared to the usual regulations such ease of disassembly is not satisfactory.

Enfin certaines lampes sont associées à un support prévu pour un montage électrique à connectique externe ce qui complique sensiblement l'élaboration du faisceau électrique du véhicule pour le constructeur d'automobile ou l'équipementier.Finally, some lamps are associated with a support provided for an electrical connection with external connectors which significantly complicates the development of the vehicle electrical harness for the automaker or the equipment manufacturer.

Compte tenu de cet état de la technique il existe un besoin pour un projecteur amélioré dont les lampes et leur support conviennent mieux aux exigences d'utilisation et de coût de revient. A cet effet, l'invention propose un support de lampe pour un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation notamment pour un véhicule automobile, le dispositif comprenant un boîtier et au moins une lampe assemblée au boîtier par l'intermédiaire d'un support de lampe, et de préférence une liaison électrique entre la lampe et le boîtier, la lampe et le boîtier ayant des moyens d'assemblage mécanique complémentaires, le support ayant des moyens d'assemblage mécanique prévus pour coopérer avec des moyens complémentaire du boîtier qui opèrent selon une phase d'engagement et une phase de verrouillage, au moins les moyens d'assemblage du support sur le boîtier étant de préférence réversibles.Given this state of the art there is a need for an improved projector whose lamps and their support are better suited to the requirements of use and cost. For this purpose, the invention proposes a lamp holder for a lighting or signaling device, in particular for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a housing and at least one lamp assembled to the housing by means of a lamp holder. , and preferably an electrical connection between the lamp and the housing, the lamp and the housing having complementary mechanical assembly means, the support having mechanical assembly means provided for cooperating with means complementary to the housing which operate according to a engagement phase and a locking phase, at least the assembly means of the support on the housing being preferably reversible.

Et le support présente une embase avec une poignée de préhension telle que :

  • la poignée de préhension a au moins une face d'appui manuel et au moins une portion complémentaire qui complète la poignée de préhension,
  • la face d'appui est orientée de façon à pouvoir manoeuvrer manuellement le support dans la direction du verrouillage,
  • sa portion complémentaire est orientée de façon à être inopérante pour manoeuvrer manuellement la poignée dans le sens inverse du verrouillage.
And the support has a base with a handle such as:
  • the gripping handle has at least one manual bearing face and at least one complementary portion which completes the gripping handle,
  • the bearing face is oriented so as to be able to maneuver the support manually in the locking direction,
  • its complementary portion is oriented so as to be inoperative to manually operate the handle in the opposite direction of locking.

De préférence, la face d'appui de la poignée de préhension est orientée perpendiculaire ou approximativement perpendiculaire à ladite direction du verrouillage, et en ce que sa portion complémentaire est orientée parallèlement ou approximativement parallèlement à ladite direction du verrouillage.Preferably, the bearing surface of the gripping handle is oriented perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to said direction of locking, and in that its complementary portion is oriented parallel or approximately parallel to said direction of locking.

Avantageusement, une empreinte d'accouplement est prévue pour permettre l'accouplement avec un outil.Advantageously, a coupling fingerprint is provided to allow coupling with a tool.

Autrement exprimé, le support présente une poignée de préhension, qui a au moins une face d'appui manuel et au moins une portion complémentaire qui complète la poignée de préhension, avec la face d'appui orientée pour manoeuvrer manuellement le support dans la direction du verrouillage par appui, elle et sa portion complémentaire étant inopérantes pour manoeuvrer manuellement la poignée dans le sens inverse du verrouillage.Otherwise expressed, the support has a gripping handle, which has at least one manual bearing face and at least one complementary portion which completes the handle, with the bearing face oriented to manually manipulate the support in the direction of the locking by support, it and its complementary portion being inoperative to manually operate the handle in the opposite direction of locking.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques du support de lampe selon la présente invention :

  • le support est verrouillé par une rotation autour de l'axe longitudinal qu'il définit, la poignée de préhension du support comprenant au moins une portion de rampe ayant une face d'appui manuel orientée radialement par rapport à l'axe de rotation du support et une portion complémentaire inopérante dans le sens du déverrouillage du support ;
  • la poignée de préhension a au moins une portion de rampe hélicoïdale dont l'hélice est orientée dans le sens inverse du verrouillage ;
  • la poignée de préhension a deux portions de rampe hélicoïdale symétriques l'une de l'autre par rapport à l'axe longitudinal du support ;
  • les portions de rampes sont délimitées par une paroi périphérique ;
  • l'empreinte d'accouplement est une empreinte en creux ou en relief centrée sur l'axe longitudinal du support ;
  • l'empreinte présente en section un profil à lobes de type Torx ;
  • le support a des languettes d'identification ;
  • la poignée de préhension du support a une face d'appui orientée perpendiculairement à la direction de verrouillage du support et une portion complémentaire perpendiculaire ou approximativement perpendiculaire à la direction de verrouillage du support pour être inopérante dans le sens du déverrouillage du support ;
  • l'empreinte d'accouplement est un rebord d'appui formé à la base de la poignée.
According to other features of the lamp holder according to the present invention:
  • the support is locked by a rotation about the longitudinal axis that it defines, the handle of the support comprising at least a ramp portion having a manual bearing face oriented radially relative to the axis of rotation of the support and an additional portion that is inoperative in the direction of unlocking the support;
  • the gripping handle has at least a portion of helical ramp whose helix is oriented in the opposite direction of the locking;
  • the gripping handle has two portions of helical ramp symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis of the support;
  • the ramp portions are delimited by a peripheral wall;
  • the coupling fingerprint is a recessed or raised recess centered on the longitudinal axis of the support;
  • the imprint has in section a lobe profile of Torx type;
  • the support has identification tabs;
  • the gripping handle of the support has a bearing face oriented perpendicular to the locking direction of the support and a complementary portion perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the locking direction of the support to be inoperative in the unlocking direction of the support;
  • the coupling finger is a support flange formed at the base of the handle.

Toutes les caractéristiques supplémentaires du dispositif d'éclairage et /ou de signalisation selon l'invention, dans la mesure où elles ne s'excluent pas mutuellement, sont combinées selon toutes les possibilités d'association pour aboutir à différents exemples de réalisation de l'invention.All the additional features of the lighting and / or signaling device according to the invention, insofar as they are not mutually exclusive, are combined according to all the possibilities of association to lead to different embodiments of the invention. invention.

L'invention concerne aussi un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation notamment pour un véhicule automobile, le dispositif comprenant un boîtier, un support de lampe selon la présente invention, au moins une lampe assemblée au boîtier par l'intermédiaire de ce support de lampe, et une liaison électrique entre la lampe et le boîtier, la lampe et le boîtier ayant des moyens d'assemblage mécanique complémentaires, le support ayant des moyens d'assemblage mécanique prévus pour coopérer avec des moyens complémentaires du boîtier qui opèrent selon une phase d'engagement et une phase de verrouillage, au moins les moyens d'assemblage entre le support et le boîtier étant réversibles.The invention also relates to a lighting or signaling device especially for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a housing, a lamp holder according to the present invention, at least one lamp assembled to the housing via this lamp holder and an electrical connection between the lamp and the housing, the lamp and the housing having complementary mechanical assembly means, the support having mechanical assembly means provided to cooperate with complementary means of the housing which operate in a phase of engagement and a locking phase, at least the connecting means between the support and the housing being reversible.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation :

  • le dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation comprend une contrepartie prévue pour recevoir le support, ledit support comprenant des contacteurs du support qui sont reliés à ladite lampe et ladite contrepartie comprend des contacteurs comprenant une première partie et une deuxième partie, ladite première partie étant destinée à être reliée à l'intérieur du boîtier à la liaison électrique entre la lampe et le boîtier, et les contacteurs du support entrant en contact avec ladite deuxième partie lors du verrouillage dudit support dans ladite contrepartie ;
  • lesdites deuxièmes parties des contacteurs de la contrepartie sont flexibles et sont précontraintes en contact avec les contacteurs dudit support, lorsque ledit support est verrouillé dans ladite contrepartie ;
  • la contrepartie comprend des piliers évidés, à l'intérieur de chacun desquels la deuxième partie de l'un des contacteurs de la contrepartie est rentrée en force, les piliers comportant une ouverture donnant sur un évidemment central du support, pour permettre le contact entre des contacteurs du support et des deuxièmes parties des contacteurs de la contrepartie ; préférentiellement ladite ouverture est un créneau ;
  • le support comprend des oreilles venant coiffer au moins partiellement les deuxièmes parties des contacteurs de la contrepartie, empêchant ainsi tout mouvement accidentel de ces contacteurs relativement à leur logement dans la contrepartie ;
  • lesdits piliers évidés comprennent un tenon et lesdites deuxièmes parties des contacteurs de la contrepartie sont constituées de deux lamelles symétriques l'une par rapport à l'autre, chacune des deux lamelles entrant en force dans le pilier correspondant et de part et d'autre du tenon ;
  • ladite contrepartie comprend un corps et une jupe dont la profondeur est égale ou supérieure à la hauteur de la poignée.
According to other characteristics of the lighting or signaling device:
  • the lighting or signaling device comprises a counterpart provided to receive the support, said support comprising contactors of the support which are connected to said lamp and said counterpart comprises contactors comprising a first part and a second part, said first part being intended to be connected inside the housing to the electrical connection between the lamp and the housing, and the contactors of the support coming into contact with said second part when locking said support in said counterpart;
  • said second parts of the counterpart contactors are flexible and are prestressed in contact with the contactors of said carrier, when said carrier is locked in said counterpart;
  • the counterpart comprises hollowed pillars, inside each of which the second part of one of the contactors of the counterpart is returned in force, the pillars having an opening facing a central recess of the support, to allow the contact between contactors for the support and the second parts of the contactors of the counterpart; preferably, said opening is a slot;
  • the support comprises ears that cap at least partially the second parts of the contactors of the counterpart, thus preventing any accidental movement of these contactors relative to their accommodation in the counterpart;
  • said hollow pillars comprise a tenon and said second parts of the counterpart contactors consist of two lamellae symmetrical with respect to each other, each of the two lamellae forcing into the corresponding pillar and on either side of the tenon;
  • said counterpart comprises a body and a skirt whose depth is equal to or greater than the height of the handle.

Toutes les caractéristiques supplémentaires du dispositif d'éclairage et /ou de signalisation selon l'invention, dans la mesure où elles ne s'excluent pas mutuellement, sont combinées selon toutes les possibilités d'association pour aboutir à différents exemples de réalisation de l'invention.All the additional features of the lighting and / or signaling device according to the invention, insofar as they are not mutually exclusive, are combined according to all the possibilities of association to lead to different embodiments of the invention. invention.

L'invention sera mieux comprise en se référant à la description ci-dessous et aux dessins en annexe qui lui sont attachés.The invention will be better understood by referring to the description below and attached drawings attached thereto.

La figure 1 montre en vue éclatée les différents éléments d'un dispositif d'éclairage selon un mode non limitatif de mise en oeuvre de l'invention.The figure 1 shows in exploded view the various elements of a lighting device according to a non-limiting mode of implementation of the invention.

La figure 2 représente le support de la figure 1 vu de dessus.The figure 2 represents the support of the figure 1 seen from above.

La figure 3 montre la contrepartie du support.The figure 3 shows the counterpart of the support.

La figure 4 représente la lampe montée sur le support.The figure 4 represents the lamp mounted on the support.

La figure 5 est une vue de dessous du support.The figure 5 is a view from below of the support.

La figure 6 montre la lampe et son support assemblés à la contrepartie.The figure 6 shows the lamp and its support assembled to the counterpart.

La figure 7 est illustre une variante de mise en oeuvre de l'invention.The figure 7 is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Le projecteur qui est représenté en figure 1 comprend une lampe 1, un porte lampe ou support 2, et une contrepartie 3. La figure 1 montre également de façon partielle et schématique le boîtier 4 du projecteur.The projector that is represented in figure 1 includes a lamp 1, a lamp holder or support 2, and a counterpart 3. The figure 1 also shows partially and schematically the housing 4 of the projector.

La contrepartie 3 est prévue pour être assemblée au boîtier à l'aide de moyens connus qui ne sont pas représentés dans la figure, par exemple à l'aide de griffes élastiquement déformables. Ceci n'est toutefois pas limitatif, et tout autre moyen d'assemblage mécanique peut également convenir, la contrepartie peut aussi être collée ou soudée sur le boîtier, ou bien former une seule pièce avec le boîtier.The counterpart 3 is intended to be assembled to the housing using known means which are not shown in the figure, for example using elastically deformable claws. This is however not limiting, and any other mechanical assembly means may also be suitable, the counterpart may also be glued or welded to the housing, or form a single piece with the housing.

La lampe est de tout type approprié et ne sera pas décrite en détail. De façon classique elle comprend un bulbe transparent 6 qui est translucide ou coloré. Le bulbe renferme le dispositif générateur de lumière, par exemple un filament. Le bulbe est monté sur un culot 7 qui présente une forme générale cylindrique de révolution. A la base du culot deux broches en saillie 8 et 9 assurent la connexion électrique entre le filament et une alimentation externe.The lamp is of any suitable type and will not be described in detail. In a conventional manner it comprises a transparent bulb 6 which is translucent or colored. The bulb encloses the light generating device, for example a filament. The bulb is mounted on a base 7 which has a generally cylindrical shape of revolution. At the base of the base two protruding pins 8 and 9 provide the electrical connection between the filament and an external power supply.

Le culot 7 présente dans sa partie inférieure un ou plusieurs décrochements qui sont prévus pour coopérer avec des formes en saillie du support et qui forment un détrompeur afin d'autoriser l'assemblage de la lampe sur son support seulement dans une orientation précise autour de l'axe longitudinal que la lampe définit.The base 7 has in its lower part one or more recesses which are provided to cooperate with protruding shapes of the support and which form a key to allow the assembly of the lamp on its support only in a precise orientation around the l longitudinal axis that the lamp defines.

Ceci n'est pas limitatif et d'autres modes de construction de la lampe peuvent aussi convenir. En particulier la lampe peut contenir plusieurs filaments distincts, les moyens de connexion électrique et le détrompeur peuvent être construit de façon différente.This is not limiting and other modes of construction of the lamp may also be suitable. In particular, the lamp may contain several distinct filaments, the electrical connection means and the polarizer may be constructed differently.

Le support 2 remplit une fonction d'interface mécanique, il est prévu pour recevoir la lampe 1, et il est aussi prévu pour être assemblé à la contrepartie 3 depuis l'extérieur du projecteur. De façon préférentielle le support 2 assure aussi la liaison électrique entre la lampe et le reste du projecteur.The support 2 performs a function of mechanical interface, it is intended to receive the lamp 1, and it is also intended to be assembled to the counterpart 3 from outside the projector. Preferably the support 2 also provides the electrical connection between the lamp and the rest of the projector.

Selon le mode de réalisation illustré en figure 1, le support 2 a une forme générale cylindrique de révolution avec un fût 12 et une embase 13. Le diamètre intérieur du fût 12 est sensiblement égal au diamètre externe du culot pour permettre l'engagement du culot de la lampe à l'intérieur du fût. L'assemblage de la lampe est réalisé par tout moyen approprié. Par exemple comme cela est représenté la paroi du fût 12 est découpée dans sa partie supérieure et sur une partie de sa longueur. Du fait des découpes cette zone de la paroi du fût forme quatre pattes 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. Une partie des pattes, en l'occurrence les pattes 14b et 14d porte une griffe radiale 15b, 15d orientée vers l'intérieur du fût. Lorsque le culot est engagé dans le fût, les pattes 14b et 14d qui portent les griffes se déforment élastiquement puis reviennent à leur forme initiale dès que la griffe a dépassé un épaulement d'accrochage porté par le culot. Le culot est alors emprisonné dans le fût, ainsi la lampe est assemblée au support. La longueur du fût est déterminée en fonction des dimensions du culot pour que l'assemblage se produise lorsque le culot est engagé à fond dans le fût et à condition que le culot soit bien orienté autour de son axe pour que le détrompeur autorise l'assemblage. En principe une seule griffe est suffisante pour réaliser l'accrochage, mais plusieurs griffes conviennent également. Le nombre de pattes pourrait aussi être différent.According to the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 , the support 2 has a generally cylindrical shape of revolution with a shank 12 and a base 13. The inside diameter of the shank 12 is substantially equal to the external diameter of the base to allow the engagement of the base of the lamp inside the shank . The assembly of the lamp is carried out by any appropriate means. For example, as shown, the wall of the barrel 12 is cut in its upper part and over part of its length. Due to the cuts, this zone of the barrel wall forms four tabs 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d. A portion of the legs, in this case the tabs 14b and 14d has a radial claw 15b, 15d oriented towards the inside of the barrel. When the base is engaged in the barrel, the tabs 14b and 14d which bear the claws deform elastically and then return to their original shape as soon as the claw has passed a hooking shoulder carried by the base. The pellet is then trapped in the barrel, so the lamp is assembled to the support. The length of the barrel is determined according to the dimensions of the base so that the assembly occurs when the base is fully engaged in the barrel and provided that the base is well oriented around its axis so that the keying allows assembly. In principle only one claw is sufficient to achieve the attachment, but several claws are also suitable. The number of legs could also be different.

Le mode d'assemblage de la lampe n'est pas limitatif et d'autres modes d'assemblage peuvent aussi convenir. Par exemple la lampe pourrait être assemblée par un montage du type baïonnette, un montage à vis ou tout autre mode de montage.The assembly mode of the lamp is not limiting and other assembly methods may also be suitable. For example the lamp could be assembled by bayonet type mounting, screw mounting or any other mounting mode.

De préférence la connexion électrique entre la lampe et le support est réalisée avec l'assemblage mécanique. Par exemple, le support présente au fond du fût deux lamelles élastiques en matériau conducteur qui sont prévues pour venir au contact des broches 8 et 9 lors de l'assemblage de la lampe. On pourrait avoir également au fond du fût des douilles conductrices ou tout autre moyen équivalent dans lesquelles les broches s'engagent lors de l'assemblage de la lampe en établissant par ailleurs un contact électrique. Tout autre moyen approprié peut aussi convenir.Preferably the electrical connection between the lamp and the support is made with the mechanical assembly. For example, the support has at the bottom of the barrel two resilient strips of conductive material which are provided to come into contact with the pins 8 and 9 during assembly of the lamp. There could also be at the bottom of the barrel conductive bushings or any other equivalent means in which the pins engage during the assembly of the lamp also establishing an electrical contact. Any other appropriate means may also be suitable.

Le mode de réalisation qui vient d'être décrit présente l'avantage de permettre le démontage de la lampe. Il suffit en effet d'écarter la ou les griffes d'accrochage éventuellement à l'aide d'un outil pour libérer le culot et le sortir de son logement. La lampe peut alors être échangée en conservant le même support.The embodiment that has just been described has the advantage of allowing the disassembly of the lamp. It is sufficient to remove the claw or claws possibly using a tool to release the base and out of its housing. The lamp can then be exchanged while retaining the same support.

Le support 2 et la contrepartie 3 ont par ailleurs des moyens d'assemblage qui coopèrent ensemble. Selon le mode de réalisation illustré les moyens d'assemblage se trouvent à la périphérie du fût 12 et à la paroi interne d'un évidement 26 de la contrepartie 3 qui est prévue pour recevoir le support 2.The support 2 and the counterpart 3 also have assembly means that cooperate together. According to the illustrated embodiment, the assembly means are at the periphery of the barrel 12 and at the inner wall of a recess 26 of the counterpart 3 which is intended to receive the support 2.

Les moyens d'assemblage mécanique sont ici du type à baïonnette. Pour le support ils consistent en deux oreilles de verrouillage 20 et 21 en saillie par rapport à la paroi externe du fût 12. Selon le mode de réalisation illustré les deux oreilles 20 et 21 sont diamétralement opposées mais ceci n'est pas limitatif. De façon préférentielle la paroi externe du fût 12 comprend également deux oreilles de sûreté 22 et 23 dont la fonction sera décrite ultérieurement.The mechanical assembly means here are of the bayonet type. For the support they consist of two locking ears 20 and 21 projecting from the outer wall of the barrel 12. According to the illustrated embodiment, the two lugs 20 and 21 are diametrically opposed, but this is not limiting. Preferably the outer wall of the barrel 12 also comprises two safety lugs 22 and 23 whose function will be described later.

La contrepartie 3 a une forme générale de révolution, et elle est composée d'un corps évidé 24 prolongé à la base par une jupe 25 dont la fonction sera décrite ultérieurement.The counterpart 3 has a general shape of revolution, and it is composed of a hollow body 24 extended at the base by a skirt 25 whose function will be described later.

Le corps 24 a un évidement central 26 qui est prévu pour recevoir le fût 12 du support. La paroi intérieure de l'évidement 26 est creusée de rainures longitudinales 28 et 29 qui sont prévues pour permettre le passage des oreilles de verrouillage 20, 21 et de rainures 30 et 31 prévues pour le passage des oreilles de sûreté 22, 23.The body 24 has a central recess 26 which is provided to receive the shaft 12 of the support. The inner wall of the recess 26 is hollowed with longitudinal grooves 28 and 29 which are provided to allow the passage of the locking lugs 20, 21 and grooves 30 and 31 provided for the passage of the safety lugs 22, 23.

Les rainures 28 et 29 donnent accès à des rebords de verrouillage 34, 35 qui sont découpés dans la paroi de l'évidement 26. A l'engagement du support 2 dans la contrepartie 3 les oreilles 20 et 21 parcourent les rainures 28 et 29 avec le mouvement de translation longitudinal du support dans la contrepartie. Une fois que les oreilles 20, 21 se trouvent au niveau des rebords 34, 35, une rotation du support autour de l'axe longitudinal est possible, ce qui verrouille le support relativement à la contrepartie. De préférence, chaque rebord 34, 35 a une butée d'arrêt qui bloque la rotation du support dans une position angulaire précise. En outre pour atteindre la position angulaire de butée il faut franchir un point dur qui peut être marqué par une bosse dans le rebord de verrouillage ou tout autre moyen approprié.The grooves 28 and 29 give access to locking flanges 34, 35 which are cut in the wall of the recess 26. When the support 2 is engaged in the counterpart 3 the lugs 20 and 21 travel through the grooves 28 and 29 with the longitudinal translation movement of the support in the counterpart. Once the lugs 20, 21 are at the edges 34, 35, a rotation of the support about the longitudinal axis is possible, which locks the support relative to the counterpart. Preferably, each flange 34, 35 has a stopper which blocks the rotation of the support in a precise angular position. In addition to reaching the angular stop position one must go through a hard point which can be marked by a bump in the locking flange or any other suitable means.

Ainsi l'assemblage du support 2 sur la contrepartie 3 est réalisé par une translation longitudinale le long de l'axe longitudinal défini par le support suivie d'une rotation autour de cet axe. Naturellement si les oreilles ne sont par en regard des rainures la translation longitudinale n'est pas possible. Ainsi il est possible de contrôler avec précision la position angulaire de la lampe 1 relativement à la contrepartie 3 et au boîtier 2.Thus the assembly of the support 2 on the counterpart 3 is made by a longitudinal translation along the longitudinal axis defined by the support followed by a rotation about this axis. Naturally if the ears are not facing the grooves longitudinal translation is not possible. Thus it is possible to accurately control the angular position of the lamp 1 relative to the counterpart 3 and the housing 2.

De préférence, l'assemblage mécanique du support à la contrepartie établit également la continuité électrique. Ainsi, selon le mode de réalisation représenté, le fût 12 du support présente deux fenêtres 38, 39 dans lesquelles des lamelles conductrices 40, 41 sont logées. Ces lamelles sont en liaison électrique avec les broches de la lampe. Comme on peut l'observer en figures 1 et 4, une partie de ces lamelles conductrices 40, 41, traverse les fenêtres 38, 39. Ces lamelles 40, 41 sont ainsi saillantes par rapport au fût 12 du support. Différents modes de réalisation de lamelles sont possibles. Selon l'exemple représenté à titre illustratif en figures 1 et 4, les lamelles forment une courbure dont le sommet est saillant par rapport au fût 12.Preferably, the mechanical assembly of the support to the counterpart also establishes the electrical continuity. Thus, according to the embodiment shown, the shaft 12 of the support has two windows 38, 39 in which conductive strips 40, 41 are housed. These slats are in electrical connection with the pins of the lamp. As we can see in figures 1 and 4 a part of these conductive strips 40, 41, passes through the windows 38, 39. These strips 40, 41 are thus projecting relative to the shaft 12 of the support. Different lamella embodiments are possible. According to the example shown for illustrative purposes figures 1 and 4 the lamellae form a curvature whose apex protrudes from the barrel 12.

La contrepartie 3 a de son côté deux piliers évidés 44, 45 dans lesquels sont engagés à force des contacteurs 46, 47. Lors de la rotation du support dans la contrepartie, les lamelles 40, 41 viennent en contact avec les contacteurs 46, 47. Au cours de ce mouvement de rotation les oreilles de sûreté 22, 23 viennent coiffer au moins partiellement les contacteurs 46, 47, empêchant ainsi tout mouvement accidentel de ces contacteurs relativement à leur logement dans la contrepartie.The counterpart 3 has on its side two recessed pillars 44, 45 in which are engaged by contactors 46, 47. During the rotation of the support in the counterpart, the slats 40, 41 come into contact with the contactors 46, 47. During this rotational movement the safety lugs 22, 23 at least partially cap the contactors 46, 47, thus preventing any accidental movement of these contactors relative to their housing in the counterpart.

Tel que représenté en figure 3, selon un mode réalisation préférentiel, les piliers évidés 44, 45 comprennent chacun un tenon, respectivement 44a, 45a, et les contacteurs 46 et 47 du support comprennent des lames courbées, respectivement 46a et 47a. Ce sont ces lames courbées qui sont engagées en force à l'intérieur des piliers évidés 44, 45. Les lamelles courbes 46a, 47a ont une courbure dont le rayon est orienté en direction des tenons 44a, 45a. Ainsi, les lamelles conductrices 40, 41 du fût étant saillantes par rapport au fût 12, dont le diamètre correspond à celui de l'évidement central 26, vont entrer en contact avec les lamelles 46a, 47a des contacteurs, lorsque le support 2 de lampe tournera à l'intérieur de la contrepartie 3. Une fois le support verrouillé, les lamelles 46a, 47a, des contacteurs 46 et 47 seront précontraintes en contact contre les lamelles conductrices 40, 41 du fût 12 du support. Ainsi la connexion restera efficace, même si le projecteur subit des vibrations lors de son fonctionnement.As represented in figure 3 , according to a preferred embodiment, the recessed pillars 44, 45 each comprise a pin, 44a respectively, 45a, and the contactors 46 and 47 of the support comprise curved blades 46a and 47a respectively. It is these curved blades which are engaged in force inside the hollow pillars 44, 45. The curved plates 46a, 47a have a curvature whose radius is oriented towards the tenons 44a, 45a. Thus, the slats conductive 40, 41 of the barrel being projecting relative to the barrel 12, whose diameter corresponds to that of the central recess 26, will come into contact with the lamellae 46a, 47a of the contactors, when the lamp holder 2 will turn to the Inside the counterpart 3. Once the support is locked, the lamellae 46a, 47a, contactors 46 and 47 will be prestressed in contact against the conductive lamellae 40, 41 of the drum 12 of the support. Thus the connection will remain effective, even if the projector undergoes vibrations during its operation.

Les lamelles 46a, 47a des contacteurs comprennent en bas, par rapport à la figure 3, des moyens de fixation permettant de les engager en force dans les piliers 44, 45 et contre le tenon 44a, 45a, mais les empêchant d'évoluer dans la direction inverse à la direction de leur engagement. Il peut s'agir notamment de griffes, constituées par un repliement du bas de la lamelle vers le haut et du côté de l'intérieur du rayon de courbure la lamelle 46a, 47a, soit vers le tenon du pilier évidé, respectivement 44a, 45a. Une ouverture 44b, 45b donnant sur l'évidement central 26 de la contrepartie 3, est ménagée à l'intérieur de chaque pilier 44, 45, permettant ainsi la mise en contact des lamelles 46a, 47a des contacteurs avec les lamelles conductrices 40, 41 du fût 12. Egalement chaque pilier 44, 45 comprend une ouverture donnant sur une partie de la contrepartie 3 externe à l'évidement central 26, pour laisser passer la partie des contacteurs 46, 47 qui n'est pas à l'intérieur des piliers 44, 45 et qui sera reliée au faisceau électrique destiné à alimenter la lampe à l'intérieur du projecteur. Ceci permet de réaliser une connexion électrique interne de la lampe, c'est-à-dire à l'intérieur du boîtier.The lamellae 46a, 47a of the contactors comprise at the bottom, with respect to the figure 3 , fastening means for engaging them in force in the pillars 44, 45 and against the pin 44a, 45a, but preventing them from moving in the direction opposite to the direction of their engagement. It may be in particular claws, constituted by a folding of the bottom of the lamella upwards and on the inside of the radius of curvature the lamella 46a, 47a, or towards the tenon of the hollowed abutment, respectively 44a, 45a. . An opening 44b, 45b giving onto the central recess 26 of the counterpart 3, is formed inside each pillar 44, 45, thus enabling the contact strips 46a, 47a to come into contact with the conductive strips 40, 41 12. Also each pillar 44, 45 comprises an opening on a part of the counterpart 3 external to the central recess 26, to let the part of the contactors 46, 47 which is not inside the pillars 44, 45 and which will be connected to the electrical harness to supply the lamp inside the projector. This allows for an internal electrical connection of the lamp, that is to say inside the housing.

Préférentiellement, les ouvertures donnant sur une partie externe à l'évidement central 26 et les ouvertures donnant à l'intérieur de cet évidement central 26, sont constituées par un créneau à l'intérieur de la paroi des piliers évidés 44, 45. Un tel mode de réalisation permet un démoulage naturel selon un axe vertical de la contrepartie 3, lorsque cette dernière est réalisée.Preferably, the openings giving on an external part to the central recess 26 and the openings giving inside this central recess 26 are constituted by a slot inside the wall of the hollowed pillars 44, 45. embodiment allows a natural demolding along a vertical axis of the counterpart 3, when the latter is performed.

Préférentiellement, les parois des piliers 44 et 45 sont elliptiques. Les lamelles 46a et 47a des contacteurs 46 et 47 sont également elliptiques pour épouser la forme de l'intérieur des parois des piliers et améliorer leur adhérence à ces derniers. Préférentiellement, les lamelles 46a et 47a comprennent des zones d'allègement de matière (non représentées), telles que des fentes ou des créneaux, permettant aux lamelles des contacteurs 46 et 47 de fléchir plus facilement lorsque les lamelles conductrices 40, 41 du fût 12 entrent en contact avec elles.Preferably, the walls of the pillars 44 and 45 are elliptical. The lamellae 46a and 47a of the contactors 46 and 47 are also elliptical in order to conform to the shape of the interior of the walls of the pillars and to improve their adhesion thereto. Preferably, the lamellae 46a and 47a comprise lightening zones of material (not shown), such as slots or crenellations, allowing the lamellae of the contactors 46 and 47 to bend more easily when the conductive lamellae 40, 41 of the barrel 12 come into contact with them.

Préférentiellement, la partie des contacteurs entrant en force dans les piliers est constituée de deux lamelles symétriques l'une de l'autre. Pour des raisons de clarté, la figure 3 ne représente qu'une seule lamelle 46a, 47a pour chaque contacteur 46, 47. Sur cette figure, pour le contacteur 46, la deuxième lamelle serait la symétrique de la lamelle 46a par rapport à un axe passant par le tenon 44a et l'ouverture donnant sur une partie externe à l'évidement central 26. Pour le contacteur 47, la deuxième lamelle serait la symétrique de la lamelle 47a par rapport à un axe passant par le tenon 45a et l'ouverture donnant sur une partie externe à l'évidement central 26. Dans un tel cas, chaque contacteur peut être indifféremment monté dans le pilier 44 ou l'autre pilier 45, ce qui simplifie le montage des contacteurs et leur réalisation.Preferably, the part of the contactors coming into force in the pillars consists of two lamellae symmetrical to each other. For the sake of clarity, the figure 3 represents only one lamella 46a, 47a for each contactor 46, 47. In this figure, for the contactor 46, the second lamella would be the symmetrical lamella 46a with respect to an axis passing through the pin 44a and the opening on an external part to the central recess 26. For the contactor 47, the second lamella would be the symmetrical of the strip 47a with respect to an axis passing through the pin 45a and the opening on an external part to the central recess 26. In such a case, each contactor can be indifferently mounted in the pillar 44 or the other pillar 45, which simplifies the assembly of the contactors and their implementation.

De façon avantageuse les contacteurs 46 et 47 sont adaptés à un mode de connectique interne, c'est-à-dire à un raccordement avec un faisceau propre au projecteur qui est ensuite relié au faisceau électrique du véhicule par un connecteur général d'alimentation de l'ensemble des lampes du projecteur. En outre les contacteurs 46 et 47 autorisent une arrivée de fil sous une orientation variable, ce qui donne une grande souplesse quant à la réalisation du faisceau électrique propre au projecteur.Advantageously, the contactors 46 and 47 are adapted to a mode of internal connection, that is to say to a connection with a beam specific to the projector which is then connected to the vehicle's electrical harness by a general power supply connector. all the lamps of the projector. In addition, the contactors 46 and 47 allow a wire feed in a variable orientation, which gives great flexibility in the realization of the beam specific to the projector.

Pour permettre le mouvement de translation puis de rotation du support relativement à la contrepartie, l'embase 13 du support présente des moyens de préhension.To allow the translational movement and rotation of the support relative to the counterpart, the base 13 of the support has gripping means.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, ces moyens de préhension permettent le montage du support dans la contrepartie par une opération manuelle, mais empêchent son démontage par le même mode d'opération manuel. Egalement, le support est équipé avec des moyens d'accouplement prévus pour coopérer avec un outil dans le but de réaliser la désolidarisation du support avec sa contrepartie à l'aide de cet outil. Ainsi le montage de la lampe sur le projecteur est réalisé par une simple opération manuelle. Mais un démontage de la lampe est rendu plus sûr car il nécessite l'usage d'un outil. De ce fait il a beaucoup moins de chances de se produire de façon accidentelle suite par exemple à un faux mouvement ou au geste hasardeux d'un opérateur non averti.According to a feature of the invention, these gripping means allow the mounting of the support in the counterpart by a manual operation, but prevent its disassembly by the same manual operation mode. Also, the support is equipped with coupling means provided to cooperate with a tool in order to achieve the separation of the support with its counterpart using this tool. Thus the mounting of the lamp on the projector is achieved by a simple manual operation. But disassembly of the lamp is made safer because it requires the use of a tool. As a result, it is much less likely to occur accidentally as a result of, for example, a false movement or the hazardous gesture of an unsuspecting operator.

Selon le mode de réalisation illustré, la partie arrière de l'embase a une poignée de préhension 50. Cette poignée est composée de deux portions de rampes hélicoïdales symétriques par rapport à l'axe longitudinal défini par le support et comprenant chacune une portion hélicoïdale, respectivement 51 et 52, et une face d'appui manuel, respectivement 53 et 54.According to the illustrated embodiment, the rear part of the base has a gripping handle 50. This handle is composed of two portions of helical ramps symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the support and each comprising a helical portion, respectively 51 and 52, and a manual bearing face, respectively 53 and 54.

Les faces d'appui 53 et 54 sont orientées dans la direction de verrouillage du support, c'est-à-dire qu'elles sont radiales par rapport à l'axe de rotation du support, ou approximativement radiales pourvu qu'elles offrent un appui franc pour faire pivoter le support autour de son axe de rotation dans la direction d'un verrouillage. Dans ces conditions « approximativement » signifie un écart inférieur à 45 degrés, ou de préférence inférieur à 30 degrés par rapport à l'orientation radiale définie. Compte tenu de leur orientation, les faces d'appui sont perpendiculaires ou approximativement perpendiculaires à la direction de verrouillage du support. Les faces d'appui ne sont pas nécessairement planes, elles peuvent être arrondies ou galbées. Leur orientation est en fait définie d'après la direction générale la poussée qu'elles définissent.The bearing faces 53 and 54 are oriented in the locking direction of the support, that is to say that they are radial relative to the axis of rotation of the support, or approximately radial provided that they provide a straight support to rotate the support about its axis of rotation in the direction of a lock. Under these conditions "approximately" means a deviation of less than 45 degrees, or preferably less than 30 degrees with respect to the defined radial orientation. Given their orientation, the bearing faces are perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the direction of locking of the support. The bearing faces are not necessarily flat, they can be rounded or curved. Their orientation is in fact defined according to the general direction the thrust they define.

Les portions hélicoïdales 51 et 52 offrent une surface de contact qui est approximativement parallèle à la direction de verrouillage du support. « Approximativement » signifie ici un écart inférieur à 30 degrés et de préférence inférieur à 20 degrés. Dans ces conditions bien que leur face d'appui soit orientée dans la direction d'un déverrouillage, elles n'offrent pas une adhérence suffisante pour qu'un tel déverrouillage puisse être réalisé par une action manuelle.The helical portions 51 and 52 provide a contact surface that is approximately parallel to the locking direction of the carrier. "Approximately" here means a difference of less than 30 degrees and preferably less than 20 degrees. In these conditions although their bearing face is oriented in the direction of unlocking, they do not provide sufficient adhesion for such an unlocking can be achieved by a manual action.

Les portions de rampes peuvent être pleines, ou comme cela est représenté elles peuvent être délimitées par une paroi périphérique et évidées derrière cette paroi, pourvu que l'évidement ne permette pas d'introduire un doigt de main.The ramp portions may be solid, or as shown they may be delimited by a peripheral wall and recessed behind this wall, provided that the recess does not allow to introduce a finger.

Ainsi après avoir introduit le fût du support dans le corps de la contrepartie un opérateur réalise le verrouillage du support en prenant appui sur les deux faces d'appui manuel 53, 54 par exemple à l'aide du pouce et de l'index. Les faces d'appui manuel 53 et 54 offrent un appui franc dans le sens d'entraînement vers la position verrouillée. L'opération d'assemblage est ainsi réalisée manuellement sans aucune difficulté.Thus, after having introduced the shaft of the support into the body of the counterpart, an operator carries out the locking of the support by resting on the two manual support faces 53, 54 for example with the thumb and the index finger. The manual bearing faces 53 and 54 provide a straight support in the drive direction to the locked position. The assembly operation is thus performed manually without any difficulty.

Dans le sens du déverrouillage les portions hélicoïdales 51, 52 n'offrent aucune prise franche, elles n'offrent aucune adhérence pour la main d'un opérateur, les faces d'appui 53 et 54 sont orientées à l'opposé de la direction du déverrouillage si bien que ni les unes ni les autres ne peuvent être utilisées pour faire pivoter manuellement le support. Les faces d'appui et les portions hélicoïdales sont donc inopérantes dans la direction du déverrouillage.In the unlocking direction, the helicoidal portions 51, 52 do not offer any free grip, they offer no adhesion for the hand of an operator, the bearing faces 53 and 54 are oriented opposite the direction of the operator. unlocking so that neither can be used to manually rotate the media. The bearing faces and the helical portions are therefore inoperative in the unlocking direction.

Les portions complémentaires des faces d'appui manuel 53, 54 ne sont pas nécessairement hélicoïdales, et pour ces portions d'autres formes peuvent aussi convenir pourvu que la face d'appui de ces portions reste parallèle ou approximativement parallèle à la direction du verrouillage. Par exemple les portions complémentaires pourraient avoir une face d'appui parallèle à la direction de verrouillage, et présenter un chanfrein terminal.The complementary portions of the manual bearing faces 53, 54 are not necessarily helical, and for these portions of other shapes may also be suitable provided that the bearing face of these portions remains parallel or approximately parallel to the direction of locking. For example, the complementary portions could have a bearing face parallel to the locking direction, and have a terminal chamfer.

La poignée de préhension pourrait aussi avoir une seule portion avec une face d'appui manuel et une portion complémentaire inopérante, ou à l'inverse trois portions ou davantage encore.The handle may also have a single portion with a manual bearing face and a complementary portion inoperative, or conversely three portions or more.

De façon préférentielle le corps de la contrepartie est prolongé avec une jupe 25 dans laquelle se loge l'embase 13 lors de l'assemblage. La profondeur de la jupe est égale ou supérieure à la hauteur de l'embase. Ainsi la jupe 25 enveloppe et protège l'embase 13, elle empêche qu'on saisisse l'embase à la main au niveau de sa périphérie et qu'on la fasse pivoter par adhérence dans le sens du déverrouillage.Preferably the body of the counterpart is extended with a skirt 25 in which the base 13 is housed during assembly. The depth of the skirt is equal to or greater than the height of the base. Thus, the skirt 25 envelopes and protects the base 13, it prevents grasping the base by hand at its periphery and that it is rotated by adhesion in the direction of unlocking.

Pour permettre le démontage du support et de la lampe, le support est pourvu d'une empreinte d'accouplement 56 qui est prévue pour l'accouplement avec un outil. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté l'empreinte 56 est un évidement centré sur l'axe longitudinal du support qui présente en section un profil à lobes de type Torx. Ceci n'est pas limitatif et d'autres sections en creux ou en relief peuvent aussi convenir, notamment de type hexagonal, à fente, cruciforme ou autre.To allow disassembly of the support and the lamp, the support is provided with a coupling fingerprint 56 which is provided for coupling with a tool. In the embodiment shown, the recess 56 is a recess centered on the longitudinal axis of the support which has in section a profile with lobes of Torx type. This is not limiting and other recessed or raised sections may also be suitable, including hexagonal type, slotted, cruciform or otherwise.

La paroi de l'empreinte d'accouplement a des dimensions réduites, elle est très proche de l'axe de rotation du support, si bien que même si elle était en relief il se serait pas possible de l'utiliser pour déverrouiller manuellement le support.The wall of the coupling footprint has small dimensions, it is very close to the axis of rotation of the support, so that even if it was in relief it would not be possible to use it to manually unlock the support .

L'outil prévu pour être accouplé avec le support est une clé ou un tournevis dont l'extrémité présente une forme complémentaire. Il s'agit ici d'un outil courant, mais l'empreinte peut aussi avoir une forme spécifique, c'est-à-dire différente de celles qui existent couramment sur le marché. Dans ce cas l'outil serait également spécifique.The tool intended to be coupled with the support is a wrench or a screwdriver whose end has a complementary shape. This is a common tool, but the print may also have a specific form, that is to say different from those that currently exist on the market. In this case the tool would also be specific.

L'usage de l'outil permet de déverrouiller le support et de l'extraire hors de la contrepartie. Pour faciliter l'extraction on peut prévoir un ressort ou tout autre dispositif approprié qui amorce le mouvement de dégagement du support à la fin de son déverrouillage.The use of the tool makes it possible to unlock the support and extract it from the counterpart. To facilitate the extraction can be provided a spring or other suitable device which initiates the release movement of the support at the end of unlocking.

De préférence, un joint 58 se trouve à la base du fût 12 du support 2 et assure une étanchéité avec la contrepartie. Le joint peut aussi contribuer à faciliter de dégagement du support, du fait de son élasticité.Preferably, a seal 58 is at the base of the drum 12 of the support 2 and provides a seal with the counterpart. The seal may also contribute to facilitating release of the support, due to its elasticity.

De préférence également, l'embase du support porte également des languettes d'identification, par exemple les languettes 60, 61, en relation avec les caractéristiques de la lampe, par exemple sa puissance et sa coloration. Ces languettes coopèrent avec des évidements correspondants de la contrepartie. Ces évidements sont par exemple formés par des renfoncements ou des découpes de la jupe 25 qui n'ont pas été représentés dans les figures. Ces évidements ont une fonction de détrompeur relativement à la nature de la lampe. La position angulaire des languettes par rapport aux oreilles de verrouillage est variable en fonction de la nature de la lampe. Les languettes peuvent porter avantageusement des inscriptions pour faciliter l'identification de la lampe. Tout autre moyen approprié peut également convenir.Also preferably, the base of the support also carries identification tabs, for example the tabs 60, 61, in relation to the characteristics of the lamp, for example its power and color. These tabs cooperate with corresponding recesses of the counterpart. These recesses are for example formed by recesses or cutouts of the skirt 25 which have not been shown in the figures. These recesses have a polarizing function relative to the nature of the lamp. The angular position of the tongues relative to the locking lugs is variable depending on the nature of the lamp. The tabs may advantageously carry inscriptions to facilitate the identification of the lamp. Any other appropriate means may also be suitable.

Le support et la contrepartie sont réalisés en tout matériau approprié, notamment ils sont réalisés en une matière plastique par moulage.The support and the counterpart are made of any suitable material, in particular they are made of a plastic material by molding.

Ainsi le support 2 qui a été décrit a une structure très simple, et donc un coût de revient peu élevé. Il est possible en outre de fabriquer des supports prévus pour des lampes différentes moyennant des modifications mineures du moule de fabrication, en l'occurrence pour disposer des languettes d'identification dans une position adéquate.Thus the support 2 which has been described has a very simple structure, and therefore a low cost. It is also possible to manufacture supports for different lamps with minor modifications of the manufacturing mold, in this case to have the identification tabs in a suitable position.

Comme la lampe est démontable relativement au support, elle peut être échangée au moindre coût car le support est réutilisable.As the lamp is removable relative to the support, it can be exchanged at the least cost because the support is reusable.

Le mode de réalisation qui a été décrit n'est pas limitatif et d'autres modes de construction peuvent aussi convenir. En particulier, au lieu d'être centrées sur l'axe longitudinal du support les faces d'appui manuel et les portions hélicoïdales pourraient s'étendre sur la périphérie de l'embase 13 dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe longitudinal.The embodiment which has been described is not limiting and other modes of construction may also be suitable. In particular, instead of being centered on the longitudinal axis of the support the manual bearing faces and the helical portions could extend on the periphery of the base 13 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Egalement la nature des faces d'appui manuel, des portions complémentaires et de l'empreinte d'accouplement est liée au mode de verrouillage du support dans la contrepartie. Ici le verrouillage se produit par un mouvement de rotation autour de l'axe longitudinal du support, ce qui est un mode courant de verrouillage. Pour un verrouillage par translation selon l'axe longitudinal du support on aurait une nature différente des faces d'appui manuel, des portions complémentaires et de l'empreinte d'accouplement.Also the nature of the manual bearing faces, complementary portions and the coupling fingerprint is related to the locking mode of the support in the counterpart. Here the locking occurs by a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the support, which is a common mode of locking. For locking by translation along the longitudinal axis of the support would have a different nature of the manual bearing faces, complementary portions and the coupling fingerprint.

Pour illustrer cela la figure 7 montre une lampe 67 montée sur un support 68 qui est prévu pour être engagé et verrouillé dans une contrepartie 69.To illustrate this, figure 7 shows a lamp 67 mounted on a support 68 which is intended to be engaged and locked in a counterpart 69.

Comme dans le cas précédent, le support 68 a un fût 71 et sur l'arrière du fût une embase 70 avec une poignée de préhension 72. Le fût est prévu pour être introduit dans le corps 74 de la contrepartie.As in the previous case, the support 68 has a barrel 71 and on the back of the barrel a base 70 with a gripping handle 72. The barrel is intended to be introduced into the body 74 of the counterpart.

Le verrouillage du support sur la contrepartie est réalisé ici par un mouvement de translation le long de l'axe longitudinal défini par le support. Ce mouvement vient à la suite du mouvement de translation pour l'engagement du fût 71 dans le corps 74 de la contrepartie. Le verrouillage est réalisé par tout moyen approprié et par exemple à l'aide de godrons comme les godrons 77a, 77b montés sur des lamelles élastiques 78a, 78b qui sont réalisés par des découpes dans la paroi du fût 71. Les godrons sont par exemple guidés dans des rainures du corps 74 ayant des logements dans lesquelles les godrons pénètrent en position de verrouillage. D'autres moyens de positionnement angulaire du support et d'autres moyens de support peuvent aussi convenir. La position de verrouillage peut être marquée éventuellement par un rebord épaulé 80 du fût 71 qui vient en butée contre la base du corps 74.The locking of the support on the counterpart is achieved here by a translational movement along the longitudinal axis defined by the support. This movement comes as a result of the translation movement for the engagement of the barrel 71 in the body 74 of the counterpart. The locking is carried out by any appropriate means and for example using gadroons such as the flutes 77a, 77b mounted on resilient flaps 78a, 78b which are made by cuts in the wall of the barrel 71. The flutes are for example guided in grooves of the body 74 having housings in which the gadroons enter the locking position. Other means for angular positioning of the support and other support means may also be suitable. The locking position may be optionally marked by a shoulder flange 80 of the barrel 71 which abuts against the base of the body 74.

L'opération d'engagement et de verrouillage du support dans la contrepartie est réalisée par une poussée exercée sur la face arrière 82 de la poignée. Cette face est orientée dans la direction du verrouillage du support, et forme du fait de son orientation la face d'appui manuel de la poignée 72 du support 68. La face arrière 82 n'offre aucune prise directe qui permettrait d'exercer une traction sur le support 68.The operation of engaging and locking the support in the counterpart is performed by a thrust exerted on the rear face 82 of the handle. This face is oriented in the direction of the locking of the support, and forms because of its orientation the manual bearing face of the handle 72 of the support 68. The rear face 82 offers no direct grip that would exert traction on the support 68.

La portion complémentaire de la face de poussée est ici formée par la paroi périphérique 84 de la portion saillante de la poignée et le cas échéant par la paroi interne d'un évidement central qui débouche au niveau de la poignée. La ou les parois de cette portion complémentaire sont parallèles ou approximativement parallèles à la direction du déverrouillage du support. Selon la forme donnée à l'embase 70, la portion complémentaire peut être extrêmement réduite. Quoiqu'il en soit, la paroi de cette portion est donc inopérante pour extraire le support manuellement, car elle n'offre pas une prise suffisante par adhérence pour transmettre au support un effort orienté dans la direction d'extraction.The complementary portion of the thrust face is here formed by the peripheral wall 84 of the projecting portion of the handle and if necessary by the inner wall of a central recess which opens at the handle. The wall or walls of this complementary portion are parallel or approximately parallel to the direction of unlocking the support. According to the shape given to the base 70, the complementary portion can be extremely reduced. Whatever the case may be, the wall of this portion is therefore inoperative in order to extract the support manually, since it does not offer a sufficient gripping by adhesion to transmit to the support a force oriented in the extraction direction.

Lorsque le fût est verrouillé dans le corps de la contrepartie, sa poignée de préhension 72 se loge de préférence dans une jupe 75 de la contrepartie 69. La profondeur de la jupe est égale ou supérieure à la hauteur de la poignée de support. Ainsi la poignée est totalement protégée inaccessible manuellement.When the barrel is locked in the body of the counterpart, its gripping handle 72 is preferably housed in a skirt 75 of the counterpart 69. The depth of the skirt is equal to or greater than the height of the support handle. Thus the handle is totally protected inaccessible manually.

Pour permettre son déverrouillage par extraction à l'aide d'un outil la poignée de préhension a une empreinte qui permet son accouplement avec cet outil. Selon la figure 7 cette empreinte d'accouplement est constituée par un décrochement de l'embase 70 du support 68 qui forme un rebord 83 d'appui par exemple pour la lame d'un tournevis ou tout autre outil approprié que l'on peut manoeuvrer à la manière d'un levier.To allow its unlocking by extraction using a tool the handle has a footprint that allows its coupling with this tool. According to figure 7 this coupling fingerprint is formed by a recess of the base 70 of the support 68 which forms a support rim 83 for example for the blade of a screwdriver or any other suitable tool that can be operated in the manner of 'a lever.

Le rebord a des dimensions réduites, si bien que même s'il était accessible, il ne pourrait pas être utilisé pour déverrouiller manuellement le support. La base de la poignée peut présenter un ou plusieurs autres rebords tels que le rebord 83, et en particulier un rebord symétrique du rebord 83. Les deux rebords symétriques peuvent ainsi être accrochés à l'aide d'une pince d'extraction.The rim has small dimensions, so even though it was accessible, it could not be used to manually unlock the media. The base of the handle may have one or more other flanges such as the flange 83, and in particular a symmetrical flange of the flange 83. The two symmetrical flanges can thus be hung with the aid of an extraction gripper.

D'autres moyens appropriés peuvent aussi être utilisés. En position de verrouillage le ou les rebords sont logés à l'intérieur de la jupe. Ils sont donc inaccessibles sans l'aide d'un outil. Pour faciliter leur accès la jupe 75 présente de façon avantageuse deux extensions radiales 85 et 86. Le bord de ces extensions peut être utilisé comme appui de l'outil lors d'un mouvement de levier.Other suitable means may also be used. In the locking position the edge or edges are housed inside the skirt. They are inaccessible without the help of a tool. To facilitate their access, the skirt 75 advantageously has two radial extensions 85 and 86. The edge of these extensions can be used as support for the tool during a lever movement.

Une fois que l'extraction du support a été amorcée, la poignée de support se dégage de la jupe, elle peut être saisie manuellement pour sortir complètement le support.Once the extraction of the support has been initiated, the support handle is released from the skirt, it can be entered manually to completely remove the support.

L'utilisation nécessaire d'un outil pour le démontage du support rend l'utilisation du support et de sa contrepartie plus sûre car le démontage du support ne peut intervenir qu'à la suite d'une action volontaire d'un opérateur.The necessary use of a tool for the disassembly of the support makes the use of the support and its counterpart more secure because the dismantling of the support can only take place following a voluntary action of an operator.

L'invention s'applique à tout type de dispositif d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation avant ou arrière d'un véhicule automobile et à tout type de lampe indépendamment de sa fonction, sa puissance ou sa coloration.The invention applies to any type of lighting device and / or signaling front or rear of a motor vehicle and any type of lamp regardless of its function, power or color.

Naturellement la description n'est donnée qu'à titre indicatif et d'autres modes de réalisation pourraient être adoptés sans pour autant sortir du cadre de la présente invention.Naturally, the description is given only as an indication and other embodiments could be adopted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (17)

  1. Bulb support for a lighting or signalling device, in particular for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a housing (4) and at least one bulb (1, 67) which is assembled to the housing by means of a bulb support (2, 68), the bulb and the housing having complementary mechanical assembly means, the support having mechanical assembly means which are designed to co-operate with complementary means of the housing and operate according to an engagement stage and a locking stage, at least the means for assembly of the support on the housing preferably being reversible, characterised in that:
    - the support (2, 68) has a base (13, 68) with a grasping handle (50, 72);
    - the grasping handle has at least one manual support surface (53, 54, 82) and at least one complementary portion (51, 52, 84) which completes the grasping handle;
    - the support surface (53, 54, 84) is oriented that the support can be manoeuvred manually in the direction of locking;
    - its complementary portion (51, 52, 84) is oriented such as to be inoperative in order for the handle to be manoeuvred manually in the direction which is the inverse of that of locking, the use of a tool being necessary in order to dismantle the support; and
    - a coupling indentation is provided in order to permit coupling with a tool.
  2. Support according to claim 1, characterised in that the support surface (53, 54, 84) of the grasping handle is oriented perpendicularly or approximately perpendicularly to the said direction of locking, and in that its complementary portion (51, 52, 84) is oriented parallel or approximately parallel to the said direction of locking.
  3. Support according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the grasping handle comprises a coupling indentation (56, 83) which is designed to permit coupling with a tool.
  4. Support according to one of the preceding claims, which is locked by rotation around the longitudinal axis which it defines, characterised in that the grasping handle (50) of the support (2) comprises at least one portion of ramp which has a manual support surface (53, 54) which is oriented radially relative to the axis of rotation of the support, and a complementary portion (51, 52) which is inoperative in the direction of unlocking of the support.
  5. Support according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the grasping handle (50) has at least one portion of helical ramp, the helix of which is oriented in the direction which is the inverse of that of locking.
  6. Support according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the grasping handle (50) has two helical ramp portions (51, 52, 53, 54) which are symmetrical with one another relative to the longitudinal axis of the support.
  7. Support according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has identification tongues (60, 61).
  8. Support according to claim 1, which is locked by translation according to the longitudinal axis which it defines, characterised in that the grasping handle (72) of the support (68) has a support surface (82) which is oriented perpendicularly to the direction of locking of the support, and a complementary portion (84) which is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the direction of locking of the support, in order to be inoperative in the direction of unlocking of the support.
  9. Support according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the coupling indentation is a support edge (83) which is formed at the base of the handle.
  10. Lighting or signalling device, in particular for a motor vehicle, the device comprising a housing (4) and at least one bulb (1) which is assembled to the case by means of a bulb support (2), and an electrical connection between the bulb and the housing, the bulb and the housing having complementary mechanical assembly means, the support having mechanical assembly means which are designed to co-operate with complementary means of the case which operate according to an engagement stage and a locking stage, at least the means for assembly between the support and the housing being reversible, characterised in that it comprises a bulb support (2) according to one of the preceding claims.
  11. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises a counterpart (3) which is designed to receive the support (2), the said support comprising contactors (40, 41) of the support which are connected to the said bulb (1), and the said counterpart (3, 69) comprises contactors (46, 47) comprising a first part and a second part (46a, 47a), the said first part being designed to be connected to the interior of the housing (4) at the electrical connection between the bulb and the housing, and the contactors of the support (40, 41) being in contact with the said second part (46a, 47a) during the locking of the said support in the said counterpart.
  12. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the said second parts (46a, 47a) of the contactors (46, 47) of the counterpart (3) are flexible, and are prestressed in contact with the contactors (40, 41) of the said support (2), when the said support is locked in the said counterpart.
  13. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the counterpart (3) comprises hollow columns (44, 45), inside each of which the second part (46a, 47a) of one of the contactors (46, 47) of the counterpart is forced, the columns comprising an opening which opens onto a central recess (26) in the support (2), in order to permit the contact between contactors of the support (40, 41) and second parts (46a, 47a) of the contactors (46, 47) of the counterpart.
  14. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the said opening is a notch.
  15. Device according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the support (2) comprises ears (22, 23) which surmount at least partially the two parts (46a, 47a) of the contactors (46, 47) of the counterpart, thus preventing any accidental movement of these contactors relative to their receptacle in the counterpart.
  16. Device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein:
    - the said hollow columns (44, 45) comprise a tenon (44a, 45a);
    - the said second parts of the contactors (46, 47) of the counterpart (3) consist of two plates which are symmetrical to one another; and
    - each of the two plates being forced into the corresponding column on both sides of the tenon.
  17. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the said counterpart comprises a body (24, 74) and a skirt (25, 75), the depth of which is equal to, or greater than, the height of the handle (50, 72).
EP07290390A 2006-04-04 2007-03-30 Lighting or signalling device, in particular for an automobile Active EP1847770B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0602940A FR2899312B1 (en) 2006-04-04 2006-04-04 LIGHTING OR SIGNALING DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1847770A1 EP1847770A1 (en) 2007-10-24
EP1847770B1 true EP1847770B1 (en) 2010-03-31

Family

ID=37334829

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07290390A Active EP1847770B1 (en) 2006-04-04 2007-03-30 Lighting or signalling device, in particular for an automobile

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Country Link
EP (1) EP1847770B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE462931T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602007005531D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2341676T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2899312B1 (en)

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4171662A (en) * 1976-12-20 1979-10-23 Wright Line Inc. Security screw
DE2827911B2 (en) * 1978-06-24 1981-06-04 Erich Utsch Kg, 5900 Siegen Screw connection for attaching motor vehicle license plates
DE29501462U1 (en) * 1995-01-31 1995-04-13 Johann & Konen GmbH & Co, Elektro-Autozubehör-Fabrik, 53229 Bonn Lighting element
WO1998038708A1 (en) * 1997-02-28 1998-09-03 The Whitaker Corporation Lighting apparatus for discharge lamps and discharge lamp socket used therein
DE19860588C2 (en) * 1998-12-29 2001-03-01 Schnippering Hugo Gmbh Co Kg Lamp holder made of insulating material for H 7 lamps
US6662822B2 (en) * 2001-11-16 2003-12-16 Apcom, Inc. One-way nut fastener
DE10158633A1 (en) * 2001-11-29 2003-06-12 Hella Kg Hueck & Co Fixing device for light sources in vehicle lights has holder body that can be inserted into lamp bearer with electrical conductors to supply, adapter for cable group or reflector holder
FR2852083B1 (en) * 2003-03-06 2006-04-14 Valeo Vision FIXING SYSTEM FOR LOCK LAMP

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1847770A1 (en) 2007-10-24
FR2899312B1 (en) 2015-01-23
DE602007005531D1 (en) 2010-05-12
FR2899312A1 (en) 2007-10-05
ATE462931T1 (en) 2010-04-15
ES2341676T3 (en) 2010-06-24

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