EP2379941A1

EP2379941A1 - Motor vehicle lighting unit with functional dividing panel secured to its main wall by being pressed firmly against it under elastic stress.

Info

Publication number: EP2379941A1
Application number: EP09806095A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rodolphe Peron
Original assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
Current assignee: PSA Automobiles SA
Priority date: 2009-01-16
Filing date: 2009-12-21
Publication date: 2011-10-26
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-21
Also published as: WO2010081956A1; FR2941283A1; FR2941283B1; ES2531636T3; EP2379941B1; BRPI0919990A2; CN102356272A; CN102356272B

Abstract

A motor vehicle lighting unit (BO) comprises at least one main wall (PP) which is equipped with first fixing means and defines part of a first reflector (R1) intended at least partially to perform a first photometric function, and at least part of a zone (R2), situated beside the part of the first reflector (R1) and intended at least partially to perform a second photometric function. This lighting unit (BO) also comprises a metal panel (PM) equipped with second fixing means (MF21) of the elastic type collaborating with the first fixing means in order to secure the metal panel (PM) to the main wall (PP) by pressing it firmly against it under stress in a first direction (D1) and in a position that ensures separation between the first and second photometric functions.

Description

OPTICAL BLOCK OF A MOTOR VEHICLE WITH A FUNCTIONAL SEPARATION PLATE SOLIDARIZED TO ITS MAIN WALL BY PLASTERING UNDER ELASTIC CONSTRAINTS

The invention relates to motor vehicle light units providing at least two photometric functions.

Certain motor vehicle light units comprise a main wall which defines, on the one hand, a reflector providing a first photometric function, and, on the other hand, at least a portion of an area (possibly another reflector) which is located at side of the reflector and which at least partially provides a second photometric function. These optical blocks also comprise an ice placed in front of at least one reflector and possibly a mask interposed between the ice and at least one reflector.

The term "photometric function" is used herein to mean a function that makes it possible to orient (for example reflect forward) and / or to color the light that is emitted by a lamp (internal). Moreover, here "mask" means a part that defines in particular a part of the style of the optical block. It is usually metallized and placed behind the ice so that at least its front part is visible from the outside.

In order to separate the two aforementioned photometric functions within an optical block, it has been proposed to place in the latter a separating wall. For example, it has been proposed in US Pat. No. 4,774,637 to extend forward to the level of the ice the part of the wall which defines the reflector and to fix a metal separating wall between the mask and the ice in the extension of this part of the wall. In this case, the inner face of the ice includes fixing lugs which make it possible to immobilize the metal partition wall. The separator plate being in contact with the ice, when the vehicle circulates the vibrations and / or shocks induce not only stresses on the ice but also noise. In addition, the realization of the fixing lugs on the ice generally induces what the skilled person calls retards (local injection defects) which are visible from outside the optical block.

It has also been proposed to fix a plastic separating wall molded on the inner face of the mask so as to extend until the latter the part of the wall which defines the reflector. This separating wall is certainly metallized to reflect light, but it can not be shaped to ensure a true photometric function because it is made by molding. As a result, it is the part of the wall that defines the reflector that must ensure the photometric function alone, which constitutes a design and manufacturing constraint. In addition, the demolding of the separating wall generally induces defects that can be visible from outside the optical block. It will be noted that these defects are even more visible after metallization. The invention therefore aims to improve the situation.

It proposes for this purpose an optical unit, intended to be part of a motor vehicle, and comprising at least one main wall defining a portion of a first reflector, intended to ensure at least partially a first photometric function, and at least one part of an area, situated next to the part of the first reflector and intended to at least partially ensure a second photometric function. This optical block is characterized by the fact:

that its main wall is provided with first fixing means, and

it comprises a metal plate provided with second resilient type fastening means cooperating with the first fastening means in order to secure the metal plate to the main wall by stress plating in a first direction and in a position ensuring the separation of the first and second photometric functions. An optical unit according to the invention may comprise other characteristics that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

its second fixing means can be arranged in the form of minus two stamped elastic feet;

these elastic tabs may comprise at least one local deformation, for example semi-spherical;

At least one of the resilient tabs may comprise a first concave-type local deformation and a second convex type local deformation;

at least one of the first fixing means can be arranged in the form of a housing adapted to receive and cooperate with a second fixing means; > a housing can be defined in a bracket which is secured to the main wall;

> a housing can be defined in the main wall;

This housing may then comprise first and second faces opposite one another, the first face being provided with at least one projection oriented towards the second face and intended to press one of the second fixing means towards the second face;

- The metal plate may comprise four second fastening means adapted to cooperate with four first fixing means;

the main wall may comprise at least one auxiliary housing. In this case, the metal plate may comprise at least one positioning tab adapted to be housed in the corresponding auxiliary housing so as to pre-position the metal plate relative to the main wall in two substantially perpendicular directions, before cooperating together the first and second fixing means;

the metal plate may comprise two positioning tabs adapted to be housed in two corresponding auxiliary housings of the main wall;

the metal plate can be arranged to participate at least in the first photometric function.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings, on which :

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a part of an exemplary embodiment of an optical block according to the invention, before joining a functional metal separation plate,

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), the optical block of FIG. 1 after joining an exemplary embodiment of a functional metal separation plate;

FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate, in perspective views on two opposite sides, the embodiment of metal plate of FIG. 2,

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a first zone of the metal plate of FIGS. 3 and 4 in which a first elastic tab is defined; FIG. 6 schematically illustrates in a perspective view (front side), a first portion of the main wall of Figures 1 and 2 in which is defined a first fixing lug cooperating with the first elastic tab of Figure 5,

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a second zone of the metal plate of FIGS. 3 and 4 in which a second elastic tab is defined,

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a second part of the main wall of FIGS. 1 and 2 in which is defined a first housing intended to house the second elastic tab of FIG. 7,

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), the second part of the main wall of FIG. 8 once the second elastic tab of FIG. 7 is housed in its first housing;

FIG. 10 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a third portion of the main wall of FIGS. 1 and 2 in which is defined a second housing housing a third elastic tab defined in a third zone of the metal plate; of the Figures 3 and 4,

FIG. 11 illustrates schematically, in a perspective view, a fourth elastic tab defined in a fourth zone of the metal plate of FIGS. 3 and 4; FIG. 12 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a fourth portion of the main wall of Figures 1 and 2 in which is defined a third housing housing the fourth elastic tab of Figure 1 1,

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (rear side), a fifth zone of the metal plate of FIGS. 3 and 4 in which two positioning tabs are defined, and

FIG. 14 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (rear side), a fifth portion of the main wall of FIGS. 1 and 2 in which two auxiliary housings housing respectively the two positioning tabs of FIG. 13 are defined.

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

The object of the invention is to propose an optical block (BO) intended to be implanted in a motor vehicle and providing at least two neighboring photometric functions.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit (BO) is a headlight (or front projector) intended to be installed in the front of a motor vehicle. But, the invention is not limited to this type of implantation. It also relates to certain optical blocks, such as signal rear lamps, intended to be installed in the rear of a motor vehicle.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2 to present an optical block BO according to the invention.

Such an optical block BO comprises in particular a main wall PP, a metal plate PM functional separation, a mirror (not shown), and a possible mask (not shown).

The main wall PP defines a cavity subdivided into at least two parts. The first part constitutes a part of a first reflector R1 intended to provide a first photometric function, and the second part constitutes at least a part of an area R2 situated next to the first reflector R1 and intended to ensure at least partially a second photometric function.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the portion of the main wall PP which defines the first reflector R1 comprises a central opening 01 for receiving a transmitting part of a lamp (or bulb) L1. In this case, this main wall portion PP comprises an internal face FIP which is shaped and processed (for example metallized) so as to reflect forwards the light which is emitted by the lamp L1. This predetermined reflection function (and therefore shaping light) is at least partially the first photometric function of the first reflector R1.

The zone R2 which is defined by the main wall PP constitutes for example at least a part of a second reflector. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, this zone (or second reflector) R2 comprises a central opening 02 intended to receive a transmitting part of a lamp (or bulb) L2. In this case, the inner face FIP of the main wall portion PP which at least partially defines the second reflector R2 is shaped and processed (for example metallized) so as to reflect forwards the light which is emitted by the lamp L2. . This predetermined reflection function (and therefore the shaping of the light) constitutes at least partially the second photometric function of the second reflector (or zone) R2.

Here, the term "internal face" the FIP face of the main wall PP which defines the interior of the aforementioned cavity. Moreover, here "external face" refers to the FEP face (see FIG. 13) of the main wall PP which delimits the outside of the aforementioned cavity.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the cavity (delimited by the main wall PP) houses a metal plate PM in a position which ensures separation of the first and second photometric functions. The fastening of this metal plate PM to the main wall PP is by stress plating in a first direction D1 by cooperation of the first fixing means MF1j of the main wall PP and second fixing means MF2j of the metal plate PM to which we will return later. This first direction D1 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction once the optical block BO installed in a motor vehicle. Preferably, the metal plate PM is arranged to participate at least in the first photometric function. It can also and possibly participate in the second photometric function. For this purpose, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 to 4, the metal plate PM may for example be stamped so as to define steps or stair steps each having a chosen inclination adapted to the photometric function at ensure.

The metal plate PM comprises a rear portion PRP, which is placed in the bottom of the cavity (in the vicinity of the central opening 01), and a front portion PVP, which is located just before the inner face of the mask M (when it is planned) or just before the inner face of the ice (in the absence of a mask). It is recalled that the ice is usually placed in front of at least the first reflector R1 and that the optional mask is interposed between the ice and at least the second reflector R2. The ice and the possible mask M are secured to the main wall PP. It is considered here that the word "before" qualifies a face or a part which is intended to be oriented towards the outside of the vehicle, while the word "rear" qualifies a face or a part which is intended to be oriented towards the inside the vehicle.

According to the invention, and as indicated above, the main wall PP and the metal plate PM respectively comprise first MF1j and second MF2j fixing means which cooperate together, for the purpose of securing them to one another by plating. under stress, without the PVP front portion of the metal plate PM is in contact with the inner face of the mask or ice. For example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS.

7 and 9 to 12, the second fixing means MF2j can be arranged in the form of at least two pressed elastic tabs. The use of elastic tabs is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to catch up possible games induced by local dimensional variations.

In the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the metal plate PM comprises four second attachment means MF21 to MF24 (j = 1 to 4) adapted to cooperate respectively with four first fixing means M F1 1 to MF 14 ( j = 1 to 4). But, the metal plate PM could comprise two, three or five, or even more than five second attachment means MF2j.

In the nonlimiting example illustrated, the four second fixing means MF2j are respectively defined on the peripheral edge of the metal plate PM, in four different zones Zj. Here, the first Z1 and second Z2 areas are located in the front portion PVP of the metal plate PM, while the third Z3 and fourth Z4 areas are located in the rear portion PRP of the metal plate PM.

The respective orientations and shapes of the elastic tabs MF2j depend on the locations where the second corresponding fastening means MF1j of the main wall PP are defined. For example, in the nonlimiting example illustrated, the first elastic tab MF21 (see FIGS. 3, 5 and 6) is folded towards the lower face F1 of the metal plate PM, which is oriented towards the second reflector R2, while the second MF22 (see figures 3, 4 and 7), third MF23 (see figures 3, 4 and 10), and fourth MF24 (see figures

3, 4 and 11) elastic tabs are inclined on the side of the upper face FS of the metal plate PM, which is oriented towards the first reflector R1.

For example, and as shown nonlimitingly in FIGS. 3 to 7 and 9 to 12, the elastic tabs MF2j may comprise at least one local deformation DL, preferably semi-spherical (for example half-spheres), intended to promote their plating. against a part of the corresponding first fixing means MF1j. This local deformation DL is obtained by stamping.

In the nonlimiting example illustrated, the first MF21, second MF22 and third MF23 elastic tabs each comprise a local deformation (semi-spherical) DL concave or convex type, while the fourth elastic tab MF24 comprises a first local deformation (semi -special) DL concave type and a second deformation local (semi-spherical) DL convex type (for stressing of the metal plate PM in the first direction D1 in two opposite directions). But, the number of local deformations of each elastic tab MF2j may be equal to one or two or even three. Likewise, other forms can be envisaged for local deformations DL. Thus, they can be pyramidal (possibly truncated), for example. It will be noted that the local deformations DL may possibly vary from one elastic tab MF2j to another MF2j '.

As indicated above, the first fastening means MF1j are arranged to cooperate respectively with the different (at least two) second fixing means MF2j corresponding. In the presence of second fixing means MF2j arranged in the form of elastic tabs, the first fixing means MF1j may advantageously be in the form of housings (or cavities). This makes it possible to mask at least some of the elastic tabs MF2j, thus making them invisible from outside the optical block BO.

For example, at least one of the first fixing means MF1j can be arranged in the form of a housing defined in a fixing lug PF which is secured to the main wall PP. This is the case of the first first fastening means MF1 1 in the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 6. More specifically, in this nonlimiting example, the main wall PP comprises a first zone in which a fastening tab PF is defined. provided at its free end (front) of a housing MF1 1 defining the first fixing means and for accommodating the first elastic tab MF21. The first housing MF11 is here open on three sides to facilitate the introduction of the first elastic lug MF21.

For example, at least one of the first fixing means MF1j may be arranged in the form of a housing defined in the main wall PP. This is the case of the second MF12 (see FIGS. 8 and 9), the third MF13 (see FIG. 10), and the fourth MF14 (see FIG. 12), the first attachment means in the nonlimiting example illustrated.

More specifically, in this non-limiting example, the main wall PP comprises: a second zone in which is defined a second housing MF12 defining the second first fixing means and intended to house the second elastic tab MF22 (see FIGS. 8 and 9),

a third zone in which is defined a third housing MF13 defining the third first fixing means and intended to house the third elastic tab MF23 (see FIG. 10),

a fourth zone in which is defined a fourth housing MF14 defining the fourth first fixing means and intended to house the fourth elastic tab MF24 (see FIG. 12). The second housing MF12 is here open on one side. It includes first F1 and second F2 faces facing each other. As illustrated, the first face F1 is preferably disoriented with respect to the second face F2 so as to push the second elastic lug MF22 to this second face F2 and thus press against the latter substantially in the first direction D1. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first (upper) face F1 is provided with at least one projection (for example a counter shape) S which is oriented towards the second (lower) face F2 and intended to to strengthen the plating of the second elastic tab MF22 to this second face F2. In fact, it is the local deformation DL of the second elastic tab MF22 which is forced to contact the second face F2. Note that in the illustrated example, the first face (upper) F1 is provided with two projections (here counter shapes) S so as to promote the quality of the plating of the second elastic lug MF22 against the second face F2 of the second housing MF12.

The third housing MF13 is here open on three sides to facilitate the introduction of the third elastic tab MF23. It includes first F1 and second F2 faces facing each other. As illustrated, the first face F1 is preferably disoriented with respect to the second face F2 so as to push the third elastic lug MF23 to this second face F2 and thus press against the latter substantially in the first direction D1. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIG. 10, the first (upper) face F1 is provided with a single projection S which is oriented towards the second (lower) face F2 and intended to reinforce the plating of the third elastic lug MF23 towards this second face F2. In fact, it is the local deformation DL of the third elastic tab MF23 which is forced to contact the second face F2. Of course, the first (upper) face F1 of this third housing MF13 could be provided with two projections S, as in the case of the second housing MF12.

The fourth MF14 housing is here open on one side. It includes first F1 and second F2 faces facing each other. As illustrated, the first face F1 is preferably disoriented with respect to the second face F2 so as to push the fourth elastic tab MF24 to this second face F2 and thus press against the latter substantially in the first direction D1. In the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIG. 12, the first (upper) face F1 is provided with a single projection S which is oriented towards the second (lower) face F2 and intended to reinforce the plating of the fourth elastic lug MF24. towards this second face F2. In fact, it is the local deformation DL of the fourth elastic tab MF24 which is forced to contact the second face F2. Of course, the first (upper) face F1 of this fourth housing MF14 could be provided with two projections S, as in the case of the second housing MF12.

Thanks to the cooperation of the first MF1j and second MF2j fixing means, the metal plate PM is secured to the main wall PP by stress plating in the first direction D1, without gluing, clipping or welding, which is particularly advantageous. It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 3, 4, 13 and

14, that it is advantageous that the main wall PP comprises at least one auxiliary housing LA and the metal plate PM comprises at least one positioning tab MPk intended to be housed in a corresponding auxiliary housing LA. This makes it possible to pre-position (or wedge) the metal plate PM relative to the main wall PP in two substantially perpendicular directions, before cooperating together the first MF1j and second MF2j fixing means.

In the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 13 and 14, the PM metal plate comprises two positioning tabs MP1 and MP2 (k = 1 or 2) defined in the rear portion PRP of the metal plate PM and adapted to be housed in two corresponding auxiliary housings LA defined in the rear part of the main wall PP in the vicinity of the lamp opening 01. Furthermore, in the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 14, the auxiliary housing LA are through openings. But, this is not mandatory.

The invention offers several advantages, among which:

it avoids any contact between the metal plate and the ice and / or the mask, so that the metal plate no longer induces noise in the presence of vibrations and / or shocks,

the metal plate no longer induces stress on the ice and / or the mask because it is no longer secured to that (s),

- There are no more injection defects (or sinkholes) apparent (e) s because the metal plate is made of metal (by stamping) and not by molding / demolding,

- The metal plate can be shaped (embossed) so as to participate in at least one photometric function, because it is made of metal (by stamping) and not by molding / demolding, - the metal plate being visible from the outside of its optical block, it can participate in the style of the latter.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments of optical block and metal plate described above, only by way of example, but encompasses all the variants that may be considered by those skilled in the art in the context of claims below.

Claims

Motor vehicle optical unit (BO) comprising at least one main wall (PP) defining part of a first reflector (R1) intended to at least partially provide a first photometric function, and at least a part of a zone (R2), located next to said part of the first reflector (R1) and intended to at least partially ensure a second photometric function, characterized in that said main wall (PP) is provided with first fixing means (MF1j), and in that it comprises a metal plate (PM) provided with second fixing means (MF2j) of elastic type cooperating with said first fixing means (MF1j) for securing the metal plate (PM) to the main wall (PP) by stress plating in a first direction and in a position providing separation of said first and second photometric functions.

2. Optical block according to claim 1, characterized in that said second fixing means (MF2j) are arranged in the form of at least two pressed elastic tabs.

3. Optical block according to claim 2, characterized in that said elastic tabs comprise at least one local deformation (DL)

4. Optical block according to claim 3, characterized in that said local deformation (DL) is semi-spherical.

5. Optical block according to one of claims 3 and 4, characterized in that at least one of said elastic tabs comprises a first local deformation (DL) concave type and a second local deformation (DL) convex type.

6. An optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of said first fixing means (MF1j) is arranged in the form of a housing adapted to receive and cooperate with a second means fixing (MF2j).

7. optical unit according to claim 6, characterized in that said housing (MF1j) is defined in a bracket (PF) secured to said main wall (PP).

8. An optical unit according to claim 6, characterized in that said housing (MF1j) is defined in said main wall (PP).

9. Optical block according to claim 8, characterized in that said housing (MF1j) comprises first (F1) and second (F2) faces facing one another, said first face (F1) being provided with at least one projection (S) facing said second face (F2) and intended to press one of said second attachment means (MF2j) to said second face (F2).

10. An optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said metal plate (PM) comprises four second fixing means (MF2j) adapted to cooperate with four first fixing means (MF1j).

11. An optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said main wall (PP) comprises at least one auxiliary housing (LA), and in that said metal plate (PM) comprises at least one tab of positioning (MPk) adapted to be housed in said corresponding auxiliary housing (LA) so as to pre-position said metal plate (PM) relative to said main wall (PP) in two substantially perpendicular directions, before cooperating together said first (MF1j) and second (MF2j) fixing means.

12. An optical unit according to claim 11, characterized in that said metal plate (PM) comprises two positioning tabs (MPk) adapted to be housed in two auxiliary housings (LA) corresponding to said main wall (PP).

13. An optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said metal plate (PM) is arranged to participate at least in said first photometric function.