Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
  • F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
  • F16B21/06—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action
  • F16B21/07—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action in which the socket has a resilient part
  • F16B21/073—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action in which the socket has a resilient part the socket having a resilient part on its inside
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
  • F16B21/00—Means for preventing relative axial movement of a pin, spigot, shaft or the like and a member surrounding it; Stud-and-socket releasable fastenings
  • F16B21/06—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action
  • F16B21/07—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action in which the socket has a resilient part
  • F16B21/071—Releasable fastening devices with snap-action in which the socket has a resilient part the socket being integrally formed with a component to be fasted, e.g. a sheet, plate or strip
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
  • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
  • F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
  • F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
  • F16B5/0607—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other
  • F16B5/0621—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship
  • F16B5/0664—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship at least one of the sheets or plates having integrally formed or integrally connected snap-in-features
• • 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
  • F21S41/50—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers
  • F21S41/55—Attachment thereof

Definitions

• the invention relates to fastening devices which are intended to allow the attachment of a first element to a second element.
• a first element such as for example and not limited to a vehicle optical block reflector (possibly of automotive type), on a second element, such as for example and not limited to a block housing.
• optical They are usually based on clipping or screwing or the cooperation of forms. In certain situations, these devices do not provide complete satisfaction, for example because of the difficulty of producing the clipping means or means involved in screwing and / or the determination of the respective positions of the aforementioned means, or vibrations and noise they induce, or because of the cost of screwing operations, or because they do not allow a sufficiently precise positioning of the first element relative to the second element, which prevents the first element of ensure optimal function (eg photometric).
• the first element is an optical block reflector
• the second and third elements are respectively an optical block box and an optical block mask.
• this integration can be very complicated, if not impossible.
• the heat which is accumulated by the reflector, when its light source operates can partially diffuse towards the mask, by thermal conduction in the mass, which can damage it.
• the invention therefore aims to remedy at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks.
• a device intended to allow the fixing of a first element on a second element, and comprising:
• first and second immobilization tabs secured to the second element in different locations and in first and second planes having different orientations, and each having a central opening
• first and second fastening lugs secured to the first element in different locations and in first and second different directions, and each comprising a central part adapted to be housed and immobilized by clipping in the central opening of the first or second second immobilization lug, and an end portion extending the central portion at an angle selected to rest on the second element to wedge the first element in a direction substantially perpendicular to the corresponding central opening.
• the fixing device according to the invention may comprise other features that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
• a third immobilization lug secured to the second element in another location and in a plane (preferably) substantially parallel to the second plane, and having a central opening
• a third fastening lug secured to the first element in another location and following (preferably) the second direction, and comprising a central part adapted to be housed and immobilized by clipping in the central opening of the third leg; immobilization, and an end portion extending the central portion at an angle selected to rest on the second member to wedge the first member in a direction substantially perpendicular to the corresponding central opening;
• the end portions of the second and third fixing lugs may be secured at selected angles which are adapted to allow the wedging of said first element in the same direction but in opposite directions; the end portion of the second fastening lug and / or the end portion of the third fastening lug are / are adapted to allow locking by elastic deformation;
• Each central opening may comprise a flared portion of prolonged introduction by a rounded portion of immobilization.
• each central portion of a bracket may have a front face of rounded shape and intended to be housed and immobilized in the rounded portion of the corresponding central opening;
• each rounded portion may be semi circular.
• each front face may have a semi-cylindrical shape
• each immobilizing tab may comprise two slightly flexible, substantially identical sub-parts, positioned symmetrically with respect to a median plane, and together defining a flared portion and a rounded portion;
• the first and second planes may be substantially orthogonal to each other.
• the first and second directions are substantially orthogonal to each other;
• the angle chosen can be between about 92 ° and about 150 °;
• auxiliary lug secured to the first element, and a housing defined in the second element and intended to accommodate a portion of the auxiliary lug to prevent rotation of the first element relative to the second element.
• the invention also proposes a first element comprising each fixing lug and the optional auxiliary lug of a fixing device of the type shown above.
• the invention also proposes a second element comprising each immobilizing lug and the possible housing of a fixing device of the type of that presented above.
• the invention also proposes a vehicle optical unit comprising first and second elements of the types of those presented above.
• FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a front-side perspective view, a part of an optical block housing according to the invention assembled with a reflector and a mask,
• FIG. 2 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view on the front side, the casing of FIG. 1 equipped with a part of a fixing device according to the invention and before coupling to a reflector,
• FIG. 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of an immobilization lug of a fixing device according to the invention, secured to the casing of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 4 schematically illustrates, in a rear perspective view, the reflector of FIG. 1 equipped with another part of a fixing device according to the invention and before coupling to the housing of FIG. 2,
• FIG. 5 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a fastening tab of a fastening device according to the invention, secured to the reflector of FIG. 4;
• FIG. 6 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the coupling between the first fixing lug and the first immobilizing lug of the fixing device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4;
• FIG. 7 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the coupling between the second fixing lug and the second immobilizing lug of the fixing device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4;
• FIG. 8 schematically illustrates, in a sectional view, the coupling between the third fixing lug and the third immobilizing lug of the fixing device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, and
• FIG. 9 schematically illustrates, in a front perspective view, the coupling between an auxiliary lug and a housing of the fastener shown in Figures 2 and 4.
• the attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, if any.
• the invention aims to provide a device (D) for allowing the attachment of a first element (R) on a second element (BT).
• the first element (R) is a reflector of an optical block (BO) and the second element (BT) is a case of this same optical block. (BO).
• the invention is not limited to these types of first and second elements. It concerns indeed any type of first element to be fixed on a second element of any type.
• the optical block (BO) generally comprises in addition at least one ice solidarized at the front part of its housing (BT), as well as possibly a mask (M) interposed between its reflector (R) and its mask (M ).
• the optical block (BO) is a signal rear lamp to be installed at the rear of a vehicle, possibly automotive type. But, the invention is not limited to this type of application. It also relates to certain optical blocks, such as headlights (or headlights), intended to be installed at the front of a vehicle, possibly of the automotive type.
• the reflector (R) is intended to reflect light which is emitted by a light source dedicated to the so-called DRL function (for "Daytime running Light” or Lamp) "- illuminated warning light automatically when the vehicle starts to move forward).
• DRL function for "Daytime running Light” or Lamp
• FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a part of an example of a multifunction optical unit BO comprising in particular a first element R, which here constitutes a molded reflector, a second element BT, which here constitutes a molded case and to which the reflector R, and a third element M, which here constitutes a molded mask secured to the LV housing and / or the reflector R and which is interposed between the reflector R and an ice of the optical block BO (not shown).
• a first element R which here constitutes a molded reflector
• BT which here constitutes a molded case and to which the reflector R
• a third element M which here constitutes a molded mask secured to the LV housing and / or the reflector R and which is interposed between the reflector R and an ice of the optical block BO (not shown).
• the reflector (or first element) R defines a cavity which is open in its front part (facing outwards) and which comprises at least one opening OV (see Figure 1) for the passage of at least a portion of a light source, such as a bulb or a lamp or a light-emitting diode, and / or to allow the electrical wiring of such a source from light.
• a light source such as a bulb or a lamp or a light-emitting diode
• housing BT may possibly be secured to a plurality of first elements R of similar or different shapes.
• a fixing device D according to the invention. As illustrated in Figures 2 to 9 (and more particularly in Figures 2 and 4), such a device (fixing) D comprises first and second parts.
• the first part comprises at least first PF1 and second PF2 fixing lugs which are secured to the first element R (here the reflector).
• the second part comprises at least first PU and second PI2 immobilization tabs which are secured to the second element BT (here the housing).
• first PU and second PI2 immobilization tabs are secured to the LV housing in different locations and in first and second planes that have different orientations.
• the first plane is substantially defined by the X and Z directions
• the second plane is substantially defined by the X and Y directions. Therefore, the first and second planes are substantially orthogonal to each other. But, this is not an obligation. They can indeed have a disorientation greater than or less than 90 ° (since it is different from 0 ° or 180 °).
• the places of attachment of the first PUs and second PI2 immobilization tabs preferably differ not only in the first direction Y, but also in the second direction Z and in the third direction X.
• the first PF1 and second PF2 fixing lugs are secured to the reflector R in different locations and in first and second different directions.
• the first direction is substantially defined by the direction Y, while the second direction is substantially defined by the direction Z. Therefore, the first and second directions are substantially orthogonal to each other. But, this is not an obligation. They can indeed have a disorientation greater than or less than 90 ° (since it is different from 0 ° or 180 °).
• the points of attachment of the first PF1 and second PF2 fixing tabs preferably differ not only in the first direction Y, but also in the second direction Z and in the third direction X.
• the device D comprises a third immobilization lug PI3 intended to cooperate with a third bracket PF3.
• This embodiment is intended to improve the positioning accuracy of the reflector R with respect to the LV housing.
• the device D could include only the first PU and second PI2 immobilization tabs and the first PF1 and second PF2 brackets (although this is not optimal in terms of quality of fixation and positioning accuracy of the reflector R).
• the third immobilization leg PI3 is secured to the LV housing in a third place, different from those where the first PU and second PI2 locking tabs are secured (preferably in X, Y and Z), and in a plane which is (preferably) substantially parallel to the second plane (XY).
• the third immobilization leg PI3 also has a central opening OC.
• the third fixing lug PF3 is secured to the reflector R in a third location, different from those where the first PF1 and second PF2 fastening lugs (preferably X, Y and Z) and the (preferably) second one are secured. direction Z. Furthermore, the third fixing lug PF3 also comprises a central part PC which is adapted to be housed and immobilized by clipping in the central opening OC of the third immobilization lug PI3, and which has a first end secured to to the housing BT and a second end extended by an associated end portion PT at an angle which is selected to allow the support of this end portion PT on the housing BT to wedge the reflector R in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the corresponding central opening OC.
• a central part PC which is adapted to be housed and immobilized by clipping in the central opening OC of the third immobilization lug PI3, and which has a first end secured to to the housing BT and a second end extended by an associated end portion PT at
• the setting direction of the reflector R, offered by the end portion PT of the third fixing lug PF3, is substantially the second direction Z. But, this is not obligatory. This timing direction could be different from that offered by the end portion PT of the second bracket PF2I.
• each selected angle of a PFi bracket is between about 92 ° and about 150 °. It depends in fact on the environment of the Pli immobilization tab with which the PFi fixing lug must be considered.
• the end portion PT of the first fixing lug PF1 may bear on an abutment zone ZB of the housing BT, which is situated in the vicinity of the place where is secured the first immobilization leg PU.
• the end portion PT of the second fixing lug PF2 can rest on a transverse rib N of the LV housing, which is located under the second immobilization leg PI2.
• the end portion PT of the third fixing lug PF3 can bear on a peripheral rim RP of the housing BT, which is situated above the third immobilization lug PI3. It is important to note that in FIGS. 6 to 8, the end portions PT of the fixing brackets PFi are not yet resting on the housing BT. This results from the fact that these figures materialize intermediate phases during the coupling operations of the reflector R to the LV housing.
• the end portions PT of the second PF2 and third PF3 mounting tabs are adapted to allow a setting of the reflector R by elastic deformation. But, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the wedging could be by friction or local anchoring (possibly by clipping), for example.
• the cooperation of the first fixing lug PF1 with the first immobilization lug PU provides a setting of the reflector R substantially along the first Y and third X directions
• the cooperation of the second fixing lug PF2 with the second immobilization leg PI2 provides a setting of the reflector R substantially along the second Z and third X directions (with a constraint from top to bottom)
• the cooperation of the third leg Fixing PF3 with the third immobilization leg PI3 provides a setting of the reflector R substantially along the second Z and third X directions (with a constraint from bottom to top).
• Such multi-setting ensures a very precise positioning of the reflector R relative to the LV housing, which allows it to optimally ensure the photometric function for which it was designed.
• the three immobilization lugs Pli are substantially identical. But, this is not mandatory. They could indeed have slightly different shapes.
• each central opening OC of a fixing lug PFi can comprise, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 3, a flared part PE intended to facilitate the introduction of the central part PC corresponding and prolonged by a rounded part PA intended to immobilize closely (although reversibly) the corresponding central PC part.
• each central portion PC of the fixing lug PFi may advantageously have at least one front face whose shape is rounded so that it can be housed and immobilized optimally in the rounded part.
• PA of the corresponding central opening OC is meant by front face the face which is introduced first in the flared portion PE, then in the rounded portion PA.
• each rounded portion PA of a central portion PC may be semi circular, and each front face may have a shape at least semi circular cylindrical.
• each immobilization tab P1 may advantageously comprise two subparts SP1 and SP2 which are slightly flexible, (preferably) substantially identical, (preferably) symmetrically positioned. relative to a median plane, and jointly defining a flared portion PE and a rounded portion PA.
• this decomposition into two subparts SP1 and SP2 provides flexibility that makes it possible to momentarily increase the width of the inlet of a rounded portion PA when a PFi fastening lug is introduced into the central opening OC of the corresponding immobilization leg Pli.
• the Pli immobilization lugs can be envisaged, provided they provide a clipping effect.
• the device D may optionally comprise an auxiliary lug PX secured to the reflector R, and a housing LO defined in the housing BT and intended to house a portion of the auxiliary lug PX.
• This option is intended to prevent rotation of the reflector R occurs relative to the LV housing, especially during the coupling operations.
• the housing LO is defined in an upper part of the housing BT, on the peripheral rim RB, and thus the auxiliary lug PX is defined on an upper part of the reflector R, at a level along the second direction Z which is close to that where is implanted the third bracket PF3.
• the coupling operations may proceed as indicated below.
• the auxiliary tab PX is housed in the housing LO of the housing BT, then the first fixing lug PF1 is clipped into the central opening OC of the first immobilization lug PU, and then the second PF2 (or third PF3 is clipped. ) fixing lug in the central opening OC of the second PI2 (or third PI3) immobilizing lug, then clipping the third PF3 (or second PF2) bracket in the central opening OC of the third PI3 (or second PI2) immobilization leg.
• the fixing brackets PFi and the immobilization tabs Pli may form an integral part respectively of the reflector R and the housing BT.
• This solution is particularly advantageous when the reflector R and the LV housing are made by molding, for example in a plastic or synthetic material (such as polycarbonate (or PC) or polybutylene or thermoset therephthalate (or PBT), for example) .
• a plastic or synthetic material such as polycarbonate (or PC) or polybutylene or thermoset therephthalate (or PBT), for example
• the fixing lugs PFi and / or the immobilization lugs P11 are attached respectively to the reflector R and / or the housing BT, for example by screwing or gluing or welding.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
• Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
• Clamps And Clips (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=43799721

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (6)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2010
  • 2010-07-28 FR FR1056198A patent/FR2963394B1/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2011
  • 2011-07-12 EP EP11743849.9A patent/EP2598795A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2011-07-12 WO PCT/FR2011/051659 patent/WO2012022870A1/fr active Application Filing

Non-Patent Citations (2)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events