EP3810986B1 - Optical unit having a reflector indexed by the mask - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to optical units, possibly for vehicles, providing at least one photometric signaling or lighting function.

Certain light units, generally intended to be fitted to vehicles, possibly motor vehicles, comprise at least one light unit comprising a housing and a glass fixedly fixed to a front part of the housing. This casing delimits an internal space which houses at least one photon source associated with a reflector and with a mask participating together in at least one photometric signaling or lighting function.

For the photometric function to be correctly ensured, it is essential for the reflector to be precisely positioned, with good isostatism, relative to the housing of its optical unit, in three mutually perpendicular directions. To obtain this precise positioning and this good iso-statism, the reflector is usually secured to the housing by means of screws, which requires the provision of fixing lugs on the housing and/or on the reflector, and therefore complicates and increases the costs. the housing mold and/or the reflector mold. In addition, this complicates and therefore makes the assembly of the optical unit more expensive.

The object of the invention is in particular to improve the situation.

The documents WO 2017/068309 A1 And CN207394718U describe known fastening means.

The invention proposes an optical unit comprising, on the one hand, a box delimiting an internal space housing at least one source of photons associated with a reflector and with a mask participating together in at least one photometric function, and, on the other hand , a lens secured fixedly to a front part of the case.

• son masque comprend une partie arrière opposée à la glace et comportant un plot (ou fût) muni d'un trou fileté coopérant avec une vis traversant un trou correspondant défini dans une paroi arrière du boîtier, et d'au moins une ailette d'indexage définie suivant une direction choisie, et
• son réflecteur comprend une partie arrière interposée entre la paroi arrière du boîtier et la partie arrière (correspondante) du masque et munie d'une ouverture présentant une forme homologue à une forme du plot et traversée par une partie d'extrémité de ce dernier afin que le réflecteur soit indexé en position par rapport au masque suivant cette direction choisie tout en l'immobilisant par rapport à la paroi arrière du boîtier.

This optical unit is characterized by the fact that:

• its mask comprises a rear part opposite the crystal and comprising a stud (or shaft) provided with a threaded hole cooperating with a screw passing through a corresponding hole defined in a rear wall of the case, and with at least one indexing wing defined along a chosen direction, and
• its reflector comprises a rear part interposed between the rear wall of the housing and the (corresponding) rear part of the mask and provided with an opening having a shape homologous to a shape of the pad and through which passes an end part of the latter so that the reflector is indexed in position with respect to the following mask this chosen direction while immobilizing it with respect to the rear wall of the housing.

A natural positioning and isostatism of the reflector with respect to the housing is thus obtained by means of the mask, without it being necessary to provide dedicated fixing means of the reflector on this housing.

• son masque peut comprendre deux parties arrière opposées à la glace et comportant respectivement deux plots munis d'ailettes d'indexage définies respectivement suivant deux directions perpendiculaires entre elles. Dans ce cas, son réflecteur comprend deux parties arrière interposées entre la paroi arrière du boîtier et respectivement les deux parties arrière du masque et munies respectivement d'ouvertures présentant des formes homologues aux formes respectives de ces deux plots et traversées respectivement par des parties d'extrémité de ces derniers afin que le réflecteur soit indexé en position par rapport au masque suivant respectivement ces deux directions tout en l'immobilisant par rapport à la paroi arrière du boîtier ;
• chaque plot peut être muni sur sa périphérie, en deux endroits opposés, de deux ailettes d'indexage définies dans un même plan parallèle à la direction choisie concernée,
• son réflecteur peut comprendre une face arrière orientée vers la paroi arrière du boîtier et munie, à proximité de chaque ouverture, d'au moins deux protubérances contactant cette paroi arrière du boîtier en positionnant le réflecteur par rapport à la paroi arrière du boîtier suivant une autre direction choisie, perpendiculaire à chaque direction choisie d'une ailette d'indexage ;
  • > la face arrière de son réflecteur peut être munie autour de chaque ouverture de quatre protubérances présentant des orientations différant deux à deux de 90° ;
• il peut constituer un feu arrière d'un véhicule ;
  • > la fonction photométrique peut être choisie parmi une fonction de feu de position, une fonction de feu de jour (ou DRL (« Daytime running Light (ou Lamp) »)), une fonction d'indicateur de changement de direction (ou clignotant), une fonction feu de stop, une fonction de feu de recul, une fonction de feu de route, une fonction de feu de croisement et une fonction de feu antibrouillard ;
• la source de photons peut comprendre au moins une diode électroluminescente

The optical unit according to the invention may comprise other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

• its mask may comprise two rear parts opposite the glass and respectively comprising two studs provided with indexing fins defined respectively along two mutually perpendicular directions. In this case, its reflector comprises two rear parts interposed between the rear wall of the housing and respectively the two rear parts of the mask and provided respectively with openings having shapes homologous to the respective shapes of these two studs and traversed respectively by parts of end of the latter so that the reflector is indexed in position relative to the mask along these two directions respectively while immobilizing it relative to the rear wall of the housing;
• each stud can be provided on its periphery, in two opposite places, with two indexing fins defined in the same plane parallel to the chosen direction concerned,
• its reflector may comprise a rear face oriented towards the rear wall of the casing and provided, close to each opening, with at least two protrusions contacting this rear wall of the casing by positioning the reflector with respect to the rear wall of the casing along another chosen direction, perpendicular to each chosen direction of an indexing vane;
  • > the rear face of its reflector can be provided around each opening of four protuberances presenting orientations differing two by two by 90°;
• it can constitute a rear light of a vehicle;
  • > the photometric function can be chosen from a position light function, a daytime running light function (or DRL (“Daytime running Light (or Lamp)”), a direction change indicator function (or turn signal) , a brake light function, a reversing light function, a high beam function, a low beam function and a fog light function;
• the photon source may include at least one light emitting diode

The invention also proposes a vehicle, optionally of the automotive type, and comprising at least one optical unit of the type presented above.

• la figure 1 illustre de façon schématique, dans une vue en perspective du côté arrière, une partie d'un exemple de réalisation d'un bloc optique selon l'invention, sans la partie arrière du boîtier,
• la figure 2 illustre de façon schématique, dans une vue en perspective du côté arrière, le bloc optique de la figure 1 avec la partie arrière du boîtier,
• la figure 3 illustre de façon schématique, dans une vue en coupe dans un plan XZ le bloc optique de la figure 2,
• la figure 4 illustre de façon schématique, dans une vue en perspective du côté arrière, une partie du bloc optique de la figure 1, contenant un premier plot du masque traversant partiellement une première ouverture du réflecteur, et
• la figure 5 illustre de façon schématique, dans une vue en perspective du côté arrière, une partie du bloc optique de la figure 1, contenant un second plot du masque traversant partiellement une seconde ouverture du réflecteur.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on examination of the detailed description below, and of the appended drawings (obtained in CAD/DAO ("Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Drawing"), from which the apparently discontinuous character of certain lines), on which:

• there figure 1 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, part of an embodiment of an optical block according to the invention, without the rear part of the housing,
• there figure 2 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, the optical block of the figure 1 with the rear part of the case,
• there picture 3 schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in an XZ plane, the optical block of the figure 2 ,
• there figure 4 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, part of the optical block of the figure 1 , containing a first pad of the mask partially passing through a first opening of the reflector, and
• there figure 5 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, part of the optical block of the figure 1 , containing a second pad of the mask partially passing through a second opening of the reflector.

The object of the invention is in particular to propose an optical unit BO performing at least one photometric function, and comprising a mask M ensuring in particular the indexing in position of its reflector RP.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit BO is intended to equip a motor vehicle. But the invention is not limited to this application. In fact, the BO optical block can be fitted to any device, system, installation or building, and in particular any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) that must provide at least one photometric lighting or signaling function.

Furthermore, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit BO is a rear light. For example, this rear light can be fitted to part of a rear tailgate or a rear trunk door or a vehicle rear wing. But the optical unit could also be a front light or a front projector (or headlight).

On the figures 1 to 5 , the X direction is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is parallel to the side sides including the side doors, the Y direction is the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the side sides and the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

We have schematically illustrated on the figures 1 to 3 part of an example of an optical unit BO according to the invention (here a motor vehicle rear light).

As illustrated, an optical block BO, according to the invention, comprises, on the one hand, a housing BB delimiting an internal space housing in particular at least one source of photons (not shown), a mask M and a reflector RP participating together in at least one photometric function, and, on the other hand, a lens GL fixedly secured to a front part of the housing BB.

It is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the photometric function ensured by the optical unit BO is a position light function (or pilot light or even lantern). But it could be another photometric function, such as a daytime running light function (or DRL (Daytime running Light (or Lamp) - light signaling automatically switched on when the vehicle is put into operation during the day)) , a turn indicator (or turn signal) function, a brake light function, a reversing light function, a high beam function, a dipped beam function, or a fog light function.

The glass GL is fixedly attached (for example by welding (possibly by vibrations) or gluing) and in a sealed manner to the front part of the casing BB. It can be made of transparent plastic (or synthetic) material or glass, and can optionally be colored at least in part, for example red or orange.

The (each) source of photons participating in the aforementioned photometric function (provided by the optical unit BO) can, for example, be installed on an electronic card which is housed in the internal space of the optical unit BO. This electronic card can, for example, be a printed circuit board of the PCB type (“Printed Circuit Board”).

For example, the (each) photon source may comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). As a variant, the (each) photon source can comprise at least one laser diode or a gas laser or else a lamp (or bulb).

The reflector RP is responsible for reflecting photons, coming from the (each) source of photons, in the direction of a part of the glass GL, optionally via at least one optical element, such as for example a lens or a diffuser. It is for example made by molding a plastic material.

The mask M comprises a front part located in the vicinity of the lens GL and defining at least in part an exit zone for the photons reflected by the reflector RP. He can also, possibly, participate in a style effect of his BO optical unit.

Moreover, and as it appears better on the figure 1 And 3 to 5 , This mask M comprises at least one rear part P1j which is opposite to the glass GL and which includes a stud (or barrel) P1j for position indexing. The latter (Plj) is provided with a threaded hole which cooperates with a screw Vj passing through a corresponding hole defined in a rear wall PB of the housing BB (see picture 3 ), and at least one indexing fin Aj which is defined along a chosen direction (here of the vehicle), such as for example the transverse direction Y or the vertical direction Z.

For its part, the reflector RP also comprises at least one rear part P2j which is interposed between the rear wall PB of the housing BB and the corresponding rear part P1j of the mask M (see picture 3 ) and which is provided with an opening Oj having a shape homologous to the shape of the pad (or barrel) Plj corresponding. As it looks better on the figure 1 And 3 to 5 , this opening Oj is traversed by a free end part of this corresponding pad Plj so that the reflector RP is indexed in position relative to the mask M in the chosen direction (here Z or Y) of each indexing fin Aj of this stud Plj while immobilizing it with respect to the rear wall PB of the box BB thanks to the corresponding screw Vj which is screwed into the threaded hole of this stud Plj (see figure 2 And 3 ).

It will be understood that the housing of the free end part of a stud Plj (with each indexing fin Aj oriented in a chosen direction Z or Y) in the corresponding opening Oj of the reflector RP makes it possible to index in position this reflector RP with respect to mask M in this chosen direction Z or Y. mask M which contains this stud Plj, and therefore the screwing of the screw Vj (which passes through a hole in the rear wall PB of the box BB) in the threaded hole of this stud Plj ensures the immobilization of this rear part P2j of the reflector RP relative to the rear wall PB of the housing BB.

The positioning and the isostatism of the reflector RP in at least one direction are therefore naturally relative to the box BB by means of the mask M, without it being necessary to provide dedicated fixing means of the reflector RP on this box BB .

In the example illustrated without limitation on the figures 1 to 5 , THE mask M comprises two first P11 (j = 1) and second P12 (j = 2) rear parts opposite the lens GL, and the reflector RP comprises two first P21 (j = 1) and second P22 (j = 2) rear parts interposed between the rear wall PB of the housing BB and respectively the first P11 and second P12 rear parts of the mask M.

As illustrated on the figure 1 , 3 and 4 , the first rear part P11 of the mask M comprises a first stud PI1 provided with at least one indexing fin A1 defined in a first direction (here the vertical direction Z). As illustrated on the figure 1 And 5 , the second rear part P12 of the mask M comprises a second stud PI2 provided with at least one indexing fin A2 defined along a second direction (here the transverse direction Y) which is perpendicular to the first direction (here Z).

As illustrated on the figure 1 , 3 and 4 , the first rear part P21 of the reflector RP comprises a first opening O1 which has a first shape homologous to the first shape of the first pad PI1 and which is crossed by the end part of this first pad PI1 so that the reflector RP is indexed in position with respect to the mask M along the first direction (here Z), while immobilizing it with respect to the rear wall PB of the housing BB thanks to the first screw V1 screwed into the threaded hole of the first stud P11. As illustrated on the figure 1 And 5 , the second rear part P22 of the reflector RP comprises a second opening 02 which has a second shape homologous to the second shape of the second stud PI2 and which is crossed by the end part of this second stud PI2 so that the reflector RP is indexed in position with respect to the mask M along the second direction (here Y), while immobilizing it with respect to the rear wall PB of the housing BB thanks to the second screw V2 screwed into the threaded hole of the second stud P12.

Thanks to this illustrated embodiment, the positioning and the iso-statism of the reflector RP along the two directions Z and Y are done naturally with respect to the box BB by means of the mask M, without it being necessary to provide means of dedicated fixing of the reflector on this BB box.

For example, and as illustrated without limitation on the figure 1 , 4 And 5 , each stud Plj can be provided on its periphery, in two opposite places, with two indexing fins Aj which are defined in the same plane parallel to the chosen direction (here Z or Y). When the stud Plj is of generally circular cylindrical shape, its two indexing fins Aj are defined respectively at two places on its periphery which are diametrically opposite, and extend radially in opposite directions from this periphery. This option makes it possible to improve the positioning and isostatism of the RP reflector according to the direction (Z or Y) concerned. But in a variant embodiment not shown, each stud Plj could only be provided on its periphery with a single indexing fin Aj, in a single place.

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation on the figure 1 And 3 to 5 , the reflector RP may comprise a rear face FR facing the rear wall PB of the housing BB and provided with at least two protrusions PRj close to each opening Oj. These protuberances PRj are arranged so as to contact this rear wall PB of the housing BB by positioning the reflector RP relative to the rear wall PB of the housing BB in another (third) chosen direction (here the longitudinal direction X) which is perpendicular to each chosen direction (here Z or Y) of an indexing vane Aj.

It will in fact be understood that when the protuberances PRj of a rear part P2j of the reflector RP are in contact with the rear wall PB of the housing BB, this means that this rear part P2j is correctly positioned in the third direction (here X).

It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation on the figure 1 And 3 to 5 , the rear face FR of the reflector RP is provided around each opening Oj with four protuberances PRj which have orientations differing two by two by 90°. But the rear face FR of the reflector RP could be provided around each opening Oj with fewer than four protuberances PRj, such as two (having orientations differing by 180°) or even three (having orientations differing in pairs by 120°) .

• elle permet de garantir le positionnement et l'iso-statisme du réflecteur suivant au moins une direction,
• elle permet de simplifier l'assemblage du bloc optique,
• elle peut permettre de respecter le style choisi pour le bloc optique,
• elle permet de valoriser la signature lumineuse.

The invention offers several advantages, including:

• it makes it possible to guarantee the positioning and isostatism of the reflector in at least one direction,
• it simplifies the assembly of the optical unit,
• it can make it possible to respect the style chosen for the optical block,
• it enhances the light signature.

Claims (10)

1. Optical block (BO) comprising a housing (BB) delimiting an internal space housing at least one photon source associated with a reflector (RP) and with a mask (M) participating in at least one photometric function, and a lens (GL) fixedly attached to a front part of said housing (BB) characterized in that said mask (M) comprises a rear portion (P1j) opposite said lens (GL) and including a stud (Plj) provided with a threaded hole cooperating with a screw (Vj) passing through a corresponding hole defined in a rear wall (PB) of said housing (BB) and at least one indexing fin (Aj) defined along a selected direction and in that said reflector (RP) comprises a rear portion (P2j) interposed between said rear wall (PB) of the casing (BB) and said rear portion (P1j) of the mask (M) and provided with an opening (Oj) having a shape homologous to a shape of said pad (Plj) and traversed by an end portion thereof (Plj) so that said reflector (RP) is indexed in position with respect to said mask (M) along said selected direction while immobilizing it with respect to said rear wall (PB) of the housing (BB).
2. Optical block according to claim 1, characterized in that said mask (M) comprises two rear parts (P1j) opposite said lens (GL) and comprising respectively two studs (Plj) provided with indexing fins (Aj) defined respectively along two mutually perpendicular directions, and in that said reflector (RP) comprises two rear portions (P2j) interposed between said rear wall (PB) of the casing (BB) and said two rear portions (P1j) of the mask (M) and respectively provided with openings (Oj) having shapes homologous to the respective shapes of said two studs (Plj) and traversed respectively by end portions of the latter (Plj) so that the said reflector (RP) is indexed in position with respect to the said mask (M) in the said two directions respectively while immobilizing it with respect to the said rear wall (PB) of the housing (BB).
3. Optical block according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each pad (Plj) is provided on its periphery, at two opposite locations, with two indexing fins (Aj) defined in the same plane parallel to said chosen direction.
4. Optical block according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said reflector (RP) comprises a rear face (FR) oriented towards said rear wall (PB) of the housing (BB) and provided, in the vicinity of each opening (Oj) at least two protrusions (PRj) contacting said rear wall (PB) of the housing (BB) by positioning said reflector (RP) with respect to said rear wall (PB) of the housing (BB) along another selected direction perpendicular to each selected direction of an indexing fin (Aj).
5. Optical block according to claim 4, characterized in that said rear face (FR) of the reflector (RP) is provided around each aperture (Oj) with four protrusions (PRj) having orientations differing two by two by 90°.
6. Optical block according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it constitutes a rear light of a vehicle.
7. An optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said photometric function is selected from a position light function, a daytime running light function, a turn signal function, a stop light function, a reversing light function, a high beam function, a low beam function and a fog light function.
8. The optical unit according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said photon source comprises at least one light emitting diode.
9. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical block (BO) according to one of the preceding claims.
10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.

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