EP4114689A1 - A vehicle comprising a lamp unit and a mounting ring unit for attaching a lamp unit to a vehicle - Google Patents

A vehicle comprising a lamp unit and a mounting ring unit for attaching a lamp unit to a vehicle

Info

Publication number
EP4114689A1
EP4114689A1 EP21710071.8A EP21710071A EP4114689A1 EP 4114689 A1 EP4114689 A1 EP 4114689A1 EP 21710071 A EP21710071 A EP 21710071A EP 4114689 A1 EP4114689 A1 EP 4114689A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
body part
vehicle
lamp
mounting ring
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP21710071.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Johannes Lambrecht Marinus Van Den Berge
Kurosch Hossein ASGHARI
Alphonsus Theodorus Bernardus Rooijakkers
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.)
DAF Trucks NV
Original Assignee
DAF Trucks NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by DAF Trucks NV filed Critical DAF Trucks NV
Publication of EP4114689A1 publication Critical patent/EP4114689A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/0408—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights built into the vehicle body, e.g. details concerning the mounting of the headlamps on the vehicle body
    • B60Q1/0433—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights built into the vehicle body, e.g. details concerning the mounting of the headlamps on the vehicle body the housing being fastened onto the vehicle body using screws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/0408—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights built into the vehicle body, e.g. details concerning the mounting of the headlamps on the vehicle body
    • B60Q1/0466—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights built into the vehicle body, e.g. details concerning the mounting of the headlamps on the vehicle body with arrangement for sealing the headlamp with respect to the vehicle body, or for concealling gaps between the headlamp and the vehicle body
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2619—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic built in the vehicle body
    • B60Q1/2623—Details of the fastening means
    • B60Q1/2626—Screw-nut fasteners
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
    • B60Q1/2619—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic built in the vehicle body
    • B60Q1/2653—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic built in the vehicle body with arrangement for sealing the device with respect to the vehicle body, or for concealing gaps between the device and the vehicle body

Definitions

  • a vehicle comprising a lamp unit and a mounting ring unit for attaching a lamp unit to a vehicle.
  • the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle body part, the vehicle body part having an inner surface directed to an interior of the vehicle and an outer surface opposite the inner surface; a lamp unit attached to the vehicle body part; and an arrangement for attaching the lamp unit to the vehicle body part; wherein the vehicle body part has a through opening for the lamp unit, said through opening being defined by opening edges of the vehicle body part, and a first plurality of body part through holes at locations surrounding the through opening.
  • Such a vehicle is for example known from EP0827865.
  • a device for fitting a lamp unit on a body part of the vehicle.
  • the device comprises means for connecting the lamp unit to the body part which means of connection comprise at least one lug which is integral to a casing of the lamp unit and is provided with a screw thread.
  • a screw socket can be axially re-moveable screwed in the said lug, and the screw socket comprises a centrally bored hole and is made up of two inter- connectable parts which can be mutually axially re-moveable screwed to one another.
  • a nut is integrally arranged at the back of the body part to which the lamp unit is to be fitted and the nut is positioned in line with the screw thread of the lug such that a screw is able to be screwed through the centrally bored hole of the screw socket and to the nut to fit the lamp unit to the body part.
  • the connection of the lamp unit to the body part of this known vehicle is rather labour intensive since a number of nuts are to be integrally attached to the back of the body part and since the total amount of component parts, such as the two part screw socket for each lug, is relatively large. In particular in case a defective lamp unit has to be replaced by a new lamp unit such a replacement is quite labour intensive and requires a relatively large amount of time. Further it has appeared that depending on the weather conditions the attachment of the lamp unit to the body part of the known vehicle is not water proof in all situations and that water can undesirably penetrate to the interior of the vehicle.
  • a lamp unit can be fitted on a body part of the vehicle by means of a gluing process or adhesive bonding.
  • a gluing process is quite labour intensive and replacement of a defective lamp unit is laborious making gluing processes for fitting and servicing vehicle lamp units less user-friendly.
  • At least one of the objects is obtained by providing vehicle comprising a vehicle body part, the vehicle body part having an inner surface directed to an interior of the vehicle and an outer surface opposite the inner surface; a lamp unit attached to the vehicle body part; and an arrangement for attaching the lamp unit to the vehicle body part; wherein the vehicle body part has a through opening for the lamp unit, said through opening being defined by opening edges of the vehicle body part, and a first plurality of body part through holes at locations surrounding the through opening; wherein the lamp unit has a lamp flange part positioned on the outer surface of the vehicle body part, the lamp flange part having a second plurality of lamp through holes, wherein each one of the second plurality of lamp through holes is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes; wherein the arrangement comprises a mounting ring unit and a third plurality of screws; said mounting ring unit having a mounting ring main body with a fourth plurality of integrated nuts; and snap hooks extending from the mounting ring main body over the openings edges of
  • each one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts is a speed nut in order to reduce the time for screwing and unscrewing of the screws to the nuts.
  • the vehicle further comprises a seal positioned between the lamp flange part and the outer surface of the vehicle body part.
  • the mounting ring main body is of flexible material.
  • each one of the fourth plurality of screws is a shoulder screw having a screw head, a screw shoulder and a screw thread, the screw head having a head surface directed to the lamp flange part, wherein the screw shoulder and the head surface of the screw head are provided with a nonreactive coating, preferably a PRECOTE® coating.
  • the vehicle further comprises a single cover member having the configuration of an annulus, said single cover member covering the screw heads of all of the fourth plurality of screws.
  • a single cover member also called a bezel
  • the single cover member has an outer surface flush with the outer surface of the body part, such that air can flow in an aerodynamic manner along the single cover member.
  • the lamp unit comprises a lamp housing, a lens, an over box surrounding the lamp housing and seals positioned between the over box and the lamp housing, wherein the lamp housing and the lens enclose a lamp interior in which a light and reflector unit is positioned, the lamp flange part being formed by a flange of the over box.
  • the performance of the lamp unit is less influenced by humidity, thereby improving driving safety.
  • the front surface of the lens is flush with the outer surface of the body part, such that air can flow in an aerodynamic manner along the lens.
  • the invention further relates to a mounting ring unit for attaching a lamp unit to a vehicle body part of a vehicle according to the invention, wherein the mounting ring unit comprises a mounting ring main body with a fourth plurality of integrated nuts, preferably speed nuts; and snap hooks extending from the mounting ring main body.
  • the mounting ring main body is of flexible material.
  • Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the vehicle comprises a vehicle body part to which a lamp unit is attached;
  • Fig. 2 schematically shows a cross section of a lamp unit attached to a vehicle body part of the vehicle as shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 schematically shows an enlarged part of the cross section of the lamp unit attached to the vehicle body part as shown in Fig. 2;
  • Fig. 4 schematically shows the through opening for the lamp unit in the vehicle body part
  • Fig. 5 schematically shows the mounting ring unit with integrated speed nuts of the arrangement for attaching the lamp unit to the vehicle as shown in Fig. 2;
  • Figs. 6 A and B schematically show the mounting ring unit according to Fig. 5 mounted on the opening edges defining the through opening of the vehicle body part as shown in Fig. 4 as seen from the interior of the vehicle;
  • Fig. 7 schematically shows the lamp unit attached to the vehicle body part with a single cover member covering the screw heads.
  • Fig. 1 an embodiment of a vehicle 1 according to the invention is shown.
  • the vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle body part 2 having an inner surface 3 (see Figs. 2 and 3) directed to an interior of the vehicle 1 and an outer surface 4 opposite the inner surface 3.
  • the vehicle body part 2 has a through opening 5 for a lamp unit 6.
  • the through opening 5 is defined by opening edges 7a-7e (see Fig. 4) of the vehicle body part 2.
  • opening edges 7a-7e see Fig. 4
  • the number of opening edges is five, in other embodiments of the invention the number of opening edges can be different, i.e. the shape of the through opening for the lamp unit is not restricted to the shape of the through opening is shown in the enclosed Figures.
  • a first plurality of body part through holes 8 is provided in the vehicle body part 2 at locations surrounding the through opening 5.
  • the vehicle 1 further comprises a lamp unit 6 which is attached to the vehicle body part 2.
  • the lamp unit 6 has a lamp flange part 9 positioned on the outer surface 4 of the vehicle body part 2.
  • a second plurality of lamp through holes 10 is provided in the lamp flange part 9 .
  • Each one of the second plurality of lamp through holes 10 is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes 8.
  • the lamp unit 6 further comprises a lamp housing 11, a lens 12 and an over box 13 surrounding the lamp housing 11. Seals 14 are positioned between the over box 13 and the lamp housing 11.
  • the lamp housing 11 and the lens 12 enclose a lamp interior 15 in which a light and reflector unit 16 is positioned.
  • the lamp flange part 9 is formed by a flange of the over box 13.
  • the front surface of the lens 12 is flush with the outer surface 4 of the vehicle body part 2 so that an aerodynamic surface can be obtained.
  • ventilation of the lamp unit 6 can be effected, in particular during driving conditions.
  • the vehicle For attaching the lamp unit 6 to the vehicle body part 2 the vehicle comprises an arrangement comprising a mounting ring unit 17 and a third plurality of screws 18.
  • the mounting ring unit 17 comprises a mounting ring main body 19 with a fourth plurality of integrated nuts 20, preferably speed nuts.
  • the mounting ring unit 17 further comprises snap hooks 21 extending from the mounting ring main body 19 over the openings edges 7a-7e of the vehicle body part 2. By means of the snaps hooks 21 the mounting ring unit 17 can be easily attached and detached from the vehicle body part 2.
  • the mounting ring main body 19 engages the inner surface 3 of the vehicle body part 2 and the snap hooks engage the outer surface 4 of the vehicle body part 2 for attaching the mounting ring unit to the vehicle body part 2.
  • Each one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts 20 is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes 8, while each one of the third plurality of screws 18 extends through one of the second plurality of lamp through holes 10 and through one of the first plurality of body part through holes 8 and is screwed to one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts 20.
  • the vehicle 1 further comprises a seal 22 positioned between the lamp flange part 9 and the outer surface 4 of the vehicle body part 2.
  • the material of the seal 22 can e.g. be a synthetic or a plastic, such as silicon rubber, or any other equivalent material.
  • each one of the fourth plurality of screws is a shoulder screw 18 having a screw head 18H, a screw shoulder 18C and a screw thread 18D.
  • the screw head 18H has a head surface 18A which is directed to the lamp flange part 9.
  • the screw shoulder 18C and the head surface 18A of the screw head 18H are provided with a nonreactive coating 18B, preferably a PRECOTE® coating 18B.
  • the non-reactive coating 18B on the head surface 18A and the screw shoulder 18C ensure that during and after fitting of the lamp unit a controlled compression force can be exerted on the seal surfaces, thereby on the one hand preventing damages to the components of lamp unit 6, components of the arrangement for attaching the lamp unit 6 to the vehicle body part 2 and to the vehicle body part 2 itself and on the other hand preventing penetration of water into the interior of the vehicle 1.
  • the vehicle 1 further comprises a single cover member 23 having the configuration of an annulus, covering the screw heads 18A of all of the fourth plurality of shoulder screws 18.
  • the single cover member 23 provides a more esthetic appearance to the vehicle 1 and also provides protection of the arrangement for attaching the lamp unit 6 to the vehicle body part 2, such as the shoulder screws 8, from the environment and thus helps to prevent penetration of water to the interior of the vehicle 1.
  • the single cover member 23 has an outer surface flush with the outer surface 4 of the body part 2, such that air can flow in an aerodynamic manner along the single cover member 23.
  • a lamp unit 6 to a vehicle body part 2 from the exterior of the vehicle 1.
  • Fig. 4 the through opening 5 in the vehicle body part 2 is indicated with the body part through holes 8 surrounding the through opening 5.
  • the mountain ring nit 17 with integrated speed nuts 20 and snap hooks can be positioned from the exterior of the vehicle 1 on the openings edges 7a-7e of the through opening 5, such that the mounting ring main body 19 engages the inner surface 3 of the vehicle body part 2 and the snap hooks 21 engage the outer surface 4 of the vehicle body part 2.
  • the mounting ring unit 17 is positioned such onto the through opening 5 of the vehicle body part 2 that the speed nuts 20 are in line with the body part through holes 8.
  • the mountain ring main body 19 preferably is of flexible material.
  • Figs. 6A and 6B the situation is shown (as seen from the interior of the vehicle 1 ) in which the mounting ring unit 17 is mounted onto the vehicle boy part 2.
  • the seal 22 is positioned adjacent the through opening 5 of the vehicle body part 2.
  • the seal can be provided with a reusable adhesive.
  • the seal 22 can be attached to the lamp flange part 9.
  • the lamp unit 6 can be positioned in the through opening 5 of the vehicle body part 2 such that each one of the second plurality of lamp through holes 10 provided in the lamp flange part 9 is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes 8. Then the shoulder screws 18 can be screwed through the lamp through holes 10 and onto the speed nuts 20 to attach the lamp unit 6 to the vehicle body part. Finally, the single cover member 23 is positioned over the screw heads 18A providing the esthetic appearance to the vehicle 1 as shown in Fig. las well as protection of the lamp unit 6 to the vehicle body part 2.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

A vehicle comprises a body part having an inner surface and an opposite outer surface, a lamp unit and an arrangement for attaching the lamp unit to the body part. The body part has a through opening for the lamp unit defined by opening edges of the body part. A plurality of body part through holes is provided at locations surrounding the through opening. A lamp flange part is positioned on the outer surface and has a plurality of lamp through holes. Each one of the plurality of lamp through holes is aligned with one of the plurality of body part through holes. The arrangement comprises a mounting ring unit and a plurality of screws. The mounting ring unit has a mounting ring main body with a plurality of integrated nuts and snap hooks extending over the openings edges of the body part. The mounting ring main body engages the inner surface and the snap hooks engage the outer surface for attaching the mounting ring unit to the body part. Each one of the plurality of integrated nuts is aligned with one of the plurality of body part through holes. Each one of the plurality of screws extends through one of the plurality of lamp through holes and through one of the plurality of body part through holes and is screwed to one of the plurality of integrated nuts.

Description

Title: A vehicle comprising a lamp unit and a mounting ring unit for attaching a lamp unit to a vehicle.
The invention relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle body part, the vehicle body part having an inner surface directed to an interior of the vehicle and an outer surface opposite the inner surface; a lamp unit attached to the vehicle body part; and an arrangement for attaching the lamp unit to the vehicle body part; wherein the vehicle body part has a through opening for the lamp unit, said through opening being defined by opening edges of the vehicle body part, and a first plurality of body part through holes at locations surrounding the through opening.
Such a vehicle is for example known from EP0827865. In the known vehicle a device is present for fitting a lamp unit on a body part of the vehicle. The device comprises means for connecting the lamp unit to the body part which means of connection comprise at least one lug which is integral to a casing of the lamp unit and is provided with a screw thread. A screw socket can be axially re-moveable screwed in the said lug, and the screw socket comprises a centrally bored hole and is made up of two inter- connectable parts which can be mutually axially re-moveable screwed to one another. A nut is integrally arranged at the back of the body part to which the lamp unit is to be fitted and the nut is positioned in line with the screw thread of the lug such that a screw is able to be screwed through the centrally bored hole of the screw socket and to the nut to fit the lamp unit to the body part. The connection of the lamp unit to the body part of this known vehicle is rather labour intensive since a number of nuts are to be integrally attached to the back of the body part and since the total amount of component parts, such as the two part screw socket for each lug, is relatively large. In particular in case a defective lamp unit has to be replaced by a new lamp unit such a replacement is quite labour intensive and requires a relatively large amount of time. Further it has appeared that depending on the weather conditions the attachment of the lamp unit to the body part of the known vehicle is not water proof in all situations and that water can undesirably penetrate to the interior of the vehicle.
It is also known in the art that alternatively a lamp unit can be fitted on a body part of the vehicle by means of a gluing process or adhesive bonding. However, such a gluing process is quite labour intensive and replacement of a defective lamp unit is laborious making gluing processes for fitting and servicing vehicle lamp units less user-friendly.
There is thus a need in the field to provide an arrangement for attaching a lamp unit to a body part of a vehicle with which attachment and detachment of the lamp unit can be performed in an easy manner and which arrangement provides a better protection of the interior of the body part from the entry of water.
According to the invention at least one of the objects is obtained by providing vehicle comprising a vehicle body part, the vehicle body part having an inner surface directed to an interior of the vehicle and an outer surface opposite the inner surface; a lamp unit attached to the vehicle body part; and an arrangement for attaching the lamp unit to the vehicle body part; wherein the vehicle body part has a through opening for the lamp unit, said through opening being defined by opening edges of the vehicle body part, and a first plurality of body part through holes at locations surrounding the through opening; wherein the lamp unit has a lamp flange part positioned on the outer surface of the vehicle body part, the lamp flange part having a second plurality of lamp through holes, wherein each one of the second plurality of lamp through holes is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes; wherein the arrangement comprises a mounting ring unit and a third plurality of screws; said mounting ring unit having a mounting ring main body with a fourth plurality of integrated nuts; and snap hooks extending from the mounting ring main body over the openings edges of the vehicle body part; wherein the mounting ring main body engages the inner surface of the vehicle body part and wherein said snap hooks engage the outer surface of the vehicle body part for attaching the mounting ring unit to the vehicle body part; wherein each one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes; and wherein each one of the third plurality of screws extends through one of the second plurality of lamp through holes and through one of the first plurality of body part through holes and is screwed to one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts. Since the arrangement for attaching the lamp unit to the vehicle body part comprises such a mounting ring unit with integrated nuts and snap hooks the mounting ring unit can be easily attached and detached, for example manually, to the opening edges of the vehicle body part, in particular from the front of the vehicle, i.e. from the exterior side of the vehicle. In addition, since the mounting ring unit comprises the nuts, there is no need to integrate nuts to the back of the vehicle body part, thereby simplifying the construction of the vehicle body part. Preferably each one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts is a speed nut in order to reduce the time for screwing and unscrewing of the screws to the nuts.
In an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention the vehicle further comprises a seal positioned between the lamp flange part and the outer surface of the vehicle body part. By using a seal positioned between the lamp flange part and the outer surface of the vehicle body part penetration of water to the interior of the vehicle is strongly reduced..
In a further embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention the mounting ring main body is of flexible material. By using a mounting ring main body of flexible material positioning of the mounting ring unit on the opening edges of the through opening in the vehicle body can be effected in a more easy manner.
In a still further embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention, each one of the fourth plurality of screws is a shoulder screw having a screw head, a screw shoulder and a screw thread, the screw head having a head surface directed to the lamp flange part, wherein the screw shoulder and the head surface of the screw head are provided with a nonreactive coating, preferably a PRECOTE® coating. By utilizing such shoulder screws with a non-reactive coating it can be ensured that the a controlled compression force on the seal surfaces is exerted, thereby on the one hand preventing damages to the components of lamp unit, components of the arrangement for attaching the lamp unit to the vehicle body part and to the body part and on the other hand preventing penetration of water into the interior of the vehicle.
In a further embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention the vehicle further comprises a single cover member having the configuration of an annulus, said single cover member covering the screw heads of all of the fourth plurality of screws. Such a single cover member, also called a bezel, does not only provide a more esthetic appearance to the vehicle but also provides protection of the arrangement for attaching the lamp unit to the vehicle body part, such as the screws in particular the shoulder screws, from the environment and thus helps to prevent penetration of water to the interior of the vehicle. Preferably the single cover member has an outer surface flush with the outer surface of the body part, such that air can flow in an aerodynamic manner along the single cover member.
In a still further embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention the lamp unit comprises a lamp housing, a lens, an over box surrounding the lamp housing and seals positioned between the over box and the lamp housing, wherein the lamp housing and the lens enclose a lamp interior in which a light and reflector unit is positioned, the lamp flange part being formed by a flange of the over box. By means of the over box ventilation of the lamp unit can be effected, in particular during driving conditions. For example, during driving in the area where the lamp unit is installed on the vehicle over pressure and under pressure conditions are present which improve the ventilation performance concerning internal heat management and de-condensation performance of the inner surface of the lens of the lamp unit. Further penetration of humidity from the interior of the vehicle, such as a vehicle cabin, into the lamp unit due to the permeability effect of synthetic material normally used for the lamp unit is strongly reduced. Thus by means of the over box the performance of the lamp unit is less influenced by humidity, thereby improving driving safety. Preferably, the front surface of the lens is flush with the outer surface of the body part, such that air can flow in an aerodynamic manner along the lens.
The invention further relates to a mounting ring unit for attaching a lamp unit to a vehicle body part of a vehicle according to the invention, wherein the mounting ring unit comprises a mounting ring main body with a fourth plurality of integrated nuts, preferably speed nuts; and snap hooks extending from the mounting ring main body. Preferably the mounting ring main body is of flexible material.
The invention will be further explained with reference to the Figures, in which a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of according to the invention is shown:
Fig. 1 schematically shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the vehicle comprises a vehicle body part to which a lamp unit is attached;
Fig. 2 schematically shows a cross section of a lamp unit attached to a vehicle body part of the vehicle as shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 schematically shows an enlarged part of the cross section of the lamp unit attached to the vehicle body part as shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 schematically shows the through opening for the lamp unit in the vehicle body part; Fig. 5 schematically shows the mounting ring unit with integrated speed nuts of the arrangement for attaching the lamp unit to the vehicle as shown in Fig. 2;
Figs. 6 A and B schematically show the mounting ring unit according to Fig. 5 mounted on the opening edges defining the through opening of the vehicle body part as shown in Fig. 4 as seen from the interior of the vehicle; and
Fig. 7 schematically shows the lamp unit attached to the vehicle body part with a single cover member covering the screw heads.
In Fig. 1 an embodiment of a vehicle 1 according to the invention is shown. The vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle body part 2 having an inner surface 3 (see Figs. 2 and 3) directed to an interior of the vehicle 1 and an outer surface 4 opposite the inner surface 3.
The vehicle body part 2 has a through opening 5 for a lamp unit 6. The through opening 5 is defined by opening edges 7a-7e (see Fig. 4) of the vehicle body part 2. Although in the embodiments shown in Fig. 4 the number of opening edges is five, in other embodiments of the invention the number of opening edges can be different, i.e. the shape of the through opening for the lamp unit is not restricted to the shape of the through opening is shown in the enclosed Figures. A first plurality of body part through holes 8 is provided in the vehicle body part 2 at locations surrounding the through opening 5.
The vehicle 1 further comprises a lamp unit 6 which is attached to the vehicle body part 2. The lamp unit 6 has a lamp flange part 9 positioned on the outer surface 4 of the vehicle body part 2. In the lamp flange part 9 a second plurality of lamp through holes 10 is provided. Each one of the second plurality of lamp through holes 10 is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes 8. In the shown embodiment the lamp unit 6 further comprises a lamp housing 11, a lens 12 and an over box 13 surrounding the lamp housing 11. Seals 14 are positioned between the over box 13 and the lamp housing 11. The lamp housing 11 and the lens 12 enclose a lamp interior 15 in which a light and reflector unit 16 is positioned. In the shown embodiment the lamp flange part 9 is formed by a flange of the over box 13. The front surface of the lens 12 is flush with the outer surface 4 of the vehicle body part 2 so that an aerodynamic surface can be obtained. By means of the over box 13 ventilation of the lamp unit 6 can be effected, in particular during driving conditions.
For attaching the lamp unit 6 to the vehicle body part 2 the vehicle comprises an arrangement comprising a mounting ring unit 17 and a third plurality of screws 18. The mounting ring unit 17 comprises a mounting ring main body 19 with a fourth plurality of integrated nuts 20, preferably speed nuts. The mounting ring unit 17 further comprises snap hooks 21 extending from the mounting ring main body 19 over the openings edges 7a-7e of the vehicle body part 2. By means of the snaps hooks 21 the mounting ring unit 17 can be easily attached and detached from the vehicle body part 2.
The mounting ring main body 19 engages the inner surface 3 of the vehicle body part 2 and the snap hooks engage the outer surface 4 of the vehicle body part 2 for attaching the mounting ring unit to the vehicle body part 2. Each one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts 20 is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes 8, while each one of the third plurality of screws 18 extends through one of the second plurality of lamp through holes 10 and through one of the first plurality of body part through holes 8 and is screwed to one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts 20.
In the shown embodiment the vehicle 1 further comprises a seal 22 positioned between the lamp flange part 9 and the outer surface 4 of the vehicle body part 2. The material of the seal 22 can e.g. be a synthetic or a plastic, such as silicon rubber, or any other equivalent material. As is clearly shown in Figure 3 each one of the fourth plurality of screws is a shoulder screw 18 having a screw head 18H, a screw shoulder 18C and a screw thread 18D. The screw head 18H has a head surface 18A which is directed to the lamp flange part 9. The screw shoulder 18C and the head surface 18A of the screw head 18H are provided with a nonreactive coating 18B, preferably a PRECOTE® coating 18B. The non-reactive coating 18B on the head surface 18A and the screw shoulder 18C ensure that during and after fitting of the lamp unit a controlled compression force can be exerted on the seal surfaces, thereby on the one hand preventing damages to the components of lamp unit 6, components of the arrangement for attaching the lamp unit 6 to the vehicle body part 2 and to the vehicle body part 2 itself and on the other hand preventing penetration of water into the interior of the vehicle 1.
The vehicle 1 further comprises a single cover member 23 having the configuration of an annulus, covering the screw heads 18A of all of the fourth plurality of shoulder screws 18. The single cover member 23 provides a more esthetic appearance to the vehicle 1 and also provides protection of the arrangement for attaching the lamp unit 6 to the vehicle body part 2, such as the shoulder screws 8, from the environment and thus helps to prevent penetration of water to the interior of the vehicle 1. In the embodiment shown the single cover member 23 has an outer surface flush with the outer surface 4 of the body part 2, such that air can flow in an aerodynamic manner along the single cover member 23.
In accordance with the invention it is possible to relatively easily attach a lamp unit 6 to a vehicle body part 2 from the exterior of the vehicle 1. This will be explained concisely with regard to Figs. 4 to 7. In Fig. 4 the through opening 5 in the vehicle body part 2 is indicated with the body part through holes 8 surrounding the through opening 5. The mountain ring nit 17 with integrated speed nuts 20 and snap hooks can be positioned from the exterior of the vehicle 1 on the openings edges 7a-7e of the through opening 5, such that the mounting ring main body 19 engages the inner surface 3 of the vehicle body part 2 and the snap hooks 21 engage the outer surface 4 of the vehicle body part 2. The mounting ring unit 17 is positioned such onto the through opening 5 of the vehicle body part 2 that the speed nuts 20 are in line with the body part through holes 8. In order to facilitate mounting the mounting ring unit to the vehicle body part 2 the mountain ring main body 19 preferably is of flexible material. In Figs. 6A and 6B the situation is shown (as seen from the interior of the vehicle 1 ) in which the mounting ring unit 17 is mounted onto the vehicle boy part 2. Thereafter the seal 22 is positioned adjacent the through opening 5 of the vehicle body part 2. The aid in fixing the seal 22 the seal can be provided with a reusable adhesive. Alternatively the seal 22 can be attached to the lamp flange part 9. Then the lamp unit 6 can be positioned in the through opening 5 of the vehicle body part 2 such that each one of the second plurality of lamp through holes 10 provided in the lamp flange part 9 is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes 8. Then the shoulder screws 18 can be screwed through the lamp through holes 10 and onto the speed nuts 20 to attach the lamp unit 6 to the vehicle body part. Finally, the single cover member 23 is positioned over the screw heads 18A providing the esthetic appearance to the vehicle 1 as shown in Fig. las well as protection of the lamp unit 6 to the vehicle body part 2.

Claims

Claims
1. A vehicle (1) comprising:
- a vehicle body part (2), the vehicle body part (2) having an inner surface (3) directed to an interior of the vehicle (1) and an outer surface (4) opposite the inner surface (3);
- a lamp unit (6) attached to the vehicle body part (2); and
- an arrangement for attaching the lamp unit (6) to the vehicle body part (2); wherein the vehicle body part (2) has a through opening (5) for the lamp unit (6), said through opening (5) being defined by opening edges (7a- 7e) of the vehicle body part (2), and a first plurality of body part through holes (8) at locations surrounding the through opening (5); wherein the lamp unit (6) has a lamp flange part (9) positioned on the outer surface (4) of the vehicle body part (2), the lamp flange part (9) having a second plurality of lamp through holes (10), wherein each one of the second plurality of lamp through holes (10) is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes (8); wherein the arrangement comprises a mounting ring unit (17) and a third plurality of screws (18); said mounting ring unit (17) having:
- a mounting ring main body (19) with a fourth plurality of integrated nuts (20); and
- snap hooks extending from the mounting ring main body (19) over the openings edges of the vehicle body part (2); wherein the mounting ring main body (19) engages the inner surface (3) of the vehicle body part (2) and wherein said snap hooks engage the outer surface (4) of the vehicle body part (2) for attaching the mounting ring unit (17) to the vehicle body part (2); wherein each one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts (20) is aligned with one of the first plurality of body part through holes (8); and wherein each one of the third plurality of screws (18) extends through one of the second plurality of lamp through holes (10) and through one of the first plurality of body part through holes (8) and is screwed to one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts (20).
2. A vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle (1) further comprises a seal (22) positioned between the lamp flange part (9) and the outer surface (4) of the vehicle body part (2).
3. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 2, wherein the mounting ring main body (19) is of flexible material.
4. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein each one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts (20) is a speed nut.
5. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein each one of the fourth plurality of screws (18) is a shoulder screw having a screw head (18H), a screw shoulder (18C) and a screw thread (18D), the screw head (18A) having a head surface (18A) directed to the lamp flange part (9), wherein the screw shoulder (18C) and the head surface (18A) of the screw head (18H) are provided with a nonreactive coating (18B).
6. A vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the nonreactive coating (18B) is a PRECOTE® coating (18B).
7. A vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the vehicle (1) further comprises a single cover member having the configuration of an annulus, said single cover member covering the screw heads (18A) of all of the fourth plurality of screws (18).
8. A vehicle (1) as claims in claim 7, wherein the single cover member has an outer surface (4) flush with the outer surface (4) of the body part.
9. A vehicle (1) as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 8, wherein the lamp unit (6) comprises a lamp housing (11), a lens (12), an over box (13) surrounding the lamp housing (11) and seals (14) positioned between the over box (13) and the lamp housing (11), wherein the lamp housing (11) and the lens (12) enclose a lamp interior (15) in which a light and reflector unit (16) is positioned, the lamp flange part (9) being formed by a flange of the over box (13).
10. A vehicle (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the front surface of the lens (12) is flush with the outer surface (4) of the body part.
11. A mounting ring unit (17) for attaching a lamp unit (6) to a vehicle body part (2) of a vehicle (1) as claims in any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the mounting ring unit (17) comprises a mounting ring main body (19) with a fourth plurality of integrated nuts (20); and snap hooks extending from the mounting ring main body (19).
12. A mounting ring unit (17) as claims in claim 11, wherein the mounting ring main body (19) is of flexible material.
13. A mounting ring unit (17) as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein each one of the fourth plurality of integrated nuts (20) is a speed nut.
EP21710071.8A 2020-03-02 2021-03-01 A vehicle comprising a lamp unit and a mounting ring unit for attaching a lamp unit to a vehicle Pending EP4114689A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2025026A NL2025026B1 (en) 2020-03-02 2020-03-02 A vehicle comprising a lamp unit and a mounting ring unit for attaching a lamp unit to a vehicle.
PCT/NL2021/050133 WO2021177814A1 (en) 2020-03-02 2021-03-01 A vehicle comprising a lamp unit and a mounting ring unit for attaching a lamp unit to a vehicle.

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4114689A1 true EP4114689A1 (en) 2023-01-11

Family

ID=70805163

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP21710071.8A Pending EP4114689A1 (en) 2020-03-02 2021-03-01 A vehicle comprising a lamp unit and a mounting ring unit for attaching a lamp unit to a vehicle

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4114689A1 (en)
NL (1) NL2025026B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2021177814A1 (en)

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US4954932A (en) * 1989-11-22 1990-09-04 Itc Incorporated Transom light
FR2753149B1 (en) 1996-09-06 1998-11-27 Peugeot DEVICE FOR MOUNTING AN OPTICAL BLOCK ON A BODY ELEMENT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
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US5407310A (en) * 1993-10-19 1995-04-18 Agape Plastics, Inc. Mounting plate assembly
EP1508704B1 (en) * 2003-08-19 2006-06-14 HAPPICH Fahrzeug- und Industrieteile GmbH Profile connection
US20120074283A1 (en) * 2009-04-01 2012-03-29 Nifco Inc. Clip
US20130039694A1 (en) * 2010-04-28 2013-02-14 Audi Ag Component for a motor vehicle
US20180355897A1 (en) * 2016-02-02 2018-12-13 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Panel Assembly for a Motor Vehicle

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL2025026B1 (en) 2021-10-14
WO2021177814A1 (en) 2021-09-10

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