ES2368372T3 - OPTICAL AUTOMOBILE VEHICLE BLOCK THAT WALLS AN LED AND HAS AN ELEMENT THAT HIDES THE LIGHT. - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit (FA) has a screen (EC) including a diffusion element (LD) and placed in front of a light source (S) e.g. lamp, housed in a case (B), where a mask (MA) is placed in front of the screen. The mask has a functional hole (TF1) associated with the element and a non-functional hole (TN1) placed at a side of the functional hole. An occultation element (EO) i.e. planar flexible joint, is installed between the case and the mask behind the non-functional hole, and prevents light issued from the source from passing by the non-functional hole, where the element is made of synthetic rubber.

Description

Optical block of a motor vehicle that looks like a LED and has an element that hides the light

The invention relates to the optical blocks of a motor vehicle.

As the person skilled in the art knows, certain optical blocks of a motor vehicle, and especially those that are located at the rear (called signaling taillights), are constituted by an assembly of elements comprising:

 a box, which houses at least one light source, a screen provided with diffusion elements and placed in front of the light source, and a mask, generally metallized (for example chrome), placed in front of the screen and provided with associated holes to the broadcasting elements, and

 a crystal placed in front of the mask.

This type of optical block, which is especially described in patent document FR 2808247, is intended to provide at the mask level an effect called LED (electroluminescent diode (or LED in English)) that is similar to that offered by LEDs, but using a traditional light source (such as a lamp (or bulb)) instead of the LEDs.

The photometry that a "mask lamp" system must respect is set by the number of holes in the mask, called functional, which are sufficient to diffuse the lamp light. By varying this photometry from one optical block model to another, it will be understood that certain mask holes may be non-functional (i.e., useless for the definition of photometry). In other words, the number of functional holes and the number of non-functional holes (intended to give a style effect) vary from one optical block model to another. However, when the mask lamp system does not ensure its function (and therefore when the lamp is off), the color perceived at the level of the functional holes is substantially different from that perceived at the level of the functional holes, that hurts the style of the function.

The invention then aims to improve the situation.

For this purpose, it proposes an optical block intended to be part of a motor vehicle and comprising i) a box that houses at least one light source, a screen provided with a number N of diffusion elements and placed in front of the source of light, and a mask placed in front of the screen and provided with M functional holes respectively associated with at least some of the diffusion elements and K non-functional holes placed next to the functional holes, and ii) a crystal placed in front of the mask.

N is greater than or equal to 1, and preferably greater than or equal to 2. K is greater than or equal to 1, and preferably greater than or equal to 2. M is less than or equal to N, greater than or equal to 1, and preferably greater than or equal to 2.

This optical block is characterized by the fact that it also comprises at least one concealment element installed between the box and the mask, behind the non-functional holes, and arranged so as to prevent the light coming from the source from passing through. through non-functional holes.

According to the invention, an optical vehicle vehicle block is also provided, comprising i) a box that houses at least one light source, a screen provided with several diffusion elements and placed in front of said light source, and a mask placed in front of said screen and provided with several holes of which at least some are associated respectively with at least some of said diffusion elements, and ii) a glass placed in front of said mask, characterized in that it also comprises at least one concealment element installed between said box and said mask behind only some of said holes and arranged to prevent the light coming from said source from passing through these hidden holes.

The optical block according to the invention may comprise other characteristics that can be taken separately or in combination, and especially:

 its concealment element may have a color that is substantially identical to the color that the crystal has in front of the mask;

 its concealment element may be a substantially flat flexible joint, made for example of synthetic rubber;

 The number N of diffusion elements can be equal to the number M of functional holes. In this case, the concealment element can be installed next to the screen;

 In a variant, the number N of diffusion elements may be equal to the sum of the number M of functional holes and the number K of non-functional holes. In this case, the concealment element can be installed between the box and the screen behind the diffusion elements that are associated with the non-functional holes;

its box may comprise, on an inner face, at least two suitable lugs to immobilize the concealment element in its position of concealment of light;

the number M of functional holes can be equal to 6 and the number K of non-functional holes can be equal to 4.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description that follows, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an example of an optical block embodiment according to the invention, prior to assembly,

Figure 2 schematically illustrates the screen and a concealment element installed in the box of the optical block example of Figure 1, and

Figure 3 illustrates the example of an optical block of Figure 1, once assembled.

The accompanying drawings may serve not only to complete the invention, but also to contribute in its case to its definition.

An exemplary embodiment of an optical block FA according to the invention, prior to assembly, intended to equip a motor vehicle is shown schematically in FIG. In this non-limiting example, the optical block FA is a rear signaling light intended to be installed at the rear of a motor vehicle. But, the invention is not limited to this type of implantation. This also refers to certain optical blocks intended to be installed in the front of a motor vehicle.

An optical (rear) block FA of this type comprises a housing B joined on the front side to a glass (front) G and possibly on the rear side what the specialist in the field calls "lamp holder" PL. The latter (PL) serves as a support for at least one light source S, such as a lamp (or bulb). In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 1, the lamp holder PL supports in its upper part a lamp that does not participate in the invention, and in its lower part a lamp S which is part of what the specialist in the field sometimes calls the "mask lamp system" object of the invention.

It is recalled that a mask lamp system is intended to ensure a predetermined function of a predetermined photometry within an optical block FA while offering an effect of electroluminescent diodes (or LEDs (or also LEDs)). Among these functions, the reverse light (white), the flashing light (orange) and the stop light (red) can be mentioned.

The box B houses (on the front side, that is on the side of its inner face Fl) an EC screen, at least one concealment element EO and a mask MA.

In the example of non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the box B is intended to house a single concealment element EO. But, the invention is not limited to this number of EO concealment elements, as will be seen later. This, in effect, applies to optical blocks FA comprising at least one element of concealment EO.

As best illustrated in Figure 2, the screen EC is installed in the box B so that it is placed in front of the light source S. This comprises a number N (N; 2) of diffusion elements LD. Each diffusion element is presented in the form of a diffusion lens or a prism intended to diffuse a part of the light that the light source emits in the direction of the crystal G (that is, towards the front part (corresponding here to the rear of the vehicle.) The diffusion elements LD are arranged so that they contribute to the photometry of the function that is secured by the mask mask system of the optical block FA.

This EC screen can be for example a molded part made of a material such as polycarbonate (or PC).

In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the screen EC comprises ten diffusion elements LD. But, the invention is not limited to this number N = 10 of diffusion elements LD. This, in effect, refers to any EC screen that comprises at least one (N; 1) LD broadcast element.

On the other hand, in the exemplary non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the four rightmost diffusion elements LD are not completely surrounded by material. This is intended to facilitate and / or improve the concealment of light by the concealment element OE, as will be seen later. Also. This allows to reduce the weight of the EC screen.

Finally, in the exemplary non-limiting embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the screen EC comprises an upper part positioned above the diffusion elements LD. This upper part is intended to contribute to another function of the optical block FA together with the lamp that is located above the lamp S of the mask lamp system in the lamp holder PL. It will be understood that this upper part may not exist. It will also be understood that the screen EC may advantageously comprise a lower part placed below the diffusion elements LD.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3, the mask MA is installed in the box B so that it is placed in front of the screen EC and behind the glass G. This comprises, on the one hand, a number M (with M�N and M; 1) of holes (or windows) called functional �Fm (m = 1 to M) respectively associated with at least some of the diffusion elements LD and, on the other, a number K (with K; 1) of holes (or windows) called non-functional �N� (� = 1 to K) placed next to the functional holes �Fm.

By "functional hole" is meant here a hole (or window) that is associated with a diffusion element LD that contributes to the photometry of the function that is secured by the mask mask system of the optical block FA, and that therefore contributes equally to this function. Another way of expressing things is to say that the functional holes are those that will remain hidden during the placement of the concealment element, while the non-functional holes are those that will remain hidden during the placement of the concealment element. The choice between the holes that are to be hidden and those that are not to be hidden depends on the desired photometry, for example light everywhere or only on one side, or on the set that makes this or that luminous motive rather than other.

On the other hand, by "non-functional hole" is meant here a hole (or window) that is not associated with a diffusion element LD or that is associated with a diffusion element LD that does not contribute to the photometry of the function which is ensured by the mask lamp system of the optical block FA, and therefore does not contribute to this function. It will be understood, in effect, that N can be equal to M�K (as in the non-limiting example illustrated), but that N = M can also be had. Non-functional holes �N� are therefore used for the style, that is, to participate in the effect of DELs.

Finally, by "hole associated with a diffusion element LD" is meant here a hole (or window) �Fm or �N� which is placed in front of a (or in front of a) diffusion element LD or that houses at least a part of a diffusion element LD (as is the case in the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 3).

In the non-limiting embodiment example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the MA mask comprises six functional holes (or windows) �Fm (�F1 to �F6, m = 1 to 6, M = 6) and four holes (or windows) non-functional �N� (�N1 to �N4, � = 1 to 4, K = 4). Of course, numerous other combinations can be considered as long as there is N; 1, M�N (with M; 1) and K; 1.

The MA mask is preferably metallized (for example chrome), at least partially, especially on its front face which is intended to be observed from outside the vehicle and in reflective parts that define at least partially the holes (or windows) �Fm and �N�. It will be understood that the shape of the mask M depends on the way in which the diffusion elements LD are arranged relative to each other in the box B in order to offer an effect of DELs. Also, the shape of the holes �Fm and �N� depends on the shape of the diffusion elements LD. In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the diffusion elements LD and the holes �Fm and �N� have substantially square shapes.

Each concealment element EO is installed between the box B and the mask MA, behind the non-functional holes �N�. An concealment element EO is arranged so as to prevent the light coming from the lamp (source) S from passing through at least one non-functional hole �N�. It is understood that in the presence of a single concealment element EO and several non-functional holes �N� (case of the non-limiting example illustrated), this concealment element EO prevents the light coming from the lamp (source) S from passing through each of the non-functional holes �N�. It will also be understood that if the non-functional holes �N� are placed in different places, not adjacent, with respect to the functional holes �Fm, then several (at least two) EO concealment elements must be used if it is intended to prevent the light that comes from the lamp (source) S passes through the different non-functional holes �N�.

On the other hand, each concealment element EO can be colored or not colored according to the needs, and especially according to the area of the crystal G that is located in front of the mask MA is colored or not colored. In general, it is advantageous that the concealment element EO has a color that is substantially identical to that of the area of the crystal G that is located in front of the mask MA.

When the number N of diffusion elements LD is equal to the number M of functional holes �Fm, each concealment element EO may be installed next to the screen EC, behind one (or several or all) hole (s) no functional (ies) �N�. Preferably, the concealment element EO is adhered against the non-functional holes �N� in order to replace diffusion elements LD not intended to be useless for the definition of the photometry of the function of the mask lamp system.

On the contrary, when the number N of diffusion elements LD is equal to the sum of the number M of functional holes �Fm and the number K of non-functional holes �N�, which is the case in the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 2, each concealment element EO is preferably installed between the box B and the screen EC, behind one (or several or all) diffusion element (s) LD that is associated with one (s) or several, or all) non-functional holes (s) �N�. With this type of placement of the concealment element EO, it is preferable that the latter (EO) directly surrounds as much as possible the diffusion elements LD behind which it is placed. For this reason, it is advantageous that the diffusion elements LD behind which it is placed are surrounded by a minimum of material (as illustrated in Figure 2). It will be noted that this may eventually require the presence of openings and / or cutouts in the concealment element EO for the passage of connecting bridges between the "functional" and the "nonfunctional" diffusion elements LD.

It will be understood that the shape of an EO concealment element depends mainly on the way in which the non-functional holes �N� and the associated diffusion elements LD are arranged relative to each other in the box B. In the non-limiting example illustrated in the Figures 1 and 2, the non-functional holes �N� and the associated diffusion elements LD form substantially a square. Because of this, the concealment element EO has a square or rectangular shape. But, this could present any other form, and especially a triangular form or in L or also in U.

Thanks to the placement of the concealment element EO (possibly colored) proposed above, on the one hand, the non-functional holes �N� appear to be substantially the same color as the functional holes

�Fm when the mask lamp system does not ensure its function (and therefore when the lamp S is off), thus allowing not to degrade the style and, on the other, the mask mask system provides the desired photometry for its function (when the lamp S is on).

The immobilization of a concealment element EO with respect to the box B, in its position of concealment of light, can be done for example by means of at least two lugs (or pawns) P� which are defined in appropriate places of the internal face Fl of the aforementioned box B.

Each concealment element EO can be made, for example, in the form of a substantially flat flexible joint. An EO gasket of this type can be made, for example, of synthetic rubber (such as EPDM ("Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer" ethylene propylene diene thermopolymer)). A substantially flat flexible joint can, in fact, be adapted relatively easily to the shapes of the elements (or pieces) between which it is placed and thus prevent the passage of light through these elements (or pieces).

The invention is not limited to the optical block embodiments described above, by way of example only, but encompasses all the variants that the person skilled in the art may consider within the framework of the following claims.

Claims (8)

one.

Optical block (FA) of a motor vehicle comprising i) a box (B) that houses at least one light source (S), a screen (EC) provided with a number N of diffusion elements (LD) and placed in front of said light source (S), and a mask (MA) placed in front of said screen (EC) and provided with M functional holes (�Fm) respectively associated at least to some of said diffusion elements (LD) and of K non-functional holes (�N�) placed next to the mentioned functional holes (�Fm), and ii) a crystal (G) placed in front of the mentioned mask (MA), characterized in that it also comprises at least one concealment element (EO) installed between said box (B) and said mask (MA) behind said non-functional holes (�N�) and arranged to prevent the light coming from said source (S) from passing through the aforementioned non-functional holes (�N�).

2.

Optical block (FA) of a motor vehicle comprising i) a box (B) that houses at least one light source (S), a screen (EC) provided with a number N of diffusion elements (LD) and placed in front of said light source (S), and a mask (MA) placed in front of said screen (EC) and provided with several holes (�Fm, �N�) of which at least some are associated respectively with at least some of said diffusion elements (LD) and ii) a crystal (G) placed in front of said mask (MA), characterized in that it also comprises at least one concealment element (EO) installed between said box (B) and said mask (MA) behind only some of said holes (�N�) and arranged to prevent the light coming from said source (S) from passing through these hidden holes (�N�).

3.

Optical block according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the concealment element (EO) has a color substantially identical to the color of said glass (G) in front of the mask (MA).

Four.

Optical block according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said concealment element (EO) is a substantially flat flexible joint.

�. Optical block according to claim 4, characterized in that said gasket (EO) is made of synthetic rubber.

6.

Optical block according to one of the claims 1 to �, characterized in that said number N of diffusion elements (LD) is equal to said number M of non-hidden holes (�Fm), and because said element of concealment (EO) ) is installed next to the screen (EC).

7.

Optical block according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said number N of diffusion elements (LD) is equal to the sum of the number M of non-hidden holes (�Fm) and the number K of hidden holes ( �N�), and because the said concealment element (EO) is installed between the aforementioned box (B) and the aforementioned screen (EC) behind the diffusion elements (LD) that are associated with the hidden holes (�N �).

8.

Optical block according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said box (B) comprises on an inner face (Fl), at least two lugs (P�) suitable for immobilizing said hiding element (EO) in its position of concealment of light.

9.

Optical block according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said number M of non-hidden holes (�Fm) is equal to 6 and said number K of hidden holes (�N�) is equal to 4.