ES2531636T3 - Optical block of motor vehicle with functional separation plate secured to its main wall by pressing under elastic tension - Google Patents

Abstract

Optical block (BO) of a motor vehicle comprising at least one main wall (PP) defining a cavity subdivided into a part of a first reflector (R1), intended to ensure at least partially a first photometric function, and at least a part of a zone (R2), located next to said part of the first reflector (R1) and intended to ensure at least partially a second photometric function, said main wall (PP) being provided with first fixing means (MF1j), characterized in that it comprises a metal plate (PM) comprising a rear part (PRP) that is placed at the bottom of the cavity and a front part (PVP), said metal plate being provided with second fixing means (MF2j) of elastic type that cooperate with the said first fixing means (MF1j) to solidarity the metal plate (PM) to the main wall (PP) by tension connection according to a first direction and in a position that ensures at a separation of said first and second photometric functions, the plate being visible from outside the optical block.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Optical block of motor vehicle with functional separation plate secured to its main wall by pressing under elastic tension

The invention concerns the optical vehicle vehicle blocks that ensure at least two photometric functions.

Certain optical vehicle vehicle blocks comprise a main wall that defines, on the one hand, a reflector that ensures a first photometric function and, on the other, at least a part of an area (possibly another reflector) that is located next to the reflector and which ensures at least partially a second photometric function. These optical blocks also comprise a glass placed in front of at least one reflector as well as possibly a mask interspersed between the glass and at least one reflector.

By "photometric function" is meant here a function that allows orienting (for example, reflecting towards the front) and / or coloring the light that is emitted by an (internal) lamp. On the other hand, "mask" is understood here as a piece that especially defines a part of the optical block style. This is generally metallized and placed behind the glass so that at least its front part is visible from the outside.

In order to separate the two aforementioned photometric functions within an optical block, it has been proposed to place a separating wall in the latter.

For example, in US 4,774,637 it has been proposed to extend the part of the wall defining the reflector towards the front to the level of the glass and fix a metal separating wall between the mask and the glass in the extension of this part of wall. In this case, the inner face of the glass comprises fixing legs that allow immobilizing the metal separation wall. With the separator plate in contact with the glass, when the vehicle is traveling, vibrations and / or shocks induce not only tensions in the glass, but also noise. In addition, the realization of the glass fixing legs generally induces what the person skilled in the art calls rechupes (local injection defects) that are visible from outside the optical block.

It has also been proposed to fix a molded plastic separating wall to the inner face of the mask so as to extend to the latter the part of the wall that defines the reflector. Certainly, this separating wall is metallized in order to reflect the light, but it cannot be shaped so as to ensure a vehicle a true photometric function because it is performed by molding. Due to this, the part of the wall that defines the reflector is the one that must ensure a true photometric function, which constitutes a design and manufacturing requirement. In addition, the demolding of the separating wall generally induces defects that may be visible from the outside of the optical block. It should be noted that these defects are still visible after metallization.

From EP1882881, a metal plate arranged at the rear of the main wall of the optical block is also known to perform only a heatsink function, without visible influence at the level of the vehicle style.

The invention therefore aims to improve the quality of the optical block.

For this purpose, it proposes an optical block according to the characterizing part of claim 1.

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

- its second fixing means may be arranged in the form of at least two embedded elastic legs;

• these elastic legs may comprise at least one local deformation, for example hemispherical;

 at least one of the elastic legs may comprise a first local deformation of the concave type and a second local deformation of the convex type;

- at least one of the first fixing means may be arranged in the form of an appropriate housing for receiving and for cooperating with a second fixing means;

•

a housing may be defined in a fixing leg that is integral to the main wall;

•

a housing may be defined in the main wall;

 this housing can then comprise first and second faces located opposite each other, the first face being provided with at least one projection oriented towards the second face and intended to join one of the second fixing means towards the second face;

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- the metal plate may comprise four second fixing means appropriate to cooperate with four first fixing means;

-the main wall may comprise at least one auxiliary housing. In this case, the metal plate may comprise at least one appropriate positioning leg to be housed in the auxiliary housing.

5 correspondingly so as to preposition the metal plate with respect to the main wall in two substantially perpendicular directions, before cooperating together with the first and second fixing means;

• the metal plate can comprise two appropriate positioning legs to be housed in two corresponding auxiliary housings of the main wall;

10 -the metal plate may be arranged so that it participates at least in the first photometric function.

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

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

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

- Figures 3 and 4 schematically illustrate, in perspective views on two opposite sides, the embodiment of a metal plate of Figure 2,

20 - Figure 5 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a first zone of the metal plate of Figures 3 and 4 in which a first elastic leg is defined,

-Figure 6 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a first part of the main wall of Figures 1 and 2 in which a first fixing leg that cooperates with the first elastic leg of the figure is defined 5,

25 - Figure 7 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a second area of the metal plate of Figures 3 and 4 in which a second elastic leg is defined,

-Figure 8 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a second part of the main wall of Figures 1 and 2 in which a first housing designed to accommodate the second elastic leg of Figure 7 is defined,

30 - Figure 9 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), the second part of the main wall of Figure 8 once the second elastic leg of Figure 7 is housed in its first housing,

Figure 10 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a third part of the main wall of Figures 1 and 2 in which a second housing is defined that houses a third elastic leg defined in a third zone of the metal plate of figures 3 and 4,

35 - Figure 11 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, a fourth elastic leg defined in a fourth area of the metal plate of Figures 3 and 4,

- Figure 12 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a fourth part of the main wall of Figures 1 and 2 in which a third housing is defined which houses the fourth elastic leg of Figure 11,

40 - Figure 13 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a fifth area of the metal plate of Figures 3 and 4 in which two positioning legs are defined, and

, Figure 14 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view (front side), a fifth of the main wall of Figures 1 and 2 in which two auxiliary housings are housed that respectively house the positioning legs of Figure 13 .

The accompanying drawings may not only complete the invention, but also contribute, if necessary, to its definition.

The invention aims to propose an optical block (BO) intended to be implanted in a motor vehicle and that ensures at least two similar photometric functions.

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In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical block (BO) is a headlight (or front projector) intended to be installed in the front of a motor vehicle. But, the invention is not limited to this type of implantation. This also concerns certain optical blocks, such as two rear signaling lights, intended to be installed in the rear of a motor vehicle.

Reference will first be made to Figures 1 and 2 to present an optical block BO according to the invention.

Said optical block BO especially comprises a main wall PP, a metal plate PM of functional separation, a glass (not shown), as well as a possible mask (not shown).

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

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the part of the main wall PP defining the first reflector R1 comprises a central opening O1 intended to receive a emitting part of a lamp (or bulb) L1. In this case, this part of the main wall PP comprises an internal FIP face that is shaped and treated (for example metallized) so as to reflect towards the front the light that is emitted by the lamp L1. This predetermined reflection function (and therefore in the form of light) constitutes at least partially the first photometric function of the first reflector R1.

The zone R2 which is defined by the main wall PP constitutes for example a part of at least one second reflector. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, this zone (or second reflector) R2 comprises a central opening O2 intended to receive a emitting part of a lamp (or bulb) L2. In this case, the front face FIP of the main wall part PP that defines at least partially the second reflector R2 is shaped and treated (for example metallized) so as to reflect towards the front the light that is emitted by the lamp L2 . This predetermined reflection function (and therefore in the form of light) constitutes at least partially the second photometric function of the second reflector (or zone) R2.

The term "inner face" is understood here as the FIP face of the main wall PP that delimits the interior of said cavity. On the other hand, "external face" is understood here as the FEP face (see Figure 13) of the main wall PP that delimits the exterior of said cavity.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the cavity (delimited by the main wall PP) houses a metal plate PM in a position that ensures a separation of the first and second photometric functions. The solidarity of this metal plate PM to the main wall PP is made by tension connection according to a first direction D1 by cooperation of first fixing means MF1j of the main wall PP and second fixing means MF2j of the metal plate PM on the which will come back later. This first address D1 is substantially parallel to the vertical direction once the optical block BO is installed in a motor vehicle.

Preferably, the metal plate PM is arranged so that it participates in at least the first photometric function. This, equally and eventually, can participate in the second photometric function. For this purpose, and as illustrated in a non-limiting manner in Figures 2 to 4, the metal plate PM can, for example, be embedded so as to define stairs or stair steps that each have a chosen inclination adapted to the function. Photometric to be ensured.

The metal plate PM comprises a rear part PRP, which is placed at the bottom of the cavity (in the vicinity of the central opening O1), and a front part PVP, which is located just in front of the inner face of the mask M (when it is planned) or just in front of the inner face of the glass (in the absence of a mask). Remember that the glass is usually placed in front of at least the first reflector R1 and that the eventual mask is sandwiched between the glass and at least the second reflector R2. The glass and the eventual mask M are in solidarity with the main wall PP.

It is considered here that the word "front" qualifies a face or part that is intended to be oriented outside the vehicle, while the word "rear" qualifies a face or part that is intended to be oriented towards the vehicle interior

In accordance with the invention, and as indicated above, the main wall PP and the metal plate PM respectively comprise first MF1j and second MF2j fixing means that cooperate together, with a view to sympathetic to each other by tension connection, without the PVP front of the PM metal plate is in contact with the inner face of the mask or glass.

For example, and as illustrated in a non-limiting manner in Figures 3 to 7 and 9 to 12, the second fixing means MF2j may be arranged in the form of at least two embedded elastic legs. The use of elastic legs is particularly advantageous because it allows to absorb possible clearances induced by local dimensional variations.

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In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the metal plate PM comprises four second fixing means MF21 to MF24 (j = 1 to 4) suitable for cooperating respectively with four first fixing means MF11 to MF14 (j = 1 to 4). But, the metal plate PM could comprise two, three or five, even more than five, second fixing means MF2j.

In the non-limiting example illustrated, the four second fixing means MF2j are defined respectively at the peripheral edge of the metal plate PM, in four different zones Zj. In this case, the first Z1 and second Z2 zones are located in the front PVP of the PM metal plate, while the third Z3 and fourth Z4 zones are located in the rear PRP of the PM metal plate.

The respective orientations and shapes of the elastic feet MF2j depend on the places where the corresponding second fixing means MF1j of the main wall PP are defined. For example, in the non-limiting example illustrated, the first elastic leg MF21 (see Figures 3, 5 and 6) is folded towards the lower face FI of the metal plate PM, which is oriented towards the second reflector R2, while the second MF22 (see 3, 4 and 7), third MF23 (see figures 3, 4 and 10), and fourth MF24 (see figures 3, 4 and 11) elastic legs are inclined towards the side of the upper face FS of the metal plate PM, which is oriented towards the first reflector R1.

For example, and as illustrated in a non-limiting manner in Figures 3 to 7 and 9 to 12, the elastic feet MF2j may comprise at least one local deformation DL, preferably hemispherical (for example hemisphere), intended to favor its union against a part of the first corresponding fixing means MF1j. This local deformation DL is obtained by drawing.

In the illustrated non-limiting example, the first MF21, second MF22 and third MF23 elastic legs each comprise a local (hemispherical) deformation DL of concave or convex type, while the fourth elastic leg MF24 comprises a first local deformation (hemispherical ) DL of concave type and a second local (hemispherical) deformation DL of convex type (for a tensioning of the metal plate PM according to the first direction D1 in two opposite directions). But, the number of local deformations of each elastic leg MF2j can be equal to one or two, even three. Other forms can also be considered for local deformations DL. Thus these can be for example pyramidal (essentially truncated). It should be noted that local deformations DL may eventually vary from one elastic leg MF2j to another MF2j ’.

As indicated above, the first fixing means MF1j are arranged to cooperate respectively with the corresponding (at least two) second fixing means MF2j. In the presence of second fixing means MF2j arranged in the form of elastic legs, the first fixing means MF1j can be advantageously carried out in the form of housings (or cavities). This, in effect, allows masking at least some of the elastic feet MF2j, making them invisible from the outside of the optical block BO.

For example, at least one of the fixing means MF1j can be arranged in the form of a housing defined in a fixing leg PF that is connected to the main wall PP. This is the case of the first fixing means MF11 in the non-limiting example in Figure 6. More precisely, in this non-limiting example the main wall PP comprises a first zone in which a fixing leg PF provided with end level (front) free of an MF11 housing that defines the first fixing means and intended to accommodate the first MF21 elastic leg. The first MF11 housing is here open on three sides in order to facilitate the introduction of the first MF21 elastic leg.

For example, at least one of the first fixing means MF1j can be arranged in the form of a housing defined in the main wall PP. This is the case of the second MF12 (see Figures 8 and 9), third MF13 (see Figure 10), and fourth MF14 (see Figure 12) first fixing means in the non-limiting example illustrated.

More precisely, in this non-limiting example, the main wall PP comprises:

-a second zone in which a second housing MF12 is defined which defines the second first fixing means and intended to house the second elastic leg MF22 (see Figures 8 and 9),

-a third zone in which a third housing MF13 is defined which defines the third fixing means and intended to house the third elastic leg MF23 (see Figure 10),

-a fourth area in which a fourth housing MF14 is defined which defines the fourth first fixing means and intended to house the fourth elastic leg MF24 (see Figure 12).

The second MF12 housing is here open on only one side. This comprises first F1 and second F2 faces facing each other. As illustrated, the first face F1 is preferably disoriented with respect to the second face F2 such that it pushes the second elastic leg MF22 towards this second face F2 and thus immobilizes it against the latter substantially according to the first direction D1. In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the first (upper) face F1 is provided with at least one projection (for example a

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counterform) S which is oriented towards the second (lower) face F2 and intended to reinforce the union of the second elastic leg MF22 towards this second face F2. In fact, the local deformation DL of the second elastic leg MF22 is that which is forced to come into contact with the second face F2. It will be noted that in the illustrated example, the first (upper) face F1 is provided with two projections (in this case counterforms) S so that the quality of the union of the second elastic leg MF22 is favored against the second face F2 of the second MF12 housing.

The third housing MF13 is here open on three sides in order to facilitate the introduction of the third elastic leg MF23. This comprises first F1 and second F2 faces facing each other. As illustrated, the first face F1 is preferably disoriented with respect to the second face F2 so as to push the third elastic leg MF23 towards this second face F2 and thus immobilize it against the latter face substantially according to the first direction D1. In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 10, the first (upper) face F1 is provided with a single projection S which is oriented towards the second (lower) face F2 and intended to reinforce the union of the third elastic leg MF23 towards this second face F2. In fact, the local deformation DL of the third elastic leg MF23 is that which is forced to come into contact with the second face F2. Naturally, the first (upper) face F1 of this third housing MF13 could be provided with two projections S, as in the case of the second housing MF12.

The fourth accommodation MF14 is here open on only one side. This comprises a first F1 and a second F2 faces facing each other. As illustrated, the first face F1 is preferably disoriented with respect to the second face F2 so that it pushes the fourth elastic leg MF24 towards this second face F2 and thus immobilizes it against this latter substantially according to the first direction D1. In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 12, the first (upper) face F1 is provided with a single projection S which is oriented towards this second (lower) face F2 and intended to reinforce the union of the fourth elastic leg MF24 towards this second face F2. In fact, the local deformation DL of the fourth elastic leg MF24 is that which is forced to come into contact with the second face F2. Naturally, the first (upper) face F1 of this fourth housing MF14 could be provided with two projections S, as in the case of the second housing MF12.

Thanks to the cooperation of the first MF1j and second MF2j fixing means, the metal plate PM is therefore connected to the main wall PP by a connection under tension according to the first direction D1, without gluing, interlocking or welding, which is particularly advantageous.

As illustrated in a non-limiting manner in Figures 3, 4, 13 and 14, it should be noted that it is advantageous that the main wall PP comprises at least one auxiliary housing LA and that the metal plate PM comprises at least one MPk positioning leg intended to be housed in a corresponding LA auxiliary housing. This, in effect, makes it possible to preposition (or adjust) the metal plate PM with respect to the main wall PP in two substantially perpendicular directions, before cooperating together with the first MF1j and second MF2j fixing means.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figures 3, 4, 13 and 14, the metal plate PM comprises two positioning legs MP1 and MP2 (k = 1 or 2) defined on the rear PRP of the metal plate PM and suitable for be housed in two corresponding LA auxiliary housings defined at the rear of the main wall PP in the vicinity of the lamp opening O1. On the other hand, in the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 14, the auxiliary housings LA are transverse openings. But, this is not mandatory.

The invention offers several advantages, among which:

-this avoids any contact between the metal plate and the glass and / or the mask, so that the metal plate does not induce noise in the presence of vibrations and / or shocks

-the metal plate does not induce tension in the glass and / or the mask because it is not in solidarity with them,

- there are no apparent injection defects (or plugs) because the metal plate is made of metal (by drawing) and not by molding / demolding,

-the metal plate can be shaped (embedded) so that it participates in at least one photometric function, because it is made of metal (by drawing) and not by molding / demolding,

-being the metal plate visible from the outside of its optical block, it can participate in the latter's style.

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

Claims (13)

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one.

Optical block (BO) of a motor vehicle comprising at least one main wall (PP) defining a cavity subdivided into a part of a first reflector (R1), intended to ensure at least partially a first photometric function, and at least a part of a zone (R2), located next to said part of the first reflector (R1) and intended to ensure at least partially a second photometric function, said main wall (PP) being provided with first fixing means (MF1j), characterized in that it comprises a metal plate (PM) comprising a rear part (PRP) that is placed at the bottom of the cavity and a front part (PVP), said metal plate being provided with second fixing means (MF2j) of elastic type that cooperate with the said first fixing means (MF1j) to solidarity the metal plate (PM) to the main wall (PP) by tension connection according to a first direction and in a position that ensures at a separation of said first and second photometric functions, the plate being visible from outside the optical block.

2.

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

3.

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

Four.

Optical block according to claim 3, characterized in that said local deformation (DL) is hemispherical.

5.

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

6.

Optical block according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one of said first fixing means (MF1j) is arranged in the form of an appropriate housing for receiving and cooperating with a second fixing means (MF2j ).

7.

 Optical block according to claim 6, characterized in that said housing (MF1j) is defined in a fixing leg (PF) connected to said main wall (PP).

8.

 Optical block according to claim 6, characterized in that said housing (MF1j) is defined in said main wall (PP).

9.

Optical block according to claim 8, characterized in that said housing (MF1j) comprises first (F1) and second (F2) faces facing each other, said first face (F1) being provided with at least one projection (S) oriented towards said second face (F2) and intended to join one of said second fixing means (MF2j) towards said second face (F2).

10.

Optical block according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the metal plate (PM) comprises four second fixing means (MF2j) suitable for cooperating with four first fixing means (MF1j).

eleven.

 Optical block according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said main wall (PP) comprises at least one auxiliary housing (LA), and that said metal plate (PM) comprises at least one positioning leg (MPk) appropriate to be housed in said corresponding auxiliary housing (LA) so as to preposition said metal plate (PM) with respect to said main wall (PP) in two substantially perpendicular directions, before cooperating with said first (MF1j) and second (MF2j) fixing means.

12.

Optical block according to claim 11, characterized in that said metal plate (PM) comprises two positioning legs (MPk) suitable for being housed in two corresponding auxiliary housings (LA) of said main wall (PP).

13.

 Optical block according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that said metal plate (PM) is arranged so that it participates at least in said first photometric function.

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