FR3121200A1 - LAND VEHICLE WITH A BUMPER SKIN COUPLED TO THE WINDOW OF AT LEAST ONE OPTICAL UNIT - Google Patents

Abstract

A land vehicle comprises a bumper (PC) comprising a skin (PP) to which is coupled at least one optical unit (BO) comprising a glass (GL). The skin (PP) comprises at least one group of N openings (OP1-OP3) separated from one another by an intermediate part (PI) having a rear face (FR) comprising a first coupling element (EC1), with N ≥ 2. The crystal (GL) comprises N first parts (P11-P13) projecting forwards, housed respectively in the corresponding openings (OP1-OP3), and separated from each other by a second part (P2) having a front face (FV) comprising a second coupling element (EC2) cooperating with a corresponding first coupling element (EC1) to couple the optical block (BO) to the skin (PP). Figure to be published with abstract: Fig. 4

Description

LAND VEHICLE WITH BUMPER SKIN COUPLED TO THE WINDOW OF AT LEAST ONE OPTICAL UNIT

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to land vehicles comprising a bumper and at least one optical unit.

State of the art

Many land vehicles generally comprise, in a front part, a bumper comprising a skin to which is coupled at least one optical unit comprising a glass.

In some of these (land) vehicles, often of the automobile type, the skin of the bumper includes at least one opening housing the glass of an optical unit. This glass is then completely surrounded by the skin of the bumper. This is for example the case of the glass of certain optical units providing a daytime running light function (or DRL ("Daytime running Light (or Lamp)" - light signaling automatically switched on when the vehicle is put into operation during the day) . Such an arrangement requires a very precise positioning of the optical unit relative to the skin of the bumper so that its lens is correctly positioned relative to the corresponding opening.

It has recently been proposed that the lens of the optical block should comprise at least two parts projecting forwards and intended to be housed respectively in corresponding openings in the skin of the bumper, giving the impression that they belong to blocks neighboring and independent optics. This type of arrangement significantly complicates the relative positioning of the headlight unit in relation to the skin of the bumper because now there are at least two projecting parts of the same glass which must be correctly positioned in relation to the corresponding openings. In addition, if the relative positioning is correct, the part of the skin which is located between two openings finds itself placed in front of an invisible portion of the glass, which creates a lack of hold which induces flexibility and non-constant play. which impair the impression of quality and can cause annoying rattling noises in the presence of vibrations and/or roughness in the traffic lane used by the vehicle.

The aim of the invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose a land vehicle comprising a bumper comprising a skin to which is coupled at least one optical unit comprising a glass.

This land vehicle is characterized by the fact:

- that the skin of the bumper comprises at least one group of N openings separated from each other by an intermediate part having a rear face comprising a first coupling element, with N ≥ 2, and

- that the crystal of each optical unit comprises N first parts projecting forwards, housed respectively in the corresponding openings, and separated from each other by a second part having a front face comprising a second coupling element cooperating with a first coupling element corresponding to couple the optical unit to the skin.

This coupling between at least one intermediate part of the skin and a corresponding second part of the crystal gives the skin good hold, without flexibility or non-constant clearance with respect to the first parts of the crystal.

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

- the (each) crystal may comprise three first parts and the skin may comprise three corresponding openings;

- the rear face of each intermediate part may include a first coupling element, and the front face of each second part may include a second coupling element;

- in the presence of the last option, it can comprise at least one reinforcement part secured fixedly to the rear face of an intermediate part and comprising a first coupling element;

- each first coupling element can comprise a dedicated hole in which a fixing clip is installed, and each second coupling element can be arranged in the form of a protrusion protruding from the front face of a second part and having an end tightly housed in the corresponding fixing clip;

- as a variant, each first coupling element can be arranged in the form of a dedicated hole, and each second coupling element can be arranged in the form of a clipping lug protruding from the front face of a second part and partially housed in the corresponding dedicated hole;

- The bumper may comprise two groups of N openings defined in the right and left parts. In this case, it may comprise two right and left optical units associated respectively with these two right and left groups;

- It may comprise a front part comprising the bumper and each optical unit;

- each optical unit can provide a daytime running light (or DRL) function,

- it can be of the automotive type.

Brief description of figures

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

schematically illustrates, in a front view of the front side, part of an embodiment of a bumper skin coupled to an example of an optical unit, in a land vehicle according to the invention,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the optical block of the , before its coupling to the skin,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, part of the bumper skin of the before the coupling of the optical unit, and

schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a horizontal plane, the headlight unit and the bumper skin of the .

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a land vehicle comprising a bumper PC comprising a skin PP effectively coupled to at least one optical unit BO.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the land vehicle is a motor vehicle, such as a car for example. But the invention is not limited to this type of land vehicle. It relates in fact to any land vehicle comprising a bumper comprising a skin to be coupled to at least one optical unit.

Furthermore, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the bumper PC and each optical unit BO are intended to form part of the front part of a land vehicle. But this is not mandatory. Indeed, they could be intended to be part of the rear part of a land vehicle.

In what precedes and what follows, the notion of "front" is defined in relation to the front end of the vehicle, and the notion of "rear" is defined in relation to the rear end of the vehicle (as opposed to the front end). Therefore, the front part (or face) of an element is oriented towards the front end of the vehicle, while the rear part (or face) of this element is oriented towards the rear end of the vehicle.

In addition, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that each optical unit BO performs a signaling function of the daytime running light (or DRL) type. But the invention is not limited to this type of optical unit. Thus, each optical unit BO could provide another signaling function, such as for example a direction change indicator (or flashing) or brake light function.

In what precedes and what follows, the notions of “right” and “left” are defined with respect to the right and left lateral (or longitudinal) sides of the vehicle, which comprise the side doors.

In FIGS. 1 to 4, the direction X is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is parallel to the lateral sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the lateral sides and to the longitudinal direction X , and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

We have schematically illustrated on the a right part of an exemplary embodiment of a skin PP of a bumper PP of a land vehicle according to the invention, to which is coupled an example of optical block BO (here right and of the DRL type). It will be noted that the invention applies in the same way to the left part of the bumper PC and therefore also to a left optical unit BO, and more generally to any part of a bumper PC.

As illustrated, at least partially, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the (each) optical block BO comprises a lens GL, secured to a front part of a housing BB. This glass GL comprises N first parts P1j (j = 1 to N, with N ≥ 2) projecting forwards and separated from each other by a second part P2 (non-functional, because hidden).

In the example illustrated without limitation in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the glass GL comprises three (N=3) first parts P11 to P13 (j=1 to 3), and therefore two second parts P2. But the ice GL could comprise only two (N=2) first parts P1j (j=1 or 2) and a single second part P2, or even more than three first parts P1j and more than two second parts P2.

The skin PP (visible outside the vehicle) comprises at least one group of N openings OPj separated from each other by an intermediate part PI and associated respectively with the first N parts P1j. The number of groups (of N openings OPj) is equal to the number of optical units BO to be coupled to the skin PP. Consequently, this number is at least equal to one, and in the presence of right and left optical blocks BO this number is equal to two.

Each first part P1j of the glass GL is housed (or embedded) in the corresponding opening OPj, and therefore is completely surrounded by the skin PP of the bumper PC. Each second part P2 of the glass GL is placed behind, and therefore masked by, a corresponding intermediate part PI of the skin PP.

At least one intermediate part PI of the skin PP has a rear face FR comprising a first coupling element EC1. In addition, at least a second part P2 of the glass GL has a front face FV comprising a second coupling element EC2 which cooperates with a corresponding first coupling element EC1 to couple its optical block BO to the skin PP at the level of the part corresponding intermediate PI.

Thanks to this coupling of at least one intermediate part PI of the skin PP to a second corresponding and masked part P2 of the glass GL, there is no longer any problem with the behavior of the skin PP and therefore neither flexibility nor play. constant of the latter (PP) with respect to the first parts P1j of the ice GL. This results in a reinforcement of the impression of quality and an absence of rattling noises in the presence of vibrations and/or roughness in the traffic lane taken by the vehicle. In addition, this type of coupling via coupling elements EC1 and EC2 which cooperate with each other is particularly advantageous because it allows disassembly and therefore the replacement of a damaged or faulty optical unit BO without replacing the skin PP or replacing of the damaged PP skin without replacing the optical unit(s) BO, unlike coupling by bonding (irreversible).

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rear face FR of each intermediate part PI can advantageously comprise a first coupling element EC1, and the front face FV of each second part P2 can comprise a second coupling element. EC2 pairing. This makes it possible to further increase the hold of the PP skin compared to the first P1j parts of the GL lens.

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 3 and 4, the vehicle may comprise at least one reinforcement part PRP fixedly secured to the rear face FR of an intermediate part PI and comprising a first coupling element EC1 (oriented to GL ice). In this case, the rear face FR indirectly comprises each first coupling element EC1. This makes it possible to simplify the production of the PP skin. But in a variant, each first coupling element EC1 could be fixedly secured (and therefore directly) to the rear face FR. The aforementioned connection can be made, for example, by gluing.

In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, two reinforcement pieces PRP are secured fixedly respectively to the rear face FR of the two intermediate parts PI. But the vehicle could have only one piece of PRP reinforcement. Furthermore, on the only a first coupling element EC1 and a second coupling element EC2 are materialized so as not to overload the drawing. But in reality the two reinforcement parts PRP each comprise a first coupling element EC1 and the two second parts P2 of the glass GL each comprise a second coupling element EC2.

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation, and at least partially, in FIGS. 2 to 4, each first coupling element EC1 can comprise a dedicated hole TD in which is installed a fixing clip AG, and each second coupling element EC2 can be arranged in the form of a projection protruding from the front face FV of a second part P2 and having one end housed tightly in the corresponding fixing clip AG, after coupling. Each protrusion EC2 may, for example, take the form of a tab or rod, as illustrated. It will be understood that when an optical block BO is moved towards the rear face FR of the skin PP, each of its protrusions EC2 penetrates into the corresponding fixing clip AG until it is immobilized by the latter (AG) , and therefore coupled to the PP skin. If necessary, a specific action on each fixing clip AG allows the release of the corresponding protrusion EC2, and therefore the decoupling between the optical block BO and the skin PP.

For example, each reinforcement piece PRP can be a hollow body with a rear face in which is defined the dedicated hole TD housing a fixing clip AG.

In a variant embodiment not shown, each first coupling element EC1 can be arranged in the form of a dedicated hole, and each second coupling element EC2 can be arranged in the form of a clipping lug protruding from the front face FV of a second part P2 and partially housed in the corresponding dedicated hole EC1 once the optical block BO/skin PP coupling has been made. It will be understood that when an optical unit BO is moved towards the rear face FR of the skin PP, each of its clipping lugs EC2 enters the corresponding dedicated hole EC1 until it is immobilized by the latter (EC1) , and therefore coupled to the PP skin. If necessary, a specific action on each clipping lug EC2 allows its release, and therefore the decoupling between the optical unit BO and the skin PP.

All other types of coupling elements EC1 and EC2 allowing reversibility of the coupling can be considered. In particular, it is possible to reverse the respective arrangements of the first(s) EC1 and second(s) EC2 coupling element(s) described in the two preceding paragraphs.

It will be noted that each optical block BO can also be fixedly attached to the rear face FR of the skin PP in addition to its coupling via the first coupling element(s) EC1 and second coupling element(s) EC2. For example, this joining can be done by screwing. To this end, and as illustrated without limitation, and at least partially, in FIGS. 2 and 3, each optical unit BO may comprise at least two (and preferably four) first fixing lugs PF1 comprising holes intended to be passed through by screws screwed onto second fixing lugs PF2 fixedly secured to the rear face FR of the skin PP.

Claims (10)

Land vehicle comprising a bumper (PC) comprising a skin (PP) to which is coupled at least one optical unit (BO) comprising a lens (GL), characterized in that said skin (PP) comprises at least one group of N openings (OPj) separated from one another by an intermediate part (PI) having a rear face (FR) comprising a first coupling element (EC1), with N ≥ 2, and in that said lens (GL) comprises N first parts (P1j) projecting forwards, housed respectively in said corresponding openings (OPj), and separated from each other by a second part (P2) having a front face (FV) comprising a second coupling element (EC2) cooperating with a first corresponding coupling element (EC1) for coupling said optical block (BO) to said skin (PP). Vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that said glass (GL) comprises three first parts (P1j) and said skin (PP) comprises three openings (OPj). Vehicle according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said rear face (FR) of each intermediate part (PI) comprises a first coupling element (EC1), and the said front face (FV) of each second part (P2) comprises a second coupling element (EC2). Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one reinforcing part (PRP) fixedly secured to the said rear face (FR) of an intermediate part (PI) and comprising a first coupling (EC1). Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each first coupling element (EC1) comprises a dedicated hole (TD) in which a fixing clip (AG) is installed, and each second coupling element (EC2 ) is arranged in the form of a protrusion protruding from said front face (FV) of a second part (P2) and having one end tightly housed in said corresponding fixing clip (AG). Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each first coupling element (EC1) is arranged in the form of a dedicated hole, and each second coupling element (EC2) is arranged in the form of a clipping lug protruding from said front face (FV) of a second part (P2) and partially housed in said corresponding dedicated hole (EC1). Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the said bumper (PC) comprises two groups of N openings (OPj) defined in the right and left parts, and in that it comprises two optical units ( BO) right and left respectively associated with these two right and left groups. Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a front part comprising the said bumper (PC) and each optical unit (BO). Vehicle according to Claim 8, characterized in that each optical unit (BO) performs a daytime running light function. Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.