WO2011086277A2

WO2011086277A2 - Device for attaching a first element on a wall of a second element, by means of immobilizing attachment tab(s) after elastic deformation under stress

Info

Publication number: WO2011086277A2
Application number: PCT/FR2010/052824
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rodolphe Peron; Thomas Duval
Original assignee: Peugeot Citroën Automobiles SA
Priority date: 2009-12-22
Filing date: 2010-12-20
Publication date: 2011-07-21
Also published as: WO2011086277A3; FR2954423B1; FR2954423A1; AR079679A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (D) for allowing the attachment of a first element (R) onto a wall (PE) of a second element (BT). Said device (D) includes i) at least one immobilizing means (MI1) rigidly connected to the wall (PE) of the second element (BT) and including at least one immobilizing tab, installed above the wall (PE) so as to define a recess with the respective rear face thereof and said wall (PE) and comprising a chamfered front surface, and ii) at least one attachment tab (PF1) including a leg provided with a first end rigidly connected to the first element (R) and a second end provided on at least one side with a protrusion capable of sliding on the front surface of the corresponding immobilizing tab by forcing the leg to elastically deform, until said protrusion reaches the end of said immobilizing tab and is housed in the recess by means of releasing the stress from the leg.

Description

DEVICE FOR FASTENING A FIRST ELEMENT ON A WALL OF A SECOND ELEMENT, BY IMMOBILIZING A FASTENER LEG (S) AFTER ELASTIC DEFORMATION UNDER CONSTRAINT

The invention relates to the field of fixation, and more specifically the fixing devices for fixing a first element on a wall of a second element.

As known to those skilled in the art, there are many ways to fix a first element, such as for example and not limited to a vehicle optical block reflector (possibly automotive type), on a wall of a second element, such as for example and not limited to an optical block housing. Among these, one can cite clipping, screwing, gluing and welding. These different ways do not bring complete satisfaction for various reasons, such as the difficulties to achieve molding clipping means (and in particular to determine their positioning), the cost of screwing operations, gluing or welding, or the importance of the contact surfaces between elements that induce vibrations and noise.

The invention therefore aims to propose an alternative solution to improve the situation.

It proposes more precisely a device, intended to allow the fixing of a first element on a wall of a second element, and comprising:

at least one immobilizing means, secured to the wall of the second element, and comprising at least one immobilization lug which is installed above (or in front of) the wall to define with its own rear face and this wall a housing; and which has a chamfered front face (opposite its rear face), and

at least one fixing lug comprising a foot provided with a first end secured to the first element and a second end provided with on at least one side of a protrusion adapted to slide on the front face of the corresponding immobilization tab by forcing the foot to deform elastically, until it reaches the end of this immobilization tab and come to lodge in the corresponding lodging by loosening of the constraint of the foot.

The fixing device according to the invention may comprise other features that can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- Each immobilizing means may comprise two immobilization tabs offset relative to each other in two directions of space and installed substantially parallel and in the opposite direction. In this case, each fixing lug may comprise a foot provided with a second end which comprises on two opposite sides protuberances adapted to slide on the front faces of the corresponding immobilizing tabs by forcing the foot to deform elastically, until that they reach the ends of these immobilizing lugs and are housed in the corresponding housing by loosening the stress of the foot;

each protuberance may constitute an extension substantially at 90 ° to the corresponding side of the second end of its foot;

each bracket may have a general T shape;

it may comprise two fixing lugs in two selected locations of the first element, and two immobilizing means in two selected locations of the second element, which respectively correspond to the two selected locations of the first element, the fastening lugs being adapted to cooperate respectively respectively. with the means of immobilization;

the fixing lugs may be disoriented relative to each other by a chosen angle. In this case, the immobilizing means can also be disoriented with respect to each other of this selected angle;

The angle chosen may for example be between about 20 ° and about 90 °; it may comprise at least one stop lug which is intended to limit the length of the displacement of a fastening lug in an axial direction relative to the wall of the second element;

it may comprise two abutment lugs which are secured to the first element in the respective neighborhoods of the fastening lugs.

The invention also proposes a first element comprising each fixing lug of a fixing device of the type of that presented above.

The invention also proposes a second element comprising each means of immobilizing a fixing device of the type of that presented above.

The invention also proposes a vehicle optical unit comprising first and second elements of the types of those presented above.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained in CAD / DAO), in which:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, in a rear perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a first element constituting a reflector of an optical block according to the invention,

FIG. 2 diagrammatically illustrates, in a partly exploded perspective view, an exemplary embodiment of a second element constituting a housing of an optical block according to the invention, adapted to receive the reflector of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, two immobilization means of a fastening device according to the invention, secured to a wall of the case of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates, in a front view, one of the two immobilizing means of FIG. 3 at an intermediate stage of the phase of fixing a reflector on the wall of the case of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, one of the two immobilizing means of FIG. 3 at the end of the fixation phase; a reflector on a wall of the housing of FIG. 2, and

FIG. 6 schematically illustrates, in a partially exploded perspective view, the reflector of FIG. 1 once fixed on the housing of FIG.

The attached drawings may not only serve to complete the invention, but also contribute to its definition, if any.

The invention aims to provide a device (D) for allowing the attachment of a first element (R) on a wall (PE) of a second element (BT).

In the following, it is considered, by way of nonlimiting example, that the first element (R) is a reflector of an optical block (BO) and the second element (BT) is a case of this same optical block. (BO). But, the invention is not limited to these types of first and second elements. It concerns indeed any type of first element to be fixed on a wall of a second element of any type. It will be noted that the optical block BO generally comprises in addition at least one ice fastened to the front portion of its housing (BT).

Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, the optical block (BO) is a signal rear lamp to be installed at the rear of a vehicle, possibly automotive type. But, the invention is not limited to this type of application. It also relates to certain optical blocks, such as headlights (or headlights), intended to be installed at the front of a vehicle, possibly of the automotive type.

The invention proposes a fixing device (D) comprising first (PFi) and second (Mli) parts intended to be part of respectively at least a first element (R), here an optical block reflector (BO), and at least one wall (PE) of a second element (BT), here a housing of this same optical block (BO), and to cooperate together.

It will be noted that the optical block (BO) may optionally comprise a wall (PE) on which several first elements (R) of similar or different shapes, or several walls (PE) on each of which must be fixed at least one, must be fixed. first element (R). As illustrated schematically in FIG. 1, the first part of the (fixing) device D comprises at least one fixing lug PFi. The latter (PFi) comprises a foot PP which is provided with a first end E1 secured to the first element R, here on the outer face of a rear portion PT (opposite to the front portion PA which is intended to be oriented towards the outside), and a second end E2 provided on at least one side of a protuberance (or projecting portion) PRj.

The reflector (or first element) R defines a cavity which is open in its front part PA and which is intended to receive at least part of a light source, such as for example a bulb or a lamp or a light-emitting diode. Here, the reflector R comprises in its rear portion PT an opening OS for allowing the passage of the light source.

Note that in the non-limiting example illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 6, the first part of the device D comprises two fixing lugs PF1 and PF2 (i = 1 or 2), in order to improve the quality of the attachment of the first element R on the wall PE of the second element BT. But, it could include only one (although this is not optimal in terms of fixation), or more than two, for example three or four (although this may induce a hyperstaticity in the case of a small reflector cut).

Note also that in the non-limiting example illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4 to 6, the second end E2 of the foot PP of each bracket PF1 has on two opposite sides protrusions PRj (j = 1 or 2) . But, this is not mandatory. Indeed, it could include only one on one of its sides, although this is not optimal in terms of immobilization.

Moreover, in the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, each protuberance PRj constitutes an extension substantially 90 ° to the corresponding side of the second end E2 of a foot PP of the fixing lug PFi. Therefore, each bracket PFi has a general shape T. But other angles can be considered.

In addition, in the nonlimiting example illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, each protuberance PRj has a general shape substantially parallelepiped rectangle. But, other forms can be envisaged, for example cylindrical circular or frustoconical.

Note also that in the non-limiting example illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 6, the two fixing lugs PFi are disoriented relative to each other by an angle chosen so as to improve the quality of the fixation. For example, this chosen angle is between about 20 ° and about 90 °, and more preferably between about 35 ° and about 80 °, and even more preferably it is selected equal to about 45 °. But, in one variant, the two fixing lugs PFi could be substantially parallel to each other.

As illustrated schematically in FIGS. 3 to 5, the second part of the device D comprises at least one immobilization means Mli secured to the wall PE of the second element BT (here on its internal face). In fact, it comprises as many immobilization Mli means that there is PFi fixing lug. Consequently, in the nonlimiting exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the second part of the device D comprises two immobilization means MM and MI2 (i = 1 or 2) intended to cooperate respectively with the two legs of fixing PF1 and PF2.

Each immobilizing means Mli comprises at least one immobilization lug Plj which is installed above the wall PE so as to define with its own rear face (oriented towards the wall PE) and this wall PE a housing L intended to house a part of a protrusion PRj of the corresponding fixing lug. Furthermore, this immobilization lug Plj comprises a front face FV (opposite to the rear face) which is oriented towards the reflector R and which is chamfered (or bevelled) so as to offer a slope between a central part (thicker) and a free end portion (less thick).

Since in the nonlimiting example illustrated in the figures each fixing lug PFi comprises two opposite protuberances spaced by a selected distance, each immobilizing means Mli also comprises two immobilization lugs PU and PI2 which are shifted to one another. one relative to the other following two perpendicular directions of space X and Y (see Figure 4) and installed substantially parallel and in reverse. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the distance in the X direction between the two immobilizing lugs Plj is greater than the distance separating the two opposite sides of a foot PP from the fixing lug PFi and less than the distance separating the two opposite sides of the protuberances PRj, and the distance in the direction Y, which separates the two non-free ends of the immobilizing lugs Plj is chosen so as to allow the oblique passage of the two protuberances PRj of a bracket PFi.

It will be understood that when each fixing lug PFi comprises only one protrusion PRj, each immobilizing means Mli needs to comprise only one immobilization lug Plj.

It will also be understood that the distance separating the two immobilization means MM and MI2 on the wall PE is equal to the distance separating the two fixing lugs PF1 and PF2 on the external face of the rear portion PT of the reflector R. in other words, the two immobilization means MM and MI2 are defined on the wall PE at two selected locations which correspond to the two chosen locations where the two fixing lugs PF1 and PF2 are defined on the external face of the rear part PT reflector R.

As illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 to 6, each Mli immobilizing means may comprise a kind of CP frame (here rectangular) whose walls encircle and support its immobilizing lugs Plj. Here the walls of the frame CP are substantially perpendicular to the wall PE. But, this is not mandatory. This CP frame is intended in particular to limit the possibilities of displacement of the corresponding PFi fixing lug in the XY plane.

When a person axially approaches the reflector R of the wall PE (that is to say in the direction DA which is perpendicular to the plane XY (see Figures 2 and 4)), there comes a time when the second free end E2 each fixing lug PFi comes into abutment, via each of its protuberances PRj, against the front face FV of each corresponding immobilization lug Pli. Each front face FV of each immobilization leg Pli being chamfered, when the person continues its axial thrust, each protuberance PRj of a bracket PFi slides on the chamfered front face FV of the corresponding Plj immobilization leg by forcing the foot PP to deform elastically (slightly).

It will be understood that the elastic deformation is accentuated when there are two opposite protuberances PRj which slide on two faces before FV whose slopes are identical but opposite. This elastic deformation is furthermore even more accentuated when using two fastening lugs PFi (and thus two immobilizing means Mli associated) disoriented with respect to each other, as illustrated without limitation.

The elastic deformation induced by the stress experienced by each foot PP of a bracket PFi consists of a slight rotation around the axial direction DA (shown in Figure 4), here in the direction of clockwise. In other words, the sliding of the protuberances PRj causes a twist of the foot PP of their bracket PFi.

When the protuberance PRj of a fixing lug PFi reaches the free end of the corresponding immobilizing lug P1, it can then pass under the corresponding immobilizing lug P1 and is thus housed in the housing L ( defined between the rear face of this immobilization lug Plj and the wall PE) due to the release of the stress experienced by its foot PP. It will be understood that this relaxation of stress is reflected here by a rotation in the opposite direction of clockwise (materialized by the curvilinear arrows of Figure 4).

Each protuberance PRj of each bracket PFi then being housed in an associated housing L (see Figure 5), the reflector R is found fixed on the wall PE of the housing BT via the device D (see Figure 6). When the optical unit BO is installed in a position in which the wall PE of its housing BT is at least locally substantially vertical, the reflector R appears, on the side of its front part PA, as floating in the air inside the BT housing, because we can not see the device D which is located behind its rear part PT.

This mode of attachment not only offers a stylish effect but also reduces the contact surfaces between the reflector and the LV housing, thus reducing vibrations and unwanted noise. In in addition, this method of attachment avoids having to use screws or to implement a bonding or welding operation.

It will be noted, as shown in non-limiting manner in FIG. 1, that the device D may optionally comprise at least one abutment lug PBn which is intended to limit the length of displacement of at least one fastening lug PFi in the axial direction DA by relative to the PE wall of the LV housing. In the example illustrated, the device D comprises two abutment lugs PB1 and PB2 (n = 1 or 2) secured to the outer face of the rear portion PT of the reflector R in respective neighborhoods of each of its fixing lugs PFi. Here, the free end of each abutment lug PBn is intended to be pressed against the front face of the frame CP of the immobilization means Mli corresponding. But, it could be arranged to abut directly against the PE wall of the LV housing.

It is important to note that the fixing lugs PFi and the immobilizing means Mli may form an integral part respectively of the reflector R and the wall PE of the housing BT. This solution is particularly advantageous when the reflector R and the LV housing are made by molding, for example in a plastic or synthetic material (such as polycarbonate (or PC), for example). But, this is not mandatory. Indeed, it could be envisaged that the fixing lugs PFi and / or the immobilizing means Mli are respectively attached to the reflector R and / or the wall PE of the housing BT, for example by screwing or gluing or welding .

The invention is not limited to the embodiments of fixing device, first element, second element and optical block described above, only by way of example, but it encompasses all the variants that may be considered by the skilled in the art within the scope of the claims below.

Claims

1. Device (D) for fixing a first element (R) on a wall (PE) of a second element (BT), characterized in that it comprises i) at least one immobilization means (Mli) secured to said wall (PE) of the second element (BT) and comprising at least one immobilization lug (Plj), installed above said wall (PE) for defining with a rear face and this wall (PE) a housing (L) and having a chamfered front face (FV), and ii) at least one fixing lug (PFi) comprising a foot (PP) provided with a first end (E1) secured to said first element (R) and a second end (E2) provided on at least one side of a protrusion (PRj) adapted to slide on said front face (FV) of the corresponding immobilization lug (Plj) by constraining said foot (PP) to deform elastically, until that it reaches the end of this immobilization lug (Plj) and comes to lodge in said housing (L) by loosening of e foot strain (PP).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each immobilizing means (Mli) comprises two immobilization tabs (Plj) offset relative to each other in two directions of space and installed substantially in parallel. and in the opposite direction, and in that each fixing lug (PFi) comprises a foot (PP) provided with a second end (E2) having on two opposite sides protuberances (PRj) capable of sliding on the front faces (FV ) immobilizing lugs (Plj) corresponding by forcing said foot (PP) to deform elastically, until they reach the ends of these immobilizing lugs (Plj) and are housed in the housing (L ) by releasing the foot strain (PP).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that each protrusion (PRj) is an extension substantially 90 ° to the corresponding side of the second end (E2) of its foot (PP).

4. Device according to the combination of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that each bracket (PFi) has a shape general in T.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises two fixing lugs (PFi) in two selected locations of said first element (R), and two immobilizing means (Mli) in two places selected from said second element (BT), which respectively correspond to said two selected locations of said first element (R), said fixing lugs (PFi) being adapted to cooperate respectively with said immobilizing means (Mli).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said fixing lugs (PFi) are disoriented relative to each other by a chosen angle, and in that said immobilizing means (Mli) are disoriented relative to each other of said selected angle.

7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that said selected angle is between about 20 ° and about 90 °.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one abutment lug (PBn) intended to limit the length of movement of a bracket (PFi) in an axial direction by relative to said wall (PE) of the second element (BT).

9. Device according to the combination of claims 5 and 8, characterized in that it comprises two abutment lugs (PBn) secured to said first element (R) in the respective neighborhoods of said fastening lugs (PFi).

10. Element (BT), characterized in that it comprises a wall (PE) comprising each immobilizing means (Mli) of a fixing device (D) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

1 1. Element (R), characterized in that it comprises each fixing lug (PFi) of a fixing device (D) according to one of Claims 1 to 9.

12. Vehicle optical block (BO), characterized in that it comprises an element (BT) according to claim 10, constituting a housing (BT) provided with a wall (PE), and an element (R) according to the claim 11, constituting a reflector.