WO2021105578A1

WO2021105578A1 - Lighting unit for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2021105578A1
Application number: PCT/FR2020/051960
Authority: WO
Inventors: Filipe Videira; Bruno DESSI
Original assignee: Psa Automobiles Sa
Priority date: 2019-11-26
Filing date: 2020-10-29
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Also published as: EP4065884B1; FR3103423B1; EP4065884A1; FR3103423A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting unit for a motor vehicle, the lighting unit comprising a support piece, a first mask (18) and a second mask (20). The first mask (18) and the second mask (10) are attached to the support piece by at least one elastic push-fit means (24) comprising a housing (26) with at least two parallel walls (28, 30) forming a gap between them and defining a female element. The housing is configured to retain, by elastic push-fitting, two fixing tabs (38, 40) which are superposed in the direction of the height of the gap and form male elements.

Description

Title of the invention: Optical unit for a motor vehicle

[0001] [The present invention claims the priority of the French application 1913261 filed on November 26, 2019, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated here by reference.

The invention lies in the field of lighting and / or signaling devices for motor vehicles. The invention relates in particular to multifunction optical units comprising a plurality of masks assembled with a housing.

[0003] The lighting and / or signaling devices, more commonly called signal lights, of motor vehicles and in particular of cars comprise an optical unit consisting of a housing, optical components, one or more reflectors adapted to collect respectively one or more luminous flux emitted by light sources, and a closing and protection lens.

[0004] The rear signaling devices, for example the rear lights, generally consist of so-called "multifunction" lights. These are lights in which several signaling functions are integrated. For example, multi-function lights may include a tail light, turn signal light, reverse light, brake light, fog light, etc. To define the different lighting functions and give an optical signature, the optical units include masks placed under the glass of the fire.

[0005] The masks are at least partially transparent and / or colored parts, generally made of plastic, placed in front of a light source, and configured to receive one or more respective functions. A function generally includes a specific way of orienting and / or coloring the light that is emitted from a light source. For aesthetic reasons, and for perceived quality, the attachment of the masks to the housing is concealed from an external point of view.

Commonly, this fixing of the masks is done with fitting systems by elastic deformation or with screw fasteners. Through Simplification, the term clip will be used interchangeably below to denote a fitting system by elastic deformation. Screw fasteners have less risk of unintentional release but are more difficult to hide. For these reasons, clip fasteners are preferred for mounting optical unit masks.

[0007] Mask clip attachments generally include a clip tab which is fitted into a housing of a reflector or of the light housing. The clip tab has a thickness of a few millimeters, for example 4 mm, limiting its rigidity.

During the operation of the vehicle, the fixings of the masks of the optical unit are subjected to constant vibrations. The weight of the mask and the stresses on the mask fixings must be taken into account to ensure correct retention by the clips. In some vehicles, the stylistic constraints require bulky multifunction lights, and in particular very elongated. We have, for example, masks that can approach or exceed 30 cm in length. The risks of disconnection of conventional elastic deformation fitting systems of masks are then greater.

[0009] There is therefore a need for fixing solutions for masks in an optical unit, which are both robust and aesthetic in the sense that they can be easily concealed.

[0010] Solutions are also known as described in document FR 2 921 875 A1. The document describes a traffic light comprising an assembled mask and screen. The mask includes a recess that serves as a housing for the screen. The visor has protruding side tabs on each side for mounting on the mask. The screen legs are rigid and at least three in number, with at least two rear legs that interlock behind the mask and a front leg that attaches in front of the mask. The front and rear legs fit into a corresponding edge of the mask housing. The tabs allow the screen to be guided, but the latter is then fixed by quick fastening means of the conventional clip type.

In this solution, the screen fixings are completely concealed from a user's point of view. On the other hand, the fixings are carried out by clips in a conventional manner, without taking into account a strongly elongated part, the weight and dimensions of which are liable to generate a risk of the clips unhooking.

[0012] The aim of the invention is to improve the solutions known from the state of the art. The aim of the invention is in particular to provide an optical unit comprising masks whose fixings are compact, easily concealable, robust, and are also suitable, for example, for masks with a length greater than 20 cm.

To this end and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to an optical unit for a motor vehicle, the optical unit comprising a support part, a first mask and a second mask, remarkable in that the first mask and the second mask are fixed to the support piece by at least one elastic fitting means comprising a housing with at least two parallel walls forming an air gap and defining a female element, the housing being configured to retain by elastic fitting two tabs of fixing superimposed according to the height of said air gap and forming male elements.

By female element is meant an element provided with a hollow part which is intended to receive another element, called a male element, by insertion or penetration.

[0015] The cooperation between the two male elements inside the female element allows the stiffening of the assembly and therefore forms a more robust and more compact fixing device than known devices.

[0016] The elastic fitting device makes it possible to use the means for attaching the masks two by two so as to obtain a common fitting device which is therefore more compact and robust without adding material to each mask. The masks can then be attached by elastic fitting devices comprising tabs that are easy to conceal from a user.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the support piece comprises at least one housing and, the first mask and the second mask respectively comprise at least a first, and at least a second fixing tab intended to be inserted into said housing. The brackets can be a few millimeters thick and can be easily concealed.

In some embodiments, the housing is dimensioned so that the height of its air gap corresponds at least to the cumulative thickness of the first and of the second fixing lug so that the retention by elastic fitting of each fixing lug is done by cooperation on the one hand with one of the walls of the housing and on the other hand with the other fixing lug. The fixing lugs are then retained in the air gap without the possibility of movement.

Advantageously, the housing comprises at least one retaining element projecting from one of its walls in the air gap and cooperating with a complementary retaining element shown by a fixing lug and formed by an opening or a rim hanging.

In embodiments, the housing comprises at least two retaining elements both projecting from one of its walls in the air gap, with a first retaining element showing a height less than the height of the second retaining element, so that the first retaining element cooperates with a first fixing lug and the second retaining element cooperates with a second fixing lug for retaining by resiliently fitting the fixing lugs in said housing.

Advantageously, the housing comprises at least two retaining elements both projecting from one of its walls in the air gap, said elements being separated by a cutout in said wall allowing relative movement of the first element of retained relative to the second retaining element by elastic deformation of part of the wall.

[0022] There is therefore no risk of the first mask coming off when fitting the second mask.

Advantageously, the optical unit comprises a housing and at least one reflector, and the optical unit is remarkable in that the support part is formed in a reflector and / or in the housing of the optical unit. In some embodiments, the optical unit is an elongated part which comprises a single housing extending along the length of said optical unit, and the fixing lugs extend along at least half the length of said housing; preferably, the entire length of the housing.

Preferably, the optical unit is an elongated part which comprises a single housing extending along the length of said optical unit, and at least one mounting bracket comprises at least two complementary retaining elements distributed over the length of the housing.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, comprising an optical unit according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for mounting a first mask and a second mask in an optical unit comprising a support part comprising a housing, the first mask and the second mask respectively comprising a first, and a second fixing lug, the mounting method is remarkable in that the optical unit is according to the first aspect and in that the method comprises the steps of: inserting the first fixing lug into the housing of the part of support; then, inserting the second fixing lug into the housing by elastic interlocking, in cooperation with the first fixing lug, so as to retain the first fixing lug and the second fixing lug in the housing.

Preferably, the housing comprises a first retaining element and a second retaining element making it possible to lock the first and the second tab, respectively, and the step of inserting the first fixing tab into the housing by elastic fitting is done without displacement of the first retaining element relative to the first leg.

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of an optical unit according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; [0031] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of the elements of Figure 1 without the housing;

[0032] [Fig.3] is a sectional view along a vertical plane passing through an elastic fitting means of the optical unit of Figure 1;

[0033] [Fig.4] is a sectional detail passing through the first retaining member of a fitting means of Figure 1 with only the first mask mounted on the reflector;

[0034] [Fig.5] is a sectional detail passing through the second retaining element of a fitting means of Figure 1 with the first and the second mask mounted on the reflector;

[0035] [Fig.6] is a sectional detail passing through the first retaining member of a fitting means of Figure 1 with the first and the second mask mounted on the reflector.

In the remainder of the description, the term "include" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the device to which it refers, or of other steps in the process. It is understood that the term "include" includes the terms "consist of".

In the remainder of the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions will be designated by the same reference. Longitudinal, transverse, vertical orientations indicated by the trihedron “X, Y, Z” in the figures will be adopted by convention, without limitation.

As shown in Figure 1, an optical unit 10 for a motor vehicle has a substantially elongated shape. The optical unit is here intended to be arranged in a transverse direction on a motor vehicle. The optical unit 10 comprises a housing 12, one side of which is covered by a glass 14 visible in FIG. 3.

Figures 2 and 3 show elements which are arranged in the housing 12, under the glass 14. The housing 12 constitutes a support element of the optical unit. After assembly, the housing 12 can be fixed to other elements of the vehicle. The housing 12 contains a reflector 16 fixed to the housing by any suitable means, such as for example screws or rivets. The reflector 16 constitutes an internal support element of the optical unit for a first mask 18 said low mask, and a second mask 20 said high mask. The first and second masks are plastic elements, mounted on the reflector by elastic fitting means 24. Here, the masks are also mounted on the housing by other elastic fitting means 22.

The reflector 16 is a part obtained by molding, with a particular internal shape which comprises reflecting surfaces oriented in a predetermined manner. Thus, the reflector 16 makes it possible to orient the light emitted by a light source, not shown, and to return this light to a respective mask 18, 20. The reflector has an elongated exterior appearance with a curvature whose angle allows multidirectional illumination.

As shown in Figure 3, the reflector 16 here comprises two compartments separated by a curved transverse housing 26 of the elastic fitting means 24 of the masks 18, 20. The housing 26 is defined by a horizontal upper wall 28, c 'that is to say in a transverse-longitudinal plane, and a lower wall 30 parallel to the upper wall 28. The walls 28, 30 here form an air gap defining the female element of the elastic fitting means 24 of the masks. The walls are linked by a plurality of vertical partitions 31 which have a spacer function for the lower and upper walls.

Each mask 18, 20 has a face 32 allowing light to pass at least partially. The face 32 of each mask can include patterns having an aesthetic and / or functional purpose.

Each mask further comprises a lower edge and an upper edge by which the masks are attached to the housing 12 and to the reflector 16. The edges each form at least one tab which projects from the face of the mask towards the housing. 12. The fixing lug (s) 34 are engaged by elastic fitting to a support part of the optical unit. The fixing lugs 34 constitute male elements for the elastic fitting means 24, and for the other elastic fitting means 22.

The number of legs depends on the dimensions, the position, and the shape of the mask. Here, the low mask 18 comprises for example 2 fixing lugs at its upper border and 3 fixing brackets at its lower border. The top mask 20 comprises, for example, 3 fixing tabs at its upper edge, and 2 fixing tabs at its lower edge.

The first mask 18 is fixed by its lower edge to the housing 12, and by its upper edge to the reflector 16. Thus, the fixing tabs of the lower edge of the first mask are fitted into the support housing, and the tabs fixing the upper edge, in the reflector housing.

The second mask 20 is fixed by its upper edge to the housing 12, and by its lower edge to the reflector 16. The fixing lugs of its upper edge are fitted into the support housing, and the fixing lugs of its edge lower in the reflector housing.

The fixing lugs of the first and second masks are respectively linked to the reflector by the elastic fitting devices 24.

These fitting devices 24 as well as the method of mounting the masks on the reflector will be described together with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the optical unit. There is a fixing tab at each edge of each mask.

To simplify the description, at the level of the elastic fitting device, the first fixing tab 38 will be called the fixing tab of the upper edge of the first mask 18 or the bottom mask, and the second fixing tab 40 will be called the tab for fixing the lower border of the second mask 20 or top mask.

In this embodiment, during assembly of the optical unit, the first mask 18 is first mounted on the optical unit before the second mask 20.

As shown in Figure 4, the first fixing lug 38 comprises an opening 42. At the level of the housing 26, the lower wall 30 comprises a first retaining element 44 projecting inwardly of the housing 26. It is noted that the upper wall 28 comprises a passage 45 which responds to the constraints of molding the reflector. The first retaining element 44 has a straight surface, perpendicular to the lower wall facing the bottom of the housing so as to retain the first fixing lug at the bottom of the housing 26, and a surface inclined relative to the lower wall , so as not to oppose the insertion of the first fixing tab 38 towards the bottom of the housing 26.

By inserting the first fixing lug 38 into the housing 26, the latter pushes on the inclined surface of the first retaining element 44 and resiliently pushes the lower wall 30 of the housing 26 towards the outside of the housing until that the first retainer 44 is resiliently biased into the opening 42 of the first bracket 38. The first retainer is preferably sized to completely pass through the opening 42.

After mounting the first mask, the second mask 20 is mounted on the optical unit 10.

The lower wall of the housing further comprises a second retaining element 46, projecting from the lower wall towards the interior of the housing 26. The second retaining element has a shape similar to that of the first retaining element but preferably different dimensions. In fact, the second retaining element is dimensioned so that it passes over the upper tab of the first mask after mounting the latter as shown in FIG. 5. That is to say that the second retaining element. retainer is closer to the top wall 28 of the housing than the first retainer 44.

The second retaining element 46 is positioned near the first retaining element 44 so as to be located just next to the first fixing tab 38 when the latter is fully inserted into the housing 26.

[0058] According to variants, not shown, the second retaining element 46 passes through the opening of the first fixing lug 38.

As shown in Figure 5, the second fixing lug 40 is provided at its free end, with a rim 48 for hooking with the second retaining element 46 of the housing 26. Thus, by inserting the second lug of fixing 40 in the housing, the second fixing tab pushes on the surface inclined from the second retaining member and resiliently pushes back the bottom wall. The second mask is inserted at least until the second retaining element is resiliently biased against the rim 48 for hooking the second fixing tab 40.

[0060] According to variants not shown, the second fixing lug comprises an opening and the second retaining element is engaged in the opening.

According to variants not shown, the lower wall comprises a retaining element common to two fixing lugs, said element passes through the opening of the first fixing lug locking the latter, and is in contact with the hooking edge of the second mounting bracket.

The first and second retaining elements 44, 46 are integral with the bottom wall. Preferably, the retainers are not integral with each other, in the sense that the second retainer can be resiliently pushed back without causing joint movement of the first retainer. For example, the two retainers can be separated through a separating cutout, not shown, formed in the bottom wall. Thus, the insertion of the second fixing lug does not cause movement of the first retaining element.

The second fixing lug 40 is dimensioned to cover, once inserted into the housing, at least partially the first fixing lug 38 in a vertical direction perpendicular to the walls of the housing 26. Preferably, the second fixing lug covers completely the first mounting bracket after mounting the first and second masks on the reflector.

For example, the legs are then completely superimposed.

After mounting the second mask 20, the arrangement of the masks fixing tabs at the elastic fitting device 24 is as shown in Figure 5. The first fixing tab 38 and the second fixing tab 40 are housed in the housing 26 in contact with one another. The housing 26 is dimensioned so that the height of its air gap corresponds at least to the cumulative thickness of the first 38 and of the second 40 fixing tab so that the retention by elastic fitting of each tab fixing takes place by cooperation on the one hand with one of the walls 28, 30 of the housing and on the other hand with the other fixing lug.

The second fixing tab 40 of the second mask 20 makes it possible to lock any movement of the first fixing tab 38 of the first mask 18 in the housing 26.

[0066] According to variants not shown, the female element of the elastic fitting means is carried by one of the masks, and the other mask and the support piece each have a fixing tab. The order of the parts inserted during assembly then depends on the configuration of the elastic fitting means.

It is noted that the casing device is designed in a non-removable manner. There are no plans to be able to disassemble the masks. I

Claims

[Claim 1] Optical unit (10) for a motor vehicle, the optical unit comprising a support part, a first mask (18) and a second mask (20), characterized in that the first mask (18) and the second mask (20) are fixed to the support piece by at least one elastic fitting means (24) comprising a housing (26) with at least two parallel walls (28, 30) forming an air gap and defining a female element, the housing being configured to retain by elastic interlocking two fixing lugs (38, 40) superimposed according to the height of said air gap and forming male elements.

[Claim 2] An optical unit (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support piece (16) comprises at least one housing (26) and, the first mask (18) and the second mask (20) respectively comprise at least a first (38), and at least a second (40) fixing tab intended to be inserted into said housing (26).

[Claim 3] Optical unit (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the housing (26) is dimensioned so that the height of its air gap corresponds at least to the cumulative thickness of the first (38 ) and of the second (40) fixing lug so that the retention by elastic fitting of each fixing lug takes place by cooperation on the one hand with one of the walls (28, 30) of the housing and on the other hand with the other mounting bracket.

[Claim 4] Optical unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing (26) comprises at least one retaining element projecting from one of its walls in the air gap and cooperating with a complementary retaining element shown by a fixing lug and formed by an opening (42) or a hooking rim (48).

[Claim 5] An optical unit (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the housing (26) comprises at least two retaining elements (44, 46) both projecting from one of its walls in the 'air gap, with a first retainer (44) showing a height less than the height of the second retainer (46), so that the first retainer (44) cooperates with a first bracket (38) and the second retaining element (46) cooperates with a second fixing lug (40) for retaining by resiliently interlocking the fixing lugs in said housing (26).

[Claim 6] An optical unit (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the housing (26) comprises at least two retaining elements (44, 46) both projecting from one of its walls. (30) in the air gap, said elements being separated by a cutout in said wall allowing relative movement of the first retaining element with respect to the second retaining element by elastic deformation of part of the wall.

[Claim 7] Optical unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, the optical unit comprising a housing (12) and at least one reflector (16), the optical unit (10) is characterized in that the part support is formed in a reflector (16) and / or in the housing (12) of the optical unit.

[Claim 8] Optical unit (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, the optical unit being an elongated part and is characterized in that it comprises a single housing (26) extending along the length of said unit optically, and the mounting tabs (38, 40) extend at least half the length of said housing (26); preferably, the entire length of the housing.

[Claim 9] A vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, comprising an optical unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

[Claim 10] A method of mounting a first mask (18) and a second mask (20) in an optical unit (10) comprising a support part comprising a housing (26), the first mask (18) and second mask (20) comprising respectively a first (38) and a second (40) fixing tab, the mounting method is characterized in that the optical unit is according to one of claims 2 to 8 and in that the The method comprises the steps of: inserting the first fixing tab (38) into the housing (26) of the support piece; then, insert the second fixing lug (40) into the housing (26) by elastic fitting, in cooperation with the first fixing lug (38), so as to retain the first fixing lug (38) and the second fixing lug (38) fixing (40) in the housing (26); preferably, the housing (26) comprises a first retaining element (46) and a second retaining element (48) making it possible to lock the first and the second fixing tab, respectively, and in which the step of inserting the first fixing tab in the housing by elastic interlocking is done without displacement of the first retaining element relative to the first fixing tab.