Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
  • F21S41/50—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers
  • F21S41/55—Attachment thereof

Definitions

• Optical module housing of a motor vehicle lighting and/or signaling device Optical module housing of a motor vehicle lighting and/or signaling device.
• the invention relates in general to motor vehicle lighting and/or signaling devices and is more particularly concerned with an optical module housing of a lighting and/or signaling device such as a vehicle headlight. automobile.
• optical module also referred to as an optical unit, is meant a device comprising at least one light source associated with optical means or components such as lenses, reflectors and the like for generating at least one light beam in a given direction.
• An optical module is generally contained in a casing which itself belongs to, or is attached to, a motor vehicle headlamp.
• a projector can include one or more optical modules.
• the housing can be provided with a stylistic covering giving an attractive appearance to the housing and therefore to the optical module in its part. visible to an observer located outside the vehicle in which the optical module is integrated (at the front of the vehicle in the case of a headlight).
• the case which matches the external shape of the module, is in the form of a plastic shell obtained by an injection molding process of a thermoplastic material such as ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PC (polycarbonate ). These materials are generally dark in color: gray or even black.
• a thermoplastic material such as ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) or PC (polycarbonate ).
• ABS Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
• PC polycarbonate
• These materials are generally dark in color: gray or even black.
• a process for the partial metallization of plastic parts is known in particular from document FR2944717A.
• the shape, dimensions and volume of the case must meet technical (mechanical strength) and stylistic constraints and must also meet the constraints of the injection molding and partial metallization processes in several distinct areas chosen to amplify the stylistic effect of the optical module.
• the aim of the invention is therefore in particular to provide a covering solution making it possible to meet all the constraints set out above.
• the first subject of the invention is an optical module housing of a lighting and/or signaling device of a motor vehicle, said housing comprising first and second parts of complementary shape obtained after injection molding of a thermoplastic material and of which at least one of the two parts is partially provided with zones of metallization, said box comprising a determined cutting profile defining a mechanical interface for assembly of the first and second parts one on the other; said interface being arranged on at least one of the edges of one of the two parts provided with a metallization zone, in the vicinity of the metallization zone to take account of the molding and metallization constraints.
• the box has the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped; the first and second parts of the case, facing each other, respectively comprise edges extending over the two large side faces of the case, facing each other; said edges belonging to the mechanical assembly interface respectively defining assembly ramps cooperating with each other at the time of assembly of the first and second parts according to a determined assembly direction.
• the first and second parts comprise axial retaining means and lateral retaining means cooperating respectively with each other to ensure the axial and lateral locking of the assembly of the first and second parts of the case.
• the case further comprises a fixing interface arranged on the first and second parts of the case; said fixing interface being capable of fixing the case to an optical module support in a longitudinal direction of the case.
• the casing further comprises first and second extension parts of the first and second parts of the casing; the first and second extension parts extending in the same plane extending perpendicularly to a median plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the casing; the first and second extension parts supporting the attachment interface.
• the first and second extension parts of the housing define a mask vis-à-vis a support intended to receive the fastening interface of the housing.
• the assembly formed by the first and second parts of the housing defines a covering shell for an optical module of a lighting and/or signaling device; said shell having areas of metallization and areas devoid of metallization.
• a second object of the present invention is an optical unit equipped with a housing as described above.
• a third object of the present invention is a motor vehicle lighting and/or signaling device comprising an optical unit as described above.
• a fourth object of the present invention is a motor vehicle headlamp comprising at least one optical unit as described above.
• the advantage of having a housing cut into two parts is to make it possible to determine a cutting profile of the housing defining an assembly interface which advantageously separates the zones in which the injection molding and metallization processes are not technically compatible. by making it possible to treat these zones separately before the assembly of the two parts of the case.
• FIG.1 illustrates, in a perspective view, an embodiment of a housing according to the invention with the two parts of the housing assembled;
• FIG.2 illustrates the housing according to the invention mounted on an optical unit, according to a longitudinal sectional view
• FIG.3 illustrates, in a perspective view, the housing according to the invention before the assembly of the two parts of the housing
• FIG.4 illustrates, in a perspective view, the housing according to the invention during the assembly of the two parts of the housing;
• FIG.5 illustrates the box according to the invention with the support of the optical unit, according to a cross-sectional view along the section axis II-II of Figure 2;
• FIG.6 illustrates the box according to the invention in a perspective view, seen from the rear of the box, before the assembly of the two parts of the box;
• FIG.7 illustrates, in a perspective view, the fixing interface of the box according to the invention
• FIG.8 illustrates in a perspective view, the optical module in its support intended to receive the box according to the invention
• FIG.9 illustrates in a perspective view, the assembly consisting of the optical module in its support and the box according to the invention, fixed on the support;
• FIG.10 illustrates the assembly shown in Figure 9, with a mask attached around the rear part of the case according to the invention
• FIG.11 illustrates, in a front view, in perspective, a variant of the embodiment of the case according to Figure 1;
• FIG.12 illustrates, in a rear view, in perspective, the variant of the embodiment of Figure 1.
• the optical module is considered to be part of a motor vehicle headlamp.
• the orthonormal reference XYZ to identify the directions of extension of the vehicle and the associated relative concepts, including a longitudinal direction (along X), a transverse direction (along Y) and a vertical direction (according to Z).
• the longitudinal direction X extends between the front and the rear of the vehicle
• the transverse direction Y extends between the right and left lateral sides of the vehicle identified with respect to the driver in the driving position of the vehicle
• the vertical direction Z defines the extension of the vehicle in elevation from its rolling plane on the ground.
• the relative notions front and back are identified longitudinally
• the lateral notion and the relative notions right and left are identified transversely
• the notions as upper and lower or other related relative notions as bottom. and top, etc. are defined vertically with respect to the rolling plane of the vehicle on the ground.
• FIG. 1 illustrates, in perspective, an embodiment of an optical module box 1 according to the invention.
• the box 1 defines a kind of shell whose interior size is adapted to closely fit the optical module which in this figure is not shown.
• Case 1 has the general shape of a rectangular parallelepiped in two parts. It comprises an upper half-shell 2 and a lower half-shell 3 of complementary shape which are assembled and locked together via a mechanical assembly interface 4, symbolically illustrated in the figure by a line segment in broken line.
• This interface 4 is defined by a so-called cutting profile P which has been determined to take into account the style constraints and the constraints linked to the injection molding and metallization processes as already mentioned above.
• the cutting profile P has been materialized by a dashed line.
• the two half-shells 2 and 3 were obtained by an injection molding process of a thermoplastic material such as ABS or PC which has a basic dark, gray or even black tint as also already mentioned above.
• the material has a black color and consequently the two half-shells 2 and 3 are basically black in color.
• the upper half-shell 2 which is the most visible for an observer placed at the front of the vehicle, is provided with facets 5 and 6 substantially in relief with respect to the outer surface of the upper half-shell 2 (the facets 5 are noticeably more in relief than the facets 6). Facets 5 and 6 are obtained directly by the molding process. They form a kind of scales on the outer surface of the upper half-shell 2.
• the facets 5 (which are the most in relief) are covered with a thin layer of aluminum (alumina).
• the other facets 6 are for their part devoid of metallization and therefore have a black tint.
• the metallization has the aesthetic effect of presenting on the outer surface of the upper half-shell 2 shiny zones—zone provided with metallization—alternating with dark (black) zones devoid of metallization.
• the partial metallization process disclosed in particular in the document FR2944717A, implements a masking tool, or masking, 7 symbolized in FIG. 5 by its peripheral edges.
• the smoothing tool 7 has a size (or grip on the part of the part to be metallized) which requires the provision of a sufficiently clear space around the zone to be metallized.
• the masking tool 7 generally largely covers the periphery of the parts, or parts of parts, to be metallized (here the facets in relief 5). Parallel arrows oriented towards the facets 5 symbolically represent the operation of metallization of the facets 5.
• the cutting profile P of the mechanical assembly interface 4 is optimized to pass in the vicinity of the facets 5 (the side edges of the two half-shells 2 and 3 respectively follow this cutting profile P) and thus allows positioning without hindrance of the masking tool 7 for the implementation of the metallization process and this, respecting a configuration imposed by the style.
• the two upper and lower half-shells respectively referenced 2 and 3, both end in a part advancing towards the front of the case 1 which respectively define "caps” (or visors) 8 and 9 vis-à-vis the optical lens 10 belonging to the optical module 11 and which closes the optical module 11 to the front of the optical module 11 .
• “Upper cap” 8 will designate the cap of the upper half-shell 2, and “lower cap” 9, the cap of the lower half-shell 3.
• the lower half-shell 3 is extended forwards in its upper part, by an extension 12 which participates in the consolidation of the free end part of the cap upper 8.
• the free end part of the upper cap 8 is therefore produced by assembling the two half-shells 2 and 3: the outer part of the upper cap 8 is obtained by the upper half-shell 2 and the part inner part of the upper cap 2 (inner part of the free end part) by the extension 12 of the lower half-shell 3.
• the extension 12 of the lower half-shell 3 with the lower cap 9 of the lower half-shell lower shell 3, define a perforated front face 13 of the housing 1 framing the optical lens 10 of the optical module 11.
• the extension 12 is connected to the lower half-shell 3 by two lateral arms 14 and 15.
• the lower half-shell 3 is fully metallized with the exception of the inner surface of the extension 12 which is devoid of metallization.
• the junctions of the two arms 14 and 15 of the extension 12 with the lower half-shell 3 are locally thinned to create areas of influence of the masking tool 7 intended to mask the surface not to be metallized. .
• the lower cap 9 remains one-piece. It advantageously comprises an open cavity 16 (Fig. 1) in its lower external part (therefore not visible to an observer, once the box 1 is installed in the vehicle) making it possible to avoid the molding problems described above.
• the cutting profile P of the mechanical assembly interface 4 of the two half-shells 2 and 3 is advantageously arranged to ensure that the smoothing tool 7 always largely covers the periphery of the part. or the part of the part to be metallized (facets 5 and lower half-shell 3).
• the cutting profile P of the assembly interface 4 is also advantageously arranged to define guide ramps 16 and 17 (FIG. 4) for the respective side edges of the side faces of the two half-shells 2 and 3 during their assembly.
• the assembly direction symbolized in Figure 4 by a double solid arrow 18
• the axial locking (in the direction of assembly 18) of the two half-shells 2 and 3 is provided by retaining means 19 to 22 distributed respectively at the front of the case 1 (Fig. 2 and Fig. 6).
• the retaining means comprise a stop 19 projecting from the front edge of the extension 12 of the lower half-shell 3 cooperating with a housing 20 arranged in the end part of the upper cap 8.
• the retaining means further comprise clipping means 21 and 22 arranged behind the means 19 and 20 and respectively distributed over the extension 12 and the free end part of the upper cap 8.
• the clipping means 21 and 22 cooperate with each other to ensure locking axial of the two half-shells 2 and 3 when the stop 19 comes to the end of its travel in the housing 20.
• the lateral locking (along the Y axis) of the two half-shells 2 and 3 is ensured at the rear of the case 1 by two pairs of clipping means 23 and 24 (Fig. 6) arranged respectively on the two side edges of the two half-shells 2 and 3.
• These two pairs of clipping means 23 and 24 allow lateral locking while avoiding the opening of the two half-shells 2 and 3.
• two ribs 25 and 26 are arranged projecting from the upper lateral edges of the extension 12 of the lower shell 3. These ribs 25 and 26 cooperate respectively with corresponding grooves 27 and 28 arranged in the upper cap 8 of the upper half-shell 2.
• the box 1 is itself fixed longitudinally (along the axis X) on the rear part of the support 29 (Fig. 8) by an interface fixing comprising male clipping means 30, 31, 32, defining three tabs integral with the rear edges of the two half-shells 2 and 3: a tab 30 integral with the upper half-shell 2 and the tabs 31 and 32 cuts with the lower half-shell 3.
• the male clipping means 30, 31 and 32 belonging to the fixing interface, cooperate respectively with female clipping means 33, 34, 35 (Fig. 8) distributed on a reception face 36 of the rear part of the support 29, defining a plane extending along YZ to ensure the axial locking of the box 1 on the rear part of the support 29.
• the female clipping means 33, 34 and 35 respectively define three housings receiving the lugs 30 , 31 and 32. As illustrated in Figure 9, the two half-shells 2 and 3 are thus held in the rear part of the support 29 and the box 1 is mounted cantilevered in front of the reception face 36.
• FIG. 8 longitudinal ribs 37, 38 and 39 (Fig. 8), are provided along the entire length of the front part of the support 29 of the optical module 10, 11 extending along the axis X.
• These same ribs 37, 38 and 39 form support stops, here three in number, arranged around the support 29 so as to form an isostatic system (Fig. 5).
• Figure 5 is a cross section (along Y) of the assembly formed by the support 29 and the housing 1: the section being considered along the section axis II-II of Figure 2.
• the housing 1 cannot no longer move either vertically (along the Z axis) or transversely (along the Y axis) relative to the front part of the support 29.
• an additional mask 40 extending substantially along a vertical plane (along YZ), parallel to the reception face 36 of the housing 1 can be attached around the housing 1 in its rear part leaving visible, for an outside observer located at the front of the vehicle, only the housing and the lens 10 of the optical unit 11 .
• the mask can be an integral part of the housing 1 '.
• the mask is then divided into two parts 41 and 42: a first part 41 is made in one piece with the rear part of the upper half-shell 2' and a second part 42 is made in one piece with the rear part of the lower half-shell 3 '.
• the mask 41, 42 extends in a YZ plane parallel to the receiving face 36 of the support 29.
• additional clipping means 43 and 44 are provided, at the mechanical assembly interface of the two half-shells 2' and 3', respectively on the first and second mask parts 41 and 42. They cooperate with each other to ensure the locking of the rear part of the two half-shells 2' and 3' and of the two mask parts 41 and 42 in an inclined direction corresponding to the assembly direction 18 (FIG. 4).
• Three fixing lugs, referenced 45, 46 and 47 respectively, extend in the same direction (along X) perpendicular to the YZ plane in which the two mask parts 41 and 42 extend.
• the rear face of the first mask part 41 and the two legs 46 and 47 are integral with the rear face of the second mask part 42.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

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Citations (7)

• 2021
  • 2021-06-11 FR FR2106157A patent/FR3123963B1/fr active Active
• 2022
  • 2022-05-09 WO PCT/FR2022/050875 patent/WO2022258901A1/fr active Application Filing
  • 2022-05-09 CN CN202280041572.7A patent/CN117716165A/zh active Pending
  • 2022-05-09 EP EP22724829.1A patent/EP4352407A1/fr active Pending

Patent Citations (7)

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