WO2024089329A1

WO2024089329A1 - Optical unit with linked light guides

Info

Publication number: WO2024089329A1
Application number: PCT/FR2023/051495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Filipe Videira
Original assignee: Stellantis Auto Sas
Priority date: 2022-10-26
Filing date: 2023-09-28
Publication date: 2024-05-02
Also published as: FR3141509A1

Abstract

An optical unit (BO) comprising: - a housing (BB) bounding a space (EB) housing a photon source that generates photons, - N light guides (GL1-GL2) that are able to receive and guide the generated photons so as to perform a photometric function, with N ≥ 2, and that are secured together by M rigid links, with M ≥ 1, and - a carrier (SG) installed in this space (EB) and comprising N spaced-apart recesses (LG1-LG2) that accommodate the light guides (GL1-GL2), respectively, and that communicate with one another via M apertures (OL1-OL2), each allowing the passage of a rigid link and the simultaneous translational movement of the light guides (GL1-GL2) with a view to the immobilization thereof.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: OPTICAL BLOCK WITH LINKED LIGHT GUIDES

The present invention claims priority from French application 2211104 filed on 10/26/2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is here incorporated by reference.

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention concerns optical units which comprise at least two light guides intended to provide a photometric function.

State of the art

[0002] In what follows, the term “photometric function” means both a photometric signaling function, a photometric lighting function or a photometric light effect function, possibly decorative.

[0003] In certain fields, such as for example that of vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, optical units are used which comprise a housing delimiting a space housing a source of photons generating photons and at least two light guides receiving and guiding the photons generated to ensure a photometric function.

[0004] In an optical unit, the light guides are fixedly installed, generally at at least one of their two opposite end parts. We are therefore forced to define in at least one of the end parts of each light guide a non-optical zone dedicated to fixing and therefore comprising a coupling or fixing element. For example, such a fixing zone can receive or include a clipping tab or a screw. This complicates the production of each light guide and can cause a reduction in the dimensions of the optical photon guiding zone.

[0005] In addition, this requires installing in the housing of the optical unit one or more supports comprising coupling or fixing elements cooperating with those of the light guides, which complicates the production of each support and increases the bulk in the housing.

[0006] Furthermore, it is not always easy to determine the correct coupling or fixing elements in the design phase of an optical unit, and therefore this determination can prove time-consuming.

[0007] Finally, the greater the number of light guides in an optical unit, the greater the number of operations to be carried out to ensure their immobilization, and therefore the more this increases costs.

[0008] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

[0009] For this purpose it proposes in particular an optical unit comprising a housing delimiting a space housing a source of photons capable of generating photons and N light guides capable of receiving and guiding the photons generated to ensure a photometric function, with N > 2.

[0010] This optical unit is characterized by the fact:

[0011] - that its light guides are joined together by M rigid connections, with M > 1, and

[0012] - that it also comprises a support installed in the space of the housing and comprising N spaced apart housings, respectively housing the light guides and communicating with each other via M openings each allowing passage of a rigid connection and simultaneous translation light guides for their immobilization.

[0013] Thus, the assembly is simplified while reducing the respective complexities of the light guides and the support, which makes it possible to reduce the cost of the optical unit and the bulk in the latter.

The optical unit according to the invention may include other characteristics which can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0015] - its light guides can be rectilinear and parallel to each other;

[0016] - the number M can be equal to two and the rigid connections can connect respectively and perpendicularly opposite end parts of the light guides. In this case, a first opening may comprise a first part having a longitudinal section of generally rectangular shape and a second part having a cross section in the general shape of a U and communicating with the exterior and the first part in order to allow the passage of a first rigid connection into the first part then the translation of this first rigid connection into the first part. In addition, the support may comprise an end part in which a second opening is defined comprising a longitudinal section of generally rectangular shape and communicating with the exterior in order to allow introduction and translation of a second rigid connection;

[0017] - in the presence of the last option, the second rigid connection may comprise a first coupling element. In this case, the support may comprise a second coupling element cooperating with the first coupling element to participate in immobilizing the light guides relative to the support;

[0018] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the second coupling element can be a clipping hole, and the first coupling element can be a clipping tab partly housed in this clipping hole;

[0019] - its support may comprise an end wall perpendicular to the housings and comprising N through holes located opposite the photon source, crossed respectively by first end parts of the light guides during the translation of the latter so that the first end parts receive the photons generated, and participating in the immobilization of the guides light relative to the support;

[0020] - the number N can be equal to two. In this case, the support can have a cross section in the general shape of W;

[0021] - the photometric function can be a signaling function.

[0022] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising at least one optical unit of the type presented above.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and the appended drawings (obtained in CAD/CAD (“Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Drawing”)). , on which ones :

[0024] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, part of an exemplary embodiment of an optical unit according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view along the line ll-ll of Figure 1, the optical unit of Figure 1,

[0026] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the support and the set of light guides of the optical unit of Figure 1, before assembly,

[0027] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, the support and the set of light guides of the optical unit of Figure 1, before assembly, [0028] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the support and the set of light guides of Figures 3 and 4, at an intermediate stage of their assembly,

[0029] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, the support and the set of light guides of Figures 3 to 5, at the end of their assembly,

[0030] [Fig. 7] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the support and the set of light guides of Figures 3 to 6, at the end of their assembly, and

[0031] [Fig. 8] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, the first end part of the support of Figures 3 to 7, after assembly.

Detailed description of the invention

[0032] The invention aims in particular to propose an optical unit BO, intended to equip a system, and comprising a housing BB housing light guides GLn linked to each other and immobilized relative to a support SG.

[0033] We consider in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit BO is intended to be part of a system constituting an automobile type vehicle, such as for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of system. Indeed, the BO optical unit can be equipment that can be attached and used in numerous systems or that can be part of other equipment that is itself part of a system. Thus, the BO optical unit can be part of any system, and in particular a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), an installation (possibly industrial), a device (possibly general public), or a building.

[0034] Furthermore, we consider in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit BO constitutes a rear light. But he could constitute a front headlight (or projector) or a front light of a vehicle, for example.

[0035] In what precedes and what follows, the notion of “before” is defined in relation to the place where the photons participating in a photometric function exit, and the notion of “back” is defined in relation to the place which is opposite to that where the photons participating in a photometric function exit. Therefore, the front side of an element faces outward, while the back side of that element faces inward and opposite the front side.

[0036] In Figures 1 to 8, the direction a direction parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction

[0037] We have schematically illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 2, an exemplary embodiment of a BO optical unit according to the invention, here intended to equip a rear part of a vehicle to constitute a rear light.

[0038] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 2, an optical unit BO, according to the invention, notably comprises a housing BB, a support SG, N light guides GLn (n = 1 to N, with N > 2), a source of photons, as well as preferably a glass (or a screen) before GV.

The housing BB delimits a space EB (possibly jointly with the front glass GV (see Figure 2)) which houses the photon source, the support SG and the N light guides GLn.

The photon source (not illustrated) is capable of generating photons. For example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figure 1, the photon source can be installed on an electronic card CE including the electronic circuits to power it and control its operation. This CE electronic card can be a printed circuit board of the PCB type (“Printed Circuit Board”), for example. Furthermore, this CE electronic card can be fixedly attached to the internal face of the BB box or to a PAE end wall of the SG support (to which we will return later).

[0041] Also for example, the photon source may comprise at least one light emitting diode (or LED (“Light Emitting Diode”)) or at least one laser diode.

[0042] Each of the N light guides GLn is capable of receiving and guiding photons generated by the photon source to ensure a photometric function.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in the figures, the number N is equal to two (n = 1 or 2). But the number N can take any value greater than or equal to two. So it could be equal to three or four, for example.

We consider in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the photometric function is a signaling function. But the invention is not limited to this type of photometric function. Indeed, the photometric function could also be a lighting function or a lighting effect function, possibly decorative.

[0045] For example, the signaling function can be a brake light function. But it could be any other signaling function, and in particular a direction change indicator (or flashing) function, front, rear or side, a clearance light function, front or rear, a rear position light function, a parking light function, front or rear, a daytime running light function (or DRL (“Daytime Running Light (or Lamp)”), a reversing light function, or a rear fog light function. As is better seen in Figures 3 to 8, the light guides GLn are joined together (and therefore linked) by M rigid connections LRm (m = 1 to M, with M > 1).

The N light guides GLn and the M rigid connections LRm which connect them together (GLn) constitute a set of light guides which is in one piece. Such a set of light guides can be produced by injection molding of a plastic or synthetic material. For example, this material can be polycarbonate (or PC) or poly-methyl methacrylate (or PMMA).

The support SG comprises N housings LGn which are spaced apart from each other and respectively house the N light guides GLn. In addition, these N housings LGn communicate with each other via M openings OLm allowing the passage of a rigid connection LRm (see figure 5) and the simultaneous translation of the light guides GLn (see figures 6 and 7) with a view to their immobilization by compared to SG support.

[0049] It will be understood that the simultaneous translation can only be done after the passage of at least one rigid connection LRm (here LR1 (m = 1)) in the corresponding opening OLm (here OL1), and that it is made possible because the M rigid connections LRm can then translate respectively into the M corresponding openings OLm.

[0050] Here, the passage by translation is done in the longitudinal direction X, and the simultaneous translation of the light guides GLn is done in the transverse direction Y.

[0051] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in the figures, the number M is equal to two (m = 1 or 2). But the number M can take any value greater than or equal to one. So it could be equal to one or three, for example.

[0052] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in the figures, only the first rigid connection LR1 (m = 1) passes by translation into the first opening OL1, then the first LR1 and second LR2 (m = 2) rigid connections are translated respectively in the first 0L1 and second OL2 openings when the set of light guides is translated towards the left of Figure 5 to assemble it to the support SG.

[0053] Thus, the light guides GLn can be very easily assembled and secured together (and therefore simultaneously) to the support SG by two small translations perpendicular to each other, which makes it possible to avoid having to relate to each of them them coupling or fixing elements, in particular in non-optical zones, and therefore not to reduce the dimensions of their optical photon guiding zones. In addition, this makes it possible to reduce the number of coupling or fixing elements of the SG support. The production of the GLn light guides and the SG support are therefore less complex, and therefore less expensive, and the design phase of the BO optical unit is shorter. This results in a reduction in the cost of the BO optical unit and a reduction in the bulk in the EB space of the latter (BO).

[0054] Preferably, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 8, the light guides GLn are rectilinear and parallel to each other. In this case, as illustrated, the LGn housings can also be rectilinear and parallel to each other. But this is not obligatory, because the housings LGn can be arranged in such a way as to allow the simultaneous translation of light guides GLn which are not rectilinear and/or not parallel.

[0055] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 8, when M is equal to two, the first LR1 and second LR2 rigid connections can connect respectively and perpendicularly the first PEG1 (k = 1) and second PEG2 (k = 2) opposite end parts of the GLn light guides. In this case, the first opening OL1 may comprise first P1 and second P2 parts which communicate with each other. The first part P1 has a longitudinal section (here in the plane YZ) of generally rectangular shape. The second part P2 has a cross section (here in the plane XZ) in the general shape of U and also communicates with the outside (on the front side of the SG support). This allows the passage of the first rigid connection LR1 into the first part P1 (by translation in the longitudinal direction X), then the translation of this first rigid connection LR1 into the first part P1 during the translation of the set of guides from light.

[0056] In addition, the support SG comprises a (second) end portion PES2 (k = 2) in which the second opening OL2 is defined. The latter (OL2) comprises a longitudinal section (here in the plane YZ) of generally rectangular shape, and communicates with the outside (via the open end face of the second end part PES2 (located in the plane XZ) ) in order to allow the introduction then the translation of the second rigid connection LR2. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous because it avoids making the second opening OL2 visible (only a portion of the second part P2 of the first opening OL1 is in fact visible).

[0057] But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, the second opening OL2 could be identical to the first opening OL1.

[0058] It will be noted that at the end of assembly each rigid connection LRm is advantageously completely masked by a corresponding part of the support SG (here a part of the wall which is located between the two housings LGn).

[0059] It will also be noted that in order to make the portion of the second part P2 of the first opening OL1 invisible, the glass (or the screen) before GV can be made of opaline material or covered with prisms and/or beads.

[0060] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 4 and 6, the second rigid connection LR2 may comprise a first coupling element EC1, and the support SG may comprise a second coupling element EC2 cooperating with this first element coupling EC1 to participate in the immobilization of the light guides GLn relative to the support SG. That is particularly advantageous, because this avoids reducing the dimensions of the optical photon guiding zones of the light guides GLn since the first coupling element EC1 is defined on a technical (non-optical) zone, here the second rigid connection LR2.

[0061] It will be understood that in the example illustrated without limitation, the second coupling element EC2 is defined in the second end part PES2 of the support SG, on a small additional rear wall located opposite its front face and dedicated to coupling (see figures 4 and 6).

[0062] Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 4 and 6, the second coupling element EC2 can be a clipping hole, and the first coupling element EC1 can be a clipping tab (or notch). which is partly housed in the clipping hole EC2 at the end of translation of the set of light guides (and therefore at the end of assembly). Thus, a simple clipping operation makes it possible to immobilize the set of light guides in relation to the SG support, and to prevent it from translating.

[0063] In a variant embodiment, the first coupling element EC1 could be a clipping hole, and the second coupling element EC2 could be a clipping tab (or notch) partly housed in the clipping hole. EC1 clipping.

[0064] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitatively and at least partially in Figures 7 and 8, the support SG can comprise an end wall PAE which is perpendicular to the housings LGn and which comprises N through holes TTn located opposite of the photon source. These N through holes TTn are crossed respectively by the first end parts PEG1 (k = 1) of the light guides GLn during the translation of the latter (GLn) so that the first end parts PEG1 receive the photons generated. In addition, these N through holes TTn participate in the immobilization of the light guides GLn relative to the support SG, here by preventing them from translating in the plane XZ. This option is particularly advantageous because the PAE end wall masks the photon entry zones in the GLn light guides, and therefore prevents a person from observing the “hot spots” (of high light intensity) occurring in these zones entry. We therefore no longer need to provide a mask to hide these entry areas.

[0065] Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figure 2, when the number N is equal to two, the support SG can have a cross section (here in the plane XZ) in the general shape of W.

Claims

[Claim 1] Optical unit (BO) comprising a housing (BB) delimiting a space (EB) housing a source of photons capable of generating photons and N light guides (GLn) capable of receiving and guiding said generated photons to ensure a photometric function, with N > 2, characterized in that said light guides (GLn) are joined together by M rigid connections (LRm), with M > 1, and in that it further comprises a support (SG) installed in said space (EB) and comprising N spaced housings (LGn), respectively housing said light guides (GLn) and communicating with each other via M openings (OLm) each allowing a passage of a rigid connection (LRm) and a translation simultaneous operation of said light guides (GLn) with a view to their immobilization.

[Claim 2] Optical unit according to claim 1, characterized in that said light guides (GLn) are rectilinear and parallel to each other.

[Claim 3] Optical unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that M is equal to two and said rigid connections (LRm) respectively and perpendicularly connect opposite end parts (PEGk) of said light guides (GLn), in that a first opening (OL1) comprises a first part (P1) having a longitudinal section of generally rectangular shape and a second part (P2) having a cross section in the general shape of a U and communicating with the exterior and said first part (P1) in order to allow said passage of a first rigid connection (LR1) into said first part (P1) then said translation of this first rigid connection (LR1) into said first part (P1), and in that said support (SG) comprises an end part (PES2) in which is defined a second opening (OL2) comprising a longitudinal section of generally rectangular shape and communicating with the exterior in order to allow introduction and said translation of a second connection rigid (LR2).

[Claim 4] Optical unit according to claim 3, characterized in that said second rigid connection (LR2) comprises a first coupling element (EC1), and in that said support (SG) comprises a second coupling element coupling (EC2) cooperating with said first coupling element (EC1) to participate in said immobilization of said light guides (GLn) relative to said support (SG).

[Claim 5] Optical unit according to claim 4, characterized in that said second coupling element (EC2) is a clipping hole, and in that said first coupling element (EC1) is a clipping tab partly housed in said clipping hole (EC2).

[Claim 6] Optical block according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said support (SG) comprises an end wall (PAE) perpendicular to said housings (LGn) and comprising N through holes (TTn) located in view of said source of photons, crossed respectively by first end parts (PEG1) of said light guides (GLn) during said translation of the latter (GLn) so that said first end parts (PEG1) receive said photons generated, and participating in said immobilization of said light guides (GLn) relative to said support (SG).

[Claim 7] Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that N is equal to two, and in that said support (SG) has a cross section in the general shape of W.

[Claim 8] Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said photometric function is a signaling function.

[Claim 9] Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (BO) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

[Claim 10] Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.