Optical module for a motor vehicle and for locking a component of the module in field by an elastically

Abstract

An optical module for lighting and / or signaling purposes of a motor vehicle comprises a bracket (2a) defining a compartment (L) for receiving a functional component, such as a fan (5). A gripping element (10), preferably manufactured as a single part, can be used to block the opening (8) of the compartment and to lock the part in its operational position. A clamping element (10), separate from the bracket and provided with two arms (11 and 12), engages and clamps on at least one engagement projection (20a and 20b) formed laterally on the bracket (2) in order to achieve the locking. The elastic return action of at least one of the two arms (11 and 12) allows the clamping element to engage and remain in place behind the projection. For unlocking, flexible actuation portions (15a and 11) formed in the clamping element (10) may be actuated in order to move one of the two arms (11 and 12) outwardly and to allow loosening to occur.

Description

[0001] The present application is a divisional application, which is based on a Chinese patent application with application date of February 6, 2018, application number 201810136111.3, and invention name “Optical module for motor vehicles and locking components of the module in place by elastically deformable clamping elements”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle and an assembly solution for removably mounting a component in a headlamp. More specifically, the invention relates to an optical module provided with a removable functional component in the field of motor vehicles and to attaching such a component to an optical module using a clamping member. Background Art

[0003] Typically, such an optical module works with a light source that has the disadvantage of generating heat. It is therefore equipped with one or more components whose purpose is to absorb and / or discharge this heat. For example, a module of this type is provided with a heat sink for keeping the temperature of the module at a relatively low level and with cooling components, usually in the form of a fan. In this way, the functioning of the optical module is not affected by excessive temperatures.

[0004] Functional components added to optical modules are usually attached by means of a plurality of screws, as described, for example, in document WO 2012 / 013591. Given that these modules are often difficult to access, tightening and loosening operations prove to be inconvenient when it is necessary to replace components, such as cooling components or other replaceable components. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to achieve an optical module, for example a lighting and / or signaling module, which facilitates handling when replacing removably mounted components.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to an optical module for a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0007] - a support defining a compartment accessible through the opening,

[0008] a functional component, preferably electrically driven, designed and arranged to be received in the compartment in its operative configuration by insertion through the opening in a general insertion direction which allows the component to be moved towards a back of the compartment opposite the opening and generally allows the component to engage against the back,

[0009] - a clamping element separate from the support and provided with two arms; and

[0010] at least one engagement projection, which is stationary relative to the support and is preferably formed directly on the support and on which the clamping element remains engaged by the elastic return action of at least one of the two arms, the at least one engagement projection allowing the clamping element to be clamped so as to hold it in a clamping position adjacent to the support,

[0011] In particular, the clamping element is designed and arranged to hold and lock the functional component in an operating configuration when clamped, and the clamping element has a flexible actuation portion for moving one of the two arms outwardly and allowing the clamping element to be released in a spaced-apart configuration, thereby allowing the functional component to be removed from the compartment.

[0012] Due to these arrangements, the optical module has the advantage that maintenance operations are more flexible, since functional components, such as fans, can be simply and quickly attached to the bracket of the optical module and can be removed just as easily at any time. The clamping element is removed as a single-piece component, which is simpler than removing multiple screws.

[0013] In a preferred option, the clamping element is deformable by bending so as to be convertible from a rest configuration in which the two arms are substantially parallel to a spaced-apart configuration in which the two arms are spaced further apart from each other than in the rest configuration.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the at least one engagement protrusion comprises a protrusion formed on a side wall member of the compartment and the protrusion has a shoulder or abutment surface, which is preferably formed at a rear of the engagement protrusion relative to the general insertion direction to hold an arm associated with the clamping element in a clamping position.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the at least one engagement protrusion comprises a protrusion formed parallel to the insertion direction on each of the two side wall members, the two side wall members delimiting the compartment, each of the protrusions having a shoulder or abutment surface, which is preferably formed at the rear of the engagement protrusion relative to the overall insertion direction so as to hold an arm associated with the clamping element in a clamping position.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the bracket has two side wall members, which define a space between them for accommodating the functional component, the opening extends laterally between the two side wall members, and the at least one engaging protrusion includes a first protrusion protruding outward formed on one of the two side wall members and a second protrusion protruding outward formed on the other of the two side wall members, and the two protrusions protrude radially outward.

[0017] Preferably, the end of each of the two arms of the clamping element has an inwardly folded portion, and each of the two arms of the clamping element is held in a clamping position by one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion respectively by means of engagement of the inwardly folded portion with the rear portion of the corresponding protrusion.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the clamping element has:

[0019] - two arms, which are located on either side of the opening of the compartment and are in a clamping position, and

[0020] - an intermediate base connecting the first arm and the second arm so as to block or extend opposite the opening in the clamped position ("blocking" should be interpreted broadly here and does not necessarily mean complete blocking).

[0021] According to one embodiment, at least one of the two arms has a first, preferably substantially straight portion, which is extended on the side opposite the intermediate base by a fixing portion, which is connected to the first portion and defines a setting angle less than or equal to 120° and preferably less than or equal to 90° towards the inside of the clamping element. With this configuration, a portion of the arm can be formed, which has an inward orientation that is substantially parallel to the intermediate base and is very suitable for engaging a shoulder or abutment surface formed on the side wall of the compartment.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the fixing portion is an intermediate portion between the first portion and a second C-shaped or J-shaped portion defining the free end of the arm.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the intermediate base portion of the clamping element has a varying curvature and is arched inwardly to define an inwardly arched portion.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the intermediate base is connected to one and / or the other of the two arms via a rounded corner, the intermediate base and / or the rounded corner being elastically deformable to allow the arms connected to the corner to reversibly move outwards.

[0025] An optical module according to the invention may include one or more of the following features:

[0026] - the corners have through holes, whereby the corners define flexible actuating portions for moving the respective arms outwardly, the outward movement being obtained in response to the end of a removal tool (such as a screwdriver) being inserted through the through holes between the side wall members of the compartment and the arms (the local action of using a tool inserted between one arm of the clamping element and the side wall to resist the return action and pass through the through holes is very suitable for moving the arms radially outwardly due to the corners).

[0027] - The clamping element can be actuated by a push / pressure applied in the insertion direction so as to obtain an outward movement of one and / or the other of the two arms, followed by a clamping position.

[0028] The clamping element has two rounded corners, and in a cross section of the clamping element, the intermediate base has a curvature in a direction opposite to the curvature of the two rounded corners.

[0029] The optical module comprises a light source positioned in an optical cavity, the optical cavity being at least partially defined by a support and optical means for converting radiation from the light source into an outgoing light beam.

[0030] --The functional components are separated from the optical device, and the compartment is separated from the optical cavity.

[0031] The clamping element is produced as a single component, preferably from metal.

[0032] --The functional component is a cooling component, preferably a fan.

[0033] --The optical module includes a light source.

[0034] --The functional unit includes a control circuit connected to all or part of the light source.

[0035] --The light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.

[0036] - The optical module comprises a support having portions manufactured as a single component defining a compartment.

[0037] The optical module has a heat sink, which is preferably made of folded metal sheet with pure aluminum having good thermal conductivity, which improves the performance of temperature control.

[0038] The optical module comprises a reflective assembly defined by a plurality of reflector elements, the light source being positioned opposite the reflector elements of the reflective assembly formed by a support portion of the optical module.

[0039] The optical module has a lens defining an optical axis and allowing transmission of an outgoing light beam, the insertion direction being substantially parallel to the optical axis.

[0040] Another object of the invention is to propose a headlamp for a motor vehicle comprising a headlamp housing according to the invention and an optical module to perform a lighting and / or signaling function.

[0041] The invention also proposes the use of a clamping element, preferably made as a single part, in an optical module for a motor vehicle in order to lock a fan in an assembly position in which the fan is rigidly connected to a support of the optical module, it being known that once the fan has been inserted in a receiving compartment defined by the support in the general insertion direction through an opening in this compartment, the following operations can be performed:

[0042] - engaging and clamping the clamping element against at least one engagement projection that is stationary relative to the support and is preferably formed directly on the support, so that the clamping element takes up a position adjacent to the support to lock the assembly position and so that the clamping element is kept engaged on the engagement projection or projections by the elastic return action of at least one of the two arms, the clamping element being separate from the support and provided with two arms,

[0043] - Unlocking the assembled position of the fan by actuating at least one flexible actuation portion formed in the clamping element, so as to move at least one of the two arms outwards and allow the clamping element to be released in a spaced-apart configuration.

[0044] Also selectively propose to use clamping element to lock the assembly position of functional components (such as control circuit or board with lighting function) other than fan.It is understandable that the clamping element can allow the insertion and removal of functional components in the same way as the drawer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be disclosed in the following description of several embodiments thereof provided as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 Is a perspective view showing a portion of the optical module according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention during the insertion of the functional component into the receiving compartment of the optical module;

[0047] - Figure 2 is relative to Figure 1 , a flipped exploded perspective view showing a receiving compartment formed in a portion of the support belonging to the module before the functional component is inserted;

[0048] - Figure 3 is shown in the assembled state with the component locked in the receiving compartment. Figure 2 A perspective view of the same elements as shown;

[0049] Figure 4 Is a top view showing the insertion of the functional component before being locked by the clamping element functional component;

[0050] - Figure 5is a perspective view showing a stacked configuration of optical modules between a removably mounted fan and a heat exchanger according to an embodiment of the present invention during a stage of loosening the clamping elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In different drawings the same or similar elements are shown.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the optical module 1 can be used, for example, to perform lighting and / or signaling functions towards the exterior of a motor vehicle. To this end, the module 1 comprises, as known per se, a support 2, a light source (not shown), a reflector device comprising a fixed reflecting surface 3 formed in the support 2 and other optional elements for shaping the light beam and an optical lens 4 formed at the outlet end of the module 1. The support 2 can have two additional parts 2a and 2b, which can be assembled by holding the optical lens 4 between these two parts 2a and 2b, and / or facilitate the previous assembly of the light source and certain reflecting parts on one of the two parts 2a and 2b.

[0053] In some options, the support 2 may be as described in document WO 2012 / 013591. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the way in which the light source and reflector can be assembled on the support 2 and associated therewith will not be described, and the method for attaching an optical reflector or other similar reflector element for deflecting and shielding the light beam will not be described.

[0054] Behind the optical lens 4, preferably on the side of the rear end opposite the front end of the optical module 1, there are also removably mounted functional components, in this case a fan 5 and a heat exchanger 6, for example a heat sink provided with one or more heat dissipation surfaces 36. The support 2 comprises means 20 for positioning and attaching the optical lens 4 to the support 2. These means cooperate with the positioning and attachment means provided on the optical lens 3. The optical lens 4 is thus supported by the support 4. Preferably, the optical lens 4 is supported directly by the support 2.

[0055] Reference Figure 5 , the bracket 2 may include or support a connection assembly for positioning and attaching the heat exchanger 6 to the bracket 2, so that the heat exchanger 6 is rigidly connected to the bracket 2 in the installed state. Preferably, the fan 5 and the heat exchanger 6 are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the module 1 and are stacked one on top of the other, so as to cooperate to effectively reduce the temperature of the optical module 1. In particular, the fan 5 generates an airflow that is sent to one or more heat dissipation surfaces 36 provided in the optical module 1.

[0056] Especially in Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen in the figure, the support 2 defines a compartment L designed to receive the fan 5. The compartment L has a back 9 opposite the opening 8, through which the fan 5, which in this case is roughly parallelepiped in shape, can be inserted. The side of the opening 8 thus forms the entrance to the compartment L. Naturally, the shape of the fan 5 can be modified, for example with a more circular or annular shape, or a polygonal shape with more than four sides, or a combination of a polygonal shape and one or more curved surfaces. In this variant, the shape of the compartment L can also match the outer contour of the fan 5 while allowing insertion by sliding.

[0057] refer to Figure 5 The electrical connector 40 may optionally be arranged beside the fan 5, for example on a side different from the side of the opening 8. The fan 5 may have a power line 41 connected to the rear surface 5c of the fan 5, which is formed by the stator 23 and oriented towards the side of the opening 8.

[0058] In the optical module 1, the light source can be positioned in an optical cavity C3 or emit radiation into such an optical cavity C3 at least partially defined by the support 2. Optical means of a type known per se arranged in the cavity C3 make it possible, for example, to transform the radiation coming from the light source into an exit light beam. The compartment L is separated from such an optical cavity C3.

[0059] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The compartment L shown in is defined between two parallel members 21 and 22 (hereinafter referred to as side wall members 21 and 22) that engage with the transverse wall defining the back 9. In order not to hinder the flow of air in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation X of the blade rotor R of the fan 5, the main opposite faces of the compartment L (usually forming the top and the bottom) can be perforated. The chassis forming the stator 23 of the fan 5 can define a frame around the rotor R, the frame having four outer surfaces, including two lateral outer surfaces 23a and 23b suitable for guiding the fan 5 by cooperating with corresponding inner surfaces formed in the side wall members 21 and 22.

[0060] refer to Figure 1 , one or two guide lugs 21a and 22a may project inwardly relative to the inner surface of the side wall members 21 and 22, in this case on the top side, to guide and hold the fan 5 pressed against the perforated bottom wall of the compartment L. The lugs 21a and 22a may be used as a substitute for the top wall, thus allowing air to enter the compartment L through the entire top surface of the compartment. For the bottom surface defining the compartment L, a similar arrangement may be adopted.

[0061] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As clearly shown, the bottom wall may have a plurality of large through holes 24 for the passage of air set in motion by the rotor R of the fan 5. On the side of the opening 8, when the fan 5 is oriented so that its axis of rotation X is parallel to the side wall members 21 and 22 and perpendicular to the predetermined insertion direction D, there is no obstacle preventing the insertion of the fan 5. However, a foolproofing system may be optionally provided to allow the fan 5 to be received only when the shape of the fan 5 matches a specific member provided in the compartment L, and optionally only when the fan 5 is rotated in a specific direction, usually with the same face that is rotated towards the top side of the compartment L.

[0062] As a non-limiting example, a guide member 9a may be provided on the back 9 side to indicate the end of the translational movement for inserting the fan 5 into the compartment L and also to form a foolproof feature when the fan 5 needs to be arranged in a specific orientation.

[0063] In the example shown, the fan 5 is a functional component mounted on the portion 2a of the support 2 by being inserted through the opening 8 along an insertion direction D, moving towards the back 9 until optionally coming into contact with the back 9. The insertion direction D may be straight, as in Figure 1 However, in a variant, the insertion of the functional component may involve a change in direction and / or in a relatively defined gap, such as a translational play in two spatial directions perpendicular to each other and to the insertion direction D.

[0064] The engagement of the fan 5 is shown here only as an example and it should be noted that the described method of inserting the fan 5 is applicable to the specific case of any functional component that needs to be removably mounted in the compartment L of the bracket 2. The same applies to the locking method described below.

[0065] Reference Figure 2 , 3 and 4, the optical module 1 comprises a clamping element 10, which is typically formed by a part that can be separated from the support 2, in this case a thin elastically deformable metal part. The clamping element 10 has, for example, a thickness less than or equal to 2 mm, at least in the bending area of ​​the element. Figure 4 As is clearly shown, the clamping element 10 has two arms 11 and 12, which may be symmetrical to each other. A symmetry plane PS of the clamping element 10 separates the two identical halves. The clamping element 10 can thus be used without the risk of incorrect positioning, which is not the case in an arrangement with asymmetrical arms.

[0066] During assembly, the fan 5 can be held by friction when it is fully inserted into the compartment L along the insertion direction D, for example by using the inner ribs N. More generally, if there is a relative rotational and / or translational play at the beginning of the insertion into the compartment L, this play can advantageously be reduced as the fan 5 (or other functional components / modules) are subsequently moved toward the back 9, for example in an increasing manner, until the relative translational and / or rotational play has been eliminated or reduced to a minimum relative residual play, at the latest when the operating position is reached.

[0067] If applicable, the power line 41 can engage in a groove defined by a guide GF formed on the side of the face of the stator 23 that defines the rear surface according to the insertion direction D. This guide can allow the power line 41 to be positioned in a lowered or raised position, which prevents any obstruction of the clamping element 10 when it approaches and engages to cover the opening 8.

[0068] refer to Figure 4 , the first arm 11 and the second arm 12 each have a free end E1 and E2, which, due to one or more flexible areas, have a certain amount of deflection in a radial direction perpendicular to the symmetry plane PS. The end of each of the two arms 11 and 12 here has an inwardly folded portion (11a and E1; 12a and E2;) to perform a retaining function by engaging with a corresponding engagement projection 20a and 20b provided on the side wall members 21 and 22. For example, each engagement projection 20a and 20b formed directly on the bracket 2 can have a rear surface 24a and 24b formed by a shoulder in the side wall members 21 and 22.

[0069] In this case, the minimum distance D2 between the arms 11 and 12 is measured perpendicular to the plane of symmetry PS between the inwardly folded parts. The maximum distance D1 between the arms 11 and 12 measured in the same direction may correspond to the distance between the two first parts directly connected to the corners 15a and 15b, and in this case the two first parts are straight and parallel to each other. The distances D1 and D2 are naturally the distances measured in the non-spaced configuration of the clamping element 10 when it is at rest. The following equation may be satisfied: 9 mm <D1-D2<35mm。

[0070] like Figure 3As is clearly shown, after the fan 5 is mounted, the clamping element 10 can be held by the two engagement projections 20a and 20b and, in this case, held in engagement by each of the two arms 11 and 11 by an elastic return action. The clamping element 10 has an intermediate base 14 located between the arms 11 and 12, which is pushed against the rear surface 5c of the fan 5 when the fan 5 is mounted and locked in the operating position in the compartment L. In a non-limiting example, the intermediate base 14 is connected to each of the two arms 11 and 12 by elastically deformable fillets 15a and 15b to provide an articulation action around an axis perpendicular to the insertion direction D. The intermediate base 14 extends transversely to the plane PS. In some variants, for example if the rear surface 5c is significantly narrower than the width or projection of the fan 5, or if there is a chamfer in a direction transverse to the plane PS, the intermediate base 14 can be shorter or actually eliminated.

[0071] In the example shown, the hinge action occurs about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation X and allows the clamping element 10 to open wider. In other words, a significantly increased minimum distance of the gap between the arms 11 and 12 can be obtained between the inwardly folded parts, for example by at least (D1-D2) / 2, the distance again being measured here perpendicular to the symmetry plane PS or a comparable intermediate position.

[0072] exist Figure 4 As can be seen from the figure, the distance D2 is too short to allow the clamping element 10 to move to Figure 3 1 and 12, which means that the two arms 11 and 12 of the clamping element 10 need to be deformed in order to install the clamping element 10. In order to facilitate this installation, the free ends E1 and E2 are formed at a certain angle to define an inclined ramp that leaves the plane PS from the folding area defining the minimum distance D2. This configuration allows the arms 11 and 12 to be gradually separated, each ramp acting as a cam follower when it comes into contact with a fixed axial surface (similar to a cam surface) defined by the opposite protrusion 20a or 20b. The moving separation is achieved by deformation of the corners 15a and 15b and / or the intermediate base 14, which allows the forward movement of each ramp in the insertion direction to be converted into a rotational movement that moves the arms 11 and 12 outwards.

[0073] exist Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the intermediate base 14 may be at least partially narrowed relative to the corners 15 and 15 b , which increases the flexibility of the clamping element 10 in this region and makes it easier to move the arms 11 and 12 away from each other.

[0074] The folded parts 11a and E1 of the first arm 11 and the folded parts 12a and E2 of the second arm 12 can slide into the spaced apart configuration of the clamping element 10 by abutting against the corresponding protrusions 20a and 20b. At least one longitudinal guide lug 20c can be arranged in a position adjacent to the protrusions 20a and 20b or in the edge portion of the protrusions 20a and 20b. In this case, such a lug 20c protrudes and is arranged on each of the relative protrusions 20a and 20b so as to eliminate or limit the relative rotational play of the clamping element 10 when one and / or the other of the arms 11 and 12 is spaced apart. This helps the clamping element 10 to be centered relative to the opening 8 to be blocked and to keep the plane of symmetry PS or its similar intermediate plane in a central position so that the plane PS remains parallel to the axis of rotation X of the fan 5 shown in the present embodiment.

[0075] The two arms 11 and 12 are described here as being parallel to each other in a rest configuration and further apart from each other in a spaced configuration. More generally, the arms 11 and 12, whether parallel to each other or in a rest configuration, may advantageously have the same ability to shift from a rest position allowing clamping with axial fixation on the sides of the ends of the arms 11 and 12 to a position in which they are further apart allowing axial movement in the insertion direction D and in the opposite direction.

[0076] When the folded parts of the arms 11 and 12 have moved over the corresponding protrusions 20a and 20b, the clamping element 10 stops sliding at the two sides of the compartment L. Due to the spring action, the corners 15a and 15b return to their initial shape, and these folded parts 11a and E1 and 12a and E2 engage on the faces 24a and 24b behind the protrusions 20a and 20b. In this way, the clamping element 10 then blocks the opening 8, and the fan 5 is locked in the operating position installed in the compartment L. For example, the clamping element returns to its initial configuration, in which the minimum distance D2 between the arms 11 and 12 is equal to the minimum distance D2 between the arms 11 and 12. Figure 4 It will be appreciated that locking can be produced by a substantially linear movement of the clamping element 10, which can be pushed only at the middle part or its base 14, for example on a slightly concave face F14 of the middle base 14 facing in the direction opposite to the insertion direction D, as Figure 1 and 4 shown.

[0077] In the non-limiting example shown, each portion of the inward fold of the arm 11 or 12 comprises a radial fixing section 11a and 12a transverse to the plane of symmetry PS of the clamping element 10. At the end of the mounting of the clamping element 10, in the clamping position of this clamping element 10, such radial sections 11a and 11b engage at the rear faces 24a and 24b of the protrusions 20a and 20b. The overall U-shape of this clamping element 10 allows the support 2 to be held as tightly as possible along the three sides of the compartment L.

[0078] like Figure 4 As clearly shown, each radial fixing section 11a and 12a extends in an intermediate manner between a first portion of the arm, in this case straight, and a free end E1 or E2 of the arm, which presents a second portion of the shape of a C or J. The first portion of each arm, forming the portion closest to the corners 15a and 15b, may be parallel to the plane of symmetry PS and generally oriented along the insertion direction D when the clamping element 10 is mounted and during external engagement of the side walls 21 and 22 of the compartment L.

[0079] The clamping element 10, which is preferably metal, is for example made as a single part. It has sufficient shape memory and reversibility for the distances D1 and D2 to remain substantially the same after a plurality of deformation operations to obtain the spaced-apart configuration of the clamping element 10. Of course, only a portion of the clamping element 10 may be produced from metal, for example one and / or the other of the arms 11 and 12 with the associated corners 15a and 15b.

[0080] Now refer to Figure 1 ,3 and 5 describe the unlocking operation in more detail.

[0081] Reference Figure 3 , it can be seen in particular that each corner 15a and 15b has a through hole O1 and O2 which opens at the contact area between the wall parts 21 and 22 and, in this case, the straight first part of one of the arms 11 and 12. The through holes O1 and O2 are oriented towards the same side as the intermediate base 14, namely the rear side, and are accessible from this same side. However, the through holes O1 and O2 can be formed in the corner area in order to be able to change the orientation of the straight working part of the removal tool inserted through the holes O1 and O2. In particular, this can allow a lateral deflection from the intermediate base 14 towards the closest arms 11 and 12 or in another direction. For this purpose, the through holes O1 and O2 can generally be elongated in a direction away from the intermediate base 14.

[0082] The through hole O1 allows the arrangement consisting of the corner 15a and the associated arm 11 to define a flexible actuation portion PA which can be moved away from the plane PS during installation of the clamping element 10. More specifically, the insertion of the end of a disassembly tool such as a screwdriver through the through hole O1 and between the side wall member 21 and the arm 11 enables the arm 11 to be moved radially outwards. This has the effect of loosening the clamping element 10, such as Figure 5 As is clearly shown, the respective folded portions 11 a and E1 can be detached from a protrusion 20 a formed laterally on the support 2 .

[0083] Naturally, another through hole O2 may also be provided, allowing the arrangement consisting of the corner 15b and the associated arm 12 to define another flexible actuation portion. It will be appreciated that the insertion of the end of a disassembly tool such as a screwdriver into the through hole O2 and between the side wall member 22 and the arm 12 enables the arm 12 to be moved radially outwards. As in the case of the through hole O1 described above, this has the effect of releasing the clamping element 10 by disengaging the corresponding protrusion 20b formed externally on the side wall member 22 from the clamping element 10.

[0084] refer to Figure 5 By means of a simple lever action applied by a common tool (usually a flat-head screwdriver), the clamping element 10 can be deformed and loosened without the need for cumbersome screw connection operations. By means of the spaced-apart configuration, the deformed clamping element 10 is loosened at least on one side, resulting in unlocking.

[0085] When the clamping element 10 has been completely removed, the fan 5 can be removed from the compartment L by simply pulling the fan 5 in a direction opposite to the insertion direction D. In its operating position, the fan 5 can optionally extend beyond the side wall members 21 and 22 on the side of the opening 8 in order to more easily clamp the rear end of the fan 5 during the removal operation.

[0086] The optical module 1 may be part of a headlight for a motor vehicle, for example being received in a headlight housing, in order to perform at least a lighting and / or signaling function.

[0087] One of the advantages of the module 1 is that it allows the optical module 1 to be easily assembled and disassembled and in a manner compatible with mounting locations that are difficult to access, for example from the rear of a headlamp in a vehicle. Such an optical module 1 facilitates the replacement of replaceable functional components.

[0088] The generally U-shaped shape of the clamping element 10 which does not cover the major surface of the compartment L means that cooling performance is not adversely affected by locking the fan 5 in place. The clamping element 10 may be formed from a metal strip, creating a spring action which facilitates engagement at the rear of the projections 20a and 20b when locked.

[0089] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of embodiments having many other specific forms without departing from the field of application of the invention as claimed.

[0090] Thus, although the figures show a symmetrical shape corresponding to the preferred choice of the clamping element 10, the clamping element 10 may have one arm that is different from or shorter than the other arm. Similarly, if applicable, one of the arms 11 and 12 may not engage at the rear of the protrusions 20a and 20b and move outwards in order to be released, but may cooperate in a different way to allow the clamping element 10 to remain in place. If applicable, such an arm may be held in a fixed position by magnetic attachment, friction or form engagement, optionally being guided in place along the side wall of the compartment L.

Claims

1. An optical module (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - a support (2) defining a compartment (L) accessible through an opening (8), a functional component, which is preferably electrically driven, designed and arranged to be received in the compartment (L) in its operative configuration by insertion through the opening (8) along a general insertion direction (D), Characterized in that the optical module comprises: - a clamping element (10) separate from said support (2) and provided with two arms (11 and 12); and - at least one engagement projection (20a and 20b) which is stationary relative to the support (2) and is preferably formed directly on the support and on which the clamping element (10) is held engaged by the elastic return action of at least one of the two arms (11 and 12), the at least one engagement projection (20a and 20b) allowing the clamping element (10) to be clamped so as to be held in a clamping position adjacent to the support (2), and the clamping element (10) is designed and arranged to hold and lock the functional component in an operating configuration when clamped, the clamping element (10) having a flexible actuating portion (PA) for moving one of the two arms (11 and 12) outwardly and allowing the clamping element (10) to be released in a spaced-apart configuration, The end of each of the two arms (11 and 12) has a portion folded inwardly to engage with a corresponding engagement protrusion (20a and 20b), The functional component is a fan (5), The bracket (2) has two side wall members (21 and 22), the two side wall members define a space for receiving the functional component between them, the opening (8) extends transversely between the two side wall members (21 and 22), the at least one engaging protrusion (20a and 20b) comprises a first protrusion (20a) protruding outwards formed on one of the two side wall members (21) and a second protrusion (20b) protruding outwards formed on the other of the two side wall members (21 and 22), each of the two arms (11 and 12) of the clamping element (10) is held in a clamping position by one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion (20a and 20b), respectively. wherein the two arms (11 and 12) are distributed on both sides of the opening (8) of the compartment (L) in the clamping position, the clamping element (10) comprising an intermediate base (14) connecting the first arm (11) and the second arm (12) so as to block or extend opposite the opening (8) in the clamping position, wherein the fan (5) is oriented so that its rotation axis (X) is parallel to the two side wall members (21 and 22) and perpendicular to the predetermined insertion direction (D), and when the fan (5) is installed and locked in the operating position in the compartment (L), the intermediate base (14) is pushed against the rear surface (5c) of the fan (5).

2. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that The clamping element (10) is deformable by bending so as to be convertible from a rest configuration in which the two arms (11 and 12) are substantially parallel to the spaced-apart configuration in which the two arms (11 and 12) are spaced further apart from each other than in the rest configuration.

3. A module according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate base (14) is connected to one and / or the other of the two arms (11 and 12) by means of rounded corners (15a and 15b), the intermediate base and / or the rounded corners (15a and 15b) being elastically deformable so as to allow the arms (11 and 12) to which the corners are connected to move outward in a reversible manner.

4. A module according to claim 3, wherein the corners (15a and 15b) have through holes (O1 and O2), whereby the corners (15a and 15b) and the adjacent arms define the flexible actuating portion (PA) to move the corresponding arms (11 and 12) outwardly, and this outward movement is obtained in response to the end of a disassembly tool such as a screwdriver being inserted through the through holes (O1 and O2) between the side wall members (21 and 22) of the compartment (L) and the arms.

5. A module according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a light source located in an optical cavity (C3) at least partially defined by the support (2) and optical means for converting the radiation from the light source into an outgoing light beam, the functional component being separate from the optical means and the compartment (L) being separate from the optical cavity (C3).

6. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The clamping element (10) is manufactured as a single component, preferably from metal.

7. A module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a light source which generates heat.

8. A module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a light source, wherein the functional component comprises a control circuit connected to all or part of the light source.

9. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a light source and a reflective assembly defined by a plurality of reflector elements, the light source being positioned opposite a reflector element of the reflective assembly formed by a portion of a support of the optical module.

10. A module according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the two arms has a first, preferably substantially straight portion, which is extended on the side opposite to the intermediate base by the inwardly folded portion, the inwardly folded portion being connected to the first portion and defining a set angle less than or equal to 120° and preferably less than or equal to 90° towards the inner side of the clamping element.

11. A headlamp for a motor vehicle, comprising a headlamp housing and an optical module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, performing a lighting and / or signaling function.

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