OPTICAL UNIT FOR A VEHICLE WITH A SINGLE-PIECE CARRIER PARTICIPATING IN PHOTOMETRIC FUNCTIONS

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2013798 filed on 21.12.2020.

[0002] The invention relates to vehicle optical units which provide at least two photometric functions. State of the art

[0003] Some vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, comprise at least one optical unit comprising a housing housing parts and equipment which for some participate in photometric lighting or signaling functions, such as for example a brake light function, a reversing light function, a fog light function, a direction indicator function (or turn signal), a high beam function, a dipped beam function, a position light function (or sidelight or lantern), or a daytime running light function (or DRL (for "Daytime running Light (or Lamp)" - light signaling automatically switched on when the vehicle is put into operation during the day)). This type of optical unit is for example described in patent document FR-B13008167.

[0004] Document JP2006313681 discloses a vehicle lighting tool irradiating light from a plurality of light sources in a given direction, capable of being reduced. Document DE10212112151 discloses a motor vehicle rear light having at least a rear position light function, a turn signal function and a brake light function.

[0005] The aforementioned parts or equipment, to which the adjective "optical" is hereinafter associated, may be light sources (such as, for example, light-emitting diodes (or LEDs), masks, reflectors, collimators, lenses, mirrors, or light guides (possibly flat), for example.

[0006] The smaller the dimensions of the optical block, the smaller the volume available in its housing, and the more difficult and / or complex the integration of optical parts and equipment becomes. Indeed, this integration requires the presence of mechanical interfaces for isostatism and / or pre-holding and / or fixing by screws or clips, which may impose an increase in at least some of the dimensions of the housing, and / or induce style constraints and / or an increase in mass and / or an increase in assembly time and / or an increase in cost and / or an increase in the risk of occurrence of parasitic noise and / or vibrations (in particular due to assembly clearances) and / or an increase in the risk of light leakage (in particular due to assembly clearances and holes defined for the fixings or clipping means).

[0007] The invention therefore aims in particular to remedy all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks. Presentation of the invention

[0008] For this purpose, it proposes in particular an optical unit intended to equip a vehicle and comprising the characteristics of claim 1.

[0009] Thanks to this single-piece support part, which provides part of each photometric function in which a light source participates, the number of mechanical interfaces of the optical block is significantly reduced, which allows a reduction in mass, assembly time, cost, the risk of occurrence of parasitic noise and / or vibrations and the risk of light leakage, and style constraints, as well as a possible reduction in the dimensions of the housing.

[0010] The optical unit according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: the at least one opening can be completely masked by at least part of an auxiliary part; in the presence of the previous option, the auxiliary part concerned can constitute a light guide capable of guiding to an exit zone which it includes photons generated by the associated light source and having passed through the associated opening, or an optical collimation element capable of transmitting in a collimated manner photons generated by the associated light source towards a reflector housed in the housing; the auxiliary parts of the support part can be produced by overmolding a material chosen from a group comprising a polycarbonate (or PC) and a polymethyl methacrylate (or PMMA);the main part of the support part can be made by molding a material chosen from a group comprising a polycarbonate (or PC), a polymethyl methacrylate (or PMMA), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (or ABS) and a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (or ABS PC); its housing can house an electronic card, on the one hand, comprising a front face oriented towards a rear face of the main part and on which the light sources are installed, and, on the other hand, coupled to the support part; the main part of the support part can comprise a rear face oriented towards the light sources and from which at least one rear protuberance is erected defining a separation wall between photometric functions. ;

[0011] 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

[0012] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”), hence the presence of certain gray levels), on which: [ Fig. 1 ] schematically illustrates, in a first sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, a part of an exemplary embodiment of an optical unit according to the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] schematically illustrates, in a second sectional view in another longitudinal and vertical plane, another part of the optical block of the figure 1 , [ Fig. 3 ] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front face side, an example of the embodiment of the support part of the optical unit of the Figures 1 and 2 , [ Fig. 4] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in yet another longitudinal and vertical plane, a first portion of the lower front part of the optical block of the Figures 1 and 2 , And [ Fig. 5 ] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in yet another longitudinal and vertical plane, a second portion of the lower front part of the optical block of the Figures 1 and 2 . Detailed description of the invention

[0013] The invention aims in particular to propose an optical unit BO intended to equip a vehicle in order to ensure at least two photometric functions thanks to a single-piece PS support part.

[0014] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit BO is intended to be part of a motor vehicle. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It in fact relates to any vehicle which must comprise at least one optical unit, and in particular (although not exclusively) land vehicles.

[0015] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit BO is a rear light. But the invention is not limited to this type of optical unit. It also relates to optical units BO which constitute front lights or headlights (or projectors) of a vehicle.

[0016] It should be noted that the BO optical unit can be installed in a right or left or central, front or rear sub-part of a vehicle. Consequently, the shapes of the BB housings of the BO optical units may vary depending on their respective locations in vehicles. Similarly, the positions of the elements constituting the BO optical units may vary depending on their respective locations (BO).

[0017] We have schematically illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2 two distant zones (along the width direction) of an exemplary embodiment of an optical block BO according to the invention.

[0018] As illustrated, an optical block BO, according to the invention, comprises a housing BB comprising walls which contribute to delimiting an internal space with a (front) glass G through which the photons participating in the different photometric functions exit, the number of which is at least equal to two. These walls may, for example, be part of two half-shells secured to each other.

[0019] The BB housing (and therefore the internal space) houses at least two light sources Sj which participate respectively in the different photometric functions, and a single-piece support part PS downstream of these light sources Sj.

[0020] The support part PS (monobloc) comprises a main part PP which is produced by molding an opaque material and which comprises at least two openings Oj in the vicinity of which auxiliary parts PAj are respectively secured. The latter (PAj) participate respectively in the photometric functions and are produced by overmolding at least one non-opaque material allowing the passage of photons generated by the light sources Sj.

[0021] In other words, we start by making the main part PP (with its openings Oj) of the support part PS by molding (or injection) a material opaque to photons, then we make each auxiliary part PAj by overmolding (or injection) at least one material not opaque to photons on the main part PP, in the vicinity of its openings Oj. We thus have a single-piece support part PS ensuring part of each photometric function in which a light source Sj participates.

[0022] This allows a significant reduction in the number of mechanical interfaces (for isostatism and / or pre-holding and / or fixing by screws or clips), and therefore allows a reduction in mass, assembly time, cost, the risk of parasitic noise and / or vibrations and the risk of light leakage, and style constraints, as well as a possible reduction in the dimensions of the BB case.

[0023] The expression "in the vicinity" here means around and / or beside.

[0024] For example, the main PP part can be made by molding a material that is selected from a group comprising a polycarbonate (or PC), a polymethyl methacrylate (or PMMA), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (or ABS) and a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (or ABS PC).

[0025] Also for example, the auxiliary parts PAj can be made by overmolding a material chosen from a group comprising a polycarbonate (or PC) and a polymethyl methacrylate (or PMMA). Also for example, each light source Sj can comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED) or at least one laser diode or a gas laser or at least one bulb (possibly xenon). The choice of the type of a light source Sj can depend on the photometric function concerned.

[0026] In the example embodiment illustrated on the figures 1 to 3 , the support piece PS provides part of each of the three photometric functions in which three light sources S1 to S3 participate respectively (j = 1 to 3). But the number of photometric functions in which the support piece PS participates (or contributes) can take any value greater than or equal to two.

[0027] For example, when the optical unit BO is a rear light, the photometric functions in which the support part PS participates (or contributes), and more precisely its auxiliary parts PAj, can be chosen from a stop light function, a reversing light function, a fog light function, and a direction indicator function (or turn signal). But when the optical unit BO is a front light, the photometric functions in which the support part PS participates (or contributes), and more precisely its auxiliary parts PAj, can be chosen from a position light function (or sidelight or lantern), a daytime running light function (or DRL) and a direction indicator function, as well as possibly a high beam function, a low beam function and a fog light function.

[0028] It will be noted that at least one opening Oj can be masked (closed) completely by at least part of an auxiliary part PAj. This is particularly the case of the first auxiliary part PA1 which completely masks the first opening O1 and participates in the first photometric function just like the first light source S1, as illustrated in the figures 1 to 3 The first auxiliary part PA1 is here fixedly secured to the main part PP, by overmolding around its first opening O1.

[0029] This is also the case for the second auxiliary part PA2 which completely masks the second opening O2 and participates in the second photometric function just like the second light source S2, as illustrated in the figures 1 And 3The second auxiliary part PA2 is here fixedly secured to the main part PP, by overmolding around its second opening O2 and on a part of its front face FV (opposite the second light source S2) which extends towards the glass G.

[0030] In the case of complete masking, the auxiliary part PAj may, for example, constitute a light guide (possibly of the flat type) capable of guiding to an exit zone Z2 which it comprises photons which are generated by the associated light source Sj and which have passed through the associated opening Oj, or else an optical collimation element capable of transmitting in a collimated manner photons which are generated by the associated light source Sj towards a reflector R1 which is housed in the housing BB downstream of the support part PS.

[0031] Thus, in the example illustrated without limitation on the figures 1 to 3, the first auxiliary part PA1 constitutes an optical collimation element which collimates the photons coming from the first light source S1 towards the reflector R1 placed downstream and which is responsible for reflecting them towards the glass G (here via a screen EB), and in the example illustrated non-limitingly on the figures 1 And 3 , the second auxiliary part PA2 constitutes a light guide which comprises an entry zone Z1 through which the photons from the second light source S2 penetrate and which is responsible for guiding these photons to its exit zone Z2 located opposite the glass G.

[0032] It should be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation on the figure 3, the optical collimation element PA1 comprises six collimators CM which are placed opposite six sub-sources of the first light source S1, each sub-source comprising for example at least one light-emitting diode (and possibly several). The number of collimators CM and the number of sub-sources can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0033] The first auxiliary part PA1 could perform another optical function, such as a light guiding function. Similarly, the second auxiliary part PA2 could perform another optical function, such as a focusing (or concentration) or dispersion function.

[0034] It will also be noted that the main part PP may comprise a front face opposite the light sources Sj and on which is secured at least one auxiliary part PAj in the vicinity of an associated opening Oj and partially masked by a reflector R3 responsible for reflecting photons generated by the associated light source Sj towards this auxiliary part PAj. This is the case here of the third auxiliary part PA3 which participates in the third photometric function just like the third light source S3, and of the reflector R3 which partially masks the third opening O3, as illustrated in the figures 2 And 3 The third auxiliary part PA3 is here fixedly secured to the main part PP, by overmolding around its third opening O3 and on a part of its front face FV opposite the light sources.

[0035] In the example illustrated without limitation on the figures 2 And 3, the third auxiliary part PA3 constitutes a light guide which includes an entry zone Z3 through which the photons coming from the third light source S3 and reflected by the reflector R3 enter, and which is responsible for guiding these photons to its exit zone Z4 located opposite the glass G. But the third auxiliary part PA3 could provide another optical function, such as for example a focusing (or concentration) or dispersion function.

[0036] It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the Figures 1 and 2, that the BB housing can house an electronic card CE comprising a front face oriented towards the rear face of the main part PP (facing the light sources Sj) and on which the light sources Sj are installed. In this case, the electronic card CE is preferably coupled to the support part PS (in particular to reduce the focusing dispersions of the light sources compared to the different optics (in particular when it comes to LEDs)). This electronic card CE can, for example, be a printed circuit board of the PCB type (“Printed Circuit Board”).

[0037] It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the figures 1 to 3, that at least one rear protrusion PR can be erected from the rear face of the main part PP (oriented towards the light sources Sj). In this case, this (each) rear protrusion PR defines a separation wall between photometric functions. Here, there is in particular a separation wall PR which separates (and isolates) the second S2 and third S3 light sources participating respectively in the second and third photometric functions. It would also be possible to provide a separation wall PR separating (and isolating) the first S1 and second S2 light sources participating in the first and second photometric functions, and / or a separation wall PR separating (and isolating) the first S1 and third S3 light sources participating in the first and third photometric functions.

[0038] It will be understood that each rear protrusion PR advantageously makes it possible to avoid photon leaks from one photometric function to at least one other photometric function, upstream of the rear face of the main part PP.

[0039] Preferably, the support part PS is fixedly secured to the internal face of the BB housing, for example by clipping or screwing.

[0040] For example, the CE electronic card can be fixed on the support part PS, which constitutes a first assembly which is then fixed on the reflector R1, the whole then constituting a second assembly which can be fixed inside the BB box. Then, any masks and screen(s) can be fixed on the second assembly.

[0041] The types of fasteners (clips, screws, etc.) depend on the context (industrialization, size, technical feasibility, mechanical constraints, etc.).

[0042] In order to further reduce light leaks in the BB housing, the connection (or coupling) zones between certain elements may have specific arrangements defining light traps. This is particularly the case in the lower front part of the optical block BO, illustrated non-limitingly on the figures 4 And 5 . Here, a first front lower end edge E1 of the screen EB is folded back (opposite the glass G) and a second front lower end edge E2 of the reflector R1 (participating in the first photometric function) is placed above (substantially parallel over the entire width) the first front lower end edge E1, in order to prevent the passage of photons from the first photometric function towards the glass G located downstream, in the lower front part of the optical block BO.

[0043] It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation on the figure 4, that the reflector R1 may comprise at least one protrusion SP1 fixedly secured to its second front lower end edge E2 projecting rearwardly (opposite the glass G) and intended to be housed, during assembly, in a corresponding housing L and defined locally in the front lower part of the housing BB upstream of its third front lower end edge E3 (to which the lower edge E4 of the glass G is secured). This makes it possible to maintain the front lower part of the reflector R1 vertically relative to the front lower part of the housing BB.

[0044] Furthermore, and as illustrated without limitation on the Figure 5, the second front lower end edge E2 of the reflector R1 may comprise at least one hole TC intended to receive a corresponding protrusion SP2 of the first front lower end edge E1 of the screen EB. This (each) protrusion SP2 thus defines a clipping means making it possible to clip the front lower part of the reflector R1 onto the front lower part of the housing BB so that the reflector R1 is immobilized along the two directions of space which are perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Claims

1. Optical unit (BO) intended to equip a vehicle and comprising a housing (BB) housing at least two light sources (Sj) each participating in different photometric functions, characterised in that said housing (BB) houses, downstream of said light sources (Sj), a one-piece support piece (PS) comprising a main part (PP) made by moulding an opaque material and comprising at least two openings (Oj) in the vicinity of which are respectively attached to the auxiliary parts (PAj) participating respectively in the said photometric functions and made by overmolding at least one non-opaque material allowing the passage of photons generated by said light sources (Sj); said main part (PP) comprises a front face opposite to said light sources (Sj) and on which at least one auxiliary part (PA3) is attached in the vicinity of an associated opening (03), the opening is partially masked by a reflector (R3) reflecting photons generated by the associated light source (S3) towards this auxiliary part (PA3).

2. An optical block according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one aperture (Oj) is completely obscured by at least one part of an auxiliary part (PAj).

3. An optical block according to claim 2, characterized in that said auxiliary part (PAj) constitutes a light guide capable of guiding photons generated by the associated light source (Sj) and having passed through the associated aperture (Oj) to an output area that it comprises, or an optical collimation element capable of transmitting photons generated by the associated light source (Sj) in a collimated manner towards a reflector (R1) housed in said case (BB).

4. An optical block according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said auxiliary parts (PAj) are made by overmolding a material selected from a group comprising polycarbonate and polymethyl methacrylate.

5. An optical block according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that said main part (PP) is made by moulding a material selected from a group comprising polycarbonate, poly-methyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and a mixture of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.

6. An optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said housing (BB) houses an electronic board (CE), on the one hand, having a front face oriented towards a rear face of said main part (PP) and on which said light sources (Sj) are installed, and, on the other hand, coupled to said support piece (PS).

7. An optical block according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that said main part (PP) comprises a rear face oriented towards said light sources (Sj) and from which at least one rear protrusion (PR) is erected defining a wall separating photometric functions.

8. Vehicle, characterised in that it comprises at least one optical unit (BO) according to one of the preceding claims.

9. A vehicle according to claim 8, characterised in that it is of an automobile type.