Optical unit provided with a housing having at least one cavity intended for housing a mask

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical unit (2) intended to equip a vehicle and comprising: an enclosure formed by a housing (4) and a translucent window, the housing being provided with a peripheral groove (10) formed by first and second edges of the housing (4), in which a periphery of the translucent window is housed; and a mask (8) arranged in the enclosure; wherein the peripheral groove (10) comprises at least one cavity (20) partially opening the peripheral groove to locally interrupt the first edge of the groove, wherein a clipping tab extends from a portion of the mask (8) into the cavity, the clipping tab comprising an orifice or recess into which engages a projecting portion of the housing in the cavity (20), the portion of the mask forming locally with the second edge of the housing the peripheral groove (10) at the cavity (20).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title: Optical unit equipped with a housing comprising at least one cavity intended to house a mask

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention claims priority from French application 2208455 filed on 08 / 23 / 2022, the content of which (text, drawings and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to optical units which equip vehicles, for example of the automobile type, to provide at least one photometric signaling or lighting function. The invention relates in particular to an optical unit comprising a housing, a translucent glass and at least one mask.

[0005] Technological background

[0006] As is known, some vehicles are equipped with optical units (also called projectors or lighting modules) providing at least one lighting function (headlight, low beam, high beam) and / or signaling function (daytime running lights known as "DRL", direction indicator, indicator, etc.). Each optical unit comprises an enclosure formed by a housing and a translucent glass, components being installed in the enclosure to participate in the photometric function. In particular, an optical unit may comprise at least one light source and possibly at least one mask to hide certain elements of the optical unit and customize the aesthetic appearance of the optical unit.

[0007] The optical unit housing may have a peripheral groove intended to receive the periphery of the translucent glass. Glue may also be placed in this groove to ensure the watertight assembly of the assembly.

[0008] However, the installation of such an optical unit is a delicate operation because it requires relative positioning and optimal integration to guarantee good isostatism, satisfactory sealing and provide a coherent, joined and uniform appearance respecting the vehicle's style lines.

[0009] Patent FR2906010B1 describes an example of an embodiment of such an optical unit comprising a housing provided with a bonding groove in which the perimeter of a glass that closes the housing is fixed. The perimeter of the glass is, in addition, extended by at least one harpoon that perforates the bottom of the bonding groove. This technique, however, has limitations. In particular, for aesthetic reasons, it is necessary to at least partially conceal the peripheral groove of the housing behind the vehicle bumper, which requires mounting from the rear. But, in certain cases, with a view to fixing internal functional components in the housing that are in an elongated form (optical reflector, masks, etc.), it proves very difficult to shift this groove to assemble the glass because there is only a very small space between the bumper and the housing.It then becomes necessary to use complex tools (cams, drawers, etc.) in order to be able to introduce, from the outside and the rear of the case, fasteners or internal screws in areas not easily accessible from the front. However, these operations are unfortunately laborious and expensive.

[0010] Furthermore, when assembling an optical unit, it is necessary to be able to efficiently handle the various elements of the optical unit, avoiding unwanted movements of the parts relative to each other, particularly when moving from one assembly station to another, when assembling other components of the optical unit or when turning the assembly over. There is a risk during such manipulations during manufacturing of resulting in poor final assembly of the optical unit (non-watertight groove, visually poorly assembled elements, etc.).

[0011] Summary of the present invention

[0012] One of the objects of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems or deficiencies of the technological background described above. Another object of the present invention is to provide a robust and compact optical unit, which has good mounting quality and is easy to mount.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to improve the process of assembling an optical unit.

[0014] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an optical unit intended to equip a vehicle and comprising:

[0015] - an enclosure formed by a case and a translucent glass, the case being provided with a peripheral groove, formed in part by a first edge and a second edge of the case, in which a periphery of the translucent glass is housed; and

[0016] - a mask arranged in the enclosure to participate in at least one photometric lighting and / or signaling function; wherein the peripheral groove comprises at least one cavity partially opening said peripheral groove to locally interrupt the first edge of said peripheral groove, wherein a clipping tab extends from a portion of the mask into said at least one cavity, the clipping tab comprising an orifice or recess into which a projecting portion of the housing engages in said at least one cavity to retain the clipping tab, wherein said portion of the mask locally forms with the second edge of the housing the peripheral groove at said at least one cavity.

[0017] Thus, when the clipping tab(s) are inserted into the respective cavity(ies), the projecting portion(s) engage in the corresponding orifice(s). The cooperation between each projecting portion and the corresponding orifice (or recess) makes it possible to hold the clipping tabs in position in their respective cavity. Note that once the mask is inserted into the cavities, there may still be certain assembly operations to be carried out on the optical unit. However, during the handling operations likely to occur during these operations (moving from one assembly station to another, assembling other components of the optical unit, turning the assembly over, etc.), the mask risks moving relative to the housing 4, or even coming out of the cavities, which may lead to poor final assembly of the optical unit (peripheral groove not sealed, elements poorly assembled visually, etc.).Thanks to the support resulting from the retention of the clipping tab(s), any untimely movement of the mask 8 can be avoided as long as an adhesive has not been deposited in the peripheral groove to secure the assembly. The distribution of the clipping tabs and cavities in the peripheral groove can also be adapted to allow optimal pre-retention of the mask relative to the housing.

[0018] The optical unit according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, in particular among the embodiments which follow.

[0019] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the first edge of the housing forms an internal edge of the peripheral groove and the second edge of the housing forms an external edge of the peripheral groove.

[0020] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the portion of the mask has a shape complementary to the second edge of the housing to locally form the peripheral groove.

[0021] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the peripheral groove has a “U” shaped section.

[0022] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the projecting portion of the housing extends from a first lateral edge of said at least one cavity, positioned in alignment with the peripheral groove.

[0023] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, said at least one cavity is delimited by the first lateral edge of said at least one cavity and by a lateral wall of the housing, opposite the first lateral edge, to laterally hold the clipping tab in position in said at least one cavity.

[0024] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the peripheral groove is provided with a plurality of said cavities each comprising a said projecting portion intended to couple to the orifice or recess of a said corresponding clipping tab. According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the side wall of the housing comprises a clearance zone, opposite the projecting portion, allowing the release of a molding mask from said projecting portion during a phase of demolding the housing.

[0025] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type or of the land motor vehicle type, comprising one (or at least one) optical unit according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0026] Brief description of the figures

[0027] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 13, in which:

[0028] [Fig. 1] is a general view of an optical unit according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] [Fig. 2] is a detailed perspective view of the housing of the optical unit of FIG. 1, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] [Fig. 3] is a detailed perspective view of the mask of the optical block of FIG. 1, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] [Fig. 4] is a detailed perspective view of the optical block of Figure 1 once the mask and the housing are assembled, according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] [Fig. 5] is a detailed perspective view of the housing of the optical unit of Figure 1, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [Fig. 6] is a sectional view of the optical unit of Figure 1, along AA of Figure 5 (with the mask and the translucent glass), according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] [Fig. 7] is a sectional view of the optical block of figure 1, along BB of figure 5 (with the mask and the translucent glass), according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Fig. 8] is a sectional view of a portion of the housing of the optical unit of FIG. 1 during a molding phase, according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] [Fig. 9] is a sectional view of a portion of the housing of the optical unit of FIG. 1 during a demolding phase, according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] [Fig. 10] is a sectional view of a part of the housing of the optical unit of Figure 1 during a demolding phase subsequent to that of Figure 9, according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of a mold used to form the housing of the optical unit of Figure 1, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] [Fig. 12] is a detailed perspective view of the mold of Figure 11, according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention; and

[0039] [Fig. 13] is a detailed perspective view of the mold of Figures 11-12 during a demolding phase, according to at least one particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Description of examples of implementation

[0041] The invention relates to an optical unit intended to equip a vehicle, such as a car or other type vehicle, or more generally a motorized land vehicle or any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) as soon as it must comprise at least one optical unit.

[0042] In this document, the term "optical unit" means a lighting device (or light device) providing at least one photometric lighting and / or signaling function. This may include, in particular, a headlight or front projector or a front or rear light.

[0043] As already indicated, the present invention relates more particularly to a robust and compact optical unit, having good assembly quality and easy to assemble. In particular, the invention aims to improve the assembly process of an optical unit. To this end, the present invention proposes a technical solution making it possible to ensure the joint assembly of the translucent glass and with other elements of an optical unit without degrading the style effects, nor compromising the reliability and sealing of this assembly.

[0044] Thus, the invention provides a particular configuration of the peripheral groove of the housing of an optical unit, namely the groove intended to house (or receive) the peripheral rib of the translucent glass of the optical unit as well as an adhesive for securing the assembly. As described below, the peripheral groove comprises at least one cavity partially opening said peripheral groove to locally interrupt a first edge of said peripheral groove. The cavity makes it possible to house therein a clipping tab of a mask arranged in the enclosure of the optical unit. Each cavity is configured to cooperate with the corresponding clipping tab in order to retain the clipping tab in the cavity and thus avoid possible unwanted movements of the mask and the glass relative to the housing, in particular during handling of the optical unit as long as an adhesive has not been deposited in the peripheral groove to secure the assembly.

[0045] According to a particular example, the invention thus relates to an optical unit intended to equip a vehicle and comprising:

[0046] - an enclosure formed by a housing and a translucent glass, the housing being provided with a peripheral groove, formed in part by a first edge and a second edge of the housing, in which a periphery of the translucent glass is housed; and - a mask arranged in the enclosure to participate in at least one photometric lighting and / or signaling function; in which the peripheral groove comprises at least one cavity partially opening said peripheral groove to locally interrupt the first edge of said peripheral groove, in which a clipping tab extends from a portion of the mask into said at least one cavity, the clipping tab comprising an orifice or recess in which a projecting portion of the housing engages in said at least one cavity to retain the clipping tab, in which said portion of the mask locally forms with the second edge of the housing the peripheral groove at the level of said at least one cavity.

[0047] An optical unit intended to equip a vehicle will now be described in the following with reference to Figures 1-13 according to particular and non-limiting embodiments of the invention. Unless otherwise indicated, the elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.

[0048] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)", etc.) are used in this document by arbitrary convention to identify and distinguish different elements (such as edges, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below.

[0049] Figures 1-13 schematically illustrate an optical unit 2 before its installation in a vehicle, according to a particular non-limiting example of embodiment and various variant embodiments. It is considered hereinafter, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit 2 is intended to equip a motor vehicle (not shown), but the invention is not limited to this application. The optical unit 2 can in fact equip any vehicle, of the automobile type or of the motorized land vehicle type (bus, coach, truck, etc.), or even a maritime, river or air vehicle, this vehicle having to provide at least one photometric lighting and / or signaling function. Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit 2 is a front headlight (or front projector). For example, this front headlight can equip part of a front tailgate and / or a front wing of a vehicle. But the optical unit 2 could also be a rear light.

[0050] As illustrated in Figures 1-7, the optical unit 2 comprises a housing (or projector housing) 4 and a translucent glass 6 together forming an enclosure. The housing 4 and the glass 6 together delimit an internal cavity (or chamber) of the optical unit 2 in which at least one mask 8 is arranged participating in at least one photometric lighting and / or signaling function.

[0051] The housing 4 can be made for example by molding an opaque and rigid material, such as for example a plastic or synthetic material.

[0052] According to a particular example, the optical block 2 may further comprise at least one other internal component housed in the enclosure, in particular at least one photon source (possibly a reflector and / or a light guide), this or these internal components cooperating with the mask 8 to ensure the desired photometric function.

[0053] Each photon source may, for example, comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED) or at least one laser diode or at least one bulb. The configuration of the photon source(s) in terms of number, positioning, arrangement, type, etc. may be adapted by a person skilled in the art as appropriate. The photon sources are, for example, provided on an electronic card installed in the enclosure of the optical unit.

[0054] As illustrated in Figures 1-2, the housing 4 is provided with a peripheral groove 10 formed in part by a first peripheral edge 10a and a second peripheral edge 10b of the housing 4. This groove 10 is intended to house the periphery (or peripheral rib) of the translucent glass 6. An adhesive (adhesive product, glue or other) can also be deposited in this groove to secure the glass 6 to the housing 4. In other words, the peripheral groove 10 is a channel intended to receive a peripheral edge of the translucent glass 6 and an adhesive. For this purpose, the groove 10 is configured so that the periphery of the translucent glass 6 can be inserted therein. The shape of this peripheral groove 10 can be adapted as appropriate. According to the example considered here, the peripheral groove 10 has a “U”-shaped section (i.e. with a curved bottom connecting together two parallel side walls facing each other).

[0055] As described in more detail below with reference to Figures 6-7, the translucent glass 6 can thus be assembled to the housing 4 to close the internal cavity of the housing 4. This glass (or screen) can be made of any translucent material, having a color adapted to the desired photometric function (for example red, orange, crystal, etc.), and rigid, such as for example a plastic or synthetic material. In this case, the glass can be made by molding.

[0056] Still with reference to Figures 1-2, the peripheral groove 10 of the housing 4 comprises at least one cavity 20 partially opening the peripheral groove 10 to locally interrupt the first edge 10a of said peripheral groove. Figure 2 illustrates in particular a detail zone Z1 (Figure 1), in which the housing 4 comprises a cavity 20 before a clipping tab of the mask 8 is inserted therein as described below. In the example considered here, the first edge 10a is (or forms) an internal edge of the housing 4 (internal cavity side of the housing) and the second edge 10b is (or forms) an external edge of the housing 4 (external side of the housing). In other words, the peripheral groove 10 is locally interrupted by at least one cavity 20 which partially opens said peripheral groove.

[0057] The configuration in terms of number, shape, position, etc. of the cavity(ies) 20 may be adapted as appropriate. By way of example, it is assumed hereinafter that the peripheral groove 10 of the housing 4 comprises a plurality of cavities 20.

[0058] As illustrated in Figures 3-7, the mask 8 comprises a plurality of clipping tabs (or holding tabs, or end tabs) 32 extending from respective portions 30 of the mask 8 into the cavities 20. In other words, each cavity 20 is intended to house a corresponding clipping tab 32 of the mask 8. The insertion of these tabs 32 into the respective cavities 20 makes it possible to ensure positioning of the mask 8 relative to the housing 4. In a particular case where the housing 4 is provided with a single cavity 20, a single clipping tab 32 of the mask 8 is intended to be housed in said cavity 20.

[0059] Furthermore, each clipping tab 8 comprises an orifice (or opening, or recess) 34 in which a projecting portion 28 of the housing 4 engages in the corresponding cavity 20 to retain the clipping tab 32. To do this, the orifice or recess 34 is positioned in correspondence with the corresponding projecting portion 28 when the clipping tab 32 is completely inserted into the cavity 20.

[0060] The projecting portion 28 and the orifice (or recess) 34 are preferably formed to have complementary shapes in order to facilitate cooperation (coupling) between these two elements.

[0061] According to a particular example, in each cavity 20, the projecting portion 28 extends from a first lateral edge 22 of the cavity 20, this first lateral edge 22 being positioned in alignment with (or in registration with, or under) the peripheral groove 10 (figures 2 and 6).

[0062] The projecting portion 28 forms for example a protuberance or an outgrowth extending from a flat surface of the clipping tab 32, opposite the surface of the cavity 20 comprising the orifice or recess 34. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, it will subsequently be considered by way of example that the clipping tabs 32 each comprise an orifice 34, that is to say a through opening. Other exemplary embodiments are possible where (non-through) recesses 32 are provided. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange a plurality of orifices (or recesses) 34 on each clipping tab 32 so that they cooperate with as many projecting portions 28 provided correspondingly in the corresponding cavity 20.

[0063] When the clipping tab 32 is inserted into the corresponding cavity 10, the projecting portion 28 rubs against the surface of the cavity 20 until it engages in the orifice 34. The cooperation between the projecting portion 28 and the orifice 34 makes it possible to retain the clipping tabs 32 in position in their respective cavity 20. Note that once the mask 8 is inserted into the cavities 20, there may still be certain assembly operations to be carried out on the optical unit 2.

[0064] However, during the handling operations likely to occur during these operations (moving from one assembly station to another, assembling other components of the optical unit, turning the assembly over, etc.), the mask 8 risks moving relative to the housing 4, or even coming out of the cavities 20, which can lead to poor final assembly of the optical unit (peripheral groove not sealed, elements poorly assembled visually, etc.). Thanks to the retention of the clipping tabs 32 by the projecting portions 28, any untimely movement of the mask 8 can be avoided as long as an adhesive has not been deposited in the peripheral groove 10 to secure the assembly. The distribution of the clipping tabs 32 and cavities 20 in the peripheral groove 10 can also be adapted to allow optimal pre-holding (prior to gluing) of the mask 8 relative to the housing 4.

[0065] As illustrated in particular in figures 4-7, the portions 30 of the mask 8 each locally form with the second edge 10b of the housing 4 the peripheral groove 10 at the level of a corresponding cavity 20. In other words, outside the zones partially opened by a cavity 20, the peripheral groove 10 is formed by the two edges 10a and 10b of the housing 4 facing each other. On the other hand, at the level of the cavities 20, the peripheral groove 10 is formed on the one hand by the second edge 10b and on the other hand by the mask 8, that is to say by the portions 30 from which the tabs 32 inserted in the cavities 20 emanate. The peripheral groove 10 thus comprises hybrid zones 10c formed locally by the housing 4 and the mask 8. Between these hybrid zones 10c, the peripheral groove 10 can be arranged in a conventional manner in the housing 4. These hybrid zones 10c are preferably arranged to complete without discontinuity the rest of the peripheral groove 10.

[0066] To do this, each portion 30 of the mask 8 preferably has a complementary shape relative to the second edge 10b of the housing 4 so as to locally form the peripheral groove 10. In the case where the peripheral groove 10 has a “U” shaped section, each portion 30 of the mask 8 has for example a complementary shape to collectively form with the second edge 10b the “U” shape of the groove 10. To this end, the portion 30 of the mask 8 can for example form a step-shaped section at the junction with the clipping tab 32 so as to free up the space necessary to locally form an edge of the peripheral groove 10 (figures 5-7).

[0067] As already indicated, the peripheral groove 10 is intended to house the periphery (or peripheral edge) of the translucent glass 6 of the optical unit 2 (figures 5-7). Thus, during the assembly of the optical unit 2, once the mask 8 is in position in the cavities 20, the peripheral groove 10 is completely formed and the periphery of the translucent glass 6 can be housed in the groove 10, including in the hybrid parts 10c formed in part by the mask 8. An adhesive, for example a glue, can also be deposited in the peripheral groove 10 (including in the hybrid parts 10c) to secure the assembly. Once the glue has polymerized, the housing 4, the translucent glass 6 and the mask 8 are secured together in a compact and robust manner.

[0068] According to a particular example, each cavity 20 is delimited on the one hand by the first lateral edge 22 aligned with the peripheral groove 10 and on the other hand by a lateral wall 24 of the housing 4, this lateral wall 24 being opposite the first lateral edge 22 (figures 3-7). This lateral wall 24 makes it possible to hold the corresponding clipping tab 32 laterally in position in the cavity 20. The configuration in terms in particular of dimension and shape of each lateral wall 24 can be adapted according to the case so as to allow easy insertion of the corresponding clipping tab 32.

[0069] According to a particular example, the side wall 24 of the housing 4 comprises a clearance zone 26 positioned opposite the projecting portion 28 (figures 2 and 5-7). In other words, the side wall 24 comprises a recess zone 26, opposite the projecting portion 28. This clearance zone 26 allows the release of a molding mask from the projecting portion 28 during a phase (or step) of demolding the housing 4. Thus, each cavity 20 can comprise such a clearance zone 26 to make it possible to demold the housing 4.

[0070] As illustrated for example in Figures 8-13, it is possible to form the housing 4 by molding. To do this, a mold 40 can be used defining the shapes or reliefs of the housing 4. By injecting a plastic or synthetic material inside the mold 40, the housing 4 can thus be formed.

[0071] Figures 8-10 (and likewise figures 11-13) schematically illustrate the sequential release of the different parts of the mold 40. To release the housing 4, the mold 40 is released during a phase of demolding the housing. However, to preserve the projecting shape of the portion 28 of the housing 4, the mold 40 comprises a first part 42 and a second part 44 (called a “slide”), movable relative to the first part 42. During demolding, the slide 44 is first removed (S1) in a first direction, this release operation being made possible by the presence of the release zone 26 in each cavity 20. The first part 42 of the mold is then removed (S2) in a second direction different from the first direction. This second direction is for example parallel to the side walls of the cavities 20.Thanks to the prior removal of the drawer 44, the release of the remainder of the mold 42 does not cause any damage to the projecting portion 28 in each cavity 20.

[0072] A person skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments and variants described above constitute only non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention. In particular, a person skilled in the art may envisage any adaptation or combination of the embodiments and variants described above, in order to meet a very specific need.

[0073] The present invention is therefore not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends in particular to an optical unit which would include secondary characteristics without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0074] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle or more generally a land motor vehicle, comprising at least one optical unit 2 as described above.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Optical unit (2) intended to equip a vehicle and comprising: - an enclosure formed by a housing (4) and a translucent glass (6), the housing being provided with a peripheral groove (10), formed in part by a first edge (10a) and a second edge (10b) of the housing, in which a periphery of the translucent glass is housed; and - a mask (8) arranged in the enclosure to participate in at least one photometric lighting and / or signaling function; characterized in that said optical block in which the peripheral groove (10) comprises at least one cavity (20) partially opening said peripheral groove to locally interrupt the first edge (10a) of said peripheral groove, in which a clipping tab (32) extends from a portion (30) of the mask into said at least one cavity (20), the clipping tab comprising an orifice or recess (34) in which a projecting portion (28) of the housing engages in said at least one cavity (20) to retain the clipping tab, in which said portion (30) of the mask locally forms with the second edge (10b) of the housing the peripheral groove (10) at the level of said at least one cavity.

2. Optical unit according to claim 1, in which the first edge (10a) of the housing forms an inner edge of the peripheral groove and the second edge (10b) of the housing forms an outer edge of the peripheral groove.

3. Optical unit according to claim 1 or 2, in which the portion (30) of the mask has a shape complementary to the second edge (10b) of the housing (4) to locally form the peripheral groove (10).

4. Optical unit according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the peripheral groove (10) has a “U” shaped section.

5. Optical unit according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the projecting portion (28) of the housing extends from a first lateral edge (22), of said at least one cavity (20), positioned in alignment with the peripheral groove (10).

6. Optical unit according to claim 5, in which said at least one cavity (20) is delimited by the first lateral edge (22) of said at least one cavity and by a lateral wall (24) of the housing, opposite the first lateral edge, to laterally hold the clipping tab (32) in position in said at least one cavity.

7. Optical unit according to claim 6, in which the side wall (24) of the housing comprises a clearance zone (26), opposite the projecting portion (28), allowing the release of a molding mask (44) from said projecting portion during a phase of demolding the housing.

8. Optical unit according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the peripheral groove (10) is provided with a plurality of said cavities (20) each comprising a said projecting portion (28) intended to couple to the orifice or recess of a said corresponding clipping tab.

9. Vehicle comprising at least one optical unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, wherein said vehicle is of the automobile type.

Images