Optical motor-vehicle unit
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024708873
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-03-03
- Filing Date
- 2024-02-02
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-14
Smart Images
Figure FR2024000013_12092024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
DESCRIPTION TITLE: AUTOMOBILE HEADLIGHT UNIT Technical field of the invention
[0001] The present invention claims priority from French application 2302007 filed on March 3, 2023, the content of which (text, drawings, and claims) is incorporated herein by reference. The invention relates to optical blocks that perform at least two different and related photometric functions, and more specifically to the simplification of the assembly of elements participating directly or indirectly in these photometric functions. State of the art
[0002] In certain fields, such as vehicles, possibly of the automotive type, optical blocks are used which provide at least two different and similar photometric functions.
[0003] In what follows, "photometric function" means a photometric signaling function, a photometric lighting function, or a photometric light effect function, possibly decorative.
[0004] The invention relates more specifically to optical blocks that include a housing containing, in particular:
[0005] - a support comprising a wall delimiting on a front face a groove in which is installed a light guide which is designed to deliver in a first exit zone the first photons from a first photon source and participating in a first photometric function, and
[0006] - a reflector designed to reflect light towards a second exit zone, located below or above the first zone output, of second photons from a second photon source and intended to participate in a second photometric function.
[0007] Typically, the housing also contains a mask to conceal technical components, as well as possibly a first translucent screen positioned downstream of the first output zone and therefore in front of the light guide, and / or a second translucent screen positioned downstream of the second output zone and therefore in front of the reflector. Furthermore, optical elements (such as reflectors or lenses) are generally dedicated parts and therefore manufactured separately, which increases the number of components (or parts) to be designed, manufactured, and assembled.
[0008] The greater the number of components housed in an optical block package, the more molds are required to manufacture some of them and the more time is needed to secure them. Consequently, the manufacturing cost and assembly time of the optical block are higher. Furthermore, a larger number of components in an optical block package necessitates the design of more coupling elements, which complicates the molds and thus increases costs, and / or requires more screws, which also increases costs and assembly time.
[0009] The invention is therefore intended, in particular, to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0010] Specifically, it offers an optical unit comprising a housing containing:
[0011] - a support comprising a wall defining on its front face a groove in which is installed a light guide designed to deliver, in a first output zone, the first photons from a first photon source and participating in a first photometric function, and
[0012] - a second photon source capable of delivering second photons to participate in a second photometric function.
[0013] This optical block is characterized by the fact that the wall of its support defines, below or above the throat, a reflector capable of reflecting the second photons towards a second exit zone located below or above the first exit zone.
[0014] Thanks to the support providing several functions (including the support of the light guide and the reflection of second photons), the number of parts (or elements) that need to be assembled in the housing is reduced, and therefore the manufacturing cost of the optical block is reduced.
[0015] The optical block according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0016] - it may include an electronic board comprising the second photon source and first coupling elements. In this case, the wall of the support may include, above or below the reflector, second coupling elements designed to cooperate with the first coupling elements to secure the electronic board to the front face of the support;
[0017] - in the presence of the first option, the wall of the support may include, near second coupling elements, a groove in which an edge of the electronic board is housed;
[0018] - also in the presence of the first option, it may include another electronic board containing the first photon source and fixedly attached to a rear face of the support;
[0019] - it may include a mask designed to conceal technical elements housed in the casing and fixedly attached to the front face of the support;
[0020] - it may include a first translucent screen fixedly attached to the front face of the support wall and at least partially installed downstream of the first exit zone;
[0021] - it may include a second translucent screen fixedly attached to the front face of the support wall and at least partially installed downstream of the second exit zone;
[0022] - the first photometric function can be a signaling function;
[0023] - the second photometric function can be a lighting function or a signaling function.
[0024] 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
[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:
[0026] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, part of an example embodiment of an optical block according to the invention,
[0027] [Fig. 2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the multi-function support of the optical block of figure 1, equipped with a light guide and a second translucent screen,
[0028] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the multi-function support of the optical block of figure 1, and the light guides, first and second electronic boards and second translucent screen before their coupling to this support,
[0029] [Fig. 4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear face, the multi-function support of the optical block of figure 1, equipped with a mask and a first translucent screen,
[0030] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the multi-function support of the optical block of Figure 1, equipped with the light guide and the first electronic board but before the coupling of the first and second translucent screens and the mask, and
[0031] [Fig. 6] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane at the level of the light guide groove, the sub-part of the wall of the multifunction support of figure 1 defining a groove in which a transverse edge of the second electronic board is installed. Detailed description of the invention
[0032] The invention aims in particular to provide an optical block BO ensuring at least first and second photometric functions that are different and similar, and comprising a multi-function support SM.
[0033] For the purposes of this discussion, the following is a non-limiting example of the optical unit BO intended for use in a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, the invention is not limited to this application. The optical unit BO can be a component that can be added to and used in numerous systems or that can be part of other equipment which is itself part of a system. Thus, the optical unit BO can be part of any system, including a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), an installation (possibly industrial), a device (possibly consumer-grade), or a building.
[0034] Furthermore, in the following, the optical unit BO is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to constitute a headlight (or projector) of a vehicle. However, it could also constitute a front or rear light of a vehicle.
[0035] Finally, considering the preceding choices, the following, by way of non-limiting example, assumes that the optical unit BO is intended to provide at least two photometric signaling functions. For example, in the case of a motor vehicle application, the first photometric signaling function could be a daytime running light (DRL) function, and the second photometric signaling function could be a position light function. However, the second photometric signaling function could also be a turn signal (or indicator) function.
[0036] It should be noted, however, that the invention is not limited to photometric signaling functions. Indeed, the optical block BO, according to the invention, is a luminous device capable of providing at least a first photometric signaling, lighting, or light effect function (possibly decorative) and a second photometric signaling, lighting, or light effect function (possibly decorative).
[0037] In the preceding and following text, the term "front" is defined with respect to the location from which the photons participating in the photometric function emerge, and the term "back" is defined with respect to the location opposite to that from which the photons participating in the photometric function emerge. Therefore, the front face of an element is oriented outwards, while the back face of that element is oriented inwards and opposite to the front face.
[0038] Furthermore, in the preceding and following text, the notions "upstream" and "downstream" are used with reference to the meaning of propagation of the first or second photons participating in the first or second photometric function. Therefore, a first element is located upstream of a second element when photons propagate from the first element to the second element, and a third element is located downstream of a second element when photons propagate from the second element to the third element.
[0039] Figure 1 schematically illustrates part of an example of the realization of an optical block BO according to the invention, here intended to equip a front part of a vehicle.
[0040] As illustrated at least partially in Figure 1, an optical block BO, according to the invention, includes in particular a housing BB, a multi-function support SM, a light guide GL, and first S1 and second S2 photon sources.
[0041] The BB housing delimits, preferably with a GB glass, an internal housing in which are fixedly installed the multifunction support SM, the light guide GL, the first S1 and second S2 photon sources, as well as possibly at least one mask MB charged with masking the technical parts in a front part of the optical block BO, a first translucent screen ET1 and / or a second translucent screen ET2.
[0042] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, the multi-function support SM comprises a wall PS which defines on a front face FV (facing outwards) a groove GG in which the light guide GL is installed. The latter (GL) is designed to deliver, in a first output zone ZS1 (located downstream), the first photons which originate from the first photon source S1 and which participate in the first photometric function.
[0043] It should be noted that in the illustrated example (which is not exhaustive), the PS wall is located in a lower part of the SM multifunction support. However, in a non-exhaustive embodiment As illustrated, the PS wall could be located in an upper (or intermediate) part of the SM multifunction support.
[0044] For example, the first photon source S1 can be installed on a first electronic board CE1 (see figures 3 and 5). Although not shown in the figures, the first electronic board CE1 may also include electrical and electronic components and / or possibly integrated circuits, particularly for coupling to a connector and for controlling the first photon source S1.
[0045] Also, for example, the first photon source S1 may include at least one light-emitting diode (or LED) or at least one laser diode or a gas laser or even a bulb (possibly xenon).
[0046] The second photon source S2 is designed to deliver second photons that must participate in the second photometric function.
[0047] For example, the second photon source S2 can be installed on a second electronic board CE2 (see figures 1, 3 and 6). Although not shown in the figures, the second electronic board CE2 may also include electrical and electronic components and / or possibly integrated circuits, in particular for coupling to a connector and for controlling the second photon source S2.
[0048] Also, for example, the second photon source S2 can include at least one light-emitting diode (or LED) or at least one laser diode or a gas laser or even a bulb (possibly xenon).
[0049] The PS wall of the SM multifunction support defines, below or above the GG groove, a reflector RP which is arranged to reflect the second photons towards a second exit zone ZS2 located below or above the first exit zone ZS1.
[0050] It should be noted that in the example illustrated (but not limited to) in Figures 1 to 3 and 5, the reflector RP is defined below the groove GG, and therefore the second outlet zone ZS2 is located below the first outlet zone ZS1. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the reflector RP could be defined above the groove GG, and in this case the second outlet zone ZS2 is located above the first outlet zone ZS1.
[0051] It should also be noted that the SM multi-function support can be advantageously made by molding, for example from a plastic or synthetic material, preferably rigid and resistant.
[0052] Thanks to this SM support, which performs several functions (including supporting the GL light guide and reflecting second photons), the number of parts (or elements) that need to be assembled in the BB housing is reduced, thus lowering the manufacturing cost of the BO optical block. This is because it reduces the number of molds required to produce the BO optical block components and the time needed to assemble the BO.
[0053] For example, the RP reflector can have a parabolic shape.
[0054] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figure 6, the second electronic board CE2 may include, in addition to the second photon source S2, first coupling elements EC1. In this case, and as illustrated, the wall PS of the multifunction support SM includes, above or below the reflector RP, second coupling elements EC2 which are arranged to cooperate with the first coupling elements EC1 to secure the second electronic board CE2 to its front face FV.
[0055] With this option present, the SM support performs yet another function: immobilizing the second CE2 electronic board, thus eliminating the need for a dedicated support. this last one (CE2), and therefore to further reduce the number of parts (or elements) to be assembled in the BB housing, and consequently the manufacturing cost of the BO optical block.
[0056] Note that in the example illustrated (but not limited to) in Figure 6, the second coupling elements EC2 are defined below the reflector RP. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the second coupling elements EC2 could be defined above the reflector RP.
[0057] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated (though not exhaustively) in Figure 6, the first coupling elements EC1 are clipping notches and the second coupling elements EC2 are clipping holes that are at least partially traversed by the corresponding clipping notches EC1. However, a reverse arrangement is possible, in which case the second coupling elements EC2 are clipping notches and the first coupling elements EC1 are clipping holes that are at least partially traversed by the corresponding clipping notches EC2.
[0058] Defining EC1 and EC2 clipping elements, respectively on the second electronic board CE2 and the PS wall of the SM multifunction support, is advantageous because it avoids having to use screws which increase costs (both supply and assembly).
[0059] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 and 6, the PS wall of the SM multifunction support can also include, near the second coupling elements EC2, a groove (or notch) RC in which is housed (at least partially) a (transverse) edge BT of the second electronic board CE2. This allows the second electronic board CE2 to be positioned (or indexed) precisely, while being partially supported.
[0060] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, Figure 5, the first (other) electronic board CE1 (which includes the first photon source S1) can be fixedly attached to the rear face FR of the support SM, which is opposite the front face FV. In the illustrated example, the multi-function support SM includes a side panel PL that extends the panel PS upwards and to which the first (other) electronic board CE1 is fixedly attached on the rear face FR.
[0061] With this option in place, the SM support performs yet another function, namely the support of the first electronic board CE1, which makes it possible to do without a dedicated support for the latter (CE1), and therefore to further reduce the number of parts (or elements) to be assembled in the BB case, and consequently the manufacturing cost of the BO optical block.
[0062] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 2 to 5, the side panel PL includes two through holes intended to be passed through by two screws or bolts that also pass through the first electronic board CE1 to secure it. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the first electronic board CE1 could be permanently attached to the side panel PL by clipping.
[0063] Also for example, and as mentioned above and illustrated non-limitingly in figures 1 and 4, the optical block BO can also include a mask MB arranged to mask technical elements which are housed in the housing BB, and fixedly attached to the front face FV of the support SM.
[0064] With this option, the SM support performs yet another function: supporting the MB mask. This eliminates the need for a dedicated MB support, further reducing the number of parts (or elements) required. assembled in the BB housing, and consequently the manufacturing cost of the BO optical block.
[0065] It should be noted that in the example illustrated (but not limited to) in Figures 2 to 5, the SM support includes clipping holes TC in its PS wall and in an upper PS' wall, designed to receive clipping tabs PC included in the MB mask. This clipping method is advantageous because it avoids the need for screws, which increase costs (both supply and assembly). However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the MB mask could be permanently attached to the SM support by screwing.
[0066] Also for example, and as mentioned above and illustrated non-limitingly in Figure 1, the optical block BO can also include a first translucent screen ET1 fixedly attached to the front face FV of the wall PS of the support SM downstream of the first exit zone ZS1 in order to be crossed by the first photons.
[0067] With this option in place, the SM support performs yet another function, namely the support of the first translucent screen ET1, which eliminates the need for a dedicated support for the latter (ET1), and thus further reduces the number of parts (or elements) that need to be assembled in the BB housing, and consequently the manufacturing cost of the BO optical block.
[0068] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 2, 3, and 5, the PS panel includes on its front face FV two posts FT, each with a threaded hole designed to receive a screw or bolt passing through a defined through hole in a tab of the first translucent screen ET1 to secure it. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the first translucent screen ET1 could be fixed to the PS panel by clipping.
[0069] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, not exhaustively and at least partially, in figures 2, 3 and 5, the wall PS includes on its front face FV two indexing (or centering) pins PI intended to pass through defined through holes in the two tabs of the first translucent screen ET1 to facilitate its placement in a predefined position before screwing.
[0070] Also, for example, and as mentioned above and illustrated non-limitingly in figures 1 to 4, the optical block BO can also include a second translucent screen ET2 fixedly attached to the front face FV of the wall PS of the support SM and at least partially installed downstream of the second exit zone ZS2 in order to be crossed by the second photons.
[0071] With this option, the SM support provides yet another function, namely the support of the second translucent screen ET2, which makes it possible to do without a dedicated support for the latter (ET2), and therefore to further reduce the number of parts (or elements) to be assembled in the BB housing, and consequently the manufacturing cost of the BO optical block.
[0072] Preferably, and although not shown in the figures, the SM support includes clip holes in its PS wall for receiving clip tabs on the second translucent screen ET2. This clip-on fastening method is advantageous because it avoids the need for screws, which increase costs (both supply and assembly). However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the second translucent screen ET2 could be permanently attached to the SM support by screwing.
Claims
CLAIMS
1. Optical block (BO) comprising a housing (BB) housing i) a support (SM) comprising a wall (PS) delimiting on a front face (FV) a groove (GG) in which is installed a light guide (GL) capable of delivering in a first output zone (ZS1) first photons coming from a first photon source (S1) and participating in a first photometric function, and ii) a second photon source (S2) capable of delivering second photons to participate in a second photometric function, characterized in that said wall (PS) defines, below or above said groove (GG), a reflector (RP) capable of reflecting said second photons towards a second output zone (ZS2) located below or above said first output zone (ZS1).
2. Optical unit according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an electronic card (CE2) comprising said second photon source (S2) and first coupling elements (EC1), and in that said wall (PS) comprises, above or below said reflector (RP), second coupling elements (EC2) capable of cooperating with said first coupling elements (EC1) to secure said electronic card (CE2) to said front face (FV) of said wall (PS).
3. Optical unit according to claim 2, characterized in that said wall (PS) comprises, near said second coupling elements (EC2), a groove (RC) in which an edge of said electronic card (CE2) is housed.
4. Optical unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises another electronic card (CE1) comprising said first photon source (S1) and fixedly secured to a rear face (FR) of said support (SM).
5. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a mask (MB) suitable for masking technical elements housed in said housing (BB) and fixedly secured to said front face (FV) of said support (SM).
6. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a first translucent screen (ET1) fixedly secured to said front face (FV) of the wall (PS) of said support (SM) and at least partially installed downstream of said first output zone (ZS1).
7. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a second translucent screen (ET2) fixedly secured to said front face (FV) of the wall (PS) of said support (SM) and at least partially installed downstream of said second output zone (ZS2).
8. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said first photometric function is a signaling function.
9. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said second photometric function is a lighting function or a signaling function.
10. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (BO) according to one of claims 1 to 9.