Optical unit including a glass with an integrated electrical socket

Abstract

A vehicle's optical unit, this optical unit comprising: - an optical housing (1), - a lens (2) closing the optical housing (1), - an electrical socket (3), the lens (2) comprising a housing (7) having an opening (6) to the outside of the unit, and defining a space (5) in which the socket (3) is held. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: OPTICAL UNIT COMPRISING A GLASS INTEGRATING AN ELECTRICAL SOCKET

[0001] The invention relates to a headlight assembly for a motor vehicle, and more particularly for an electric vehicle comprising an electric drive unit powered by a battery rechargeable via a charging station connected to a terrestrial electrical grid. Such vehicles include a charging port for this battery, which must be accessible from outside the vehicle and allow charging while the vehicle's passenger compartment is closed. This port is generally integrated into an exterior panel of the vehicle's body, which poses integration challenges while maintaining the body's aerodynamics and aesthetics.

[0002] Thus, generally this socket is integrated into a wing of the vehicle, requiring the creation of a charging box in the wing, this box being closed by a hinged hatch and aligned with the bodywork element on which it is mounted.

[0003] These are costly, complex solutions, and the hatch always remains visible and the junction between the hatch and the bodywork reveals a gap that always breaks with the continuity of the bodywork lines.

[0004] An alternative solution, relating to an optical block integrating this socket, is known from patent document DE-AÏ-102020100147.

[0005] While this solution eliminates the need to mount the socket on the bodywork, it remains complex because the lighting module must be in a dry environment, while the glass is made in several parts, one of which is movable to allow access to the socket. This necessitates separating the block into two chambers, one of which is sealed and reserved for the lighting module, while the second is reserved for the socket.

[0006] The aim of the invention is to simplify this solution by proposing an optical block avoiding the creation of this second chamber.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to an optical unit for a vehicle, in particular for signaling or lighting, this optical unit comprising: - an optical housing, - a glass cover for the optical housing, - an electrical outlet, the ice comprising a housing having an opening to the outside of the block, and delimiting a space in which the hold is maintained.

[0008] Throughout the text of this document, "ice" will be understood to mean a piece of the block A lens is a component comprising at least one translucent or transparent area through which the light beam from the lens passes when directed towards road users. This lens forms part of the vehicle's bodywork; its shape or curve serves both to distribute the light beam and to contribute to the vehicle's aesthetic appearance. When it comes to a lighting lens assembly, such as high beams, low beams, reversing lights, or license plate lights, the area is generally entirely transparent. In contrast, for a signaling lens assembly, such as brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights, or fog lights, the area is usually translucent and tinted to emit red or orange light. This lens may have the dual function of lighting and signaling, and therefore may contain several different translucent and transparent areas.

[0009] This glass optionally includes a mask, for example in the form of a coating layer such as paint or by a screen printing process or dark tint in the mass or surface treatment, so as to mask technical areas of the optical housing.

[0010] The optical unit comprises a lighting module, for example a halogen incandescent bulb, or other more recent technologies such as xenon bulbs, light-emitting or organic diodes, or laser modules. The optical housing delimits an internal chamber containing the lighting module, this internal chamber being sealed by glass which thus acts as a lid to maintain this internal chamber in a controlled atmosphere, for example, dry air and free from dust.

[0011] The particular shape of the glass according to the invention, i.e. including the housing containing the electrical socket, makes it possible to integrate the socket into the optical block without having to design a specific chamber for the socket in the optical housing: the opening allows access to the socket while the glass still allows the sealing of this internal chamber, the socket remaining outside this internal chamber although housed in the glass.

[0012] It should be noted that the optical unit can be fixed relative to the vehicle body, in particular a rear or front optical unit, or movable, in particular a front optical unit. For example, and quite aptly, this optical unit is said to be retractable, that is to say, having a position where the lens is not visible because the optical unit is retracted into a dedicated space in the body, and a position where the lens is visible because the optical unit is extended outside the dedicated space in the body. Of course, when the optical unit is retracted into the dedicated space in the body, the socket is completely invisible.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, this vehicle comprises an electrical energy storage battery, the electrical outlet being a charging electrical outlet The battery's connector is designed to work with an electrical plug from an electric charging station, a household outlet, or more generally, a terrestrial electrical charging network. This electrical plug is, for example, connected to this terrestrial network by a flexible electrical cord.

[0014] Alternatively, this electrical socket is a vehicle diagnostic socket, intended to be connected to a diagnostic device in an after-sales service workshop.

[0015] Throughout this document, the term "battery" shall be understood to mean an assembly comprising at least one battery module containing at least one electrochemical cell. This battery may include electrical or electronic means for managing the electrical energy of this at least one module. When there are several modules, they are grouped in a casing or housing and thus form a battery pack, this battery pack being often referred to by the English expression "battery pack," this housing generally containing a mounting interface and connection terminals. A service battery shall be considered a module.

[0016] Furthermore, the term electrochemical cell throughout the text of this document shall be understood to mean cells generating current by chemical reaction, for example of the lithium-ion (or Li-ion) type, of the Ni-Mh type, or Ni-Cd or lead type or even fuel cells.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, this socket comprises an electrical pin and a device for protecting this pin, this protective device being movable from a first position masking the pin, to a second position at least partially uncovering the pin.

[0018] Throughout this document, the term "masking of the pin" will be understood to mean that the pin, particularly its conductive live part, can no longer be in direct contact with any part of a user's body from outside the vehicle. Thus, it is sufficient for the protective device to close the housing opening for the pin to be masked.

[0019] This protection is, for example, electrical, the protective device electrically isolating the spindle from its environment. This protection is, for example, visual: the protective device masking the spindle so that it is no longer visible through the glass.

[0020] This protection is for example mechanical: the protective device isolates the spindle from the outside air to the optical block, in particular from the humidity it contains.

[0021] The protective device can, of course, combine two or all three of these functions. Protection is complete if the protective device is in its first position, and partial if the protective device is in its second position, but in this case, protection is supplemented by the presence of the plug inserted in the socket.

[0022] Of course, the movement of the protective device is reversible and this protective device can return from the second position to the first position.

[0023] This pin is for example a female pin, or a male pin.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, this protective device is configured to obstruct the opening of the housing when it is in its first position. This ensures the airtightness of the housing and its surrounding space, and protects the socket.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the glass includes a seal forming a peripheral edge of the opening, this seal being positioned to ensure a seal between the protective device and the glass if the protective device is in its first position.

[0026] For example, the protective device is a hinged or sliding cover, movable manually or by a motorized device. This cover compresses the seal if it is in the first position, and releases the opening if it is in the second position, allowing access to the socket for the plug.

[0027] For example, the protective device is a sliding plug in the housing.

[0028] Advantageously this seal is visible, of a predetermined color allowing the presence of the socket to be indicated to a user.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective device comprises a through orifice in which the pin is housed, this protective device being adapted to slide along this pin from its first position to its second position.

[0030] The through-hole is, of course, an opening that passes through the protective device and therefore has two open ends. This through-hole is, for example, a drilled hole, but can also be made by molding or injection. This through-hole is, for example, shorter than the length of the portion of the pin housed in the space.

[0031] Optionally, the seal is a stop preventing the protective device (plug) from coming out of the housing, but this stop can be made in any other way known to those skilled in the art so that this seal has only a single sealing function.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective device comprises a cover obstructing the through orifice to cover a free end of the spindle if the protective device is in its first position, this cover being retractable to uncover the free end if the protective device is in its second position.

[0033] For example, this cover is retracted by the insertion of a prong of the plug into or around the prong of the socket. This cover is, for example, in the form of a hinged flap held in the closed position by an elastic means.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective device is cylindrical in shape, the axis of which is parallel to the spindle, and slides in the housing of its first position to its second position.

[0035] For example, this protective device is the sliding plug in the housing. Note that this plug can be centered by either the housing or the pin. However, the positioning of the plug will be more precise if it is guided by the housing.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, the protective device is made of the same material as the ice. For example, the protective device is translucent or transparent, or conversely, is brightly colored so that the grip can be spotted by the user through the ice.

[0037] Advantageously the protection device is made of an electrically insulating material.

[0038] Preferably but not exclusively, the ice is made of a plastic material possibly synthetic, such as polymethyl methacrylate (or PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), or glass.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the invention, this optical block includes a means for returning the protection device to its first position.

[0040] For example, it is the pushing of the plug into the socket that causes the protective device (cap) to move from its first position to its second position, whereas when the plug is removed, it is this return mechanism that causes the protective device to move from its second position to its first position.

[0041] For example, it is the user's hand that causes the protective device (hatch) to move from its first position to its second position, this protective device being held in the first position by the presence of the plug, and when the plug is removed it is this means of return that causes the protective device to move from its second position to its first position.

[0042] It should be noted that this means of return is advantageously an elastic element such as a spring, but it can also, depending on the orientation of the optical block, be the own weight of the protection device.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, this optical block includes a means for motorizing the protection device from its first position to its second position.

[0044] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising: - the electrical energy storage battery, - the battery charging port, this vehicle includes an optical unit as previously described.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery charging socket is adapted to cooperate with the electrical plug of the electric charging station or of the domestic socket or more generally of the terrestrial electrical charging network.

[0046] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention, made with reference to the single figure 1.

[0047] [Fig-1]: [Fig.1] comprises two diagrams IA and IB, each representing the same optical block according to the invention, comprising respectively the protection device in the first position (IA) and in the second position (IB).

[0048] It should be borne in mind that this figure is given by way of example and is not limiting of the invention. It constitutes a schematic representation of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and is not necessarily to scale with practical applications. The reference numerals of unchanged elements or elements having the same function are common to both diagrams IA and IB, and to the alternative embodiments. Missing reference numerals on diagram IB should be considered in relation to those present on diagram IA and vice versa.

[0049] The [Fig.1] discloses the The [Fig.1] schematically represents an optical block according to the invention, for a vehicle.

[0050] This vehicle is, for example, a combustion engine vehicle, or an electrically driven vehicle, such as a pure electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. This motor vehicle includes a low-voltage electrical energy storage battery, such as a lead-acid battery, but not necessarily; this battery could also be a lithium-ion battery. This low-voltage battery 4 powers the vehicle's on-board systems, including the dashboard, lighting and signaling lights, engine control, etc.

[0051] Low voltage is defined as a voltage of 48 volts or less, although 12 volts is currently the most common. For example, a motor vehicle includes a high-voltage electrical energy storage battery designed to power one or more electric traction motors. The voltage across this battery can vary between 100 and 800 volts. A DC-DC converter (DC stands for Direct Current) is, for example, electrically connected to the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery and is configured to recharge the low-voltage battery from the high-voltage battery. It converts the high voltage of the high-voltage battery into a low voltage suitable for recharging the low-voltage battery.

[0052] This converter also allows the entire 12V on-board network to be powered, in addition to recharging the low-voltage battery.

[0053] For this high-voltage battery, the vehicle generally includes an on-board charging device called an on-board charger which, if connected to a terrestrial electrical network via a charging cable, allows the high-voltage battery to be recharged. The charger may be integrated into the high-voltage battery, but in all cases the vehicle includes a charging socket coupled to the on-board charger and accessible from outside the vehicle.

[0054] For internal combustion engine vehicles, the low-voltage auxiliary battery is normally recharged by an alternator when the engine is running. However, in certain situations, particularly after the vehicle has been stationary for a long time, it may be necessary to jump-start the vehicle by charging this high-voltage battery directly with a portable charger external to the vehicle. This portable charger is itself connected to the mains electricity grid. This portable charger includes clamps that are directly connected to the terminals of the low-voltage battery. For practical reasons, a charging socket can be designed to which this portable charger connects. This charging socket is accessible from outside the vehicle and is connected to the low-voltage battery.

[0055] In both cases, high voltage battery and low voltage battery, the vehicle includes or may include the charging socket accessible from outside the vehicle.

[0056] As already previously mentioned, this electrical socket according to the invention can also be a vehicle diagnostic electrical socket, or even a charging and diagnostic electrical socket.

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates the optical signaling or lighting unit of this vehicle, and includes: - an optical housing 1, - a glass 2 closing the optical housing 1, - an electrical socket 3 for battery charging or vehicle diagnostics, suitable for cooperating respectively with an electrical plug 4 of a charging cable or an electrical plug 4 of a cable of a vehicle diagnostic device.

[0058] It should be noted that this charging cable can also be a vehicle-to-vehicle charging cable.

[0059] According to the invention, the glass 2 comprises a housing 7 having an opening 6 to the outside of the block, and defining a space 5 in which the socket 3 is held. This socket 3 is, for example, clipped to the bottom of the space 5, this bottom being sealed through by electrical cables from the socket 3. In [Fig. 1], two of these cables are illustrated, marked with a "+" and a "-" to symbolize the battery polarities in the case of the low-voltage battery, but it is clear that in the case of the high-voltage battery the current passing through this socket 3 can be alternating, the + and - signs serving only to differentiate the cables without having any electrical direction.

[0060] This housing 7 and the glass 2 are advantageously made in one piece, by molding or injection for example. But in one variant, particularly if the shape of The glass 2 is already complex without the housing 7. This housing 7 can be an added component, assembled by screwing, clipping, gluing, or welding. For assembly by screwing or clipping, a sealing gasket can be inserted, for example, so that the glass 2 presents an exterior surface of the block that is perfectly watertight against splashes of water or humidity in general. The advantage of assembly by welding or gluing is that the seal is inherently ensured by the fusion of the material or by the thickness of the adhesive, without the need for an additional gasket.

[0061] This socket 3 includes an electrical pin 8, in this case two pins 8 shown electrically coupled to the cables + and -, and a protection device 9 for these pins 8, this protection device 9 being movable from a first position PI masking the pins 8, to a second position P2 uncovering at least partially the pins 8.

[0062] This protective device 9 is configured to obstruct the opening 6 of the housing 7 if it is in the first position PI.

[0063] The glass 2 includes a seal 10 forming a peripheral edge of the opening 6, this seal 10 being positioned to ensure a seal between the protective device 9 and the glass 2 if the protective device 9 is in its first position PL

[0064] This protective device 9 comprises two through-holes 12 in each of which one of the two pins 8 is housed, this protective device 9 being adapted to slide along these pins 8 from its first position PI to its second position P2. These through-holes 12 and these pins 8 are advantageously parallel to each other.

[0065] This protective device 9 comprises two covers (not shown) obstructing each of the two orifices through 12 to cover each free end 11 of each pin 8 if the protective device 9 is in its first position PI, these covers being retractable to uncover each free end 11 if the protective device 9 is in its second position P2.

[0066] This protective device 9 is cylindrical in shape, its axis being parallel to the pin(s) 8, and is adapted to slide in the housing 7 from its first position P1 to its second position P2. Advantageously, it is the housing 7 that guides the protective device 9.

[0067] This protective device 9 is for example made of the same material as the ice 2.

[0068] This optical block includes a means 13 for returning the protective device 9 to its first position PL. In [Fig. 1], this return means is an elastic means, for example a helical spring pushing the protective device 9 against the seal 10, bearing against the bottom of the housing 7. This seal 10 therefore also has the function of a positioning stop for the protective device 9, but of course this stop of positioning can be an independent stop of the seal 10, such as a clip allowing the protective device 9 to be pushed into the housing 7 but not removed from this housing 7.

[0069] In an alternative not shown, this optical block includes a means for motorizing the protection device 9 from its first position PI to its second position P2.

[0070] This protective device 9, illustrated, takes the form of a plug through which the pins 8 pass, but this is not the only solution. It is not essential that the protective device 9 be through which the pins 8 pass; for example, the protective device 9 may be a hinged flap (not illustrated) pivoting around a pivot or sliding, movable manually or by a motorized device. This flap compresses the seal 10 if it is in the first position PI, and releases the opening 6 if it is in the second position P2, allowing access to the socket 3 for the plug 4.

[0071] As mentioned previously, this invention applies particularly, but not exclusively, to a motor vehicle comprising: - the electrical energy storage battery, - the battery charging socket 3, this vehicle including an optical unit as previously described.

[0072] This electrical socket 3, whether it is the charging or diagnostic socket or other function, includes for example light indicators visible through the glass 2, indicating charging in progress, a battery charge level, or a remaining charging time, or any other information relating to the function of the electrical socket 3.

Claims

Demands

1. Optical unit of a vehicle, this optical unit comprising: - an optical housing (1), - a glass (2) closing the optical housing (1), - an electrical socket (3), characterized in that the glass (2) comprises a housing (7) having an opening (6) on the outside of the unit, and delimiting a space (5) in which the socket (3) is held.

2. Optical block according to claim 1, this socket (3) comprising an electrical pin (8) and a protective device (9) for this pin (8), this protective device (9) being movable from a first position (PI) masking the pin (8), to a second position (P2) at least partially uncovering the pin (8).

3. Optical block according to claim 2, this protective device (9) being configured to obstruct the opening (6) of the housing (7) if it is in the first position (PI).

4. Optical block according to claim 3, the glass (2) comprising a seal (10) forming a peripheral edge of the opening (6), this seal (10) being positioned to ensure a seal between the protective device (9) and the glass (2) if the protective device (9) is in its first position (PI).

5. Optical block according to any one of claims 2 to 4, the protection device (9) comprising a through orifice (12) in which the pin (8) is housed, this protection device (9) being adapted to slide along this pin (8) from its first position (PI) to its second position (P2).

6. Optical block according to claim 5, the protection device (9) comprising a cover obstructing the through orifice (12) to cover a free end (11) of the pin (8) if the protection device (9) is in its first position (PI), this cover being retractable to uncover the free end (11) if the protection device (9) is in its second position (P2).

7. Optical block according to any one of claims 5 to 6, the protection device (9) being cylindrical in shape whose axis is parallel to the spindle (8), and sliding in the housing (7) from its first position (PI) to its second position (P2).

8. Optical block according to any one of claims 2 to 7, the device of protection (9) being made of the same material as ice (2).

9. Optical block according to any one of claims 2 to 8, comprising a means for returning (13) the protection device (9) to its first position (PI).

10. Motor vehicle comprising: - an electrical energy storage battery, - a battery charging socket (3), adapted to cooperate with an electrical plug (4), characterized in that this vehicle comprises an optical unit conforming to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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