Pre-assembled and attached optical module assembly for one vehicle
The optical block design with a pre-assembled module and a main mask opening simplifies assembly and enhances the visibility of multiple photometric functions, addressing the limitations of traditional assembly methods.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022011422
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-11-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-11-03
AI Technical Summary
The existing method of assembling optical blocks in vehicles is restrictive in terms of assembly operations and difficulty, and it hinders the ability to highlight or refine specific photometric functions due to incompatible mask shapes.
An optical block design with a pre-assembled optical module and a main mask that includes an opening for accessing a cleared portion, allowing the second photometric function to be positioned downstream and facilitating assembly while enabling new stylistic effects.
Facilitates easier assembly and allows for the highlighting of multiple photometric functions, reducing the number of assembly operations and enabling new stylistic effects.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: OPTICAL BLOCK WITH PRE-ASSEMBLED AND REPORTED OPTICAL MODULE, FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to optical blocks intended to equip vehicles and which perform at least two photometric functions. State of the art
[0002] In certain vehicles, generally of the automobile type, optical units are used which include a housing containing at least two optical devices providing different photometric functions.
[0003] Generally, all the technical and optical elements of the optical devices are assembled one after the other inside the housing of the optical block, then a main mask, contributing to the style, is installed in the housing in order to mask all the technical elements that one does not want to see from the outside.
[0004] This method of assembling an optical block can prove restrictive in terms of the number of assembly operations and / or the difficulty of certain assembly operations and / or style. Furthermore, this assembly method makes it difficult, if not impossible, to highlight (or refine) a particular photometric function, as this requires shapes that are incompatible with the demolding of the main mask.
[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0006] In particular, it proposes for this purpose an optical block comprising a housing having an internal face delimiting a space housing at least a first optical device suitable for ensuring a first photometric function and a main mask comprising a front part extending in relation to this internal face downstream of the first optical device and masking at least some technical elements of the latter.
[0007] This optical block is characterized by the fact that:
[0008] - that the front part of its main mask includes an opening providing a access to a cleared portion of the inner face located downstream of the first optical device, and
[0009] - that the space also houses a pre-assembled optical module, suitable for ensuring a second photometric function, and installed after the main mask on the cleared part with a rear part passing through the opening.
[0010] Thanks to the invention, it is now possible to bring forward (or downstream) the second photometric function of each other photometric function of the optical block, while facilitating the assembly of the optical block and enabling the achievement of new stylistic effects.
[0011] The optical block according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:
[0012] - the exposed portion of the inner face may include at least one housing coupling. In this case, its optical module may include at least one coupling tab which is inserted into the corresponding coupling housing to participate in the coupling of the optical module to this exposed part;
[0013] - in the presence of the first option, its housing may include an end front through which photons participating in the first and second photometric functions exit and equipped with a groove, housing a peripheral edge of a front glass closing the space, and allowing access to an open front face of each coupling housing;
[0014] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the peripheral edge of the front glass can to be fixedly attached to the throat by gluing;
[0015] - the exposed part of the inner face may include, upstream of the opening of the main mask, a first coupling element. In this case, the rear part of the optical module may include a second coupling element which cooperates with this first coupling element to participate in the coupling of the optical module to the unobstructed part;
[0016] - the exposed part of the inner face may include, upstream of the opening of the main mask, a stop. In this case, the rear part of the optical module may include a first connector which is connected to a second connector housed in the space of the housing, allowing power supply and control of the operation of the optical module, and located opposite the stop and close to it once the optical module is coupled to the housing in a final position, in order to prevent disconnection of the first connector;
[0017] - the exposed part of the inner face may be a sub-part of a lower wall of the case;
[0018] - its optical module may comprise, firstly, an assembly comprising a light guide coupled to an electronic board comprising a first connector connected to a second connector housed in the space of the casing, allowing power supply and control of the operation of the optical module, secondly, a support piece supporting this assembly, thirdly, a protective and covering piece placed above this assembly, and fourthly, at least one screw ensuring the attachment of the support piece, assembly and protective and covering piece;
[0019] - the first photometric function can be a lighting function, and the second A photometric function can be a signaling function.
[0020] 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
[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), in which:
[0022] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a portion of an example of an embodiment of an optical block according to the invention after the installation of its optical module and front glass, but without its first optical device,
[0023] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in another perspective view from the front side, the optical block of the [Fig.1] before the installation of its optical module and its front glass,
[0024] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane at the level of the optical module, the optical block of the [Fig.1],
[0025] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front and bottom, the pre-assembled optical module of the optical block of [Fig.1], before its installation in the housing,
[0026] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the elements constituting the optical module of the [Fig.4],
[0027] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the exposed part of the inner face of the lower wall of the optical block housing of Figures 1 and 2,
[0028] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates, in another cross-sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane at the level of the optical module, the optical block of [Fig.1], and
[0029] [Fig. 8] schematically illustrates, in yet another cross-sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane at the level of the optical module, the optical block of [Fig. 1]. Detailed description of the invention
[0030] The invention aims in particular to provide an optical block BO, intended to equip a vehicle, and ensuring at least two photometric functions, one of which is highlighted by the fact that it is ensured by an optical module MO pre-assembled and brought into its housing BB after installation of a main mask MP.
[0031] In what follows, by way of non-limiting example, the BO optical unit is considered to be intended for use in a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. Indeed, the BO optical unit can equip any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), which must perform at least two photometric functions.
[0032] Furthermore, in what follows, the optical unit BO is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to constitute a front headlight (or projector) of a vehicle. But it could also constitute a front light of a vehicle, for example.
[0033] In the preceding and following text, the notion of "front" is defined with respect to the location where the photons participating in a photometric function emerge, and the notion of "back" is defined with respect to the location opposite to that where the photons participating in a photometric function emerge. Consequently, 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.
[0034] Furthermore, in the preceding and following text, the term "upstream" is defined with respect to the front and rear faces of the optical block (and therefore also with respect to the direction of flow of the photons participating in the photometric functions). A first element is thus located upstream of a second element when it is installed between the aforementioned rear face and that second element. A first element is located downstream of a second element when it is installed between the aforementioned front face and that second element.
[0035] Figures 1 to 3 schematically illustrate at least partially an example of the realization of an optical block BO according to the invention (here a projector), intended to equip a vehicle (here automobile).
[0036] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 3, an optical block BO, according to the invention, includes in particular a housing BB, at least one first optical device (not shown), an optical module MO, a main mask MP, and a front glass (or screen) GV.
[0037] As illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in figures 1 to 3, the BB housing has an internal face FI which, together with the front glass GV, fixedly attached to this BB housing, delimits a space EB which houses, in particular, each first optical device, the optical module MO, and the main mask MP.
[0038] The first optical device (not illustrated to simplify the figures) is arranged to deliver first photons ensuring a first photometric function.
[0039] For example, the first photometric function may be a lighting function selected from a high beam function and a low beam (or dipped beam) function. Alternatively, the lighting function could be a front fog light function, for example.
[0040] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the main mask MP comprises a front portion PV which extends opposite the inner face FI of the housing BB downstream of the first optical device, and masks at least the technical elements of the latter. It notably includes a first aperture 01 allowing the passage of the first photons generated by the first optical device and participating in the first photometric function.
[0041] This front part PV of the main mask MP also includes a second opening 02 which provides access to a clear part PD of the inner face FI of the housing BB which is located downstream of the first optical device.
[0042] The MO optical module is arranged to deliver second photons ensuring a second photometric function.
[0043] For example, the second photometric function may be a signaling function. By way of illustration, this signaling function may be a daytime running light (or DRL) function. However, the signaling function is not limited to this example. Thus, it could also be a turn signal (or indicator) function, a clearance light function, a position light function, or a parking light function, for example.
[0044] This optical module MO is pre-assembled (before being installed in the space EB), and installed after the main mask MP on the cleared part PD of the inner face FI of the housing BB, having a rear part PR which passes through the second aperture 02, as illustrated in figures 1 and 3.
[0045] Thus, the second photometric function is placed in front of (or behind) each other photometric function provided by the optical block BO (and in particular the first). Furthermore, assembling the optical block BO is easier because the number of elements to be installed upstream of the main mask MP is reduced, and the number of assembly operations is also reduced since the optical module MO is pre-assembled and therefore only needs to be installed in two operations (electrical connection followed by translation, as will be seen later). In addition, this allows for new stylistic effects.
[0046] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 to 3, 6, 7 and 8, the exposed portion PD of the inner face FI of the housing BB is a sub-part of the lower wall PI of the housing BB. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the exposed portion PD of the inner face FI of the housing BB could be a sub-part of the upper wall PS of the housing BB, opposite the lower wall PI.
[0047] For example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2, 6 and 7, the cleared portion PD of the inner face FI of the BB housing may include at least one coupling housing LC, and the optical module MO may include at least one coupling tab PC which is introduced into the corresponding coupling housing LC to participate in coupling the optical module MO to the cleared portion PD.
[0048] It will be understood that here each LC coupling housing includes an open front face to allow the insertion of the corresponding PC coupling tab, and is delimited by lateral (right and left), upper and lower faces to prevent transverse and vertical movements of this PC coupling leg.
[0049] It will also be understood that in order to couple (at least partially) the optical module MO to the free part PD, it is sufficient here to place each coupling leg PC in front of the corresponding coupling housing LC, and then to translate the optical module MO (here towards the rear of the housing BB) so that each coupling leg PC is housed in the corresponding coupling housing LC.
[0050] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 and 4 to 6, the exposed portion PD comprises two coupling slots LC, and therefore the optical module MO comprises two coupling pins PC. However, the number of coupling slots LC (just like the number of coupling pins PC) can take any value greater than or equal to one.
[0051] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 and 4 to 7, each PC coupling pin has a general U-shape (rotated 90°). However, each PC coupling pin could have a general L-shape.
[0052] In an alternative embodiment not shown, each coupling housing LC could be a slide in which a coupling tab PC slides, arranged in the form of a rib, without the possibility of transverse or vertical movement.
[0053] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2, 3, and 6 to 8, the BB housing may include a front end EV through which the photons that participate in the first and second photometric functions exit and which is provided with a groove G. The latter (G) houses a peripheral edge BP of the front glass GV which closes the space EB of the BB housing and allows access to the open front face of each coupling housing LC.
[0054] Thus, after the optical module MO is installed in its final position (illustrated in Figures 1, 3, 7 and 8), the peripheral edge BP is installed in the groove G, thereby preventing each coupling tab PC of the optical module MO from translating forward. This avoids the need to define PC coupling tabs arranged as clipping tabs (which are more difficult to manufacture).
[0055] For example, the peripheral edge BP of the front glass GV can be permanently fixed to the groove G by gluing. It should be noted that the presence of glue in the groove G also allows, in this case, each front end of a coupling tab PC to be glued to the peripheral edge BP and to the groove G, and thus to permanently immobilize the optical module MO relative to the housing BB.
[0056] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 4 to 8, the exposed portion PD of the inner face FI of the BB housing may include a first coupling element EC1 upstream of the second aperture 02. In this case, the rear portion PR of the optical module MO may This includes a second coupling element EC2 which cooperates with the first coupling element EC1 to participate in coupling the optical module MO to the exposed part PD. This ensures that the optical module MO is held in place relative to the housing BB, pending the attachment of the front glass GV (here) in the groove G.
[0057] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 2 and 6, the open portion PD of the inner face FI of the BB housing may include a stop BC upstream of the second opening 02. In this case, the rear portion PR of the optical module MO may include a first connector connected to a second connector C2, which is housed in the space EB of the BB housing. This second connector C2 is connected to the first connector before the optical module MO is installed in its final position (here, by translation towards the rear of the BB housing).
[0058] This second connector C2 is arranged to provide power and control the operation of the optical module MO. Once connected to the first connector, and once the optical module MO is coupled to the housing BB in its final position, the second connector C2 is located opposite and close to the stop BC to prevent it from disconnecting from the first connector. It will be understood that once the optical module MO is in its final position, the second connector C2 cannot disconnect from the first connector (for example, due to vibrations or shocks), because the stop BC is located directly behind it, thus preventing it from moving towards the rear of the housing BB.
[0059] This stop BC can, as illustrated, take the form of a protrusion projecting from the inner face FI, and thus forming an integral part of the latter (FI). But in an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the stop BC could be part of a component that is attached to the inner face FI, for example by bonding.
[0060] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1, 3 to 5, 7 and 8, the optical module MO may include a support piece SP, an assembly comprising a light guide GL coupled to an electronic board CE, a protective and covering piece (PPH and at least one screw VF.
[0061] The assembly is supported by the support piece SP.
[0062] The CE electronic board includes the first connector. It may be a printed circuit board (PCB), for example. It preferably includes a light source responsible for supplying second photons to the light guide GL, and electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of the light source.
[0063] The protective and covering piece PPH is placed above the assembly (GL, CE) to protect the latter and prevent second photons from creating stray light by exiting (here) through the upper face of the light guide GL. It should be noted that the outer (here upper) face of this protective and covering piece PPH may optionally contribute to the style of the optical block BO.
[0064] Each screw VF is responsible for ensuring the joining together of the support piece SP, the assembly (GL, CE) and the protective and covering piece PPH, in order to constitute the pre-assembled optical module MO.
[0065] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 5], the optical module MO comprises three VF screws. However, the number of VF screws can take any value greater than or equal to one.
[0066] It should also be noted that the support piece SP and / or the light guide GL and / or the electronic board CE and / or the protective and covering piece PPH may include at least one indexing element to facilitate their relative positioning.
Claims
Demands
1. Optical unit (OU) suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising a housing (OU) having an inner face (IF) delimiting a space (EB) housing at least a first optical device suitable for ensuring a first photometric function and a main mask (MP) having a front part (PV) extending opposite said inner face (IF) downstream of said first optical device and masking at least some technical elements of the latter, characterized in that said front part (PV) of the main mask (MP) includes an opening (02) providing access to a clear part (PD) of said inner face (IF) located downstream of said first optical device, and in that said space (EB) further houses a pre-assembled optical module (MO), suitable for ensuring a second photometric function, and installed after said main mask (MP) on said clear part (PD) having a rear part (RP) passing through said opening (02),said cleared portion (PD) comprises at least one coupling housing (LC), and said optical module (MO) comprises at least one coupling tab (PC) inserted into said coupling housing (LC) corresponding to participate in the coupling of said optical module (MO) to said cleared portion (PD), characterized in that said housing (BB) comprises a front end (EV) through which photons participate in said first and second photometric functions and is provided with a groove (G), housing a peripheral edge (BP) of a front glass (GV) closing said space (EB), and allowing access to an open front face of each coupling housing (LC).
2. Optical block according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said peripheral edge (BP) is fixedly attached to said groove (G) by gluing.
3. Optical block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cleared part (PD) comprises upstream of said aperture (02) a first coupling element (EC1), and in that said rear part (PR) of the optical module (MO) comprises a second coupling element (EC2) cooperating with said first coupling element (EC1) to participate in the coupling of said optical module (MO) to said cleared part (PD).
4. Optical block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cleared part (PD) includes upstream of said opening (02) a stop (BC), and in that said rear part (PR) of the optical module (MO) includes a first connector connected to a second connector (C2) housed in said space (EB), enabling power supply and control of the operation of said optical module (MO), and located opposite said stop (BC) and in close proximity to the latter (BC) once said optical module (MO) is coupled to said housing (BB) in a final position, in order to prevent disconnection of said first connector.
5. Optical block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cleared part (PD) is a sub-part of a lower wall (PI) of said housing (BB).
6. Optical block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said optical module (MO) comprises i) an assembly including a light guide (GL) coupled to an electronic board (CE) including a first connector connected to a second connector (C2) housed in said space (EB), allowing power supply and control of the operation of said optical module (MO), ii) a support piece (SP) supporting said assembly, iii) a protective and covering piece (PPH) placed above said assembly, and iv) at least one screw (VF) ensuring the fastening of said support piece (SP), assembly (GL, CE) and protective and covering piece (PPH).
7. Optical block according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first photometric function is a lighting function, and said second photometric function is a signaling function.
8. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (OU) according to one of the preceding claims.