MULTIFUNCTION OPTICAL UNIT WITH LEAK-PROOF SCREEN, FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

An optical unit (OU) equips a vehicle and comprises: - at least first (D1) and second (D2) optical devices delivering first and second photons respectively, participating in first and second photometric functions, and - a one-piece translucent screen (TS) comprising at least first (P1) and second (P2) parts placed downstream of the first (D1) and second (D2) optical devices, and at least one rigid link (RL) connecting these first (P1) and second (P2) parts and arranged so as to prevent the transfer of first or second photons between them. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: MULTIFUNCTION OPTICAL UNIT WITH LEAK-PROOF SCREEN, FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to optical blocks intended to equip vehicles and providing at least two photometric functions. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, generally automobiles, include at least one optical unit comprising at least first and second optical devices designed to deliver first and second photons respectively, participating in first and second photometric functions. By way of illustration, the first photometric function may be a position light (or parking light or lantern) function, and the second photometric function may be a brake light function.

[0003] It is common for such an optical block to include translucent screens installed respectively downstream of its first and second optical devices and upstream of its glass, for example, to achieve a stylistic effect. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used here with reference to the directions of propagation of the first and second photons. A drawback of these translucent screens is that they can allow the transfer of first photons to the translucent screen associated with the second photometric function and / or the transfer of second photons to the translucent screen associated with the first photometric function.

[0004] In the presence of these photon transfers which constitute unsightly and possibly non-compliant leaks in the event of unauthorized color mixing, it is necessary to install additional opaque walls in the optical block to completely separate the photometric functions, which complicates the interior of the optical block and increases the cost of the latter due to the increase in the number of internal elements to be produced and assembled (already penalized by the number of translucent screens used) and possibly the number of tools to be used.

[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 suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising at least first and second optical devices suitable for delivering respectively first and second photons participating in first and second photometric functions.

[0007] This optical unit is characterized in that it further comprises a one-piece translucent screen comprising:

[0008] - at least of the first and second parts placed downstream of the first and second optical devices with respect to the directions of circulation of the first and second photons, and

[0009] - at least one rigid connection linking the first and second parts together and arranged in such a way as to prevent the transfer of first or second photons between them.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, not only is there only one single-piece translucent screen, which reduces the cost of the optical block, but there is also no longer any risk of unsightly and possibly non-compliant leakage via the translucent screen since the latter provides an anti-leakage function, which also reduces the cost of the optical block.

[0011] The optical block according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0012] - each rigid connection of the translucent screen may include an area which is shaped to define a baffle to prevent photon transfer;

[0013] - in the presence of the first option, the area of ​​each rigid connection can be shaped to define a photon transfer baffle in the general shape of a U;

[0014] - it may include an opaque mask, comprising through holes by visible portions of the first and second parts, and placed downstream of each rigid connection in order to completely conceal it;

[0015] - in the presence of the last sub-option and option, each conformed area can define an open housing on a front face. In this case, the mask may include at least one protrusion housed in a corresponding open housing so as to participate in preventing the transfer of photons;

[0016] - its first optical device may comprise at least two optical elements capable of acting independently on the first photons in order to deliver them respectively to first spatially separated sub-zones. In this case, the first part of the translucent screen can be subdivided into at least two sub-parts which are connected to each other and placed respectively downstream of the optical elements;

[0017] - in the presence of the last option, its first optical device may include a first optical element arranged in the form of a Fresnel lens, and at least a second optical element arranged in the form of a light guide;

[0018] - the first photometric function can be a position light function;

[0019] - the second photometric function can be a brake light 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 front view, a part of a example of the implementation of an optical block according to the invention,

[0023] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front, the elements constituting the first and second optical devices and the one-piece translucent screen of the optical block of [Fig.1], before assembly,

[0024] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the first and second optical devices and the one-piece translucent screen of [Fig.2], after assembly and before integration into the optical block of [Fig.1],

[0025] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane at the level of the second part of the one-piece translucent screen, a part of the optical block of [Fig.1], and

[0026] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates the lower part of [Fig.4] with the materialization of paths of first and second photons. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The invention aims in particular to provide an optical block BO intended to equip a vehicle, capable of providing at least two photometric (or multifunction) functions, and comprising a translucent AND monobloc screen with an anti-leak function.

[0028] In what follows, the vehicle is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to be of the automobile type. For example, a car. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It relates in fact to any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) comprising at least one optical unit providing at least two photometric functions.

[0029] Furthermore, in the following, the optical unit BO is considered, by way of non-limiting example, to constitute a front light. However, it could also constitute a rear light or a front headlight (or projector) of a vehicle.

[0030] Furthermore, given the preceding choice, the optical unit BO is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, to be intended to perform at least two photometric signaling functions. For example, the first photometric function could be a position light (or parking light or lantern), and the second photometric function could be a brake light. However, it could also be other photometric signaling functions chosen from a turn signal (or indicator) or taillight function. daytime (or DRL (“Daytime Running Light (or Lamp)”)). Furthermore, at least one of the photometric functions could be a photometric function for lighting or a lighting effect (possibly decorative).

[0031] In the preceding and following text, the notion of "front" is defined with respect to the location where the photons participating in the photometric function emerge, and the notion of "back" is defined with respect to the location opposite to that where the photons participating in the 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.

[0032] Furthermore, in the preceding and following text, the notions "upstream" and "downstream" are used in reference to the directions of circulation of the first and second photons.

[0033] Figures 1 and 4 schematically illustrate part of an example of an embodiment of an optical block BO according to the invention (here a front light).

[0034] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 4, an optical block BO, according to the invention, includes in particular at least first DI and second D2 optical devices and a single translucent screen ET. These latter (D1, D2 and ET) are housed in an internal housing which is delimited by a housing BB of the optical block BO and closed at the front (where the photons of the photometric functions exit) by a glass GB of the optical block BO (see [Fig. 4]).

[0035] The first optical device D1 is arranged to deliver first photons participating in the first photometric function (here a position light function). The second optical device D2 is arranged to deliver second photons participating in the second photometric function (here a brake light function).

[0036] The translucent screen ET is a single piece and comprises at least two first PI and second P2 parts and at least one rigid link LR. The first PI part is located downstream of the first optical device D1 (with respect to the direction of propagation of the first photons). The second P2 part is located downstream of the second optical device D2 (with respect to the direction of propagation of the second photons). Each rigid link LR connects the first PI and second P2 parts and is arranged to prevent the transfer of first or second photons between them (PI, P2).

[0037] It will be understood that the transfer of first photons to the second part P2 of the translucent screen ET is prevented by each rigid link LR and the transfer of second photons to the first part PI of the translucent screen ET is prevented by each rigid link LR, as is schematically illustrated by the first paths tpi (in dashes) of the first photons and the second paths tp2 (in dotted lines) of the second photons on [Fig.5].

[0038] Thus, only a single, one-piece translucent ET screen is used, which reduces the cost of the optical block (OB) (by decreasing the number of internal components to be produced and assembled). Furthermore, there is no longer any risk of unsightly and potentially non-compliant leakage through the translucent ET screen, since the latter (ET) provides a leak-proof function. This eliminates the need to install additional opaque partitions within the optical block (OB) to completely separate the photometric functions, thereby simplifying the internal layout of the optical block (OB) and reducing its cost.

[0039] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the first photons can be generated by at least one first photon source SL1 forming part of the first optical device D1. Each first photon source SL1 can, for example, comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the second photons can be generated by at least one second photon source SL2 forming part of the second optical device D2. Each second photon source SL2 can comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED).

[0040] It will be noted, as illustrated in Figure 2, that the first (SL1) and second (SL2) photon sources can be installed (with associated control and power supply means) on at least one electronic board CEk forming part of the first optical device D1 and / or the second optical device D2. In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the optical block BO comprises two electronic boards CE2 (k = 2) and CE3 (k = 3) on which are installed two first photon sources SL1, forming part of the first optical device D1, and one electronic board CEI (k = 1) on which are installed a first photon source SL1 and a second photon source SL2, forming part of both the first optical device D1 and the second optical device D2. The reason for using three electronic boards CEI to CE3 will be explained later.

[0041] Each IEC, CE2 or CE3 electronic card can, for example, be a PCB type printed circuit board (“Printed Circuit Board”).

[0042] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 to 5, each rigid LR link may include a ZC zone shaped to define a photon-blocking baffle. For example, each photon-blocking baffle may have a general U-shape. Such a shape provides substantially parallel walls that promote the reflection of photons backward (or forward) and thus prevent the aforementioned transfers between parts PI and P2 of the translucent ET screen. However, the baffles could have other shapes than the U-shaped one illustrated (more or less complex).

[0043] It should be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in figures 2 to 4 the translucent screen ET includes two rigid links LR. This results from the fact that the first optical device DI here includes at least two optical elements EOj which are capable of acting independently on the first photons in order to deliver them respectively in first sub-zones which are spatially separated, and therefore the first part PI is subdivided into at least two sub-parts SPj which are connected to each other and placed respectively downstream of the optical elements EOj.

[0044] In fact, in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 2 to 4, the first optical device DI comprises a first optical element EO1 (j = 1) with a large surface area (approximately rectangular with one corner cut at an angle) and two second optical elements EO2 (j = 2) of elongated shape (here with a curve) and placed respectively above and below the first optical element EO1. This allows the first photons to be delivered in three spatially separated sub-zones. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, Figures 2 and 3, the first optical element EO1 is fixedly attached to the two second optical elements EO2, forming a single unit. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the first optical element EO1 could be independent of the two second optical elements EO2.

[0045] Due to this particular arrangement, the first part PI of the translucent screen ET is subdivided into a first sub-part SP1 (j = 1) having a general shape similar to that of the first optical element EO1 and positioned downstream of the first optical element EO1, and two second sub-parts SP2 (j = 2) having general shapes respectively similar to those of the two second optical elements EO2 and positioned respectively downstream of the second optical elements EO2. The first sub-part SP1 is fixedly attached (connected) to the two second sub-parts SP2. Furthermore, the second part P2 of the translucent screen ET is installed substantially vertically between the two second sub-parts SP2 and substantially parallel to one side of the first sub-part SP1, and is attached to the two second sub-parts SP2 via two rigid connections LR, respectively.

[0046] Also, for example, and as illustrated, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 2 to 5, the first optical device DI may comprise a first optical element EO1 arranged in the form of a Fresnel lens, and each second optical element EO2 may be arranged in the form of a light guide. This arrangement is well suited to the desired effect and to the example described, in which the first photometric function is a position light function. However, the first optical element EO1 and each second optical element EO2 could be of different types than those mentioned above. Furthermore, the respective types of the elements EOj optics can vary depending on the first photometric function that is ensured.

[0047] It should be noted that each EO2 light guide and the EO1 Fresnel optic can be produced in a molding stage using a plastic or synthetic material. For example, polycarbonate (or PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (or PMMA) can be used.

[0048] Due to the arrangement described and illustrated above, the optical block comprises the electronic board CEI with (in particular) its first photon source SL1 positioned upstream (and opposite) the first optical element EO1 to supply it with the first photons to be processed, and the two electronic boards CE2 and CE3 with their first photon sources SL1 attached respectively to the first ends of the second optical elements EO2 to supply them with the first photons to be processed. The electronic board CEI also includes a second photon source SL2 positioned upstream (and opposite) the rear face of the second part P2 of the translucent screen ET to supply it with second photons for propagation towards its front face (located opposite the glass GB).

[0049] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 to 5, the optical block BO may also include an opaque mask MB, comprising through holes T1 and T2 through which visible portions of the first PI and second P2 parts of the translucent screen ET pass respectively, and placed downstream of each rigid link LR in order to completely mask it. It should be noted that in the illustrated example, the mask MB comprises three first through holes T1 through which visible portions of the three sub-parts SPj of the first PI part of the translucent screen ET pass respectively, and through which the first photons emerge in three distant zones, and a second through hole T2 through which a visible portion of the second P2 part of the translucent screen ET passes and through which the second photons emerge.

[0050] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially, in Figures 2 to 5, each ZC-shaped zone can define an open housing LO on a front face FV of the translucent screen. In this case, the mask MB can include at least one PM protrusion housed in a corresponding open housing LO so as to contribute to preventing photon transfer. It will be understood that each PM protrusion, housed in an open housing LO of a ZC-shaped zone (here a U-shaped baffle), reflects back (or upstream) a photon that would have succeeded in passing through a wall of this ZC-shaped zone, as schematically illustrated by the first and second paths in [Fig. 5]. In other words, each PM protrusion helps to reinforce the leak-proof capacity of each rigid LR connection.

Claims

Demands

1. Optical unit (OU) suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising at least first (D1) and second (D2) optical devices suitable for delivering first and second photons respectively participating in first and second photometric functions, characterized in that it further comprises a one-piece translucent screen (ET) comprising - at least first (PI) and second (P2) parts placed downstream of said first (D1) and second (D2) optical devices with respect to the directions of circulation of said first and second photons, and - rigid links (LR) connecting said first (PI) and second (P2) parts and arranged so as to prevent a transfer of first or second photons between the latter (PI, P2), each rigid link (LR) comprising a zone (ZC) shaped so as to define a photon transfer baffle in the general shape of a u, - an opaque mask (MB), comprising through holes (T1,T2) traversed by visible portions of said first (PI) and second (P2) parts, and placed downstream of each rigid link (LR) in order to completely mask it, each shaped zone (ZC) defining on a front face (FV) an open housing (LO), and in that said mask (MB) comprises at least one protrusion (PM) housed in a corresponding open housing (LO) so as to participate in preventing said photon transfer.

2. Optical block according to claim 1, characterized in that said first optical device (Dl) comprises at least two optical elements (EOj) capable of acting independently on said first photons in order to deliver them respectively into first spatially separated sub-zones, and in that said first part (PI) is subdivided into at least two sub-parts (SPj) connected to each other and placed respectively downstream of said optical elements (EOj).

3. Optical block according to claim 2, characterized in that said first optical device (Dl) comprises a first optical element (EO1) arranged in the form of a Fresnel lens, and at least a second optical element (EO2) arranged in the form of a light guide.

4. 9 Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first photometric function is a position light function.

5. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said second photometric function is a brake light function.

6. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (OU) according to one of the preceding claims.

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