OPTICAL UNIT WITH MULTIFUNCTIONAL SUPPORT
The multifunctional optical block with a combined light guide and reflector support simplifies assembly and reduces costs by integrating functions within a single housing, using clip-on fastening instead of screws.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2023002007
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-03-03
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2043-03-03
AI Technical Summary
The existing optical blocks require multiple separate components for photometric functions, leading to increased manufacturing costs and assembly time due to the need for numerous molds and screws.
An optical block design with a multifunctional support that integrates a light guide and a reflector within a single housing, reducing the number of components by combining functions such as photon delivery and reflection, and using clip-on fastening methods instead of screws.
Reduces manufacturing costs and assembly time by minimizing the number of parts and molds required, while simplifying the assembly process.
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: MULTIFUNCTIONAL OPTICAL BLOCK WITH SUPPORT Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to optical blocks which perform at least two different and similar 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 for example that of vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, optical blocks are used which ensure 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 comprising a housing containing, in particular:
[0005] - a support comprising a wall defining on a front face a groove in in which a light guide is installed, designed to deliver, in a first output zone, the first photons originating from a first photon source and participating in a first photometric function, and
[0006] - a reflector suitable for reflecting towards a second exit zone, located below or above the first output zone, second photons from a second photon source and intended to participate in a second photometric function.
[0007] Generally, the housing also contains a mask designed to conceal technical components, as well as possibly a first translucent screen placed downstream of the first output zone and therefore in front of the light guide, and / or a second translucent screen placed downstream of the second output zone and therefore 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 elements housed in an optical block casing, the more molds are required to manufacture some of them and the more time is needed to install them securely, and therefore the greater the manufacturing cost of the optical block and the time required for its assembly. Furthermore, the greater the number of elements housed in an optical block casing, the more elements must be defined. coupling, which complicates the molds and therefore increases costs, and / or the more screws that need to be used, which also increases costs and assembly times.
[0009] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0010] In particular, it proposes for this purpose an optical block comprising a housing containing:
[0011] - a support comprising a wall defining on a front face a groove in in which a light guide is installed to deliver, in a first output zone, the first photons originating from a first photon source and participating in a first photometric function, and
[0012] - a second photon source capable of delivering second photons in front 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 suitable for reflecting the second photons towards a second exit zone located below or above the first exit zone.
[0014] Thanks to the support ensuring several functions (and in particular the support of the light guide and the reflection of the second photons), the number of parts (or elements) 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 card comprising the second source of photons 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 nearby 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 card electronic comprising the first photon source and fixedly attached to a rear face of the support;
[0019] - it may include a mask suitable for masking 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 block of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures
[0025] 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:
[0026] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a longitudinal plane and vertical, 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 [Fig.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 [Fig.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 [Fig.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 [Fig. 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 multi-function support of [Fig.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] In the following, 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 application. Indeed, the BO optical unit can be a component that can be added to and used in numerous systems or that can be part of another component that is itself part of a system. Thus, the BO optical unit can be part of any system, and in particular of a vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), an installation (possibly industrial), a device (possibly consumer), 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 will be considered, by way of non-limiting example, as assuming that the optical unit BO is intended to provide at least first and second photometric signaling functions. For example, in the case of an application to a motor vehicle, the first photometric signaling function may be a daytime running light (or DRL) function, and the second photometric signaling function may 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 or lighting or light effect function (possibly decorative) and a second photometric signaling or lighting or light effect function (possibly decorative).
[0037] 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.
[0038] Furthermore, in the preceding and following text, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used with reference to the direction of propagation of the first or second photons participating in the first or second photometric function. Consequently, 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 an embodiment 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 [Fig.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 SI and second S2 photon sources.
[0041] The BB housing delimits, preferably with a glass GB, an internal housing in which are fixedly installed the multifunction support SM, the light guide GL, the first SI 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 delimits on a front face FV (oriented outwards) a groove GG in which the light guide GL is installed. The latter (GL) is adapted to deliver in a first output zone ZS1 (located downstream) the first photons which originate from the first photon source SI 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 an alternative embodiment not shown, the PS wall could be located in an upper (or intermediate) part of the SM multifunction support.
[0044] For example, the first photon source SI can be installed on a first IEC electronic board (see Figures 3 and 5). Although not shown in the figures, the first IEC electronic board 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 SL
[0045] Also, for example, the first photon source SI 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 suitable for delivering second photons to 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, particularly for coupling to a connector and for controlling the second photon source S2.
[0048] Also, for example, the second photon source S2 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).
[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 output zone ZS2 located below or above the first output 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 advantageously be 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) to be assembled in the BB housing is reduced, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the BO optical block. This is because it reduces the number of molds required to produce the components of the BO optical block and the time needed to assemble it.
[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 [Fig. 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 so as to cooperate with the first coupling elements EC1 to secure the second electronic board CE2 to its front face FV.
[0055] In the presence of this option, the SM support ensures yet another function, namely the immobilization of the second electronic board CE2, which makes it possible to do without a support dedicated to the latter (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 optical block BO.
[0056] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 6], the second coupling elements EC2 are defined below the reflector RP. But in a In an alternative embodiment not shown, the second coupling elements EC2 could be defined above the RP reflector.
[0057] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 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] The definition of clipping elements EC1 and EC2, respectively on the second electronic board CE2 and the wall PS of the multifunction support SM, 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, and at least partially, in [Fig. 5], the first (other) IEC electronic board (which includes the first photon source SI) 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 wall PL that extends the wall PS upwards and to which the first (other) IEC electronic board is fixedly attached on the rear face FR.
[0061] In the presence of this option, the SM support performs yet another function, namely the support of the first IEC electronic board, which makes it possible to do without a support dedicated to the latter (IEC), 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.
[0062] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to and at least partially, in 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 IEC electronic board to secure it. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the first IEC electronic board could be permanently attached to the side panel PL by clipping.
[0063] Also, for example, and as mentioned above and illustrated not exhaustively 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] In the presence of this option, the SM support performs yet another function, namely the support of the MB mask, which makes it possible to do without a support dedicated to the latter (MB), 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.
[0065] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 to 5, the support SM includes, in its wall PS and in an upper wall PS', clipping holes TC intended to receive clipping tabs PC included in the mask MB. This clipping method of attachment is advantageous because it avoids the need for screws, which increase costs (both supply and assembly). However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the fixed attachment of the mask MB to the support SM could be achieved by screwing.
[0066] Also, for example, and as mentioned above and illustrated non-limitingly on [Fig.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] In the presence of this option, the SM support performs yet another function, namely the support of the first translucent screen ET1, which makes it possible to do without a support dedicated to the latter (ET1), 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 optical block BO.
[0068] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, and at least partially shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the wall PS comprises on its front face FV two shafts FT, each equipped with a threaded hole for receiving a screw or bolt passing through a through hole defined in a tab of the first translucent screen ET1 to ensure its screwing. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the fixed attachment of the first translucent screen ET1 to the wall PS could be achieved by clipping.
[0069] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly 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 without limitation in Figures 1 to 4, the optical block BO may also include a second screen translucent 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] In the presence of this option, the SM support performs yet another function, namely the support of the second translucent screen ET2, which makes it possible to do without a support dedicated to 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
Demands
1. An optical block (OB) comprising a housing (BB) containing i) a support (SM) having a wall (PS) defining on a front face (FV) a groove (GG) in which is installed a light guide (GL) adapted to deliver into a first output zone (ZS1) the first photons from a first photon source (SI) participating in a first photometric function, and ii) a second photon source (S2) adapted to deliver 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) adapted to reflect said second photons towards a second output zone (ZS2) located below or above said first output zone (ZS1), and in that this optical block (OB) includes a mask (MB) adapted to mask technical elements housed in said housing (BB) and fixedly attached to said front face (FV) of said support (SM).
2. Optical block according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an electronic board (CE2) including said second photon source (S2) and first coupling elements (EC1), and in that said wall (PS) includes, above or below said reflector (RP), second coupling elements (EC2) adapted to cooperate with said first coupling elements (EC1) to secure said electronic board (CE2) to said front face (FV) of said wall (PS).
3. Optical block according to claim 2, characterized in that said wall (PS) includes near said second coupling elements (EC2) a groove (RC) in which is housed an edge of said electronic card (CE2).
4. Optical block according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises another electronic card (IEC) having said first photon source (SI) and fixedly attached to a rear face (FR) of said support (SM).
5. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a first translucent screen (ET1) fixedly attached to said front face (FV) of the wall (PS) of said support (SM) and at least partially installed downstream of said first exit zone (ZS1).
6. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a second translucent screen (ET2) fixedly attached to said front face (FV) of the wall (PS) of said support (SM) and at least partially installed downstream of said second exit zone (ZS2).
7. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first photometric function is a signaling function.
8. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said second photometric function is a lighting function or a signaling function.
9. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (OU) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.