Rigidified and non-deformable optical unit with reflector, for a vehicle

Abstract

An optical unit (OU) equips a vehicle and comprises a reflector (RU) produced by molding and having: - a first front face delimiting concave spaces (CS) separated by an intermediate space (IS) and each housing a light guide delivering photons to a second front face participating in a photometric function, and - in at least one predefined sub-part (SP) at least one stiffening rib (SR) extending at least on a rear face (FR1) opposite its first front face, at least between the concave spaces (CS), in order to stiffen this sub-part (SP) while preventing deformation during a demolding operation. Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: RIGIDIFIED AND NON-DEFORMABLE OPTICAL BLOCK FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to optical units intended for equipping vehicles, comprising a molded reflector and associated light guides. Prior art

[0002] Some vehicles, generally of the motor vehicle type, include at least one optical unit generally attached at least partially to a shield (or bumper).

[0003] Some of these optical blocks include, in particular, a reflector having a shape sometimes described as "accordion-like" because it comprises a first front face delimiting at least two concave spaces separated by an intermediate space. Each concave space houses at least partially a light guide which is designed to deliver photons to a second front face for a photometric function. Generally, the photometric function provided by the photons exiting the light guides is a signaling function, such as a daytime running light (or DRL).

[0004] The reflector is responsible for reflecting back to the light guides the photons which have exited the latter (other than through their second front face) or which have not yet entered these light guides.

[0005] The reflector described above is generally made by molding a plastic or synthetic material in a dedicated mold. Due to its accordion shape, the reflector frequently undergoes deformation during demolding, as its cooling tends to cause partial unfolding. It should be noted that the thinner a sub-section of the reflector is, for example, to locally reduce the size of part of the optical block, the greater the potential deformation.

[0006] It would certainly be possible to increase the thickness of the walls of the reflector, particularly in its sub-part which initiates the deformation, but this would be at the expense of size and weight (and therefore of the consumption of motive power of the vehicle).

[0007] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In particular, it proposes for this purpose an optical unit, on the one hand, intended to equip a vehicle, and, on the other hand, comprising a reflector made by molding and having a first front face delimiting at least two concave spaces separated by a intermediate space and each housing a light guide designed to deliver photons to a second front face to participate in a photometric function.

[0009] This optical block is characterized by the fact that its reflector includes in at least one predefined sub-part at least one stiffening rib extending at least on a rear face opposite its first front face, at least between the concave spaces, in order to stiffen this sub-part while opposing deformation during a demolding operation.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, we now have a reflector stiffened by each stiffening rib where necessary, and therefore which does not risk being deformed during demolding.

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

[0012] - its reflector may comprise two parallel stiffening ribs in the predefined sub-section;

[0013] - it may include a housing that at least partially accommodates the reflector, and this the latter may include, on a first lateral edge at the level of a lateral extension of the predefined sub-part, a first fixing tab coupled to the housing and comprising a first face oriented towards the rear face of the reflector and to which each stiffening rib extends;

[0014] - in the presence of the last option, the first fixing tab may include a second face opposite its first face and on which extends at least one stiffening rib;

[0015] - also in the presence of the last option, its reflector may include, on a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge and at the level of another lateral extension of the predefined sub-part, a second fixing tab coupled to the housing and comprising a first face oriented towards the rear face and to which extends at least one stiffening rib;

[0016] - in the presence of the last sub-option, the second fixing tab can include a second face opposite its first face and on which extends at least one stiffening rib;

[0017] - in the presence of the last option and the last sub-option, it can include a glass installed opposite the first front face of the reflector, being fixedly attached to the housing, and suitable for photons to pass through. In this case, the housing may include two coupling grooves, and each of the first and second fixing lugs may include a first wall erected on its first face and housed in one of the coupling grooves, and a second wall erected on a second face opposite its first face and having a free end against which the glass rests;

[0018] - it can provide a photometric daytime running light (or DRL) function;

[0019] 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

[0020] 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:

[0021] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a example of the embodiment of a front shield of a vehicle equipped with two examples of embodiments of optical block according to the invention and before the installation of two headlights,

[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, the left optical block of the [Fig.1], before its installation,

[0023] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear, the left optical block of figures 1 and 2, before its installation,

[0024] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear side, the reflector of the left optical block of figures 1 to 3,

[0025] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the rear, the lower part of the reflector of [Fig.4], and

[0026] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a horizontal plane at the level of the predefined sub-part of the reflector, the left optical block of figures 1 to 3, without its light guides. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The invention aims in particular to provide an optical block BO, intended to equip a vehicle, and comprising a rigidified, non-deformable RB reflector associated with GL light guides.

[0028] 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 type of vehicle. Indeed, the BO optical unit can be used in any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) that must perform at least one photometric function and has at least one bumper equipped with at least one optical unit with a reflector and associated light guides.

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

[0030] In the preceding and following text, the notion of "before" is defined with respect to the location where the photons participating in a photometric function emerge, and the notion of "behind" is defined with respect to the location opposite to that where the participating photons emerge. to a photometric function. Therefore, the front face of an element is oriented outwards, while the rear face of that element is oriented inwards and opposite to the front face.

[0031] In figures 1 to 6 the direction X is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Y.

[0032] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of an embodiment of a front shield BV intended to be installed in a front part of a vehicle, equipped with two examples of embodiments of optical block BO according to the invention, and before the installation of two front projectors (or headlights).

[0033] As illustrated, the front shield BV includes, here, two first openings 01, right and left, in which optical blocks BO, right and left, are respectively installed according to the invention.

[0034] It will be noted that, in the example illustrated non-limitingly on [Fig.1], in each first opening 01 there is also installed on one side of an optical block BO a screen (or mask) EB charged with masking technical parts and which can also provide a decorative function.

[0035] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly on [Fig.1] the front shield BV also includes, above the first openings 01 right and left, two second openings (or cutouts) 02, right and left, in which are intended to be installed respectively front projectors (or headlights), right and left.

[0036] The number of optical units (OUs) that can be fitted to a bumper (front or rear) can be any value greater than or equal to one. Similarly, the number of front headlights (or projectors) that can be fitted to a front bumper can be any value greater than or equal to zero. Furthermore, an optical unit (OU) according to the invention may not be part of a front or rear bumper or shield of a vehicle.

[0037] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 3, an optical block BO, according to the invention, includes in particular a reflector RB, at least two light guides GL and a housing BB, as well as optionally a protective glass GP.

[0038] The BB housing, together with the GP protective glass, helps to define a compartment in which the RB reflector is installed. In other words, the BB housing at least partially encloses the RB reflector. As illustrated in [Fig. 6], the GP glass is installed opposite a first front face FV1 of the RB reflector. being fixedly attached to the BB housing, and is suitable for being traversed by the photons delivered by the second front faces FV2 of the GL light guides and participating in a photometric function.

[0039] For example, this photometric function can be a signaling function, and in particular a daytime running light (or DRL) function. But the optical unit BO could perform another signaling function, such as a position light function, a parking light function, a reversing light function, or a turn signal function.

[0040] The RB reflector is made by molding a plastic or synthetic material, preferably rigid, in a dedicated mold. For example, this material could be polycarbonate (or PC). Furthermore, this RB reflector comprises, in addition to its first front face FV1 (which is oriented here towards the GP protective glass), a rear face FRI opposite its first front face FV1 and oriented towards the inner face of the BB housing.

[0041] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 4 and 5, the first front face FV1 delimits at least two concave spaces EC, which are separated by an intermediate space El and each house a light guide GL designed to deliver photons to its second front face FV2, which are intended to participate in the photometric function. The reflector RB therefore has a so-called accordion shape.

[0042] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in figures 1 to 5 the reflector RB comprises three concave spaces EC, housing respectively three light guides GL, and two intermediate spaces EL But the number of concave spaces EC of a reflector RB (and therefore also of light guides GL) can take any value greater than or equal to two.

[0043] It should also be noted, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], that each intermediate space El of the reflector RB is here concave. But it could be planar or convex.

[0044] Furthermore, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 3 to 5, the reflector RB includes in at least one predefined sub-part SP at least one stiffening rib NR extending at least on its rear face FRI, at least between the concave spaces EC, in order to stiffen the sub-part SP while opposing deformation during the demolding operation.

[0045] It will be understood that each sub-part SP is defined where the probability of the reflector RB deforming during demolding is highest due to its accordion-like cross-section. For example, each sub-part SP may be located where the reflector RB is thinnest.

[0046] Since the RB reflector is now stiffened by each stiffening rib NR where necessary, it is no longer at risk of deformation during demolding. This is particularly advantageous because it avoids having to increase the thickness of Its walls, and therefore an increase in its size and weight. Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to guarantee the technical shape of the RB reflector as it exits its dedicated mold.

[0047] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 3 to 5, the reflector RB comprises only one sub-part SP equipped with at least one stiffening rib NR. However, it could comprise at least two sub-parts SP, each equipped with at least one stiffening rib NR. Furthermore, in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 3 to 5, the sub-part SP is defined in the lower part of the reflector RB, where it is thinnest. However, the sub-part SP could be defined in another part of the reflector RB.

[0048] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 3 to 5, subpart SP comprises two parallel stiffening ribs NR. However, the number of stiffening ribs NR defined in a subpart SP can be any value greater than or equal to one. Furthermore, when a subpart SP comprises several stiffening ribs NR, it is not necessary for them to be parallel to each other.

[0049] For example, when the optical block BO includes the housing BB, the reflector RB may, as illustrated without limitation in Figures 4 and 5, include a first mounting tab PF1 on a first lateral edge BL1, at the level of a first lateral extension of the sub-part SP. In this case, this first mounting tab PF1 is coupled to the housing BB and includes a first face Fl which is oriented towards the rear face FRI and to which each stiffening rib NR extends. This advantageously reinforces the strength and rigidity of this first mounting tab PF1, and thus does not limit the service life of the reflector RB.

[0050] It should be noted, although not shown in the figures, that the first mounting tab PF1 may also include a second face F2 opposite its first face Fl and on which extends at least one stiffening rib NR (and possibly each stiffening rib NR). This further reinforces the strength and rigidity of the first mounting tab PF1, and thus further reduces the lifespan of the reflector RB.

[0051] Also, for example, the reflector RB may, as illustrated without limitation in Figures 4 and 5, include a second mounting tab PF2 on a second lateral edge BL2 which is opposite the first lateral edge BL1 and at the level of another (second) lateral extension of the sub-part SP, opposite the first lateral extension. In this case, this second mounting tab PF2 is coupled to the housing BB and includes a first face Fl which is oriented towards the rear face FRI and to which at least one stiffening rib NR extends. This allows advantageously reinforce the strength and rigidity of this second PF2 fixing bracket, and therefore not limit the lifespan of the RB reflector.

[0052] In the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 4 and 5, only one of the two stiffening ribs NR extends to the first face Fl of the second fixing tab PF2. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, both stiffening ribs NR could extend to the first face Fl of the second fixing tab PF2.

[0053] It should also be noted, although not shown in the figures, that the second mounting tab PF2 may also include a second face F2 opposite its first face Fl and on which extends at least one stiffening rib NR (and possibly each stiffening rib NR). This makes it possible to further reinforce the strength and rigidity of the second mounting tab PF2 when necessary, and thus to further reduce the lifespan of the reflector RB.

[0054] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in [Fig. 6], the BB housing may include two coupling grooves GC. In this case, each of the first PF1 and second PF2 mounting tabs may include first PI and second P2 protruding walls. Each first wall PI is erected on the first face Fl of its first PF1 or second PF2 mounting tab and is housed in one of the two coupling grooves GC. Each second wall P2 is erected on the second face F2 of its first PF1 or second PF2 mounting tab and has a free end EL against which the protective glass GP rests.Thus, once the latter (GP) is fixedly attached to the BB housing, for example by gluing or welding (or even screwing), each of the first PF1 and second PF2 fixing tabs is found to be closely sandwiched between the BB housing and the GP protective glass, which prevents it from causing noise by impact.

[0055] It should also be noted that the photons powering the GL light guides can be generated by at least one photon source, which is, for example, installed on an electronic board housed in the BB enclosure (and not shown). For example, this electronic board CE may also include electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of each photon source. Also, for example, the electronic board may be a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0056] Also, for example, the (each) photon source may include at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). But alternatively, the (each) photon source may include at least one laser diode or a gas laser or at least one bulb (possibly xenon).

[0057] It should be noted that the choice of the (each) photon source may depend on the photometric function provided by the optical block BO.

Claims

Demands

1. Optical unit (OU) suitable for equipping a vehicle, and comprising a reflector (RU) produced by molding and having a first front face (FV1) delimiting at least two concave spaces (CS) separated by an intermediate space (E1) and each housing a light guide (LG) suitable for delivering photons on its second front face (FV2) to participate in a photometric function, characterized in that said reflector (RU) comprises in at least one predefined sub-part (SP) at least one stiffening rib (SR) extending at least over one rear face (RF) opposite its first front face (FV1), at least between said concave spaces (CS), in order to stiffen said sub-part (SP) while preventing deformation during a demolding operation, the optical unit comprising a housing (BB) housing at least partially said reflector (RU), said reflector (RU) comprising,on a first lateral edge (BL1) at the level of a lateral extension of said sub-part (SP), a first fixing tab (PF1) coupled to said housing (BB) and comprising a first face (Fl) oriented towards said rear face (FRI) and to which each stiffening rib (NR) extends said reflector (RB) further comprising, on a second lateral edge (BL2) opposite said first lateral edge (BL1) and at the level of another lateral extension of said sub-part (SP), a second fixing tab (PF2) coupled to said housing (BB) and comprising a first face (Fl) oriented towards said rear face (FRI) and to which at least one stiffening rib (NR) extends.

2. Optical block according to claim 1, characterized in that said reflector (RB) comprises two stiffening ribs (NR) parallel to each other in said predefined subpart (SP).

3. Optical block according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first fixing tab (PF1) comprises a second face (F2) opposite said first face (Fl) and on which extends at least one stiffening rib (NR).

4. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said second fixing tab (PF2) comprises a second face (F2) opposite said first face (Fl) and on which extends at least one stiffening rib (NR).

5. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a glass (GP) installed opposite said first front face (FV1) by being fixedly attached to said housing (BB), and adapted to be traversed by said photons, in that said housing (BB) comprises two coupling grooves (GC), and in that each of said first (PF1) and second (PF2) fixing lugs comprises a first wall (PI) erected on its first face (Fl) and housed in one of said coupling grooves (GC), and a second wall (P2) erected on a second face (F2) opposite its first face (Fl) and having a free end (EL) against which said glass (GP) rests.

6. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said photometric function is a daytime running light function.

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

8. Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.

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