Automotive rear light assembly housing

Abstract

The invention relates to a housing (30) for a rear lighting device, such as a taillight, for a motor vehicle. The housing includes a compartment for a light source. The housing has a rear face with a rear opening closed by a transparent wall, and a front face with a connection area (40). The connection area includes a sealing wall (48) and a swaging rib (50) for swaging a sealing gasket, the swaging rib projecting from the sealing wall and having a plurality of sections (60). The connection area (40) further includes a plurality of retaining ribs (52) distributed along at least one of the sections, each retaining rib (52) being oriented transversely to the associated section in order to extend the retention of the sealing gasket. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Housing for a rear lighting device of a motor vehicle

[0001] The invention relates to the sealing between a rear lighting device and the structure of a motor vehicle. The invention relates to a housing for a rear lighting device of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] A motor vehicle is equipped with rear lighting devices; commonly called taillights. These taillights illuminate the vehicle's surroundings and emit standardized signals for the attention of other road users. For safety reasons, the taillights must emit light radiation that is sufficiently intense to make the vehicle visible at a predefined distance. At the rear, the lighting devices are integrated into the bodywork of the motor vehicle. There, they adjoin the bumper skin, and possibly the side wings. They are also integrated into the rear opening, generally referred to as the trunk lid.

[0003] Generally speaking, a rear lighting device has a docking area, or mounting area. The latter is equipped with a seal in order to protect the electronic components, but also the structure or the beams which pass through it. Indeed, the structure has at least one hole for fixing the rear lighting device; said hole forming an entry for a potentially corrosive agent.

[0004] In order to optimize the seal, the mounting area has a rib for holding the seal. Such a holding rib projects forward; towards the structure to pinch the seal there. This rib forms a barrier, a sealing belt, pressing the seal in a closed loop. Some additional optimizations consist of doubling the holding rib.

[0005] Document KR20130057154A presents a motor vehicle rear light. The rear light has a housing housing a light source. On the front face, the housing has a docking zone mounted in a mounting pocket of the vehicle structure. Sealing is ensured by a perimeter seal at their interface. In order to lock the seal, the docking zone is marked by an internal rib and an external rib around the internal rib. During assembly, these ribs press the seal together. However, the material of the seal is flexible. During the tightening operation, the seal is likely to expand or retract. Therefore, the position of the seal is no longer guaranteed. In addition, the ends of the seal are not pressed cor- directly, so that the seal is no longer optimal.

[0006] The invention aims to address at least one of the problems or drawbacks encountered in the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to improve the sealing of a rear lighting device housing of a motor vehicle. The invention also aims to optimize the position control, plating, mass, and sealing of a rear lighting device housing of a motor vehicle.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes a housing for a rear lighting device of a motor vehicle, the housing comprising a housing intended to receive a light source; the housing having a rear face with a rear opening intended to receive a transparent wall, and a front face with a connection zone; the connection zone comprising a sealing wall and a plating rib intended to press a seal, the plating rib projecting from the sealing wall and having a plurality of sections; remarkable in that the connection zone further comprises a plurality of holding ribs distributed along at least one of the sections, each holding rib being oriented transversely relative to the associated section in order to extend a holding of the seal.

[0008] The invention provides segmented ribs which extend the holding area of ​​the seal to the extent that they extend along the thickness of the holding rib. Thus, the seal is applied against the structure with a uniform pressure. During assembly, in particular by clamping, of the housing on the structure, the deformation of the seal is better controlled.

[0009] Preferably, the plating rib is inside the holding ribs.

[0010] Preferably, the holding ribs converge towards the plating rib.

[0011] Preferably, each retaining rib is inclined at least 45°, more pre preferably at least 60° from the associated section.

[0012] Preferably, the connection zone comprises an external rib around the plating rib, each holding rib extending between the external rib and the plating rib.

[0013] Preferably, the external rib comprises a lower opening.

[0014] Preferably, each retaining rib is at a distance from the rib of plating.

[0015] Preferably, the connection zone comprises a front opening intended to receive an electrical connector, and at least one holding tab adjacent to the front opening and intended to hold said electrical connector in said front opening.

[0016] Preferably, the connection zone comprises a perimeter channel for a water flow around the perimeter of the connection zone, said perimeter channel being delimited by the plating rib.

[0017] Preferably, the retaining ribs border the perimeter channel.

[0018] Preferably, the plurality of holding ribs defines a set of holding ribs inclined relative to each other, a first set of parallel ribs, a second set of parallel ribs.

[0019] Preferably, the retaining ribs comprise the same length.

[0020] Preferably, the retaining ribs comprise a length varying from at least plus 50%, or at most 20%.

[0021] Preferably, the retaining ribs comprise a spacing of between 8 mm and 10 mm.

[0022] Preferably, the retaining ribs comprise a constant spacing.

[0023] Preferably, each retaining rib has a free end oriented down.

[0024] Preferably, each holding rib comprises an internal end towards the plating rib and an external end opposite the internal end, each internal end being under the external end.

[0025] Preferably, each holding rib has a main elongation, the transversality and / or the inclination of each holding rib relative to the associated section being measured according to said main elongation.

[0026] Preferably, each retaining rib is lower than the external rib.

[0027] Preferably, each retaining rib extending from the external rib towards the plating rib.

[0028] Preferably, the holding ribs comprise a height less than or equal to a height of the plating rib.

[0029] Preferably, the external rib comprises a height greater than the height of the plating rib.

[0030] Preferably, the plurality of holding ribs defines a set of holding ribs inclined relative to each other, a first set of parallel holding ribs, a second set of parallel ribs.

[0031] Preferably, the light device comprises fixing means and electrical connection means surrounded by the sealing gasket.

[0032] Preferably, the retaining ribs are around the internal rib.

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention provides a housing for a rear lighting device of a motor vehicle, the housing comprising a housing intended to receive a light source; the housing having a rear face with a rear opening intended to receive a transparent wall, and a front face with a connection zone; the connection zone comprising a sealing wall and a plating rib intended to press a sealing gasket, the pressing rib projecting from the sealing wall and having a plurality of sections; remarkable in that the connection zone further comprises a plurality of holding ribs distributed along at least one of the sections, each holding rib is inclined by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60° relative to the associated section. This housing optimizes the mass and the holding of the sealing gasket.

[0034] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a housing for a rear lighting device of a motor vehicle, the housing comprising a housing intended to receive a light source; the housing having a rear face with an opening intended to receive a transparent wall, and a front face with a connection zone; the connection zone comprising a sealing wall and a plating rib capable of maintaining a seal and having a thickness; remarkable in that the connection zone further comprises a plurality of ribs along the plating rib and extending according to the thickness of the plating rib. Such a housing extends the zone for maintaining the seal around the plating rib.

[0035] According to another aspect, the invention proposes a housing for a rear lighting device of a motor vehicle, the housing comprising a housing intended to receive a light source; the housing having a rear face with an opening intended to receive a transparent wall, and a front face with a connection zone; the connection zone comprising a sealing wall, a plating rib capable of holding a seal and projecting from the sealing wall, an external rib intended to surround the seal; remarkable in that the external rib further comprises a lower opening. Such a housing optimizes the management of the flow of water likely to enter the connection zone.

[0036] According to another aspect, the invention provides a rear lighting device comprising a housing, a transparent wall, a light source; remarkable in that the housing is in accordance with the invention.

[0037] Preferably, the light device comprises a seal.

[0038] Preferably, the light device comprises a layer of adhesive covering the seal.

[0039] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a structure, a rear light device with a light source, a transparent wall, a housing; the motor vehicle further comprising a seal between the housing and the structure; remarkable in that the housing is in accordance with the invention.

[0040] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a power socket connected to the housing, said power socket being surrounded by the seal.

[0041] Preferably, the connection zone comprises an external rib around the plating rib, each retaining rib extending between the outer rib and the plating rib; the outer rib borders the seal.

[0042] Preferably, the external rib is at a distance from the seal.

[0043] Preferably, the motor vehicle comprises a layer of adhesive between the seal and the retaining ribs; the seal comprises a contour, the retaining ribs passing through said contour.

[0044] Preferably, the holding ribs are surrounded by the adhesive layer.

[0045] According to another aspect, the invention provides a motor vehicle comprising a rear lighting device; remarkable in that the rear lighting device is in accordance with the invention.

[0046] Preferably, the seal comprises foam.

[0047] Preferably, the seal comprises a layer of adhesive.

[0048] Each characteristic introduced by the expression “preferably” given in relation to one of the aspects of the invention applies to all the other aspects of the invention.

[0049] The invention will be well understood and other aspects and advantages will appear clearly on reading the description which follows, given with reference to the figures appended and listed below.

[0050] [Fig.l] is a side view of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0051] [Fig.2] is a rear view of a vehicle rear lighting device at car according to the invention.

[0052] [Fig.3] shows from the front a vehicle rear light housing automobile according to the invention.

[0053] [Fig.4] shows from the front a connection area of ​​a light device housing rear of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0054] [Fig.5] is an enlargement of a rear light housing of motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0055] [Fig.6] is a sectional view of a vehicle rear light housing car according to the invention.

[0056] In the following description, the term "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and is not limiting in that it allows the presence of other elements in the motor vehicle or in the housing to which it relates. It is understood that the term "comprise" includes the terms "consist of".

[0057] In the present description, the term "longitudinal" and the term "longitudinally" are used according to the reference frame of the vehicle, in the mounting configuration. The term "longitudinal" corresponds to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "front" refers to the main direction of movement of the vehicle. The term "rear" designates the opposite of the front of the vehicle.

[0058] The X axis represents the longitudinal direction, the Y axis represents the lateral direction, and the Z axis represents the vertical direction of the motor vehicle. These three axes define a direct trihedron whose orientation is preserved throughout the figures.

[0059] In the present description, the ranges of values ​​include the limits which delimit them.

[0060] In the present description, the equalities between the values ​​are not to be understood in the strict sense insofar as each equality authorizes a variation of at most 10%, preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 2%, between these values.

[0061] In the present description, the term "vertical" and the term "horizontal" are not to be understood in the strict sense of the term. Indeed, they allow an inclination of at most 20°, preferably at most 10°, more preferably at most 5°, even more preferably at most 2°; compared to the strict sense of these terms.

[0062] In this description, the technical characteristics are defined in the mounting configuration of the housing, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise.

[0063] Throughout the description, the different figures use the same reference signs to designate identical or similar entities.

[0064] [Fig.l] represents a motor vehicle 10 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 10 comprises energy storage means and at least one motor (not shown) adapted to drive said motor vehicle 10.

[0065] The motor vehicle 10 comprises a structure 12. The structure 12 forms an outer body, or a main frame of the motor vehicle. It is formed from an assembly of stamped metal sheets assembled by welding. The structure 12 supports various components of the motor vehicle 10, including the engine, the running gear and the suspension systems, a steering system; and the energy storage means. The structure 12 locally forms the bodywork 14, for example at the roof level, at the pillars. The motor vehicle 10 also comprises bumper skins 16, including a front bumper skin and a rear bumper skin. The bumper skins also form the bodywork 14.

[0066] The motor vehicle 10 comprises at least one lighting device 20, including a front lighting device 22 also called a front light; and a rear lighting device 24 also called a rear light; or even a rear headlight. The front lighting device 22 and the rear lighting device 24 are integrated into the bodywork 14 of the vehicle. The lighting devices 20 are mounted on the structure 12 of the motor vehicle 10. Each lighting device 20 is connected to a power supply of the motor vehicle. Depending on the power supply received, the lighting device 20 emits light radiation or not. The lighting devices 20 are nested in the bumper skins 16.

[0067] Each light device 20 is capable of emitting light beams. It is configured to illuminate the environment of the vehicle, and optionally to generate regulatory lighting. It can emit safety light signals for the attention of other road users. The light devices are arranged on the left and on the right.

[0068] The motor vehicle may, for example, be a private motor vehicle or a utility motor vehicle.

[0069] [Fig. 2] shows a rear light device 24 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to [Fig. 1].

[0070] The rear light device 24 comprises a transparent wall 26 allowing light rays to pass from light sources 28. The light sources 28 comprise light-emitting diodes. They are associated with light guides and / or reflective surfaces.

[0071] The rear lighting device 24 comprises a housing 30. The housing 30 delimits a housing 18 for the light sources 28 as well as their control electronics. Towards the rear, it defines a rear opening 32 receiving the transparent wall 26 which seals the housing 30. The housing 30 forms an open shell. The housing 30 comprises a plurality of mounting tabs 34. These mounting tabs 34 allow positioning and fixing to the structure of the motor vehicle. The transparent wall 26 is on the rear face 36 of the housing 30. In the mounting configuration, the rear face 36 is visible from outside the vehicle.

[0072] [Fig. 3] shows a housing 30 of a rear light device 24 of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 2. This figure shows the front face 38 of the housing 30. The front face 38 is longitudinally opposite the rear face 36.

[0073] The housing 30 comprises a connection zone 40. The connection zone 40 is generally flat, and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. It is intended to engage an associated connection portion, connected to the structure of the motor vehicle. The connection zone 40 is a technical part of the housing. The connection zone 40 is associated with a seal 42, for example made of foam. Such a seal optimizes the sealing and the compensation of mechanical play. The seal 42 covers the connection zone 40 in a sealed manner. It prevents the entry of moisture into the housing 30 or into the structure.

[0074] The connection zone 40 is crossed by an electrical connector 44. The electrical connector 44 is capable of being connected to a power supply socket, of complementary shape, and carried by the structure (not shown). Thus, the electrical connector 44 manages to electrically connect the light sources to a power supply. Optionally, the connection zone 40 comprises fixing means 46.

[0075] The fastening means 46 comprise a fastening axis, for example by clamping. These fastening means 46 make it possible to maintain the electrical connector 44 in a connected state; in addition to maintaining the housing 30 against the structure. The fastening means 46 are transversely between the mounting tabs 34, which improves the security of the connection. In order to form a sealing barrier, the fastening means 46 and the electrical connector 44 are surrounded by the sealing gasket 42.

[0076] [Fig. 4] shows a connection zone 40 of housing 30 of a rear lighting device of a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 3. The seal is not shown for the sake of clarity.

[0077] The connection zone 40 comprises a sealing wall 48. The sealing wall 48 is generally a front, vertical wall. The sealing wall 48 forms a sealed separation. The connection zone 40 also comprises a plating rib 50 intended to maintain the sealing gasket and projecting from the sealing wall 48. The plating rib 50 is an internal sealing rib. The plating rib 50 is continuous, it forms a sealed belt. The connection zone 40 further comprises a plurality of holding ribs 52 around the plating rib 50. The holding ribs 52 project from the sealing wall 48, and extend forward. The holding ribs 52 converge towards the plating rib 50.

[0078] The plurality of holding ribs 52 defines a set 54 of holding ribs inclined relative to each other, a first set 56 of parallel ribs, and a second set 58 of parallel ribs. The holding ribs 52 of the set 54 are regularly inclined relative to each other. They tend towards the plating rib 50, downwards. The holding ribs 52 of the first set 56 and of the second set 58 comprise the same inclination relative to the horizontal direction. This orientation optimizes the flow of water and the maintenance of the edge of the sealing joint.

[0079] Each retaining rib 52 extends inwardly from the branching zone 40 toward the plating rib 50, and an outer extension away from the plating rib 50. Each retaining rib 52 includes an inner end toward the plating rib 50; and an outer end, toward the outside of the branching zone 40, opposite the inner end. Each inner end is under the associated outer end. This promotes flow.

[0080] The holding ribs 52 generally comprise the same length, or lengths varying by at most 50%, or at most 20%, relative to an average length. The holding ribs 52 comprise a constant spacing, or having a substantial variation. For example, the holding ribs 52 com take a spacing between 8 mm and 10 mm. These aspects promote the uniformity of the seal.

[0081] The plating rib 50 comprises a plurality of sections 60. The sections may be straight, or curved; for example, with constant curvature. In this case, the plating rib 50 essentially has six sections 60. However, the plating rib 50 may comprise any other number of sections 60. Each holding rib 52 extends transversely relative to the associated section 60; that is to say the section in the extension of said holding rib. A holding rib 52 associated with a segment is opposite said segment.

[0082] Preferably, at least half of the holding ribs 52 are perpendicular to the associated sections 60. Each holding rib 52 is inclined by at least 45°, preferably by at least 60°, more preferably by at least 70°, even more preferably by at least 80°; relative to the associated section 60. This improves the holding of the edge of the seal. The inclination is measured between the main elongation of a rib and its associated section.

[0083] The connection zone 40 comprises a front opening 62 receiving the electrical connector 44, and at least one holding tab 64 which is adjacent to the front opening 62 and which holds the electrical connector 44. The electrical connector 44 generally forms electrical connection means. In this case, two holding tabs 64 are provided; they clamp the electrical connector 44 between them. When the rear lighting device is disassembled, the holding tab 64 remains secured to the housing 30. The holding ribs 52 are generally oriented towards the front opening 62, which forms a center or a reference zone around which the seal is held. The fixing means 46 and the electrical connector 44 are surrounded by the seal and by the holding ribs 52. This improves the sealing around these connections which penetrate the structure.

[0084] The connection zone 40 comprises an external rib 66. The external rib 66 runs along the plating rib 50. They are generally parallel. The external rib 66 delimits the connection zone 40. The holding ribs 52 are inside the external rib 66. The latter delimits the space in which the sealing gasket is glued. This makes it possible to control the crushing and expansion of the gasket during assembly.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the external rib 66 is open downwards. It comprises a lower opening 76. The lower opening 76 is an interruption of the external rib 66. It may comprise orifices. Thus, it allows a flow, and therefore an evacuation of water, likely to enter between the ribs. Furthermore, the orientations of the retaining ribs 52 promote this gravitational flow.

[0086] [Fig. 5] shows an enlargement of a portion of the holding ribs 52 of the connection zone 40 of a motor vehicle rear lighting device housing. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 4.

[0087] The connection zone 40 comprises an external rib 66 which projects from the sealing wall 48. The plating rib 50 is inside the external rib 66. Each retaining rib 52 extends between the external rib 66 and the plating rib 50. The retaining ribs 52 extend from the external rib 66, which makes it possible to stiffen it. Each retaining rib 52 extends from the external rib 66 towards the plating rib 50.

[0088] At least one or each retaining rib 52 is spaced from the plating rib 50. This frees a perimeter channel 68 for runoff water. The perimeter channel 68 is on the perimeter of the connection zone 40. The perimeter channel 68 is delimited by the plating rib 50, and adjoins the retaining ribs 52. It collects the water entering between the seal and the external rib 66.

[0089] Each retaining rib 52 is lower than the outer rib 66. The outer rib 66 is at least twice as high as the retaining ribs 52. The heights are measured perpendicularly to the sealing wall 48.

[0090] In addition, the connection zone 40 comprises auxiliary ribs 70. The auxiliary ribs 70 are inside the plating rib 50. They are generally perpendicular to the latter, and less high. By this configuration, the auxiliary ribs 70 stiffen the retaining rib 52, and improve the retention of the seal (not shown). According to one option, the auxiliary ribs 70 are similar or identical to the retaining ribs 52.

[0091] [Fig. 6] shows a section of the connection zone 40 of a motor vehicle rear lighting device housing. The motor vehicle corresponds to that shown in relation to one of Figures 1 to 5. The section passes through the fixing means 46. The sealing gasket 42 is shown, and is opposite the housing 18.

[0092] The motor vehicle comprises a layer of adhesive 72 between the seal 42 and the retaining ribs 52. The layer of adhesive 72 covers the seal 42, it is also in contact with the plating rib 50, and the optional auxiliary ribs 70. The layer of adhesive 72 forms a film. It is at a distance from the sealing wall 48.

[0093] The seal 42 comprises a contour 74. The retaining ribs 52 pass through the contour 74 since they extend to the external rib 66. In this aspect, they increase their capacity to maintain the seal 42. In the plane of the seal 42; the external rib 66 is at a distance from the seal 42.

[0094] The retaining ribs 52 comprise a height less than or equal to a height of the plating rib 50. The retaining ribs 52 comprise a height less than the thickness of the sealing gasket 42. The external rib 66 comprises a height greater than the height of the plating rib 50.

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment, the housing is made of a plastic or composite material. The plastic material may comprise a thermoplastic material or a thermosetting material. According to a preferred embodiment, the plastic material is selected from the group comprising polypropylene, polyamide, polyphthalamide, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide-imide, polyetherimide, polyarylamide, polyepoxide, unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester or polyester-vinyl ester resins. For example, the composite material comprises a matrix of a plastic material as described above with a reinforcement. For example, the reinforcement comprises glass or carbon fibers.

[0096] The invention comprises the combination of all the embodiments shown by all the figures.

[0097] Figures 2 to 6 are isometric views. They each respect a specific scale and real proportions.

Claims

Claims

1. Housing (30) for a rear light device (24) of a motor vehicle (10), the housing (30) comprising a housing (18) intended to receive a light source (28); the housing (30) having a rear face (36) with a rear opening (32) intended to receive a transparent wall (26), and a front face (38) with a connection zone (40); the connection zone (40) comprising a sealing wall (48) and a plating rib (50) intended to press a sealing gasket (42), the plating rib (50) projecting from the sealing wall (48) and having a plurality of sections (60); characterized in that the connection zone (40) further comprises a plurality of holding ribs (52) distributed along at least one of the sections (60), each holding rib (52) being oriented transversely relative to the associated section (60) in order to extend a holding of the seal (42).

2. Housing (30) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plating rib (50) is inside the holding ribs (52), preferably, the holding ribs (52) converge towards the plating rib (50).

3. Housing (30) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that each holding rib (52) is inclined by at least 45°, more preferably by at least 60° relative to the associated section (60).

4. Housing (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the connection zone (40) comprises an external rib (66) around the plating rib (50), each holding rib (52) extending between the external rib (66) and the plating rib (50); preferably, the external rib (66) comprises a lower opening (76).

5. Housing (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each holding rib (52) is at a distance from the plating rib (50); preferably, the connection zone (40) comprises a front opening (62) intended to receive an electrical connector (44), and at least one holding tab (64) adjacent to the front opening (62) and intended to hold said electrical connector (44) in said front opening (62).

6. Housing (30) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connection zone (40) comprises a perimeter channel (68) for a water flow around the perimeter of the connection zone (40), said perimeter channel (68) being delimited by the plating rib (50); preferably, the retaining ribs (52) border the perimeter channel (68).

7. Housing (30) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the plurality of holding ribs (52) defines a set (54) of holding ribs (52) inclined relative to each other, a first set (56) of parallel ribs, a second set (58) of parallel ribs.

8. Motor vehicle (10) comprising a structure (12), a rear light device (24) with a light source (28), a transparent wall (26), a housing (30); the motor vehicle (10) further comprising a seal (42) between the housing (30) and the structure (12); characterized in that the housing (30) is in accordance with one of claims 1 to 7; preferably, the motor vehicle (10) comprises a power supply socket connected to the housing (30), said power supply socket being surrounded by the seal (42).

9. Motor vehicle (10) according to claim 8, and housing (30) according to claim 4, characterized in that the external rib (66) borders the seal (42), preferably the external rib (66) is at a distance from the seal (42).

10. Motor vehicle (10) according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the motor vehicle (10) comprises a layer of adhesive (72) between the seal (42) and the retaining ribs (52); the seal (42) comprises a contour (74), the retaining ribs (52) passing through said contour (74).

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