OPTICAL UNIT WITH EASY ADJUSTMENT OF OPTICAL MODULE(S), FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

An optical unit (BO) equips a vehicle and comprises a housing (BB) comprising a wall (PB) delimiting a cavity housing at least one optical module providing a photometric function and adjustable via a screw (VR1) having a head (T1) installed outside this cavity substantially perpendicular to a first zone (Z11) of an external rear face (FRE) of the wall (PB). This external rear face (FRE) comprises, above the first zone (Z11) and close to an external upper face (FSE) of the wall (PB), at least one second zone (Z21) accessible to a screw rod (TV) and comprising an upper guide element (EGS1) delimiting an upper passage (PTS) located in the axis of the head (T1) and suitable for being crossed by this screw rod (TV) and for guiding the latter towards the head (T1). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: OPTICAL UNIT WITH FACILITATED ADJUSTMENT OF OPTICAL MODULE(S), FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to optical units intended to be installed in vehicles and comprising at least one optical module capable of ensuring at least one photometric and adjustable function. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, generally of the automobile type, comprise, for example in a front part, at least one optical unit comprising a housing comprising a wall delimiting at least partially a cavity housing at least one optical module capable of ensuring a photometric function and adjustable via a screw. This (each) screw has a head which is installed outside the cavity substantially perpendicular to the external rear face of the wall, and which can be driven in rotation by a screw rod of a tool, such as for example a screwdriver or an electric screwdriver.

[0003] Generally, each adjustment screw head is located in an area behind the wall of the housing which is not visible to a person who wants to make an adjustment (for example of height or laterality of a light beam), including when leaning slightly towards the rear of the optical unit concerned. This results from the fact that the implantation area of ​​each adjustment screw head is generally located in a lower half of the rear part of the wall of the housing. As a result, adjustment by means of a screw rod is a difficult and very unergonomic operation because it requires leaning strongly towards the rear of the optical unit, and this problem is all the more annoying when the height of the person is small.

[0004] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0005] It proposes in particular for this purpose an optical unit, on the one hand, suitable for equipping a vehicle, and, on the other hand, comprising a housing comprising a wall at least partially delimiting a cavity housing at least one optical module suitable for ensuring a photometric function and adjustable via a screw having a head installed outside this cavity substantially perpendicular to a first zone of an external rear face of the wall.

[0006] This optical block is characterized by the fact that the external rear face of the wall of the housing comprises, above the (each) first zone and close to an external upper face of the wall, at least one second zone which is accessible to a screw rod and which comprises an upper guide element delimiting a passage upper located in the axis of the corresponding head and suitable for being crossed by this screw rod and for guiding the latter towards this head.

[0007] Thus, when a person wants to make an adjustment, he introduces a screw rod into the upper guide element concerned which guides its vertical translation downwards until it contacts the head placed below this upper guide element, which significantly facilitates the adjustment operation and significantly improves ergonomics.

[0008] The optical unit according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0009] - the upper guide element may have a U-shaped cross-section in a plane which is suitable for being perpendicular to a direction of movement of the screw rod towards the head;

[0010] - the upper guide element can extend over a height which is between 30 mm and 40 mm;

[0011] - the upper guide element may comprise a lower end which is located at a distance from the corresponding head of between 10 mm and 20 mm;

[0012] - the external rear face may comprise, between at least a first zone and a second associated zone, an intermediate zone which is accessible to the screw rod and which comprises an intermediate guide element delimiting an intermediate passage located in the axis of the head and suitable for being crossed by the screw rod and for guiding the latter towards the head;

[0013] - in the presence of the last option, the intermediate zone can be located nearby of the first corresponding zone;

[0014] - also in the presence of the last option, at least one of the guide elements upper and intermediate guide element can extend over a height which is between 15 mm and 20 mm;

[0015] - also in the presence of the last option, the intermediate guide element may comprise a lower end which is located at a distance from the corresponding head of between 10 mm and 20 mm;

[0016] - the (each) photometric function can be a lighting function.

[0017] 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

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the appended drawings, in which:

[0019] [Fig-1] illustrates schematically and functionally, in a perspective view on the external rear face side, an example of the production of an optical block according to the invention, with the materialization of two adjustment screwdrivers (in adjustment position),

[0020] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a top view, the optical block of the [Fig.l],

[0021] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the side of the face external rear, a first part of the wall of the optical block of figures 1 and 2 comprising only an upper guide element for guiding a screw rod towards a first adjustment screw head, and

[0022] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the side of the face external rear, a second part of the wall of the optical block of figures 1 and 2 comprising an upper guide element and an intermediate guide element for guiding a screw rod towards a second adjustment screw head. Detailed description of the invention

[0023] The invention aims in particular to propose an optical block BO intended to be installed in a vehicle and comprising at least one optical module capable of ensuring at least one photometric function and the adjustment of which is facilitated.

[0024] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle is of the automobile type. This is for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It in fact concerns any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) comprising at least one optical unit comprising at least one optical module capable of ensuring at least one photometric and adjustable function.

[0025] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit BO is a vehicle front projector (or headlight). But an optical unit according to the invention may be a front light (intended to equip a front part of a vehicle) or a rear light (intended to equip a rear part of a vehicle), provided that it comprises at least one optical unit comprising at least one optical module capable of ensuring at least one photometric and adjustable function.

[0026] In Figures 1 to 4, the X direction is intended to be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the Y direction is intended to be parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the Z direction is intended to be parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0027] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate an example of an embodiment of an optical unit BO according to the invention (here a front headlight), before it is fitted to a vehicle.

[0028] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 2, an optical block BO, according to the invention, comprises at least one housing BB comprising a wall PB at least partially delimiting a cavity housing at least one optical module (not illustrated) capable of providing a photometric function. The (each) optical module is adjustable via a screw VRj, for example so as to allow adjustment of the height or laterality of the light beam that it produces and which must participate in a photometric function.

[0029] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the optical block BO also comprises a protective glass GP fixedly secured to the housing BB and comprising a front part through which the photons which are generated by its (one) optical module exit and participate in a photometric function.

[0030] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, the protective glass GP participates in the definition of the cavity. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, the entire cavity could be delimited by the housing BB alone, and in this case the protective glass GP only closes this cavity on the front side.

[0031] The (each) optical module comprises, for example, at least one photon source capable of generating photons which are to participate in its photometric function, an electronic card making it possible to power and control the (each) photon source and possibly comprising the (each) photon source, and possibly at least one optical element, such as for example a reflector or a light guide or a lens or even a mask.

[0032] Also for example, the (each) photon source may comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). But as a variant the (each) photon source may comprise at least one laser diode or a gas laser. It will be noted that the choice of the (each) photon source may depend on the photometric function provided.

[0033] Also for example, the electronic card can be a printed circuit board of the PCB type (“Printed Circuit Board”).

[0034] It is considered in the following, by way of illustrative example, that the (each) photometric function is a lighting function (for example high beam or low beam (or code)). But this is not an obligation. Indeed, it could be a signaling function or an ornamental function (or light signature).

[0035] As illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the (each) screw VRj has a head Tj which is installed outside the cavity, substantially perpendicular to a first zone Zlj of the external rear face FRE of the wall PB (opposite (here) to the front part of the protective glass GP).

[0036] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l] two screws VRi (j = 1) and VR2 (j = 2) are rotatably mounted on the external rear face FRE of the wall PB with their heads Tl and T2 respectively located in first first zone Zli and second first zone Zl2 which are not visible to a person who wants to make an adjustment, including when leaning slightly towards the rear of the optical unit BO (once the latter (BO) has been installed in a vehicle). But the number of screws VRj rotatably mounted on the external rear face FRE of the wall PB can take any value greater than or equal to one. It will be noted that here the two screws VRj are dedicated respectively to the adjustments of two optical modules installed in the cavity (but they could be dedicated respectively to two different adjustments of a single optical module installed in the cavity).

[0037] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 to 4, the external rear face FRE comprises, above the (each) first zone Zlj and close to the external upper face FSE of the wall PB, at least one second zone Z2j which is accessible to a screw rod TV and which comprises an upper guide element EGSj.

[0038] The notion of “proximity” here means at a distance (along the vertical direction Z) from the external upper face FSE allowing observation of the upper end of an upper guide element EGSj by a person of average height standing substantially vertically in front of the optical unit BO (installed in a vehicle), as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. For example, this vertical distance can be between 2 mm and 15 mm.

[0039] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l] each TV screw rod is part of a TN screwdriver intended to be positioned and rotated by a person wishing to carry out an adjustment of the optical module associated with a VRj screw. But a TV screw rod can, for example, be part of an electric screwdriver.

[0040] The (each) upper guide element EGSj delimits an upper passage PTS which is located in the axis of the associated head Tj and suitable for being crossed by a screw rod TV and for guiding the latter (TV) towards the associated head Tj (and located in the axis below it), as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0041] It will be understood that when a person wants to make an adjustment, he introduces the screw rod TV into the upper guide element EGSj concerned, the upper end of which is easily observable, then translates this screw rod TV downwards in the vertical direction Z until it contacts the head Tj placed below (and in the axis) of this upper guide element EGSj. During all this translation the screw rod TV is guided vertically by at least this upper guide element EGSj, as illustrated in [Fig.l], which prevents it from tilting in the XY plane, and therefore significantly facilitates the adjustment operation and significantly improves ergonomics.

[0042] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, the (each) upper guide element EGSj may have a U-shaped transverse section in a YZ plane (suitable for being perpendicular to the direction of movement (vertical) of the screw rod TV towards the head Tj). But other arrangements of the (each) upper guide element EGSj may be envisaged, and in particular the (each) upper guide element EGSj may have a circular cylindrical shape (and therefore closed), which prevents any inclination of the screw rod TV whatever the plane considered.

[0043] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 3, when the (vertical) distance separating a first zone Zlj from the corresponding second zone Z2j is not very large, which is the case in the first part (on the right) of the external rear face FRE (i.e. for j = 1), only one upper guide element EGSi is used to ensure the guidance of the screw rod TV towards the corresponding head Ti. This first arrangement is particularly suitable for the case where the upper guide element EGSi comprises a lower end El which is located at a distance from the corresponding head Ti (along the vertical direction Z) of between 10 mm and 20 mm. As an illustrative example, this vertical distance may be equal to 15 mm.

[0044] Also in the first arrangement mentioned above, the upper guide element EGSi can extend over a height (along the vertical direction Z) which is between 30 mm and 40 mm, which is important. As an illustrative example, this height can be equal to 35 mm.

[0045] In a second arrangement, illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 4, when the (vertical) distance separating a first zone Zlj from the corresponding second zone Z2j is very large, which is the case in the second part (on the left) of the external rear face FRE (i.e. for j = 2), the external rear face FRE may comprise, between at least a first zone Zl2 and an associated second zone Z22, an intermediate zone ZI2 which is accessible to the screw rod TV and which comprises an intermediate guide element EGI2. This intermediate guide element EGI2 delimits an intermediate passage PTI which is located in the axis of the head T2 and suitable for being crossed by the screw rod TV and for guiding the latter (TV) towards the head T2.

[0046] It will be understood that with this second arrangement when a person wants to make an adjustment of the screw VR2, he introduces the screw rod TV into the upper guide element EGS2, the upper end of which is easily observable, then translates this screw rod TV downwards in the vertical direction Z until it passes through the intermediate guide element EGI2 which is located below (and in the axis) of this upper guide element EGS2, then continues this translation until the screw rod TV contacts the head T2 placed below (and in the axis) of this intermediate guide element EGI2. During this translation the screw rod TV is guided vertically by these upper guide element EGSj and intermediate guide element EGI2, as illustrated in [Fig.l], which prevents it from tilting at least in the XY plane.

[0047] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 4, the (each) intermediate guide element EGIj may have a U-shaped transverse section in a YZ plane (suitable for being perpendicular to the direction of movement (vertical) of the screw rod TV towards the head Tj). But other arrangements of the (each) intermediate guide element EGIj may be envisaged, and in particular the (each) upper guide element EGSj may have a circular cylindrical shape (and therefore closed), which prevents any inclination of the screw rod TV whatever the plane considered.

[0048] Preferably, the intermediate zone Zlj is located close to the corresponding first zone ZI j. The notion of “close” here means at a distance (along the vertical direction Z) from the first zone Zlj (here Zl2) which does not allow the end of the screw rod TV to miss the head Tj (here T2). For example, the intermediate guide element EGIj may comprise a lower end E1 which is located at a distance from the corresponding head Tj (along the vertical direction Z) of between 10 mm and 20 mm. As an illustrative example, this vertical distance may be equal to 15 mm.

[0049] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 4, in the second arrangement, at least one of the upper guide element EGSj and intermediate guide element EGIj may extend over a height (along the vertical direction Z) which is between 15 mm and 20 mm. As an illustrative example, this height may be equal to 18 mm. It will be understood that in the presence of an upper guide element EGSj and an intermediate guide element EGIj the individual height may be reduced compared to that used in the first arrangement.

[0050] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 4, each upper guide element EGSj and each possible intermediate guide element EGIj are an integral part of the external rear face FRE of the wall PB of the housing BB. Consequently, each upper guide element EGSj and each possible intermediate guide element EGIj can be produced at the same time as the housing BB in a molding phase, for example from a rigid and resistant plastic or synthetic material. This is particularly advantageous, because it avoids having to attach them (by gluing, screwing or welding) to this external rear face FRE.

Claims

Claims

1. Optical unit (BO) suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising a housing (BB) comprising a wall (PB) at least partially delimiting a cavity housing at least one optical module suitable for ensuring a photometric function and adjustable via a screw (VRj) having a head (Tj) installed outside said cavity substantially perpendicular to a first zone (Zlj) of an external rear face (FRE) of said wall (PB), characterized in that said external rear face (FRE) comprises, above said first zone (Zlj) and close to an external upper face (FSE) of said wall (PB), at least one second zone (Z2j) accessible to a screw rod (TV) and comprising an upper guide element (EGSj) delimiting an upper passage (PTS) located in the axis of said head (Tj) and suitable for being crossed by said screw rod (TV) and for guiding the latter (TV) towards said head (Tj).

2. Optical unit according to claim 1, characterized in that said upper guide element (EGSj) has a U-shaped transverse section in a plane suitable for being perpendicular to a direction of movement of said screw rod (TV) towards said head (Tj).

3. Optical unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said upper guide element (EGSj) extends over a height of between 30 mm and 40 mm.

4. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said upper guide element (EGSj) comprises a lower end (El) located at a distance from said corresponding head (Tj) of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

5. Optical unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said external rear face (FRE) comprises, between at least a first zone (Zlj) and a second associated zone (Z2j), an intermediate zone (Zlj) accessible to said screw rod (TV) and comprising an intermediate guide element (EGIj) delimiting an intermediate passage (PTI) located in the axis of said head (Tj) and suitable for being crossed by said screw rod (TV) and for guiding the latter (TV) towards said head (Tj).

6. Optical unit according to claim 5, characterized in that said intermediate zone (Zlj) is located close to said corresponding first zone (Zlj).

7. Optical unit according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that at at least one of said upper guide element (EGSj) and intermediate guide element (EGIj) extends over a height of between 15 mm and 20 mm.

8. Optical unit according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that said intermediate guide element (EGIj) comprises a lower end (El) located at a distance from said corresponding head (Tj) of between 10 mm and 20 mm.

9. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (BO) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of the automobile type.

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