INTERMEDIATE ZONE OPTICAL UNIT PRECISELY COUPLED TO A VEHICLE'S FRONT BUMPER

Abstract

An optical unit (BO) is coupled to a front shield (BV) of a vehicle and comprises a housing (BB) and a front part (PV) together delimiting a space comprising first and second groups of elements respectively delivering first and second photons participating respectively in first and second photometric functions. The front part (PV) defines upper (GS) and lower (GI) protective glass through which the first and second photons exit respectively and separated by an intermediate zone (ZI) masked by a dedicated sub-part (SPD1) of the front shield (BV) and comprising, above the lower protective glass (GI), at least one blocking protuberance (PB) receiving, and blocking in the vertical direction, a corresponding part of a lower edge (BI) of this dedicated sub-part (SPD1) to prevent it from moving apart. Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: OPTICAL UNIT WITH INTERMEDIATE ZONE PRECISELY COUPLED TO A FRONT SHIELD OF A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to optical units providing at least two photometric functions separated by an intermediate zone intended to be masked by a front shield (or bumper) of a vehicle, and more precisely the coupling of this intermediate zone to a dedicated sub-part of such a front shield. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, generally of the automobile type, comprise at least one optical unit which is suitable for being coupled to their front shield (or bumper) and which comprises a housing and a front part together delimiting a space comprising at least first and second groups of elements suitable for respectively delivering first and second photons participating respectively in first and second photometric functions.

[0003] In the following, the term "photometric function" means both a photometric lighting function and a photometric signaling function.

[0004] For example, the first photometric function may be a high beam function (photometric lighting function) or low beam function (photometric lighting function), and the second photometric function may be a daytime running light (or DRL) function (photometric signaling function).

[0005] Sometimes, the front part of the optical unit defines upper and lower protective windows through which the first and second photons exit respectively, and which are separated by an intermediate zone intended to be masked by a dedicated sub-part of the front shield.

[0006] Currently, the intermediate zone of the front part of the optical unit comprises, below the upper and lower protective glass, support protrusions on which the upper edges of dedicated intermediate and lower sub-parts of the front bumper are intended to bear. This arrangement makes it possible to precisely control the clearance in the vertical direction between the lower face of the lower or upper protective glass and the dedicated lower or intermediate sub-part of the front bumper. But this arrangement does not make it possible to control the clearance in the vertical direction between the upper face of the lower protective glass and the dedicated intermediate sub-part of the front bumper, because it is not possible to produce supports. As a result, there is often a gap between the dedicated intermediate sub-part of the front bumper and the lower protective glass, which is unsightly and can cause clashing in the presence of vibrations or holes, and can therefore be considered by an observer (and in particular by the driver of the vehicle) as an assembly defect, or even a design defect.

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

[0008] It proposes in particular for this purpose an optical unit, suitable for being coupled to a front shield (or bumper) of a vehicle, and comprising a housing and a front part together delimiting a space comprising at least first and second groups of elements suitable for respectively delivering first and second photons participating respectively in first and second photometric functions, this front part defining upper and lower protective windows through which the first and second photons exit respectively and separated by an intermediate zone intended to be masked by a dedicated sub-part of the front shield.

[0009] This optical unit is characterized by the fact that the intermediate zone of its front part comprises, above the lower protective glass, at least one blocking protuberance suitable for receiving, and blocking in a vertical direction, a corresponding part of a lower edge of the dedicated sub-part of the front shield to prevent the latter from moving apart.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, it is now possible to control the play in the vertical direction between the upper face of the lower protective glass and the dedicated sub-part of the front bumper, and therefore there is no longer any risk of the occurrence of either abnormal and unsightly spacing or clashing.

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

[0012] - the intermediate zone of its front part can comprise, above the ice of lower protection, three blocking protrusions spaced two by two;

[0013] - each locking protrusion may comprise a portion extending above of an upper face of the lower protective glass and delimiting with this upper face a space suitable for receiving the corresponding part of the lower edge of the dedicated sub-part of the front shield;

[0014] - the intermediate zone of its front part may comprise, above a level vertical where each blocking protrusion is defined and below the upper protective glass, at least one support protrusion on which an upper edge of the dedicated sub-part of the front shield is intended to rest;

[0015] - in the presence of the last option, the intermediate zone of its front part can include, above the vertical level where each blocking protrusion is defined and below the upper protective glass, three support protrusions on which the upper edge of the dedicated sub-part is intended to rest;

[0016] - the first photometric function may be a dipped beam function or high beam;

[0017] - the second photometric function can be a daytime running light function;

[0018] - the space delimited by the housing and the front part may include a third group of elements capable of delivering third photons participating in a third photometric function and capable of exiting through the upper protective glass;

[0019] - in the presence of the last option, the third photometric function can be a high beam or low beam function.

[0020] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising a front shield and at least one optical unit of the type presented above and coupled to this front shield. Brief description of the figures

[0021] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:

[0022] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a example of an embodiment of an optical unit according to the invention coupled to a left part of a vehicle front shield,

[0023] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a first perspective view from the front side, the front part of the optical unit of [Fig.l], before it is secured to the housing,

[0024] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a second perspective view from the front side, a part of the front part of the optical unit of [Fig.l], before it is secured to the housing,

[0025] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, a part of the optical block of [Fig.l], and

[0026] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a part of the intermediate zone of the front part of figures 2 and 3. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The invention aims in particular to propose an optical unit BO ensuring at least two photometric functions separated by an intermediate zone ZI forming part of a front part PV and intended to be masked by, and coupled precisely to, a front shield (or bumper) BV of a vehicle.

[0028] It is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical block BO is intended to be part of a motor vehicle, such as a car. But the invention is not limited to this application. Indeed, the optical unit BO is equipment that can be added and used in any vehicle comprising a front shield (or bumper).

[0029] In the foregoing and the following, the notion of "front" is defined in relation to the place where the photons participating in a photometric function exit, and the notion of "rear" is defined in relation to the place which is opposite to that where the photons participating in a photometric function exit. Consequently, the front face of an element is oriented towards the outside, while the rear face of this element is oriented towards the inside and opposite the front face.

[0030] In Figures 1 to 5, 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.

[0031] Figures 1 and 4 schematically illustrate at least partially an example of an embodiment of an optical block BO according to the invention.

[0032] As illustrated in [Fig.4], an optical block BO, according to the invention, comprises in particular a housing BB and a front part PV which together delimit a space comprising at least first G1 and second G2 groups of elements capable of respectively delivering first and second photons participating respectively in first and second photometric functions.

[0033] Furthermore, and as illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, this front part PV defines an upper protective glass GS and a lower protective glass GI through which the first and second photons exit respectively, and which are separated by an intermediate zone ZI intended to be masked by a first dedicated sub-part SPD1 of a front bumper BV of a vehicle.

[0034] Also as illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 4, this intermediate zone ZI of the front part PV comprises, above the lower protective glass GI, at least one blocking protuberance PB which is suitable for receiving, and blocking in the vertical direction Z, a corresponding part of a lower edge BI of the first dedicated sub-part SPD1. This reception and this blocking in Z are advantageously intended to prevent a separation of this first dedicated sub-part SPD1 from the lower protective glass GI.

[0035] Thanks to each blocking protrusion PB, it is now possible to control the clearance in the vertical direction Z between the upper face FS of the lower protective glass GI and the first dedicated sub-part SPD1 of the front bumper BV. Consequently, there is no longer any risk of abnormal and unsightly spacing or clashing occurring, and therefore there is no longer any risk that an observer will consider that there is an assembly or design defect at the interface between the lower protective glass GI and the front shield BV which surrounds (at least partially) the latter (GI).

[0036] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 3, the intermediate zone ZI of the front part PV may comprise, above the lower protective glass GI, three blocking protrusions PB which are spaced two by two. But the number of blocking protrusions PB may take any value greater than or equal to one. Generally speaking, the greater the transverse extension (along the transverse direction Y) of the lower protective glass GI, the greater the number of blocking protrusions PB if it is desired to precisely control over this entire transverse extension the clearance along the vertical direction Z between the upper face FS of the lower protective glass GI and the first dedicated sub-part SPD1 of the front bumper BV.

[0037] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 3 to 5, each blocking protrusion PB may comprise a portion which extends above the upper face FS of the lower protective glass GI and which delimits with this upper face FS a space suitable for receiving the corresponding portion of the lower edge BI of the first dedicated sub-part SPD1. For example, this portion of blocking protrusion PB may extend substantially along the longitudinal direction X. In this case, the lower edge BI of the first dedicated sub-part SPD1 may be introduced into the spaces defined between the blocking protrusions PB and the upper face FS by a (relative) translation along the longitudinal direction X.

[0038] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 and 3, the intermediate zone ZI of the front part PV may comprise, above the vertical level where each blocking protrusion PB is defined and below the upper protective glass GS, at least one first support protrusion PA1 on which the upper edge BS of the first dedicated sub-part SPD1 is intended to bear. For example, each first support protrusion PA1 may comprise a support surface substantially contained in an XY plane.

[0039] Thus, it is also possible to precisely control the clearance in the vertical direction Z between the lower face of the upper protective glass GS and the first dedicated sub-part SPD1 of the front bumper BV. The first dedicated sub-part SPD1 is therefore perfectly positioned relative to the intermediate zone ZI with the vertical clearances (lower and upper) provided.

[0040] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 and 3, the intermediate zone ZI of the front part PV may comprise, above the vertical level where each blocking protrusion PB is defined and below the upper protective glass GS, three first support protrusions PA1 on which the upper edge BS of the first dedicated sub-part SPD1 is intended to rest. But the number of first support protrusions PA1 may take any value greater than or equal to one.Generally speaking, the greater the transverse extension (along the transverse direction Y) of the lower face of the upper protective glass GS, the greater the number of first support protrusions PA1 if one wishes to precisely control over this entire transverse extension the clearance along the vertical direction Z between the lower face of the upper protective glass GS and the first dedicated sub-part SPD1 of the front bumper BV.

[0041] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 to 4, the front part PV may comprise a lower zone ZF located under its lower protective glass GI and intended to be masked by, and coupled to, a second dedicated sub-part SPD2. In this case, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 3, the lower zone ZF may comprise, below the lower protective glass GI, at least one second support protrusion PA2 on which the upper edge BS of the second dedicated sub-part SPD2 is intended to bear. For example, each second support protrusion PA2 may comprise a support surface substantially contained in an XY plane.

[0042] Thus, it is also possible to precisely control the clearance in the vertical direction Z between the lower face FI of the lower protective glass GI and the second dedicated sub-part SPD2 of the front bumper BV. The second dedicated sub-part SPD2 is therefore perfectly positioned relative to the lower zone ZF with the expected upper vertical clearance.

[0043] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 2 and 3, the intermediate zone ZI of the front part PV may comprise, below the lower face FI of the lower protective glass GI, two second support protrusions PA2 on which the upper edge of the second dedicated sub-part SPD2 is intended to rest. But the number of second support protrusions PA2 can take any value greater than or equal to one. Generally speaking, the greater the transverse extension (along the transverse direction Y) of the lower face FI of the lower protective glass GI, the greater the number of second support protrusions PA2 if it is desired to precisely control over this entire transverse extension the clearance along the vertical direction Z between the lower face FI of the lower protective glass GI and the second dedicated SPD2 sub-part of the BV front shield.

[0044] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 to 3, the upper protective glass GS can be subdivided into first PI and second P2 parts through which the first photons and third photons exit respectively. In this case, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 4], these third photons are delivered by a third group of elements G3 (housed in the space delimited by the housing BB and front part PV) and participate in a third photometric function. The second part P2 is located above the first part PI (and in the extension of the latter (PI)), and has, here, a transverse extension (along the transverse direction Y) greater than that of the first part PI (located above the intermediate zone ZI).The first dedicated sub-part SPD1 of the front shield BV then comprises an extension which extends to the lower face of the second part P2 located in the upper extension of the first part PL It is then preferable, as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 2 and 3, that the intermediate zone ZI of the front part PV comprises, below the lower face of the second part P2 of the upper protective glass GS, at least a third support protrusion PA3 on which the upper edge BS of the first dedicated sub-part SPD1 is intended to rest. For example, each third support protrusion PA3 may comprise a support surface substantially contained in an XY plane.

[0045] Thus, it is also possible to precisely control the clearance in the vertical direction Z between the lower face of the second part P2 of the upper protective glass GS and the first dedicated sub-part SPD1 of the front bumper BV.

[0046] Also for example, the first photometric function may be a dipped beam or main beam function. For example, it may be a dipped beam function. In this case, the first group of elements G1 may in particular comprise a first photon source installed on a first electronic card and a first reflector responsible for reflecting the photons from the first photon source towards the first part PI of the upper protective glass GS. This first electronic card may be a printed circuit board of the PCB type and which may also comprise electrical and electronic components and / or possibly integrated circuits, in particular for coupling to a connector and for controlling the first photon source. Furthermore, the first photon source may, for example, comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED).

[0047] Also for example, the second photometric function may be a daytime running light (or DRL) function. In this case, the second group of elements G2 may in particular comprise a second photon source installed on a second electronic card and a light guide, responsible for delivering on an output face oriented towards the lower protective glass GI the photons generated by the second photon source and which it receives on an input end. This second electronic card may be a printed circuit board of the PCB type and which may also include electrical and electronic components and / or possibly integrated circuits, in particular for coupling to a connector and for controlling the second photon source. Furthermore, the second photon source may, for example, include at least one light-emitting diode (or LED).

[0048] Also for example, the possible third photometric function may be a high beam or dipped beam function. For example, it may be a high beam function when the first photometric function is a dipped beam function. In this case, the third group of elements G3 may in particular comprise a third photon source installed on a third electronic card and a second reflector responsible for reflecting the photons from the third photon source towards the second part P2 of the upper protective glass GS. This third electronic card may be a printed circuit board of the PCB type and which may also comprise electrical and electronic components and / or possibly integrated circuits, in particular for coupling to a connector and for controlling the third photon source.Furthermore, the third photon source may, for example, comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED).

Claims

Claims

1. Optical unit (BO) suitable for being coupled to a front shield (BV) of a vehicle and comprising a housing (BB) and a front part (PV) together delimiting a space comprising at least first and second groups of elements suitable for respectively delivering first and second photons participating respectively in first and second photometric functions, said front part (PV) defining upper (GS) and lower (GI) protective glass through which said first and second photons exit respectively and separated by an intermediate zone (ZI) intended to be masked by a dedicated sub-part (SPD1) of said front shield (BV), characterized in that said intermediate zone (ZI) comprises, above said lower protective glass (GI), at least one blocking protuberance (PB) suitable for receiving, and blocking in a vertical direction,a corresponding part of a lower edge (BI) of said dedicated sub-part (SPD1) to prevent a separation of the latter (SPD1).,

2. Optical unit according to claim 1, characterized in that said intermediate zone (ZI) comprises, above said lower protective glass (GI), three blocking protrusions (PB) spaced two by two.

3. Optical unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each blocking protrusion (PB) comprises a part extending above an upper face (FS) of said lower protective glass (GI) and delimiting with this upper face (FS) a space suitable for receiving said corresponding part of the lower edge (BI) of said dedicated sub-part (SPD1).

4. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said intermediate zone (ZI) comprises, above a vertical level where each blocking protrusion (PB) is defined and below said upper protective glass (GS), at least one support protrusion (PA1) on which an upper edge (BS) of said dedicated sub-part (SPD1) is intended to rest.

5. Optical unit according to claim 4, characterized in that said intermediate zone (ZI) comprises, above the vertical level where each blocking protrusion (PB) is defined and below said upper protective glass (GS), three support protrusions (PA1) on which said upper edge (BS) of the sub- dedicated part (SPD1).

6. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first photometric function is a high beam or low beam function.

7. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said second photometric function is a daytime running light function.

8. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said space, delimited by said housing (BB) and said front part (PV), comprises a third group of elements capable of delivering third photons participating in a third photometric function and capable of exiting through said upper protective glass (GS).

9. Optical unit according to claim 8, characterized in that said third photometric function is a dipped beam or main beam function.

10. Vehicle comprising a front shield (BV), characterized in that it further comprises at least one optical unit (BO) according to one of claims 1 to 9, coupled to said front shield (BV).

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