INTERFACE DEVICE FOR REMOTELY ADJUSTING A FUNCTION OF A MAIN DEVICE

Abstract

An interface device (ID) is fitted to a main device (MD), such as a vehicle optical unit, providing an adjustable function via a first gear (RD1). This interface device (ID) comprises a guide piece (PG) having a curved passage (PC) and a cable (CC) rotatably mounted in this curved passage (PC). The cable has a first end (EC1) equipped with a second gear (RD2) that meshes with the first gear (RD1), and a second end (EC2) designed to be rotated to cause a rotation of the first gear (RD1) for remotely adjusting this function. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: INTERFACE DEVICE FOR REMOTELY ADJUSTING A FUNCTION OF A MAIN DEVICE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to devices which provide at least one adjustable function via a toothed wheel, and more specifically to interface devices which are suitable for participating in the remote adjustment of such a function. State of the art

[0002] In certain technical fields, such as for example that of vehicles (possibly automobiles), devices, hereinafter referred to as main devices, are used which ensure at least one adjustable function via a first toothed wheel which they include.

[0003] For example, in a vehicle, such a main device may constitute an optical unit providing at least one adjustable photometric lighting function chosen from a low beam (or dipped beam) function and a high beam function.

[0004] In some of these main devices, the adjustment of the function (or functions) must be made from the rear via at least one interface device comprising at least one rigid straight rod (generally installed vertically) having first and second opposing ends. The first end (generally lower) is provided with a second toothed wheel that meshes with the first toothed wheel of the main device. The second end (generally upper) is adapted to be driven in rotation to cause, via the second toothed wheel, a rotation of the first toothed wheel, which is adapted to remotely adjust the function of the main device.

[0005] It should be noted that in some cases, the adjustment offset may require the use of a main device with two coupled stages or two simple (or single-stage) main devices coupled to each other.

[0006] In certain environments, such as in a vehicle where the part of the main device that performs at least one adjustable function and includes the first toothed wheel is located directly in front of other equipment, it may be impossible to use a main device such as the one described above (and therefore with a rigid straight shaft) to participate in at least the partial adjustment of an adjustable function. This is particularly the case when the main device is an optical unit comprising a lower stage, performing at least one adjustable function and, for example, located directly in front of a wheel arch, and an upper stage, possibly performing at least one photometric function (lighting or signaling) and extending rearward to the- beyond the rear face of the lower stage by making it impossible for the rigid straight rod of a main device to pass through and therefore for it to couple to its first gear.

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

[0008] In particular, it proposes for this purpose an interface device suitable for equipping a main device ensuring an adjustable function via (at least) a first toothed wheel.

[0009] This interface device is characterized by the fact that it comprises:

[0010] - a guide piece comprising a curved passage, and

[0011] - a cable mounted for rotation in this curved passage, and comprising a first end fitted with a second toothed wheel suitable for engaging this first toothed wheel, and a second end suitable for being driven in rotation to cause a rotation of the first toothed wheel via this second toothed wheel which is suitable for adjusting (at least partially) the function of the main device remotely.

[0012] Thanks to the invention, it is now possible to bypass an element or equipment preventing the passage of a rigid straight rod of a main device of the prior art, and therefore to couple to the first toothed wheel to drive it in rotation.

[0013] The interface device according to the invention may include other features which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0014] - the second toothed wheel of the cable can be used to define a first gear conical with the first toothed wheel of the main device;

[0015] - the second toothed wheel of the cable may include straight teeth;

[0016] - the second end of the cable can be fitted with a third toothed wheel specific to to engage a fourth toothed wheel responsible for driving it in rotation and with which it defines a second gear (possibly conical);

[0017] - its guide piece may include in the curved passage at least one protuberance which is designed to move the cable away from a wall delimiting this curved passage;

[0018] - in the presence of the last option, its guide piece may comprise three protuberances in the curvilinear passage;

[0019] - its guide piece may include a housing at the level of a first end of the curved passage. In this case, the first end of the cable may include upstream of the second toothed wheel a peripheral ring housed for rotation in this housing and designed to maintain the first end of the cable in a predefined position relative to the first end of the curved passage;

[0020] - the curvilinear passage may have a semi-circular shape.

[0021] The invention also proposes a main device ensuring at least one adjustable function via a first toothed wheel, and comprising at least one interface device of the type presented above.

[0022] For example, this main device can constitute a vehicle optical unit providing at least one adjustable photometric lighting function and selected from a low beam function and a high beam function.

[0023] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising at least one main device of the type presented above. Brief description of the figures

[0024] 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:

[0025] [Fig. 1] schematically illustrates, in a front view, an example of an embodiment of a main device according to the invention,

[0026] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a side view, part of the elements housed in the casing of the main device in [Fig. 1] and comprising an example of an embodiment of an interface device according to the invention,

[0027] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a side perspective view, the device interface of the [Fig.2],

[0028] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in another side perspective view, the interface device of the [Fig.2],

[0029] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a vertical plane and longitudinal, the interface device of figures 2 to 4, and

[0030] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a top view, the guide piece of the interface device of figures 2 to 5. Detailed description of the invention

[0031] The invention aims in particular to provide an interface device DI intended to equip a main device DP ensuring at least one adjustable function via a first toothed wheel RDI, in order to participate in the adjustment (at least partial) of this function remotely.

[0032] In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the interface device DI is intended to equip a main device DP constituting a vehicle optical unit providing at least one adjustable photometric lighting function, selected from a low beam function and a high beam function. Consequently, this optical unit constitutes a vehicle headlight. However, the interface device DI can equip any main device DP providing at least one adjustable function via (at least) a first gear.

[0033] Furthermore, in the following, by way of non-limiting example, the main device DP is considered to be intended for use in a motor vehicle, such as a car. However, the main device DP can be used in any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), apparatus, system, installation (including industrial installations), or building.

[0034] In figures 1 to 6, 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 direction X and the transverse direction Y.

[0035] In the preceding and following text, the terms "front" and "rear" are defined with respect to the front end of the main device DP (and therefore, in this case, of the vehicle). Consequently, the front part of an element is intended to be located closer to the front end of the main device DP (and therefore, in this case, of the vehicle) than the rear part of that same element.

[0036] Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate at least partially an example of an embodiment of a main device DP comprising at least one interface device DI according to the invention and intended (here) to be installed in a left part of a front end of a vehicle because it constitutes a left front optical block.

[0037] As illustrated, the main device DP here comprises a housing BD containing optical and electronic elements intended to ensure at least one adjustable function via (at least) a first toothed wheel RDI by means of an interface device DI coupled to the latter (RDI).

[0038] It should be noted that here the main device DP comprises a lower stage EDI and an upper stage ED2. The lower stage EDI is arranged to provide (here) first and second adjustable functions in first ZF1 and second ZF2 zones, and is intended to be placed just in front of a front wheel arch (here left). For example, the first adjustable function is a photometric lighting function such as a low beam function, and the second adjustable function is a photometric lighting function such as a high beam function. Each of the first and second functions can be adjusted by rotating at least one first gear RDI by at least one dedicated interface device DI. Each adjustment can, for example, be made in azimuth (in a horizontal plane) or elevation (in a vertical plane).

[0039] The upper stage ED2 is arranged to provide (here) at least one photometric function (lighting or signaling), and extends rearward beyond the rear face of the lower stage EDI, passing (here) over the front wheel arch (here left). For example, the photometric function is a daytime running light (or DRL) signaling function – a photometric signaling function, possibly with variable intensity.

[0040] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 6, a DI interface device, according to the invention, comprises a PG guide piece and a CC cable.

[0041] As illustrated in figures 4 to 6, the guide piece PG includes a curved passage PC.

[0042] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 2 to 5, the cable CC is rotatably mounted in the curved passage PC and comprises first EC1 and second EC2 ends at opposite ends. The first end EC1 is provided with a second toothed wheel RD2 which is adapted to mesh with the first toothed wheel RDI of the main device DP. The second end EC2 is adapted to be driven in rotation to cause, via the second toothed wheel RD2, a rotation of the first toothed wheel RDI which is adapted to adjust (at least partially) the adjustable function (here the first or the second) remotely.

[0043] It will be understood that the interface device DI advantageously allows bypassing an element or piece of equipment that prevents the passage of a rigid straight rod of a prior art main device and thus coupling to a first gear. This bypass is achieved by offsetting the second end EC2 of the cable CC into a region of the main device DP that allows its rotational drive, possibly via at least one prior art main device (with a rigid straight rod). In the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], this region of the main device DP is located in the upper stage ED2. However, in a variant not shown, the region of the main device DP could be located below the lower stage EDI.

[0044] It should be noted that the DC cable is made of a material that does not allow, or hardly allows, its torsion, so that the rotation of its second end EC2 is transmitted to its first end EC1 almost instantaneously and in an identical or almost identical manner. For example, this material may be a plastic that advantageously allows the DC cable (with its second toothed wheel RD2 and its possible third toothed wheel RD3 (described later)) to be molded.

[0045] For example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 to 5, the second gear RD2 (which includes the first end EC1 of the cable CC) can be used to define, with the first gear RDI (of the main device DP), a first bevel gear. But the second gear RD2 and the first gear RDI toothed gears could together define a first non-conical gear, and for example cylindrical.

[0046] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 2 to 5, the second gear RD2 (like the first gear RDI) may include straight teeth. But the second gear RD2 (like the first gear RDI) could include non-straight teeth, and for example helical or herringbone teeth.

[0047] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 to 5, the second end EC2 of the cable CC may be provided with a third gear RD3 which meshes with a fourth gear RD4 that drives it in rotation and with which it (RD3) defines a second gearing. This fourth gear RD4 may, for example, be located at a first end of a rigid straight rod of a prior art main device, opposite a second end that can be driven in rotation, for example, by a tool operated by a person or a robot. But in an embodiment not shown, the second end EC2 of the cable CC could be driven in rotation, for example, by a tool operated by a person or a robot.

[0048] It should be noted that the second gear can be conical, as illustrated by way of example. However, it could be non-conical, and for example cylindrical. It should also be noted that the third gear RD3 (like the fourth gear RD4) can have straight teeth, as illustrated by way of example. But the third gear RD3 (like the fourth gear RD4) could include non-straight teeth, and for example helical or herringbone teeth.

[0049] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 4 to 6. The guide piece PG may include, within the curved passage PC, at least one PE protrusion designed to separate the cable CC from a PP wall that defines this curved passage PC. This separation advantageously limits friction between the cable CC and the PP wall during its rotations, thus facilitating the transmission of rotation from the second end EC2 of the cable CC. For example, each PE protrusion may be in the form of a rib. Alternatively, each PE protrusion may be an integral part of the PP wall. This is particularly possible when the guide piece PG is entirely molded from a plastic material. However, in an alternative embodiment, each PE protrusion could be attached, for example by bonding or clipping, to the face of the PP wall that defines the curved passage PC.

[0050] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 4 to 6, the guide piece PG comprises three protrusions PE in the curved passage PC. But. The number of PE protrusions can be greater than or less than three. For example, it could be two or four.

[0051] Also, for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 4 to 6, the guide piece PG may include a housing LA at a first end EPI of the curved passage PC, located near the second toothed wheel RD2. In this case, the first end EC1 of the cable CC may include, upstream of the second toothed wheel RD2, a peripheral ring AP rotatably housed in this housing LA. This peripheral ring AP is designed to hold the first end EC1 of the cable CC in a predefined position relative to the first end EPI of the curved passage PC.

[0052] This option ensures the meshing of the second gear RD2 with the first gear RDI of the main device DP, and therefore the proper transmission of the rotation of the cable CC. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, the housing LA could be located at a second end EP2 of the curved passage PC, situated near the second end EC2 of the cable CC (and thus, in this case, near the third gear RD3).

[0053] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 2 to 6, the curved passage PC can have a semi-circular shape. This shape is well suited here to the offset of the second end EC2 of the cable CC to bypass the front wheel arch. However, in alternative embodiments not shown, the curved passage PC could have a shape with at least two different curves, possibly with at least one reversal of the curve, in order to allow for a more complex bypass, for example, of one or more pieces of equipment.

Claims

Demands

1. Interface device (ID) suitable for equipping a main device (MD) providing a function adjustable via a first gear (RID), characterized in that it comprises i) a guide piece (PG) having a curvilinear passage (PC), and ii) a cable (CC) rotatably mounted in said curvilinear passage (PC), and comprising a first end (EC1) having a second gear (RD2) suitable for engaging said first gear (RID), and a second end (EC2) suitable for being driven in rotation to cause a rotation of said first gear (RID) via said second gear (RD2) suitable for adjusting said function remotely.

2. Interface device according to claim 1, characterized in that said second gear (RD2) is suitable for defining with said first gear (RDI) a first bevel gear.

3. Interface device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said second gear (RD2) comprises straight teeth.

4. Interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said second end (EC2) is provided with a third toothed wheel (RD3) suitable for engaging a fourth toothed wheel (RD4) responsible for driving it in rotation and with which it (RD3) defines a second gear.

5. Interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said guide piece (PG) includes in said curvilinear passage (PC) at least one protrusion (PE) suitable for keeping said cable (CC) away from a wall (PP) delimiting said curvilinear passage (PC).

6. Interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said guide piece (PG) comprises at a first end (EPI) of said curvilinear passage (PC) a housing (LA), and in that said first end (EC1) of the cable (CC) comprises upstream of said second toothed wheel (RD2) a peripheral ring (AP) rotatably housed in said housing (LA) and adapted to maintain said first end (EC1) of the cable (CC) in a predefined position relative to said first end (EPI) of the curvilinear passage (PC).

7.

8.

9.

10. An interface device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said curvilinear passage (PC) has a semi-circular shape. A main device (DP) providing at least one adjustable function via a first gear (RDI), characterized in that it comprises at least one interface device (DI) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Main device according to claim 8, characterized in that it constitutes a vehicle optical unit providing at least one adjustable photometric lighting function selected from a low beam function and a high beam function. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one main device (MD) according to claim 8 or 9.

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