FR3142139A1 - Optical block with comb-shaped electronic card - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an optical unit (2) intended to equip a vehicle, comprising: an electronic card (10) comprising sources (20) of photons configured to emit light (L1) participating in a photometric lighting function and /or signaling; a reflector (12) configured to reflect the light (L1) towards a front face of the optical unit (2); in which the electronic card (10) comprises a first portion and a plurality of second portions extending from the first portion in a comb-shaped configuration, the sources (20) of photons being provided on the second portions of the electronic card (10), the second portions being inserted into the reflector (12) in respective positions allowing at least one reflecting wall (12C) of the reflector (12) to reflect the light (L1) of the sources (20) of photons. Figure for abstract: Figure 2

Description

Optical block with comb-shaped electronic card

The present invention relates to optical units, possibly of vehicles, providing at least a photometric signaling and/or lighting function. The invention also relates to vehicles comprising such optical units.

Technological background

Some optical units (also called projectors or headlights), generally intended to equip vehicles, possibly of the automobile type, comprise a housing and a protective glass fixedly secured to a front part of the housing. This housing delimits an internal space which houses at least one photon source associated with a reflector, and possibly also a mask, participating together in at least one photometric signaling and/or lighting function. An electronic device, sometimes called a “driver”, is also positioned in the internal space of the housing to control the operation of the photon sources, and more particularly the photometric function(s).

However, it has been observed that the price of electronic cards used in optical units, particularly for vehicles, is sometimes too expensive. In addition, the design of optical units sometimes imposes significant constraints, particularly due to the limited space available in the optical unit housings to accommodate the internal components. The electronic cards currently used are sometimes not compact enough to meet these constraints and thus allow the implementation of a high-performance and compact photometric function.

Summary of the present invention

One of the objects of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems or deficiencies of the technological background described above.

Another object of the present invention is to propose an optical block whose electronic card is of limited cost.

Another object of the present invention is to propose an optical block allowing the implementation of a high-performance and compact photometric function.

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an optical unit intended to equip a vehicle, comprising:
- an electronic card comprising photon sources configured to emit light participating in a photometric lighting and/or signaling function;
- a reflector configured to reflect the light emitted by the photon sources towards a front face of the optical block;
wherein the electronic card comprises a first portion and a plurality of second portions extending from the first portion in a comb-shaped configuration, the photon sources being provided on the second portions of the electronic card,
the second portions being inserted into the reflector at respective positions allowing at least one reflecting wall of the reflector to reflect light from the photon sources.

The present invention advantageously makes it possible to produce an optical block capable of implementing a photometric function efficiently from a compact electronic card and using a minimum of material, which makes it possible to limit production costs. The gain in compactness allows in particular to have greater freedom in the design of the optical block since the electronic card takes up little space.

According to a particular embodiment, each photon source is positioned opposite at least one reflective wall of the reflector.

According to a particular embodiment, the second portions form fingers extending parallel to each other from the first portion of the electronic card.

According to a particular embodiment, each second portion is provided with a said photon source.

According to a particular embodiment, the photon sources comprise light-emitting diodes.

According to a particular embodiment, said at least one reflective wall is parabolic in shape.

According to a particular embodiment, the reflector comprises:
- an upper wall; and
- a lower wall;
said upper and lower walls cooperating with said at least one reflective wall to reflect the light emitted by the photon sources towards the front face of the optical block;
the electronic card being inserted into the reflector so as to extend in the same plane as that in which the lower wall extends.

According to a particular embodiment, the optical block comprises a housing delimiting a cavity in which the electronic card and the reflector are housed;
in which the electronic card comprises a first face on which the photon sources are arranged and a second face, opposite the first face, comprising at least one electronic component and/or solder,
the electronic card being inserted into the reflector so that a space separates the second face of the electronic card from the housing.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle, for example of the automobile type or of the land motor vehicle type, comprising an optical unit according to the first aspect of the invention.

Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 12, in which:

is a front view of an optical unit intended to equip a vehicle, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

is a sectional view of an optical block, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

is a sectional view of an optical block, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

is a sectional view of an optical block, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

is an exploded view of components of an optical unit, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

is a perspective view of an electronic card of an optical block, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

is a detailed perspective view of the housing of an optical unit, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

is a detailed perspective view of the housing of an optical unit, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

is a perspective view of a portion of an optical block, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

is a perspective view of a portion of an optical block, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

is a perspective view of a reflector of an optical block, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

is a top view of a plurality of electronic cards intended to equip optical blocks, according to at least one particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Description of examples of implementation

An optical unit intended to equip a vehicle will now be described in the following with reference jointly to Figures 1-12. Unless otherwise indicated, elements common or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, so that these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplification of the disclosure.

The terms “first(s)”, “second(s)”, etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to identify and distinguish different elements (such as operations, threshold values, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below.

As previously indicated, the invention relates in particular to an optical unit (or exterior lighting device, or projector) of a vehicle, such as a vehicle of the automobile or other type, or more generally any vehicle of the motorized land vehicle type.

The invention aims in particular at a compact and inexpensive design of an electronic card intended to equip a vehicle optical unit. This electronic card comprises photon sources configured to emit light participating, with a reflector, in one (or at least one) photometric function of lighting and/or signaling of the optical unit. To do this, this electronic card has a particular shape, according to a so-called "comb" configuration, which makes it possible to position the photon sources of the electronic card in the reflector so that the light emitted by the photon sources is reflected by at least one reflective surface of the reflector and thus allow the implementation of the photometric function.

According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, this method comprises:
- an electronic card comprising photon sources configured to emit light participating in a photometric lighting and/or signaling function;
- a reflector configured to reflect the light emitted by the photon sources towards a front face of the optical block;
wherein the electronic card comprises a first portion and a plurality of second portions extending from the first portion in a comb-shaped configuration, the photon sources being provided on the second portions of the electronic card,
the second portions being inserted into the reflector at respective positions allowing at least one reflecting wall of the reflector to reflect light from the photon sources.

THE -11 schematically illustrate all or part of an optical unit 2 according to a particular non-limiting example of embodiment and various variant embodiments. It is considered subsequently, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit 2 is intended to equip a motor vehicle (not shown), but the invention is not limited to this application. The optical unit 2 can in fact equip any motorized land vehicle (or even any maritime or river or air vehicle) having to provide at least one photometric lighting or signaling function, or even equip any device, system, installation or building, requiring such a photometric function.

Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit 2 is a front headlight (or front projector). For example, this front headlight can equip part of a front tailgate and/or a front wing of a vehicle. But the optical unit 2 could also be a rear light.

In Figures 1-11, the x direction represents the longitudinal direction of the optical unit (and of the vehicle intended to carry it; this x direction being parallel to the lateral sides comprising the side doors of the vehicle); and the z direction (up/down) is the vertical direction of the optical unit 2 (and of the vehicle), which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x (and the transverse direction not shown).

Figures 1-11 illustrate different aspects of the optical unit 2, these different aspects being described subsequently with reference to the figures.

As illustrated in , we will subsequently consider as an example an optical unit 2 comprising a housing 4 in which internal components are housed which are described below. This optical unit 2 is intended to equip a vehicle, for example of the automobile type, which is not shown in the figures for the sake of simplification of the description. In this example, the optical unit 2 is configured to perform two distinct photometric functions F1 and F2, each of which is a lighting and/or signaling function.

It should be noted that the number and nature of the photometric functions that the optical unit 2 is capable of implementing can be adapted according to the case. The optical unit 2 can for example be configured to implement at least one such photometric function. We will subsequently focus as an example on the photometric function F1 which needs to be particularly compact due to the limited space offered by the housing 4.

As a non-limiting example, it is considered in the following that the photometric function F1 provided by the optical unit 2 is a position light function (or side light, or lantern). It should be noted, however, that it may also be another photometric function such as, for example, a daytime running light function (or DRL for “Daytime Running Light” (or Lamp) – light signaling automatically switched on when the vehicle is put into operation during the day), a dipped beam function, or a main beam function.

As illustrated in figures 2-4, the housing 4 delimits (or forms) a cavity 5 in which internal components of the optical unit 2 are housed, namely in this example an electronic card 10 and a reflector (or reflector unit) 12. The housing 4 can further comprise a mask (or trim) 14. Variants are notably possible without the presence of such a mask 14. It should be noted that the different members of the optical unit 2 can be arranged in various ways depending on the case considered.

As illustrated in particular in figures 2 and 5-6, the electronic card 10 comprises photon sources 20 configured to emit light L1 participating in a photometric lighting and/or signaling function, namely function F1 in this example.

More precisely, the electronic card 10 is formed from any support, for example of the PCB type (for “Printed Card Board” in English), capable of comprising electronic components.

The photon sources (or light sources) 20 arranged on the electronic card 10 are configured to emit any appropriate light L1 whose characteristics can vary according to the desired photometric function F1. For example, the photon sources 20 can each comprise (or be) at least one light-emitting diode (or LED), or at least one gas laser diode, or at least one lamp (or bulb), other variants being possible.

The photon sources 20 can be arranged on a first face 10C of the electronic card 10 so as to allow the light L1 to be reflected by the reflector 12 once the electronic card is inserted into the reflector 12.

As illustrated in particular in figures 5-6, the electronic card 10 is comb-shaped. The electronic card 10 thus comprises a first portion (transverse section) 10A and a plurality of second portions (longitudinal sections) 10B extending from the first portion 10A in a comb-shaped configuration. The transverse portion 10A thus forms the base of the comb while the longitudinal portions 10B form its teeth or fingers. The photon sources 20 are arranged on the longitudinal portions 10B of the electronic card 10. As indicated below, this particular configuration makes it possible to produce the electronic card 10 in a compact manner and with a minimum of material and therefore a reduced manufacturing cost.

According to a particular example, each second portion 10B of the electronic card 10 is provided with a source 20 of photons.

The longitudinal portions 10B of the electronic card 10 form, for example, fingers (or limbs) extending parallel to each other from the transverse portion 10A of the electronic card 10.

Note that the shapes and dimensions of the comb configuration adopted by the electronic card may vary depending on the case. The longitudinal portions 10B may in particular be of identical length and/or width, or variable, depending on the case.

According to a particular example, the second face 10D, opposite the first face 10C, of the electronic card 10 may optionally comprise at least one electronic component and/or solder (not shown). The electronic card 10 may then be inserted into the reflector 12 so that a space (or technical clearance) D1 separates the second face 10B of the electronic card 2 from the housing 4. This space makes it possible to protect the face 10B of the electronic card 10 by preventing solders and/or electronic components possibly present on the face 10B from coming into contact with a wall of the housing 4.

According to a particular example, the reflector 12 can be provided with support ribs 34 (figures 4 and 10-11) configured to bear on the housing 4, which makes it possible to maintain a non-zero space D1 between the area to be protected of the electronic card 10 (components, welds) and the housing 4. This area of the electronic card 10 can then be positioned slightly set back from the support ribs 34.

The reflector 12 (FIGS. 1-5 and 9-11) is configured to reflect the light L1 (the photons) emitted by the photon sources 20 toward the front face (in the x direction) of the optical unit 2. To do this, the electronic card 10 is inserted (FIGS. 9-10) into the projector 12. Thus, the longitudinal portions 10B of the electronic card 10 are inserted in respective positions allowing at least one reflecting wall 12C (FIGS. 2-3) of the reflector 12 to reflect the light L1 from the photon sources 20 toward the front (x direction), or substantially toward the front of the optical unit 10. This optical reflection may optionally be done via at least one intermediate optical element, such as for example a lens or a diffuser.

The reflector 12 is for example made by molding a plastic material. The reflector 12 may possibly participate in a style effect of the optical unit 2.

According to a particular example, the insertion of the electronic card 10 into the reflector 12 leads each photon source 20 to be positioned opposite at least one reflective wall 12C of the reflector 12 (FIGS. 2, 5 and 9-10). This or these reflective walls 12C may be of various types and in variable number (one or more reflective walls). It is subsequently assumed that the reflector 12 comprises a plurality of reflective walls 12C configured to reflect the respective light L1 of the photon sources 20.

According to a particular example, the reflector 12 comprises a lower wall 10A and an upper wall 10B (FIGS. 2-4) facing each other, these walls forming with the reflecting walls 12C a cavity 30 in which the light L1 emitted by the photon sources 20 is reflected. To do this, the electronic card 10 is inserted so that the photon sources 20 are positioned in the cavity 30.

According to a particular example, the upper wall 12B and the lower wall 12A cooperate with the reflecting walls 12C to reflect the light emitted by the photon sources 20 towards the front face of the optical block 2 (direction x). The electronic card 10 can then be inserted into the reflector 12 so as to extend in the same plane P1 ( ) than that in which the lower wall 12A extends. In other words, the electronic card 10 extends in the extension of the lower wall 12A of the reflector 12. By positioning the electronic card 10 at the same height (or same plane) as the lower wall 12A of the reflector, it is thus possible to ensure that the distance between the electronic card 10 (and more particularly its photon sources 20) and the reflecting walls 12C is appropriate. It is indeed necessary for this distance to be well controlled in order to allow precise reflection of the light L1 towards the front of the optical unit 2.

According to a particular example, the reflective walls 12C deflect the light rays L1 emitted by the photon sources 20 at an angle of 90°, or substantially 90°, so as to project the reflected rays towards the front face of the optical unit 2. The reflective walls 12C may for example be parabolic in shape. In order to maximize the illuminated appearance of the parabolas 12C of the reflector unit 12, it is preferably ensured that these parabolas are as large as possible.

According to a particular example illustrated in particular in , the projector 12 comprises an opening 13 through which the rays of light L1 reflected by the projector 12 can be projected. The trim 14 can, if necessary, also comprise an opening 15 through which these rays can pass to reach the translucent glass 16.

According to a particular example and as illustrated in particular in , the surface of the electronic card 10 is preferably reduced at the level of the reinforcing straps of the reflector 12. In these areas, the thickness of the reflector 12, at the level of its support surface against the electronic card 10, is preferably reduced in order to accommodate the electronic card 10.

As illustrated in particular in Figures 1-5, the optical unit 2 may further comprise a translucent glass 16 (or external cover glass, protective glass) which delimits the internal space 5 collectively with the housing 4. In other words, the housing 4 and the translucent glass 16 collectively form an enclosure delimiting the cavity 5. To do this, the translucent glass 16 may be fixedly secured to the housing 4, for example by welding, vibrations and/or bonding, and possibly in a sealed manner. The translucent glass 16 can thus protect the internal organs of the optical unit 2 while allowing the light L1 emitted by the photon sources 20 and reflected by the reflector 12 to pass through the front face of the optical unit 2 (in the x direction).

Furthermore, the electronic card 10 may be attached to the projector in any suitable manner. According to a particular example, at least one attachment means (for example one or more attachment screws) are used to secure the electronic card 10 to the reflector 12 (FIGS. 3 and 5). To do this, screws 24 may for example be positioned in attachment holes 11 provided for this purpose in the electronic card 10.

The reflector 12 can be fixed securely to the housing 4, for example at the rear of the housing 4 (figures 8-9), by at least one fixing means 29, for example screws positioned in fixing holes 28 provided for this purpose in the housing 4.

The present invention thus makes it possible to produce an optical block 2 capable of implementing a photometric function F1 efficiently from a compact electronic card and using a minimum of material, which makes it possible to limit production costs. The gain in compactness makes it possible in particular to have greater freedom in the design of the optical block 2 since the electronic card 10 takes up little space.

As illustrated for example in , it is in particular possible to easily manufacture a plurality of electronic cards 10 from a plate (for example a PCB plate), which allows more economical use of materials and a gain in compactness and efficiency during production.

A person skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments and variants described above constitute only non-limiting examples of implementation of the invention. In particular, a person skilled in the art may envisage any adaptation or combination of the embodiments and variants described above, in order to meet a very specific need.

The present invention is therefore not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends in particular to an optical block which would include secondary characteristics without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention.

The present invention also relates to an optical system comprising both the optical block 2 and the electronic module 15, the latter being inserted into the optical block 2 as previously described.

The present invention also relates to a vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally a land motor vehicle, comprising the optical unit 2, or even the optical system described above.

Claims (10)

Optical unit (2) intended to equip a vehicle, comprising:
- an electronic card (10) comprising photon sources (20) configured to emit light (L1) participating in a photometric lighting and/or signaling function (F1);
- a reflector (12) configured to reflect the light (L1) emitted by the photon sources towards a front face of the optical block;
wherein the electronic card (10) comprises a first portion (10A) and a plurality of second portions (10B) extending from the first portion in a comb-shaped configuration, the photon sources (20) being provided on the second portions (10B) of the electronic card,
the second portions (10B) being inserted into the reflector (12) in respective positions allowing at least one reflecting wall (12C) of the reflector to reflect the light (L1) from the photon sources. Optical block according to claim 1, in which each source (20) of photons is positioned opposite at least one reflecting wall (12C) of the reflector. Optical block according to claim 1 or 2, in which the second portions (10B) form fingers extending parallel to each other from the first portion (10A) of the electronic card. Optical block according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each second portion is provided with a said photon source. Optical unit according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the photon sources (20) comprise light-emitting diodes. Optical block according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said at least one reflecting wall (12C) is parabolic in shape. Optical unit according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the reflector (12) comprises:
- an upper wall (12B); and
- a lower wall (12A);
said upper and lower walls cooperating with said at least one reflecting wall (12C) to reflect the light (L1) emitted by the photon sources (20) towards the front face of the optical block (2);
the electronic card (10) being inserted into the reflector (12) so as to extend in the same plane (P1) as that in which the lower wall (12A) extends. Optical block according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the optical block (2) comprises a housing (4) delimiting a cavity (5) in which the electronic card (10) and the reflector (12) are housed;
in which the electronic card comprises a first face (10C) on which the photon sources (20) are arranged and a second face (10D), opposite the first face, comprising at least one electronic component and/or solder,
the electronic card (10) being inserted into the reflector (12) so that a space (D1) separates the second face (10D) of the electronic card from the housing (4).
Vehicle comprising at least one optical unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims. Vehicle according to claim 9, wherein said vehicle is of the automobile type.