FR3142234A1 - Optical block of a motor vehicle headlight - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical unit (1) for a motor vehicle, the optical unit (1) comprising a housing, a closing glass (12) and a fixing tab (13) extending from the housing (11) or the closing glass (12). The mounting bracket (13) includes a bumper support retainer, and the bumper support includes a complementary retainer configured to collaborate with the retainer. Thus, the optical unit (1) makes it possible to reinforce the rigidity of the bumper support in direct proximity to said optical unit (1). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Optical unit of a motor vehicle headlight

The technical context of the present invention is that of the structural elements of the front face of motor vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to an optical unit equipping a front headlight for a motor vehicle.

In the state of the art, motor vehicles are known comprising optical units for headlights mounted at the front and rear of the motor vehicles. These optical units make it possible, on the one hand, to illuminate a road scene and improve the visibility of a driver, in particular in night conditions, and, on the other hand, to signal the position of said motor vehicles to other road users.

At the front of such motor vehicles, a front bumper is also known, consisting of several bumper elements assembled together. Such a front bumper is mounted in abutment on the periphery of the two front headlights of motor vehicles.

A known disadvantage of these bumpers is their reduced rigidity near the front headlights. In fact, despite the presence of a bumper support located behind the bumper and the light units and allowing the bumper to be fixed and its rigidity to be guaranteed, it is sometimes difficult, or even impossible, depending on the shape of the light units, to support the bumper on the bumper support in the direct vicinity of the light units.

This situation results in an impression of the front bumper being pushed in when a user of the motor vehicle presses on the bumper near one of the light units.

The object of the present invention is to propose a new optical unit in order to respond at least in large part to the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

Another aim of the invention is to increase the rigidity of the front bumper near the optical unit.

Another aim of the invention is to prevent the bumper from sinking near the optical unit and to ensure that it remains in position.

Another aim of the invention is to limit the increase in mass for such reinforcement.

According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved with an optical unit of a motor vehicle, the optical unit comprising a housing and a closing glass together forming a housing for a headlight of the motor vehicle, the optical unit comprising a fixing lug allowing the fixing of a bumper support, the fixing lug comprising a member for retaining the bumper support, and the bumper support comprising a complementary retaining element configured to collaborate with the retaining member.

In the context of the present invention, the optical unit is an optical assembly intended to equip a motor vehicle at a front face, near the front bumper. The optical unit comprises at least the housing and the closing glass. The optical unit is intended to also comprise a projection optic comprising at least one light source and a shaping optic so as to respectively generate and shape a light beam used to illuminate a road scene located in front of the motor vehicle.

In the context of the present invention, the housing forms a rigid structural element on which the headlight of the motor vehicle is intended to be securely fixed. The housing is mounted behind the bumper, for example securely fixed to the bumper support or to another structural element of the motor vehicle.

In the context of the present invention, the closing glass extends across the housing and the headlight housed in the housing. The closing glass is formed of a material that is optically transparent with respect to the light beam projected by the headlight. The closing glass is fixed integrally to the housing. In the context of the present invention, but in a non-limiting manner, the closing glass extends in direct extension of the front bumper. In other words, the closing glass has a continuity of shapes with respect to the front bumper.

In the context of the present invention, the front bumper is an element of the motor vehicle that extends across said motor vehicle, relative to a transverse axis, and at the level of the front face and between two lateral wings of the motor vehicle. The bumper is held through a plurality of fasteners with the bumper support placed behind it, relative to a longitudinal axis. Particularly in the context of the present invention, the front bumper comprises a lower part located below the optical unit, relative to a vertical axis, and an upper part located above the optical unit. As mentioned above, the optical unit has a continuity of shapes between the lower part and the upper part of the bumper. The lower part and the upper part of the bumper can be distinct from each other or form a single monolithic assembly.

In the context of the present invention, the bumper support forms a structural element of the motor vehicle and which contributes to ensuring the support and rigidity of the bumper at the front face of the motor vehicle. The bumper support extends vertically and transversely at the front face of the motor vehicle. The bumper support has numerous attachment points for the bumper. The optical units are integral with the bumper support.

In the context of the present invention, the fixing lug is a novel member present on the optical unit, making it possible to provide rigidity to a portion of the bumper located opposite, and therefore to improve the rigidity of the bumper around the optical unit. The fixing lug makes it possible to establish a temporary or permanent mechanical connection between the bumper support and the bumper in the direct vicinity of the optical unit, reinforcing the rigidity of the bumper in this area.

In the context of the present invention, the rigidity is, preferably but not limited to, evaluated along a longitudinal axis and as a depression of the bumper towards the rear.

In the context of the present invention, the retaining member is configured to allow a portion of the bumper support located opposite the retaining member to press against said retaining member. Additionally, the retaining member may also be configured to provide temporary and detachable attachment of the portion of the bumper support located opposite against said retaining member. Since the retaining member is located on the periphery of the optical unit, the invention in accordance with its first aspect thus makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the front bumper near the optical unit, to limit or even prevent the bumper from sinking near the optical unit without leading to a significant increase in the mass of the optical unit.

In the context of the present invention, the complementary retaining element is a mechanical member configured to collaborate with the retaining member formed on the fixing lug. For this purpose, the complementary retaining element is located opposite the retaining member, on the bumper support. The complementary retaining element is preferably made of the same material as the bumper support. The complementary retaining element is configured to allow support, preferably in a plane formed by the transverse axis and the vertical axis, against the retaining member.

In the context of the present invention, the longitudinal axis, the lateral axis and the vertical axis are defined relative to the motor vehicle on which the optical unit according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. More particularly, the transverse axis is understood as a direction taken between a lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis is understood as a direction which extends from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver's side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, interior and exterior refer to such a transverse axis. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis extends as being taken along a direction which extends from front to rear or from rear to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis is perpendicular to the transverse axis. The adjectives frontal, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis. Finally, the vertical axis is understood as being taken along an axis that extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle and towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis and to the longitudinal axis. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper refer to this vertical axis.

The optical block in accordance with the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

- the retaining member is of the type of a fixing clip configured to collaborate by snap-fastening with a complementary opening of the bumper support. This advantageous configuration allows rapid docking of the bumper support with the retaining member. In addition, it allows blind assembly by facilitating the assembly operations;

– according to a first embodiment variant, the retaining member is made of the same material as the fixing lug, so as to form a single-piece assembly. According to a second preferred embodiment variant, the retaining member is attached to the fixing lug. Consequently, the retaining member is fixed integrally to the fixing lug by any means, and in particular by screwing, by gluing or clamping, or by clamping with a retaining flange;

- the retaining member takes the form of a clip. Advantageously, the clip is of the type of a clip-on clip allowing snap-fastening with a complementary range of the bumper support. Preferably, the clip is metallic;

- the fixing lug projects relative to the optical unit, and in particular to the closing glass. This configuration makes it possible to provide a docking zone for placing the bumper support against the fixing lug. Advantageously, the fixing lug projects relative to the optical unit and along the transverse axis;

- the fixing lug is frangible so as to allow breakage of the fixing lug in the event of an impact at the front of the motor vehicle on which the optical unit is intended to be mounted;

- the frangible fixing lug comprises at least one pre-cut line configured to create a rupture zone and to delimit, on a first side of the at least one pre-cut line, the rupture zone intended to break in the event of an impact, and, on a second side of the at least one pre-cut line, a persistent zone secured to the optical unit. In the context of the present invention, the pre-cut line corresponds to a zone of reduced thickness of the fixing lug, preferably extending in a rectilinear manner, preferably still along the vertical axis, so as to allow a concentration of mechanical stresses following an impact at the front and which lead, if the mechanical energy is sufficient, to breaking the fixing lug along the pre-cut line. Thus, the pre-cut line does indeed form a rupture zone;

- the persistent zone comprises at least one stiffening rib. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to stiffen the persistent zone and to reinforce it with respect to a bending force relative to the longitudinal axis. This configuration thus makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the bumper support near the optical unit;

- the rupture zone comprises at least one stiffening rib. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to stiffen the persistence zone and to reinforce it with respect to a bending force relative to the longitudinal axis. This configuration thus makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the bumper support near the optical unit;

– according to a first embodiment compatible with any of the preceding improvements, the fixing lug is integral with the housing. Advantageously, the fixing lug is made in one piece with the housing, so that the housing and the fixing lug form a single unit and cannot be detached from each other without being broken or damaged. This advantageous configuration is easier to manufacture and less expensive;

- according to a second embodiment compatible with any of the preceding improvements, the fixing lug is integral with the closing glass. Advantageously, the fixing lug is made of the same material as the closing glass, so that the closing glass and the fixing lug form a single single-piece assembly and cannot be detached from each other without being broken or damaged. This configuration is more complex to produce because the closing glass is an element visible from the outside of the motor vehicle on which the optical unit according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted. Consequently, such an embodiment requires better tolerancing of the parts and a more precise design of the fixing lug in particular, leading to an increase in manufacturing and maintenance costs. Indeed, in the event of breakage of the fixing lug, the entire closing glass of the optical unit must then be replaced.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a front end assembly for a motor vehicle, the front end assembly comprising:

– at least one optical block conforming to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements; and

- a front bumper support comprising an additional retaining element coupled to the retaining member of the fixing lug of the optical unit.

Thus, in the front face assembly according to the second aspect of the invention, the bumper support is supported and fixed securely to the fixing lug of each at least one optical unit according to the first aspect of the invention. The front face assembly is thus more rigid at the level of the at least one optical unit, providing better rigidity of the front bumper.

The front face assembly according to the second aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

- The additional retaining element takes the form of a light provided on the bumper support. The light is delimited by a closed contour of polygonal shape, preferably rectangular. Thus, the retaining member of the fixing lug of the optical unit collaborates with the light, and more particularly with peripheral walls delimiting said light, so as to organize a retention of the bumper support at the level of the light by the retaining member of the fixing lug of the optical unit in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

- at one face of the bumper support located opposite the retaining member, the bumper support comprises an indexing element configured to allow the alignment of the complementary retaining element with the retaining member. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to achieve centering of the complementary retaining element with the retaining member, thus allowing easier blind mounting;

– in particular, the indexing element comprises two first chamfers located on either side of the complementary retaining element, relative to a vertical axis. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to achieve alignment and/or centering of the complementary retaining element with the retaining member, relative to the transverse axis;

– in a complementary or alternative manner, the indexing element comprises two second chamfers located on either side of the complementary retaining element, relative to a horizontal axis. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to achieve alignment and/or centering of the complementary retaining element with the retaining member, relative to the vertical axis.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a motor vehicle comprising a front end assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements.

Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, in all their possible combinations, the various optional features set out herein.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for information purposes and without limitation with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

illustrates a first example of embodiment of an optical block conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

illustrates a detailed view of the optical block illustrated on the ;

illustrates a rear view of the optical block illustrated in the ;

illustrates a detailed view of a bumper support collaborating with the optical unit according to the invention;

illustrates an example of an illustration of a front face assembly according to the second aspect of the invention and incorporating the optical unit illustrated in the ;

illustrates a sectional view along the A:A axis visible on the ;

illustrates a sectional view along the B:B axis visible on the ;

illustrates a second example of embodiment of an optical block conforming to the first aspect of the invention;

illustrates a sectional view along the C:C axis visible on the .

Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

In particular, all variants and embodiments described can be combined with each other, provided that there is no technical obstacle to this combination.

In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

In the following FIGURES, a longitudinal axis X, a lateral axis and a vertical axis Z are defined relative to the motor vehicle on which the optical unit 1 according to the first aspect of the invention is intended to be mounted.

More particularly, the transverse axis Y is understood as a direction taken between a lateral side of the motor vehicle and an opposite lateral side of said motor vehicle. In other words, the transverse axis Y is understood in a direction which extends from a passenger side of the motor vehicle to a driver side of said motor vehicle, or vice versa. The adjectives lateral, interior and exterior refer to such a transverse axis Y.

Furthermore, the longitudinal axis X extends as taken along a direction that extends from front to rear or from back to front of the motor vehicle. The longitudinal axis X is perpendicular to the transverse axis Y. The adjectives frontal, front and rear refer to this longitudinal axis X.

Finally, the vertical axis Z is understood to be taken along an axis which extends from the wheels of the motor vehicle and towards the roof of said motor vehicle, or vice versa, the vertical axis Z being simultaneously perpendicular to the transverse axis Y and to the longitudinal axis X. The adjectives above and below, or lower and upper refer to this vertical axis Z.

As visible in the various FIGURES, the invention addresses an optical unit 1 for a motor vehicle. The optical unit 1 comprises:

- a housing 11 and a closing glass 12 together forming a housing for a headlight of the motor vehicle;

- a fixing lug 13 allowing the fixing of a bumper support 4.

The housing 11 forms a rigid structural element on which a headlight of the motor vehicle is intended to be fixed securely, behind the closing glass 12. The housing 11 is mounted behind the bumper, for example fixed securely to the bumper support 4. The housing 11 is located behind the closing glass 12, relative to the longitudinal axis X.

The closing glass 12 extends in front and across the housing 11, so as to close the housing delimited by the housing 11 and the closing glass 12. The closing glass 12 is fixed integrally to the housing by any fixing means. The closing glass 12 is configured to extend in the direct extension of the front bumper, the closing glass 12 having a continuity of shapes with respect to the front bumper.

As can be seen in FIGURES 5, 6 and 9, the front bumper is formed of several parts which are all fixed to the bumper support 4 and abutted to each other, in order to present a continuity of surface and shape. More particularly, the front bumper comprises an upper bumper 3A, a lower bumper 3B and a grille trim 3C. The upper bumper 3A is located above the optical unit 1, relative to the vertical axis Z. The lower bumper 3B extends below the optical unit 1, relative to the vertical axis Z. The grille trim 3C extends in an intermediate position between the optical unit 1 and the lower bumper 3B, then between the upper bumper 3A and the lower bumper 3B.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the invention proposes to improve the longitudinal retention of the front bumper near the optical unit 1. To this end, the fixing lug 13 comprises a retaining member 14 of the bumper support 4, and the bumper support 4 comprises a complementary retaining element 40 configured to collaborate with the retaining member 14.

The fixing lug 13 extends in projection from the optical unit 1, behind the front bumper or from an exit face of the closing glass 12 located in the extension of the front bumper. The retaining member 14 makes it possible to increase the rigidity of a portion of the front bumper support 4 located opposite, and therefore to improve the rigidity of the front bumper around the optical unit 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, the fixing lug 13 and the retaining member 14 are formed from the housing 11 of the optical unit 1, while in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 8 and 9, the fixing lug 13 and the retaining member 14 are formed from the closing glass 12 of the optical unit 1.

The retaining member 14 is configured to allow the portion of the front bumper support 4 located opposite the retaining member 14 to press against said retaining member 14. More particularly, in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES, the retaining member 14 is also configured to provide temporary and detachable attachment of the portion of the front bumper support 4 located opposite against said retaining member 14.

In order to establish such a connection, the retaining member 14 collaborates with the complementary retaining element 40 formed on the bumper support 4. The complementary retaining element 40 is located opposite the retaining member 14, on the bumper support 4. In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES, the complementary retaining element 40 is made in one piece with the bumper support 4.

Thus, by reinforcing the rigidity of the bumper support 4 near the optical unit 1, and in particular opposite the grille trim 3C, it is possible to reinforce the rigidity of said front bumper, and more particularly that of the grille trim 3C.

As seen more particularly on the , the fixing lug 13, when it is provided from the housing 11 of the optical unit 1, preferably extends from a lateral edge of the housing 11, relative to the transverse axis Y. The fixing lug 13 takes the form of a bearing surface projecting from a lateral prismatic bearing surface 111 of the housing 11. The retaining member 14 is made in one piece with the fixing lug 13, so as to form a single-piece assembly. The fixing lug 13 extends mainly along the transverse axis Y.

In a plane formed by the transverse axis Y and the vertical axis Z, the fixing lug 13 comprises the retaining member 14. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the , the retaining member 14 is a metal clip fixed securely to the fixing lug 13.

The clip is configured to allow axial retention of the complementary retaining element 40 provided on the bumper support 4, as visible in the . This axial retention is more particularly of the type of a snap-fastening or clipping with the complementary retention element 40.

As visible on the , the fixing lug 13 is frangible so as to allow the fixing lug 13 to break in the event of an impact at the front of the motor vehicle on which the optical unit 1 is intended to be mounted. For this purpose, the frangible fixing lug 13 comprises a pre-cut line 131 configured to create a breakage zone 133 and to delimit, on a first side of the at least one pre-cut line 131, the breakage zone 133 intended to break in the event of an impact, and, on a second side of the at least one pre-cut line 131, a persistent zone 132 secured to the optical unit 1.

The pre-cut line 131 corresponds to a zone of reduced thickness of the fixing lug 13: the pre-cut line 131 of the fixing lug 13 thus comprises a groove which extends mainly along the vertical axis Z and which thus forms a zone of programmed fragility of the fixing lug 13.

The persistent zone 132 of the fixing lug 13 comprises a stiffening rib 134. The stiffening rib 134 extends mainly along the transverse axis Y, along the persistent zone 132 and at a rear face of the fixing lug 13, opposite the bumper support 4 intended to collaborate with the fixing lug 13.

The rupture zone 133 of the fixing lug 13 comprises a stiffening rib 134. The stiffening rib 134 extends mainly along the transverse axis Y, along the persistent zone 132 and at the rear face of the fixing lug 13.

In reference to the , the bumper support 4 is configured to be able to collaborate with the fixing lug 13, through the complementary retaining element 40. The complementary retaining element 40 is located on a rear face of the bumper support 4 located directly opposite the fixing lug 13 and, of course, the retaining member 14.

In the embodiments illustrated in the FIGURES, the complementary retaining element 40 comprises a slot 41 formed directly on the bumper support 4. The slot 41 is delimited by a closed contour of rectangular shape, the peripheral walls delimiting the slot 41 of which form anchoring zones for the retaining member 14 and thus allowing it to be clipped.

In order to facilitate blind mounting of the bumper support 4 on the optical unit 1, and more particularly anchoring of the complementary retaining element 40 on the retaining member 14, the bumper support 4 comprises an indexing element configured to allow the alignment of the complementary retaining element 40 with the retaining member 14. The indexing element is located on the rear face of the bumper support 4 located and facing the retaining member 14. More particularly, the indexing element comprises:

- two first chamfers 43 located on either side of the complementary retaining element 40, relative to a vertical axis Z; and

- two second chamfers 42 located on either side of the complementary retaining element 40, relative to a horizontal axis.

As visible on the , the invention also relates to a front face assembly 2 for a motor vehicle, the front face assembly 2 comprising:

- at least one optical block 1 as described above;

- a front bumper support 4 comprising a complementary retaining element 40 coupled to the retaining member 14 of the fixing lug 13 of the optical unit 1; and

- a front bumper securely attached to the bumper support 4.

In summary, the invention relates to an optical unit 1 for a motor vehicle, the optical unit 1 comprising a housing, a closing glass 12 and a fixing lug 13 extending from the housing 11 or the closing glass 12. The fixing lug 13 comprises a retaining member 14 of the bumper support 4, and the bumper support 4 comprises a complementary retaining element 40 configured to collaborate with the retaining member 14. Thus, the optical unit 1 makes it possible to reinforce the rigidity of the bumper support 4 in the direct vicinity of said optical unit 1.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, to the extent that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims (10)

Optical unit (1) of a motor vehicle, the optical unit (1) comprising a housing and a closing glass (12) together forming a housing for a headlight of the motor vehicle, the optical unit (1) comprising a fixing lug (13) allowing the fixing of a bumper support (4), the fixing lug (13) comprising a retaining member (14) of the bumper support (4), and the bumper support (4) comprises a complementary retaining element (40) configured to collaborate with the retaining member (14). Optical unit (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the retaining member (14) is of the type of a fixing clip configured to collaborate by snap-fastening with a complementary opening of the bumper support (4). Optical unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the fixing lug (13) is frangible, the fixing lug (13) comprising at least one pre-cut line (131) configured to create a rupture zone (133) and to delimit, on a first side of the at least one pre-cut line (131), the rupture zone (133) intended to break in the event of an impact, and, on a second side of the at least one pre-cut line (131), a persistent zone (132) secured to the optical unit (1). Optical unit (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the persistent zone (132) comprises at least one stiffening rib (134) and/or the rupture zone (133) comprises at least one stiffening rib (134). Optical unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the fixing lug (13) is integral with the housing (11). Optical unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the fixing lug (13) is integral with the closing glass (12). Front end assembly (2) for a motor vehicle, the front end assembly (2) comprising:
- an optical unit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims; and
- a front bumper support (4) comprising a complementary retaining element (40) coupled to the retaining member (14) of the fixing lug (13) of the optical unit (1). Front face assembly (2) according to the preceding claim, in which the complementary retaining element (40) takes the form of a light (41) provided on the bumper support (4). Front end assembly (2) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein, at a face of the bumper support (4) located opposite the retaining member (14), the bumper support (4) comprises an indexing element configured to allow the alignment of the complementary retaining element (40) with the retaining member (14). Motor vehicle comprising a front end assembly (2) according to any one of claims 7 to 9.