Vehicle light module comprising a locating pin with a flexible part and a rigid part

The present invention relates to a motor vehicle's light module for lighting or signaling device purposes and includes at least one light source mounted on a support, an optical unit that engages the light source that forms a light beam and a locating system, which includes at least one locating pin inserted into a locating orifice. The support contains at least one locating pin and the locating orifice while the optical unit has the other locating pin and locating orifice. The locating pins include two facing parts where one of the parts is identified as the rigid part, and the other of the parts is identified as the flexible part, where the one part is more rigid than the other of the two facing parts.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a 371 application (submitted under 35 U.S.C. § 371) of International Application No. PCT/EP2019/074908 (WO2020064441) filed on Sep. 17, 2019, which claims the priority date benefit of French Application No. FR1858941 filed on Sep. 28, 2018, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of light devices, particularly for motor vehicles, in which a light source is positioned relative to an optical unit.

In particular, the invention relates to a light module, wherein this positioning is ensured by means for locating the support of this source engaging with means for locating the optical unit. More particularly, these locating means are pins and orifices into which these pins are inserted.

“Location” is given to mean locators that make it possible to guarantee a given positioning in at least one direction in space.

Location in three directions orthogonal to each other is known by inserting pins into orifices in order to ensure accurate positioning. As the positioning is in these three directions, only one position is theoretically possible. As a result, in the absence of play, the support must be positioned accurately before mounting on the optical unit if the support is to be assembled.

However, the light source support and the optical unit are produced separately, sometimes by different manufacturers, and therefore have certain manufacturing tolerances, in particular in terms of the positioning of the holes and orifices. If there is a slight misalignment, there is a risk that assembly will be difficult, or even impossible.

BACKGROUND

However, the light source support and the optical unit are produced separately, sometimes by different manufacturers, and therefore have certain manufacturing tolerances, in particular in terms of the positioning of the holes and orifices. If there is a slight misalignment, there is a risk that assembly will be difficult, or even impossible.

To avoid this, a known solution is to produce the locating pin with a sufficiently smaller diameter than the corresponding orifice, so that play is present around the pin, between it and the edges of the orifice.

Although this makes it possible to guarantee mounting, one drawback is that this play remains once the support has been assembled on the optical part. The result is that accuracy is lost in the positioning of the light source relative to the optical unit, in particular when the vehicle is in use. As a result, there is also a loss of quality of the beam emitted by the light module.

SUMMARY

One technical problem addressed by the present invention is therefore improving the accuracy of the positioning of the light source relative to the optical unit, while guaranteeing assembly of the support on the optical unit.

To this end, a first object of the invention is a light module for a motor vehicle lighting and/or signaling device, comprising:

at least one light source mounted on a support,

an optical unit for engaging with the light source to form a light beam,

a locating system comprising at least one locating pin inserted into a locating orifice, the support being provided with one of the locating pin and the locating orifice, and the optical unit being provided with the other of the locating pin and the locating orifice;

the or at least one of the locating pins comprising two facing parts, one of the parts, known as the rigid part, being more rigid than the other of the parts, known as the flexible part.

Thus, when the support is assembled on the optical unit, if the orifice and the locating pin with which it engages are misaligned, the flexible part can deform to allow the insertion of this pin into this orifice, the rigid part guiding the pin into the orifice. The flexible part thus allows a small range of movement on assembly, making it possible to guarantee easier assembly. Once inserted, the flexible part is in contact with the orifice, thus making it possible to limit or even eliminate play. As a result, positioning is more accurate and less subject to variations when the module is assembled on the lighting and/or signaling device or when the vehicle is in use.

The optical part according to the invention can optionally comprise one or more of the following features:

the flexible part is elastic and arranged so that it presses the rigid part against an edge of the locating orifice; this makes it possible to completely eliminate play while ensuring a range of movement on assembly and more accurate positioning;

the or at least one of the locating pins is a split pin comprising a slot separating said two parts from each other; this is a simple way of producing a pin with two parts, in particular by moulding or machining;

the rigid part comprises a reinforcing protuberance, fixed to the portion of the optical unit from which the corresponding locating pin protrudes and arranged so that it opposes a force in a direction transverse to the slot, in particular perpendicular to the slot; the guidance by the rigid part is thus improved by reinforcing it;

the reinforcing protuberance has a first rigid bearing zone enabling location in a direction orthogonal to the support, in particular in a vertical direction; two functions are performed by the same element, thus simplifying the production of the locating system;

the light module comprises at least two split locating pins, the slots of which are aligned in an alignment direction; this enables simple location perpendicular to the alignment direction;

the light module comprises at least three locating pins, a third split locating pin being aligned at a distance from the alignment direction; isostatism in two orthogonal directions is thus ensured;

the third locating pin is also a split pin, the slot of which is oriented perpendicular to said alignment direction; the accuracy of the positioning is improved, while allowing a range of movement and simplifying assembly;

the flexible part of the or at least one of the locating pins is a leaf spring arranged so that the stress thereof increases as it gets closer to the rigid part; this is a simple way of pressing the rigid part against the edge of the orifice; this leaf spring can be an insert, in particular made from metal;

the or at least one of the locating pins is bi-material, in particular obtained by bi-injection, the rigid part being made from a first material and the flexible part being made from a second material; this is an alternative way of producing the two parts;

the second material is more flexible than the first material, and optionally elastic;

the first material is polycarbonate (PC) and the second material is silicone;

the light module comprises several locating pins; the positioning is improved;

the light module comprises at least three locating pins arranged so that isostatism is achieved in three directions that are transverse, in particular orthogonal, to each other; the positioning is further improved;

the rigid part comprises a first rigid bearing zone pressed against a portion of whichever of the optical unit and the support includes the corresponding locating orifice, this portion being separate from the edge or edges of this orifice; this makes it possible to achieve location in a separate direction from the locating direction between the rigid part and the edge of the orifice; in particular in the case of the protuberance, it can extend between the base and a vertex of this protuberance, this vertex comprising the first bearing zone;

the light module can comprise three locating pins each having a first bearing zone; the first three bearing zones thus define a locating plane, enabling location in a direction perpendicular to this plane;

the optical unit comprises one or a plurality of collimators, a cut-off member and an output member arranged so that they shape the light rays emitted by the light source so as to form a cut-off beam, the one-piece optical part comprising the collimator(s); in particular, the optical unit can comprise a one-piece optical part comprising one or a plurality of collimators, a cut-off member and an output member arranged so that they shape the light rays emitted by the light source so as to form a cut-off beam, in particular a low beam; the accuracy of positioning makes it possible to minimize the risks of stray rays, which is particularly important in the context of a cut-off beam and in particular with a one-piece part;

the locating pin(s) and/or the rigid part of the locating pin(s) are integrally formed with said one-piece optical part, the support comprising the locating orifice(s); accurate positioning of the support relative to the optical unit can thus be achieved;

the locating pin(s) are arranged around the collimator or plurality of collimators;

the support is a printed circuit board and has the locating orifice(s), the optical unit having the locating pin(s); the optical unit can for example comprise the one-piece optical part;

the light source is a light-emitting diode;

the locating orifices and/or the locating pins are arranged so that:

in a direction of displacement of the flexible part towards the rigid part, the locating pins have a first play with the edges of the corresponding locating orifices,

in a direction transverse to this direction of displacement, the locating pins are either each in contact with the edges of the corresponding locating orifices, or have a second play with the edges of the corresponding locating orifices, the first play being greater than the second play;

in particular, in the case of split locating pins, the first play can be on each side of the lateral ends of the slot;

the locating orifice(s) is/are oblong; in particular, in the case of split locating pins, the locating orifice(s) can be wider in a direction parallel to the slot than in a direction transverse to it.

Another object of the invention is a vehicle lighting and/or signalling device comprising a light module according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a vehicle lighting and/or signalling device according to the invention, in particular connected to the electricity supply of the vehicle.

Unless otherwise stated, the terms “front, “rear”, “top”, “bottom”, “transverse”, “longitudinal”, “horizontal” and any derivatives thereof, refer to the direction of emission of light out of the corresponding light module. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the direction of propagation of the light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1to3illustrate an example of an optical unit of a light module according to one embodiment of the invention. Here, this optical unit is a one-piece optical part1.

In this example, the light module is a vehicle headlamp light module.

The optical part1comprises a first plurality of collimators2′ and a second plurality of collimators2″. Each of these collimators2′,2″ comprises an input refracting surface2for receiving the light rays r1, r2, r3emitted by a light source21,22, here for being placed facing and close to the free end of the corresponding collimator2′,2″, on top and lighting downwards in this example.

In this example, the light source is a light-emitting diode, also known as an LED21.

These light rays r1, r2, r3enter the collimators2′,2″, and therefore the optical part1, by refraction.

Here, the first plurality of collimators comprises two collimators2′, which are each optically coupled to a reflecting member3, which is optically coupled to a cut-off member4, in turn coupled to an output member5. These different elements are therefore coupled together and arranged so that they shape the light rays emitted by the light sources21so as to form a cut-off beam.

Each collimator2′ is arranged to send, here by refraction and total internal reflection, the light rays r1, r2, r3emitted by the LED21, in a more focused beam, towards the reflecting member3.

Here, this reflecting member3is a refracting surface arranged so that it reflects, by total internal reflection, these rays r1, r2, r3towards the cut-off member4, more particularly towards the edge4aof this cut-off member4. For example, the reflecting member3can reflect these rays r1, r2, r3towards a focal zone arranged on this edge4a.

These rays r1, r2, r3pass over this edge4ain three different ways, as will be explained below, and then reach the output member5, here the output refracting surface5of the optical part1. They then exit the optical part1by refraction through the output refracting surface5.

This output refracting surface5is arranged so that it forms a member for projecting the image of the edge4a.

Thus, the rays r1that pass closest to the edge4a, without meeting the surface4bof the bender, in particular in a focal zone of the output refracting surface5, are refracted by the output refracting surface5parallel to an optical axis O of the light module.

However, the rays r2and r3that pass above this edge4awill be refracted downwards by the output refracting surface5.

Some of these rays r2refracted downwards are first reflected directly by the reflecting member3onto the output refracting surface5, passing above the edge4a. Other rays r3refracted downwards are first reflected by the reflecting member3behind the edge4a, and are therefore reflected by the bender4, by total internal reflection, towards the output refracting surface5, also passing above the edge4a.

Most, or even all, of the rays r1, r2, r3therefore contribute to the formation of the beam exiting the optical part1. This beam is the light beam emitted by the optical module.

In addition, this beam has an upper cut-off line L, as illustrated inFIG.8. This cut-off line L corresponds to the image of the edge4a, which therefore forms the cut-off edge of the bender4, the rays being sent at the highest on the cut-off line (rays r1) or below (rays r2, r3).

Here, the beam is a central portion of a low beam. It can be observed that the edge4ahas an oblique portion and two horizontal portions on either side of this oblique portion, corresponding to the shape of the cut-off line L.

Here, the second plurality of collimators comprises five collimators2″ that are each optically coupled, upstream to downstream, to a reflecting member3″, a cut-off member4″ and an output member5″, arranged so that they shape the light rays emitted by the light source so as to form a horizontal cut-off beam, according to the same principle as described inFIG.3. The difference is that here, the cut-off edge4a″ is in a horizontal plane.

The central portion and the horizontal cut-off beam are emitted at the same time so as to form a low beam.

The refracting surfaces forming the input refracting surface2of the collimators2′,2″, the reflecting members3,3″, the benders4,4″ forming the cut-off members and the output reflecting surfaces5,5″ therefore make it possible, due to the arrangement thereof, to shape the beam so that it corresponds to a low beam. These refracting surfaces therefore form the active surfaces of the optical part1.

The importance of the positioning of the LEDs21,22relative to their respective collimators2′,2″ will therefore be understood. In the event of a positioning error, the rays r1, r2, r3will not follow the path for which the optical part1was designed. There is therefore a risk that a beam that does not comply with what was desired will be obtained.

This is all the more important with the first plurality of collimators2′, in order to avoid as far as possible having rays above the cut-off line L, and therefore dazzling the drivers of vehicles in front or coming from the other direction.

To this end, the optical part1is provided with locating pins30.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2and4to6, the locating pins30are three in number and comprise two facing parts:

a rigid part31,

a flexible part32, in the sense that it is less rigid than the rigid part31.

Here, the three locating pins30are split pins comprising a slot, not shown, separating these two parts31,32from each other.

Each of these locating pins30protrudes, here upwards, from a portion of the optical part1, this portion being referred to hereafter as the base35.

Generally according to the invention, the rigid part31can, as it does here, have a reinforcing protuberance34. This reinforcing protuberance34can extend between said base35and a vertex36of this protuberance34.

This vertex36can, as it does here, form a first rigid bearing zone36enabling location in a direction orthogonal to the support, here in a vertical direction Z, as will be explained below.

Here, the first three rigid bearing zones36, i.e. those of each locating pin30, are flat and coplanar. They therefore form a locating plane passing through these bearing zones36, thus enabling location according to a displacement in a direction perpendicular to this locating plane. Here, they therefore enable the location of a support in a vertical direction Z, when this support is mounted so as to rest against these bearing zones36.

According to the invention, as they are here, the reinforcing protuberances34can be connected to the respective locating pins30along their entire length and thus stiffen the respective locating pins30in a movement going from the flexible part32towards the rigid part31.

As can be seen inFIGS.4to6, these locating pins30form, with the locating orifices25, a system for locating a support20of the light sources21,22on the optical part1, in order to position the LEDs21,22correctly relative to the input refracting surface2and the collimators2′,2″.

Here, the locating pins30are integrally formed with the optical part1, the support20comprising the locating orifices25.

In this example, the support20is a printed circuit board, on which the LEDs21,22are positioned and fixed. It is therefore easier to produce the locating orifices25on this board and produce the locating pins30on the optical part1.

Nonetheless, according to other embodiments not shown, this could be reversed and the locating pins produced on the support and the locating orifices on a part of the optical unit. For example, such an arrangement could be applied if the support was a radiator and the optical part a reflector.

According to the invention, the flexible part32can be elastic. In this example, this is obtained by means of the slot33.

The slot33enables the flexibility of the flexible part32, in particular towards the rigid part31.

The rigidity of the latter is increased by the reinforcing protuberance34.

This arrangement and the effects thereof are explained below with reference toFIGS.7aand7b.

FIG.7aillustrates a locating pin P according to the prior art. It engages with a locating orifice R of a light source support S. To avoid the risk of non-assembly of the optical unit and this support, play J is provided between the lateral edges of the locating pin P and the edge of this locating orifice R.

InFIG.7b, which illustrates a locating pin30, such as those of the optical part illustrated inFIGS.1to6, the locating pin30is housed in the locating orifice25of the support20, the rigid part31bearing against the edge26of the locating orifice25.

According to the invention, as it is here, the slot33can be arranged so that it extends depthwise along a longitudinal axis of the locating pin30. In particular, the slot33can extend through the locating orifice25and beyond the locating orifice25moving away from the free end of the locating pin30.

During assembly, the flexibility of the flexible part32makes it possible for it to move closer to the rigid part31. In the event that the locating pin and orifice30,25are misaligned, this range of movement makes it possible for the flexible part32to bend into the slot33, enabling the locating pin30to fit into the locating orifice25.

Furthermore, the elasticity of this flexible part32will generate a return force, so that the flexible part32will exert push on the edge26of the locating orifice25and move the locating pin30towards the part of the edge that is facing the rigid part31. This rigid part31thus ensures the accuracy of the location.

Here, it can be seen that the play27remaining after mounting is very small, more than eight times smaller than the play J of the prior art.

This play27can even be zero, in particular with the flexible part32forced against the edge of the orifice and exerting push, pressing the rigid part31against the edge26of the orifice25.

In particular, as is the case here, this push is exerted in a direction transverse to the slot33.

In addition, the support20is pushed in with its face holding the LEDs21,22pressing against the first bearing zone36. Thus, as illustrated inFIG.7b, this first rigid bearing zone36is pressed against a portion of the support20adjacent to the edge26of the corresponding locating orifice25.

In this example, the optical part1comprises three locating pins30engaging with three locating orifices25, so that isostatism is achieved in three directions orthogonal to each other.

As can be seen inFIGS.4and5, which here are top views of the module100, the support20is resting on the first three bearing zones36, which are coplanar, and are therefore contained in a plane A, horizontal here, symbolized by the dotted rectangles inFIG.4. This enables the positioning of the support20in this plane A and therefore assembly with vertical location. This enables accurate positioning relative to a displacement in the vertical direction Z. In other words, during assembly, the first bearing zones36form a stop in the vertical direction Z.

Here, the slots33of the two front locating pins30, arranged at the top in these figures, are aligned in an alignment direction B, here parallel to a transverse direction Y.

Here, the front locating orifices25are slightly oblong, so that these front locating pins30have play at each lateral end of their slots33and no play perpendicularly and on either side of them. Transverse play is thus allowed in this alignment direction B.

Furthermore, the range of movement of the corresponding flexible parts32enables less risky assembly and makes it possible to press the two rigid parts31against the edge26of the locating orifices25, therefore along a locating line29parallel to the alignment direction B. There is therefore longitudinal positioning, i.e. longitudinal location, as the locating line29forms the recoil limit of the support20relative to the optical part1.

The third locating pin30, here at the rear, is at a distance from the alignment direction B, and therefore from the line passing through the slots33of the front locating pins30.

This enables improved vertical bearing of the support20.

In addition, the slot33of this rear locating pin30is arranged so that it is aligned with a longitudinal straight line C perpendicular to the alignment direction B.

Thus, the range of movement of the flexible part32of this rear locating pin30makes it possible to press the corresponding rigid part31against the edge of the locating orifice25, and therefore at a point of this longitudinal straight line C. As the front locating pins30allow solely transverse play, i.e. parallel to the alignment direction B, this point thus forms a displacement limit for a transverse displacement of the support20, and therefore forms a transverse locator between the optical part1and the support20.

These three locating pins30alone therefore enable the location of the support20on the optical part1in the three orthogonal directions: longitudinal X, transverse Y and vertical Z.

It must be noted that the rear locating orifice25is open on the rear side so that it enables longitudinal play, so as to facilitate the range of movement of the flexible parts32of the front locating pins30.

Here, the locating pins30are arranged around the pluralities of collimators2′,2″, or even adjacent to certain collimators2′, as can be seen inFIG.7b.

It must be noted that according to a variant not shown, such isostatic location can be obtained with three locating pins, at least one of which differs from the previous locating pins30in that the flexible part differs in that it is formed by a leaf spring, in particular made from metal. This leaf can be driven or fitted into the locating pin, the leaf being able to be displaced towards the rigid part by being placed under elastic stress.

According to a variant not shown, such isostatic location can be obtained with three locating pins, at least one of which differs from the previous locating pins30in that the rigid part is made from a first material, in particular PC, and the flexible part is made from a second material, in particular silicone, thus enabling elastic deformation with increased stress when the flexible part is compressed towards the rigid part.