EP2299167A1 - Lighting or signalling device for automotive vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is an optical module M intended to equip a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, said optical module comprising at least one main reflector R associated with at least one light source S so as to transmit a main light beam. This optical module M comprises at least one additional reflecting zone Z1, Z2 outside said main reflector R and able to receive part of the light coming directly or indirectly from said light source S and to return it to make a secondary light beam in one direction privileged different from the preferred direction of the main light beam.

Description

The invention relates to lighting and / or signaling devices for automobiles, and in particular to projectors for a motor vehicle.

She is particularly interested in light beams on the side of vehicles. By this is meant light beams illuminating in a general / oblique mean orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle (axis generally coincident with or little different from the orientation of the optical axis of the other beams, so-called principal, emitted by the projectors).

It may be, within the meaning of the invention, and in a non-limiting manner, light beams emitted by optical modules to ensure in turns additional lighting on the side where the vehicle rotates. This feature is known as "fixed turnaround", or FBL (the English abbreviation of "Fixed Bending Light"). It is described for example in the patent EP 864,462 . The beam of the FBL thus associates with a standard code-type beam emitted by a so-called main optical module, to give a global beam with a larger angular aperture, said overall beam having to respect a photometric grid defined in the current regulations concerning functions called AFS (abbreviation of the term "Advanced Front Lighting Systems").

It may also be light beams providing a lighting function known as Anglo-Saxon "cornering", or a lighting in the corners, the purpose of which is to illuminate further on the sides of the vehicle, to allow a better visibility to the driver of the vehicle (lighting function), but also to allow the vehicle's external environment to better discern the vehicle (signaling function) This function is, in itself, defined by a specific photometric grid provided for in the regulations in force.

The common point of these two types of beams, "cornering" and complementary beam of FBL, is that it must be possible to send enough light along an axis oblique to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which poses a number problems, since usually the projectors comprise one or more optical modules emitting light beams whose optical axis coincides more or less with the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle. (By "optical module" is meant a set of components comprising at least one reflector, its associated light source (s) and possibly associated optical elements of the dioptric element (Fresnel lens, etc.) type, and capable of emitting at least one given light beam.

A first solution consisted in turning inside the projector the module intended to illuminate laterally with respect to the other optical modules: the projector is kept in its usual configuration, with its main modules, for example the one emitting the beam code or road, and the FBL or Cornering add-on module is rotated so that its optical axis is at an angle to the optical axis of the other modules.

However, this solution has its limitations: a turned module is more bulky inside the projector, including obliquely arranged lamp connectors, a reflector taking up more space. But it is the compactness that we are looking for more and more in a projector. In addition, thus turning the module tends to cause a loss of luminous flux emitted by the module: the more oblique rays tend to no longer be able to leave the closing mirror of the projector. Therefore, depending on the shape of the projector, the amplitude of the rotation of the module is therefore more or less limited, and it is difficult to guarantee that the beam emitted by the module and actually leaving the projector is compatible with the regulations in force.

The purpose of the invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks of this first solution, notably by proposing a new lateral lighting module design, which is notably easier to produce, more efficient, or even less constraining as regards the design of the module. and / or the projector including the module in question.

The optical module according to the invention is intended to equip a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle. It comprises at least one main reflector associated with at least one light source in order to emit a main light beam. It also comprises at least one additional reflecting zone outside said main reflector and which is adapted to receive a portion of the light coming directly or indirectly from said light source and to return it to make a secondary light beam in a preferred direction different from the direction privileged of the main light beam.

In a way, some of the light intended to make a given beam (the so-called main beam) is thus used to make another beam (said to be secondary) of different orientation, this use being controlled so as not to disturb the optical performance, photometry and distribution of the main beam. This can be achieved, for example, by using light in the less photometrically useful part of the main beam, and / or by recovering light that otherwise would have been lost.

• on n'a recours qu'à une seule source lumineuse pour faire deux faisceaux lumineux différents, on peut ainsi conserver des sources lumineuses standard sans nécessiter l'utilisation d'une seconde source spécifique (ni tous ses accessoires, sans faisceau électrique supplémentaire notamment),
• on peut conserver au module optique son orientation habituelle selon l'axe longitudinal du véhicule, ce qui est intéressant en termes de compacité du produit,
• le module peut conserver substantiellement standard la conception du réflecteur principal dédié à l'obtention d'un faisceau principal donné, en ajoutant la zone réfléchissante supplémentaire appropriée pour avoir le faisceau secondaire voulu,
• on peut ainsi décliner plusieurs modules optiques présentant un faisceau principal substantiellement identique, avec le même réflecteur, et pouvant présenter plusieurs faisceaux secondaires possibles pour adapter le module à la demande, selon la configuration de zone réfléchissante supplémentaire, ce qui donne une flexibilité accrue au module,
• on peut ainsi conférer une nouvelle fonction à un module optique existant sans remettre en cause entièrement sa conception optique et mécanique.

This solution has many advantages, including the following:

• we use only one light source to make two different light beams, we can keep standard light sources without requiring the use of a second specific source (and all its accessories, especially without additional wiring harness),
• we can keep the optical module its usual orientation along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which is interesting in terms of compactness of the product,
• the module can retain substantially the design of the main reflector dedicated to obtaining a given main beam, by adding the additional reflective zone appropriate to have the desired secondary beam,
• it is thus possible to decline several optical modules having a substantially identical main beam, with the same reflector, and having a plurality of possible secondary beams to adapt the module to the request, according to the additional reflective zone configuration, which gives the module greater flexibility. ,
• it is thus possible to confer a new function on an existing optical module without completely calling into question its optical and mechanical design.

The fact that the additional reflective zone is out of the main reflector means that it may be adjacent, close to the reflector, but that it is not an integral part thereof, which makes it possible, as mentioned above, to standardize the reflector. main.

Preferably, the distance between the additional reflective zone and the optical axis is greater than or equal to the distance between the edges of the main reflector and the optical axis. That is, for each point of the additional reflective zone, the shortest distance from this point to the optical axis is preferably greater than or equal to the shortest distance between the edges of the main reflector and the optical axis.

Preferably, the additional reflective zone is able to receive a part of the light coming only directly from said light source. "Direct light from the light source" or "coming directly from the light source" means the rays emitted by the light source that have not been previously reflected. By contrast, "light indirectly from the light source" means the rays that have been previously reflected at least once after their emission by the light source.

An optical module is understood to mean a set of components comprising at least one reflector and a light source, and which may be a unit lighting element, such as an anti-fog module independent of the vehicle headlamp, or may be a component intended to be integrated into a projector.

The preferred direction of the main light beam can be likened to its optical axis. This axis can be confused or not with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle equipped with the device according to the invention: It can be effectively confused, or, for example, be a little inclined in a substantially vertical plane and / or horizontal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. For example, when the main beam is anti-fog type, its optical axis can be slightly inclined, 0.5 to 2 ° vertically, and 0 to 15 °, including 5 to 10 °, horizontally.

A preferred direction "different" from the preferred direction of the main light beam has been mentioned above. This angular difference between the two beams, the main and the deviated, is preferably significant, preferably at least 10 °, especially between 25 ° and 70 °, especially between 30 and 60 °. This gap is preferably in a substantially horizontal plane, although the invention also includes a difference in orientation having both a component in a horizontal plane and a component in a vertical plane.

The secondary beam preferably has a distribution of 0 to 90 °. "Distribution" means the angle between the radius of the secondary beam having the smallest angular difference with the optical axis of the optical module and the radius of the secondary beam having the greatest angular difference with the optical axis of the optical module.

Preferably, the additional reflective zone makes it possible to reflect on the 5 to 10% side of the luminous flux coming directly from the light source.

Preferably, the secondary beam is sufficient to generate illumination, so that it is not necessary to use a converging lens or other optical means to change the direction or distribution of the rays reflected by the additional reflective zone . More particularly, the present invention can be adapted to projectors whose optical module, composed of a lamp and a reflector, is devoid of a lens.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the main light beam is an unbroken beam, of the road beam type, or a cut-off beam, particularly an oblique cut-off beam, such as a coded beam, or a flat-cut beam beam beam. anti-fog.

According to another embodiment, possibly cumulative with the preceding, the secondary light beam is a cut-off beam, in particular a complementary beam of a fixed turn code function or a beam providing a lateral lighting function called "cornering".

According to a preferred embodiment, the additional reflecting zone is arranged so that said secondary light beam illuminates an additional lighting zone, extending sufficiently broadly out of the area illuminated by said main light beam to allow a lighting on the sides and thus ensure a lateral lighting function of the "cornering" type.

When one wants to obtain lighting on the sides, the angular difference between the preferred directions of the two beams is preferably about 45 °, and the distribution of the secondary beam is preferably 30 to 60 °.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the main beam on the one hand and the secondary beam on the other hand are cut-off beams, with in particular the same type of cutoff, flat or oblique.

According to a first variant, the optical module comprises only one additional reflecting zone. There is thus a module for equipping the right front of the vehicle with a given additional reflective zone, and a module for equipping the left front of the vehicle, with a different reflecting zone in its positioning in the module than in the right-hand module.

According to a second variant, the optical module comprises at least two additional reflecting zones, in particular two zones disposed symmetrically with respect to the main reflector. This variant offers the advantage of having modules that can adapt indifferently to the right and left sides of the vehicle, which simplifies the production and storage of modules: It has the same optical element, that the module is intended to equip a right projector or a left automotive projector, that the module is intended to integrate into a projector or is an independent unit.

Advantageously, the additional reflective zone (s) is (are) integrated (s) to a piece of style of the module. By style piece is understood any component that comes to dress the optical modules and, for example, ensure a surface continuity between the modules and the walls of the housing or the junction box housing / closing ice.

These style pieces have a cosmetic vocation, and it is generally sought that they have no, or as little as possible, impact, optically, on the light beams emitted by the module. They can be an integral part of the module, especially when the module is a unitary product, such as an anti-fog module for example. They can also be associated, in contact with the modules, and be part of the projector in which the module must be integrated.

One thus modifies locally a piece of style so that it can, contrary to its vocation, participate in the optical definition of a light beam.

The integration of the additional reflective zone (s) in a style piece can be done in different ways: it may be, for example, to superficially modify the piece of style locally. It may also be to insert the reflective area in a piece of style, in the form of an insert that is just fixed to the room by any mechanical means (clipping ....) or by gluing.

The additional reflective zone (s) is (are) for example disposed in the mask of the module at least partly surrounding the main reflector or is (are) integral with said mask or is (are) arranged (s) near said mask. The term mask ("bezel" in English) designates the style piece ensuring a surface continuity between the reflector and the rest of the module (or projector).

The mask is preferably substantially locally reflective to obtain the desired additional reflective area (s), and substantially diffusing / absorbing over the remainder of its visible surface. The mask can be made diffusing by graining, the additional reflective zones being aluminized but not grained.

Concretely, one can make a fully aluminized mask, so initially entirely reflective, then treat the visible parts of the mask to make them diffusing / absorbing except in areas that must reflect according to the invention. We can also have the opposite approach, by having a mask whose visible surface is initially made entirely diffusing or absorbing, then make local some reflective zones (by selective aluminizing for example). It is also possible, as mentioned above, to provide a "window" in the mask in which a reflective insert is attached, or an area that is covered by a reflective insert.

Especially when it is necessary to perfectly control the characteristics of the secondary beam, it is useful not only to make reflective an area of the style room or mask, but also to change the relief of the room in said area: the area has preferably a geometrical shape studied so as to respect the photometry required. In order to ensure surface continuity with the rest of the styling piece, it can then be considered that the supplementary reflective zone comprises a central portion optically defined as a reflector, and a peripheral portion which is a junction zone with the rest of the the room. The zone, at least in this central portion, may thus comprise a plurality of facets, having in particular a plurality of focal lengths. This geometry change in the style piece, in addition to the appearance change, can also contribute to an interesting style effect.

The main reflector is for example of complex surface type, or of type with parabolic generators, or of elliptical type.

The invention also relates to the projector equipped with at least one of these optical modules, and the car equipped with one of these modules, alone or integrated into a projector.

• Fig.1a et 1b : une vue de face et en perspective éclatée d'un module optique anti-brouillard selon l'art antérieur (exemple comparatif 1 ),
• Fig. 2a, 2b, 2c, et 2d : une vue de face ,en perspective éclatée, de dessus et latérale d'un module optique anti-brouillard modifié selon l'invention pour faire également un faisceau « cornering » (exemple 1),
• Fig.3 : une représentation des isolux du faisceau anti-brouillard avec le module de l'exemple comparatif,
• Fig.4 : une représentation des isolux du faisceau anti-brouillard et « cornering » avec le module de l'exemple 1,
• Fig. 5a et 5b : une vue en perspective éclatée d'un autre module optique anti-brouillard modifié selon l'invention pour faire également un faisceau « cornering » (exemple 2),
• Fig.6 : une représentation des isolux du faisceau anti-brouillard avec le module de l'exemple 2 avant modification selon l'invention (exemple comparatif 2),
• Fig.7 : une représentation des isolux du faisceau anti-brouillard et « cornering » avec le module de l'exemple 2,
• Fig.8 : une représentation schématique d'un module optique anti-brouillard modifié selon l'invention et de la trajectoire de rayons constituant le faisceau « cornering », selon une section horizontale, passant par l'axe optique du module.

The invention will be described hereinafter with the aid of non-limiting examples illustrated by the following figures:

• Fig.1a and 1b : A front view and exploded perspective view of an anti-fog optical module according to the prior art (Comparative Example 1),
• Fig. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d : A front view, in exploded perspective, top and side of an anti-fog optical module modified according to the invention to also make a "cornering" beam (Example 1)
• Fig.3 A representation of the isolux fog beam with the Comparative Example module,
• Fig.4 : a representation of the isolux of the anti-fog and "cornering" beam with the module of example 1,
• Fig. 5a and 5b An exploded perspective view of another anti-fog optical module modified according to the invention to also make a "cornering" beam (example 2)
• Fig.6 A representation of the isolux fog beam with the module of Example 2 before modification according to the invention (Comparative Example 2),
• Fig.7 : a representation of the isolux of the anti-fog and "cornering" beam with the module of example 2,
• Fig.8 : a schematic representation of a modified anti-fog optical module according to the invention and the ray path constituting the "cornering" beam, in a horizontal section, passing through the optical axis of the module.

All these figures are schematic and do not necessarily respect the scale. All the components are not represented, but only those which directly concern the invention, to facilitate reading.

Comparative Example 1 (prior art)

The figure 1 represents in perspective an optical module M comprising a reflector R and a light source S which may be of the halogen lamp or xenon lamp type (not shown in the figure). This is an example of a Halogen type lamp H11. The reflector R is of the complex surface type, defined so as to generate a flat-cut, anti-fog type beam. For more details on obtaining such a beam, one can advantageously refer to the patents FRO 2,793,000 and FR 2 792 999 .

The module M also includes a styling piece called mask B, which provides surface continuity between the outer edge of the reflector R and the edge of the ice closing the module (not shown), and which is substantially cylindrical to fit to the outer contour of the reflector. The mask is aluminized and has streaks that have a twofold purpose: to give the module a particular style, and ensure that parasitic rays coming from the reflector and reaching the mask are diffused so as to avoid any unwanted glare by parasite reflection at its surface of light rays coming from the reflector or directly from the source. The mask could also be chosen non-aluminized, and have a matte appearance, black or gray for example, making it also at least partially absorbent.

Example 1 (according to the invention)

The figure 2 represents the modified previous module according to the invention: the reflector R and the source S are unchanged, and the mask is modified so that it has two zones Z1, Z2 arranged laterally (considering the module as mounted in FIG. the vehicle), symmetrically with respect to the optical axis X defined by the main reflector R. These zones make it possible to obtain, in superposition with the anti-fog beam, a "cornering" beam. Each of these zones is aluminized like the rest of the mask, but is not diffusing / absorbing: the geometry of the zone Z1 is calculated in such a way that any light beam coming either directly from the source S or coming from the reflector R, and reaching this zone starts again along a preferred axis X1 making an angle with the angle X of approximately 45 °, and which can be chosen between 30 and 60 ° in the most usual configurations.

Also note that the optical axis X is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis AV of the vehicle.

Similarly, the zone Z2 is calculated so that the rays that reach it are deflected and depart along a preferred axis X2 symmetrical to the axis X1 with respect to the optical axis X. These surfaces Z1, Z2 comprise a succession of facets, each facet having its own focal length. This type of module is undifferentiated right side and left side: only one of the zones is effective vis-à-vis the function "cornering" for each of the modules.

The figure 8 allows to visualize the privileged directions X1 and X2 of the secondary beams as well as their distribution. Thus, Y1 max corresponds to the direction of the ray of light having the highest angle relative to the optical axis X and Y1 min corresponds to the direction of the ray of light having the lowest angle with respect to the optical axis X. The secondary beam generated by the reflecting zone Z1 is therefore distributed between Y1 min and Y1 max and is emitted globally according to the preferred direction X1. The preferred example represented in figure 8 , corresponds to lighting with a "cornering" function. The angle between Y1 min and X is about 30 ° and the angle between Y1 max and X is about 60 °. The angle between the preferred direction X1 and the optical axis X is about 45 °. Similarly, it is observed that the secondary beam generated by the reflective zone Z2 is emitted in the preferred direction X2, the angle between X2 and X being approximately 45 °, and is distributed between Y2min and Y2max, ie between approximately 30 ° and 60 ° to X.

The Figures 3 and 4 allow to compare the distribution of the light beams obtained: they are representations of isolux, measured at 25 meters.

The figure 3 corresponds to Comparative Example 1: it has a distribution of an anti-fog beam with a flat cut, and a measured total flow of 370 lumen.

The figure 4 corresponds to Example 1 according to the invention: the central zone of illumination A corresponds to the area illuminated by the main beam. The left zone G and the right zone D correspond to the zones illuminated by the secondary beams generated by Z2 and Z1. It can be seen that the distribution of the beam has spread widely, relatively symmetrically on both sides of the original beam according to the figure 3 , and that the cut remains flat. The total flux measured is 430 lumen.

The minimum values of the "cornering" defined according to the ECE R110 standard are easily reached, namely a 2.5D60L point at 240 candelas minimum, a 2.5D45L point of 400 candelas minimum and a point at 2.5D30L at 240 candelas minimum. Spreading provides a "cornering" feature only on one side, the left side if we consider that this is a right anti-fog vehicle (symbolized by the arrow to the figure 4 ), the contribution right side (inside the vehicle so) participates in the fog beam. It is interesting to note that the measured total flux is significantly higher, and that the photometric characteristics of the anti-fog beam stricto sensu are not affected by the modification of the mask. It is concluded that the invention makes it possible to obtain a "cornering" function at a lower cost, without an additional lamp, and that obtaining this function in addition is not obtained to the detriment of the main function.

The luminous flux gain demonstrates that the "cornering" function results, at least in part, from the recovery of light rays that otherwise "get lost" in the mask. This significantly improves the efficiency of the lamp, all things being equal.

Example 2 (according to the invention)

As represented in figure 5 This is an optical module of the anti-fog type of a slightly different design from Example 1: the source S is a halogen lamp H 11, the reflector R is of complex surface type. The mask B which is fixed on the periphery of the reflector is striated (alternatively, it can be grained). It also has an additional reflective zone Z1, which has a substantially parabolic shape, and whose surface is aluminized. The figure 6 represents the isolux lines of the module when the mask is devoid of the reflective zone Z1 (comparative example 2), and the figure 7 the lines of isolux according to Example 2. It can be seen that zone Z1 makes it possible to obtain a beam which retains its flat cut and which "spreads" on one side, namely a spreading in zone G located at left of central area A.

The SAE J852 "cornering" measurement points have minimum required levels, largely achieved by Example 2, as shown in the measurement table below. Measuring points 2.5D60L 2.5D45L 2.5D30L Minimum required 300 cd 500 cd 300 cd Measured values 350 cd 770 cd 1400 cd

Claims (13)

Optical module (M) intended to equip a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, said optical module comprising at least one main reflector (R) associated with at least one light source (S) in order to emit a beam main light, characterized in that said optical module (M) comprises an additional reflecting zone (Z1, Z2) outside said main reflector (R) and adapted to receive a part of the light coming directly or indirectly from said light source (S) and returning it to make a secondary light beam in a preferred direction (X1) different from the preferred direction (X) of the main light beam, and the mask (B) is aluminized and locally reflective to obtain the additional reflecting zone and diffusing over the remainder of its visible surface by the presence of grooves or being grained, the secondary beam being sufficient to generate a lighting so that it It is not necessary to use a converging lens or other optical means to change the direction or distribution of the rays reflected by the additional reflective zone. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional reflective zone (Z1, Z2) is integrated in a style piece (B) of the module. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional reflective zone (Z1, Z2) is arranged in such a way that the secondary light beam illuminates an additional lighting zone, extending sufficiently far out of the area illuminated by said main light beam to allow illumination on the sides of the type "cornering". Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional reflective zone (s) (Z1, Z2) is (are) arranged in the mask (B) of the module at least partially surrounding the main reflector (R) or is (are) integral with said mask (B) or is (are) disposed near said mask (B). Module according to claim 4, characterized in that the mask (B) is substantially locally reflective to obtain the zone or zones additional reflecting reflective (Z1, Z2), and substantially diffusing and / or absorbing on the remainder of its visible surface. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main light beam is an unbroken beam, or a cut-off beam, particularly oblique cut or flat cut, such as a code or fog light beam. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary light beam is a cut-off beam, in particular a complementary beam of a fixed turn code function or a beam providing a lateral lighting function called "cornering". Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least two additional reflecting zones (Z1, Z2), in particular two zones arranged symmetrically with respect to the main reflector (R). Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional reflective zone (s) (Z1, Z2) is (are) capable of receiving a part of the light coming from only directly from said light source (S). Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance between the additional reflective zone (s) (Z1, Z2) and the optical axis (X) is greater than or equal to the distance between the edges of the main reflector (R) and the optical axis. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional reflective zone (s) (Z1, Z2) comprises (nt) a plurality of facets, in particular having a plurality of focal lengths. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main reflector (R) is of complex surface type, or type of parabolic generators, or elliptical type. Automotive headlight, characterized in that it comprises at least one module according to one of the preceding claims.

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