FR3074261A1 - REFLECTOR FOR LIGHTING DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a reflector (30) for a lighting and / or signaling device (10) of a motor vehicle (1), the reflector (30) comprising first facets (100) for reflecting a light beam (F) from a light source (11) in a main illumination direction (E), the projected profile of each first facet (100) on a projection plane perpendicular to such a main illumination direction (E) being substantially rectangular and / or having a substantially constant width, measured in the substantially transverse direction (Y), the reflector (30) comprising at least one second facet (200) for also reflecting such a light beam (F) issued from a light source (11), this at least one second facet (200) being reoriented around such a main illumination direction (E), the projected profile of this at least one second facet (200) on said projection plane having a variable width (L), measured in the substantially transverse direction (Y).

Description

Reflector for lighting device

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a reflector for a motor vehicle lighting and / or signaling device. It also relates to an optical module for a lighting and / or signaling device comprising such a reflector. It also relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising such a reflector or such an optical module. It also relates to a motor vehicle comprising such a lighting and / or signaling device and / or such an optical module and / or such a reflector. Finally, it relates to a method of manufacturing such a reflector.

State of the art

A motor vehicle lighting and / or signaling device often includes a so-called parabolic optical module. In such an optical module, light is generated by a light source disposed within a reflector or mirror capable of creating a light beam from the light emitted. The projection onto the road of the light rays reflected by such an appropriate reflector makes it possible overall to obtain a light beam, directed in the direction of lighting, obeying the various constraints imposed by the standards. In particular, a light beam forms a desired cutoff line on a screen positioned at a standardized distance, comprising a particular shape called a shoulder.

The reflector of such a parabolic optical module, shown by way of example in FIG. 1, has a shape generally along a part of a parabola. It generally consists of a plurality of adjacent facets, some of which are specifically intended to reflect the light beam at the level of said shoulder.

In order for the reflector to effectively reflect the light beam, the specific facets, like all the other facets, are covered with varnish before receiving a reflective layer of a material such as aluminum for example. The varnish deposited as a sublayer of the reflective layer accumulates in an amount that is difficult to control in the manufacturing process, particularly at the intersections between the facets. As a result, the layer of varnish does not have a constant thickness, extra thicknesses appearing in particular at the level of the junction edges, or edges, between adjacent facets, generating surfaces which reflect light in directions and at levels not desired, and variable depending on the parts from the same design, as illustrated in Figure 3. Thus, for low beam, this light can even generate non-regulatory glare. This phenomenon is reflected in particular more generally on the cut-off line which is not always fully in accordance with the theoretical standard, which may have a part of lighting situated above the shoulder.

It is desirable to eliminate this imprecision of lighting, which can be dangerous for driving.

Subject of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a reflector comprising facets on which a beam of light is reflected in a controlled manner. In addition, an object of the invention is to provide a reflector which is easy to manufacture and therefore economical.

To achieve this objective, the invention relates to a reflector for a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle, the reflector comprising first facets intended to reflect a light beam coming from a light source in a main direction. lighting, in particular in a substantially longitudinal direction of a motor vehicle, the projected profile of each first facet on a projection plane perpendicular to such a main lighting direction, in particular on a substantially transverse and vertical projection plane, being substantially rectangular and / or having a substantially constant width, measured in the substantially transverse direction, the reflector comprising at least one second facet intended to also reflect such a light beam coming from a light source, this at least one second facet being reoriented around of such a directi main lighting, the projected profile of this at least one second facet on said projection plane having a variable width, measured in the substantially transverse direction.

Said at least a second reoriented facet can be designed as a first facet rotated by a reorientation angle of between 1 degree and 30 degrees inclusive, or even between 5 degrees and 25 degrees inclusive, around the main direction of lighting, so to reflect a light beam in a secondary lighting direction.

Each first facet and / or said at least one second redirected facet may comprise a section in parabola portion or substantially in parabola portion.

The reflector may comprise at least a first facet, a profile of which is obtained by a section along a longitudinal and vertical plane having a parabola portion, and the reflector may comprise at least a second facet, of which a profile, obtained by a section along a longitudinal plane and vertical rotated by a reorientation angle around the longitudinal axis has a portion of a parabola.

The first facets and / or said at least one second reoriented facet can be juxtaposed with respect to each other with an offset or not according to the main direction of lighting.

Said at least a second redirected facet can reflect a light beam in a secondary direction of lighting to form lighting positioned under a height limit at the level of a shoulder of a lighting curve produced by the reflector.

The invention also relates to an optical module for a motor vehicle lighting and / or signaling device comprising a reflector as defined above.

The invention also relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising an optical module as defined above and / or a reflector as defined above.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a lighting and / or signaling device as defined above, and / or an optical module as defined above, and / or a reflector as defined above.

The longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle can be, or can be substantially, a main lighting direction, the secondary lighting direction being able to be oriented or offset with respect to the main lighting direction towards the side of the motor vehicle opposite to the side. the driver of the motor vehicle.

The invention finally relates to a method of manufacturing a reflector as defined above comprising the following steps:

- Obtaining, in particular from a thermosetting material, a reflector shell comprising first facets intended to reflect a light beam coming from a light source in a main lighting direction, the projected profile of each first facet on a projection plane perpendicular to such a main direction, being substantially rectangular and / or having a substantially constant width, measured in the substantially transverse direction, and at least one second facet, reoriented around such a main direction of illumination a reorientation angle of the order of 1 degree to 30 degrees inclusive, or even 5 degrees to 25 degrees inclusive, the projected profile of the at least one second facet reoriented on such a projection plane having a variable width,

- application of a varnish on the shell of the side comprising the first facets and said at least one second facet,

- depositing a reflective layer, in particular aluminum, on the first facets and said at least one second facet.

Brief description of the drawings

Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description which follows of an embodiment of a reflector given by way of nonlimiting example and represented in the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically represents a reflector according to the state of the art.

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating the light emitted by a light beam emanating from the reflector according to the state of the art, without application of varnish.

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the light emitted by a light beam emanating from the reflector according to the prior art, with the application of varnish.

FIG. 4 schematically represents a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 schematically represents a reflector according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a graph illustrating the light emitted by a light beam emanating from the reflector according to the embodiment of the invention, without application of varnish.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the light emitted by a light beam emanating from the reflector according to the embodiment of the invention, with the application of varnish.

Description of an embodiment of the invention

The direction in which the motor vehicle travels in a straight line is defined as the longitudinal direction (axis X). By convention, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, located in a plane parallel to the ground, is called transverse direction (Y axis). The third direction, perpendicular to the other two, is called vertical direction (Z axis). The forward direction of the motor vehicle, in the longitudinal direction, is represented by an arrow in FIG. 4 and corresponds to the common direction of forward movement of a motor vehicle. This reference is also used for a motor vehicle lighting device and for a reflector intended for use within a motor vehicle, since its orientation of use within a motor vehicle lighting device is unequivocal .

As mentioned above, FIG. 1 schematically represents a reflector of the state of the art, comprising several adjacent facets. The projection of each facet in a plane perpendicular to the lighting direction forms a projected profile of substantially rectangular shape. This profile has a substantially constant width, measured in the transverse direction Y.

Without the application of varnish, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the reflector of the prior art in FIG. 1 creates a correctly directed light beam, without the risk of glare. However, this prior art reflector requires an application of varnish, as explained above. After applying this layer of varnish, it appears that the light beam is transformed, it is no longer correctly directed, as illustrated in Figure 3.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a motor vehicle 1 comprising a lighting and / or signaling device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The lighting and / or signaling device 10 comprises an optical module 20, which comprises a reflector 30 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The reflector 30 comprises first facets similar to the facets of a reflector of the prior art, intended to reflect a light beam F coming from a light source 11 in a main lighting direction E. This light source 11 is for example a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp or an LED, preferably arranged within the reflector 30. Preferably, the main direction of lighting E is identical or substantially identical to the longitudinal direction X of the motor vehicle 1, so to be lit in the direction of advance of the motor vehicle 1 in a straight line.

The projected profile of each first facet on a projection plane perpendicular to the main lighting direction E, for example on a transverse and vertical projection plane YZ or substantially transverse and vertical, is substantially rectangular. This profile has a substantially constant width, measured in the transverse direction Y. This profile is ultimately similar to the profile of a facet of a reflector of the state of the art as illustrated in FIG. 1.

To overcome the consequences of an excess thickness of varnish, in particular at the level of a junction between two adjacent facets, at least one facet, called "second facet" thereafter, is reoriented compared to the first facets. In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 5, this second facet 200 is first designed like the first facets 100, and in a similar manner to the solution of the prior art as represented by FIG. 1, then it undergoes a change in its orientation. According to the embodiment, this reorientation of the second facet 200 is obtained by rotating the latter around the main lighting direction E, or substantially around this main lighting direction E. It follows that this second facet 200 has a projected profile, on a projection plane perpendicular to the main lighting direction E, of substantially triangular or trapezoidal shape. This profile has a variable width L, measured in a direction perpendicular to the main lighting direction E, in the transverse direction Y.

The angle of rotation of the second facet around the main direction of lighting E, called "reorientation angle", is for example between 1 degree and 30 degrees inclusive, or even between 5 and 25 degrees inclusive.

This particular orientation of a second facet 200 has the effect of reflecting a part of the light beam F in a secondary direction of lighting. Thus, the part of the light beam F which would be badly directed by a first facet, and / or at an undesired level, is redirected differently by the second facet. In other words, the reorientation of the second facet makes it possible to deflect the reflection of the light beam in a chosen direction which corrects any possible defect in the reflector, particularly due to the poorly controlled presence of a varnish. Stray light is then avoided, even after application of the varnish, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

According to different embodiments of the invention, the reflector may include one or more second facets 200 redirected. Preferably, this or these second reoriented facets correspond to the facets intended to produce the lighting at the level of the shoulder of the cut line, which represents the particularly sensitive and delicate area of the lighting. In this embodiment, the second facets are therefore adjacent. In addition, the reorientation angle of these second facets can be the same or different.

As mentioned above, the first facets 100 and / or the second facet (s) 200 redirected are not planar but comprise a portion of parabola or substantially a portion of parabola. The first facets in particular have profiles substantially comprising a shape of a parabola in a section through a longitudinal and vertical plane (X, Z). The second facet (s) have in particular profiles substantially comprising a parabola shape in section through a plane reoriented by rotation around the longitudinal axis (rotation of the cutting plane (X, Z)), according to the reorientation angle chosen . In addition, the first facets and / or the reoriented second facet (s) are juxtaposed relative to each other, possibly with an offset according to the main lighting direction E, for example in the form of a step.

Preferably, the second or more reoriented facets reflect the incident flux in a secondary direction of lighting, under a height limit at a shoulder of a lighting curve produced by the reflector 30. Preferably still, for a reflector 30 of a lighting and / or signaling device 10 or of an optical module 20 disposed on the side of the center of the roadway, the secondary lighting direction is oriented, or offset, towards the center of the motor vehicle 1 Conversely, for a reflector 30 of a lighting and / or signaling device 10 or of an optical module 20 disposed on the side of the aisle, the secondary lighting direction is oriented, or offset, down the aisle. More generally, the secondary direction of lighting is therefore offset relative to the motor vehicle towards the side of the vehicle opposite to the driver side. Thus, there is no stray light, even with the application of varnish, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.

The method of manufacturing a reflector 30 according to the embodiment of the invention comprises the following steps:

- Obtaining, in particular from a thermosetting material, a reflector shell 30 comprising first facets 100 intended to reflect a light beam F coming from a light source 11 in a main lighting direction E, the projected profile of each first facet on a projection plane perpendicular to the main direction of lighting, being substantially rectangular or of substantially constant width in the transverse direction, and at least one second facet being reoriented around the main direction of lighting E, preferably a reorientation angle of the order of 1 degree to 30 degrees, the projected profile of each at least one second facet 200 reoriented on the projection plane having a variable width L, measured in a direction perpendicular to the main direction lighting E,

- application of a varnish on the shell of the side comprising the first facets and said at least one second facet,

- depositing a reflective layer, for example aluminum, on the first facets and said at least one second facet.

Thus, the solution therefore achieves the desired object of proposing a reflector on which the light beam is reflected in a controlled manner, despite the application of the varnish as an under layer of the reflective material.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described. Although the description corresponds to a lighting and / or signaling device 10 disposed at the front of the motor vehicle 1, it can be adapted to a device disposed at the rear, for example a device comprising a brake light function and / or a rear position light function and / or a rear fog light function. In addition, it could be applied to a reflector of a type other than a parabolic reflector, for example an elliptical reflector.

Claims (11)

1. Reflector (30) for a lighting and / or signaling device (10) of a motor vehicle (1), the reflector (30) comprising first facets (100) intended to reflect a light beam (F) from a light source (11) in a main lighting direction (E), in particular in a substantially longitudinal direction (X) of a motor vehicle (1), the projected profile of each first facet (100) on a plane projection perpendicular to such a main lighting direction (E), in particular on a projection plane (YZ) substantially transverse and vertical, being substantially rectangular and / or having a substantially constant width, measured in the substantially transverse direction (Y) , characterized in that the reflector (30) comprises at least a second facet (200) intended also to reflect such a light beam (F) coming from a light source (11), this at least a second fa this (200) being reoriented around such a main lighting direction (E), the projected profile of this at least one second facet (200) on said projection plane having a variable width (L), measured in the direction substantially transverse (Y). 2. Reflector (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said at least one second facet (200) reoriented is designed as a first facet rotated by a reorientation angle between 1 degree and 30 degrees inclusive, or even between 5 degrees and 25 degrees inclusive, around the main lighting direction (E), so as to reflect a light beam (F) in a secondary lighting direction. 3. Reflector (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each first facet (100) and / or said at least one second facet (200) redirected comprises a section in parabola portion or substantially in parabola portion . 4. Reflector (30) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least a first facet (100) of which a profile obtained by a cut along a longitudinal and vertical plane (XZ) has a portion of a parabola, and in what it comprises at least a second facet (200) of which a profile obtained by a cut along a longitudinal and vertical plane (XZ) turned by a reorientation angle around the longitudinal axis (X) has a portion of a parabola . 5. Reflector (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first facets (100) and / or said at least one second facet (200) reoriented are juxtaposed relative to each other with an offset or not according to the main lighting direction (E). 6. Reflector (30) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one second facet (200) redirected reflects a light beam (F) in a secondary direction of lighting to form a lighting positioned under a height limit at the level of a shoulder of a lighting curve produced by the reflector (30). 7. Optical module (20) for a lighting and / or signaling device (10) of a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a reflector (30) according to one of the preceding claims. 8. Lighting and / or signaling device (10) of a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises an optical module (20) according to the preceding claim and / or a reflector (30) according to one of claims 1 to 6. 9. Motor vehicle (1), characterized in that it comprises a lighting and / or signaling device (10) according to the preceding claim, and / or an optical module (20) according to claim 7, and / or a reflector (30) according to one of claims 1 to 6. 10. Motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one reflector (30) according to claim 2, characterized in that the longitudinal direction (X) of the motor vehicle (1) is, or is substantially, a main lighting direction (E ), the secondary lighting direction being oriented or offset with respect to the main lighting direction (E) towards the side of the motor vehicle (1) opposite to the side of the driver of the motor vehicle. 11. Method for manufacturing a reflector (30) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - Obtaining, in particular from a thermosetting material, a reflector shell (30) comprising first facets (100) intended to reflect a light beam (F) coming from a light source in a main lighting direction (E), the projected profile of each first facet (100) on a projection plane perpendicular to such a main direction, being substantially rectangular and / or having a substantially constant width, measured in the substantially transverse direction, and at least one second facet (200), reoriented around such a main lighting direction (E) by a reorientation angle of the order of 1 degree to 30 degrees inclusive, or even 5 degrees to 25 degrees inclusive, the projected profile of the at least one second facet (200) reoriented on such a projection plane having a variable width (L), - application of a varnish on the shell of the side comprising the first facets (100) and said at least one second facet 5 (200), - depositing a reflective layer, in particular aluminum, on the first facets (100) and said at least one second facet (200).