EP0750157A2 - Improved motor vehicle headlamp of the elliptical type - Google Patents

Abstract

The headlamp comprises a lamp (La) and an elliptically shaped mirror (M). The mirror has a first focus in the vicinity of the lamp and a second focus further forwards w.r.t. the optical axis of the device. A converging lens (Le) is focused in the region of the second mirror focus point. A mounting ring (B) is solidly attached to the leading edge of the mirror, and a lamp carrier is formed at the rear part of the mirror in order to support the lamp (La). The mirror, the lens mounting ring and the lamp carrier are formed in two pieces (100,200) which are fitted together in a direction (F2) which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the lamp. Each of the two pieces defines a section of mirror (M',M"), a section of lens mounting ring (B',B") and a section of the lamp carrier (PL',PL").

Description

The present invention relates to headlamps of the elliptical type for motor vehicles.

A projector of this kind conventionally consists of a lamp mounted in the region of the first focus of an elliptical mirror, and a convergent lens whose focal plane passes through the second focus of the mirror to project onto the road l image present in the second foyer.

This spotlight is supplemented if necessary by a concealer placed substantially in said focal plane, so as to form a cut beam whose limits are defined by an upper edge of the concealer.

Furthermore, either the lens is directly integrated into the lens of the projector, or the projector has a separate lens, generally smooth, in front of the lens.

These various elements are shown in Figure 1, in their conventional construction.

Thus we find a lamp The mounted in a PL lamp holder and fixed to it by an elastic hook or spring R. The PL lamp holder is assembled to the mirror M, at the rear of it, around a lamp hole. The projector further comprises an intermediate piece PI, which is mounted on the edge of the front opening of the mirror M by extending the latter forward. This piece PI includes a screen or blackout E intended to give the beam the desired cutting profile, as well as a ring B intended to receive and hold a lens Le by its edges.

Thus, such a conventional projector comprises at least three separate parts, which are assembled axially according to the arrows F1. This results in a long and costly assembly, with further problems of alignment of the different parts, this alignment being particularly critical for obtaining a good quality light beam.

Document JP-A-04 5007 published on 01/17/94 also discloses an elliptical type projector in which the mirror, the lens holder ring and the intermediate part which connects the mirror to the ring are produced in two parts joined together in a direction transverse to the optical axis.

This known solution effectively simplifies the manufacture of the projector.

However, the lamp holder is essentially formed on only one of these parts, which complicates the manufacture of the part in question, either because it requires the prior assembly of two parts, or because it makes the production of the part by molding difficult, even impossible.

The present invention aims to propose a new projector construction of the elliptical type, which further simplifies the mounting of the projector.

Another object of the present invention is to take advantage of this simplified construction to facilitate the integration of the projector in a motor vehicle.

• chaque pièce comporte, entre sa partie respective de miroir et sa partie respective de bague, une partie intermédiaire respective, au moins l'une desdites parties intermédiaires respectives portant un occulteur.
• dans chaque partie intermédiaire respective sont formées des ouvertures d'aération s'étendant latéralement.
• chaque partie intermédiaire est élargie et présente des flancs généralement verticaux dans lesquels sont formées lesdites ouvertures d'aération.
• chaque pièce comporte d'un seul tenant des aménagements pour le montage du projecteur dans le véhicule.
• lesdits aménagements sont constitués par des ailes latérales généralement verticales.
• le miroir se referme en direction de la lentille et au moins l'une des pièces définit un occulteur incliné en oblique vers le haut et vers l'arrière à partir d'une partie intermédiaire respective.
• ledit occulteur incliné s'étend à partir de la base d'une ouverture de passage de lumière formée conjointement par deux parois transversales postérieures desdites parties intermédiaires.
• chaque pièce comporte sur son étendue axiale des ailes d'assemblage généralement planes définissant un plan de raccordement des pièces.
• les ailes d'assemblage comportent des aménagements de centrage en vis-à-vis.
• les deux pièces se raccordent dans un plan généralement vertical au voisinage de l'axe optique du projecteur.
• la lampe est orientée verticalement dans le miroir.
• ledit occulteur est défini par deux parties d'occulteur formées respectivement sur les deux pièces, et en ce qu'une partie d'occulteur comporte un prolongement latéral, au delà du plan de raccordement, au moins dans sa partie supérieure.

Thus the present invention provides a headlamp for a motor vehicle, comprising a lamp, an elliptical type mirror having a first focal point in the vicinity of which the source is located, and a second focal point, and a converging lens focused in the vicinity of said second focal point, as well as '' a lens mounting ring integral with the mirror and a lamp holder located in the vicinity of a wall of the mirror for mounting the lamp, headlamp characterized in that the mirror, the mounting ring and the lamp holder are produced in two parts assembled together in a direction generally perpendicular to the optical axis, each part defining a respective part of the mirror, a respective part of the ring and a respective part of the lamp holder.

• each piece has, between its respective part of mirror and its respective ring part, a respective intermediate part, at least one of said respective intermediate parts carrying a concealer.
• in each respective intermediate part are formed ventilation openings extending laterally.
• each intermediate part is enlarged and has generally vertical sides in which said ventilation openings are formed.
• each piece has in one piece arrangements for mounting the projector in the vehicle.
• said arrangements consist of generally vertical lateral wings.
• the mirror closes in the direction of the lens and at least one of the parts defines a concealer inclined obliquely upwards and backwards from a respective intermediate part.
• said inclined concealer extends from the base of a light passage opening formed jointly by two rear transverse walls of said intermediate parts.
• each part comprises on its axial extent generally planar assembly wings defining a connecting plane for the parts.
• the assembly flanges comprise facing centering arrangements.
• the two parts are connected in a generally vertical plane in the vicinity of the optical axis of the projector.
• the lamp is oriented vertically in the mirror.
• said concealer is defined by two concealer parts formed respectively on the two parts, and in that a concealer part has a lateral extension, beyond the connection plane, at least in its upper part.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un projecteur du genre elliptique de la technique antérieure,
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique en coupe axiale d'un projecteur du genre elliptique selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un projecteur selon une première forme de réalisation concrète de l'invention,
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe horizontale axiale du projecteur de la figure 3, assemblé,
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe horizontale axiale d'un détail de la figure 4,
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe verticale axiale du projecteur des figures 3 à 5, assemblé,
• la figure 7 est une vue en élévation de côté du projecteur des figures 3 à 6, assemblé,
• la figure 8 est une vue de face du projecteur des figures 3 à 7, assemblé,
• la figure 9 est une vue en perspective éclatée d'un projecteur selon une deuxième forme de réalisation concrète de l'invention,
• la figure 10 est une vue de dessus en plan du projecteur de la figure 9, assemblé,
• la figure 11 est une vue en coupe horizontale axiale du projecteur des figures 9 et 10, assemblé,
• la figure 12 est une vue de côté en élévation d'une partie du projecteur des figures 9 et 10,
• la figure 13 est une vue de côté en élévation d'une partie d'un projecteur selon une troisième forme de réalisation de l'invention, et
• la figure 14 est une vue de face du projecteur de la figure 13.

Other aspects, aims and advantages of the present invention will appear better on reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

• FIG. 1 is a schematic view in axial section of a projector of the elliptical type of the prior art,
• FIG. 2 is a schematic view in axial section of a projector of the elliptical type according to the invention,
• FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a projector according to a first concrete embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 4 is a view in axial horizontal section of the headlight of FIG. 3, assembled,
• FIG. 5 is a view in axial horizontal section of a detail in FIG. 4,
• FIG. 6 is a view in axial vertical section of the headlight of FIGS. 3 to 5, assembled,
• FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of the projector of FIGS. 3 to 6, assembled,
• FIG. 8 is a front view of the projector of FIGS. 3 to 7, assembled,
• FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a projector according to a second concrete embodiment of the invention,
• FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the projector of FIG. 9, assembled,
• FIG. 11 is a view in axial horizontal section of the headlight of FIGS. 9 and 10, assembled,
• FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of part of the headlight of FIGS. 9 and 10,
• FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of part of a headlight according to a third embodiment of the invention, and
• FIG. 14 is a front view of the projector of FIG. 13.

Referring first to Figure 2, there is shown schematically an elliptical projector according to the invention, which comprises a lamp La, a lens Le, and two parts 100 and 200 able to be assembled to each other perpendicular to the optical axis xx of the headlamp, according to the arrows F2, to form a lamp holder, a mirror, an intermediate concealer part and a lens holder ring. In the present example, these two parts end up in a horizontal plane passing through the x-x axis, this however not being in any way limiting.

The upper part 100 comprises a zone PL 'forming an upper half-lamp holder, a zone M' forming an upper half-mirror, a zone PI 'forming an upper intermediate half-part, and a zone B' forming an upper half-ring.

Similarly, the lower part comprises a zone PL "forming a lower half-lamp holder, a zone M" forming a lower half-mirror, a zone PI "forming a lower intermediate half-part, and a zone B" forming a lower half-ring. In addition, the part PI "carries, projecting upward and in one piece, a screen or screen E placing itself substantially in the focal plane of the lens Le.

The projector according to Figure 2 also includes a spring R for holding the lamp La on the lamp holder.

Thus the assembly of the two parts 100, 200 according to the arrows F2 forms the aforementioned corresponding elements, the lens Le being trapped between the two half-rings B 'and B "after having been positioned, prior to assembly, in line with the half rings.

It is therefore understood that the mounting of the projector is substantially facilitated and simplified.

Parts 100 and 200 can be produced, each in one piece, in any suitable material, preferably by molding. Thus, parts can be made of aluminum alloy, zinc alloy, thermosetting resin or high temperature hot melt resin, this list however not being in any way limiting. Thus, parts 100 and 200 can be produced by stamping sheet steel, brass, aluminum or any other material capable of being stamped.

The two parts 100, 200 are fixed for example by gluing, by screwing or by clipping.

Referring now to Figures 3 to 8, we will describe a first practical embodiment of such a projector.

In these figures and the following, elements or parts identical or similar to those of Figure 2 are designated as far as possible by the same reference signs.

The upper part 100 comprises, from rear to front, the upper half-lamp holder PL ', the upper half-mirror M' bordered laterally by two assembly wings 101, 102, and the intermediate half-part upper PI 'consisting of a generally planar and horizontal upper wall 130 bordered laterally by two vertical recesses on a rear part of its depth. At the front of these lateral recesses, the half-part PI ′ has two feet extending down to the connection plane with the lower part 200. In these two feet are formed two vertical slots 105, 106 ending at their lower end by a straight edge (only the edge 108 being visible) located near the connection plane, for the purposes explained below.

The intermediate half-part PI ′ ends at the front by a front wall in which a semicircular opening is formed surrounded by a bead 110 projecting towards the front, in which are formed, in cooperation with said front wall, two throats side 111, 112 intended to cooperate with a peripheral rib for wedging the lens Le. The bead 110 forms the upper half-ring B 'for holding the lens.

In addition, at the transition between the half-mirror part M 'and the intermediate part PI', two wings 113, 114 project towards the sides in planes perpendicular to the optical axis x-x.

The lower part comprises, from rear to front, the lower half-lamp holder PL ", the lower half-mirror M" bordered laterally by two assembly wings 201, 202 intended to be applied against the wings 101 , 102 of the part 100, and the lower intermediate half-part PI "consisting of a generally planar and horizontal lower wall 230 bordered laterally by two vertical recesses on a rear part of its depth. At the front of these lateral recesses, the half-part PI "comprises two uprights extending upward to the connection plane with the upper part 100. In these two uprights are formed two vertical slots 205, 206 ending at their lower end with a straight edge ( only the edge 208 being visible) located near the connection plane, for the purposes explained below.

moreover, from the lower wall 230 extends upwards a concealer E, the upper edge of which is horizontal in this case.

The intermediate half-part PI "ends at the front by a front wall in which is made a semicircular opening surrounded by a bead 210 projecting towards the front, in which are formed, in cooperation with said front wall, two lateral grooves 211, 212 intended to cooperate with the wedging rib of the lens Le. The bead 210 forms the lower half-ring B "for retaining the lens.

In addition, at the transition between the half-mirror part M "and the intermediate part PI", two wings 213, 214 protrude towards the sides in planes perpendicular to the optical axis xx and are intended to be located in the vertical extension of the wings 113, 114 of the part 100.

The two parts 100, 200 are assembled one against the other, by trapping the lens Le, and kept assembled using a set of metal staples A.

In this case, four staples are provided, two rear staples of which cooperate with arrangements provided at the level of the superimposed wings 101, 201 and 102, 202, the arrangements provided on the wings 102, 202 being indicated at 104, 204.

In addition, two anterior staples cooperate with the adjacent straight edges of the slots 105, 205 and 106, 206, two of these edges being designated by 108, 208.

To ensure satisfactory alignment of the parts 100, 200 during assembly, provision may be made in particular on the wings 101, 201, 102, 202 and on the upper ends of the legs and of the uprights, centering pins engaging in Holes. One of these pieces is indicated at P, and the holes are indicated at T.

FIG. 5 shows in detail the structure of the lamp holder for its half PL ′, with the lamp holding spring interposed between an outgoing flange 215 of said lamp holder, provided at the free end of an axial part 217, and an annular plate 300.

As is observed in particular in FIG. 7, the lateral recesses of the two intermediate half-parts PI ′ and PI "jointly define two large lateral openings O1 and 02 for evacuating heat.

The lights 105, 205 and 106, 206 also participate in the evacuation of heat.

It will also be noted that the aligned wings 113, 213 and 114, 214 can be used as flanges for mounting the headlight on the vehicle body.

Now with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, there is shown a second embodiment of the projector, which this time is composed of two parts 300, 400 which assemble in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, but horizontal, with a vertical connection plane.

In this embodiment, the left part 300 (looking at the headlamp from the front) comprises a part PL 'forming the left half-lamp holder, a part M' forming the left half-mirror, a half intermediate part PI 'and a half ring B '.

It is observed that the elliptical type mirror has a greater extent than in the previous embodiment, by gradually closing up to the intermediate part.

The part 300 comprises a lateral wing 301 extending in a vertical plane over the entire height of the part, substantially in the median region of the mirror. It also comprises a wing 302 extending in a vertical plane passing in the vicinity of the optical axis, over most of the depth of the projector, above and below the part. The wing 302 comprises a series of centering pins P.

The intermediate part PI ′ consists of an enlarged zone 304, of rectangular section with rounded corners, in which a lateral ventilation hole 306 is formed. This intermediate part PI 'is closed at the rear by a transverse wall in which is formed a half-opening 310, of generally semi-elliptical shape, for the passage of light. It is closed at the front by a transverse wall in which a circular half-opening is formed to receive the lens Le, this opening being bordered by a bead 307 in which a groove 308 is formed for the reception of a peripheral retaining rib belonging to the lens Le. This defines a half-ring B 'for mounting the lens.

Furthermore, along the upper and lower edges of the wing 302 are formed rear 303 and front 305 fittings intended to cooperate with assembly clips A.

The part 300 further comprises, extending at about 45 ° upwards and backwards from the base of the half-opening, a first occluding part or oblique screen E 'which comprises in its upper part , projecting in the direction of the part 400 from the vertical connection plane of the two parts 300 and 400, an extension 312.

The part 400 is produced essentially symmetrically from the part 300 and comprises a lateral wing 401 extending in the same vertical plane as the wing 301, also over the entire height of the projector. It also includes a wing 402 intended to be attached to the wing 302 over its entire extent. The wing 402 has a series of holes T intended to receive the centering pins P during assembly.

The intermediate half-part PI "is symmetrical with the intermediate half-part PI", with a side ventilation opening 406. It is also closed at the rear by a transverse wall in which is formed a half-opening 410 which, with the half-opening 310, defines a generally elliptical opening for the passage of light from the second focal point of the mirror towards the lens Le . The intermediate half-part PI "is closed at the front by a transverse wall in which is formed a circular half-opening bordered by a bead 407 in which a groove 408 is formed for the reception of a peripheral retaining rib belonging to The lens The. This defines a half-ring B "for mounting the lens.

Furthermore, along the upper and lower edges of the wing 402 are formed rear fittings 403 and front 405 intended to cooperate with the homologous fittings 303, 305 of the part 300 for the clipping of the assembly clips A.

The part 300 further comprises, extending at about 45 ° upwards and backwards from the base of the half-opening 410, a second occluding part or oblique screen E "which comprises a recess intended to receive the extension 312 of the half screen E '.

It will be observed here that, thanks to this constitution of the screen, it is ensured that the upper edge thereof, defined almost entirely by the single piece 300 due to the presence of the extension 312, is perfectly continuous and regular, to the benefit of the quality of cut of the generated beam.

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention, which differs from that of Figures 9 to 12 essentially by a different arrangement of the lamp La.

This indeed extends with a vertical axis, with a lamp holder defined by two half-lamp holders PL 'and PL "formed at the base of the half-mirrors M' + M" directly above the first foyer.

Thanks to such a positioning of the lamp, the light output can be increased insofar as the solid angle, seen from the source, of the mirror part occupied by the lamp holder can be reduced.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but those skilled in the art will be able to make any variant or modification in accordance with his spirit.

Claims (13)

Projector for a motor vehicle, comprising a lamp (La), a mirror (M) of the elliptical type having a first focal point in the vicinity of which the source is located, and a second focal point, and a converging lens (Le) focused in the vicinity of said second focal point , as well as a ring (B) for mounting the lens integral with the mirror and a lamp holder located in the vicinity of a wall of the mirror for mounting the lamp (La), a projector characterized in that the mirror, the mounting ring and the lamp holder are made in two parts (100, 200; 300, 400) assembled to each other in a direction generally perpendicular to the optical axis, each part defining a respective part (M ' , M ") of the mirror, a respective part (B ', B") of the ring and a respective part (PL', PL ") of the lamp holder. Projector according to claim 1, characterized in that each part (100, 200; 300, 400) comprises, between its respective mirror part (M ', M ") and its respective ring part (B', B"), a respective intermediate part (PI ', PI "), at least one of said respective intermediate parts carrying a concealer (E; E', E"). Projector according to claim 2, characterized in that in each respective intermediate part (PI ', PI ") are formed ventilation openings (O1, O2, 105, 106, 205, 206; 306, 406) extending laterally . Projector according to claim 3, characterized in that each intermediate part (PI ', PI ") is enlarged and has generally vertical sides in which said ventilation openings are formed. Headlamp according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each part (100, 200; 300, 400) comprises in one piece arrangements for mounting the headlamp in the vehicle. Projector according to claim 5, characterized in that said arrangements consist of generally vertical lateral wings (113, 114, 213, 214; 301, 401). Projector according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the mirror (M) closes in the direction of the lens and in that at least one of the parts (300, 400) defines a concealer (E ' , E ") inclined obliquely upwards and backwards from a respective intermediate part (PI ', PI"). Projector according to claim 7, characterized in that said inclined concealer (E ', E ") extends from the base of a light passage opening (310, 410) formed jointly by two rear transverse walls of said parts intermediaries (PI ', PI "). Projector according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each part (100, 200; 300, 400) has generally planar assembly wings (101, 102, 201, 202; 302, 402) on its axial extent. ) defining a parts connection plan. Projector according to claim 9, characterized in that the assembly wings (101, 102, 201, 202; 302, 402) have centering arrangements (P, T) facing each other. Projector according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the two parts (300, 400) are connected in a generally vertical plane in the vicinity of the optical axis (x-x) of the projector. Projector according to claim 11, characterized in that the lamp (La) is oriented vertically in the mirror (M). Headlamp according to claim 2 taken in combination with one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that said blackout is defined by two blackout parts (E ', E ") formed respectively on the two parts (300, 400) , and in that a concealer part (E ') has a lateral extension (312), beyond the connection plane, at least in its upper part.

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