EP1039215A1 - Improved signal light for motor vehicle comprising a plurality of light sources - Google Patents

Improved signal light for motor vehicle comprising a plurality of light sources Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1039215A1
EP1039215A1 EP00400377A EP00400377A EP1039215A1 EP 1039215 A1 EP1039215 A1 EP 1039215A1 EP 00400377 A EP00400377 A EP 00400377A EP 00400377 A EP00400377 A EP 00400377A EP 1039215 A1 EP1039215 A1 EP 1039215A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light according
signaling light
balloons
signaling
light
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Granted
Application number
EP00400377A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1039215B1 (en
Inventor
Jean Paul Charret
Jean Claude Gasquet
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/26—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/10—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source
    • F21S43/13—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S43/14—Light emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally multi-source signal lights for motor vehicles, and in particular lights having as light source a distributed set of light emitting diodes.
  • LEDs signaling light at light emitting diodes
  • An advantage of this type of fire is that its extinct appearance may be completely colorless, LEDs directly emitting radiation (red, amber or regulatory color white).
  • each LED being associated with an individual miniature reflector to recover the radiation emitted by the LED with a steep inclination from its main direction resignation.
  • Optical arrangements such as Fresnel lenses are also provided for in the law of each LED to collimate its radiation in the main direction of emission, generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
  • the present invention proposes to overcome these limitations of the state of the art, and aims to propose a multiple LED signal light which on the one hand can have a relatively small number of LEDs, and which on the other hand offers the observer, in all position of the latter at least in the illumination field regulation of the light function considered, the vision of the light generated by each of these LEDs, this in order to obtain the impression in all circumstances of a homogeneous matrix fire of well defined contours.
  • Another object of the invention is to obtain, together with such optical properties, a fire signaling which presents, both in the on state and in the extinct state, a particularly new aspect interesting for stylists.
  • the present invention provides a fire signaling for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of light sources such as diodes electroluminescent and optical processing means light from sources to generate a signaling beam in an illuminating surface of given scope, these processing means comprising a optical processing element to the right of each of said sources, and an external indicator essentially optically inactive, characterized in that each optical processing element is constituted by a individual balloon capable of distributing the light received towards the whole extent of the illuminating surface, said individual balloons being mounted at right openings formed in a support.
  • this cell comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) including a housing 10 substantially parallelepipedic has on one side the actual source 11, with main emission axis x-x and a substantially hemispherical and hollow balloon 20 of optical treatment of light from the LED.
  • LED light-emitting diode
  • This balloon 20 preferably made of material colorless transparent molded plastic, intended for perform a spatial distribution of this light from to fill the grid in a controlled manner photometric imposed by the specifications and regulations, depending on the type of light (position, stop, reversing, flashing, fog, ).
  • the external face of this balloon is smooth, and its inner face has a multiplicity of individual facets 21 intended for carry out the aforementioned distribution.
  • the light distribution dioptres are formed on outside of balloon 20, or both inside and outside of the ball.
  • these diopters are formed by projection of type patterns cylindrical, parabolic, possibly combined with a prismatic function, in a manner well known in itself of the skilled person.
  • one side of the balloon processes the light distribution in a first direction given, for example vertical, and that the other side of the balloon processes the distribution of light in the orthogonal direction, in this case horizontal.
  • Figure 2 illustrates in more detail the case where the balloon 20 is, as indicated above, smooth on its face external 22 and provided with facets 21 on its internal face. he is interesting to observe here that facets 21 are joined together by draft surfaces 211 which also have the property of being, at least for some, optically active (see department R1).
  • the number of such cells in a fire signage is chosen mainly based on the light power available at each LED, knowing that advances in technology allow today to realize LEDs more and more powerful. So, for a fire made today with 25 watt filament lamps (especially for lights stop and indicators), we can reach the minima regulatory with a light comprising from 10 to 15 LEDs.
  • Figure 3 schematically illustrates a fire according to the invention, comprising three rows of four cells, and illustrates one of these rows.
  • This light has a housing or base 30 closed to the front by a transparent 40, advantageously smooth and colorless to give the fire a "showcase" appearance particularly sought after today by stylists.
  • LEDs 10 are electrically powered from a common support 12 (or by supports independent), and are received in a mounting plate and optical recovery 50, fixed inside the light by means not shown.
  • this plate has a set of conical cavities 51 having in their bottom a respective opening 55 of dimension adapted to the LED, in which it is rear mounted.
  • This plate 50 is advantageously designed to be reflective (for example by a vacuum metallization process), so that the conical surfaces of the cavities 51 recover the light emitted by the respective LEDs with a inclination greater than half an angle at the top of the cone, to straighten this light towards the main direction emission x-x.
  • each conical cavity is surmounted by an annular shoulder 52 on which supports and is fixed (for example by gluing or welding ultrasound the associated balloon 20.
  • the plate 50 also has, between the different optical cells each consisting of a LED, the conical cavity 51 and the associated balloon 20, a curved wall 53, which follows the curve of the transparent 40, at a short distance determined at inside of it. Finally the plate 50 has other conical recesses 54 extending between the shoulders 52 and style wall 53, to give said plate its structural continuity.
  • the half angle at the top of the conical parts 54 is chosen so to substantially not obscure the light coming out of respective balloons 20, so as not to alter the photometry.
  • the shape and depth of the conical recesses 54 are chosen here on the one hand so that the optical cells have x-x optical axes which are all parallel to each other, that is to say that the shoulders 52 extend in parallel planes between them, and on the other hand so that the tops of balloons 20 are substantially flush with the imaginary extensions of the external face of the wall style 53 at their level.
  • a signaling according to the invention can be easily adapted, playing in particular on the curve of the wall 53 and on the distribution of light cells in the extent of this wall, in all configurations imposed in terms of dimensions, contours, curvature, ... of the traffic light.
  • FIG. 5 a variant for making balloon 20, according to which its face internal is always provided with facets 21 of light distribution, and its external face 22 comprises in addition, near the base of the balloon, a plurality of streaks 221 extending along trajectories circular in planes perpendicular to x-x.
  • Such streaks can contribute to homogeneity light distribution especially in areas extremes of the illuminating range. They can also be adopted for reasons of style.
  • the color of the radiation at the exit of the fire is given by any combination of color as emitted by LEDs, of a possible color of the balloons 20 and of a possible shade of transparency 40.
  • each balloon 20 can if necessary be made in two juxtaposed parts and each having its own light distribution diopters, in particular if the constraints in terms of release require it.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

The signal lighting comprises of a housing that is closed by a clear lens (22). The interior of the lens includes a series of angular faces (21,211) that refract the light evenly across the lens. A light housing (10) comprises a light source (11), in this case an LED. The internal lens facings refract the light that is emitted by the LED uniformly across the lens surface.

Description

La présente invention concerne d'une façon générale les feux de signalisation à sources multiples pour véhicules automobiles, et en particulier les feux possédant comme source lumineuse un ensemble réparti de diodes électroluminescentes.The present invention relates generally multi-source signal lights for motor vehicles, and in particular lights having as light source a distributed set of light emitting diodes.

De façon connue, un tel feu de signalisation à diodes électroluminescentes (DELs) possède, en association avec chaque DEL, une optique capable de répartir la lumière émise par la DEL dans un champ d'éclairement donné. Un avantage de ce type de feu est que son aspect éteint peut être totalement incolore, les DELs émettant directement un rayonnement (rouge, ambre ou blanc de couleur réglementaire).As is known, such a signaling light at light emitting diodes (LEDs) have, in association with each LED, an optic capable of distribute the light emitted by the LED in a field of given illumination. An advantage of this type of fire is that its extinct appearance may be completely colorless, LEDs directly emitting radiation (red, amber or regulatory color white).

Le document FR 2 707 223 A et FR 2 711 215 A décrivent des feux de signalisation de ce type, chaque DEL étant associée à un réflecteur miniature individuel pour récupérer le rayonnement émis par la DEL avec une forte inclinaison par rapport à sa direction principale d'émission. Des aménagements optiques tels que des lentilles de Fresnel sont par ailleurs prévus au droit de chaque DEL pour collimater son rayonnement dans la direction principale d'émission, en général parallèle à l'axe longitudinal du véhicule.The document FR 2 707 223 A and FR 2 711 215 A describe such traffic lights, each LED being associated with an individual miniature reflector to recover the radiation emitted by the LED with a steep inclination from its main direction resignation. Optical arrangements such as Fresnel lenses are also provided for in the law of each LED to collimate its radiation in the main direction of emission, generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

La répartition spatiale de la lumière en sortie de ces lentilles de Fresnel, destinée à remplir la grille photométrique réglementaire, est assurée par exemple par un écran extérieur possédant un billage sphérique ou torique, ou encore par d'autres éléments optiques prévus sur la pièce optique portant les lentilles de Fresnel. Une difficulté avec ce type de feu connu réside en ce que, si l'on considère un sous-ensemble élémentaire constitué d'une DEL, de son récupérateur et de son optique, ce sous-ensemble éclaire une certaine zone de la grille photométrique, mais de façon non optimale. En particulier, le remplissage homogène et complet du champ d'éclairement réglementaire du feu nécessite de recourir à un nombre de DELs important.The spatial distribution of the light coming out of these Fresnel lenses, intended to fill the grid photometric regulation, is ensured for example by an outdoor screen with spherical billing or toric, or by other optical elements provided on the optical part carrying the Fresnel lenses. A difficulty with this type of known fire lies in what, if we consider an elementary subset consisting of an LED, its recuperator and its optics, this subset illuminates a certain area of the photometric grid, but not optimally. In particular, the homogeneous and complete filling of the field of regulatory light of the fire requires to resort to a large number of LEDs.

Mais alors que cette exigence n'est pas particulièrement contraignante avec des DELs de faible puissance, elle devient gênante lorsque l'on souhaite utiliser des DELs plus puissantes, que l'évolution technologique permet de réaliser aujourd'hui, en diminuant le nombre de celles-ci.But while this requirement is not particularly restrictive with low LEDs power, it becomes annoying when you want use more powerful LEDs, than evolution technology allows to realize today, in decreasing the number of these.

A cet égard, un remplissage du champ d'éclairement avec des sous-ensembles qui chacun vont éclairer un domaine propre de ce champ conduit à un inconvénient d'ordre esthétique lorsque le feu est allumé et que l'on se déplace devant lui, en ce sens que selon la position de l'observateur, certaines DELs vont paraítre allumées et d'autres éteintes, et cette répartition entre DELs « allumées » et DELs « éteintes » va varier.In this regard, filling the lighting field with subsets which will each illuminate a proper domain of this field leads to a disadvantage aesthetic when the fire is on and you moves in front of it, in the sense that depending on the position from the observer, some LEDs will appear to be on and others off, and this distribution between LEDs "On" and LEDs "off" will vary.

Ainsi la plage éclairante observable à la surface externe du voyant du feu va être relativement indéfinie et variable, ce qui est indésirable.Thus the illuminating surface observable on the surface external of the fire indicator is going to be relatively undefined and variable, which is undesirable.

La présente invention se propose de pallier ces limitations de l'état de la technique, et vise à proposer un feu de signalisation à DELs multiples qui d'une part puisse comporte un nombre de DELs relativement restreint, et qui d'autre part offre à l'observateur, en toute position de celui-ci au moins dans le champ d'éclairement réglementaire de la fonction lumineuse considérée, la vision de la lumière engendrée par chacune de ces DELs, ceci afin d'obtenir en toute circonstance l'impression d'un feu matriciel homogène de contours bien déterminés. The present invention proposes to overcome these limitations of the state of the art, and aims to propose a multiple LED signal light which on the one hand can have a relatively small number of LEDs, and which on the other hand offers the observer, in all position of the latter at least in the illumination field regulation of the light function considered, the vision of the light generated by each of these LEDs, this in order to obtain the impression in all circumstances of a homogeneous matrix fire of well defined contours.

Un autre objet de l'invention est d'obtenir, conjointement avec de telles propriétés optiques, un feu de signalisation qui présente, tant à l'état allumé qu'à l'état éteint, un aspect nouveau particulièrement intéressant pour les stylistes.Another object of the invention is to obtain, together with such optical properties, a fire signaling which presents, both in the on state and in the extinct state, a particularly new aspect interesting for stylists.

Ainsi la présente invention propose un feu de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, comprenant une pluralité de sources lumineuses telles que des diodes électroluminescentes et des moyens de traitement optique de la lumière issue des sources pour engendrer un faisceau de signalisation dans une plage éclairante d'étendue donnée, ces moyens de traitement comprenant un élément de traitement optique au droit de chacune desdites sources, et un voyant extérieur essentiellement inactif du point de vue optique, caractérisé en ce que chaque élément de traitement optique est constitué par un ballon individuel apte à effectuer une répartition de la lumière reçue vers toute l'étendue la plage éclairante, lesdits ballons individuels étant montés au droit d'ouvertures formées dans un support.Thus the present invention provides a fire signaling for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of light sources such as diodes electroluminescent and optical processing means light from sources to generate a signaling beam in an illuminating surface of given scope, these processing means comprising a optical processing element to the right of each of said sources, and an external indicator essentially optically inactive, characterized in that each optical processing element is constituted by a individual balloon capable of distributing the light received towards the whole extent of the illuminating surface, said individual balloons being mounted at right openings formed in a support.

Des aspects préférés, mais non limitatifs, de ce feu de signalisation sont les suivants :

  • les ballons sont de forme générale hémisphérique creuse, leur face concave étant tournée vers la source respective.
  • les ballons sont tous de même taille.
  • les ballons sont tous identiques.
  • chaque ballon possède une face intérieure pourvue d'une multiplicité de facettes de répartition de la lumière.
  • chaque ballon possède une face extérieure lisse.
  • chaque ballon possède une face extérieure partiellement lisse et partiellement striée.
  • ledit support est formé par une plaque commune d'ossature et de style possédant une pluralité de logements pour les sources lumineuses et une pluralité de surfaces de montage pour les ballons.
  • ladite plaque commune est opaque.
  • la plaque commune définit entre lesdits logements et lesdites surfaces de montage des récupérateurs de flux généralement coniques.
  • lesdites surfaces de montage sont des surfaces annulaires prévues au fond d'une pluralité d'évidements s'étendant à partir d'une paroi de style appartenant à ladite plaque commune.
  • le voyant est galbé, et ladite paroi de style est également galbée pour sensiblement épouser ledit voyant.
  • lesdites surfaces de montage annulaires s'étendent dans des plans parallèles entre eux.
  • lesdites surfaces de montage annulaires sont positionnées par rapport à la paroi de style de telle sorte que les sommets de ballons affleurent sur des prolongements imaginaires de ladite paroi de style au niveau des évidements.
  • lesdits ballons et ledit voyant sont incolores.
  • les sources lumineuses émettent un rayonnement coloré.
  • en vue de face, les ballons occupent une surface inférieure à environ la moitié de la surface du feu.
Preferred, but not limiting, aspects of this signal light are:
  • the balloons are generally hollow hemispherical in shape, their concave face facing the respective source.
  • the balloons are all the same size.
  • the balloons are all identical.
  • each balloon has an interior face provided with a multiplicity of light distribution facets.
  • each balloon has a smooth outer face.
  • each balloon has a partially smooth and partially striated outer face.
  • said support is formed by a common frame and style plate having a plurality of housings for the light sources and a plurality of mounting surfaces for the balloons.
  • said common plate is opaque.
  • the common plate defines between said housings and said mounting surfaces of generally conical flow recuperators.
  • said mounting surfaces are annular surfaces provided at the bottom of a plurality of recesses extending from a style wall belonging to said common plate.
  • the indicator is curved, and said style wall is also curved to substantially match said indicator.
  • said annular mounting surfaces extend in planes parallel to each other.
  • said annular mounting surfaces are positioned relative to the style wall so that the tops of balloons are flush with imaginary extensions of said style wall at the recesses.
  • said balloons and said sight glass are colorless.
  • light sources emit colored radiation.
  • in front view, the balloons occupy an area less than approximately half the surface of the light.

D'autres aspects, buts et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront mieux à la lecture de la description détaillée suivante de formes de réalisation préférées de celle-ci, donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue schématique et partielle en perspective d'une cellule optique d'un feu de signalisation selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue schématique et partielle en coupe axiale de la cellule optique de la figure 1,
  • la figure 3 est une vue schématique en coupe horizontale d'un feu de signalisation selon l'invention, incorporant une pluralité de cellules optiques selon les figures 1 et 2,
  • la figure 4 est une vue partielle de face du feu de signalisation de la figure 3, et
  • la figure 5 est une vue schématique et partielle en coupe axiale d'une variante de réalisation d'une cellule optique selon l'invention.
    • 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 and partial perspective view of an optical cell of a signaling light according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic and partial view in axial section of the optical cell of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view in horizontal section of a signaling light according to the invention, incorporating a plurality of optical cells according to FIGS. 1 and 2,
  • FIG. 4 is a partial front view of the signaling light of FIG. 3, and
  • Figure 5 is a schematic and partial view in axial section of an alternative embodiment of an optical cell according to the invention.

    • En référence tout d'abord aux figures 1 et 2, on a représenté partiellement une cellule optique d'un feu de signalisation selon l'invention, cette cellule comprenant une diode électroluminescente (DEL) dont un boítier 10 sensiblement parallélépipédique possède sur une face la source proprement-dite 11, d'axe principal d'émission x-x et un ballon sensiblement hémisphérique et creux 20 de traitement optique de la lumière issue de la DEL.Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, we have partially shown an optical cell of a signaling according to the invention, this cell comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) including a housing 10 substantially parallelepipedic has on one side the actual source 11, with main emission axis x-x and a substantially hemispherical and hollow balloon 20 of optical treatment of light from the LED.

    Ce ballon 20, réalisé de préférence en matière plastique transparente incolore moulée, est destiné à effectuer une répartition spatiale de cette lumière de façon à remplir de façon contrôlée la grille photométrique imposée par le cahier des charges et les règlements, en fonction du type de feu (position, stop, recul, clignotant, brouillard, ...). This balloon 20, preferably made of material colorless transparent molded plastic, intended for perform a spatial distribution of this light from to fill the grid in a controlled manner photometric imposed by the specifications and regulations, depending on the type of light (position, stop, reversing, flashing, fog, ...).

    Dans le présent exemple, la face externe de ce ballon est lisse, et sa face intérieure possède une multiplicité de facettes individuelles 21 destinées à effectuer la répartition précitée.In the present example, the external face of this balloon is smooth, and its inner face has a multiplicity of individual facets 21 intended for carry out the aforementioned distribution.

    L'orientation de ces différentes facettes est effectuée préférentiellement avec des moyens de conception assistée par ordinateur, ce qui ne pose pas de difficultés particulières pour l'homme du métier.The orientation of these different facets is preferably carried out with means of computer-aided design, which does not pose particular difficulties for the skilled person.

    On peut bien entendu, en variante, prévoir que les dioptres de répartition lumineuse soient formés sur l'extérieur du ballon 20, ou encore à la fois sur l'intérieur et sur l'extérieur du ballon.It can of course, as a variant, provide that the light distribution dioptres are formed on outside of balloon 20, or both inside and outside of the ball.

    On peut par ailleurs prévoir que ces dioptres soient formés par projection de motifs de type cylindrique, parabolique, combinés éventuellement à une fonction prismatique, de façon bien connue en soi de l'homme du métier.We can also predict that these diopters are formed by projection of type patterns cylindrical, parabolic, possibly combined with a prismatic function, in a manner well known in itself of the skilled person.

    Comme on le verra également plus loin, on peut prévoir que l'une des faces du ballon traite la répartition de la lumière dans une première direction donnée, par exemple verticale, et que l'autre face du ballon traite la répartition de la lumière dans la direction orthogonale, en l'occurrence horizontale.As we will also see below, we can provide that one side of the balloon processes the light distribution in a first direction given, for example vertical, and that the other side of the balloon processes the distribution of light in the orthogonal direction, in this case horizontal.

    La figure 2 illustre plus en détail le cas où le ballon 20 est, comme indiqué plus haut, lisse sur sa face externe 22 et muni de facettes 21 sur sa face interne. Il est intéressant d'observer ici que les facettes 21 sont réunies les unes aux autres par des surfaces de dépouille 211 qui ont la propriété d'être également, au moins pour certaines, optiquement actives (voir rayon R1).Figure 2 illustrates in more detail the case where the balloon 20 is, as indicated above, smooth on its face external 22 and provided with facets 21 on its internal face. he is interesting to observe here that facets 21 are joined together by draft surfaces 211 which also have the property of being, at least for some, optically active (see department R1).

    Le nombre de telles cellules dans un feu de signalisation est choisi principalement en fonction de la puissance lumineuse disponible au niveau de chaque DEL, sachant que les progrès de la technologie permettent aujourd'hui de réaliser des DELs de plus en plus puissantes. Ainsi, pour un feu réalisé de nos jours avec des lampes à filament de 25 watts (cas notamment des feux stop et clignotants), on peut atteindre les minima réglementaires avec un feu comportant de 10 à 15 DELs.The number of such cells in a fire signage is chosen mainly based on the light power available at each LED, knowing that advances in technology allow today to realize LEDs more and more powerful. So, for a fire made today with 25 watt filament lamps (especially for lights stop and indicators), we can reach the minima regulatory with a light comprising from 10 to 15 LEDs.

    La figure 3 illustre schématiquement un feu selon l'invention, comportant trois rangées de quatre cellules, et illustre l'une de ces rangées.Figure 3 schematically illustrates a fire according to the invention, comprising three rows of four cells, and illustrates one of these rows.

    Ce feu possède un boítier ou socle 30 fermé à l'avant par un transparent 40, avantageusement lisse et incolore pour conférer au feu un aspect « vitrine » particulièrement recherché aujourd'hui par les stylistes.This light has a housing or base 30 closed to the front by a transparent 40, advantageously smooth and colorless to give the fire a "showcase" appearance particularly sought after today by stylists.

    Les DELs 10 sont alimentées électriquement à partir d'un support commun 12 (ou par des supports indépendants), et sont reçues dans une plaque de montage et de récupération optique 50, fixée à l'intérieur du feu par des moyens non représentés. Plus précisément, cette plaque possède un ensemble de cavités coniques 51 présentant en leur fond une ouverture respective 55 de dimension adaptée à la DEL, dans laquelle celle-ci est montée par l'arrière. Cette plaque 50 est avantageusement conçue de façon à être réfléchissante (par exemple par un procédé de métallisation sous vide), de telle sorte que les surfaces coniques des cavités 51 récupèrent la lumière émise par les DELs respectives avec une inclinaison supérieure au demi-angle au sommet du cône, pour redresser cette lumière vers la direction principale d'émission x-x.LEDs 10 are electrically powered from a common support 12 (or by supports independent), and are received in a mounting plate and optical recovery 50, fixed inside the light by means not shown. Specifically, this plate has a set of conical cavities 51 having in their bottom a respective opening 55 of dimension adapted to the LED, in which it is rear mounted. This plate 50 is advantageously designed to be reflective (for example by a vacuum metallization process), so that the conical surfaces of the cavities 51 recover the light emitted by the respective LEDs with a inclination greater than half an angle at the top of the cone, to straighten this light towards the main direction emission x-x.

    On observe également que chaque cavité conique est surmontée par un épaulement annulaire 52 sur lequel s'appuie et est fixé (par exemple par collage ou soudage aux ultrasons le ballon associé 20.We also observe that each conical cavity is surmounted by an annular shoulder 52 on which supports and is fixed (for example by gluing or welding ultrasound the associated balloon 20.

    La plaque 50 possède par ailleurs, entre les différentes cellules optiques constituées chacune d'une DEL, de la cavité conique 51 et du ballon 20 associés, une paroi de style galbée 53, qui épouse le galbe du transparent 40, à une faible distance déterminée à l'intérieur de celui-ci. Enfin la plaque 50 possède d'autres évidements coniques 54 s'étendant entre les épaulements 52 et la paroi de style 53, pour donner à ladite plaque sa continuité de structure. Le demi-angle au sommet des parties coniques 54 est choisie de manière à sensiblement ne pas occulter la lumière en sortie des ballons respectifs 20, afin de ne pas altérer la photométrie. En outre, et comme le montre bien la figure 3, la forme et la profondeur des évidements coniques 54 sont choisies ici d'une part de façon à ce que les cellules optiques aient des axes optiques x-x qui soient tous parallèles entre eux, c'est-à-dire que les épaulements 52 s'étendent dans des plans parallèles entre eux, et d'autre part de façon à ce que les sommets des ballons 20 soient sensiblement en affleurement sur les prolongements imaginaires de la face externe de la paroi de style 53 à leur niveau.The plate 50 also has, between the different optical cells each consisting of a LED, the conical cavity 51 and the associated balloon 20, a curved wall 53, which follows the curve of the transparent 40, at a short distance determined at inside of it. Finally the plate 50 has other conical recesses 54 extending between the shoulders 52 and style wall 53, to give said plate its structural continuity. The half angle at the top of the conical parts 54 is chosen so to substantially not obscure the light coming out of respective balloons 20, so as not to alter the photometry. Furthermore, and as the figure clearly shows 3, the shape and depth of the conical recesses 54 are chosen here on the one hand so that the optical cells have x-x optical axes which are all parallel to each other, that is to say that the shoulders 52 extend in parallel planes between them, and on the other hand so that the tops of balloons 20 are substantially flush with the imaginary extensions of the external face of the wall style 53 at their level.

    On réalise de la sorte un feu de signalisation multi-sources dans lequel, au contraire de ce qui se pratiquait dans le passé dans les feux à DELs, on vise non plus une continuité de la plage éclairante, mais un aspect matriciel marqué, dans lequel chaque source, ou plus précisément chaque ballon, éclaire dans l'intégralité de la plage éclairante recherchée, avec une intensité contrôlée. Ce nouvel aspect sera bien compris en observant la figure 4, où l'on a également tracé des sections des différentes surfaces illustrées, afin d'en matérialiser le relief. L'on observe aussi sur cette figure que la surface occupée par les ballons est très sensiblement inférieure à la surface totale du feu. Typiquement, la surface occupée par les ballons sera inférieure à environ la moitié de la surface totale du feu.In this way a traffic light is produced multi-source in which, contrary to what is practiced in the past in LED lights, we aim no longer a continuity of the illuminating surface, but a marked matrix aspect, in which each source, or more precisely each balloon, lights up in the entire illuminating surface sought, with a controlled intensity. This new aspect will be well understood observing figure 4, where we have also drawn sections of the different areas illustrated, in order to materialize the relief. We also observe on this figure that the surface occupied by the balloons is very significantly less than the total surface of the fire. Typically, the surface occupied by the balloons will be less than about half the total area of the fire.

    En même temps, on comprend qu'un feu de signalisation selon l'invention peut être facilement adapté, en jouant notamment sur le galbe de la paroi 53 et sur la répartition des cellules lumineuses dans l'étendue de cette paroi, à toutes configurations imposées en termes de dimensions, de contours, de courbure, ... du feu de signalisation.At the same time, we understand that a signaling according to the invention can be easily adapted, playing in particular on the curve of the wall 53 and on the distribution of light cells in the extent of this wall, in all configurations imposed in terms of dimensions, contours, curvature, ... of the traffic light.

    On observera par ailleurs que, la couleur du faisceau de signalisation étant donnée directement par les LEDs, un tel feu peut présenter lorsqu'il est éteint un aspect parfaitement incolore, avec de surcroít un aspect « vitrine » intéressant.It will also be observed that, the color of the signaling beam being given directly by LEDs, such a fire can present when it is extinguished a perfectly colorless appearance, with an additional interesting "showcase" aspect.

    On a enfin représenté sur la figure 5 une variante de réalisation du ballon 20, selon laquelle sa face interne est toujours pourvue de facettes 21 de répartition de la lumière, et sa face externe 22 comporte en outre, au voisinage de la base du ballon, une pluralité de stries 221 s'étendant selon des trajectoires circulaires dans des plans perpendiculaires à x-x.Finally, there is shown in FIG. 5 a variant for making balloon 20, according to which its face internal is always provided with facets 21 of light distribution, and its external face 22 comprises in addition, near the base of the balloon, a plurality of streaks 221 extending along trajectories circular in planes perpendicular to x-x.

    De telles stries peuvent contribuer à l'homogénéité de la répartition lumineuse notamment dans les zones extrêmes de la plage éclairante. Elles peuvent également être adoptées pour des raisons de style. Such streaks can contribute to homogeneity light distribution especially in areas extremes of the illuminating range. They can also be adopted for reasons of style.

    Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est nullement limitée aux formes de réalisation décrites et représentées, mais l'homme du métier saura y apporter toute variante ou modification conforme à son esprit.Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and represented, but the skilled person will be able to bring it any variant or modification in accordance with its spirit.

    En particulier, on peut prévoir de réaliser la plaque 50, ou tout au moins sa paroi de style 53, non plus avec un aspect neutre réfléchissant, mais avec une couleur choisie, par exemple celle de la carrosserie du véhicule. Ceci peut être réalisé soit en réalisant la plaque avec une matière plastique teintée dans la masse, soit par peinture.In particular, provision may be made to carry out the plate 50, or at least its style wall 53, not more with a neutral reflective appearance, but with a chosen color, for example that of the body of the vehicle. This can be done either by performing the plate with a mass-dyed plastic, either by painting.

    Par ailleurs, on peut également prévoir que la couleur du rayonnement en sortie du feu soit donnée par toute combinaison de la couleur telle qu'émise par les DELs, d'une éventuelle teinte des ballons 20 et d'une éventuelle teinte du transparent 40.Furthermore, it can also be foreseen that the color of the radiation at the exit of the fire is given by any combination of color as emitted by LEDs, of a possible color of the balloons 20 and of a possible shade of transparency 40.

    Enfin chaque ballon 20 peut le cas échéant être réalisé en deux parties juxtaposées et possédant chacune ses propres dioptres de répartition lumineuse, notamment si les contraintes en matière de démoulage l'imposent.Finally each balloon 20 can if necessary be made in two juxtaposed parts and each having its own light distribution diopters, in particular if the constraints in terms of release require it.

    Claims (17)

    Feu de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, comprenant une pluralité de sources lumineuses (10) telles que des diodes électroluminescentes et des moyens (20) de traitement optique de la lumière issue des sources pour engendrer un faisceau de signalisation dans une plage éclairante d'étendue donnée, ces moyens de traitement comprenant un élément de traitement optique (20) au droit de chacune desdites sources, et un voyant extérieur (40) essentiellement inactif du point de vue optique, caractérisé en ce que chaque élément de traitement optique (20) est constitué par un ballon individuel apte à effectuer une répartition de la lumière reçue vers toute l'étendue la plage éclairante, lesdits ballons individuels étant montés au droit d'ouvertures (55) formées dans un support (50).Signaling light for vehicle automotive, comprising a plurality of sources luminous (10) such as diodes electroluminescent and processing means (20) optics of light from sources to generate a signaling beam in an illuminating surface of given scope, these processing means comprising a optical processing element (20) in front of each from said sources, and an external indicator (40) essentially optically inactive, characterized in that each processing element optic (20) consists of an individual balloon capable to distribute the light received towards the whole extent of the illuminating surface, said balloons individual being mounted to the right of openings (55) formed in a support (50). Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les ballons (20) sont de forme générale hémisphérique creuse, leur face concave étant tournée vers la source respective.Signaling light according to claim 1, characterized in that the balloons (20) are shaped general hollow hemispherical, their concave face being facing the respective source. Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les ballons (20) sont tous de même taille.Signaling light according to claim 2, characterized in that the balloons (20) are all of same size. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que les ballons (20) sont tous identiques. Signaling light according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the balloons (20) are all identical. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que chaque ballon (20) possède une face intérieure pourvue d'une multiplicité de facettes (21, 211) de répartition de la lumière.Signaling light according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each balloon (20) has an inner face provided with a multiplicity of facets (21, 211) of distribution of the light. Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que chaque ballon (20) possède une face extérieure lisse (22).Signaling light according to claim 5, characterized in that each balloon (20) has a smooth outer face (22). Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que chaque ballon (20) possède une face extérieure partiellement lisse (22) et partiellement striée (221).Signaling light according to claim 5, characterized in that each balloon (20) has a partially smooth exterior face (22) and partially striated (221). Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que ledit support est formé par une plaque commune (50) d'ossature et de style possédant une pluralité de logements (55) pour les sources lumineuses et une pluralité de surfaces de montage (52) pour les ballons (20).Signaling light according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said support is formed by a common plate (50) of framework and style having a plurality of housings (55) for light sources and a plurality of surfaces of mounting (52) for the balloons (20). Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que ladite plaque commune est opaque.Signaling light according to claim 8, characterized in that said common plate is opaque. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendications 8 et 9, caractérisé en ce que la plaque commune (50) définit entre lesdits logements (55) et lesdites surfaces de montage (52) des récupérateurs de flux généralement coniques (51). Signaling light according to one of claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the plate common (50) defines between said housings (55) and said mounting surfaces (52) of the recuperators generally conical flows (51). Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendications 8 à 10, caractérisé en ce que lesdites surfaces de montage (52) sont des surfaces annulaires prévues au fond d'une pluralité d'évidements (54) s'étendant à partir d'une paroi de style (53) appartenant à ladite plaque commune (50).Signaling light according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said mounting surfaces (52) are annular surfaces provided at the bottom of a plurality of recesses (54) extending from a style wall (53) belonging to said common plate (50). Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 11, caractérisée en ce que le voyant (40) est galbé, et en ce que ladite paroi de style (53) est également galbée pour sensiblement épouser ledit voyant.Signaling light according to claim 11, characterized in that the sight glass (40) is curved, and in that said style wall (53) is also curved to substantially marry said light. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendications 10 et 11, caractérisé en ce que lesdites surfaces de montage annulaires (52) s'étendent dans des plans parallèles entre eux.Signaling light according to one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that said annular mounting surfaces (52) extend into planes parallel to each other. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendications 10 à 13, caractérisé en ce que lesdites surfaces de montage annulaires (52) sont positionnées par rapport à la paroi de style (53) de telle sorte que les sommets de ballons (20) affleurent sur des prolongements imaginaires de ladite paroi de style au niveau des évidements.Signaling light according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that said annular mounting surfaces (52) are positioned by compared to the style wall (53) so that the tops of balloons (20) outcrop on extensions imaginary of said style wall at the level of recesses. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendications 1 à 14, caractérisé en ce que lesdits ballons (20) et ledit voyant (40) sont incolores.Signaling light according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said balloons (20) and said sight glass (40) are colorless. Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 15, caractérisé en ce que les sources lumineuses (10) émettent un rayonnement coloré. Signaling light according to claim 15, characterized in that the light sources (10) emit colored radiation. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendications 1 à 15, caractérisé en ce qu'en vue de face, les ballons (20) occupent une surface inférieure à environ la moitié de la surface du feu.Signaling light according to one of Claims 1 to 15, characterized in that for the purpose of face, the balloons (20) occupy an area less than about half the surface of the fire.
    EP00400377A 1999-03-19 2000-02-10 Improved signal light for motor vehicle comprising a plurality of light sources Expired - Lifetime EP1039215B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    FR9903443 1999-03-19
    FR9903443A FR2791121B1 (en) 1999-03-19 1999-03-19 IMPROVED MULTI-SOURCE SIGNAL LIGHT FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

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    EP1039215A1 true EP1039215A1 (en) 2000-09-27
    EP1039215B1 EP1039215B1 (en) 2006-10-25

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    EP00400377A Expired - Lifetime EP1039215B1 (en) 1999-03-19 2000-02-10 Improved signal light for motor vehicle comprising a plurality of light sources

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    DE (1) DE60031469T2 (en)
    ES (1) ES2274769T3 (en)
    FR (1) FR2791121B1 (en)

    Cited By (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    EP1213531A3 (en) * 2000-12-06 2002-10-23 Hella KG Hueck & Co. Vehicle lamp

    Citations (3)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE3916875A1 (en) * 1989-05-24 1990-12-06 Ullmann Ulo Werk Signal light esp. multi-compartment signal lights for motor vehicle - uses green, red, and blue LED's combined so that single light is given with help of mix optics
    FR2707223A1 (en) 1993-07-07 1995-01-13 Valeo Vision Advanced signaling light with light-emitting diodes.
    FR2711215A1 (en) 1993-10-13 1995-04-21 Valeo Vision Signal light with multiple sources and intermediate optical processing plate for a motor vehicle.

    Patent Citations (3)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    DE3916875A1 (en) * 1989-05-24 1990-12-06 Ullmann Ulo Werk Signal light esp. multi-compartment signal lights for motor vehicle - uses green, red, and blue LED's combined so that single light is given with help of mix optics
    FR2707223A1 (en) 1993-07-07 1995-01-13 Valeo Vision Advanced signaling light with light-emitting diodes.
    FR2711215A1 (en) 1993-10-13 1995-04-21 Valeo Vision Signal light with multiple sources and intermediate optical processing plate for a motor vehicle.

    Cited By (1)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    EP1213531A3 (en) * 2000-12-06 2002-10-23 Hella KG Hueck & Co. Vehicle lamp

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    DE60031469T2 (en) 2007-08-23
    FR2791121A1 (en) 2000-09-22
    DE60031469D1 (en) 2006-12-07
    FR2791121B1 (en) 2001-06-08
    EP1039215B1 (en) 2006-10-25
    ES2274769T3 (en) 2007-06-01

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