EP1850064B1 - Lighting or signalling device with depth effect - Google Patents

Lighting or signalling device with depth effect Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1850064B1
EP1850064B1 EP20070290461 EP07290461A EP1850064B1 EP 1850064 B1 EP1850064 B1 EP 1850064B1 EP 20070290461 EP20070290461 EP 20070290461 EP 07290461 A EP07290461 A EP 07290461A EP 1850064 B1 EP1850064 B1 EP 1850064B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
screen
screens
optical patterns
stack
light
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
EP20070290461
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1850064A1 (en
Inventor
Alcina Tanghe
Benjamin Thierry
Jean-Claude Gasquet
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Publication of EP1850064A1 publication Critical patent/EP1850064A1/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • F21S43/235—Light guides
    • F21S43/249—Light guides with two or more light sources being coupled into the light guide
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/24—Light guides
    • 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
    • F21S43/235—Light guides
    • F21S43/236—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide
    • F21S43/239—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide plate-shaped
    • 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
    • F21S43/235—Light guides
    • F21S43/242—Light guides characterised by the emission area
    • F21S43/243—Light guides characterised by the emission area emitting light from one or more of its extremities

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a lighting or signaling device having a depth appearance.
  • the main purpose of the invention is to propose a solution to meet the demands of constant innovation from car manufacturers, particularly in terms of the style of certain types of automotive headlamps; for this purpose, it proposes a particular technical embodiment adaptable to different types of lighting and / or signaling devices.
  • the invention proposes a lighting or signaling device in which a particular output block of the device under consideration is constituted, said output block consisting of a stack of screens independent of each other; each screen comprises a plurality of optical patterns, made in its thickness, capable of deflecting light signals emitted by a light source of the device in question; the spread of the light beam at the output of the lighting or signaling device considered is thus adjustable in a first direction of diffusion, corresponding, for each screen considered, to a direction parallel to a plane defined by said screen and containing the optical patterns , and in a second direction of diffusion, corresponding to a direction parallel to a plane generally perpendicular to the planes defined by the screens, the spreading according to the second diffusion plane depending on the relative position of the different screens.
  • the invention therefore essentially relates to a lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, including in particular at least one light source emitting a light beam, consisting of a plurality of signals light, in the direction of an output block of the lighting or signaling device, characterized in that the output block comprises in particular a stack of screens, said stack consisting of at least a first screen and a second screen, each screen having an input face receiving the light signals and an output face, the input face and the output face of each screen being joined by an upper face and a lower face defining between them a thickness of screen, at least one of the screens comprising at least one optical pattern made in the thickness of the screen in question, consisting of a through cavity formed in the screen that includes it.
  • the present invention also relates to a screen of the stack of screens present in the lighting or signaling device having the main characteristics and possibly one or more secondary characteristics which have just been mentioned, said screen having a face d an input and an output face, the input face and the output face of each screen being joined by an upper face and a lower face defining a screen thickness, characterized in that the screen comprises at least one pattern optical made in the thickness of the screen considered.
  • the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a lighting or signaling device comprising the main characteristics and possibly one or more additional features just mentioned.
  • FIG 1 an example of a screen or optical system 100 according to the invention, intended to be positioned at an output block of a lighting or signaling device, in particular a motor vehicle, is shown.
  • the screen 100 is made of a transparent material, ie a material that can be traversed by the light; in a particular example, the material used is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or special polycarbonate (PC) guide.
  • PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
  • PC special polycarbonate
  • the screen 100 has a plate shape, with an input face 101 for receiving light signals 200, visible to the figure 2 , an exit face 102, visible from the outside of the lighting or signaling device in which the screen 100 is intended to be positioned, an upper face 103 and a lower face not visible in the figures.
  • two screens 100 are of the same shape if they are identical in terms of dimensions and relative positions of the four faces that have just been mentioned.
  • the measurement of the distance between the lower face and the upper face gives the thickness of the screen 100.
  • the upper face and the lower face are flat and parallel, thus giving the screen a plate shape. They could also be regulated surfaces, that is to say generated by a line that moves according to a predetermined law. They could also be flat and not be parallel to each other, and thus form an angle between them.
  • the embodiment with flat surfaces, or set according to the same law, is a particularly advantageous feature during a stacking operation of the screens 100, stacking which will be detailed later.
  • the input face 101 and the exit face 102 are curved, their radius of curvature being infinite, the input faces 101 and output 102 then having a generator for a straight line.
  • the term "curve” qualifies lines, rows or surfaces whose radius may tend towards infinity, the rows or rows then being straight lines and the surfaces of the planes.
  • the curves defined by the sections of these input faces and emerging in a longitudinal or transverse plane are not necessarily parallel. Their shape is determined primarily by the function of the device they equip, and by the position of said device on the vehicle considered.
  • each optical pattern 104 consists of a through cavity, which creates a hole in the thickness of the screen 100, thus constituting dioptres.
  • the optical patterns are here arranged in a first curved row 105 and in a second curved row 106, parallel to the input face 101, the first curved row 105 being the row closest to said input face.
  • the first curved row 105 consists of convergent type optical patterns 107, whereas the second curved row 106 consists of divergent or convergent optical patterns 108.
  • the figure 2 shows a second example of a screen or optical system 100 ', seen from above, ie by positioning itself above the upper face 103.
  • the input faces 101' and the output faces 102 are straight, aligned with an axis OY, essentially for the sake of simplification of the figure.
  • the input face 101 ' receives a plurality of light signals 200, which are derived from a light beam emitted by at least one light source, not shown, of the lighting or signaling device according to the invention.
  • the light source may be of conventional type, that is to say a halogen or xenon lamp, or light emitting diode type.
  • the light beams reach the input face 101 'in the form of a parallel beam, all of these light signals being parallel to each other; the light signals reach the input face 101 while being perpendicular to the latter; the light signals reaching the input face 101 being perpendicular to the latter constitute a light plane.
  • the light signals are here oriented along an axis OX, an axis OZ directed upwards and perpendicular to the upper face 103 completing the two other axes which have just been cited to form an orthogonal reference (OX, OY, OZ).
  • the axis OZ is vertical.
  • a parallel beam can be obtained according to different technical solutions, in particular by using a lamp associated with a windshield, or a lamp associated with a Fresnel screen, or a lamp associated with a reflector, or a light-emitting diode associated with a lighting system. Fresnel, directly made on the input face 101 or 101 'of the optical system 100 or 100'.
  • This Fresnel system may consist of a conventional Fresnel lens, preferably of revolution around the emission axis of the light source used. It may also consist of a Fresnel cylindrical lens, preferably linear to simplify manufacture, and in particular demolding. In the latter case, the beam is collimated only in the plane parallel to the screen constituting the optical system 100 or 100 '.
  • optical patterns 104 contained in the material of the screens according to the invention ensures the return of a portion of the light, for example sunlight, which would penetrate into the device. lighting or signaling by the exit face of the screen in question, thus giving a glittering appearance to the device under consideration, even when the light source that it comprises is not lit and also masks the actual sources to the origin of the beams, thus improving the homogeneity of the lit system.
  • the figure 3-A shows a first example of stacking, according to the OZ axis, optical systems or screens having the same shape as the screen 100.
  • the input faces 101 of each screen 100 are aligned, the exit faces 102 of each screen 100 are curved, so that the stack 300 has an overall exit face 301 consisting of the juxtaposition of the exit faces 102 of each screen 100, continuously rounded, the face of global output 301 having no discontinuities or inflection zones.
  • a distribution 302 of the output light beam is obtained with a main convergence point 303 of the output light beam.
  • a distribution 305 of the output light beam is obtained, with as many points of convergence 306 of the overall output beam that there are screens 100 ', five in this case.
  • the points of convergence 306 are aligned in a direction parallel to the input faces 101 '; they are thus contained in a vertical plane.
  • the figure 4-A shows an example of stack 400 in which the screens 100 are progressively offset along the axis OX.
  • a distribution 401 of the output light beam is obtained, with as many points of convergence 402 of the overall output beam as there are screens 100 , five in the present case.
  • the convergence points 402 are aligned in a direction parallel to the entry face 101, they are thus contained in an oblique plane.
  • the figure 5-A shows an example of stack 500, respectively 500 ', in which the screens 100 are arranged so as to have an overall output face 501, respectively 501', bump, respectively recessed.
  • a distribution 502 of the output light beam is obtained, with as many points of convergence 503 of the overall output beam as there are screens 100 , five in the present case.
  • the convergence points 503 are arranged in a curve parallel to the overall output face 501.
  • the optical patterns it is chosen not to superimpose, along the vertical axis, corresponding to the axis OZ, the optical patterns.
  • the stacking operation of the different screens can be performed by any appropriate technique.
  • This ink converts the light energy emitted by a laser into heat energy which allows one or more screens constituting the stack to be locally heated and consequently to ensure the connection by thermofusion of the thermoplastic material. It is also possible to ensure this connection via suitable mechanical systems.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE DE l'INVENTIONTECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation présentant un aspect de profondeur. L'invention a essentiellement pour but de proposer une solution pour répondre à des demandes d'innovation constante des constructeurs automobiles, notamment en terme de style de certains types de dispositifs projecteurs automobiles ; à cet effet, elle propose une réalisation technique particulière adaptable à différents types de dispositifs d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation.The present invention relates to a lighting or signaling device having a depth appearance. The main purpose of the invention is to propose a solution to meet the demands of constant innovation from car manufacturers, particularly in terms of the style of certain types of automotive headlamps; for this purpose, it proposes a particular technical embodiment adaptable to different types of lighting and / or signaling devices.

Le domaine de l'invention est, d'une façon générale, celui de l'éclairage et de la signalisation appliqué aux véhicules automobiles. Dans ce domaine, on connaît différents types de dispositifs, parmi lesquels on trouve essentiellement les dispositifs suivants, directement concernés par l'invention:

  • des dispositifs d'éclairage situés à l'arrière du véhicule avec, notamment, les feux de recul ;
  • des dispositifs de signalisation situés à l'avant (ou sur le côté) du véhicule avec, notamment, des indicateurs de direction, des rappels de clignotants, et des D.R.L. (Daytime Running Light, en termes anglo-saxons) ou projecteurs de circulation diurne ;
  • des dispositifs de signalisation situés à l'arrière du véhicule avec, notamment, des feux antibrouillards, des indicateurs de direction et des feux stop, des feux « stop surélevé » ;
  • des dispositifs d'éclairage participant au style, avec par exemple des lignes de style éclairées sur les ailes du véhicule, l'habillage de portières ou encore l'éclairage du pavillon de toit.
The field of the invention is, in general, that of lighting and signaling applied to motor vehicles. In this field, various types of devices are known, among which we find essentially the following devices, directly concerned by the invention:
  • lighting devices at the rear of the vehicle including, but not limited to, reversing lights;
  • signaling devices located at the front (or on the side) of the vehicle with, in particular, direction indicators, flashing reminders, and DRL (Daytime Running Light, in English terms) or daytime running lights ;
  • signaling devices at the rear of the vehicle including, but not limited to, fog lamps, direction indicators and stop lamps, "raised stop"lights;
  • lighting devices that are part of the style, for example, illuminated styling lines on the vehicle's wings, door trim, and roof lighting.

ARRIERE-PLAN TECHNOLOGIQUE DE L'INVENTIONBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

L'ensemble des dispositifs mentionnés fait régulièrement l'objet d'évolutions techniques qui permettent de répondre à certaines attentes en terme de style. Notamment, les constructeurs automobiles expriment depuis quelques temps des demandes, en terme d'innovation, qui doivent répondre à plusieurs exigences, parmi lesquelles on trouve notamment la volonté :

  • d'obtenir un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation présentant un aspect de profondeur lorsque il est éteint ;
  • de cacher une source lumineuse utilisée dans le dispositif considéré, pour la rendre non localisable, non directement visible, que le dispositif soit allumé ou éteint ;
  • d'obtenir un aspect intégralement allumé quand la fonction remplie par le dispositif considéré est active ;
  • de créer un effet de style avec une impression d'apparition de sources lumineuses secondaires masquant l'origine véritable de la lumière.
All the devices mentioned are regularly subject to technical changes that meet certain expectations in terms of style. In particular, car manufacturers have been expressing requests for innovation for some time, which must meet a number of requirements, among which the desire to:
  • to obtain a lighting or signaling device having an appearance of depth when it is off;
  • to hide a light source used in the device, to make it non-locatable, not directly visible, that the device is turned on or off;
  • to get an aspect fully lit when the function performed by the device considered is active;
  • to create a style effect with an impression of appearance of secondary light sources masking the true origin of light.

Jusqu'à présent, différentes solutions ont été proposées pour répondre à certaines de ces exigences, notamment les exigences consistant à créer un effet de style tout en masquant l'origine véritable de la lumière ; notamment, on a proposé de positionner un écran, ou un élément de type bonnette, devant la source lumineuse d'un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation considéré ; on a également proposé de créer, au moyen de sources lumineuses déportées, des renvois de lumière sur des réflecteurs d'un dispositif projecteur considéré, créant ainsi un éclairage de type indirect ; enfin, on a proposé de créer des écrans, disposés en vis-à-vis d'une source lumineuse d'un dispositif projecteur considéré, présentant une pluralité de cavités traversantes formant des passages de lumière de type catadioptre.So far, various solutions have been proposed to meet some of these requirements, including the requirements of creating a style effect while masking the true origin of light; in particular, it has been proposed to position a screen, or a windshield-type element, in front of the light source of a lighting or signaling device in question; it has also been proposed to create, by means of remote light sources, light references on reflectors of a given projector device, thus creating an indirect type of lighting; finally, it has been proposed to create screens, arranged vis-à-vis a light source of a projector device considered, having a plurality of through cavities forming retro reflector type light passages.

Mais toutes ces solutions sont maintenant connues, et ne répondent pas au besoin de renouvellement attendu par les constructeurs ; par ailleurs, aucune de ces solutions n'apportait de réponse satisfaisante notamment au problème consistant à obtenir un aspect intégralement allumé quand la fonction remplie par le dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation est active - aspect habituellement désigné par les termes « bloc de matière allumé ».But all these solutions are now known, and do not meet the need for renewal expected by manufacturers; moreover, none of these solutions provided a satisfactory answer in particular to the problem of obtaining a fully lit appearance when the function performed by the lighting or signaling device is active - aspect usually referred to as "block of material lit. ".

DESCRIPTION GÉNÉRALE DE L'INVENTIONGENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

L'objet de l'invention propose une solution aux problèmes et inconvénients qui viennent d'être exposés. D'une façon générale, l'invention propose un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation dans lequel on constitue un bloc de sortie particulier du dispositif considéré, ledit bloc de sortie consistant en un empilement d'écrans indépendants les uns des autres ; chaque écran comporte une pluralité de motifs optiques, réalisés dans son épaisseur, aptes à dévier des signaux lumineux émis par une source lumineuse du dispositif considéré ; l'étalement du faisceau lumineux en sortie du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation considéré est ainsi ajustable selon une première direction de diffusion, correspondant, pour chaque écran considéré, à une direction parallèle à un plan défini par ledit écran et contenant les motifs optiques, et selon une deuxième direction de diffusion, correspondant à une direction parallèle à un plan globalement perpendiculaire aux plans définis par les écrans, l'étalement selon le deuxième plan de diffusion dépendant de la position relative des différents écrans.The object of the invention proposes a solution to the problems and disadvantages which have just been exposed. In general, the invention proposes a lighting or signaling device in which a particular output block of the device under consideration is constituted, said output block consisting of a stack of screens independent of each other; each screen comprises a plurality of optical patterns, made in its thickness, capable of deflecting light signals emitted by a light source of the device in question; the spread of the light beam at the output of the lighting or signaling device considered is thus adjustable in a first direction of diffusion, corresponding, for each screen considered, to a direction parallel to a plane defined by said screen and containing the optical patterns , and in a second direction of diffusion, corresponding to a direction parallel to a plane generally perpendicular to the planes defined by the screens, the spreading according to the second diffusion plane depending on the relative position of the different screens.

L'invention concerne donc essentiellement un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, comportant notamment au moins une source lumineuse émettant un faisceau lumineux, constitué d'une pluralité de signaux lumineux, en direction d'un bloc de sortie du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation, caractérisé en ce que le bloc de sortie comporte notamment un empilement d'écrans, ledit empilement étant constitué au moins d'un premier écran et d'un deuxième écran, chaque écran comportant une face d'entrée recevant les signaux lumineux et une face de sortie, la face d'entrée et la face de sortie de chaque écran étant jointes par une face supérieure et une face inférieure définissant entre elles une épaisseur d'écran, au moins un des écrans comportant au moins un motif optique réalisé dans l'épaisseur de l'écran considéré, consistant en une cavité traversante réalisée dans l'écran qui la comporte.The invention therefore essentially relates to a lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, including in particular at least one light source emitting a light beam, consisting of a plurality of signals light, in the direction of an output block of the lighting or signaling device, characterized in that the output block comprises in particular a stack of screens, said stack consisting of at least a first screen and a second screen, each screen having an input face receiving the light signals and an output face, the input face and the output face of each screen being joined by an upper face and a lower face defining between them a thickness of screen, at least one of the screens comprising at least one optical pattern made in the thickness of the screen in question, consisting of a through cavity formed in the screen that includes it.

Outre les caractéristiques principales qui viennent d'être mentionnées dans le paragraphe précédent, le dispositif selon l'invention peut présenter une ou plusieurs caractéristiques complémentaires parmi les suivantes :

  • la face supérieure et la face inférieure sont planes.
  • la face supérieure et la face inférieure sont parallèles.
  • chaque motif optique consiste en une cavité traversante réalisée dans l'écran qui la comporte.
  • les motifs optiques d'un même écran sont disposés selon au moins une courbe parallèle à la face d'entrée de l'écran considéré.
  • les motifs optiques d'un même écran sont disposés selon au moins une première courbe et une deuxième courbe parallèles entre elles.
  • les motifs optiques disposés selon une courbe donnée sont soit exclusivement convergents, soit exclusivement divergents.
  • les motifs optiques sont disposés, en progressant depuis la face d'entrée vers la face de sortie de chaque écran, selon une première courbe comportant exclusivement des motifs optiques convergents, puis selon une deuxième courbe comportant exclusivement des motifs optiques convergents, puis selon une troisième courbe comportant exclusivement des motifs optiques divergents.
  • deux motifs optiques d'un même écran sont décalés l'un par rapport à l'autre, les deux motifs optiques n'interceptant pas un même signal lumineux.
  • les signaux lumineux sont répartis en plans lumineux parallèles à la face supérieure de chaque écran, les motifs optiques d'un des écrans interceptant la totalité des signaux lumineux d'un plan lumineux.
  • les signaux lumineux entrent dans les écrans perpendiculairement à la face d'entrée de chaque écran considéré.
  • tout couple de motifs optiques constitué d'un premier motif optique d'un premier écran et d'un deuxième motif optique d'un deuxième écran en contact avec le premier écran est disposé de telle sorte que le premier motif optique et le deuxième motif optique présentent un décalage selon une direction perpendiculaire à la face de sortie.
  • le dispositif comporte entre trois et sept écrans empilés.
  • l'épaisseur de chaque écran est comprise entre deux et six millimètres.
  • la face de sortie de chaque écran est bombée.
  • le caractère bombé des écrans crée une face de sortie globale arrondie de l'empilement d'écrans.
  • deux faces d'entrée de deux écrans consécutifs dans l'empilement d'écrans sont alignées.
  • deux faces d'entrée de deux écrans consécutifs dans l'empilement d'écrans sont décalées selon une direction perpendiculaire à l'axe de sortie.
  • les écrans constituant l'empilement d'écrans sont de forme identique.
  • les écrans sont réalisés dans un matériau transparent.
  • les écrans sont réalisés en polyméthylmétacrylate (PMMA).
  • deux écrans consécutifs de l'empilement d'écrans sont fixés l'un à l'autre au moyen d'une encre placée entre les deux écrans considérés et chauffée au laser.
In addition to the main features that have just been mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the device according to the invention may have one or more additional characteristics among the following:
  • the upper face and the lower face are flat.
  • the upper face and the lower face are parallel.
  • each optical pattern consists of a through cavity made in the screen that includes it.
  • the optical patterns of the same screen are arranged in at least one curve parallel to the input face of the screen in question.
  • the optical patterns of the same screen are arranged in at least a first curve and a second curve parallel to each other.
  • the optical patterns arranged according to a given curve are either exclusively convergent or exclusively divergent.
  • the optical patterns are arranged, progressing from the input face to the output face of each screen, according to a first curve comprising exclusively convergent optical patterns, then according to a second curve comprising exclusively convergent optical patterns, and then according to a third curve comprising exclusively diverging optical patterns.
  • two optical patterns of the same screen are offset relative to each other, the two optical patterns not intercepting the same light signal.
  • the light signals are distributed in light planes parallel to the upper face of each screen, the optical patterns of one of the screens intercepting all of the light signals of a light plane.
  • the light signals enter the screens perpendicularly to the input face of each screen considered.
  • any pair of optical patterns consisting of a first optical pattern of a first screen and a second optical pattern of a second screen in contact with the first screen is arranged such that the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern have an offset in a direction perpendicular to the exit face.
  • the device has between three and seven stacked screens.
  • the thickness of each screen is between two and six millimeters.
  • the exit face of each screen is curved.
  • the curved nature of the screens creates a rounded overall exit face of the stack of screens.
  • two input faces of two consecutive screens in the stack of screens are aligned.
  • two input faces of two consecutive screens in the stack of screens are shifted in a direction perpendicular to the output axis.
  • the screens constituting the stack of screens are of identical shape.
  • the screens are made of a transparent material.
  • the screens are made of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).
  • two consecutive screens of the stack of screens are fixed to one another by means of an ink placed between the two screens and heated by laser.

La présente invention se rapporte également à un écran de l'empilement d'écrans présent dans le dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation présentant les caractéristiques principales et éventuellement une ou plusieurs caractéristiques secondaires qui viennent d'être mentionnés, ledit écran comportant une face d'entrée et une face de sortie, la face d'entrée et la face de sortie de chaque écran étant jointes par une face supérieure et une face inférieure définissant une épaisseur d'écran, caractérisé en ce que l'écran comporte au moins un motif optique réalisé dans l'épaisseur de l'écran considéré.The present invention also relates to a screen of the stack of screens present in the lighting or signaling device having the main characteristics and possibly one or more secondary characteristics which have just been mentioned, said screen having a face d an input and an output face, the input face and the output face of each screen being joined by an upper face and a lower face defining a screen thickness, characterized in that the screen comprises at least one pattern optical made in the thickness of the screen considered.

La présente invention se rapporte également à un véhicule automobile équipé d'un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation comportant les caractéristiques principales et éventuellement une ou plusieurs caractéristiques complémentaires qui viennent d'être mentionnées.The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a lighting or signaling device comprising the main characteristics and possibly one or more additional features just mentioned.

L'invention et ses différentes applications seront mieux comprises à la lecture de la description qui suit et à l'examen des figures qui l'accompagnent.The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the figures that accompany it.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Celles-ci ne sont présentées qu'à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif de l'invention. Les figures montrent :

  • à la figure 1, un exemple d'écran selon l'invention, et intervenant dans les dispositifs d'éclairage ou de signalisation selon l'invention;
  • à la figure 2, une vue en coupe d'un exemple d'écran selon l'invention, illustrant une répartition des signaux lumineux selon une première direction de diffusion;
  • aux figures 3-A, 3-B et 3-C, un premier exemple d'empilement d'écrans au sein d'un dispositif selon l'invention, et deux alternatives de forme de faisceaux de sortie possibles avec ce premier exemple ;
  • aux figures 4-A et 4-B, un deuxième exemple d'empilement d'écrans au sein d'un dispositif selon l'invention, et une forme de faisceaux de sortie possible avec ce deuxième exemple ;
  • aux figures 5-A, 5-B et 5-C, un troisième exemple d'empilement d'écrans au sein d'un dispositif selon l'invention, et une forme de faisceaux de sortie possible avec ce troisième exemple.
These are presented only as an indication and in no way limitative of the invention. The figures show:
  • to the figure 1 , an example of a screen according to the invention, and involved in the lighting or signaling devices according to the invention;
  • to the figure 2 , a sectional view of an exemplary screen according to the invention, illustrating a distribution of the light signals in a first direction of diffusion;
  • to the Figures 3-A, 3-B and 3-C , a first example of a stack of screens within a device according to the invention, and two possible output beam shape alternatives with this first example;
  • to the Figures 4-A and 4-B a second example of a stack of screens within a device according to the invention, and a form of output beams possible with this second example;
  • to the Figures 5-A, 5-B and 5-C , a third example of a stack of screens within a device according to the invention, and a form of output beams possible with this third example.

DESCRIPTION DES FORMES DE REALISATION PREFÉRÉES DE L'INVENTIONDESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Les différents éléments apparaissant sur plusieurs figures auront gardé, sauf précision contraire, la même référence.The different elements appearing in several figures will have kept, unless otherwise stated, the same reference.

A la figure 1, on a représenté un exemple d'écran ou système optique 100 selon l'invention, destiné à être positionné au niveau d'un bloc de sortie d'un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation, notamment de véhicule automobile. L'écran 100 est réalisé dans un matériau transparent, c'est à dire un matériau qui peut être traversé par la lumière ; dans un exemple particulier, le matériau utilisé est du polyméthylmétacrylate (PMMA) ou du polycarbonate (PC) spécial guide. L'écran 100 a une forme de plaque, avec une face d'entrée 101 destinée à recevoir des signaux lumineux 200, visibles à la figure 2, une face de sortie 102, visible depuis l'extérieur du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation dans lequel l'écran 100 est destiné à être positionné, une face supérieure 103 et une face inférieure non visible sur les figures.To the figure 1 an example of a screen or optical system 100 according to the invention, intended to be positioned at an output block of a lighting or signaling device, in particular a motor vehicle, is shown. The screen 100 is made of a transparent material, ie a material that can be traversed by the light; in a particular example, the material used is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or special polycarbonate (PC) guide. The screen 100 has a plate shape, with an input face 101 for receiving light signals 200, visible to the figure 2 , an exit face 102, visible from the outside of the lighting or signaling device in which the screen 100 is intended to be positioned, an upper face 103 and a lower face not visible in the figures.

D'une façon générale, on signifie par la suite que deux écrans 100 sont de même forme s'ils sont identiques au niveau des dimensions et des positionnements relatifs des quatre faces qui viennent d'être mentionnées. La mesure de la distance entre la face inférieure et la face supérieure donne l'épaisseur de l'écran 100.In a general manner, it is subsequently meant that two screens 100 are of the same shape if they are identical in terms of dimensions and relative positions of the four faces that have just been mentioned. The measurement of the distance between the lower face and the upper face gives the thickness of the screen 100.

Dans l'exemple représenté, la face supérieure et la face inférieure sont planes et parallèles, conférant ainsi à l'écran une forme de plaque. Elles pourraient également être des surfaces réglées, c'est-à-dire engendrées par une droite qui se déplace selon une loi prédéterminée. Elles pourraient également être planes et ne pas être parallèles entre elles, et donc former un angle entre elles. La réalisation avec des surfaces planes, ou réglées selon la même loi, est une caractéristique particulièrement avantageuse lors d'une opération d'empilement des écrans 100, empilement qui sera détaillé par la suite.In the example shown, the upper face and the lower face are flat and parallel, thus giving the screen a plate shape. They could also be regulated surfaces, that is to say generated by a line that moves according to a predetermined law. They could also be flat and not be parallel to each other, and thus form an angle between them. The embodiment with flat surfaces, or set according to the same law, is a particularly advantageous feature during a stacking operation of the screens 100, stacking which will be detailed later.

La face d'entrée 101 et la face de sortie 102 sont courbées, leur rayon de courbure pouvant être infini, les faces d'entrée 101 et de sortie 102 ayant alors pour génératrice une droite. Dans la présente description, le terme « courbe » qualifie des lignes, des rangées ou des surfaces dont le rayon peut tendre vers l'infini, les lignes ou les rangées étant alors des droites et les surfaces des plans. Les courbes définies par les sections de ces faces d'entrée et se sortie dans un plan longitudinal ou transversal ne sont pas nécessairement parallèles. Leur forme est avant tout déterminée par la fonction du dispositif qu'elles équipent, et par la position dudit dispositif sur le véhicule considéré.The input face 101 and the exit face 102 are curved, their radius of curvature being infinite, the input faces 101 and output 102 then having a generator for a straight line. In the present description, the term "curve" qualifies lines, rows or surfaces whose radius may tend towards infinity, the rows or rows then being straight lines and the surfaces of the planes. The curves defined by the sections of these input faces and emerging in a longitudinal or transverse plane are not necessarily parallel. Their shape is determined primarily by the function of the device they equip, and by the position of said device on the vehicle considered.

Dans l'exemple représenté, une pluralité de motifs optiques 104 sont présents au niveau de l'écran 100. Dans cet exemple, chaque motif optique 104 consiste en une cavité traversante, qui crée un trou dans l'épaisseur de l'écran 100, constituant ainsi des dioptres. Les motifs optiques sont ici disposés selon une première rangée courbe 105 et selon une deuxième rangée courbe 106, parallèles à la face d'entrée 101, la première rangée courbe 105 étant la rangée la plus proche de ladite face d'entrée. La première rangée courbe 105 est constituée de motifs optiques de type convergents 107, alors que la deuxième rangée courbe 106 est constituée de motifs optiques divergents ou convergents 108.In the example shown, a plurality of optical patterns 104 are present at the screen 100. In this example, each optical pattern 104 consists of a through cavity, which creates a hole in the thickness of the screen 100, thus constituting dioptres. The optical patterns are here arranged in a first curved row 105 and in a second curved row 106, parallel to the input face 101, the first curved row 105 being the row closest to said input face. The first curved row 105 consists of convergent type optical patterns 107, whereas the second curved row 106 consists of divergent or convergent optical patterns 108.

La figure 2 montre un deuxième exemple d'écran ou système optique 100', en vue de dessus, c'est à dire en se positionnant au-dessus de la face supérieure 103. Dans cet exemple, les faces d'entrée 101' et de sortie 102' sont droites, alignées avec un axe OY, essentiellement par souci de simplification de la figure. La face d'entrée 101' reçoit une pluralité de signaux lumineux 200, qui sont issus d'un faisceau lumineux émis par au moins une source lumineuse non représentée du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation selon l'invention. La source lumineuse peut être de type classique, c'est à dire une lampe halogène ou à xénon, ou de type diode électroluminescente.The figure 2 shows a second example of a screen or optical system 100 ', seen from above, ie by positioning itself above the upper face 103. In this example, the input faces 101' and the output faces 102 are straight, aligned with an axis OY, essentially for the sake of simplification of the figure. The input face 101 'receives a plurality of light signals 200, which are derived from a light beam emitted by at least one light source, not shown, of the lighting or signaling device according to the invention. The light source may be of conventional type, that is to say a halogen or xenon lamp, or light emitting diode type.

Les faisceaux lumineux atteignent la face d'entrée 101' sous la forme d'un faisceau parallèle, l'ensemble de ces signaux lumineux étant parallèles entre eux ; les signaux lumineux atteignent la face d'entrée 101 en étant perpendiculaires à cette dernière ; les signaux lumineux atteignant la face d'entrée 101 en étant perpendiculaires à cette dernière constituent un plan lumineux. Les signaux lumineux sont ici orientés selon un axe OX, un axe OZ dirigé vers le haut et perpendiculaire à la face supérieure 103 venant compléter les deux autres axes qui viennent d'être cités pour former un repère orthogonal (OX, OY, OZ). Dans la pratique, correspondant aux conditions habituelles de positionnement des écrans dans les dispositifs selon l'invention, l'axe OZ est vertical.The light beams reach the input face 101 'in the form of a parallel beam, all of these light signals being parallel to each other; the light signals reach the input face 101 while being perpendicular to the latter; the light signals reaching the input face 101 being perpendicular to the latter constitute a light plane. The light signals are here oriented along an axis OX, an axis OZ directed upwards and perpendicular to the upper face 103 completing the two other axes which have just been cited to form an orthogonal reference (OX, OY, OZ). In practice, corresponding to the usual conditions for positioning the screens in the devices according to the invention, the axis OZ is vertical.

Un faisceau parallèle peut être obtenu selon différentes solutions techniques, notamment en utilisant une lampe associée à une bonnette récupératrice, ou une lampe associée à un écran de Fresnel, ou une lampe associée à un réflecteur, ou encore une diode électroluminescente associée avec un système de Fresnel, directement réalisé sur la face d'entrée 101 ou 101' du système optique 100 ou 100'.A parallel beam can be obtained according to different technical solutions, in particular by using a lamp associated with a windshield, or a lamp associated with a Fresnel screen, or a lamp associated with a reflector, or a light-emitting diode associated with a lighting system. Fresnel, directly made on the input face 101 or 101 'of the optical system 100 or 100'.

Ce système de Fresnel peut être constitué d'une lentille de Fresnel conventionnelle, de préférence de révolution autour de l'axe d'émission de la source lumineuse utilisée. Il peut également être constitué d'une lentille cylindrique de Fresnel, de préférence linéaire pour en simplifier la fabrication, et en particulier le démoulage. Dans ce dernier cas, le faisceau est collimaté seulement dans le plan parallèle à l'écran constituant le système optique 100 ou 100'.This Fresnel system may consist of a conventional Fresnel lens, preferably of revolution around the emission axis of the light source used. It may also consist of a Fresnel cylindrical lens, preferably linear to simplify manufacture, and in particular demolding. In the latter case, the beam is collimated only in the plane parallel to the screen constituting the optical system 100 or 100 '.

En partant de la face d'entrée 101' et en se dirigeant vers la face de sortie 102', l'écran 100' comprend une première série de motifs optiques convergents 107 disposés selon une première courbe 201, puis une deuxième série de motifs optiques convergents 107 disposés selon une deuxième courbe 202, puis une troisième série de motifs optiques divergents 108 disposés selon une troisième courbe 203, les trois courbes étant parallèles entre elles et parallèles à la face d'entrée 101'. La disposition des motifs optiques est telle que l'ensemble des rayons lumineux 200 est intercepté, chaque rayon lumineux n'étant intercepté qu'une fois, c'est à dire par un unique motif optique. Une telle disposition est un exemple qui permet de donner un aspect multi-sources aux dispositifs d'éclairage ou de signalisation dans lequel l'écran 100' est disposé, la source réelle étant masquée par des sources lumineuses secondaires virtuelles, correspondant à des points de convergence 204 présents dans le corps de l'écran 100' :

  • en sortie des motifs convergents 107, et
  • avant, en considérant le sens de parcours des signaux lumineux, les motifs optiques divergents 108, ces derniers points de convergence n'étant pas représentés par souci de clarté de la figure.
Starting from the input face 101 'and moving towards the output face 102', the screen 100 'comprises a first series of convergent optical patterns 107 arranged according to a first curve 201, then a second series of optical patterns convergents 107 arranged along a second curve 202, then a third series of diverging optical patterns 108 arranged along a third curve 203, the three curves being parallel to each other and parallel to the input face 101 '. The arrangement of the optical patterns is such that all the light rays 200 are intercepted, each light ray being intercepted only once, ie by a single optical pattern. Such an arrangement is an example which makes it possible to give a multi-source appearance to the lighting or signaling devices in which the screen 100 'is arranged, the real source being masked by virtual secondary light sources, corresponding to points of light. convergence 204 present in the body of the screen 100 ':
  • at the output of the convergent patterns 107, and
  • before, considering the direction of travel of the light signals, the divergent optical patterns 108, the latter points of convergence are not shown for the sake of clarity of the figure.

D'une façon générale, la présence de motifs optiques 104 contenus dans la matière des écrans selon l'invention d'une part assure le renvoi d'une partie de la lumière, par exemple la lumière du soleil, qui pénétrerait dans le dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation par la face de sortie de l'écran considéré, donnant ainsi un aspect clinquant au dispositif considéré, même quand la source lumineuse qu'il comporte n'est pas allumée et d'autre part masque aussi les sources réelles à l'origine des faisceaux, améliorant ainsi l'homogénéité du système allumé.In general, the presence of optical patterns 104 contained in the material of the screens according to the invention on the one hand ensures the return of a portion of the light, for example sunlight, which would penetrate into the device. lighting or signaling by the exit face of the screen in question, thus giving a glittering appearance to the device under consideration, even when the light source that it comprises is not lit and also masks the actual sources to the origin of the beams, thus improving the homogeneity of the lit system.

La figure 3-A montre un premier exemple d'empilement 300, selon l'axe OZ, de systèmes optiques ou d'écrans présentant une même forme que la forme de l'écran 100. Dans cet exemple, les faces d'entrée 101 de chaque écran 100 sont alignées, les faces de sortie 102 de chaque écran 100 sont bombées, de telle sorte que l'empilement 300 présente une face de sortie globale 301, constituée de la juxtaposition des faces de sortie 102 de chaque écran 100, continûment arrondie, la face de sortie globale 301 ne présentant ni discontinuités ni zones d'inflexion. Comme montré à la figure 3-B, on obtient ainsi, en sortie du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation comportant l'empilement 300, une répartition 302 du faisceau lumineux de sortie, avec un point principal de convergence 303 du faisceau lumineux de sortie.The figure 3-A shows a first example of stacking, according to the OZ axis, optical systems or screens having the same shape as the screen 100. In this example, the input faces 101 of each screen 100 are aligned, the exit faces 102 of each screen 100 are curved, so that the stack 300 has an overall exit face 301 consisting of the juxtaposition of the exit faces 102 of each screen 100, continuously rounded, the face of global output 301 having no discontinuities or inflection zones. As shown in figure 3-B thus, at the output of the lighting or signaling device comprising the stack 300, a distribution 302 of the output light beam is obtained with a main convergence point 303 of the output light beam.

Dans un exemple voisin d'empilement 300', visible à la figure 3-C dans lequel les faces d'entrée 101' de chaque écran 100' sont alignées et dans lequel les faces de sortie 102 de chaque écran 100' sont bombées mais dans lequel des zones d'inflexion 304 sont présentes sur une face de sortie globale 301' au niveau de la jonction de chaque plaque, on obtient, en sortie du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation comportant l'empilement 300', une répartition 305 du faisceau lumineux de sortie, avec autant de points de convergence 306 du faisceau global de sortie qu'il existe d'écrans 100', cinq dans le cas présent. Les points de convergence 306 sont alignés selon une direction parallèle aux faces d'entrée 101' ; ils sont ainsi contenus dans un plan vertical.In a neighboring stacking example 300 ', visible at the figure 3-C wherein the input faces 101 'of each screen 100' are aligned and in which the exit faces 102 of each screen 100 'are curved but in which inflection zones 304 are present on an overall exit face 301' at the junction of each plate, at the output of the lighting or signaling device comprising the stack 300 ', a distribution 305 of the output light beam is obtained, with as many points of convergence 306 of the overall output beam that there are screens 100 ', five in this case. The points of convergence 306 are aligned in a direction parallel to the input faces 101 '; they are thus contained in a vertical plane.

La figure 4-A montre un exemple d'empilement 400 dans lequel les écrans 100 sont progressivement décalés selon l'axe OX. Comme montré à la figure 4-B, on obtient alors, en sortie du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation comportant l'empilement 400, une répartition 401 du faisceau lumineux de sortie, avec autant de points de convergence 402 du faisceau global de sortie qu'il existe d'écrans 100, cinq dans le cas présent. Les points de convergence 402 sont alignés selon une direction parallèle à la face d'entrée 101, ils sont ainsi contenus dans un plan oblique.The figure 4-A shows an example of stack 400 in which the screens 100 are progressively offset along the axis OX. As shown in figure 4-B at the output of the lighting or signaling device comprising the stack 400, a distribution 401 of the output light beam is obtained, with as many points of convergence 402 of the overall output beam as there are screens 100 , five in the present case. The convergence points 402 are aligned in a direction parallel to the entry face 101, they are thus contained in an oblique plane.

La figure 5-A, respectivement 5-B, montre un exemple d'empilement 500, respectivement 500', dans lequel les écrans 100 sont disposées de telle sorte à présenter une face de sortie globale 501, respectivement 501', en bosse, respectivement en creux.The figure 5-A , respectively 5-B, shows an example of stack 500, respectively 500 ', in which the screens 100 are arranged so as to have an overall output face 501, respectively 501', bump, respectively recessed.

Comme montré à la figure 5-C, on obtient alors, en sortie du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation comportant l'empilement 500, une répartition 502 du faisceau lumineux de sortie, avec autant de points de convergence 503 du faisceau global de sortie qu'il existe d'écrans 100, cinq dans le cas présent. Les points de convergence 503 sont disposés selon une courbe parallèle à la face de sortie globale 501.As shown in figure 5-C at the output of the lighting or signaling device comprising the stack 500, a distribution 502 of the output light beam is obtained, with as many points of convergence 503 of the overall output beam as there are screens 100 , five in the present case. The convergence points 503 are arranged in a curve parallel to the overall output face 501.

Dans certains exemples de réalisation, on choisit de ne pas superposer, selon l'axe vertical, correspondant à l'axe OZ, les motifs optiques. L'opération d'empilement des différents écrans peut être réalisée par toute technique appropriée. Notamment, on peut disposer une encre spécifique entre deux écrans successifs à empiler, avantageusement au niveau de zones dépourvues de motifs optiques. Cette encre transforme l'énergie lumineuse émise par un laser en énergie thermique qui permet à un ou plusieurs écrans constituant l'empilement d'être réchauffés localement et par suite d'en assurer la liaison par thermo fusion de la matière thermoplastique. Il est aussi possible d'assurer cette liaison via des systèmes mécaniques adaptés.In some embodiments, it is chosen not to superimpose, along the vertical axis, corresponding to the axis OZ, the optical patterns. The stacking operation of the different screens can be performed by any appropriate technique. In particular, it is possible to arrange a specific ink between two successive screens to be stacked, advantageously at the level of zones devoid of optical patterns. This ink converts the light energy emitted by a laser into heat energy which allows one or more screens constituting the stack to be locally heated and consequently to ensure the connection by thermofusion of the thermoplastic material. It is also possible to ensure this connection via suitable mechanical systems.

Les différentes réalisations de l'invention qui viennent, à titre d'exemple uniquement, d'être détaillées permettent ainsi d'atteindre les différents objectifs recherchés, à savoir un aspect de profondeur même en position éteinte, la dissimulation de la source lumineuse en position éteinte ou allumée, un aspect « bloc de matière allumé » en position allumée et une impression d'apparition de sources lumineuses secondaires masquant l'origine véritable de la lumière.The various embodiments of the invention which, by way of example only, are detailed, thus make it possible to achieve the various desired objectives, namely an aspect of depth even in the off position, the concealment of the light source in position off or on, an aspect "block of lit material" in the lit position and an impression of appearance of secondary light sources masking the true origin of the light.

Claims (26)

  1. Lighting or signalling device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one source of light which emits a light beam, consisting of a plurality of light signals (200), in the direction of an output block of the lighting or signalling device, characterised in that the output block comprises a stack (300; 400; 500) of screens (100, 100'), the said stack consisting of at least a first screen and a second screen, each screen comprising an input surface (101, 101') which receives the light signals, and an output surface (102, 102'), the input surface and the output surface of each screen being joined by an upper surface (103) and a lower surface which define together a screen thickness, at least one of the screens comprising at least one optical pattern (104) provided in the thickness of the screen concerned, and consisting of a through cavity provided in the screen which contains it, the optical patterns (104) creating secondary sources of light corresponding to points of convergence (204) present in the screen body (100, 100').
  2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the upper surface and the lower surface are flat or regulated.
  3. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the upper surface and the lower surface are parallel.
  4. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the upper surface and the lower surface are flat and form an angle between one another.
  5. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the optical patterns of a single screen are arranged according to at least one curve (105).
  6. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the curve (105) is parallel to the input surface of the screen concerned.
  7. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the optical patterns of a single screen are arranged according to at least a first curve (105) and a second curve (106).
  8. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the first curve (105) and the second curve (106) are parallel to one another.
  9. Device according to at least one of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the optical patterns, which are arranged according to a given curved row, are either exclusively convergent (107) on the first level, or convergent or divergent (108) on the other levels.
  10. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the optical patterns are arranged, progressing from the input surface towards the output surface of each screen, according to a first curve (201) comprising exclusively convergent optical patterns, then according to a second curve (202) comprising exclusively convergent optical patterns, then according to a third curve (203) comprising exclusively divergent optical patterns.
  11. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two optical patterns of a single screen are offset relative to one another, the two different optical patterns thus not intercepting the same light signal.
  12. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims and according to claim 2, characterised in that the light signals are distributed on light planes which are parallel to the upper surface of each screen, with the optical patterns of one of the screens intercepting all of the light signals of a light plane.
  13. Device according to at least one of claims 5 to 12, characterised in that the light signals enter the screens perpendicularly to the input surface of the screen concerned.
  14. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims and according to claim 2, characterised in that any pair of optical patterns constituted by a first optical pattern of a first screen and by a second optical pattern of a second screen which is in contact with the first screen, is arranged such that the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern have offsetting according to a direction (OX) perpendicular to the output surface.
  15. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises between three and seven stacked screens.
  16. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the thickness of each screen is between two and six millimetres.
  17. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the output surface of each screen is rounded.
  18. Device according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the rounded nature of the screens creates a globally rounded output surface (301) of the stack of screens.
  19. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two input surfaces of two consecutive screens in the stack of screens are aligned.
  20. Device according to at least one of claims 1 to 18, characterised in that two input surfaces of two consecutive screens in the stack of screens are offset according to a direction perpendicular to the output surface.
  21. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the screens which constitute the stack of screens have an identical form.
  22. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the screens are made of a transparent material.
  23. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the screens are made of polymethylmetacrylate or polycarbonate.
  24. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that two consecutive screens of the stack of screens are secured on one another by means of an ink which is placed between the two screens concerned, and heated by means of a laser.
  25. Screen (100) of the stack of screens present in the lighting or signalling device according to at least one of the preceding claims, the said screen comprising an input surface (101) and an output surface (102), the input surface and the output surface of each screen being joined by an upper surface (103) and a lower surface which define a screen thickness, characterised in that the screen comprises at least one optical pattern (104) provided in the thickness of the screen concerned.
  26. Motor vehicle equipped with a lighting or signalling device according to at least one of the preceding claims.
EP20070290461 2006-04-24 2007-04-13 Lighting or signalling device with depth effect Active EP1850064B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0603640A FR2900220B1 (en) 2006-04-24 2006-04-24 LIGHTING OR SIGNALING DEVICE WITH DEPTH EFFECT.

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EP1850064A1 EP1850064A1 (en) 2007-10-31
EP1850064B1 true EP1850064B1 (en) 2015-05-06

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US (1) US20070247862A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1850064B1 (en)
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JP2007294459A (en) 2007-11-08
CN101063515A (en) 2007-10-31
FR2900220B1 (en) 2008-07-18
US20070247862A1 (en) 2007-10-25
EP1850064A1 (en) 2007-10-31
FR2900220A1 (en) 2007-10-26

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