EP1988330B1 - Optical module for an elliptical headlight device adapted to a given volume for an automobile vehicle - Google Patents

Optical module for an elliptical headlight device adapted to a given volume for an automobile vehicle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1988330B1
EP1988330B1 EP20080155325 EP08155325A EP1988330B1 EP 1988330 B1 EP1988330 B1 EP 1988330B1 EP 20080155325 EP20080155325 EP 20080155325 EP 08155325 A EP08155325 A EP 08155325A EP 1988330 B1 EP1988330 B1 EP 1988330B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ellipsoid
light
optical module
focal point
reflector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP20080155325
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1988330A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Luc Meyrenaud
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 date
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Publication of EP1988330A1 publication Critical patent/EP1988330A1/en
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Publication of EP1988330B1 publication Critical patent/EP1988330B1/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
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/162—Incandescent light sources, e.g. filament or halogen lamps
    • 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
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F21S41/255—Lenses with a front view of circular or truncated circular outline
    • 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
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/321—Optical layout thereof the reflector being a surface of revolution or a planar surface, e.g. truncated
    • 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
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/33—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature
    • F21S41/338—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature the reflector having surface portions added to its general concavity
    • 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
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/36—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors
    • F21S41/365—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors successively reflecting the light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/04—Optical design
    • F21V7/08—Optical design with elliptical curvature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an optical module for elliptical projector device adapted to a given volume available, and placed within a motor vehicle.
  • the elliptical module according to the invention is intended to be integrated in a projector device for a motor vehicle, in particular of the code type.
  • the object of the invention is essentially to propose a solution making it possible to adapt the shape of a projector device to an environment requiring the realization of an unconventional elliptical module shape.
  • An optical module comprises an optical system comprising at least one light source, for example a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp, arranged in a reflector, and which is preferably autonomous, that is to say which is able to be lit. or extinguish separately from other optical modules of the lighting device in which it is installed if it comprises several optical modules.
  • a light source for example a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp
  • optical modules The two main families of optical modules are:
  • the first family is that of so-called elliptical optical modules.
  • a spot of light concentration is generated by a light source arranged in a mirror, or reflector.
  • the light source is disposed at the first focus, or object focus, of an ellipsoid-shaped mirror, said spot forming at the second focus, or image focus, of the mirror.
  • the spot of light concentration is then projected onto the road by a convergent lens, for example a plano-convex lens.
  • the second family is that of so-called parabolic optical modules.
  • a light beam is generated by a small light source disposed in a reflector, or mirror.
  • the projection on the road of the light rays reflected by a suitable reflector makes it possible to directly obtain a light beam obeying the various constraints imposed by the standards.
  • This family of optical modules includes projectors said free surface, or complex surface, which can directly obtain a light beam having a desired cutoff line.
  • the present invention is more particularly adapted to the projectors devices of the first family.
  • the document FR 2 489 930 shows such a device.
  • a generic elliptical type projector device is typically of the type of those shown in FIG. figure 1 .
  • a sectional and side view of a dipped beam 100 which essentially comprises a reflector 101, of generally ellipsoidal shape, a light source 102, emitting a plurality of light rays 103 and arranged in the vicinity of top of the reflector 101, and an exit surface 104, for example a plastic ice, a light beam 106.
  • the light rays 103 are passed through, either directly or after reflection on the reflector 101, a projection lens 105, characterized by an input face 110 and an output face 111.
  • the light beam 106 projects the light beam 106 whose orientation and range depend in particular on the arrangement and the optical characteristics of the lens 105, the shape of the reflector 101, the position of the light source 102 within the reflector and the possible presence of a cache and the position of it.
  • a central portion of the light source 102 is disposed in the focal zone of a first focus F1 of the reflector 101, and the object focus of the projection lens 105 is in the focal zone of a second focus F2 of the reflector 101.
  • any light beam 103 emitted by the central portion of the light source 102 passes through the second focus F2 of the reflector 101 and leaves the projection lens 105 horizontally.
  • a cover 108 is interposed between the reflector 101 and the projection lens 105.
  • the cover 108 is disposed in a plane parallel to the projection lens 105, approximately at the object focal plane of the lens, so that that the image of the cache is emitted to infinity. Due to the presence of such a mask 108, the light beam 106 that is actually emitted by the projector device 100 is not emitted above a cutoff line determined by the shape of an upper portion 109 of the cache 108.
  • the object of the invention proposes a solution to the problems that have just been exposed.
  • it is proposed to produce an optical module having a reflector whose reflective surface results from the juxtaposition of particular surfaces so that said reflector can be contained in unusual volumes, in particular lengthened in height and reduced in depth compared to the volumes occupied by the projectors devices of the state of the art.
  • the reflector be constituted by the meeting of at least two portions of ellipsoids, foci of these ellipsoids being merged.
  • the light source is then no longer arranged in the direction of the length of the projector device that it equips.
  • the light source disposed within the reflector can then have an orientation that facilitates its access, for example for lamp replacement operations.
  • the invention therefore essentially relates to an optical module for a motor vehicle elliptical projector device, said optical module comprising in particular a reflector, a light source emitting light rays, and a projection lens, said reflector having a reflecting internal surface to reflect towards the projection lens at least a part of the light rays emitted by the light source, such that the inner face of the reflector consists of the joining of at least a first portion of a first ellipsoid shape, and a second portion a second form of ellipsoid, the first form of ellipsoid having a first main focus and a second main focus, the second form of ellipsoid having a first main focus and a second major focus, the second major focus of the first shape of ellipsoid being confused with the first main focus of the second form of el lipso ⁇ de.
  • the second portion of ellipsoid shape thus allows reflection towards the projection lens of a portion of the light ray
  • two main foci or more generally two points, are confounded if one of the two main foci is located inside a circle centered on the other main focus, and a diameter of the the image of the light source (used in the reflector) at this said other main focus.
  • This interval is a function of the light source used. For example, this distance can be a few millimeters and rarely exceeds two centimeters.
  • the invention relates to a vehicle lighting device of the elliptical module type, where the reflector is composed of one or more pieces, and where light rays coming from the source are reflected. twice and not one before passing through the projection lens, then out of the module through the closing glass to form the light beam (if the reflector is in several parts, the double reflection takes place on the same room).
  • the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a projector device comprising the optical module according to the invention, with its main characteristics and possibly one or more additional features which have just been mentioned.
  • the figure 2 shows a first example 200 of optical module according to the invention. It comprises a projection lens 206, a reflector 201, within which is positioned a light source 202, consisting essentially of a lamp 203, a lamp holder 204 and a filament 205.
  • the represented lamps comprise filaments.
  • the object of the invention obviously extends to optical modules involving other types of light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, or even xenon lamps, in which case the filament is replaced by a electric arc generating light rays.
  • the projection lens 206 is characterized by a central axis 207, passing through the object focus and the image focus of the lens, thus corresponding to the optical axis of the projector device in which the optical module 200 is intended to be positioned.
  • the example shown corresponds to a view from above; thus, in this example, the light source 202 is positioned in a horizontal plane, the filament 205 being contained in this horizontal plane.
  • an ellipsoid here designating an ellipsoid of revolution, is a volume generated by the revolution of an ellipse around one of its axes.
  • any plane section of an ellipsoid is an ellipse.
  • the term "ellipsoid shapes" is used to refer to a considered form whose closest known generic mathematical representation is the ellipsoid.
  • an ellipsoid has three main ellipses, corresponding to the intersections of the main planes of the ellipsoid with the ellipsoid.
  • the main focus of an ellipsoid each of the centers of the main ellipses of the ellipsoid.
  • Two distinct ellipsoids with a main focus in common are called conjugates.
  • the term "ellipsoid-shaped main focus" refers to a point in the immediate vicinity of a main focus of the ellipsoid closest to the ellipsoid shape considered.
  • the reflecting surface therefore results from the combination of three portions of ellipsoid shapes.
  • the ellipsoid-shaped portions are in fact made up of portions of planes which are juxtaposed to form a surface approximating that of an ellipsoid; thus, the terms "ellipsoid-shaped portions" must encompass, in the sense of the invention, this type of embodiments.
  • the Figures 3 and 4 shows a second embodiment of the invention, shown in side view, in a first variant and a second variant, respectively referenced 300 and 400.
  • the light source 202 is positioned in a vertical plane, the filament 205 being contained in this vertical plane.
  • the difference between figure 3 and the figure 4 results in a variation of the inclination of the light source 202: at the figure 3 the main axis - corresponding to the axis of the filament 205, passing through the main foci F11 and F12 of the first ellipsoid shape 207 - forms an angle of 86 degrees with the optical axis 207, whereas at the figure 4 this angle is 40 degrees.
  • the orientation of the light source is generally opposite to the final emission direction of the light beam emerging from the lens.
  • a generally opposite direction is meant the fact that a half-line which would extend the filament in the direction opposite to that of the light source support, or, in the case of a discharge lamp, which would comprise the axis joining both electrodes and would extend in the opposite direction to that of the light source support, or, in the case of a LED, which would correspond to the average direction of light emission of the LED, would never cross a defined plane as the plane comprising the entrance face of the projection lens.
  • the mean direction of light emission from the LED is half perpendicular to the plane of the semiconductor and which extends in the opposite direction to the illuminating surface of the semiconductor.
  • the second part 208 is completed by a complementary portion 401 of reflective surface able to reflect towards the projection lens 206 some of the light rays emitted by the source 202.
  • a third radius S3 passing through the focus F31 is reflected by the third portion 209 before passing through the focus F32; the radius S3 then passes through the lens 206 to emerge from said lens in a generally horizontal direction.
  • the first portion 207 of ellipsoid shape has the main function of recovering a maximum of luminous flux, possibly in cooperation with the complementary portion 401; the second function 208 of ellipsoid shape has the main function of ensuring a satisfactory range to the light beam produced, the third portion 209 of ellipsoid shape has the main function of ensuring a spread of the light beam produced.
  • the figure 5 is a schematic representation illustrating the fact that, by respecting the essential features of the invention, namely the combination of conjugated ellipsoid shapes to realize a reflecting reflector surface, it is possible to adapt the shape of the optical module according to constraints related to the available space.
  • a first disposition of the first ellipsoid 211 and the second ellipsoid 212 adapted for cooperate optimally with a first position of the projection lens 206.
  • a second arrangement of the first ellipsoid 211 and the second ellipsoid 212 adapted to cooperate optimally with a second position of the projection lens 206 is shown in dashed lines.
  • the change from the first disposition to the second disposition is made by a rotation, about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the figure passing through the first main focus F11 of the first ellipsoid 211.
  • Such rotation causes the displacement of the first main focus F21 of the second ellipsoid 212.
  • the second main focus F22 of the second ellipsoid is then also displaced, its position then being defined, in this example, so that the first main focus F11 of the first ellipsoid and the second main focus of the second ellipsoid constitute the two main foci of the third ellipsoid 213 not shown.
  • FIG. 1 Another example, not shown, illustrating the adaptability of the optical module according to the invention as a function of an available volume consists in rotating the first ellipsoid 211 and the second ellipsoid 212, no longer around the first focus F11, but around the second focus F12 of the first ellipsoid, confused according to the invention with the first focus F21 of the second ellipsoid 212.
  • a cover is provided at the object focus of the projection lens to intercept a portion of the light rays emitted by the light source, possibly after reflection by the reflector, so as to create a corresponding cut line. regulations so that the light beam produced is of type code.
  • the cache is removable, the corresponding projector device then being of type code / route bifunctions.
  • the reflector consists of a one-piece piece, which alone gathers the various portions of ellipsoid shape, or results from the juxtaposition of different parts, these different parts then do not constitute a single piece, but are separate pieces that are joined after their manufacture to form the inner face of the reflector; advantageously, each of the parts then corresponds to one of the ellipsoid-shaped portions that have been described.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

The module (400) has a reflector comprising an internal surface formed by joining portions (207, 208) of respective ellipsoid molds, where the molds include respective main focal points (F11, F12, F21, F22). The focal point (F12) is engaged with the focal point (F21). The portion (208) reflects a part of light rays (S1-S3) emitted by a light source e.g. LED, and reflected by the portion (207) towards a projector lens (206). The light source is oriented in a direction opposite to an emission direction of a headlight device.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un module optique pour dispositif projecteur elliptique adapté à un volume donné disponible, et placé au sein d'un véhicule automobile. Le module elliptique selon l'invention est destiné à être intégré dans un dispositif projecteur pour véhicule automobile, notamment de type code. L'invention a essentiellement pour but de proposer une solution permettant d'adapter la forme d'un dispositif projecteur à un environnement nécessitant la réalisation d'une forme de module elliptique non conventionnelle.The present invention relates to an optical module for elliptical projector device adapted to a given volume available, and placed within a motor vehicle. The elliptical module according to the invention is intended to be integrated in a projector device for a motor vehicle, in particular of the code type. The object of the invention is essentially to propose a solution making it possible to adapt the shape of a projector device to an environment requiring the realization of an unconventional elliptical module shape.

Le domaine de l'invention est, d'une façon générale, celui des dispositifs projecteurs pour véhicule automobile. Dans ce domaine, on connaît différents types de dispositifs, destinés à l'éclairage de la route ou à la signalisation, parmi lesquels on trouve essentiellement:

  • des feux de position, d'intensité et de portée faible;
  • des feux de route longue portée, et des feux de complément de type longue portée, dont la zone de vision sur la route avoisine 200 mètres, et qui doivent être éteints lorsque l'on croise un autre véhicule afin de ne pas éblouir son conducteur; ce sont des faisceaux sans coupure
  • des feux antibrouillard;
  • des feux de croisement, ou codes, d'intensité importante et de portée sur la route avoisinant 70 mètres;
  • des projecteurs perfectionnés, dits bifonctions, qui cumulent les fonctions de feux de croisement et de feu de route en incorporant un cache amovible;
  • des dispositifs de signalisation, par exemple de type clignotants...
The field of the invention is, in general, that of projectors devices for a motor vehicle. In this field, we know different types of devices, intended for road lighting or signaling, among which we find essentially:
  • position, intensity and low range lights;
  • long-range headlamps, and long-range supplement lights, whose vision zone on the road is approximately 200 meters, and which must be extinguished when crossing another vehicle so as not to dazzle its driver; they are unbroken beams
  • fog lights;
  • low beam or high intensity lights and range on the road of 70 meters;
  • advanced projectors, so-called bifunctions, which combine the functions of low beam and high beam by incorporating a removable cover;
  • signaling devices, for example flashing type ...

Il existe deux familles principales de modules optiques, qui correspondent à deux agencements distincts de différents éléments, et qui sont susceptibles d'intervenir dans le dispositif selon l'invention. On comprend par module optique un système optique comprenant au moins une source lumineuse, par exemple une lampe halogène ou une lampe xénon, disposée dans un réflecteur, et qui est de préférence autonome, c'est-à-dire qui est apte à être allumé ou éteint séparément des autres modules optiques du dispositif d'éclairage dans lequel il est installé si ce dernier comporte plusieurs modules optiques.There are two main families of optical modules, which correspond to two different arrangements of different elements, and which may be involved in the device according to the invention. An optical module comprises an optical system comprising at least one light source, for example a halogen lamp or a xenon lamp, arranged in a reflector, and which is preferably autonomous, that is to say which is able to be lit. or extinguish separately from other optical modules of the lighting device in which it is installed if it comprises several optical modules.

Les deux familles principales de modules optiques sont les suivantes:The two main families of optical modules are:

La première famille est celle des modules optiques dits elliptiques. Dans ce type de projecteurs, une tache de concentration lumineuse est engendrée par une source lumineuse disposée dans un miroir, ou réflecteur. Typiquement, la source lumineuse est disposée au premier foyer, ou foyer objet, d'un miroir en forme d'ellipsoïde, ladite tache se formant au second foyer, ou foyer image, du miroir. La tache de concentration lumineuse est ensuite projetée sur la route par une lentille convergente, par exemple une lentille de type plan-convexe.The first family is that of so-called elliptical optical modules. In this type of projectors, a spot of light concentration is generated by a light source arranged in a mirror, or reflector. Typically, the light source is disposed at the first focus, or object focus, of an ellipsoid-shaped mirror, said spot forming at the second focus, or image focus, of the mirror. The spot of light concentration is then projected onto the road by a convergent lens, for example a plano-convex lens.

La seconde famille est celle des modules optiques dits paraboliques. Dans ce type de modules optiques, un faisceau lumineux est engendré par une source lumineuse de petite dimension disposée dans un réflecteur, ou miroir. La projection sur la route des rayons lumineux réfléchis par un réflecteur approprié permet d'obtenir directement un faisceau lumineux obéissant aux différentes contraintes imposées par les normes. Cette famille de modules optiques inclut les projecteurs dits à surface libre, ou surface complexe, qui permettent d'obtenir directement un faisceau lumineux présentant une ligne de coupure désirée.The second family is that of so-called parabolic optical modules. In this type of optical modules, a light beam is generated by a small light source disposed in a reflector, or mirror. The projection on the road of the light rays reflected by a suitable reflector makes it possible to directly obtain a light beam obeying the various constraints imposed by the standards. This family of optical modules includes projectors said free surface, or complex surface, which can directly obtain a light beam having a desired cutoff line.

La présente invention est plus particulièrement adaptée aux dispositifs projecteurs de la première famille. Le document FR 2 489 930 montre un tel dispositif.The present invention is more particularly adapted to the projectors devices of the first family. The document FR 2 489 930 shows such a device.

Dans l'état de la technique, un dispositif projecteur de type elliptique générique est typiquement du type de ceux représentés à la figure 1. Sur cette figure on a représenté une vue en coupe et de côté d'un feu de croisement 100 qui comporte essentiellement un réflecteur 101, de forme globalement ellipsoïdale, une source de lumière 102, émettant une pluralité de rayons lumineux 103 et disposée au voisinage du sommet du réflecteur 101, et une surface de sortie 104, par exemple une glace en matière plastique, d'un faisceau lumineux 106. Avant d'atteindre la surface de sortie 104, les rayons lumineux 103 sont amenés à traverser, soit directement, soit après réflexion sur le réflecteur 101, une lentille de projection 105, caractérisée par une face d'entrée 110 et une face de sortie 111. Elle projette le faisceau lumineux 106 dont l'orientation et la portée dépendent notamment de la disposition et des caractéristiques optiques de la lentille 105, de la forme du réflecteur 101, de la position de la source lumineuse 102 au sein du réflecteur et de la présence éventuelle d'un cache et de la position de celui-ci. De préférence, une partie centrale de la source de lumière 102 est disposée dans la zone focale d'un premier foyer F1 du réflecteur 101, et le foyer objet de la lentille de projection 105 se trouve dans la zone focale d'un deuxième foyer F2 du réflecteur 101. Ainsi, tout rayon lumineux 103 émis par la partie centrale de la source lumineuse 102 passe par le deuxième foyer F2 du réflecteur 101 et sort de la lentille de projection 105 horizontalement.In the state of the art, a generic elliptical type projector device is typically of the type of those shown in FIG. figure 1 . In this figure there is shown a sectional and side view of a dipped beam 100 which essentially comprises a reflector 101, of generally ellipsoidal shape, a light source 102, emitting a plurality of light rays 103 and arranged in the vicinity of top of the reflector 101, and an exit surface 104, for example a plastic ice, a light beam 106. Before reaching the exit surface 104, the light rays 103 are passed through, either directly or after reflection on the reflector 101, a projection lens 105, characterized by an input face 110 and an output face 111. It projects the light beam 106 whose orientation and range depend in particular on the arrangement and the optical characteristics of the lens 105, the shape of the reflector 101, the position of the light source 102 within the reflector and the possible presence of a cache and the position of it. Preferably, a central portion of the light source 102 is disposed in the focal zone of a first focus F1 of the reflector 101, and the object focus of the projection lens 105 is in the focal zone of a second focus F2 of the reflector 101. Thus, any light beam 103 emitted by the central portion of the light source 102 passes through the second focus F2 of the reflector 101 and leaves the projection lens 105 horizontally.

Dans cet exemple, un cache 108 est interposé entre le réflecteur 101 et la lentille de projection 105. Le cache 108 est disposé dans un plan parallèle à la lentille de projection 105, approximativement au niveau du plan focal objet de la lentille, de telle sorte que l'image du cache soit émise à l'infini. Grâce à la présence d'un tel cache 108, le faisceau lumineux 106 qui est effectivement émis par le dispositif projecteur 100 n'est pas émis au-dessus d'une ligne de coupure déterminée par la forme d'une partie supérieure 109 du cache 108.In this example, a cover 108 is interposed between the reflector 101 and the projection lens 105. The cover 108 is disposed in a plane parallel to the projection lens 105, approximately at the object focal plane of the lens, so that that the image of the cache is emitted to infinity. Due to the presence of such a mask 108, the light beam 106 that is actually emitted by the projector device 100 is not emitted above a cutoff line determined by the shape of an upper portion 109 of the cache 108.

Le fait d'avoir une source lumineuse disposée, dans le sens de sa longueur, dans l'alignement des foyers F1 et F2 du réflecteur donne une forme particulièrement allongée au réflecteur 101. Par ailleurs, le fait qu'il est nécessaire, pour des raisons thermiques, de conserver un certain éloignement entre la lentille de projection de la glace de sortie contribue à la forme allongée du dispositif projecteur considéré. Ainsi, l'encombrement général des dispositifs projecteurs elliptiques classiques de l'état de la technique est important dans le sens de leur longueur. Ils nécessitent donc, dans le véhicule dans lequel ils sont destinés à être placés, une profondeur importante. Un tel encombrement spatial ne permet ainsi pas de s'adapter à des emplacements dont l'espace disponible est réduit en profondeur ; or de telles configurations, notamment du fait de l'évolution des exigences des constructeurs, notamment en terme de style, sont de plus en plus fréquentes.The fact of having a light source disposed in the direction of its length in the alignment of the foci F1 and F2 of the reflector gives a particularly elongated shape to the reflector 101. Moreover, the fact that it is necessary for thermal reasons, to maintain a certain distance between the projection lens of the outlet ice contributes to the elongated shape of the projector device considered. Thus, the overall size of conventional elliptical spotlight devices of the state of the art is important in the sense of their length. They therefore require, in the vehicle in which they are intended to be placed, a significant depth. Such spatial clutter thus does not adapt to locations whose available space is reduced in depth; However, such configurations, especially due to changing requirements of manufacturers, especially in terms of style, are becoming more frequent.

Un problème se pose donc pour la conception de certains dispositifs projecteurs, les volumes qui leur sont réservés présentant désormais des formes moins conventionnelles qu'auparavant.A problem therefore arises for the design of certain projector devices, the volumes reserved for them now having less conventional shapes than before.

L'objet de l'invention propose une solution aux problèmes qui viennent d'être exposés. Dans l'invention, on propose la réalisation d'un module optique présentant un réflecteur dont la surface réfléchissante résulte de la juxtaposition de surfaces particulières de telle sorte que ledit réflecteur peut être contenu dans des volumes inhabituels, notamment allongés en hauteur et réduits en profondeur par rapport aux volumes occupés par les dispositifs projecteurs de l'état de la technique. A cet effet, on propose notamment que le réflecteur soit constitué par la réunion d'au moins deux portions d'ellipsoïdes, des foyers de ces ellipsoïdes étant confondus. La source lumineuse n'est alors plus disposée dans le sens de la longueur du dispositif projecteur qu'elle équipe. Avantageusement, la source lumineuse disposée au sein du réflecteur peut alors présenter une orientation qui facilite son accès, par exemple pour des opérations de remplacement de lampes.The object of the invention proposes a solution to the problems that have just been exposed. In the invention, it is proposed to produce an optical module having a reflector whose reflective surface results from the juxtaposition of particular surfaces so that said reflector can be contained in unusual volumes, in particular lengthened in height and reduced in depth compared to the volumes occupied by the projectors devices of the state of the art. For this purpose, it is proposed in particular that the reflector be constituted by the meeting of at least two portions of ellipsoids, foci of these ellipsoids being merged. The light source is then no longer arranged in the direction of the length of the projector device that it equips. Advantageously, the light source disposed within the reflector can then have an orientation that facilitates its access, for example for lamp replacement operations.

L'invention concerne donc essentiellement un module optique pour dispositif projecteur elliptique de véhicule automobile, ledit module optique comportant notamment un réflecteur, une source lumineuse émettant des rayons lumineux, et une lentille de projection, ledit réflecteur présentant une face interne réfléchissante pour réfléchir vers la lentille de projection au moins une partie des rayons lumineux émis par la source lumineuse, tel que la face interne du réflecteur est constituée de la réunion d'au moins une première portion d'une première forme d'ellipsoïde, et d'une deuxième portion d'une deuxième forme d'ellipsoïde, la première forme d'ellipsoïde présentant un premier foyer principal et un deuxième foyer principal, la deuxième forme d'ellipsoïde présentant un premier foyer principal et un deuxième foyer principal, le deuxième foyer principal de la première forme d'ellipsoïde étant confondu avec le premier foyer principal de la deuxième forme d'ellipsoïde. La deuxième portion de forme d'ellipsoïde permet ainsi la réflexion vers la lentille de projection d'une partie des rayons lumineux émis par la source lumineuse et réfléchis par la première portion de forme d'ellipsoïde.The invention therefore essentially relates to an optical module for a motor vehicle elliptical projector device, said optical module comprising in particular a reflector, a light source emitting light rays, and a projection lens, said reflector having a reflecting internal surface to reflect towards the projection lens at least a part of the light rays emitted by the light source, such that the inner face of the reflector consists of the joining of at least a first portion of a first ellipsoid shape, and a second portion a second form of ellipsoid, the first form of ellipsoid having a first main focus and a second main focus, the second form of ellipsoid having a first main focus and a second major focus, the second major focus of the first shape of ellipsoid being confused with the first main focus of the second form of el lipsoïde. The second portion of ellipsoid shape thus allows reflection towards the projection lens of a portion of the light rays emitted by the light source and reflected by the first portion of ellipsoid shape.

On considère ici que deux foyers principaux, ou plus généralement deux points, sont confondus si l'un des deux foyers principaux se situe à l'intérieur d'un cercle ayant pour centre l'autre foyer principal, et un diamètre de la taille de l'image de la source lumineuse (utilisée dans le réflecteur) au niveau de ce dit autre foyer principal. Ceci permet de définir un intervalle de distance entre les deux foyers principaux pour qu'ils puissent être considérés comme confondus. Cet intervalle est fonction de la source lumineuse utilisée. Par exemple, cette distance peut être de quelques millimètres et excède rarement deux centimètres.Here we consider that two main foci, or more generally two points, are confounded if one of the two main foci is located inside a circle centered on the other main focus, and a diameter of the the image of the light source (used in the reflector) at this said other main focus. This makes it possible to define an interval of distance between the two main foci so that they can be considered as confounded. This interval is a function of the light source used. For example, this distance can be a few millimeters and rarely exceeds two centimeters.

De façon très générale, on peut ainsi considérer que l'invention concerne un dispositif d'éclairage pour véhicule du type module elliptique, où le réflecteur est composé d'une ou plusieurs pièces, et où des rayons lumineux issus de la source viennent se réfléchir deux fois et non une seule avant de passer au travers de la lentille de projection, puis de sortir du module à travers la glace de fermeture pour constituer le faisceau lumineux (si le réflecteur est en plusieurs pièces, la double réflexion a lieu sur une même pièce).In a very general manner, it can thus be considered that the invention relates to a vehicle lighting device of the elliptical module type, where the reflector is composed of one or more pieces, and where light rays coming from the source are reflected. twice and not one before passing through the projection lens, then out of the module through the closing glass to form the light beam (if the reflector is in several parts, the double reflection takes place on the same room).

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

  • le deuxième foyer principal de la deuxième forme d'ellipsoïde et le premier foyer principal de la première forme d'ellipsoïde constituent les foyers principaux d'une troisième forme d'ellipsoïde dont une portion contribue à la constitution de la face interne du réflecteur ;
  • la portion de la troisième forme d'ellipsoïde contribuant à la constitution de la face interne du réflecteur est disposée entre la première portion et la deuxième portion de forme d'ellipsoïde;
  • la première portion de forme d'ellipsoïde a pour fonction principale de récupérer un maximum de flux lumineux émis par la source lumineuse; la deuxième portion de forme d'ellipsoïde a pour fonction principale d'assurer une portée satisfaisante au faisceau lumineux produit par le module optique ; et la troisième portion de forme d'ellipsoïde a pour fonction principale d'assurer un étalement du faisceau lumineux produit par le module optique ;
  • la deuxième portion de forme d'ellipsoïde est prolongée par une portion complémentaire de surface réfléchissante apte à réfléchir vers la lentille de projection certains des rayons lumineux émis par la source lumineuse ;
  • le deuxième foyer principal de la deuxième forme d'ellipsoïde est confondu avec le foyer objet de la lentille de projection ;
  • la source lumineuse est disposée au voisinage du premier foyer principal de la première forme d'ellipsoïde ;
  • la source lumineuse est disposée selon un plan horizontal ;
  • le filament de la source lumineuse est positionné selon une direction différente de la direction de l'axe optique du dispositif projecteur elliptique ;
  • la source lumineuse est disposée selon un plan vertical ;
  • le filament de la source lumineuse est orienté selon une direction, globalement opposée à une direction d'émission du dispositif projecteur elliptique, en formant un angle compris entre 30 degrés et 90 degrés avec l'axe optique, notamment 86 degrés ;
  • le module optique comporte un cache pour intercepter une partie des rayons lumineux réfléchis par le réflecteur, ledit cache étant disposé au voisinage du foyer objet de la lentille de projection ;
  • au moins deux des portions de forme d'ellipsoïde constituant la face interne du réflecteur sont des pièces distinctes.
In addition to the main features which have just been mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the optical module according to the invention may have one or more additional characteristics among the following:
  • the second main focus of the second ellipsoid shape and the first main focus of the first ellipsoid form constitute the main foci of a third form of ellipsoid, a portion of which contributes to the constitution of the inner face of the reflector;
  • the portion of the third form of ellipsoid contributing to the constitution of the inner face of the reflector is disposed between the first portion and the second portion of ellipsoid shape;
  • the first portion of ellipsoid shape has the main function of recovering a maximum of luminous flux emitted by the light source; the second portion of ellipsoid shape has the main function of ensuring a satisfactory range to the light beam produced by the optical module; and the third portion of ellipsoid shape has the main function of ensuring a spread of the light beam produced by the optical module;
  • the second portion of ellipsoid shape is extended by a complementary portion of reflective surface capable of reflecting towards the projection lens some of the light rays emitted by the light source;
  • the second main focus of the second ellipsoid shape coincides with the object focus of the projection lens;
  • the light source is disposed in the vicinity of the first main focus of the first ellipsoid shape;
  • the light source is arranged in a horizontal plane;
  • the filament of the light source is positioned in one direction different from the direction of the optical axis of the elliptical headlamp device;
  • the light source is arranged in a vertical plane;
  • the filament of the light source is oriented in a direction, generally opposite a direction of emission of the elliptical projector device, forming an angle of between 30 degrees and 90 degrees with the optical axis, in particular 86 degrees;
  • the optical module comprises a cover for intercepting a portion of the light rays reflected by the reflector, said cover being disposed in the vicinity of the object focus of the projection lens;
  • at least two of the ellipsoid-shaped portions constituting the inner face of the reflector are separate parts.

Les différentes caractéristiques supplémentaires du dispositif selon l'invention, dans la mesure où elles ne s'excluent pas mutuellement, sont combinées selon toutes les possibilités d'association pour aboutir à différents exemples de réalisation de l'invention.The various additional features of the device according to the invention, insofar as they are not mutually exclusive, are combined according to all the possibilities of association to lead to different embodiments of the invention.

La présente invention se rapporte également à un véhicule automobile équipé d'un dispositif projecteur comportant le module optique selon l'invention, avec ses caractéristiques principales et éventuellement une ou plusieurs caractéristiques supplémentaires qui viennent d'être évoquées.The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle equipped with a projector device comprising the optical module according to the invention, with its main characteristics and possibly one or more additional features which have just been 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.

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

  • à la figure 1, déjà décrite, un exemple de réalisation de module optique de l'état de la technique ;
  • à la figure 2, un premier exemple de réalisation du module optique selon l'invention;
  • à la figure 3, une première variante d'un deuxième exemple de réalisation du module selon l'invention ;
  • à la figure 4, une deuxième variante d'un deuxième exemple de réalisation du module selon l'invention ;
  • à la figure 5, une première représentation schématique de différents agencements possibles de portions d'ellipsoïdes formant le réflecteur du module optique selon l'invention.
These are presented only as an indication and in no way limitative of the invention. The figures show:
  • to the figure 1 , already described, an embodiment of optical module of the state of the art;
  • to the figure 2 a first embodiment of the optical module according to the invention;
  • to the figure 3 a first variant of a second embodiment of the module according to the invention;
  • to the figure 4 a second variant of a second embodiment of the module according to the invention;
  • to the figure 5 , a first schematic representation of different possible arrangements of ellipsoid portions forming the reflector of the optical module according to the invention.

Les différents éléments apparaissant sur plusieurs figures auront gardé, sauf précision contraire, la même référence. Les notions de direction et de position, de type "haut", "bas", "vertical", "horizontal"...sont mentionnées dans des conditions classiques d'utilisation du module optique selon l'invention une fois que celui-ci est disposé dans un dispositif projecteur monté sur un véhicule automobile.The different elements appearing in several figures will have kept, unless otherwise stated, the same reference. The concepts of direction and position, of the "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal" ... type are mentioned under conventional conditions of use of the optical module according to the invention once this is arranged in a projector device mounted on a motor vehicle.

La figure 2 montre un premier exemple 200 de module optique selon l'invention. II comporte une lentille de projection 206, un réflecteur 201, au sein duquel est positionnée une source lumineuse 202, constituée essentiellement d'une lampe 203, d'un support de lampes 204 et d'un filament 205. Dans les exemples considérés, les lampes représentées comportent des filaments. L'objet de l'invention s'étend évidemment aux modules optiques faisant intervenir d'autres types de sources lumineuses, notamment des diodes électroluminescentes, ou LEDs, ou encore des lampes à xénon ;dans ce dernier cas, le filament est remplacé par un arc électrique générant des rayons lumineux.The figure 2 shows a first example 200 of optical module according to the invention. It comprises a projection lens 206, a reflector 201, within which is positioned a light source 202, consisting essentially of a lamp 203, a lamp holder 204 and a filament 205. In the examples considered, the represented lamps comprise filaments. The object of the invention obviously extends to optical modules involving other types of light sources, in particular light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, or even xenon lamps, in which case the filament is replaced by a electric arc generating light rays.

La lentille de projection 206 est caractérisée par un axe central 207, passant par le foyer objet et le foyer image de la lentille, correspondant ainsi à l'axe optique du dispositif projecteur dans lequel le module optique 200 est destiné à être positionné. L'exemple représenté correspond à une vue de dessus; ainsi, dans cet exemple, la source lumineuse 202 est positionnée selon un plan horizontal, le filament 205 étant contenu dans ce plan horizontal.The projection lens 206 is characterized by a central axis 207, passing through the object focus and the image focus of the lens, thus corresponding to the optical axis of the projector device in which the optical module 200 is intended to be positioned. The example shown corresponds to a view from above; thus, in this example, the light source 202 is positioned in a horizontal plane, the filament 205 being contained in this horizontal plane.

Les surfaces réfléchissantes du réflecteur intervenant dans les différents exemples de réalisation qui vont être décrits dans la suite du document vont être définis notamment en référence à des surfaces définies à partir du terme ellipsoïde. D'une manière générale, un ellipsoïde, désignant ici un ellipsoïde de révolution, est un volume engendré par la révolution d'un ellipse autour de l'un des ses axes. Ainsi, toute section plane d'un ellipsoïde est une ellipse. Dans le présent document, on fait référence aux termes "formes d'ellipsoïdes" pour désigner une forme considérée dont la représentation mathématique générique connue la plus proche est l'ellipsoïde. De manière connue, un ellipsoïde présente trois ellipses principales, correspondant aux intersections des plans principaux de l'ellipsoïde avec l'ellipsoïde. On désigne par foyer principal d'un ellipsoïde chacun des foyers des ellipses principales de l'ellipsoïde. Deux ellipsoïdes distinctes présentant un foyer principal en commun sont dites conjuguées. L'expression "foyer principal de forme d'ellipsoïde" désigne un point situé dans le voisinage immédiat d'un foyer principal de l'ellipsoïde se rapprochant le plus de la forme d'ellipsoïde considérée.The reflecting surfaces of the reflector involved in the various embodiments which will be described later in the document will be defined in particular with reference to surfaces defined from the term ellipsoid. In general, an ellipsoid, here designating an ellipsoid of revolution, is a volume generated by the revolution of an ellipse around one of its axes. Thus, any plane section of an ellipsoid is an ellipse. In this document, the term "ellipsoid shapes" is used to refer to a considered form whose closest known generic mathematical representation is the ellipsoid. In known manner, an ellipsoid has three main ellipses, corresponding to the intersections of the main planes of the ellipsoid with the ellipsoid. The main focus of an ellipsoid each of the centers of the main ellipses of the ellipsoid. Two distinct ellipsoids with a main focus in common are called conjugates. The term "ellipsoid-shaped main focus" refers to a point in the immediate vicinity of a main focus of the ellipsoid closest to the ellipsoid shape considered.

Dans l'exemple représenté, le réflecteur 201 est constitué par la réunion de trois parties distinguables :

  • une première partie 207 consiste en une portion d'une première forme d'ellipsoïde 211, désignée comme première portion, caractérisée par un premier foyer principal F11 et par un deuxième foyer principal F12; le filament de la lampe est approximativement centré sur le premier foyer ;
  • une deuxième partie 208 consiste en une portion d'une deuxième forme d'ellipsoïde 212, désignée comme deuxième portion, caractérisée par un premier foyer principal F21 et par un deuxième foyer principal F22; selon l'invention, la première forme d'ellipsoïde 211 et la deuxième forme d'ellipsoïde 212 sont conjuguées, c'est-à-dire que le premier foyer principal F21 de la deuxième forme d'ellipsoïde et le deuxième foyer principal F12 de la première forme d'ellipsoïde sont confondus ;
  • une troisième partie 209 consiste en une portion d'une troisième forme d'ellipsoïde 213, désignée comme troisième portion, caractérisée par un premier foyer principal F31 et par un deuxième foyer principal F32; la troisième partie 209 assure la continuité, entre la première partie 207 et la deuxième partie 208 précédemment mentionnées, de la surface réfléchissante du réflecteur 201. Dans l'exemple représenté, la troisième forme d'ellipsoïde 213 est conjuguée avec la première forme d'ellipsoïde 211 et la deuxième forme d' ellipsoïde 212: d'une part le premier foyer F11 de la première forme d'ellipsoïde et le premier foyer principal F31 de la troisième forme d'ellipsoïde sont confondus; d'autre part, le deuxième foyer principal F22 de la deuxième forme d'ellipsoïde et le deuxième foyer principal F32 de la troisième forme d'ellipsoïde sont confondus ;ces derniers foyers sont, dans les exemples représentés, confondus avec le foyer objet de la lentille 206.
In the example shown, the reflector 201 is constituted by the union of three distinguishable parts:
  • a first portion 207 consists of a portion of a first form of ellipsoid 211, designated as the first portion, characterized by a first main focus F11 and a second main focus F12; the filament of the lamp is approximately centered on the first focus;
  • a second portion 208 consists of a portion of a second form of ellipsoid 212, designated as the second portion, characterized by a first main focus F21 and a second main focus F22; according to the invention, the first form of ellipsoid 211 and the second form of ellipsoid 212 are conjugate, that is to say that the first main focus F21 of the second form of ellipsoid and the second main focus F12 of the first form of ellipsoid are merged;
  • a third portion 209 consists of a portion of a third form of ellipsoid 213, designated as the third portion, characterized by a first main focus F31 and a second main focus F32; the third part 209 ensures the continuity, between the first part 207 and the second part 208 mentioned above, of the reflecting surface of the reflector 201. In the example shown, the third form of ellipsoid 213 is conjugated with the first form of ellipsoid 211 and the second form of ellipsoid 212: on the one hand the first focus F11 of the first ellipsoid shape and the first main focus F31 of the third ellipsoid shape are merged; on the other hand, the second principal focus F22 of the second form of ellipsoid and the second main focus F32 of the third form of ellipsoid are merged: these latter foci are, in the examples represented, merged with the focal point of the 206 lens.

Dans l'exemple représenté, la surface réfléchissante résulte donc de l'association de trois portions de formes d'ellipsoïdes. Dans d'autres modes de réalisation, non représentés, on combine simplement les portions des deux premières formes d'ellipsoïde ; le résultat obtenu est alors moins performant en terme de récupération de flux lumineux, mais est suffisant pour répondre aux exigences normatives. Dans la pratique, les portions de forme d'ellipsoïdes sont en fait constituées de portions de plans qui sont juxtaposés, pour former une surface avoisinant celle d'un ellipsoïde ; ainsi, les termes "portions de forme d'ellipsoïde" doit englober, au sens de l'invention, ce type de réalisations.In the example shown, the reflecting surface therefore results from the combination of three portions of ellipsoid shapes. In other embodiments, not shown, simply combine the portions of the first two forms of ellipsoid; the result is then less performing in terms of recovery of luminous flux, but is sufficient to meet the normative requirements. In practice, the ellipsoid-shaped portions are in fact made up of portions of planes which are juxtaposed to form a surface approximating that of an ellipsoid; thus, the terms "ellipsoid-shaped portions" must encompass, in the sense of the invention, this type of embodiments.

Les figures 3 et 4 montre un deuxième exemple de réalisation de l'invention, représentés en vue de côté, dans une première variante et une deuxième variante, référencées respectivement 300 et 400. Ainsi, dans ce deuxième exemple, la source lumineuse 202 est positionnée selon un plan vertical, le filament 205 étant contenu dans ce plan vertical. La différence entre la figure 3 et la figure 4 résulte dans une variation de l'inclinaison de la source lumineuse 202 : à la figure 3, l'axe principal - correspondant à l'axe du filament 205, passant par les foyers principaux F11 et F12 de la première forme d'ellipsoïde 207 - forme un angle de 86 degrés avec l'axe optique 207, alors qu'à la figure 4, cet angle est de 40 degrés.The Figures 3 and 4 shows a second embodiment of the invention, shown in side view, in a first variant and a second variant, respectively referenced 300 and 400. Thus, in this second example, the light source 202 is positioned in a vertical plane, the filament 205 being contained in this vertical plane. The difference between figure 3 and the figure 4 results in a variation of the inclination of the light source 202: at the figure 3 the main axis - corresponding to the axis of the filament 205, passing through the main foci F11 and F12 of the first ellipsoid shape 207 - forms an angle of 86 degrees with the optical axis 207, whereas at the figure 4 this angle is 40 degrees.

Dans tous les exemples représentés, on constate que l'orientation de la source lumineuse est globalement opposée à la direction d'émission finale du faisceau lumineux sortant de la lentille. Par direction globalement opposée, on désigne le fait qu'une demi-droite qui prolongerait le filament dans la direction opposée à celle du support de la source lumineuse, ou, dans le cas d'une lampe à décharge, qui comprendrait l'axe joignant les deux électrodes et se prolongerait dans la direction opposée à celle du support de la source lumineuse, ou, dans le cas d'une LED, qui correspondrait à la direction moyenne d'émission de lumière de la LED, ne traverserait jamais un plan défini comme le plan comprenant la face d'entrée de la lentille de projection. Par exemple, dans le cas d'une LED lambertienne la direction moyenne d'émission de lumière de la LED est la demi perpendiculaire au plan du semi-conducteur et qui se prolonge dans la direction opposée à la surface éclairante du semi-conducteur.In all the examples shown, it is found that the orientation of the light source is generally opposite to the final emission direction of the light beam emerging from the lens. By a generally opposite direction is meant the fact that a half-line which would extend the filament in the direction opposite to that of the light source support, or, in the case of a discharge lamp, which would comprise the axis joining both electrodes and would extend in the opposite direction to that of the light source support, or, in the case of a LED, which would correspond to the average direction of light emission of the LED, would never cross a defined plane as the plane comprising the entrance face of the projection lens. For example, in the case of a lambertian LED, the mean direction of light emission from the LED is half perpendicular to the plane of the semiconductor and which extends in the opposite direction to the illuminating surface of the semiconductor.

Par ailleurs, comme visible à la figure 4, la deuxième partie 208 est complétée par une portion complémentaire 401 de surface réfléchissante apte à réfléchir vers la lentille de projection 206 certains des rayons lumineux émis par la source 202.Moreover, as visible in the figure 4 , the second part 208 is completed by a complementary portion 401 of reflective surface able to reflect towards the projection lens 206 some of the light rays emitted by the source 202.

Sur la figure 4, on a représenté différents rayons lumineux afin de mettre en évidence la contribution de chacune des portions des formes d'ellipsoïdes intervenant dans l'exemple représenté.On the figure 4 , we have represented different light rays in order to highlight the contribution of each of the portions of the ellipsoid shapes involved in the example shown.

Un premier rayon S1, passant par le foyer F11, est réfléchi par la première partie 207 avant de passer par le foyer F12 ; le rayon S1 atteint alors la partie complémentaire 401, qui renvoie ledit rayon vers la lentille 206. On peut remarquer ici que sans la présence de la partie complémentaire 401, le premier rayon S1 ne contribuerait pas au faisceau lumineux produit par le dispositif projecteur dans lequel est disposé le module optique 400.A first ray S1, passing through the focus F11, is reflected by the first portion 207 before passing through the focus F12; the radius S1 then reaches the complementary part 401, which returns said radius towards the lens 206. It may be noted here that without the presence of the complementary part 401, the first radius S1 would not contribute to the light beam produced by the projector device in which the optical module 400 is arranged.

Un deuxième rayon S2, passant par le foyer F11 et orienté selon l'axe du filament, passe par le foyer F21 puis est réfléchi par la deuxième partie 208 avant de passer par le foyer F22 ; le rayon S2 traverse alors la lentille 206 pour ressortir de ladite lentille selon une direction globalement horizontale.A second radius S2, passing through the focal point F11 and oriented along the axis of the filament, passes through the focal point F21 and is reflected by the second portion 208 before passing through the focus F22; the radius S2 then passes through the lens 206 to emerge from said lens in a generally horizontal direction.

Un troisième rayon S3, passant par le foyer F31 est réfléchi par la troisième partie 209 avant de passer par le foyer F32 ; le rayon S3 traverse alors la lentille 206 pour ressortir de ladite lentille selon une direction globalement horizontale.A third radius S3 passing through the focus F31 is reflected by the third portion 209 before passing through the focus F32; the radius S3 then passes through the lens 206 to emerge from said lens in a generally horizontal direction.

Dans la pratique, la première portion 207 de forme d'ellipsoïde a pour fonction principale de récupérer un maximum de flux lumineux, éventuellement en coopération avec la partie complémentaire 401 ; la deuxième portion 208 de forme d'ellipsoïde a pour fonction principale d'assurer une portée satisfaisante au faisceau lumineux produit ;la troisième portion 209 de forme d'ellipsoïde a pour fonction principale d'assurer un étalement du faisceau lumineux produit.In practice, the first portion 207 of ellipsoid shape has the main function of recovering a maximum of luminous flux, possibly in cooperation with the complementary portion 401; the second function 208 of ellipsoid shape has the main function of ensuring a satisfactory range to the light beam produced, the third portion 209 of ellipsoid shape has the main function of ensuring a spread of the light beam produced.

Une différence essentielle entre l'exemple de la figure 2 et les exemples des figures 3 et 4 réside dans la forme globale du faisceau lumineux produit, de forme globalement arrondie dans le premier exemple, et de forme globalement rectangulaire dans le deuxième exemple.An essential difference between the example of figure 2 and the examples of Figures 3 and 4 resides in the overall shape of the light beam produced, of generally rounded shape in the first example, and of generally rectangular shape in the second example.

La figure 5 est une représentation schématique illustrant le fait que, en respectant les caractéristiques essentielles de l'invention, à savoir la combinaison de formes d'ellipsoïdes conjuguées pour réaliser une surface réfléchissante de réflecteur, il est possible d'adapter la forme du module optique en fonction de contraintes liées à l'espace disponible. Ainsi, sur cette figure, on a représenté en traits pleins une première disposition de la première ellipsoïde 211 et de la deuxième ellipsoïde 212 adaptée pour coopérer de manière optimale avec une première position de la lentille de projection 206. Sur la figure 5, on a par ailleurs représenté en traits pointillés une deuxième disposition de la première ellipsoïde 211 et de la deuxième ellipsoïde 212 adaptée pour coopérer de manière optimale avec une deuxième position de la lentille de projection 206. Le passage de la première disposition à la deuxième disposition s'effectue par une rotation, autour d'un axe perpendiculaire au plan de la figure passant par le premier foyer principal F11 de la première ellipsoïde 211. Une telle rotation entraîne le déplacement du premier foyer principal F21 de la deuxième ellipsoïde 212. Le deuxième foyer principal F22 de la deuxième ellipsoïde est alors également déplacé, sa position étant alors définie, dans cet exemple, de telle sorte que le premier foyer principal F11 de la première ellipsoïde et le deuxième foyer principal de la deuxième ellipsoïde constituent les deux foyers principaux de la troisième ellipsoïde 213 non représentée.The figure 5 is a schematic representation illustrating the fact that, by respecting the essential features of the invention, namely the combination of conjugated ellipsoid shapes to realize a reflecting reflector surface, it is possible to adapt the shape of the optical module according to constraints related to the available space. Thus, in this figure, there is shown in solid lines a first disposition of the first ellipsoid 211 and the second ellipsoid 212 adapted for cooperate optimally with a first position of the projection lens 206. On the figure 5 a second arrangement of the first ellipsoid 211 and the second ellipsoid 212 adapted to cooperate optimally with a second position of the projection lens 206 is shown in dashed lines. The change from the first disposition to the second disposition is made by a rotation, about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the figure passing through the first main focus F11 of the first ellipsoid 211. Such rotation causes the displacement of the first main focus F21 of the second ellipsoid 212. The second main focus F22 of the second ellipsoid is then also displaced, its position then being defined, in this example, so that the first main focus F11 of the first ellipsoid and the second main focus of the second ellipsoid constitute the two main foci of the third ellipsoid 213 not shown.

Un autre exemple, non représenté, illustrant l'adaptabilité du module optique selon l'invention en fonction d'un volume disponible consiste à effectuer une rotation de la première ellipsoïde 211 et de la deuxième ellipsoïde 212, non plus autour du premier foyer F11, mais autour du deuxième foyer F12 de la première ellipsoïde, confondu selon l'invention avec le premier foyer F21 de la deuxième ellipsoïde 212.Another example, not shown, illustrating the adaptability of the optical module according to the invention as a function of an available volume consists in rotating the first ellipsoid 211 and the second ellipsoid 212, no longer around the first focus F11, but around the second focus F12 of the first ellipsoid, confused according to the invention with the first focus F21 of the second ellipsoid 212.

Dans différents exemple de réalisation, on dispose un cache au niveau du foyer objet de la lentille de projection pour intercepter une partie des rayons lumineux émis par la source lumineuse, éventuellement après une réflexion par le réflecteur, de manière à créer une ligne de coupure correspondant aux règlementations pour que le faisceau lumineux produit soit de type code. Dans certains exemples, le cache est amovible, le dispositif projecteur correspondant étant alors de type bifonctions code/route.In different exemplary embodiments, a cover is provided at the object focus of the projection lens to intercept a portion of the light rays emitted by the light source, possibly after reflection by the reflector, so as to create a corresponding cut line. regulations so that the light beam produced is of type code. In some examples, the cache is removable, the corresponding projector device then being of type code / route bifunctions.

Selon les exemples de réalisation, le réflecteur est constitué d'une pièce monobloc, regroupant à elle seule les différentes portions de forme d'ellipsoïde, ou résulte de la juxtaposition de différentes parties ;ces différentes parties ne constituent alors pas une pièce monobloc, mais sont des pièces distinctes qui sont réunies après leur fabrication pour constituer la face interne du réflecteur ; avantageusement, chacune des parties correspond alors à une des portions de forme d'ellipsoïde qui ont été décrite.According to the exemplary embodiments, the reflector consists of a one-piece piece, which alone gathers the various portions of ellipsoid shape, or results from the juxtaposition of different parts, these different parts then do not constitute a single piece, but are separate pieces that are joined after their manufacture to form the inner face of the reflector; advantageously, each of the parts then corresponds to one of the ellipsoid-shaped portions that have been described.

Outre un avantage lié à une adaptabilité à des volumes disponibles strictement définis, le module optique selon l'invention présente différents avantages complémentaires :

  • le rendement en terme de flux lumineux est de l'ordre de 60 % pour un feux de croisement, et environ 65 % pour un feu de route selon la répartition lumineuse respective, ce qui est supérieur aux modules optique de l'état de la technique.
  • la source lumineuse, du fait de son orientation selon une direction globalement opposée à une direction d'émission du dispositif projecteur dans lequel elle est disposée, est rendue plus accessible depuis l'extérieur du véhicule qui en est équipé, par exemple pour des opérations de remplacement de la lampe.
In addition to the benefit of adaptability to available volumes strictly defined, the optical module according to the invention has different complementary advantages:
  • the output in terms of luminous flux is of the order of 60% for a low beam, and about 65% for a high beam according to the respective light distribution, which is superior to the optical modules of the state of the art .
  • the light source, because of its orientation in a direction generally opposite to a direction of emission of the projector device in which it is arranged, is made more accessible from the outside of the vehicle which is equipped with it, for example for replacement of the lamp.

Claims (11)

  1. Optical module (200, 300, 400) for an elliptical headlight device for a motor vehicle, the said optical module comprising in particular a reflector (201), a source of light (202) which emits rays of light (S1; S2; S3), and a projection lens (206), the said reflector having a reflective inner surface in order to reflect towards the projection lens at least part of the rays of light which are emitted by the source of light, characterised in that the inner surface of the reflector consists of the assembly of at least a first portion (207) of a first form of ellipsoid (211), and a second portion (208) of a second form of ellipsoid (212), the first form of ellipsoid having a first main focal point (F11) and a second main focal point (F12), the second form of ellipsoid having a first main focal point (F21) and a second main focal point (F22), the second main focal point of the first form of ellipsoid being combined with the first main focal point of the second form of ellipsoid, the second portion (208) of form of ellipsoid permitting reflection towards the projection lens (206) of part of the rays of light which are emitted by the source of light (202) and reflected by the first portion (207) of form of ellipsoid, and
    in that the second main focal point of the second form of ellipsoid and the first main focal point of the first form of ellipsoid constitute the main focal points of a third form of ellipsoid (213), a portion (209) of which contributes towards the constitution of the inner surface of the reflector, this portion (209) of the third form of ellipsoid being disposed between the first portion (207) and the second portion (208) of form of ellipsoid.
  2. Optical module according to the preceding claim, characterised in that:
    - the said first portion (207) of form of ellipsoid has the main function of recuperating a maximum of the flow of light emitted by the source of light (202);
    - the second portion (208) of form of ellipsoid has the main function of assuring a satisfactory range of the light beam produced by the said optical module; and
    - the said third portion (209) of form of ellipsoid has the main function of assuring spreading of the light beam produced by the said optical module.
  3. Optical module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second portion of form of ellipsoid is extended by a complementary portion (401) of reflective surface which can reflect towards the projection lens some of the rays of light emitted by the source of light.
  4. Optical module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second main focal point of the second form of ellipsoid is combined with the target focal point of the projection lens.
  5. Optical module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the source of light is disposed in the vicinity of the first main focal point of the first form of ellipsoid.
  6. Optical module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the source of light is disposed according to a horizontal plane.
  7. Optical module according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the filament of the source of light is positioned according to a direction which is different from the direction of the optical axis of the elliptical headlight device.
  8. Optical module according to at least one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the source of light is disposed according to a vertical plane.
  9. Optical module according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the filament of the source of light is oriented according to a direction which is globally opposite a direction of emission of the elliptical headlight device, whilst forming an angle of between 30 degrees and 90 degrees with the optical axis, and in particular 86 degrees.
  10. Optical module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a shield for interception of part of the rays of light reflected by the reflector, the said shield being disposed in the vicinity of the target focal point of the projection lens.
  11. Optical module according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least two of the portions of form of ellipsoid which constitute the inner surface of the reflector are distinct parts.
EP20080155325 2007-05-04 2008-04-29 Optical module for an elliptical headlight device adapted to a given volume for an automobile vehicle Not-in-force EP1988330B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0703267A FR2915789B1 (en) 2007-05-04 2007-05-04 OPTICAL MODULE FOR ELLIPTICAL PROJECTOR DEVICE ADAPTED TO A VOLUME GIVEN FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

Publications (2)

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EP1988330A1 EP1988330A1 (en) 2008-11-05
EP1988330B1 true EP1988330B1 (en) 2011-11-30

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US (1) US7753574B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1988330B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2008305790A (en)
AT (1) ATE535756T1 (en)
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8449159B2 (en) 2011-10-18 2013-05-28 Lawrence M. Rice Combination optics light emitting diode landing light
CN105927864B (en) 2015-02-27 2020-02-21 日亚化学工业株式会社 Light emitting device
US11137126B2 (en) 2016-12-21 2021-10-05 Lumileds Llc Projector-type vehicle headlamp
WO2023019568A1 (en) * 2021-08-20 2023-02-23 华域视觉科技(上海)有限公司 Vehicle lamp lighting module and vehicle lamp

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1734834A (en) * 1927-06-28 1929-11-05 Willard M Steward Light projector
FR2489930A1 (en) * 1980-09-05 1982-03-12 Promoptic Ste Civile Catoptric light source for vehicle headlamp - uses filament lamp in parabolic reflector to direct light along an internally reflecting duct shaped to concentrate light beam
US4858090A (en) * 1987-06-26 1989-08-15 Downs James W Ellipsoidal reflector concentration of energy system
JP3488960B2 (en) * 2000-02-18 2004-01-19 スタンレー電気株式会社 Vehicle headlights
JP2005251478A (en) * 2004-03-02 2005-09-15 Ichikoh Ind Ltd Head lamp
JP4444792B2 (en) * 2004-11-05 2010-03-31 スタンレー電気株式会社 Lighting fixtures for vehicles
JP2006164858A (en) * 2004-12-09 2006-06-22 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Vehicular lighting fixture

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Publication number Publication date
FR2915789B1 (en) 2010-09-03
US7753574B2 (en) 2010-07-13
JP2008305790A (en) 2008-12-18
EP1988330A1 (en) 2008-11-05
ATE535756T1 (en) 2011-12-15
FR2915789A1 (en) 2008-11-07
US20080273347A1 (en) 2008-11-06

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