EP2169298A1 - Lighting and/or signalling device for motor vehicle - Google Patents

Lighting and/or signalling device for motor vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2169298A1
EP2169298A1 EP09171248A EP09171248A EP2169298A1 EP 2169298 A1 EP2169298 A1 EP 2169298A1 EP 09171248 A EP09171248 A EP 09171248A EP 09171248 A EP09171248 A EP 09171248A EP 2169298 A1 EP2169298 A1 EP 2169298A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coating
mask
layer
transparent
varnish
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP09171248A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2169298B1 (en
Inventor
Christophe Dubosc
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
Original Assignee
Valeo Vision SAS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Vision SAS filed Critical Valeo Vision SAS
Publication of EP2169298A1 publication Critical patent/EP2169298A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2169298B1 publication Critical patent/EP2169298B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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
    • F21S43/50—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers
    • 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
    • F21S41/28—Cover glass
    • 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
    • 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
    • F21S41/36—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
    • 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
    • F21S41/37—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings
    • 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
    • F21S41/40—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades
    • 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
    • F21S41/40—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades
    • F21S41/43—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades characterised by the shape thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/26—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/30—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors
    • F21S43/33—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by reflectors characterised by their material, surface treatment or coatings

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for equipping a motor vehicle, including a projector or a fire.
  • This type of device is usually constituted by a housing closed by an external mirror, the housing comprising one or more optical modules, each module being able to emit at least one light beam of given photometry and comprising at least one light source associated with optical components such as reflectors, optical screens, lenses, collimators, etc.
  • Each optical module is carefully adjusted to obtain the desired beam, in a very controlled manner to comply with current regulations.
  • cosmetics also called masks, which are intended to make the connection between the modules and the ice, and camouflage well aesthetically some components, such as connector elements. It is also possible to use these cosmetic parts within the optical modules themselves.
  • These masks can take different aspects, they are often smooth and shiny metal, a bit like a reflector whose appearance they can extend, even if they do not fulfill the optical function.
  • a small part of the rays emitted by the light source may inadvertently reflect on one of these masks, and give the device a lightened appearance that is not optimal, with, for example, a line that shines or a dazzling effect.
  • the purpose of the present invention is then to overcome this drawback, in particular by proposing a new type of device.
  • lighting / signaling system for a motor vehicle which has a pleasantly lit appearance, without having to give up, in particular, the use of reflective masks.
  • the subject of the invention is therefore a lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light source and at least one mask housed in a housing closed by an ice, the mask of which is metallic, reflecting (and, in particular , smooth). Said mask is covered, partially or totally, with a coating capable of reducing the level of light reflection by absorption, while substantially preserving its appearance.
  • the source may be associated with its optical element (s), in particular a reflector, and its mask (s) within an optical module, and for its integration into the device it is possible to add other cosmetic parts.
  • these masks when they are smooth and reflective metal, may be the source or one of the sources of parasitic rays more or less troublesome.
  • a solution to remove these parasitic rays could have been, purely and simply, to change the nature of masks, using striated masks, therefore highly diffusing, or highly absorbent masks, provided with a black paint for example. But the glossy appearance of the masks remains highly sought after for reasons of style.
  • the invention therefore chose to keep this type of mask, but modifying it however: enough to reduce its level of reflection, but not too much so that the glossy appearance, although faded, remains very visible, this thanks to a suitable coating, having light absorption properties while remaining sufficiently transparent so that the eye can continue to see the shine of the underlying mask.
  • this coating comprises a layer of varnish or colored paint (e) at least partially transparent.
  • This varnish may be based on polyurethane (or any other tackifier known in the field of varnishes and paints), and contain absorbent colored pigments / particles.
  • a coating thickness of the order of 0.01 to 0.5 millimeters is preferably chosen.
  • the varnish can be deposited, for example, by spray or spray guns.
  • the coating may comprise a thin layer or a stack of thin layers, based on metal, metal alloys, metal nitride, and / or metal oxide, and / or metal nitride, chosen in particular among aluminum, nickel, chromium, titanium, nickel / chromium alloys, carbide / nitride or oxide of chromium, titanium, or aluminum.
  • metal, metal alloys, metal nitride, and / or metal oxide, and / or metal nitride chosen in particular among aluminum, nickel, chromium, titanium, nickel / chromium alloys, carbide / nitride or oxide of chromium, titanium, or aluminum.
  • thinner layer thicknesses for example 1 to 200 nm, especially 10 to 100 nm, for example so-called interferential thicknesses.
  • the layer or layers may be deposited by gas phase deposition, reactive or not, pulsed or otherwise, in direct or alternating current.
  • This type of technique makes it possible to very precisely control the layer thicknesses deposited, and successively to deposit several layers of different types (for example to obtain a particular colorimetry, or to frame the layer giving the desired level of absorption by an undercoat and / or an overcoat intended to facilitate attachment to the substrate (sub-layers) or to improve, for example, the resistance to scratching or oxidation (overcoating).
  • the coating is a transparent or semi-transparent component dyed in the mass and attached to or in the immediate vicinity of the mask (M). It may be polymeric or glass material, which is affixed / fixed by mechanical means / glue to the surface of the mask, they then preferably have complementary shapes. It can also be a component that comes to face the mask, without necessarily a direct contact between the two parts.
  • the level of dye / absorbent elements in the dyed component in the mass, as well as its thickness, will be able to allow, as in the two previous variants, to modulate in an appropriate manner for each case the light absorption rate. Its thickness is variable, it can be from 1 to several millimeters, even from 1 to a few cm thick.
  • the reduction of the light reflection rate of the mask can thus be controlled by various parameters of the coating: its thickness, and / or its level of absorbing particles, and / or the nature of the chosen metal or oxide and / or the choice of the sequence of thin layers of the stack ...
  • the coating may be present on / affecting any part of the mask that is visible through the ice, or only a portion of it.
  • these reflective masks are often circumscribed to a very small area, so it can be enough to deposit the coating in the critical area of the mask, or to put it next to of this critical area, and that's it.
  • it is often simpler and / or more aesthetic to deposit the coating more widely, over its entire visible surface.
  • the invention also relates to the vehicle equipped with at least one device as described above.
  • the figure 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a motor vehicle headlight according to the prior art.
  • the figure 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the projector according to the figure 1 modified according to the invention.
  • the figure 1 is a projector portion, with an outer mirror G enclosing a housing B, housing in which is housed a light source S. It may be a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp or a light emitting diode. This source emits light in the direction of a reflector R, (radius r1) which in turn, and in known manner, returns the light (radius r2) in the direction of the ice G, in particular here to make a beam of the type code.
  • a light source S may be a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp or a light emitting diode.
  • This source emits light in the direction of a reflector R, (radius r1) which in turn, and in known manner, returns the light (radius r2) in the direction of the ice G, in particular here to make a beam of the type code.
  • This type of layer can also be deposited by a so-called plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique, the absorbent layer thus being obtained by plasma ploymerization.
  • PECVD plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition
  • chromium oxide 80 nm thick deposited by cathodic sputtering with a target of chromium and a reactive atmosphere containing oxygen (air, nitrous oxide, pure oxygen)
  • the coating obtained substantially attenuates the dazzling effect of the r4 rays, these rays being of much lower intensity, because a good part could be absorbed by the coating Rv.
  • the coating Rv is present on all the visible part of the mask. Its relative transparency allows the mask to retain its shiny metallic appearance.
  • the shade of the coating can be chosen in all possible shades, for reasons of style: one can choose, as in the example, a blue, reminiscent of the cold shade of light emitted by LEDs. One can also choose a shade of smoke, gray, etc., or any other color, recalling the color of the vehicle bodywork, for example.
  • the example offers a blue coating: the light reflected on the coating and likely to cross the ice is, admittedly, bluish, but very low intensity, which poses no problem vis-à-vis regulations in this area.

Abstract

The device has a light source (S) and a reflecting metallic smooth mask (M) housed in a case (B) that is closed by an outer glass (G). The mask is partially or totally covered with a transparent or semi-transparent coating (Rv) to decrease light reflection level by absorption while preserving aspect of the mask. The coating includes a partially transparent varnish or colored paint layer, where the layer is formed of polyurethane and contains colored absorbing pigments or particles. The coating has a thickness in a range of .01 to 0.5 mm. An independent claim is also included for a method for implementing a lighting and/or signaling device.

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation pour équiper un véhicule automobile, notamment un projecteur ou un feu.The invention relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for equipping a motor vehicle, including a projector or a fire.

Ce type de dispositif est usuellement constitué d'un boîtier fermé par une glace extérieure, le boîtier comprenant un ou plusieurs modules optiques, chaque module étant apte à émettre au moins un faisceau lumineux de photométrie donnée et comportant au moins une source lumineuse associée à des composants optiques tels que des réflecteurs, des écrans optiques, des lentilles, des collimateurs etc....This type of device is usually constituted by a housing closed by an external mirror, the housing comprising one or more optical modules, each module being able to emit at least one light beam of given photometry and comprising at least one light source associated with optical components such as reflectors, optical screens, lenses, collimators, etc.

Chaque module optique est soigneusement ajusté pour obtenir le faisceau voulu, de façon très contrôlée afin de respecter les réglementations en vigueur.Each optical module is carefully adjusted to obtain the desired beam, in a very controlled manner to comply with current regulations.

Puis il faut intégrer ce ou ces modules dans le boîtier, et, éventuellement, ajouter des composants dits « cosmétiques », aussi appelés masques, qui ont pour vocation de faire la jonction entre les modules et la glace, et de camoufler ainsi de façon esthétique certains composants, comme les éléments de connectique. On peut aussi avoir recours à ces pièces cosmétiques au sein des modules optiques eux-mêmes.Then we must integrate this or these modules in the housing, and possibly add components called "cosmetics", also called masks, which are intended to make the connection between the modules and the ice, and camouflage well aesthetically some components, such as connector elements. It is also possible to use these cosmetic parts within the optical modules themselves.

Ces masques peuvent prendre différents aspects, ils sont souvent en métal lisse et brillant, un peu à la manière d'un réflecteur dont ils peuvent prolonger l'aspect, même s'ils n'en remplissent pas la fonction optique.These masks can take different aspects, they are often smooth and shiny metal, a bit like a reflector whose appearance they can extend, even if they do not fulfill the optical function.

Or, c'est lors de l'intégration des modules dans le boîtier que l'on peut s'apercevoir de la présence de rayons parasites, plus ou moins gênants pour l'observateur extérieur au véhicule : une faible partie des rayons émis par la source lumineuse peut malencontreusement se réfléchir sur l'un de ces masques, et donner au dispositif un aspect allumé qui n'est pas optimal, avec, par exemple, une ligne qui brille, voire un effet éblouissant.However, it is during the integration of the modules in the housing that one can perceive the presence of parasitic rays, more or less troublesome for the observer outside the vehicle: a small part of the rays emitted by the light source may inadvertently reflect on one of these masks, and give the device a lightened appearance that is not optimal, with, for example, a line that shines or a dazzling effect.

Le but de la présente invention est alors de remédier à cet inconvénient, notamment en proposant un nouveau type de dispositif d'éclairage / de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, qui ait un aspect allumé agréable, sans avoir à renoncer, notamment, à l'utilisation de masques réfléchissants.The purpose of the present invention is then to overcome this drawback, in particular by proposing a new type of device. lighting / signaling system for a motor vehicle, which has a pleasantly lit appearance, without having to give up, in particular, the use of reflective masks.

L'invention a alors pour objet un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, comportant au moins une source lumineuse et au moins un masque logés dans un boîtier fermé par une glace, dont le masque est métallique, réfléchissant (et, notamment, lisse). Ledit masque est recouvert, partiellement ou totalement, d'un revêtement apte à en diminuer le niveau de réflexion lumineuse par absorption, tout en préservant substantiellement son aspect.The subject of the invention is therefore a lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light source and at least one mask housed in a housing closed by an ice, the mask of which is metallic, reflecting (and, in particular , smooth). Said mask is covered, partially or totally, with a coating capable of reducing the level of light reflection by absorption, while substantially preserving its appearance.

Comme indiqué plus haut, la source peut être associée à son ou ses éléments optiques, notamment un réflecteur, et son ou ses masques au sein d'un module optique, et pour son intégration dans le dispositif on peut ajouter encore d'autres pièces cosmétiques. Et ces masques, quand ils sont en métal lisse et réfléchissant, peuvent être la source ou l'un des sources de rayons parasites plus ou moins gênants. Une solution pour supprimer ces rayons parasites aurait pu être de, purement et simplement, changer de nature de masques, en utilisant des masques striés, donc fortement diffusants, ou encore des masques fortement absorbants, munis d'une peinture noire par exemple. Mais l'aspect brillant des masques reste très recherché pour des raisons de style. L'invention a donc choisi de garder ce type de masque, mais en le modifiant cependant : suffisamment pour diminuer son niveau de réflexion, mais pas trop de façon à ce que l'aspect brillant, bien qu'estompé, reste bien visible, ceci grâce à un revêtement approprié, ayant des propriétés d'absorption lumineuse tout en restant suffisamment transparent pour que l'oeil puisse continuer à voir le brillant du masque sous-jacent.As indicated above, the source may be associated with its optical element (s), in particular a reflector, and its mask (s) within an optical module, and for its integration into the device it is possible to add other cosmetic parts. . And these masks, when they are smooth and reflective metal, may be the source or one of the sources of parasitic rays more or less troublesome. A solution to remove these parasitic rays could have been, purely and simply, to change the nature of masks, using striated masks, therefore highly diffusing, or highly absorbent masks, provided with a black paint for example. But the glossy appearance of the masks remains highly sought after for reasons of style. The invention therefore chose to keep this type of mask, but modifying it however: enough to reduce its level of reflection, but not too much so that the glossy appearance, although faded, remains very visible, this thanks to a suitable coating, having light absorption properties while remaining sufficiently transparent so that the eye can continue to see the shine of the underlying mask.

Selon une première variante, ce revêtement comprend une couche de vernis ou de peinture coloré(e) au moins partiellement transparente. Ce vernis peut être à base de polyuréthane (ou tout autre agent collant connu dans le domaine des vernis et des peintures), et contenir des pigments/particules coloré(e)s absorbant(e )s.According to a first variant, this coating comprises a layer of varnish or colored paint (e) at least partially transparent. This varnish may be based on polyurethane (or any other tackifier known in the field of varnishes and paints), and contain absorbent colored pigments / particles.

Dans ce cas, on choisit de préférence une épaisseur de revêtement de l'ordre de 0,01 à 0,5 millimètre.In this case, a coating thickness of the order of 0.01 to 0.5 millimeters is preferably chosen.

Le vernis peut être déposé, par exemple, par des techniques de spray ou pistolettage.The varnish can be deposited, for example, by spray or spray guns.

Selon une seconde variante, le revêtement peut comprendre une couche mince ou un empilement de couches minces, à base de métal, d'alliages métalliques, de nitrure métallique, et/ou d'oxyde métallique, et/ou de nitrure métallique, notamment choisi parmi l'aluminium, le nickel, le chrome, le titane, les alliages nickel/chrome,le carbure/nitrure ou oxyde de chrome, de titane, ou d'aluminium. Dans ce cas, on a affaire à des épaisseurs de couche bien plus minces, de par exemple 1 à 200 nm, notamment 10 à 100 nm, par exemple des épaisseurs dites interférentielles.,According to a second variant, the coating may comprise a thin layer or a stack of thin layers, based on metal, metal alloys, metal nitride, and / or metal oxide, and / or metal nitride, chosen in particular among aluminum, nickel, chromium, titanium, nickel / chromium alloys, carbide / nitride or oxide of chromium, titanium, or aluminum. In this case, we are dealing with much thinner layer thicknesses, for example 1 to 200 nm, especially 10 to 100 nm, for example so-called interferential thicknesses.

La ou les couches peuvent être déposées par dépôt en phase gazeuse, réactif ou non, pulsé ou non, en courant continu ou alternatif. Ce type de technique permet de maîtriser très précisément les épaisseurs de couche déposées, et de déposer successivement plusieurs couches de nature différente (par exemple pour obtenir une colorimétrie particulière, ou pour encadrer la couche donnant le niveau d'absorption voulue par une sous couche et/ou une sur couche destiné(s) à en faciliter l'accrochage sur le substrat (sous-couches) ou à en améliorer, par exemple, la résistance à la rayure ou à l'oxydation (sur- couches).The layer or layers may be deposited by gas phase deposition, reactive or not, pulsed or otherwise, in direct or alternating current. This type of technique makes it possible to very precisely control the layer thicknesses deposited, and successively to deposit several layers of different types (for example to obtain a particular colorimetry, or to frame the layer giving the desired level of absorption by an undercoat and / or an overcoat intended to facilitate attachment to the substrate (sub-layers) or to improve, for example, the resistance to scratching or oxidation (overcoating).

Selon une troisième variante, le revêtement est un composant transparent ou semi transparent teinté dans la masse et rapporté sur ou à proximité immédiate du masque (M). Il peut s'agir de matériau polymère ou en verre, qu'on vient apposer/ fixer par des moyens mécaniques / coller à la surface du masque, ils ont alors de préférence des formes complémentaires. Il peut aussi s'agir d'un composant qu'on vient mettre en regard du masque, sans nécessairement un contact direct entre les deux pièces. Le taux d'éléments colorants /absorbants dans le composant teinté dans la masse, ainsi que son épaisseur, va pouvoir permettre, comme dans les deux variantes précédentes, d'en moduler de façon appropriée pour chaque cas le taux d'absorption lumineuse. Son épaisseur est variable, elle peut être de 1 à plusieurs millimètres, voire de 1 à quelques cm d'épaisseur.According to a third variant, the coating is a transparent or semi-transparent component dyed in the mass and attached to or in the immediate vicinity of the mask (M). It may be polymeric or glass material, which is affixed / fixed by mechanical means / glue to the surface of the mask, they then preferably have complementary shapes. It can also be a component that comes to face the mask, without necessarily a direct contact between the two parts. The level of dye / absorbent elements in the dyed component in the mass, as well as its thickness, will be able to allow, as in the two previous variants, to modulate in an appropriate manner for each case the light absorption rate. Its thickness is variable, it can be from 1 to several millimeters, even from 1 to a few cm thick.

La diminution du taux de réflexion lumineuse du masque peut ainsi être contrôlée par différents paramètres du revêtement : son épaisseur, et/ou son taux de particules absorbantes, et/ou la nature du métal ou de l'oxyde choisi et/ou le choix de la séquence de couches minces de l'empilement ...The reduction of the light reflection rate of the mask can thus be controlled by various parameters of the coating: its thickness, and / or its level of absorbing particles, and / or the nature of the chosen metal or oxide and / or the choice of the sequence of thin layers of the stack ...

Le revêtement peut être présent sur /affecter toute la partie du masque qui est visible à travers la glace, ou seulement sur une partie de celle ci. En fait, dans la réalité, quand des problèmes de brillance gênante apparaissent avec ces masques réfléchissants, ils sont souvent circonscrits à une toute petite zone, il peut donc suffire de déposer le revêtement dans la zone critique du masque, ou de le mettre en regard de cette zone critique, et c'est tout. Il s'avère cependant souvent plus simple et/ou plus esthétique de déposer le revêtement plus largement, sur toute sa surface visible.The coating may be present on / affecting any part of the mask that is visible through the ice, or only a portion of it. In fact, in reality, when troublesome gloss problems appear with these reflective masks, they are often circumscribed to a very small area, so it can be enough to deposit the coating in the critical area of the mask, or to put it next to of this critical area, and that's it. However, it is often simpler and / or more aesthetic to deposit the coating more widely, over its entire visible surface.

L'invention a aussi pour objet le véhicule équipé d'au moins un dispositif tel que décrit plus haut.The invention also relates to the vehicle equipped with at least one device as described above.

L'invention est décrite ci-après plus en détail à l'aide de figures représentant un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.The invention is described below in more detail with the aid of figures representing a preferred embodiment of the invention.

La figure 1 est une vue en coupe verticale schématique d'un projecteur de véhicule automobile selon l'art antérieur.The figure 1 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a motor vehicle headlight according to the prior art.

La figure 2 est une vue en coupe verticale schématique du projecteur selon la figure 1, modifié selon l'invention.The figure 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of the projector according to the figure 1 modified according to the invention.

Ces figures sont très simplifiées pour en faciliter la compréhension, et les différents composants représentés ne sont pas nécessairement à l'échelle.These figures are very simplified to facilitate understanding, and the various components shown are not necessarily scaled.

La figure 1 représente une portion de projecteur, avec une glace G extérieure fermant un boîtier B, boîtier dans lequel est logée une source lumineuse S. Il peut s'agir d'une lampe halogène, d'une lampe xénon ou d'une diode électroluminescente. Cette source émet de la lumière en direction d'un réflecteur R, (rayon r1) qui à son tour, et de façon connue, renvoie la lumière (rayon r2) en direction de la glace G, notamment ici pour faire un faisceau de type code. Mais la présence d'un masque M en métal réfléchissant (généralement de l'aluminium poli) pose un problème, localement, sur une petite portion de sa partie visible à travers la glace : comme le montre schématiquement le tracé de rayons, si la majorité de la lumière sort directement par la glace G (prolongement des rayons r2), une petite partie est réfléchie par la paroi interne de la glace (rayon r3) , rayons qui rencontrent alors le masque brillant M, masque qui renvoie à nouveau ces rayons (rayon r4) en direction de la glace, et ces rayons traversent alors la glace selon un angle tout à fait incontrôlé et inapproprié, gênant à tout le moins, éblouissant au pire, pour l'observateur symbolisé par l'oeil sur la figure.The figure 1 is a projector portion, with an outer mirror G enclosing a housing B, housing in which is housed a light source S. It may be a halogen lamp, a xenon lamp or a light emitting diode. This source emits light in the direction of a reflector R, (radius r1) which in turn, and in known manner, returns the light (radius r2) in the direction of the ice G, in particular here to make a beam of the type code. But the presence of a metal mask M reflective (usually polished aluminum) poses a problem, locally, on a small portion of its visible part through the ice: as schematically shows the ray pattern, if most of the light comes out directly from the ice G ( extension of the r2 rays), a small part is reflected by the inner wall of the ice (radius r3), rays which then meet the glossy mask M, mask which returns again these rays (radius r4) in the direction of the ice, and these rays then cross the ice at an angle quite uncontrolled and inappropriate, embarrassing at least, dazzling at worst, for the observer symbolized by the eye on the figure.

Si l'on ne veut pas renoncer au masque métallique M, l'invention a donc une solution, représentée à la figure 2 : il s'agit de déposer sur le masque M, dans la zone qui renvoyait vers la glace les rayons parasites r3 un revêtement Rv transparent ou semi transparent qui diminue sa réflexion lumineuse, essentiellement par absorption. Deux variantes possibles pour faire ce revêtement :

  • un vernis transparent avec pigment coloré, déposé par spray sur une épaisseur d'environ 0,1 mm - dans cet exemple précis, de façon non limitative, il s'agit d'un vernis à base de polyuréthane teinté bleu (teinte dite bleu Outremer),
  • une couche ou un empilement de couches déposé(s) par pulvérisation cathodique réactive par exemple, de composés métalliques. On peut utiliser la technique de dépôt en phase vapeur (PVD pour Physical Vapor Deposition en anglais) pour déposer des couches de métal ou alliage métallique. Pour déposer des composés métalliques (oxyde, nitrure, carbure), on utilise la pulvérisation cathodique réactive. On peut choisir, notamment, une couche d'oxyde de chrome (teinté bleu), de nitrure de titane (teinté jaune/doré).
If we do not want to give up the metal mask M, the invention therefore has a solution, represented in FIG. figure 2 : it is a question of depositing on the mask M, in the zone which returned to the ice the parasitic rays r3 a transparent or semi transparent coating Rv which diminishes its luminous reflection, essentially by absorption. Two possible variants to make this coating:
  • a transparent varnish with colored pigment, deposited by spray to a thickness of about 0.1 mm - in this specific example, without limitation, it is a varnish based on blue tinted polyurethane (so-called blue Outremer hue )
  • a layer or a stack of layers deposited by reactive sputtering, for example, of metal compounds. The technique of vapor deposition (PVD for Physical Vapor Deposition) can be used to deposit layers of metal or metal alloy. To deposit metal compounds (oxide, nitride, carbide), reactive sputtering is used. One can choose, in particular, a layer of chromium oxide (blue tinted), titanium nitride (tinted yellow / gold).

On peut aussi déposer ce type de couche par une technique dite de dépôt chimique en phase vapeur améliorée par plasma (PECVD pour Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition en anglais), la couche absorbante étant donc obtenue par ploymérisation plasma.This type of layer can also be deposited by a so-called plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique, the absorbent layer thus being obtained by plasma ploymerization.

Ici on a choisi une couche d'oxyde de chrome de 80 nm d'épaisseur déposé par pulvérisation cathodique avec une cible de chrome et une atmosphère réactive contenant de l'oxygène (air, protoxyde d'azote, oxygène pur)Here was chosen a layer of chromium oxide 80 nm thick deposited by cathodic sputtering with a target of chromium and a reactive atmosphere containing oxygen (air, nitrous oxide, pure oxygen)

Dans un cas comme dans l'autre, le revêtement obtenu permet d'atténuer sensiblement l'effet éblouissant des rayons r4, ces rayons étant d'intensité bien plus faible, car une bonne partie a pu être absorbée par le revêtement Rv.In either case, the coating obtained substantially attenuates the dazzling effect of the r4 rays, these rays being of much lower intensity, because a good part could be absorbed by the coating Rv.

Ici le revêtement Rv est présent sur toute la partie visible du masque. Sa relative transparence permet de conserver au masque son aspect métallique brillant.Here the coating Rv is present on all the visible part of the mask. Its relative transparency allows the mask to retain its shiny metallic appearance.

Pour des raisons de style, comme ici, on peut déposer un revêtement sur toute la partie visible du masque. On peut tout aussi bien localiser le dépôt là où le problème optique apparaît, ce qui, bien souvent, ne concerne qu'une faible partie du masque, parfois sur une zone inférieure à 1 ou 2 cm.For reasons of style, as here, we can deposit a coating on the entire visible part of the mask. One can just as well locate the deposit where the optical problem appears, which often only concerns a small part of the mask, sometimes on an area less than 1 or 2 cm.

La teinte du revêtement peut être choisie dans toutes les nuances possibles, pour des raisons de style : on peut choisir, comme dans l'exemple, un bleu, qui rappelle la teinte froide de la lumière émise par des LEDs. On peut aussi choisir une teinte fumée, grise etc ...., ou toute autre couleur, rappelant la couleur de la carrosserie du véhicule par exemple.The shade of the coating can be chosen in all possible shades, for reasons of style: one can choose, as in the example, a blue, reminiscent of the cold shade of light emitted by LEDs. One can also choose a shade of smoke, gray, etc., or any other color, recalling the color of the vehicle bodywork, for example.

A noter aussi que l'exemple propose un revêtement bleuté : la lumière réfléchie sur ce revêtement et susceptible de traverser la glace est, certes, bleutée, mais d'intensité très faible, ce qui ne pose donc aucun problème vis-à-vis des réglementations en vigueur dans ce domaine.Note also that the example offers a blue coating: the light reflected on the coating and likely to cross the ice is, admittedly, bluish, but very low intensity, which poses no problem vis-à-vis regulations in this area.

Claims (12)

Dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, comportant au moins une source lumineuse (S) et au moins un masque (M) logés dans un boîtier (B) fermé par une glace (G), caractérisé en ce que le masque (M) est métallique, réfléchissant, notamment lisse, ledit masque étant recouvert, partiellement ou totalement, d'un revêtement (Rv) apte à en diminuer le niveau de réflexion lumineuse par absorption, tout en préservant substantiellement son aspect.Lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light source (S) and at least one mask (M) housed in a housing (B) closed by an ice-cream (G), characterized in that the mask ( M) is metallic, reflecting, in particular smooth, said mask being covered, partially or totally, with a coating (Rv) capable of reducing the level of light reflection by absorption, while substantially preserving its appearance. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que ledit revêtement (Rv) comprend une couche de vernis ou de peinture coloré(e) au moins partiellement transparente.Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said coating (Rv) comprises a layer of varnish or colored paint (e) at least partially transparent. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que le vernis est à base de polyuréthane, et contient des pigments/particules coloré(e)s absorbant(e )s.Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the varnish is based on polyurethane, and contains pigments / colored particles (e) s absorbent (e) s. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le revêtement (Rv) a une épaisseur de l'ordre de 0,01 à 0,5 millimètre.Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating (Rv) has a thickness of the order of 0.01 to 0.5 millimeter. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que le vernis est déposé par spray ou pistolettage.Device according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the varnish is deposited by spray or spray gun. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le revêtement (Rv) comprend une couche mince ou un empilement de couches minces, à base de métal, de nitrure métallique, et/ou d'oxyde métallique, notamment choisi parmi l'aluminium, le nickel, le chrome, le titane, les alliages nickel/chrome,le carbure/nitrure ou oxyde de chrome, de titane, ou d'aluminium.Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the coating (Rv) comprises a thin layer or a stack of thin layers, based on metal, metal nitride, and / or metal oxide, especially chosen from aluminum, nickel, chromium, titanium, nickel / chromium alloys, carbide / nitride or oxide of chromium, titanium, or aluminum. Dispositif selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que l'épaisseur de la couche ou de chacune des couches est d'environ 1 à 200 nm, notamment de 10 à 100 nm.Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the thickness of the layer or each of the layers is about 1 to 200 nm, especially 10 to 100 nm. Dispositif selon la revendication 6 ou la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que la ou les couches sont déposées par déposition en phase gazeuse, réactive ou non.Device according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized in that the layer or layers are deposited by deposition in gaseous phase, reactive or not. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le revêtement (Rv) est un composant transparent ou semi transparent teinté dans la masse et rapporté sur le masque (M) ou à proximité immédiate de celui-ci.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the coating (Rv) is a transparent or semi-transparent component dyed in the mass and attached to the mask (M) or in the immediate vicinity thereof. Procédé de mise en oeuvre du dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la diminution du taux de réflexion lumineuse du masque (M) est contrôlée par l'épaisseur de son revêtement et/ou son taux de particules absorbantes et/ou la séquence de couches de l'empilement de couches du revêtement.Method for implementing the device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reduction of the light reflection rate of the mask (M) is controlled by the thickness of its coating and / or its absorbent particle content and / or the layer sequence of the layer stack of the coating. Dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le revêtement (Rv) est sur toute / affecte toute la partie du masque (M) qui est visible à travers la glace (G).Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating (Rv) is on all / affects the entire part of the mask (M) which is visible through the ice (G). Véhicule équipé d'au moins un dispositif selon l'une des revendications précédentes.Vehicle equipped with at least one device according to one of the preceding claims.
EP09171248.9A 2008-09-29 2009-09-24 Lighting and/or signalling device for motor vehicle Not-in-force EP2169298B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0805357A FR2936586A1 (en) 2008-09-29 2008-09-29 LIGHTING AND / OR SIGNALING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2169298A1 true EP2169298A1 (en) 2010-03-31
EP2169298B1 EP2169298B1 (en) 2015-07-08

Family

ID=40467153

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09171248.9A Not-in-force EP2169298B1 (en) 2008-09-29 2009-09-24 Lighting and/or signalling device for motor vehicle

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2169298B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2546946T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2936586A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022049296A1 (en) * 2020-09-07 2022-03-10 Valeo Vision Motor vehicle part comprising an opacification coating, associated production method and lighting device comprising same

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040061963A1 (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-01 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd Resin member and vehicle lighting apparatus
DE102005000986A1 (en) * 2004-01-07 2005-08-18 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Light emission module and light for vehicles
DE102004060481A1 (en) * 2004-12-16 2006-06-29 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Multi-layer component, in particular lamp or vehicle headlamp, comprises plastic substrate with applied color layer and one or more moisture resistant organic protective layers
WO2008104389A2 (en) * 2007-02-28 2008-09-04 Leybold Optics Gmbh Layer system for wipe-resistant reflectors

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040061963A1 (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-01 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd Resin member and vehicle lighting apparatus
DE102005000986A1 (en) * 2004-01-07 2005-08-18 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Light emission module and light for vehicles
DE102004060481A1 (en) * 2004-12-16 2006-06-29 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Multi-layer component, in particular lamp or vehicle headlamp, comprises plastic substrate with applied color layer and one or more moisture resistant organic protective layers
WO2008104389A2 (en) * 2007-02-28 2008-09-04 Leybold Optics Gmbh Layer system for wipe-resistant reflectors

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2022049296A1 (en) * 2020-09-07 2022-03-10 Valeo Vision Motor vehicle part comprising an opacification coating, associated production method and lighting device comprising same
FR3113911A1 (en) * 2020-09-07 2022-03-11 Valeo Vision Motor vehicle part comprising an opacification coating, associated manufacturing method and luminous device comprising it

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2169298B1 (en) 2015-07-08
FR2936586A1 (en) 2010-04-02
ES2546946T3 (en) 2015-09-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2084585B1 (en) Timepiece with an illumination system comprising an ultraviolet light emitting diode
EP0227516B1 (en) Dual function signal light for vehicles
EP1577609B1 (en) Vehicle headlamp with signalling device comprising a fluorescent coating
EP2547955B1 (en) Device for procuring an infinity effect for a motor vehicle signalling light
JP2001141916A (en) Color antifog mirror
EP1416220A1 (en) Signal light comprising an optical device for the collection and the distribution of the luminous flux towards an annular reflector
CN1372646A (en) Anti-reflection coatings and coated articles
JP2003506735A5 (en)
FR2703135A1 (en) Vehicle headlight with a uniform appearance.
FR2813946A1 (en) VEHICLE LAMP
FR3025288A1 (en) LIGHTING AND / OR SIGNALING DEVICE ICE WITH VARIABLE LIGHT TRANSMISSION COEFFICIENT
EP1191280B1 (en) Lighting or signaling device for automotive vehicles with improved appearance
EP0632228B1 (en) Styling or optical element having a shining aspect and a neutral colour- for vehicle headlamps or lamps for signalling
FR2651857A1 (en) VEHICLE LIGHTHOUSE.
FR2640257A1 (en) MONOLITHIC SUN PROTECTION GLASS
EP2169298B1 (en) Lighting and/or signalling device for motor vehicle
FR2591968A1 (en) COLOR LIGHTED SIGNALING LIGHT FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
FR2920547A1 (en) Display device for e.g. instrument panel of motor vehicle, has layer made of semi-transparent reflecting material reflecting light between display elements, and window made of partially transparent material conferring black color to device
FR2576565A3 (en) Coloured-light signalling lamp for motor vehicles
FR3128770A1 (en) Light device for vehicle
EP0635674B1 (en) Vehicle lamp for signalling comprising a cover lens and an intermediate lens plate
EP0561701B1 (en) Coloured light-emitting signal lamp for motor vehicles
FR2718824A1 (en) Signaling light for a motor vehicle, comprising a light of general color different from the color of an emitted beam.
FR3076888A1 (en) LINEAR LIGHT SOURCE
EP2210131B1 (en) Novel transparent optical substrate, method for obtaining it, and method of applying it as an optical element

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA RS

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20100923

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20101015

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20150128

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 735698

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150715

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602009032050

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2546946

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20150930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 735698

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150708

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20150708

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151009

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151008

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151109

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20151108

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602009032050

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150924

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20160411

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20151008

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20160531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151008

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150924

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160401

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150930

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150930

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20161228

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150925

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20090924

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150930

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150708