EP2299167B1 - Lighting and/or signalling device for automotive vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The optical module (M) has a main reflector (R) associated with a light source for emitting a main light beam. A set of supplementary reflective zones (Z1, Z2) is disposed outside the main reflector and is adapted to receive some of the light coming directly or indirectly from the light source. The reflective zones are configured to reflect the light to create a secondary light beam in a mean direction such that the secondary mean direction is different from the mean direction of the main light beam. The reflective zones are disposed in a bezel (B) of the module.

Description

The invention relates to lighting and / or signaling devices for a motor vehicle, and in particular to fog lamps for a motor vehicle.

She is particularly interested in light beams illuminating the side of vehicles. This is understood to mean light beams illuminating in a general / average orientation oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the vehicle (axis generally coincident with or slightly different from the orientation of the optical axis of the other beams, called main, emitted. by the projectors).

Within the meaning of the invention, and in a nonlimiting manner, it may be a question of light beams emitted by optical modules in order to provide additional lighting on the side where the vehicle is turning on bends. This functionality is known under the term of “fixed bending light”, or also of FBL (the Anglo-Saxon abbreviation of “Fixed Bending Light”). It is described for example in the patent EP 864 462 . The beam of the FBL is thus associated with a standard beam of code type emitted by a so-called main optical module, to give an overall beam with a larger angular opening, said overall beam having to comply with a photometric grid defined in the regulations in force concerning so-called AFS functions (abbreviation of the English term “Advanced Front Lighting Systems”).

It can also be light beams providing a lighting function known under the Anglo-Saxon term of “cornering”, that is to say lighting in the corners, the purpose of which is to illuminate more on the sides of the vehicle, to allow a better visibility to the driver of the vehicle (lighting function), but also to allow the outside environment of the vehicle to better discern the vehicle (signaling function) This function is, in itself, defined by a specific photometric grid provided for in the regulations in force.

The common point of these two types of beams, "cornering" and complementary beam of FBL, is that it is necessary to succeed in sending sufficient light along an oblique axis with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which poses a certain number. problems, since usually the headlamps include one or more optical modules emitting light beams whose optical axis coincides more or less with the longitudinal X axis of the vehicle. (The term “optical module” is understood to mean a set of components comprising at least one reflector, its associated light source (s) and possibly associated optical elements of the dioptric element type, Fresnel ...), and capable of emitting at least one given light beam.

A first solution consisted in turning inside the projector the module intended to illuminate laterally with respect to the other optical modules: the projector is kept in its usual configuration, with its main modules, for example the one emitting the high beam or high beam, and the complementary FBL or "Cornering" module is rotated so that its optical axis forms an angle with the optical axis of the other modules.

However, this solution has its limits: a module thus rotated takes up more space inside the projector, in particular with lamp connectors arranged obliquely, a reflector taking up more space. However, it is compactness that we are increasingly looking for in a projector. Furthermore, rotating the module in this way tends to cause a loss of luminous flux emitted by the module: the most oblique rays tend to no longer be able to come out of the headlamp closing glass. Depending on the shape of the projector, the amplitude of the rotation of the module is therefore more or less limited, and it is difficult to guarantee that the beam emitted by the module and actually leaving the projector is indeed compatible with the regulations in force.
An anti-fog module comprising all the characteristics of the preamble of claim 1 is for example known from the document FR 2,793,000 .

The object of the invention is therefore to remedy the drawbacks of this first solution, by proposing in particular a new design of a side lighting module, which is in particular easier to produce, more efficient, or even less restrictive as regards the design of the module. and / or the projector including the module in question.

The optical module according to the invention comprises all the characteristics of claim 1. It comprises at least one main reflector associated with at least one light source in order to emit a main light beam. It also comprises at least one additional reflecting zone outside said main reflector and which is able to receive part of the light coming directly or indirectly from said light source and to return it to make a secondary light beam in a privileged direction different from the direction. privileged of the main light beam.

We thus use, in a way, part of the light intended to make a given beam (the so-called main beam) to make another beam (called secondary) of different orientation, this use being controlled so as not to disturb the beams. optical performance, photometry and main beam distribution. This can be achieved, for example, by using light in the least photometrically useful part of the main beam, and / or by recovering light which otherwise would have been lost.

• on n'a recours qu'à une seule source lumineuse pour faire deux faisceaux lumineux différents, on peut ainsi conserver des sources lumineuses standard sans nécessiter l'utilisation d'une seconde source spécifique (ni tous ses accessoires, sans faisceau électrique supplémentaire notamment),
• on peut conserver au module optique son orientation habituelle selon l'axe longitudinal du véhicule, ce qui est intéressant en termes de compacité du produit,
• le module peut conserver substantiellement standard la conception du réflecteur principal dédié à l'obtention d'un faisceau principal donné, en ajoutant la zone réfléchissante supplémentaire appropriée pour avoir le faisceau secondaire voulu,
• on peut ainsi décliner plusieurs modules optiques présentant un faisceau principal substantiellement identique, avec le même réflecteur, et pouvant présenter plusieurs faisceaux secondaires possibles pour adapter le module à la demande, selon la configuration de zone réfléchissante supplémentaire, ce qui donne une flexibilité accrue au module,
• on peut ainsi conférer une nouvelle fonction à un module optique existant sans remettre en cause entièrement sa conception optique et mécanique.

This solution has many advantages, including the following:

• only one light source is used to make two different light beams, so we can keep standard light sources without requiring the use of a second specific source (or all its accessories, without additional wiring harness in particular),
• the optical module can be kept in its usual orientation along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, which is advantageous in terms of product compactness,
• the module can keep the design of the main reflector dedicated to obtaining a given main beam substantially standard, by adding the appropriate additional reflective zone to have the desired secondary beam,
• it is thus possible to decline several optical modules having a substantially identical main beam, with the same reflector, and being able to present several possible secondary beams to adapt the module to the request, according to the configuration of additional reflecting zone, which gives increased flexibility to the module ,
• it is thus possible to confer a new function on an existing optical module without completely calling into question its optical and mechanical design.

The fact that the additional reflective zone is outside the main reflector means that it can be contiguous, near the reflector, but that it is not an integral part of it, which makes it possible, as mentioned above, to standardize the reflector main.

Preferably, the distance between the additional reflecting zone and the optical axis is greater than or equal to the distance between the edges of the main reflector and the optical axis. That is to say that for each point of the additional reflecting zone, the shortest distance from this point to the optical axis is preferably greater than or equal to the shortest distance between the edges of the main reflector and the optical axis.

Preferably, the additional reflecting zone is able to receive part of the light coming only directly from said light source. By “direct light from the light source” or “coming directly from the light source” is meant the rays emitted by the light source which have not been previously reflected. By contrast, by “light coming indirectly from the light source” is meant the rays which have been reflected beforehand at least once after their emission by the light source.

The term optical module is understood to mean a set of components comprising at least one reflector and a light source, and which can either be a unitary lighting element, such as an anti-fog module independent of the vehicle headlight, or be a component. intended to be integrated into a projector.

The preferred direction of the main light beam can be assimilated to its optical axis. This axis may or may not coincide with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle equipped with the device according to the invention: It may in fact be coincident, or, for example, be slightly inclined in a plane which is substantially vertical and / or horizontal with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. For example, when the main beam is of the anti-fog type, its optical axis can be slightly inclined, from 0.5 to 2 ° vertically, and from 0 to 15 °, in particular from 5 to 10 °, horizontally.

A privileged direction “different” from the privileged direction of the main light beam has been mentioned above. This angular difference between the two beams, the main and the deviated, is preferably significant, preferably at least 10 °, in particular between 25 ° and 70 °, in particular between 30 and 60 °. This deviation is preferably made along a substantially horizontal plane, although the invention also includes a difference in orientation having both a component in a horizontal plane and a component in a vertical plane.

The secondary beam preferably has a distribution of 0 to 90 °. The term “distribution” is understood to mean the angle between the radius of the secondary beam exhibiting the smallest angular difference with the optical axis of the optical module and the radius of the secondary beam exhibiting the greatest angular difference with the optical axis of the optical module. optical module.

Preferably, the additional reflecting zone makes it possible to reflect on the side 5 to 10% of the light flux coming directly from the light source.

Preferably, the secondary beam is sufficient to generate lighting, so that it is not necessary to use a converging lens or other optical means making it possible to change the direction or the distribution of the rays reflected by the additional reflecting zone. . More particularly, the present invention can be adapted to projectors whose optical module, composed of a lamp and a reflector, does not have a lens.

According to the invention, the main light beam is an anti-fog beam and the secondary light beam is a beam providing a side lighting function called “cornering”.

According to the invention, the additional reflecting zone is arranged so that said secondary light beam illuminates an additional lighting zone, extending sufficiently wide outside the zone illuminated by said main light beam to allow illumination on the sides and thus provide a side lighting function of the “cornering” type.

When it is desired to obtain illumination on the sides, the angular difference between the preferred directions of the two beams is preferably about 45 °, and the distribution of the secondary beam is preferably 30 to 60 °.

Advantageously but not necessarily, the main beams on the one hand and the secondary beams on the other hand are cut-off beams, in particular with the same type of cut, flat or oblique.

According to the invention, the optical module comprises only one additional reflecting zone. There is thus a module for equipping the right front of the vehicle with a given additional reflecting zone, and a module for equipping the left front of the vehicle, with a different reflecting zone in its positioning in the module than in the module on the right side.

Advantageously, the additional reflecting zone is integrated into a style part of the module. A style part is understood to mean any component which clad the optical modules and, for example, ensure surface continuity between the modules and the walls of the case or the junction zone of the case / closing glass.

These stylish pieces therefore have a cosmetic vocation, and it is generally sought that they have no, or as little as possible, incidence, optically, on the light beams emitted by the module. They can be an integral part of the module, especially when the module is a product unitary, such as an anti-fog module for example. They can also be associated, in contact with the modules, and form part of the projector in which the module is to be integrated.

A piece of style is thus locally modified so that it can, contrary to its vocation, participate in the optical definition of a light beam.

The integration of the additional reflective zone in a style piece can be done in different ways: it can be, for example, to locally superficially modify the style piece. It can also be a matter of inserting the reflective zone into a stylish piece, in the form of an insert that is attached to the piece by any mechanical means (clipping, etc.) or by gluing.

According to the invention, the additional reflecting zone is arranged in the mask of the module surrounding at least in part the main reflector or forms an integral part of said mask or is arranged near said mask. The term mask (“bezel” in English) designates the styled part ensuring surface continuity between the reflector and the rest of the module (or of the projector).

The mask is locally reflective to obtain the desired additional reflective zone, and diffusing / absorbing over the remainder of its visible surface. The mask can be made diffusing by graining, the additional reflective areas being aluminized but not grained.

Concretely, it is possible to make an entirely aluminized mask, therefore initially entirely reflective, then to treat the visible parts of the mask in order to make them diffusing / absorbing except in a zone which must reflect according to the invention. It is also possible to have the opposite approach, by having a mask whose visible surface is initially entirely made diffusing or absorbing, then locally making a certain reflective zone (by selective aluminizing, for example). It is also possible, as mentioned above, to provide a “window” in the mask in which a reflecting insert is fixed, or an area which is just covered with a reflecting insert.

Particularly when it is necessary to perfectly control the characteristics of the secondary beam, it is useful not only to make a zone of the style piece or of the mask reflective, but also to modify the relief of the piece in said zone: the zone has preferably a geometric shape studied so as to respect the required photometry. To to ensure surface continuity with the rest of the style piece, we can then consider that the additional reflecting zone comprises a central portion defined optically as a reflector, and a peripheral portion which is a junction zone with the rest of the room. The zone, at least in this central portion, can thus comprise a plurality of facets, having in particular a plurality of focal lengths. This modification of geometry in the style part, in addition to the modification of appearance, can also participate in an interesting style effect.

The main reflector is, for example, of the type with a complex surface, or of the type with parabolic generators, or of the elliptical type.

The subject of the invention is also the headlamp fitted with at least one of these optical modules, and the car fitted with one of these modules, alone or integrated in a headlamp.

• Fig.1a et 1b : une vue de face et en perspective éclatée d'un module optique anti-brouillard selon l'art antérieur (exemple comparatif 1),
• Fig. 2a, 2b, 2c, et 2d : une vue de face ,en perspective éclatée, de dessus et latérale d'un module optique anti-brouillard modifié non couvert par les revendications pour faire également un faisceau « cornering » (exemple 1),
• Fig.3 : une représentation des isolux du faisceau anti-brouillard avec le module de l'exemple comparatif,
• Fig.4 : une représentation des isolux du faisceau anti-brouillard et « cornering » avec le module de l'exemple 1,
• Fig. 5a et 5b : une vue en perspective éclatée d'un autre module optique anti-brouillard modifié selon l'invention pour faire également un faisceau « cornering » (exemple 2),
• Fig.6 : une représentation des isolux du faisceau anti-brouillard avec le module de l'exemple 2 avant modification selon l'invention (exemple comparatif 2),
• Fig.7 : une représentation des isolux du faisceau anti-brouillard et « cornering » avec le module de l'exemple 2,
• Fig.8 : une représentation schématique d'un module optique anti-brouillard modifié selon l'invention et de la trajectoire de rayons constituant le faisceau « cornering », selon une section horizontale, passant par l'axe optique du module.

The invention will be described below with the aid of non-limiting examples illustrated by the following figures:

• Fig. 1a and 1b : a front and exploded perspective view of an anti-fog optical module according to the prior art (comparative example 1),
• Fig. 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d : a front view, in exploded perspective, from above and from the side of a modified anti-fog optical module not covered by the claims to also make a “cornering” beam (example 1),
• Fig. 3 : a representation of the isolux of the anti-fog beam with the module of the comparative example,
• Fig. 4 : a representation of the isolux of the anti-fog beam and "cornering" with the module of example 1,
• Fig. 5a and 5b : an exploded perspective view of another anti-fog optical module modified according to the invention to also make a “cornering” beam (example 2),
• Fig. 6 : a representation of the isolux of the anti-fog beam with the module of example 2 before modification according to the invention (comparative example 2),
• Fig. 7 : a representation of the isolux of the anti-fog beam and “cornering” with the module of example 2,
• Fig. 8 : a schematic representation of a modified anti-fog optical module according to the invention and of the path of rays constituting the “cornering” beam, in a horizontal section, passing through the optical axis of the module.

All these figures are schematic and do not necessarily respect the scale. Not all the components are shown, but only those which directly relate to the invention, to facilitate reading.

Comparative Example 1 (prior art)

The figure 1 shows in perspective an optical module M comprising a reflector R and a light source S which may be of the halogen lamp type or xenon lamp (not shown in the figure). This is an example of a H11 halogen type lamp. The reflector R is of the complex surface type, defined so as to generate a beam with a flat cut-off, of the anti-fog type. For more details on obtaining such a beam, one can advantageously refer to the patents FR 2,793,000 and FR 2 792 999 .

The module M also includes a style piece called mask B, which ensures the surface continuity between the outer edge of the reflector R and the edge of the glass closing the module (not shown), and which is substantially cylindrical to adapt to the outer contour of the reflector. The mask is aluminized and has streaks which have a double objective: to give the module a particular style, and to ensure that parasitic rays coming from the reflector and reaching the mask are diffused so as to avoid any unwanted glare by parasitic reflection at its surface of light rays coming from the reflector or directly from the source. The mask could also be chosen unaluminated, and have a matt appearance, black or gray for example, also making it at least partially absorbent.

Example 1 (not covered by the claims)

The figure 2 represents the previous module modified according to the invention: the reflector R and the source S are kept unchanged, and the mask is modified so that it has two zones Z1, Z2 arranged laterally (considering the module as mounted in the vehicle), symmetrically with respect to the optical axis X defined by the main reflector R. These zones make it possible to obtain, in superposition with the anti-fog beam, a beam of the “cornering” type. Each of these zones is aluminized like the rest of the mask, but is not diffusing / absorbing: the geometry of the zone Z1 is calculated so that any light ray coming either directly from the source S or coming from the reflector R, and reaching this zone leaves again along a privileged axis X1 forming an angle with the angle X of approximately 45 °, and which can be chosen between 30 and 60 ° in the most usual configurations.

Note also that the optical axis X is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis AV of the vehicle.

Likewise, the zone Z2 is calculated so that the rays which reach it are deflected and set out again along a privileged axis X2 symmetrical with the axis X1 with respect to the optical axis X. These surfaces Z1, Z2 comprise a succession of facets, each facet having its own focal length. This type of module is undifferentiated on the right side and left side: only one of the zones is effective with respect to the "cornering" function for each of the modules.

The figure 8 makes it possible to visualize the privileged directions X1 and X2 of the secondary beams as well as their distribution. Thus, Y1max corresponds to the direction of the ray of light having the greatest angle relative to the optical axis X and Y1min corresponds to the direction of the light ray having the smallest angle with respect to the optical axis X. The secondary beam generated by the reflecting zone Z1 is therefore distributed between Y1min and Y1 max and is emitted globally according to the direction privileged X1. The preferred example shown in figure 8 , corresponds to lighting with a “cornering” function. The angle between Y1min and X is about 30 ° and the angle between Y1max and X is about 60 °. The angle between the preferred direction X1 and the optical axis X is approximately 45 °. Likewise, it is observed that the secondary beam generated by the reflecting zone Z2 is emitted in the favored direction X2, the angle between X2 and X being about 45 °, and is distributed between Y2min and Y2max, i.e. between about 30 ° and 60 ° with respect to X.

The figures 3 and 4 make it possible to compare the distribution of the light beams obtained: they are representations of isolux, measured at 25 meters.

The figure 3 corresponds to comparative example 1: there is indeed a distribution of an anti-fog beam with a flat cut-off, and a total measured flux of 370 lumen.

The figure 4 corresponds to Example 1 according to the invention: the central illumination area A corresponds to the area illuminated by the main beam. The left zone G and the right zone D correspond to the zones illuminated by the secondary beams generated by Z2 and Z1. We see that the distribution of the beam is widely spread, relatively symmetrically on either side of the original beam according to the figure 3 , and that the cutout remains flat. The total measured flux is 430 lumens.

The minimum cornering values defined according to the ECE R110 standard are easily reached, namely a 2.5D60L point at 240 candelas minimum, a 2.5D45L point of 400 candelas minimum and a 2.5D30L point at 240 candelas minimum. The spreading provides a "cornering" functionality only on one side, the left side if we consider that this is a right vehicle fog light (symbolized by the arrow on the left side). figure 4 ), the contribution on the right side (interior side of the vehicle therefore) participates in the anti-fog beam. It is interesting to note that the total measured flux is higher, and this significantly, and that the photometric characteristics of the anti-fog beam stricto sensu are not affected by the modification of the mask. It is concluded that the invention makes it possible to obtain a “cornering” function at a lower cost, without an additional lamp, and that obtaining this additional function is not obtained to the detriment of the main function.

The gain in luminous flux demonstrates that the “cornering” function results, at least in part, from the recovery of light rays which, otherwise, “were lost” at the level of the mask. This significantly improves the efficiency of the lamp, all other things being equal.

Example 2 (according to the invention)

As shown in the figure 5 This is an optical module of the anti-fog type of design a little different from Example 1: the source S is a halogen lamp H 11, the reflector R is of the complex surface type. The mask B which is attached to the periphery of the reflector is striated (alternatively, it can be grained). It also has an additional reflecting zone Z1, which has a substantially parabolic shape, and the surface of which is aluminized. The figure 6 represents the isolux lines of the module when the mask is devoid of the reflecting zone Z1 (comparative example 2), and the figure 7 the isolux lines according to example 2. It can be seen that the zone Z1 makes it possible to obtain a beam which retains its flat cut-off and which “spreads out” on one side, namely a spread in the zone G located at left of central zone A.

The “cornering” measurement points according to the SAE J852 standard have minimum levels required, largely achieved by example 2, as shown in the measurement table below Measuring points 2.5D60L 2.5D45L 2.5D30L Minimum required 300 cd 500 cd 300 cd Measured values 350 cd 770 cd 1400 cd

Claims (6)

1. Anti-fog optical module (M), said optical module comprising at least one main reflector (R) which is associated with at least one source of light (S) in order to emit a main anti-fog light beam, characterised in that the said optical module (M) comprises one additional reflective area (Z1, Z2) outside the said main reflector (R) and that can receive part of the light obtained directly or indirectly from the said source of light (S) and return it in order to produce a secondary light beam providing a so called "cornering" side illumination function in a preferential direction (X1) which is different from the preferential direction (X) of the main light beam, the additional reflective area (Z1, Z2) is integrated in a style part (B) of the module, which is surrounding at least partly the main reflector (R), or forms an integral part of the said style part (B), or is disposed in the vicinity of the said style part (B), such that the said secondary light beam lights an additional lighting area which extends sufficiently widely outside the area lit by the said main anti-fog light beam to permit one lighting at the sides of the "cornering" type, and the aluminised shield (B) is reflective locally in order to obtain the additional reflective area (Z1, Z2), and is diffusive on the remainder of its visible surface by means of the presence of striations or by being grainy.
2. Module according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the additional reflective area (Z1, Z2) can receive part of the light obtained only directly from the said source of light (S).
3. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the distance between the additional reflective area (Z1, Z2) and the optical axis (X) is equal to, or greater than the distance between the edges of the main reflector (R) and the optical axis.
4. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the additional reflective area (Z1, Z2) comprises a plurality of facets which in particular have a plurality of refractive values.
5. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the main reflector (R) is of the type with a complex surface, or of the type with parabolic generatrices, or of the elliptical type.
6. Motor vehicle anti-fog headlight, characterised in that it comprises at least one module according to one of the preceding claims.

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