EP3290777B1 - Optical module for illuminating overhead signs - Google Patents

Optical module for illuminating overhead signs Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3290777B1
EP3290777B1 EP17184962.3A EP17184962A EP3290777B1 EP 3290777 B1 EP3290777 B1 EP 3290777B1 EP 17184962 A EP17184962 A EP 17184962A EP 3290777 B1 EP3290777 B1 EP 3290777B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
face
cutoff
optical module
light
light beam
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.)
Active
Application number
EP17184962.3A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3290777A1 (en
Inventor
Yves Gromfeld
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 EP3290777A1 publication Critical patent/EP3290777A1/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
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/322—Optical layout thereof the reflector using total internal reflection
    • 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
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/24—Light guides
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • 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
    • 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
    • F21S41/26—Elongated lenses
    • 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
    • F21S41/265—Composite lenses; Lenses with a patch-like shape
    • 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
    • F21S41/27—Thick lenses
    • 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
    • F21S41/285—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S41/24-F21S41/28
    • 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
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/65—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources
    • F21S41/663—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources by switching light sources
    • 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
    • F21W2102/10—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light
    • F21W2102/17—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for regions other than high beam or low beam
    • F21W2102/18—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for regions other than high beam or low beam for overhead signs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an optical module for a motor vehicle intended to project a final light beam with a higher cut-off.
  • Optical modules intended to emit cut-off light beams are already known.
  • the cut-off profile extends globally transversely so as to mark a border between a lower zone which is illuminated by the light beam and an upper zone in which the light beam hardly illuminates. This cut thus makes it possible to control the range of the light beam in order to avoid dazzling the drivers of vehicles located in front of the vehicle.
  • the dipped beam function is in particular performed by means of such a cut-off beam.
  • the cut may present a purely horizontal profile, a stepped profile separated by an inclined cut-off portion, or even a "V"-shaped profile having a horizontal portion and an upward inclined portion, for example at an angle of 15° with respect to the portion horizontal.
  • Some regulations allow certain points located above the cut-off to be illuminated by the light beam. These points are generally called “portico points”, or “overhead light” in English, because they correspond to the lighting of areas located above other vehicles, where certain traffic signs are arranged on gantries above the road.
  • the projection lens is directly visible from outside the vehicle. Such a modification of the structure of the lens is therefore perceptible to an outside observer. These solutions are therefore not aesthetically satisfactory.
  • DE10 2008 015 510 A1 shows an optical module fitted with a cut-off device partially covered with a reflective film.
  • the non-reflecting sections of the film allow lighting of the portal points.
  • the present invention proposes an optical module of the type described previously, characterized in that the optical means primary comprises a light deflection member arranged to deflect part of the light rays of the initial light beam below the cut-off of the secondary beam in the direction of the projection means.
  • the invention also relates to a light device for a motor vehicle comprising a first optical module produced according to any one of the preceding claims, and comprising a second optical module capable of producing a segmented beam intended to be switched on together with the light beam projected by the first optical module for perform a regulatory crossing type lighting function by superimposing the two light beams.
  • a longitudinal transverse plane will be called a "horizontal" plane.
  • upstream and downstream will be used in reference to the direction of movement of the light rays from a light source to a final light beam.
  • the transverse orientation corresponds to the orientation of the horizontal bearing of the cut-off profile of the final light beam.
  • the vertical orientation is used as a geometric reference without reference to the direction of gravity.
  • the vertical orientation is defined as being orthogonal to the horizontal level of the cut-off profile of the final light beam.
  • optical module 10 participating in a dipped headlight function.
  • Such an optical module 10 is then arranged at the front of a motor vehicle (not shown) to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle.
  • the optical module 10 mainly comprises a primary optical means 12 and a means 14 of projection.
  • the optical module 10 also comprises at least one light source 16, here two light sources 16 .
  • the light sources 16 are here formed by light-emitting diodes. There are nine of them here.
  • the light-emitting diodes are all carried by a common printed circuit board which extends in a horizontal plane above the primary optical means 12.
  • Each light source 16 is capable of emitting in a controlled manner an initial light beam which is here directed substantially vertically downwards in the direction of an input face 18 of the primary optical means 12 .
  • the primary optical means 12 is formed in one block by a solid part made of a translucent or transparent material, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC).
  • the primary optical means 12 comprises in its upper rear part said upper horizontal input face 18 .
  • the input face 18 is provided with a plurality of collimating members 20, each of which is associated with a light source 16 .
  • Each member 20 is here formed by a portion of input face 18 shaped like a lens to collimate the light rays of the initial light beam emitted by the associated light source 16 .
  • the rays from the light source 16 propagate substantially in a vertical direction in the primary optical means 12 .
  • the upper input face 18 is arranged vertically in line with a face 22 of total internal reflection which is arranged to receive the initial light beam thus collimated by the collimating member 20.
  • This face 22 of total reflection delimits the primary optical means 12 longitudinally towards the rear. It presents a sloping shape in cant to reflect the incident light rays generally forwards in the direction of a front exit face 24 which delimits the optical means 12 forwards.
  • the output face 24 is here generated by translation of its vertical section, forming a generatrix, along a concave directrix of curvature extending in a horizontal plane.
  • the light sources 16 are themselves aligned parallel to the curvature of the face 24 of the output.
  • the primary optical means 12 is equipped with a cut-off member arranged to transform said initial reflected light beam into a secondary light beam oriented in a longitudinal direction and having a predetermined lower cut-off extending generally transversely.
  • the switching device is formed by a notch 26 made in a lower face of the primary optical means 12 .
  • the notch 26 has a re-entrant upper transverse edge 28, called the cutting edge 28, the profile of which corresponds to the shape of the predetermined cut. This is a horizontal flat cut.
  • the cutting edge 28 is more particularly formed by the intersection between a first substantially horizontal upstream face 30 of interception and a second substantially vertical downstream face 32 which extends below the cutting edge 28 .
  • the interception face 30 is contiguous to the face 22 of total reflection. It is arranged to totally reflect the light rays of the beam above the edge 28 in the direction of the face 24 of the exit. This interception face 30 thus guarantees that the light rays coming from the light sources 16 are directed above the cutting edge 28 . Thus, no light ray intended to form the final cut-off beam passes through the vertical downstream face 32 of the notch 28.
  • the exit face 24 arranged longitudinally downstream of the cutting edge 28 .
  • the face 22 of total reflection is shaped like a parabola so as to focus the light rays reflected at the level of the edge 28 of cut-off.
  • the projection means 14 is arranged longitudinally in front of and at a distance from the exit face 24 of the primary optical means 12 .
  • the projection means 14 is intended to project a final light beam having a higher cut-off formed by an inverted image of the secondary cut-off light beam projected by the output face 24 of the primary optical means 12.
  • FIG 4 illustrates the zone 31 illuminated by the final beam on a transverse vertical screen 33 placed 25 meters from the lighting device, perpendicular to the optical axis whose intersection with the screen 33 corresponds to the intersection between the abscissa axis and the ordinate axis. It can be seen that the zone illuminated by the final beam is delimited at the top by a cut-off line 35.
  • the cut-off line 28 has a horizontal rectilinear shape.
  • the final beam here is a regulatory dipped beam.
  • the projection means 14 is formed by a lens made of a piece of transparent or translucent material such as PMMA or PC.
  • the lens has a rear entrance face 34 and an opposite projection face 36 .
  • the input face 34 is arranged longitudinally at a distance from the output face 24 of the primary optical means 12 so that the light rays leave in the open air before entering the projection means 14.
  • the projection means 14 is here formed by a separate piece of the primary optical means 12 .
  • the projection means 14 is focused at the level of the switching device. More particularly, the means 14 of projection has a cylindrical shape and it comprises a transverse focal line which coincides with the cutting edge 28 . This makes it possible to project a final light beam having a sharp cutoff formed by an inverted image of the edge 28 of cutoff. The image is of course inverted by vertical symmetry on either side of a horizontal focal plane passing through the cutting edge 28 .
  • the primary optical means 12 comprises a light deflection member arranged to deflect a part of the light rays of the initial light beam below the cutoff of the secondary beam in the direction of the projection means.
  • these deflected light rays are projected upwards after passing through the projection means 14 to illuminate portal points 37 arranged vertically above the cut-off line of the final light beam.
  • the gantry points 37 are here six in number.
  • a first group of three gantry points 37 is aligned at 2° above the cut line, a central point and two points 37 arranged at 4° transversely on either side of the central point.
  • a second group of three portal points 37 are aligned at 4° above the cut line, a central point and two points 37 arranged at 8° transversely on either side of the central point.
  • the deflection member is formed by an escape face 38 formed in the intercept face 30.
  • the exhaust face 38 more particularly forms an angle with the interception face 30 so as to transmit part of the initial beam outside the primary optical means 12 .
  • the light rays from the collimated initial beam thus strike the exhaust face 38, directly or after reflection on the face 22 of total reflection, with an angle of incidence less than the angle of refraction so that said light rays pass through the exhaust face 38 to head towards the downstream vertical face 32, below the edge 28 of cut. Said deflected rays thus enter again into the primary optical means 12 to move towards the exit face 24, then towards the projection means 14.
  • the exhaust face 38 is formed in a bulge extending vertically projecting outside under the intercept face 30.
  • the bulge more particularly has a vertical longitudinal section in the form of a prism delimited towards the front by said exhaust face 38 and towards the rear by a rear face 40 .
  • the rear face 40 of the bulge is advantageously oriented so as to totally reflect the incident light rays in the direction of the exhaust face 38 to participate in the lighting of the points 37 of the gantry.
  • the light rays deflected by the deflection member are thus projected above the cut-off line of the final beam, to perform the regulatory function known as "portico point".
  • the exhaust face 38 is made in a recessed notch in the face 22 of interception. In vertical section, the notch is thus delimited towards the rear by said face 38 of the exhaust.
  • the exhaust face 38 extends, in a horizontal plane, parallel to the output face 24 of the primary optical means 12 .
  • the outlet face 24 having a curvature in a horizontal plane, the exhaust face 38 itself extends along a curved line.
  • the exhaust face 38 extends continuously opposite several light sources 16, for example six light sources 16 . These are the light sources 16 arranged to the left of the picture 3 . Thus, each of these six light sources 16 illuminates an associated portico point.
  • the escape face extends discontinuously below the intercept face.
  • Each exhaust face portion is then arranged in coincidence with an associated light source, each portion being separated transversely from the neighboring exhaust face portion.
  • the optical module 10 described above is for example part of a light device 41 for a motor vehicle comprising said first optical module 10 produced according to the teachings of the invention, and comprising a second optical module 42 capable of producing a segmented light beam which is intended to be switched on together with the first optical module 10.
  • the superposition of the light beams projected by the two optical modules 10, 42 makes it possible to perform a lighting function of the regulatory crossing type as illustrated in figure 6 .
  • the zone 31 of the screen 33 illuminated by the final light beam of the first optical module 10 remains as previously described.
  • the gate points 37 also remain in their location.
  • a second area 44 illuminated by the second optical module 42 is superimposed with the first area 31 illuminated.
  • This second zone 44 has an upper portion which extends above the cut-off line 35 of the first zone 31 illuminated over one half of the screen 33, here the right half.
  • This said upper portion is delimited upwards by a first upper horizontal line 46 and laterally towards the center of the screen by a second line 48 inclined, for example at 15°, which intersects the cut-off line 35 of the first zone 31 substantially in the center of the screen 33.
  • the superposition of the two light beams illuminates an overall zone 31, 44 delimited upwards by a delimitation comprising a first lower horizontal level 35, formed by the cut-off line 25 of the first zone 31, a second oblique section 48 which extends the first level 35 horizontal.
  • This oblique section 48 is formed by the inclined line 48 of the second zone 44.
  • a second upper bearing 46 formed by the upper horizontal line 46 of the second zone 44.
  • the first horizontal bearing 31 makes it possible to illuminate the road by avoiding dazzling the drivers of vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, while the second bearing 46 makes it possible to illuminate the side of the road with greater range.
  • the cut-off profile here is suitable for a vehicle driving in a country requiring vehicles to drive on the right of the road.
  • the second optical module 42 can be controlled so that the light beam is moved to the left or to the right depending on the direction of pivoting of the wheels of the vehicle, the final light beam emitted by the first optical module 10 remaining fixed with respect to to the vehicle.
  • the light beam can be moved by pivoting the second optical module 42 or by selectively switching on diodes electroluminescent forming a lighting matrix of the second optical module 42.
  • the optical module 10 produced according to the teachings of the invention makes it possible to form a cut-off beam simultaneously illuminating portal points.
  • the device for deflecting the light rays making it possible to illuminate the portal points is arranged in the primary optical means 12 .
  • This primary optical means 12 is not directly visible to an observer when the optical module 10 is mounted on the vehicle. As a result, the deflection member is not visible and the optical module retains an intact and refined aesthetic appearance.
  • the light device 41 implementing the optical module 12 produced according to the teachings of the invention makes it possible to illuminate the points 37 of the gantry in a fixed manner while allowing the production of a "turn code" by means of a second optical module 42.

Description

DOMAINE TECHNIQUE DE L'INVENTIONTECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

L'invention concerne un module optique pour véhicule automobile destiné à projeter un faisceau lumineux final à coupure supérieure.The invention relates to an optical module for a motor vehicle intended to project a final light beam with a higher cut-off.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un module optique pour véhicule automobile comportant :

  • au moins une source lumineuse apte à émettre un faisceau lumineux initial,
  • un moyen optique primaire apte à recevoir ledit faisceau lumineux initial et comportant un organe de coupure agencé pour transformer ledit faisceau lumineux initial en un faisceau lumineux secondaire orienté dans une direction longitudinale et présentant une coupure inférieure prédéterminée s'étendant globalement transversalement,
  • un moyen de projection agencé pour projeter un faisceau lumineux final présentant une coupure supérieure formé par une image inversée du faisceau lumineux secondaire à coupure.
The invention relates more particularly to an optical module for a motor vehicle comprising:
  • at least one light source capable of emitting an initial light beam,
  • a primary optical means able to receive said initial light beam and comprising a cut-off member arranged to transform said initial light beam into a secondary light beam oriented in a longitudinal direction and having a predetermined lower cut-off extending generally transversely,
  • a projection means arranged to project a final light beam having an upper cut-off formed by an inverted image of the secondary cut-off light beam.

ARRIERE PLAN TECHNIQUE DE L'INVENTIONTECHNICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

On connaît déjà des modules optiques destinés à émettre des faisceaux lumineux à coupure. Le profil de coupure s'étend globalement transversalement de manière à marquer une frontière entre une zone basse qui est éclairée par le faisceau lumineux et une zone supérieure dans laquelle le faisceau lumineux n'éclaire quasiment pas. Cette coupure permet ainsi de maîtriser la portée du faisceau lumineux afin d'éviter d'éblouir les conducteurs de véhicules situés en avant du véhicule.Optical modules intended to emit cut-off light beams are already known. The cut-off profile extends globally transversely so as to mark a border between a lower zone which is illuminated by the light beam and an upper zone in which the light beam hardly illuminates. This cut thus makes it possible to control the range of the light beam in order to avoid dazzling the drivers of vehicles located in front of the vehicle.

La fonction de feu de croisement est notamment réalisée au moyen d'un tel faisceau à coupure. La coupure peut présenter un profil purement horizontal, un profil étagé séparé par une portion de coupure inclinée, ou encore un profil en forme de "V" présentant une portion horizontale et une portion inclinée montante, par exemple d'un angle de 15° par rapport à la portion horizontale.The dipped beam function is in particular performed by means of such a cut-off beam. The cut may present a purely horizontal profile, a stepped profile separated by an inclined cut-off portion, or even a "V"-shaped profile having a horizontal portion and an upward inclined portion, for example at an angle of 15° with respect to the portion horizontal.

Certaines réglementations autorisent que certains points situés au-dessus de la coupure soient éclairés par le faisceau lumineux. Ces points sont généralement appelés "points de portique", ou "overhead light" en anglais, car ils correspondent à l'éclairage de zone situées au-dessus des autres véhicules, à l'endroit où certains panneaux de signalisation sont agencés sur des portiques au-dessus de la route.Some regulations allow certain points located above the cut-off to be illuminated by the light beam. These points are generally called "portico points", or "overhead light" in English, because they correspond to the lighting of areas located above other vehicles, where certain traffic signs are arranged on gantries above the road.

La position des points de portiques par rapport au véhicule, ainsi que l'intensité lumineuse avec laquelle ils sont éclairés sont imposées par des réglementations très strictes.The position of the portal points relative to the vehicle, as well as the light intensity with which they are illuminated, are imposed by very strict regulations.

On a déjà proposé de réaliser l'éclairage de ces points de portique en modifiant la structure d'une lentille de projection du module optique.It has already been proposed to achieve the illumination of these portal points by modifying the structure of a projection lens of the optical module.

Cependant, la lentille de projection est directement visible depuis l'extérieur du véhicule. Une telle modification de structure de la lentille est donc perceptible par un observateur extérieur. Ces solutions ne sont donc pas esthétiquement satisfaisantes.However, the projection lens is directly visible from outside the vehicle. Such a modification of the structure of the lens is therefore perceptible to an outside observer. These solutions are therefore not aesthetically satisfactory.

On a aussi proposé d'agencer des miroirs pour réfléchir des rayons lumineux vers le haut en direction des points de portique.It has also been proposed to arrange mirrors to reflect light rays upwards in the direction of the portal points.

Cependant, une telle solution impose d'utiliser un élément de réflexion supplémentaire qui est rapporté au module optique. Un tel élément est encombrant et onéreux à installer.However, such a solution imposes the use of an additional reflection element which is attached to the optical module. Such an element is bulky and expensive to install.

DE10 2008 015 510 A1 montre un module optique équipé d'un organe de coupure partiellement recouvert d'un film réfléchissant. Les sections non réfléchissantes du film permettant de réaliser un éclairage des points de portique. DE10 2008 015 510 A1 shows an optical module fitted with a cut-off device partially covered with a reflective film. The non-reflecting sections of the film allow lighting of the portal points.

BREF RESUME DE L'INVENTIONBRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

La présente invention propose un module optique du type décrit précédemment, caractérisé en ce que le moyen optique primaire comporte un organe de déviation de lumière agencé pour dévier une partie des rayons lumineux du faisceau lumineux initial au-dessous de la coupure du faisceau secondaire en direction du moyen de projection.The present invention proposes an optical module of the type described previously, characterized in that the optical means primary comprises a light deflection member arranged to deflect part of the light rays of the initial light beam below the cut-off of the secondary beam in the direction of the projection means.

Le module optique selon l'invention est caractérisé par la revendication 1. Selon d'autres caractéristiques optionnelles de l'invention:
le profil de coupure peut être un profil rectiligne ou, en variante, un profil présentant une portion horizontale et une portion oblique faisant un angle avec la portion horizontale, notamment un angle de 15° ;

  • l'arête de coupure est formée à l'intersection entre :
    • -- une première face amont d'interception, notamment sensiblement horizontale, qui est agencée pour réfléchir totalement les rayons lumineux issus des sources lumineuses au-dessus de l'arête de coupure en direction du moyen de projection, et
    • -- une deuxième face aval, notamment sensiblement verticale, qui s'étend au-dessous de l'arête de coupure, cette deuxième face aval étant agencée pour n'intercepter aucun des rayons lumineux n'étant pas dévié par l'organe de déviation ;
  • la face d'échappement est réalisée dans un renflement s'étendant en saillie à l'extérieur sous la face d'interception ;
  • la face d'échappement est réalisée dans une entaille réalisée en creux dans la face d'interception ;
  • les rayons lumineux déviés par l'organe de déviation sont projetés au-dessus de la ligne de coupure du faisceau final, pour réaliser une fonction réglementaire dite de "points de portique", les rayons lumineux déviés sortant par la face d'échappement étant notamment dirigés vers la face aval de l'organe de coupure, la face d'échappement coopérant avec la face aval de sorte que les rayons lumineux déviés par la face d'échappement et traversant ladite portion de face aval réalisent ladite fonction réglementaire de points de portique ;
  • le moyen optique primaire comporte au moins un organe de collimation, notamment un collimateur, pour collimater les rayons lumineux émis par une source lumineuse associée ;
  • le moyen optique primaire comporte une face de réflexion totale interne qui est agencée pour recevoir le faisceau lumineux collimaté et pour le focaliser au niveau de l'organe de coupure ;
  • le module optique comporte une face de sortie agencée en aval de l'organe de coupure ;
  • le moyen de projection est focalisé au niveau de l'organe de coupure ;
  • le moyen de projection présente une ligne focale transversale qui est confondue avec l'arête de l'organe de coupure ;
  • le moyen de projection est formé par une lentille.
The optical module according to the invention is characterized by claim 1. According to other optional characteristics of the invention:
the cutoff profile can be a rectilinear profile or, as a variant, a profile having a horizontal portion and an oblique portion forming an angle with the horizontal portion, in particular an angle of 15°;
  • the cut edge is formed at the intersection between:
    • -- a first upstream interception face, in particular substantially horizontal, which is arranged to totally reflect the light rays coming from the light sources above the cut-off edge in the direction of the projection means, and
    • -- a second downstream face, in particular substantially vertical, which extends below the cutting edge, this second downstream face being arranged so as not to intercept any of the light rays not being deflected by the deflection member ;
  • the escape face is made in a bulge extending projecting outside under the intercept face;
  • the escape face is made in a recessed notch in the interception face;
  • the light rays deflected by the deflection member are projected above the cut-off line of the final beam, to perform a regulatory function known as "gantry points", the deflected light rays exiting through the exhaust face being in particular directed towards the downstream face of the switching device, the exhaust face cooperating with the downstream face so that the light rays deflected by the exhaust face and passing through said downstream face portion perform said regulatory function of portal points ;
  • the primary optical means comprises at least one collimating member, in particular a collimator, to collimate the light rays emitted by an associated light source;
  • the primary optical means comprises a face of total internal reflection which is arranged to receive the collimated light beam and to focus it at the level of the switching device;
  • the optical module comprises an output face arranged downstream of the switching device;
  • the projection means is focused at the level of the switching device;
  • the projection means has a transverse focal line which coincides with the edge of the switching device;
  • the projection means is formed by a lens.

L'invention concerne aussi un dispositif lumineux pour véhicule automobile comportant un premier module optique réalisé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, et comportant un deuxième module optique apte à réaliser un faisceau segmenté destiné à être allumé conjointement avec le faisceau lumineux projeté par le premier module optique pour réaliser une fonction d'éclairage de type croisement réglementaire par superposition des deux faisceaux lumineux.The invention also relates to a light device for a motor vehicle comprising a first optical module produced according to any one of the preceding claims, and comprising a second optical module capable of producing a segmented beam intended to be switched on together with the light beam projected by the first optical module for perform a regulatory crossing type lighting function by superimposing the two light beams.

BREVE DESCRIPTION DES FIGURESBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaitront au cours de la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective de dessus qui représente un module optique réalisé selon les enseignements de l'invention, les sources lumineuses ayant été omises pour des raisons de clarté ;
  • la figure 2A est une vue en section selon le plan de coupe 2-2 de la figure 1 qui représente le cheminement des rayons lumineux dans le module optique de la figure 1 depuis une source lumineuse jusqu'à un faisceau lumineux final ;
  • la figure 2B est une vue de détail à plus grande échelle similaire à celle de la figure 2A qui représente une variante de réalisation du module optique ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en perspective de dessous qui représente le module optique de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue de face qui représente un écran éclairé par le faisceau lumineux final émis par le module optique de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue de dessus qui représente un dispositif lumineux de véhicule automobile comportant le module optique de la figure 1 associé à un deuxième module optique pour former un faisceau lumineux de croisement réglementaire ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 4 qui représente l'écran éclairé simultanément par le module optique de la figure 1 et le deuxième module optique du dispositif lumineux de la figure 5.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which will follow for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:
  • there figure 1 is a perspective view from above which represents an optical module produced according to the teachings of the invention, the light sources having been omitted for reasons of clarity;
  • there figure 2A is a sectional view according to section plane 2-2 of the figure 1 which represents the path of the light rays in the optical module of the figure 1 from a light source to a final light beam;
  • there figure 2B is a larger scale detail view similar to that of the figure 2A which represents an alternative embodiment of the optical module;
  • there picture 3 is a perspective view from below that shows the optical module of the figure 1 ;
  • there figure 4 is a front view which represents a screen illuminated by the final light beam emitted by the optical module of the figure 1 ;
  • there figure 5 is a top view which represents a motor vehicle light device comprising the optical module of the figure 1 associated with a second optical module to form a regulatory crossing light beam;
  • there figure 6 is a view similar to that of the figure 4 which represents the screen illuminated simultaneously by the optical module of the figure 1 and the second optical module of the light device of the figure 5 .

DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DES FIGURESDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Dans la suite de la description, on adoptera à titre non limitatif des orientations :

  • longitudinale dirigée d'arrière en avant selon le sens de sortie du faisceau lumineux final ;
  • verticale dirigée de bas en haut ;
  • transversale dirigée orthogonalement aux directions longitudinale et verticale.
In the remainder of the description, orientations will be adopted on a non-limiting basis:
  • longitudinal directed from rear to front according to the exit direction of the final light beam;
  • vertical directed from bottom to top;
  • transverse directed orthogonally to the longitudinal and vertical directions.

Un plan transversal longitudinal sera appelé plan "horizontal".A longitudinal transverse plane will be called a "horizontal" plane.

Dans la suite de la description, on utilisera les termes "amont" et "aval" en référence au sens de déplacement des rayons lumineux depuis une source lumineuse jusqu'à un faisceau lumineux final.In the remainder of the description, the terms “upstream” and “downstream” will be used in reference to the direction of movement of the light rays from a light source to a final light beam.

L'orientation transversale correspond à l'orientation du palier horizontal du profil de coupure du faisceau lumineux final. L'orientation verticale est utilisée à titre de repère géométrique sans référence à la direction de la gravité. L'orientation verticale est définie comme étant orthogonale au palier horizontal du profil de coupure du faisceau lumineux final.The transverse orientation corresponds to the orientation of the horizontal bearing of the cut-off profile of the final light beam. The vertical orientation is used as a geometric reference without reference to the direction of gravity. The vertical orientation is defined as being orthogonal to the horizontal level of the cut-off profile of the final light beam.

Dans la suite de la description, des éléments présentant une même structure ou des fonctions analogues seront désignés par des mêmes références.In the rest of the description, elements having the same structure or analogous functions will be designated by the same references.

On a représenté à la figure 1 un module 10 optique pour véhicule automobile qui est destiné à émettre un faisceau final à coupure supérieure dans une direction longitudinale "L".We represented at the figure 1 an optical module for a motor vehicle which is intended to emit a final beam with an upper cut-off in a longitudinal direction "L".

Il s'agit par exemple d'un module 10 optique participant à une fonction de feu de croisement. Un tel module 10 optique est alors agencé à l'avant d'un véhicule automobile (non représenté) pour éclairer la route en avant du véhicule.This is for example an optical module 10 participating in a dipped headlight function. Such an optical module 10 is then arranged at the front of a motor vehicle (not shown) to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle.

Le module 10 optique comporte principalement un moyen 12 optique primaire et un moyen 14 de projection.The optical module 10 mainly comprises a primary optical means 12 and a means 14 of projection.

Comme représenté à la figure 2A, le module 10 optique comporte aussi au moins une sources 16 lumineuses, ici deux sources 16 lumineuses. Les sources 16 lumineuses sont ici formées par des diodes électroluminescentes. Elles sont ici au nombre de neuf. Les diodes électroluminescentes sont toutes portées par une plaque à circuit imprimé commune qui s'étend dans un plan horizontal au-dessus du moyen 12 optique primaire.As depicted at figure 2A , the optical module 10 also comprises at least one light source 16, here two light sources 16 . The light sources 16 are here formed by light-emitting diodes. There are nine of them here. The light-emitting diodes are all carried by a common printed circuit board which extends in a horizontal plane above the primary optical means 12.

Chaque source 16 lumineuse est apte à émettre de manière commandée un faisceau lumineux initial qui est ici dirigé sensiblement verticalement vers le bas en direction d'une face 18 d'entrée du moyen 12 optique primaire.Each light source 16 is capable of emitting in a controlled manner an initial light beam which is here directed substantially vertically downwards in the direction of an input face 18 of the primary optical means 12 .

Le moyen 12 optique primaire est formé en un bloc par une pièce pleine réalisée en un matériau translucide ou transparent, tel que du polyméthacrylate de méthyle (PMMA) ou du polycarbonate (PC). Le moyen 12 optique primaire comporte dans sa partie supérieure arrière ladite face 18 supérieure horizontale d'entrée.The primary optical means 12 is formed in one block by a solid part made of a translucent or transparent material, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC). The primary optical means 12 comprises in its upper rear part said upper horizontal input face 18 .

La face 18 d'entrée est munie d'une pluralité d'organes 20 de collimation dont chacun est associé avec une source 16 lumineuse. Chaque organe 20 est ici formé par une portion de face 18 d'entrée conformée en lentille pour collimater les rayons lumineux du faisceau lumineux initial émis par la source 16 lumineuse associée. Ainsi, les rayons issus de la source 16 lumineuse se propagent sensiblement selon une direction verticale dans le moyen 12 optique primaire.The input face 18 is provided with a plurality of collimating members 20, each of which is associated with a light source 16 . Each member 20 is here formed by a portion of input face 18 shaped like a lens to collimate the light rays of the initial light beam emitted by the associated light source 16 . Thus, the rays from the light source 16 propagate substantially in a vertical direction in the primary optical means 12 .

La face 18 supérieure d'entrée est agencée verticalement au droit d'une face 22 de réflexion totale interne qui est agencée pour recevoir le faisceau lumineux initial ainsi collimaté par l'organe 20 de collimation. Cette face 22 de réflexion totale délimite le moyen 12 optique primaire longitudinalement vers l'arrière. Elle présente une forme inclinée en dévers pour réfléchir les rayons lumineux incidents globalement vers l'avant en direction d'une face 24 avant de sortie qui délimite le moyen 12 optique vers l'avant.The upper input face 18 is arranged vertically in line with a face 22 of total internal reflection which is arranged to receive the initial light beam thus collimated by the collimating member 20. This face 22 of total reflection delimits the primary optical means 12 longitudinally towards the rear. It presents a sloping shape in cant to reflect the incident light rays generally forwards in the direction of a front exit face 24 which delimits the optical means 12 forwards.

La face 24 de sortie est ici générée par translation de sa section verticale, formant une génératrice, selon une directrice de courbure concave s'étendant dans un plan horizontal. Les sources 16 lumineuses sont elles-mêmes alignées parallèlement à la courbure de la face 24 de sortie.The output face 24 is here generated by translation of its vertical section, forming a generatrix, along a concave directrix of curvature extending in a horizontal plane. The light sources 16 are themselves aligned parallel to the curvature of the face 24 of the output.

Le moyen 12 optique primaire est équipé d'un organe de coupure agencé pour transformer ledit faisceau lumineux initial réfléchi en un faisceau lumineux secondaire orienté dans une direction longitudinale et présentant une coupure inférieure prédéterminée s'étendant globalement transversalement.The primary optical means 12 is equipped with a cut-off member arranged to transform said initial reflected light beam into a secondary light beam oriented in a longitudinal direction and having a predetermined lower cut-off extending generally transversely.

L'organe de coupure est formé par une encoche 26 réalisée dans une face inférieure du moyen 12 optique primaire. L'encoche 26 présente une arête 28 transversale supérieure rentrante, dite arête 28 de coupure, dont le profil correspond à la forme de la coupure prédéterminée. Il s'agit ici d'une coupure plate horizontale.The switching device is formed by a notch 26 made in a lower face of the primary optical means 12 . The notch 26 has a re-entrant upper transverse edge 28, called the cutting edge 28, the profile of which corresponds to the shape of the predetermined cut. This is a horizontal flat cut.

L'arête 28 de coupure est plus particulièrement formée par l'intersection entre une première face 30 amont d'interception sensiblement horizontale et une deuxième face 32 aval sensiblement verticale qui s'étend au-dessous de l'arête 28 de coupure.The cutting edge 28 is more particularly formed by the intersection between a first substantially horizontal upstream face 30 of interception and a second substantially vertical downstream face 32 which extends below the cutting edge 28 .

La face 30 d'interception est contiguë à la face 22 de réflexion totale. Elle est agencée pour réfléchir totalement les rayons lumineux du faisceau au-dessus de l'arête 28 en direction de la face 24 de sortie. Cette face 30 d'interception, garantit ainsi que les rayons lumineux issus des sources 16 lumineuses soient dirigés au-dessus de l'arête 28 de coupure. Ainsi, aucun rayon lumineux destiné à former le faisceau à coupure final ne passe à travers la face 32 aval verticale de l'encoche 28.The interception face 30 is contiguous to the face 22 of total reflection. It is arranged to totally reflect the light rays of the beam above the edge 28 in the direction of the face 24 of the exit. This interception face 30 thus guarantees that the light rays coming from the light sources 16 are directed above the cutting edge 28 . Thus, no light ray intended to form the final cut-off beam passes through the vertical downstream face 32 of the notch 28.

La face 24 de sortie agencée longitudinalement en aval de l'arête 28 de coupure.The exit face 24 arranged longitudinally downstream of the cutting edge 28 .

Dans un plan de coupe vertical longitudinal, comme illustré à la figure 2A, la face 22 de réflexion totale est conformée en parabole de manière à focaliser les rayons lumineux réfléchis au niveau de l'arête 28 de coupure.In a longitudinal vertical section plane, as shown in figure 2A , the face 22 of total reflection is shaped like a parabola so as to focus the light rays reflected at the level of the edge 28 of cut-off.

Le moyen 14 de projection est agencé longitudinalement en avant et à distance de la face 24 de sortie du moyen 12 optique primaire. Le moyen 14 de projection est destiné à projeter un faisceau lumineux final présentant une coupure supérieure formé par une image inversée du faisceau lumineux secondaire à coupure projeté par la face 24 de sortie du moyen 12 optique primaire.The projection means 14 is arranged longitudinally in front of and at a distance from the exit face 24 of the primary optical means 12 . The projection means 14 is intended to project a final light beam having a higher cut-off formed by an inverted image of the secondary cut-off light beam projected by the output face 24 of the primary optical means 12.

La figure 4 illustre la zone 31 éclairée par le faisceau final sur un écran 33 vertical transversal placé à 25 mètres du dispositif d'éclairage, perpendiculairement à l'axe optique dont l'intersection avec l'écran 33 correspond au croisement entre l'axe des abscisses et l'axe des ordonnées. On observe que la zone éclairée par le faisceau final est délimitée vers le haut par une ligne de coupure 35. La ligne de coupure 28 présente une forme rectiligne horizontale. Le faisceau final est ici un faisceau de croisement réglementaire.There figure 4 illustrates the zone 31 illuminated by the final beam on a transverse vertical screen 33 placed 25 meters from the lighting device, perpendicular to the optical axis whose intersection with the screen 33 corresponds to the intersection between the abscissa axis and the ordinate axis. It can be seen that the zone illuminated by the final beam is delimited at the top by a cut-off line 35. The cut-off line 28 has a horizontal rectilinear shape. The final beam here is a regulatory dipped beam.

Plus particulièrement, le moyen 14 de projection est formé par une lentille réalisée en une pièce de matériau transparent ou translucide tel que du PMMA ou du PC. La lentille comporte une face 34 arrière d'entrée et une face 36 opposée de projection.More particularly, the projection means 14 is formed by a lens made of a piece of transparent or translucent material such as PMMA or PC. The lens has a rear entrance face 34 and an opposite projection face 36 .

La face 34 d'entrée est agencée longitudinalement à distance de la face 24 de sortie du moyen 12 optique primaire pour le les rayons lumineux sortent à l'air libre avant de pénétrer dans le moyen 14 de projection.The input face 34 is arranged longitudinally at a distance from the output face 24 of the primary optical means 12 so that the light rays leave in the open air before entering the projection means 14.

Le moyen 14 de projection est ici formé par une pièce distincte du moyen 12 optique primaire.The projection means 14 is here formed by a separate piece of the primary optical means 12 .

Le moyen 14 de projection est focalisé au niveau de l'organe de coupure. Plus particulièrement, le moyen 14 de projection présente une forme cylindrique et il comporte une ligne focale transversale qui est confondue avec l'arête 28 de coupure. Ceci permet de projeter un faisceau lumineux final présentant une coupure nette formée par une image inversée de l'arête 28 de coupure. L'image est bien entendu inversée par symétrie verticale de part et d'autre d'un plan focal horizontal passant par l'arête 28 de coupure.The projection means 14 is focused at the level of the switching device. More particularly, the means 14 of projection has a cylindrical shape and it comprises a transverse focal line which coincides with the cutting edge 28 . This makes it possible to project a final light beam having a sharp cutoff formed by an inverted image of the edge 28 of cutoff. The image is of course inverted by vertical symmetry on either side of a horizontal focal plane passing through the cutting edge 28 .

Selon les enseignements de l'invention, le moyen 12 optique primaire comporte un organe de déviation de la lumière agencé pour dévier une partie des rayons lumineux du faisceau lumineux initial au-dessous de la coupure du faisceau secondaire en direction du moyen de projection. Ainsi, ces rayons lumineux déviés sont projetés vers le haut après leur passage à travers le moyen 14 de projection pour éclairer des points 37 de portique agencés verticalement au-dessus de la ligne de coupure du faisceau lumineux final.According to the teachings of the invention, the primary optical means 12 comprises a light deflection member arranged to deflect a part of the light rays of the initial light beam below the cutoff of the secondary beam in the direction of the projection means. Thus, these deflected light rays are projected upwards after passing through the projection means 14 to illuminate portal points 37 arranged vertically above the cut-off line of the final light beam.

Comme représenté à la figure 4, les points 37 de portique sont ici au nombre de six. Un premier groupe de trois points 37 de portique est aligné à 2° au-dessus de la ligne de coupure, un point central et deux points 37 agencés à 4° transversalement de part et d'autre du point central. Un deuxième groupe de trois points 37 de portique est aligné à 4° au-dessus de la ligne de coupure, un point central et deux points 37 agencés à 8° transversalement de part et d'autre du point central.As depicted at figure 4 , the gantry points 37 are here six in number. A first group of three gantry points 37 is aligned at 2° above the cut line, a central point and two points 37 arranged at 4° transversely on either side of the central point. A second group of three portal points 37 are aligned at 4° above the cut line, a central point and two points 37 arranged at 8° transversely on either side of the central point.

A cet effet, l'organe de déviation est formé par une face 38 d'échappement réalisée dans la face 30 d'interception. La face 38 d'échappement forme plus particulièrement un angle avec la face 30 d'interception de manière à transmettre une partie du faisceau initial à l'extérieur du moyen 12 optique primaire. Les rayons lumineux issus du faisceau initial collimaté frappent ainsi la face 38 d'échappement, directement ou après réflexion sur la face 22 de réflexion totale, avec un angle d'incidence inférieur à l'angle de réfraction de manière que lesdits rayons lumineux passent à travers la face 38 d'échappement pour se diriger vers la face 32 vertical aval, au-dessous de l'arête 28 de coupure. Lesdits rayons déviés rentrent ainsi à nouveau dans le moyen 12 optique primaire pour se diriger vers la face 24 de sortie, puis vers le moyen 14 de projection.For this purpose, the deflection member is formed by an escape face 38 formed in the intercept face 30. The exhaust face 38 more particularly forms an angle with the interception face 30 so as to transmit part of the initial beam outside the primary optical means 12 . The light rays from the collimated initial beam thus strike the exhaust face 38, directly or after reflection on the face 22 of total reflection, with an angle of incidence less than the angle of refraction so that said light rays pass through the exhaust face 38 to head towards the downstream vertical face 32, below the edge 28 of cut. Said deflected rays thus enter again into the primary optical means 12 to move towards the exit face 24, then towards the projection means 14.

Etant donné que les rayons déviés par la face 38 d'échappement passent au-dessous de l'arête 28 de coupure, leur image par le moyen 14 de projection est projetée au-dessus de la ligne de coupure du faisceau final. On comprendra que la position de la face 38 d'échappement est déterminée de manière que les points 37 éclairés par lesdits rayons déviés dans le faisceau final correspondent aux points 37 de portique.Since the rays deflected by the escape face 38 pass below the cutting edge 28, their image by the projection means 14 is projected above the cutting line of the final beam. It will be understood that the position of the exhaust face 38 is determined so that the points 37 illuminated by said deflected rays in the final beam correspond to the points 37 of the gantry.

Dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 2A, la face 38 d'échappement est réalisée dans un renflement s'étendant verticalement en saillie à l'extérieur sous la face 30 d'interception. Le renflement présente plus particulièrement une section longitudinale verticale en forme de prisme délimité vers l'avant par ladite face 38 d'échappement et vers l'arrière par une face 40 arrière. La face 40 arrière du renflement est avantageusement orientée de manière à réfléchir totalement les rayons lumineux incidents en direction de la face 38 d'échappement pour participer à l'éclairage des points 37 de portique. Les rayons lumineux déviés par l'organe de déviation sont ainsi projetés au-dessus de la ligne de coupure du faisceau final, pour réaliser la fonction réglementaire dite de "point de portique".In the example shown in figure 2A , the exhaust face 38 is formed in a bulge extending vertically projecting outside under the intercept face 30. The bulge more particularly has a vertical longitudinal section in the form of a prism delimited towards the front by said exhaust face 38 and towards the rear by a rear face 40 . The rear face 40 of the bulge is advantageously oriented so as to totally reflect the incident light rays in the direction of the exhaust face 38 to participate in the lighting of the points 37 of the gantry. The light rays deflected by the deflection member are thus projected above the cut-off line of the final beam, to perform the regulatory function known as "portico point".

Selon une variante de l'invention représentée à la figure 2B, la face 38 d'échappement est réalisée dans une entaille réalisée en creux dans la face 22 d'interception. En section verticale, l'entaille est ainsi délimitée vers l'arrière par ladite face 38 d'échappement.According to a variant of the invention shown in figure 2B , the exhaust face 38 is made in a recessed notch in the face 22 of interception. In vertical section, the notch is thus delimited towards the rear by said face 38 of the exhaust.

Comme représenté à la figure 3, la face 38 d'échappement s'étend, dans un plan horizontal, parallèlement à la face 24 de sortie du moyen 12 optique primaire. La face 24 de sortie présentant une courbure dans un plan horizontal, la face 38 d'échappement s'étend elle-même selon une ligne courbe. La face 38 d'échappement s'étend de manière continue en vis-à-vis de plusieurs sources 16 lumineuses, par exemple six sources 16 lumineuses. Il s'agit des sources 16 lumineuses agencées à gauche de la figure 3. Ainsi, chacune de ces six sources 16 lumineuses éclaire un point de portique associé.As depicted at picture 3 , the exhaust face 38 extends, in a horizontal plane, parallel to the output face 24 of the primary optical means 12 . The outlet face 24 having a curvature in a horizontal plane, the exhaust face 38 itself extends along a curved line. The exhaust face 38 extends continuously opposite several light sources 16, for example six light sources 16 . These are the light sources 16 arranged to the left of the picture 3 . Thus, each of these six light sources 16 illuminates an associated portico point.

En variante non représentée, la face d'échappement s'étend de manière discontinue sous la face d'interception. Chaque portion de face d'échappement est alors agencée en coïncidence avec une source lumineuse associée, chaque portion étant séparée transversalement de la portion de face d'échappement voisine.In a variant not shown, the escape face extends discontinuously below the intercept face. Each exhaust face portion is then arranged in coincidence with an associated light source, each portion being separated transversely from the neighboring exhaust face portion.

Comme cela est représenté à la figure 5, le module 10 optique décrit précédemment fait par exemple partie d'un dispositif 41 lumineux pour véhicule automobile comportant ledit premier module 10 optique réalisé selon les enseignements de l'invention, et comportant un deuxième module 42 optique apte à réaliser un faisceau lumineux segmenté qui est destiné à être allumé conjointement le premier module 10 optique. La superposition des faisceaux lumineux projetés par les deux modules 10, 42 optiques permet de réaliser une fonction d'éclairage de type croisement réglementaire comme cela est illustré à la figure 6.As depicted in the figure 5 , the optical module 10 described above is for example part of a light device 41 for a motor vehicle comprising said first optical module 10 produced according to the teachings of the invention, and comprising a second optical module 42 capable of producing a segmented light beam which is intended to be switched on together with the first optical module 10. The superposition of the light beams projected by the two optical modules 10, 42 makes it possible to perform a lighting function of the regulatory crossing type as illustrated in figure 6 .

Ainsi, la zone 31 de l'écran 33 éclairée par le faisceau lumineux final du premier module 10 optique demeure telle que décrite précédemment. Les points 37 de portiques demeurent aussi à leur emplacement.Thus, the zone 31 of the screen 33 illuminated by the final light beam of the first optical module 10 remains as previously described. The gate points 37 also remain in their location.

Une deuxième zone 44 éclairée par le deuxième module 42 optique vient se superposer avec la première zone 31 éclairée. Cette deuxième zone 44 présente une portion supérieure qui s'étend au-dessus de la ligne 35 de coupure de la première zone 31 éclairée sur une moitié de l'écran 33, ici la moitié droite. Cette dite portion supérieure est délimitée vers le haut par une première ligne 46 horizontale supérieure et latéralement vers le centre de l'écran par une deuxième ligne 48 inclinée, par exemple à 15°, qui vient croiser la ligne 35 de coupure de la première zone 31 sensiblement au centre de l'écran 33.A second area 44 illuminated by the second optical module 42 is superimposed with the first area 31 illuminated. This second zone 44 has an upper portion which extends above the cut-off line 35 of the first zone 31 illuminated over one half of the screen 33, here the right half. This said upper portion is delimited upwards by a first upper horizontal line 46 and laterally towards the center of the screen by a second line 48 inclined, for example at 15°, which intersects the cut-off line 35 of the first zone 31 substantially in the center of the screen 33.

Ainsi, la superposition des deux faisceaux lumineux éclaire une zone globale 31, 44 délimitée vers le haut par une délimitation comportant un premier palier 35 horizontal inférieur, formé par la ligne de coupure 25 de la première zone 31, un deuxième tronçon oblique 48 qui prolonge le premier palier 35 horizontal. Ce tronçon 48 oblique est formé par la ligne inclinée 48 de la deuxième zone 44. Et enfin un deuxième palier 46 supérieur formé par la ligne horizontale 46 supérieure de la deuxième zone 44.Thus, the superposition of the two light beams illuminates an overall zone 31, 44 delimited upwards by a delimitation comprising a first lower horizontal level 35, formed by the cut-off line 25 of the first zone 31, a second oblique section 48 which extends the first level 35 horizontal. This oblique section 48 is formed by the inclined line 48 of the second zone 44. And finally a second upper bearing 46 formed by the upper horizontal line 46 of the second zone 44.

Le premier palier 31 horizontal permet d'éclairer la route en évitant d'éblouir les conducteurs des véhicules roulant en sens inverse, tandis que le deuxième palier 46 permet d'éclairer avec une plus grande portée le côté de la route. Le profil de coupure est ici adapté pour un véhicule roulant dans un pays imposant aux véhicules de rouler à droite de la route.The first horizontal bearing 31 makes it possible to illuminate the road by avoiding dazzling the drivers of vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, while the second bearing 46 makes it possible to illuminate the side of the road with greater range. The cut-off profile here is suitable for a vehicle driving in a country requiring vehicles to drive on the right of the road.

Optionnellement, le deuxième module 42 optique peut être commandé pour que le faisceau lumineux soit déplacé vers la gauche ou vers la droite en fonction du sens de pivotement des roues du véhicule, le faisceau lumineux final émis par le premier module 10 optique demeurant fixe par rapport au véhicule. Ceci permet de conférer au dispositif 41 lumineux une fonction de "code virage", ou "bending light" en langue anglaise, qui permet d'éclairer de manière optimale la route dans les virages. Le faisceau lumineux peut être déplacé par pivotement du deuxième module 42 optique ou encore par allumage sélectifs de diodes électroluminescentes formant une matrice d'éclairage du deuxième module 42 optique.Optionally, the second optical module 42 can be controlled so that the light beam is moved to the left or to the right depending on the direction of pivoting of the wheels of the vehicle, the final light beam emitted by the first optical module 10 remaining fixed with respect to to the vehicle. This makes it possible to confer on the luminous device 41 a function of "code bend", or "bending light" in English, which makes it possible to illuminate the road in an optimal way in the bends. The light beam can be moved by pivoting the second optical module 42 or by selectively switching on diodes electroluminescent forming a lighting matrix of the second optical module 42.

Le module 10 optique réalisé selon les enseignements de l'invention permet de former un faisceau à coupure éclairant simultanément des points de portique.The optical module 10 produced according to the teachings of the invention makes it possible to form a cut-off beam simultaneously illuminating portal points.

Le faisceau à coupure et les points de portique sont éclairés simultanément par des mêmes sources lumineuses. Ainsi, cette solution est particulièrement économique et peu encombrante puisqu'elle ne nécessite pas l'utilisation de sources lumineuses dédiées à l'éclairage des points de portique.The cut-off beam and the portal points are illuminated simultaneously by the same light sources. Thus, this solution is particularly economical and space-saving since it does not require the use of light sources dedicated to lighting the portal points.

En outre, l'organe de déviation des rayons lumineux permettant d'éclairer les points de portique est agencé dans le moyen 12 optique primaire. Ce moyen 12 optique primaire n'est pas directement visible par un observateur lorsque le module 10 optique est monté sur le véhicule. De ce fait, l'organe de déviation n'est pas visible et le module optique conserve un aspect esthétique intact et épuré.In addition, the device for deflecting the light rays making it possible to illuminate the portal points is arranged in the primary optical means 12 . This primary optical means 12 is not directly visible to an observer when the optical module 10 is mounted on the vehicle. As a result, the deflection member is not visible and the optical module retains an intact and refined aesthetic appearance.

Par ailleurs, le dispositif 41 lumineux mettant en oeuvre le module 12 optique réalisé selon les enseignements de l'invention permet d'éclairer les points 37 de portique de manière fixe tout en permettant la réalisation d'un "code virage" au moyen d'un deuxième module 42 optique.Furthermore, the light device 41 implementing the optical module 12 produced according to the teachings of the invention makes it possible to illuminate the points 37 of the gantry in a fixed manner while allowing the production of a "turn code" by means of a second optical module 42.

Claims (12)

  1. Optical module (10) for a motor vehicle comprising:
    - at least one light source (16) capable of emitting an initial light beam,
    - a primary optical means (12) formed in a block by a solid part produced in a translucent or transparent material, comprising an input surface arranged to receive the initial light beam which is propagated in the primary optical means and comprising a cutoff member (28, 30) arranged to transform said initial light beam into a secondary light beam that is propagated in a longitudinal direction and that has a predetermined bottom cutoff extending overall transversely,
    - a projection means (14) arranged to project a final light beam having a top cutoff formed by an inverted image of the secondary light beam with cutoff,
    the primary optical means (12) comprising a light deflection member (38) arranged to deflect a part of the light rays of the initial light beam below the cutoff of the secondary beam towards the projection means,
    the primary optical means (12) being a solid part produced in a translucent or transparent material,
    the cutoff member being formed by a notch (26) produced in a bottom face of the primary optical means (12) which has a top transverse cutoff edge (28) whose profile corresponds to the form of the predetermined cutoff,
    characterized in that the deflection member (38) is formed by an exit face (38) produced in the primary optical means in an interception face (30) arranged to reflect all of the light rays above the edge (28), the exit face (38) forming an angle with the interception face (30) such that the light rays strike the exit face (38) with an angle of incidence less than the angle of refraction and pass through the face (38), thus transmitting a portion of the initial beam out of the primary optical means (12) below the cutoff edge (28).
  2. Module (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cutoff edge (28) is formed at the intersection between:
    - a first upstream intersection face (30), notably substantially horizontal, which is arranged to reflect all of the light rays resulting from the light sources (16) above the cutoff edge (28) towards the projection means (14), and
    - a second downstream face (32), notably substantially vertical, which extends below the cutoff edge (28).
  3. Module (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the exit face (38) is produced in a bulge extending notably protrudingly out of the primary optical means, notably under the interception face (30).
  4. Optical module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the exit face (38) is produced in a recess hollowed out in the interception face (30).
  5. Optical module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light rays deflected by the deflection member (38) are projected above the cutoff line (35) of the final beam, to produce a regulatory "overhead signs (37)" function.
  6. Optical module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primary optical means (12) comprises at least one collimation member (20), notably a collimator, for collimating the light rays emitted by an associated light source (16).
  7. Optical module (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the primary optical means (12) comprises an internal total reflection face (22) which is arranged to receive the collimated light beam and to focus it at the cutoff member (28).
  8. Optical module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an output face (24) arranged downstream of the cutoff member (28) .
  9. Optical module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection means (14) is focused at the cutoff member (28).
  10. Optical module (10) according to the preceding claim taken in combination with either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the projection means (14) has a transverse focal line which coincides with the edge (28) of the cutoff member.
  11. Optical module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the projection means (14) is formed by a lens.
  12. Light device (41) for a motor vehicle comprising a first optical module (10) produced according to any one of the preceding claims, and comprising a second optical module (42) capable of producing a segmented beam intended to be switched on jointly with the light beam projected by the first optical module (10) to produce a lighting function of regulatory low beam type by superpositioning of the two light beams.
EP17184962.3A 2016-09-01 2017-08-04 Optical module for illuminating overhead signs Active EP3290777B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1658120A FR3055400B1 (en) 2016-09-01 2016-09-01 OPTICAL MODULE FOR LIGHTING PORTIC POINTS

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EP3290777A1 EP3290777A1 (en) 2018-03-07
EP3290777B1 true EP3290777B1 (en) 2023-03-01

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US (1) US10690309B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3290777B1 (en)
CN (1) CN108302457B (en)
FR (1) FR3055400B1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
CN108302457B (en) 2021-05-18
FR3055400B1 (en) 2019-06-28
FR3055400A1 (en) 2018-03-02
EP3290777A1 (en) 2018-03-07
CN108302457A (en) 2018-07-20
US10690309B2 (en) 2020-06-23
US20180058651A1 (en) 2018-03-01

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