EP3486554B1 - Lighting module for vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Lighting module for vehicle headlamp Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3486554B1
EP3486554B1 EP18206137.4A EP18206137A EP3486554B1 EP 3486554 B1 EP3486554 B1 EP 3486554B1 EP 18206137 A EP18206137 A EP 18206137A EP 3486554 B1 EP3486554 B1 EP 3486554B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
optical element
optical
light
light module
optical elements
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
EP18206137.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3486554A1 (en
Inventor
Pascal GARIN
Rémi Letoumelin
Stephane Andre
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Vision SAS
Original Assignee
Valeo Vision SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Vision SAS filed Critical Valeo Vision SAS
Publication of EP3486554A1 publication Critical patent/EP3486554A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3486554B1 publication Critical patent/EP3486554B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • 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
    • F21S41/29—Attachment thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—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]
    • F21S41/151—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines
    • F21S41/153—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines arranged in a matrix
    • 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 - F21S41/2805
    • 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]
    • F21S41/143—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being parallel 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
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F21S41/265—Composite lenses; Lenses with a patch-like shape

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the field of lighting and / or signaling devices for a motor vehicle. It relates more particularly to light modules intended to be mounted in a vehicle headlight.
  • Automotive headlamps usually consist of a housing which is closed by a transparent wall through which light rays pass.
  • This housing houses at least one light module, comprising mainly at least one light source and an optical system capable of modifying at least one parameter of the light generated by the light source for the emission of light rays capable then of passing through the transparent wall of the light source. projector to form regulatory light beams.
  • An optical system equipping a light module can comprise optical elements configured to direct the light rays towards a ray-shaping lens for the projection, at the output of the module and of the projector, of a regulatory light beam.
  • the light sources and the corresponding optical elements can in particular be configured to generate a first light beam, called high beam, and a second light beam, called low beam.
  • light sources for example light-emitting diodes, are fixed on a base forming a support also for the optical elements, so that the position of each other is reliable.
  • each of the optical elements can comprise openings formed in the thickness of the material, advantageously in end zones of these optical elements so as not to penalize the guiding of the light rays within them, and the mounting of the optical elements on them.
  • the fixing support is made so that these openings are placed opposite bores formed on the fixing support to allow fixing by screwing the optical element on the fixing support.
  • the document EP2306077 discloses a light module for a motor vehicle headlight according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a light module making it possible to reduce its manufacturing and assembly cost while avoiding mechanically constraining the optical elements of such a light module.
  • the invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising at least two light sources, two optical elements configured respectively to ensure the guiding of light rays emitted by a light source, and a support for fixing against which the optical elements and the light sources are arranged, the optical elements comprising at least a first optical element associated with a first light source and a second optical element associated with a second light source, the light module comprising a frame for maintaining the optical elements on the fixing support, and each optical element being configured to emit a light beam in the direction of a shaping lens arranged at the output of the light module, characterized in that each of the optical elements has a portion central optic, forming an optical guide means, and lateral fins, arranged transversely on either side the other of the central optical portion.
  • the retaining frame it is possible to no longer mechanically constrain the optical elements. Indeed, the optical elements are no longer fixed on the fixing support by screwing.
  • the retaining frame is used to hold the optical elements pressed against the mounting bracket, so that no mechanical stress by screwing is exerted directly on the optical elements.
  • the retaining frame reduces the set of openings and bores formed respectively on the optical elements and on the mounting bracket. It will be understood that this has the effect of reducing the costs of machining and assembling such a light module.
  • only the retaining frame is fixed to the fixing support.
  • assembly steps it is envisaged, for example, to position, firstly, each of the optical elements before coming to position, in a second step, the retaining frame, so as to maintain each of the optical elements in support. against the mounting bracket and attach the retaining frame to the mounting bracket.
  • the maintenance of the optical elements by the retaining frame has the advantage of eliminating the mechanical stresses by screwing on these optical elements.
  • the mechanical stresses for screwing the optical elements are then offset on the retaining frame, which is designed to withstand mechanical stresses, the optical elements therefore being designed only by considering optical constraints, which makes it possible to improve the optical performance of the device. these elements.
  • Each of the optical elements has a central optical portion, forming an optical guide means, and lateral fins, arranged transversely on either side of the central optical portion.
  • the retaining frame is configured to at least partially cover the fins of each of the optical elements, i.e. the lateral ends of each of the optical elements. Such a covering advantageously makes it possible to exert a uniform force on the ends of the optical elements. It will be understood that the ends of the optical elements are clamped, or clamped, between the retaining frame and the fixing support.
  • the fins of each optical element can be arranged to be housed at least partly in correspondence in notches formed in the holding frame.
  • the fact of putting the fins of the optical elements in correspondence with notches of the retaining frame makes it possible to guarantee that the retaining frame, when it is attached to cover the lateral ends, or fins, of the optical elements, has a stable position against the mounting bracket. It will be understood that when the retaining frame is assembled on the fixing support, the optical elements are immobilized in their optical position.
  • a fin of an optical element can be housed in an associated notch in particular by virtue of a thickness of the concerned fin of identical dimension to a depth of the concerned notch.
  • each optical element can be formed by a first portion, arranged in the direct extension of the corresponding lateral end of the optical guide part, and by a second portion intended to be clamped between the retaining frame and the support of fixation.
  • the fins of the optical elements then make it possible to raise the optical guide means relative to a plane in which the fixing support extends.
  • each optical element each carry indexing pins configured to cooperate with orifices formed in the mounting bracket. Thanks to this characteristic, it is possible to position each optical element on the fixing support before the retaining frame is added to fix the position of the optical elements. This ensures that each optical element is correctly positioned relative to the fixing support. Thanks to this configuration for each optical element, it is possible to align at least one corresponding light source with the optical guiding means in order to ensure the correct orientation of the resulting light beam.
  • the indexing pins can be formed on the second portions of the fins.
  • fingers formed in notches of the retaining frame bear against the fins of at least one optical element. More particularly, at least one positioning finger is formed in the retaining frame, in the region of a notch of the retaining frame, said positioning finger being configured to bear against a fin of at least one optical element.
  • the positioning finger may include an elastic base, formed in the plane of the retaining frame and delimited by two cutouts in the area of the notch, and a stud protruding from the base to come to rest on the fin. Thanks to these fingers, it is possible to maintain a pressure on the fins of the optical elements without constraining them mechanically by pressure.
  • each base can be delimited by two cutouts made in the corresponding notch, The elasticity of the base then allows the pad to always be in contact with the corresponding fin, regardless of the variations in play between the fin and the housing from one module to another.
  • At least the first optical element is made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It will be understood that the same may apply to the second and third optical elements.
  • PMMA polymethyl methacrylate
  • the retaining frame To ensure the fixing of the retaining frame on the fixing support, provision is made for the retaining frame to include at least one fixing means on the fixing support of the light module. It will be understood that the retaining frame makes it possible to offset the mechanical stresses of screwing the optical elements, the retaining frame being fixed by screwing on the fixing support and the retaining elements being held only by pressure by the retaining frame against the support. of fixation. It will be understood that this means of fixing the retaining frame is advantageously arranged in areas remote from the notches so as not to mechanically constrain by screwing the fins of the optical elements in correspondence of these notches. Of course, to keep the retaining frame fixed against the fixing support, several fixing means can be provided.
  • the fixing means can be, for example, formed by a hole in the holding frame facing a bore in the fixing support of the light module.
  • the retaining frame hole and the corresponding bore of the mounting bracket being configured to receive a mounting screw.
  • the fixing support is a support for heat dissipation of the calories given off by the light sources.
  • the light module may comprise more than two optical elements, and in particular a third optical element may be associated with a third light source, it being understood that according to the invention, the holding frame is configured to hold each of the optical elements in position in position. enclosing them with the fixing bracket against which the retaining frame is fixed.
  • the first optical element can be arranged between the second optical element and the third optical element, in a light module configured to perform both a function of projecting a so-called passing beam. and a projection function of a so-called driving beam.
  • the first optical element can be configured to participate in the formation of a beam complementary to the beam formed by the second optical element, this beam formed by the second optical element consisting of a so-called crossing beam. It should be noted that an edge of the central optical portion of the first optical element can form a cutoff edge of the beam formed by the second optical element and its associated light source.
  • the addition of the beam formed by the second optical element and of the additional beam generates the formation of an overall beam of the high beam type.
  • the third optical element can be configured to allow the formation of an additional beam which over-intensifies the overall beam formed by the complementarity of said beam and additional beam.
  • the subject of the invention is a motor vehicle headlight comprising at least one light module as described above.
  • the figure 1 illustrates a light module 1 according to the invention, otherwise called an optical module, the function of which is to generate and project one or more light beams on a road.
  • a light module 1 is intended to be installed in a headlight of a motor vehicle not shown in the figures in order to facilitate understanding of the invention.
  • the headlight mentioned here generally comprises a rear housing closed at the front by a transparent glass, the latter being traversed by the light rays created by the light module according to the invention.
  • Such a projector can thus receive in its interior volume, delimited by the rear housing and the transparent glass, a plurality of light modules, and at least one light module according to the invention.
  • Such a light module 1 forms a unitary sub-assembly, that is to say an object which can fulfill its function without any other input than the electrical energy necessary for its ignition.
  • the light module 1 is arranged to create a low beam beam and a high beam beam, one after the other or both simultaneously. As will be explained in more detail below, the light module 1 is adapted so that the high beam is the combination of the low beam beam with a complementary beam.
  • the light module 1 comprises at least a plurality of light sources and a plurality of associated optical elements. It also comprises at least one lens 100 arranged at one end of the module so as to be traversed by the light rays emitted by the light sources and guided by the optical elements. Such a shaping lens 100 participates in the formation of the desired light beam, whether it is a beam of the low beam type or a beam of the high beam type. In other words, the shaping lens 100 forms a first longitudinal end of the light module 1.
  • the figure 1 also shows the presence of a casing 102 which has a substantially tubular shape and which extends between a base forming a fixing support 5 and the shaping lens, such a casing providing in particular the mechanical support of the shaping lens. shape, as well as a mechanical referencing of the position of the lens relative to the light sources and to the optical elements, so as to guarantee a determined position of the shaping lens relative to the light sources.
  • a casing 102 which has a substantially tubular shape and which extends between a base forming a fixing support 5 and the shaping lens, such a casing providing in particular the mechanical support of the shaping lens. shape, as well as a mechanical referencing of the position of the lens relative to the light sources and to the optical elements, so as to guarantee a determined position of the shaping lens relative to the light sources.
  • the fixing support 5 may have on its face opposite the casing 102 a heat dissipation member 104, intended to remove from the light module 1 at least part of the heat generated by the light sources.
  • the figure 2 shows a part of the light module 1, and in particular the fixing support 5 without the casing 102, so as to facilitate understanding of the arrangement in the light module 1 of the optical elements associated with the light sources here not visible.
  • these optical elements are fixed to the fixing support by means of a retaining frame 6, without it being necessary to provide specific fixing means for each optical element.
  • a light module will be described equipped with three optical elements respectively facing a light source, and the holding frame will be described as configured to allow the covering and fixing of these three elements. optical, but it will be understood that a retaining frame will be in accordance with the invention if it allows the plating against the fixing support, and therefore the maintenance in position, of a different number of optical elements, since they are at least two in number.
  • the light module 1 comprises a first optical element 2 configured to ensure the guiding of light rays emitted by a first light source, here not shown, a second optical element 3 configured to ensure the guiding of light rays emitted by a second source of light. light, here not shown, and a third optical element 4 configured to ensure the guidance of light rays emitted by a third light source, here not shown.
  • a light source is understood to mean one or more light sources forming a sub-assembly controlled to emit light rays configured to perform an optical function. More precisely, a first light source, or a first subset of light sources, is associated with the first optical element 2 to generate a first light beam, and a second light source, or a second subset of light sources, is associated with the second optical element 3 to generate a second light beam.
  • This second light beam corresponds to a beam of the low beam type, having a cut-off edge here formed by the edge 200 of the free end face 201 of the first optical element 2 which is located on the side of the second optical element.
  • the first light beam, emerging from this free end face of the first optical element thus has a beam shape complementary to the second light beam, such that the simultaneous emission of rays by the first and the second source participates in forming an overall beam of the main beam type.
  • a third light source or third subset of light sources, is associated with the third optical element 4 to generate light rays capable of over-intensifying the center of the overall beam of the high beam type.
  • Each of the optical elements has a general shape having a central optical portion, forming an optical guide portion, and lateral fins, arranged transversely on either side of the central optical portion.
  • the first optical element 2 comprises a first optical guide means 20 extended at its lateral ends by first fins 21
  • the second optical element 3 comprises a second optical guide means 30 extended at its lateral ends by second fins 31
  • the third optical element 4 comprises a third optical guide means 40 extended at its ends by third fins 41.
  • optical elements 2, 3, 4 are designed to be placed on a fixing support 5, and more particularly on a first face 50 of the fixing support.
  • the first optical element 2 is arranged on the fixing support 5 between the second and third optical elements 3, 4.
  • the light module is provided with a retaining frame 6 of the optical elements 2, 3, 4 against the fixing support 5.
  • the purpose of such a retaining frame 6 is to maintain the optical elements 2, 3, 4 against the fixing support 5 without exerting mechanical force by screwing directly on these optical elements.
  • the retaining frame comprises a first face 601 facing the fixing support and this first face 601 is intended to be positioned against the first face 50 of the fixing support in order to grip the optical elements.
  • the assembly of such a light module comprises a first step during which the optical elements 2, 3, 4 are arranged on the fixing support 5, respectively facing the light source to which they correspond to generate a light beam appropriate in the direction of the beam shaping lens of the module.
  • the retaining frame 6 is placed on the fixing support 5 by pressing the first face 601 of the frame against the first face 50 of the support, so as to cover the ends of the optical elements, before being fixed. by screwing onto the fixing support 5 using fixing means 7 described later. The ends of the optical elements are thus pressed by the retaining frame 6 against the fixing support 5, with a pressure force distributed uniformly between the ends of the optical elements.
  • the holding frame 6 is arranged around the optical guide means 20, 30, 40 of the optical elements 2, 3, 4 so that it does not penalize the realization of the optical function, c 'that is to say the guiding of the rays emitted by the sources towards the shaping lens 100 of the rays leaving the light module 1.
  • the fins 21, 31, 41 of the optical elements 2, 3, 4 are arranged to be housed in correspondence in notches 61, 62, 63 formed in the first face 601 of the retaining frame 6. These notches consist of a lesser area. thickness formed from the inner periphery 602 of the retaining frame 6, by machining the first face 601.
  • the first fins 21 formed at the lateral ends of the first optical element 2 are intended to be housed in a pair of first notches 61 of the retaining frame. support 6, respectively arranged on opposite edges of the support frame. Equivalently, the second fins 31 of the second optical element 3 are housed in second notches 62 of the retaining frame 6 and the third fins 41 of the third optical element 4 are housed in third notches 63 of the retaining frame 6.
  • the second optical element 3 comprises three second fins 31, and that the retaining frame 6 correspondingly comprises three second notches 62, in order to ensure the optical positioning of the second optical element 3, having a surface projected onto the fixing support 5 which is greater than that of the other optical elements.
  • the thickness of the fins 21, 31, 41 of the optical elements is substantially equal to the depth of the notches 61, 62, 63, the thickness and the depth being measured, when the optical elements and the retaining frame are assembled. , in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the fixing support extends. So when the frame 6 is assembled on the fixing support 5, the positioning of the fins in the notches does not prevent the retaining frame 6 and the fins of the optical elements from being pressed against the fixing support 5.
  • the fins 21, 31, 41 of the optical elements 2, 3, 4 are configured to allow their housing in the notches 61, 62, 63 of the retaining frame 6, that is to say in a position pressed against the support of fixing 5, and to allow the optical guide parts 20, 30, 40 of these optical elements to be released longitudinally with respect to the plane of the fixing support to make room for the light sources themselves pressed against the fixing support.
  • a longitudinal offset is thus necessary between the fins and the optical guiding part of each optical element.
  • the fins of each optical element 2, 3, 4 are formed by a first portion 21A, 31A, 41A, arranged in the direct extension of the corresponding lateral end of the optical guide part 20, 30, 40, and by a second portion 21B, 31B, 41B intended to be housed in one of the corresponding notches 61, 62, 63 of the retaining frame 6.
  • the first portion 21A, 31A, 41A extends longitudinally, substantially parallel to the optical axis of the light module and therefore perpendicular to the fixing support, so that it is the length of this first portion which determines the distance of the guide part of the optical elements relative to the fixing support to leave room for light sources.
  • the second portion 21B, 31B, 41B extends the first portion 21A, 31A, 41A perpendicularly to form a bearing face parallel to the plane mainly defining the fixing support.
  • the ends of the optical elements 2, 3, 4 covered by the retaining frame 6 correspond to all or part of the second portions 21B, 31B, 41B fins 21, 31, 41.
  • This face of the second portion 21B, 31B, 41B comprises indexing pins 21C, 31C, 41C, configured to correspond in shape and dimensions with orifices formed in the fixing support 5. Thanks to this characteristic, it It is possible to pre-position each optical element 2, 3, 4 on the fixing support 5 before fixing the retaining frame 6. This guarantees that each optical element 2, 3, 4 is correctly positioned with respect to the fixing support 5 and with respect to light sources previously made integral with the fixing support, in particular by gluing on a printed circuit board integral with this fixing support and here not shown. It will be understood that this makes it possible, for each optical element 2, 3, 4, to align the optical guide means 20, 30, 40 of each optical element with a corresponding light source, or a subset of light sources.
  • the indexing pins 21C, 31C, 41C are formed on the second portions of the fins 21, 31, 41.
  • the optical elements 2, 3 , 4 are easily arranged on the fixing support 5, by contact of the second portions of the fins 21, 31, 41 against this fixing support, before these second portions are covered, in a second assembly step, by the frame of hold 6.
  • the optical elements 2, 3, 4 can be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or any other material allowing the transmission of light rays in the direction of the shaping lens at the output of the light module. More particularly, it is appropriate that at least the guide means of the optical element is made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), the fins possibly being overmolded on the guide means in order to be made with another material.
  • PMMA polymethyl methacrylate
  • the retaining frame 6 will now be described in more detail with particular reference to the figures 5 and 6 .
  • Fastening means 7 of the retaining frame 6 on the fastening support 5 of the light module 1 make it possible to fix the latter on the fastening support 5.
  • These fastening means 7 of the retaining frame 6 are formed by holes 70 in the holding frame 6 facing bores formed in the fixing support 5.
  • These fixing means 7 are formed on sections of the holding frame 6 different from the sections comprising the notches 61, 62, 63 and allowing to '' clamp the ends of the optical elements against the mounting bracket.
  • the holes 70 of the retaining frame 6 and their associated bores are each designed to receive a fixing screw 71 illustrated on figure 2 .
  • the fixing screws 71 press the retaining frame 6 against the fixing support 5.
  • the optical elements 2, 3, 4 are then also pressed and held by their fins 21, 31, 41 against the mounting bracket 5 via the retaining frame 6.
  • the retaining frame 6 is rectangular in shape and is formed by four branches 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D.
  • Two first branches 6A, 6B facing each other comprise the notches 61, 62, 63 and two second branches 6C, 6D of the retaining frame 6 each comprise at least one fixing means 7, namely here two means fixing 7.
  • the first branches 6A, 6B make it possible to hold the optical elements 2, 3, 4 against the fixing support 5 while the second branches 6C, 6D make it possible to fix the retaining frame 6 on the support fixing 5.
  • a second notch 62 may be provided on one of the second branches 6C, 6D to stabilize the optical position of the second optical element 3.
  • the retaining frame 6 comprises at least one positioning finger to participate in maintaining at least one optical element in place, and more particularly to participate in maintaining in place one end of an optical element in its corresponding notch.
  • the frame comprises a plurality of these positioning fingers 62A, 63A, which are respectively formed in the region of one of the notches, and more particularly here in the region of the second and third notches 62, 63 of the retaining frame 6 More particularly, the retaining frame comprises a pair of positioning fingers 62A arranged respectively at each of the second notches 62.
  • Each positioning finger has a base 64 configured as a flexible tongue at the end of which a stud 66 is formed to bear against the second portions of the fins of the optical elements to be held, here the second and third fins 31, 41.
  • each finger is defined in the wall of the retaining frame, in the area of the corresponding notch, by two cutouts 65, which allow flexibility of the tongue formed by the base.
  • the stud 66 of each finger forms a projecting element of the base, at the free end of the latter, which extends on the side of the first face 601 of the retaining frame. In this way, when positioning the retaining frame against the fixing support, the studs 66 bear against the second portions of the pre-positioned fins on the fixing support before the first face of the retaining frame is in contact. of the mounting bracket.
  • the flexibility of the base 64 carrying the stud 66 advantageously makes it possible to fill a clearance that may exist between the fin and the corresponding notch, for example, when the thickness of the fin is of a dimension smaller than the depth of the fin. corresponding notch.
  • the base of the positioning fingers 63A corresponding to the third notches 63 extends beyond the edge interior 602 of the retaining frame 6, in order to ensure a contact sufficiently distant from the free end of the fins of the optical element to be maintained in position. It is understood that the positioning fingers participate in holding the optical elements without mechanically constraining them.
  • a stiffening rib 67 is provided on the retaining frame 6 to reinforce its mechanical strength. As shown, the stiffening rib 67 delimits an outer contour 68 of the retaining frame 6. It should be noted that the fixing support 5 on which the retaining frame 6 is placed is a support for heat dissipation of the calories released by the light sources. .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Description

L'invention relève du domaine des dispositifs d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile. Elle concerne plus particulièrement les modules lumineux destinés à être montés dans un projecteur pour véhicule.The invention relates to the field of lighting and / or signaling devices for a motor vehicle. It relates more particularly to light modules intended to be mounted in a vehicle headlight.

Les projecteurs automobiles sont habituellement composés d'un boîtier qui est fermé par une paroi transparente à travers laquelle passent des rayons lumineux. Ce boîtier loge au moins un module lumineux, comprenant principalement au moins une source lumineuse et un système optique apte à modifier au moins un paramètre de la lumière générée par la source lumineuse pour l'émission de rayons lumineux susceptibles ensuite de traverser la paroi transparente du projecteur pour former des faisceaux lumineux réglementaires.Automotive headlamps usually consist of a housing which is closed by a transparent wall through which light rays pass. This housing houses at least one light module, comprising mainly at least one light source and an optical system capable of modifying at least one parameter of the light generated by the light source for the emission of light rays capable then of passing through the transparent wall of the light source. projector to form regulatory light beams.

L'évolution des techniques tend à favoriser l'utilisation de sources lumineuses constituées d'au moins une diode électroluminescente ou LED de l'anglais « Light Emitting Diode », en raison de leur faible consommation en énergie, de leur faible encombrement et de la qualité de l'éclairage obtenu.Developments in techniques tend to favor the use of light sources made up of at least one light-emitting diode or LED standing for “Light Emitting Diode”, because of their low energy consumption, their small size and their weight. quality of lighting obtained.

Un système optique équipant un module lumineux peut comprendre des éléments optiques configurés pour orienter les rayons lumineux vers une lentille de mise en forme des rayons pour la projection, en sortie du module et du projecteur, d'un faisceau lumineux réglementaire. Les sources lumineuses et les éléments optiques correspondants peuvent notamment être configurés pour générer un premier faisceau lumineux, dit feu de route, et un deuxième faisceau lumineux, dit feu de croisement. Selon une configuration connue, des sources lumineuses, par exemple des diodes électroluminescentes, sont fixées sur une base formant support également pour les éléments optiques, de sorte que la position des uns par rapport aux autres est fiable.An optical system equipping a light module can comprise optical elements configured to direct the light rays towards a ray-shaping lens for the projection, at the output of the module and of the projector, of a regulatory light beam. The light sources and the corresponding optical elements can in particular be configured to generate a first light beam, called high beam, and a second light beam, called low beam. According to a known configuration, light sources, for example light-emitting diodes, are fixed on a base forming a support also for the optical elements, so that the position of each other is reliable.

Dans cette configuration connue, les éléments optiques du module lumineux sont assemblés indépendamment les uns des autres sur la base du module lumineux formant support de fixation. Pour cela, chacun des éléments optiques peut comprendre des ouvertures formées dans l'épaisseur du matériau, avantageusement dans des zones d'extrémité de ces éléments optiques pour ne pas pénaliser le guidage des rayons lumineux en leur sein, et le montage des éléments optiques sur le support de fixation est réalisé de sorte que ces ouvertures sont placées en regard d'alésages formés sur le support de fixation pour permettre une fixation par vissage de l'élément optique sur le support de fixation.In this known configuration, the optical elements of the light module are assembled independently of one another on the basis of the light module forming a fixing support. For this, each of the optical elements can comprise openings formed in the thickness of the material, advantageously in end zones of these optical elements so as not to penalize the guiding of the light rays within them, and the mounting of the optical elements on them. the fixing support is made so that these openings are placed opposite bores formed on the fixing support to allow fixing by screwing the optical element on the fixing support.

Différents inconvénients ressortent d'une telle configuration et du procédé d'assemblage qui en découle. Concernant le procédé d'assemblage en lui-même, la nécessité de fixer indépendamment chacun des éléments optiques par vissage sur le support de fixation génère un temps d'assemblage important. Par ailleurs, concernant la conception des éléments optiques devant équiper un tel module, il est nécessaire de prévoir des opérations d'usinage pour former chacune des ouvertures des éléments optiques et il est nécessaire de prévoir une localisation spécifique, non pénalisante pour la fonction optique, et une épaisseur particulière de la zone dans laquelle l'ouverture doit être faite, de sorte que la conception de ces éléments optiques sont tout autant une problématique optique, pour s'assurer du bon guidage des rayons lumineux, que mécanique, pour s'assurer que la fixation sur le support sera correcte. Un autre inconvénient de cette solution vient du fait que les éléments optiques sont contraints mécaniquement par vissage. Cette contrainte mécanique peut avoir pour effet de déformer les éléments optiques et donc avoir une incidence sur l'orientation des faisceaux lumineux en sortie de module.Various drawbacks emerge from such a configuration and from the assembly process which results therefrom. Regarding the assembly process itself, the need to independently fix each of the optical elements by screwing on the fixing support generates a significant assembly time. Furthermore, concerning the design of the optical elements which must equip such a module, it is necessary to provide machining operations to form each of the openings of the optical elements and it is necessary to provide a specific location, which does not penalize the optical function, and a particular thickness of the zone in which the opening must be made, so that the design of these optical elements are just as much an optical problem, to ensure the correct guidance of the light rays, as a mechanical one, to ensure that the fixing on the support will be correct. Another drawback of this solution comes from the fact that the optical elements are mechanically constrained by screwing. This mechanical stress can have the effect of deforming the optical elements and therefore having an effect on the orientation of the light beams at the output of the module.

Le document EP2306077 divulgue un module lumineux pour projecteur de véhicule automobile selon le préambule de la revendication 1.The document EP2306077 discloses a light module for a motor vehicle headlight according to the preamble of claim 1.

La présente invention a pour but de pallier à au moins l'un des inconvénients précités et de proposer un module lumineux permettant de réduire son coût de fabrication et d'assemblage tout en évitant de contraindre mécaniquement les éléments optiques d'un tel module lumineux.The object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one of the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a light module making it possible to reduce its manufacturing and assembly cost while avoiding mechanically constraining the optical elements of such a light module.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un module lumineux pour projecteur de véhicule automobile, comprenant au moins deux sources de lumière, deux éléments optiques configurés respectivement pour assurer le guidage de rayons lumineux émis par une source de lumière, et un support de fixation contre lequel sont disposés les éléments optiques et les sources de lumière, les éléments optiques comprenant au moins un premier élément optique associé à une première source de lumière et un deuxième élément optique associé à une deuxième source de lumière, le module lumineux comprenant un cadre de maintien des éléments optiques sur le support de fixation, et chaque élément optique étant configuré pour émettre un faisceau lumineux en direction d'une lentille de mise en forme agencée en sortie du module lumineux, caractérisé en ce que chacun des éléments optiques présente une portion optique centrale, formant moyen de guidage optique, et des ailettes latérales, agencées transversalement de part et d'autre de la portion optique centrale.To this end, the invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising at least two light sources, two optical elements configured respectively to ensure the guiding of light rays emitted by a light source, and a support for fixing against which the optical elements and the light sources are arranged, the optical elements comprising at least a first optical element associated with a first light source and a second optical element associated with a second light source, the light module comprising a frame for maintaining the optical elements on the fixing support, and each optical element being configured to emit a light beam in the direction of a shaping lens arranged at the output of the light module, characterized in that each of the optical elements has a portion central optic, forming an optical guide means, and lateral fins, arranged transversely on either side the other of the central optical portion.

Grâce à ce cadre de maintien, il est possible de ne plus contraindre mécaniquement les éléments optiques. En effet, les éléments optiques ne sont plus fixés sur le support de fixation par vissage. En d'autres termes, le cadre de maintien est utilisé pour maintenir les éléments optiques plaqués contre le support de fixation, de sorte qu'aucune contrainte mécanique par vissage n'est exercée directement sur les éléments optiques.Thanks to this retaining frame, it is possible to no longer mechanically constrain the optical elements. Indeed, the optical elements are no longer fixed on the fixing support by screwing. In other words, the retaining frame is used to hold the optical elements pressed against the mounting bracket, so that no mechanical stress by screwing is exerted directly on the optical elements.

En outre, le cadre de maintien réduit l'ensemble des ouvertures et des alésages formés respectivement sur les éléments optiques et sur le support de fixation. On comprendra que ceci a pour effet de réduire les coûts d'usinage et d'assemblage d'un tel module lumineux. En effet, lors d'étapes d'assemblage, seul le cadre de maintien est fixé au support de fixation. Par étapes d'assemblage, il est envisagé, par exemple, de positionner, dans un premier temps, chacun des éléments optiques avant de venir positionner, dans un deuxième temps, le cadre de maintien, de sorte à maintenir chacun des éléments optiques en appui contre le support de fixation et fixer le cadre de maintien sur le support de fixation.In addition, the retaining frame reduces the set of openings and bores formed respectively on the optical elements and on the mounting bracket. It will be understood that this has the effect of reducing the costs of machining and assembling such a light module. In fact, during assembly steps, only the retaining frame is fixed to the fixing support. By assembly steps, it is envisaged, for example, to position, firstly, each of the optical elements before coming to position, in a second step, the retaining frame, so as to maintain each of the optical elements in support. against the mounting bracket and attach the retaining frame to the mounting bracket.

On notera bien que le maintien des éléments optiques par le cadre de maintien a pour avantage de supprimer les contraintes mécaniques par vissage sur ces éléments optiques. Les contraintes mécaniques de vissage des éléments optiques sont alors déportées sur le cadre de maintien, qui est conçu pour tenir des contraintes mécaniques, les éléments optiques étant dès lors conçus uniquement en considérant des contraintes optiques, ce qui permet d'améliorer les performances optiques de ces éléments.It should be noted that the maintenance of the optical elements by the retaining frame has the advantage of eliminating the mechanical stresses by screwing on these optical elements. The mechanical stresses for screwing the optical elements are then offset on the retaining frame, which is designed to withstand mechanical stresses, the optical elements therefore being designed only by considering optical constraints, which makes it possible to improve the optical performance of the device. these elements.

Chacun des éléments optiques présente une portion optique centrale, formant moyen de guidage optique, et des ailettes latérales, agencées transversalement de part et d'autre de la portion optique centrale.Each of the optical elements has a central optical portion, forming an optical guide means, and lateral fins, arranged transversely on either side of the central optical portion.

Le cadre de maintien est configuré pour recouvrir au moins en partie les ailettes de chacun des éléments optiques, c'est-à-dire les extrémités latérales de chacun des éléments optiques. Un tel recouvrement permet avantageusement d'exercer un effort uniforme sur les extrémités des éléments optiques. On comprendra que les extrémités des éléments optiques sont enserrées, ou prises en étau, entre le cadre de maintien et le support de fixation.The retaining frame is configured to at least partially cover the fins of each of the optical elements, i.e. the lateral ends of each of the optical elements. Such a covering advantageously makes it possible to exert a uniform force on the ends of the optical elements. It will be understood that the ends of the optical elements are clamped, or clamped, between the retaining frame and the fixing support.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, les ailettes de chaque élément optique peuvent être agencées pour être logées au moins en partie en correspondance dans des encoches formées dans le cadre de maintien. Ainsi, il est possible de maintenir chacun des éléments optiques entre le cadre de maintien et le support de fixation dans la position optique souhaitée. En effet, le fait de mettre en correspondance les ailettes des éléments optiques avec des encoches du cadre de maintien permet de garantir que le cadre de maintien, lorsqu'il est rapporté en recouvrement des extrémités latérales, ou ailettes, des éléments optiques, ait une position stable contre le support de fixation. On comprendra que lorsque le cadre de maintien est assemblé sur le support de fixation, les éléments optiques sont immobilisés dans leur position optique.According to one characteristic of the invention, the fins of each optical element can be arranged to be housed at least partly in correspondence in notches formed in the holding frame. Thus, it is possible to maintain each of the optical elements between the retaining frame and the fixing support in the desired optical position. Indeed, the fact of putting the fins of the optical elements in correspondence with notches of the retaining frame makes it possible to guarantee that the retaining frame, when it is attached to cover the lateral ends, or fins, of the optical elements, has a stable position against the mounting bracket. It will be understood that when the retaining frame is assembled on the fixing support, the optical elements are immobilized in their optical position.

Une ailette d'un élément optique peut être logée dans une encoche associée notamment grâce à une épaisseur de l'ailette concernée de dimension identique à une profondeur de l'encoche concernée.A fin of an optical element can be housed in an associated notch in particular by virtue of a thickness of the concerned fin of identical dimension to a depth of the concerned notch.

Les ailettes de chaque élément optique peuvent être formées par une première portion, agencée dans le prolongement direct de l'extrémité latérale correspondante de la partie de guidage optique, et par une deuxième portion destinée à être enserré entre le cadre de maintien et le support de fixation. Les ailettes des éléments optiques permettent alors de surélever le moyen de guidage optique par rapport à un plan dans lequel s'étend le support de fixation.The fins of each optical element can be formed by a first portion, arranged in the direct extension of the corresponding lateral end of the optical guide part, and by a second portion intended to be clamped between the retaining frame and the support of fixation. The fins of the optical elements then make it possible to raise the optical guide means relative to a plane in which the fixing support extends.

Il est envisagé que les ailettes de chaque élément optique portent chacune des pions d'indexation configurés pour coopérer avec des orifices formés dans le support de fixation. Grâce à cette caractéristique, il est possible de positionner chaque élément optique sur le support de fixation avant que le cadre de maintien ne soit rapporté pour figer la position des éléments optiques. On garantit ainsi que chaque élément optique soit bien positionné par rapport au support de fixation. Grâce à cette configuration pour chaque élément optique, il est possible d'aligner au moins une source lumineuse correspondante avec le moyen de guidage optique afin de s'assurer de la bonne orientation du faisceau lumineux résultant.It is envisioned that the fins of each optical element each carry indexing pins configured to cooperate with orifices formed in the mounting bracket. Thanks to this characteristic, it is possible to position each optical element on the fixing support before the retaining frame is added to fix the position of the optical elements. This ensures that each optical element is correctly positioned relative to the fixing support. Thanks to this configuration for each optical element, it is possible to align at least one corresponding light source with the optical guiding means in order to ensure the correct orientation of the resulting light beam.

Plus particulièrement, les pions d'indexation peuvent être formés sur les deuxièmes portions des ailettes.More particularly, the indexing pins can be formed on the second portions of the fins.

Selon une variante de réalisation, des doigts formés dans des encoches du cadre de maintien viennent en appui contre les ailettes d'au moins un élément optique. Plus particulièrement, au moins un doigt de positionnement est formé dans le cadre de maintien, dans la zone d'une encoche du cadre de maintien, ledit doigt de positionnement étant configuré pour venir en appui contre une ailette d'au moins un élément optique.According to an alternative embodiment, fingers formed in notches of the retaining frame bear against the fins of at least one optical element. More particularly, at least one positioning finger is formed in the retaining frame, in the region of a notch of the retaining frame, said positioning finger being configured to bear against a fin of at least one optical element.

Le doigt de positionnement peut comporter une embase élastique, formée dans le plan du cadre de maintien et délimitée par deux découpes dans la zone de l'encoche, et un plot formant saillie de l'embase pour venir en appui sur l'ailette. Grâce à ces doigts, il est possible de maintenir une pression sur les ailettes des éléments optiques sans les contraindre mécaniquement par pression.The positioning finger may include an elastic base, formed in the plane of the retaining frame and delimited by two cutouts in the area of the notch, and a stud protruding from the base to come to rest on the fin. Thanks to these fingers, it is possible to maintain a pressure on the fins of the optical elements without constraining them mechanically by pressure.

Pour permettre aux doigts formés dans les encoches du cadre de maintien d'être fléchis, chaque embase peut être délimitée par deux découpes réalisée dans l'encoche correspondante, L'élasticité de l'embase permet alors au plot d'être toujours au contact l'ailette correspondante, quelles que soient les variations de jeu entre l'ailette et le logement d'un module à l'autre.To allow the fingers formed in the notches of the retaining frame to be bent, each base can be delimited by two cutouts made in the corresponding notch, The elasticity of the base then allows the pad to always be in contact with the corresponding fin, regardless of the variations in play between the fin and the housing from one module to another.

Selon un mode de réalisation envisagé, au moins le premier élément optique est en polyméthacrylate de méthyle (PMMA). On comprendra qu'il peut en être de même des deuxième et troisième éléments optiques.According to one embodiment envisaged, at least the first optical element is made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). It will be understood that the same may apply to the second and third optical elements.

Pour assurer la fixation du cadre de maintien sur le support de fixation, il est prévu que le cadre de maintien comprenne au moins un moyen de fixation sur le support de fixation du module lumineux. On comprendra que le cadre de maintien permet de déporter les contraintes mécaniques de vissage des éléments optiques, le cadre de maintien étant fixé par vissage sur le support de fixation et les éléments de maintien étant maintenus uniquement par pression par le cadre de maintien contre le support de fixation. On comprendra que ce moyen de fixation du cadre de maintien est, avantageusement, disposé dans des zones éloignées des encoches pour ne pas contraindre mécaniquement par vissage les ailettes des éléments optiques en correspondance de ces encoches. Bien entendu, pour maintenir fixe le cadre de maintien contre le support de fixation plusieurs moyens de fixation peuvent être prévus.To ensure the fixing of the retaining frame on the fixing support, provision is made for the retaining frame to include at least one fixing means on the fixing support of the light module. It will be understood that the retaining frame makes it possible to offset the mechanical stresses of screwing the optical elements, the retaining frame being fixed by screwing on the fixing support and the retaining elements being held only by pressure by the retaining frame against the support. of fixation. It will be understood that this means of fixing the retaining frame is advantageously arranged in areas remote from the notches so as not to mechanically constrain by screwing the fins of the optical elements in correspondence of these notches. Of course, to keep the retaining frame fixed against the fixing support, several fixing means can be provided.

Le moyen de fixation peut être, par exemple, formé par un trou dans le cadre de maintien en regard d'un alésage dans le support de fixation du module lumineux. Le trou du cadre de maintien et l'alésage correspondant du support de fixation étant configurés pour recevoir une vis de fixation.The fixing means can be, for example, formed by a hole in the holding frame facing a bore in the fixing support of the light module. The retaining frame hole and the corresponding bore of the mounting bracket being configured to receive a mounting screw.

D'autres caractéristiques du cadre de maintien peuvent être envisagées seules ou en combinaison les unes aux autres. En l'occurrence, il peut être prévu que :

  • le cadre de maintien soit formé par quatre branches dont deux premières branches en regard l'une de l'autre comprennent les encoches,
  • deux deuxièmes branches du cadre de maintien en regard l'une de l'autre comprennent le ou les moyens de fixation,
  • les premières branches maintiennent les éléments optiques alors que les deuxièmes branches assurent la fixation du cadre de maintien sur le support de fixation, cette configuration permettant de séparer la fonction du cadre de maintien visant à maintenir les éléments optiques de la fonction du cadre de maintien visant à fixer le cadre de maintien sur le support de fixation,
  • au moins une des deuxièmes branches comprenne une encoche pour recevoir une ailette d'un élément optique,
  • les encoches réalisées sur le cadre et qui sont associées à un même élément optique soient identiques l'une à l'autre,
  • le cadre de maintien comprenne au moins une nervure de rigidification visant à renforcer sa tenue mécanique,
  • la nervure de rigidification délimite le contour du cadre de maintien,
  • le cadre de maintien puisse être réalisé dans une matière plastique différente des éléments optiques,
  • la cadre de maintien soit de forme rectangulaire,
  • le cadre de maintien puisse être réalisé en une seule pièce.
Other characteristics of the retaining frame can be considered alone or in combination with one another. In this case, it can be provided that:
  • the retaining frame is formed by four branches of which two first branches facing each other comprise the notches,
  • two second branches of the holding frame facing each other comprise the fixing means or means,
  • the first branches hold the optical elements while the second branches ensure the fixing of the retaining frame on the fixing support, this configuration making it possible to separate the function of the retaining frame aimed at maintaining the optical elements from the function of the retaining frame aiming to fix the retaining frame on the fixing support,
  • at least one of the second branches includes a notch to receive a fin of an optical element,
  • the notches made on the frame and which are associated with the same optical element are identical to each other,
  • the retaining frame comprises at least one stiffening rib aimed at reinforcing its mechanical strength,
  • the stiffening rib delimits the contour of the retaining frame,
  • the retaining frame can be made of a plastic material different from the optical elements,
  • the retaining frame is rectangular in shape,
  • the retaining frame can be made in one piece.

Avantageusement, le support de fixation est un support de dissipation thermique des calories dégagées par les sources lumineuses.Advantageously, the fixing support is a support for heat dissipation of the calories given off by the light sources.

Le module lumineux peut comporter plus de deux éléments optiques, et notamment un troisième élément optique peut être associé à une troisième source de lumière, étant entendu que selon l'invention, le cadre de maintien est configuré pour maintenir en position chacun des éléments optiques en les enserrant avec le support de fixation contre lequel le cadre de maintien est fixé.The light module may comprise more than two optical elements, and in particular a third optical element may be associated with a third light source, it being understood that according to the invention, the holding frame is configured to hold each of the optical elements in position in position. enclosing them with the fixing bracket against which the retaining frame is fixed.

Dans le cas de trois éléments optiques, on peut prévoir que le premier élément optique est disposé entre le deuxième élément optique et le troisième élément optique, dans un module lumineux configuré pour réaliser à la fois une fonction de projection d'un faisceau dit de croisement et une fonction de projection d'un faisceau dit de route. Le premier élément optique peut être configuré pour participer à la formation d'un faisceau complémentaire du faisceau formé par le deuxième élément optique, ce faisceau formé par le deuxième élément optique consistant en un faisceau dit de croisement. Il convient de noter qu'une arête de la portion optique centrale du premier élément optique peut former un bord de coupure du faisceau formé par le deuxième élément optique et sa source de lumière associée. L'addition du faisceau formé par le deuxième élément optique et du faisceau additionnel génère la formation d'un faisceau global de type feu de route. Le troisième élément optique peut être configuré pour permettre la formation d'un faisceau additionnel venant surintensifier le faisceau global formé par la complémentarité desdits faisceau et faisceau additionnel.In the case of three optical elements, provision can be made for the first optical element to be arranged between the second optical element and the third optical element, in a light module configured to perform both a function of projecting a so-called passing beam. and a projection function of a so-called driving beam. The first optical element can be configured to participate in the formation of a beam complementary to the beam formed by the second optical element, this beam formed by the second optical element consisting of a so-called crossing beam. It should be noted that an edge of the central optical portion of the first optical element can form a cutoff edge of the beam formed by the second optical element and its associated light source. The addition of the beam formed by the second optical element and of the additional beam generates the formation of an overall beam of the high beam type. The third optical element can be configured to allow the formation of an additional beam which over-intensifies the overall beam formed by the complementarity of said beam and additional beam.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le module lumineux comporte une lentille de mise en forme agencée en sortie de ce module lumineux, la lentille de mise en forme étant agencée pour mettre en forme au moins une partie des faisceaux lumineux pour :

  • projeter au moins les rayons lumineux sortant du deuxième élément optique en un faisceau lumineux dit de croisement, c'est-à-dire comprenant une zone de coupure, et
  • projeter au moins ces mêmes rayons ainsi que les rayons lumineux sortant du premier élément optique en un faisceau lumineux global dit de route.
According to one characteristic of the invention, the light module comprises a shaping lens arranged at the output of this light module, the shaping lens being arranged to shape at least part of the light beams for:
  • projecting at least the light rays leaving the second optical element in a so-called crossing light beam, that is to say comprising a cut-off zone, and
  • projecting at least these same rays as well as the light rays leaving the first optical element in an overall so-called road light beam.

Dans ce contexte, il peut notamment être prévu que :

  • les éléments optiques peuvent être distingués les uns des autres de sorte que le premier élément optique peut comprendre un premier moyen de convergence d'au moins le premier faisceau lumineux, le deuxième élément optique peut comprendre un deuxième moyen de convergence d'au moins le deuxième faisceau lumineux et le troisième élément optique peut comprendre un troisième moyen de convergence d'au moins le troisième faisceau lumineux,
  • la portion optique centrale du premier élément optique, agencé entre les deux autres éléments optiques, présente une forme allongée le long de l'axe optique du module lumineux, de manière à s'étendre au-delà des deuxième et troisième éléments optiques, à l'opposé du support de fixation du module lumineux,
In this context, provision may in particular be made for:
  • the optical elements can be distinguished from each other so that the first optical element can comprise a first means of convergence of at least the first light beam, the second optical element can comprise a second means of convergence of at least the second light beam and the third optical element may comprise a third means of convergence of at least the third light beam,
  • the central optical portion of the first optical element, arranged between the other two optical elements, has an elongated shape along the optical axis of the light module, so as to extend beyond the second and third optical elements, to the '' opposite the light module mounting bracket,

Selon un autre aspect, l'invention a pour objet un projecteur de véhicule automobile comprenant au moins un module lumineux tel que précédemment décrit.According to another aspect, the subject of the invention is a motor vehicle headlight comprising at least one light module as described above.

D'autres caractéristiques, détails et avantages de l'invention ressortiront plus clairement à la lecture de la description donnée ci-après à titre indicatif en relation avec des dessins dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue d'ensemble d'un module lumineux selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, rendant visible un support de fixation sur lequel est rapporté d'un côté un organe de dissipation thermique et de l'autre un carter recouvrant des éléments optiques ici non visibles et permettant la fixation d'une lentille de mise en œuvre ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de dessus du module lumineux de la figure 1, dans laquelle on a retiré le carter et la lentille de mise en forme des rayons, pour rendre visible le support de fixation, les éléments optiques et un cadre de maintien de ces éléments optiques contre le support de fixation ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de dessous des éléments optiques et du cadre de maintien de la figure 2, le support de fixation ayant ici été retiré ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en perspective des éléments optiques illustrés sur la figure 2 ; et
  • les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues en perspective, respectivement vue de dessus et de dessous, du cadre de maintien illustré aux figures 2 et 3.
Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below by way of indication in relation to the drawings in which:
  • the figure 1 is an overall view of a light module according to one embodiment of the invention, making visible a fixing support on which is attached on one side a heat dissipation member and on the other a casing covering elements optics here not visible and allowing the attachment of an implementation lens;
  • the figure 2 is a top view of the light module of the figure 1 , in which the housing and the spoke shaping lens have been removed, to make visible the fixing support, the optical elements and a frame for retaining these optical elements against the fixing support;
  • the figure 3 is a bottom view of the optical elements and the retaining frame of the figure 2 , the mounting bracket having been removed here;
  • the figure 4 is a perspective view of the optical elements shown on the figure 2 ; and
  • the figures 5 and 6 are perspective views, respectively top and bottom view, of the holding frame illustrated in figures 2 and 3 .

La figure 1 illustre un module lumineux 1 selon l'invention, autrement appelé module optique, dont la fonction est de générer et projeter un ou plusieurs faisceaux lumineux sur une route. Un tel module lumineux 1 est destiné à être installé dans un projecteur d'un véhicule automobile non représenté sur les figures afin de faciliter la compréhension de l'invention. On notera que le projecteur évoqué ici comprend globalement un boîtier arrière fermé à l'avant par une glace transparente, cette dernière étant traversée par les rayons lumineux créés par le module lumineux selon l'invention. Un tel projecteur peut ainsi recevoir dans son volume intérieur, délimité par le boîtier arrière et la glace transparente, une pluralité de module lumineux, et au moins un module lumineux selon l'invention.The figure 1 illustrates a light module 1 according to the invention, otherwise called an optical module, the function of which is to generate and project one or more light beams on a road. Such a light module 1 is intended to be installed in a headlight of a motor vehicle not shown in the figures in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. It will be noted that the headlight mentioned here generally comprises a rear housing closed at the front by a transparent glass, the latter being traversed by the light rays created by the light module according to the invention. Such a projector can thus receive in its interior volume, delimited by the rear housing and the transparent glass, a plurality of light modules, and at least one light module according to the invention.

Un tel module lumineux 1 forme un sous-ensemble unitaire, c'est-à-dire un objet qui peut remplir sa fonction sans autre apport que l'énergie électrique nécessaire à son allumage.Such a light module 1 forms a unitary sub-assembly, that is to say an object which can fulfill its function without any other input than the electrical energy necessary for its ignition.

Le module lumineux 1 selon l'invention est agencé pour créer un faisceau de feu de croisement et un faisceau de feu de route, l'un après l'autre ou les deux simultanément. Tel que cela va être expliqué plus en détails ci-après, le module lumineux 1 est adapté pour que le faisceau route soit la combinaison du faisceau de feu de croisement avec un faisceau complémentaire.The light module 1 according to the invention is arranged to create a low beam beam and a high beam beam, one after the other or both simultaneously. As will be explained in more detail below, the light module 1 is adapted so that the high beam is the combination of the low beam beam with a complementary beam.

Le module lumineux 1 comprend au moins une pluralité de sources de lumière et une pluralité d'éléments optiques associés. Il comprend également au moins une lentille 100 agencée à une extrémité du module de manière à être traversée par les rayons lumineux émis par les sources de lumière et guidés par les éléments optiques. Une telle lentille de mise en forme 100 participe à la formation du faisceau lumineux souhaité, qu'il s'agisse d'un faisceau de type feu de croisement ou un faisceau de type feu de route. En d'autres termes, la lentille de mise en forme 100 forme une première extrémité longitudinale du module lumineux 1.The light module 1 comprises at least a plurality of light sources and a plurality of associated optical elements. It also comprises at least one lens 100 arranged at one end of the module so as to be traversed by the light rays emitted by the light sources and guided by the optical elements. Such a shaping lens 100 participates in the formation of the desired light beam, whether it is a beam of the low beam type or a beam of the high beam type. In other words, the shaping lens 100 forms a first longitudinal end of the light module 1.

La figure 1 montre également la présence d'un carter 102 qui présente une forme sensiblement tubulaire et qui s'étend entre une base formant support de fixation 5 et la lentille de mise en forme, un tel carter assurant notamment le support mécanique de la lentille de mise en forme, ainsi qu'un référencement mécanique de la position de la lentille par rapport aux sources de lumière et aux éléments optiques, de manière à garantir une position déterminée de la lentille de mise en forme par rapport aux sources de lumière.The figure 1 also shows the presence of a casing 102 which has a substantially tubular shape and which extends between a base forming a fixing support 5 and the shaping lens, such a casing providing in particular the mechanical support of the shaping lens. shape, as well as a mechanical referencing of the position of the lens relative to the light sources and to the optical elements, so as to guarantee a determined position of the shaping lens relative to the light sources.

Le support de fixation 5 peut présenter sur sa face opposée au carter 102 un organe de dissipation thermique 104, destiné à évacuer du module lumineux 1 au moins une partie de la chaleur générée par les sources de lumière.The fixing support 5 may have on its face opposite the casing 102 a heat dissipation member 104, intended to remove from the light module 1 at least part of the heat generated by the light sources.

La figure 2 montre une partie du module lumineux 1, et notamment le support de fixation 5 sans le carter 102, de manière à faciliter la compréhension de l'agencement dans le module lumineux 1 des éléments optiques associés aux sources de lumière ici non visibles. Selon l'invention, ces éléments optiques sont fixés sur le support de fixation par l'intermédiaire d'un cadre de maintien 6, sans qu'il soit nécessaire de prévoir des moyens de fixation spécifiques pour chaque élément optique. Dans l'exemple qui va suivre, il va être décrit un module lumineux équipé de trois éléments optiques respectivement en regard d'une source de lumière, et le cadre de maintien sera décrit comme configuré pour permettre le recouvrement et la fixation de ces trois éléments optiques, mais on comprendra qu'un cadre de maintien sera conforme à l'invention s'il permet le plaquage contre le support de fixation, et donc le maintien en position, d'un nombre différents d'éléments optiques, dès lors qu'ils sont au moins au nombre de deux.The figure 2 shows a part of the light module 1, and in particular the fixing support 5 without the casing 102, so as to facilitate understanding of the arrangement in the light module 1 of the optical elements associated with the light sources here not visible. According to the invention, these optical elements are fixed to the fixing support by means of a retaining frame 6, without it being necessary to provide specific fixing means for each optical element. In the example which follows, a light module will be described equipped with three optical elements respectively facing a light source, and the holding frame will be described as configured to allow the covering and fixing of these three elements. optical, but it will be understood that a retaining frame will be in accordance with the invention if it allows the plating against the fixing support, and therefore the maintenance in position, of a different number of optical elements, since they are at least two in number.

Dans l'exemple illustré plus particulièrement visible sur les figures 2 et 3, le module lumineux 1 comprend un premier élément optique 2 configuré pour assurer le guidage de rayons lumineux émis par une première source de lumière, ici non représentée, un deuxième élément optique 3 configuré pour assurer le guidage de rayons lumineux émis par une deuxième source de lumière, ici non représentée, et un troisième élément optique 4 configuré pour assurer le guidage de rayons lumineux émis par une troisième source de lumière, ici non représentée.In the example illustrated more particularly visible on the figures 2 and 3 , the light module 1 comprises a first optical element 2 configured to ensure the guiding of light rays emitted by a first light source, here not shown, a second optical element 3 configured to ensure the guiding of light rays emitted by a second source of light. light, here not shown, and a third optical element 4 configured to ensure the guidance of light rays emitted by a third light source, here not shown.

Dans ce qui précède, on comprend par source de lumière une ou plusieurs sources lumineuses formant un sous-ensemble piloté pour émettre des rayons lumineux configurés pour la réalisation d'une fonction optique. Plus précisément, une première source de lumière, ou un premier sous-ensemble de sources lumineuses, est associée au premier élément optique 2 pour générer un premier faisceau lumineux, et une deuxième source de lumière, ou un deuxième sous-ensemble de sources lumineuses, est associée au deuxième élément optique 3 pour générer un deuxième faisceau lumineux. Ce deuxième faisceau lumineux correspond à un faisceau de type feu de croisement, présentant un bord de coupure ici formé ici par l'arête 200 de la face d'extrémité libre 201 du premier élément optique 2 qui est située du côté du deuxième élément optique. Le premier faisceau lumineux, sortant de cette face d'extrémité libre du premier élément optique, présente ainsi une forme de faisceau complémentaire du deuxième faisceau lumineux, de telle sorte que l'émission simultanée de rayons par la première et la deuxième source participe à former un faisceau global de type feu de route.In the foregoing, a light source is understood to mean one or more light sources forming a sub-assembly controlled to emit light rays configured to perform an optical function. More precisely, a first light source, or a first subset of light sources, is associated with the first optical element 2 to generate a first light beam, and a second light source, or a second subset of light sources, is associated with the second optical element 3 to generate a second light beam. This second light beam corresponds to a beam of the low beam type, having a cut-off edge here formed by the edge 200 of the free end face 201 of the first optical element 2 which is located on the side of the second optical element. The first light beam, emerging from this free end face of the first optical element, thus has a beam shape complementary to the second light beam, such that the simultaneous emission of rays by the first and the second source participates in forming an overall beam of the main beam type.

Par ailleurs, une troisième source de lumière, ou troisième sous-ensemble de sources lumineuses, est associée au troisième élément optique 4 pour générer des rayons lumineux aptes à surintensifier le centre du faisceau global de type feu de route.Furthermore, a third light source, or third subset of light sources, is associated with the third optical element 4 to generate light rays capable of over-intensifying the center of the overall beam of the high beam type.

Chacun des éléments optiques présente une forme générale présentant une portion optique centrale, formant portion de guidage optique, et des ailettes latérales, agencées transversalement de part et d'autre de la portion optique centrale.Each of the optical elements has a general shape having a central optical portion, forming an optical guide portion, and lateral fins, arranged transversely on either side of the central optical portion.

Plus particulièrement, et tel que cela est particulièrement visible sur la figure 3, le premier élément optique 2 comprend un premier moyen de guidage optique 20 prolongé à ses extrémités latérales par des premières ailettes 21, le deuxième élément optique 3 comprend un deuxième moyen de guidage optique 30 prolongé à ses extrémités latérales par des deuxièmes ailettes 31 et le troisième élément optique 4 comprend un troisième moyen de guidage optique 40 prolongé à ses extrémités par des troisièmes ailettes 41.More particularly, and as it is particularly visible on the figure 3 , the first optical element 2 comprises a first optical guide means 20 extended at its lateral ends by first fins 21, the second optical element 3 comprises a second optical guide means 30 extended at its lateral ends by second fins 31 and the third optical element 4 comprises a third optical guide means 40 extended at its ends by third fins 41.

Ces éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 sont prévus pour être disposés sur un support de fixation 5, et plus particulièrement sur une première face 50 du support de fixation. Dans la configuration de ce mode de réalisation illustré, le premier élément optique 2 est disposé sur le support de fixation 5 entre les deuxième et troisième éléments optiques 3, 4.These optical elements 2, 3, 4 are designed to be placed on a fixing support 5, and more particularly on a first face 50 of the fixing support. In the configuration of this illustrated embodiment, the first optical element 2 is arranged on the fixing support 5 between the second and third optical elements 3, 4.

Tel que cela a été évoqué précédemment, il est prévu selon l'invention que le module lumineux comporte un cadre de maintien 6 des éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 contre le support de fixation 5. Un tel cadre de maintien 6 a pour but de maintenir les éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 contre le support de fixation 5 sans exercer d'effort mécanique par vissage directement sur ces éléments optiques. Notamment, le cadre de maintien comporte une première face 601 tournée vers le support de fixation et cette première face 601 est destinée à être positionnée contre la première face 50 du support de fixation pour enserrer les éléments optiques.As mentioned above, according to the invention, the light module is provided with a retaining frame 6 of the optical elements 2, 3, 4 against the fixing support 5. The purpose of such a retaining frame 6 is to maintain the optical elements 2, 3, 4 against the fixing support 5 without exerting mechanical force by screwing directly on these optical elements. In particular, the retaining frame comprises a first face 601 facing the fixing support and this first face 601 is intended to be positioned against the first face 50 of the fixing support in order to grip the optical elements.

L'assemblage d'un tel module lumineux comprend une première étape lors de laquelle les éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 sont disposés sur le support de fixation 5, respectivement en regard de la source de lumière à laquelle ils correspondent pour générer un faisceau lumineux approprié en direction de la lentille de mise en forme des rayons du module. Dans une deuxième étape, le cadre de maintien 6 est disposé sur le support de fixation 5 en plaquant la première face 601 du cadre contre la première face 50 du support, de manière à venir recouvrir les extrémités des éléments optiques, avant d'être fixé par vissage sur le support de fixation 5 à l'aide de moyens de fixation 7 décrits ultérieurement. Les extrémités des éléments optiques sont ainsi plaquées par le cadre de maintien 6 contre le support de fixation 5, avec un effort de pression réparti uniformément entre les extrémités des éléments optiques. On peut noter que dans cette configuration, le cadre de maintien 6 est disposé autour des moyens de guidage optique 20, 30, 40 des éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 de sorte qu'il ne pénalise pas la réalisation de la fonction optique, c'est-à-dire le guidage des rayons émis par les sources vers la lentille de mise en forme 100 des rayons en sortie du module lumineux 1.The assembly of such a light module comprises a first step during which the optical elements 2, 3, 4 are arranged on the fixing support 5, respectively facing the light source to which they correspond to generate a light beam appropriate in the direction of the beam shaping lens of the module. In a second step, the retaining frame 6 is placed on the fixing support 5 by pressing the first face 601 of the frame against the first face 50 of the support, so as to cover the ends of the optical elements, before being fixed. by screwing onto the fixing support 5 using fixing means 7 described later. The ends of the optical elements are thus pressed by the retaining frame 6 against the fixing support 5, with a pressure force distributed uniformly between the ends of the optical elements. It can be noted that in this configuration, the holding frame 6 is arranged around the optical guide means 20, 30, 40 of the optical elements 2, 3, 4 so that it does not penalize the realization of the optical function, c 'that is to say the guiding of the rays emitted by the sources towards the shaping lens 100 of the rays leaving the light module 1.

Les ailettes 21, 31, 41 des éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 sont agencées pour être logées en correspondance dans des encoches 61, 62, 63 formées dans la première face 601 du cadre de maintien 6. Ces encoches consistent en une zone de moindre épaisseur formée à partir du pourtour intérieur 602 du cadre de maintien 6, par usinage de le première face 601. Les premières ailettes 21 formées aux extrémités latérales du premier élément optique 2 sont destinées à être logées dans une paire de premières encoches 61 du cadre de maintien 6, agencées respectivement sur des bords opposés du cadre de maintien. De manière équivalentes, les deuxièmes ailettes 31 du deuxième élément optique 3 sont logées dans des deuxièmes encoches 62 du cadre de maintien 6 et les troisièmes ailettes 41 du troisième élément optique 4 sont logées dans des troisièmes encoches 63 du cadre de maintien 6. On notera que dans le mode de réalisation illustré, contrairement aux premier et troisième éléments optiques 2, 4, le deuxième élément optique 3 comprend trois deuxièmes ailettes 31, et que le cadre de maintien 6 comporte de façon correspondante trois deuxièmes encoches 62, ceci afin de garantir le positionnement optique du deuxième élément optique 3, présentant une surface projetée sur le support de fixation 5 plus importante que celle des autres éléments optiques.The fins 21, 31, 41 of the optical elements 2, 3, 4 are arranged to be housed in correspondence in notches 61, 62, 63 formed in the first face 601 of the retaining frame 6. These notches consist of a lesser area. thickness formed from the inner periphery 602 of the retaining frame 6, by machining the first face 601. The first fins 21 formed at the lateral ends of the first optical element 2 are intended to be housed in a pair of first notches 61 of the retaining frame. support 6, respectively arranged on opposite edges of the support frame. Equivalently, the second fins 31 of the second optical element 3 are housed in second notches 62 of the retaining frame 6 and the third fins 41 of the third optical element 4 are housed in third notches 63 of the retaining frame 6. It will be noted that in the illustrated embodiment, unlike the first and third optical elements 2, 4, the second optical element 3 comprises three second fins 31, and that the retaining frame 6 correspondingly comprises three second notches 62, in order to ensure the optical positioning of the second optical element 3, having a surface projected onto the fixing support 5 which is greater than that of the other optical elements.

On notera que l'épaisseur des ailettes 21, 31, 41 des éléments optiques est sensiblement égale à la profondeur des encoches 61, 62, 63, l'épaisseur et la profondeur étant mesurée, lorsque les éléments optiques et le cadre de maintien sont assemblés, selon une direction perpendiculaire au plan dans lequel s'étend le support de fixation. De la sorte, lorsque le cadre de maintien 6 est assemblé sur le support de fixation 5, le positionnement des ailettes dans les encoches n'empêche pas le fait que le cadre de maintien 6 et les ailettes des éléments optiques soient plaqués contre le support de fixation 5.It will be noted that the thickness of the fins 21, 31, 41 of the optical elements is substantially equal to the depth of the notches 61, 62, 63, the thickness and the depth being measured, when the optical elements and the retaining frame are assembled. , in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the fixing support extends. So when the frame 6 is assembled on the fixing support 5, the positioning of the fins in the notches does not prevent the retaining frame 6 and the fins of the optical elements from being pressed against the fixing support 5.

Les ailettes 21, 31, 41 des éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 sont configurées pour permettre leur logement dans les encoches 61, 62, 63 du cadre de maintien 6, c'est-à-dire dans une position plaquée contre le support de fixation 5, et pour permettre aux parties de guidage optiques 20, 30, 40 de ces éléments optiques d'être dégagées longitudinalement par rapport au plan du support de fixation pour laisser place aux sources de lumières elles-mêmes plaquées contre le support de fixation. Un décalage longitudinal est ainsi nécessaire entre les ailettes et la partie de guidage optique de chaque élément optique. A cet effet, et tel que cela est plus particulièrement sur la figure 4, les ailettes de chaque élément optique 2, 3, 4 sont formées par une première portion 21A, 31A, 41A, agencée dans le prolongement direct de l'extrémité latérale correspondante de la partie de guidage optique 20, 30, 40, et par une deuxième portion 21B, 31B, 41B destinée à être logée dans l'une des encoches 61, 62, 63 correspondantes du cadre de maintien 6. La première portion 21A, 31A, 41A s'étend longitudinalement, sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe optique du module lumineux et donc perpendiculairement au support de fixation, de sorte que c'est la longueur de cette première portion qui détermine l'écartement de la partie de guidage des éléments optiques par rapport au support de fixation pour laisser place aux sources de lumière. Et la deuxième portion 21B, 31B, 41B prolonge perpendiculairement la première portion 21A, 31A, 41A pour former une face d'appui parallèle au plan définissant principalement le support de fixation.The fins 21, 31, 41 of the optical elements 2, 3, 4 are configured to allow their housing in the notches 61, 62, 63 of the retaining frame 6, that is to say in a position pressed against the support of fixing 5, and to allow the optical guide parts 20, 30, 40 of these optical elements to be released longitudinally with respect to the plane of the fixing support to make room for the light sources themselves pressed against the fixing support. A longitudinal offset is thus necessary between the fins and the optical guiding part of each optical element. For this purpose, and as it is more particularly on the figure 4 , the fins of each optical element 2, 3, 4 are formed by a first portion 21A, 31A, 41A, arranged in the direct extension of the corresponding lateral end of the optical guide part 20, 30, 40, and by a second portion 21B, 31B, 41B intended to be housed in one of the corresponding notches 61, 62, 63 of the retaining frame 6. The first portion 21A, 31A, 41A extends longitudinally, substantially parallel to the optical axis of the light module and therefore perpendicular to the fixing support, so that it is the length of this first portion which determines the distance of the guide part of the optical elements relative to the fixing support to leave room for light sources. And the second portion 21B, 31B, 41B extends the first portion 21A, 31A, 41A perpendicularly to form a bearing face parallel to the plane mainly defining the fixing support.

Lorsque le cadre de maintien 6 est assemblé sur le support de fixation 5 pour enserrer les éléments optiques, les extrémités des éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 recouvertes par le cadre de maintien 6 correspondent à tout ou partie des deuxièmes portions 21B, 31B, 41B des ailettes 21, 31, 41.When the retaining frame 6 is assembled on the fixing support 5 to clamp the optical elements, the ends of the optical elements 2, 3, 4 covered by the retaining frame 6 correspond to all or part of the second portions 21B, 31B, 41B fins 21, 31, 41.

Sur les figures 3 et 4, il est rendu plus particulièrement visible cette face d'appui formée par la face de la deuxième portion 21B, 31B, 41B qui est tournée à l'opposé de la première portion. Cette face de la deuxième portion 21B, 31B, 41B comporte des pions d'indexation 21C, 31C, 41C, configurés pour être en correspondance de forme et de dimensions avec des orifices formés dans le support de fixation 5. Grâce à cette caractéristique, il est possible de pré-positionner chaque élément optique 2, 3, 4 sur le support de fixation 5 avant la fixation du cadre de maintien 6. On garantit ainsi que chaque élément optique 2, 3, 4 soit bien positionné par rapport au support de fixation 5 et par rapport aux sources de lumière préalablement rendues solidaires du support de fixation, notamment par collage sur une plaque de circuits imprimés solidaire de ce support de fixation et ici non représentée. On comprend que cela permet, pour chaque élément optique 2, 3, 4, d'aligner le moyen de guidage optique 20, 30, 40 de chaque élément optique avec une source de lumière, ou un sous-ensemble de sources lumineuses, correspondante.On the figures 3 and 4 , it is made more particularly visible this bearing face formed by the face of the second portion 21B, 31B, 41B which is turned away from the first portion. This face of the second portion 21B, 31B, 41B comprises indexing pins 21C, 31C, 41C, configured to correspond in shape and dimensions with orifices formed in the fixing support 5. Thanks to this characteristic, it It is possible to pre-position each optical element 2, 3, 4 on the fixing support 5 before fixing the retaining frame 6. This guarantees that each optical element 2, 3, 4 is correctly positioned with respect to the fixing support 5 and with respect to light sources previously made integral with the fixing support, in particular by gluing on a printed circuit board integral with this fixing support and here not shown. It will be understood that this makes it possible, for each optical element 2, 3, 4, to align the optical guide means 20, 30, 40 of each optical element with a corresponding light source, or a subset of light sources.

Plus particulièrement, il est à noter que les pions d'indexation 21C, 31C, 41C sont formés sur les deuxièmes portions des ailettes 21, 31, 41. Ainsi, lors d'une première étape d'assemblage, les éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 sont facilement disposés sur le support de fixation 5, par contact des deuxièmes portions des ailettes 21, 31, 41 contre ce support de fixation, avant que ces deuxièmes portions soient recouvertes, dans une deuxième étape d'assemblage, par le cadre de maintien 6.More particularly, it should be noted that the indexing pins 21C, 31C, 41C are formed on the second portions of the fins 21, 31, 41. Thus, during a first assembly step, the optical elements 2, 3 , 4 are easily arranged on the fixing support 5, by contact of the second portions of the fins 21, 31, 41 against this fixing support, before these second portions are covered, in a second assembly step, by the frame of hold 6.

Pour assurer leur fonction optique, les éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 peuvent être réalisés en polyméthacrylate de méthyle (PMMA) ou tout autre matériau permettant la transmission des rayons lumineux en direction de la lentille de mise en forme en sortie du module lumineux. Plus particulièrement, il convient qu'au moins le moyen de guidage de l'élément optique soit en polyméthacrylate de méthyle (PMMA), les ailettes pouvant être surmoulées sur le moyen de guidage pour être réalisées avec un autre matériau.To ensure their optical function, the optical elements 2, 3, 4 can be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or any other material allowing the transmission of light rays in the direction of the shaping lens at the output of the light module. More particularly, it is appropriate that at least the guide means of the optical element is made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), the fins possibly being overmolded on the guide means in order to be made with another material.

On va maintenant décrire plus en détail le cadre de maintien 6 en se référant notamment aux figures 5 et 6.The retaining frame 6 will now be described in more detail with particular reference to the figures 5 and 6 .

Des moyens de fixation 7 du cadre de maintien 6 sur le support de fixation 5 du module lumineux 1 permettent de fixer celui-ci sur le support de fixation 5. Ces moyens de fixation 7 du cadre de maintien 6 sont formés par des trous 70 dans le cadre de maintien 6 en regard d'alésages formés dans le support de fixation 5. On notera que ces moyens de fixation 7 sont formés sur des sections du cadre de maintien 6 différentes des sections comprenant les encoches 61, 62, 63 et permettant d'enserrer les extrémités des éléments optiques contre le support de fixation. Les trous 70 du cadre de maintien 6 et leurs alésages associés sont prévus pour recevoir chacun une vis de fixation 71 illustrée à la figure 2. A l'état assemblé du module lumineux 1, les vis de fixation 71 viennent plaquer le cadre de maintien 6 contre le support de fixation 5. Les éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 sont alors également plaqués et maintenus par leurs ailettes 21, 31, 41 contre le support de fixation 5 via le cadre de maintien 6.Fastening means 7 of the retaining frame 6 on the fastening support 5 of the light module 1 make it possible to fix the latter on the fastening support 5. These fastening means 7 of the retaining frame 6 are formed by holes 70 in the holding frame 6 facing bores formed in the fixing support 5. It will be noted that these fixing means 7 are formed on sections of the holding frame 6 different from the sections comprising the notches 61, 62, 63 and allowing to '' clamp the ends of the optical elements against the mounting bracket. The holes 70 of the retaining frame 6 and their associated bores are each designed to receive a fixing screw 71 illustrated on figure 2 . In the assembled state of the light module 1, the fixing screws 71 press the retaining frame 6 against the fixing support 5. The optical elements 2, 3, 4 are then also pressed and held by their fins 21, 31, 41 against the mounting bracket 5 via the retaining frame 6.

De façon plus détaillée, le cadre de maintien 6 est de forme rectangulaire et il est formé par quatre branches 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D. Deux premières branches 6A, 6B en regard l'une de l'autre comprennent les encoches 61, 62, 63 et deux deuxièmes branches 6C, 6D du cadre de maintien 6 comprennent chacune au moins un moyen de fixation 7, à savoir ici deux moyens de fixation 7. On comprendra alors que les premières branches 6A, 6B permettent de maintenir les éléments optiques 2, 3, 4 contre le support de fixation 5 alors que les deuxièmes branches 6C, 6D permettent de fixer le cadre de maintien 6 sur le support de fixation 5. Toutefois, on notera qu'une deuxième encoche 62 peut être prévue sur l'une des deuxièmes branches 6C, 6D pour stabiliser la position optique du deuxième élément optique 3.In more detail, the retaining frame 6 is rectangular in shape and is formed by four branches 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D. Two first branches 6A, 6B facing each other comprise the notches 61, 62, 63 and two second branches 6C, 6D of the retaining frame 6 each comprise at least one fixing means 7, namely here two means fixing 7. It will then be understood that the first branches 6A, 6B make it possible to hold the optical elements 2, 3, 4 against the fixing support 5 while the second branches 6C, 6D make it possible to fix the retaining frame 6 on the support fixing 5. However, it will be noted that a second notch 62 may be provided on one of the second branches 6C, 6D to stabilize the optical position of the second optical element 3.

Le cadre de maintien 6 comporte au moins un doigt de positionnement pour participer au maintien en place d'au moins un élément optique, et plus particulièrement pour participer au maintien en place d'une extrémité d'un élément optique dans son encoche correspondante. Dans l'exemple illustré sur la figure 5 notamment, le cadre comporte une pluralité de ces doigts 62A, 63A de positionnement, qui sont respectivement formés dans la région de l'une des encoches, et plus particulièrement ici dans la région des deuxièmes et troisièmes encoches 62, 63 du cadre de maintien 6. Plus particulièrement, le cadre de maintien comporte une paire de doigts de positionnement 62A agencés respectivement au niveau de chacune des deuxièmes encoches 62.The retaining frame 6 comprises at least one positioning finger to participate in maintaining at least one optical element in place, and more particularly to participate in maintaining in place one end of an optical element in its corresponding notch. In the example shown on figure 5 in particular, the frame comprises a plurality of these positioning fingers 62A, 63A, which are respectively formed in the region of one of the notches, and more particularly here in the region of the second and third notches 62, 63 of the retaining frame 6 More particularly, the retaining frame comprises a pair of positioning fingers 62A arranged respectively at each of the second notches 62.

Chaque doigt de positionnement présente une embase 64 configurée en languette flexible à l'extrémité de laquelle un plot 66 est formé pour venir en appui contre les deuxièmes portions des ailettes des éléments optiques à maintenir, ici les deuxième et troisième ailettes 31, 41.Each positioning finger has a base 64 configured as a flexible tongue at the end of which a stud 66 is formed to bear against the second portions of the fins of the optical elements to be held, here the second and third fins 31, 41.

L'embase 64 de chaque doigt est définie dans la paroi du cadre de maintien, dans la zone de l'encoche correspondante, par deux découpes 65, qui permettent une flexibilité de la languette formée par l'embase. Le plot 66 de chaque doigt forme un élément en saillie de l'embase, à l'extrémité libre de celle-ci, qui s'étend du côté de la première face 601 du cadre de maintien. De la sorte, lors du positionnement du cadre de maintien contre le support de fixation, les plots 66 viennent en appui contre les deuxièmes portions des ailettes pré-positionnées sur le support de fixation avant que la première face de cadre de maintien ne soit au contact du support de fixation. La flexibilité de l'embase 64 portant le plot 66 permet avantageusement de combler un jeu pouvant exister entre l'ailette et l'encoche correspondante, par exemple, lorsque l'épaisseur de l'ailette est de dimension inférieure à la profondeur de l'encoche correspondante. On notera que l'embase des doigts de positionnement 63A correspondant aux troisièmes encoches 63 s'étend au-delà du bord intérieur 602 du cadre de maintien 6, afin d'assurer un contact suffisamment éloigné de l'extrémité libre des ailettes de l'élément optique à maintenir en position. On comprend que les doigts de positionnement participent à maintenir les éléments optiques sans les contraindre mécaniquement.The base 64 of each finger is defined in the wall of the retaining frame, in the area of the corresponding notch, by two cutouts 65, which allow flexibility of the tongue formed by the base. The stud 66 of each finger forms a projecting element of the base, at the free end of the latter, which extends on the side of the first face 601 of the retaining frame. In this way, when positioning the retaining frame against the fixing support, the studs 66 bear against the second portions of the pre-positioned fins on the fixing support before the first face of the retaining frame is in contact. of the mounting bracket. The flexibility of the base 64 carrying the stud 66 advantageously makes it possible to fill a clearance that may exist between the fin and the corresponding notch, for example, when the thickness of the fin is of a dimension smaller than the depth of the fin. corresponding notch. It will be noted that the base of the positioning fingers 63A corresponding to the third notches 63 extends beyond the edge interior 602 of the retaining frame 6, in order to ensure a contact sufficiently distant from the free end of the fins of the optical element to be maintained in position. It is understood that the positioning fingers participate in holding the optical elements without mechanically constraining them.

Une nervure de rigidification 67 est prévue sur le cadre de maintien 6 pour renforcer sa tenue mécanique. Telle que représentée, la nervure de rigidification 67 délimite un contour extérieur 68 du cadre de maintien 6. On précisera que le support de fixation 5 sur lequel est disposé le cadre de maintien 6 est un support de dissipation thermique des calories dégagées par les sources lumineuses.A stiffening rib 67 is provided on the retaining frame 6 to reinforce its mechanical strength. As shown, the stiffening rib 67 delimits an outer contour 68 of the retaining frame 6. It should be noted that the fixing support 5 on which the retaining frame 6 is placed is a support for heat dissipation of the calories released by the light sources. .

Claims (12)

  1. Light module (1) for a motor vehicle headlight, comprising at least two light sources, two optical elements (2, 3, 4) configured respectively to ensure the guiding of light rays emitted by a light source, and a fixing support (5) against which the optical elements and the light sources are disposed, the optical elements comprising at least one first optical element (2) associated with a first light source and one second optical element (3) associated with a second light source, the light module (1) comprising a securing frame (6) for securing the optical elements (2, 3, 4) on the fixing support (5), and each optical element (2, 3, 4) being configured to emit a light beam towards a shaping lens (100) arranged at the output of the light module, characterized in that each of the optical elements (2, 3, 4) has a central optical portion (20, 30, 40), forming an optical guiding means, and lateral fins (21, 31, 41), arranged transversely on either side of the central optical portion.
  2. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the securing frame (6) is configured to at least partly cover the fins of each of the optical elements (2, 3, 4).
  3. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the fins of each optical element (2, 3, 4) are arranged to be housed at least partly matched in notches (61, 62, 63) formed in the securing frame (6).
  4. Light module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fins of each optical element (2, 3, 4) are formed by a first portion (21A, 31A, 41A), arranged in the direct extension of the corresponding lateral end of the optical guiding part (20, 30, 40) and by a second portion (21B, 31B, 41B) intended to be gripped between the securing frame (6) and the fixing support (5) .
  5. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fins (21, 31, 41) of each optical element (2, 3, 4) each bear indexing pins (21C, 31C, 41C) configured to cooperate with orifices formed in the fixing support (5).
  6. Light module (1) according to Claims 4 and 5, wherein the indexing pins (21C, 31C, 41C) are formed on the second portions (21B, 31B, 41B) of the fins (21, 31, 41).
  7. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one positioning finger (62A, 63A) is formed in the securing frame (6), in the zone of a notch (62, 63) of the securing frame (6), and is configured to come to bear against a fin (31, 41) of at least one optical element (3, 4).
  8. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the finger (62A, 63A) comprises an elastic base (64), formed in the plane of the securing frame and delimited by two cutouts (65) in the zone of the notch (62, 63), and a block (66) forming a protuberance on the base to come to bear on the fin (31, 41).
  9. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the securing frame (6) comprises at least one fixing means (7) for fixing to the fixing support (5) of the light module (1).
  10. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a third optical element (4) is associated with a third light source, the securing frame (6) being configured to keep the three optical elements (2, 3, 4) in position.
  11. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first optical element (2) is disposed between the second optical element (3) and the third optical element (4) such that the first optical element (2) is configured to contribute to the formation of a beam complementing the beam formed by the second optical element (3), said third optical element (4) being configured to allow the formation of an additional beam adding to the intensity of the overall beam formed by the complementarity of said beam and additional beam.
  12. Motor vehicle headlight comprising at least one light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP18206137.4A 2017-11-20 2018-11-14 Lighting module for vehicle headlamp Active EP3486554B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1760928A FR3073926B1 (en) 2017-11-20 2017-11-20 LIGHT MODULE FOR VEHICLE HEADLIGHT

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3486554A1 EP3486554A1 (en) 2019-05-22
EP3486554B1 true EP3486554B1 (en) 2021-06-16

Family

ID=60923744

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18206137.4A Active EP3486554B1 (en) 2017-11-20 2018-11-14 Lighting module for vehicle headlamp

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US10663135B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3486554B1 (en)
CN (1) CN109812776B (en)
FR (1) FR3073926B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3097026B1 (en) * 2019-06-04 2021-05-07 Psa Automobiles Sa Signal light with two cantilevered light guides.
EP3971469A1 (en) * 2020-09-22 2022-03-23 Varroc Engineering Limited A vehicle headlamp assembly

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2306077A2 (en) * 2009-10-05 2011-04-06 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH Motor vehicle headlight with a lens holder which compensates for fluctuations in temperature

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2010080075A (en) * 2008-09-24 2010-04-08 Ichikoh Ind Ltd Lighting fixture for vehicle
JP5680947B2 (en) * 2010-12-03 2015-03-04 スタンレー電気株式会社 Lens holder mounting structure for vehicle lamp
JP5538307B2 (en) * 2011-06-21 2014-07-02 本田技研工業株式会社 Lamp body and vehicle lamp unit
FR2982006B1 (en) 2011-09-13 2018-04-27 Valeo Vision OPTICAL MODULE WITH COMMON REFERENCE FOR LIGHTING AND / OR SIGNALING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
CN105229371B (en) * 2013-05-17 2018-08-24 市光工业株式会社 Headlight for automobile
DE102014103379A1 (en) * 2014-03-13 2015-09-17 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Light module with an improved positioning of an optical unit to a light source
US9534955B2 (en) * 2014-11-06 2017-01-03 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. Multi-channel UV detection for improved solar spectrum and UV index estimation
EP3104061A1 (en) * 2015-06-09 2016-12-14 Chen-Wei Hsu A radiator for a headlight assembly

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2306077A2 (en) * 2009-10-05 2011-04-06 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH Motor vehicle headlight with a lens holder which compensates for fluctuations in temperature

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US10663135B2 (en) 2020-05-26
CN109812776A (en) 2019-05-28
US20190154224A1 (en) 2019-05-23
FR3073926B1 (en) 2020-11-13
FR3073926A1 (en) 2019-05-24
CN109812776B (en) 2022-01-28
EP3486554A1 (en) 2019-05-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2775197B1 (en) Lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle comprising a light guide
EP3489576B1 (en) Light module for lighting and/or signalling of a motor vehicle
CA2810385C (en) Optical module of an illuminating and/or signalling device of a motor vehicle
EP4065882B1 (en) Light module of a motor vehicle equipped with an optical element
CA2810700C (en) Optical module of an illuminating and/or signalling device of a motor vehicle
EP2966344B1 (en) Optical module with lens for motor vehicle projector headlamp
EP3055611A1 (en) Lighting or indicating device for a motor vehicle and corresponding assembly method
EP2921772B1 (en) Light module of a motor vehicle
EP2966342B1 (en) Lighting module of a projector headlight for a motor vehicle
EP2966343B1 (en) Lighting module for a motor vehicle headlight with positioning means between heat sink and reflector/circuit board
WO2016050624A1 (en) Luminous device of vehicle with means for positioning an electronic board
EP3290791B1 (en) Motor vehicle light module with cooling member
FR3026462A1 (en) VEHICLE LIGHT DEVICE WITH PLATE OPTICAL ELEMENT WITH LIGHT SOURCE SUPPORT
EP3299710A1 (en) Luminous module and luminous device for motor vehicle comprising such a luminous module
FR2994788A1 (en) LIGHTING MODULE COMPRISING A REMOTELY REMAINING CONTROL DEVICE ON A SUPPORT
EP3486554B1 (en) Lighting module for vehicle headlamp
EP3502548B1 (en) Light module for vehicle headlight
FR3100863A1 (en) Modular light set
FR3056698A1 (en) LUMINOUS MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
FR3022980A1 (en) LENS OPTICAL MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
WO2020104739A1 (en) Multi-functional light module provided with two flat light guides
FR3088869A1 (en) Device for pre-positioning and holding an element on a box
FR3022977A1 (en) LOWER MASK OF OPTICAL MODULE OF MOTOR VEHICLE
FR3064721B1 (en) LUMINOUS DEVICE WITH RADIATOR CROSSING THE HOUSING
FR3022982A1 (en) LOWER MASK OF OPTICAL MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

Legal Events

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20181114

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

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

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20200512

GRAC Information related to communication of intention to grant a patent modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20210112

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20210112

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

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

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602018018610

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1402625

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210715

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

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

Ref country code: BG

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

Effective date: 20210916

Ref country code: FI

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: LT

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: HR

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

Effective date: 20210616

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1402625

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210616

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20210616

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

Ref country code: GR

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

Effective date: 20210917

Ref country code: LV

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: NO

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

Effective date: 20210916

Ref country code: RS

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: SE

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

Effective date: 20210616

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

Ref country code: SM

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: SK

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: EE

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: AT

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: CZ

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: PT

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

Effective date: 20211018

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: RO

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

Effective date: 20210616

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

Ref country code: PL

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

Effective date: 20210616

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602018018610

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

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

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

Ref country code: DK

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

Effective date: 20210616

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20220317

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

Ref country code: AL

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

Effective date: 20210616

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

Ref country code: MC

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

Effective date: 20210616

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20211114

Ref country code: IT

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

Effective date: 20210616

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20211130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20211130

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

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20211130

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20211130

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

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20211114

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

Ref country code: CY

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

Effective date: 20210616

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230528

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

Ref country code: HU

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

Effective date: 20181114

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231120

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231124

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231107

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Ref country code: MK

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

Effective date: 20210616

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

Ref country code: MT

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

Effective date: 20210616