FR2964724A1 - Optical module for lighting and signaling device e.g. headlight type light projector, of motor vehicle, has folding element fixed in module in motionless manner with respect to light source, where folding element is made by metal piece - Google Patents

Abstract

The module (1) has reflectors (6, 7) arranged to reflect light coming from a light source i.e. LED. A folding element (8) is placed on a path of light coming from the reflectors and arranged to reflect light coming from the reflectors. The folding element is fixed in the module in a motionless manner with respect to the light source. The folding element is made by a metal piece. The folding element is equipped with lower and upper reflective faces (70, 71). The reflective faces of the folding element are connected by forming a bevel with an acute angle.

Description

Optical module of lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle. The present invention relates to an optical module of a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle.

It is known, for example from documents US 2009/303 742 and WO 2005/116 520, to produce lighting devices in which the light source is mounted on a radiator on which a flow of air is directed, so a portion of the heat produced by the light source is dissipated by the radiator into the airflow. This is particularly the case when the light source is of the light emitting diode type. It is thus possible to obtain efficient lighting devices. However, such devices have disadvantages. They have complex structures and are therefore complicated to assemble. In addition, it is necessary to set tolerances on many parts that must be mounted with each other. The size chains of the different parts are therefore also complex in these devices.

The object of the invention is to provide an optical module of lighting and / or signaling device overcoming the disadvantages mentioned above and improving the optical modules known from the prior art. In particular, the invention proposes an optical module of simple structure and in which the dimension chains are also simple.

According to the invention, the optical module of lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle, comprising a support, an optical lens and a heat exchanger. The optical lens and the heat exchanger are attached to said support and the support connects the optical lens to the heat exchanger. Preferably, the support directly supports the lens and directly supports the heat exchanger. Thus, it is possible to make a simple optical module and easy to assemble, the dimension chains of the various components are also simple.

The support may be intended to be mounted directly or indirectly on the housing of the lighting and / or signaling device and inside this housing.

The support may also support a fan and / or at least one light reflector and / or folder and / or air channeling means. Preferably, the support directly supports the fan and / or the at least one light reflector and / or the folder and / or the air channeling means. Thus, the optical module is further simplified and its assembly is still easier.

The support may comprise means for positioning the optical lens and / or the fan and / or the at least one light reflector and / or the folder and / or the heat exchanger, these means cooperating with means positioning devices provided on the optical lens and / or the fan and / or the at least one light reflector and / or the folder and / or the heat exchanger.

The optical module may comprise first and second light sources for providing two distinct lighting and / or signaling functions. The first and second sources may together be intended to provide a high beam-type lighting function and the second source alone may be intended to provide a low beam type of lighting function.

The optical module may include a light source for providing an anti-fog function.

The support may be able to be mounted in rotation in a lighting device and / or signaling unit of a motor vehicle. Thus, it is possible to orient the axis of the optical module according to curves negotiated by the vehicle.

The optical module may comprise a base intended to be fixed to the lighting device and / or signaling unit of the motor vehicle and comprising first articulation means intended to be secured to the support so as to allow the rotation of the support relative to to the case. For example, the support may comprise a pin intended to cooperate with a port of the base, for example a pin at the top of the support and a below, the axis passing through these pins corresponding to the axis of rotation of the module by compared to the case.

The base may include an operating mechanism for orienting the support relative to the housing. According to an exemplary embodiment, the base may comprise a drive mechanism, from which a drive shaft cooperating with a module orifice, preferably the support, comes out so as to drive the support in rotation. Alternatively, and as illustrated, the support may be indirectly connected to the base by an intermediate piece, for example a frame. The support may then comprise fixing lugs fixed to the frame. The frame includes in this case the means cooperating with the first means of articulation of the base, for example a pin at the top and a hole at the bottom, the tenon rotating in the upper orifice of the base and the receiving orifice. the drive shaft.

The optical lens can be positioned and fixed to the support in the front part of the latter and the heat exchanger can be positioned and fixed to the support under the latter.

The optical module may comprise a first and a second light source positioned and fixed on the heat exchanger. The optical module may comprise a first reflector positioned relative to the support and fixed to the support, under the support, between the support 10 and the heat exchanger.

The optical module may comprise a second reflector positioned relative to the support and fixed to the support, under the support and the heat exchanger. The optical module may comprise a folder positioned and fixed on the support. The optical module may comprise a fan positioned and fixed on the support, for example above the support and / or behind it.

The lighting and / or signaling device may comprise a housing in which the support is mounted.

The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a lighting and / or signaling device as defined above.

The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the foregoing, to an optical module of a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle, comprising a reflector associated with a light source, in particular comprising a LED, for reflecting light from this light source, this reflector being formed on a part, in particular monolithic, namely made in one piece, provided with a cooling opening for a cooling air circulation .

Preferably, the module comprises a heat exchanger provided with one or more cooling fins extending at least partially in the cooling opening and, if appropriate, said part on which the reflector is formed comprises a rear wall, in particular rounded , partially enveloping this or these fins.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the reflector comprises a wall, in particular curved, arranged to serve to guide the air leaving the cooling opening. The module may comprise a support, an optical lens and a heat exchanger, and the optical lens and the heat exchanger are both carried by said support.

The support is advantageously made in one piece, thus being monolithic, obtained in particular by molding a plastic material.

If desired, the support has a recess for at least partially receiving a reflector. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the module comprises first and second reflectors, in particular each associated with at least one dedicated light source, characterized in that one of the reflectors forms with the support an enclosure receiving the other of the reflectors, 30 allowing in particular to have a relatively compact module. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the support comprises at least one attachment arm, in particular two fixing arms, arranged to allow the fixing, in particular by gluing, of the lens, this or these arms extending projecting towards the front of the support, this or these arms being preferably connected to an annular portion of the support.

The lens advantageously comprises at least one edge, in particular two opposite edges, in particular substantially rectilinear (s), this or these edges being arranged to be fixed on the arm or arms of the support.

The lens may comprise at least one fixing lug for fixing the lens to the support, this lug being formed in particular on the straight edge, this lug being able to cooperate in particular with one or more pins on the support bar of the support.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, at least one of the first and second reflectors is made in one piece.

The reflector comprises, where appropriate, two reflective surfaces 20 each associated with a light source.

The invention also relates to an optical module for a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle, in particular a light projector, comprising: a light source including in particular at least one LED, a reflector arranged for reflect light from the light source, - a folder placed on the light path from the reflector and arranged to reflect light from the reflector, this folder being preferably made on a metal part, preferably a piece monolithic. This folder is preferably fixed in the module immovably with respect to the light source.

Advantageously, the folder is provided with lower and upper reflecting faces, preferably connected by forming a bevel having an acute angle, this angle being in particular less than 5 °, or even less than 2 ° or even less than 1 °. This makes it possible in particular to obtain improved optical performance, particularly with regard to a cut in the light beam.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, these faces of the folder are locally flat, and preferably these faces are non-parallel to each other. Advantageously the folder is formed on a monolithic piece, namely made in one piece, preferably metal to ensure in particular a better thermal resistance against heat from the light source or the device or the sun. If desired, the folder has a cutoff edge, preferably with a step, to make a cut in the beam.

In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the folder comprises at least one machined reflecting face.

If necessary, the folder is formed on a part arranged at a non-zero distance from the heat exchanger.

The folder may comprise front and rear edges, preferably substantially parallel, and in particular substantially rectilinear, the reflective surface or faces of the folder extending between these edges, which are in particular perpendicular to the optical axis of the module.

The folder advantageously comprises at least one attachment lug, in particular lateral, arranged to allow its attachment to the support. In an exemplary implementation of the invention, the folder comprises two attachment lugs at the opposite ends of the folder, these ears disposed in particular at the ends of the folder in the direction of the largest dimension.

The direction of the largest dimension of the folder is advantageously substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the module.

The appended drawing shows, by way of example, two embodiments of an optical module of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of an optical module according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the first embodiment of the optical module according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the first embodiment of the optical module according to the invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the optical module according to the invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the optical module according to the invention. A first embodiment of an optical module 1 lighting and / or signaling device is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In this example, the optical module of lighting device and / or The signaling system is an optical module 1 with two functions: - a low beam type of lighting function, and - a high beam type of lighting function.

The optical module 1 mainly comprises a support 2, an optical lens 3, a fan 5, a heat exchanger, such as a radiator 4, a first reflector 6, a second reflector 7 and a folder 8.

The support comprises means 30 for positioning and for fixing the optical lens 3 on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and fixing means 31 provided on the optical lens 3. The optical lens is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the optical lens is directly supported by the support.

The support comprises means 32 for positioning and fixing the radiator 4 on the support. These means cooperate with means 33 for positioning and fixing provided on the radiator. The radiator is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the radiator is directly supported by the support.

The support comprises means 34 for positioning and for fixing the fan 5 on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and fixing means 35 provided on the fan. The fan is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the fan is supported directly by the support.

The support comprises means 36 for positioning and for fixing the first reflector 6 on the support. These means 37 cooperate with positioning and fixing means provided on the first reflector 6. Alternatively, the support may have only means for fixing the first reflector 6 on the support. Positioning means may be provided on the first reflector to cooperate with positioning means on the radiator or on a first light source, so as to position the first reflector relative to the first light source. The first reflector is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the first reflector is supported directly by the support. Alternatively again, the first reflector may be positioned on the radiator and supported by the radiator.

The support comprises means 38 for positioning and for fixing the second reflector 7 on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and fixing means 39 provided on the second reflector 7. Alternatively, the support may have only means for fixing the second reflector 7 on the support. Positioning means may be provided on the second reflector to cooperate with positioning means on the radiator or on a second light source, so as to position the second reflector relative to the second light source. The second reflector is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the second reflector is supported directly by the support. Alternatively again, the second reflector may be positioned on the radiator and supported by the radiator.

The support comprises means for positioning and fixing the folder 8 on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and fixing means provided on the folder 8. Alternatively, the support may have only fastening means of the folder 8 on the support. Positioning means may be provided on the folder to cooperate with positioning means on the radiator or on the first light source, so as to position the folder relative to the first light source. The folder is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the folder is supported directly by the support. Alternatively again, the folder can be positioned on the radiator and supported by the radiator.

The support comprises means 38 for positioning and for fixing a guide 13 of airflow on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and fixing means 39 provided on the guide 13. Alternatively, the airflow guide may be integral with the second reflector, as in FIGS. 1 to 5. The air guide is thus supported. by the support. Preferably, the guide is supported directly by the support.

Preferably, the first light source comprises a first light-emitting diode mounted on a first printed circuit 9 and a second light-emitting diode mounted on a second printed circuit 10. These printed circuits 9 and 10 are preferably positioned and fixed on the radiator 4. The light beams emitted by the first source are reflected by a reflecting surface 11 of the first reflector before being partially reflected by the folder 8 and deflected by the optical lens 3. These various elements constitute a first optical system for generating a light beam cut-off type crossing lamp. Preferably, the reflecting surface 11 has a first ellipsoid-shaped portion and a second ellipsoid-shaped portion, the first diode being at least substantially at the first focus of the first ellipsoidal portion, the second diode being at least substantially at the first focus of the second ellipsoidal portion and the folder being at least substantially at the second foci of the first and second ellipsoidal portions. The folder is preferably also located at the focal point of the optical lens 3.

Preferably, the second light source comprises a third light-emitting diode mounted on a third printed circuit 19. This printed circuit 19 is preferably positioned and fixed on the radiator 4. The light beams emitted by the second source are reflected by a reflecting surface 12 of the second reflector 7 before being deflected by the optical lens 3. These different elements constitute a second optical system for generating a complementary portion of the light beam generated by the first optical system so that the first and second beams additionally produce a light beam type road light. Preferably, the reflecting surface 12 is ellipsoid-shaped. The third diode is at least substantially at the first focus of the reflecting surface 12 and the focus of the optical lens 3 is at least substantially at the second focus of the reflecting surface 12.

Given the structure of the optical systems described above, it is understood that it is important that the various components of the optical systems, namely: light sources, reflectors, folder and optical lens are positioned precisely relative to each other. To do this, several solutions exist. In particular, one can position the lens relative to the support, position the reflectors relative to the support, position the light sources relative to the radiator and position the radiator relative to the support. In this example, the string of dimensions positioning the light sources with respect to the reflectors or with respect to the optical lens pass through the radiator and the support. Alternatively, one can position the lens relative to the support, position the reflectors with respect to the radiator, position the light sources relative to the radiator and position the radiator relative to the support. In this last example, the string of dimensions positioning the light sources relative to the reflectors only pass through the radiator.

Advantageously, in all variants, the various components of the optical systems are supported by the support indirectly or, preferably, directly. The fan makes it possible to create an air flow 22 flowing between fins 18 of the radiator and channeled by a guide 13 to optimize the heat exchange between the air and the radiator.

Preferably, the various printed circuits carrying the light-emitting diodes are fixed on the radiator and positioned relative to the radiator. They are therefore indirectly supported by the support 2, the radiator being fixed on the support.

The support also has fastening means for attaching it to a structure of the motor vehicle. Preferably, the fixing means allow its attachment in a lighting device and / or signaling housing, this housing further having fastening means to the structure of the motor vehicle. The support is preferably made by molding. It is for example made of metal or plastic, especially composite.

A second embodiment of the optical module according to the invention is described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. It differs from the first embodiment only in the structure of the support 2. In fact, in this second embodiment of FIG. embodiment, the support 2 comprises first hinge means 2c which cooperates with second hinge means on a base 2b intended to be fixed in a housing of the lighting and / or signaling device. Thus, the support and therefore the optical module can be oriented relative to the housing. The base forms for example a frame in which the support is articulated. This articulation is for example made 5 along a vertical axis, for example by a pivot connection. Thus, a function of modifying the direction of the optical axis of the lighting and / or signaling device can be achieved when the motor vehicle negotiates a curve. The base may also include an operating means such as a geared motor to control the orientation of the support and therefore that of the optical module.

For example, the support may comprise as first articulation means a tenon (not shown), for example a tenon at the top of the support and a tenon below, the axis passing through these tenons corresponding to the axis of rotation of the module relative to the case. The base may comprise as second means of articulation of the orifices intended to cooperate with the tenons.

According to a variant, the base 2b comprises a drive mechanism, from which a drive shaft 2d cooperating with an orifice of the module, preferably from the support 2, comes out so as to drive the support 2 in rotation. Alternatively, and as illustrated, the support 2 may be indirectly connected to the base 2b by an intermediate piece (not shown for the sake of clarity), for example a frame. The support may then include securing lugs 2e attached to the frame. The frame then comprises means cooperating with the second means of articulation of the base, for example a pin at the top and a hole at the bottom, the tenon rotating in the upper orifice 2c of the base and the orifice receiving the drive shaft 2d.

Throughout this document, the term "support a component" means the action of taking up the forces exerted on the component and transmitting them to the structure of the motor vehicle, the efforts being in particular those, at a distance, due to forces acceleration like weight. In addition, a component "directly" supporting a component directly takes the forces exerted on the component and transmits to the structure of the motor vehicle, that is to say that there is no intermediate piece transmitting the efforts between the component and the part. Alternatively, an intermediate part can be provided if its only function is an interface function. In the latter case, despite the intermediate piece, it is considered that the part directly supports the component.

In the different embodiments, the optical module provides a first low beam function and a second high beam function. However, the optical module according to the invention can perform any other function to replace one and / or the other of the first and second functions. The optical module according to the invention can also provide only one lighting and / or signaling function, such as an anti-fog function.

Throughout this text, the term "at least substantially" used with different adjectives means "adjective" or "substantially adjective", for example "at least substantially perpendicular" means "perpendicular" or "substantially perpendicular".

In the example described, the support 2 is made in one piece, the support being a monolithic piece.

This support 2 is for example made by plastic molding.

The second reflector 7 is formed on a part, in particular monolithic, namely made in one piece, provided with a cooling opening 50 for a cooling air circulation, as illustrated in particular in Figures 1 and 2.

The heat exchanger 4 is provided with a plurality of cooling fins 51 extending opposite the cooling opening 50.

The reflector 7 has a curved wall 52 arranged to guide the air leaving the cooling opening 50.

The support 2 has a recess 55 for receiving the reflector 6, as can be seen in Figure 3 for example.

The reflector 7 forms with the support 2 a chamber 56 receiving the reflector 6, in particular to have a relatively compact module (see Figure 3).

The support 2 comprises two attachment arms 60 arranged to allow the attachment, in particular by gluing, of the lens 3, these arms 60 projecting towards the front of the support 2.

These arms are connected to an annular portion 61 of the support 2.

The lens 3 has two opposite straight edges 63 arranged to be fixed on the arms 60 of the support 2 (see FIG. 1).

The lens comprises, on each edge 63, a fixing lug 65 for fixing the lens 3 to the support 2, this lug 65 being able to cooperate with one or more pins 66 on the attachment arm 60 of the support (see FIG. 1) .

Each of the first and second reflectors 6 and 7 is made in one piece.

The reflector 6 has two reflecting surfaces each associated with a light source. The folder 8 is made on a metal part, preferably a monolithic part.

The folder 8 is provided with lower 70 and upper 71 reflecting faces (see Figure 3 in particular), being connected by forming a bevel having an acute angle, this angle being in particular less than 5 °, or even less than 2 ° or even less than 10 .

The folder 8 is formed on a monolithic piece, namely made in one piece, preferably metal to ensure in particular a better thermal resistance against heat from the light source or the device or the sun.

The folder 8 has a cutoff edge 74, with a step 75 (see Figure 1).

The folder 8 is formed on a part arranged at a non-zero distance from the heat exchanger 4.

The folder 8 comprises front and rear edges 78, preferably substantially parallel, and in particular substantially rectilinear, the reflecting faces 70 and 71 of the folder 8 extending between these edges 78, which are in particular perpendicular to the optical axis x of the module.

Claims (8)

REVENDICATIONS1. Optical module for a lighting device and / or CLAIMS1. Optical module for a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, in particular a light projector, comprising: a light source comprising in particular at least one LED, a reflector arranged to reflect light coming from the light source, a folder (8) placed in the path of light coming from the reflector and arranged to reflect light from the reflector, this folder being preferably fixed in the module immovably with respect to the light source, this folder being made on a metal piece. 2. Module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the folder (8) is provided with lower and upper reflecting faces (70, 71), preferably being connected by forming a bevel having an acute angle, this angle being in particular lower at 5 °. 3. Module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that this angle is less than 2 ° or less than 1 °. 4. Module according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that these faces (70, 71) of the folder are locally flat. 5. Module according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that these lower and upper faces are non-parallel to each other. 6. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folder (8) comprises at least one machined reflecting face. 7. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folder (8) is formed on a workpiece disposed at a non-zero distance from a heat exchanger. 8. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folder comprises edges (78) front and rear, preferably substantially parallel, and in particular substantially rectilinear, or reflective faces of the folder extending between these edges, which are in particular perpendicular to the optical axis of the module.