FR3118127A1 - Bi-function luminous device with rotating lens - Google Patents

Abstract

Bi-function light device with rotating lens The invention relates to a light device (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light source (6) capable of emitting light rays; at least one collector (20) with a reflective surface (8) configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the at least one light source (6) into a subsequent light beam; an optical system (10) comprising a lens function and configured to project the light beam by imaging a part of the at least one reflective surface (8) located behind the at least corresponding light source (6); wherein the lens function is a first function, the optical system (10) comprising a second optical function, said optical system being rotatable about an axis of rotation (14) between a first position where the first function is active and a second position where the second function is active. (Figure to be published with abstract: Figure 2)

Description

Bi-function luminous device with rotating lens

The invention relates to the field of lighting and light signaling, in particular for motor vehicles.

It is generally known to produce a cut-off lighting beam using one or more bending light modules. Such a light module conventionally comprises a collector with a reflective surface of revolution with an elliptical profile, in the shape of a cap in a half-space delimited by a horizontal plane. An essentially point-like light source, of the light-emitting diode type, is located at a first focal point of the reflecting surface and illuminates in the half-space in the direction of said surface. The rays are thus reflected in a convergent manner towards a second focal point of the reflecting surface. Another, generally flat, reflective surface with a cut-off edge at the second focal point provides upward reflection of rays which do not pass precisely through the second focal point, these rays then being refracted by a thick lens towards the bottom of the beam lighting. This reflective surface is commonly referred to as a "bender" in that it "bends" up the projection lens the rays that would otherwise form a top portion of the illumination beam. Such a light module has the disadvantage of requiring significant precision in the positioning of the folder and the cutting edge. Also, the projection lens must be a thick lens due to its short focal length, which increases its weight and complicates its production, such as shrinkage defects in particular. In addition, the collector has a certain height and, therefore, a certain overall height.

The published patent document WO 2020/025171 A1 discloses a light module, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a collector with a reflecting surface collecting and reflecting the light rays emitted by a light source into a light beam, similar to a light module with a bender. The light module also includes a projection optical system, such as a lens, specifically configured to project the light beam in question by forming an image of the reflective surface of the collector. To this end, the projection optical system has a focus located on the reflecting surface, for example at a rear edge of the latter, so as to correctly image said edge and form a sharp cut in the projected light beam. This type of light module has the advantages of compactness, in particular in height, and simplicity of construction. They can be combined to form different light beams that add up.

It is generally advantageous to group together as many light functions as possible in the same light device, in particular for reasons of style. In this logic, improvements remain to be made.

The aim of the invention is to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art. More particularly, the aim of the invention is to propose a lighting device which integrates a maximum of lighting functions.

The subject of the invention is a light device for a motor vehicle, comprising one or more light sources capable of emitting light rays; one or more collectors, each with a reflective surface configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the or more light sources, referred to as reflected light rays, into a reflected light beam along an optical axis; an optical system comprising a projection lens performing a first optical function performing the projection of at least the majority of the reflected light beam into a projected light beam by imaging a part of the or each reflecting surface located, along a general direction of propagation of the light beam, at the rear of the or each corresponding light source; remarkable in that the optical system comprises an additional part separate from the projection lens and performing a second optical function performing a diffusion of at least the majority of the reflected light beam into a diffused light beam, said optical system being rotatable around an axis of rotation between a first position where the first function is active and a second position where the second function is active.

Below are described advantageous but non-limiting modes of the invention, one or more of these modes being able to be combined with each other.

The collector may be a concave reflector.

At least some of the reflected rays have angles of inclination with respect to the optical axis which are less than or equal to 10°. This makes it possible to be in the so-called Gaussian conditions, thus allowing stigmatism.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the additional part is formed by one or more diffusing screens, the or each diffusing screen being crossed by at least the majority of the reflected light beam when the optical system is in the second position, the au least majority of the reflected light beam being diffused after passing through said screen to form the diffused light beam.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the projection lens has a focal zone located on the reflective surface of the or each of the corresponding collectors, at a rear edge of said reflective surface. This simply images the part of the part of the reflective surface behind the light source. Advantageously, the focal zone is located at a rear edge of said reflective surface. In general, this focal zone can be a focal point, also called a focal point, or can be a focal line, also called a line of focal points. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system comprises an optical part comprising the projection lens and the additional part, the light device comprising a mechanism for rotating said optical part around the axis of rotation. Advantageously, said optical part is a transparent part.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical part comprises a first input face and a first output face associated with the first input face, corresponding to the projection lens, and a second input face and a second exit face associated with the second entry face, corresponding to the additional part, the first and second entry faces and/or the first and second exit faces being angularly offset around the axis of rotation of a angle between 60° and 120°.

Advantageously, the second exit face has an average height, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, greater than an average height, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, of the first exit face.

Advantageously, the first exit face has an average height, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, of less than 10mm.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the first position of the optical system, the first input face is positioned opposite the one or more collectors, and in the second position, the second input face is positioned opposite one or more collectors.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the axis of rotation of the optical system is transverse to the optical axis and horizontal when the light device is in the operational position.

Advantageously, the optical part is elongated along the axis of rotation.

Advantageously, the rotation of the optical system between the first and second functions has an angular amplitude of between 60° and 120°.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light beam projected in the first position of the optical system is an illuminating beam and the light beam diffused in the second position of the optical system is a signaling beam or a light signature. Here, a light signature is a light beam having an aesthetic light function which would make it possible to identify the model and/or the brand of the vehicle in all circumstances.

According to an advantageous mode of the invention, the light device comprises several light sources and several collectors with several reflective surfaces so as to form several reflected light beams adding together, and in which the optical system is rotatable between the first position where the lens projection receives at least the majority of said reflected light beams and a second position where the additional part receives at least the majority of said reflected light beams.

Advantageously, each of the at least one light source, the at least one collector and the at least one reflective surface is multiple so as to form, in a selective manner, several light beams which are added together. For example, the multiple collectors, reflective surfaces and light sources are arranged side by side. Advantageously, the first function of the optical system comprises a line of focus passing through the reflecting surfaces, more advantageously through the rear edges of said reflecting surfaces, or between said reflecting surfaces and the corresponding light sources.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the second position of the optical system, the second function of said optical system forms a light beam from light rays emitted by one or more auxiliary light sources.

The measures of the invention are interesting in that they make it possible to integrate at least one additional light function into a luminous lighting device, and this without really increasing the necessary volume. The light sources present in the device for the lighting function(s) can be used for the additional function.

is a perspective view of a light device according to the invention, said device comprising an optical system;

is a schematic representation, in longitudinal section, of the light device of the when the optical system is in a first position;

is a schematic representation, in longitudinal section, of the light device of the when the optical system is in a second position.

detailed description

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate an embodiment of the invention.

More specifically, the is a perspective view of a light device according to the invention.

The lighting device 2 is, here, a selectively lighting and signaling device, as will be detailed below. The luminous device 2 comprises a casing 4 which may itself be made up of a series of components or casing portions, assembled together. As can be seen, housing 4 comprises several optical cavities with light sources 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and reflective surfaces 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3. Each of the reflecting surfaces 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3, associated with a light source, forms a unit capable of producing a light beam.

The light device also comprises an optical system 10 capable of receiving and shaping the light beams in question. The optical system 10 comprises an optical part 12 with a dual function, namely a first optical projection function and a second optical light scattering function. To this end, the optical part 12 is rotatably mounted around an axis of rotation 14 so as to activate, selectively, one or the other of the first and second functions. The light device 2 comprises a mechanism 16 for rotating said optical part 12 about the axis of rotation 14. This mechanism may comprise an electric motor coupled to a bevel gear mechanism itself coupled to the optical part .

In the position of the optical part 12 illustrated in , the second light diffusion function is activated, meaning that the light beams produced by the light sources and associated reflective surfaces will be diffused in order to ensure a signaling function.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate schematically and in longitudinal section the luminous device of the in the first and second functions, respectively. More specifically, these figures illustrate a single light source and a single reflective surface associated with the light source, it being understood that they apply to each of the light sources and associated reflective surfaces.

There illustrates the light device 2 when the optical device is in the first position where the first optical function of projection of the light beam is active.

It can be observed that the optical part 12 comprises a first portion 12.1 corresponding to the first function and a second portion 12.2 corresponding to the second function. The first portion 12.1 of the optical part 12 is active by being placed opposite the light rays emitted by the light source 6 and reflected by the reflecting surface 8, while the second portion 12.2 is inactive by being placed at a distance rays in question. In this case, these two portions each have a generally elongated cross section, these two cross sections forming an elbow with an angle close to the order of 90°, advantageously between 70° and 100°. These cross sections have in principle different geometries given their different optical functions.

The first portion 12.1 of the optical part 12, providing the first function, forms a projection lens with an input face 12.1.1 and an input face 12.1.2. This lens can in particular be of the plano-convex or biconvex type. The second portion 12.2 of the optical part 12, ensuring the second function also comprises an input face 12.2 1 and an output face 12.2.2.

Described otherwise, according to the invention and as in the example illustrated, the first portion 12.1 is formed by a projection lens while the second portion 12.2 is here formed by an additional part distinct from the projection lens.

Here, as in general according to the invention, the light source 6 is advantageously of the semiconductor type, such as in particular an electroluminescence diode. The light source 6 emits light rays in a half-space delimited by the main plane of said source, according to the example shown, in a main direction perpendicular to said plane and to the optical axis 18. According to the invention, the direction principal emission may be between 65° and 115° with respect to the optical axis 18.

A collector 20 forms a support in the form of a shell or cap, on the inner face of which is applied the reflective surface 8. The reflective surface 8 advantageously has a profile of the elliptical or parabolic type. It is advantageously a surface of revolution around an axis parallel to the optical axis. Alternatively, it can be a free-form surface or a swept surface or an asymmetrical surface. It can also include several sectors. The manifold 20 in the form of a shell or cap is advantageously made of materials having good heat resistance, for example glass or synthetic polymers such as polycarbonate PC or polyetherimide PEI. The expression "parabolic type" generally applies to reflectors whose surface has a single focal point, that is to say a zone of convergence of the light rays such that the light rays emitted by a light source placed at the level of this convergence zone are projected at a great distance after reflection on the surface. Projected at a great distance means that these light rays do not converge on an area located at least 10 times the dimensions of the reflector. In other words, the reflected rays do not converge towards a convergence zone or, if they do converge, this convergence zone is located at a distance greater than or equal to 10 times the dimensions of the reflector. A parabolic-type surface may therefore have parabolic portions or not. A reflector having such a surface is generally used alone to create a light beam. Alternatively it can be used as a projection surface associated with an elliptical-type reflector. In this case, the light source of the parabolic-type reflector is the zone of convergence of the rays reflected by the elliptical-type reflector.

Light source 6 is placed at a focal point of reflective surface 8 so that its rays are collected and reflected along the optical axis, said rays, referred to as reflected rays, forming a reflected light beam. At least some of these reflected rays have angles of inclination a in a vertical plane with respect to said axis which are less than or equal to 25°, preferably less than or equal to 10°, so as to be under the conditions known as Gauss, making it possible to obtain a stigma, that is to say a sharpness of the projected image. These are advantageously the rays reflected by the rear part of the reflecting surface 8.

The first portion 12.1 of the optical part 12, forming the projection lens, has a focal point 12.1.3 which is located along the optical axis 18, at the level of the light source 6 or even behind said source. In this case the focus 12.1.3 is located on the reflective surface 8, at a rear edge, here also the lower edge, thereof. It should be noted that it is also possible for this focus to be located at the rear or at the front of the reflective surface 8, preferably close, in particular less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm.

The reflective surface 8, if it is of the elliptical type, has a second focus located at the front of the lens 12.1 and at a distance from the optical axis 18. It should be noted that it is also possible for this focus to be located at the rear of the lens and/or on the optical axis, preferably close to the lens, so as to reduce the width of the beam at the level of the entrance face of the lens.

Here, the first portion 12.1 described is configured to project at least the majority of the reflected light beam into a projected light beam performing a lighting light function.

There illustrates the light device 2 when the optical device is in the second position where the second light beam diffusion optical function is active.

In comparison with the , it can be observed that the optical part has undergone a rotation around its axis of rotation 14 of the order of 90°, in this case in the anti-clockwise direction, so as to render the first portion 12.1 inactive and the second portion 12.2 active. In this case, the input face 12.2.1 of the second portion 12.2 intersects with the optical axis 18 and is located opposite the reflecting surface 8 and the light source 6, so to collect the light beam produced by the latter, also called reflected light beam. At least one of the input 12.2.1 and output 12.2.2 faces may have a rough or grained surface so as to provide a light diffusion function. For example, the second portion 12.2 is configured to project at least the majority of the reflected light beam into a diffusing light beam which here performs a signaling light function.

In this case, the input face 12.2.1 of the second portion 12.2 of the optical part 12 is at a distance from the reflecting surface 8 potentially different from that of the input face 12.1.1 of the first portion 12.1 (when it is in active position). This does not pose a problem in that the function of the second function of the optical system is not to image the reflective surface 8 illuminated by the light source 6 like the first function. In this case, the second function consists in diffusing the light in order to ensure a signaling function. It should be noted that the input face 12.2.1 of the second portion 12.2 is higher (in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis when the function is active) than the input face 12.1.1 of the first portion 12.1, allowing it to collect more rays reflected by the reflective surface 8.

It should be noted that it is also possible to provide one or more auxiliary light sources for the second function, that is to say inactive for the first function.

The second function described above can for example be a signaling function which is not necessary when the motor vehicle is in motion. This may in particular be a function of the position light or lantern type, or even a light signature, activated when the vehicle is parked or stationary for an extended period.

With reference to the , the optical system 10 can be common to several collectors, reflective surfaces and associated light sources, arranged side by side. In this case, the first function can then present not a point focus but a line of focus passing through the rear parts of the reflective surfaces in question. The focus line in question may not be straight, in this case slightly curved.

Claims (10)

Lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising:

• one or more light sources (6) capable of emitting light rays;
• one or more collectors (20) with a reflecting surface (8), the or each reflecting surface being configured to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the or one of the several light sources (6), called reflected light rays, into a beam light reflected along an optical axis (18);
• an optical system (10) comprising a projection lens (12.1) performing a first optical function performing the projection of at least the majority of the reflected light beam into a projected light beam by imaging a part of the or each reflecting surface (8) located, in a general direction of propagation of the light beam, at the rear of the or each corresponding light source (6);

characterized in that the optical system (10) comprises an additional part (12.2) distinct from the projection lens and performing a second optical function performing a diffusion of at least the majority of the reflected light beam into a diffused light beam, said system optic being rotatable about an axis of rotation (14) between a first position where the first function is active and a second position where the second function is active. Luminous device (2) according to claim 1, in which the additional part (12.2) is formed by one or more diffusing screens, the or each diffusing screen being crossed by at least the majority of the reflected light beam when the optical system (10) is in the second position, the at least the majority of the reflected light beam being diffused after passing through said screen to form the diffused light beam. Luminous device (2) according to one of Claims 1 and 2, in which the projection lens (12.1) has a focal zone (12.1.3) located on the reflecting surface of the or each of the corresponding collectors, at a rear edge of said reflective surface. Luminous device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the optical system (10) comprises an optical part (12) comprising the projection lens and the additional part, the luminous device (2) comprising a rotation (16) of said optical part (12) around the axis of rotation (14). Luminous device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the optical part (12) comprises a first input face (12.1.1) and a first output face (12.1.2) associated with the first output face. input (12.1.1), corresponding to the projection lens (12.1), and a second input face (12.2.1) and a second output face (12.2.2) associated with the second input face ( 12.2.1), corresponding to the additional part (12.2), and in which the first and second entry faces (12.1.1, 12.2.1) and/or the first and second exit faces (12.1.2, 12.2 .2) are angularly offset around the axis of rotation (14) by an angle between 60° and 120°. Luminous device (2) according to the preceding claim, in which, in the first position of the optical system (10), the first input face (12.1.1) is positioned opposite the one or more collectors (20 ), and in the second position of the optical system (10), the second input face (12.2.1) is positioned opposite the one or more collectors (20). Luminous device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the axis of rotation (14) of the optical system (10) is transverse to the optical axis (18) and horizontal when the luminous device (2) is in operational position. Luminous device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the light beam projected in the first position of the optical system (10) is an illuminating beam and the light beam diffused in the second position of the optical system (10) is a signaling beam or a light signature. Luminous device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the luminous device comprises several light sources (6) and several collectors (20) with several reflecting surfaces (8) so as to form several reflected light beams which are added together, and wherein the optical system (10) is rotatable between the first position where the projection lens (12.1) receives at least the majority of said reflected light beams and a second position where the additional part (12.2) receives at least the majority of said beams reflected light. Luminous device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which, in the second position of the optical system (10), the second function of the said optical system forms a light beam from light rays emitted by one or more auxiliary light sources .