EP0274325A1 - Coloured light-emitting signal lamp with a colourless lens, especially for motor vehicles - Google Patents

Coloured light-emitting signal lamp with a colourless lens, especially for motor vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0274325A1
EP0274325A1 EP87402936A EP87402936A EP0274325A1 EP 0274325 A1 EP0274325 A1 EP 0274325A1 EP 87402936 A EP87402936 A EP 87402936A EP 87402936 A EP87402936 A EP 87402936A EP 0274325 A1 EP0274325 A1 EP 0274325A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
balloon
signaling light
light according
sheet
transparent
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP87402936A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0274325B1 (en
Inventor
Gilbert Dilouya
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
Cibie Projecteurs SA
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 Cibie Projecteurs SA, Valeo Vision SAS filed Critical Cibie Projecteurs SA
Publication of EP0274325A1 publication Critical patent/EP0274325A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0274325B1 publication Critical patent/EP0274325B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/255—Filters

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to motor vehicle signaling lights, and more particularly relates to a light capable of emitting colored light radiation and having, when it is extinguished, an essentially colorless appearance, and comprising a lamp , a reflector, a colorless transparent closing globe, a colored transparent balloon arranged around the lamp, as well as masking means to attenuate the perceptibility of the color of the balloon when the fire is out.
  • Such a fire is intended, while emitting colored radiation, for example amber or red thanks to the interposition of the filtering balloon, to appear essentially colorless when it is extinguished. It finds its place advantageously either, at the front of the vehicle next to a headlamp, by having an appearance similar to this when they are both switched off, or, in a rear optical unit, for example as rear fog lamp having an appearance similar to a colorless reversing lamp located symmetrically in the other optical unit.
  • the purpose of the masking means is to decrease the perceptibility of the color of the balloon from the outside through the closing globe when the fire is off and for this purpose comprise opaque zones of determined color, or even reflective, the function of which is is to decrease the proportion of light rays likely to penetrate inside the balloon and to come out colored, and on the contrary to make the majority of the radiation coming, by diffusion or reflection, from non-transparent areas.
  • opaque or reflective areas are sometimes organized in strips of predetermined widths and steps.
  • common masking means are constituted by a screen printing deposit formed directly on the outer surface of the colored balloon, after its manufacture, for example by molding.
  • the colored balloons have, for different lights, different shapes and dimensions, and it is therefore necessary to provide for each type of balloon a different screen printing tool (stamp and cliché).
  • the application of pressure is likely to be carried out in a non-uniform manner, which results in inking defects.
  • the present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to propose simplified means for producing the means for masking the colored balloon in a fire of the type presented in the introduction.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a signaling light whose masking means and the colorless closing globe cooperate to help reduce the perception of the colored balloon of the fire and give the fire a uniformity of satisfactory appearance.
  • the fire is characterized, in accordance with the present invention, in that the masking means comprise a flexible transparent sheet formed into a developable surface between the ball and the globe and comprising transparent zones and opaque zones of determined color produced by screen printing.
  • a signaling light in accordance with the present invention comprises a lamp 10, a reflector 20, for example of the parabolic type and focused on the filament 11 of the lamp 10, a closing globe or colorless sight glass 30, for example made of transparent plastic, as well as a colored transparent balloon 40, for example of amber color, also made of plastic.
  • the light rays emitted by the filament 11 take on an amber color when passing through the balloon, and are reflected by the reflector 20 to form an amber beam crossing without alteration in color the globe 30 and intended, for example, to fulfill the flashing function. .
  • the colorless closing globe comprising in most cases means of deflection or distribution of the light by refraction, gives it globally a white or gray appearance, the colored balloon 40 being, by the position it occupies, comparatively hardly noticeable, except in case of direct solar lighting, for example.
  • the means for masking the balloon 40 are constituted by a transparent flexible sheet 50, produced for example from a thin film of polycarbonate, on which is produced, by screen printing, an opaque masking 52 of appropriate geometry .
  • a transparent flexible sheet 50 produced for example from a thin film of polycarbonate, on which is produced, by screen printing, an opaque masking 52 of appropriate geometry .
  • the appearance of the extinguished fire must be white or gray, to ensure satisfactory appearance continuity for example with a spotlight located next to it, we will use in the screen printing process a white or gray ink, preferably shiny appearance, in order to enhance, in ambient lighting, the white-gray color of the rays emitted by the fire towards the outside.
  • the geometry of the masking may take any appropriate configuration.
  • the opacified zones may be in the form of horizontal and / or vertical bands of determined widths and steps, or alternatively of points arranged in a square network, in staggered rows, etc., here again with predetermined dimensions and steps.
  • the geometry of the opaque and transparent zones of the mask 50 can be determined as a function of the types of refractive optical elements provided on the closing globe.
  • the screen-printed opaque zones In order not to excessively attenuate the light output of the fire, the screen-printed opaque zones must leave between them transparent uncoated zones 51 of substantial dimensions; for example, the opaque zones may cover around 40 to 60% of the total surface of the sheet.
  • the flexible sheet 50 is mounted in the fire by penetrating, by its upper and lower edges, into two grooves 54, 55 formed respectively in the upper and lower cheeks of the fire, here constituted by horizontal extensions of the reflector 20.
  • the flexible sheet 50 is mounted in the fire by penetrating, by its upper and lower edges, into two grooves 54, 55 formed respectively in the upper and lower cheeks of the fire, here constituted by horizontal extensions of the reflector 20.
  • other methods of attachment are possible within the spirit of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 shows a signaling light according to a second embodiment of the invention.
  • elements or parts identical or similar to those of Figure 1 are designated by the same reference numbers.
  • FIG. 2 represents a corner light, such as a rear flashing light, capable of emitting a light beam not only towards the rear (rays R1 and R2) but also towards the side (radius R3), the reflector 20 comprising two parts 20a, 20b shaped for this purpose.
  • a corner light such as a rear flashing light
  • the flexible screen-printed sheet 50 is fixed in the fire by being attached to the external surface of the balloon 40.
  • the latter is therefore designed so that its external surface is developable, for example cylindrical with circular base or non-circular .
  • the patterns of the opaque zones 52 of the mask 50 are adapted to the refractive optical elements formed on the surface of the globe 30.
  • the globe 30 is constituted by a generally straight rear part 30a, a lateral part 30b also right, and a corner part 30c, bent at about 90 °, joining the parts 30a and 30b.
  • the part rear comprises a set of balls 32a which are arranged to adapt the beam from the homologous part 20a of the reflector to a given photometry.
  • the balls perform an angular dispersion of the beam in a given interval, while ensuring maximum concentration along the optical axis.
  • a geometry of the masking is designed so as not to create interference figures with the balls 32a.
  • the appearance of the portion 30a of the globe, when the fire is out, must not only be relatively homogeneous over its entire surface, but also not vary greatly when the observer moves in front of the fire.
  • the screen-printed patterns 52a homologous to the balls 32a are parallel strips inclined at approximately 45 °.
  • the lateral part 30b of the globe here comprises deflecting prisms 32b for directing a part of the corresponding beam upwards, for example in order to improve the lateral signaling of the vehicle when the observer is near that, and the opaque screen-printed zones 52b of the masking sheet 50 are points, the sizes and spacing steps of which are different from the steps of the prisms 32b.
  • the part 30c of connection between the parts 30a and 30b of the globe comprises vertical ridges intended to give the beam the required angular coverage, of approximately 90 °, in the horizontal direction.
  • the homologous opaque zones 52c of the sheet are here bands horizontal. It can be noted that in general, the eyes of an observer are located well above the light, which means that these horizontal bands will be "decomposed" by the streaks 32c in a vertical direction, to give this region of the light a homogeneity of satisfactory appearance.
  • the density of the opaque masking zones in the various regions of the sheet will be chosen so that, overall, the brightness and the color of the fire are homogeneous over its entire external surface when it is extinguished.
  • the optimization of the opaque patterns of the sheet will advantageously be carried out by successive tests by observing the fire from different points.
  • FIG. 4 shows a flexible screen-printed sheet 50 which is intended to be placed tightly around a cylindrical colored balloon, as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the sheet comprises a circular part 50d intended to form the face of front end of the mask, while a rectangular part 50e will constitute its lateral surface. Between these two parts extends a narrow folding zone 50f.
  • Tabs 54 for example, cooperate with slots (not shown) formed in other parts of the sheet and / or of the reflector and / or of the balloon to secure the mask).
  • any other method of fixing the sheet could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • the flexible masking sheet 50 will very advantageously be obtained by cutting from a continuous screen printed band. The manufacture and handling of the masks will thus be greatly facilitated.
  • the opaque deposit formed by screen printing on the flexible sheet may also have a reflecting character.
  • the same mask in the form of a screen-printed flexible sheet may be used for two or more lights incorporated in the same optical unit.
  • the mask can occupy any desired position in the space between the ball and the globe. It can also be attached to the globe.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a signal lamp for a motor vehicle, of the type comprising a lamp (10), a reflector (20), a colourless transparent sealed lens (30), a coloured transparent bulbous element (40) disposed around the lamp and masking means for reducing the colour perceptibility of the bulbous element when the lamp is switched off. The masking means comprise a flexible transparent sheet (50) formed into a surface which can be laid out between the bulbous element and the lens and comprising transparent zones (51) and opaque zones (52) of specified colour which are produced by silk-screening. Application to a lamp emitting a coloured light radiation but having an essentially colourless appearance when it is switched off. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne d'une façon générale les feux de signalisation de véhicules automo­biles, et concerne plus particulièrement un feu suscepti­ble d'émettre un rayonnement lumineux coloré et de présen­ter, lorsqu'il est éteint, un aspect essentiellement inco­lore, et comprenant une lampe, un réflecteur, un globe de fermeture transparent incolore, un ballon transparent co­loré disposé autour de la lampe, ainsi que des moyens de masquage pour atténuer la perceptibilité de la couleur du ballon lorsque le feu est éteint.The present invention relates generally to motor vehicle signaling lights, and more particularly relates to a light capable of emitting colored light radiation and having, when it is extinguished, an essentially colorless appearance, and comprising a lamp , a reflector, a colorless transparent closing globe, a colored transparent balloon arranged around the lamp, as well as masking means to attenuate the perceptibility of the color of the balloon when the fire is out.

Un feu de signalisation de ce type est décrit notamment dans les demandes de brevet français publiées nos.2 476 798 et 2 509 429 au nom de la demanderesse.A signaling light of this type is described in particular in the French patent applications published nos. 2,476,798 and 2,509,429 in the name of the applicant.

Un tel feu est destiné, tout en émettant un rayonnement coloré, par exemple ambre ou rouge grâce à l'interposition du ballon filtrant, d'apparaître essentiel­lement incolore lorsqu'il est éteint. Il trouve sa place avantageusement soit, à l'avant du véhicule à côté d'un projecteur, en ayant un aspect similaire à celui-ci lors­qu'ils sont tous deux éteints, soit, dans un bloc optique arrière, par exemple en tant que feu antibrouillard arrière ayant un aspect similaire à un feu de recul incolore situé symétriquement dans l'autre bloc optique.Such a fire is intended, while emitting colored radiation, for example amber or red thanks to the interposition of the filtering balloon, to appear essentially colorless when it is extinguished. It finds its place advantageously either, at the front of the vehicle next to a headlamp, by having an appearance similar to this when they are both switched off, or, in a rear optical unit, for example as rear fog lamp having an appearance similar to a colorless reversing lamp located symmetrically in the other optical unit.

Les moyens de masquage ont pour objet de dimi­nuer la perceptibilité de la couleur du ballon depuis l'ex­térieur à travers le globe de fermeture lorsque le feu est éteint et comprennent à cet effet des zones opaques de cou­leur déterminée, ou encore réfléchissantes, dont la fonction est de diminuer la proportion de rayons lumineux susceptibles de pénétrer à l'intérieur du ballon et d'en ressortir colo­rés, et au contraire de rendre majoritaire le rayonnement issu, par diffusion ou réflexion , des zones non transparentes. De telles zones opaques ou réfléchissantes sont parfois orga­nisées en bandes de largeurs et de pas prédéterminés.The purpose of the masking means is to decrease the perceptibility of the color of the balloon from the outside through the closing globe when the fire is off and for this purpose comprise opaque zones of determined color, or even reflective, the function of which is is to decrease the proportion of light rays likely to penetrate inside the balloon and to come out colored, and on the contrary to make the majority of the radiation coming, by diffusion or reflection, from non-transparent areas. Such opaque or reflective areas are sometimes organized in strips of predetermined widths and steps.

Dans la technique antérieure, des moyens de masquage courants sont constitués par un dépôt sérigraphique formé directement sur la surface extérieure du ballon coloré, postérieurement à la fabrication de celui-ci par exemple par moulage.In the prior art, common masking means are constituted by a screen printing deposit formed directly on the outer surface of the colored balloon, after its manufacture, for example by molding.

Cependant, un tel traitement du ballon après son moulage s'avère relativement malcommode et coûteux à réaliser.However, such treatment of the balloon after molding proves to be relatively inconvenient and costly to carry out.

En effet, les ballons colorés présentent, pour différents feux, des formes et des dimensions différentes, et il faut donc prévoir pour chaque type de ballon un ou­tillage de sérigraphie (tampon et cliché) différent. En outre, l'application de la pression est susceptible de s'effectuer de façon non uniforme, ce qui se traduit par des défauts d'encrage.Indeed, the colored balloons have, for different lights, different shapes and dimensions, and it is therefore necessary to provide for each type of balloon a different screen printing tool (stamp and cliché). In addition, the application of pressure is likely to be carried out in a non-uniform manner, which results in inking defects.

La présente invention vise à pallier les incon­vénients de la technique antérieure et à proposer des mo­yens simplifiés pour réaliser les moyens de masquage du ballon coloré dans un feu du type présenté en introduction.The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and to propose simplified means for producing the means for masking the colored balloon in a fire of the type presented in the introduction.

Un autre objet de l'invention est de proposer un feu de signalisation dont les moyens de masquage et le globe de fermeture incolore coopèrent pour contribuer à diminuer la perception du ballon coloré du feu et donner au feu une homogénéité d'aspect satisfaisante.Another object of the invention is to provide a signaling light whose masking means and the colorless closing globe cooperate to help reduce the perception of the colored balloon of the fire and give the fire a uniformity of satisfactory appearance.

A cet effet, le feu est caractérisé, conformément à la présente invention, en ce que les moyens de masquage comprennent une feuille transparente souple conformée en une surface développable entre le ballon et le globe et comprenant des zones transparentes et des zones opaques de couleur déterminée réalisées par sérigraphie.To this end, the fire is characterized, in accordance with the present invention, in that the masking means comprise a flexible transparent sheet formed into a developable surface between the ball and the globe and comprising transparent zones and opaque zones of determined color produced by screen printing.

D'autres aspects et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description dé­taillée suivante de modes de réalisation préférés de celle-­ci, donnée à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • - la figure 1 est une vue en coupe verticale axiale d'un feu de signalisation selon une première forme de réalisation de l'invention,
  • - la figure 2 est une vue en coupe horizontale d'un feu de signalisation selon une seconde forme de réa­lisation de l'invention,
  • - la figure 3 est une vue en perspective écla­tée d'une partie du feu de la figure 2,
  • - la figure 4 est une vue de face d'un élément d'un feu selon l'invention, avant sa mise en forme, et
  • - la figure 5 est une vue en perspective partiel­le d'un feu équipé de l'élément de la figure 4.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a view in axial vertical section of a signaling light according to a first embodiment of the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a view in horizontal section of a signaling light according to a second embodiment of the invention,
  • FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of part of the light in FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of an element of a light according to the invention, before it is shaped, and
  • - Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of a light fitted with the element of Figure 4.

En référence tout d'abord à la figure 1, un feu de signalisation conforme à la présente invention comprend une lampe 10, un réflecteur 20, par exemple du genre para­bolique et focalisé sur le filament 11 de la lampe 10, un globe de fermeture ou voyant incolore 30, par exemple en matière plastique transparente, ainsi qu'un ballon trans­parent coloré 40, par exemple de couleur ambre, également en matière plastique.Referring firstly to FIG. 1, a signaling light in accordance with the present invention comprises a lamp 10, a reflector 20, for example of the parabolic type and focused on the filament 11 of the lamp 10, a closing globe or colorless sight glass 30, for example made of transparent plastic, as well as a colored transparent balloon 40, for example of amber color, also made of plastic.

De la sorte, les rayons lumineux émis par le filament 11 prennent une couleur ambre en traversant le ballon, et sont réfléchis par le réflecteur 20 pour former un faisceau ambre traversant sans altération de couleur le globe 30 et destiné par exemple à remplir la fonction clignotant.In this way, the light rays emitted by the filament 11 take on an amber color when passing through the balloon, and are reflected by the reflector 20 to form an amber beam crossing without alteration in color the globe 30 and intended, for example, to fulfill the flashing function. .

Lorsqu'un tel feu est éteint, le globe de fer­meture incolore, comportant dans la majorité des cas des moyens de déviation ou de répartition de la lumière par réfraction, lui donne globablement un aspect blanc ou gris, le ballon coloré 40 étant, de par la position qu'il occupe, comparativement peu perceptible, sauf en cas d'éclairage solaire direct, par exemple.When such a fire is extinguished, the colorless closing globe, comprising in most cases means of deflection or distribution of the light by refraction, gives it globally a white or gray appearance, the colored balloon 40 being, by the position it occupies, comparatively hardly noticeable, except in case of direct solar lighting, for example.

Comme on l'a indiqué plus haut, il est connu de former, directement sur la surface extérieure du ballon 40, selon une géométrie déterminée, un masquage sérigraphié destiné à atténuer la perception du ballon coloré 40 lorsque le feu est éteint. Les inconvénients de ce type de masquage ont également été indiqués plus haut.As indicated above, it is known to form, directly on the outer surface of the balloon 40, according to a determined geometry, a screen-printed masking intended to attenuate the perception of the colored balloon 40 when the fire is out. The disadvantages of this type of masking have also been indicated above.

Conformément à la présente invention, les moyens de masquage du ballon 40 sont constitués par une feuille souple transparente 50, réalisée par exemple à partir d'un film mince de polycarbonate, sur laquelle est réalisé, par sérigraphie, un masquage opaque 52 de géométrie appropriée. Dans le cas où l'aspect du feu éteint doit être blanc ou gris, pour assurer une continuité d'aspect satisfaisante par exemple avec un projecteur situé à côté, on utilisera dans le processus de sérigraphie une encre blanche ou grise, de préférence d'aspect brillant, afin de renforcer, en éclai­rage ambiant, la couleur blanc-gris des rayons reémis par le feu vers l'extérieur.According to the present invention, the means for masking the balloon 40 are constituted by a transparent flexible sheet 50, produced for example from a thin film of polycarbonate, on which is produced, by screen printing, an opaque masking 52 of appropriate geometry . In the case where the appearance of the extinguished fire must be white or gray, to ensure satisfactory appearance continuity for example with a spotlight located next to it, we will use in the screen printing process a white or gray ink, preferably shiny appearance, in order to enhance, in ambient lighting, the white-gray color of the rays emitted by the fire towards the outside.

La géométrie du masquage pourra prendre toute configuration appropriée. Les zones opacifiées pourront être en forme de bandes horizontales et/ou verticales de largeurs et de pas déterminés, ou encore de points disposés en réseau carré, en quinconce, etc.,ici encore avec des dimensions et des pas prédéterminés.The geometry of the masking may take any appropriate configuration. The opacified zones may be in the form of horizontal and / or vertical bands of determined widths and steps, or alternatively of points arranged in a square network, in staggered rows, etc., here again with predetermined dimensions and steps.

Comme on le verra en détail par la suite, la géométrie des zones opaques et transparentes du masque 50 pourra être déterminée en fonction des types d'éléments optiques réfringents prévus sur le globe de fermeture.As will be seen in detail below, the geometry of the opaque and transparent zones of the mask 50 can be determined as a function of the types of refractive optical elements provided on the closing globe.

Afin de ne pas excessivement atténuer le ren­dement lumineux du feu, les zones opaques sérigraphiées devront laisser entre elles des zones transparentes non revêtues 51 de dimensions substantielles ; à titre d'exemple, les zones opaques pourront couvrir de l'ordre de 40 à 60% de la surface totale de la feuille.In order not to excessively attenuate the light output of the fire, the screen-printed opaque zones must leave between them transparent uncoated zones 51 of substantial dimensions; for example, the opaque zones may cover around 40 to 60% of the total surface of the sheet.

Comme le montre la figure 1, la feuille souple 50 est montée dans le feu en pénétrant par ses bords supé­rieur et inférieur dans deux rainures 54, 55 formées res­pectivement dans les joues supérieure et inférieure du feu, ici constituées de prolongements horizontaux du ré­flecteur 20. Mais comme on le verra plus loin, d'autres modes de fixation sont possibles dans l'esprit de l'inven­tion.As shown in FIG. 1, the flexible sheet 50 is mounted in the fire by penetrating, by its upper and lower edges, into two grooves 54, 55 formed respectively in the upper and lower cheeks of the fire, here constituted by horizontal extensions of the reflector 20. But as will be seen below, other methods of attachment are possible within the spirit of the invention.

On a représenté sur la figure 2 un feu de signa­lisation conforme à une seconde forme de réalisation de l'invention. Sur cette figure et sur les suivantes,des éléments ou parties identiques ou similaires à ceux de la figure 1 sont désignés par les mêmes numéros de référence.FIG. 2 shows a signaling light according to a second embodiment of the invention. In this figure and the following, elements or parts identical or similar to those of Figure 1 are designated by the same reference numbers.

La figure 2 représente un feu de coin, tel qu'un feu clignotant arrière, susceptible d'émettre un faisceau lumineux non seulement vers l'arrière (rayons R₁ et R₂) mais également vers le côté (rayon R₃), le réflecteur 20 comportant deux parties 20a, 20b conformées à cet effet.FIG. 2 represents a corner light, such as a rear flashing light, capable of emitting a light beam not only towards the rear (rays R₁ and R₂) but also towards the side (radius R₃), the reflector 20 comprising two parts 20a, 20b shaped for this purpose.

Dans cette forme de réalisation, la feuille souple sérigraphiée 50 est fixée dans le feu en étant accolée à la surface externe du ballon 40. Ce dernier est donc conçu pour que sa surface externe soit dévelop­pable, par exemple cylindrique à base circulaire ou non-­circulaire.In this embodiment, the flexible screen-printed sheet 50 is fixed in the fire by being attached to the external surface of the balloon 40. The latter is therefore designed so that its external surface is developable, for example cylindrical with circular base or non-circular .

Comme le montre la figure 3, les motifs des zones opaques 52 du masque 50 sont adaptés aux éléments optiques réfringents formés sur la surface du globe 30. Plus précisément le globe 30 est constitué par une partie arrière généralement droite 30a, une partie latérale 30b également droite, et une partie de coin 30c, coudée à en­viron 90°, réunissant les parties 30a et 30b. La partie arrière comporte un ensemble de billes 32a qui sont agen­cées pour adapter le faisceau issu de la partie homologue 20a du réflecteur à une photométrie donnée. En particulier, les billes effectuent une dispersion angulaire du fais­ceau dans un intervalle donné, tout en assurant une concen­tration maximale suivant l'axe optique. Dans la zone homo­logue du masque 50,1a géométrie du masquage est conçue pour ne pas créer de figures d'interférence avec les billes 32a. On entend par là que l'aspect de la partie 30a du globe, lorsque le feu est éteint, devra non seulement être relati­vement homogène sur toute sa surface, mais également ne pas grandement varier lorsque l'observateur se déplace devant le feu. En d'autres termes, l'on ne doit pas créer entre les motifs sérigraphiés et les éléments optiques déviateurs de figure d'interférences susceptibles de privilégier à l'obser­vation depuis l'extérieur soit, les parties opaques d'une couleur déterminée du masque, soit, les parties transparentes du globe, d'une autre couleur déterminée.As shown in FIG. 3, the patterns of the opaque zones 52 of the mask 50 are adapted to the refractive optical elements formed on the surface of the globe 30. More precisely, the globe 30 is constituted by a generally straight rear part 30a, a lateral part 30b also right, and a corner part 30c, bent at about 90 °, joining the parts 30a and 30b. The part rear comprises a set of balls 32a which are arranged to adapt the beam from the homologous part 20a of the reflector to a given photometry. In particular, the balls perform an angular dispersion of the beam in a given interval, while ensuring maximum concentration along the optical axis. In the homologous zone of the mask 50, a geometry of the masking is designed so as not to create interference figures with the balls 32a. By this is meant that the appearance of the portion 30a of the globe, when the fire is out, must not only be relatively homogeneous over its entire surface, but also not vary greatly when the observer moves in front of the fire. In other words, one should not create between the screen-printed patterns and the optical elements deviating from the figure an interference likely to favor, when viewed from the outside, either, the opaque parts of a determined color of the mask. , or, the transparent parts of the globe, of another determined color.

Dans le présent exemple, les motifs sérigraphiés 52a homologues des billes 32a sont des bandes parallèles in­clinées à environ 45°.In the present example, the screen-printed patterns 52a homologous to the balls 32a are parallel strips inclined at approximately 45 °.

La partie latérale 30b du globe comporte ici des prismes déviateurs 32b pour diriger une partie du faisceau correspondant vers le haut, par exemple afin d'améliorer la signalisation latérale du véhicule lorsque l'observateur est à proximité de celui, et les zones opa­ques sérigraphiées 52b de la feuille de masquage 50 sont des points, dont les tailles et les pas d'espacements sont différents des pas des prismes 32b.The lateral part 30b of the globe here comprises deflecting prisms 32b for directing a part of the corresponding beam upwards, for example in order to improve the lateral signaling of the vehicle when the observer is near that, and the opaque screen-printed zones 52b of the masking sheet 50 are points, the sizes and spacing steps of which are different from the steps of the prisms 32b.

Enfin, la partie 30c de raccordement entre les parties 30a et 30b du globe comporte des stries verticales destinées à donner au faisceau la couverture angulaire re­quise, d'environ 90°, en direction horizontale. Les zones opaques homologues 52c de la feuille sont ici des bandes horizontales. On peut noter qu'en général, les yeux d'un observateur sont situés bien au-dessus du feu, ce qui si­gnifie que ces bandes horizontales seront "décomposées" par les stries 32c en direction verticale, pour conférer à cette région du feu une homogénéité d'aspect satisfaisante.Finally, the part 30c of connection between the parts 30a and 30b of the globe comprises vertical ridges intended to give the beam the required angular coverage, of approximately 90 °, in the horizontal direction. The homologous opaque zones 52c of the sheet are here bands horizontal. It can be noted that in general, the eyes of an observer are located well above the light, which means that these horizontal bands will be "decomposed" by the streaks 32c in a vertical direction, to give this region of the light a homogeneity of satisfactory appearance.

Bien entendu, la densité des zones opaques de masquage dans les diverses régions de la feuille sera choi­sie de manière à ce que, globalement, la brillance et la couleur du feu soient homogènes sur toute sa surface exté­rieure lorsqu'il est éteint.Of course, the density of the opaque masking zones in the various regions of the sheet will be chosen so that, overall, the brightness and the color of the fire are homogeneous over its entire external surface when it is extinguished.

En outre, bien que l'on ait parlé des régions "homologues" du globe et de la feuille de masquage, il est bien entendu que cette expression n'est à considérer que dans un sens relatif, dans la mesure où ces zones ne se correspondent exactement que pour certaines positions de l'observateur.In addition, although we have spoken of the "homologous" regions of the globe and of the masking sheet, it is understood that this expression is to be considered only in a relative sense, insofar as these zones are not correspond exactly only to certain positions of the observer.

A cet égard, l'optimisation des motifs opaques de la feuille s'efffectuera avantageusement par essais suc­cessifs en observant le feu depuis différents points.In this regard, the optimization of the opaque patterns of the sheet will advantageously be carried out by successive tests by observing the fire from different points.

On a représenté sur la figure 4 une feuille sou­ple sérigraphiée 50 qui est destinée à être mise en place étroitement autour d'un ballon coloré cylindrique, comme le montre la figure 5. La feuille comporte une partie circulaire 50d destinée à former la face d'extré­mité avant du masque, tandis qu'une partie rectangulaire 50e constituera sa surface latérale. Entre ces deux par­ties s'étend une zone de pliage étroite 50f. Des pattes 54, pounrront par exemple coopérer avec des fentes (non re­présentées) formées dans d'autres parties de la feuille et/ou du réflecteur et/ou du ballon pour assurer la fixa­tion du masque). Bien entendu, tout autre mode de fixa­tion de la feuille pourra etre envisagé sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.FIG. 4 shows a flexible screen-printed sheet 50 which is intended to be placed tightly around a cylindrical colored balloon, as shown in FIG. 5. The sheet comprises a circular part 50d intended to form the face of front end of the mask, while a rectangular part 50e will constitute its lateral surface. Between these two parts extends a narrow folding zone 50f. Tabs 54, for example, cooperate with slots (not shown) formed in other parts of the sheet and / or of the reflector and / or of the balloon to secure the mask). Of course, any other method of fixing the sheet could be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention.

Par ailleurs, la feuille souple de masquage 50 sera très avantageusement obtenue par découpage dans une bande sérigraphiée continue. La fabrication et la manu­tention des masques sera ainsi grandement facilitée.Furthermore, the flexible masking sheet 50 will very advantageously be obtained by cutting from a continuous screen printed band. The manufacture and handling of the masks will thus be greatly facilitated.

On pourra également, au cours de découpage, former dans la feuille des lignes affaiblies formant li­gnes de pliages privilégiées dans le cas où la mise en forme de la feuille dans le feu implique un pliage, no­tamment dans la zone 50f mentionnée plus haut.It is also possible, during cutting, to form in the sheet weakened lines forming preferred fold lines in the case where the shaping of the sheet in the fire involves folding, in particular in the area 50f mentioned above.

Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est pas limitée aux formes de réalisation décrites ci-dessus et représentées sur les dessins, mais l'homme de l'art saura y apporter toute variante ou modification conforme à son esprit.Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings, but those skilled in the art will know how to make any variant or modification in accordance with his spirit.

En particulier, bien que toute la description fasse référence à un globe de fermeture incolore, il est bien entendu que l'invention s'applique également aux feux comportant un voyant non incolore dans son aspect mais susceptible de laisser passer un rayonnement sans le colorer, par exemple d'aspect "fumé" ou gris.In particular, although the whole description refers to a colorless closing globe, it is understood that the invention also applies to lights comprising a light which is not colorless in appearance but capable of allowing radiation to pass through without coloring it, for example with a "smoky" or gray appearance.

En outre, le dépôt opaque formé par sérigraphie sur la feuille souple pourra également présenter un carac­tère réfléchissant.In addition, the opaque deposit formed by screen printing on the flexible sheet may also have a reflecting character.

Par ailleurs, il est bien entendu qu'un même masque en forme de feuille souple sérigraphiée pourra être utilisé pour deux feux ou davantage incorporés à un même bloc optique.Furthermore, it is understood that the same mask in the form of a screen-printed flexible sheet may be used for two or more lights incorporated in the same optical unit.

Enfin, le masque pourra occuper toute position souhaitée dans l'espace situé entre le ballon et le globe. Il pourra être également accolé au globe.Finally, the mask can occupy any desired position in the space between the ball and the globe. It can also be attached to the globe.

Claims (9)

1. Feu de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, du type susceptible d'émettre un faisceau lumineux coloré et de présenter, lorsqu'il est éteint, un aspect essentiel­lement incolore, et comprenant une lampe (10), un réflec­teur (20), un globe de fermeture transparent incolore (30), un ballon transparent coloré (40), disposé autour de la lampe, ainsi que des moyens de masquage pour atténuer la perceptibilité de la couleur du ballon lorsque le feu est éteint, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de masquage com­prennent une feuille transparente souple (50) conformée en une surface développable entre le ballon et le globe et comprenant des zones transparentes (51) et des zones opa­ques (52) de couleur déterminée réalisées par sérigraphie.1. Signaling light for a motor vehicle, of the type capable of emitting a colored light beam and having, when it is extinguished, an essentially colorless appearance, and comprising a lamp (10), a reflector (20), a globe colorless transparent closure (30), a colored transparent balloon (40), arranged around the lamp, as well as masking means for attenuating the perceptibility of the color of the balloon when the fire is out, characterized in that the means for masking comprise a flexible transparent sheet (50) shaped into a developable surface between the balloon and the globe and comprising transparent areas (51) and opaque areas (52) of determined color produced by screen printing. 2. Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le réflecteur (20) comporte des joues opposées, caractérisé en ce que la feuille souple est fixée auxdites joues par deux bords opposés.2. Signaling light according to claim 1, wherein the reflector (20) has opposite cheeks, characterized in that the flexible sheet is fixed to said cheeks by two opposite edges. 3. Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la feuille souple (50) est accolée à la surface extérieure du ballon (40).3. Signaling light according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible sheet (50) is attached to the outer surface of the balloon (40). 4. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendica­tions 1 à 3, dans lequel le globe de fermeture (30) comprend plusieurs parties (30a, 30b, 30c) respectivement pourvues d'éléments optiques réfringents différents (32a, 32b, 32c), caractérisé en ce que des parties (50a, 50b, 50c) de la feuille souple homologues desdites parties du globe compor­tent des zones opaques (52a, 52b, 52c) de formes et de posi­tions différentes déterminées en fonction desdits éléments optiques de manière à donner au feu, éteint, un aspect essen­tiellement homogène .4. Signaling light according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the closing globe (30) comprises several parts (30a, 30b, 30c) respectively provided with different refractive optical elements (32a, 32b, 32c), characterized in that parts (50a, 50b, 50c) of the flexible sheet homologous to said parts of the globe comprise opaque zones (52a, 52b, 52c) of different shapes and positions determined according to said optical elements so as to give the fire, extinguished, an essentially homogeneous appearance. 5. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des revendica­tions 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que les zones opaques de la feuille sont choisies dans le groupe comprenant les bandes et les points.5. Signaling light according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the opaque areas of the sheet are chosen from the group comprising bands and dots. 6. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des reven­dications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le ballon (40) est de couleur ambre et en ce qu'il remplit la fonction clignotant indicateur de changement de direc­tion.6. Signaling light according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the balloon (40) is amber in color and in that it fulfills the direction indicator flashing function. 7. Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que les zones opaques (52) sont d'une couleur comprise entre le blanc et le gris.7. Signaling light according to claim 6, characterized in that the opaque zones (52) are of a color between white and gray. 8. Feu de signalisation selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce qu'il est accolé à un projecteur.8. Signaling light according to claim 7, characterized in that it is attached to a projector. 9. Feu de signalisation selon l'une des reven­dications 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que la feuille sou­ple sérigraphiée est obtenue par découpage dans une bande continue.9. Signaling light according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the flexible screen-printed sheet is obtained by cutting from a continuous strip.
EP87402936A 1986-12-23 1987-12-21 Coloured light-emitting signal lamp with a colourless lens, especially for motor vehicles Expired - Lifetime EP0274325B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8618041A FR2608734B1 (en) 1986-12-23 1986-12-23 SIGNAL LIGHT WITH COLORED BEAM AND COLORLESS CLOSING GLOBE, PARTICULARLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLES
FR8618041 1986-12-23

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0274325A1 true EP0274325A1 (en) 1988-07-13
EP0274325B1 EP0274325B1 (en) 1991-05-02

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EP87402936A Expired - Lifetime EP0274325B1 (en) 1986-12-23 1987-12-21 Coloured light-emitting signal lamp with a colourless lens, especially for motor vehicles

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EP (1) EP0274325B1 (en)
DE (1) DE3769775D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2022429B3 (en)
FR (1) FR2608734B1 (en)

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GB2345126A (en) * 1998-12-25 2000-06-28 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Red vehicle lamp with an at least partially colourless front lens
US6533439B1 (en) * 1997-05-15 2003-03-18 Valeo Vision Indicating light unit with additive synthesis for a motor vehicle
EP1120601A3 (en) * 2000-01-27 2003-07-02 Sirrah S.r.l. Lamp for fluorescent tubes
FR2910857A1 (en) * 2006-12-27 2008-07-04 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Optical unit for e.g. stop light of motor vehicle, has elongated reflector with two walls oriented in direction of length of reflector, and bonnet extending from one of walls to other wall and fixed at level of flange of walls
CN111237711A (en) * 2018-11-29 2020-06-05 深圳市绎立锐光科技开发有限公司 Light source system and lighting device
FR3123413A1 (en) * 2021-05-31 2022-12-02 Valeo Vision Luminous device for a vehicle comprising a textured film

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JPH0664926B2 (en) * 1988-06-30 1994-08-22 市光工業株式会社 Vehicle lighting
DE102005033683A1 (en) * 2005-07-19 2007-01-25 Volkswagen Ag Vehicle light, has filter cap provided with ventilation apertures to prevent heat-dam at light source

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FR2427549A1 (en) * 1978-05-30 1979-12-28 Lucas Industries Ltd LAMP ESPECIALLY WITH REFLECTOR
FR2496229A1 (en) * 1980-12-17 1982-06-18 Frankani Sa Motor vehicle indicator lamp cluster with uniform aspect - presented by colourless cover associated with underlying opaque grid positioned between cover and bulb compartment
GB2108256A (en) * 1981-10-09 1983-05-11 Wipac Dev Limited Vehicle lamp
FR2530781A1 (en) * 1982-07-23 1984-01-27 Cibie Projecteurs Vehicle signal lamp

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US4047020A (en) * 1975-10-28 1977-09-06 Noren Products, Inc. Disguised emergency light
FR2427549A1 (en) * 1978-05-30 1979-12-28 Lucas Industries Ltd LAMP ESPECIALLY WITH REFLECTOR
FR2496229A1 (en) * 1980-12-17 1982-06-18 Frankani Sa Motor vehicle indicator lamp cluster with uniform aspect - presented by colourless cover associated with underlying opaque grid positioned between cover and bulb compartment
GB2108256A (en) * 1981-10-09 1983-05-11 Wipac Dev Limited Vehicle lamp
FR2530781A1 (en) * 1982-07-23 1984-01-27 Cibie Projecteurs Vehicle signal lamp

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6533439B1 (en) * 1997-05-15 2003-03-18 Valeo Vision Indicating light unit with additive synthesis for a motor vehicle
GB2345126A (en) * 1998-12-25 2000-06-28 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Red vehicle lamp with an at least partially colourless front lens
GB2345126B (en) * 1998-12-25 2001-01-03 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Vehicle lamp
EP1120601A3 (en) * 2000-01-27 2003-07-02 Sirrah S.r.l. Lamp for fluorescent tubes
FR2910857A1 (en) * 2006-12-27 2008-07-04 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Optical unit for e.g. stop light of motor vehicle, has elongated reflector with two walls oriented in direction of length of reflector, and bonnet extending from one of walls to other wall and fixed at level of flange of walls
CN111237711A (en) * 2018-11-29 2020-06-05 深圳市绎立锐光科技开发有限公司 Light source system and lighting device
FR3123413A1 (en) * 2021-05-31 2022-12-02 Valeo Vision Luminous device for a vehicle comprising a textured film
WO2022253559A1 (en) * 2021-05-31 2022-12-08 Valeo Vision Lighting device for a vehicle, comprising a textured film

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2608734A1 (en) 1988-06-24
FR2608734B1 (en) 1989-04-28
DE3769775D1 (en) 1991-06-06
EP0274325B1 (en) 1991-05-02
ES2022429B3 (en) 1991-12-01

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