EP0742409B1 - Motor vehicle multifunction signal light comprising catadioptric and pseudocatadioptric elements - Google Patents
Motor vehicle multifunction signal light comprising catadioptric and pseudocatadioptric elements Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0742409B1 EP0742409B1 EP96400972A EP96400972A EP0742409B1 EP 0742409 B1 EP0742409 B1 EP 0742409B1 EP 96400972 A EP96400972 A EP 96400972A EP 96400972 A EP96400972 A EP 96400972A EP 0742409 B1 EP0742409 B1 EP 0742409B1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- elements
- catadioptric
- pseudo
- area
- light
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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
- F21S43/26—Refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters not provided in groups F21S43/235 - F21S43/255
Definitions
- the invention relates to optical devices for signaling, and more particularly a new light multifunction signaling device fitted with elements catadioptric and pseudo-catadioptric.
- the retro-reflecting elements are today generally made in the form of elements or “needles” in the shape of a triangular trihedron which ensure, by total reflection on the faces of the trihedron, an incident light retroreflection function coming from a direction close to the longitudinal axis of the element.
- This provides a closing window whose dimensions are not limited by those of the catadioptric zone, keeping for fire or block of lights a completely homogeneous appearance for a outside observer, without visual demarcation at the location of the catadioptric zone.
- FR-A-2 589 983 which belongs to the plaintiff, describes pseudo-catadioptric elements in the form of quasi-triangular trihedra, for example by angular offset of at least one of the faces of a triangular trihedron.
- pseudo-catadioptric elements in the form of quasi-triangular trihedra, for example by angular offset of at least one of the faces of a triangular trihedron.
- these elements the fact that the shape of the trihedron remains very close to that of the triangular trihedra of the elements conventional retro-reflectors, have a general appearance quite similar to that of these, if we is of course placed under lighting conditions ambient or diffuse, such as daylight.
- the element pseudo-catadioptric does not fulfill any optical function with regard to the light emitted by the source light of the traffic light (or sources of the traffic light block). Indeed, such elements, due to their geometry, do not leave not pass the light emitted from inside the fire, so that it cannot participate in the beam signaling formed.
- EP-A-0 549 423 which also belongs to the plaintiff, as well as document EP-A1-0 492 890, propose to realize pseudo-catadioptric elements in cone shape, choosing a value for them angle at the top allowing them to pass the incident light emitted from inside the fire.
- the area including the pseudo-catadioptric elements can then participate in the formation of the signaling beam.
- the optical function fulfilled by the conical elements is a dispersion function, which does not not allow to control the photometry of the beam of signaling.
- the distribution of the illumination of the signaling beam in space is determined by means of a "photometric grid" placed at a distance fire, and standards generally impose a illumination included in a solid angle extending, in vertical direction, in an area between 10 ° high and 5 ° low for the zone of greatest intensity the photometric grid, the rest of the beam being dispersed over a solid angle typically between 10 ° and 30 ° both in horizontal direction and vertical.
- the pseudo-catadioptric elements in the form of cone scatter the light rays in all directions and therefore illuminate all the points of the photometric grid.
- the cited document proposes to vary the orientation of the axes of the cones of an element pseudo-catadioptric to another, so as to adjust overall light scattering through the zones pseudo-catadioptric.
- it is only to spread the beam even more to make it uniform, which goes against the general concern of particular photometric conformation of the beam, for which we want to concentrate the maxima lighting in well-defined directions.
- One of the aims of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of known techniques, by offering a multifunction signaling light having closing glass provided with elements pseudo-catadioptrics likely to cooperate with light rays emitted from inside the fire so as to deflect these (and no longer disperse them) and thus participate in the definition of the beam of signage for obtaining a diagram particular photometric.
- the traffic light multifunctional according to the invention which is of the type comprising a base defining a set of signaling compartments housing sources bright and closed by a window, the window comprising at least a first zone intended to fill a catadioptric retroreflection function and at least a second zone comprising a plurality of elements pseudo-catadioptrics capable of ensuring, by an aspect general in ambient light similar to that of the first zone, a continuity of appearance with this last but without performing its function, is characterized in that at least some of the elements second zone pseudo-catadioptrics are elements each with the inner side of the glass a prismatic shape and fulfilling a function deflector in vertical and / or horizontal direction of light rays from a light source of fire and crossing the ice at the location of this element pseudo-catadioptric.
- the dimensions of the elements second zone pseudo-catadioptrics are, in projection on the plane tangent to the ice, substantially the same as those of catadioptric elements neighbors, from the first zone.
- the direction of normal to the prism incidence face can vary from a pseudo-catadioptric element to a other.
- a group of pseudo-catadioptric elements is arranged in an elongated strip comprising at least one row of these items.
- these elongated strips of elements pseudo-catadioptric are preferably arranged substantially in alignment with a plurality homologous elongated bands of elements catadioptrics of the first zone.
- the elongated strips of elements second zone pseudo-catadioptrics and the bands elongated counterparts of catadioptric elements of the first area with which they are aligned have then substantially the same respective widths.
- these elongated strips pseudo-catadioptric elements are arranged in alternating with a plurality of elongated bands of elements fulfilling a function of dispersion of light rays crossing the ice at the location of this element, such as elements with a toric surface or spherical.
- the closing glass is made up of two superimposed elements, the element interior carrying on its inner face the various optical elements, and the external element being smooth on both sides.
- Figure 1 is a front view of a block of lights signage, showing the various areas of different functions.
- Figure 2 is a schematic section, according to 2-2 of figure 1, of the block of traffic lights of the figure 1.
- Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the region marked 3 in FIG. 1, showing, on the right, an area fitted with pseudo-catadioptric elements and, on the left, an area provided with true catadioptric elements.
- Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the region marked 4 in Figure 3, showing the detail of catadioptric and pseudo-catadioptric elements.
- Figure 5 is a vertical section on 5-5 of Figure 4, of the area comprising the elements pseudo-catadioptric.
- Figure 6 is a horizontal section, along 6-6 of FIG. 4, of this same zone.
- the reference 10 designates, generally speaking, a block of traffic lights multifunction including, inside the compartments of a base or case 12, a plurality of light sources 14, the whole being closed by a monobloc closing glass 16.
- FIGS 3 and 4 show in more detail the contiguous regions of zones 18 and 20.
- Zone 18 is a zone providing a catadioptric retroreflection function, and for this purpose has elongated bands horizontal 30 of retro-reflecting elements 32 (figure 4).
- These elements 32 are for example elements such than those described in FR-A-2 590 213, which belongs to the plaintiff, i.e. elements in the form of trirectangle trihedron truncated by parallel planes, so as to give these elements an outline rectangular, the elements 32 being orientable head to tail from one element to the adjacent element; we will be able to refer to the above document for a description more detailed of these catadioptric elements and their optical role.
- the rows 30 of catadioptric elements are alternated with rows 34 of dispersing elements, for example toric elements, cooperating with light rays emitted by the lamp 14 and reflected on the associated reflector.
- the luminous flux produced by the lamp 14 is concentrated by the reflector in a beam and dispersed by the toroids to give the illumination diagram desired (here and below, we will assimilate to the case of torus that of the balls, and each time that we speak of "toroids" should be understood to mean “tori or balls ", these two optical means can be substituted without modification of the rest of the elements).
- This configuration therefore ensures the function position light beam optics, function which must also be fulfilled by zone 18.
- Zone 20 for its part, comprises a plurality of bands 38 of alternating pseudo-catadioptric elements with strips 42 of beam scattering elements.
- the pseudo-catadioptric elements 40 are visible in more detail on figure 4 and the sections of the figures 5 and 6, and we will explain below the structure and function.
- the strips 30 of elements catadioptric and 38 bands of elements pseudo-catadioptrics are arranged in alignment from each other and with respective widths 11 and 12 similar, so as to ensure, on the plan aesthetic, a continuity of appearance between the two areas closing glass.
- each of the elements pseudo-catadioptrics 40 has substantially the same dimensions (length and width) as the elements retro-reflectors 32 of the row in the extension of which it is, also for aesthetic concern.
- the bands of pseudo-catadioptric elements 38 are arranged alternately with bands 42 dispersing elements, for example elements toric 44 similar to toric elements 36 and ensuring the same role of dispersion of the light beam previously concentrated by the reflector, so that participate in the definition of the signaling beam corresponding (a brake light beam, for the area 20).
- Figures 5 and 6 show more precisely the structure of the deviating pseudo-catadioptric elements 40 according to the invention.
- These elements 40 are prismatic elements, therefore having an optical ray deflection function light directly emitted by the light source (at the difference of toroids 44 which, on the one hand, have a optical function of dispersion and not of deviation and, on the other hand, cooperate with the light rays after reflection on the parabolic reflector associated with the lamp and not with incident rays directly from of the latter).
- the area occupied by these elements pseudo-catadioptrics according to the invention is therefore, at the difference from the closing windows of the prior art, a useful surface participating in the definition of the signaling beam. They thus allow, if need is, to reduce the total area of functions illuminating while maintaining the continuity of appearance characteristic of their pseudo-catadioptric nature.
- angles ⁇ (in vertical direction) and ⁇ (in horizontal direction) of each prism are chosen from so as to deflect the incident rays in one direction given, determined according to the illumination of the photometric grid which one wishes to obtain.
- angles ⁇ and ⁇ vary by element pseudo-catadioptric to another depending on these settings.
- the closing glass 16 consists of two surfaces or "transparencies" joined 46 and 48, transparency 46 located on the inner side of the glass bearing on its face interior the various catadioptric elements, dispersers or deflectors, and transparency 48 being a transparent smooth on both sides.
- transparency 46 located on the inner side of the glass bearing on its face interior the various catadioptric elements, dispersers or deflectors
- transparency 48 being a transparent smooth on both sides.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Optical Elements Other Than Lenses (AREA)
- Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
Description
L'invention concerne les dispositifs optiques de signalisation, et plus particulièrement un nouveau feu de signalisation multifonctions équipé d'éléments catadioptriques et pseudo-catadioptriques.The invention relates to optical devices for signaling, and more particularly a new light multifunction signaling device fitted with elements catadioptric and pseudo-catadioptric.
Les éléments catadioptriques sont aujourd'hui généralement réalisés sous forme d'éléments ou "aiguilles" en forme de trièdre trirectangle qui assurent, par réflexion totale sur les faces du trièdre, une fonction de rétroréflexion de la lumière incidente provenant d'une direction proche de l'axe longitudinal de l'élément.The retro-reflecting elements are today generally made in the form of elements or "needles" in the shape of a triangular trihedron which ensure, by total reflection on the faces of the trihedron, an incident light retroreflection function coming from a direction close to the longitudinal axis of the element.
Les dimensions et la position des zones catadioptriques de signalisation étant strictement limitées par des prescriptions réglementaires, on prolonge habituellement cette zone catadioptrique par une zone contenant des éléments dits "pseudo-catadioptriques", c'est-à-dire des éléments optiques qui, vus de l'extérieur et en éclairage diffus, par exemple en lumière du jour, présentent un aspect voisin de celui d'un véritable élément catadioptrique, mais n'en possèdent pas la fonction de rétroréflexion.The dimensions and position of the zones signaling reflectors being strictly limited by regulatory requirements, we usually extends this retro-reflecting zone by an area containing so-called elements "pseudo-catadioptrics", that is to say elements optics which, seen from the outside and in diffuse lighting, for example in daylight, have an aspect close to that of a real catadioptric element, but do not have the retroreflection function.
Ceci permet de disposer d'une glace de fermeture dont les dimensions ne sont pas limitées par celles de la zone catadioptrique, en conservant pour le feu ou bloc de feux un aspect tout à fait homogène pour un observateur extérieur, sans démarcation visuelle à l'endroit de la zone catadioptrique.This provides a closing window whose dimensions are not limited by those of the catadioptric zone, keeping for fire or block of lights a completely homogeneous appearance for a outside observer, without visual demarcation at the location of the catadioptric zone.
Diverses structures d'éléments pseudo-catadioptriques ont déjà été proposées.Various element structures pseudo-catadioptrics have already been proposed.
Ainsi, FR-A-2 589 983, qui appartient à la demanderesse, décrit des éléments pseudo-catadioptriques en forme de trièdres quasi-trirectangles, par exemple par décalage angulaire d'au moins l'une des faces d'un trièdre trirectangle. Pour l'observateur, ces éléments, du fait que la forme du trièdre reste tout de même très proche de celle des trièdres trirectangles des éléments catadioptriques conventionnels, ont un aspect général tout à fait similaire à celui de ces derniers, si l'on se place bien entendu dans des conditions d'éclairement ambiant ou diffus, telles que la lumière du jour.FR-A-2 589 983, which belongs to the plaintiff, describes pseudo-catadioptric elements in the form of quasi-triangular trihedra, for example by angular offset of at least one of the faces of a triangular trihedron. To the observer, these elements, the fact that the shape of the trihedron remains very close to that of the triangular trihedra of the elements conventional retro-reflectors, have a general appearance quite similar to that of these, if we is of course placed under lighting conditions ambient or diffuse, such as daylight.
Cependant, dans cette solution connue, l'élément pseudo-catadioptrique ne remplit aucune fonction optique en ce qui concerne la lumière émise par la source lumineuse du feu de signalisation (ou les sources lumineuses du bloc de feux de signalisation). En effet, de tels éléments, du fait de leur géométrie, ne laissent pas passer la lumière émise depuis l'intérieur du feu, de sorte que celle-ci ne peut pas participer au faisceau de signalisation formé.However, in this known solution, the element pseudo-catadioptric does not fulfill any optical function with regard to the light emitted by the source light of the traffic light (or sources of the traffic light block). Indeed, such elements, due to their geometry, do not leave not pass the light emitted from inside the fire, so that it cannot participate in the beam signaling formed.
Le document EP-A-0 549 423, qui appartient également à la demanderesse, ainsi que le document EP-A1-0 492 890, proposent de réaliser des éléments pseudo-catadioptriques en forme de cône, en choisissant pour ces derniers une valeur d'angle au sommet leur permettant de laisser passer la lumière incidente émise depuis l'intérieur du feu. La zone comprenant les éléments pseudo-catadioptriques peut alors participer à la formation du faisceau de signalisation.EP-A-0 549 423, which also belongs to the plaintiff, as well as document EP-A1-0 492 890, propose to realize pseudo-catadioptric elements in cone shape, choosing a value for them angle at the top allowing them to pass the incident light emitted from inside the fire. The area including the pseudo-catadioptric elements can then participate in the formation of the signaling beam.
Toutefois, la fonction optique remplie par les éléments coniques, du fait de la géométrie isotrope de ces derniers, est une fonction de dispersion, qui ne permet pas de contrôler la photométrie du faisceau de signalisation. En effet, la répartition de l'éclairement du faisceau de signalisation dans l'espace est déterminé au moyen d'une "grille photométrique" placée à distance du feu, et les normes imposent généralement un éclairement compris dans un angle solide s'étendant, en direction verticale, dans une zone comprise entre 10° haut et 5° bas pour la zone de plus grande intensité de la grille photométrique, le reste du faisceau étant dispersé sur un angle solide typiquement compris entre 10° et 30° à la fois en direction horizontale et verticale.However, the optical function fulfilled by the conical elements, due to the isotropic geometry of these, is a dispersion function, which does not not allow to control the photometry of the beam of signaling. Indeed, the distribution of the illumination of the signaling beam in space is determined by means of a "photometric grid" placed at a distance fire, and standards generally impose a illumination included in a solid angle extending, in vertical direction, in an area between 10 ° high and 5 ° low for the zone of greatest intensity the photometric grid, the rest of the beam being dispersed over a solid angle typically between 10 ° and 30 ° both in horizontal direction and vertical.
Or les éléments pseudo-catadioptriques en forme de cône dispersent les rayons lumineux dans toutes les directions et éclairent donc tous les points de la grille photométrique. Comme palliatif à cette difficulté, le document cité propose de faire varier l'orientation des axes des cônes d'un élément pseudo-catadioptrique à un autre, de façon à ajuster globalement la diffusion de la lumière par les zones pseudo-catadioptriques. Il ne s'agit cependant que d'étaler encore plus le faisceau pour le rendre uniforme, ce qui va à l'encontre du souci général de conformation photométrique particulière du faisceau, pour lequel on souhaite concentrer les maxima d'éclairage dans des directions bien définies.Now the pseudo-catadioptric elements in the form of cone scatter the light rays in all directions and therefore illuminate all the points of the photometric grid. As a palliative to this difficulty, the cited document proposes to vary the orientation of the axes of the cones of an element pseudo-catadioptric to another, so as to adjust overall light scattering through the zones pseudo-catadioptric. However, it is only to spread the beam even more to make it uniform, which goes against the general concern of particular photometric conformation of the beam, for which we want to concentrate the maxima lighting in well-defined directions.
L'un des buts de la présente invention est de remédier aux inconvénients des techniques connues, en proposant un feu de signalisation multifonctions possédant une glace de fermeture pourvue d'éléments pseudo-catadioptriques susceptibles de coopérer avec les rayons lumineux émis depuis l'intérieur du feu de manière à dévier ceux-ci (et non plus les disperser) et participer ainsi à la définition du faisceau de signalisation pour l'obtention d'un diagramme photométrique particulier.One of the aims of the present invention is to remedy the drawbacks of known techniques, by offering a multifunction signaling light having closing glass provided with elements pseudo-catadioptrics likely to cooperate with light rays emitted from inside the fire so as to deflect these (and no longer disperse them) and thus participate in the definition of the beam of signage for obtaining a diagram particular photometric.
À cet effet, le feu de signalisation multifonctions selon l'invention, qui est du type comportant un socle définissant un ensemble de compartiments de signalisation abritant des sources lumineuses et fermé par une glace, la glace comportant au moins une première zone destinée à remplir une fonction de rétroréflexion catadioptrique et au moins une deuxième zone comportant une pluralité d'éléments pseudo-catadioptriques aptes à assurer, par un aspect général en lumière ambiante similaire à celui de la première zone, une continuité d'aspect avec cette dernière mais sans en remplir la fonction, est caractérisé en ce qu'au moins certains des éléments pseudo-catadioptriques de la deuxième zone sont des éléments présentant chacun du côté intérieur de la glace une forme prismatique et remplissant une fonction déviatrice en direction verticale et/ou horizontale des rayons lumineux issus d'une source lumineuse du feu et traversant la glace à l'endroit de cet élément pseudo-catadioptrique.For this purpose, the traffic light multifunctional according to the invention, which is of the type comprising a base defining a set of signaling compartments housing sources bright and closed by a window, the window comprising at least a first zone intended to fill a catadioptric retroreflection function and at least a second zone comprising a plurality of elements pseudo-catadioptrics capable of ensuring, by an aspect general in ambient light similar to that of the first zone, a continuity of appearance with this last but without performing its function, is characterized in that at least some of the elements second zone pseudo-catadioptrics are elements each with the inner side of the glass a prismatic shape and fulfilling a function deflector in vertical and / or horizontal direction of light rays from a light source of fire and crossing the ice at the location of this element pseudo-catadioptric.
De préférence, les dimensions des éléments pseudo-catadioptriques de la deuxième zone sont, en projection sur le plan tangent à la glace, sensiblement les mêmes que celles des éléments catadioptriques voisins, de la première zone.Preferably, the dimensions of the elements second zone pseudo-catadioptrics are, in projection on the plane tangent to the ice, substantially the same as those of catadioptric elements neighbors, from the first zone.
Pour optimiser le rôle optique de la glace, la direction de la normale à la face d'incidence du prisme peut varier d'un élément pseudo-catadioptrique à un autre.To optimize the optical role of ice, the direction of normal to the prism incidence face can vary from a pseudo-catadioptric element to a other.
Dans une forme de réalisation préférentielle, au moins un groupe d'éléments pseudo-catadioptriques est disposé en une bande allongée comportant au moins une rangée de ces éléments. Lorsqu'il est prévu une pluralité de ces bandes allongées d'éléments pseudo-catadioptriques, celles-ci sont de préférence disposées sensiblement en alignement avec une pluralité de bandes allongées homologues d'éléments catadioptriques de la première zone. De préférence également, les bandes allongées d'éléments pseudo-catadioptriques de la deuxième zone et les bandes allongées homologues d'éléments catadioptriques de la première zone avec lesquelles elles sont alignées ont alors sensiblement les mêmes largeurs respectives.In a preferred embodiment, at minus a group of pseudo-catadioptric elements is arranged in an elongated strip comprising at least one row of these items. When a plurality of these elongated strips of elements pseudo-catadioptric, these are preferably arranged substantially in alignment with a plurality homologous elongated bands of elements catadioptrics of the first zone. Preferably also, the elongated strips of elements second zone pseudo-catadioptrics and the bands elongated counterparts of catadioptric elements of the first area with which they are aligned have then substantially the same respective widths.
De préférence encore, ces bandes allongées d'éléments pseudo-catadioptriques sont disposées en alternance avec une pluralité de bandes allongées d'éléments remplissant une fonction de dispersion des rayons lumineux traversant la glace à l'endroit de cet élément, tels que des éléments à surface torique ou sphérique.More preferably, these elongated strips pseudo-catadioptric elements are arranged in alternating with a plurality of elongated bands of elements fulfilling a function of dispersion of light rays crossing the ice at the location of this element, such as elements with a toric surface or spherical.
Enfin il est avantageux que la glace de fermeture soit constituée de deux éléments superposés, l'élément intérieur portant sur sa face intérieure les divers éléments optiques, et l'élément extérieur étant lisse sur ses deux faces.Finally it is advantageous that the closing glass is made up of two superimposed elements, the element interior carrying on its inner face the various optical elements, and the external element being smooth on both sides.
D'autres buts, caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaítront à la lecture de la description détaillée ci-dessous d'un exemple de réalisation, faite en référence aux dessins annexés.Other purposes, features and benefits of the invention will appear on reading the description detailed below of an embodiment, made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
La figure 1 est une vue de face d'un bloc de feux de signalisation, montrant les diverses zones de fonctions différentes.Figure 1 is a front view of a block of lights signage, showing the various areas of different functions.
La figure 2 est une coupe schématique, selon 2-2 de la figure 1, du bloc de feux de signalisation de la figure 1.Figure 2 is a schematic section, according to 2-2 of figure 1, of the block of traffic lights of the figure 1.
La figure 3 est une vue agrandie de la région repérée 3 de la figure 1, montrant, à droite, une zone pourvue d'éléments pseudo-catadioptriques et, à gauche, une zone pourvue d'éléments catadioptriques vrais.Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the region marked 3 in FIG. 1, showing, on the right, an area fitted with pseudo-catadioptric elements and, on the left, an area provided with true catadioptric elements.
La figure 4 est une vue agrandie de la région repérée 4 sur la figure 3, montrant le détail des éléments catadioptriques et pseudo-catadioptriques.Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the region marked 4 in Figure 3, showing the detail of catadioptric and pseudo-catadioptric elements.
La figure 5 est une coupe verticale, selon 5-5 de la figure 4, de la zone comprenant les éléments pseudo-catadioptriques.Figure 5 is a vertical section on 5-5 of Figure 4, of the area comprising the elements pseudo-catadioptric.
La figure 6 est une coupe horizontale, selon 6-6 de la figure 4, de cette même zone.Figure 6 is a horizontal section, along 6-6 of FIG. 4, of this same zone.
Sur les figures 1 et 2, la référence 10 désigne,
de façon générale, un bloc de feux de signalisation
multifonctions comprenant, à l'intérieur des
compartiments d'un socle ou boítier 12, une pluralité de
sources lumineuses 14, l'ensemble étant clos par une
glace de fermeture monobloc 16.In FIGS. 1 and 2, the
Cette glace de fermeture définit des zones de fonctions différentes, avec :
- une
zone 18 à double fonction : fonction feu de position et fonction catadioptrique ; - une
zone 20 de feu stop ; - une
zone 22 de feu de position et feu antibrouillard ; - une
zone 24 de feu clignotant ; - une
zone 26 de feu de recul.
- a dual function zone 18: position light function and catadioptric function;
- a
stop light zone 20; - a
zone 22 of position light and fog light; - a flashing
light zone 24; - a reversing
light zone 26.
Ces diverses zones présentent, de manière en
elle-même connue, des colorations différentes en
fonction des prescriptions réglementaires en la matière,
la couleur du faisceau émis pouvant éventuellement
résulter de la couleur de la glace de fermeture 16
combinée à la couleur d'une bonnette telle que 28
coiffant certaines des lampes.These various zones present, in a way
itself known, different colors in
depending on regulatory requirements in this area,
the color of the beam emitted possibly being
result from the color of the
On a représenté plus en détail figures 3 et 4 les
régions contiguës des zones 18 et 20.Figures 3 and 4 show in more detail the
contiguous regions of
La zone 18, comme on l'a indiqué, est une zone
procurant une fonction de rétroréflexion catadioptrique,
et comporte à cet effet des bandes allongées
horizontales 30 d'éléments catadioptriques 32 (figure
4). Ces éléments 32 sont par exemple des éléments tels
que ceux décrits dans le FR-A-2 590 213, qui appartient
à la demanderesse, c'est-à-dire des éléments en forme de
trièdre trirectangle tronqué par des plans parallèles,
de manière à donner à ces éléments un contour
rectangulaire, les éléments 32 pouvant être orientés
tête-bêche d'un élément à l'élément adjacent ; on pourra
se reporter au document précité pour une description
plus détaillée de ces éléments catadioptriques et de
leur rôle optique.
Les rangées 30 d'éléments catadioptriques sont
alternées avec des rangées 34 d'éléments dispersants,
par exemple des éléments toriques, coopérant avec les
rayons lumineux émis par la lampe 14 et réfléchis sur le
réflecteur qui lui est associé. De façon en elle-même
connue, le flux lumineux produit par la lampe 14 est
concentré par le réflecteur en un faisceau et dispersé
par les tores pour donner le diagramme d'éclairement
souhaité (ici et dans la suite, on assimilera au cas des
tores celui des billes, et chaque fois que l'on parlera
de "tores" il y aura lieu de comprendre "tores ou
billes", ces deux moyens optiques pouvant être
substitués sans modification du reste des éléments).
Cette configuration permet donc d'assurer la fonction
optique de formation du faisceau de feu de position,
fonction qui doit être également remplie par la zone 18.The
La zone 20, quant à elle, comporte une pluralité
de bandes 38 d'éléments pseudo-catadioptriques, alternés
avec des bandes 42 d'éléments de dispersion du faisceau.
Les éléments pseudo-catadioptriques 40 sont visibles
plus en détail sur la figure 4 et les coupes des figures
5 et 6, et on en exposera plus loin la structure et la
fonction.
De préférence, les bandes 30 d'éléments
catadioptriques et les bandes 38 d'éléments
pseudo-catadioptriques sont disposées en alignement
l'une de l'autre et avec des largeurs respectives 11 et
12 semblables, de manière à assurer, sur le plan
esthétique, une continuité d'aspect entre les deux zones
de la glace de fermeture.Preferably, the
En outre, chacun des éléments
pseudo-catadioptriques 40 a sensiblement les mêmes
dimensions (longueur et largeur) que les éléments
catadioptriques 32 de la rangée dans le prolongement de
laquelle il se trouve, également par souci esthétique.In addition, each of the elements
pseudo-catadioptrics 40 has substantially the same
dimensions (length and width) as the elements
retro-
Les bandes d'éléments pseudo-catadioptriques 38
sont disposées en alternance avec des bandes 42
d'éléments dispersants, par exemple des éléments
toriques 44 semblables aux éléments toriques 36 et
assurant le même rôle de dispersion du faisceau lumineux
préalablement concentré par le réflecteur, de manière à
participer à la définition du faisceau de signalisation
correspondant (un faisceau de feu stop, pour la zone
20).The bands of
Les figures 5 et 6 montrent plus précisément la
structure des éléments pseudo-catadioptriques déviateurs
40 selon l'invention.Figures 5 and 6 show more precisely the
structure of the deviating
Ces éléments 40 sont des éléments prismatiques,
ayant donc une fonction optique de déviation des rayons
lumineux directement émis par la source lumineuse (à la
différence des tores 44 qui, d'une part, ont une
fonction optique de dispersion et non de déviation et,
d'autre part, coopèrent avec les rayons lumineux après
réflexion sur le réflecteur parabolique associé à la
lampe et non avec les rayons incidents directement issus
de cette dernière).These
La surface occupée par ces éléments pseudo-catadioptriques selon l'invention est donc, à la différence des glaces de fermeture de l'art antérieur, une surface utile participant à la définition du faisceau de signalisation. Ils permettent ainsi, si besoin est, de réduire la surface totale des fonctions éclairantes tout en conservant la continuité d'aspect caractéristique de leur nature pseudo-catadioptrique.The area occupied by these elements pseudo-catadioptrics according to the invention is therefore, at the difference from the closing windows of the prior art, a useful surface participating in the definition of the signaling beam. They thus allow, if need is, to reduce the total area of functions illuminating while maintaining the continuity of appearance characteristic of their pseudo-catadioptric nature.
Les angles α (en direction verticale) et β (en direction horizontale) de chaque prisme sont choisis de manière à dévier les rayons incidents dans une direction donnée, déterminée en fonction de l'éclairement de la grille photométrique que l'on souhaite obtenir.The angles α (in vertical direction) and β (in horizontal direction) of each prism are chosen from so as to deflect the incident rays in one direction given, determined according to the illumination of the photometric grid which one wishes to obtain.
Compte tenu, d'une part, des contraintes d'étalement du faisceau et, d'autre part, du fait que la glace présente souvent une courbure pour des raisons de style, les angles α et β varient d'un élément pseudo-catadioptrique à un autre en fonction de ces paramètres.Taking into account, on the one hand, the constraints beam spreading and, secondly, the fact that the ice often has a curvature for reasons of style, angles α and β vary by element pseudo-catadioptric to another depending on these settings.
Sur les figures 5 et 6, on peut remarquer que la
glace de fermeture 16 est constituée de deux surfaces ou
"transparents" accolés 46 et 48, le transparent 46 situé
du côté intérieur de la glace portant sur sa face
intérieure les divers éléments catadioptriques,
disperseurs ou déviateurs, et le transparent 48 étant un
transparent lisse sur ses deux faces. Une telle
structure permet notamment de réaliser aisément une
glace de fermeture selon l'invention pour un bloc ou un
bandeau présentant des zones ayant des structures, des
fonctions optiques et des couleurs différentes.In Figures 5 and 6, it can be seen that the
Claims (9)
- Multifunction signalling light for a motor vehicle, of the type having a base (12) defining a set of signalling compartments housing light sources (14) and closed by a lens (16), the lens having at least one first area (18) intended to fulfil a catadioptric retroreflection function and at least one second area (20, 22) having a plurality of pseudo-catadioptric elements capable of providing, through a general appearance in ambient light similar to that of the first area, a continuity of appearance therewith but without fulfilling the function thereof,
said light characterised in that at least certain of the pseudo-catadioptric elements in the second area are elements (40) each having on the internal side of the lens a prismatic form and fulfilling a function of deflecting, in the vertical and/or horizontal direction, rays issuing directly from a light source (14) of the light and passing through the lens at the location of this pseudo-catadioptric element. - Signalling light according to Claim 1, in which the dimensions of the pseudo-catadioptric elements (40) in the second area are, projected onto the plane tangential to the lens, substantially the same as those of the neighbouring catadioptric elements (32), in the first area.
- Signalling light according to Claim 1, in which the direction of the normal to the face of incidence of the prism varies from one pseudo-catadioptric element to another.
- Signalling light according to Claim 1, in which at least one group of pseudo-catadioptric elements is disposed in a long strip (38) having at least one row of these elements.
- Signalling light according to Claim 4, having a plurality of long strips (38) of pseudo-catadioptric elements, in which these long strips of pseudo-catadioptric elements, in the second area, are disposed substantially in alignment with a plurality of equivalent long strips (30) of catadioptric elements in the first area.
- Signalling light according to Claim 5, in which the long strips of pseudo-catadioptric elements in the second area and the equivalent long strips of catadioptric elements in the first area with which they are aligned have substantially the same respective widths (11; 12).
- Signalling light according to Claim 4, having a plurality of long strips (38) of pseudo-catadioptric elements disposed alternately with a plurality of long strips (42) of elements (44) fulfilling a function of dispersing light rays passing through the lens at the location of that element.
- Signalling light according to Claim 7, in which the elements (44) fulfilling a light ray dispersal function are elements with a toric or spherical surface.
- Signalling light according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the closure lens (16) consists of two superposed elements (46, 48), the inner element (46) having on its internal face the various optical elements (32, 40), and the outer element (48) being smooth on both its faces.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| FR9505476 | 1995-05-09 | ||
| FR9505476A FR2733949B1 (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1995-05-09 | MULTIFUNCTIONAL SIGNAL LIGHT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, EQUIPPED WITH CATADIOPTRIC AND PSEUDO-CATADIOPTRIC ELEMENTS |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0742409A1 EP0742409A1 (en) | 1996-11-13 |
| EP0742409B1 true EP0742409B1 (en) | 2002-11-13 |
Family
ID=9478800
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP96400972A Expired - Lifetime EP0742409B1 (en) | 1995-05-09 | 1996-05-07 | Motor vehicle multifunction signal light comprising catadioptric and pseudocatadioptric elements |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0742409B1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69624754T2 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2186761T3 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2733949B1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19844594A1 (en) * | 1998-09-29 | 2000-05-11 | Hella Kg Hueck & Co | Light for motor vehicles |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE1099408B (en) * | 1958-08-05 | 1961-02-09 | Westfaelische Metall Ind K G H | Signal light, especially for motor vehicles |
| US4120018A (en) * | 1977-01-27 | 1978-10-10 | Dominion Auto Accessories Limited | Stop, tail and signal lamp |
| DE9001659U1 (en) * | 1990-02-13 | 1990-04-19 | Hella KG Hueck & Co, 4780 Lippstadt | Rear light for vehicles |
| DE4025393C1 (en) * | 1990-08-10 | 1992-01-09 | Hella Kg Hueck & Co, 4780 Lippstadt, De |
-
1995
- 1995-05-09 FR FR9505476A patent/FR2733949B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1996
- 1996-05-07 ES ES96400972T patent/ES2186761T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-05-07 EP EP96400972A patent/EP0742409B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-05-07 DE DE69624754T patent/DE69624754T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE69624754D1 (en) | 2002-12-19 |
| FR2733949A1 (en) | 1996-11-15 |
| ES2186761T3 (en) | 2003-05-16 |
| FR2733949B1 (en) | 1997-08-01 |
| DE69624754T2 (en) | 2003-08-14 |
| EP0742409A1 (en) | 1996-11-13 |
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