EP1271050A1 - Lighting or signaling device for automotive vehicles with improved appearance - Google Patents

Lighting or signaling device for automotive vehicles with improved appearance Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1271050A1
EP1271050A1 EP02291427A EP02291427A EP1271050A1 EP 1271050 A1 EP1271050 A1 EP 1271050A1 EP 02291427 A EP02291427 A EP 02291427A EP 02291427 A EP02291427 A EP 02291427A EP 1271050 A1 EP1271050 A1 EP 1271050A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
lighting
signaling
mask
housing
glass
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP02291427A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Alain Bost
Alain Dossot
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
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Vision SAS filed Critical Valeo Vision SAS
Publication of EP1271050A1 publication Critical patent/EP1271050A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • F21S43/50—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by aesthetic components not otherwise provided for, e.g. decorative trim, partition walls or covers
    • 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 lighting or lighting devices. signaling, intended to equip motor vehicles.
  • Such devices usually include a housing serving as support and positioning different optical components, such as one or more light sources, one or more reflecting surfaces collecting the light flux emitted by these sources to redirect it to a window for closing and protecting the lighting device or signaling.
  • a housing serving as support and positioning different optical components, such as one or more light sources, one or more reflecting surfaces collecting the light flux emitted by these sources to redirect it to a window for closing and protecting the lighting device or signaling.
  • Light sources used in signaling devices can fill several functions: they can for example constitute a lantern, a stop light, an indicator change of direction, rear fog light, etc., many of these functions can be grouped in the same case closed by a single glass. Likewise, light sources used in lighting devices can fulfill several functions : to form beams of crossing, road, fog light, and also functions of signaling such as a city lamp or a direction change indicator.
  • the glass of a lighting and / or signaling device can spread to regions where it no longer has any optical function, but only one aesthetic or aerodynamic role, for the sake of continuity of shapes or lines with the bodywork surrounding the vehicle. It is then common to have in these regions, behind the protective glass, a so-called “style” mask, provided with an adequate coating, for example reflective or, in the absence of a mask, to conform or to treat the casing of the device lighting or signaling, then visible behind the protective glass, so that it has a predetermined appearance, most of the time glossy, obtained by aluminizing the mask visible through protective glass.
  • a so-called “style” mask provided with an adequate coating, for example reflective or, in the absence of a mask, to conform or to treat the casing of the device lighting or signaling, then visible behind the protective glass, so that it has a predetermined appearance, most of the time glossy, obtained by aluminizing the mask visible through protective glass.
  • the general tendency is to use a mask or a case, on which a layer reflective was deposited by aluminizing, in front of which is placed a closing glass colored or not. If the lighting or signaling device has several compartments each fulfilling a lighting or signaling function, having by definition different regulatory colors, it follows that the glass cannot have the same color in front of these different compartments.
  • one solution is to use a lightly colored glass, and to place between the light source of each compartment and the glass a colored filter, of appropriate color compared to that of ice to obtain by subtractive synthesis a signaling beam of color regulatory.
  • the present invention is placed in this context and aims to provide a device lighting or signaling whose parts do not participate in the development of the beam luminous lighting or signaling and visible through the closing glass have a predetermined appearance and / or color without having the drawbacks of the prior art, that is, by increasing neither the time nor the manufacturing cost nor the rejects, so simple and without disturbing the light or signaling light beam.
  • the present invention therefore relates to a lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing forming a support for at least one source light associated with at least one reflecting surface to form a light beam or signaling, a closing window being disposed in front of the light source, a mask being placed between the case and the closing glass in neutral zones of the device lighting or signaling.
  • the reflecting surface intended to form a beam lighting or signaling is metallized or metallic, and the mask is made of material transparent.
  • a signaling device designated as a whole by reference 10, and intended to be installed in a housing 12 formed in the body 14 of a vehicle.
  • a signaling device comprises a housing 16, fixed to the vehicle by means not shown, and serving as a support for different optical components, such as one or more light sources 18, one or more reflective surfaces 20 collecting the light flux emitted by the sources 18 to redirect it to a lens 22 of closure and protection of the signaling device 10.
  • the closing glass 22 ensures the continuity of shapes and lines with the adjacent bodywork elements 14 of the vehicle. It follows that regions of ice 22, such as A in FIG. 1, have no optical function, and do not are crossed by none of the light rays emitted by the source 18. Such regions A are called in this description the "neutral zones" of the lighting or signaling device. An outside observer can then see through the glass 22 the case 16, whereas in other regions the usual optical elements such as the light source 18 and the reflecting surface 20 are visible.
  • the reflecting surface 20 is obtained by metallization of the part of the housing 16 located in the vicinity of the lamp 18, and whose shape is determined, for example by molding, to give the light beam reflected by the surface 20 predetermined properties.
  • the reflecting surface 20 is a metal surface supported by the housing 16.
  • the mask 24 in transparent material, by example of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC), so that it leaves thus appear the housing 16, generally made of plastic material such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).
  • PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
  • PC polycarbonate
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • FIG. 2 a sectional view of the device signaling of Figure 1, in region A of ice 22.
  • the beam I usually consists of natural daylight, white in color, or artificial light, close to white light.
  • This beam crosses the ice 22, then the transparent mask 24, to reach the housing 16, of opaque material. It is then reflected, by the housing 16, and it again crosses the transparent mask 24, then the glass 22 for emerge from the signaling device where it can be perceived by the eye of an observer.
  • the housing 16 has a surface condition known as "mirror polish", so as to obtain specular reflections from the light rays incident on it.
  • the light beam I 2 after passing through the transparent mask 24, is no longer made up of white light, but contains only wavelengths determined by the color of the transparent mask 24.
  • the beam I 3 reflected and diffused by the wall of the housing 16, in turn contains only wavelengths determined by the color of the transparent mask 24 and by that of the surface of the housing 16 facing the mask 14.
  • the beam I 3 is then fully transmitted by the transparent mask 24, and by the glass 22 to form the emerging beam I 5 .
  • the colored glass 22 does not disturb the photometry of the signaling beam generated by the lamp 18, or may provide to have, between the lamp 18 and the glass 22, a colored filter 26, of a color complementary to that of the glass 22 to obtain, by subtractive synthesis, a light beam of the desired color.
  • the color of the ice 22 can be combined with those of the mask 24 and the housing 16.
  • the light beam I of white light, incident on region A of the glass of the signaling device, is reflected by the colored glass 22 to form the beam I 7 , and it crosses by forming the colored beam I 1 .
  • the beam I 1 is reflected by the mask 24 to form the beam I 6 , which crosses the colored glass 22 to form the beam I 8 .
  • the beam I 1 also passes through the transparent mask 24, to form the beam I 2 , which arrives on the housing 16, made of opaque material. It is then reflected by the housing 16, to form the beam I 3 which again crosses the transparent mask 24 to form the beam I 4 , then the glass 22 to form the beam I 5 emerging from the signaling device where it can be perceived through the eye of an observer.
  • the mask 24 is disposed at a short distance from the housing 16, such so that the mask 24 follows the shapes, concave and convex, of the housing 16, as we have represented in Figure 2.
  • the observer then has the impression of an absence of mask, and that the case itself has received a special surface treatment. For example, for a box of black color, a red mask and a pink ice, the observer the impression that, in neutral areas of the lighting or signaling device, the mask received a Nickel / Chrome metallization followed by a red varnishing.
  • the mask 24 and the housing 16 it will be possible obtain a lighting or signaling device whose parties do not participate in the development of the light or signaling beam visible through the glass of closure have a predetermined color.
  • the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have have been described, but those skilled in the art may on the contrary make numerous modifications to it that fall within its framework.
  • the present invention applies in the same way to neutral areas of a lighting device, in which the closing glass is so general colorless.
  • the colors of the mask and the case can then be chosen outside color constraints related to signage.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Surface Treatment Of Glass (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, comportant un boîtier (16) formant support pour au moins une source lumineuse (18) associée à au moins une surface réfléchissante (20) pour former un faisceau d'éclairage ou de signalisation, une glace de fermeture (22) étant disposée en avant de la source lumineuse (18), un masque (24) étant disposé entre le boîtier (16) et la glace de fermeture (22) dans des zones neutres (A) du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation. Selon la présente invention, seule la surface réfléchissante (20) destinée à former un faisceau d'éclairage ou de signalisation est métallisée ou métallique, et le masque (24) est en matériau transparent. <IMAGE>The present invention relates to a lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (16) forming a support for at least one light source (18) associated with at least one reflecting surface (20) to form a lighting beam. or signaling, a closing glass (22) being arranged in front of the light source (18), a mask (24) being arranged between the housing (16) and the closing glass (22) in neutral zones (A ) the lighting or signaling device. According to the present invention, only the reflecting surface (20) intended to form a lighting or signaling beam is metallized or metallic, and the mask (24) is made of transparent material. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne de manière générale les dispositifs d'éclairage ou de signalisation, destinés à équiper des véhicules automobiles.The present invention relates generally to lighting or lighting devices. signaling, intended to equip motor vehicles.

De tels dispositifs comportent habituellement un boítier servant de support et de positionnement de différents composants optiques, tels que une ou plusieurs sources lumineuses, une ou plusieurs surfaces réfléchissantes recueillant le flux lumineux émis par ces sources pour le rediriger vers une glace de fermeture et de protection du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation.Such devices usually include a housing serving as support and positioning different optical components, such as one or more light sources, one or more reflecting surfaces collecting the light flux emitted by these sources to redirect it to a window for closing and protecting the lighting device or signaling.

Les sources lumineuses utilisées dans les dispositifs de signalisation peuvent remplir plusieurs fonctions : elles peuvent par exemple constituer une lanterne, un feu de stop, un indicateur de changement de direction, un feu arrière de brouillard, etc..., plusieurs de ces fonctions pouvant être regroupées dans un même boítier fermé par une glace unique. De même, les sources lumineuses utilisées dans les dispositifs d'éclairage peuvent remplir plusieurs fonctions : former des faisceaux de croisement, de route, d'antibrouillard, et aussi des fonctions de signalisation telles qu'une lampe de ville ou un indicateur de changement de direction.Light sources used in signaling devices can fill several functions: they can for example constitute a lantern, a stop light, an indicator change of direction, rear fog light, etc., many of these functions can be grouped in the same case closed by a single glass. Likewise, light sources used in lighting devices can fulfill several functions : to form beams of crossing, road, fog light, and also functions of signaling such as a city lamp or a direction change indicator.

Les contraintes de l'aérodynamique et les conceptions des stylistes conduisent à des formes du boítier et/ou de la glace souvent très différentes de celles qui résultent uniquement de considérations techniques, tout en respectant les réglementations en vigueur s'appliquant à l'éclairage ou la signalisation.The constraints of aerodynamics and the designs of stylists lead to forms of the case and / or of the ice often very different from those which result only technical considerations, while respecting the applicable regulations applicable to lighting or signaling.

C'est ainsi par exemple que la glace d'un dispositif d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation peut s'étendre dans des régions où elle n'a plus aucune fonction optique, mais seulement un rôle esthétique ou aérodynamique, par souci de continuité de formes ou de lignes avec la carrosserie environnante du véhicule. Il est alors courant de disposer dans ces régions, derrière la glace de protection, un masque dit « de style », pourvu d'un revêtement adéquat, par exemple réfléchissant ou, en l'absence de masque, de conformer ou de traiter le boítier du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation, alors visible derrière la glace de protection, pour qu'il ait un aspect prédéterminé, le plus souvent brillant, obtenu par aluminiage du masque visible à travers la glace de protection.For example, the glass of a lighting and / or signaling device can spread to regions where it no longer has any optical function, but only one aesthetic or aerodynamic role, for the sake of continuity of shapes or lines with the bodywork surrounding the vehicle. It is then common to have in these regions, behind the protective glass, a so-called “style” mask, provided with an adequate coating, for example reflective or, in the absence of a mask, to conform or to treat the casing of the device lighting or signaling, then visible behind the protective glass, so that it has a predetermined appearance, most of the time glossy, obtained by aluminizing the mask visible through protective glass.

La tendance générale consiste à utiliser un masque ou un boítier, sur lequel une couche réfléchissante a été déposée par aluminiage, devant lequel est placée une glace de fermeture colorée ou non. Si le dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation comporte plusieurs compartiments remplissant chacun une fonction d'éclairage ou de signalisation, ayant par définition des couleurs réglementaires différentes, il en résulte que la glace ne peut pas avoir la même couleur devant ces différents compartiments.The general tendency is to use a mask or a case, on which a layer reflective was deposited by aluminizing, in front of which is placed a closing glass colored or not. If the lighting or signaling device has several compartments each fulfilling a lighting or signaling function, having by definition different regulatory colors, it follows that the glass cannot have the same color in front of these different compartments.

Si, en particulier pour des raisons de style, on désire que la glace de fermeture d'un dispositif de signalisation présente une couleur uniforme devant les différents compartiments, une solution consiste à utiliser une glace faiblement colorée, et à disposer entre la source lumineuse de chaque compartiment et la glace un filtre coloré, de couleur appropriée par rapport à celle de la glace pour obtenir par synthèse soustractive un faisceau de signalisation de couleur réglementaire.If, in particular for reasons of style, it is desired that the closing glass of a signaling device has a uniform color in front of the different compartments, one solution is to use a lightly colored glass, and to place between the light source of each compartment and the glass a colored filter, of appropriate color compared to that of ice to obtain by subtractive synthesis a signaling beam of color regulatory.

Toutes ces solutions connues donnent le résultat souhaité, mais présentent cependant des inconvénients. Elles nécessitent un ou plusieurs traitements de surface du masque ou du boítier pour leur donner l'aspect brillant et/ou coloré. Ces traitements de surface constituent des étapes de fabrication supplémentaires qui accroissent le coût du produit fini par le nombre important de mises au rebut en cours de fabrication pour défaut d'aspect. En effet, les zones de la glace de fermeture qui ne sont pas disposées en face d'une fonction d'éclairage ou de signalisation sont lisses, et laissent apparaítre le moindre défaut de métallisation ou d'état de la surface qui a reçu la métallisation, par exemple les retassures de cette surface.All of these known solutions give the desired result, but nevertheless have disadvantages. They require one or more surface treatments of the mask or housing to give them a shiny and / or colorful appearance. These surface treatments constitute additional manufacturing steps that increase the cost of the finished product by the number important of scrapping during manufacturing due to defect in appearance. Indeed, the zones closing glass which are not placed in front of a lighting function or signaling are smooth, and reveal the slightest defect in metallization or state of the surface which received the metallization, for example the recesses of this surface.

D'autre part, les considérations de style prennent de nos jours une importance croissante, et deviennent une préoccupation majeure en matière de conception d'équipements automobiles en général, et de projecteurs ou de feux de signalisation en particulier, les constructeurs de véhicules automobiles désirant que ces projecteurs ou feux de signalisation soient caractéristiques du modèle de véhicule qu'ils équipent, et les concepteurs recherchant toujours de nouvelles possibilités d'intégration esthétique de ces dispositifs d'éclairage ou de signalisation dans le véhicule. C'est ainsi que de nouveaux aspects de métallisation sont vivement recherchés, par exemple des types de métallisation Nickel/Chrome, donnant un revêtement réfléchissant de couleur sombre. Ces types de métallisation sont toutefois mal maítrisés, et ne donnent pas des résultats identiques pour des métallisations successives, et aboutissent à des mises au rebut trop importantes pour être tolérables.On the other hand, style considerations are taking on increasing importance these days, and become a major concern in the design of automotive equipment in general, and headlamps or signal lights in particular, manufacturers of motor vehicles wishing these headlights or signaling lights to be characteristics of the vehicle model they equip, and designers are still looking for new possibilities of aesthetic integration of these lighting or signaling devices in the vehicle. This is how new aspects of metallization are strongly sought, for example types of metallization Nickel / Chromium, giving a coating reflective dark color. These types of metallization are, however, poorly controlled, and do not not give identical results for successive metallizations, and lead to discarded too large to be tolerable.

La présente invention se place dans ce contexte et a pour but de proposer un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation dont les parties ne participant pas à l'élaboration du faisceau lumineux d'éclairage ou de signalisation et visibles à travers la glace de fermeture aient un aspect et/ou une couleur prédéterminé sans présenter les inconvénients de la technique antérieure, c'est à dire en n'augmentant ni le temps ni le coût de fabrication ni les rebuts, de manière simple et sans perturber le faisceau lumineux d'éclairage ou de signalisation.The present invention is placed in this context and aims to provide a device lighting or signaling whose parts do not participate in the development of the beam luminous lighting or signaling and visible through the closing glass have a predetermined appearance and / or color without having the drawbacks of the prior art, that is, by increasing neither the time nor the manufacturing cost nor the rejects, so simple and without disturbing the light or signaling light beam.

La présente invention a donc pour objet un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, comportant un boítier formant support pour au moins une source lumineuse associée à au moins une surface réfléchissante pour former un faisceau d'éclairage ou de signalisation, une glace de fermeture étant disposée en avant de la source lumineuse, un masque étant disposé entre le boítier et la glace de fermeture dans des zones neutres du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation.The present invention therefore relates to a lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing forming a support for at least one source light associated with at least one reflecting surface to form a light beam or signaling, a closing window being disposed in front of the light source, a mask being placed between the case and the closing glass in neutral zones of the device lighting or signaling.

Selon la présente invention, seule la surface réfléchissante destinée à former un faisceau d'éclairage ou de signalisation est métallisée ou métallique, et le masque est en matériau transparent.According to the present invention, only the reflecting surface intended to form a beam lighting or signaling is metallized or metallic, and the mask is made of material transparent.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques avantageuses et non limitatives de l'invention :

  • le masque est en un matériau transparent coloré ;
  • la glace de fermeture est colorée ;
  • un filtre coloré est disposé entre la source lumineuse et la glace de fermeture ;
  • le filtre coloré est d'une couleur complémentaire à celle de la glace de fermeture ;
  • dans les zones neutres du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation, le masque est disposé à faible distance du boítier.
According to other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of the invention:
  • the mask is made of a colored transparent material;
  • the closing glass is colored;
  • a colored filter is placed between the light source and the closing glass;
  • the colored filter is of a color complementary to that of the closing glass;
  • in the neutral areas of the lighting or signaling device, the mask is placed a short distance from the housing.

D'autres buts, caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention ressortiront clairement de la description qui va maintenant être faite d'un exemple de réalisation donné à titre non limitatif en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • La Figure 1 représente une vue en coupe d'un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation réalisé conformément à la présente invention,
  • La Figure 2 représente une vue en coupe à plus grande échelle selon la ligne II-II de la Figure 1, et montrant le cheminement des rayons lumineux, et
  • La Figure 3 représente une vue analogue à celle de la Figure 2, et montrant le cheminement des différents rayons lumineux incidents qui donnent un rayon émergeant.
Other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly from the description which will now be made of an embodiment given without limitation with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 represents a sectional view of a lighting or signaling device produced in accordance with the present invention,
  • FIG. 2 represents a sectional view on a larger scale along the line II-II of FIG. 1, and showing the path of the light rays, and
  • Figure 3 shows a view similar to that of Figure 2, and showing the path of the various incident light rays which give an emerging ray.

On a représenté sur la Figure 1 un dispositif de signalisation, désigné dans son ensemble par la référence 10, et destiné à être installé dans un logement 12 formé dans la carrosserie 14 d'un véhicule. Un tel dispositif de signalisation comporte un boítier 16, fixé au véhicule par des moyens non représentés, et servant de support pour différents composants optiques, tels que une ou plusieurs sources lumineuses 18, une ou plusieurs surfaces réfléchissantes 20 recueillant le flux lumineux émis par les sources 18 pour le rediriger vers une glace 22 de fermeture et de protection du dispositif de signalisation 10.There is shown in Figure 1 a signaling device, designated as a whole by reference 10, and intended to be installed in a housing 12 formed in the body 14 of a vehicle. Such a signaling device comprises a housing 16, fixed to the vehicle by means not shown, and serving as a support for different optical components, such as one or more light sources 18, one or more reflective surfaces 20 collecting the light flux emitted by the sources 18 to redirect it to a lens 22 of closure and protection of the signaling device 10.

Comme on le voit bien sur la Figure 1, la glace de fermeture 22 assure la continuité de formes et de lignes avec les éléments adjacents de carrosserie 14 du véhicule. Il en résulte que des régions de la glace 22, telles que A sur la Figure 1, n'ont aucune fonction optique, et ne sont traversées par aucun des rayons lumineux émis par la source 18. De telles régions A sont appelées dans la présente description des « zones neutres » du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation. Un observateur extérieur peut alors apercevoir à travers la glace 22 le boítier 16, alors que dans les autres régions les éléments optiques habituels tels que la source lumineuse 18 et la surface réfléchissante 20 sont visibles.As can be seen in FIG. 1, the closing glass 22 ensures the continuity of shapes and lines with the adjacent bodywork elements 14 of the vehicle. It follows that regions of ice 22, such as A in FIG. 1, have no optical function, and do not are crossed by none of the light rays emitted by the source 18. Such regions A are called in this description the "neutral zones" of the lighting or signaling device. An outside observer can then see through the glass 22 the case 16, whereas in other regions the usual optical elements such as the light source 18 and the reflecting surface 20 are visible.

Dans le cas d'un dispositif de signalisation, la surface réfléchissante 20 est obtenue par métallisation de la partie du boítier 16 située au voisinage de la lampe 18, et dont la forme est déterminée, par moulage par exemple, pour conférer au faisceau lumineux réfléchi par la surface 20 des propriétés prédéterminées. Dans le cas d'un dispositif d'éclairage, la surface réfléchissante 20 est une surface métallique supportée par le boítier 16. In the case of a signaling device, the reflecting surface 20 is obtained by metallization of the part of the housing 16 located in the vicinity of the lamp 18, and whose shape is determined, for example by molding, to give the light beam reflected by the surface 20 predetermined properties. In the case of a lighting device, the reflecting surface 20 is a metal surface supported by the housing 16.

Il est connu d'effectuer divers traitements pour donner à la partie du dispositif de signalisation ainsi visible à travers la région A de la glace 22 un aspect prédéterminé. C'est ainsi que le boítier 16 lui-même peut être réalisé en un matériau de couleur appropriée, ou recouvert d'une peinture, d'un vernis ou d'une métallisation pour conférer à la partie visible à travers la région A de la glace un aspect prédéterminé, une telle métallisation étant obtenue en même temps que celle de la surface 20. Une autre alternative consiste à disposer entre la glace 22 et le boítier 16 un masque 24, coloré, peint, verni ou métallisé, pour cacher la partie du boítier 16 visible à travers la région A de la glace 22 et donner au dispositif de signalisation 10 l'aspect voulu.It is known to perform various treatments to give the part of the signaling device thus visible through region A of ice 22 a predetermined appearance. This is how that the housing 16 itself can be made of a material of appropriate color, or covered a paint, varnish or metallization to give the visible part through region A of the ice has a predetermined appearance, such metallization being obtained by same time as that of surface 20. Another alternative consists in placing between the ice 22 and the housing 16 a mask 24, colored, painted, varnished or metallized, to hide the part of the box 16 visible through the region A of the ice 22 and give to the signaling device 10 the desired appearance.

Conformément à la présente invention, il est prévu de donner au dispositif de signalisation 10 un aspect prédéterminé sans effectuer les étapes supplémentaires constituées par les traitements de surface du masque et/ou du boítier.In accordance with the present invention, provision is made to give the signaling device 10 a predetermined aspect without carrying out the additional steps constituted by the surface treatments of the mask and / or the housing.

Selon l'invention, il est prévu de réaliser le masque 24 en matériau transparent, par exemple du polyméthylemétacrylate (PMMA) ou du polycarbonate (PC), pour qu'il laisse ainsi apparaítre le boítier 16, réalisé généralement en matière plastique telle que du polypropylène (PP), du polycarbonate (PC) ou de l'acrylonitrile butadiène styrène (ABS). En fonction de la couleur du boítier 16 et de celle du masque transparent 24, il en résultera alors un effet coloré dû à la combinaison entre ces couleurs.According to the invention, provision is made to produce the mask 24 in transparent material, by example of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC), so that it leaves thus appear the housing 16, generally made of plastic material such as polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Depending the color of the housing 16 and that of the transparent mask 24, this will then have an effect colored due to the combination of these colors.

On a représenté schématiquement sur la Figure 2 une vue en coupe du dispositif de signalisation de la Figure 1, dans la région A de la glace 22. On voit sur cette Figure un faisceau lumineux I incident sur cette région A de la glace du dispositif de signalisation. Le faisceau I est généralement constitué de la lumière naturelle du jour, de couleur blanche, ou de lumière artificielle, proche de la lumière blanche. Ce faisceau traverse la glace 22, puis le masque transparent 24, pour arriver sur le boítier 16, en matériau opaque. Il est alors réfléchi, par le boítier 16, et il traverse à nouveau le masque transparent 24, puis la glace 22 pour émerger du dispositif de signalisation où il peut être perçu par l'oeil d'un observateur. Dans la région A au moins, le boítier 16 a un état de surface connu sous le nom de « poli miroir », de manière à obtenir des réflexions spéculaires des rayons lumineux incidents sur lui. There is shown schematically in Figure 2 a sectional view of the device signaling of Figure 1, in region A of ice 22. We see in this Figure a beam luminous I incident on this region A of the signaling device glass. The beam I usually consists of natural daylight, white in color, or artificial light, close to white light. This beam crosses the ice 22, then the transparent mask 24, to reach the housing 16, of opaque material. It is then reflected, by the housing 16, and it again crosses the transparent mask 24, then the glass 22 for emerge from the signaling device where it can be perceived by the eye of an observer. In the region A at least, the housing 16 has a surface condition known as "mirror polish", so as to obtain specular reflections from the light rays incident on it.

Dans ces conditions, on comprend que le faisceau lumineux I2, après avoir traversé le masque transparent 24, n'est plus constitué de lumière blanche, mais ne contient que des longueurs d'onde déterminées par la couleur du masque transparent 24. Le faisceau I3, réfléchi et diffusé par la paroi du boítier 16, ne contient à son tour que des longueurs d'onde déterminées par la couleur du masque transparent 24 et par celle de la surface du boítier 16 tournée vers le masque 14. Le faisceau I3 est alors intégralement transmis par le masque transparent 24, et par la glace 22 pour former le faisceau émergeant I5.Under these conditions, it is understood that the light beam I 2 , after passing through the transparent mask 24, is no longer made up of white light, but contains only wavelengths determined by the color of the transparent mask 24. The beam I 3 , reflected and diffused by the wall of the housing 16, in turn contains only wavelengths determined by the color of the transparent mask 24 and by that of the surface of the housing 16 facing the mask 14. The beam I 3 is then fully transmitted by the transparent mask 24, and by the glass 22 to form the emerging beam I 5 .

Un observateur perçoit alors le faisceau I5, en même temps que le faisceau I6 traversant la glace 22 et résultant de la réflexion du faisceau I1 sur le masque transparent 24. Il y a alors combinaison des couleurs de ces deux faisceaux pour former un faisceau d'une troisième couleur, proche de celle du masque transparent 24.An observer then perceives the beam I 5 , at the same time as the beam I 6 crossing the ice 22 and resulting from the reflection of the beam I 1 on the transparent mask 24. There is then a combination of the colors of these two beams to form a beam of a third color, close to that of the transparent mask 24.

On peut également prévoir d'utiliser une glace 22 colorée pour obtenir une plus grande variété d'effets colorés. De manière à ce que la glace colorée 22 ne perturbe pas la photométrie du faisceau de signalisation engendré par la lampe 18, ou pourra prévoir de disposer, entre la lampe 18 et la glace 22, un filtre coloré 26, de couleur complémentaire à celle de la glace 22 pour obtenir, par synthèse soustractive, un faisceau lumineux de la couleur désirée.We can also plan to use colored ice 22 to obtain greater variety of colorful effects. So that the colored glass 22 does not disturb the photometry of the signaling beam generated by the lamp 18, or may provide to have, between the lamp 18 and the glass 22, a colored filter 26, of a color complementary to that of the glass 22 to obtain, by subtractive synthesis, a light beam of the desired color.

Par contre, dans la région A de la glace du dispositif de signalisation, la couleur de la glace 22 pourra se combiner avec celles du masque 24 et du boítier 16.On the other hand, in region A of the ice of the signaling device, the color of the ice 22 can be combined with those of the mask 24 and the housing 16.

Comme on l'a représenté sur la Figure 2, le faisceau lumineux I, de lumière blanche, incident sur la région A de la glace du dispositif de signalisation, est réfléchi par la glace colorée 22 pour former le faisceau I7, et il la traverse en formant le faisceau coloré I1. Le faisceau I1 est réfléchi par le masque 24 pour former le faisceau I6, qui traverse la glace colorée 22 pour former le faisceau I8. Le faisceau I1 traverse également le masque transparent 24, pour former le faisceau I2, qui arrive sur le boítier 16, en matériau opaque. Il est alors réfléchi par le boítier 16, pour former le faisceau I3 qui traverse à nouveau le masque transparent 24 pour former le faisceau I4, puis la glace 22 pour former le faisceau I5 émergeant du dispositif de signalisation où il peut être perçu par l'oeil d'un observateur. As shown in FIG. 2, the light beam I, of white light, incident on region A of the glass of the signaling device, is reflected by the colored glass 22 to form the beam I 7 , and it crosses by forming the colored beam I 1 . The beam I 1 is reflected by the mask 24 to form the beam I 6 , which crosses the colored glass 22 to form the beam I 8 . The beam I 1 also passes through the transparent mask 24, to form the beam I 2 , which arrives on the housing 16, made of opaque material. It is then reflected by the housing 16, to form the beam I 3 which again crosses the transparent mask 24 to form the beam I 4 , then the glass 22 to form the beam I 5 emerging from the signaling device where it can be perceived through the eye of an observer.

Cet observateur perçoit alors le faisceau I5, en même temps que les faisceaux I7 et I8. Il y a alors combinaison des couleurs de ces trois faisceaux pour former un faisceau d'une quatrième couleur, ainsi qu'on l'a représenté sur la Figure 3.This observer then perceives the beam I 5 , at the same time as the beams I 7 and I 8 . There is then a combination of the colors of these three beams to form a beam of a fourth color, as shown in Figure 3.

Les résultats les plus intéressants sont obtenus lorsque, dans les zones neutres A du dispositif de signalisation, le masque 24 est disposé à faible distance du boítier 16, de telle sorte que le masque 24 suive les formes, concaves et convexes, du boítier 16, ainsi qu'on l'a représenté sur la Figure 2. L'observateur a alors l'impression d'une absence de masque, et que le boítier lui-même a reçu un traitement de surface particulier. Par exemple, pour un boítier de couleur noire, un masque de couleur rouge et une glace de couleur rose, l'observateur a l'impression que, dans les zones neutres du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation, le masque a reçu une métallisation Nickel/Chrome suivie d'un vernissage rouge.The most interesting results are obtained when, in the neutral zones A of the signaling device, the mask 24 is disposed at a short distance from the housing 16, such so that the mask 24 follows the shapes, concave and convex, of the housing 16, as we have represented in Figure 2. The observer then has the impression of an absence of mask, and that the case itself has received a special surface treatment. For example, for a box of black color, a red mask and a pink ice, the observer the impression that, in neutral areas of the lighting or signaling device, the mask received a Nickel / Chrome metallization followed by a red varnishing.

En fonction des couleurs de la glace 22, du masque 24 et du boítier 16, il sera possible d'obtenir un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation dont les parties ne participant pas à l'élaboration du faisceau lumineux d'éclairage ou de signalisation et visibles à travers la glace de fermeture ont une couleur prédéterminée.Depending on the colors of the glass 22, the mask 24 and the housing 16, it will be possible obtain a lighting or signaling device whose parties do not participate in the development of the light or signaling beam visible through the glass of closure have a predetermined color.

Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est pas limitée aux modes de réalisation qui ont été décrits, mais l'homme du métier pourra au contraire lui apporter de nombreuses modifications qui rentrent dans son cadre. C'est ainsi qu'ayant été décrite plus particulièrement en relation avec un dispositif de signalisation, la présente invention s'applique de la même manière aux zones neutres d'un dispositif d'éclairage, dans lequel la glace de fermeture est de manière générale incolore. Les couleurs du masque et du boítier pourront alors être choisies en dehors des contraintes de couleur liées à la signalisation.Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have have been described, but those skilled in the art may on the contrary make numerous modifications to it that fall within its framework. Thus having been described more particularly in relation with a signaling device, the present invention applies in the same way to neutral areas of a lighting device, in which the closing glass is so general colorless. The colors of the mask and the case can then be chosen outside color constraints related to signage.

Claims (6)

Dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile, comportant un boítier (16) formant support pour au moins une source lumineuse (18) associée à au moins une surface réfléchissante (20) pour former un faisceau d'éclairage ou de signalisation, une glace de fermeture (22) étant disposée en avant de la source lumineuse (18), un masque (24) étant disposé entre le boítier (16) et la glace de fermeture (22) dans des zones neutres (A) du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation, caractérisé en ce que seule la surface réfléchissante (20) destinée à former un faisceau d'éclairage ou de signalisation est métallisée ou métallique, et en ce que le masque (24) est en matériau transparent.Lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (16) forming a support for at least one light source (18) associated with at least one reflecting surface (20) to form a lighting or signaling beam, a closing glass (22) being arranged in front of the light source (18), a mask (24) being arranged between the housing (16) and the closing glass (22) in neutral zones (A) of the device lighting or signaling, characterized in that only the reflecting surface (20) intended to form a lighting or signaling beam is metallized or metallic, and in that the mask (24) is made of transparent material. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le masque (24) est en un matériau transparent coloré.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mask (24) is made of a colored transparent material. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la glace de fermeture (22) est colorée.Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing glass (22) is colored. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce qu'un filtre coloré (26) est disposé entre la source lumineuse (18) et la glace de fermeture (22).Device according to claim 3, characterized in that a colored filter (26) is arranged between the light source (18) and the closing glass (22). Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le filtre coloré (26) est d'une couleur complémentaire à celle de la glace de fermeture (22).Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the colored filter (26) is of a color complementary to that of the closing glass (22). Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que, dans les zones neutres (A) du dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation, le masque (24) est disposé à faible distance du boítier (16).Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , in the neutral zones (A) of the lighting or signaling device, the mask (24) is arranged at a short distance from the housing (16).
EP02291427A 2001-06-18 2002-06-07 Lighting or signaling device for automotive vehicles with improved appearance Withdrawn EP1271050A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0108078 2001-06-18
FR0108078A FR2826099B1 (en) 2001-06-18 2001-06-18 LIGHTING OR SIGNALING DEVICE OF IMPROVED APPEARANCE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

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EP (1) EP1271050A1 (en)
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FR2826099B1 (en) 2003-12-19
JP2003045209A (en) 2003-02-14
US6767121B2 (en) 2004-07-27
US20020191412A1 (en) 2002-12-19

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