EP1357334B1 - Elliptical lighting module without screen providing a cut-off beam and headlamp comprising the same - Google Patents

Elliptical lighting module without screen providing a cut-off beam and headlamp comprising the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1357334B1
EP1357334B1 EP03290971A EP03290971A EP1357334B1 EP 1357334 B1 EP1357334 B1 EP 1357334B1 EP 03290971 A EP03290971 A EP 03290971A EP 03290971 A EP03290971 A EP 03290971A EP 1357334 B1 EP1357334 B1 EP 1357334B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reflector
lighting
cut
flat surface
lighting module
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP03290971A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1357334B2 (en
EP1357334A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Albou
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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Priority to SI200331115T priority Critical patent/SI1357334T1/en
Publication of EP1357334A1 publication Critical patent/EP1357334A1/en
Publication of EP1357334B1 publication Critical patent/EP1357334B1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V13/00—Producing particular characteristics or distribution of the light emitted by means of a combination of elements specified in two or more of main groups F21V1/00 - F21V11/00
    • F21V13/02—Combinations of only two kinds of elements
    • F21V13/04—Combinations of only two kinds of elements the elements being reflectors and refractors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • F21S41/148—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device the main emission direction of the LED being perpendicular to the optical axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/24—Light guides
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/20—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S41/25—Projection lenses
    • F21S41/255—Lenses with a front view of circular or truncated circular outline
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/321—Optical layout thereof the reflector being a surface of revolution or a planar surface, e.g. truncated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/36—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors
    • F21S41/365—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors successively reflecting the light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/40—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades
    • F21S41/43—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades characterised by the shape thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/04—Optical design
    • F21V7/08—Optical design with elliptical curvature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/0008—Reflectors for light sources providing for indirect lighting
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a lighting module and a lighting projector for a motor vehicle.
  • the present invention more particularly relates to a lighting module for a motor vehicle headlight producing a cut-off type of lighting beam, comprising, arranged from rear to front globally along a longitudinal horizontal optical axis, an elliptical type reflector which defines a reflection volume for light rays and which has a substantially elliptical reflection surface, at least one light source which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focus of the reflector, and a convergent lens whose focal plane is arranged in the vicinity of second focus of the reflector.
  • Elliptical type projectors or projectors with optical image reproduction, are well known, especially for producing a cut-off lighting beam.
  • cut-off lighting beam is meant a lighting beam that has a directional limit, or cutoff, above which the light intensity emitted is low.
  • the dipped beam and fog lamp functions are examples of cut-off light beams in accordance with current European legislation.
  • the cut is made by means of a cover, which is formed of a vertical plate of suitable profile, which is interposed axially between the elliptical reflector and the convergent lens, and which is arranged in the vicinity of second focus of the reflector.
  • the cache makes it possible to mask the light rays coming from the light source and reflected by the reflector towards the lower part of the focal plane of the converging lens, and which would be, in the absence of a cover, emitted by the projector above the cut.
  • a disadvantage of this type of projector is that a significant portion of the light energy emitted by the source is dissipated in the rear face of the cache.
  • the document US-A-4,914,747 corresponding to the preamble of the main claim, discloses a projector whose reflector comprises upper and lower parts in the form of half-ellipsoids with the same optical axis, the second foci of which coincide, the first focus of the upper reflector being located in front of that of the reflector inferior.
  • the projector comprises a lamp with two filaments, each arranged at one of the first focal points of the reflectors.
  • a flat screen is arranged parallel to the optical axis of the reflectors, the front edge of this screen being disposed in the vicinity of the second foci, coinciding themselves with the focus of a converging lens.
  • the document EP-A-1,193,440 discloses a projector producing a cutoff type lighting beam, comprising a semi-elliptical reflector, a light source arranged in the vicinity of the first focus of the reflector, a converging lens whose focal plane is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus of the reflector, and a horizontal planar reflective surface, the upper surface of which is reflective, the planar surface has a leading end edge which is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus of the reflector, so as to form the cut-off in the illumination beam.
  • the planar surface is pivotally mounted around its trailing edge so as to form a passing beam when it is parallel to the optical axis, and a driving beam when tilted.
  • the invention proposes a lighting module for a motor vehicle headlamp producing a cut-off type lighting beam, comprising, arranged from back to front, generally along a longitudinal horizontal optical axis, an elliptical-type reflector which delimits a reflection volume for light rays and having a substantially elliptical reflection surface, at least one light source which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focus of the reflector, and a lens convergent lens whose focal plane is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus of the reflector, the reflector having a horizontal plane reflective surface, the upper surface of which is reflecting, which defines vertically downwardly the reflection volume, the plane surface of the reflector comprising a front end edge, said cutting edge, which is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus of the reflector, so as to form the cut in the lighting beam, the flat surface of the reflector being arranged in a horizontal plane passing generally by the focal points of the reflector.
  • the planar surface of the reflector extends longitudinally rearwards, from its cutting edge, at least to the vicinity of the first focus of the reflector, the substantially elliptical surface of the reflector is formed by an angular sector of substantially revolution-shaped piece, about the longitudinal optical axis, and in that this angular sector extends vertically above the plane surface of the reflector, the light source is a light-emitting diode, and is arranged in the module so that its light scattering axis is substantially perpendicular to the flat surface of the reflector.
  • the majority of the light flux emitted by the source is used in the light beam produced by the module, in order to perform the associated regulatory lighting function.
  • the invention also relates to a vehicle lighting projector, characterized in that it comprises at least one lighting module according to one of the preceding characteristics.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 show schematically a lighting module 10 which is produced in accordance with the teachings of the invention.
  • the lighting module 10 comprises, arranged from rear to front along a longitudinal longitudinal optical axis AA, a reflector 12 of the elliptical type, a light source 14 which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focus F1 of the reflector 12, and a convergent lens 16 whose focal plane is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus F2 of the reflector 12.
  • the reflector 12 and the lens 16 form the optical system 11 of the lighting module 10.
  • the optical axis AA defines here, without limitation, a horizontal longitudinal direction and a back-to-front orientation, which corresponds to a left-to-right orientation in FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the optical axis AA is, for example substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a vehicle (not shown) equipped with the lighting module 10.
  • the convergent lens 16 is here a piece of revolution around the longitudinal optical axis A-A.
  • the lens 16 has, vis-à-vis the reflector 12, a transverse input surface 17 for the light rays.
  • the reflector 12 has an elliptical surface 18 which is formed as an angular sector substantially of revolution, and which extends in the half space above a plane horizontal axis passing through the longitudinal optical axis AA.
  • the inner face 20 of the elliptical surface 18 is reflective.
  • the elliptical surface 18 may not be perfectly elliptical and may have several specific profiles provided to optimize the light distribution in the illumination beam produced by the module 10, according to the lighting function performed by the module 10. This implies that the reflector is not perfectly revolution.
  • the reflector 12 comprises a horizontal flat surface 22 whose upper face 24 is reflective.
  • the reflector 12 defines a reflection volume for the light rays emitted by the source 14, that is to say a volume in which the light rays are emitted and in which the light rays are reflected.
  • This reflection volume is delimited, in its upper part, by the internal reflection face 20 of the elliptical surface 18, and vertically downwards by the reflecting face 24 of the flat surface 22.
  • the flat surface 22 extends here in a horizontal axial plane.
  • the plane surface 22 is delimited, at the rear, at its intersection with the elliptical surface 18, by an elliptical edge 26, and at the front, by a front longitudinal end edge 28. It may be alternatively provided that the planar surface 22 is delimited at the rear by a line segment perpendicular to the axis AA and passing in the immediate vicinity of the source 14, in front of the latter.
  • the front end edge 28 of the flat surface 22 is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus F2 of the reflector 12, so as to form a sharp enough cut in the illumination beam produced by the lighting module 10.
  • this front end edge 28 will be designated by "cutting edge 28".
  • the curved shape of this profile is more or less complex, and can be compared in first approximation to an arc of a circle. Therefore, preferably, the cutoff edge 28 has a curved profile, in the horizontal plane, so as to follow generally the profile of the focal plane of the lens 16.
  • the reflecting flat surface 22 comprises a semi-ellipsoidal rear section 30, which is delimited by the elliptical edge 26, and by the diameter 32 of the semi-circular front edge 34 of the elliptical surface 18.
  • the reflective flat surface 22 comprises a generally isosceles trapezoidal front section 36, which is delimited by the diameter 32 of the elliptical surface 18, by two lateral edges 38, 40, and by the cut-off edge 28.
  • the transverse width of the front section 36 increases progressively forward, so that the transverse width of the cutting edge 28 is substantially equal to the diameter of the entrance surface of the lens 16.
  • the flat surface 22 may comprise only a front section 36, which extends axially rearwardly, from the cutting edge 28 to a predetermined point in the optical axis AA located between the first F1 and the second F2 focal points of the reflector 12.
  • the light source 14 is designed to emit its light energy in less than a "half space" above the plane surface 22, and to emit its light energy towards the inner face 20 of the elliptical surface 18.
  • the light source 14 is an encapsulated light-emitting diode 44.
  • light-emitting diode 44 denotes the junction which produces the light energy as well as the globe or the light-diffusing capsule which envelops the upper part of the junction.
  • the light-emitting diode 44 is mounted on an electronic support plate 42, which is shown in FIG. 3, and which is arranged here parallel to the flat surface 22.
  • the light-emitting diode 44 has a light-scattering axis BB which is here substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 22.
  • the light emitting diode 44 emits its light energy in a solid angle generally centered about its light scattering axis B-B, and less than 180 degrees.
  • This arrangement allows the diode 44 to emit the majority of its light energy towards the inner face 20 of the elliptical surface 18.
  • the principle of operation of the lighting module 10 according to the invention is as follows.
  • the light source 14 is of small extent around a point coincident with the first focus F1 of the elliptical reflector 18.
  • the light rays emitted by the light source 14 which pass above the cutting edge 28 and which will be designated by primary rays R1 are considered.
  • the light source 14 is arranged at the first focus F1 of the elliptical reflector 18, the majority of the primary rays R1 emitted by the source 14, after being reflected on the inner face 20 of the elliptical surface 18, is returned to the second F2 focus of the reflector 18, or in the vicinity thereof.
  • These primary light rays R1 form, at the focus F2 of the lens 16, a concentrated light image which is projected, at the front of the lighting module 10, by the lens 16, in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis AA .
  • These secondary light rays R2 are reflected by the inner face 20 of the elliptical surface 18 towards the reflecting flat surface 22, so that they are reflected a second time forward.
  • the secondary light rays R2 are transmitted towards the upper part of the input surface 17 of the lens 16. Therefore, because of its properties of convergence, the lens 16 deflects the secondary light rays R2 downwards. The secondary light rays R2 are therefore emitted under the cut-off in the lighting beam.
  • An advantage of the lighting module 10 according to the invention is that its optical system 11 does not obscure a significant portion of the light rays emitted by the source 14, as is the case in a conventional lighting module comprising a cache .
  • the reflecting flat surface 22 can "fold" the images of the light source 14 which are reflected by the elliptical surface 18 of the reflector 12 to the second focus F2 of the reflector 12.
  • each image would then comprise an upper portion located at above the cut-off edge 28 and a lower portion below the cut-off edge 28. Thanks to the reflecting flat surface 22, the lower portion of each image is reflected upwards, as if the lower portion were folded over the upper portion, so that these image portions are superimposed above the cutoff edge 28, in the vertical plane generated by the cutoff edge 28.
  • the "fold” formed by this "folding" of images contributes to forming a clean cut in the light beam projected by the lens 16.
  • the lighting module 10 also has particular advantages in the context of the use of a light emitting diode 44 as a light source 14 in a lighting module.
  • the image of the virtual source corresponding to a diode is generally round and diffuse.
  • the light source is a filament
  • its virtual image has the overall shape of a rectangle, so that it is relatively easy to make a clean cut by aligning the edges of the rectangles.
  • the light source is a diode, it is much more difficult to make a clean cut by aligning the corresponding images of round shapes.
  • the lighting module 10 makes it possible to make a clean cut with a diode 44, because it projects at the front the image of an edge of the optical system 11, that is to say the image of the edge cutoff 28.
  • the shape of the cut in the illumination beam is thus determined by the profile of the cut-off edge 28, in a projection on a vertical and transverse plane.
  • Another difficulty for the realization of a lighting module from a diode comes from the fact that the distribution of light energy in the light beam emitted by the diode is not homogeneous. Therefore, it is very difficult to achieve a homogeneous illumination beam from the direct images of the diode.
  • the lighting module 10 overcomes this difficulty by exploiting a property of the elliptical lighting modules which is to "mix" the images of the light source at the second focus F2 of the reflector 12, which improves the homogeneity of the illumination beam produced.
  • An advantage of the lighting module 10 according to the invention is that it exploits the property of the encapsulated diodes 44 to emit globally in a half space, which captures more than eighty percent of the luminous flux emitted by the diode 44, whereas in a traditional code elliptical projector, less than fifty percent of the luminous flux is captured.
  • the lighting module 10 is made by an assembly of discrete elements.
  • the lighting module 10 comprises, for example, an element 18 forming the elliptical portion of the reflector 12, an element 22 forming the flat surface of the reflector 12, and an element 16 forming the convergent lens.
  • the inner face of the elliptical portion 18 and the upper face of the flat surface 22 are for example coated with a reflective material.
  • the light source 14 is a light-emitting diode 44
  • the discrete elements in the form of polymer parts, assembled by example by interlocking.
  • the lens 16 may be a Fresnel lens.
  • the optical system 11 of the lighting module 10 is made in one solid optical part, made of transparent material, for example PMMA (polymethacrylate). methyl).
  • the solid optical part is for example made by molding, or by machining.
  • the outer surface of the elliptical portion 18 of the reflector 12 and the outer surface, here below, of the flat surface 22 of the reflector 12 are coated with a reflective material.
  • the total reflection properties in a medium of index greater than air to cause the reflection of the light rays in the reflection volume delimited by the reflector 12, without the use of reflective material.
  • the light rays which are emitted by the light source 14 propagate inside the material constituting the optical system 11 of the lighting module 10, then they leave the optical system 11 through the front face of the light source. the convergent lens 16.
  • the reflecting flat surface 22 comprises a cavity of complementary shape to the capsule of the light-emitting diode 44.
  • the cavity is substantially hemispherical.
  • the reflector 12 is made in one piece of transparent material, which is distinct from the piece forming the convergent lens 16.
  • the light source 14 can be made by means of several light-emitting diodes 44.
  • the light-emitting diodes 44 must be very close to each other, so that they are arranged generally at the first focus F1 of the reflector 12.
  • two diodes 44 are aligned, advantageously in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal optical axis A-A.
  • the resulting light source 14 is then equivalent to an extended light source width, since the light beams produced by each light emitting diode 44 overlap.
  • This arrangement of the diodes 44 thus makes it possible to widen the light beam produced by the lighting module 10.
  • a vehicle headlight is produced by means of several identical lighting modules 10 operating simultaneously.
  • the lighting modules 10 are arranged in parallel, that is to say that their optical axes A-A are substantially parallel to each other.
  • the light beams produced by each of the lighting modules 10 are superimposed on the front of the vehicle so as to form the regulatory lighting beam cutoff.
  • FIG. 6 a vehicle headlight 46 which performs a dipped beam function, or codes, and which uses four identical lighting modules 10.
  • crossing lighting beam must comprise a cutoff having a portion inclined at a given angle, for example fifteen degrees
  • two lighting modules 48 of the projector 46 are rotated by fifteen degrees, about their longitudinal optical axis AA, in such a way as to produce a lighting beam having an inclined cut of fifteen degrees with respect to a horizontal plane.
  • the other two lighting modules 50 form a lighting beam having a horizontal cut.
  • the superposition of the illumination beams produced by the four lighting modules 10 then forms a regulatory lighting beam having a horizontal portion and an inclined portion of fifteen degrees.
  • each lighting module 10 may be provided to individually produce a lighting beam comprising a cut-off according to a regulatory beam of dipped beam.
  • the reflecting flat surface 22 comprises two parts 52, 54.
  • a first part of the reflecting surface 22 extends in a first half-plane 52 delimited by the longitudinal optical axis A-A, and which extends to the right in FIG. 8.
  • This first half-plane 52 is contained in the horizontal plane. Its cutoff edge 56 is therefore horizontal, so that it realizes the horizontal part of the cut in the lighting beam produced by the module 10.
  • the reflecting flat surface 22 has a second reflecting portion 54 which extends in a second half-plane, delimited by the longitudinal optical axis AA, and this secondary flat surface 54 has, at the front, a cutting edge 58 which is inclined, with respect to the horizontal plane, by a determined angle ⁇ , for example fifteen degrees.
  • the light source 14 may be formed by the free end of an optical fiber bundle.
  • optical fibers form a light source comprising a light core and a dark ring, due to the sheath surrounding the core of the fiber.
  • This type of light source when used in a vehicle lighting projector using for example a reflector of the complex surface type, therefore forms, in the beam lighting, images in the form of pixels surrounded by a dark area, due to the sheath.
  • An advantage of the lighting module 10 according to the invention is that it allows all the images of the light source 14 to be mixed with the second focus F2 of the reflector 12, so that the lighting beam pixels of the optical fiber.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Vessels And Coating Films For Discharge Lamps (AREA)

Abstract

The headlamp has an elliptical reflector (12) with a rear reflecting surface (18,20) and a light source (14) positioned at a first focus (F1) of the reflector, and a convergent front lens (16) with its focal plane at the second focus (F2) of the reflector. The reflector has a flat horizontal surface (22) with a reflective upper face, passing through the second focus of the reflector.

Description

La présente invention concerne un module d'éclairage et un projecteur d'éclairage de véhicule automobile.The present invention relates to a lighting module and a lighting projector for a motor vehicle.

La présente invention concerne plus particulièrement un module d'éclairage pour un projecteur de véhicule automobile réalisant un faisceau d'éclairage du type à coupure, comportant, agencés d'arrière en avant globalement suivant un axe optique horizontal longitudinal, un réflecteur du type elliptique qui délimite un volume de réflexion pour des rayons lumineux et qui comporte une surface sensiblement elliptique de réflexion, au moins une source lumineuse qui est agencée au voisinage d'un premier foyer du réflecteur, et une lentille convergente dont le plan focal est agencé au voisinage du second foyer du réflecteur.The present invention more particularly relates to a lighting module for a motor vehicle headlight producing a cut-off type of lighting beam, comprising, arranged from rear to front globally along a longitudinal horizontal optical axis, an elliptical type reflector which defines a reflection volume for light rays and which has a substantially elliptical reflection surface, at least one light source which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focus of the reflector, and a convergent lens whose focal plane is arranged in the vicinity of second focus of the reflector.

Les projecteurs du type elliptiques, ou projecteurs à optique de reproduction d'image, sont bien connus, notamment pour la réalisation d'un faisceau d'éclairage à coupure.Elliptical type projectors, or projectors with optical image reproduction, are well known, especially for producing a cut-off lighting beam.

On entend par faisceau d'éclairage à coupure un faisceau d'éclairage qui comporte une limite directionnelle, ou coupure, au-dessus de laquelle l'intensité lumineuse émise est faible.By cut-off lighting beam is meant a lighting beam that has a directional limit, or cutoff, above which the light intensity emitted is low.

Les fonctions de feux de croisement et de feux antibrouillards sont des exemples de faisceaux d'éclairage à coupure, conformément à la législation européenne en vigueur.The dipped beam and fog lamp functions are examples of cut-off light beams in accordance with current European legislation.

Généralement, dans un projecteur elliptique, la coupure est réalisée au moyen d'un cache, qui est formé d'une plaque verticale de profil adapté, qui est interposé axialement entre le réflecteur elliptique et la lentille convergente, et qui est agencé au voisinage du second foyer du réflecteur.Generally, in an elliptical projector, the cut is made by means of a cover, which is formed of a vertical plate of suitable profile, which is interposed axially between the elliptical reflector and the convergent lens, and which is arranged in the vicinity of second focus of the reflector.

Le cache permet d'occulter les rayons lumineux issus de la source lumineuse et réfléchis par le réflecteur vers la partie inférieure du plan focal de la lentille convergente, et qui seraient, en l'absence de cache, émis par le projecteur au-dessus de la coupure.The cache makes it possible to mask the light rays coming from the light source and reflected by the reflector towards the lower part of the focal plane of the converging lens, and which would be, in the absence of a cover, emitted by the projector above the cut.

Un inconvénient de ce type de projecteur est qu'une partie importante de l'énergie lumineuse émise par la source se dissipe dans la face arrière du cache.A disadvantage of this type of projector is that a significant portion of the light energy emitted by the source is dissipated in the rear face of the cache.

Le document US-A-4 914 747 correspondant au préambule de la revendication principale, divulgue un projecteur dont le réflecteur comporte des parties supérieure et inférieure en forme de demi-ellipsoïdes de même axe optique, dont les seconds foyers sont confondus, le premier foyer du réflecteur supérieur étant situé devant celui du réflecteur inférieur. Le projecteur comporte une lampe à deux filaments, disposés chacun à l'un des premiers foyers des réflecteurs. Un écran plat est disposé parallèlement à l'axe optique des réflecteurs, le bord avant de cet écran étant disposé au voisinage des seconds foyers, coïncidant eux-mêmes avec le foyer d'une lentille convergente.The document US-A-4,914,747 corresponding to the preamble of the main claim, discloses a projector whose reflector comprises upper and lower parts in the form of half-ellipsoids with the same optical axis, the second foci of which coincide, the first focus of the upper reflector being located in front of that of the reflector inferior. The projector comprises a lamp with two filaments, each arranged at one of the first focal points of the reflectors. A flat screen is arranged parallel to the optical axis of the reflectors, the front edge of this screen being disposed in the vicinity of the second foci, coinciding themselves with the focus of a converging lens.

Le document EP-A-1 193 440 divulgue un projecteur réalisant un faisceau d'éclairage du type à coupure, comportant un réflecteur semi-elliptique, une source lumineuse agencée au voisinage du premier foyer du réflecteur, une lentille convergente dont le plan focal est agencé au voisinage du second foyer du réflecteur, et une surface plane horizontale de réflexion, dont la face supérieure est réfléchissante, la surface plane comporte un bord d'extrémité avant qui est agencé au voisinage du second foyer du réflecteur, de manière à former la coupure dans le faisceau d'éclairage. la surface plane est montée pivotante autour de son bord arrière de manière à former un faisceau de croisement lorsqu'elle est parallèle à l'axe optique, et un faisceau de route lorsqu'elle est basculée.The document EP-A-1,193,440 discloses a projector producing a cutoff type lighting beam, comprising a semi-elliptical reflector, a light source arranged in the vicinity of the first focus of the reflector, a converging lens whose focal plane is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus of the reflector, and a horizontal planar reflective surface, the upper surface of which is reflective, the planar surface has a leading end edge which is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus of the reflector, so as to form the cut-off in the illumination beam. the planar surface is pivotally mounted around its trailing edge so as to form a passing beam when it is parallel to the optical axis, and a driving beam when tilted.

L'invention propose un module d'éclairage pour un projecteur de véhicule automobile réalisant un faisceau d'éclairage du type à coupure, comportant, agencés d'arrière en avant globalement suivant un axe optique horizontal longitudinal, un réflecteur du type elliptique qui délimite un volume de réflexion pour des rayons lumineux et qui comporte une surface de réflexion sensiblement elliptique, au moins une source lumineuse qui est agencée au voisinage d'un premier foyer du réflecteur, et une lentille convergente dont le plan focal est agencé au voisinage du second foyer du réflecteur, le réflecteur comportant une surface plane horizontale de réflexion, dont la face supérieure est réfléchissante, qui délimite verticalement vers le bas le volume de réflexion, la surface plane du réflecteur comportant un bord d'extrémité avant, dit bord de coupure, qui est agencé au voisinage du second foyer du réflecteur, de manière à former la coupure dans le faisceau d'éclairage, la surface plane du réflecteur étant agencée dans un plan horizontal passant globalement par les foyers du réflecteur.The invention proposes a lighting module for a motor vehicle headlamp producing a cut-off type lighting beam, comprising, arranged from back to front, generally along a longitudinal horizontal optical axis, an elliptical-type reflector which delimits a reflection volume for light rays and having a substantially elliptical reflection surface, at least one light source which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focus of the reflector, and a lens convergent lens whose focal plane is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus of the reflector, the reflector having a horizontal plane reflective surface, the upper surface of which is reflecting, which defines vertically downwardly the reflection volume, the plane surface of the reflector comprising a front end edge, said cutting edge, which is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus of the reflector, so as to form the cut in the lighting beam, the flat surface of the reflector being arranged in a horizontal plane passing generally by the focal points of the reflector.

Selon la présente invention, la surface plane du réflecteur s'étend longitudinalement vers l'arrière, depuis son bord de coupure, au moins jusqu'au voisinage du premier foyer du réflecteur, la surface sensiblement elliptique du réflecteur est formée par un secteur angulaire de pièce sensiblement de révolution, autour de l'axe optique longitudinal, et en ce que ce secteur angulaire s'étend verticalement au-dessus de la surface plane du réflecteur, la source lumineuse est une diode électroluminescente, et est agencée dans le module de manière que son axe de diffusion lumineuse soit sensiblement perpendiculaire à la surface plane du réflecteur.According to the present invention, the planar surface of the reflector extends longitudinally rearwards, from its cutting edge, at least to the vicinity of the first focus of the reflector, the substantially elliptical surface of the reflector is formed by an angular sector of substantially revolution-shaped piece, about the longitudinal optical axis, and in that this angular sector extends vertically above the plane surface of the reflector, the light source is a light-emitting diode, and is arranged in the module so that its light scattering axis is substantially perpendicular to the flat surface of the reflector.

Grâce au module d'éclairage selon l'invention, la majorité du flux lumineux émis par la source est utilisé dans le faisceau lumineux produit par le module, en vue de réaliser la fonction d'éclairage réglementaire associée.With the lighting module according to the invention, the majority of the light flux emitted by the source is used in the light beam produced by the module, in order to perform the associated regulatory lighting function.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention :

  • le réflecteur est réalisé en une seule pièce pleine de matière transparente ;
  • la lentille est réalisée d'une seule pièce avec le réflecteur ;
  • la source lumineuse est agencée dans une cavité complémentaire réalisée dans la surface plane du réflecteur ;
  • le module d'éclairage comporte plusieurs sources lumineuses voisines qui sont globalement alignées suivant une direction sensiblement horizontale et perpendiculaire à l'axe optique longitudinal, de manière à étaler en largeur le faisceau d'éclairage ;
  • la source lumineuse est une diode électroluminescente ;
  • la source lumineuse est formée par l'extrémité libre d'un faisceau de fibres optiques ;
  • le bord de coupure de la surface plane du réflecteur a un profil courbe, dans le plan horizontal, de manière à suivre globalement la courbure du plan focal de la lentille ;
  • la surface plane horizontale du réflecteur s'étend dans un premier demi-plan délimité par l'axe optique longitudinal, une surface plane secondaire du réflecteur s'étend dans un deuxième demi-plan délimité par l'axe optique longitudinal, et la surface plane secondaire comporte un bord de coupure avant qui est incliné, par rapport à un plan horizontal, d'un angle déterminé, de manière à former une coupure inclinée dans le faisceau d'éclairage, en vue de réaliser un faisceau d'éclairage réglementaire de croisement ;
According to other features of the invention:
  • the reflector is made in one piece full of transparent material;
  • the lens is made in one piece with the reflector;
  • the light source is arranged in a complementary cavity formed in the flat surface of the reflector;
  • the lighting module comprises a plurality of adjacent light sources which are generally aligned in a substantially horizontal direction and perpendicular to the optical axis longitudinal, so as to spread in width the lighting beam;
  • the light source is a light emitting diode;
  • the light source is formed by the free end of a bundle of optical fibers;
  • the cutting edge of the flat surface of the reflector has a curved profile, in the horizontal plane, so as to follow the overall curvature of the focal plane of the lens;
  • the horizontal plane surface of the reflector extends in a first half-plane delimited by the longitudinal optical axis, a secondary plane surface of the reflector extends in a second half-plane delimited by the longitudinal optical axis, and the flat surface secondary comprises a front cut-off edge which is inclined, with respect to a horizontal plane, by a determined angle, so as to form an inclined cut in the lighting beam, with a view to producing a regulatory crossing beam ;

L'invention concerne aussi un projecteur d'éclairage de véhicule, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte au moins un module d'éclairage selon l'une des caractéristiques précédentes.The invention also relates to a vehicle lighting projector, characterized in that it comprises at least one lighting module according to one of the preceding characteristics.

Selon une autre caractéristique du projecteur d'éclairage selon l'invention, celui-ci étant prévu pour réaliser un faisceau d'éclairage réglementaire de croisement, il comporte au moins deux modules d'éclairage, de structures sensiblement identiques, qui sont agencés sensiblement parallèlement :

  • un premier module d'éclairage dont le bord de coupure est sensiblement horizontal ;
  • et un deuxième module d'éclairage, qui est tourné d'un angle déterminé autour de son axe optique, par rapport au premier module, de manière que son bord de coupure soit incliné par rapport à un plan horizontal,
de manière que les faisceaux d'éclairage produits par les deux modules se superposent et forment le faisceau d'éclairage réglementaire de croisement.According to another characteristic of the lighting projector according to the invention, the latter being provided for producing a regulatory lighting beam crossover, it comprises at least two lighting modules, substantially identical structures, which are arranged substantially parallel :
  • a first lighting module whose cutoff edge is substantially horizontal;
  • and a second lighting module, which is rotated at a given angle about its optical axis, relative to the first module, so that its cutting edge is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane,
so that the lighting beams produced by the two modules are superimposed and form the regulatory lighting beam crossing.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera aux dessins annexés parmi lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective qui représente schématiquement un premier mode de réalisation du module d'éclairage selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue de dessus qui représente schématiquement le module d'éclairage de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue de côté qui illustre schématiquement le trajet des rayons lumineux dans le module d'éclairage de la figure 1 ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1 qui représente un deuxième mode de réalisation du module d'éclairage selon l'invention ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1 qui représente une variante de réalisation du module d'éclairage de la figure 1 comportant plusieurs diodes électroluminescentes ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue avant qui représente schématiquement un projecteur d'éclairage de véhicule comportant des modules d'éclairage selon l'invention et réalisant un faisceau d'éclairage réglementaire de croisement ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue similaire à celle de la figure 1 qui représente schématiquement un module d'éclairage réalisant un faisceau d'éclairage à coupure correspondant à un feu de croisement ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue avant qui représente le réflecteur du module d'éclairage de la figure 7.
Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view which schematically shows a first embodiment of the lighting module according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 is a top view which schematically shows the lighting module of Figure 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a side view which schematically illustrates the path of the light rays in the illumination module of Fig. 1;
  • Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 which shows a second embodiment of the lighting module according to the invention;
  • Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 which shows an alternative embodiment of the lighting module of Figure 1 comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes;
  • FIG. 6 is a front view which diagrammatically represents a vehicle lighting projector comprising lighting modules according to the invention and producing a regulatory lighting beam of crossing;
  • Figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 which shows schematically a lighting module producing a cut-off lighting beam corresponding to a dipped beam;
  • FIG. 8 is a front view showing the reflector of the lighting module of FIG. 7.

On a représenté schématiquement sur les figures 1 à 3 un module d'éclairage 10 qui est réalisé conformément aux enseignements de l'invention.FIGS. 1 to 3 show schematically a lighting module 10 which is produced in accordance with the teachings of the invention.

De manière classique, le module d'éclairage 10 comporte, agencés d'arrière en avant suivant un axe optique longitudinal horizontal A-A, un réflecteur 12 du type elliptique, une source lumineuse 14 qui est agencée au voisinage d'un premier foyer F1 du réflecteur 12, et une lentille convergente 16 dont le plan focal est agencé au voisinage du second foyer F2 du réflecteur 12.In a conventional manner, the lighting module 10 comprises, arranged from rear to front along a longitudinal longitudinal optical axis AA, a reflector 12 of the elliptical type, a light source 14 which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focus F1 of the reflector 12, and a convergent lens 16 whose focal plane is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus F2 of the reflector 12.

Le réflecteur 12 et la lentille 16 forment le système optique 11 du module d'éclairage 10.The reflector 12 and the lens 16 form the optical system 11 of the lighting module 10.

L'axe optique A-A définit ici, à titre non limitatif, une direction longitudinale horizontale et une orientation d'arrière en avant, qui correspond à une orientation de gauche à droite sur les figures 2 et 3. L'axe optique A-A est par exemple sensiblement parallèle à l'axe longitudinal d'un véhicule (non représenté) équipé du module d'éclairage 10.The optical axis AA defines here, without limitation, a horizontal longitudinal direction and a back-to-front orientation, which corresponds to a left-to-right orientation in FIGS. 2 and 3. The optical axis AA is, for example substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a vehicle (not shown) equipped with the lighting module 10.

Dans la suite de la description, à titre non limitatif, on utilisera une orientation verticale qui correspond à un orientation de haut en bas sur la figure 3.In the following description, without limitation, we use a vertical orientation that corresponds to a top-down orientation in Figure 3.

La lentille convergente 16 est ici une pièce de révolution autour de l'axe optique longitudinal A-A. La lentille 16 comporte, en vis-à-vis du réflecteur 12, une surface d'entrée transversale 17 pour les rayons lumineux.The convergent lens 16 is here a piece of revolution around the longitudinal optical axis A-A. The lens 16 has, vis-à-vis the reflector 12, a transverse input surface 17 for the light rays.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté ici, le réflecteur 12 comporte une surface elliptique 18 qui est réalisée sous la forme d'un secteur angulaire de pièce sensiblement de révolution, et qui s'étend dans le demi espace situé au-dessus d'un plan axial horizontal passant par l'axe optique longitudinal A-A.According to the embodiment shown here, the reflector 12 has an elliptical surface 18 which is formed as an angular sector substantially of revolution, and which extends in the half space above a plane horizontal axis passing through the longitudinal optical axis AA.

La face interne 20 de la surface elliptique 18 est réfléchissante.The inner face 20 of the elliptical surface 18 is reflective.

On note que la surface elliptique 18 peut ne pas être parfaitement elliptique et elle peut avoir plusieurs profils spécifiques prévus pour optimiser la répartition lumineuse dans le faisceau d'éclairage produit par le module 10, selon la fonction d'éclairage réalisée par le module 10. Ceci implique donc que le réflecteur ne soit pas parfaitement de révolution.Note that the elliptical surface 18 may not be perfectly elliptical and may have several specific profiles provided to optimize the light distribution in the illumination beam produced by the module 10, according to the lighting function performed by the module 10. This implies that the reflector is not perfectly revolution.

Conformément aux enseignements de l'invention, le réflecteur 12 comporte une surface plane horizontale 22 dont la face supérieure 24 est réfléchissante.According to the teachings of the invention, the reflector 12 comprises a horizontal flat surface 22 whose upper face 24 is reflective.

Le réflecteur 12 délimite un volume de réflexion pour les rayons lumineux émis par la source 14, c'est à dire un volume dans lequel les rayons lumineux sont émis et dans lequel les rayons lumineux se réfléchissent. Ce volume de réflexion est délimité, dans sa partie supérieure, par la face interne de réflexion 20 de la surface elliptique 18, et verticalement vers le bas par la face réfléchissante 24 de la surface plane 22.The reflector 12 defines a reflection volume for the light rays emitted by the source 14, that is to say a volume in which the light rays are emitted and in which the light rays are reflected. This reflection volume is delimited, in its upper part, by the internal reflection face 20 of the elliptical surface 18, and vertically downwards by the reflecting face 24 of the flat surface 22.

La surface plane 22 s'étend ici dans un plan axial horizontal.The flat surface 22 extends here in a horizontal axial plane.

La surface plane 22 est délimitée, à l'arrière, à son intersection avec la surface elliptique 18, par un bord elliptique 26, et à l'avant, par un bord d'extrémité longitudinale avant 28. On peut prévoir en variante que la surface plane 22 soit délimitée à l'arrière par un segment de droite perpendiculaire à l'axe A-A et passant au voisinage immédiat de la source 14, en avant de cette dernière.The plane surface 22 is delimited, at the rear, at its intersection with the elliptical surface 18, by an elliptical edge 26, and at the front, by a front longitudinal end edge 28. It may be alternatively provided that the planar surface 22 is delimited at the rear by a line segment perpendicular to the axis AA and passing in the immediate vicinity of the source 14, in front of the latter.

Le bord d'extrémité avant 28 de la surface plane 22 est agencé au voisinage du second foyer F2 du réflecteur 12, de manière à former une coupure suffisamment nette dans le faisceau d'éclairage produit par le module d'éclairage 10.The front end edge 28 of the flat surface 22 is arranged in the vicinity of the second focus F2 of the reflector 12, so as to form a sharp enough cut in the illumination beam produced by the lighting module 10.

Dans la suite de la description, on désignera donc ce bord d'extrémité avant 28 par « bord de coupure 28 ».In the remainder of the description, therefore, this front end edge 28 will be designated by "cutting edge 28".

Le plan focal de la lentille 16, dans un plan horizontal passant par le foyer F2 de la lentille 16, forme un profil courbe, concave vers l'avant. Selon le mode de réalisation, la forme courbe de ce profil est plus ou moins complexe, et peut s'apparenter en première approximation à un arc de cercle. Par conséquent, de préférence, le bord de coupure 28 a un profil courbe, dans le plan horizontal, de manière à suivre globalement le profil du plan focal de la lentille 16.The focal plane of the lens 16, in a horizontal plane passing through the focus F2 of the lens 16, forms a curved profile, concave forward. According to the embodiment, the curved shape of this profile is more or less complex, and can be compared in first approximation to an arc of a circle. Therefore, preferably, the cutoff edge 28 has a curved profile, in the horizontal plane, so as to follow generally the profile of the focal plane of the lens 16.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté ici, la surface plane réfléchissante 22 comporte un tronçon arrière 30 semi-ellipsoïdal, qui est délimité par le bord elliptique 26, et par le diamètre 32 du bord avant 34 semi-circulaire de la surface elliptique 18.According to the embodiment shown here, the reflecting flat surface 22 comprises a semi-ellipsoidal rear section 30, which is delimited by the elliptical edge 26, and by the diameter 32 of the semi-circular front edge 34 of the elliptical surface 18.

La surface plane réfléchissante 22 comporte un tronçon avant 36 globalement trapézoïdal isocèle, qui est délimité par le diamètre 32 de la surface elliptique 18, par deux bords latéraux 38, 40, et par le bord de coupure 28.The reflective flat surface 22 comprises a generally isosceles trapezoidal front section 36, which is delimited by the diameter 32 of the elliptical surface 18, by two lateral edges 38, 40, and by the cut-off edge 28.

Selon le mode de réalisation représenté ici, la largeur transversale du tronçon avant 36 augmente progressivement vers l'avant, de manière que la largeur transversale du bord de coupure 28 soit sensiblement égale au diamètre de la surface d'entrée de la lentille 16.According to the embodiment shown here, the transverse width of the front section 36 increases progressively forward, so that the transverse width of the cutting edge 28 is substantially equal to the diameter of the entrance surface of the lens 16.

Selon une variante de réalisation (non représentée) de l'invention, la surface plane 22 peut comporter uniquement un tronçon avant 36, qui s'étend axialement vers l'arrière, depuis le bord de coupure 28 jusqu'à un point déterminé de l'axe optique A-A situé entre le premier F1 et le second F2 foyers du réflecteur 12.According to an alternative embodiment (not shown) of the invention, the flat surface 22 may comprise only a front section 36, which extends axially rearwardly, from the cutting edge 28 to a predetermined point in the optical axis AA located between the first F1 and the second F2 focal points of the reflector 12.

Avantageusement, la source lumineuse 14 est prévue pour émettre son énergie lumineuse dans moins d'un « demi espace » situé au-dessus de la surface plane 22, et pour émettre son énergie lumineuse vers la face interne 20 de la surface elliptique 18.Advantageously, the light source 14 is designed to emit its light energy in less than a "half space" above the plane surface 22, and to emit its light energy towards the inner face 20 of the elliptical surface 18.

Avantageusement, la source lumineuse 14 est une diode électroluminescente encapsulée 44.Advantageously, the light source 14 is an encapsulated light-emitting diode 44.

On désigne ici par diode électroluminescente 44, la jonction qui produit l'énergie lumineuse ainsi que le globe, ou la capsule, de diffusion lumineuse, qui enveloppe la partie supérieure de la jonction.Here, light-emitting diode 44 denotes the junction which produces the light energy as well as the globe or the light-diffusing capsule which envelops the upper part of the junction.

Classiquement, la diode électroluminescente 44 est montée sur une plaque électronique de support 42, qui est représentée sur la figure 3, et qui est agencée ici parallèlement sous la surface plane 22.Conventionally, the light-emitting diode 44 is mounted on an electronic support plate 42, which is shown in FIG. 3, and which is arranged here parallel to the flat surface 22.

La diode électroluminescente 44 comporte un axe de diffusion lumineuse B-B qui est ici sensiblement perpendiculaire à la surface plane 22.The light-emitting diode 44 has a light-scattering axis BB which is here substantially perpendicular to the flat surface 22.

La diode électroluminescente 44 émet son énergie lumineuse dans un angle solide globalement centré autour de son axe de diffusion lumineuse B-B, et inférieur à 180 degrés.The light emitting diode 44 emits its light energy in a solid angle generally centered about its light scattering axis B-B, and less than 180 degrees.

Cet agencement permet à la diode 44 d'émettre la majorité de son énergie lumineuse vers la face interne 20 de la surface elliptique 18.This arrangement allows the diode 44 to emit the majority of its light energy towards the inner face 20 of the elliptical surface 18.

Le principe du fonctionnement du module d'éclairage 10 selon l'invention est le suivant.The principle of operation of the lighting module 10 according to the invention is as follows.

On suppose que la source lumineuse 14 est de faible étendue autour d'un point confondu avec le premier foyer F1 du réflecteur elliptique 18.It is assumed that the light source 14 is of small extent around a point coincident with the first focus F1 of the elliptical reflector 18.

Dans un premier temps, on considère les rayons lumineux émis par la source lumineuse 14 qui passent au-dessus du bord de coupure 28, et qui seront désignés par rayons primaires R1.In a first step, the light rays emitted by the light source 14 which pass above the cutting edge 28 and which will be designated by primary rays R1 are considered.

Comme la source lumineuse 14 est agencée au premier foyer F1 du réflecteur elliptique 18, la majeure partie des rayons primaires R1 émis par la source 14, après s'être réfléchie sur la face interne 20 de la surface elliptique 18, est renvoyée vers le second foyer F2 du réflecteur 18, ou au voisinage de celui-ci.Since the light source 14 is arranged at the first focus F1 of the elliptical reflector 18, the majority of the primary rays R1 emitted by the source 14, after being reflected on the inner face 20 of the elliptical surface 18, is returned to the second F2 focus of the reflector 18, or in the vicinity thereof.

Ces rayons lumineux primaires R1 forment, au foyer F2 de la lentille 16, une image lumineuse concentrée qui est projetée, à l'avant du module d'éclairage 10, par la lentille 16, selon une direction sensiblement parallèle à l'axe longitudinal A-A.These primary light rays R1 form, at the focus F2 of the lens 16, a concentrated light image which is projected, at the front of the lighting module 10, by the lens 16, in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis AA .

Dans un deuxième temps, on considère les rayons lumineux R2 émis par la source 14 qui passeraient au-dessous du bord de coupure 28, s'il n'y avait pas la surface plane 22, et qui seront désignés par rayons secondaires R2.In a second step, we consider the light rays R2 emitted by the source 14 which would pass below the cutoff edge 28, if there was no flat surface 22, and which will be designated by secondary rays R2.

Ces rayons lumineux secondaires R2 sont réfléchis par la face interne 20 de la surface elliptique 18 vers la surface plane réfléchissante 22, de sorte qu'ils se réfléchissent une seconde fois vers l'avant.These secondary light rays R2 are reflected by the inner face 20 of the elliptical surface 18 towards the reflecting flat surface 22, so that they are reflected a second time forward.

Lors de cette seconde réflexion, les rayons lumineux secondaires R2 sont transmis vers la partie supérieure de la surface d'entrée 17 de la lentille 16. Par conséquent, du fait de ses propriétés de convergence, la lentille 16 dévie les rayons lumineux secondaires R2 vers le bas. Les rayons lumineux secondaires R2 sont donc émis sous la coupure dans le faisceau d'éclairage.During this second reflection, the secondary light rays R2 are transmitted towards the upper part of the input surface 17 of the lens 16. Therefore, because of its properties of convergence, the lens 16 deflects the secondary light rays R2 downwards. The secondary light rays R2 are therefore emitted under the cut-off in the lighting beam.

Plus le lieu de réflexion sur la surface plane 22 d'un rayon lumineux secondaire R2 est proche du bord de coupure 28, donc proche du plan focal de la lentille 16, plus la direction de ce rayon lumineux secondaire R2, à la sortie de la lentille 16, est proche d'une direction parallèle à l'axe longitudinal A-A.More the reflection place on the plane surface 22 of a secondary light ray R2 is close to the cutoff edge 28, so close to the focal plane of the lens 16, plus the direction of this secondary light beam R2, at the exit of the lens 16, is close to a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis AA.

Un avantage du module d'éclairage 10 selon l'invention est que son système optique 11 n'occulte pas une partie importante des rayons lumineux émis par la source 14, comme c'est le cas dans un module d'éclairage classique comportant un cache.An advantage of the lighting module 10 according to the invention is that its optical system 11 does not obscure a significant portion of the light rays emitted by the source 14, as is the case in a conventional lighting module comprising a cache .

La surface plane réfléchissante 22 permet de « replier » les images de la source lumineuse 14 qui sont réfléchies par la surface elliptique 18 du réflecteur 12 au second foyer F2 du réflecteur 12.The reflecting flat surface 22 can "fold" the images of the light source 14 which are reflected by the elliptical surface 18 of the reflector 12 to the second focus F2 of the reflector 12.

En effet, en l'absence de la surface plane 22, certaines de ces images devraient chevaucher la limite formée par le bord de coupure 28, dans un plan vertical généré par le bord de coupure 28. Chaque image comporterait alors une portion supérieure située au-dessus du bord de coupure 28 et une portion inférieure située au-dessous du bord de coupure 28. Grâce à la surface plane réfléchissante 22, la portion inférieure de chaque image est réfléchie vers le haut, comme si la portion inférieure était repliée sur la portion supérieure, de sorte que ces portions d'image se superposent au-dessus du bord de coupure 28, dans le plan vertical généré par le bord de coupure 28.Indeed, in the absence of the plane surface 22, some of these images should overlap the limit formed by the cutoff edge 28, in a vertical plane generated by the cutoff edge 28. Each image would then comprise an upper portion located at above the cut-off edge 28 and a lower portion below the cut-off edge 28. Thanks to the reflecting flat surface 22, the lower portion of each image is reflected upwards, as if the lower portion were folded over the upper portion, so that these image portions are superimposed above the cutoff edge 28, in the vertical plane generated by the cutoff edge 28.

Le « pli » formé par ce « repliement » d'images contribue à former une coupure nette dans le faisceau d'éclairage projeté par la lentille 16.The "fold" formed by this "folding" of images contributes to forming a clean cut in the light beam projected by the lens 16.

Le module d'éclairage 10 selon l'invention présente aussi des avantages particuliers, dans le cadre de l'utilisation d'une diode électroluminescente 44 comme source lumineuse 14 dans un module d'éclairage.The lighting module 10 according to the invention also has particular advantages in the context of the use of a light emitting diode 44 as a light source 14 in a lighting module.

En effet, l'image de la source virtuelle correspondant à une diode est généralement ronde et diffuse.Indeed, the image of the virtual source corresponding to a diode is generally round and diffuse.

Pour réaliser une coupure dans un faisceau d'éclairage, à partir d'un module d'éclairage utilisant une source lumineuse et une optique de Fresnel, ou utilisant une source lumineuse et un réflecteur du type à surface complexe, il est nécessaire d'aligner les bords des images de la source lumineuse sur l'écran de mesure servant à valider le faisceau d'éclairage réglementaire.To make a cut in a lighting beam, from a lighting module using a light source and a Fresnel optic, or using a light source and a reflector of the complex surface type, it is necessary to align the edges of the images of the light source on the measurement screen used to validate the regulatory lighting beam.

Lorsque la source lumineuse est un filament, son image virtuelle a globalement la forme d'un rectangle, de sorte qu'il est relativement facile de réaliser une coupure nette en alignant les bords des rectangles.When the light source is a filament, its virtual image has the overall shape of a rectangle, so that it is relatively easy to make a clean cut by aligning the edges of the rectangles.

Lorsque la source lumineuse est une diode, il est beaucoup plus difficile de réaliser une coupure nette en alignant les images correspondantes, de formes rondes.When the light source is a diode, it is much more difficult to make a clean cut by aligning the corresponding images of round shapes.

Cette difficulté pourrait être surmontée en utilisant un diaphragme avec la diode, mais on perdrait alors une quantité importante de l'énergie lumineuse produite par la diode.This difficulty could be overcome by using a diaphragm with the diode, but then a significant amount of the light energy produced by the diode would be lost.

Le module d'éclairage 10 selon l'invention permet de réaliser une coupure nette avec une diode 44, car il projette à l'avant l'image d'une arête du système optique 11, c'est à dire l'image du bord de coupure 28.The lighting module 10 according to the invention makes it possible to make a clean cut with a diode 44, because it projects at the front the image of an edge of the optical system 11, that is to say the image of the edge cutoff 28.

La forme de la coupure dans le faisceau d'éclairage est donc déterminée par le profil du bord de coupure 28, dans une projection sur un plan vertical et transversal.The shape of the cut in the illumination beam is thus determined by the profile of the cut-off edge 28, in a projection on a vertical and transverse plane.

Une autre difficulté pour la réalisation d'un module d'éclairage à partir d'une diode provient du fait que la répartition de l'énergie lumineuse dans le faisceau lumineux émis par la diode n'est pas homogène. Par conséquent, il est très difficile de réaliser un faisceau d'éclairage homogène à partir des images directes de la diode.Another difficulty for the realization of a lighting module from a diode comes from the fact that the distribution of light energy in the light beam emitted by the diode is not homogeneous. Therefore, it is very difficult to achieve a homogeneous illumination beam from the direct images of the diode.

Le module d'éclairage 10 selon l'invention surmonte cette difficulté en exploitant une propriété des modules d'éclairage elliptiques qui est de « mélanger » les images de la source lumineuse au second foyer F2 du réflecteur 12, ce qui améliore l'homogénéité du faisceau d'éclairage produit.The lighting module 10 according to the invention overcomes this difficulty by exploiting a property of the elliptical lighting modules which is to "mix" the images of the light source at the second focus F2 of the reflector 12, which improves the homogeneity of the illumination beam produced.

Un avantage du module d'éclairage 10 selon l'invention est qu'il exploite la propriété des diodes encapsulées 44 d'émettre globalement dans un demi espace, ce qui permet de capter plus de quatre-vingt pourcents du flux lumineux émis par la diode 44, alors que, dans un projecteur elliptique code traditionnel, on capte moins de cinquante pourcents du flux lumineux.An advantage of the lighting module 10 according to the invention is that it exploits the property of the encapsulated diodes 44 to emit globally in a half space, which captures more than eighty percent of the luminous flux emitted by the diode 44, whereas in a traditional code elliptical projector, less than fifty percent of the luminous flux is captured.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, qui est représenté schématiquement sur les figures 1 à 3, le module d'éclairage 10 est réalisé par un assemblage d'éléments discrets.According to a first embodiment, which is shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 1 to 3, the lighting module 10 is made by an assembly of discrete elements.

Le module d'éclairage 10 comporte, par exemple, un élément 18 formant la partie elliptique du réflecteur 12, un élément 22 formant la surface plane du réflecteur 12, et un élément 16 formant la lentille convergente.The lighting module 10 comprises, for example, an element 18 forming the elliptical portion of the reflector 12, an element 22 forming the flat surface of the reflector 12, and an element 16 forming the convergent lens.

La face interne de la partie elliptique 18 et la face supérieure de la surface plane 22 sont par exemple revêtues d'un matériau réfléchissant.The inner face of the elliptical portion 18 and the upper face of the flat surface 22 are for example coated with a reflective material.

Dans le cas où la source lumineuse 14 est une diode électroluminescente 44, compte tenu de la faible dissipation thermique de ce type de source, par rapport à des lampes, il est possible de réaliser les éléments discrets sous forme de pièces en polymères, assemblées par exemple par emboîtement.In the case where the light source 14 is a light-emitting diode 44, given the low heat dissipation of this type of source, compared to lamps, it is possible to produce the discrete elements in the form of polymer parts, assembled by example by interlocking.

La lentille 16 peut être une lentille de Fresnel.The lens 16 may be a Fresnel lens.

Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, qui est représenté schématiquement sur la figure 4, le système optique 11 du module d'éclairage 10 est réalisé en une seule pièce optique pleine, en matériau transparent, par exemple du PMMA (polymétacrylate de méthyle).According to a second embodiment of the invention, which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, the optical system 11 of the lighting module 10 is made in one solid optical part, made of transparent material, for example PMMA (polymethacrylate). methyl).

La pièce optique pleine est par exemple réalisée par moulage, ou par usinage.The solid optical part is for example made by molding, or by machining.

Pour permettre la réflexion des rayons lumineux émis par la source 14 dans le volume de réflexion délimité par le réflecteur 12, la surface externe de la partie elliptique 18 du réflecteur 12 et la surface externe, ici inférieure, de la surface plane 22 du réflecteur 12 sont revêtues d'un matériau réfléchissant.To allow reflection of the light rays emitted by the source 14 in the reflection volume delimited by the reflector 12, the outer surface of the elliptical portion 18 of the reflector 12 and the outer surface, here below, of the flat surface 22 of the reflector 12 are coated with a reflective material.

Pour certaines portions du réflecteur 12, on peut utiliser les propriétés de réflexion totale dans un milieu d'indice supérieur à l'air pour provoquer la réflexion des rayons lumineux dans le volume de réflexion délimité par le réflecteur 12, sans utiliser de matériau réfléchissant.For certain portions of the reflector 12, it is possible to use the total reflection properties in a medium of index greater than air to cause the reflection of the light rays in the reflection volume delimited by the reflector 12, without the use of reflective material.

Selon ce deuxième mode de réalisation, les rayons lumineux qui sont émis par la source lumineuse 14 se propagent à l'intérieur du matériau constituant le système optique 11 du module d'éclairage 10, puis ils sortent du système optique 11 par la face avant de la lentille convergente 16.According to this second embodiment, the light rays which are emitted by the light source 14 propagate inside the material constituting the optical system 11 of the lighting module 10, then they leave the optical system 11 through the front face of the light source. the convergent lens 16.

Le fait que les rayons lumineux se propagent à l'intérieur d'un matériau, dans le deuxième mode de réalisation, alors que les rayons lumineux se propagent dans l'air, dans le premier mode de réalisation, n'a pas d'influence notable sur le principe du fonctionnement du module d'éclairage 10 selon l'invention.The fact that the light rays propagate inside a material, in the second embodiment, while the light rays propagate in the air, in the first embodiment, has no influence. notable on the principle of operation of the lighting module 10 according to the invention.

Avantageusement, la surface plane réfléchissante 22 comporte une cavité de forme complémentaire à la capsule de la diode électroluminescente 44.Advantageously, the reflecting flat surface 22 comprises a cavity of complementary shape to the capsule of the light-emitting diode 44.

Par exemple, si la capsule de la diode 44 a une forme hémisphérique, la cavité est sensiblement hémisphérique.For example, if the capsule of the diode 44 has a hemispherical shape, the cavity is substantially hemispherical.

Selon une variante de ce deuxième mode de réalisation, le réflecteur 12 est réalisé en une seule pièce en matériau transparent, qui est distincte de la pièce formant la lentille convergente 16.According to a variant of this second embodiment, the reflector 12 is made in one piece of transparent material, which is distinct from the piece forming the convergent lens 16.

Selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention, qui est représentée sur la figure 5, la source lumineuse 14 peut être réalisée au moyen de plusieurs diodes électroluminescentes 44.According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, which is represented in FIG. 5, the light source 14 can be made by means of several light-emitting diodes 44.

On note que les diodes électroluminescentes 44 doivent être très proches les unes des autres, de manière qu'elles soient agencées globalement au premier foyer F1 du réflecteur 12.Note that the light-emitting diodes 44 must be very close to each other, so that they are arranged generally at the first focus F1 of the reflector 12.

Par exemple, conformément à la figure 5, deux diodes 44 sont alignées, avantageusement selon une direction perpendiculaire à l'axe optique longitudinal A-A.For example, according to FIG. 5, two diodes 44 are aligned, advantageously in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal optical axis A-A.

La source lumineuse 14 résultante est alors équivalente à une source lumineuse étendue en largueur, car les faisceaux d'éclairage produits par chaque diode électroluminescente 44 se recouvrent.The resulting light source 14 is then equivalent to an extended light source width, since the light beams produced by each light emitting diode 44 overlap.

Cet agencement des diodes 44 permet donc d'élargir le faisceau lumineux produit par le module d'éclairage 10.This arrangement of the diodes 44 thus makes it possible to widen the light beam produced by the lighting module 10.

Avantageusement, pour réaliser une fonction d'éclairage réglementaire, à coupure, par exemple une fonction d'éclairage antibrouillard, on réalise un projecteur de véhicule au moyen de plusieurs modules d'éclairage 10 identiques fonctionnant simultanément.Advantageously, to achieve a regulatory lighting function, cut-off, for example a fog light function, a vehicle headlight is produced by means of several identical lighting modules 10 operating simultaneously.

Les modules d'éclairage 10 sont agencés en parallèle, c'est à dire que leurs axes optiques A-A sont sensiblement parallèles entre eux.The lighting modules 10 are arranged in parallel, that is to say that their optical axes A-A are substantially parallel to each other.

Ainsi, les faisceaux d'éclairage produits par chacun des modules d'éclairage 10 se superposent à l'avant du véhicule de manière à former le faisceau d'éclairage réglementaire à coupure.Thus, the light beams produced by each of the lighting modules 10 are superimposed on the front of the vehicle so as to form the regulatory lighting beam cutoff.

A titre d'exemple, on a représenté sur la figure 6 un projecteur 46 de véhicule qui réalise une fonction de feux de croisement, ou codes, et qui utilise quatre modules d'éclairage 10 identiques.For example, there is shown in Figure 6 a vehicle headlight 46 which performs a dipped beam function, or codes, and which uses four identical lighting modules 10.

Comme le faisceau d'éclairage de croisement doit comporter une coupure présentant une partie inclinée d'un angle déterminé, par exemple quinze degrés, deux modules d'éclairage 48 du projecteur 46 sont tournés de quinze degrés, autour de leur axe optique longitudinal A-A, de manière à réaliser un faisceau d'éclairage comportant une coupure inclinée de quinze degrés par rapport à un plan horizontal.As the crossing lighting beam must comprise a cutoff having a portion inclined at a given angle, for example fifteen degrees, two lighting modules 48 of the projector 46 are rotated by fifteen degrees, about their longitudinal optical axis AA, in such a way as to produce a lighting beam having an inclined cut of fifteen degrees with respect to a horizontal plane.

Les deux autres modules d'éclairage 50 forment un faisceau d'éclairage présentant une coupure horizontale.The other two lighting modules 50 form a lighting beam having a horizontal cut.

La superposition des faisceaux d'éclairage produits par les quatre modules d'éclairage 10 forme alors un faisceau d'éclairage réglementaire présentant une partie horizontale et une partie inclinée de quinze degrés.The superposition of the illumination beams produced by the four lighting modules 10 then forms a regulatory lighting beam having a horizontal portion and an inclined portion of fifteen degrees.

Selon une variante de réalisation de l'invention, qui est représentée sur les figures 7 et 8, chaque module d'éclairage 10 peut être prévu pour réaliser individuellement un faisceau d'éclairage comportant une coupure conforme à un faisceau réglementaire de feux de croisement.According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, which is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, each lighting module 10 may be provided to individually produce a lighting beam comprising a cut-off according to a regulatory beam of dipped beam.

Selon cette variante, la surface plane réfléchissante 22 comporte deux parties 52, 54.According to this variant, the reflecting flat surface 22 comprises two parts 52, 54.

Une première partie de la surface réfléchissante 22 s'étend dans un premier demi-plan 52 délimité par l'axe optique longitudinal A-A, et qui s'étend à droite sur la figure 8.A first part of the reflecting surface 22 extends in a first half-plane 52 delimited by the longitudinal optical axis A-A, and which extends to the right in FIG. 8.

Ce premier demi-plan 52 est contenu dans le plan horizontal. Son bord de coupure 56 est donc horizontal, de sorte qu'il réalise la partie horizontale de la coupure dans le faisceau d'éclairage produit par le module 10.This first half-plane 52 is contained in the horizontal plane. Its cutoff edge 56 is therefore horizontal, so that it realizes the horizontal part of the cut in the lighting beam produced by the module 10.

La surface plane réfléchissante 22 comporte une deuxième partie réfléchissante 54 qui s'étend dans un deuxième demi-plan, délimité par l'axe optique longitudinal A-A, et cette surface plane secondaire 54 comporte, à l'avant, un bord de coupure 58 qui est incliné, par rapport au plan horizontal, d'un angle déterminé α, par exemple quinze degrés.The reflecting flat surface 22 has a second reflecting portion 54 which extends in a second half-plane, delimited by the longitudinal optical axis AA, and this secondary flat surface 54 has, at the front, a cutting edge 58 which is inclined, with respect to the horizontal plane, by a determined angle α, for example fifteen degrees.

Selon une variante de réalisation (non représentée) de l'invention, la source lumineuse 14 peut être formée par l'extrémité libre d'un faisceau de fibre optique.According to an alternative embodiment (not shown) of the invention, the light source 14 may be formed by the free end of an optical fiber bundle.

Un inconvénient des fibres optiques est qu'elles forment une source lumineuse comportant un coeur lumineux et un anneau sombre, dû à la gaine entourant le coeur de la fibre.A disadvantage of optical fibers is that they form a light source comprising a light core and a dark ring, due to the sheath surrounding the core of the fiber.

Ce type de source lumineuse, lorsqu'il est utilisé dans un projecteur d'éclairage de véhicule utilisant par exemple un réflecteur du type à surface complexe, forme donc, dans le faisceau d'éclairage, des images sous forme de pixels entourés par une aire sombre, due à la gaine.This type of light source, when used in a vehicle lighting projector using for example a reflector of the complex surface type, therefore forms, in the beam lighting, images in the form of pixels surrounded by a dark area, due to the sheath.

Un avantage du module d'éclairage 10 selon l'invention est qu'il permet de mélanger toutes les images de la source lumineuse 14 au second foyer F2 du réflecteur 12, de sorte qu'on ne retrouve pas dans le faisceau d'éclairage les pixels de la fibre optique.An advantage of the lighting module 10 according to the invention is that it allows all the images of the light source 14 to be mixed with the second focus F2 of the reflector 12, so that the lighting beam pixels of the optical fiber.

Claims (9)

  1. Lighting module (10) for a motor vehicle headlight which provides a lighting beam of the cut-off type, comprising, arranged from the rear to the front, globally according to a longitudinal horizontal optical axis (A-A), a reflector (12) of the elliptical type which delimits a reflection volume for light rays and comprises a substantially elliptical reflection surface (18, 20), at least one source of light (14) which is arranged in the vicinity of a first focal point (F1) of the reflector (12), and a convergent lens (16), the focal plane of which is arranged in the vicinity of the second focal point (F2) of the reflector (12), the reflector comprising a horizontal flat surface of reflection (22), the upper surface of which (24) is reflective, which delimits vertically downwards the volume of reflection, the flat surface (22) of the reflector (12) comprising a front end edge (28) known as the cut-off edge, which is arranged in the vicinity of the second focal point (F2) of the reflector (12), such as to form the cut-off in the lighting beam, the flat surface (22) of the reflector (18) being arranged on a horizontal flat plane which passes globally via the focal points (F1, F2) of the reflector (12), characterised in that the flat surface of the reflector extends longitudinally rearwards from its cut-off edge, at least as far as the vicinity of the first focal point (F1) of the reflector (12), in that the substantially elliptical surface (18, 20) of the reflector (12) is formed by an angular part sector substantially generated by revolution around the longitudinal optical axis (A-A), in that the angular sector extends vertically above the flat surface (22) of the reflector (12), and in that the source of light (14) is an electro-luminescent diode (44) or is formed by the free end of a beam of optical fibres, and in that this source is arranged in the module (10) such that its axis of diffusion of light (B-B) is substantially perpendicular to the flat surface (22) of the reflector (12).
  2. Lighting module (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the reflector (12) is produced from a single solid piece of transparent material.
  3. Lighting module (10) according to claim 2, characterised in that the lens (16) is produced integrally with the reflector (12).
  4. Lighting module (10) according to either of claims 2 or 3, characterised in that the source of light (14) is arranged in a complementary cavity provided in the flat surface (22) of the reflector (12).
  5. Lighting module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of adjacent sources of light (14) which are globally aligned according to a direction which is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal optical axis (A-A), such as to spread the width of the lighting beam.
  6. Lighting module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cut-off edge (28) of the flat surface (22) of the reflector (12) has a curved profile on the horizontal plane, such as to follow globally the curvature of the focal plane of the lens (16).
  7. Lighting module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the horizontal flat surface (22) of the reflector (12) extends on a first half-plane (52) which is delimited by the longitudinal optical axis (A-A), in that a secondary flat surface (54) of the reflector extends on a second half-plane which is delimited by the longitudinal optical axis (A-A), and in that the secondary flat surface (54) of the reflector comprises a front cut-off edge (28) which is inclined relative to a horizontal plane, by a predetermined angle (α), such as to form an inclined cut-off in the lighting beam, in order to produce a regulation dipped lighting beam.
  8. Vehicle lighting headlight (46), characterised in that it comprises at least one lighting module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.
  9. Vehicle lighting headlight (46) according to the preceding claim, taken in combination with any one of claims 1 to 5, of the type which is designed to produce a regulation dipped lighting beam, characterised in that it comprises at least two lighting modules (10) with substantially identical structures, which are arranged substantially in parallel:
    - a first lighting module (50), the cut-off edge (28) of which is substantially horizontal; and
    - a second lighting module (48) which is turned by a predetermined angle around its optical axis (A-A) relative to the first module (50), such that its cut-off edge (28) is inclined relative to a horizontal plane,
    so that the lighting beams produced by the two modules (48, 50) are superimposed and form the regulation dipped lighting beam.
EP03290971.5A 2002-04-25 2003-04-18 Elliptical lighting module without screen providing a cut-off beam and headlamp comprising the same Expired - Lifetime EP1357334B2 (en)

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Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR0205323 2002-04-25
FR0205323A FR2839139B1 (en) 2002-04-25 2002-04-25 LUMINAIRE-FREE ELLIPTICAL LIGHTING MODULE COMPRISING A CUT-OFF LIGHTING BEAM AND PROJECTOR COMPRISING SUCH A MODULE

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EP1357334A1 EP1357334A1 (en) 2003-10-29
EP1357334B1 true EP1357334B1 (en) 2007-11-07
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ES (1) ES2297107T5 (en)
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SI1357334T1 (en) 2008-04-30
US20030202359A1 (en) 2003-10-30
JP4136773B2 (en) 2008-08-20
ATE377732T1 (en) 2007-11-15
US6997587B2 (en) 2006-02-14
DE60317254T2 (en) 2008-08-28
FR2839139B1 (en) 2005-01-14
ES2297107T5 (en) 2018-12-12
ES2297107T3 (en) 2008-05-01
EP1357334B2 (en) 2018-05-30
DE60317254D1 (en) 2007-12-20
FR2839139A1 (en) 2003-10-31
JP2003317515A (en) 2003-11-07
EP1357334A1 (en) 2003-10-29

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