EP1452795A2 - Vehicle headlamp with light emitting diodes - Google Patents

Vehicle headlamp with light emitting diodes Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1452795A2
EP1452795A2 EP04290247A EP04290247A EP1452795A2 EP 1452795 A2 EP1452795 A2 EP 1452795A2 EP 04290247 A EP04290247 A EP 04290247A EP 04290247 A EP04290247 A EP 04290247A EP 1452795 A2 EP1452795 A2 EP 1452795A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
projector device
contribution
type
diodes
Prior art date
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Granted
Application number
EP04290247A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1452795B1 (en
EP1452795A3 (en
Inventor
Eric Blusseau
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Classifications

    • 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
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/65—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources
    • F21S41/663—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources by switching light sources
    • 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
    • F21S41/10—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]
    • F21S41/151—Light emitting diodes [LED] arranged in one or more lines
    • 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
    • F21S41/33—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature
    • F21S41/334—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature the reflector consisting of patch like sectors
    • F21S41/335—Multi-surface reflectors, e.g. reflectors with facets or reflectors with portions of different curvature the reflector consisting of patch like sectors with continuity at the junction between adjacent areas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
    • F21W2102/30—Fog lights
    • 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
    • F21Y2113/00—Combination of light sources
    • F21Y2113/20—Combination of light sources of different form
    • 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 subject of the present invention is a vehicle headlamp device automobile fitted with light-emitting diodes.
  • the invention has essentially to offer an alternative solution to the devices headlamps using halogen type or type light sources discharge lamps, which pose a number of problems in the production of projector devices.
  • DBL, FBL, AWL, Town Light, Motorway Light and Overhead Light are grouped under the name of AFS functions.
  • the projector device according to the invention will be essentially described in use as low beam. He could nevertheless be used in any other projector device mentioned, or intervene in a of the mentioned functions. Describing the invention in the context of dipped beam is therefore in no way limited to this single application.
  • the first family is that of so-called elliptical projectors.
  • a spot of light concentration is generated by a light source arranged in a mirror.
  • the source light is placed at the first focal point of an ellipsoid-shaped mirror, said spot forming at the second focus of the mirror.
  • the spot of concentration light is then projected onto the road by a converging lens, by example a plano-convex type lens.
  • the second family is that of so-called surface reflection projectors complex, or parabolic.
  • a beam light is generated by a small light source arranged in a reflector, or mirror.
  • the projection on the ray route light reflected by a suitable reflector allows direct a light beam obeying the various constraints imposed by the standards.
  • This family of projectors includes so-called surface projectors free, or complex surface, which allow a beam to be obtained directly bright with a desired cutoff line.
  • the device according to the invention relates more particularly to this family of projectors.
  • a parabolic projector device for example of the code fire type, of the state of the art is schematically represented in FIG. 1 by a section view.
  • a code light 100 comprises, conventionally, in a housing 105, essentially a reflector 101, a light source 102, emitting light rays 103, arranged in the vicinity of the focal point of the reflector 101, and an exit surface 104 of the light beam 106.
  • the light rays 103 are emitted either directly to the exit surface 104, or indirectly after have undergone any deviations and / or reflections.
  • Figure 2 shows the reflector 101 seen from the front.
  • the reflector 101 is virtually divided into several distinct zones, each of the zones making a rigorously defined contribution to the constitution of the light beam 106 emitted by the projector.
  • a projection 300, on a plane, of this light beam is shown in Figure 3. In the case of a low beam, the light projection 300 is delimited horizontally by a cut line 306.
  • the light projection 300 is artificially divided into regions distinct.
  • a first region 301 and a second region 302 constitute the so-called light beam range regions. It is in these regions that the beam intensity must be maximum. It must provide a satisfactory visibility in the axis at 70 meters.
  • a third region 303 and a fourth region 304 constitutes the so-called comfort regions. They provide satisfactory visibility at around 40 meters.
  • a fifth region 305 constitutes the so-called width region. She permits obtain visibility downwards, i.e. by lighting up the bitumen, satisfactory at about 30 meters.
  • the light source 102 of the projector device provides its contribution to each of the regions which have just been mentioned in reflecting on the reflector 101 differently depending on the reflection zones where the image of the light source 101 is formed.
  • the first region of range 301 and the second region of range 302 of the light beam are essentially constituted of images of the light source reflecting respectively in a first zone 201 and in a second zone 202 of the surface reflective of reflector 101. These two zones are approximately horizontal, i.e.
  • the source images light 102 in these areas must be substantially horizontal to stand just below the cut-off line 306 of the light projection 300; and, given the generally cylindrical shape of the sources halogen lamp type or discharge lamp type, the length, arranged along the projection axis of the projector, being significantly less than width, it's much easier to properly match these images below the cut line when they are horizontal, so less spread out in height as vertical images.
  • This constraint which imposes a type of shape for the reflectors of the state of the art, is therefore binding.
  • first comfort region 303 and the second comfort region 304 of the light beam are essentially made up of images of the light source reflecting respectively in a third zone 203 and in a fourth zone 204 of the reflective surface of the reflector 101.
  • region of width 305 of the light beam is essentially consisting of images of the reflecting light source in a fifth zone 205 of the reflecting surface of the reflector 101.
  • the complex surface defining the different reflection zones is the subject calculations known to those skilled in the art to obtain the light beam wish.
  • a first problem encountered with this type of projector of the state of the technique is that a significant part of the light radiated by the light source is lost: in fact, the light sources used have omnidirectional radiation, i.e. diffused in all directions from space. Due to the shape of the spotlights, more particularly the presence of cheeks which limit the height of the reflectors, part of the light rays emitted by the source is not operated in the beam.
  • a second problem encountered with the projectors of the state of the technique is their size: indeed, as we have seen previously, the shape of the complex surface is mathematically defined to create, from a single light source, the beam bright as a whole. The complex surface is therefore formed of a unique piece, and therefore bulky, because it cannot be divided into many elements.
  • a third problem encountered with these devices spotlights is that they consume a lot of energy.
  • a fourth problem is that these light sources are particularly exothermic, and that it is necessary to provide within different projectors heat dissipating devices.
  • a final problem is related to the uniqueness of the light source: when it no longer works, it is the entire light beam produced by the projector which is missing.
  • the invention therefore essentially relates to a projector device, intended to emit at least one type of light beam, comprising at least at least one light source and at least one reflecting surface for reflect light rays produced by the characterized light source in that the light source comprises at least one diode-type element emitting.
  • Another object of the invention is a motor vehicle fitted with at least one projector device having at least one of the characteristics which have just been specified.
  • FIG. 4 is a front view of a reflector 400, intended to be used in a projector according to the invention, the overall shape of which is very close to that of the state of the art reflectors.
  • Source light however consists of a plurality, eight in the example shown, light-emitting diodes 401 which are arranged in a star around a central position 402 of the reflector 400.
  • the eight diodes 400 are regularly spaced around the central part 402.
  • each diode participating in the constitution of a beam light is bijectively associated with a particular area of the reflecting surface used to obtain the desired light beam.
  • each of the eight diodes is dedicated to an area specific 403, which is reserved for it, of the reflecting surface, the different areas being symbolically delimited by a solid line.
  • diodes 401 whose radiation remains less intense than that of the light sources used in the state of the technique, implies on the one hand the multiplicity of these diodes to achieve a projector device producing light beams identical to those of the state of the art, and on the other hand an increase in the surface dedicated to regions of high intensity of the light beam. So, to obtain a light beam of the type shown in FIG. 3, it is necessary to multiply the zones dedicated to the diodes which bring more particularly their contribution to the beam range regions luminous. In the example considered, we reserve three specific zones, respectively 403-p1, 403-p2 and 403-p3, which are therefore associated with three separate diodes, to produce images of each diode which will contribute to the intensity of the range regions.
  • diode arrangement light emitting 400 is a so-called barrel arrangement.
  • this arrangement we always have a set of diodes light-emitting around the central part 402, but also as close as possible so that the total luminous flux produced is comparable to that of a halogen lamp or Xenon usually used, especially in terms of omnidirectionality of the light flux produced.
  • the reserved reflection zones for the beam range regions bright are not necessarily the horizontal areas, i.e. zones arranged in the vicinity of a horizontal and central plane of the device projector.
  • This absence of constraint leaves a great diversity of choices in the distribution, on the reflecting surface 400, of the role of the different reflection zones.
  • the emitting surface of the diodes may not be strictly square, it can have more varied geometric shapes (rectangle, triangle ...), its specificity being that it is generally a surface substantially flat.
  • the projector device according to the invention is no longer necessarily a part mono-block, but it consists of a set of compartments which can be distributed in different places on the front panel, for example, vehicle.
  • Each compartment has at least one diode and one specific reflection surface.
  • We can thus, for example, have on the in front of a vehicle a set of diodes which are not necessarily close to each other, but which, associated with suitable reflective surfaces, contribute to the production of the same light bleam.
  • the different compartments can however be adjacent to each other so as to give the impression of a mono-block projector device.
  • the diodes can thus be arranged differently from the arrangement approaching that of the state of the art;
  • Figure 5 thus shows a reflector 500 or a multiplicity of diodes 501 are arranged only along a central vertical axis 504 of the reflector, the different zones reflective 502 being arranged, possibly so compartmentalized, on either side of the vertical axis 504.
  • Another advantage of the devices according to the invention is that the diode malfunction does not stop the device completely associated projector; indeed, even if the light beam is significantly modified, the other diodes present in the device projector temporarily provide satisfactory lighting.
  • the diodes are oriented in such a way so that the light rays they emit in a cone of radiation, which belongs to half a space, reach in full or almost a specific area of the reflective surface of reflector 400 to which they are associated with.
  • Another advantage of the invention is that the lighting of each diode can be controlled independently. So if we get a first beam bright when a set of diodes are radiating, the extinction of one or several of the diodes belonging to this set makes it possible to obtain a second light beam different from the first.
  • the projector devices according to the invention can also be supplemented by light sources of the halogen lamp or lamp type discharge also called Xenon lamp. This supplement may prove interesting to reinforce the intensity of the areas of range.
  • the invention covers so also hybrid headlamps whose light source is a association of one or more light-emitting diodes and a halogen or discharge lamp. Halogen lamp or lamp discharge is then advantageously reserved for the regions of scope, and the diodes make their contribution, or are reserved, to the regions of comfort or width of a light beam.

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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)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

The device has a reflector (400) for reflecting luminous rays produced by a luminous source that consists of series of electroluminescent diodes (401). Each electroluminescent diode is oriented in such a manner so that a part of its radiation attains a specific zone (403-p1 to 403-p3) of reflection on the reflector. Each specific zone provides a specific light distribution in the production of the luminous rays.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un dispositif projecteur de véhicule automobile équipé de diodes électroluminescentes. L'invention a essentiellement pour but de proposer une solution alternative aux dispositifs projecteurs utilisant des source lumineuses de type halogène ou de type lampes à décharge, qui posent un certain nombre de problèmes dans la réalisation des dispositifs projecteurs.The subject of the present invention is a vehicle headlamp device automobile fitted with light-emitting diodes. The invention has essentially to offer an alternative solution to the devices headlamps using halogen type or type light sources discharge lamps, which pose a number of problems in the production of projector devices.

Le domaine de l'invention est, d'une façon générale, celui des projecteurs de véhicule automobile. Dans ce domaine, on connaít différents types de projecteurs, parmi lesquels on trouve essentiellement :

  • des feux de position, d'intensité et de portée faible ;
  • des feux de croisement, ou codes, d'intensité plus forte et de portée sur la route avoisinant 70 mètres, qui sont utilisés essentiellement la nuit et dont la répartition du faisceau lumineux est telle qu'elle permet de ne pas éblouir le conducteur d'un véhicule croisé ;
  • des feux de route longue portée, et des feux de complément de type longue portée, dont la zone de vision sur la route avoisine 200 mètres, et qui doivent être éteints lorsque l'on croise un autre véhicule afin de ne pas éblouir son conducteur ;
  • des projecteurs perfectionnés, dits bimodes, qui cumulent les fonctions de feux de croisement et de feu de route en incorporant un cache amovible ;
  • des feux anti-brouillard.
The field of the invention is, in general, that of motor vehicle headlights. In this area, we know different types of projectors, among which we find mainly:
  • position, intensity and short range lights;
  • dipped beam, or code, of higher intensity and range on the road of around 70 meters, which are used mainly at night and whose distribution of the light beam is such that it does not dazzle the driver a crossover vehicle;
  • long-range main beam headlamps, and long-range supplemental headlamps, whose vision on the road is around 200 meters, and which must be switched off when passing another vehicle so as not to dazzle the driver;
  • advanced headlamps, called dual-mode, which combine the functions of low beam and high beam by incorporating a removable cover;
  • fog lights.

Par ailleurs, en complément de ces projecteurs principaux classiques, différents perfectionnements sont progressivement apparus. On a ainsi vu se développer des fonctions élaborées, dites fonctions avancées, parmi lesquelles on trouve notamment:

  • une fonction dite DBL (Dynamic Bending Light en anglais pour lumière virage mobile) : cette fonction permet d'orienter un faisceau lumineux produit par une source lumineuse, par exemple en déplaçant un réflecteur par rapport à la source de lumière à laquelle il est associé, de telle sorte que lorsque le véhicule aborde un virage, la route soit éclairée de façon optimale ;
  • une fonction dite FBL (Fixed Bending Light en anglais pour lumière virage fixe): cette fonction a pour vocation d'éclairer progressivement le bas-côté de la route lorsque le véhicule effectue un virage ; à cet effet, on prévoit une source lumineuse supplémentaire qui vient compléter progressivement les feux de croisement ou de route lors de la négociation d'un virage ;
  • une fonction dite DRL (Day Running Light): cette fonction, couramment appelée feu de circulation diurne, assure l'allumage permanent de projecteurs du dispositif projecteur, notamment pour signaler aux piétons la présence du véhicule en circulation et ainsi éviter les chocs piétons ;
  • une fonction dite Town Light en anglais, pour feu de ville. Cette fonction assure l'élargissement d'un faisceau de type feu de croisement tout en diminuant légèrement sa portée ;
  • une fonction dite Motorway Light en anglais, pour feu d'autoroute. Cette fonction assure une augmentation de la portée d'un feu de croisement ;
  • une fonction dite AWL (Adverse Weather Light en anglais, pour feu de mauvais temps). Cette fonction assure une modification d'un faisceau de feu de croisement de telle sorte que le conducteur n'est pas ébloui par un reflet de son propre projecteur ;
  • une fonction dite Overhead Light en anglais, pour feu surélevé. Cette fonction assure une modification d'un faisceau de feu de croisement de telle sorte que des portiques situés en hauteur sont éclairés de façon satisfaisante au moyen des feux de croisement.
In addition, in addition to these classic main projectors, various improvements have gradually appeared. We have thus seen the development of sophisticated functions, called advanced functions, among which we find in particular:
  • a function called DBL (Dynamic Bending Light in English for moving bend light): this function makes it possible to orient a light beam produced by a light source, for example by moving a reflector relative to the light source with which it is associated, so that when the vehicle approaches a bend, the road is optimally lit;
  • a function called FBL (Fixed Bending Light in English for fixed cornering light): this function is intended to gradually illuminate the side of the road when the vehicle makes a turn; for this purpose, an additional light source is provided which gradually supplements the low beam or main beam during the negotiation of a turn;
  • a so-called DRL (Day Running Light) function: this function, commonly called daytime running light, ensures the permanent lighting of headlamps of the headlamp device, in particular for signaling to pedestrians the presence of the vehicle in circulation and thus avoiding pedestrian impacts;
  • a function called Town Light in English, for city light. This function widens a low beam type beam while slightly reducing its range;
  • a so-called Motorway Light function in English, for a highway light. This function increases the range of a low beam;
  • a function called AWL (Adverse Weather Light in English, for bad weather fire). This function ensures a modification of a beam of dipped beam so that the driver is not dazzled by a reflection of his own projector;
  • a function called Overhead Light in English, for raised fire. This function ensures a modification of a beam of low beam so that gantries located in height are lit satisfactorily by means of low beam.

Les fonctions DBL, FBL, AWL, Town Light, Motorway Light et Overhead Light sont regroupées sous le nom de fonctions AFS .DBL, FBL, AWL, Town Light, Motorway Light and Overhead Light are grouped under the name of AFS functions.

Le dispositif projecteur selon l'invention sera essentiellement décrit dans une utilisation en tant que feux de croisements. Il pourrait néanmoins être utilisé dans tout autre dispositif projecteur cité, ou intervenir dans une des fonctions mentionnées. Le fait de décrire l'invention dans le cadre de feux de croisement n'est donc en rien limitatif à cette seule application.The projector device according to the invention will be essentially described in use as low beam. He could nevertheless be used in any other projector device mentioned, or intervene in a of the mentioned functions. Describing the invention in the context of dipped beam is therefore in no way limited to this single application.

Par ailleurs, il existe deux familles principales de projecteurs qui correspondent à deux agencements distincts d'éléments constituant le projecteur:In addition, there are two main families of projectors which correspond to two distinct arrangements of elements constituting the projector:

La première famille est celle des projecteurs dits elliptiques. Dans ce type de projecteurs, une tache de concentration lumineuse est engendrée par une source lumineuse disposée dans un miroir. Typiquement, la source lumineuse est disposée au premier foyer d'un miroir en forme d'ellipsoïde, ladite tache se formant au second foyer du miroir. La tache de concentration lumineuse est ensuite projetée sur la route par une lentille convergente, par exemple une lentille de type plan-convexe.The first family is that of so-called elliptical projectors. In this type of spotlights, a spot of light concentration is generated by a light source arranged in a mirror. Typically, the source light is placed at the first focal point of an ellipsoid-shaped mirror, said spot forming at the second focus of the mirror. The spot of concentration light is then projected onto the road by a converging lens, by example a plano-convex type lens.

La seconde famille est celle des projecteurs dits de réflexion à surface complexe, ou parabolique. Dans ce type de projecteurs, un faisceau lumineux est engendré par une source lumineuse de petite dimension disposée dans un réflecteur, ou miroir. La projection sur la route des rayons lumineux réfléchis par un réflecteur approprié permet d'obtenir directement un faisceau lumineux obéissant aux différentes contraintes imposées par les normes. Cette famille de projecteurs inclut les projecteurs dits à surface libre, ou surface complexe, qui permettent d'obtenir directement un faisceau lumineux présentant une ligne de coupure désirée. Le dispositif selon l'invention concerne plus particulièrement cette famille de projecteurs.The second family is that of so-called surface reflection projectors complex, or parabolic. In this type of spotlight, a beam light is generated by a small light source arranged in a reflector, or mirror. The projection on the ray route light reflected by a suitable reflector allows direct a light beam obeying the various constraints imposed by the standards. This family of projectors includes so-called surface projectors free, or complex surface, which allow a beam to be obtained directly bright with a desired cutoff line. The device according to the invention relates more particularly to this family of projectors.

Un dispositif projecteur parabolique, par exemple de type feu de code, de l'état de la technique est schématiquement représenté à la figure 1 par une vue en coupe. Un feu de code 100 comporte, de façon classique, dans un boítier 105, essentiellement un réflecteur 101, une source de lumière 102, émettant des rayons lumineux 103, disposée au voisinage du foyer du réflecteur 101, et une surface de sortie 104 du faisceau lumineux 106. On définit par faisceau lumineux l'ensemble des rayons lumineux qui sont effectivement émis par un projecteur au niveau de la surface de sortie 104, le volume éclairé par le faisceau lumineux correspondant à la zone de vision du conducteur ; par rayons lumineux, on désigne l'ensemble des signaux lumineux émis par la source de lumière 102. Dans l'état de la technique comme dans le dispositif selon l'invention, les rayons lumineux 103 sont émis soit directement vers la surface de sortie 104, soit indirectement après avoir subi d'éventuelles déviations et/ou réflexions.A parabolic projector device, for example of the code fire type, of the state of the art is schematically represented in FIG. 1 by a section view. A code light 100 comprises, conventionally, in a housing 105, essentially a reflector 101, a light source 102, emitting light rays 103, arranged in the vicinity of the focal point of the reflector 101, and an exit surface 104 of the light beam 106. On defines by light beam the set of light rays which are actually emitted by a projector at the exit surface 104, the volume illuminated by the light beam corresponding to the viewing area of the driver; by light rays, we mean all the signals light emitted by the light source 102. In the state of the art as in the device according to the invention, the light rays 103 are emitted either directly to the exit surface 104, or indirectly after have undergone any deviations and / or reflections.

La figure 2 montre le réflecteur 101 vu de face. Le réflecteur 101 est virtuellement découpé en plusieurs zones distinctes, chacune des zones apportant une contribution rigoureusement définie dans la constitution du faisceau lumineux 106 émis par le projecteur. Une projection 300, sur un plan, de ce faisceau lumineux est représentée à la figure 3. Dans le cas d'un feu de croisement, la projection lumineuse 300 est délimitée horizontalement par une ligne de coupure 306.Figure 2 shows the reflector 101 seen from the front. The reflector 101 is virtually divided into several distinct zones, each of the zones making a rigorously defined contribution to the constitution of the light beam 106 emitted by the projector. A projection 300, on a plane, of this light beam is shown in Figure 3. In the case of a low beam, the light projection 300 is delimited horizontally by a cut line 306.

La projection lumineuse 300 est artificiellement découpée en régions distinctes. Une première région 301 et une deuxième région 302 constituent les régions dites de portée du faisceau lumineux. C'est dans ces régions que l'intensité du faisceau doit être maximale. Elle doit permettre d'obtenir une visibilité satisfaisante dans l'axe à 70 mètres. Une troisième région 303 et une quatrième région 304 constituent les régions dites de confort. Elles permettent d'obtenir une visibilité satisfaisante à environ 40 mètres. Une cinquième région 305 constitue la région dite de largeur. Elle permet d'obtenir une visibilité vers le bas, c'est à dire en éclairant le bitume, satisfaisante à environ 30 mètres.The light projection 300 is artificially divided into regions distinct. A first region 301 and a second region 302 constitute the so-called light beam range regions. It is in these regions that the beam intensity must be maximum. It must provide a satisfactory visibility in the axis at 70 meters. A third region 303 and a fourth region 304 constitutes the so-called comfort regions. They provide satisfactory visibility at around 40 meters. A fifth region 305 constitutes the so-called width region. She permits obtain visibility downwards, i.e. by lighting up the bitumen, satisfactory at about 30 meters.

La source lumineuse 102 du dispositif projecteur apporte sa contribution à chacune des régions qui viennent d'être mentionnées en se réfléchissant sur le réflecteur 101 de manière différente en fonction des zones de réflexion où se forme l'image de la source lumineuse 101. Ainsi on peut considérer que la première région de portée 301 et la deuxième région de portée 302 du faisceau lumineux sont essentiellement constituées d'images de la source lumineuse se réfléchissant respectivement dans une première zone 201 et dans une deuxième zone 202 de la surface réfléchissante du réflecteur 101. Ces deux zones sont approximativement horizontales, c'est à dire disposées au voisinage d'un plan central et horizontal du dispositif projecteur; en effet, les images de la source lumineuse 102 dans ces zones doivent être sensiblement horizontales pour se disposer juste sous la ligne de coupure 306 de la projection lumineuse 300 ; et, compte tenu de la forme globalement cylindrique des sources lumineuses de type lampe halogène ou à lampe à décharge, la longueur, disposée selon l'axe de projection du projecteur, étant nettement inférieure à la largeur, il est beaucoup plus facile de faire coïncider correctement ces images sous la ligne de coupure lorsqu'elles sont horizontales, donc moins étalées en hauteur que des images verticales. Cette contrainte, qui impose un type de forme pour les réflecteurs de l'état de la technique, est donc contraignante.The light source 102 of the projector device provides its contribution to each of the regions which have just been mentioned in reflecting on the reflector 101 differently depending on the reflection zones where the image of the light source 101 is formed. can consider that the first region of range 301 and the second region of range 302 of the light beam are essentially constituted of images of the light source reflecting respectively in a first zone 201 and in a second zone 202 of the surface reflective of reflector 101. These two zones are approximately horizontal, i.e. arranged in the vicinity of a central plane and horizontal of the projector device; indeed the source images light 102 in these areas must be substantially horizontal to stand just below the cut-off line 306 of the light projection 300; and, given the generally cylindrical shape of the sources halogen lamp type or discharge lamp type, the length, arranged along the projection axis of the projector, being significantly less than width, it's much easier to properly match these images below the cut line when they are horizontal, so less spread out in height as vertical images. This constraint, which imposes a type of shape for the reflectors of the state of the art, is therefore binding.

Par ailleurs on peut considérer que la première région de confort 303 et la deuxième région de confort 304 du faisceau lumineux sont essentiellement constituées d'images de la source lumineuse se réfléchissant respectivement dans une troisième zone 203 et dans une quatrième zone 204 de la surface réfléchissante du réflecteur 101. Enfin, on peut considérer que la région de largeur 305 du faisceau lumineux est essentiellement constituée d'images de la source lumineuse se réfléchissant dans une cinquième zone 205 de la surface réfléchissante du réflecteur 101. La surface complexe définissant les différentes zones de réflexion fait l'objet de calculs connus de l'homme du métier pour obtenir le faisceau lumineux souhaité.Furthermore, we can consider that the first comfort region 303 and the second comfort region 304 of the light beam are essentially made up of images of the light source reflecting respectively in a third zone 203 and in a fourth zone 204 of the reflective surface of the reflector 101. Finally, we can consider that the region of width 305 of the light beam is essentially consisting of images of the reflecting light source in a fifth zone 205 of the reflecting surface of the reflector 101. The complex surface defining the different reflection zones is the subject calculations known to those skilled in the art to obtain the light beam wish.

Un premier problème rencontré avec ce type de projecteur de l'état de la technique est qu'une partie importante de la lumière rayonnée par la source lumineuse est perdue : en effet, les sources lumineuses utilisées ont un rayonnement omnidirectionnel, c'est à dire diffusé dans toutes les directions de l'espace. Du fait de la forme des projecteurs, plus particulièrement de la présence de joues qui limitent la hauteur des réflecteurs, une partie des rayons lumineux émis par la source n'est pas exploitée dans le faisceau.A first problem encountered with this type of projector of the state of the technique is that a significant part of the light radiated by the light source is lost: in fact, the light sources used have omnidirectional radiation, i.e. diffused in all directions from space. Due to the shape of the spotlights, more particularly the presence of cheeks which limit the height of the reflectors, part of the light rays emitted by the source is not operated in the beam.

Un deuxième problème rencontré avec les projecteurs de l'état de la technique est leur encombrement: en effet, comme on l'a vu précédemment, la forme de la surface complexe est mathématiquement définie pour créer, à partir d'une source lumineuse unique, le faisceau lumineux dans son ensemble. La surface complexe est donc formée d'une pièce unique, et donc volumineuse, car elle ne peut pas être scindée en plusieurs éléments. Un troisième problème rencontré avec ces dispositifs projecteurs est qu'ils consomment beaucoup d'énergie. Un quatrième problème est que ces sources de lumière sont particulièrement exothermiques, et qu'il faut prévoir au sein des projecteurs différents dispositifs pour évacuer la chaleur. Enfin, un dernier problème est lié à l'unicité de la source lumineuse : quand celle-ci ne fonctionne plus, c'est l'ensemble du faisceau lumineux produit par le projecteur qui fait défaut.A second problem encountered with the projectors of the state of the technique is their size: indeed, as we have seen previously, the shape of the complex surface is mathematically defined to create, from a single light source, the beam bright as a whole. The complex surface is therefore formed of a unique piece, and therefore bulky, because it cannot be divided into many elements. A third problem encountered with these devices spotlights is that they consume a lot of energy. A fourth problem is that these light sources are particularly exothermic, and that it is necessary to provide within different projectors heat dissipating devices. Finally, a final problem is related to the uniqueness of the light source: when it no longer works, it is the entire light beam produced by the projector which is missing.

C'est un objet de l'invention de répondre à l'ensemble des problèmes qui viennent d'être mentionnés tout en évitant des contraintes de réalisation évoquées. D'une façon générale, on propose dans l'invention d'incorporer des diodes électroluminescentes dans les différents dispositifs projecteurs connus. L'invention profite avantageusement de plusieurs propriétés des diodes électroluminescentes :

  • tout d'abord, ce type de diodes ne rayonne pas de façon omnidirectionnelle, mais rayonne dans un demi espace opposé au substrat qui supporte sa jonction P-N ; ainsi, en utilisant un rayonnement plus directif que les lampes halogènes ou à décharge de l'état de la technique, la quantité d'énergie perdue est moins importante.
  • ensuite, on a récemment perfectionné ces diodes en terme d'intensité de rayonnement ; elles peuvent désormais rayonner un flux d'environ 100 lumens. De plus, elles émettent un rayonnement, depuis longtemps dans le rouge mais désormais également dans le blanc. La quantité de chaleur qu'elles dégagent est limitée, et un certain nombre de contraintes, liées à la dissipation de la chaleur dans les dispositifs projecteurs de l'état de la technique, disparaissent.
  • enfin, les diodes consomment moins d'énergie, même à intensité de rayonnement égal, que les lampes à décharge ou les lampes halogènes ; elles sont peu encombrantes, et leur forme particulière offre des possibilités nouvelles pour la réalisation et la disposition des surfaces complexes qui leur sont associées.
It is an object of the invention to respond to all of the problems which have just been mentioned while avoiding the production constraints mentioned. In general, it is proposed in the invention to incorporate light-emitting diodes in the various known projector devices. The invention advantageously takes advantage of several properties of light-emitting diodes:
  • first of all, this type of diode does not radiate omnidirectionally, but radiates in a half space opposite the substrate which supports its PN junction; thus, by using a more directive radiation than the halogen or discharge lamps of the state of the art, the amount of energy lost is less.
  • then, these diodes have recently been perfected in terms of radiation intensity; they can now radiate a flux of around 100 lumens. In addition, they emit radiation, for a long time in red but now also in white. The quantity of heat which they give off is limited, and a certain number of constraints, linked to the dissipation of heat in the headlamp devices of the state of the art, disappear.
  • finally, the diodes consume less energy, even at equal radiation intensity, than discharge lamps or halogen lamps; they are compact, and their particular shape offers new possibilities for the production and arrangement of the complex surfaces associated with them.

L'invention concerne donc essentiellement un dispositif projecteur, destiné à émettre au moins un type de faisceau lumineux, comprenant au moins une source lumineuse et au moins une surface réfléchissante pour réfléchir des rayons lumineux produits par la source lumineuse caractérisé en ce que la source lumineuse comporte au moins un élément de type diode électroluminescente.The invention therefore essentially relates to a projector device, intended to emit at least one type of light beam, comprising at least at least one light source and at least one reflecting surface for reflect light rays produced by the characterized light source in that the light source comprises at least one diode-type element emitting.

Le dispositif projecteur selon l'invention peut en outre présenter une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques secondaires suivantes :

  • le dispositif projecteur émet au moins un faisceau lumineux de type de ceux émis par un feu de croisement, ou par un feu de position, ou par un feu de route, ou par un feu anti-brouillard, ou correspondant à une fonction quelconque parmi les fonctions AFS, ou à une fonction DRL. Il peut émettre un faisceau lumineux à coupure, notamment par un paramétrage approprié des surfaces réfléchissantes associées à la ou aux sources lumineuses
  • chaque élément de type diode électroluminescente, dont le rayon lumineux produit est un rayonnement localisé dans un demi espace, est orienté de telle sorte qu'au moins une partie de son rayonnement atteigne, sur la surface réfléchissante, une zone spécifique de réflexion qui lui est dédiée, chaque zone spécifique étant plus spécialement destinée à une contribution particulière dans la production du faisceau lumineux.
  • les différentes zones spécifiques de réflexion sont compartimentées.
  • la contribution particulière est soit une contribution de portée, soit une contribution de largeur, soit une contribution de confort.
  • chaque diode électroluminescente du dispositif projecteur est orientée pour que la totalité de son rayonnement atteigne la zone spécifique de réflexion qui lui est dédiée.
  • au moins deux diodes électroluminescentes sont utilisées pour la contribution de portée,
  • le nombre de diodes électroluminescentes est par exemple compris entre 2 et 20, ou entre 4 et 14 (pour la contribution de portée ou toute autre contribution).
  • au moins une zone spécifique de réflexion destinée à une contribution de portée est une zone non horizontale de la surface réfléchissante, ce qui est une caractéristique tout à fait spécifique à l'invention et que l'on ne rencontre pas avec les sources lumineuses plus conventionnelles
  • la source lumineuse est complétée par un élément rayonnant de type lampe halogène ou lampe à Xénon (appelée aussi lampe à décharge ou lampe HID en anglais) pour générer un faisceau lumineux donné , on a alors dans cette variante un éclairage "hybride" tout à fait innovant.
  • l'élément rayonnant de type lampe halogène ou lampe à Xénon rayonne sur une zone spécifique de réflexion qui lui est dédiée, ladite zone étant utilisée de préférence pour une contribution de portée.
  • l'allumage d'au moins un élément de type diode électroluminescente peut être commandé indépendamment de l'allumage des autres éléments de la source lumineuse.
  • selon une première variante, les différentes diodes électroluminescentes que comporte la source lumineuse sont proches les unes des autres, rassemblées dans une configuration telle qu'on peut alors assimiler l'ensemble des diodes à une unique source lumineuse conventionnelle telle une lampe halogène. Dans ce cas, on peut ainsi regrouper les diodes en "barillet", c'est-à-dire de façon à ce qu'elles soient approximativement disposées les unes à côté des autres sur un support de révolution comme un cylindre,
  • selon une seconde variante, chaque élément de type diode électroluminescente est séparé des autres, et est notamment disposée dans un compartiment qui lui est dédié de la surface réfléchissante, ledit compartiment comportant une des zones spécifiques de réflexion, les différents compartiments étant disposés de façon adjacente ou séparée. Dans ce cas, on a alors autant de sources lumineuses que de diodes, même si c'est l'ensemble des diodes qui contribue à générer un faisceau donné. Les miroirs peuvent ainsi être répartis en matrice de miroirs. Tous les miroirs peuvent être contigus ou séparés les uns des autres, ils peuvent être mécaniquement solidarisés ou solidarisables, ne faire qu'une pièce ou non. On a alors des modules miroir/diode, que l'on peut assembler de façon flexible les uns par rapport aux autres, ce qui est très intéressant du point de vue du deign du projecteur dans son ensemble.
The headlamp device according to the invention may also have one or more of the following secondary characteristics:
  • the headlamp device emits at least one light beam of the type emitted by a dipped beam, or by a position light, or by a main beam, or by a fog light, or corresponding to any function among the AFS functions, or to a DRL function. It can emit a light beam with cut-off, in particular by an appropriate setting of the reflecting surfaces associated with the light source (s)
  • each element of the light-emitting diode type, the light ray of which is a radiation located in a half space, is oriented so that at least part of its radiation reaches, on the reflecting surface, a specific reflection zone which is dedicated, each specific area being more specifically intended for a particular contribution in the production of the light beam.
  • the different specific reflection zones are compartmentalized.
  • the particular contribution is either a contribution of range, a contribution of breadth, or a contribution of comfort.
  • each light-emitting diode of the projector device is oriented so that all of its radiation reaches the specific reflection zone dedicated to it.
  • at least two light-emitting diodes are used for the range contribution,
  • the number of light-emitting diodes is for example between 2 and 20, or between 4 and 14 (for the range contribution or any other contribution).
  • at least one specific reflection zone intended for a contribution of range is a non-horizontal zone of the reflecting surface, which is a characteristic quite specific to the invention and which is not encountered with more conventional light sources
  • the light source is supplemented by a radiating element of the halogen lamp or Xenon lamp type (also called discharge lamp or HID lamp in English) to generate a given light beam, in this variant there is then completely "hybrid" lighting innovative.
  • the radiating element of the halogen lamp or Xenon lamp type radiates over a specific reflection zone dedicated to it, said zone being preferably used for a range contribution.
  • the ignition of at least one element of the light-emitting diode type can be controlled independently of the ignition of the other elements of the light source.
  • according to a first variant, the different light-emitting diodes that the light source comprises are close to each other, gathered in a configuration such that one can then assimilate all of the diodes to a single conventional light source such as a halogen lamp. In this case, it is thus possible to group the diodes in a "barrel", that is to say so that they are approximately arranged one next to the other on a support of revolution such as a cylinder,
  • according to a second variant, each element of the light-emitting diode type is separated from the others, and is in particular arranged in a compartment which is dedicated to it from the reflecting surface, said compartment comprising one of the specific reflection zones, the various compartments being disposed adjacent or separate. In this case, there are then as many light sources as there are diodes, even if it is the set of diodes which contributes to generating a given beam. The mirrors can thus be distributed in a matrix of mirrors. All the mirrors can be contiguous or separated from each other, they can be mechanically secured or secured, making only one part or not. We then have mirror / diode modules, which can be assembled flexibly with respect to each other, which is very interesting from the point of view of the design of the projector as a whole.

On peut cumuler les deux variantes, en ayant dans le même projecteur à la fois des diodes séparées les unes des autres et des diodes rassemblées assimilables à une source conventionnelle unique.We can combine the two variants, having in the same projector both diodes separated from each other and diodes gathered as a single conventional source.

Un autre objet de l'invention est un véhicule automobile équipé d'au moins un dispositif projecteur présentant l'une au moins des caractéristiques qui viennent d'être précisées.Another object of the invention is a motor vehicle fitted with at least one projector device having at least one of the characteristics which have just been specified.

L'invention et ses différentes applications seront mieux comprises à la lecture de la description qui suit et à l'examen des figures qui l'accompagnent. Celles-ci ne sont présentées qu'à titre indicatif et nullement limitatif de l'invention.

  • à la figure 1, déjà décrite, une représentation schématique d'un dispositif projecteur de l'état de la technique ;
  • à la figure 2, également déjà décrite, une représentation schématique d'un découpage, utilisé dans l'état de la technique, de la surface réfléchissante d'un réflecteur ;
  • à la figure 3, également déjà décrite, une représentation schématique des différentes régions constituant un faisceau lumineux ;
  • à la figure 4, un premier exemple de réalisation d'un réflecteur utilisé dans le dispositif projecteur selon l'invention;
  • à la figure 5, un deuxième exemple de réalisation d'un réflecteur utilisé dans le dispositif projecteur selon l'invention.
The invention and its different applications will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the accompanying figures. These are presented for information only and in no way limit the invention.
  • in Figure 1, already described, a schematic representation of a projector device of the prior art;
  • in FIG. 2, also already described, a schematic representation of a cutout, used in the state of the art, of the reflecting surface of a reflector;
  • in FIG. 3, also already described, a schematic representation of the different regions constituting a light beam;
  • in Figure 4, a first embodiment of a reflector used in the projector device according to the invention;
  • in Figure 5, a second embodiment of a reflector used in the projector device according to the invention.

La figure 4 est une vue de face d'un réflecteur 400, destiné à être utilisé dans un projecteur selon l'invention, dont la forme globale est très proche de celle des réflecteurs de l'état de la technique. La source lumineuse est cependant constituée d'une pluralité, huit dans l'exemple représenté, de diodes électroluminescentes 401 qui sont disposées en étoile autour d'une position centrale 402 du réflecteur 400. Les huit diodes 400 sont régulièrement espacées autour de la partie centrale 402.FIG. 4 is a front view of a reflector 400, intended to be used in a projector according to the invention, the overall shape of which is very close to that of the state of the art reflectors. Source light however consists of a plurality, eight in the example shown, light-emitting diodes 401 which are arranged in a star around a central position 402 of the reflector 400. The eight diodes 400 are regularly spaced around the central part 402.

Dans l'exemple représenté, et, plus généralement, avantageusement dans l'invention, chaque diode participant à la constitution d'un faisceau lumineux est associée de façon bijective à une zone particulière de la surface réfléchissante utilisée pour obtenir le faisceau lumineux souhaité. Ainsi, sur la figure 4, chacune des huit diodes est dédiée à une zone spécifique 403, qui lui est réservée, de la surface réfléchissante, les différentes zones étant symboliquement délimitées par un trait plein.In the example shown, and, more generally, advantageously in the invention, each diode participating in the constitution of a beam light is bijectively associated with a particular area of the reflecting surface used to obtain the desired light beam. Thus, in FIG. 4, each of the eight diodes is dedicated to an area specific 403, which is reserved for it, of the reflecting surface, the different areas being symbolically delimited by a solid line.

L'utilisation des diodes 401, dont le rayonnement demeure moins intense que celui des sources de lumière utilisées dans l'état de la technique, implique d'une part la multiplicité de ces diodes pour réaliser un dispositif projecteur produisant des faisceaux lumineux identiques à ceux de l'état de la technique, et d'autre part une augmentation de la surface spécifique dédiée aux régions de forte intensité du faisceau lumineux. Ainsi, pour obtenir un faisceau lumineux du type de celui représenté à la figure 3, il est nécessaire de multiplier les zones dédiées aux diodes qui apportent plus particulièrement leur contribution aux régions de portée du faisceau lumineux. Dans l'exemple considéré, on réserve trois zones spécifiques, respectivement 403-p1, 403-p2 et 403-p3, qui sont donc associées à trois diodes distinctes, pour produire des images de chaque diode qui contribueront à l'intensité des régions de portée. Sur la figure 4, on constate que, bien que l'on ait conservé à titre d'exemple deux zones de réflexion horizontales, 403-p1 et 403p-2, qui contribuent à l'intensité des régions de portée, la zone 403-p3, qui contribue également à l'intensité des régions de portée, n'est pas une zone de réflexion horizontale. Par ailleurs, on réserve toujours, parmi les zones restantes, des zones de réflexion apportant leur contribution pour les régions de confort et de largeur. Chaque zone de réflexion est réalisée sous la forme d'une surface complexe dont les calculs sont menés pour qu'elle contribue de façon appropriée à la production du faisceau lumineux.The use of diodes 401, whose radiation remains less intense than that of the light sources used in the state of the technique, implies on the one hand the multiplicity of these diodes to achieve a projector device producing light beams identical to those of the state of the art, and on the other hand an increase in the surface dedicated to regions of high intensity of the light beam. So, to obtain a light beam of the type shown in FIG. 3, it is necessary to multiply the zones dedicated to the diodes which bring more particularly their contribution to the beam range regions luminous. In the example considered, we reserve three specific zones, respectively 403-p1, 403-p2 and 403-p3, which are therefore associated with three separate diodes, to produce images of each diode which will contribute to the intensity of the range regions. In Figure 4, we see that, although two areas of reflection have been kept by way of example horizontal, 403-p1 and 403p-2, which contribute to the intensity of the regions of scope, the 403-p3 zone, which also contributes to the intensity of the regions of range, is not a horizontal reflection area. In addition, we reserve always, among the remaining zones, reflection zones bringing their contribution for comfort and width regions. Each area of reflection is carried out in the form of a complex surface whose calculations are carried out so that it contributes appropriately to the production of light bleam.

Un autre exemple possible de disposition des diodes électroluminescentes 400 est une disposition dite en barillet. Dans cette disposition, on dispose toujours un ensemble de diodes électroluminescentes autour de la partie centrale 402, mais de façon aussi serrée que possible de façon que le flux lumineux total produit soit comparable à celui d'une lampe halogène ou à Xénon habituellement utilisée, notamment en terme d'omnidirectionnalité du flux lumineux produit.Another possible example of diode arrangement light emitting 400 is a so-called barrel arrangement. In this arrangement, we always have a set of diodes light-emitting around the central part 402, but also as close as possible so that the total luminous flux produced is comparable to that of a halogen lamp or Xenon usually used, especially in terms of omnidirectionality of the light flux produced.

Un des avantages des dispositifs selon l'invention est que, du fait de la forme carrée de la surface émettrice des diodes désormais utilisées, les zones de réflexion réservées pour les régions de portée du faisceau lumineux ne sont pas nécessairement les zones horizontales, c'est à dire les zones disposées au voisinage d'un plan horizontal et central du dispositif projecteur. Cette absence de contrainte laisse une grande diversité de choix dans la répartition, sur la surface réfléchissante 400, du rôle des différentes zones de réflexion. Bien sûr, la surface émettrice des diodes peut ne pas être strictement carrée, elle peut avoir des formes géométriques plus variées (rectangle, triangle ... ), sa spécificité étant d'être généralement une surface substantiellement plane.One of the advantages of the devices according to the invention is that, due to the square shape of the emitting surface of the diodes now used, the reserved reflection zones for the beam range regions bright are not necessarily the horizontal areas, i.e. zones arranged in the vicinity of a horizontal and central plane of the device projector. This absence of constraint leaves a great diversity of choices in the distribution, on the reflecting surface 400, of the role of the different reflection zones. Of course, the emitting surface of the diodes may not be strictly square, it can have more varied geometric shapes (rectangle, triangle ...), its specificity being that it is generally a surface substantially flat.

Un autre avantage est qu'il est possible de compartimenter, de séparer, physiquement les différentes zones de réflexion. Dans ce cas, le dispositif projecteur selon l'invention n'est plus nécessairement une pièce mono-bloc, mais il est constitué d'un ensemble de compartiments qui peuvent être répartis en différents endroits de la face avant, par exemple, du véhicule. Chaque compartiment comporte au moins une diode et une surface de réflexion spécifique. On peut ainsi, par exemple, disposer sur le devant d'un véhicule un ensemble de diodes qui ne sont pas nécessairement voisines les unes des autres, mais qui, associées à des surfaces réfléchissantes appropriées, contribuent à la production d'un même faisceau lumineux. Dans d'autres exemples, les différents compartiments peuvent cependant être adjacents entre eux de façon à donner l'impression d'un dispositif projecteur mono-bloc.Another advantage is that it is possible to compartmentalize, physically separate the different reflection zones. In this case, the projector device according to the invention is no longer necessarily a part mono-block, but it consists of a set of compartments which can be distributed in different places on the front panel, for example, vehicle. Each compartment has at least one diode and one specific reflection surface. We can thus, for example, have on the in front of a vehicle a set of diodes which are not necessarily close to each other, but which, associated with suitable reflective surfaces, contribute to the production of the same light bleam. In other examples, the different compartments can however be adjacent to each other so as to give the impression of a mono-block projector device.

On peut ainsi disposer les diodes de façon différente de la disposition s'approchant de celle de l'état de la technique ; la figure 5 montre ainsi un réflecteur 500 ou une multiplicité de diodes 501 sont disposées uniquement selon un axe 504 central vertical du réflecteur, les différentes zones réfléchissantes 502 étant disposées, éventuellement de façon compartimentée, de part et d'autre de l'axe vertical 504.The diodes can thus be arranged differently from the arrangement approaching that of the state of the art; Figure 5 thus shows a reflector 500 or a multiplicity of diodes 501 are arranged only along a central vertical axis 504 of the reflector, the different zones reflective 502 being arranged, possibly so compartmentalized, on either side of the vertical axis 504.

Un autre avantage des dispositifs selon l'invention est que le dysfonctionnement d'une diode n'entraíne pas l'arrêt total du dispositif projecteur qui lui est associé ; en effet, même si le faisceau lumineux est sensiblement modifié, les autres diodes présentes dans le dispositif projecteur assurent temporairement un éclairage satisfaisant.Another advantage of the devices according to the invention is that the diode malfunction does not stop the device completely associated projector; indeed, even if the light beam is significantly modified, the other diodes present in the device projector temporarily provide satisfactory lighting.

Afin de réduire la consommation requise pour le bon fonctionnement du projecteur auquel elles appartiennent, les diodes sont orientées de telle sorte que les rayons lumineux qu'elles émettent dans un cône de rayonnement, qui appartient à un demi espace, atteignent en totalité ou presque une zone spécifique de la surface réfléchissante du réflecteur 400 à laquelle elles sont associées.To reduce the consumption required for proper operation of the projector to which they belong, the diodes are oriented in such a way so that the light rays they emit in a cone of radiation, which belongs to half a space, reach in full or almost a specific area of the reflective surface of reflector 400 to which they are associated with.

Un autre avantage de l'invention est que l'allumage de chaque diode peut être contrôlé indépendamment. Ainsi, si on obtient un premier faisceau lumineux lorsque un ensemble de diodes rayonnent, l'extinction d'une ou plusieurs des diodes appartenant à cet ensemble permet d'obtenir un second faisceau lumineux différent du premier.Another advantage of the invention is that the lighting of each diode can be controlled independently. So if we get a first beam bright when a set of diodes are radiating, the extinction of one or several of the diodes belonging to this set makes it possible to obtain a second light beam different from the first.

Les dispositifs projecteurs selon l'invention peuvent également être complétés par des sources lumineuses de type lampe halogène ou lampe à décharge appelée également lampe Xénon. Ce complément peut s'avérer intéressant pour renforcer l'intensité des zones de portée. L'invention couvre donc également les projecteurs hybrides dont la source lumineuse est une association d'une ou de plusieurs diodes électroluminescentes et d'une lampe halogène ou à décharge. La lampe halogène ou à la lampe à décharge est alors avantageusement réservée pour les régions de portée, et les diodes apportent leur contribution, ou sont réservées, aux régions de confort ou de largeur d'un faisceau lumineux.The projector devices according to the invention can also be supplemented by light sources of the halogen lamp or lamp type discharge also called Xenon lamp. This supplement may prove interesting to reinforce the intensity of the areas of range. The invention covers so also hybrid headlamps whose light source is a association of one or more light-emitting diodes and a halogen or discharge lamp. Halogen lamp or lamp discharge is then advantageously reserved for the regions of scope, and the diodes make their contribution, or are reserved, to the regions of comfort or width of a light beam.

Claims (15)

Dispositif projecteur, destiné à émettre au moins un type de faisceau lumineux, comprenant au moins une source lumineuse et au moins une surface réfléchissante pour réfléchir des rayons lumineux produits par la source lumineuse caractérisé en ce que la ou au moins une des source(s) lumineuse(s) comporte au moins un élément de type diode électroluminescente (401 ;501).Projector device, intended to emit at least one type of light beam, comprising at least one light source and at least one reflecting surface for reflecting light rays produced by the light source characterized in that the or at least one of the source (s) light (s) comprises at least one element of the light-emitting diode type (401; 501). Dispositif projecteur selon la revendication précédente caractérisé en ce qu'il émet au moins un faisceau lumineux de type de ceux émis par un feu de croisement, ou par un feu de position, ou par un feu de route, ou par un feu anti-brouillard, ou correspondant à une fonction quelconque parmi les fonctions AFS, ou à une fonction DRL.Projector device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it emits at least one light beam of the type emitted by a dipped beam, or by a position light, or by a main beam, or by an anti-fog light. , or corresponding to any function among the AFS functions, or to a DRL function. Dispositif projecteur selon l'une au moins des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que chaque élément de type diode électroluminescente (401 ;501) est orienté de telle sorte qu'au moins une partie de son rayonnement atteigne, sur la surface réfléchissante, une zone spécifique (403 ;502) de réflexion qui lui est dédiée, chaque zone spécifique (403 ;502) étant plus spécialement destinée à une contribution particulière dans la production du faisceau lumineux.Projector device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each element of the light-emitting diode type (401; 501) is oriented so that at least part of its radiation reaches a specific area on the reflecting surface (403; 502) of reflection dedicated to it, each specific zone (403; 502) being more specifically intended for a particular contribution in the production of the light beam. Dispositif projecteur selon la revendication précédente caractérisé en ce que les différentes zones spécifique de réflexion sont compartimentées.Projector device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the different specific reflection zones are compartmentalized. Dispositif projecteur selon l'une au moins des revendications 3 ou 4 caractérisé en ce que la contribution particulière est soit une contribution de portée, soit une contribution de largeur, soit une contribution de confort.Projector device according to at least one of claims 3 or 4 characterized in that the particular contribution is either a contribution of range, or a contribution of width, or a contribution of comfort. Dispositif projecteur selon l'une au moins des revendications 3 à 5 caractérisé en ce que chaque diode électroluminescente (401 ;501) du dispositif projecteur est orientée pour que la totalité de son rayonnement atteigne la zone spécifique (403 ;502) de réflexion qui lui est dédiée.Projector device according to at least one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each light-emitting diode (401; 501) of the projector device is oriented so that all of its radiation reaches the specific reflection zone (403; 502) which is dedicated. Dispositif projecteur selon l'une au moins des revendications 5 ou 6 caractérisé en ce qu'au moins deux diodes électroluminescentes sont utilisées pour la contribution de portée, le nombre de diodes électroluminescentes étant par exemple compris entre 2 et 20, ou entre 4 et 14.Projector device according to at least one of Claims 5 or 6, characterized in that at least two light-emitting diodes are used for the range contribution, the number of light-emitting diodes being for example between 2 and 20, or between 4 and 14 . Dispositif projecteur selon l'une au moins des revendications 3 à 7 caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une zone spécifique de réflexion (403-p3) destinée à une contribution de portée est une zone non horizontale de la surface réfléchissante.Projector device according to at least one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that at least one specific reflection zone (403-p3) intended for a range contribution is a non-horizontal zone of the reflecting surface. Dispositif projecteur selon l'une au moins des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que la ou au moins une des source(s) lumineuse(s) est complétée par un élément rayonnant de type lampe halogène ou lampe à décharge, lampe xenon.Projector device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the or at least one of the light source (s) is completed by a radiating element of the halogen lamp or discharge lamp, xenon lamp type. Dispositif projecteur selon la revendication précédente et la revendication 5 caractérisé en ce que l'élément rayonnant de type lampe halogène ou lampe xenon rayonne sur une zone spécifique de réflexion qui lui est dédiée, ladite zone étant de préférence utilisée pour une contribution de portée.Projector device according to the preceding claim and claim 5 characterized in that the radiating element of the halogen lamp or xenon lamp type radiates over a specific reflection zone which is dedicated to it, said zone preferably being used for a range contribution. Dispositif projecteur selon l'une au moins des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que l'allumage d'au moins un élément de type diode électroluminescente (401 ;501) peut être commandé indépendamment de l'allumage des autres éléments de la source lumineuse.Projector device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ignition of at least one element of the light-emitting diode type (401; 501) can be controlled independently of the ignition of the other elements of the light source. Dispositif projecteur selon l'une au moins des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que les différentes diodes électroluminescentes (401 ;501) sont rassemblées, par exemple en barillet, ou sont séparées les unes des autres.Projector device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the various light-emitting diodes (401; 501) are combined, for example in barrels, or are separated from one another. Dispositif selon l'une au moins des revendications précédentes caractérisé en ce que les diodes sont associées à des surfaces réfléchissantes composées de matrice(s) de miroirs.Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diodes are associated with reflecting surfaces composed of matrix (s) of mirrors. Dispositif projecteur selon la revendication 4 caractérisé en ce que chaque élément de type diode électroluminescente (401 ;501) est disposé dans un compartiment qui lui est dédié de la surface réfléchissante, ledit compartiment comportant une des zones spécifiques (403 ;502) de réflexion, les différents compartiments étant disposés de façon adjacente ou séparée.Projector device according to Claim 4, characterized in that each element of the light-emitting diode type (401; 501) is disposed in a compartment which is dedicated to it from the reflecting surface, said compartment comprising one of the specific reflection zones (403; 502), the various compartments being arranged adjacent or separate. Véhicule automobile équipé d'un dispositif projecteur selon l'une au moins des revendications précédentes.Motor vehicle equipped with a headlight device according to one at least of the preceding claims.
EP04290247A 2003-02-07 2004-01-30 Vehicle headlamp with light emitting diodes Revoked EP1452795B1 (en)

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FR0301511A FR2851029B1 (en) 2003-02-07 2003-02-07 MOTOR VEHICLE PROJECTOR DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH ELECTROLUMINESCENT DIODES
FR0301511 2003-02-07

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JP4651951B2 (en) 2011-03-16
ES2334132T3 (en) 2010-03-05
JP2004241388A (en) 2004-08-26
FR2851029B1 (en) 2006-01-13
EP1452795B1 (en) 2009-11-18
US20040156211A1 (en) 2004-08-12
EP1452795A3 (en) 2007-05-09
ATE449285T1 (en) 2009-12-15
DE602004024149D1 (en) 2009-12-31
FR2851029A1 (en) 2004-08-13

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