EP1686310B1 - Vertically oriented vehicle headlamp - Google Patents

Vertically oriented vehicle headlamp Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1686310B1
EP1686310B1 EP06290170A EP06290170A EP1686310B1 EP 1686310 B1 EP1686310 B1 EP 1686310B1 EP 06290170 A EP06290170 A EP 06290170A EP 06290170 A EP06290170 A EP 06290170A EP 1686310 B1 EP1686310 B1 EP 1686310B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reflector
ellipsoidal
verticalised
source
zone
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP06290170A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1686310A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Luc Meyrenaud
Etienne Pauty
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Vision SAS
Original Assignee
Valeo Vision SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Valeo Vision SAS filed Critical Valeo Vision SAS
Publication of EP1686310A1 publication Critical patent/EP1686310A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1686310B1 publication Critical patent/EP1686310B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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
    • F21S41/162—Incandescent light sources, e.g. filament or halogen lamps
    • F21S41/164—Incandescent light sources, e.g. filament or halogen lamps having two or more filaments
    • 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
    • F21S41/33—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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a projector for a motor vehicle, in particular a projector of the so-called “verticalized” type and comprising at least one reflector associated with at least one light source preferably placed in the vicinity of the focus of the reflector.
  • this term refers to a headlamp which, when mounted on the vehicle for which it is intended, has a height of dimension significantly greater than its width: it is a headlamp that extends mainly in a vertical direction once mounted, and is therefore significantly higher than wide (although it can be mounted not exactly vertical in the vehicle body).
  • This verticalization is generally induced by the arrangement of the reflector of the projector (of the main projector if there are several), also arranged in the projector so as to be higher than wide once on the vehicle.
  • EP 0 933 585 a light source projector disposed transversely to the optical axis of the reflector with which it is associated, this reflector being of "verticalized” type.
  • the term “verticalized reflector” a reflector extending mainly in the vertical direction, once the projector mounted in the vehicle, and whose surface is determined to reflect in a substantially horizontal direction light rays from a source located near the focus of the reflector.
  • the projector according to the EP 0 933 585 allows to obtain a beam of satisfactory range along the optical axis of the projector, with a clear cut of the beam below a horizontal plane.
  • a lens is placed in front of the ellipsoidal reflector, and a verticalized reflector is disposed on the side of the notch opposite the ellipsoidal reflector.
  • This verticalized reflector is intended to produce, from the source housed in the ellipsoidal reflector, a light beam that is not intercepted by the lens. It turned out, however, that this optical system could be further improved.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to provide a projector intended to equip vehicles, which, while retaining the advantages provided by a verticalized reflector, makes it possible to obtain better optical performances, in particular to obtain a system capable of producing several beams of different photometries with the same optical system.
  • the invention in the alternative, seeks to obtain a verticalized type of projector that can be compact in size, particularly with regard to its depth, and which is simple to operate.
  • This verticalized reflector R2 preferably comprises at least three zones arranged successively according to the height of said reflector: a first zone R21, the closest to the indentation (1), which is an ellipsoidal surface portion, then a second zone R22 composed of a plurality of facets, then a third zone R23 which is a parabolic surface portion.
  • source is meant the (or one) filament (s) of the lamp when it is a filament lamp type halogen lamp (which is commonly referred to as a cylinder).
  • a filament lamp type halogen lamp which is commonly referred to as a cylinder.
  • cup the component that one translates into English by "baffle”: it is about an element arranged near the light source in question (here the first one), which recovers a part of the flow emitted by the source to redirect it to another direction / to another zone (which thus corresponds to an interception of the light emitted directly by the light source for the most part). It is generally an element whose surface directed towards the source is reflective and which is in the immediate vicinity of the source inside the bulb of the lamp.
  • the cups incorporated in the lamps are known to serve to create the cutoff of a code-type cut-off beam.
  • this cup it is preferred to use this cup to prevent the light emitted by the first source can reach the verticalized reflector.
  • the cup is therefore used in the first place as a means of occulting the rays coming from the first source S1 towards the verticalized reflector R2. Since this means is preferably reflective of these rays and non-absorbent, it will also serve as a flux recuperator of the rays of S1 to the reflector R1.
  • the invention has thus devised a vehicle lighting device which combines two types of reflector: an ellipsoidal reflector associated with a lens of the type found, for example, in elliptical modules, and a verticalized reflector, preferably sharing the same focal length.
  • the ellipsoidal reflector will therefore be able to cooperate with the first source and the lens to give a first type of beam, particularly at a cutoff, while the verticalized reflector can cooperate with the second source to produce a completely different beam, a non-breaking beam of the type road for example.
  • the optical system according to the invention can thus constitute a bi-function module of the code / route type which is compact and which does not impose moving parts to move from one function to another. We therefore "specialized" each reflector associated with "his" light source, which allows to very precisely adjust the two different beams from the same module.
  • an orientation of the light sources substantially parallel to the optical axis has the advantage of an identical mounting of the light source between the right projector and the left projector of the same vehicle.
  • the two light sources S1, S2 are combined according to the invention in a single lamp of bi-filament type: it is a compact solution, which requires only one opening to mount the single lamp in the ellipsoidal reflector. It may be for example lamps known under the trade name H4 or DFCS.
  • the document US 4, 914, 747 describes a bi-filament lamp associated with an ellipsoidal reflector.
  • the axis of at least one of the light sources S1, S2, in particular of the two sources is arranged in a substantially horizontal plane.
  • all the zones of the verticalized reflector R2 have a focus located in the vicinity of the second light source S2.
  • the first zone R21 of the verticalized reflector R2 is an ellipsoidal surface focused on the second light source S2.
  • This zone contributes in particular to increasing the comfort of the second beam.
  • “comfort” is meant the intermediate light zone which is situated between the maximum point of illumination of the light beam and the most lateral zones of the beam which define its width.
  • the second zone R22 of the verticalized reflector comprises at least at least one central facet (z1), at least two intermediate facets z2 and at least two lateral facets z3.
  • One can thus have one, preferably two, central facet, which contributes (s) in particular to the width of the second beam, at least two or four intermediate facets, which contribute in particular to the comfort of the second beam, and finally two or four side facets which contribute more to the maximum of the second beam.
  • the more the number of facets is important the more one guarantees a good homogeneity of the beam, on the other hand the more one complicates the design of the reflector.
  • the facets can be delimited between them by streaks or not.
  • the third zone R23 contributes to defining the maximum of the beam produced by the set of verticalized reflector R2.
  • the ellipsoidal reflector R1) comprises a cover 5 situated in the vicinity of the external focus Fe of the reflector R1 so that the beam coming from said reflector R1 and emitted by said device is a cut-off beam.
  • the cover may be located at the focus or behind the focus of the ellipsoidal reflector.
  • the upper edge of the cover is located below the horizontal plane passing through the optical axis of the reflector, in particular between 0 and 2 mm below, in particular between 0.5 and 1.8 mm or between 0.7 and 1.7 mm below, for example about 1.5 mm below.
  • the choice of this dimension depends on the definition of the ellipsoidal mirror.
  • the cache is advantageous because it makes it possible to recover a non-interfering portion of additional luminous flux.
  • the cover unlike the cup mentioned above, intercepts rays emitted directly from the light source, but also rays that have already undergone one or more reflections on one or more reflectors.
  • the cover may be constituted by a cylinder portion with vertical generatrices, turning its concavity forward, according to the curvature of the field of the ellipsoidal reflector.
  • the cache may also have other geometric definitions, for example, being plane. The choice of its shape may depend on the chromaticism of the lens associated with the ellipsoidal mirror.
  • the cover is associated with an additional optical element arranged between the light source and the cover, said additional optical element being in the vicinity of the optically active edge of the cover and having at least one reflecting surface capable of redirecting above the optically active edge of the cache light rays emitted by the source towards said cache.
  • This additional element may take the form of a plate whose front edge is attached to the optically active edge of the cover, which is substantially flat and an upwardly facing face is reflective.
  • This element can be mechanically fixed to the cache, or can be part of it.
  • This element can be referred to as "folding". This folder is designed so that it reflects the rays appropriately to the lens, rays that otherwise would have been lost.
  • the lens may be arranged in such a way that its focus is behind, in particular at the same level as the upper edge of the cover when it is present, and for example at about 0.5 to 2 mm backwards, for example 1, 5 mm behind the outer focus of the ellipsoidal reflector. This distance may depend, in particular, on the focal length of the lens and the definition of the ellipsoid. (The focal point of the lens can also be exactly at the level of the external focus). This configuration of the lens behind the external focus optimizes the recovery of the maximum light flux above the cut when there is a cache.
  • the second beam coming from the second source S2 and reflected by the verticalized reflector R2, possibly with a contribution from the ellipsoidal reflector (R1), is an uninterrupted beam, of road type.
  • the beam produced by the verticalized reflector has an opening angle at most equal to or of the order of ⁇ 15 ° on either side of the optical axis.
  • the beam produced by the ellipsoidal reflector has an opening angle of about ⁇ 35 to 40 ° on either side of the optical axis.
  • the plane passing through the axis of the first light source S1 is substantially horizontal, the ellipsoidal reflector R1 being located above this plane and the verticalized reflector R2 being located below this plane.
  • the notch 1 of the ellipsoidal reflector R1 has an angular aperture substantially delimited by the intersection of two inclined planes passing respectively through each of the edges of the cup and the center O or the upper edge O 'of the first light source S1 .
  • a light projector P for a motor vehicle comprising a type H4 bi-filament lamp, comprising a first filament (the first source) S1 provided with a cup C, and a second filament (the second source) S2.
  • the two filaments are both assimilated, for the sake of simplification, to sources of cylindrical shape.
  • the source S1 is placed in the vicinity and in front of the internal focal point Fi of an ellipsoidal reflector R1.
  • ellipsoidal reflector is meant a reflector whose surface is defined from two foci respectively an internal focal point Fi and an external focus Fe, this surface approximating an ellipsoid without necessarily being exactly an ellipsoid.
  • the source S2 is also placed in the vicinity of the internal focus Fi, but at the rear of it.
  • the orientation of the two sources is parallel to the optical axis (YY).
  • the source S2 is in a horizontal plane located slightly below the optical axis (YY), the source S1 is preferably in the horizontal plane passing through the optical axis (YY).
  • the cup C1 is arranged, as shown in FIG. figure 3 , so that its two edges C1, C2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical.
  • the wall of the ellipsoidal reflector R1 comprises a notch 1 on one side of the plane passing through the optical axis YY.
  • the notch 1 corresponds substantially to a section passing through the edges C1, C2 of the cup C and the median axis of the filament S1, by the point 0 (or, in approximation or alternatively) the axis passing through the upper edge O 'of said filament.
  • These cutting planes are inclined +/- 7.5 °. This angle value, in this example of 7.5 °, can vary by a few degrees, in particular depending on the type of cup used.
  • the notch 1 is provided to let down, on the opposite side to the major part of the reflector R12, a maximum of light emitted by the filament S2 to the verticalized reflector R2.
  • the optical axis of the ellipsoidal reflector R1 coincides with the optical axis Y-Y of the projector.
  • a lens 2, of optical axis parallel or coincident with the Y-axis, is placed in front of the reflector R1 in the direction of propagation of light.
  • the diameter of the lens 2 may be about 50 mm.
  • the lens 2 is preferably of small print ("draw" is the distance between the lens and the external focus Fe of R1).
  • the invention also applies to lenses of greater diameter, 60 or 70 mm.
  • the focus 3 of the lens 2 is close to or coincides with the external focus Fe of the reflector R1.
  • the focus 3 of the lens is behind the external focus Fe of the lens 2 by a distance d, in particular about 1.5 mm.
  • the optical axis 4 of the lens 2 is located lower than the optical axis Y-Y.
  • the vertical distance h between the optical axis 4 of the lens 2 and the optical axis Y-Y is about 1.5 mm, which allows to recover more light flux from the reflector R1.
  • the accessory elements of the projector including closing glass and auxiliary equipment for maintaining reflector, lens, light source and other parts, are not shown because known in themselves.
  • the projector P is intended to be bi-function code / route.
  • the code function ie the passing beam, is generated by the light emitted by S1, reflected by R1 and then passing through the lens 3.
  • a cover 5 is provided between S1 and the lens. 3 able to intercept some of the light reflected by the reflector R1.
  • This cover 5 is disposed in the vicinity of the external focus Fe.
  • the cover 5 is constituted by an opaque wafer, for example metallic, held by any appropriate means. Due to the curvature of the field, the cover 5 is plane, and has a profile corresponding to the inverted image relative to the horizontal of the desired cut.
  • the upper edge of the cover 5 is located below the horizontal plane passing through YY at a distance d of about 1 mm.
  • the cache dimensions are at most equal to the horizontal opening of the ellipsoid of the reflector R1.
  • the projector When the source S1 is on, the projector therefore emits a code beam according to the European and American regulations in force, that is to say with a V-cut inclined at 15 °.
  • the figure 4 represents the isolux curves of the code beam, measured at 25 meters from the vehicle equipped with the headlamp.
  • the verticalized reflector R2 is disposed on the side of the indentation 1 opposite the major part of the ellipsoidal reflector R1.
  • the intersection of this verticalized reflector R2 by a vertical plane passing through the axis YY is formed on the one hand by a curve arc adjacent to a parabola arc having a focal point near the internal focus Fi for the lower two-thirds approximately of this reflector (corresponding to the zones R22 and R23), on the other hand by a curve close to an ellipse for the upper third (corresponding to the zone R21) of this reflector.
  • the verticalized reflector R2 is intended to give images of the source S2 centered on the optical axis (YY) at infinity, that is to say, in the field of the automobile, a distance of several tens of meters of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp.
  • the verticalized reflector R2 is designed to focus the beam it reflects in an aperture angle at most equal to or of the order of ⁇ 15 ° on either side of the optical axis Y-Y.
  • zones R22 and R23 may constitute about 2/3 of the height of the reflector R2, and the zone R12 constitute about 1/3 of said height.
  • the invention applies not only to a projector capable of producing two beams of the code / route type, but also any other combination of two functions. It allows to switch easily from one function to another by lighting one or the other of the filaments, without having to tilt a cover, without any movement of mechanical parts, which is very advantageous in terms of reliability and compactness .

Landscapes

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

Abstract

The device has a vertically oriented reflector (R2) which is disposed in side of an recess (1) opposite to a major part of an elliptical reflector (R1). The reflector (R2) is provided for producing a light beam, from a light source (S2) that is arranged in the reflector (R1), where the light beam is not intercepted by a lens (3). The reflector (R2) comprises successive zones (R21, R22, R23) along its height.

Description

L'invention est relative à un projecteur pour véhicule automobile, notamment un projecteur du type dit " verticalisé " et comportant au moins un réflecteur associé à au moins une source lumineuse placée de préférence au voisinage du foyer du réflecteur. On entend sous ce terme, au sens de l'invention, un projecteur qui, une fois monté sur le véhicule auquel il est destiné, présente une hauteur de dimension significativement plus importante que sa largeur : c'est un projecteur qui s'étend principalement suivant une direction verticale une fois monté, et qui est donc significativement plus haut que large (même s'il peut être monté de façon non exactement verticale dans la carrosserie du véhicule). Cette verticalisation est généralement induite par la disposition du réflecteur du projecteur (du projecteur principal s'il y en a plusieurs), lui aussi disposé dans le projecteur de façon à être plus haut que large une fois sur le véhicule. Ces projecteurs dits " verticalisés " sont intéressants, d'abord car ils offrent de nouvelles possibilités en termes de performances optiques, ensuite car cela leur confère un style original.The invention relates to a projector for a motor vehicle, in particular a projector of the so-called "verticalized" type and comprising at least one reflector associated with at least one light source preferably placed in the vicinity of the focus of the reflector. Within the meaning of the invention, this term refers to a headlamp which, when mounted on the vehicle for which it is intended, has a height of dimension significantly greater than its width: it is a headlamp that extends mainly in a vertical direction once mounted, and is therefore significantly higher than wide (although it can be mounted not exactly vertical in the vehicle body). This verticalization is generally induced by the arrangement of the reflector of the projector (of the main projector if there are several), also arranged in the projector so as to be higher than wide once on the vehicle. These so-called "verticalized" projectors are interesting, first because they offer new possibilities in terms of optical performance, then because it gives them an original style.

Il est connu du brevet EP 0 933 585 un projecteur à source lumineuse disposée transversalement à l'axe optique du réflecteur auquel elle est associée, ce réflecteur étant de type "verticalisé". Comme déjà explicité plus haut, on comprend par l'expression "réflecteur verticalisé", un réflecteur s'étendant principalement suivant la direction verticale, une fois le projecteur monté dans le véhicule, et dont la surface est déterminée pour réfléchir suivant une direction sensiblement horizontale des rayons lumineux provenant d'une source située au voisinage du foyer du réflecteur. Le projecteur selon le brevet EP 0 933 585 permet d'obtenir un faisceau de portée satisfaisante suivant l'axe optique du projecteur, avec une coupure nette du faisceau au-dessous d'un plan horizontal.He is known to EP 0 933 585 a light source projector disposed transversely to the optical axis of the reflector with which it is associated, this reflector being of "verticalized" type. As already explained above, the term "verticalized reflector", a reflector extending mainly in the vertical direction, once the projector mounted in the vehicle, and whose surface is determined to reflect in a substantially horizontal direction light rays from a source located near the focus of the reflector. The projector according to the EP 0 933 585 allows to obtain a beam of satisfactory range along the optical axis of the projector, with a clear cut of the beam below a horizontal plane.

Il est également connu du brevet EP1 433 999 un projecteur verticalisé comprenant une source lumineuse disposée transversalement à l'axe optique d'un réflecteur ellipsoïdal dont la paroi comporte une échancrure. Une lentille est placée en avant du réflecteur ellipsoïdal, et un réflecteur verticalisé est disposé du côté de l'échancrure opposé au réflecteur ellipsoïdal. Ce réflecteur verticalisé est prévu pour produire, à partir de la source logée dans le réflecteur ellipsoïdal, un faisceau lumineux qui n'est pas intercepté par la lentille. Il s'est avéré cependant que ce système optique pouvait être encore amélioré.He is also known from EP 1 433 999 a verticalized projector comprising a light source disposed transversely to the optical axis of an ellipsoidal reflector whose wall comprises a notch. A lens is placed in front of the ellipsoidal reflector, and a verticalized reflector is disposed on the side of the notch opposite the ellipsoidal reflector. This verticalized reflector is intended to produce, from the source housed in the ellipsoidal reflector, a light beam that is not intercepted by the lens. It turned out, however, that this optical system could be further improved.

L'invention a alors pour but de fournir un projecteur destiné à équiper des véhicules, qui, tout en conservant les avantages procurés par un projecteur à réflecteur verticalisé, permet d'obtenir de meilleures performances optiques, notamment d'obtenir un système apte à produire plusieurs faisceaux de photométries différentes avec le même système optique. L'invention, subsidiairement, cherche à obtenir un projecteur de type verticalisé qui puisse être de dimensions compactes, notamment en ce qui concerne sa profondeur, et qui soit simple de fonctionnement.The object of the invention is therefore to provide a projector intended to equip vehicles, which, while retaining the advantages provided by a verticalized reflector, makes it possible to obtain better optical performances, in particular to obtain a system capable of producing several beams of different photometries with the same optical system. The invention, in the alternative, seeks to obtain a verticalized type of projector that can be compact in size, particularly with regard to its depth, and which is simple to operate.

L'invention a pour objet un dispositif d'éclairage pour véhicule automobile du type projecteur comportant au moins un réflecteur et une source lumineuse et apte à émettre plusieurs faisceaux lumineux différents, tel que :

  • une première source lumineuse avec coupelle S1 est placée au voisinage et en avant du foyer interne Fi d'un réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1, notamment de façon à ce que l'axe de la source soit substantiellement parallèle à l'axe optique (YY) du réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1, ce réflecteur R1 étant prévu pour produire à partir de la première source S1 un premier faisceau
  • une seconde source lumineuse S2 est placée au voisinage et en arrière du foyer interne Fi dudit réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1, notamment de façon à ce que l'axe de la source soit substantiellement parallèle à l'axe optique (YY) du réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1
  • la paroi du réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1 comporte une échancrure 1 située d'un côté d'un plan, notamment d'un plan substantiellement horizontal quand le dispositif est en position de montage dans le véhicule, (ce plan peut passer par l'axe géométrique de la première source lumineuse S1 et/ou être substantiellement parallèle à l'axe optique (Y-Y) du réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1),
  • une lentille 2 d'axe optique substantiellement parallèle ou confondu avec celui du réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1 est placée en avant de ce réflecteur R1, le foyer 3 de la lentille étant voisin du foyer externe Fe du réflecteur ellipsoïdal,
  • un réflecteur verticalisé R2 est disposé du côté de l'échancrure 1 opposé à la majeure partie du réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1, ce réflecteur verticalisé R2 étant prévu pour produire, à partir de la seconde source S2 logée dans le réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1, un second faisceau lumineux qui n'est substantiellement pas intercepté par la lentille 2,
The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle of the projector type comprising at least one reflector and a light source and capable of emitting several different light beams, such as:
  • a first light source with cup S1 is placed in the vicinity and in front of the internal focal point Fi of an ellipsoidal reflector R1, in particular so that the axis of the source is substantially parallel to the optical axis (YY) of the reflector ellipsoidal R1, this reflector R1 being provided to produce from the first source S1 a first beam
  • a second light source S2 is placed in the vicinity and behind the internal focal point Fi of said ellipsoidal reflector R1, in particular so that the axis of the source is substantially parallel to the optical axis (YY) of the ellipsoidal reflector R1
  • the wall of the ellipsoidal reflector R1 comprises a notch 1 situated on one side of a plane, in particular of a substantially horizontal plane when the device is in the mounting position in the vehicle, (this plane can pass through the geometric axis of the first light source S1 and / or be substantially parallel to the optical axis (YY) of the ellipsoidal reflector R1),
  • a lens 2 of optical axis substantially parallel or coincident with that of the ellipsoidal reflector R1 is placed in front of this reflector R1, the focus 3 of the lens being close to the external focus Fe of the ellipsoidal reflector,
  • a verticalized reflector R2 is disposed on the side of the indentation 1 opposite the major part of the ellipsoidal reflector R1, this verticalized reflector R2 being designed to produce, from the second source S2 housed in the ellipsoidal reflector R1, a second light beam which is not substantially intercepted by the lens 2,

Ce réflecteur verticalisé R2 comporte de préférence au moins trois zones disposées successivement selon la hauteur dudit réflecteur : une première zone R21, la plus proche de l'échancrure (1), qui est une portion de surface ellipsoïdale, puis une seconde zone R22 composée d'une pluralité de facettes, puis une troisième zone R23 qui est une portion de surface parabolique.This verticalized reflector R2 preferably comprises at least three zones arranged successively according to the height of said reflector: a first zone R21, the closest to the indentation (1), which is an ellipsoidal surface portion, then a second zone R22 composed of a plurality of facets, then a third zone R23 which is a parabolic surface portion.

On comprend par « source » le (ou un des) filament(s) de la lampe quand il s'agit d'une lampe à filament type lampe halogène (que l'on assimile communément à un cylindre). On comprend par « coupelle » le composant que l'on traduit en anglais par « baffle » : il s'agit d'un élément disposé à proximité de la source lumineuse en question (ici la première), qui récupère une partie du flux émis par la source pour la rediriger dans une autre direction/vers une autre zone (qui correspond donc à une interception de la lumière émise directement par la source lumineuse pour l'essentiel). C'est généralement un élément dont la surface dirigée vers la source est réfléchissante et qui se trouve à proximité immédiate de la source à l'intérieur du bulbe de la lampe. Usuellement, les coupelles intégrées aux lampes sont connues pour servir à créer la coupure d'un faisceau à coupure de type code. Dans l'invention, on préfère utiliser cette coupelle pour éviter que de la lumière émise par la première source puisse atteindre le réflecteur verticalisé. La coupelle est donc utilisée en premier lieu comme moyen d'occultation des rayons venant de la première source S1 vers le réflecteur verticalisé R2. Comme ce moyen est de préférence réfléchissant vis-à-vis de ces rayons et non absorbant, il va servir aussi de récupérateur de flux des rayons de S1 vers le réflecteur R1. On comprend par « ellipsoidal » ou « parabolique », termes utilisés dans le présent texte, dans le contexte habituel des projecteurs pour automobiles : les réflecteurs ou portions de réflecteurs qui s'y rapportent n'ont pas exactement la forme des ellipsoïdes ou des paraboles définies dans les manuels d'optique théorique.By "source" is meant the (or one) filament (s) of the lamp when it is a filament lamp type halogen lamp (which is commonly referred to as a cylinder). One understands by "cup" the component that one translates into English by "baffle": it is about an element arranged near the light source in question (here the first one), which recovers a part of the flow emitted by the source to redirect it to another direction / to another zone (which thus corresponds to an interception of the light emitted directly by the light source for the most part). It is generally an element whose surface directed towards the source is reflective and which is in the immediate vicinity of the source inside the bulb of the lamp. Usually, the cups incorporated in the lamps are known to serve to create the cutoff of a code-type cut-off beam. In the invention, it is preferred to use this cup to prevent the light emitted by the first source can reach the verticalized reflector. The cup is therefore used in the first place as a means of occulting the rays coming from the first source S1 towards the verticalized reflector R2. Since this means is preferably reflective of these rays and non-absorbent, it will also serve as a flux recuperator of the rays of S1 to the reflector R1. We understand by "ellipsoidal" or "parabolic", terms used in this text, in the usual context of automotive projectors: the reflectors or portions of reflectors related to it do not exactly have the shape of ellipsoids or parabolic defined in the theoretical optics manuals.

L'invention a ainsi conçu un dispositif d'éclairage pour véhicule qui associe deux types de réflecteur : un réflecteur ellipsoïdal associé à une lentille du type de celles que l'on trouve, par exemple, dans les modules elliptiques, et un réflecteur verticalisé, partageant de préférence la même focale. Le réflecteur ellipsoïdal va donc pouvoir coopérer avec la première source et la lentille pour donner un premier type de faisceau, notamment à coupure, tandis que le réflecteur verticalisé peut coopérer avec la seconde source pour produire un faisceau complètement différent, un faisceau sans coupure du type route par exemple. Le système optique selon l'invention peut ainsi constituer un module bi-fonction de type code/route qui est compact et qui n'impose pas de pièce mobile pour passer d'une fonction à une autre. On a donc « spécialisé » chaque réflecteur associé à « sa » source lumineuse, ce qui permet d'ajuster très précisément les deux faisceaux différents à partir du même module.The invention has thus devised a vehicle lighting device which combines two types of reflector: an ellipsoidal reflector associated with a lens of the type found, for example, in elliptical modules, and a verticalized reflector, preferably sharing the same focal length. The ellipsoidal reflector will therefore be able to cooperate with the first source and the lens to give a first type of beam, particularly at a cutoff, while the verticalized reflector can cooperate with the second source to produce a completely different beam, a non-breaking beam of the type road for example. The optical system according to the invention can thus constitute a bi-function module of the code / route type which is compact and which does not impose moving parts to move from one function to another. We therefore "specialized" each reflector associated with "his" light source, which allows to very precisely adjust the two different beams from the same module.

On peut noter incidemment qu'une orientation des sources lumineuses substantiellement parallèle à l'axe optique présente l'intérêt d'un montage identique de la source lumineuse entre le projecteur droit et le projecteur gauche d'un même véhicule.Incidentally, it can be noted that an orientation of the light sources substantially parallel to the optical axis has the advantage of an identical mounting of the light source between the right projector and the left projector of the same vehicle.

De préférence, les deux sources lumineuses S1,S2 sont réunies selon l'invention en une seule lampe de type bi-filament : c'est une solution compacte, qui ne nécessite de pratiquer qu'une seule ouverture pour monter la lampe unique dans le réflecteur ellipsoïdal. Il peut s'agir par exemple de lampes connues sous la dénomination commerciale H4 ou DFCS.
Le document US 4, 914, 747 , décrit une lampe bi-filament associée à un réflecteur ellipsoïdal.Preferably, the two light sources S1, S2 are combined according to the invention in a single lamp of bi-filament type: it is a compact solution, which requires only one opening to mount the single lamp in the ellipsoidal reflector. It may be for example lamps known under the trade name H4 or DFCS.
The document US 4, 914, 747 , describes a bi-filament lamp associated with an ellipsoidal reflector.

De préférence, l'axe d'au moins une des sources lumineuses S1,S2, notamment des deux sources, est disposé dans un plan substantiellement horizontal.Preferably, the axis of at least one of the light sources S1, S2, in particular of the two sources, is arranged in a substantially horizontal plane.

De préférence, toutes les zones du réflecteur verticalisé R2 ont un foyer se trouvant au voisinage de la seconde source lumineuse S2.Preferably, all the zones of the verticalized reflector R2 have a focus located in the vicinity of the second light source S2.

Avantageusement, la première zone R21 du réflecteur verticalisé R2 est une surface ellipsoïdale focalisée sur la seconde source lumineuse S2. Cette zone contribue notamment à augmenter le confort du second faisceau. On comprend par « confort » la zone de lumière intermédiaire qui est située entre le point maximum d'éclairage du faisceau lumineux et les zones les plus latérales du faisceau qui définissent sa largeur.Advantageously, the first zone R21 of the verticalized reflector R2 is an ellipsoidal surface focused on the second light source S2. This zone contributes in particular to increasing the comfort of the second beam. By "comfort" is meant the intermediate light zone which is situated between the maximum point of illumination of the light beam and the most lateral zones of the beam which define its width.

Avantageusement, la seconde zone R22 du réflecteur verticalisé comporte au moins au moins une facette centrale (z1), au moins deux facettes intermédiaires z2 et au moins deux facettes latérales z3. On peut avoir ainsi une, de préférence deux, facette centrale, qui contribue(nt) notamment à la largeur du second faisceau, au moins deux ou quatre facettes intermédiaires, qui contribuent notamment au confort du second faisceau, et enfin deux ou quatre facettes latérales qui contribuent davantage au maximum du second faisceau. Plus le nombre de facettes est important, plus on garantit une bonne homogénéité du faisceau, en revanche plus on complexifie la conception du réflecteur. On peut considérer satisfaisant un nombre total de facettes compris entre 6 et 12. Les facettes peuvent être délimitées entre elles par des stries ou non.Advantageously, the second zone R22 of the verticalized reflector comprises at least at least one central facet (z1), at least two intermediate facets z2 and at least two lateral facets z3. One can thus have one, preferably two, central facet, which contributes (s) in particular to the width of the second beam, at least two or four intermediate facets, which contribute in particular to the comfort of the second beam, and finally two or four side facets which contribute more to the maximum of the second beam. The more the number of facets is important, the more one guarantees a good homogeneity of the beam, on the other hand the more one complicates the design of the reflector. We can consider satisfying a total number of facets between 6 and 12. The facets can be delimited between them by streaks or not.

Avantageusement, la troisième zone R23 contribue à définir le maximum du faisceau produit par l'ensemble du réflecteur verticalisé R2.Advantageously, the third zone R23 contributes to defining the maximum of the beam produced by the set of verticalized reflector R2.

Selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, le réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1) comporte un cache 5 situé au voisinage du foyer externe Fe du réflecteur R1 de manière à ce que le faisceau provenant dudit réflecteur R1 et émis par ledit dispositif soit un faisceau à coupure, notamment de type code. Le cache peut être situé au foyer ou en arrière du foyer du réflecteur ellipsoïdal. De préférence le bord supérieur du cache est situé au-dessous du plan horizontal passant par l'axe optique du réflecteur, en particulier entre 0 et 2 mm en dessous, notamment entre 0,5 et 1,8 mm ou entre 0,7 et 1,7 mm en dessous, par exemple à environ 1,5 mm au-dessous. Le choix de cette cote dépend de la définition du miroir ellipsoïdal. Cette disposition du cache est avantageuse, car elle permet de récupérer une portion non gênante de flux lumineux supplémentaire. Ici, le cache, à la différence de la coupelle mentionnée plus haut, intercepte des rayons émis directement par la source lumineuse, mais aussi des rayons ayant déjà subi une ou plusieurs réflexions sur un ou plusieurs réflecteurs.According to one embodiment of the invention, the ellipsoidal reflector R1) comprises a cover 5 situated in the vicinity of the external focus Fe of the reflector R1 so that the beam coming from said reflector R1 and emitted by said device is a cut-off beam. , especially code type. The cover may be located at the focus or behind the focus of the ellipsoidal reflector. Preferably the upper edge of the cover is located below the horizontal plane passing through the optical axis of the reflector, in particular between 0 and 2 mm below, in particular between 0.5 and 1.8 mm or between 0.7 and 1.7 mm below, for example about 1.5 mm below. The choice of this dimension depends on the definition of the ellipsoidal mirror. This arrangement of the cache is advantageous because it makes it possible to recover a non-interfering portion of additional luminous flux. Here, the cover, unlike the cup mentioned above, intercepts rays emitted directly from the light source, but also rays that have already undergone one or more reflections on one or more reflectors.

Le cache peut être constitué par une portion de cylindre à génératrices verticales, tournant sa concavité vers l'avant, selon la courbure du champ du réflecteur ellipsoïdal. Le cache peut aussi avoir d'autres définitions géométriques, par exemple être plan. Le choix de sa forme peut dépendre du chromatisme de la lentille associée au miroir ellipsoïdal.The cover may be constituted by a cylinder portion with vertical generatrices, turning its concavity forward, according to the curvature of the field of the ellipsoidal reflector. The cache may also have other geometric definitions, for example, being plane. The choice of its shape may depend on the chromaticism of the lens associated with the ellipsoidal mirror.

Le rayon de la portion de cylindre peut ainsi varier d'une valeur R=x, égal par exemple à 15 ou 30 mm, à R= infini suivant la courbure de champ.The radius of the cylinder portion can thus vary by a value R = x, for example equal to 15 or 30 mm, at R = infinite depending on the curvature of the field.

Optionnellement, le cache est associé à un élément optique additionnel disposé entre la source lumineuse et le cache, ledit élément optique additionnel étant au voisinage du bord optiquement actif du cache et présentant au moins une surface réfléchissante apte à rediriger au dessus du bord optiquement actif du cache des rayons lumineux émis par la source en direction dudit cache.Optionally, the cover is associated with an additional optical element arranged between the light source and the cover, said additional optical element being in the vicinity of the optically active edge of the cover and having at least one reflecting surface capable of redirecting above the optically active edge of the cache light rays emitted by the source towards said cache.

Cet élément additionnel peut prendre la forme d'une plaque dont le bord avant est accolé au bord optiquement actif du cache, qui est sensiblement plan et dont une face tournée vers le haut est réfléchissante. Cet élément peut être fixé mécaniquement au cache, ou peut en faire partie intégrante. On peut désigner cet élément par le terme de « plieuse ». Cette plieuse est conçue de façon à ce qu'elle renvoie les rayons de façon appropriée vers la lentille, rayons qui, sinon, auraient été perdus.This additional element may take the form of a plate whose front edge is attached to the optically active edge of the cover, which is substantially flat and an upwardly facing face is reflective. This element can be mechanically fixed to the cache, or can be part of it. This element can be referred to as "folding". This folder is designed so that it reflects the rays appropriately to the lens, rays that otherwise would have been lost.

La lentille peut être disposée de telle sorte que son foyer se trouve en arrière, notamment au même niveau que le bord supérieur du cache lorsqu'il est présent, et par exemple à environ 0,5 à 2 mm en arrière, par exemple 1,5 mm en arrière du foyer externe du réflecteur ellipsoïdal. Cette distance peut dépendre, notamment, de la focale de la lentille et de la définition de l'ellipsoïde. (Le foyer de la lentille peut se trouver également exactement au niveau du foyer externe). Cette configuration de la lentille en arrière du foyer externe permet d'optimiser la récupération du flux lumineux maximal au dessus de la coupure quand il y a un cache.The lens may be arranged in such a way that its focus is behind, in particular at the same level as the upper edge of the cover when it is present, and for example at about 0.5 to 2 mm backwards, for example 1, 5 mm behind the outer focus of the ellipsoidal reflector. This distance may depend, in particular, on the focal length of the lens and the definition of the ellipsoid. (The focal point of the lens can also be exactly at the level of the external focus). This configuration of the lens behind the external focus optimizes the recovery of the maximum light flux above the cut when there is a cache.

De préférence, le second faisceau provenant de la seconde source S2 et réfléchi par le réflecteur verticalisé R2, éventuellement avec une contribution du réflecteur ellipsoïdal (R1), est un faisceau sans coupure, de type route.Preferably, the second beam coming from the second source S2 and reflected by the verticalized reflector R2, possibly with a contribution from the ellipsoidal reflector (R1), is an uninterrupted beam, of road type.

De préférence, le faisceau produit par le réflecteur verticalisé a un angle d'ouverture au plus égal à ou de l'ordre de ± 15° de part et d'autre de l'axe optique. Le faisceau produit par le réflecteur ellipsoïdal a un angle d'ouverture d'environ ± 35 à 40° de part et d'autre de l'axe optique.Preferably, the beam produced by the verticalized reflector has an opening angle at most equal to or of the order of ± 15 ° on either side of the optical axis. The beam produced by the ellipsoidal reflector has an opening angle of about ± 35 to 40 ° on either side of the optical axis.

Généralement le plan passant par l'axe de la première source lumineuse S1 est substantiellement horizontal, le réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1 étant situé au-dessus de ce plan et le réflecteur verticalisé R2 étant situé au-dessous de ce plan.Generally the plane passing through the axis of the first light source S1 is substantially horizontal, the ellipsoidal reflector R1 being located above this plane and the verticalized reflector R2 being located below this plane.

De préférence, l'échancrure 1 du réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1 a une ouverture angulaire délimitée substantiellement par l'intersection de deux plans inclinés passant respectivement par chacun des bords de la coupelle et le centre O ou le bord supérieur O' de la première source lumineuse S1.Preferably, the notch 1 of the ellipsoidal reflector R1 has an angular aperture substantially delimited by the intersection of two inclined planes passing respectively through each of the edges of the cup and the center O or the upper edge O 'of the first light source S1 .

L'invention sera décrite ci-après à l'aide d'un exemple non limitatif illustré par les figures suivantes :

  • Fig.1 est une coupe schématique d'un projecteur selon l'invention par un plan vertical passant par l'axe optique.
  • Fig 2 est une vue schématique oblique du projecteur suivant la Fig.1.
  • Fig. 3 est une autre vue, de face, du projecteur selon la figure 1
  • Fig.4 illustre la photométrie du premier faisceau produit par le réflecteur ellipsoïdal.
  • Fig.5a,5b,5c,5d décomposent la photométrie du second faisceau produit majoritairement par le réflecteur verticalisé.
  • Fig.6 illustre la photométrie du second faisceau complet.
The invention will be described below with the help of a non-limiting example illustrated by the following figures:
  • Fig.1 is a schematic section of a projector according to the invention by a vertical plane passing through the optical axis.
  • Fig 2 is an oblique schematic view of the projector following the Fig.1 .
  • Fig. 3 is another view, from the front, of the projector according to the figure 1
  • Fig.4 illustrates the photometry of the first beam produced by the ellipsoidal reflector.
  • Fig.5a, 5b, 5c, 5d break down the photometry of the second beam produced mainly by the verticalized reflector.
  • Fig.6 illustrates the photometry of the second complete beam.

Les figures 1, 2 et 3 sont schématiques et ne respectent pas nécessairement l'échelle pour plus de clarté.The Figures 1, 2 and 3 are schematic and do not necessarily respect the scale for clarity.

En se reportant aux figures 1,2 et 3, on peut voir un projecteur lumineux P pour véhicule automobile comportant une lampe bi-filament de type H4, comprenant un premier filament (la première source) S1 muni d'une coupelle C, et un second filament (la seconde source) S2. Les deux filaments sont assimilés tous deux, par soucis de simplification, à des sources de forme cylindrique. La source S1 est placée au voisinage et en avant du foyer interne Fi d'un réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1. Par "réflecteur ellipsoïdal" on désigne un réflecteur dont la surface est définie à partir de deux foyers respectivement un foyer interne Fi et un foyer externe Fe, cette surface se rapprochant d'un ellipsoïde sans être nécessairement exactement un ellipsoïde. La source S2 est également placée au voisinage du foyer interne Fi, mais à l'arrière de celui-ci. L'orientation des deux sources est parallèle à l'axe optique (YY). La source S2 est dans un plan horizontal situé un peu en dessous de l'axe optique (YY), la source S1 se situe de préférence dans le plan horizontal passant par l'axe optique (YY). La coupelle C1 est disposée , comme représenté en figure 3, de façon à ce que ses deux bords C1 ,C2 soient disposés symétriquement par rapport à la verticale.Referring to Figures 1,2 and 3 , one can see a light projector P for a motor vehicle comprising a type H4 bi-filament lamp, comprising a first filament (the first source) S1 provided with a cup C, and a second filament (the second source) S2. The two filaments are both assimilated, for the sake of simplification, to sources of cylindrical shape. The source S1 is placed in the vicinity and in front of the internal focal point Fi of an ellipsoidal reflector R1. By "ellipsoidal reflector" is meant a reflector whose surface is defined from two foci respectively an internal focal point Fi and an external focus Fe, this surface approximating an ellipsoid without necessarily being exactly an ellipsoid. The source S2 is also placed in the vicinity of the internal focus Fi, but at the rear of it. The orientation of the two sources is parallel to the optical axis (YY). The source S2 is in a horizontal plane located slightly below the optical axis (YY), the source S1 is preferably in the horizontal plane passing through the optical axis (YY). The cup C1 is arranged, as shown in FIG. figure 3 , so that its two edges C1, C2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical.

La paroi du réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1 comporte une échancrure 1 d'un côté du plan passant par l'axe optique Y-Y. L'échancrure 1 correspond sensiblement à une coupe passant par les bords C1 ,C2 de la coupelle C et l'axe médian du filament S1 , par le point 0 (ou, en approximation ou alternativement) l'axe passant par le bord supérieur O' dudit filament. Ces plans de coupe sont inclinés de +/- 7.5°. Cette valeur d'angle, dans cet exemple de 7.5°, peut varier de quelques degrés, notamment en fonction du type de coupelle utilisée. L'échancrure 1 est prévue pour laisser passer vers le bas, du côté opposé à la majeure partie du réflecteur R12, un maximum de lumière émis par le filament S2 vers le réflecteur verticalisé R2.The wall of the ellipsoidal reflector R1 comprises a notch 1 on one side of the plane passing through the optical axis YY. The notch 1 corresponds substantially to a section passing through the edges C1, C2 of the cup C and the median axis of the filament S1, by the point 0 (or, in approximation or alternatively) the axis passing through the upper edge O 'of said filament. These cutting planes are inclined +/- 7.5 °. This angle value, in this example of 7.5 °, can vary by a few degrees, in particular depending on the type of cup used. The notch 1 is provided to let down, on the opposite side to the major part of the reflector R12, a maximum of light emitted by the filament S2 to the verticalized reflector R2.

L'axe optique du réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1 est confondu avec l'axe optique Y-Y du projecteur.The optical axis of the ellipsoidal reflector R1 coincides with the optical axis Y-Y of the projector.

Une lentille 2, d'axe optique parallèle ou confondu avec l'axe Y-Y, est placée en avant du réflecteur R1 suivant le sens de propagation de la lumière. Le diamètre de la lentille 2 peut être d'environ 50 mm. La lentille 2 est de préférence de faible tirage (par "tirage" on désigne la distance entre la lentille et le foyer externe Fe de R1). L'invention s'applique aussi à des lentilles de diamètre supérieur, de 60 ou 70 mm.A lens 2, of optical axis parallel or coincident with the Y-axis, is placed in front of the reflector R1 in the direction of propagation of light. The diameter of the lens 2 may be about 50 mm. The lens 2 is preferably of small print ("draw" is the distance between the lens and the external focus Fe of R1). The invention also applies to lenses of greater diameter, 60 or 70 mm.

Le foyer 3 de la lentille 2 est voisin de, ou confondu avec, le foyer externe Fe du réflecteur R1. De préférence, le foyer 3 de la lentille se trouve en arrière du foyer externe Fe de la lentille 2 d'une distance d, notamment d'environ 1,5 mm.The focus 3 of the lens 2 is close to or coincides with the external focus Fe of the reflector R1. Preferably, the focus 3 of the lens is behind the external focus Fe of the lens 2 by a distance d, in particular about 1.5 mm.

Avantageusement, l'axe optique 4 de la lentille 2 est situé plus bas que l'axe optique Y-Y. En particulier, la distance verticale h entre l'axe optique 4 de la lentille 2 et l'axe optique Y-Y est d'environ 1,5 mm, ce qui permet de récupérer davantage de flux lumineux en provenance du réflecteur R1.Advantageously, the optical axis 4 of the lens 2 is located lower than the optical axis Y-Y. In particular, the vertical distance h between the optical axis 4 of the lens 2 and the optical axis Y-Y is about 1.5 mm, which allows to recover more light flux from the reflector R1.

Les éléments accessoires du projecteur, notamment glace de fermeture et équipements auxiliaires permettant de maintenir réflecteur, lentille, source lumineuse et autres pièces, ne sont pas représentés car connus en eux-mêmes.The accessory elements of the projector, including closing glass and auxiliary equipment for maintaining reflector, lens, light source and other parts, are not shown because known in themselves.

Dans le cas représenté sur les figures 1 à 3, le projecteur P est prévu pour être bi-fonction code/route.In the case represented on the Figures 1 to 3 , the projector P is intended to be bi-function code / route.

La fonction code, c'est-à-dire le faisceau de croisement, est générée par la lumière émise par S1, réfléchie par R1 puis traversant la lentille 3. Pour obtenir la coupure voulue, on dispose un cache 5 entre S1 et la lentille 3 apte à intercepter une partie de la lumière réfléchie par le réflecteur R1. Ce cache 5 est disposé au voisinage du foyer externe Fe. Le cache 5 est constitué par une plaquette opaque, par exemple métallique, maintenue par tout moyen approprié. En raison de la courbure du champ, le cache 5 est plan, et présente un profil correspondant à l'image inversé par rapport à l'horizontale de la coupure recherchée. Avantageusement, le bord supérieur du cache 5 est situé au-dessous du plan horizontal passant par Y-Y, à une distance d d'environ 1 mm. Les dimensions du cache sont au maximum égales à l'ouverture horizontale de l'ellipsoïde du réflecteur R1.The code function, ie the passing beam, is generated by the light emitted by S1, reflected by R1 and then passing through the lens 3. To obtain the desired cutoff, a cover 5 is provided between S1 and the lens. 3 able to intercept some of the light reflected by the reflector R1. This cover 5 is disposed in the vicinity of the external focus Fe. The cover 5 is constituted by an opaque wafer, for example metallic, held by any appropriate means. Due to the curvature of the field, the cover 5 is plane, and has a profile corresponding to the inverted image relative to the horizontal of the desired cut. Advantageously, the upper edge of the cover 5 is located below the horizontal plane passing through YY at a distance d of about 1 mm. The cache dimensions are at most equal to the horizontal opening of the ellipsoid of the reflector R1.

Quand la source S1 est allumée, le projecteur émet donc un faisceau code selon les réglementations européennes et américaines en vigueur, c'est-à-dire avec une coupure en V inclinée à 15°. La figure 4 représente les courbes isolux du faisceau code, mesuré à 25 mètres du véhicule équipé du projecteur.When the source S1 is on, the projector therefore emits a code beam according to the European and American regulations in force, that is to say with a V-cut inclined at 15 °. The figure 4 represents the isolux curves of the code beam, measured at 25 meters from the vehicle equipped with the headlamp.

Le réflecteur verticalisé R2 est disposé du côté de l'échancrure 1 opposé à la majeure partie du réflecteur ellipsoïdal R1. L'intersection de ce réflecteur verticalisé R2 par un plan vertical passant par l'axe Y-Y est constituée d'une part par un arc de courbe voisin d'un arc de parabole ayant un foyer voisin du foyer interne Fi pour les deux tiers inférieurs environ de ce réflecteur (correspondant aux zones R22 et R23), d'autre part par une courbe voisine d'une ellipse pour le tiers supérieur (correspondant à la zone R21) de ce réflecteur.The verticalized reflector R2 is disposed on the side of the indentation 1 opposite the major part of the ellipsoidal reflector R1. The intersection of this verticalized reflector R2 by a vertical plane passing through the axis YY is formed on the one hand by a curve arc adjacent to a parabola arc having a focal point near the internal focus Fi for the lower two-thirds approximately of this reflector (corresponding to the zones R22 and R23), on the other hand by a curve close to an ellipse for the upper third (corresponding to the zone R21) of this reflector.

Le réflecteur verticalisé R2 est prévu pour donner des images de la source S2 centrées sur l'axe optique (Y-Y) à l'infini, c'est-à-dire, dans le domaine de l'automobile, une distance de plusieurs dizaines de mètres du véhicule équipé du projecteur.The verticalized reflector R2 is intended to give images of the source S2 centered on the optical axis (YY) at infinity, that is to say, in the field of the automobile, a distance of several tens of meters of the vehicle equipped with the headlamp.

En outre, le réflecteur verticalisé R2 est prévu pour concentrer le faisceau qu'il réfléchit dans un angle d'ouverture au plus égal à ou de l'ordre de ± 15° de part et d'autre de l'axe optique Y-Y.In addition, the verticalized reflector R2 is designed to focus the beam it reflects in an aperture angle at most equal to or of the order of ± 15 ° on either side of the optical axis Y-Y.

Ce réflecteur verticalisé comporte :

  • une première zone R21 qui est une surface réfléchissante de type ellipsoïdale
  • une seconde zone R22, qui est constituée de deux facettes centrales z1, de quatre facettes intermédiaires z2 réparties de chaque côté des facettes centrales, et enfin de deux facettes latérales z3 réparties de chaque côté des facettes intermédiaires
  • une troisième zone, la plus basse, R23, qui est une surface de type parabolique
This verticalized reflector comprises:
  • a first zone R21 which is a reflective surface of ellipsoidal type
  • a second zone R22, which consists of two central facets z1, four intermediate facets z2 distributed on each side of the central facets, and finally two lateral facets z3 distributed on each side of the intermediate facets
  • a third zone, the lowest, R23, which is a parabolic surface

Cette association de trois zones récupère la lumière émise par le filament S2 pour produire un faisceau sans coupure de type route. Par exemple, les zones R22 et R23 peuvent constituer environ les 2/3 de la hauteur du réflecteur R2, et la zone R12 constituer environ 1/ 3 de ladite hauteur.This combination of three zones recovers the light emitted by the filament S2 to produce an unbroken beam of the road type. For example, the zones R22 and R23 may constitute about 2/3 of the height of the reflector R2, and the zone R12 constitute about 1/3 of said height.

Les figures 5 et 6 illustrent comment chaque zone du réflecteur verticalisé participe à la construction du faisceau route complet: la figure 6 est le faisceau complet route, qui respecte les réglementations européennes. Il est constitué par la superposition des faisceaux partiels représentés à la figure 5 :

  • la figure 5a représente les isolux des rayons émis par S2 puis réfléchis par la seconde zone R22 du réflecteur verticalisé R2. On voit que cette portion de réflecteur contribue à la fois à la largeur, à la portée et au maximum de faisceau route requis,
  • la figure 5b représente les isolux des rayons émis par S2 puis réfléchis par la première zone R21 du réflecteur R2 . On voit que cette portion de réflecteur contribue au confort et à la portée du faisceau.
  • la figure 5c représente les isolux des rayons émis par S2 puis réfléchis par la troisième zone R23 du réflecteur R2. On voit qu'il contribue surtout à atteindre le maximum requis en route
  • enfin, la figure 5d représente les isolux des rayons émis par S2 et réfléchis par R1. Ces rayons sont en terme de flux lumineux minoritaires, mais ils peuvent participer aussi au faisceau route, sachant cependant que la surface de R1 reste conçue pour un faisceau de type code.
The figures 5 and 6 illustrate how each zone of the verticalized reflector participates in the construction of the complete road beam: the figure 6 is the complete road beam, which respects European regulations. It is constituted by the superposition of the partial beams represented in the figure 5 :
  • the figure 5a represents the isolux of the rays emitted by S2 and then reflected by the second zone R22 of the verticalized reflector R2. It can be seen that this reflector portion contributes to both the width, the range and the maximum of the required beam,
  • the figure 5b represents the isolux of the rays emitted by S2 and then reflected by the first zone R21 of the reflector R2. We see that this reflector portion contributes to the comfort and range of the beam.
  • the figure 5c represents the isolux of the rays emitted by S2 and then reflected by the third zone R23 of the reflector R2. We see that it helps to reach the maximum required en route
  • finally, the figure 5d represents the isolux of the rays emitted by S2 and reflected by R1. These rays are in terms of minority luminous flux, but they can also participate in the road beam, knowing however that the surface of R1 remains designed for a code-type beam.

L'invention s'applique non seulement à un projecteur apte à produire deux faisceaux de type code/route, mais aussi tout autre combinaison de deux fonctions. Elle permet de basculer aisément d'une fonction à une autre en allumant l'un ou l'autre des filaments, sans avoir à basculer un cache, sans aucun mouvement de pièces mécaniques, ce qui est très avantageux en termes de fiabilité et de compacité.The invention applies not only to a projector capable of producing two beams of the code / route type, but also any other combination of two functions. It allows to switch easily from one function to another by lighting one or the other of the filaments, without having to tilt a cover, without any movement of mechanical parts, which is very advantageous in terms of reliability and compactness .

Claims (18)

  1. Lighting device for a motor vehicle of the headlight type comprising at least one reflector and one light source and able to emit several different light beams, wherein:
    - a first light source with a dish is placed in the vicinity of and in front of the internal focus of an ellipsoidal reflector, in particular so that the axis of the source is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the ellipsoidal reflector, this reflector being designed to produce a first beam from the first source,
    - a second light source is placed in the vicinity of and behind the internal focus of the said ellipsoidal reflector, in particular so that the axis of the source is substantially parallel to the optical axis of the ellipsoidal reflector,
    - the wall of the ellipsoidal reflector comprises a scallop situated on one side of a plane, in particular a plane that is substantially horizontal when the device is in the mounted position in the vehicle,
    - a lens with the optical axis substantially parallel to or merged with that of the ellipsoidal reflector is placed in front of this reflector, the focus 3 of the lens being adjacent to the external focus of the ellipsoidal reflector,
    - a verticalised reflector is disposed on the side of the scallop opposite to the major part of the ellipsoidal reflector, this verticalised reflector being designed to produce, from the second source housed in the ellipsoidal reflector, a second light beam which is not substantially intercepted by the lens.
  2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the verticalised reflector comprises at least three zones disposed successively up the height of the said reflector: a first zone, closest to the scallop, which is an ellipsoidal surface portion, then a second zone composed of a plurality of facets, then a third zone which is a parabolic surface portion.
  3. Device according to claim 1, wherein the two light sources are combined in a single lamp of the dual filament type.
  4. Device according to claim 1, wherein the first zone of the verticalised reflector is an ellipsoidal surface focussed on the second light source.
  5. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second zone of the verticalised reflector comprises a plurality of facets essentially oriented at the height of the verticalised reflector.
  6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the second zone of the verticalised reflector comprises at least one central facet, at least two intermediate facets and at least two lateral facets.
  7. Headlight according to claim 1, wherein the beam produced by the third zone helps to define the maximum of the beam produced by the whole of the verticalised reflector.
  8. Device according to claim 1, wherein the ellipsoidal reflector comprises a shield situated in the vicinity of the external focus of the reflector so that the beam coming from the said reflector and emitted by the said device is a beam with cutoff, in particular of the dipped type.
  9. Device according to claim 1, wherein the shield is associated with an additional optical element disposed between the light source and the shield, the said additional optical element being in the vicinity of the optically active edge of the shield and having at least one reflective surface able to redirect, above the optically active edge of the shield, light rays emitted by the source in the direction of the said shield.
  10. Device according to claim 1, wherein the second beam coming from the second source and reflected by the verticalised reflector, possibly with a contribution from the ellipsoidal reflector, is a beam without cutoff, of the main beam type.
  11. Device according to claim 1, wherein the axis of at least one of the light sources, in particular of the two sources, is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane.
  12. Device according to claim 1, wherein the fact that all the zones of the verticalised reflector have a focus situated in the vicinity of the second light source.
  13. Device according to claim 1, wherein the beam produced by the verticalised reflector has a beam angle of no more than around ± 15° on each side of the optical axis.
  14. Device according to claim 1, wherein the beam produced by the ellipsoidal reflector has a beam angle of approximately ± 35° to 40° on each side of the optical axis.
  15. Device according to claim 1, wherein the plane passing through the axis of one of the light sources is substantially horizontal, the ellipsoidal reflector being situated above this plane and the verticalised reflector being situated below this plane.
  16. Device according to claim 1, wherein the scallop of the ellipsoidal reflector has an angular opening delimited substantially by the intersection of two inclined planes passing respectively through each of the edges of the baffle and the centre or the top edge of the first light source.
  17. Device according to claim 1, wherein the light sources consist of a dual filament lamp of the H4 or DFCS type.
  18. Device according claim 1, wherein it is a dual function dipped/main beam optical module.
EP06290170A 2005-02-01 2006-01-27 Vertically oriented vehicle headlamp Not-in-force EP1686310B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0501035A FR2881509B1 (en) 2005-02-01 2005-02-01 VERTICALIZED PROJECTOR FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1686310A1 EP1686310A1 (en) 2006-08-02
EP1686310B1 true EP1686310B1 (en) 2008-04-09

Family

ID=34953485

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06290170A Not-in-force EP1686310B1 (en) 2005-02-01 2006-01-27 Vertically oriented vehicle headlamp

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US20060171160A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1686310B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2006216551A (en)
AT (1) ATE391884T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602006000872T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2306396T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2881509B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2913750A1 (en) * 2007-03-14 2008-09-19 Valeo Vision Sa OPTICAL MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE PROJECTOR
DE102007049309B4 (en) * 2007-10-15 2013-04-11 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh Projection module of a motor vehicle headlight
DE102007062136A1 (en) * 2007-12-21 2009-06-25 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Headlights for vehicles
JP4811426B2 (en) * 2008-03-28 2011-11-09 市光工業株式会社 Vehicle lighting
JP4867945B2 (en) * 2008-03-28 2012-02-01 市光工業株式会社 Vehicle lighting
JP4735664B2 (en) * 2008-05-14 2011-07-27 市光工業株式会社 Vehicle lighting
JP5264448B2 (en) 2008-12-02 2013-08-14 株式会社小糸製作所 Projection type vehicle lamp
JP2011040247A (en) * 2009-08-10 2011-02-24 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Lamp unit of headlight for vehicle
JP5853015B2 (en) * 2010-03-23 2016-02-09 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エヌ ヴェＫｏｎｉｎｋｌｉｊｋｅ Ｐｈｉｌｉｐｓ Ｎ．Ｖ． Integrated lighting assembly
US9115867B2 (en) * 2010-10-19 2015-08-25 Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Inc. Dual reflector system for linear lamp illuminators
JP5719671B2 (en) 2010-11-05 2015-05-20 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle lighting
JP2012185977A (en) * 2011-03-04 2012-09-27 Honda Motor Co Ltd Headlight structure for vehicle
CN103162107A (en) * 2011-12-09 2013-06-19 北京通力盛达节能设备股份有限公司 Light-emitting diode (LED) lamp and lighting method thereof
JP6150792B2 (en) * 2012-04-13 2017-06-21 株式会社小糸製作所 Lamp unit for vehicle
JP5985246B2 (en) * 2012-05-16 2016-09-06 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle headlamp
FR2995661B1 (en) * 2012-09-17 2018-11-02 Valeo Vision LIGHTING MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
JP6111805B2 (en) * 2013-04-04 2017-04-12 市光工業株式会社 Vehicle lighting
KR102041082B1 (en) * 2013-05-10 2019-11-06 현대모비스 주식회사 Head Lamp
JP2016181351A (en) * 2015-03-23 2016-10-13 スタンレー電気株式会社 Vehicular headlamp
TWI642568B (en) 2016-09-07 2018-12-01 世正光電股份有限公司 Illumination structure and light distribution method thereof

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2277685A (en) * 1937-11-11 1942-03-31 Bergstrom Axel Emil Headlight, especially for automobiles and similar vehicles
FR933585A (en) 1940-08-30 1948-04-26 France Etat Internal thread measuring device
JPH07118208B2 (en) * 1988-06-28 1995-12-18 株式会社小糸製作所 Automotive headlights
US5055981A (en) * 1989-02-17 1991-10-08 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Automotive projector type headlight
FR2774150B1 (en) 1998-01-28 2000-04-14 Valeo Vision CROSS-SOURCE PROJECTOR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, LIKELY TO TRANSMIT A BEAM WITH A CLEAR CUT
FR2775059B1 (en) * 1998-02-17 2000-05-05 Valeo Vision TWO-FILAMENT CROSS-SOURCE SPOTLIGHT FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, LIKELY TO TRANSMIT A CUT-OFF BEAM AND A CUT-OFF BEAM
US6454433B1 (en) * 2001-05-24 2002-09-24 Eveready Battery Company, Inc. Dual faceted reflector
FR2849159B1 (en) * 2002-12-24 2005-02-18 Valeo Vision TRANSVERSE LUMINOUS SOURCE PROJECTOR FOR MOTOR VEHICLE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2881509A1 (en) 2006-08-04
EP1686310A1 (en) 2006-08-02
DE602006000872T2 (en) 2009-06-04
ATE391884T1 (en) 2008-04-15
ES2306396T3 (en) 2008-11-01
US20060171160A1 (en) 2006-08-03
FR2881509B1 (en) 2007-03-16
JP2006216551A (en) 2006-08-17
DE602006000872D1 (en) 2008-05-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1686310B1 (en) Vertically oriented vehicle headlamp
EP3167226B1 (en) Lighting module for a motor vehicle
EP3246620B1 (en) Led headlight with dioptre creating a cut-out for vehicles
EP3708904A1 (en) Lighting device illustrating the lit surfaces of at least two manifolds
FR3010772A1 (en) LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE PROJECTOR
EP1600689B1 (en) Multifunction headlamp for motor vehicles
FR2878938A1 (en) LIGHTING MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE PROJECTOR
FR3062461A1 (en) PIVOTABLE LUMINOUS MODULE FOR VEHICLE PROJECTOR
EP1684004A1 (en) Vehicle headlight with two lighting beams
EP2019258A1 (en) Optical module with light source for automobile headlight.
FR3062457A1 (en) LUMINOUS BEAM LIGHTING MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE PROJECTOR
EP4264120A1 (en) Motor vehicle headlamp with multiple lighting modules on an inclined common plate
EP2299167A1 (en) Lighting or signalling device for automotive vehicle
FR3038696A1 (en) LUMINOUS MODULE FOR LIGHTING AND / OR SIGNALING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
EP1944542B1 (en) Double-function headlight for an automobile
EP2006604B1 (en) Optical module for vehicular lighting device
EP2416061A2 (en) Cut-off lighting module with parabolic reflector placed over an elliptical reflector
FR2861832A1 (en) PROJECTOR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A LIGHT SOURCE FORMED BY A DISCHARGE LAMP
EP2853804B1 (en) Lighting and/or signalling module with a plurality of rotary optical systems
FR2898402A1 (en) OPTICAL MODULE FOR AUTOMOTIVE PROJECTOR WITH OPTICAL DEVIATION ELEMENT
FR2854225A1 (en) LIGHTING MODULE FOR VEHICLE PROJECTOR
EP1785666B1 (en) Optical module with a position lamp for a motor vehicle
EP1538393B1 (en) Vehicle headlight with vertical orientation
EP2366941A2 (en) Lighting module with two reflectors having different focal lengths
EP0723109B1 (en) Vehicle headlamp with dioptric means interposed between the light source and the reflector

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20070119

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602006000872

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20080521

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080911

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080709

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2306396

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080809

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080709

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20090112

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090131

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20100127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100131

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080710

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081010

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080409

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 602006000872

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: F21S0008120000

Ipc: F21S0041000000

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20200227

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20200113

Year of fee payment: 15

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20200113

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20200131

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602006000872

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210803

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20220427

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210127

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210128