EP1726875B1 - Optical module for vehicle lighting system - Google Patents

Optical module for vehicle lighting system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1726875B1
EP1726875B1 EP06290836A EP06290836A EP1726875B1 EP 1726875 B1 EP1726875 B1 EP 1726875B1 EP 06290836 A EP06290836 A EP 06290836A EP 06290836 A EP06290836 A EP 06290836A EP 1726875 B1 EP1726875 B1 EP 1726875B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support part
optical module
module
screen
thermal screen
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EP06290836A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1726875A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-Francois Cavanna
Philippe Natchoo
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Publication of EP1726875A1 publication Critical patent/EP1726875A1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V9/00—Elements for modifying spectral properties, polarisation or intensity of the light emitted, e.g. filters
    • F21V9/04—Elements for modifying spectral properties, polarisation or intensity of the light emitted, e.g. filters for filtering out infrared radiation
    • 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
    • F21S41/40—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by screens, non-reflecting members, light-shielding members or fixed shades
    • F21S41/47—Attachment 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
    • F21S41/68—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on screens
    • F21S41/683—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on screens by moving screens
    • F21S41/689—Flaps, i.e. screens pivoting around one of their edges
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/10—Protection of lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S45/00—Arrangements within vehicle lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, for purposes other than emission or distribution of light
    • F21S45/40—Cooling of lighting devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F21V7/22—Reflectors for light sources characterised by materials, surface treatments or coatings, e.g. dichroic reflectors
    • F21V7/28—Reflectors for light sources characterised by materials, surface treatments or coatings, e.g. dichroic reflectors characterised by coatings
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an optical module for automobile lighting device of the projector type. It applies in particular to optical modules called elliptical modules comprising a light source associated with a reflector and closed by a dioptric element of the convergent lens type, for example a plano-convex lens, Fresnel lens.
  • the invention is more particularly concerned with optical modules equipped with a mobile cover able to intercept at least partially, depending on its position, the light beam emitted by the light source / reflector assembly.
  • EP 1 197 387 for more details on this type of module, refer to the patents EP 1 197 387 , EP 1 422 471 or EP 1 422 472 .
  • the mobile cover on command and thanks to the presence of a motor, can take different positions with respect to the light source, including at least one position called “active” optically, that is to say a position where it obscures actually a part of the light beam, in particular for the module to emit a cut-off beam, such as a crossover or fog-type beam.
  • the cache may thus have one or more "active" positions, for example two, one for the traffic crossing function on the right and one for the traffic function on the left, and also a so-called “passive” function where it does not block the beam. light, thus allowing the module to emit light beams without cutoff of the road beam type.
  • a particular type of optical module makes it possible to obtain at night a visible image of the road on a control screen.
  • This type of module is in fact able to emit a beam of the road beam type, equipped with a mobile infrared filter, which can be placed on command from a first position in which it filters all the visible light signals produced by the light source of the projector, so that only infrared, non-glare, actually come out of the module, to a second position in which the filter does not hide any visible light signal produced by the light source of the projector. Then, depending on the position of the filter, there is either a conventional road beam in the visible, or a beam of the same range but in the infrared. For more details, see the patent EP 1 139 011 .
  • the cache and the infrared filter are two particular examples of cache, including mobile.
  • the modules concerned by the invention are all those that are likely to be equipped with a part intended to receive light rays emitted by the light source equipping the modules, in particular either for filtering or for intercept them, these caches can be fixed or mobile.
  • the term "cache" will be used in all these achievements in this text, for the sake of brevity.
  • this cache when it is mobile requires, as we have seen, a motor and a set of parts necessary to support them.
  • One solution is to choose metal support parts, because of the robustness of this material. But this material also has the disadvantage of being heavy and expensive, which is even more penalizing if the module must operate in DBL.
  • Another solution is to use plastic parts, polymer parts that are lighter and can easily take on complex geometric shapes. But many thermal constraints exist, which may call into question their use, including the heat generated by the light source, of course, but also that released by the engine and even the heat of the solar rays entering the module when the projector is off, parked in full sun for example, exacerbated phenomenon in the case of elliptical modules with the presence of the converging lens closing the module. This type of problem arises in a similar way with optical modules with a cache that is not mobile but fixed.
  • the object of the invention is therefore the development of an optical module of the type described above, in particular of the elliptical type, which can have recourse to plastic support parts while minimizing any risk of degradation thereof during time.
  • the support part is predominantly of polymer material and a heat shield is disposed between at least a portion of said part and the front of the module.
  • the module according to the invention also comprises a dioptric element, convergent lens type, Fresnel lens, at the front of the module, the heat shield then being disposed between at least a portion of the support piece and the element dioptric.
  • front is understood throughout the present text according to the position of the module once integrated, possibly in a projector, and mounted on a vehicle in normal operating mode.
  • Add a heat shield is a simple and effective solution to minimize any risk of deterioration of the polymer support piece: positioning this screen in front of the room has the effect of limiting the effects of the penetration of solar rays in the module, the screen thermal blocking all or part of them before they reach the polymer part.
  • the presence of the convergent type lens at the front of the module only accentuates the effect of concentration of heat from the sunlight inside the module and likely to affect this support piece.
  • a simple screen for example a metal sheet, is sufficiently effective to satisfactorily protect the polymer support piece "behind" him.
  • the invention thus makes it possible to make extensive use of plastic components in the modules, which is very interesting as mentioned above, and to prevent their degradation by preventing them from being subjected to excessive temperature rises, at least partially doubling the faces of these most exposed parts by a screen.
  • the simplest technique is to provide that the heat shield is mounted on the support part, in particular by screwing, crimping, clipping, riveting or overmolding. This ensures a correct positioning of the screen relative to the room.
  • the heat shield is disposed in front of the support piece so as to leave a space between the rear face of the screen and the front face of the support piece.
  • a space of at least 0.5 mm, especially at least or about 0.8 or 1 mm is chosen.
  • This space can have a locally varying thickness. This choice has two advantages. Thermally first, this space defines an air space that plays a role of appreciable thermal insulation. Finally, on the mechanical level, a direct contact between two walls of two different materials, for example locally flat, is not easy to achieve because it requires a very low tolerance on the sizing of the parts in question.
  • a mounting is chosen by crimping the screen on the support piece, with crimping pins on the support part cooperating with openings on the screen.
  • the initial shape of these spikes before crimping is not critical: the support piece can be molded with small openings in the mold allowing the formation of these spikes by controlled flow of material through these openings out of the mold. We can mold the piece without significantly complicating the mold design.
  • the support piece and the heat shield are provided with complementary relative positioning means, in particular at least one pad on the support cooperating with an opening on the screen or vice versa.
  • the pins and / or pads, and preferably both pins and pads are provided with shoulders, in order to mount the heat shield on the support part substantially without direct contact between the support piece and screen: it is thus easy to create the intermediate space, the air space mentioned above.
  • the heat shield is essentially metallic. It may be steel sheet for example. It is a robust material that will block the thermal rays, especially by absorption. The support piece in polymer / metal screen is still significantly less heavy and less expensive than if everything was metal.
  • the heat shield is mono- or multi-component, the mono-component solution being preferred because the simplest to realize and implement.
  • the support piece is made of reinforced polymer, in particular with glass fibers, to give it the necessary mechanical strength.
  • a polymer is preferably selected for the support piece which is best resistant to high temperatures. It is advantageous if it is as little absorbent with respect to heat as possible: preference is therefore given to support parts made of little / non-absorbent polymer, preferably without pigments, in particular of a light color.
  • the support piece is provided with opening (s) and / or notch (s) facilitating heat dissipation, especially in the area near the engine.
  • the heat shield is provided with opening (s) and / or notch (s) facilitating heat dissipation, especially in the area near the engine.
  • the module may also comprise a lens mounted on a lens holder element, the support piece being an intermediate piece between the front face of the reflector and the lens holder element.
  • the mobile cover may be an infrared filter, or a cover for producing a dual-function or multi-function projector, in particular a bi-function module of the code / route type or a multifunction module.
  • the invention also relates to the motor vehicle headlamp equipped with such an optical module, and the motor vehicle in which is mounted the optical module according to the invention or the automotive headlight integrating said optical module.
  • the support piece 4 is in an intermediate position between the periphery 21 of the reflector 2 and the lens holder 5.
  • Another element 9 is interposed, it is a preferably sheet metal part which has two functions: one is to thermally protect the motor 7 vis-à-vis the rays emitted by the source 3, the other is to participate in the photometry of the light beam emitted by the module 1 in cooperation with the mobile cover 8.
  • This component 9 is optional. In the example shown, it is therefore in fact successively, from the rear to the front of the module 1, the periphery 21 of the reflector 2, then the support part 4, then the component 9 and finally the lens holder 5.
  • the assembly of the lens holder assembly 5, component 9, support piece 4 on the periphery 21 of the reflector is done by three attachment points, by crimping the lens holder 5 which is provided with three crimping pins, two in the upper part and a lower part (not shown), cooperating with apertures which coincide on component 9, support part 4 and periphery 21.
  • FIG. figure 3 and at the figure 1 the three openings 44 provided on the support part 4 for this purpose.
  • this part 4 is very thermally stressed by the proximity of the motor 7 and the light source 3 on the one hand, by the fact that its front face is directly on the path of the rays coming from the sun, when the module is off and the rays of the sun have the incidence and the ad hoc intensity.
  • the thermal resistance of this part 4 led to reinforcing the thermal resistance of this part 4, by providing a heat shield 6, whose geometry in relation to that of the part 4 is detailed in the figures 3 and 4 : the screen 6 is interposed between the front face of the support part 4 and the lens. It follows substantially the contours of this front face. In this example, the front face of the part 4 is not flat, it actually delimits the compartment which houses, on the other side, the motor 7.
  • the screen 6 is made of sheet metal, for example stainless steel, with a thickness of about 0.8 mm. It is mounted on the piece 4 by crimping: the figures 3 and 4 represent the four pins 41 present on the front face of the part 4 and which cooperate with openings 61 present on the screen 6. They also illustrate how to center the two components relative to each other: a stud substantially cylindrical 42 on the front face of the part 4 cooperates with a circular opening 62 on the size screen adjusted to that of the stud. Is also provided another substantially cylindrical stud 42 'on the front face of the part 4, cooperating with an oblong hole 62' on the screen 6. Openings 45 in the room 4 promote heat dissipation, some are located in particular near the potential heating zones of the engine 7.
  • Openings 65 are also provided on the screen 6 for the same purpose. These openings also make it possible to lighten the components 4 and 6.
  • the openings 45 located in the lower part of the support part 4 coincide with the openings 65 provided on the screen, to allow the circulation of air and the resulting heat dissipation.
  • the openings 65 are dimensioned appropriately with respect to the openings 45 on the support part 4, so as to ensure that, in the areas of the support part 4 most likely to heat up, and near or on the edges of these openings, the screen Thermal 6 continues to play its role.
  • FIGS. 5 to 7 relate to the second embodiment of the invention, and relate to the same type of module as that previously described in figures 1 and 2 , but with design variations on the support part and the heat shield. Only those features which differ substantially from the first embodiment will therefore be described in detail.
  • the figure 6 represents the support part variant 4 'carrying a mobile cover 8'.
  • the support piece 4 '(same material as in the first variant) here has only 3 crimping pins 41', two arranged in a plane, the third disposed in a lower plane to the previous one.
  • the figure 7 represents the heat shield variant 6 ': this piece is obtained by stamping. It has a substantially rectangular central surface A and two lateral faces B inclined with respect to this central surface and substantially symmetrical with respect to each other.
  • the sections B each have a lower flange C with a particular cut in order to best adopt a shape complementary to that of the support piece 4 '.
  • the central surface A also has an opening, here of rectangular shape, which can serve as a centering means with a complementary stud provided on the part 4 '.
  • the surface thus developed by the screen (A + 2B + 2C) is very wrapping vis-à-vis the surface of the support part 4 'to protect thermally, which is thermally favorable, and is seen at the figure 6 , representing the two assembled components.
  • the screen 6 ' has undergone a surface treatment on its front face: a coating deposit by anodization for example.
  • This coating can have several functions. Its first function can be thermal, especially when we choose a coating / a light-colored paint, which reflects light (and therefore the thermal contribution related to visible solar radiation), and thus enhances the thermal properties of the screen.
  • the function can also be aesthetic / photometric: the support piece, once the optical module mounted in the projector, can remain at least partially visible, seen from the outside, and it may be desired that this piece appears a particular color dark, for example, and of a particular aspect, shining or matt for example.
  • the described elliptical module can be used for a function called DBL, being equipped with appropriate means for the emitted beam can "turn" in turns, or for a function FBL being equipped with appropriate means to light in turns.
  • the invention can be applied mutadis mutandis to elliptical modules having a cover which is fixed: in this case there is no more motor, but risks of heating of the support part (light source, solar rays) remain and the screen is also just as useful in this configuration.

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

Abstract

The module has a light source such as xenon lamp, placed in a reflector (2) for transmitting a light beam at the level of an output side of the reflector. A movable cover plate (8) is pivoted between two positions, and a motor (7) provokes the movement of the cover plate. A support part (4) is placed in front of the reflector, and a heat shield (6) is placed between the support part and the front of the module. The shield is fixed on the support part using locking pins. An independent claim is also included for a headlight equipped with an optical module.

Description

La présente invention a pour objet un module optique pour dispositif d'éclairage automobile du type projecteur. Elle s'applique notamment aux modules optiques appelés modules elliptiques comprenant une source de lumière associée à un réflecteur et fermé par un élément dioptrique du type lentille convergente, par exemple une lentille de type plan-convexe, lentille de Fresnel. L'invention s'intéresse plus particulièrement aux modules optiques équipés d'un cache mobile apte à intercepter au moins partiellement, selon sa position, le faisceau lumineux émis par l'ensemble source lumineuse/réflecteur. Pour plus de détails sur ce type de module, on peut notamment se reporter aux brevets EP 1 197 387 , EP 1 422 471 ou EP 1 422 472 . Le cache mobile, sur commande et grâce à la présence d'un moteur, peut prendre différentes positions par rapport à la source lumineuse, dont au moins une position dite « active » optiquement, c'est-à-dire une position où il occulte effectivement une partie du faisceau lumineux, notamment pour que le module émette un faisceau à coupure, comme un faisceau de type croisement ou anti-brouillard. Le cache peut ainsi présenter une ou plusieurs positions « actives », par exemple deux, une pour la fonction croisement trafic à droite et une pour la fonction trafic à gauche, et aussi une fonction dite « passive » où il n'occulte pas le faisceau lumineux, permettant ainsi au module d'émettre des faisceaux lumineux sans coupure du type faisceau de route.The present invention relates to an optical module for automobile lighting device of the projector type. It applies in particular to optical modules called elliptical modules comprising a light source associated with a reflector and closed by a dioptric element of the convergent lens type, for example a plano-convex lens, Fresnel lens. The invention is more particularly concerned with optical modules equipped with a mobile cover able to intercept at least partially, depending on its position, the light beam emitted by the light source / reflector assembly. For more details on this type of module, refer to the patents EP 1 197 387 , EP 1 422 471 or EP 1 422 472 . The mobile cover, on command and thanks to the presence of a motor, can take different positions with respect to the light source, including at least one position called "active" optically, that is to say a position where it obscures actually a part of the light beam, in particular for the module to emit a cut-off beam, such as a crossover or fog-type beam. The cache may thus have one or more "active" positions, for example two, one for the traffic crossing function on the right and one for the traffic function on the left, and also a so-called "passive" function where it does not block the beam. light, thus allowing the module to emit light beams without cutoff of the road beam type.

On rappelle en effet brièvement que dans le domaine automobile, on connaît différents types de faisceaux lumineux émis par des projecteurs, parmi lesquels on trouve essentiellement :

  • des feux de position, d'intensité et de portée faible ; qui réalisent une fonction de signalisation,
  • des faisceaux 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, à coupure généralement en forme de V, est telle qu'elle permet de ne pas éblouir le conducteur d'un véhicule croisé ;
  • des faisceaux 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 ; ce sont des faisceaux sans coupure,
  • des faisceaux anti-brouillard, qui présentent une coupure de type plate.
    Utiliser un cache mobile permet donc, avec le même module optique, d'émettre différents faisceaux selon la position du cache, on parle alors de module bi- ou multifonctions selon qu'il permet d'avoir deux faisceaux différents ou plus.
    Outre ces fonctions d'éclairage et de signalisation biens connues, de nouvelles fonctions sont apparues récemment, regroupées sous le nom d'AFS (l'abréviation pour « Advanced Front System » en anglais), qui proposent notamment d'autres types de faisceaux, l'invention permettant de les mettre en oeuvre, notamment à l'aide de caches mobiles adaptés aptes à générer les coupures voulues ; II s'agit notamment
  • de la fonction dite BL (Bending Light en anglais pour lumière virage), qui peut se décomposer en une fonction dite DBL (Dynamic Bending Light en anglais pour lumière virage mobile) et une fonction dite FBL (Fixed Bending Light en anglais pour lumière virage fixe).La fonction DBL permet de modifier l'orientation d'un faisceau lumineux produit par une source lumineuse, de telle sorte que lorsque le véhicule aborde un virage, la route soit éclairée de façon optimale.La fonction FBL 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 ;
  • de la 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 ;
  • de la fonction dite Motorway Light en anglais, pour feu d'autoroute. Cette fonction assure une augmentation de la portée d'un feu de croisement ;
  • de la 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 ;
  • 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.
It is recalled briefly that in the automotive field, we know different types of light beams emitted by projectors, among which we find essentially:
  • position, intensity and low range lights; who perform a signaling function,
  • crossing beams, or codes, of greater intensity and range on the road of about 70 meters, which are mainly used at night and whose distribution of the light beam, generally shape of V, is such that it allows not to dazzle the driver of a cross vehicle;
  • long-range road beams, and long-range complement lights, whose vision zone on the road is approximately 200 meters, and which must be extinguished when crossing another vehicle so as not to dazzle its driver; they are unbroken beams,
  • anti-fog beams, which have a flat type cutoff.
    Using a mobile cache allows, with the same optical module, to emit different beams depending on the position of the cache, it is called a bi- or multifunctional module depending on whether it allows to have two different beams or more.
    In addition to these well-known lighting and signaling functions, new functions have recently appeared, grouped under the name of AFS (the abbreviation for "Advanced Front System" in English), which notably propose other types of beams, the invention making it possible to implement them, in particular by means of adapted mobile covers able to generate the desired cuts; These include
  • the function called BL (Bending Light in English for light bend), which can be broken down into a function called DBL (Dynamic Bending Light in English for light bend mobile) and a function called FBL (Fixed Bending Light in English for light bend fixed The DBL function makes it possible to modify the orientation of a light beam produced by a light source, so that when the vehicle approaches a turn, the road is illuminated optimally. The function FBL is intended to illuminate progressively the side of the road when the vehicle makes a turn; to this end, there is provided an additional light source which gradually complements the low beam or road when negotiating a turn;
  • of the so-called Town Light function in English, for town fire. This function ensures the widening of a beam type dipped beam while by slightly decreasing its range;
  • of the so-called Motorway Light function in English, for highway lights. This function ensures an increase in the range of a dipped beam;
  • of the function called Overhead Light in English, for raised fire. This function ensures a modification of a beam of low beam so that gantries located at height are illuminated satisfactorily by means of dipped beam;
  • a function called AWL (Adverse Weather Light in English, for fire of bad weather). This function ensures a modification of a beam of passing beam so that the driver is not dazzled by a reflection of his own projector.

On connaît également une autre utilisation des caches, notamment mobiles : un type particulier de module optique permet d'obtenir la nuit une image visible de la route sur un écran de contrôle. Ce type de module est en fait apte à émettre un faisceau de type faisceau de route, équipé d'un filtre infrarouge mobile, qui peut passer sur commande d'une première position dans laquelle il filtre l'ensemble des signaux lumineux visibles produits par la source lumineuse du projecteur, de telle sorte que seuls les rayons infrarouges, non éblouissants, sortent effectivement du module, à une deuxième position dans laquelle le filtre n'occulte aucun signal lumineux visible produit par la source lumineuse du projecteur. On a alors, selon la position du filtre, soit un faisceau route classique dans le visible, soit un faisceau de même portée mais dans l'infrarouge. On pourra se reporter, pour plus de détails, au brevet EP 1 139 011 .Another use of caches, in particular mobile caches, is also known: a particular type of optical module makes it possible to obtain at night a visible image of the road on a control screen. This type of module is in fact able to emit a beam of the road beam type, equipped with a mobile infrared filter, which can be placed on command from a first position in which it filters all the visible light signals produced by the light source of the projector, so that only infrared, non-glare, actually come out of the module, to a second position in which the filter does not hide any visible light signal produced by the light source of the projector. Then, depending on the position of the filter, there is either a conventional road beam in the visible, or a beam of the same range but in the infrared. For more details, see the patent EP 1 139 011 .

Dans le cadre de l'invention, le cache et le filtre infrarouge sont donc deux exemples particuliers de cache, notamment mobile. D'une façon générale, les modules concernés par l'invention sont tous ceux qui sont susceptibles d'être équipés d'une pièce destinée à recevoir des rayons lumineux émis par la source lumineuse équipant les modules, notamment soit pour les filtrer, soit pour les intercepter, ces caches pouvant être fixes ou mobiles. Le terme de « cache » sera utilisé dans toutes ces réalisations dans le présent texte, par soucis de concision.In the context of the invention, the cache and the infrared filter are two particular examples of cache, including mobile. In a general way, the modules concerned by the invention are all those that are likely to be equipped with a part intended to receive light rays emitted by the light source equipping the modules, in particular either for filtering or for intercept them, these caches can be fixed or mobile. The term "cache" will be used in all these achievements in this text, for the sake of brevity.

La présence de ce cache, quand il est mobile nécessite, on l'a vu, un moteur et un ensemble de pièces nécessaires pour les supporter. Une solution consiste à choisir des pièces support en métal, de part la robustesse de ce matériau. Mais ce matériau présente aussi l'inconvénient d'être lourd et coûteux, ce qui est d'autant plus pénalisant si le module doit fonctionner en DBL. Une autre solution est d'avoir recours à des pièces plastiques, des pièces en polymère qui sont plus légères et qui peuvent prendre plus facilement des formes géométriques complexes. Mais de nombreuses contraintes thermiques existent, qui peuvent remettre en cause leur utilisation, dont notamment la chaleur dégagée par la source lumineuse, bien sûr, mais aussi celle dégagée par le moteur et même la chaleur des rayons solaires entrant dans le module quand le projecteur est éteint, en stationnement en plein soleil par exemple, phénomène exacerbé dans le cas des modules elliptiques avec la présence de la lentille convergente fermant le module. Ce type de problème se pose de façon similaire avec des modules optiques à cache non pas mobile mais fixe.The presence of this cache when it is mobile requires, as we have seen, a motor and a set of parts necessary to support them. One solution is to choose metal support parts, because of the robustness of this material. But this material also has the disadvantage of being heavy and expensive, which is even more penalizing if the module must operate in DBL. Another solution is to use plastic parts, polymer parts that are lighter and can easily take on complex geometric shapes. But many thermal constraints exist, which may call into question their use, including the heat generated by the light source, of course, but also that released by the engine and even the heat of the solar rays entering the module when the projector is off, parked in full sun for example, exacerbated phenomenon in the case of elliptical modules with the presence of the converging lens closing the module. This type of problem arises in a similar way with optical modules with a cache that is not mobile but fixed.

On connaît également par le document EP 1 454 793 A2 un module optique de ce type avec un écran thermique.It is also known from the document EP 1 454 793 A2 an optical module of this type with a heat shield.

L'invention a alors pour but la mise au point d'un module optique du type décrit plus haut, notamment du type elliptique, qui puisse avoir recours à des pièces de support en plastique en minimisant tout risque de dégradation de celles-ci au cours du temps.The object of the invention is therefore the development of an optical module of the type described above, in particular of the elliptical type, which can have recourse to plastic support parts while minimizing any risk of degradation thereof during time.

L'invention a tout d'abord comme objet un module optique, du type module elliptique pour dispositif d'éclairage pour véhicule automobile, comportant :

  • une source lumineuse disposée dans un réflecteur pour émettre un faisceau lumineux au niveau d'une face de sortie du réflecteur,
  • un cache fixe, ou mobile pour être apte à évoluer entre au moins deux positions, dont au moins une position « active » où il intercepte au moins partiellement le faisceau lumineux,
  • éventuellement un moteur pour provoquer le mouvement de l'écran quand il est choisi mobile,
  • une pièce support sur laquelle est monté le cache et/ou éventuellement le moteur s'il est présent, la pièce étant disposée à l'avant du réflecteur,
The invention firstly relates to an optical module, of the elliptical module type for a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising:
  • a light source arranged in a reflector for emitting a light beam at an exit face of the reflector,
  • a fixed cover, or mobile to be able to evolve between at least two positions, including at least one "active" position where it at least partially intercepts the light beam,
  • possibly a motor to cause the movement of the screen when he is chosen mobile,
  • a support piece on which is mounted the cover and / or possibly the motor if it is present, the part being arranged at the front of the reflector,

En outre, la pièce support est majoritairement en matériau polymère et un écran thermique est disposé entre au moins une partie de ladite pièce et l'avant du module.In addition, the support part is predominantly of polymer material and a heat shield is disposed between at least a portion of said part and the front of the module.

Avantageusement, le module selon l'invention comprend aussi un élément dioptrique, du type lentille convergente, lentille de Fresnel, à l'avant du module, l'écran thermique étant alors disposé entre au moins une partie de la pièce support et l'élément dioptrique.Advantageously, the module according to the invention also comprises a dioptric element, convergent lens type, Fresnel lens, at the front of the module, the heat shield then being disposed between at least a portion of the support piece and the element dioptric.

On comprend dans tout le présent texte les termes « avant », « arrière », « haut », « bas », « supérieur » ou « inférieur » d'après la position du module une fois intégré éventuellement dans un projecteur et monté sur un véhicule en mode de fonctionnement normal.The term "front", "back", "up", "down", "upper" or "lower" is understood throughout the present text according to the position of the module once integrated, possibly in a projector, and mounted on a vehicle in normal operating mode.

Ajouter un écran thermique est une solution simple et efficace pour minimiser tout risque de détérioration de la pièce support en polymère : positionner cet écran devant la pièce a notamment pour effet de limiter les effets de la pénétration des rayons solaires dans le module, l'écran thermique bloquant tout ou partie de ceux-ci avant qu'ils n'atteignent la pièce en polymère. La présence de la lentille de type convergente à l'avant du module ne fait qu'accentuer l'effet de concentration de chaleur provenant des rayons solaires à l'intérieur du module et susceptible d'affecter cette pièce support. De façon assez surprenante, un simple écran, par exemple une tôle métallique, est suffisamment efficace pour protéger de façon satisfaisante la pièce support en polymère « derrière » lui. L'invention permet ainsi d'utiliser largement des composants en plastique dans les modules, ce qui est très intéressant comme évoqué plus haut, et de prévenir leur dégradation en évitant qu'ils ne soient soumis à de trop fortes élévations de température, en « doublant » au moins partiellement les faces de ces pièces les plus exposées par un écran.Add a heat shield is a simple and effective solution to minimize any risk of deterioration of the polymer support piece: positioning this screen in front of the room has the effect of limiting the effects of the penetration of solar rays in the module, the screen thermal blocking all or part of them before they reach the polymer part. The presence of the convergent type lens at the front of the module only accentuates the effect of concentration of heat from the sunlight inside the module and likely to affect this support piece. Surprisingly, a simple screen, for example a metal sheet, is sufficiently effective to satisfactorily protect the polymer support piece "behind" him. The invention thus makes it possible to make extensive use of plastic components in the modules, which is very interesting as mentioned above, and to prevent their degradation by preventing them from being subjected to excessive temperature rises, at least partially doubling the faces of these most exposed parts by a screen.

On a évoqué les risques d'élévation de température provenant du soleil, tous feux éteints, avec dans ce cas l'écran disposé devant la pièce en polymère. Il va de soi que si une source de chaleur se trouvait disposée de façon latérale ou à l'arrière du module, on peut aussi envisager de disposer un écran thermique de façon à ce qu'il s'interpose, de façon plus générale, entre la pièce en polymère sensible à la chaleur et la source potentielle ou réelle de chaleur. La configuration de l'écran est à choisir de façon appropriée. Ainsi, on veille à ce que sa position et ses dimensions n'affectent pas, ou sensiblement pas, les propriétés ou performances du faisceau lumineux émis par le module.Risks of temperature rise from the sun were mentioned, all fires extinguished, with in this case the screen placed in front of the polymer part. It goes without saying that if a heat source was disposed laterally or at the rear of the module, it is also possible to envisage having a heat shield so that it interposes, more generally, between the heat-sensitive polymer part and the potential or actual source of heat. The configuration of the screen is to be chosen appropriately. Thus, it is ensured that its position and its dimensions do not affect, or substantially not, the properties or performance of the light beam emitted by the module.

Le plus simple techniquement est de prévoir que l'écran thermique soit monté sur la pièce support, notamment par vissage, sertissage, clippage, rivetage ou surmoulage. On s'assure ainsi d'un positionnement correct de l'écran par rapport à la pièce.The simplest technique is to provide that the heat shield is mounted on the support part, in particular by screwing, crimping, clipping, riveting or overmolding. This ensures a correct positioning of the screen relative to the room.

De préférence, l'écran thermique est disposé devant la pièce support de façon à laisser un espace entre la face arrière de l'écran et la face avant de la pièce support. On choisit par exemple un espace d'au moins 0,5 mm, notamment d'au moins ou d'environ 0,8 ou 1 mm. Cet espace peut avoir une épaisseur variable localement. Ce choix présente deux avantages. Sur le plan thermique d'abord, cet espace délimite une lame d'air qui joue un rôle d'isolant thermique appréciable. Sur le plan mécanique enfin, un contact direct entre deux parois de deux matériaux différents, par exemple planes localement, n'est pas facile à réaliser car il nécessite une très faible tolérance sur le dimensionnement des pièces en question.Preferably, the heat shield is disposed in front of the support piece so as to leave a space between the rear face of the screen and the front face of the support piece. For example, a space of at least 0.5 mm, especially at least or about 0.8 or 1 mm, is chosen. This space can have a locally varying thickness. This choice has two advantages. Thermally first, this space defines an air space that plays a role of appreciable thermal insulation. Finally, on the mechanical level, a direct contact between two walls of two different materials, for example locally flat, is not easy to achieve because it requires a very low tolerance on the sizing of the parts in question.

Avantageusement, on choisit un montage par sertissage de l'écran sur la pièce support, à l'aide de picots de sertissage sur la pièce support coopérant avec des ouvertures sur l'écran. La forme initiale de ces picots avant sertissage n'est pas déterminante : on peut mouler la pièce support avec de petites ouvertures dans le moule permettant la formation de ces picots par écoulement contrôlé de matière par ces ouvertures hors du moule. On peut donc mouler la pièce sans compliquer significativement la conception du moule.Advantageously, a mounting is chosen by crimping the screen on the support piece, with crimping pins on the support part cooperating with openings on the screen. The initial shape of these spikes before crimping is not critical: the support piece can be molded with small openings in the mold allowing the formation of these spikes by controlled flow of material through these openings out of the mold. We can mold the piece without significantly complicating the mold design.

De préférence, la pièce support et l'écran thermique sont munis de moyens de positionnement relatif complémentaires, notamment au moins un plot sur le support coopérant avec une ouverture sur l'écran ou réciproquement. Avantageusement, les picots et/ou plots, et de préférence à la fois picots et plots, sont munis d'épaulements, afin de monter l'écran thermique sur la pièce support substantiellement sans contact direct entre pièce support et écran : on crée ainsi aisément l'espace intermédiaire, la lame d'air évoqués plus haut.Preferably, the support piece and the heat shield are provided with complementary relative positioning means, in particular at least one pad on the support cooperating with an opening on the screen or vice versa. Advantageously, the pins and / or pads, and preferably both pins and pads, are provided with shoulders, in order to mount the heat shield on the support part substantially without direct contact between the support piece and screen: it is thus easy to create the intermediate space, the air space mentioned above.

De préférence, l'écran thermique est essentiellement métallique. Il peut s'agir de tôle d'acier par exemple. C'est un matériau robuste et qui va bloquer les rayons thermiques notamment par absorption. L'ensemble pièce support en polymère/écran métallique reste encore significativement moins lourd et moins onéreux que si tout était en métal.Preferably, the heat shield is essentially metallic. It may be steel sheet for example. It is a robust material that will block the thermal rays, especially by absorption. The support piece in polymer / metal screen is still significantly less heavy and less expensive than if everything was metal.

L'écran thermique est mono- ou multi composants, la solution mono composante étant préférée car la plus simple à réaliser et à mettre en oeuvre.The heat shield is mono- or multi-component, the mono-component solution being preferred because the simplest to realize and implement.

Avantageusement, la pièce support est en polymère renforcé, notamment avec des fibres de verre, pour lui donner la résistance mécanique nécessaire.Advantageously, the support piece is made of reinforced polymer, in particular with glass fibers, to give it the necessary mechanical strength.

Cumulativement ou alternativement à l'emploi d'écran thermique, on sélectionne de préférence un polymère pour la pièce support qui résiste au mieux aux hautes températures. II est avantageux qu'il soit aussi peu absorbant vis-à-vis de la chaleur que possible : on privilégie donc les pièces support en polymère peu/ non absorbant, de préférence sans pigments, notamment de couleur claire.Cumulatively or alternatively with the use of heat shield, a polymer is preferably selected for the support piece which is best resistant to high temperatures. It is advantageous if it is as little absorbent with respect to heat as possible: preference is therefore given to support parts made of little / non-absorbent polymer, preferably without pigments, in particular of a light color.

Optionnellement, la pièce support est munie d'ouverture(s) et/ou d'échancrure(s) facilitant la dissipation thermique, notamment dans la zone à proximité du moteur.Optionally, the support piece is provided with opening (s) and / or notch (s) facilitating heat dissipation, especially in the area near the engine.

De même, optionnellement, l'écran thermique est muni d'ouverture(s) et/ou d'échancrure(s) facilitant la dissipation thermique, notamment dans la zone à proximité du moteur.Similarly, optionally, the heat shield is provided with opening (s) and / or notch (s) facilitating heat dissipation, especially in the area near the engine.

Le module peut comprendre également une lentille montée sur un élément porte lentille, la pièce support étant une pièce intermédiaire entre la face avant du réflecteur et l'élément porte lentille.The module may also comprise a lens mounted on a lens holder element, the support piece being an intermediate piece between the front face of the reflector and the lens holder element.

Le cache mobile peut être un filtre infrarouge, ou un cache permettant de réaliser un projecteur bi fonction ou multi fonction, notamment un module bi fonction du type code/route ou un module multifonction.The mobile cover may be an infrared filter, or a cover for producing a dual-function or multi-function projector, in particular a bi-function module of the code / route type or a multifunction module.

L'invention a aussi comme objet le projecteur de véhicule automobile équipé d'un tel module optique, et le véhicule automobile dans lequel est monté le module optique selon l'invention ou le projecteur automobile intégrant ledit module optique.The invention also relates to the motor vehicle headlamp equipped with such an optical module, and the motor vehicle in which is mounted the optical module according to the invention or the automotive headlight integrating said optical module.

L'invention va être détaillée ci-après à l'aide de deux modes de réalisation non limitatifs illustrés par les figures suivantes :

  • Figure 1 : une vue en perspective d'un module optique selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention
  • Figure 2 : une vue de face du module selon la figure 1
  • Figure 3 : une vue de face de l'assemblage de la pièce support et de son écran thermique appartenant au module optique selon les figures précédentes
  • Figure 4 : une vue en perspective de l'écran thermique seul appartenant au module selon les figures 1 et 2.
  • Figure 5 : une vue de face de la pièce support avec écran thermique selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention
  • Figure 6 : une vue de face de la pièce support seule selon la figure 5
  • Figure 7: une vue en perspective de l'écran thermique seul selon la figure 5.
The invention will be detailed hereinafter with the aid of two non-limiting embodiments illustrated by the following figures:
  • Figure 1 : a perspective view of an optical module according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 : a front view of the module according to the figure 1
  • Figure 3 : a front view of the assembly of the support part and its heat shield belonging to the optical module according to the preceding figures
  • Figure 4 : a perspective view of the heat shield alone belonging to the module according to the figures 1 and 2 .
  • Figure 5 : a front view of the support part with heat shield according to a second embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 6 : a front view of the support piece alone according to the figure 5
  • Figure 7 : a perspective view of the heat shield alone according to the figure 5 .

Les éléments apparaissant sur différentes figures conservent les mêmes références.The elements appearing in different figures retain the same references.

Les figures 1 et 2 montrent les différents éléments principaux constituant le module optique 1 selon le premier mode de réalisation de l'invention. Ce dernier comporte :

  • un réflecteur 2, par exemple de type ellipsoïdale, dans lequel on vient placer une source lumineuse 3, ici une lampe xénon dont on ne voit sur la figure que le boîtier arrière, qui est maintenue par un élément porte lampe, pour produire un faisceau lumineux. On définit pour le réflecteur 2 une face de sortie, qui est substantiellement dans un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe optique du module optique 1, et qui est matérialisé par un pourtour 21 servant de surface d'appui à différents éléments.
  • un cache mobile 8, qui est apte à pivoter par rapport à un axe substantiellement horizontal et perpendiculaire à l'axe optique du module 1. II présente un profil dont le bord détermine la coupure du faisceau. Pour plus de détails à ce sujet, sur sa structure, son fonctionnement et celui du moteur entraînant son mouvement, on se rapportera aux brevets cités plus haut.
  • Le cache 8 est maintenu par la pièce support 4, qui est en polyéther sulfone (PES) renforcé à environ 20% en poids par des fibres de verre et qui est choisi sans pigments, de couleur claire. La pièce support, alternativement, peut être teintée, contenir des pigments. Elle est de préférence à base de polymère(s) thermoplastique(s). Cette pièce support 4 porte aussi le moteur 7 et tous les moyens de transmission entre le moteur 7 et le cache mobile 8 (dont notamment la tige moteur, le système d'engrenage, les éléments de connexion du type languettes conductrice pour alimenter le moteur en courant). Les languettes de connexion peuvent être montées sur la pièce support 4 lors du moulage même de la pièce, par surmoulage. Ces derniers éléments ne seront pas décrits en détails.
  • le moteur 7 destiné à actionner le cache mobile est de préférence, pour des raisons d'encombrement, un moteur à courant continu. Le moteur est essentiellement constitué d'un bloc moteur, qui entraîne en rotation une tige moteur supportant un pignon. Le fonctionnement du moteur est régi par une carte électronique, qui peut éventuellement remplir d'autres fonctions au sein du dispositif projecteur, telles que le contrôle de fonctions dites AFS.
  • le porte lentille 5 est placé à l'avant du module, il porte une lentille de Fresnel (non représentée par soucis de clarté des figures).
The figures 1 and 2 show the different main elements constituting the optical module 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The latter includes:
  • a reflector 2, for example of ellipsoidal type, in which there is placed a light source 3, here a xenon lamp which is seen in the figure only the rear housing, which is held by a lamp holder element, to produce a light beam . For the reflector 2, an output face is defined, which is substantially in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical module 1, and which is embodied by a periphery 21 serving as a support surface for different elements.
  • a movable cover 8, which is pivotable relative to a substantially horizontal axis and perpendicular to the optical axis of the module 1. It has a profile whose edge determines the cutting of the beam. For more details on this subject, on its structure, its operation and that of the engine causing its movement, reference will be made to the patents cited above.
  • The cover 8 is held by the support piece 4, which is of polyether sulphone (PES) reinforced to about 20% by weight by glass fibers and which is chosen without pigments, light in color. The support piece, alternatively, can be tinted, contain pigments. It is preferably based on thermoplastic polymer (s). This support part 4 also carries the motor 7 and all the transmission means between the motor 7 and the movable cover 8 (including in particular the motor shaft, the gear system, the connecting elements of the conductive tongues type for supplying the motor with current). The connection tongues can be mounted on the support part 4 during the molding of the part itself, by overmolding. These last elements will not be described in detail.
  • the motor 7 for actuating the mobile cover is preferably, for reasons of space, a DC motor. The engine consists essentially of a motor unit, which rotates a motor shaft supporting a pinion. The operation of the engine is governed by an electronic card, which may possibly fulfill other functions within the projector device, such as the control of functions called AFS.
  • the lens holder 5 is placed at the front of the module, it carries a Fresnel lens (not shown for the sake of clarity of the figures).

On voit que la pièce support 4 est dans une position intermédiaire entre le pourtour 21 du réflecteur 2 et le porte lentille 5. Un autre élément 9 est intercalé, c'est une pièce de préférence métallique de type tôle qui a deux fonctions : l'une est de protéger thermiquement le moteur 7 vis-à-vis des rayons émis par la source 3, l'autre est de participer à la photométrie du faisceau lumineux émis par le module 1 en coopération avec le cache mobile 8. Ce composant 9 est optionnel. Dans l'exemple représenté, on a donc en fait successivement, de l'arrière vers l'avant du module 1, le pourtour 21 du réflecteur 2, puis la pièce support 4, puis le composant 9 et enfin le porte lentille 5.It can be seen that the support piece 4 is in an intermediate position between the periphery 21 of the reflector 2 and the lens holder 5. Another element 9 is interposed, it is a preferably sheet metal part which has two functions: one is to thermally protect the motor 7 vis-à-vis the rays emitted by the source 3, the other is to participate in the photometry of the light beam emitted by the module 1 in cooperation with the mobile cover 8. This component 9 is optional. In the example shown, it is therefore in fact successively, from the rear to the front of the module 1, the periphery 21 of the reflector 2, then the support part 4, then the component 9 and finally the lens holder 5.

Le montage de l'ensemble porte lentille 5, composant 9, pièce support 4 sur le pourtour 21 du réflecteur se fait par trois points de fixation, par sertissage du porte lentille 5 qui est muni de trois picots de sertissage, deux en partie supérieure et un en partie inférieure (non représentés), coopérant avec des ouvertures qui coïncident sur composant 9, pièce support 4 et pourtour 21. Sont représentées à la figure 3 et à la figure 1 les trois ouvertures 44 prévues sur la pièce support 4 à cet effet.The assembly of the lens holder assembly 5, component 9, support piece 4 on the periphery 21 of the reflector is done by three attachment points, by crimping the lens holder 5 which is provided with three crimping pins, two in the upper part and a lower part (not shown), cooperating with apertures which coincide on component 9, support part 4 and periphery 21. Are shown in FIG. figure 3 and at the figure 1 the three openings 44 provided on the support part 4 for this purpose.

Il est également prévu quatre points de fixation 22 permettant de fixer le module, par le pourtour 21 du réflecteur 2, dans le projecteur : Deux ouvertures 43 dans la pièce support 4 représentée en figure 3 sont destinées à coopérer avec deux ouvertures correspondantes sur la partie supérieure du pourtour 21 du réflecteur 2 et sur le composant 9 représentées en figure

  1. 1. Le module peut donc être fixé par ces quatre points 22 représentés en figures 1 et 2 (deux en partie supérieure et deux en partie inférieure), de façon fixe, ou de façon mobile s'il doit assurer une fonction DBL.
Four fixing points 22 are also provided for fixing the module, by the periphery 21 of the reflector 2, in the projector: two openings 43 in the support part 4 shown in FIG. figure 3 are intended to cooperate with two corresponding openings on the upper part of the periphery 21 of the reflector 2 and on the component 9 shown in FIG.
  1. 1. The module can therefore be fixed by these four points 22 represented in figures 1 and 2 (two in the upper part and two in the lower part), fixedly, or movably if it must provide a DBL function.

On voit que la résistance mécanique et thermique de cette pièce est très importante dans le module, puisqu'elle porte le cache 8 dont le positionnement doit être très précis pour que le faisceau lumineux émis par le module ait les caractéristiques photométriques voulues, et qu'elle porte aussi l'actionneur 7 du cache 8. Or cette pièce 4 est très sollicitée thermiquement, par la proximité du moteur 7 et de la source lumineuse 3 d'une part, par le fait que sa face avant se trouve directement sur le trajet des rayons provenant du soleil, quand le module est éteint et que les rayons du soleil ont l'incidence et l'intensité ad hoc.It can be seen that the mechanical and thermal resistance of this part is very important in the module, since it carries the cover 8, the positioning of which must be very precise so that the light beam emitted by the module has the desired photometric characteristics, and that it also carries the actuator 7 of the cover 8. Or this part 4 is very thermally stressed by the proximity of the motor 7 and the light source 3 on the one hand, by the fact that its front face is directly on the path of the rays coming from the sun, when the module is off and the rays of the sun have the incidence and the ad hoc intensity.

Ces considérations ont amené à renforcer la résistance thermique de cette pièce 4, en la munissant d'un écran thermique 6, dont la géométrie en relation avec celle de la pièce 4 est détaillée dans les figures 3 et 4 : l'écran 6 est interposé entre la face avant de la pièce support 4 et la lentille. Il suit substantiellement les contours de cette face avant. Dans cet exemple, la face avant de la pièce 4 n'est pas plane, elle délimite en fait le compartiment qui loge, de l'autre côté, le moteur 7.These considerations led to reinforcing the thermal resistance of this part 4, by providing a heat shield 6, whose geometry in relation to that of the part 4 is detailed in the figures 3 and 4 : the screen 6 is interposed between the front face of the support part 4 and the lens. It follows substantially the contours of this front face. In this example, the front face of the part 4 is not flat, it actually delimits the compartment which houses, on the other side, the motor 7.

L'écran 6 est en tôle métallique, par exemple de l'acier inox, d'une épaisseur d'environ 0,8mm. Il est monté sur la pièce 4 par sertissage : les figures 3 et 4 représentent les quatre picots 41 présents sur la face avant de la pièce 4 et qui coopèrent avec des ouvertures 61 présents sur l'écran 6. Elles illustrent aussi la façon de centrer les deux composants l'un par rapport à l'autre : un plot substantiellement cylindrique 42 sur la face avant de la pièce 4 coopère avec une ouverture circulaire 62 sur l'écran de taille ajustée sur celle du plot. Est également prévus un autre plot substantiellement cylindrique 42' sur la face avant de la pièce 4, coopérant avec un trou oblong 62' sur l'écran 6. Des ouvertures 45 dans la pièce 4 favorisent une évacuation de la chaleur, certaines sont localisées notamment près des zones d'échauffement potentiel du moteur 7. Des ouvertures 65 sont également prévues sur l'écran 6 dans le même but. Ces ouvertures permettent aussi d'alléger les composants 4 et 6. Avantageusement, on prévoit que les ouvertures 45 situées en partie inférieure de la pièce support 4 coïncident avec les ouvertures 65 prévues sur l'écran, pour permettre la circulation d'air et la dissipation thermique recherchée qui en découle. Mais il est préférable que les ouvertures 65 soient dimensionnées de façon appropriée par rapport aux ouvertures 45 sur la pièce support 4, de façon à s'assurer que, dans les zones de la pièce support 4 les plus susceptibles de s'échauffer, et à proximité ou sur les bords de ces ouvertures, l'écran thermique 6 continue à jouer son rôle.The screen 6 is made of sheet metal, for example stainless steel, with a thickness of about 0.8 mm. It is mounted on the piece 4 by crimping: the figures 3 and 4 represent the four pins 41 present on the front face of the part 4 and which cooperate with openings 61 present on the screen 6. They also illustrate how to center the two components relative to each other: a stud substantially cylindrical 42 on the front face of the part 4 cooperates with a circular opening 62 on the size screen adjusted to that of the stud. Is also provided another substantially cylindrical stud 42 'on the front face of the part 4, cooperating with an oblong hole 62' on the screen 6. Openings 45 in the room 4 promote heat dissipation, some are located in particular near the potential heating zones of the engine 7. Openings 65 are also provided on the screen 6 for the same purpose. These openings also make it possible to lighten the components 4 and 6. Advantageously, it is anticipated that the openings 45 located in the lower part of the support part 4 coincide with the openings 65 provided on the screen, to allow the circulation of air and the resulting heat dissipation. But it is preferable that the openings 65 are dimensioned appropriately with respect to the openings 45 on the support part 4, so as to ensure that, in the areas of the support part 4 most likely to heat up, and near or on the edges of these openings, the screen Thermal 6 continues to play its role.

Les picots de sertissage 41 et les plots 42,42' présentent des épaulements non représentés : à la fin de l'opération de sertissage, l'écran est accolé à la face avant de la pièce 4, mais sans contact direct sauf au niveau des points de sertissage : on laisse ainsi une lame d'air de plus ou moins 1 mm entre les deux composants, ce qui améliore la protection thermique de la pièce 4. On voit que la forme de l'écran 6 protège effectivement la pièce 4 sans substantiellement perturber le trajet du faisceau lumineux émis par la source 3.The crimping pins 41 and the studs 42, 42 'have not shown shoulders: at the end of the crimping operation, the screen is attached to the front face of the part 4, but without direct contact except at the crimping points: this leaves an air gap of more or less 1 mm between the two components, which improves the thermal protection of the room 4. It can be seen that the shape of the screen 6 effectively protects the room 4 without substantially disturb the path of the light beam emitted by the source 3.

Toute variante est envisageable concernant la géométrie de la pièce support 4 et de celle de son écran 6.Any variant can be envisaged concerning the geometry of the support part 4 and that of its screen 6.

Les figures 5 à 7 se rapportent au second mode de réalisation de l'invention, et concernent le même type de module que celui décrit précédemment aux figures 1 et 2, mais avec des variantes de conception concernant la pièce support et l'écran thermique. Ne seront donc décrites en détails que les caractéristiques qui diffèrent sensiblement du premier mode de réalisation.The Figures 5 to 7 relate to the second embodiment of the invention, and relate to the same type of module as that previously described in figures 1 and 2 , but with design variations on the support part and the heat shield. Only those features which differ substantially from the first embodiment will therefore be described in detail.

La figure 6 représente la variante de pièce support 4' portant un cache 8' mobile. La pièce support 4' (même matériau que dans la première variante) n'a ici que 3 picots de sertissage 41', deux disposés selon un plan, le troisième disposé dans un plan inférieur au précédent.The figure 6 represents the support part variant 4 'carrying a mobile cover 8'. The support piece 4 '(same material as in the first variant) here has only 3 crimping pins 41', two arranged in a plane, the third disposed in a lower plane to the previous one.

La figure 7 représente la variante d'écran thermique 6' : cette pièce est obtenue par emboutissage. Elle présente une surface centrale A sensiblement rectangulaire et deux pans latéraux B inclinés par rapport à cette surface centrale et sensiblement symétriques l'un par rapport à l'autre. Les pans B ont chacun une aile C inférieure avec une découpe particulière afin d'adopter au mieux une forme complémentaire de celle de la pièce support 4'. La surface centrale A présente également une ouverture, ici de forme rectangulaire, qui peut servir de moyen de centrage avec un plot complémentaire prévu sur la pièce 4'.The figure 7 represents the heat shield variant 6 ': this piece is obtained by stamping. It has a substantially rectangular central surface A and two lateral faces B inclined with respect to this central surface and substantially symmetrical with respect to each other. The sections B each have a lower flange C with a particular cut in order to best adopt a shape complementary to that of the support piece 4 '. The central surface A also has an opening, here of rectangular shape, which can serve as a centering means with a complementary stud provided on the part 4 '.

La surface ainsi développée par l'écran (A + 2B + 2C) est très enveloppante vis-à-vis de la surface de la pièce support 4' à protéger thermiquement, ce qui est favorable thermiquement, et se voit à la figure 6, représentant les deux composants assemblés. Comme précédemment, il n'y a pas ou très peu de contact mécanique entre le support 4' et l'écran 6' : uniquement au niveau des points de sertissage obtenus avec les picots 41' de la pièce support coopérant avec les trois ouvertures 61' de l'écran.The surface thus developed by the screen (A + 2B + 2C) is very wrapping vis-à-vis the surface of the support part 4 'to protect thermally, which is thermally favorable, and is seen at the figure 6 , representing the two assembled components. As before, there is no or very little mechanical contact between the support 4 'and the screen 6': only at the crimping points obtained with the pins 41 'of the support part cooperating with the three openings 61 ' of the screen.

De préférence, dans cette variante, l'écran 6', en tôle, a subi un traitement de surface sur sa face avant : un dépôt de revêtement par anodisation par exemple. Ce revêtement peut avoir plusieurs fonctions. Sa première fonction peut être thermique, notamment quand on choisit un revêtement/une peinture de couleur claire, qui réfléchit la lumière (et donc l'apport thermique lié aux rayonnements visibles solaires), et renforce donc les propriétés thermiques de l'écran. La fonction peut aussi être esthétique/photométrique : la pièce support, une fois le module optique monté dans le projecteur, peut rester au moins partiellement visible, vu de l'extérieur, et il peut être souhaité que cette pièce apparaisse d'une couleur particulière, sombre par exemple, et d'un aspect particulier, brillant ou mat par exemple. On peut aussi souhaiter harmoniser au mieux son aspect avec celui de la pièce support en matériau plastique, suivant que cette pièce est de couleur claire ou foncée. On peut donc, en partant d'un écran en tôle, adapter son aspect par un revêtement approprié sur sa face « avant » au moins (peinture, vernis, dépôt métallique réfléchissant ...).Preferably, in this variant, the screen 6 ', made of sheet metal, has undergone a surface treatment on its front face: a coating deposit by anodization for example. This coating can have several functions. Its first function can be thermal, especially when we choose a coating / a light-colored paint, which reflects light (and therefore the thermal contribution related to visible solar radiation), and thus enhances the thermal properties of the screen. The function can also be aesthetic / photometric: the support piece, once the optical module mounted in the projector, can remain at least partially visible, seen from the outside, and it may be desired that this piece appears a particular color dark, for example, and of a particular aspect, shining or matt for example. It may also wish to harmonize at best its appearance with that of the support piece of plastic material, depending on whether this piece is light or dark. It is therefore possible, starting from a sheet metal screen, to adapt its appearance by a suitable coating on its "front" side at least (paint, varnish, metallic reflective deposit ...).

A noter que le module elliptique décrit peut être utilisé pour une fonction dite DBL, en étant équipé de moyens appropriés pour que le faisceau émis puisse « tourner » dans les virages, ou pour une fonction FBL en étant équipé de moyens appropriés pour s'allumer dans les virages.Note that the described elliptical module can be used for a function called DBL, being equipped with appropriate means for the emitted beam can "turn" in turns, or for a function FBL being equipped with appropriate means to light in turns.

L'invention peut s'appliquer mutadis mutandis à des modules elliptiques ayant un cache qui est fixe : dans ce cas il n'y a plus de moteur, mais des risques d'échauffement de la pièce support (source lumineuse, rayons solaires) subsistent et l'écran s'avère donc aussi tout aussi utile dans cette configuration.The invention can be applied mutadis mutandis to elliptical modules having a cover which is fixed: in this case there is no more motor, but risks of heating of the support part (light source, solar rays) remain and the screen is also just as useful in this configuration.

Claims (18)

  1. Optical module (1) of the elliptical module type for a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising:
    - a source of light (3) which is disposed in a reflector (2) in order to emit a light beam at the level of an output surface of the reflector;
    - a mask (8, 8') which is fixed or mobile, such that it can be transferred between at least two positions, including at least one "active" position in which it intercepts the light beam at least partially:
    - optionally a motor (7) to give rise to the movement of the mask when it is mobile;
    - a support part (4, 4') on which there is fitted the mask (8, 8') and/or the motor (7) if the latter is present, the said support part being disposed at the front of the reflector (2); and
    - a thermal screen (6, 6'),
    characterised in that the said support part (4, 4') is mostly made of polymer material, and in that the thermal screen (6, 6') is disposed in front of the support part (4, 4'), between at least part of the said part (4, 4') and the front of the module (1).
  2. Optical module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it also comprises a dioptric element of the convergent lens or Fresnel lens type at the front of the module, the thermal screen (6, 6') being disposed between at least part of the support part (4, 4') and the dioptric element.
  3. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the thermal screen (6, 6') is fitted on the support part (4, 4'), in particular by being screwed, crimped, clipped, riveted or over-moulded.
  4. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that thermal screen (6, 6') is disposed in front of the support part (4, 4'), such as to leave a space between the rear surface of the screen and the front surface of the support part.
  5. Optical module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the space is at least 0.5 mm.
  6. Optical module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the fitting of the screen (6, 6') on the support part (4, 4') uses pins (41, 41') for crimping onto the support part (4, 4') which co-operate with openings (61, 61') in the screen (6, 6').
  7. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support part (4, 4') and the thermal screen (6, 6') are provided with means for complementary relative positioning, and in particular at least one stud (42) on the support part (4) which co-operates with an opening (62) in the screen (6, 6') or conversely.
  8. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims 6 or 7, characterised in that the pins (41, 41') and/or studs (42) are provided with shoulders in order to fit the thermal screen (6, 6') onto the support part (4, 4'), substantially without direct contact between the support part and the screen.
  9. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the thermal screen (6, 6') is substantially made of metal.
  10. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the thermal screen (6, 6') has single or multiple components.
  11. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support part (4, 4') is made of reinforced polymer, in particular with glass fibres.
  12. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support part (4, 4') is made of polymer which is only slightly or non-absorbent, preferably without pigments, and of a light colour.
  13. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the support part (4, 4') is provided with an opening/ openings (45) and/or a notch/ notches which facilitate the dissipation of heat, in particular in the area in the vicinity of the motor.
  14. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the thermal screen (6, 4') is provided with an opening/ openings (65) and/or a notch/ notches which facilitate the dissipation of heat, in particular in the area in the vicinity of the motor (7).
  15. Optical module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the module also comprises a lens which is fitted onto a lens-holder element (5), and in that the support part (4, 4') is an intermediate part between the front surface (21) of the reflector (2) and the lens-holder element (5).
  16. Optical module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mask (8) is an infrared filter, or a mask which makes it possible to provide a dual-function or multiple-function headlight, and in particular a dual-function dipped/ full-beam module or a multiple-function module.
  17. Optical module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the thermal screen (6, 6') is provided with a covering on at least part of its front surface.
  18. Motor vehicle headlight equipped with an optical module (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.
EP06290836A 2005-05-27 2006-05-23 Optical module for vehicle lighting system Active EP1726875B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0505409A FR2886376B1 (en) 2005-05-27 2005-05-27 OPTICAL MODULE FOR AUTOMOTIVE LIGHTING DEVICE

Publications (2)

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EP1726875A1 EP1726875A1 (en) 2006-11-29
EP1726875B1 true EP1726875B1 (en) 2010-01-27

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EP (1) EP1726875B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE456768T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602006011977D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2886376B1 (en)

Cited By (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024074384A1 (en) * 2022-10-04 2024-04-11 Valeo Vision Light module comprising a plastics housing provided with a part for protecting the plastics housing against the effect of focused light rays

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2923775B1 (en) * 2007-11-16 2010-01-08 Valeo Vision ELLIPTICAL PROJECTOR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A VACANCY CACHE
DE102009035564A1 (en) * 2009-07-31 2011-02-03 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Headlamp for motor vehicle, has support frame arranged over connecting points in housing and including beam section partially extending outside support plane, where one of connecting points is arranged on beam section
FR2986197B1 (en) * 2012-01-30 2015-01-23 Aml Systems LIGHT BEAM BREAKER BAR FOR OPTICAL MODULE AND OPTICAL MODULE
FR3039879A1 (en) * 2015-08-06 2017-02-10 Valeo Iluminacion Sa BRILLIANT APPEARANCE FOR VEHICLE PROJECTOR
CN207364902U (en) 2017-04-11 2018-05-15 法雷奥照明湖北技术中心有限公司 Light emitting module and the motor vehicles including the light emitting module

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DE19655357B4 (en) * 1996-05-25 2009-01-15 Automotive Lighting Reutlingen Gmbh Vehicle headlights
FR2809797B1 (en) 2000-05-31 2002-08-23 Valeo Vision ELLIPTICAL PROJECTOR FOR INFRARED MOTOR VEHICLE WITH REDUCED SIZE
FR2815310B1 (en) 2000-10-12 2003-02-21 Valeo Vision PROJECTOR FOR MOTOR VEHICLE WITH MOBILE OCCULTATION SCREEN
DE60229475D1 (en) * 2001-08-10 2008-12-04 Ichikoh Industries Ltd Headlamp with two functions
FR2847655B1 (en) 2002-11-21 2005-03-04 Valeo Vision ELLIPTICAL PROJECTOR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE EMITTING DIFFERENT LIGHTING BEAMS
FR2847657B1 (en) 2002-11-21 2005-03-04 Valeo Vision ELLIPTICAL PROJECTOR FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE EMITTING DIFFERENT LIGHTING BEAMS
JP4144381B2 (en) * 2003-03-07 2008-09-03 市光工業株式会社 head lamp

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2024074384A1 (en) * 2022-10-04 2024-04-11 Valeo Vision Light module comprising a plastics housing provided with a part for protecting the plastics housing against the effect of focused light rays
FR3140928A1 (en) * 2022-10-04 2024-04-19 Valeo Vision Light module comprising a plastic housing provided with a part for protecting the plastic housing against the effect of focused light rays

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2886376A1 (en) 2006-12-01
DE602006011977D1 (en) 2010-03-18
EP1726875A1 (en) 2006-11-29
FR2886376B1 (en) 2007-08-17
ATE456768T1 (en) 2010-02-15

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