EP1970619B1 - Optical module for headlights of an automobile - Google Patents

Optical module for headlights of an automobile Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1970619B1
EP1970619B1 EP08152540A EP08152540A EP1970619B1 EP 1970619 B1 EP1970619 B1 EP 1970619B1 EP 08152540 A EP08152540 A EP 08152540A EP 08152540 A EP08152540 A EP 08152540A EP 1970619 B1 EP1970619 B1 EP 1970619B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
main
optical module
module according
optical
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Active
Application number
EP08152540A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1970619A1 (en
Inventor
Pierre Albou
Benoît Reiss
Vanesa Sanchez
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Valeo Vision SAS
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Valeo Vision SAS
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Publication of EP1970619A1 publication Critical patent/EP1970619A1/en
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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/60—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution
    • F21S41/65—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources
    • F21S41/663—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by a variable light distribution by acting on light sources by switching light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/147—Light emitting diodes [LED] the main emission direction of the LED being angled to the optical axis of the illuminating device
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/10—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source
    • F21S41/14—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by the light source characterised by the type of light source
    • F21S41/141—Light emitting diodes [LED]
    • F21S41/155—Surface emitters, e.g. organic light emitting diodes [OLED]
    • 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
    • F21S41/26—Elongated lenses
    • 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
    • F21S41/322—Optical layout thereof the reflector using total internal reflection
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S41/00—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps
    • F21S41/30—Illuminating devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. headlamps characterised by reflectors
    • F21S41/32—Optical layout thereof
    • F21S41/36—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors
    • F21S41/365—Combinations of two or more separate reflectors successively reflecting the light
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21W—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO USES OR APPLICATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS
    • F21W2102/00—Exterior vehicle lighting devices for illuminating purposes
    • F21W2102/10—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light
    • F21W2102/17—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for regions other than high beam or low beam
    • F21W2102/18—Arrangement or contour of the emitted light for regions other than high beam or low beam for overhead signs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an optical module for a motor vehicle headlamp, giving at least one cut-off beam, of the type of those comprising a projection system, for example a lens, and a light source disposed for example behind the lens it is separated by air, the light source preferably comprising at least one light emitting diode (which will also be designated later by the abbreviation LED (for "Light Emitting Diode” for the sake of brevity).
  • a projection system for example a lens
  • a light source disposed for example behind the lens it is separated by air
  • the light source preferably comprising at least one light emitting diode (which will also be designated later by the abbreviation LED (for "Light Emitting Diode” for the sake of brevity).
  • the invention relates in particular but not exclusively, according to one embodiment, to the LED module according to the mode described in paragraphs [78] to [126] of the application for EP Patent 1 762 776 A filed on September 1, 2006 in the name of Valeo Vision, incorporated by reference in the present application, which describes methods of construction of light projector modules giving a cut-off beam, for a motor vehicle, comprising a lens and a light source arranged behind of the lens from which it is separated by air, the light source being formed by at least one electroluminescent diode, such that the exit surface of the lens is chosen so that it can be connected in a smooth surface and continues with the exit surfaces of similar neighboring modules, by determining the entrance surface of the lens so as to obtain the cut-off of the light beam without using an occulting cover.
  • the modules of this type can be used as unitary modules for making a beam or a portion of a beam with horizontal or oblique cut-off. If it is intended to emit a beam portion, it may be supplemented by another complementary beam, emitted by a different and already known module, using example of conventional halogen or xenon light sources (or power LEDs). It is thus possible to use this module so that its cut-off beam completes the beam code of an elliptical module bi function code / route, in particular to obtain a global beam type highway code.
  • the object of the invention is then to be able to produce an additional beam, in particular to complete a road-type beam in the upper part, without resorting to an additional optical module, without substantially increasing the space requirement of a projector containing, for example, example, a code / route module and an additional module type highway code (or, more broadly, any other module assembly to perform all regulatory functions expected from a motor vehicle headlight).
  • the invention firstly relates to an optical module according to claim 1.
  • optical projection system is understood to mean one or more optical elements capable of creating a cut-off beam from a light source devoid of an occulting element participating in the formation of the beam cutoff.
  • the secondary light-emitting diodes are arranged at least in part, in particular predominantly or even totally, within the volume delimited by the main optical system.
  • the secondary light-emitting diodes are disposed substantially outside the path of the light rays emitted by the main light source or sources.
  • a main module in which one comes to insert a secondary system that does not come, or substantially not interfere with the main system, and obtaining a very welcome space saving, given the tendency to the compactness of the car headlights, coupled with a demand for more and more features.
  • the main light source (s) emit light directly towards an output lens of the main optical system. We are in "direct light”
  • the main light source (s) emit light in the direction of at least one reflective surface of the "folding" type.
  • the light is then, in this case, at least deviated once before reaching the exit lens.
  • the projection optical system comprises an exit lens, in particular convex towards the front.
  • the invention thus proposes that a secondary beam is generated by a module already present in the projector, keeping little or no the initial volume of the volume of the module, and using this given volume to further functionalize it with one or more other sources bright.
  • the challenge has been to ensure that the main optical elements, in fact those present in the module initially installed in the projector, are not disturbed in their operation by adding the necessary secondary optical elements and vice versa.
  • main optical elements we can refer to the aforementioned European patent for more details, or to the examples described below for the version using an output lens, according to the invention.
  • they comprise the lens and the light source comprising at least one light-emitting diode, said diode being disposed behind the lens from which it is separated by air, the exit surface of the lens being entirely convex towards the light-emitting diode. before and as it can be connected in a smooth, continuous surface with the lens exit surfaces of similar neighboring modules, and the input surface of the lens is defined so that the module provides a cut-off light beam without intervention of an occulting cover, in particular vertical.
  • the invention is therefore concerned with the case where the main LED is "in direct view" of the output lens, without the need for a "folding" type reflective surface.
  • the projection optical system in the form of a reflector may be associated with a reflecting mirror, and this reflecting mirror may also be the secondary reflective and / or scattering element of the secondary optical elements: optical element common to the main optical elements and the secondary optical elements.
  • the main direction of emission of the secondary light source or sources is towards the rear of the module.
  • This direction is in particular inclined downwards relative to the horizontal, particularly in the configuration where the secondary LEDs are arranged above the main source, or laterally, when the secondary LEDs are arranged laterally with respect to the main source.
  • the secondary reflective and / or scattering element forwards these rays.
  • the main direction of emission of the main light source is towards the front of the module and it is inclined, especially upwards, relative to the horizontal.
  • This particular configuration detailed in the patent mentioned above, makes it possible to obtain a smaller light beam than if the main LED were exactly opposite the entry face of the lens (configuration where the emission direction of the LED is parallel to the optical axis of the module and not oblique).
  • the secondary reflective and / or diffusing element is an element with a partly reflective and partly diffusing surface.
  • a substantially reflective surface can be used, such as an aluminized surface as used to usually make headlamp mirrors. But it is interesting here to have a surface that is at least partially diffusing too.
  • the ratio between reflection coefficient and diffusion coefficient can vary between 20/80 and 80/20, for example. To adjust the two coefficients, we can use a reflective surface and texture it to reduce its reflection and increase its diffusion in a controlled manner.
  • the element By being at least a little diffusive, the element will be able to return the light of the secondary LEDs with a greater angular dispersion, which is the goal sought: it is here that the secondary beam rather confers a "mood" illuminated by upper part of the photometric grid, so that it adds a light as light and widely distributed / spread as possible, especially horizontally, opposite the "spots" of bright light.
  • each of the secondary light sources there may be individual reflective and / or scattering elements for the or each of the secondary light sources (these individual elements may make superfluous individual elements of collimation of the source or sources).
  • the secondary reflective and / or scattering element may be a substantially planar element. This is the simplest configuration. It can also be curved, in particular curved in two different directions, in particular by being substantially convex.
  • the secondary reflective and / or diffusing element is disposed in front of the main light source.
  • the main light source will be disposed in or in the immediate vicinity of the focal plane of the lens, since it is sought that the beam obtained is properly focused.
  • the secondary reflective and / or scattering element By arranging the secondary reflective and / or scattering element in front of the main LED, it is defocused with respect to the lens, which makes it possible to obtain a secondary beam voluntarily defocused and therefore more diffuse in its distribution.
  • the reflective and / or diffusing element may also be placed behind the lens, but the "forward" configuration is preferred).
  • the secondary reflective and / or diffusing element may have, especially in the case where it is common to all secondary sources and where it is placed in front of the main source, a cut-out allowing the light emitted by the main light source to pass: its presence does not interfere with the cone of light emitted by the main source. It may have an indentation, or even be in several parts "around" the main source.
  • the secondary reflective and / or scattering element has, especially in the case where it is common to all secondary sources, an optically active surface at least below and / or on each side of the main light source.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a secondary beam placed at the top of the photometric grid (with respect to a conventional "road” distribution) and wide.
  • the collimation element or the light collection element of the secondary light sources is either a collector mirror surrounding each of the sources, or a collimator of light transmitting material.
  • These collimators have a known operating mode, for example from the patent US 2006 - 0239020 , equivalent to the patent EP 1 715 245 on behalf of Valeo Vision.
  • An improvement to the known design is to further provide that its front surface is convex or concave, while in known systems it is generally flat. It can also be at least partially diffusive, be structured, be provided with diffractive means ].
  • the main light beam coming from the main light source is a cut-off beam, in particular of the motorway code / complementary code type, in particular complementary to a code or road beam emitted by one or more other optical modules of the same projector .
  • the secondary light beam coming from the secondary light source or sources is a beam adding light above the main light beam.
  • the invention also relates to the projector incorporating an optical module described above.
  • the figures 3 (a perspective view) and 4 (a view from above) can represent these three LEDS.
  • only one secondary light source can be used: an LED is chosen which has a suitable, higher power. This single LED can also be placed above, sideways or below the main LED.
  • the three secondary LEDs according to the figures 1 , 3 and 4 are each attached to a not shown individual support and associated with a collimator of transparent material for collecting the light emitted by the LEDs.
  • FIG. figure 8 An example of a non-limiting form of collimator C is shown in FIG. figure 8 schematically: the collimator has the approximate shape in the form of "hat" or cone. It is a room full of revolution, with a FE light entry face which has an enveloping shape comprising a hollow delimited by two side walls PL and a bottom wall convex PF. The emitting surface of the LED is arranged facing / at least partly in this hollow.
  • the outlet face FS is slightly curved, convex, preferably cylindrical (alternatively, it could be flat). This specific form of the exit face makes it possible, in particular, to better spread the beam coming from the secondary LEDs coming out of the lens L
  • the secondary LEDs Ls1, Ls2 and Ls3 and their associated collimators C1, C2 and C3 are arranged above the main LED Lp. They are arranged in a ring, so that the light emerging from their collimators converges towards a mirror M of reference.
  • This mirror is flat. It is located in a plane inclined at 45 °, as the plane in which is arranged the main LED LP, plane shifted slightly forward with respect to the plane of the LED Lp.
  • This mirror M has a U-shape, with a notch appropriate so that it does not intercept (or almost no) the light emitted by the main LED Lp.
  • the Figures 3 and 4 represent for each of the secondary LEDs the drawing of a ray according to each of their main direction of emission: we see that these three rays converge towards the mirror M and that the mirror returns them to the lens L.
  • the mirror is a sheet (alternatively a plate of polymer material) covered with a layer of aluminum.
  • the layer has been deposited in such a way that it has a reflection coefficient of about 70% and a diffusion coefficient of about 30% (a ratio that can be broadly adjusted if necessary).
  • the modification of the diffusion coefficient can in particular be obtained by using surface texturing.
  • the mirror can also be streaked.
  • the figure 2 is a variant of the module according to figures 1 ; 3 and 4 : the plane p2 in which the mirror M is located is offset by an angle ⁇ of for example 5 or 10 ° with respect to the plane of the mirror p1 according to the figure 1 .
  • ⁇ for example 5 or 10 ° with respect to the plane of the mirror p1 according to the figure 1 .
  • the ray r'3 is represented with the mirror according to the initial inclination at 45 ° according to the plane p1, and r 2 with the mirror according to the inclination modified according to the plane p2: we see that r'3 comes out of the lens "higher” than r3.
  • the modification of the disposition, the inclination, the shape, the reflective / diffusing power of the mirror M make it possible to adjust the distribution and the general orientation of the light emitted by these secondary LEDs at the lens outlet, in accordance with the needs. very precise.
  • the mirror may indeed not be strictly flat, although this form is the simplest to achieve.
  • the mirror may also, for example, have a curved surface, convex or concave: It can be judiciously deformed to adjust the secondary beam.
  • the figure 5 is a representation of the module, seen from the outside of the module: we see the lens that closes the module forward, the three support plates Sp of the three secondary LEDs in the upper part, and the inclined plane p1 according to which the mirror M is arranged: it is seen that it has been possible to add secondary LEDs and their optical means associated with the initial module, without the size of the module being substantially increased, and without interfering with them. optically with the beam emitted by the main LED LP. (the possible means of cooling of the type radiators of the LEDs have not been represented).
  • each secondary LED, as shown Ls1, is no longer associated with a collimator, but a reflector R in one or more parts, which envelops the cone of light emitted by the LED to return it to the lens L.
  • the reflector R may further be provided with ridges.
  • the individual reflectors R directly direct the light of the secondary LEDs to the lens L.
  • the figure 7 is an alternative embodiment: in this simplified representation of the module, the secondary LEDs are not arranged above, but on one side of the main LED LP. And the deflection mirror M is then arranged opposite the cones of light emitted by the secondary LEDs via their collimators or individual reflectors.
  • the figure 12 is a schematic representation of such a module, whose main optical elements are of the type described in FIG. figure 4 of this patent, to which reference will be made for further details.
  • the main LED LP, a mirror M and a reflector RF paraboloid type are represented.
  • the diode LP is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane, in front of the RF reflector. It is preferably provided with a transparent element, in the form of a dome or not.
  • the mirror M is a plane mirror which gives the LP diode a virtual image which constitutes the light source for the RF reflector.
  • a secondary LED Ls1 is arranged so that its emitting surface sends at least a portion of the light that it emits to the mirror M.
  • the mirror M thus returns to the reflector RP of both the light emitted by the LED main LP and by secondary LED Ls1.
  • the reflector RP redirects the received light to the front of the module. So here we have a configuration where an optical element, the reflecting mirror M, is common to the main function and the secondary function.
  • the figure 14 is a variant of the module according to Figures 12 and 13 : the difference lies in the arrangement of the secondary LED Ls1: here, it is arranged behind the main LED LP and in an oblique plane and provided with a collimator C.
  • the system thus collects more light from Ls1 than in the previous configuration.
  • the figure 14 represents the two-ray paths from LP: Ip1 and Ip2, and the two-ray path from Ls1: Is1 and ls2. It is seen from these ray paths that the light from Ls1 has a tendency, at the output of the module, to have a rising direction.
  • the figure 15 is a representation of the isolux of the superposition of the road beam of the previous xenon elliptical module, of the highway code beam made with LP, and of the secondary beam obtained with the LED Ls1: the LED Ls1 adds light above the dome of the road in the Zi area.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

The module has main optical elements provided with a main LED (LP) and a projection optical system in a form of a lens (L) or a paraboloidal type reflector, and secondary optical elements provided with a secondary LED (LS1) associated with a collimator (C1) and with a folding mirror (M). The main and secondary elements respectively emit main i.e. motorway type beam, and secondary light beams. The mirror deflects the light emitted by secondary LED, by using the collimator, in a direction of the optical system, and avoids interception of light emitted by the main LED.

Description

L'invention est relative à un module optique pour projecteur de véhicule automobile, donnant au moins un faisceau à coupure, du genre de ceux comportant un système de projection, par exemple une lentille, et une source lumineuse disposée par exemple en arrière de la lentille dont elle est séparée par de l'air, la source lumineuse comprenant de préférence au moins une diode électroluminescente (qu'on désignera aussi par la suite par l'abréviation anglaise LED (pour « Light Emitting Diode » par soucis de concision).The invention relates to an optical module for a motor vehicle headlamp, giving at least one cut-off beam, of the type of those comprising a projection system, for example a lens, and a light source disposed for example behind the lens it is separated by air, the light source preferably comprising at least one light emitting diode (which will also be designated later by the abbreviation LED (for "Light Emitting Diode" for the sake of brevity).

US 2006/0120094 A1 décrit un projecteur automobile comportant deux modules optiques à LED. US 2006/0120094 A1 describes an automotive headlamp comprising two LED optical modules.

L'invention se rapporte notamment mais non exclusivement, selon un mode de réalisation, au module à LED selon le mode décrit aux paragraphes [78] à [126] de la demande de brevet EP 1 762 776 A déposé le 1er septembre 2006 au nom de Valeo Vision, incorporé par référence dans la présente demande, qui décrit des procédés de construction de modules de projecteur lumineux donnant un faisceau à coupure, pour véhicule automobile, comportant une lentille et une source lumineuse disposée en arrière de la lentille dont elle est séparée par de l'air, la source lumineuse étant formée par au moins une diode électroluminescente, telle l'on choisit la surface de sortie de la lentille de manière qu'elle puisse se raccorder suivant une surface lisse et continue avec les surfaces de sortie de modules voisins similaires, en déterminant la surface d'entrée de la lentille de manière à obtenir la coupure du faisceau lumineux sans utiliser un cache occultant.The invention relates in particular but not exclusively, according to one embodiment, to the LED module according to the mode described in paragraphs [78] to [126] of the application for EP Patent 1 762 776 A filed on September 1, 2006 in the name of Valeo Vision, incorporated by reference in the present application, which describes methods of construction of light projector modules giving a cut-off beam, for a motor vehicle, comprising a lens and a light source arranged behind of the lens from which it is separated by air, the light source being formed by at least one electroluminescent diode, such that the exit surface of the lens is chosen so that it can be connected in a smooth surface and continues with the exit surfaces of similar neighboring modules, by determining the entrance surface of the lens so as to obtain the cut-off of the light beam without using an occulting cover.

Cette demande de brevet décrit en effet différentes variantes de modules utilisant des LEDs pour obtenir des faisceaux à coupure, et une variante, de façon non limitative, intéresse plus particulièrement la présente invention, à savoir la variante où la diode électroluminescente est en vue directe de sa lentille associée, et où l'on a de préférence incliné la diode par rapport à la lentille : elles se retrouvent ainsi plus tout à fait en vis-à-vis l'une de l'autre. A noter que cette inclinaison peut être choisie selon un angle positif ou négatif par rapport à l'axe optique, les deux types d'inclinaison permettant d'ajuster l'épaisseur du faisceau de façon comparable.This patent application indeed describes different module variants using LEDs to obtain cut-off beams, and one variant, in a non-limiting way, is of more particular interest to the present invention, namely the variant where the light-emitting diode is in direct view of its associated lens, and where the diode is preferably inclined with respect to the lens: they are thus found more completely vis-à-vis one another. Note that this inclination can be chosen at a positive or negative angle with respect to the optical axis, the two types of inclination for adjusting the thickness of the beam in a comparable manner.

Les modules de ce type, illustrés notamment par la figure 25A du brevet précité, peuvent être utilisés comme modules unitaires pour faire un faisceau ou une portion de faisceau à coupure horizontale ou oblique. S'il est destiné à émettre une portion de faisceau, on peut la compléter par un autre faisceau complémentaire, émis par un module différent et déjà connu, utilisant par exemple des sources lumineuses conventionnelles de type halogène ou xénon (ou des LEDs de puissance). On peut ainsi utiliser ce module pour que son faisceau à coupure complète le faisceau code d'un module elliptique bi fonction code/route, notamment afin d'obtenir un faisceau global de type code autoroute.The modules of this type, illustrated in particular by FIG. 25A of the aforementioned patent, can be used as unitary modules for making a beam or a portion of a beam with horizontal or oblique cut-off. If it is intended to emit a beam portion, it may be supplemented by another complementary beam, emitted by a different and already known module, using example of conventional halogen or xenon light sources (or power LEDs). It is thus possible to use this module so that its cut-off beam completes the beam code of an elliptical module bi function code / route, in particular to obtain a global beam type highway code.

Il est connu un module à LED selon le brevet français, déposé en France le 23 juin 2006 sous le numéro de dépôt FR 06 05 677 au nom de Valeo Vision, qui décrit un module de projecteur pour véhicule automobile, d'axe optique horizontal, pour donner un faisceau à coupure sensiblement rectangulaire, comprenant :

  • au moins une source lumineuse sous forme d'une diode électroluminescente à émetteur rectangulaire plan protégé par un élément transparent,
  • et un réflecteur, de type paraboloïde,
avec:
  • la source lumineuse qui est inclinée selon un angle par rapport à l'horizontale, et est disposée de manière à être vue du réflecteur (de façon inclinée, de sorte que le faisceau lumineux fourni par le réflecteur est mince, le bord supérieur de la source étant situé au voisinage du foyer du réflecteur,
  • et le réflecteur qui présente une surface déterminée pour que certains rayons lumineux provenant du bord supérieur de la source lumineuse soient réfléchis à l'horizontale.
It is known a LED module according to the French patent, deposited in France on June 23, 2006 under the deposit number FR 06 05 677 in the name of Valeo Vision, which describes a motor vehicle headlamp module, of horizontal optical axis, to give a substantially rectangular cut-off beam, comprising:
  • at least one light source in the form of a planar rectangular emitting diode, protected by a transparent element,
  • and a reflector, of paraboloid type,
with:
  • the light source which is inclined at an angle to the horizontal, and is arranged to be viewed from the reflector (inclined so that the light beam provided by the reflector is thin, the upper edge of the source being located in the vicinity of the reflector focus,
  • and the reflector having a surface so that certain light rays from the upper edge of the light source are reflected horizontally.

Dans chacun des modes de réalisation illustrés plus haut par des demandes de brevet antérieures, une problématique est soulevée quand le module elliptique passe en position route. En effet, si le faisceau route émis remplit parfaitement la grille photométrique réglementaire, on peut considérer que, même en y ajoutant le faisceau complémentaire code autoroute à LEDS, le conducteur peut ressentir un certain inconfort de vision, dû à un défaut de volume du faisceau route, notamment dans sa hauteur et dans sa largeur, par exemple au-dessus de 5%. On a donc envisagé de compléter le faisceau route par un faisceau supplémentaire qui viendrait apporter de la lumière dans cette zone supérieure. Cependant, les projecteurs ont un volume calculé au plus juste, et ajouter encore un autre module optique dédié à cette fonction est rarement envisageable aisément sans revoir entièrement la conception du projecteur.In each of the embodiments illustrated above by prior patent applications, a problem is raised when the elliptical module goes into the road position. Indeed, if the emitted road beam perfectly fulfills the regulatory photometric grid, we can consider that, even by adding the complementary beam S- code highway code, the driver can feel some discomfort of vision, due to a lack of volume of the road beam, especially in its height and in its width, for example above 5%. It has therefore been envisaged to supplement the road beam with an additional beam which would bring light into this upper zone. However, the projectors have a calculated volume to the fair, and add another optical module dedicated to this function is rarely conceivable easily without completely reviewing the design of the projector.

Le but de l'invention est alors de pouvoir réaliser un faisceau supplémentaire, notamment pour compléter en partie supérieure un faisceau de type route, sans avoir recours à un module optique supplémentaire, sans substantiellement augmenter l'encombrement d'un projecteur contenant, par exemple, un module code/route et un module additionnel type code autoroute (ou , plus largement, tout autre assemblage de modules permettant de réaliser toutes les fonctions réglementaires attendues d'un projecteur de véhicule automobile).The object of the invention is then to be able to produce an additional beam, in particular to complete a road-type beam in the upper part, without resorting to an additional optical module, without substantially increasing the space requirement of a projector containing, for example, example, a code / route module and an additional module type highway code (or, more broadly, any other module assembly to perform all regulatory functions expected from a motor vehicle headlight).

L'invention a tout d'abord pour objet un module optique selon la revendication 1.The invention firstly relates to an optical module according to claim 1.

On comprend au sens de l'invention par « système optique de projection » un ou plusieurs éléments optiques susceptibles de créer un faisceau à coupure à partir d'une source lumineuse dépourvue d'élément occultant participant à la formation de la coupure du faisceau.Within the meaning of the invention, the term "optical projection system" is understood to mean one or more optical elements capable of creating a cut-off beam from a light source devoid of an occulting element participating in the formation of the beam cutoff.

De préférence, les diodes électroluminescentes secondaires sont disposées au moins en partie, notamment majoritairement ou même totalement, à l'intérieur du volume délimité par le système optique principal.Preferably, the secondary light-emitting diodes are arranged at least in part, in particular predominantly or even totally, within the volume delimited by the main optical system.

Avantageusement, les diodes électroluminescentes secondaires sont disposées substantiellement en dehors du trajet des rayons lumineux émis par la ou les sources lumineuses principales. On a ainsi un module principal dans lequel on vient insérer un système secondaire qui ne vient pas, ou substantiellement pas, gêner le système principal, et en obtenant un gain de place très bienvenu, vue la tendance à la compacité des projecteurs automobiles, couplée à une demande de fonctionnalités toujours plus nombreuses.Advantageously, the secondary light-emitting diodes are disposed substantially outside the path of the light rays emitted by the main light source or sources. There is thus a main module in which one comes to insert a secondary system that does not come, or substantially not interfere with the main system, and obtaining a very welcome space saving, given the tendency to the compactness of the car headlights, coupled with a demand for more and more features.

Selon un mode de réalisation, la ou les sources lumineuses principales émettent la lumière directement en direction d'une lentille de sortie du système optique principal. On est en « lumière directe »According to one embodiment, the main light source (s) emit light directly towards an output lens of the main optical system. We are in "direct light"

Selon un exemple ne faisant pas partie de l'invention, la ou les sources lumineuses principales émettent de la lumière en direction d'au moins une surface réfléchissante du type « plieuse ». La lumière est alors, dans ce cas, au moins déviée une fois avant d'atteindre la lentille de sortie.According to an example not forming part of the invention, the main light source (s) emit light in the direction of at least one reflective surface of the "folding" type. The light is then, in this case, at least deviated once before reaching the exit lens.

Le système optique de projection comprend une lentille de sortie, notamment convexe vers l'avant.The projection optical system comprises an exit lens, in particular convex towards the front.

L'invention propose ainsi qu'un faisceau secondaire soit généré par un module déjà présent dans le projecteur, en conservant peu ou prou le volume initial du volume du module, et en utilisant ce volume donné pour le fonctionnaliser davantage avec une ou plusieurs autres sources lumineuses. Le défi a été de faire en sorte que les éléments optiques principaux, en fait ceux présents dans le module initialement implanté dans le projecteur, ne soient pas perturbés dans leur fonctionnement par l'ajout des éléments optiques secondaires nécessaires et réciproquement. Or il s'est avéré possible, de façon surprenante, de faire ainsi cohabiter dans un volume restreint les deux fonctions, et de faire en sorte que le module puisse émettre simultanément ou alternativement deux faisceaux ne se perturbant substantiellement pas l'un l'autre, alors que ceux-ci, notamment selon un mode de réalisation, traversent une lentille de sortie commune qui est un des types de système de projection évoqués plus haut.The invention thus proposes that a secondary beam is generated by a module already present in the projector, keeping little or no the initial volume of the volume of the module, and using this given volume to further functionalize it with one or more other sources bright. The challenge has been to ensure that the main optical elements, in fact those present in the module initially installed in the projector, are not disturbed in their operation by adding the necessary secondary optical elements and vice versa. Now it has been found, surprisingly, to make the two functions coexist in a limited volume, and to ensure that the module can emit simultaneously or alternately two beams not substantially disturbing each other. , while these, in particular according to one embodiment, pass through a common output lens which is one of the types of projection system mentioned above.

Nous ne rentrerons pas ici dans le détail des éléments optiques dits principaux, on pourra se reporter au brevet européen précité pour plus de détails, ou aux exemples décrits plus loin pour la version utilisant une lentille de sortie, selon l'invention. De façon générale, ils comprennent la lentille et la source lumineuse comprenant au moins une diode électroluminescente, ladite diode étant disposée en arrière de la lentille dont elle est séparée par de l'air, la surface de sortie de la lentille étant entièrement convexe vers l'avant et telle qu'elle peut se raccorder suivant une surface lisse et continue avec les surfaces de sortie de lentilles de modules voisins similaires, et la surface d'entrée de la lentille est définie de manière que le module donne un faisceau lumineux à coupure sans intervention d'un cache occultant, notamment vertical. L'invention s'intéresse doncau cas où la LED principale est « en vue directe » de la lentille de sortie, sans nécessiter de surface réfléchissante de type « plieuse ».We will not go into the details of the so-called main optical elements, we can refer to the aforementioned European patent for more details, or to the examples described below for the version using an output lens, according to the invention. In general, they comprise the lens and the light source comprising at least one light-emitting diode, said diode being disposed behind the lens from which it is separated by air, the exit surface of the lens being entirely convex towards the light-emitting diode. before and as it can be connected in a smooth, continuous surface with the lens exit surfaces of similar neighboring modules, and the input surface of the lens is defined so that the module provides a cut-off light beam without intervention of an occulting cover, in particular vertical. The invention is therefore concerned with the case where the main LED is "in direct view" of the output lens, without the need for a "folding" type reflective surface.

Un exemple non couvert par l'invention utilise un système de projection avec un réflecteur au moins. On pourra aussi de reporter au brevet français précité FR 06 05 677 pour plus de détails. De façon générale, ils comprennent :

  • un système optique de projection sous forme d'un réflecteur,
  • au moins une source lumineuse sous forme d'une diode électroluminescente à émetteur rectangulaire plan protégé par un élément transparent,
  • ledit réflecteur étant de type paraboloïde,
  • la source lumineuse étant inclinée selon un angle par rapport à l'horizontale, et est disposée de manière à être vue du réflecteur de façon inclinée, de sorte que le faisceau lumineux fourni par le réflecteur soit mince, le bord supérieur de la source étant situé au voisinage du foyer du réflecteur,
  • et le réflecteur présente une surface déterminée pour que certains rayons lumineux provenant du bord supérieur de la source lumineuse soient réfléchis à l'horizontale.
An example not covered by the invention uses a projection system with at least one reflector. We can also postpone the aforementioned French patent FR 06 05 677 for more details. Generally, they include:
  • an optical projection system in the form of a reflector,
  • at least one light source in the form of a planar rectangular emitting diode, protected by a transparent element,
  • said reflector being of paraboloid type,
  • the light source being inclined at an angle to the horizontal, and is arranged to be viewed from the reflector in an inclined manner, so that the light beam provided by the reflector is thin, the upper edge of the source being located in the vicinity of the focus of the reflector,
  • and the reflector has a surface so that certain light rays from the upper edge of the light source are reflected horizontally.

Selon cet exemple, le système optique de projection sous forme d'un réflecteur peut être associé à un miroir de renvoi, et ce miroir de renvoi peut aussi être l'élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant secondaire des éléments optiques secondaires : on a ainsi un élément optique commun aux éléments optiques principaux et aux éléments optiques secondaires.According to this example, the projection optical system in the form of a reflector may be associated with a reflecting mirror, and this reflecting mirror may also be the secondary reflective and / or scattering element of the secondary optical elements: optical element common to the main optical elements and the secondary optical elements.

Dans la suite du présent texte, on comprend par « haut », « bas », « latéral », « supérieur », inférieur », etc .... des termes relatifs au positionnement de l'élément considéré tel qu'il est disposé une fois dans le module/dans le projecteur en position de montage dans le véhicule. Les termes « avant » et « arrière » se rapportent au positionnement de l'élément considéré en fonction de la direction générale de propagation de la lumière de l'intérieur vers l'extérieur du module.In the remainder of this text, "high", "low", "lateral", "upper", "lower", etc. are understood to mean terms relating to the positioning of the element considered as it is arranged. once in the module / in the projector in mounting position in the vehicle. The terms "forward" and "backward" refer to the positioning of the element under consideration as a function of the general direction of propagation of the light from the inside to the outside of the module.

En ce qui concerne les éléments optiques secondaires :

  • Avantageusement, selon le mode de réalisation où il y a plusieurs sources lumineuses secondaires, celles-ci sont réparties les unes par rapport aux autres de façon à ce que les cônes de lumière qu'elles émettent se rencontrent sur l'élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant secondaire. On peut ainsi avoir une répartition « en couronne » autour de la source lumineuse principale, au dessus, et/ou sur un des côtés, et/ou en dessous de la source principale. On peut utiliser des LEDs avec leurs supports et leurs moyens de connexion associés individualisés. Alternativement, on peut utiliser un support commun à toutes les LEDs secondaires. Ce support peut-être du type support électronique flexible, connu également sous le terme anglais « flexboard » et comprenant un ensemble constitué d'un support souple plan et électriquement isolant et de conducteurs métalliques plats destinés à assurer les liaisons électriques entre des composants électroniques, notamment les LEDs mais aussi tout élément accessoire éventuel du type radiateur, support de fixation, élément raidisseur...
With regard to secondary optical elements:
  • Advantageously, according to the embodiment where there are several secondary light sources, they are distributed relative to each other so that the light cones they emit meet on the reflecting element and / or secondary broadcast. It can thus have a "crown" distribution around the main light source, above, and / or on one side, and / or below the main source. LEDs can be used with their supports and their associated means of individualized connection. Alternatively, it is possible to use a support common to all the secondary LEDs. This support may be of the flexible electronic support type, also known as "flexboard" and comprising a set consisting of a planar and electrically insulating flexible support and flat metal conductors intended to provide electrical connections between electronic components, including LEDs but also any accessory element of the type radiator, mounting bracket, stiffener element ...

De préférence, la direction principale d'émission de la ou des sources lumineuses secondaires est vers l'arrière du module. Cette direction est notamment inclinée vers le bas par rapport à l'horizontale, tout particulièrement dans la configuration où les LEDs secondaires sont disposées au dessus de la source principale, ou latéralement, quand les LEDs secondaires sont disposés latéralement par rapport à la source principale. L'élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant secondaire renvoie vers l'avant ces rayons.Preferably, the main direction of emission of the secondary light source or sources is towards the rear of the module. This direction is in particular inclined downwards relative to the horizontal, particularly in the configuration where the secondary LEDs are arranged above the main source, or laterally, when the secondary LEDs are arranged laterally with respect to the main source. The secondary reflective and / or scattering element forwards these rays.

De préférence, la direction principale d'émission de la source lumineuse principale est vers l'avant du module et elle est inclinée, notamment vers le haut, par rapport à l'horizontale. Cette configuration particulière, détaillée dans le brevet pré mentionné, permet d'obtenir un faisceau lumineux moins large que si la LED principale était exactement en regard de la face d'entrée de la lentille (configuration où la direction d'émission de la LED est parallèle à l'axe optique du module et non oblique).Preferably, the main direction of emission of the main light source is towards the front of the module and it is inclined, especially upwards, relative to the horizontal. This particular configuration, detailed in the patent mentioned above, makes it possible to obtain a smaller light beam than if the main LED were exactly opposite the entry face of the lens (configuration where the emission direction of the LED is parallel to the optical axis of the module and not oblique).

Avantageusement, l'élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant secondaire est un élément avec une surface pour partie réfléchissante et pour partie diffusante. On peut utiliser une surface essentiellement réfléchissante, comme une surface aluminée telle qu'on les utilise pour faire habituellement des miroirs de projecteurs. Mais il est intéressant ici d'avoir une surface qui soit au moins partiellement diffusante aussi. Le ratio entre coefficient de réflexion et coefficient de diffusion peut varier entre 20/80 et 80/20 par exemple. Pour ajuster les deux coefficients, on peut utiliser une surface réfléchissante et la texturer pour diminuer sa réflexion et augmenter sa diffusion de manière contrôlée. En étant au moins un peu diffusant, l'élément va pouvoir renvoyer la lumière des LEDs secondaires avec une plus grande dispersion angulaire, ce qui est le but recherché : il s'agit ici que le faisceau secondaire confère plutôt une « ambiance » éclairée en partie supérieure de la grille photométrique, donc qu'il ajoute une lumière aussi peu intense et largement répartie / étalée que possible, notamment horizontalement, à l'opposé des « spots » de lumière de vive intensité.Advantageously, the secondary reflective and / or diffusing element is an element with a partly reflective and partly diffusing surface. A substantially reflective surface can be used, such as an aluminized surface as used to usually make headlamp mirrors. But it is interesting here to have a surface that is at least partially diffusing too. The ratio between reflection coefficient and diffusion coefficient can vary between 20/80 and 80/20, for example. To adjust the two coefficients, we can use a reflective surface and texture it to reduce its reflection and increase its diffusion in a controlled manner. By being at least a little diffusive, the element will be able to return the light of the secondary LEDs with a greater angular dispersion, which is the goal sought: it is here that the secondary beam rather confers a "mood" illuminated by upper part of the photometric grid, so that it adds a light as light and widely distributed / spread as possible, especially horizontally, opposite the "spots" of bright light.

De préférence, dans le cas où l'on utilise plusieurs sources de lumières secondaires, il n'y a qu'un élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant secondaire commun pour toutes les sources de lumière secondaires.Preferably, in the case where several secondary light sources are used, there is only one common secondary reflective and / or scattering element for all the secondary light sources.

Alternativement, on peut prévoir des éléments réfléchissante et/ou diffusants individuels pour la ou chacune des sources de lumière secondaires (ces éléments individuels pouvant rendre superflus des éléments individuels de collimation de la ou des sources).Alternatively, there may be individual reflective and / or scattering elements for the or each of the secondary light sources (these individual elements may make superfluous individual elements of collimation of the source or sources).

L'élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant secondaire peut être un élément substantiellement plan. C'est la configuration la plus simple. Il peut aussi être courbe, notamment courbe dans deux directions différentes, notamment en étant substantiellement convexe.The secondary reflective and / or scattering element may be a substantially planar element. This is the simplest configuration. It can also be curved, in particular curved in two different directions, in particular by being substantially convex.

Selon un mode de réalisation, et notamment dans le cas où il est commun à toutes les sources secondaires, l'élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant secondaire est disposé en avant de la source lumineuse principale. En effet, en règle générale, la source lumineuse principale va être disposée dans ou au voisinage immédiat du plan focal de la lentille, puisque l'on cherche à ce que le faisceau obtenu soit correctement focalisé. En disposant l'élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant secondaire devant la LED principale, on le défocalise par rapport à la lentille, ce qui permet d'obtenir un faisceau secondaire volontairement défocalisé donc plus diffus dans sa répartition. (On peut aussi disposer l'élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant en arrière de la lentille, mais la configuration « en avant » est préférée).According to one embodiment, and especially in the case where it is common to all secondary sources, the secondary reflective and / or diffusing element is disposed in front of the main light source. Indeed, as a rule, the main light source will be disposed in or in the immediate vicinity of the focal plane of the lens, since it is sought that the beam obtained is properly focused. By arranging the secondary reflective and / or scattering element in front of the main LED, it is defocused with respect to the lens, which makes it possible to obtain a secondary beam voluntarily defocused and therefore more diffuse in its distribution. (The reflective and / or diffusing element may also be placed behind the lens, but the "forward" configuration is preferred).

L'élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant secondaire peut présenter, notamment dans le cas où il est commun à toutes les sources secondaires et où il est placé devant la source principale, une découpe laissant passer la lumière émise par la source lumineuse principale : sa présence n'interfère ainsi pas avec le cône de lumière émis par la source principale. Il peut présenter une échancrure, ou même être en plusieurs parties « autour » de la source principale.The secondary reflective and / or diffusing element may have, especially in the case where it is common to all secondary sources and where it is placed in front of the main source, a cut-out allowing the light emitted by the main light source to pass: its presence does not interfere with the cone of light emitted by the main source. It may have an indentation, or even be in several parts "around" the main source.

Avantageusement, l'élément réfléchissant et/ou diffusant secondaire présente, notamment dans le cas où il est commun à toutes les sources secondaires, une surface active optiquement au moins au-dessous et/ou de chaque côté de la source lumineuse principale. Cette disposition favorise l'obtention d'un faisceau secondaire placé en haut de la grille photométrique (par rapport à une répartition « route » classique) et large.Advantageously, the secondary reflective and / or scattering element has, especially in the case where it is common to all secondary sources, an optically active surface at least below and / or on each side of the main light source. This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a secondary beam placed at the top of the photometric grid (with respect to a conventional "road" distribution) and wide.

Avantageusement, l'élément de collimation ou de collection de la lumière des sources lumineuses secondaires est soit un miroir collecteur entourant chacune des sources, soit un collimateur en matière transmettant la lumière. Ces collimateurs ont un mode de fonctionnement connu, par exemple du brevet US 2006 - 0239020 , équivalent au brevet EP 1 715 245 au nom de Valeo Vision. Une amélioration à la conception connue consiste à prévoir en outre que sa surface avant soit convexe ou concave, alors que dans les systèmes connus elle est généralement plane. Elle peut aussi être au moins partiellement diffusante, être structurée, être munie de moyens diffractifs.....Advantageously, the collimation element or the light collection element of the secondary light sources is either a collector mirror surrounding each of the sources, or a collimator of light transmitting material. These collimators have a known operating mode, for example from the patent US 2006 - 0239020 , equivalent to the patent EP 1 715 245 on behalf of Valeo Vision. An improvement to the known design is to further provide that its front surface is convex or concave, while in known systems it is generally flat. It can also be at least partially diffusive, be structured, be provided with diffractive means .....

Selon un mode de réalisation, le faisceau lumineux principal issu de la source lumineuse principale est un faisceau à coupure, notamment de type code autoroute / code complémentaire, notamment complémentaire à un faisceau code ou route émis par un ou plusieurs autres modules optiques du même projecteur.According to one embodiment, the main light beam coming from the main light source is a cut-off beam, in particular of the motorway code / complementary code type, in particular complementary to a code or road beam emitted by one or more other optical modules of the same projector .

Selon un mode de réalisation, de préférence associé au précédent, le faisceau lumineux secondaire issu de la ou des sources lumineuses secondaires est un faisceau ajoutant de la lumière au dessus du faisceau lumineux principal.According to one embodiment, preferably associated with the previous one, the secondary light beam coming from the secondary light source or sources is a beam adding light above the main light beam.

L'invention concerne également le projecteur intégrant un module optique décrit précédemment.The invention also relates to the projector incorporating an optical module described above.

L'invention sera décrite ci-après à l'aide d'exemples non limitatifs illustrés par les figures suivantes :

  • Fig.1 est une représentation schématique des éléments optiques principaux et des éléments optiques secondaires d'un module selon une variante A de l'invention selon une section longitudinale dans un plan vertical passant par une des LEDs secondaires,
  • Fig.2 est une variante de la figure 1,
  • Fig.3 est une vue en perspective du module selon la figure 1, avec l'ensemble des sources lumineuses secondaires représentées,
  • Fig.4 est une vue de dessus du module selon la figure 1,
  • Fig.5 est une vue de l'extérieur du module selon la figure 1,
  • Fig.6 est une représentation simplifiée d'une variante B selon l'invention, où ne sont représentées qu'une source secondaire, son moyen réfléchissant associé et la lentille de sortie,
  • Fig.7 est une représentation simplifiée d'une variante C selon l'invention, où ne sont représentées qu'une source secondaire et son élément réfléchissant associé dans une configuration latérale,
  • Fig.8 est une représentation simplifiée (section) d'un collimateur d'une LED secondaire selon l'invention,
  • Fig. 9 est une représentation simplifiée des isolux de la répartition d'un faisceau de type route obtenue par un module elliptique à lampe xenon,
  • Fig. 10 est une représentation simplifiée des isolux de la répartition de la combinaison du faisceau de type route selon la figure 7 et du faisceau de type code autoroute obtenu avec les éléments optiques principaux du module selon la figure 1,
  • Fig.11 est une représentation simplifiée des isolux de la répartition de la combinaison du faisceau de type route et du faisceau de type code autoroute obtenu avec les éléments optiques principaux du module selon la figure 1, comme en figure 8, avec en outre la contribution du faisceau secondaire émis par les éléments optiques secondaires du module selon la figure 1.
  • Fig.12 est une représentation schématique des éléments optiques principaux et des éléments optiques secondaires d'un autre module non couvert par l'invention, selon une vue en perspective
  • Fig.13 est une représentation du module selon la figure 12, en section transversale selon un plan vertical
  • Fig.14 est une représentation d'une variante du module selon la figure 12, en section transversale selon un plan vertical
  • Fig.15 est une représentation simplifiée des isolux de la répartition de la combinaison du faisceau de type route et du faisceau de type code autoroute obtenu avec les éléments optiques principaux du module selon les figures 12 et 13, avec en outre la contribution du faisceau secondaire émis par les éléments optiques secondaires du module selon les figures 12 et 13.
The invention will be described hereinafter with the aid of non-limiting examples illustrated by the following figures:
  • Fig.1 is a schematic representation of the main optical elements and secondary optical elements of a module according to a variant A of the invention according to a longitudinal section in a vertical plane passing through one of the secondary LEDs,
  • Fig.2 is a variant of the figure 1 ,
  • Fig.3 is a perspective view of the module according to the figure 1 , with all the secondary light sources represented,
  • Fig.4 is a top view of the module according to the figure 1 ,
  • Fig.5 is a view from the outside of the module according to the figure 1 ,
  • Fig.6 is a simplified representation of a variant B according to the invention, in which only a secondary source, its associated reflecting means and the output lens are represented,
  • Fig.7 is a simplified representation of a variant C according to the invention, in which only a secondary source and its associated reflecting element are represented in a lateral configuration,
  • Fig.8 is a simplified representation (section) of a collimator of a secondary LED according to the invention,
  • Fig. 9 is a simplified representation of the isolux of the distribution of a road-type beam obtained by an elliptical module with xenon lamp,
  • Fig. 10 is a simplified representation of the isolux of the distribution of the combination of the road-type beam according to the figure 7 and the highway code type beam obtained with the main optical elements of the module according to the figure 1 ,
  • Fig.11 is a simplified representation of the isolux of the combination of the combination of the road-type beam and the highway code-type beam obtained with the main optical elements of the module according to the figure 1 , as in figure 8 , with the addition of the contribution of the secondary beam emitted by the secondary optical elements of the module according to the figure 1 .
  • Fig.12 is a schematic representation of the main optical elements and secondary optical elements of another module not covered by the invention, according to a perspective view
  • Fig.13 is a representation of the module according to the figure 12 , in cross-section along a vertical plane
  • Fig.14 is a representation of a variant of the module according to the figure 12 , in cross-section along a vertical plane
  • fig.15 is a simplified representation of the isolux of the combination of the combination of the road-type beam and the highway code-type beam obtained with the main optical elements of the module according to the Figures 12 and 13 , with the addition of the contribution of the secondary beam emitted by the secondary optical elements of the module according to the Figures 12 and 13 .

L'ensemble de ces figures est extrêmement schématique, et les éléments représentés ne respectent pas nécessairement l'échelle, ceci afin d'en faciliter la lecture.All these figures are extremely schematic, and the elements shown do not necessarily respect the scale, in order to facilitate reading.

■ Série 1 d'exemples utilisant pour émettre le faisceau principal un système optique de projection avec une lentille de sortie, conformément à la demande de brevet européen précitée de numéro de dépôt EP 06 291 391.9■ Series 1 of examples using to emit the main beam a projection optical system with an exit lens, in accordance with the aforementioned European patent application number EP 06 291 391.9

La figure 1 est donc la représentation, selon une section longitudinale dans un plan vertical, des éléments optiques d'un module M selon le mode de réalisation de l'invention :

  • la fonction optique principale est réalisée conformément à ce qui est décrit dans la variante de la figure 25A du brevet précité EP 06 291 391.9 : une LED principale LP sur son support S est disposée de façon inclinée, par exemple ici avec un angle d'inclinaison d'environ 45° par rapport à la verticale, en regard d'une lentille L dont la construction est également décrite en détails dans ce brevet antérieur. La LED LP se trouve donc dans un plan oblique par rapport à l'axe optique du module M, ce qui est une configuration destinée à produire un faisceau de type code autoroute (appelé « Motorway » en anglais). On rappelle brièvement que la lentille L a une face de sortie convexe, qui peut se raccorder se façon lisse avec les surfaces de sortie d'éventuels modules similaires adjacents, et dont la surface d'entrée est construite de façon à obtenir une coupure sans utiliser de cache occultant.
  • la fonction optique secondaire est réalisée avec trois LEDS secondaires LS1, LS2, LS3.
The figure 1 is therefore the representation, along a longitudinal section in a vertical plane, of the optical elements of a module M according to the embodiment of the invention:
  • the main optical function is carried out according to what is described in the variant of FIG. 25A of the aforementioned patent EP 06 291 391.9 : a main LED LP on its support S is inclined, for example here with an inclination angle of about 45 ° relative to the vertical, facing a lens L whose construction is also described in detail in this prior patent. The LP LED is therefore in an oblique plane with respect to the optical axis of the module M, which is a configuration intended to produce a beam type code highway (called "Motorway" in English). It is briefly recalled that the lens L has a convex exit face, which can be connected smoothly with the exit surfaces of any adjacent similar modules, and whose entrance surface is constructed to obtain a cutoff without using occultant cover.
  • the secondary optical function is performed with three secondary LEDS LS1, LS2, LS3.

Les figures 3 (une vue en perspective) et 4 (une vue de dessus) permettent de représenter ces trois LEDS.The figures 3 (a perspective view) and 4 (a view from above) can represent these three LEDS.

Il est à noter que, alternativement, on peut n'utiliser qu'une seule source lumineuse secondaire : on choisit alors une LED qui a une puissance appropriée, plus élevée. Cette LED unique peut aussi être disposée au dessus, latéralement ou en dessous de la LED principale.It should be noted that, alternatively, only one secondary light source can be used: an LED is chosen which has a suitable, higher power. This single LED can also be placed above, sideways or below the main LED.

Les trois LEDS secondaires selon les figures 1, 3 et 4 sont chacune fixées à un support individuel non représenté et associées à un collimateur en matériau transparent destiné à recueillir la lumière émise par les LEDs.The three secondary LEDs according to the figures 1 , 3 and 4 are each attached to a not shown individual support and associated with a collimator of transparent material for collecting the light emitted by the LEDs.

Un exemple de forme de collimateur C non limitatif est représenté en figure 8 de façon schématique : le collimateur a la forme approximative en forme de « chapeau » ou de cône. C'est une pièce pleine de révolution, avec une face d'entrée de lumière FE qui a une forme enveloppante comprenant un creux délimité par deux parois latérales PL et une paroi de fond PF convexe. La surface émissive de la LED se trouve disposée en regard de / au moins en partie dans ce creux. La face de sortie FS est légèrement bombée, convexe, de préférence de façon cylindrique (alternativement, elle pourrait être plane). Cette forme spécifique de la face de sortie permet, notamment, de mieux étaler le faisceau provenant des LEDs secondaires sortant de la lentille LAn example of a non-limiting form of collimator C is shown in FIG. figure 8 schematically: the collimator has the approximate shape in the form of "hat" or cone. It is a room full of revolution, with a FE light entry face which has an enveloping shape comprising a hollow delimited by two side walls PL and a bottom wall convex PF. The emitting surface of the LED is arranged facing / at least partly in this hollow. The outlet face FS is slightly curved, convex, preferably cylindrical (alternatively, it could be flat). This specific form of the exit face makes it possible, in particular, to better spread the beam coming from the secondary LEDs coming out of the lens L

Comme montré aux figures 1, 3 et 4, les LEDs secondaires Ls1, Ls2 et Ls3 et leurs collimateurs C1, C2 et C3 associés sont disposées au dessus de la LED principale Lp. Elles sont disposées en couronne, de façon à ce que la lumière sortant de leurs collimateurs converge vers un miroir M de renvoi. Ce miroir est plan. Il se trouve disposé dans un plan oblique à 45°, comme le plan selon lequel est disposée la LED principale LP, plan décalé un peu vers l'avant par rapport au plan de la LED Lp. Ce miroir M présente une forme en U, avec une échancrure appropriée pour qu'il n'intercepte pas (ou quasiment pas) la lumière émise par la LED principale Lp. Les figures 3 et 4 représentent pour chacune des LEDs secondaires le tracé d'un rayon selon chacune de leur direction principale d'émission : on voit que ces trois rayons convergent vers le miroir M et que le miroir les renvoie vers la lentille L. Le miroir est une tôle (alternativement une plaque en matériau polymère) recouvert d'une couche d'aluminium. La couche a été déposée de telle façon qu'elle possède un coefficient de réflexion d'environ 70% et un coefficient de diffusion d'environ 30% (ratio qui peut largement être ajusté au besoin). La modification du coefficient de diffusion peut notamment être obtenue en utilisant une texturation de surface. Le miroir peut aussi être muni de stries.As shown in figures 1 , 3 and 4 , the secondary LEDs Ls1, Ls2 and Ls3 and their associated collimators C1, C2 and C3 are arranged above the main LED Lp. They are arranged in a ring, so that the light emerging from their collimators converges towards a mirror M of reference. This mirror is flat. It is located in a plane inclined at 45 °, as the plane in which is arranged the main LED LP, plane shifted slightly forward with respect to the plane of the LED Lp. This mirror M has a U-shape, with a notch appropriate so that it does not intercept (or almost no) the light emitted by the main LED Lp. The Figures 3 and 4 represent for each of the secondary LEDs the drawing of a ray according to each of their main direction of emission: we see that these three rays converge towards the mirror M and that the mirror returns them to the lens L. The mirror is a sheet (alternatively a plate of polymer material) covered with a layer of aluminum. The layer has been deposited in such a way that it has a reflection coefficient of about 70% and a diffusion coefficient of about 30% (a ratio that can be broadly adjusted if necessary). The modification of the diffusion coefficient can in particular be obtained by using surface texturing. The mirror can also be streaked.

Revenons à la figure 1 : seule la LED secondaire centrale est représentée en section. Sont représentés sur cette figure : d'une part les limites du cône lumineux émis par la LED principale Lp, d'autre part, trois rayons « limites » de la LED secondaire Ls2. Un premier rayon r1 en pointillés correspond au dernier rayon latéral sortant du collimateur renvoyé vers le miroir M. Un second rayon r2 en pointillés est le rayon limite correspondant au bord avant du collimateur. Un troisième rayon r3 en traits pleins correspond à un rayon central (comme ceux représentés en figures 3 et 4).Let's go back to the figure 1 : only the central secondary LED is shown in section. Represented in this figure: on the one hand the limits of the light cone emitted by the main LED Lp, on the other hand, three "limit" spokes of the secondary LED Ls2. A first dashed ray r1 corresponds to the last lateral ray coming out of the collimator returned to the mirror M. A second dashed ray r2 is the limit ray corresponding to the front edge of the collimator. A third radius r3 in solid lines corresponds to a central radius (like those represented in Figures 3 and 4 ).

La figure 2 est une variante du module selon les figures 1 ; 3 et 4 : le plan p2 dans lequel se trouve le miroir M se trouve décalé d'un angle α de par exemple 5 ou 10° par rapport au plan du miroir p1 selon la figure 1. On voit des tracés de rayons de la figure 2 (avec les mêmes conventions que pour la figure 1) que cette modification d'inclinaison du miroir modifie l'orientation des rayons des LEDs secondaires en sortie de la lentille L. Sont représentés le rayon r'3 avec le miroir selon l'inclinaison initiale à 45° selon le plan p1, et r'2 avec le miroir selon l'inclinaison modifiée selon le plan p2 : on voit que r'3 sort de la lentille « plus haut » que r3. La modification de disposition, d'inclinaison, de forme, de pouvoir réfléchissant/diffusant du miroir M permet d'ajuster en fonction des besoins la répartition et l'orientation générale de la lumière émise par ces LEDs secondaires en sortie de lentille, de façon très précise.The figure 2 is a variant of the module according to figures 1 ; 3 and 4 : the plane p2 in which the mirror M is located is offset by an angle α of for example 5 or 10 ° with respect to the plane of the mirror p1 according to the figure 1 . We see ray traces of the figure 2 (with the same conventions as for the figure 1 ) that this modification of the inclination of the mirror modifies the orientation of the rays of the secondary LEDs at the exit of the lens L. The ray r'3 is represented with the mirror according to the initial inclination at 45 ° according to the plane p1, and r 2 with the mirror according to the inclination modified according to the plane p2: we see that r'3 comes out of the lens "higher" than r3. The modification of the disposition, the inclination, the shape, the reflective / diffusing power of the mirror M make it possible to adjust the distribution and the general orientation of the light emitted by these secondary LEDs at the lens outlet, in accordance with the needs. very precise.

Le miroir peut en effet ne pas être rigoureusement plan, bien que cette forme soit la plus simple à réaliser. Le miroir peut aussi, par exemple, présenter une surface bombée, convexe ou concave : Il peut être déformé judicieusement pour ajuster le faisceau secondaire.The mirror may indeed not be strictly flat, although this form is the simplest to achieve. The mirror may also, for example, have a curved surface, convex or concave: It can be judiciously deformed to adjust the secondary beam.

La figure 5 est une représentation du module, vue de l'extérieur du module : on voit la lentille qui vient fermer le module vers l'avant, les trois plaques supports Sp des trois LEDs secondaires en partie supérieure, et le plan incliné p1 selon lequel le miroir de renvoi M est disposé : on voit que l'on a pu ajouter des LEDs secondaires et leurs moyens optiques associés au module initial, sans que la taille du module soit sensiblement augmentée, et sans qu'elles n'interfèrent optiquement avec le faisceau émis par la LED principale LP. (les éventuels moyens de refroidissement du type radiateurs des LEDs n'ont pas été représentés).The figure 5 is a representation of the module, seen from the outside of the module: we see the lens that closes the module forward, the three support plates Sp of the three secondary LEDs in the upper part, and the inclined plane p1 according to which the mirror M is arranged: it is seen that it has been possible to add secondary LEDs and their optical means associated with the initial module, without the size of the module being substantially increased, and without interfering with them. optically with the beam emitted by the main LED LP. (the possible means of cooling of the type radiators of the LEDs have not been represented).

La figure 6 est une variante de réalisation : chaque LED secondaire, comme celle représentée Ls1, n'est plus associée à un collimateur, mais à un réflecteur R en une ou plusieurs parties, qui enveloppe le cône de lumière émis par la LED pour le renvoyer vers la lentille L. Le réflecteur R peut en outre être muni de stries. Et il n'y a pas de miroir de renvoi : les réflecteurs individuels R dirigent directement la lumière des LEDs secondaires vers la lentille L.The figure 6 is an alternative embodiment: each secondary LED, as shown Ls1, is no longer associated with a collimator, but a reflector R in one or more parts, which envelops the cone of light emitted by the LED to return it to the lens L. The reflector R may further be provided with ridges. And there is no reflecting mirror: the individual reflectors R directly direct the light of the secondary LEDs to the lens L.

La figure 7 est une variante de réalisation : dans cette représentation simplifiée du module, Les LEDs secondaires ne sont pas disposées au dessus, mais d'un côté de la LED principale LP. Et le miroir de renvoi M est alors disposé en regard des cônes de lumière émise par les LEDs secondaires via leurs collimateurs ou réflecteurs individuels.The figure 7 is an alternative embodiment: in this simplified representation of the module, the secondary LEDs are not arranged above, but on one side of the main LED LP. And the deflection mirror M is then arranged opposite the cones of light emitted by the secondary LEDs via their collimators or individual reflectors.

On peut bien sûr envisager aussi que des LEDs secondaires soient disposées sous la LED principale, ou même derrière la LED principale. Dans ce dernier cas, on peut alors même supprimer le miroir de renvoi, mais cette configuration est généralement moins appropriée pour des questions d'encombrement du module (notamment en profondeur), qu'on souhaite ici minimiser par rapport au module initial sans LEDs secondaires.We can of course also consider that secondary LEDs are arranged under the main LED, or even behind the main LED. In the latter case, we can then even remove the mirror, but this configuration is generally less suitable for module congestion issues (especially in depth), we want to minimize here compared to the initial module without secondary LEDs .

Les figures 9, 10 et 11 sont des représentations d'isolux :

  • la figure 9 est un isolux d'un faisceau de type route émis par un module route de type elliptique à lampe xenon, de façon connu, module destiné à être intégré dans le même projecteur que le module selon l'invention,
  • la figure 10 est l'ajout, par rapport à l'isolux de la figure 9, de la contribution « code autoroute » obtenu par le faisceau principal émis par la LED principale Lp du module selon l'invention,
  • la figure 11 ajoute à l'isolux de la figure 10 la contribution du faisceau secondaire émis par les trois LEDS secondaires de la variante selon la figure 1 de la présente demande.
The Figures 9, 10 and 11 are representations of isolux:
  • the figure 9 is an isolux of a road-type beam emitted by an elliptical-type xenon-type road module, in known manner, module intended to be integrated in the same projector as the module according to the invention,
  • the figure 10 is the addition, compared to the isolux of the figure 9 of the contribution "highway code" obtained by the main beam emitted by the main LED Lp of the module according to the invention,
  • the figure 11 adds to the isolux of the figure 10 the contribution of the secondary beam emitted by the three secondary LEDs of the variant according to the figure 1 of this application.

De leur comparaison, on peut tirer les conclusions suivantes : avec le faisceau route selon la figure 9, le maximum d'intensité atteint une centaine de lux. Avec la contribution code autoroute selon la figure 10, l'ensemble est relevé d'environ 1,5 %, pour amener le maximum d'intensité à environ 150 lux dans l'axe. Cette superposition de faisceaux est notamment décrite dans le brevet déposé le 19 juin 2006 en France sous le numéro de dépôt FR 06 05 431 au nom de Valeo Vision, auquel on se rapportera pour plus de détails. Avec l'ajout de la contribution des LEDs secondaires selon la figure 11, on voit un apport en lumière assez diffuse en partie supérieure de la grille au dessus du « dôme » qui délimite le faisceau route selon la figure 9 : les LEDs secondaires apportent ainsi une lumière diffuse largement étalée horizontalement en partie supérieure, ce qui augmente sensiblement le confort de vision du conducteur, plutôt que d'avoir une zone supérieure très sombre tranchant avec le « dôme » fortement éclairé du faisceau route.From their comparison, we can draw the following conclusions: with the road beam according to figure 9 , the maximum intensity reaches a hundred lux. With the highway code contribution according to the figure 10 , the whole is raised by about 1.5%, to bring the maximum intensity to about 150 lux in the axis. This superposition of beams is described in particular in the patent filed on June 19, 2006 in France under the deposit number FR 06 05 431 on behalf of Valeo Vision, to which we will refer for more details. With the addition of contribution of secondary LEDs according to the figure 11 , we see a rather diffuse light input at the top of the grid above the "dome" which delimits the road beam according to the figure 9 : The secondary LEDs thus provide a diffuse light widely spread horizontally at the top, which significantly increases the comfort of vision of the driver, rather than having a very dark upper area sharp with the "dome" strongly illuminated road beam.

■ Série 2 d'exemples utilisant pour émettre le faisceau principal un système optique de projection avec un réflecteur, conformément à la demande de brevet précitée FR 06 05 677■ Series 2 examples using to emit the main beam a projection optical system with a reflector, in accordance with the aforementioned patent application FR 06 05 677

La figure 12 est une représentation schématique d'un tel module, dont les éléments optiques principaux sont du type décrits à la figure 4 de ce brevet, auquel on se rapportera pour plus de détails. Sont représentées la Led principale LP, un miroir de renvoi M et un réflecteur RF de type paraboloïde. La diode LP est disposée dans un plan sensiblement horizontal, en avant du réflecteur RF. Elle est de préférence munie d'un élément transparent, sous forme d'un dôme ou non. Le miroir M est un miroir plan qui donne de la diode LP une image virtuelle qui constitue la source lumineuse pour le réflecteur RF.The figure 12 is a schematic representation of such a module, whose main optical elements are of the type described in FIG. figure 4 of this patent, to which reference will be made for further details. The main LED LP, a mirror M and a reflector RF paraboloid type are represented. The diode LP is disposed in a substantially horizontal plane, in front of the RF reflector. It is preferably provided with a transparent element, in the form of a dome or not. The mirror M is a plane mirror which gives the LP diode a virtual image which constitutes the light source for the RF reflector.

Une LED secondaire Ls1 est disposée de façon à ce que sa surface émettrice envoie au moins une partie de la lumière qu'elle émet vers le miroir M. Le miroir M renvoie donc vers le réflecteur RP à la fois de la lumière émise par la LED principale LP et par la LED secondaire Ls1. Le réflecteur RP redirige la lumière reçue vers l'avant du module. On a donc ici une configuration où un élément optique, le miroir de renvoi M, est commun à la fonction principale et à la fonction secondaire.A secondary LED Ls1 is arranged so that its emitting surface sends at least a portion of the light that it emits to the mirror M. The mirror M thus returns to the reflector RP of both the light emitted by the LED main LP and by secondary LED Ls1. The reflector RP redirects the received light to the front of the module. So here we have a configuration where an optical element, the reflecting mirror M, is common to the main function and the secondary function.

La figure 13 détaille le parcours de rayons émis par LP et par Ls1 :

  • deux rayons Ip1 et Ip2 émis par la source principale LP, qui sont renvoyés par le réflecteur RP dans des directions sensiblement horizontales ou descendantes
  • un rayon Is1 émis par la source secondaire Ls1, qui, une fois réfléchi par RP, a une direction nettement montante.
The figure 13 details the path of rays emitted by LP and by Ls1:
  • two radii Ip1 and Ip2 emitted by the main source LP, which are reflected by the reflector RP in substantially horizontal or downward directions
  • a ray Is1 emitted by the secondary source Ls1, which, when reflected by RP, has a significantly rising direction.

La figure 14 est une variante du module selon les figures 12 et 13 : la différence réside dans la disposition de la LED secondaire Ls1 : ici, elle est disposée en arrière de la LED principale LP et selon un plan oblique et munie d'un collimateur C. Le système collecte ainsi plus de lumière provenant de Ls1 que dans la configuration précédente. La figure 14 représente les parcours de deux rayons provenant de LP : Ip1 et Ip2, et le parcours de deux rayons provenant de Ls1 : Is1 et ls2. On voit de ces parcours de rayons que la lumière provenant de Ls1 a bien tendance, en sortie de module, à avoir une direction montante.The figure 14 is a variant of the module according to Figures 12 and 13 : the difference lies in the arrangement of the secondary LED Ls1: here, it is arranged behind the main LED LP and in an oblique plane and provided with a collimator C. The system thus collects more light from Ls1 than in the previous configuration. The figure 14 represents the two-ray paths from LP: Ip1 and Ip2, and the two-ray path from Ls1: Is1 and ls2. It is seen from these ray paths that the light from Ls1 has a tendency, at the output of the module, to have a rising direction.

La figure 15 est une représentation des isolux de la superposition du faisceau route du module elliptique xenon précédent, du faisceau code autoroute fait avec LP, et du faisceau secondaire obtenu avec la LED Ls1 : la LED Ls1 ajoute de la lumière au dessus du dôme du route dans la zone Zi.The figure 15 is a representation of the isolux of the superposition of the road beam of the previous xenon elliptical module, of the highway code beam made with LP, and of the secondary beam obtained with the LED Ls1: the LED Ls1 adds light above the dome of the road in the Zi area.

A noter que tous les exemples décrits plus haut utilisent en LED principale et en LEDs secondaires des LEDS à lumière blanche (ou éventuellement jaune), qui est la couleur réglementaire pour les faisceaux code.Note that all the examples described above use LEDs with white light (or possibly yellow) as the main LED and secondary LEDs, which is the regulatory color for the code beams.

Claims (17)

  1. Optical module (Mo) for a motor vehicle headlight, containing:
    - main optical elements which are designed to permit the emission of a main light beam, and comprising at least one main source of light (LP) in the form of one or a plurality of light-emitting diodes, and at least one optical projection system;
    - without resorting to an additional optical module, secondary optical elements which are designed to permit the emission of a secondary light beam, and comprising at least one, and in particular at least two secondary sources of light in the form of a light-emitting diode / light-emitting diodes (Ls1, Ls2, Ls3), each associated:
    - with an element for collimation (C) or collection (R) of the light which they emit; and
    - with at least one secondary reflecting and/or diffusing element (M) which is designed to deflect substantially all the light emitted by the said secondary light-emitting diodes, optionally by means of their collimation / collection elements, in the direction of the said optical projection system, with the said secondary reflecting and/or diffusing element substantially preventing interception of the light emitted by the main source of light (LP),
    such that the module can emit simultaneously or alternately two beams which substantially do not disturb one another,
    characterised in that the main diode is in the direct view of an output lens of the optical projection system, without needing a reflecting surface of the "bending" type.
  2. Optical module according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the secondary light-emitting diodes are disposed at least partly in the interior of the volume delimited by the main optical system.
  3. Optical module according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the secondary light-emitting diodes are disposed substantially outside the path of the rays of light emitted by the main source(s) of light.
  4. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the output surface of the lens is entirely convex towards the front, and such that it can be connected according to a smooth and continuous surface with the output surfaces of lenses of similar adjacent modules, and the input surface of the lens is defined such that the module provides a light beam with cut-off without the intervention of a masking shield.
  5. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is a plurality of secondary sources of light (Ls1, Ls2, Ls3) distributed relative to one another such that the light which they emit strikes the secondary reflecting and/or diffusing element (M).
  6. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the main direction of emission of the secondary source(s) of light (Ls1, Ls2, Ls3) is towards the rear of the module, whilst in particular being inclined downwards relative to the horizontal, or laterally.
  7. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the main direction of emission of the main source of light (LP) is towards the front of the module, and in that it is inclined, in particular upwards, relative to the horizontal.
  8. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the secondary reflecting and/or diffusing element (M) is an element with a surface which is partly reflecting and partly diffusing.
  9. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is a plurality of secondary sources of light (Ls1, Ls2, Ls3) and in that there is only one common secondary reflecting and/or diffusing element (M) for all the secondary sources of light, or individual reflecting and/or diffusing elements (R) for each of the secondary sources of light.
  10. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the secondary reflecting and/or diffusing element (M) is common to all the secondary sources of light (Ls1, Ls2, Ls3), and is preferably disposed at the front of the main source of light (LP).
  11. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is a plurality of secondary sources of light (Ls1, Ls2, Ls3), and in that the secondary reflecting and/or diffusing element (M) is common to all the secondary sources of light, and has a cut-out which permits passage of the light emitted by the main source of light (LP).
  12. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that there is a plurality of secondary sources of light (Ls1, Ls2, Ls3), and in that the secondary reflecting and/or diffusing element (M) is common to all the secondary sources of light, and has a surface which is optically active at least below and/or on each side of the main source of light (LP).
  13. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the element for collimation or collection of the light from the secondary source(s) of light (Ls1, Ls2, Ls3) is either a collector mirror (R) which surrounds the or each of the sources, or a collimator (C) made of material which transmits light.
  14. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the element for collimation of the secondary source(s) of light is a collimator (C) with a flat, convex or concave front surface, and/or in that it has a front surface which is at least partially diffusing, and is structured or provided with diffractive elements.
  15. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the main light beam which is obtained from the main source of light (LP) is a cut-off beam, in particular of the motorway low-beam / complementary low-beam type, which in particular is complementary to a low beam or a high beam emitted by another optical module of the same headlight.
  16. Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the secondary light beam which is obtained from the secondary source(s) of light (Ls1, Ls2, Ls3) is a beam which adds light above the main light beam.
  17. Headlight which incorporates an optical module (Mo) according to one of the preceding claims.
EP08152540A 2007-03-14 2008-03-10 Optical module for headlights of an automobile Active EP1970619B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0701832A FR2913750A1 (en) 2007-03-14 2007-03-14 OPTICAL MODULE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE PROJECTOR

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EP1970619A1 EP1970619A1 (en) 2008-09-17
EP1970619B1 true EP1970619B1 (en) 2012-02-29

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2010192411A (en) * 2009-02-20 2010-09-02 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Headlamp for vehicle
FR2955538B1 (en) 2010-01-26 2015-08-21 Valeo Vision OPTICAL DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
FR2971464B1 (en) * 2011-02-15 2014-11-28 Valeo Vision OPTICAL UNIT FOR SIGNALING AND / OR LIGHTING DEVICE
KR101307976B1 (en) * 2012-03-07 2013-09-12 주식회사 에스엘 서봉 Multi-layered led module and led headlamp for vehicle comprising the same
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ATE547665T1 (en) 2012-03-15
FR2913750A1 (en) 2008-09-19
EP1970619A1 (en) 2008-09-17
JP2008293958A (en) 2008-12-04
JP5313525B2 (en) 2013-10-09

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