FR3120930A1 - COMPACT OPTICAL UNIT PROVIDING PHOTOMETRIC LIGHTING AND SIGNALING FUNCTIONS, FOR A VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

An optical unit (BO) equips a vehicle and comprises a first source of photons (S1) generating first photons and a reflector (RP) reflecting the first photons towards a front part (PV) so that they participate in a first photometric function lighting. The front part (PV) also comprises a second source of photons (S2) generating second photons, and a screen (ED) comprising a rear face (FR) oriented towards the reflector (RP), into which the second photons penetrate in order to come out through a front face (FV) after internal reflection(s) to participate in a second and/or a third photometric signaling function(s), and allowing the first photons to pass through. Figure to be published with abstract: Fig. 1

Description

COMPACT OPTICAL UNIT PROVIDING PHOTOMETRIC LIGHTING AND SIGNALING FUNCTIONS, FOR A VEHICLE

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to the optical units intended to equip the front parts of vehicles.

State of the art

Certain vehicles, generally terrestrial (and possibly automobile), comprise in their front part a casing comprising a first source of photons generating first photons and a reflector responsible for reflecting the first photons towards a front part so that they take part in a first function photometric. This first photometric function is generally a lighting function, such as for example a main beam function or a dipped beam function.

Sometimes this type of optical unit provides both the main beam function and the low beam function. But in most cases it does not additionally provide a signaling function, such as a daytime running light function (or DRL (Daytime running Light (or Lamp)) - light signaling automatically switched on when the vehicle is started during the day)) or a position light function. This results from the fact that in the latter case the optical unit becomes very bulky, unattractive and difficult to match with the style and/or a uniform light signature of a brand of a vehicle manufacturer.

Consequently, in most vehicles, the lighting and signaling functions are provided by different optical units, which complicates the electrical wiring and the management of supplies and stocks, and increases the costs and consumption of electrical energy. .

The aim of the invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose an optical unit intended to equip a vehicle, and comprising a first source of photons generating first photons and a reflector responsible for reflecting the first photons towards a front part so that they participate in a first photometric function of 'lighting.

This optical unit is characterized by the fact that it also includes, in its front part:

- a second source of photons generating second photons, and

- a screen comprising a rear face oriented towards the reflector, into which the second photons penetrate in order to emerge via a front face, opposite to this rear face, after internal reflection(s) to participate in a second and/or a third signaling photometric function(s), and allowing the first photons to pass through.

Thanks to the invention, there is a compact optical block, which takes up little space, and which can provide at least one photometric lighting function and at least one photometric signaling function.

The optical block according to the invention may comprise other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- the rear face of the screen can be arranged so as to reflect the second photons towards the front face by total reflection, except in selected places where it comprises three-dimensional microstructures arranged so as to deflect the second photons towards the front face of so that they cross the latter;

- in the presence of the last option, the three-dimensional microstructures can have pyramidal shapes;

- also in the presence of the last option, the rear face of the screen can comprise at least a first zone devoid of three-dimensional microstructure so as not to deflect the first photons during their crossing, and at least a second zone comprising the microstructures three-dimensional;

- in the presence of the last sub-option, the second zone can be a peripheral zone surrounding the first zone;

- in the presence of the last sub-sub-option, the second photons can participate in at least one of the second and third photometric signaling functions. In this case, it can comprise a third source of photons generating third photons, and its reflector can be responsible for reflecting the third photons towards the first zone so that they participate in the third photometric signaling function by crossing the screen;

- in the presence of the last sub-sub-sub-option, the third source of photons can comprise at least one light-emitting diode;

- at least one of the first and second photon sources may comprise at least one light-emitting diode;

- the first lighting photometric function can be chosen from a main beam function, a dipped beam function and a fog light function, and the second and third signaling photometric functions can be chosen from a dipped beam function day and a position light function.

The invention also proposes a vehicle comprising at least one optical unit of the type presented above.

For example, this vehicle can be of land type, and optionally of automobile type.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and of the appended drawings, in which:

schematically and functionally illustrates, in a sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, part of a first embodiment of an optical unit according to the invention, with materialization of first photon paths,

schematically and functionally illustrates, in a front view of the front side, part of the optical block of the ,

illustrates schematically and functionally, in a sectional view in the longitudinal and vertical plane, the part of the optical block of the , with a materialization of a second photon path within its screen,

illustrates schematically and functionally, in a sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, a first embodiment of a screen of an optical block according to the invention,

illustrates schematically and functionally, in a front view from the side of the rear face, the screen of the ,

schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, an embodiment of a three-dimensional microstructure of a screen of an optical block according to the invention,

schematically illustrates, in a front view from the side of the rear face, a second embodiment of a screen of an optical unit according to the invention,

schematically and functionally illustrates, in a sectional view in a longitudinal and vertical plane, part of a second embodiment of an optical unit according to the invention, and

schematically and functionally illustrates, in a front view of the front side, part of the optical block of the .

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a compact BO optical unit, intended to equip a front part of a vehicle and capable of providing at least one photometric lighting function and at least one photometric signaling function.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit BO is intended to equip a land vehicle and of the automotive type, such as for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. A BO optical unit can in fact be fitted to any type of vehicle that must have at least one photometric lighting function and at least one photometric signaling function. Consequently, the invention relates not only to land vehicles (utility vehicles, camper vans, motorcycles, minibuses, coaches, trucks, road construction machinery, construction machinery, and agricultural vehicles), but also to certain aircraft.

In FIGS. 1 to 9, the direction X is the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is parallel to the lateral sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is the transverse direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the lateral sides and to the longitudinal direction X , and the Z direction is the vertical direction of the vehicle, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal X and transverse Y directions.

A part of a first embodiment of an optical unit BO according to the invention has been schematically represented in FIGS. 1 to 3.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, an optical block BO, according to the invention, comprises at least a first source of photons S1, a reflector RP, a second source of photons S2, and a screen ED. All these elements are preferably housed in a housing (not shown).

The first source of photons S1 is arranged so as to generate, in the direction of the reflector RP, first photons having to participate in at least a first photometric lighting function.

For example, the first source of photons S1 can comprise at least one light-emitting diode, of the conventional type (or LED (“Light-Emitting Diode”)) or of the organic type (or OLED (“Organic Light-Emitting Diode”)). As a variant, the first source of photons S1 can comprise at least one laser diode or a gas laser or even a lamp (or bulb).

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 3, 8 and 9, the first source of photons S1 can be installed on a first electronic card C1 housed in the optical block BO and also comprising its electronic control means and food. This first electronic card C1 can, for example, be a printed circuit board of the PCB type (“Printed Circuit Board”).

The reflector RP is arranged so as to reflect the first photons from the first source of photons S1 towards a front part PV of the optical block BO, so that they participate in a first photometric lighting function. Some examples of paths of first photons within the optical block BO are materialized on the .

For example, the RP reflector can have a parabolic shape.

Also, for example, the first lighting photometric function can be a main beam function, a dipped beam function or a fog lamp function.

The second photon source S2 and the screen ED are installed in the front part PV of the optical block BO. It is through this front part PV that all the photons that participate in the various photometric functions provided by the latter (BO) come out of the optical unit BO.

The second source of photons S2 is arranged so as to generate, in the direction of the screen ED, second photons which must participate in a second and/or a third photometric function(s). For example, and as illustrated without limitation in the , the second photon source S2 can be placed opposite an upper (or lower) side of the screen ED.

Also, for example, the second photon source S2 can comprise at least one light-emitting diode, of the conventional type (or LED) or of the organic type (or OLED). As a variant, the second source of photons S2 can comprise at least one laser diode or a gas laser or even a lamp (or bulb).

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in Figures 1 to 3, 8 and 9, the second photon source S2 can be installed on a second electronic card C2 housed in the optical unit BO and further comprising its electronic control means and food. This second electronic card C2 can, for example, be a PCB-type printed circuit card.

The screen ED comprises a rear face FR oriented towards the reflector RP, and a front face FV opposite this rear face FR. This screen ED is arranged so that the second photons, coming from the second source of photons S2 and penetrating inside, come out through its front face FV, after internal reflection(s), to participate in the second and /or the third signaling photometric function(s). Moreover, this screen ED allows the crossing of the first photons which have been reflected by the reflector RP.

There is thus a compact BO optical block, which takes up little space, and can provide at least one photometric lighting function and at least one photometric signaling function. This makes it possible to significantly simplify electrical wiring and the management of supplies and stocks, and to reduce costs and electrical energy consumption.

It should be noted that the screen ED can optionally provide the front window function within the optical unit BO. But this is not mandatory and otherwise the optical unit BO includes downstream of the screen ED a front glass (through which all the photons participating in its various photometric functions come out).

For example, the first lighting photometric function can be a main beam function. But it could also be a low beam function or a fog lamp function.

Also, for example, the second and third photometric signaling functions can respectively be a daytime running light function and a position light function. The reverse is also possible.

As illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 3 to 5, the rear face FR of the screen ED can be arranged so as to reflect the second photons towards the front face FV by total reflection, except in selected places where it comprises three-dimensional microstructures MT which are arranged so as to deflect the second photons towards the front face FV so that they cross the latter (FV). In other words, the rear face FR ensures total (internal) reflection everywhere, except at the level of its three-dimensional microstructures MT responsible for deflecting the second photons so that they can leave the screen ED via its front face FV. An example of the path of a second photon within the optical block BO with deflection on a three-dimensional microstructure MT is materialized on the .

These three-dimensional microstructures MT can be defined at the same time as the rest of the screen ED, in particular when the latter (ED) is produced by molding (or injection) of a plastic material.

For example, and as illustrated without limitation in the , the three-dimensional microstructures MT can have pyramidal shapes. For example, the height d2 of each pyramid MT can be between 0.5 mm and 1 mm, and the length d1 of each side of the base of each pyramid MT can be between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. But other three-dimensional shapes can be used, provided they make it possible to deflect the second photons so that they leave the screen ED via its front face FV.

It will be noted, as illustrated without limitation in the , that the three-dimensional microstructures MT can be distributed over the entire rear face FR of the screen ED. But this is not obligatory, since this can induce a slight broadening of the beam of light constituted by the first photons, during the crossing of the screen ED (by interaction with the three-dimensional microstructures MT).

In order to avoid such an enlargement, the rear face FR of the screen ED can, as illustrated without limitation in the , comprising at least a first zone Z1 devoid of three-dimensional microstructure MT so as not to deflect the first photons during their crossing, and at least a second zone Z2 comprising the three-dimensional microstructures MT. In this case, the second photons are deflected towards the front face FV (to leave the screen ED) only at the level of the (each) second zone Z2, whereas the first photons cross without deflection at the level of the ( each) first zone Z1. In other words, the first lighting photometric function comes from (each) first zone Z1, while the second and/or third photometric function(s) comes/are from the (each) second zone Z2 (when only second photons are used). Many different combinations of relative positions and shapes of the first(s) Z1 and second(s) Z2 zones can be made, which can make it possible to create many stylistic effects and/or to participate in many different light signatures.

By way of example, the second zone Z2 can be a peripheral zone surrounding the first zone Z1, as illustrated without limitation in the .

It will also be noted, as mentioned above, that the second photons can participate in at least one of the second and third photometric signaling functions, via the screen ED. Furthermore, the optical block BO can also comprise, as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 8 and 9, a third source of photons S3 generating third photons having to take part in the third photometric function (alone or in addition to the second photons). In this case, the reflector RP is also responsible for reflecting the third photons towards the first zone Z1 of the rear face FR of the screen ED, so that they participate in the third photometric signaling function by crossing the screen ED.

For example, the second photons may only participate in the second signaling photometric function, while the third photons only participate in the third signaling photometric function.

Also, for example, the third photon source S3 can comprise at least one light-emitting diode, of the conventional type (or LED) or of the organic type (or OLED). As a variant, the third source of photons S3 can comprise at least one laser diode or a gas laser or else a lamp (or bulb).

Also for example, and as illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 8 and 9, the third photon source S3 can be installed on the first electronic card C1 which then comprises its electronic control and power supply means.

Claims (10)

Optical unit (BO) suitable for equipping a vehicle and comprising a first source of photons (S1) generating first photons and a reflector (RP) responsible for reflecting said first photons towards a front part (PV) so that they participate in a first lighting photometric function, characterized in that it further comprises, in said front part (PV), a second source of photons (S2) generating second photons and a screen (ED) comprising a rear face (FR) oriented towards said reflector (RP), into which said second photons penetrate in order to emerge via a front face (FV), opposite to said rear face (FR), after internal reflection(s) to participate in a second and/or or a third signaling photometric function(s), and allowing said first photons to pass through. Optical unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said rear face (FR) of the screen (ED) is arranged so as to reflect the said second photons towards the said front face (FV) by total reflection, except at selected places where it comprises three-dimensional microstructures (MT) arranged so as to deflect said second photons towards said front face (FV) so that they cross the latter (FV). Optical block according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said three-dimensional microstructures (MT) have pyramidal shapes. Optical unit according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the said rear face (FR) of the screen (ED) comprises at least a first zone (Z1) devoid of three-dimensional microstructure (MT) so as not to deflect the said first photons as they pass through, and at least one second zone (Z2) comprising said three-dimensional microstructures (MT). Optical unit according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said second zone (Z2) is a peripheral zone surrounding the said first zone (Z1). Optical unit according to claim 5, characterized in that said second photons take part in at least one of said second and third photometric signaling functions, in that it comprises a third source of photons (S3) generating third photons, and in that said reflector (RP) is responsible for reflecting said third photons towards said first zone (Z1) so that they participate in said third signaling photometric function by crossing said screen (ED). Optical unit according to Claim 6, characterized in that the said third source of photons (S3) comprises at least one light-emitting diode. Optical unit according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the said first (S1) and second (S2) photon sources comprises at least one light-emitting diode. Optical unit according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the said first lighting photometric function is chosen from among a main beam function, a dipped beam function and a fog lamp function, and in that said second and third signaling photometric functions are chosen from among a daytime running light function and a position light function. Vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (BO) according to one of the preceding claims.