EP2148131A1 - Automotive headlamp or tailamp with an improved three dimensional aspect - Google Patents

Abstract

The module has a light flow recuperator mirror formed of a set of reflector glasses (20i), where a reflecting surface of each glass comprises a conical portion with two focal points. One of the focal points is located on a filament (11) of an incandescent lamp. Another focal point (Fi) is located with respect to the glass. Each glass forms an image of the filament. The surface has another conical portion with two focal points respectively located on the filament and remote from the latter point of the former conical portion.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a lighting or signaling module, in particular for a motor vehicle, which has an improved three-dimensional appearance when it is turned on.

The invention finds particular applications in the field of motor vehicles, such as, for example, motorized two-wheelers, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles or heavy goods vehicles.

State of the art

Document is known FR 2,627,256 a traffic light which essentially comprises a lamp provided with a filament, a rear reflector and a transparent deflection element placed in front of the lamp. The rear reflector, in cooperation with the actual light source, is designed to create, on a substantially horizontal line and, perpendicular to the general direction of emission or optical axis xx, a plurality of light sources, called virtual in this document, distributed equidistantly on this line. For this purpose, the rear reflector is subdivided into a plurality of sections which have the shape of ellipsoids whose first focus is located on the filament and whose second focus is located at the location of the virtual sources. The transparent deflection element arranged in front of the sources has a substantially constant vertical section, with which is associated a focal point and designed to deflect the light rays from said focal point vertically so that they propagate substantially parallel to a horizontal plane, this element being obtained by a displacement of said section such that the focal point substantially follows the line of the sources.

Such an arrangement is intended to provide a traffic light of large width relative to its height, such as a third brake light in the raised central position. The deflection element arranged in front of the light sources has the function of acting on the angle of elevation of the diverging rays from the light sources, to bring it back to a value close to zero, while leaving practically unchanged their azimuth angle.

In addition, the reflector is designed so that each virtual source emits light rays forwards substantially in the same angular range, in a median horizontal plane, so that the entire illuminating surface of the light retains an appearance. homogeneous from where it is observed in this angular range.

As a result, the fire known from this document has a homogenous illuminated range, in which we no longer distinguish the light sources, and with which it is not possible to obtain particular aesthetic effects.

It is also known from the document EP 0 678 703 a vehicle light which comprises a light source cooperating with a reflector, the light being designed to give the effect of a multitude of point or near-point light sources. According to this document, the reflector comprises a plurality of lenticular reflective elements each of which is provided with a convex or concave reflecting surface distributed in a substantially uniform manner on the surface of the reflector. The reflective elements are arranged in lines, parallel horizontally and vertically, or radial to the longitudinal axis of the fire, or they occupy predetermined circular sectors on circumferences or portions of circumferences concentric with respect to the lamp.

The reflective elements described in this document have curved, convex or concave surfaces, whose radii of curvature in the horizontal and vertical directions are chosen independently of each other as a function of the desired luminous effect. Reflective elements are thus visible through a smooth closure glass, such as a conjugate plurality of light images.

Such an embodiment allows very little freedom to design the reflective elements, so that particular aesthetic or style effects can not be obtained. This document provides only matrix or circular provisions for the reflective elements. In addition, the elements Reflective elements constituting the plurality of images obtained remain localized at the level of the reflector, so that an observer situated outside the transmission axis of the signaling beam perceives only a part of the plurality of images. In addition, in order to satisfy the photometric grids required by the regulations, the rows of reflecting elements constituting the reflector must be oriented in predetermined directions, which creates areas of shadows in a front view of the fire.

We also know US 6,244,731 a lighting or signaling device consisting of a light source, a composite reflector, consisting of a plurality of reflecting elementary surfaces, and aspherical lenses corresponding to each of the reflective elementary surfaces, and intended to emit a light beam on along an optical axis.

The plurality of reflective elementary surfaces is divided into several families. Each elementary reflective surface is an ellipsoid portion, a focus of which is centered on the light source, and whose second focus is on a line passing through the first focus and inclined to the optical axis. The reflective elementary surfaces of the same family are distributed concentrically around the optical axis, so as not to overlap.

The aspherical lenses are convergent, and they are each focused on a second focal point of a reflective elementary surface so as to emit parallel light beams in the direction of the optical axis.

Such a design aims to provide a new style of lighting or signaling device, with a plurality of lenses visible from the outside of this device, to control the light distribution inside the light beam resulting from the superposition of the elementary light beams, and to be able to choose the apparent illuminated surface of the device. Indeed, only the outer faces of the aspherical lenses are visible.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is placed in this context and its purpose is to overcome the disadvantages of the techniques described above by proposing a lighting or signaling module, comprising a main light source, but whose illuminated aspect is that of a module having a plurality of apparent light sources, the intensity of each of the apparent sources being adjustable to any predetermined value, the position of each of the apparent sources also being freely selectable in a three-dimensional space so as to form patterns predetermined sources, the apparent sources to be visible under relatively large viewing angles, the apparent sources themselves having a two-dimensional or three-dimensional appearance, the luminous flux of all apparent sources corresponding to the regulation of the lighting function or signaling completed by this lighting or signaling module we.

For this purpose, the present invention proposes a lighting or signaling module for the emission of a lighting or signaling beam in a main direction, of the type comprising a light source, a light flux recuperating mirror comprising a reflector block set, the reflective surface of each reflector block consisting of a conical first portion having two focal points having a first focus on the light source and having a second focus with respect to the reflector block in a specific direction relative to the main direction, each reflector block forming an image of the light source.

According to the invention, the surface of at least one reflector block comprises at least a second conical fraction with two foci whose first focus is located on the light source and a second focus is located at a distance from the second focal point of the first focus. conical with two foci.

• les portions de premières coniques à deux foyers constituant les pavés réflecteurs sont des portions d'ellipsoïdes de révolution, les seconds foyers étant situés en avant du pavé réflecteur;
• les portions de premières coniques à deux foyers constituant les pavés réflecteurs sont des portions d'hyperboloïdes de révolution, les seconds foyers étant situés en arrière du pavé réflecteur;
• les seconds foyers de la première conique à deux foyers sont situés par rapport au pavé réflecteur dans une direction sensiblement parallèle à la direction principale;
• les seconds foyers de la première conique à deux foyers sont situés par rapport au pavé réflecteur dans une direction inclinée par rapport à la direction principale;
• les caractéristiques photométriques prédéterminées des seconds foyers de la première conique à deux foyers appartiennent au groupe comprenant l'angle solide dans lequel les rayons lumineux divergent à partir des seconds foyers, et la direction dans laquelle les rayons lumineux divergent à partir des seconds foyers de la première conique à deux foyers;
• les paramètres des portions de coniques à deux foyers constituant les pavés réflecteurs appartiennent au groupe comprenant l'angle solide ayant pour origine la source lumineuse et s'appuyant sur le contour des pavés réflecteurs, et les paramètres des équations définissant les portions de coniques à deux foyers;
• les seconds foyers de la première conique à deux foyers sont situés dans un même plan perpendiculaire à la direction principale d'émission du faisceau d'éclairage ou de signalisation;
• les dimensions de la fraction de deuxième conique à deux foyers sont choisies pour que la quantité de lumière concentrée sur le second foyer ait une intensité prédéterminée;
• le second foyer de la fraction de deuxième conique à deux foyers est situé sur la droite joignant les foyers de la première conique à deux foyers;
• le second foyer de la fraction de deuxième conique à deux foyers est situé en dehors de la droite joignant les foyers de la première conique à deux foyers;
• la source lumineuse est constituée du filament d'une lampe à incandescence;
• la source lumineuse est constituée d'une diode électroluminescente;
• un dispositif optique est disposé en avant de la source lumineuse;
• le dispositif optique est un occulteur;
• le dispositif optique est un catadioptre réfléchissant vers l'avant les rayons lumineux qui l'atteignent.

According to other features of the invention, considered separately or in combination:

• the portions of two conical first cones constituting the reflective blocks are portions of ellipsoids of revolution, the second homes being located in front of the reflector block;
• the portions of first two-hearth conical constituting the reflecting blocks are hyperboloid portions of revolution, the second homes being located behind the reflector block;
• the second foci of the first two-fired conic are located with respect to the reflector block in a direction substantially parallel to the main direction;
• the second foci of the first two-hearth cone are located with respect to the reflector block in a direction inclined with respect to the main direction;
• the predetermined photometric characteristics of the second foci of the first two-fired conic belong to the group comprising the solid angle in which the light rays diverge from the second foci, and the direction in which the light rays diverge from the second foci of the second foci; first conical with two foci;
• the parameters of the conical portions with two focal points constituting the reflective blocks belong to the group comprising the solid angle originating from the light source and resting on the contour of the reflecting blocks, and the parameters of the equations defining the two-conical portions fireplaces;
• the second foci of the first conical two-fires are located in the same plane perpendicular to the main direction of emission of the lighting or signaling beam;
• the dimensions of the second two-hearth conical fraction are chosen so that the amount of light concentrated on the second focus has a predetermined intensity;
• the second focus of the second two-hearth conical fraction is on the right joining the foci of the first two-hearth conic;
• the second focus of the second conical fraction with two foci is situated outside the line joining the foci of the first two-hearth conic;
• the light source consists of the filament of an incandescent lamp;
• the light source consists of a light emitting diode;
• an optical device is disposed in front of the light source;
• the optical device is a concealer;
• the optical device is a reflex reflector that forwards the light rays that reach it.

The invention also relates to a lighting or signaling device, characterized in that it comprises at least two lighting or signaling modules.

Brief description of the Figures

• La Figure 1 représente schématiquement une coupe verticale axiale d'un module de signalisation réalisé selon les enseignements de la présente invention,
• La Figure 2 représente schématiquement une vue de face du module de signalisation de la Figure 1,
• La Figure 3 représente schématiquement une vue en perspective du module de signalisation des Figures 1 et 2, illustrant le trajet des rayons lumineux émis par la source,
• La Figure 4 représente schématiquement le trajet des rayons lumineux réfléchis par plusieurs pavés du réflecteur du module de signalisation,
• La Figure 5 représente schématiquement une vue analogue à celle de la Figure 3, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation des pavés du réflecteur du module,
• La Figure 6 représente schématiquement une vue analogue à celle de la Figure 4, selon le deuxième mode de réalisation des pavés du réflecteur du module,
• La Figure 7 représente schématiquement une combinaison des modes de réalisation des Figures 4 et 6,
• La Figure 8 représente une vue de côté de l'arrière d'un réflecteur utilisable dans le module de l'invention,
• La Figure 9 représente une vue de face du réflecteur de la figure 8,
• La Figure 10 représente schématiquement le faisceau lumineux émis par le module de signalisation de l'invention, équipé du réflecteur des Figures 8 et 9,
• La Figure 11 représente une vue analogue à celle de la Figure 4 montrant la marche des rayons lumineux réfléchis par un seul pavé,
• La Figure 12 représente une vue analogue à celle de la Figure 10, montrant le faisceau lumineux émis par le module de signalisation de l'invention, ne contenant que des pavés tels que représentés sur la Figure 11,
• La Figure 13 représente schématiquement une première variante de réalisation du pavé de la figure 11,
• La Figure 14 représente une vue en coupe du pavé de la Figure 13,
• La Figure 15 représente une vue en perspective du pavé de la Figure 14,
• La Figure 16 représente un premier exemple de faisceau lumineux émis par le module de signalisation de l'invention, le réflecteur étant formé de pavés représentés sur la Figure 15,
• La Figure 17 représente un deuxième exemple de faisceau lumineux émis par le module de signalisation de l'invention, le réflecteur étant formé de pavés représentés sur la Figure 15, et
• La Figure 18 représente une vue en perspective d'une deuxième variante de réalisation du pavé de la figure 11.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description which will now be made of an embodiment given without limitation with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• The Figure 1 schematically represents an axial vertical section of a signaling module produced according to the teachings of the present invention,
• The Figure 2 schematically represents a front view of the signaling module of the Figure 1 ,
• The Figure 3 schematically represents a perspective view of the signaling module of Figures 1 and 2 , illustrating the path of the light rays emitted by the source,
• The Figure 4 schematically represents the path of the light rays reflected by several blocks of the reflector of the signaling module,
• The Figure 5 schematically represents a view similar to that of the Figure 3 according to a second embodiment of the reflector blocks of the module,
• The Figure 6 schematically represents a view similar to that of the Figure 4 according to the second embodiment of the reflector blocks of the module,
• The Figure 7 schematically represents a combination of the embodiments of the Figures 4 and 6 ,
• The Figure 8 represents a side view of the rear of a reflector that can be used in the module of the invention,
• The Figure 9 represents a front view of the reflector of the figure 8 ,
• The Figure 10 schematically represents the light beam emitted by the signaling module of the invention, equipped with the reflector of the Figures 8 and 9 ,
• The Figure 11 represents a view similar to that of the Figure 4 showing the march of light rays reflected by a single pad,
• The Figure 12 represents a view similar to that of the Figure 10 , showing the light beam emitted by the signaling module of the invention, containing only blocks as represented on the Figure 11 ,
• The Figure 13 schematically represents a first embodiment of the pavement of the figure 11 ,
• The Figure 14 represents a sectional view of the pavement of the Figure 13 ,
• The Figure 15 represents a perspective view of the pavement of the Figure 14 ,
• The Figure 16 represents a first example of a light beam emitted by the signaling module of the invention, the reflector being formed of blocks represented on the Figure 15 ,
• The Figure 17 represents a second example of a light beam emitted by the signaling module of the invention, the reflector being formed of blocks represented on the Figure 15 , and
• The Figure 18 represents a perspective view of a second embodiment variant of the pavement of the figure 11 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

By convention, in the present description, will be called "before" the direction in which the emerging light or signaling light beam is emitted, and "back" in the opposite direction. On the Figure 1 for example, the front is to the right of the Figure, and the back to the left.

With reference first to Figures 1 and 2 a motor vehicle signaling light is schematically represented, which comprises a light source 11, a flux recuperating mirror 20 and a closure glass 30, for emitting a lighting or signaling beam in a main direction XX. The light source 11 can be constituted, as shown on the Figures 1 to 3 by the filament 11 of an incandescent lamp 10, or by a light-emitting diode.

The ice 30 is essentially smooth or weakly deviating, that is to say that it has no optical element significantly affecting the path of the light rays that pass through it.

As shown on the Figure 2 , the mirror 20 is formed of a set of reflector blocks 20 _i , 20 _j , contiguous or not. Each block 20 _i , 20 _j consists of a conical portion with two foci, the first focus of which is located on the filament 11.

In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 each block 20 _i , 20 _j consists of an ellipsoid portion, whose second focus F _i , F _j is located in front of the pad 20 _i , 20 _j , in a specific direction X _i -X _i , X _j -X _j .

In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 each block 20 _i , 20 _j consists of a portion of hyperboloid, the second focus Φ _i , Φ _j is located behind the pad 20 _i , 20 _j , in a specific direction X _i -X _i , X _j -X _j .

The direction X _i -X _i , X _j -X _j may be parallel to the main direction XX passing through the center of the pad 20 _i , 20 _j , as shown on the Figures 3 to 6 . It can also be inclined with respect to this axis XX. This last case may occur when it is desired to emit light rays in given directions, for example to satisfy a regulatory photometric grid, or to avoid an obstacle that could be in the path of these light rays, for example a light. internal wall of the lighting or signaling device in which the module according to the invention is installed.

In the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 each second focus F _i , F _j constitutes a real image of the source 11. In the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 each second focus Φ _i , Φ _j constitutes a virtual image of the source 11.

The second foci F _i , F _j or Φ _i , Φ _j can be located in the same plane perpendicular to the main axis XX, or they can be distributed freely in the space in three dimensions, according to the appearance that the it is desired to confer on the lit module. Indeed, the spatial arrangement of the second foci F _i , F _j or Φ _i , Φ _j with respect to the closure glass 30, when they are not coplanar, also gives an impression of depth and relief to the module when he is on.

It is thus clearly conceivable that when the lamp 10 is on, that is to say when the filament 11 is incandescent, each reflector block 20 _i , 20 _j form a real image F _i , F _j , or virtual Φ _i , Φ _j visible directly through the ice 30, smooth or weakly deviating.

It can also be expected to combine, as shown on the Figure 7 , the embodiments of Figures 3 or 4 and 5 or 6 , that is to say, to provide that the mirror 20 comprises reflector blocks 20 _i , 20 _j some of which are portions of ellipsoids whose second foci F _i , F _j are located in front of the mirror 20 and some of which are portions of hyperboloids whose second foci Φ _i , Φ _j are located behind the mirror 20. Such an embodiment allows even more flexibility in the design of the mirror 20 according to the three-dimensional aspect that is desired to give the module when it is on.

It is thus possible to form on the mirror 20 as many reflector blocks 20 _i , 20 _j as is desired, depending on the effect that it is desired to give to the illuminated module. For example, one can form the reflector blocks 20 _a, 20 _b on a mirror 20 as has been shown in Figures 8 and 9 . These blocks are formed on concentric circles so that their centers are evenly spaced on these circles. As a result, the real images F _a , F _b and / or virtual Φ _a , Φ _b of the filament 11 will also be evenly distributed over concentric circles, as can be seen from FIG. on the Figure 10 if these real images are located on axes X _i -X _i , X _j -X _j parallel to the main direction XX. The real images F _a , F _b and / or virtual images Φ _a , Φ _b can also be distributed according to a completely different configuration, without any symmetry constraint, by choosing appropriate inclinations for the X axes _i -X _i , X _j -X _j with respect to the axis XX.

Moreover, it is also possible to design the reflector blocks 20 _i , 20 _j so as to predetermine the intensity of the real image F _a , F _b and / or virtual Φ _a , Φ _b . Thus, as shown on Figures 4 and 6 , considering that the filament 11 is punctual, this filament "sees" each reflector block 20 _i , 20 _j at a different solid angle Ω _i , Ω _j . Thus, by choosing the dimensions of each reflector block 20 _i , 20 _j , it will be possible to determine the amount of light reflected by each pad and reaching each real image F _i , F _j or appearing to come from each virtual image Φ _i , Φ _j .

We see on the Figure 4 that as a function of the solid angle Δ _i under which the reflector blocks 20 _{i will} concentrate the light received from the filament 11 on the associated real image F _i , the light rays will diverge from this image F _i under this same solid angle Δ _i . As a result, this image F _i will be perfectly visible for an observer located in the solid angle Δ _i around the mean direction X _i -X _i .

Similarly, Figure 6 shows that depending on the parameters of the hyperboloid surfaces constituting the reflector blocks 20 _i , the light rays will diverge from the virtual image Φ _i at a solid angle Δ _i , making this image Φ _i visible to an observer located in the angle solid Δ _i around the mean direction X _i -X _i .

où a, b et c sont des paramètres strictement positifs donnés, égaux aux longueurs des demi-axes de l'ellipsoïde.On the other hand, we know that an ellipsoid is a surface defined in an orthonormal coordinate system (Ox, Oy, Oz) suitably chosen by the general equation: $$\frac{x^2}{{\mathrm{at}}^2}+\frac{{\mathrm{there}}^2}{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="b"\; filenames="imgf0007.png,imgf0009.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">b</figure-callout>}}^2}+\frac{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="z"\; filenames="imgf0007.png,imgf0009.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">z</figure-callout>}}^2}{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="vs"\; filenames="imgf0007.png,imgf0009.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">vs</figure-callout>}}^2}=1$$

where a, b and c are strictly positive given parameters, equal to the lengths of the half-axes of the ellipsoid.

où α, β et γ sont des paramètres strictement positifs donnés, égaux aux longueurs des demi-axes de l'hyperboloïdeSimilarly, it is known that a hyperboloid is a surface defined in an orthonormal coordinate system (Ox, Oy, Oz) suitably chosen by the general equation: $$\frac{x^2}{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="\alpha "\; filenames="imgf0007.png,imgf0009.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\alpha </figure-callout>}}^2}+\frac{{\mathrm{there}}^2}{{\mathrm{\beta }}^2}-\frac{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="z"\; filenames="imgf0007.png,imgf0009.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">z</figure-callout>}}^2}{{\mathrm{<figure-callout\; id="2"\; label="\gamma "\; filenames="imgf0007.png,imgf0009.png"\; state="\{\{state\}\}">\gamma </figure-callout>}}^2}=1$$

where α, β and γ are strictly positive parameters given, equal to the lengths of the half-axes of the hyperboloid

In this case, the position of the two focal points of each ellipsoid or hyperboloid is known: the first focus is on the filament 11 of the lamp 10, and the second focus F _i or Φ _i are located at the locations where wishes to place the real or virtual images of the filament 11, that is to say on the axes X _i -X _i , parallel or otherwise to the axis XX. The origin of the orthonormal marker is located in the middle of the segment joining the two foci, a first axis passes through the two foci, and the other two axes are perpendicular to the first axis at the origin of the marker and perpendicular to each other.

By a suitable choice of the parameters a, b and c or α, β and γ as recalled above, it will therefore be possible to choose for example the orientation of the light beam reflected by each reflector pad 20 _i . Each reflector block can thus be designed so that it sends light rays in predetermined directions, whether to increase the visibility of the lighting or signaling module or to satisfy a regulatory photometric grid.

This choice of parameters a, b and c or α, β and γ will of course be combined with the choice of the solid angle Δ _i in which the light rays diverge from F _i or Φ _i to determine the amount of light to be emitted in a particular direction.

In particular, it will be possible to determine the value of this solid angle Δ _i , and therefore the angle under which all the images F _i or Φ _i will be visible. For example, it is possible to make reflector blocks 20 _i so that they remain perfectly visible for an observer located in a direction at an angle of about 20 degrees with respect to the main direction XX.

The three-dimensional aspect rendered by the module according to the invention can be further improved by slight modifications of the surface of the reflector blocks 20 _i constituting the flux recovery mirror. For the sake of clarity, these modifications will now be exposed in relation to pavers whose surface is an ellipsoid portion, but it is understood that the same modifications can be made, mutatis mutandis, to pavers whose surface is a portion of hyperboloid.

So we represented on the Figure 11 the surface of an elementary block 20 _i of ellipsoidal shape, associated with the filament 11 placed in its first focus, and concentrating the light rays emitted by this filament 11 to the second focus F _i , this surface being seen in section through a plane passing through his two homes 11 and F _i .

The Figure 12 shows the light beam emitted by the reflector 20 of the module according to the invention, containing only blocks whose surfaces are such as that which is represented on the Figure 11 , the reflector being seen from the front. It has been seen above that this light beam comprises the rays coming from the filament 11 itself, as well as the rays issuing from the different images F _i , F _j of this filament, formed by the various blocks 20 _i , 20 _j . The images F _i , F _j of the filament 11 may be arranged at any predetermined location as we have seen above, both along the main direction XX, perpendicular to the plane of the Figure, and perpendicularly to this direction, it is in the plane of the Figure. The images F _i , F _j can thus be freely arranged in a three-dimensional space.

• on ne considèrera que la moitié de l'ellipsoïde constituant un pavé 20_i, en faisant l'hypothèse que la totalité du pavé 20_i est constituée par ce demi ellipsoïde, et
• on ne considèrera que la coupe de cette surface par un plan passant par ses deux foyers 11 et F_i.

For the simplification of the description of the modifications to be made to the surface of the reflector blocks as represented on the Figure 11 :

• only half of the ellipsoid constituting a block 20 _{i will be considered} , assuming that the entire block 20 _i is constituted by this half ellipsoid, and
• we only consider the section of this surface by a plane passing through its two foci 11 and F _i .

As can be seen on the Figures 11 and 13 O and O 'are the intersections of the line joining the two foci 11 and F _i with the ellipsoid having these two foci. So we see on Figures 11 and 13 that the entire arc (OO ') is used to concentrate the light from the filament 11 on the second focus F _i .

By considering any point A of the arc (OO '), it is always possible to pass through this point an arc (AB) of a second ellipsoid 20 _{i, 1} , having a first focus located on the filament 11, in common with the ellipsoid 20 _i , and a second focus F _{i, 1} , located in the vicinity of the focus F _i , on the line segment OO 'joining the foci 11 and F _i .

Similarly, starting from the point B of the second ellipsoid 20 _{i, 1} , it is always possible to pass through this point an arc (BC) of a third ellipsoid 20 _{i, 2} , having a first focus located on the filament 11 in common with the ellipsoids 20 _i and 20 _{i, 1} , and a second focus F _{i, 2} , in the vicinity of the focus F _{i, 1} , on the line segment 00 'joining the foci 11 and F _i and F _{i , 1} .

By proceeding thus step by step, it is possible to define, for example, arcs (AB), (BC), (CD) and (DE) of ellipsoids 20 _{i, 1} , 20 _{i, 2} , 20 _{i, 3} and 20 _{i. , 4} , respectively, concentrating the rays emitted by the filament 11 respectively on the secondary foci F _{i, 1} , F _{i, 2} , F _{i, 3} , F _{i, 4} , all located on the line segment OO 'joining the foci 11 and F _i , their distance between them.

The foci F ₁ , F ₁ , F ₁ , F _1, F _{1, 3} , F _{i, 4} will subsequently be referred to as secondary foci with respect to F _i , all these foci being associated with filament 11 via the same block reflector 20 _i .

The ellipsoid resulting from these modifications then takes in section the shape represented on the Figure 14 , where the evolution of the arcs (AB), (BC), (CD) and (DE) of ellipsoids 20 _{i, x} , 20 _{i, y} and 20 _{i, z} has been schematically represented, and in perspective the appearance represented on the Figure 15 , obtained by rotation of the Figure 14 around the OO 'segment.

As explained with reference to Figures 4 and 6 the dimensions, and among others the "length" of the arcs (AB), (BC), (CD) and (DE) can be chosen so that the amount of light concentrated by the different ellipsoids 20 _{i, 1} , _{I, 2} , 20 _{i, 3} and 20 _{i, 4} on the secondary foci F _{i, 1} , F _{i, 2} , F _{i, 3} , F _{i, 4} respectively have a predetermined intensity.

As a result, it is possible to make a reflector block 20 _i consisting of a portion of ellipsoid 20 _i , concentrating the light of a filament 11 located in its first focus on a point F _i located in its second focus this portion of ellipsoid 20 _{i itself} having areas 20 _{i, 1} , 20 _{i, 2} , 20 _{i, 3} and 20 _{i, 4} concentrating the light from the same filament 11 on points located in secondary foci F _{i, 1,} F _{i, 2} , F _{i, 3} , F _{i, 4} respectively, located at any predetermined location of the axis OO 'joining the two foci of the ellipsoid 20 _i , and having any predetermined brightness, however less to that of focus 20 _i .

That's what we see on the Figure 16 , which represents the light beam emitted by a signaling module equipped with a reflector 20 made up of blocks such as those represented on the Figure 15 , the reflector 20 being viewed from the front.

We see on this Figure 16 that the light beam comprises the rays coming from the filament 11 itself, as well as the rays issuing from the different images F _i , F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} , of this filament, formed by the different blocks 20 _i , 20 _{i, x} , 20 _{i, y} and 20 _{i, z} .

As seen above, the images F _i can be arranged at any predetermined location in a three-dimensional space, having any predetermined brightness. Similarly, the secondary images F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} , generated by the The same block 20 _i can be arranged at any predetermined location of the axis joining the image F _i to the filament 11, having any predetermined brightness preferably that of the image F _i .

As shown on the Figure 16 it will thus be possible to arrange the secondary images F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} so that they regularly deviate from the image F _i , while having decreasing luminosities. It is thus possible to reinforce the impression of volume or of depth released by the set of images F _i and associated secondary images F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} , the latter giving a "leaking" line effect. Compared to the images F _i .

This effect or impression can be further strengthened. Indeed, if by returning to the Figure 13 we can consider that the arc (AE) is intended for the creation of the secondary images F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} , F _{i, t} , the arc (OO ') diminished by the arc (AE) being intended for the creation of the single image F _i .

We can therefore keep the arc (AE) its length, but divide it into elementary arcs (AB), (BC), (CD), and so on. in greater numbers, and therefore each having a smaller length, so as to increase the number of secondary images F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} , F _{i, t} . Thus, if we stretch the length of an elementary arc (AB), (BC), (CD), etc. to zero, the number of these elementary ars will increase to infinity, as will the number of secondary images F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} , F _{i, t} .

That's what we see on the Figure 17 , where the secondary images F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} , F _{i, t} form a drag from each image F _i , drag directed towards the filament 11. Each image F _i , associated with its secondary images F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} , F _{i, t} thus give the illusion of a "comet" coming from the filament 11.

Alternatively, it can be expected that the "tail" of the "comets" that has just been described is not directed towards the filament 11, but can adopt any desired orientation, and even is not necessarily straight.

Indeed, for a block 20 _i , the definition of elementary arcs (AB), (BC), (CD), etc. on the same arc (OO ') implies that the secondary images F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} , F _{i, t} are arranged along the same axis 11, F _i , these secondary images F _{i, x} , F _{i, y} , F _{i, z} , F _{i, t} being generated by secondary ellipsoids 20 _{i, x} , 20 _{i, y} , 20 _{i, z} and 20 _{i, t} obtained by rotation around the axis OO arcs (AB), (BC), (CD) and (DE) as defined above.

If therefore we consider arcs 20 _{i, α} , 20 _iβ , 20 _{i, γ} contained in planes passing through O and O 'and forming an angle between them, it will be possible to concentrate the light coming from the filament 11 on secondary foci. F _{i, α} , F _{i, β} , F _{i, γ} which will be located outside the axis OO '.

This is what we represented on the Figure 18 , where we see that the secondary foci F _{i, α} , F _{i, β} , F _{i, γ} are distributed along a segment perpendicular to the axis OO '. Each secondary image F _{i, α} , F _{i, β} , F _{i, γ} is located at the second focus of an ellipsoid 20 _α , 20 _β , 20 _γ whose first focus is located on the filament 11. The ellipsoids 20 _α , 20 _β , 20 _γ , which have not been shown for clarity of the drawing, consist of spindles having at vertices the points O and O ', and having as median lines the arcs 20 _{i, α} , 20 _iβ , 20 _{i , γ} .

As in the previous embodiment, it will be possible for the secondary images F _{i, α} , F _{i, β} , F _{i, γ to} be discretely distributed, and separated from each other, or to form a continuous "drag" and decreasing from the image F _i , as a function of the dimensions conferred on the spindles 20 _α , 20 _β , 20 _γ .

Thus, a lighting or signaling module having a single light source and whose illuminated aspect is that of a module comprising a multitude of light sources has been well realized. The position of each of these sources may be defined to form any geometric patterns, the intensity of the sources being adjustable to any predetermined value. We have seen that these choices are possible without having to use dioptric elements, generating loss of light. The luminous efficiency of the module according to the invention is therefore optimal. In addition, the ellipsoidal and / or hyperboloidal surfaces allow a better recovery of the luminous flux emitted by the primary source than in the case of paraboloidal surfaces. Since the reflector mirror is constructed from portions of ellipsoids and / or hyperboloids, the possible discontinuities between these different portions are much smaller than those which would be generated by multifocal paraboloidal surfaces.

The lighting or signaling module which has just been described may thus be used alone to carry out a regulatory function of lighting or signaling, such as taillight, brake light, change of direction indicator or reversing light. Lighting or signaling devices may also be made using several modules. It is thus possible to obtain an entirely new aspect signaling function.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been described, but the skilled person may instead make many changes that fall within its scope. Thus, although the "comet" effect has been described in relation to blocks which are portions of ellipsoids, this same effect can be obtained, mutatis mutandis, with blocks which are portions of hyperboloids. We can thus predict that some of the reflector blocks are built on ellipsoids, while others will be built on hyperboloid, while still others, ellipsoids or hyperboloids, will be designed to concentrate only the rays from the filament on a single image, depending on the desired end effect.

It is thus also possible to provide in front of the light source an optical device such as a concealer intended to hide the primary source, so that an observer can only see the real or virtual images of this source. primary source. This optical device may also consist of a retro-reflector, reflecting forward light rays that reach it, eg from other vehicles' lighting devices, so that the module according to the present invention, in addition to its lighting or signaling function, it also fulfills this regulatory signaling function.

According to the invention, if desired, the edges of the blocks are substantially undetectable to the naked eye.
In this case, the blocks are not associated with an optical diffuser.
In particular, the invention is not intended to obtain a homogeneous appearance of the lighting.
According to the present invention, the module makes it possible to obtain secondary light sources appearing as sources that are distinct from one another.

Claims (17)

Lighting or signaling module for the emission of a lighting or signaling beam according to a principal direction (XX), of the type comprising a light source (11), a mirror (20) recovering luminous flux coming from the light source comprising a set of reflector blocks (20 _i ), the reflective surface of each reflector block (20 _i ) comprising a conical first portion with two foci, a first focus of which is located on the light source (11) and one of which second focus (F _i , Φ _i ) is located with respect to the reflector block (20 _i ) in a direction (X _i , X _i ) specific to the main direction (XX), each reflector block (20 _i ) forming a image (F _i , Φ _i ) of the light source (11) at the second focus, characterized in that the surface of at least one reflector block (20 _i ) comprises at least a second conical second fraction (20 _{i , j} ) of which a first focus is located on the light source euse (11) and whose second focus (F _{i, j} ) is located remotely, but preferably close to, the second focus (F _i , Φ _i ) of the first two-focus conic. Module according to claim 1, characterized in that the two conical first conical portions of the reflector blocks (20 _i , 20 _j ) are portions of ellipsoids of revolution, the second homes (F _i ) being located in front of the pavement reflector (20 _i ). Module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first two conical conical first portions of the reflector blocks (20 _i , 20 _j ) are portions of hyperboloid of revolution, the second homes (Φ _i ) being located behind the pavement reflector (20 _i ). Module according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the second foci (F _i , Φ _i ) of the first two-hearth cone are located relative to each other. to the reflector block (20 _i ) in a direction (X _i -X _i ) substantially parallel to the main direction (XX). Module according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the second foci (F _i , Φ _i ) of the first two-hearth cone are located with respect to the reflector block (20 _i ) in a direction (X _i -X _i ) inclined with respect to the main direction (XX). Module according to one of Claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the predetermined photometric characteristics of the second foci of the first two-fuse conic (F _i , F _j , Φ _i , Φ _j ) belong to the group comprising the solid angle (Δ _i , Δ _j ) in which the light rays diverge from the second foci (F _i , F _j ; Φ _i , Φ _j ) of the first two-focus conic, and the direction (X _i -X _i ) in which light rays diverge from the second foci (F _i , F _j ; Φ _i , Φ _j ). Module according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the parameters of the conical portions with two foci constituting the reflector blocks (20 _i , 20 _j ) belong to the group comprising the solid angle (Ω _i , Ω _j ) originating from the light source (11) and based on the contour of the reflecting blocks (20 _i , 20 _j ), and the parameters (a, b, c, α, β, γ) of the equations defining the conical portions two homes Module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second foci (F _i , F _j ; Φ _i , Φ _j ) of the first conical with two foci are located in the same plane perpendicular to the main direction ( XX) of emission of the lighting or signaling beam. Module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the dimensions of the fraction of second conical two-focus (20 _{i, j} ) are chosen so that the amount of light concentrated on the second focus (F _{i, j} ) has a predetermined intensity. Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second focus (F _i , _j ) of the fraction of second conical two-focus (20 _i , _j ) is located on the line joining the foci (11, F _i ) the first conical two-focus (20 _i ). Module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second focus (F _{i, j} ) of the fraction of second conical two-focus (20 _{i, j} ) is located outside the line joining the foci (11, F _i ) of the first two-hearth conic (20 _i ). Module according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (11) consists of the filament (11) of an incandescent lamp (10). Module according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the light source (11) consists of a light-emitting diode (11). Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optical device is arranged in front of the light source (11) Module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the optical device is an occluder. Module according to claim 14 or claim 15, characterized in that the optical device is a retro-reflecting reflector for the light rays which reach it. Lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least two lighting or signaling modules according to any one of the preceding claims.

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