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EP1881265B1 - Lighting device comprising a planar lightguide with a light reflecting portion having the shape of an arc of a circle - Google Patents

Lighting device comprising a planar lightguide with a light reflecting portion having the shape of an arc of a circle Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1881265B1
EP1881265B1 EP07112943A EP07112943A EP1881265B1 EP 1881265 B1 EP1881265 B1 EP 1881265B1 EP 07112943 A EP07112943 A EP 07112943A EP 07112943 A EP07112943 A EP 07112943A EP 1881265 B1 EP1881265 B1 EP 1881265B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
axis
guide
rays
source
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP07112943A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1881265A1 (en
Inventor
Antoine De Lamberterie
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 date
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Publication of EP1881265A1 publication Critical patent/EP1881265A1/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
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/235—Light guides
    • F21S43/247—Light guides with a single light source being coupled into the light guide
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/235—Light guides
    • F21S43/236—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide
    • F21S43/239—Light guides characterised by the shape of the light guide plate-shaped
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S43/00—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights
    • F21S43/20—Signalling devices specially adapted for vehicle exteriors, e.g. brake lamps, direction indicator lights or reversing lights characterised by refractors, transparent cover plates, light guides or filters
    • F21S43/235—Light guides
    • F21S43/242—Light guides characterised by the emission area
    • F21S43/243—Light guides characterised by the emission area emitting light from one or more of its extremities

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle which comprises a light-guiding sheet.
  • Such a device is known from the document EP 1 126 209 .
  • the shape of the lighting and / or signaling lights plays a key role in the search for a style and an original aesthetic that will allow the motor vehicle to be recognized by far.
  • a light guide is a cylinder of transparent material that forms a kind of "pipe" in which light rays enter through a first input end. Light rays are then guided along the light guide by successive total reflections on its cylindrical outer face.
  • a rear portion of the cylindrical face of the light guide has irregularities, such as diffusion streaks, which make it possible to diffuse part of the light rays forward so that part of the scattered light rays come out of the light guide through the opposite portion of the cylindrical face to form a linear light beam.
  • the light guide may for example be shaped into a ring that surrounds the front perimeter of a low beam headlamp so as to emit an annular beam of light around the headlamp.
  • the input end portion of the light guide is then bent so that the input end of the light rays is arranged outside the ring formed by the light guide.
  • the light beam obtained by such a device is very low even if the light source arranged at the input end of the light guide is very powerful.
  • the material constituting the lighting or signaling device causes a certain absorption of the light rays which pass through it, which results in losses that are all the greater due to the distance away from the light source.
  • the brightness at vicinity of the light source is greater than remote from this source, and therefore a lack of homogeneity.
  • part of the light rays introduced into the light guide by the bent input portion directly reaches the opposite face of the light guide thus causing the appearance of a very bright point relative to the remainder of the annular beam.
  • the invention proposes a lighting and / or signaling device of the type described above, characterized in that the guide ply comprises several angular sectors around the axis of the source, each angular sector forming a portion of the return wafer, each portion of the return wafer being shaped in a circular arc centered on the axis of the source so that the propagation plane of each light beam reaching this portion of the return wafer is perpendicular to any point at the portion of the return wafer, and in that the wafer portion is inclined so that the light rays are reflected generally towards the optical axis by passing through one of the guide faces to form the light beam; the return wafer being thus formed of a succession of frustoconical portions of axis coinciding with the optical axis, at least two portions of the return wafer being in a circular arc of different radii.
  • FIG. 1 a lighting device 10 for a motor vehicle.
  • the lighting device 10 is capable of emitting a linear light beam "F" along a generally longitudinal optical axis "O".
  • the lighting device 10 comprises in particular a light-guiding sheet 12 which is in the form of an angular sector of plane disk of constant thickness.
  • a normal orientation "N" orthogonal to the guide ply, a radial orientation “R” perpendicular to the normal and a non-limiting orientation, will be adopted locally at all points of the guide ply 12, and in a non-limiting manner. directed from the center of the disc angular sector outwards, and a tangential orientation "T" perpendicular to the normal "N” and radial "R” orientations.
  • the guide ply 12 is thus delimited in the direction of the thickness, by a front face 14 and a rear face 16 for guiding the light. Both front 14 and rear 16 are parallel to each other.
  • the guide ply 12 is delimited radially by an outer circular arcuate return slice 18 and an inner arc-shaped entrance slice 20 having a radius smaller than that of the slice. reference.
  • the two arcs forming the return 18 and input 20 are centered on a common axis called "light source S" which is normal to the guide ply 12.
  • the source axis "S" coincides with the optical axis "O".
  • the guide ply 12 also has two lateral edges 22.
  • the guide ply 12 is made of a transparent material whose refractive index is greater than the refractive index of the medium. wherein the lighting device 10 is intended to be immersed, for example air.
  • a light ray introduced into the thickness of the web by its input slice with an incident angle relative to the normal "N" which is greater than a refraction limit angle is likely to be reflected completely by the faces guide 14, 16.
  • the light ray is thus guided in the thickness of the guide web by successive reflection between the two guide faces 14, 16.
  • the lighting device 10 also comprises a point light source 24 which is arranged near or in contact with the entrance wafer of the light 20.
  • the light source 24 is for example a halogen lamp, or preferably a light emitting diode.
  • the light source is capable of emitting a light cone 26 in generally radial directions in a ring around the normal source axis "S", such as an LED or light emitting diode called “Side-Emitter” which emits rays. light in a range for example of about 30 ° on either side of the radial direction in a meridian plane to the source axis "S” and which is likely to extend around the source axis " S ", for example 360 ° in a plane normal to the source axis” S ".
  • the side emitter LED also called lateral emission LED, is arranged so that its emitting surface is in a through opening formed in a coupling zone "ZC" with the light source 24, that is, that is, so that its emitting surface faces the inner light input wafer 20.
  • Radii r emitted radially by the LED are represented and all depart in the thickness of the coupling zone "ZC" and penetrate into the guide ply 12 by the input wafer 20.
  • the emission cone C of the LED is also schematically represented, it corresponds approximately at the level of the input slice to the thickness of the guide ply.
  • the coupling zone "ZC” allows a coupling between the guiding layer 12 and the light source 28, so that the light rays emitted by said light source are propagated radially at said coupling area around a source axis "S".
  • the orifice is opening only in one of the guide faces of the guide ply 12 but not in the other of the faces.
  • the source 24 is here a Lambertian type LED, or LED axial emission.
  • it is a LED devoid of dome, for example an LED available under the trade name "Golden Dragon”. It emits in a half space. It is arranged so that its emitting surface is flush with the surface of the coupling zone "ZC" which has been arranged in such a way that the light rays emitted by said light source are then redirected radially at the level of said coupling around a source axis "S".
  • the coupling zone “ZC” locally has an inlet zone in the form of a convex convex surface "B" on the side of which the LED 24 is located, and on the opposite face and opposite this convex face.
  • B an area approaching the shape of a shape complementary to a cone "CO”.
  • a lambertian-type LED with a protective dome is used.
  • Such an LED is for example known under the trade name "Led Rebel”.
  • the LED 24 is disposed in the coupling zone "ZC" so that the dome is inserted into a non-through opening provided in the coupling zone.
  • this opening there is a convex curved surface "B” and on the opposite face of the coupling zone a fitted surface of a zone approaching the shape of a shape complementary to a "CO” cone, so that as at the figure 9 the rays that reach it go back into the coupling zone "ZC" by total reflection.
  • the cone "CO” may also have a deformed area to return the rays that without this area would directly reach the output slot.
  • This is for example a kind of "truncation” so that the reflection zone "CO” has a plane face.
  • the periphery of the cone corresponds to a circle.
  • the top of this triangle opposite this base is located on the cone between the two faces of the guide ply, preferably near the top of the cone.
  • This flattened face is located next to the exit slice. All the rays emitted above the conical section portion will therefore be distributed around the source axis "S" within an angular interval corresponding to the circular portion of the cone section on the face opposed to the LED 24.
  • the top of the flat face is located between the top of the cone and the base thereof, on the side of the output wafer (for example on the left on the Figures 9 and 10 ).
  • the angular interval is greater than 180 °.
  • the reflection slice surrounds this zone conical profile and thus the set of rays reflected around the source axis "S" is reflected a second time by the reflection slice.
  • the rays emitted above the plane face will be reflected in the same direction and directly towards the output edge, the base of the triangle constituting the plane face perpendicular to the optical axis.
  • the invention makes it possible to use LEDs with very different characteristics, which can emit either radially, axially or in a half-plane. It is then necessary to arrange the coupling zone accordingly, for example by making an opening therethrough or not to insert all or part of the LED, and providing optical means when necessary (especially for the LEDs emitting in half a plane) so that the maximum of the light emitted by the LED propagates well in the thickness of the coupling zone without loss to the rear reflection zone 20.
  • the light source 24 is arranged near the input wafer 20.
  • the light source 24 is associated with a reflection face 28 which is arranged vis-à-vis the input wafer of the light rays.
  • the reflection face 28 is shaped so as to reflect the light rays generally radially towards the entrance slice of the guide ply.
  • the light rays coming from the light source 24 are for example conducted to the reflection face 28 by a light guide 30, by an optical fiber (not shown), or by a reflector (not shown) which focuses the light rays towards the reflection face 28.
  • the light rays are guided so as to reach the reflection face 28 in a generally normal direction.
  • the reflection face is shaped into a cone of revolution or an angular sector of cone of revolution of source axis "S" so as to reflect radially rays around the source axis "S".
  • the reflection face 28 is formed integrally with the guide ply 12.
  • each light beam is guided so as to follow a radial direction inside the guide web 12 to the output edge 18.
  • the return portion 18 of the guide ply 12 is inclined relative to the normal so that the light rays that reach it are reflected globally. in the direction of the optical axis "O".
  • the light rays thus reflected reach an output peripheral zone 32 of the front guide face 14 with an angle of incidence less than the limit angle of refraction so that the light rays pass through the guiding face 14 to form the light beam.
  • F the light beam
  • the exit zone 32 of the front face 14 is orthogonal to the optical axis "O" so that the light rays are not reflected at all by the front face 14.
  • the deflection wafer 18 more particularly forms an angular sector of truncated cone of revolution which is centered on the optical axis "O” which here coincides with the source axis "S".
  • the light rays are advantageously reflected by the return slice 18 by total reflection.
  • the return slice 18 is covered with a layer of reflective material, for example, the slice 18 is aluminized.
  • the light ray return section 18 is shaped so that the propagation planes "M" of the light rays are perpendicular to the contour of the deflection wafer 18.
  • the deflection wafer 18 is thus shaped in a circular arc centered. on the source axis "S".
  • Such a lighting or signaling device 10 has a good efficiency, that is to say that the flux in the emitted light beam “F” is slightly less than the flux emitted by the light source 24.
  • the light beam “F” may have an intensity of 600 Cd for a light source with a luminous flux of 25 Lm.
  • the intensity of the beam "F" can be 10 times greater than the intensity emitted by the devices of the prior art.
  • the guide web is completed by optical systems known to focus or on the contrary spread the light rays forming the light beam "F".
  • the guide ply here comprises a linear lens 34 which is arranged near or in contact with the exit zone 32 of the guiding front face 14 of the guide ply 12.
  • the linear lens 34 is advantageously made integral with the guide web. The linear lens 34 is then that contact of the exit zone 32.
  • the linear lens 34 here comprises a front face 36 which is curved in order to focus the light rays in a radial plane.
  • the linear lens 34 may also be provided with radial striations (not shown) so as to spread the light in a tangential plane so that the light beam "F" is visible by an observer which is located obliquely with respect to the optical axis "O".
  • the lens 34 is made integrally with the guide ply 12.
  • a secondary guide ply is interposed between the exit zone 32 and the lens 34 so as to guide the light rays from the exit zone 32 to the lens 34.
  • the guide web 12 is arranged behind a fire block and it is desired to project the light beam "F" from the front rim of the fire block.
  • the input slice of the secondary guide ply is then arranged at the right or in contact with the exit zone 32 of the guide ply 12 and the lens is arranged on an outlet edge of the secondary guide ply.
  • the guide web forms a disk whose axis coincides with the source axis "S".
  • the outer perimeter edge of the web forms the return portion 18 of the light rays.
  • the contour of the return wafer 18 is thus closed so as to produce an annular light beam "F”.
  • the guide ply 12 comprises a central orifice which is delimited radially by an inner edge which forms the entrance slice 20 of the light rays.
  • the light source 24 is thus arranged in the central orifice.
  • the entrance slice 20 is thus surrounded by the slider 18.
  • the return slice 18 here forms a truncated cone of revolution inclined at 45 ° which is centered on the source axis "S".
  • the operation and structure of the guiding device are the same as those described for the first embodiment.
  • the peripheral output area 32 of the disk is also equipped with an optical system such as a lens 34 to obtain a light beam "F" with the desired characteristics.
  • the light beam "F” For use in daylight, also called “DRL” or “day running light", the light beam “F” must be visible by an observer that is offset laterally with respect to the optical axis "O".
  • the upper and lower poles of the lens 34 are then designed with closely spaced ridges so as to strongly spread the light in a plane tangential to the radius and with a lens 34 capable of strongly focusing the rays in a radial plane.
  • the lateral poles of the lens 34 are designed with few striations so as to spread the light rays in a tangent plane and to diverge the rays in a radial plane.
  • these characteristics are applied progressively from a lateral pole to a vertical pole.
  • the guide web 12 is not flat but has a curved shape.
  • the guide faces 14, 16 of the guide ply 12 then have the form of surfaces of revolution or surfaces of revolution around the source axis "S" so that the light rays always propagate along meridian propagation planes. "M" containing the source axis "S”.
  • the guide ply 12 has the shape of a spherical cap.
  • the section of the guide ply 12 according to a meridian plane "M" has any curvilinear shape.
  • the radii of curvature of the section of the guide ply 12 are advantageously large enough to prevent the incident light rays from reaching one of the guide faces 14, 16 with an angle greater than the limit angle of refraction.
  • the return slice 18 is then inclined at an appropriate angle depending on the average direction of the incident incident rays.
  • This average direction generally corresponds to the local tangent of the ply sections of the faces 14 and 16 in the meridian plane "M".
  • the previous embodiments can be considered as special cases of a more general embodiment.
  • the previous embodiments can be analyzed as having only a single return slice.
  • the return portion 18 consists of a multitude of elementary portions 40, which can then be arranged in a contour of any shape, closed or open, and no longer only in a circle or an arc circle.
  • the guide ply 12 is then discretized into several angular sectors 38 from the source axis "S" which can have the same cutting angle.
  • the deflection portion portions 18 of each of the angular sectors 38 are then shaped in a circular arc centered on the source axis so that the propagation planes "M" of each light beam are perpendicular at every point with the edge. of raria 18.
  • the return slice 18 is formed of a succession of frustoconical portions of axis coincident with the optical axis "O".
  • the discretization of the ply is very fine, that is to say that the cutting angle is very small, so that the slice 18 is divided into a very large number of portions 40.
  • light beam "F” is likely to be perceived as a continuous "F” light beam with no drop in intensity at the interface between two portions 40 in an arc of different radii of the deflection slice 18.
  • the perimeter of the contour of each portion of wafer 40 is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm long.
  • the guide ply 12 is flat but it is not orthogonal to the optical axis "O".
  • the return slice 18 will be shaped as a conical frustum or as an angular sector of truncated cone with an inclined axis coinciding with the optical axis "O".
  • the inclination of the return slice 18 relative to the normal "N" is likely to vary throughout the slice 18.
  • the guide ply 12 advantageously comprises a secondary guide ply in the form of a tubular cylinder or an angular sector of a tubular cylinder whose axis coincides with the optical axis "O" which is arranged in contact with the exit zone. 32.
  • the secondary guide ply is then made integrally with the guiding ply 12.
  • the outlet slice of the secondary guide ply is shaped to be orthogonal to the optical axis "O" to allow the light rays to leave without part being reflected by the output edge of the secondary web.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Abstract

The device (10) has a flat transversal light guiding sheet (12) including an angular sector around a point light source e.g. side-emitter type LED, axis (S). The sector forms an elementary portion of an outer return edge (18), where the portion is conformed in a manner so that a meridian propagation plane (M) of a light ray reaching the portion is perpendicular to points at the portion. The portion is inclined in a manner so that the ray is totally reflected in a direction of a longitudinal optical orientation axis by traversing light ray guiding surfaces (14, 16) to form a linear light beam.

Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile qui comporte une nappe de guidage de la lumière.The invention relates to a lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle which comprises a light-guiding sheet.

L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation pour véhicule automobile qui est susceptible d'émettre un faisceau lumineux selon un axe optique d'orientation globalement longitudinale, et qui comporte :

  • au moins une nappe globalement transversale de guidage de la lumière qui est délimitée dans le sens de l'épaisseur par deux faces parallèles de guidage de rayons lumineux, et qui est délimitée transversalement au moins par une première tranche d'entrée de rayons lumineux, et au moins par une deuxième tranche de renvoi des rayons lumineux en direction de l'axe optique, et ;
  • au moins une source lumineuse ponctuelle qui est agencée à proximité de la tranche d'entrée de la nappe de guidage de manière à émettre des rayons lumineux selon au moins un secteur angulaire autour d'un axe de propagation normal à la nappe, les rayons lumineux se propageant par réflexions successives entre les faces de guidage en direction de la tranche de renvoi selon des plans méridiens de propagation qui rayonnent depuis l'axe de source.
The invention more particularly relates to a lighting or signaling device for a motor vehicle which is capable of emitting a light beam along an optical axis of generally longitudinal orientation, and which comprises:
  • at least one generally transverse sheet for guiding the light which is delimited in the thickness direction by two parallel light-ray guide faces, and which is transversely delimited at least by a first light-ray entrance slice, and at least by a second slice of return of the light rays in the direction of the optical axis, and;
  • at least one point light source which is arranged near the entrance wafer of the guiding layer so as to emit light rays in at least one angular sector around a propagation axis normal to the ply, the light rays propagating by successive reflections between the guide faces in the direction of the return slice according to meridian propagation planes which radiate from the source axis.

Un tel dispositif est connu du document EP 1 126 209 .Such a device is known from the document EP 1 126 209 .

Il est courant de rassembler dans un seul boîtier plusieurs fonctions d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation, de manière à simplifier le câblage électrique de ces différentes fonctions dans un véhicule automobile.It is common to gather in a single package several lighting and / or signaling functions, so as to simplify the electrical wiring of these various functions in a motor vehicle.

De plus, la forme des feux d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation joue un rôle prépondérant dans la recherche d'un style et d'une esthétique originale qui permettra au véhicule automobile d'être reconnu de loin.In addition, the shape of the lighting and / or signaling lights plays a key role in the search for a style and an original aesthetic that will allow the motor vehicle to be recognized by far.

Pour résoudre ces problèmes, il est connu d'équiper le véhicule avec des guides de lumière. Un guide de lumière est un cylindre de matériau transparent qui forme une sorte de "tuyau" dans lequel les rayons lumineux entrent par une première extrémité d'entrée. Les rayons lumineux sont ensuite guidés le long du guide de lumière par réflexions totales successives sur sa face externe cylindrique.To solve these problems, it is known to equip the vehicle with light guides. A light guide is a cylinder of transparent material that forms a kind of "pipe" in which light rays enter through a first input end. Light rays are then guided along the light guide by successive total reflections on its cylindrical outer face.

Une portion arrière de la face cylindrique du guide de lumière comporte des irrégularités, telles que des stries de diffusion, qui permettent de diffuser une partie des rayons lumineux vers l'avant de manière qu'une partie des rayons lumineux diffusés sortent du guide de lumière en traversant la portion opposée de la face cylindrique afin de former un faisceau lumineux linéaire.A rear portion of the cylindrical face of the light guide has irregularities, such as diffusion streaks, which make it possible to diffuse part of the light rays forward so that part of the scattered light rays come out of the light guide through the opposite portion of the cylindrical face to form a linear light beam.

Le guide de lumière peut par exemple être conformé en un anneau qui entoure le périmètre avant d'un projecteur de feu de croisement de manière à émettre un faisceau annulaire de lumière autour du projecteur. La portion d'extrémité d'entrée du guide de lumière est alors coudée de manière que l'extrémité d'entrée des rayons lumineux soit agencée à l'extérieur de l'anneau formé par le guide de lumière.The light guide may for example be shaped into a ring that surrounds the front perimeter of a low beam headlamp so as to emit an annular beam of light around the headlamp. The input end portion of the light guide is then bent so that the input end of the light rays is arranged outside the ring formed by the light guide.

Cependant une telle solution ne permet pas d'obtenir un faisceau lumineux de forte intensité. En effet, les rayons lumineux émis par la source lumineuse sont guidés de manière aléatoire et non ordonnée à l'intérieur du guide de lumière.However, such a solution does not make it possible to obtain a high intensity light beam. Indeed, the light rays emitted by the light source are guided in a random and unordered manner within the light guide.

De plus seule une partie des rayons lumineux est diffusée vers l'extérieur par les irrégularités. En conséquence, le faisceau lumineux obtenu par un tel dispositif est très peu intense même si la source lumineuse agencée à l'extrémité d'entrée du guide de lumière est très puissante.Moreover, only a portion of the light rays is diffused outwards by the irregularities. As a result, the light beam obtained by such a device is very low even if the light source arranged at the input end of the light guide is very powerful.

Or, certaines fonctions d'éclairage et de signalisation requièrent un faisceau lumineux très intense pour être conformes aux réglementations en vigueur. Le guide de lumière n'est donc pas adapté pour réaliser de telles fonctions.However, certain lighting and signaling functions require a very intense light beam to comply with the regulations in force. The light guide is not adapted to perform such functions.

En outre, l'aspect du faisceau annulaire obtenu est fortement in-homogène notamment pour les deux raisons suivantes.In addition, the appearance of the annular beam obtained is highly inhomogeneous, in particular for the following two reasons.

D'une part le matériau constituant le dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation provoque une certaine absorption des rayons lumineux qui le traversent, qui se traduit par des pertes d'autant plus importantes due l'on s'éloigne de la source lumineuse. Il en résulte que la luminosité au voisinage de la source lumineuse est plus importante qu'à distance de cette source, et donc un défaut d'homogénéité.On the one hand, the material constituting the lighting or signaling device causes a certain absorption of the light rays which pass through it, which results in losses that are all the greater due to the distance away from the light source. As a result, the brightness at vicinity of the light source is greater than remote from this source, and therefore a lack of homogeneity.

D'autre part une partie des rayons lumineux introduits dans le guide de lumière par la portion coudée d'entrée atteint directement la face opposée du guide de lumière provoquant ainsi l'apparition d'un point très lumineux par rapport au reste du faisceau annulaire.On the other hand, part of the light rays introduced into the light guide by the bent input portion directly reaches the opposite face of the light guide thus causing the appearance of a very bright point relative to the remainder of the annular beam.

Pour résoudre ces problèmes, l'invention propose un dispositif d'éclairage et/ou de signalisation du type décrit précédemment, caractérisé en ce que la nappe de guidage comporte plusieurs secteurs angulaires autour de l'axe de la source, chaque secteur angulaire formant une portion de la tranche de renvoi, chaque portion de la tranche de renvoi étant conformé en arc de cercle centré sur l'axe de la source de manière que le plan de propagation de chaque rayon lumineux atteignant cette portion de la tranche de renvoi soit perpendiculaire en tout point à la portion de la tranche de renvoi, et en ce que la portion de tranche de renvoi est inclinée de manière que les rayons lumineux soient réfléchis globalement en direction de l'axe optique en traversant l'une des faces de guidage pour former le faisceau lumineux; la tranche de renvoi étant ainsi formée d'une succession de portions tronconiques d'axe confondu avec l'axe optique, au moins deux portions de la tranche de renvoi étant en arc de cercle de rayons différents.To solve these problems, the invention proposes a lighting and / or signaling device of the type described above, characterized in that the guide ply comprises several angular sectors around the axis of the source, each angular sector forming a portion of the return wafer, each portion of the return wafer being shaped in a circular arc centered on the axis of the source so that the propagation plane of each light beam reaching this portion of the return wafer is perpendicular to any point at the portion of the return wafer, and in that the wafer portion is inclined so that the light rays are reflected generally towards the optical axis by passing through one of the guide faces to form the light beam; the return wafer being thus formed of a succession of frustoconical portions of axis coinciding with the optical axis, at least two portions of the return wafer being in a circular arc of different radii.

Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention :

  • le contour de la tranche de sortie est discrétisée en une pluralité d'arc de cercles qui sont centrés sur l'axe de source ;
  • au moins une portion de la nappe de guidage forme au moins un secteur angulaire d'un solide de révolution autour de l'axe de source ;
  • la nappe de guidage présente une forme plane perpendiculaire à l'axe de source, formant au moins un secteur angulaire d'un disque ;
  • la nappe de guidage forme un disque comportant un orifice central, le périmètre circulaire externe du disque formant la tranche de renvoi et le périmètre interne de l'orifice formant la tranche d'entrée des rayons lumineux ;
  • la section de la nappe de guidage selon un plan méridien de propagation a une forme curviligne ;
  • la nappe de guidage forme une portion de sphère.
According to other features of the invention:
  • the output edge contour is discretized into a plurality of arc circles which are centered on the source axis;
  • at least a portion of the guide ply forms at least one angular sector of a solid of revolution around the source axis;
  • the guide web has a planar shape perpendicular to the source axis, forming at least one angular sector of a disk;
  • the guide ply forms a disc having a central orifice, the outer circular perimeter of the disc forming the return slice and the inner perimeter of the orifice forming the entrance slice of the light rays;
  • the section of the guide ply along a meridian plane of propagation has a curvilinear shape;
  • the guide ply forms a sphere portion.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages apparaîtront à la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera aux dessins annexés parmi lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en perspective qui représente une nappe de guidage de la lumière réalisée selon les enseignements de l'invention dans lequel le contour de la tranche de renvoi de la nappe de guidage forme un arc courbe ;
  • la figure 2 est une vue en section selon le plan de coupe 2-2 de la figure 1 qui représente le cheminement d'un rayon lumineux à travers la nappe de guidage ;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en plan qui représente un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention non couvert par les revendications dans lequel la nappe de guidage est en forme de disque ;
  • la figure 4 est une vue en section similaire à celle de la figure 2 qui représente une variante de l'invention selon laquelle la nappe de guidage est galbée ;
  • la figure 5 est une vue en section axiale qui représente une variante de réalisation de la source lumineuse ;
  • la figure 6 est une vue en plan qui représente un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention dans lequel le contour de la tranche de renvoi de la nappe de guidage est de forme quelconque ;
  • la figure 7 est une vue semblable à celle de la figure 1 montrant une vue en perspective qui représente une nappe de guidage de la lumière réalisée selon les enseignements de l'invention dans lequel le contour de la tranche de renvoi de la nappe de guidage est constitué d'une succession de facettes élémentaires ;
  • la figure 8 est une vue analogue à celle de la Figure 2, dans laquelle la source lumineuse est une LED se type « side emitter ;
  • la Figure 9 est une vue analogue à celle de la Figure 2, dans laquelle la source lumineuse est une LED se type lambertienne, et
  • la Figure 10 est une vue analogue à celle de la Figure 2, dans laquelle la source lumineuse est une LED se type lambertienne à dôme protecteur.
Other characteristics and advantages will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings among which:
  • the figure 1 is a perspective view which shows a light guide web made according to the teachings of the invention wherein the contour of the return slice of the guide ply forms a curved arc;
  • the figure 2 is a sectional view along section plane 2-2 of the figure 1 which represents the path of a light beam through the guide ply;
  • the figure 3 is a plan view showing a second embodiment of the invention not covered by the claims wherein the guide web is disk-shaped;
  • the figure 4 is a sectional view similar to that of the figure 2 which represents a variant of the invention according to which the guide ply is curved;
  • the figure 5 is an axial sectional view which represents an alternative embodiment of the light source;
  • the figure 6 is a plan view showing a third embodiment of the invention in which the outline of the guide slice of the guide web is of any shape;
  • the figure 7 is a view similar to that of the figure 1 showing a perspective view which shows a light guide web made according to the teachings of the invention wherein the contour of the guide web of the guide web consists of a succession of elementary facets;
  • the figure 8 is a view similar to that of the Figure 2 , in which the light source is an LED type "side emitter;
  • the Figure 9 is a view similar to that of the Figure 2 , in which the light source is a Lambertian type LED, and
  • the Figure 10 is a view similar to that of the Figure 2 , in which the light source is a lambertian-type LED with a protective dome.

Par la suite, des éléments identiques, analogues ou similaires seront désignés par des mêmes numéros de référence.Subsequently, identical, similar or similar elements will be designated by the same reference numbers.

Pour la suite de la description, on adoptera à titre non limitatif une orientation longitudinale fixe par rapport au véhicule automobile et dirigée d'arrière en avant qui est indiquée par la flèche "L" de la figure 1.For the remainder of the description, a fixed longitudinal orientation with respect to the motor vehicle and directed from back to front which is indicated by the arrow "L" of the figure 1 .

On a représenté à la figure 1 un dispositif d'éclairage 10 pour un véhicule automobile. Le dispositif d'éclairage 10 est susceptible d'émettre un faisceau lumineux linéaire "F" selon un axe optique globalement longitudinal "O".We have shown figure 1 a lighting device 10 for a motor vehicle. The lighting device 10 is capable of emitting a linear light beam "F" along a generally longitudinal optical axis "O".

Le dispositif d'éclairage 10 comporte notamment une nappe de guidage de la lumière 12 qui se présente sous la forme d'un secteur angulaire de disque plan d'épaisseur constante.The lighting device 10 comprises in particular a light-guiding sheet 12 which is in the form of an angular sector of plane disk of constant thickness.

Pour la suite de la description, on adoptera localement en tout point de la nappe de guidage 12, et à titre non limitatif, une orientation normale "N" orthogonale à la nappe de guidage, une orientation radiale "R" perpendiculaire à la normale et dirigée depuis le centre du secteur angulaire de disque vers l'extérieur, et une orientation tangentielle "T" perpendiculaire aux orientations normale "N" et radiale "R".For the remainder of the description, a normal orientation "N" orthogonal to the guide ply, a radial orientation "R" perpendicular to the normal and a non-limiting orientation, will be adopted locally at all points of the guide ply 12, and in a non-limiting manner. directed from the center of the disc angular sector outwards, and a tangential orientation "T" perpendicular to the normal "N" and radial "R" orientations.

La nappe de guidage 12 est ainsi délimitée dans le sens de l'épaisseur, par une face avant 14 et une face arrière 16 de guidage de la lumière. Les deux faces avant 14 et arrière 16 sont parallèles entre elles.The guide ply 12 is thus delimited in the direction of the thickness, by a front face 14 and a rear face 16 for guiding the light. Both front 14 and rear 16 are parallel to each other.

La nappe de guidage 12 est délimitée radialement par une tranche extérieure de renvoi 18 en forme d'arc de cercle et par une tranche intérieure d'entrée de la lumière 20 en forme d'arc de cercle de rayon inférieur à celui de la tranche de renvoi. Les deux arcs de cercle formant les tranches de renvoi 18 et d'entrée 20 sont centrés sur un axe commun dit "de source lumineuse S" qui est normal à la nappe de guidage 12. Dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 1, l'axe de source "S" est confondu avec l'axe optique "O".The guide ply 12 is delimited radially by an outer circular arcuate return slice 18 and an inner arc-shaped entrance slice 20 having a radius smaller than that of the slice. reference. The two arcs forming the return 18 and input 20 are centered on a common axis called "light source S" which is normal to the guide ply 12. In the example shown in FIG. figure 1 , the source axis "S" coincides with the optical axis "O".

La nappe de guidage 12 comporte aussi deux tranches latérales 22.The guide ply 12 also has two lateral edges 22.

La nappe de guidage 12 est réalisée en un matériau transparent dont l'indice de réfraction est supérieur à l'indice de réfraction du milieu dans lequel le dispositif d'éclairage 10 est destiné à être immergé, par exemple l'air. Ainsi, un rayon lumineux introduit dans l'épaisseur de la nappe par sa tranche d'entrée avec un angle incident par rapport à la normale "N" qui est supérieur à un angle limite de réfraction est susceptible d'être réfléchi totalement par les faces de guidage 14, 16.The guide ply 12 is made of a transparent material whose refractive index is greater than the refractive index of the medium. wherein the lighting device 10 is intended to be immersed, for example air. Thus, a light ray introduced into the thickness of the web by its input slice with an incident angle relative to the normal "N" which is greater than a refraction limit angle is likely to be reflected completely by the faces guide 14, 16.

Comme représenté à la figure 2, le rayon lumineux est donc guidé dans l'épaisseur de la nappe de guidage par réflexion successive entre les deux faces de guidage 14, 16.As represented in figure 2 the light ray is thus guided in the thickness of the guide web by successive reflection between the two guide faces 14, 16.

Comme représenté à la figure 2, le dispositif d'éclairage 10 comporte aussi une source lumineuse ponctuelle 24 qui est agencée à proximité ou au contact de la tranche d'entrée de la lumière 20. La source lumineuse 24 est par exemple une lampe halogène, ou avantageusement une diode électroluminescente.As represented in figure 2 , the lighting device 10 also comprises a point light source 24 which is arranged near or in contact with the entrance wafer of the light 20. The light source 24 is for example a halogen lamp, or preferably a light emitting diode.

Avantageusement, la source lumineuse est susceptible d'émettre un cône de lumière 26 selon des directions globalement radiales en couronne autour de l'axe normal de source "S", telle une LED ou diode électroluminescente dite "Side-Emitter" qui émet des rayons lumineux dans un éventail par exemple d'environ 30° de part et d'autre de la direction radiale dans un plan méridien à l'axe de source "S" et qui est susceptible de s'étendre autour de l'axe de source "S", par exemple sur 360° dans un plan normal à l'axe de source "S".Advantageously, the light source is capable of emitting a light cone 26 in generally radial directions in a ring around the normal source axis "S", such as an LED or light emitting diode called "Side-Emitter" which emits rays. light in a range for example of about 30 ° on either side of the radial direction in a meridian plane to the source axis "S" and which is likely to extend around the source axis " S ", for example 360 ° in a plane normal to the source axis" S ".

Tel que représenté en figure 8, la LED de type « side emitter », encore appelée LED à émission latérale est disposée de façon à ce que sa surface émettrice soit dans une ouverture traversante aménagée dans une zone de couplage "ZC" avec la source lumineuse 24, c'est-à-dire de façon à ce que sa surface émettrice soit en face de la tranche intérieure d'entrée de lumière 20.As represented in figure 8 the side emitter LED, also called lateral emission LED, is arranged so that its emitting surface is in a through opening formed in a coupling zone "ZC" with the light source 24, that is, that is, so that its emitting surface faces the inner light input wafer 20.

Des rayons r émis radialement par la LED sont représentés et partent tous dans l'épaisseur de la zone de couplage "ZC" et pénètrent dans la nappe de guidage 12 par la tranche d'entrée 20. Le cône d'émission C de la LED est également schématiquement représenté, il correspond environ au niveau de la tranche d'entrée à l'épaisseur de la nappe de guidage. Ainsi la zone de couplage "ZC" permet un couplage entre la nappe de guidage 12 et la source lumineuse 28, de manière à ce que les rayons lumineux émis par ladite source lumineuse soient propagés radialement au niveau de ladite zone de couplage autour d'un axe de source "S".Radii r emitted radially by the LED are represented and all depart in the thickness of the coupling zone "ZC" and penetrate into the guide ply 12 by the input wafer 20. The emission cone C of the LED is also schematically represented, it corresponds approximately at the level of the input slice to the thickness of the guide ply. Thus the coupling zone "ZC" allows a coupling between the guiding layer 12 and the light source 28, so that the light rays emitted by said light source are propagated radially at said coupling area around a source axis "S".

Selon des variantes représentées en figures 9 et 10, l'orifice est débouchant seulement dans une des faces de guidage de la nappe de guidage 12 mais pas dans l'autre des faces. Ainsi en figure 9, la source 24 est ici une LED de type Lambertienne, ou LED à émission axiale. Ici, il s'agit d'une LED dépourvue de dôme, par exemple une LED disponible sous le nom commercial de « Golden Dragon ». Elle émet dans un demi-espace. Elle est disposée de façon à ce que sa surface émettrice affleure à la surface de la zone de couplage "ZC" qui a été aménagée de manière à ce que les rayons lumineux émis par ladite source lumineuse soient ensuite redirigés radialement au niveau de ladite zone de couplage autour d'un axe de source "S". La zone de couplage "ZC" présente localement une zone d'entrée sous forme d'une surface bombée "B" convexe sur la face du côté duquel se trouve la LED 24, et, sur la face opposée et en regard de cette face convexe "B", une zone s'approchant de la forme d'une forme complémentaire à un cône "CO". On peut distinguer deux types de rayons lumineux émis par cette LED : les rayons de type r1 qui entrent directement dans l'épaisseur de la zone de couplage, et les rayons de type r2 qui sont d'abord réfractés par la surface B puis réfléchis totalement par les parois du cône "CO." Le cône d'émission "C" de la LED est également représenté.According to variants represented in Figures 9 and 10 , the orifice is opening only in one of the guide faces of the guide ply 12 but not in the other of the faces. So in figure 9 , the source 24 is here a Lambertian type LED, or LED axial emission. Here, it is a LED devoid of dome, for example an LED available under the trade name "Golden Dragon". It emits in a half space. It is arranged so that its emitting surface is flush with the surface of the coupling zone "ZC" which has been arranged in such a way that the light rays emitted by said light source are then redirected radially at the level of said coupling around a source axis "S". The coupling zone "ZC" locally has an inlet zone in the form of a convex convex surface "B" on the side of which the LED 24 is located, and on the opposite face and opposite this convex face. "B", an area approaching the shape of a shape complementary to a cone "CO". We can distinguish two types of light rays emitted by this LED: the r1-type rays that enter directly into the thickness of the coupling zone, and r2-type rays that are first refracted by the surface B and then reflected totally by the cone walls "CO." The emission cone "C" of the LED is also shown.

Selon la variante représentée en figure 10, on utilise cette fois une LED de type lambertienne à dôme protecteur. Une telle LED est par exemple connue sous la dénomination commerciale « Led Rebel » . La LED 24 est disposée dans la zone de couplage "ZC" de façon à ce que le dôme soit inséré dans une ouverture non traversante aménagée dans la zone de couplage. On retrouve dans cette ouverture une surface bombée convexe "B' " et sur la face opposée de la zone de couplage une surface aménagée d'une zone s'approchant de la forme d'une forme complémentaire à un cône "CO", pour que comme à la figure 9, les rayons qui l'atteignent repartent dans la zone de couplage "ZC" par réflexion totale. On retrouve donc, comme à la figure 9, deux types de rayons émis par la LED : ceux de type r1 émis vers les côtés qui entrent directement dans la zone de couplage, et ceux de type r2 qui sont d'abord réfractés sur la surface B puis réfléchis totalement sur la surface modifiée située en regard de la surface B.According to the variant represented in figure 10 this time, a lambertian-type LED with a protective dome is used. Such an LED is for example known under the trade name "Led Rebel". The LED 24 is disposed in the coupling zone "ZC" so that the dome is inserted into a non-through opening provided in the coupling zone. In this opening there is a convex curved surface "B" and on the opposite face of the coupling zone a fitted surface of a zone approaching the shape of a shape complementary to a "CO" cone, so that as at the figure 9 the rays that reach it go back into the coupling zone "ZC" by total reflection. So we find, as in the figure 9 , two types of rays emitted by the LED: those of type r1 emitted towards the sides which enter directly into the coupling zone, and those of type r2 which are first refracted on surface B and then totally reflected on the modified surface situated opposite the surface B.

Le cône "CO" peut également présenter une zone déformée permettant de renvoyer les rayons qui sans cette zone atteindraient directement la tranche de sortie. Il s'agit par exemple d'une sorte de "troncature" de manière à ce que la zone de réflexion "CO" ait une face plane. Ainsi selon une section selon un plan perpendiculaire à l'axe de source "S" et environ au niveau de la face de la nappe de guidage qui est opposée à la LED 24, le pourtour du cône correspond à un cercle. Avec la troncature on obtient une section en forme de cercle dans lequel un arc de cercle aurait été enlevé, une droite reliant les deux extrémités de la partie du cercle restante. On obtient donc un cercle aplati. Cette droite constitue la base du triangle que forme la troncature sur le cône. Le sommet de ce triangle opposé à cette base se situe sur le cône entre les deux faces de la nappe de guidage, préférentiellement à proximité du sommet du cône. On obtient donc un cône avec une face aplatie. Cette face aplatie est située en regard de la tranche de sortie. L'ensemble des rayons émis au-dessus de la partie au profil conique seront donc répartis autour de l'axe de source "S" à l'intérieur d'un intervalle angulaire correspondant à la partie circulaire de la section du cône sur la face opposée à la LED 24. Préférentiellement le sommet de la face plane est situé entre le sommet du cône et la base de celui-ci, du côté de la tranche de sortie (par exemple à gauche sur les figures 9 et 10). Ainsi l'intervalle angulaire est supérieur à 180°. La tranche de réflexion entoure cette zone au profil conique et de ce fait l'ensemble des rayons réfléchis autour de l'axe de source "S" est réfléchi une deuxième fois par la tranche de réflexion. En revanche, les rayons émis au-dessus de la face plane vont être réfléchis dans la même direction et directement vers la tranche de sortie, la base du triangle constituant la face plane perpendiculaire à l'axe optique.The cone "CO" may also have a deformed area to return the rays that without this area would directly reach the output slot. This is for example a kind of "truncation" so that the reflection zone "CO" has a plane face. Thus according to a section along a plane perpendicular to the source axis "S" and approximately at the face of the guide ply which is opposite the LED 24, the periphery of the cone corresponds to a circle. With the truncation we obtain a section in the form of a circle in which an arc of circle would have been removed, a line connecting the two ends of the part of the remaining circle. We thus obtain a flattened circle. This line forms the base of the triangle formed by the truncation on the cone. The top of this triangle opposite this base is located on the cone between the two faces of the guide ply, preferably near the top of the cone. We thus obtain a cone with a flattened face. This flattened face is located next to the exit slice. All the rays emitted above the conical section portion will therefore be distributed around the source axis "S" within an angular interval corresponding to the circular portion of the cone section on the face opposed to the LED 24. Preferably the top of the flat face is located between the top of the cone and the base thereof, on the side of the output wafer (for example on the left on the Figures 9 and 10 ). Thus the angular interval is greater than 180 °. The reflection slice surrounds this zone conical profile and thus the set of rays reflected around the source axis "S" is reflected a second time by the reflection slice. On the other hand, the rays emitted above the plane face will be reflected in the same direction and directly towards the output edge, the base of the triangle constituting the plane face perpendicular to the optical axis.

En conclusion sur le choix des LEDs, on voit que l'invention permet d'utiliser des LEDs de caractéristiques très différentes, pouvant émettre soit radialement, soit axialement, soit dans un demi-plan. Il est nécessaire ensuite d'aménager la zone de couplage en conséquence, par exemple en pratiquant une ouverture traversante ou non pour y insérer tout ou partie de la LED, et en prévoyant des moyens optiques quand cela est nécessaire (notamment pour les LEDs émettant dans un demi plan) pour que le maximum de la lumière émise par la LED se propage bien dans l'épaisseur de la zone de couplage sans déperdition jusqu'à la zone arrière de réflexion 20.In conclusion on the choice of LEDs, it can be seen that the invention makes it possible to use LEDs with very different characteristics, which can emit either radially, axially or in a half-plane. It is then necessary to arrange the coupling zone accordingly, for example by making an opening therethrough or not to insert all or part of the LED, and providing optical means when necessary (especially for the LEDs emitting in half a plane) so that the maximum of the light emitted by the LED propagates well in the thickness of the coupling zone without loss to the rear reflection zone 20.

Selon une variante représentée à la figure 5, la source lumineuse 24 est agencée à proximité de la tranche d'entrée 20. La source lumineuse 24 est associée à une face de réflexion 28 qui est agencée en vis-à-vis de la tranche d'entrée des rayons lumineux. La face de réflexion 28 est conformée de manière à réfléchir les rayons lumineux globalement radialement vers la tranche d'entrée de la nappe de guidage. Les rayons lumineux issus de la source lumineuse 24 sont par exemple conduits jusqu'à la face de réflexion 28 par un guide de lumière 30, par une fibre optique (non représentée), ou par un réflecteur (non représenté) qui focalise les rayons lumineux vers la face de réflexion 28.According to a variant represented in figure 5 , the light source 24 is arranged near the input wafer 20. The light source 24 is associated with a reflection face 28 which is arranged vis-à-vis the input wafer of the light rays. The reflection face 28 is shaped so as to reflect the light rays generally radially towards the entrance slice of the guide ply. The light rays coming from the light source 24 are for example conducted to the reflection face 28 by a light guide 30, by an optical fiber (not shown), or by a reflector (not shown) which focuses the light rays towards the reflection face 28.

Dans l'exemple représenté à la figure 5, les rayons lumineux sont guidés de manière à atteindre la face de réflexion 28 selon une direction globalement normale. La face de réflexion est conformée en un cône de révolution ou en un secteur angulaire de cône de révolution d'axe de source "S" de manière à réfléchir les rayons radialement en couronne autour de l'axe de source "S".In the example shown in figure 5 the light rays are guided so as to reach the reflection face 28 in a generally normal direction. The reflection face is shaped into a cone of revolution or an angular sector of cone of revolution of source axis "S" so as to reflect radially rays around the source axis "S".

Avantageusement, la face de réflexion 28 est réalisée venue de matière avec la nappe de guidage 12.Advantageously, the reflection face 28 is formed integrally with the guide ply 12.

Comme représenté aux figures 1 et 2, les rayons lumineux émis par la source lumineuse 24 se propagent dans la nappe de guidage 12 selon des plans méridiens "M" de propagation qui rayonnent radialement depuis l'axe de source "S". Ainsi, chaque rayon lumineux est guidé de manière à suivre une direction radiale à l'intérieur de la nappe de guidage 12 jusqu'à la tranche de sortie 18.As represented in Figures 1 and 2 , the light rays emitted by the light source 24 propagate in the guide ply 12 according to propagation meridian planes "M" which radiate radially from the source axis "S". Thus, each light beam is guided so as to follow a radial direction inside the guide web 12 to the output edge 18.

Selon les enseignements de l'invention, la tranche de renvoi 18 de la nappe de guidage 12 est inclinée par rapport à la normale de manière que les rayons lumineux qui l'atteignent soient réfléchis globalement selon la direction de l'axe optique "O". Les rayons lumineux ainsi réfléchis atteignent une zone périphérique de sortie 32 de la face de guidage avant 14 avec un angle d'incidence inférieur à l'angle limite de réfraction de manière que les rayons lumineux traversent la face de guidage 14 pour former le faisceau lumineux "F".According to the teachings of the invention, the return portion 18 of the guide ply 12 is inclined relative to the normal so that the light rays that reach it are reflected globally. in the direction of the optical axis "O". The light rays thus reflected reach an output peripheral zone 32 of the front guide face 14 with an angle of incidence less than the limit angle of refraction so that the light rays pass through the guiding face 14 to form the light beam. "F".

Avantageusement, la zone de sortie 32 de la face avant 14 est orthogonale à l'axe optique "O" de manière que les rayons lumineux ne soient pas du tout réfléchis par la face avant 14.Advantageously, the exit zone 32 of the front face 14 is orthogonal to the optical axis "O" so that the light rays are not reflected at all by the front face 14.

La nappe de guidage 12 étant ici plane et orthogonale par rapport à l'axe optique "O", la tranche de renvoi 18 est inclinée à 45° par rapport à la normale "N". La tranche de renvoi 18 forme plus particulièrement un secteur angulaire de tronc de cône de révolution qui est centré sur l'axe optique "O" qui est ici confondu avec l'axe de source "S".Since the guide ply 12 is plane and orthogonal with respect to the optical axis "O", the end portion 18 is inclined at 45 ° relative to the normal "N". The deflection wafer 18 more particularly forms an angular sector of truncated cone of revolution which is centered on the optical axis "O" which here coincides with the source axis "S".

Les rayons lumineux sont avantageusement réfléchis par la tranche de renvoi 18 par réflexion totale.The light rays are advantageously reflected by the return slice 18 by total reflection.

Selon une variante non représentée de l'invention, la tranche de renvoi 18 est recouverte d'une couche de matière réfléchissante, par exemple, la tranche de renvoi 18 est aluminée.According to a not shown variant of the invention, the return slice 18 is covered with a layer of reflective material, for example, the slice 18 is aluminized.

En outre, la tranche de renvoi 18 des rayons lumineux est conformée de manière que les plans de propagation "M" des rayons lumineux soient perpendiculaires au contour de la tranche de renvoi 18. La tranche de renvoi 18 est ainsi conformée en arc de cercle centré sur l'axe de source "S".In addition, the light ray return section 18 is shaped so that the propagation planes "M" of the light rays are perpendicular to the contour of the deflection wafer 18. The deflection wafer 18 is thus shaped in a circular arc centered. on the source axis "S".

Le terme "contour" s'entend de la projection de la tranche de renvoi 18 sur un plan orthogonal à l'axe de source "S".The term "contour" refers to the projection of the slice 18 on a plane orthogonal to the source axis "S".

Dans cette configuration, les rayons lumineux issus de la source lumineuse 24 atteignent la tranche de renvoi 18 sans perdre leur intensité. La totalité des rayons lumineux est ensuite renvoyée, c'est-à-dire réfléchie, par la tranche de renvoi 18 selon la direction de l'axe optique "O". Cette conception permet donc d'obtenir un faisceau lumineux "F" de forme linéaire, ici en forme d'arc courbe.In this configuration, the light rays from the light source 24 reach the slice 18 without losing their intensity. The totality of the light rays is then returned, that is to say reflected, by the slice 18 in the direction of the optical axis "O". This design therefore makes it possible to obtain a light beam "F" of linear shape, here in the form of a curved arc.

Un tel dispositif d'éclairage ou de signalisation 10 présente un bon rendement, c'est-à-dire que le flux dans le faisceau lumineux émis "F" est légèrement inférieur au flux émis par la source lumineuse 24. Par exemple, le faisceau lumineux "F" peut avoir une intensité de 600 Cd pour une source lumineuse d'un flux lumineux de 25 Lm.Such a lighting or signaling device 10 has a good efficiency, that is to say that the flux in the emitted light beam "F" is slightly less than the flux emitted by the light source 24. for example, the light beam "F" may have an intensity of 600 Cd for a light source with a luminous flux of 25 Lm.

Grâce à cette conception, à flux identiques, l'intensité du faisceau « F » peut être supérieure d'un facteur 10 à l'intensité émise par les dispositifs de l'art antérieur.With this design, identical flux, the intensity of the beam "F" can be 10 times greater than the intensity emitted by the devices of the prior art.

Selon les caractéristiques du faisceau lumineux "F" que l'on cherche à obtenir, la nappe de guidage est complétée par des systèmes optiques connus pour focaliser ou au contraire étaler les rayons lumineux formant le faisceau lumineux "F".According to the characteristics of the light beam "F" that one seeks to obtain, the guide web is completed by optical systems known to focus or on the contrary spread the light rays forming the light beam "F".

A cet effet, la nappe de guidage comporte ici une lentille linéaire 34 qui est agencée à proximité ou au contact de la zone de sortie 32 de la face avant de guidage 14 de la nappe de guidage 12.For this purpose, the guide ply here comprises a linear lens 34 which is arranged near or in contact with the exit zone 32 of the guiding front face 14 of the guide ply 12.

La lentille linéaire 34 est avantageusement réalisée venue de matière avec la nappe de guidage. La lentille linéaire 34 est alors que contact de la zone de sortie 32.The linear lens 34 is advantageously made integral with the guide web. The linear lens 34 is then that contact of the exit zone 32.

La lentille linéaire 34 comporte ici une face avant 36 de sortie qui est bombée de manière à focaliser les rayons lumineux dans un plan radial.The linear lens 34 here comprises a front face 36 which is curved in order to focus the light rays in a radial plane.

La lentille linéaire 34 peut aussi être munie de stries radiales (non représentées) de manière à étaler la lumière dans un plan tangentiel afin que le faisceau lumineux "F" soit visible par un observateur qui est situé de biais par rapport à l'axe optique "O".The linear lens 34 may also be provided with radial striations (not shown) so as to spread the light in a tangential plane so that the light beam "F" is visible by an observer which is located obliquely with respect to the optical axis "O".

Avantageusement, la lentille 34 est réalisée venue de matière avec la nappe de guidage 12.Advantageously, the lens 34 is made integrally with the guide ply 12.

Selon une variante non représentée de l'invention, une nappe de guidage secondaire est interposée entre la zone de sortie 32 et la lentille 34 de manière à guider les rayons lumineux depuis la zone de sortie 32 jusqu'à la lentille 34. C'est par exemple le cas lorsque la nappe de guidage 12 est agencée en arrière d'un bloc de feu et que l'on souhaite projeter le faisceau lumineux "F" depuis le pourtour avant du bloc de feu. La tranche d'entrée de la nappe de guidage secondaire est alors agencée au droit ou au contact de la zone de sortie 32 de la nappe de guidage 12 et la lentille est agencée sur une tranche de sortie de la nappe de guidage secondaire.According to a variant not shown of the invention, a secondary guide ply is interposed between the exit zone 32 and the lens 34 so as to guide the light rays from the exit zone 32 to the lens 34. for example the case when the guide web 12 is arranged behind a fire block and it is desired to project the light beam "F" from the front rim of the fire block. The input slice of the secondary guide ply is then arranged at the right or in contact with the exit zone 32 of the guide ply 12 and the lens is arranged on an outlet edge of the secondary guide ply.

Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention qui est représenté à la figure 3, la nappe de guidage forme un disque dont l'axe coïncide avec l'axe de source "S". Le bord de périmètre extérieur de la nappe forme la tranche de renvoi 18 des rayons lumineux. Le contour de la tranche de renvoi 18 est ainsi fermé de manière à produire un faisceau lumineux annulaire"F".According to a second embodiment of the invention which is represented at figure 3 , the guide web forms a disk whose axis coincides with the source axis "S". The outer perimeter edge of the web forms the return portion 18 of the light rays. The contour of the return wafer 18 is thus closed so as to produce an annular light beam "F".

La nappe de guidage 12 comporte un orifice centrale qui est délimité radialement par un bord intérieur qui forme la tranche d'entrée 20 des rayons lumineux. La source lumineuse 24 est ainsi agencée dans l'orifice central.The guide ply 12 comprises a central orifice which is delimited radially by an inner edge which forms the entrance slice 20 of the light rays. The light source 24 is thus arranged in the central orifice.

La tranche d'entrée 20 est ainsi entourée par la tranche de renvoi 18.The entrance slice 20 is thus surrounded by the slider 18.

La tranche de renvoi 18 forme ici un tronc de cône de révolution incliné à 45° qui est centré sur l'axe de source "S".The return slice 18 here forms a truncated cone of revolution inclined at 45 ° which is centered on the source axis "S".

Le fonctionnement et la structure du dispositif de guidage sont les mêmes que ceux décrits pour le premier mode de réalisation.The operation and structure of the guiding device are the same as those described for the first embodiment.

Ainsi, la zone de sortie périphérique 32 du disque est aussi équipé d'un système optique tel qu'une lentille 34 pour obtenir un faisceau lumineux "F" avec les caractéristiques souhaitées.Thus, the peripheral output area 32 of the disk is also equipped with an optical system such as a lens 34 to obtain a light beam "F" with the desired characteristics.

Par exemple, pour un usage en feu de jour, aussi appelé "DRL" ou "day running light", le faisceau lumineux "F" doit être visible par un observateur qui est décalé latéralement par rapport à l'axe optique "O". Les pôles supérieur et inférieur de la lentille 34 sont alors conçus avec des stries très rapprochées de manière à étaler fortement la lumière dans un plan tangent au rayon et avec une lentille 34 susceptible de focaliser fortement les rayons dans un plan radial. Au contraire, les pôles latéraux de la lentille 34 sont conçus avec peu de stries de manière à peu étaler les rayons lumineux dans un plan tangent et à faire diverger les rayons dans un plan radial. De plus, ces caractéristiques sont appliquées de manière progressive d'un pôle latéral à un pôle vertical. Ainsi, un observateur même situé transversalement de côté par rapport à l'axe optique "O" pourra voir un faisceau annulaire "F" suffisamment intense pour une utilisation en feu de jour.For example, for use in daylight, also called "DRL" or "day running light", the light beam "F" must be visible by an observer that is offset laterally with respect to the optical axis "O". The upper and lower poles of the lens 34 are then designed with closely spaced ridges so as to strongly spread the light in a plane tangential to the radius and with a lens 34 capable of strongly focusing the rays in a radial plane. On the contrary, the lateral poles of the lens 34 are designed with few striations so as to spread the light rays in a tangent plane and to diverge the rays in a radial plane. In addition, these characteristics are applied progressively from a lateral pole to a vertical pole. Thus, an observer even located transversely from the optical axis "O" may see an annular beam "F" sufficiently intense for use in daylight.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation représenté à la figure 4, la nappe de guidage 12 n'est pas plane mais elle a une forme galbée.According to another embodiment shown in figure 4 , the guide web 12 is not flat but has a curved shape.

Les faces de guidage 14, 16 de la nappe de guidage 12 ont alors la forme de surfaces de révolution ou de surfaces de révolution autour de l'axe de source "S" afin que les rayons lumineux se propagent toujours selon des plans de propagation méridiens "M" contenant l'axe de source "S".The guide faces 14, 16 of the guide ply 12 then have the form of surfaces of revolution or surfaces of revolution around the source axis "S" so that the light rays always propagate along meridian propagation planes. "M" containing the source axis "S".

Par exemple, la nappe de guidage 12 a la forme d'une calotte sphérique.For example, the guide ply 12 has the shape of a spherical cap.

Selon une variante non représentée de l'invention, la section de la nappe de guidage 12 selon un plan méridien "M" a une forme curviligne quelconque. Les rayons de courbure de la section de la nappe de guidage 12 sont avantageusement suffisamment grands pour éviter que les rayons lumineux incidents n'atteignent l'une des faces de guidage 14, 16 avec un angle supérieur à l'angle limite de réfraction.According to a variant not shown of the invention, the section of the guide ply 12 according to a meridian plane "M" has any curvilinear shape. The radii of curvature of the section of the guide ply 12 are advantageously large enough to prevent the incident light rays from reaching one of the guide faces 14, 16 with an angle greater than the limit angle of refraction.

La tranche de renvoi 18 est alors inclinée d'un angle adapté en fonction de la direction moyenne des rayons incidents guidés. Cette direction moyenne correspond en général à la tangente locale des sections de nappes des faces 14 et 16 dans le plan méridien « M ».The return slice 18 is then inclined at an appropriate angle depending on the average direction of the incident incident rays. This average direction generally corresponds to the local tangent of the ply sections of the faces 14 and 16 in the meridian plane "M".

Les modes de réalisation précédents peuvent être considérés comme des cas particuliers d'un mode de réalisation plus général. Les modes de réalisation précédents peuvent être analysés comme ne comportant qu'une tranche de renvoi unique. Selon le mode de réalisation général, la tranche de renvoi 18 est constituée d'une multitude de portions élémentaires 40, qui peuvent alors être disposées selon un contour en de forme quelconque,fermée ou ouverte, et non plus seulement selon un cercle ou un arc de cercle.The previous embodiments can be considered as special cases of a more general embodiment. The previous embodiments can be analyzed as having only a single return slice. According to the general embodiment, the return portion 18 consists of a multitude of elementary portions 40, which can then be arranged in a contour of any shape, closed or open, and no longer only in a circle or an arc circle.

La nappe de guidage 12 est alors discrétisée en plusieurs secteurs angulaires 38 à partir de l'axe de source "S" qui peuvent avoir le même angle de découpage. Les portions 40 de tranche de renvoi 18 de chacun des secteurs angulaires 38 sont alors conformées en arc de cercle centré sur l'axe de source de manière que les plans de propagation "M" de chaque rayon lumineux soient perpendiculaires en tout point avec la tranche de renvoi 18.The guide ply 12 is then discretized into several angular sectors 38 from the source axis "S" which can have the same cutting angle. The deflection portion portions 18 of each of the angular sectors 38 are then shaped in a circular arc centered on the source axis so that the propagation planes "M" of each light beam are perpendicular at every point with the edge. of renvoi 18.

Ainsi, la tranche de renvoi 18 est formée d'une succession de portions tronconiques d'axe confondu avec l'axe optique "O".Thus, the return slice 18 is formed of a succession of frustoconical portions of axis coincident with the optical axis "O".

Avantageusement, la discrétisation de la nappe est très fine, c'est-à-dire que l'angle de découpage est très faible, de manière que la tranche de renvoi 18 soit divisée en un très grand nombre de portions 40. Ainsi, le faisceau lumineux "F" est susceptible d'être perçu comme un faisceau lumineux "F" continu sans baisse d'intensité à l'interface entre deux portions 40 en arc de cercle de rayons différents de la tranche de renvoi 18. A titre d'exemple non limitatif, le périmètre du contour de chaque portion de tranche 40 mesure entre 0,5 mm et 2 mm de long.Advantageously, the discretization of the ply is very fine, that is to say that the cutting angle is very small, so that the slice 18 is divided into a very large number of portions 40. light beam "F" is likely to be perceived as a continuous "F" light beam with no drop in intensity at the interface between two portions 40 in an arc of different radii of the deflection slice 18. As a non-limiting example, the perimeter of the contour of each portion of wafer 40 is between 0.5 mm and 2 mm long.

Selon une variante non représentée de l'invention qui est applicable à tous les modes de réalisation, la nappe de guidage 12 est plane mais elle n'est pas orthogonale à l'axe optique "O". Dans ce cas, la tranche de renvoi 18 sera conformée en tronc de cône ou en secteur angulaire de tronc de cône d'axe incliné confondu avec l'axe optique "O". Ainsi, l'inclinaison de la tranche de renvoi 18 par rapport à la normale "N" est susceptible de varier tout au long de la tranche de renvoi 18.According to a not shown variant of the invention which is applicable to all the embodiments, the guide ply 12 is flat but it is not orthogonal to the optical axis "O". In this case, the return slice 18 will be shaped as a conical frustum or as an angular sector of truncated cone with an inclined axis coinciding with the optical axis "O". Thus, the inclination of the return slice 18 relative to the normal "N" is likely to vary throughout the slice 18.

Dans ce cas, la nappe de guidage 12 comporte avantageusement une nappe de guidage secondaire en forme de cylindre tubulaire ou de secteur angulaire de cylindre tubulaire d'axe confondu avec l'axe optique "O" qui est agencée au contact de la zone de sortie 32. La nappe de guidage secondaire est alors réalisée venue de matière avec la nappe de guidage 12. La tranche de sortie de la nappe de guidage secondaire est conformée de manière à être orthogonale à l'axe optique "O" pour permettre aux rayons lumineux de sortir sans qu'une partie ne soit réfléchie par la tranche de sortie de la nappe secondaire.In this case, the guide ply 12 advantageously comprises a secondary guide ply in the form of a tubular cylinder or an angular sector of a tubular cylinder whose axis coincides with the optical axis "O" which is arranged in contact with the exit zone. 32. The secondary guide ply is then made integrally with the guiding ply 12. The outlet slice of the secondary guide ply is shaped to be orthogonal to the optical axis "O" to allow the light rays to leave without part being reflected by the output edge of the secondary web.

Claims (6)

  1. Lighting or signalling device (10) for a motor vehicle, which can emit a light beam (F) according to an optical axis (O) with a globally longitudinal orientation, and which comprises:
    - at least one globally transverse sheet (12) for guiding the light, which is delimited in the direction of the thickness by two parallel surfaces (14, 16) for guiding of rays of light, and which is delimited transversely at least by a first, intake section (20) of rays of light, and at least by a second, return section (18) of the rays of light in the direction of the optical axis (O); and
    - at least one localised source of light (24) which is arranged in the vicinity of the intake section (20) of the guide sheet (12), such as to emit rays of light according to at least one angular sector around an axis of propagation (S) which is at right-angles to the sheet (12), the rays of light being propagated by successive reflections between the guide surfaces (14, 16) in the direction of the return section (18), according to meridian propagation planes (M) which radiate from the source axis (s),
    characterised in that the guide sheet (12) comprises a plurality of angular sectors (38) around the source axis (S), each angular sector (38) forming a portion (40) of the return section (18), each portion (40) of the return section (18) being in the form of an arc of a circle which is centred on the source axis (S), such that the propagation plane (M) of each ray of light which reaches this portion (40) of the return section (18) is perpendicular at all points to the portion (40) of the return section (18), and in that the portion (40) of return section (18) is inclined such that the rays of light are reflected globally in the direction of the optical axis (O) by passing through one of the guide surfaces (14, 16), in order to form the light beam (F), the return section (18) thus being formed by a succession of frusto-conical portions of axis which are combined with the optical axis (O), at least two portions (40) of the return section (18) being in the form of an arc of a circle with different radii.
  2. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the cut-out of the return section (18) is such that the light beam (F) is perceived as a light beam without reduction of intensity between two portions (40) in the form of an arc of a circle with different radii.
  3. Device (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one portion (40) of the guide sheet (12) forms at least one angular sector of a solid of revolution around the source axis (S).
  4. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the guide sheet (12) has a flat form perpendicular to the source axis (S), which forms at least one angular sector of a disc.
  5. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterised in that the section of the guide sheet (12) according to a meridian plane of propagation (M) has a curved shape.
  6. Device (10) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the guide sheet (12) forms a portion of a sphere.
EP07112943A 2006-07-21 2007-07-23 Lighting device comprising a planar lightguide with a light reflecting portion having the shape of an arc of a circle Active EP1881265B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0606717A FR2904092A1 (en) 2006-07-21 2006-07-21 LIGHTING DEVICE PROVIDED WITH A GUIDE RAIL COMPRISING A CIRCULAR ARC RETURN SLAB

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EP1881265A1 EP1881265A1 (en) 2008-01-23
EP1881265B1 true EP1881265B1 (en) 2009-12-23

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AT (1) ATE453085T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602007003904D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2336265T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2904092A1 (en)

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DE102011104055A1 (en) 2011-06-11 2012-12-13 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Illumination device, particularly headlight or rear light for vehicle, comprises light source, which has multiple semiconductor light sources, where reflector has reflector body and reflection surface

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ES2336265T3 (en) 2010-04-09
FR2904092A1 (en) 2008-01-25
ATE453085T1 (en) 2010-01-15
DE602007003904D1 (en) 2010-02-04
EP1881265A1 (en) 2008-01-23

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