Dual function illumination device with rotating lens

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising: at least one light source (6) capable of emitting light rays; at least one collector (20) having a reflective surface (8), said at least one collector being configured to collect the light rays emitted by the at least one light source (6) and to reflect them into a subsequent light beam; an optical system (10) comprising a lens function and configured to project the light beam by imaging a portion of at least one reflective surface (8) located behind at least one respective light source (6); wherein the lens function is a first function, the optical system (10) comprising a second optical function, the optical system being rotatable about a rotation axis (14) between a first position in which the first function is activated and a second position in which the second function is activated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lighting and light signals, and particularly to the field of lighting and light signals for motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] It is generally known to generate a cutoff illumination beam by using one or more light-emitting modules with a folder. Such a module typically includes a collector in the form of a cap within a half-space defined by a horizontal plane, having a rotating reflective surface with an elliptical profile. A basic point light source of the LED type is located at a first focal point of the reflective surface and illuminates the half-space along the direction of the surface. The light is thus reflected in a converging manner toward a second focal point of the reflective surface. Another, typically flat, reflective surface with a cutoff edge at the second focal point ensures that no light rays that precisely pass through the second focal point are reflected upwards; these rays are then refracted by a thick lens toward the bottom of the illumination beam. This reflective surface is often called a "folder" because it "folds" the light rays that would otherwise form the upper portion of the illumination beam toward the top of the projection lens. The disadvantages of this module are the need for high-precision positioning of the folder and the cutoff edge. Furthermore, the projection lens must be a thick lens due to its small focal length, thus increasing its weight and complicating its production, especially for shrinkage. Additionally, the collector has a certain height, and therefore a certain volume in the height direction.

[0003] Published patent document WO 2020 / 025171 A1 discloses an illumination module, particularly for motor vehicles, comprising a collector with a reflective surface that collects and reflects light emitted by a light source in a beam, similar to a folding illumination module. The illumination module also includes a projection optics system, such as a lens, specifically configured to project the beam in question by forming an image of the reflective surface of the collector. For this purpose, the projection optics system has a focal point located on the reflective surface, for example, at the rear edge of the reflective surface, to properly image said edge and form a sharp cutoff in the projected beam. This type of illumination module has the advantage of being compact, particularly in terms of height, and is simple to manufacture. These advantages can be combined to form different beams that are superimposed.

[0004] Combining the maximum number of lighting functions into a single lighting fixture is often advantageous, especially for stylistic reasons. However, there is still room for improvement in this area. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. More specifically, the object of this invention is to provide a lighting device that combines a maximum number of light-emitting functions.

[0006] The subject of this invention is a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising: one or more light sources capable of emitting light; one or more collectors, each collector having a reflective surface configured to collect light emitted by the light source, referred to as reflected light, and reflect the light along an optical axis into a reflected beam; an optical system including a projection lens providing a first optical function that provides projection of at least a majority of the reflected beam into a projected beam by imaging the reflective surface or a portion of each reflective surface located in the total propagation direction of the beam onto the rear of a respective light source or each respective light source; wherein the optical system includes additional components, different from the projection lens, providing a second optical function that provides diffusion of at least a majority of the beam reflected into a diffused beam, and the optical system is rotatable about a rotation axis between a first position where the first function is activated and a second position where the second function is activated.

[0007] Advantageous, but not limiting, embodiments of the invention are described below, and one or more of these embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0008] The collector can be a concave reflector.

[0009] At least a portion of the reflected light rays are tilted at an angle of 10° or less relative to the optical axis. This achieves the so-called Gaussian condition, thus allowing for normal refraction (stigmatism).

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the additional component is formed by one or more diffuse screens, which, when the optical system is in the second position, allow at least a majority of the reflected light beam to pass through them, and which, after passing through the screen, are diffused to form the diffused light beam.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the projection lens has a focusing region at the rear edge of the reflective surface, located on the reflective surface of the respective collector or on the reflective surface of each respective collector. This simply makes it possible to image a portion of the reflective surface located behind the light source. Advantageously, the focusing region is located at the rear edge of the reflective surface. Typically, this focusing region can be a focal spot (also called a focal point) or a focal line (also called a focal line). According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system includes an optical component comprising the projection lens and the additional portion, and the illumination device includes a mechanism for rotating the optical component about the rotation axis. Advantageously, the optical component is a transparent component.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment, the optical component includes a (first) input surface corresponding to the projection lens and a first output surface associated with the first input surface, and a second input surface corresponding to the additional portion and a second output surface associated with the second input surface, wherein the first input surface and the second input surface and / or the first output surface and the second output surface are angularly offset about the axis of rotation by an angle between 60° and 120°.

[0013] Advantageously, the second output surface has an average height perpendicular to the axis of rotation, which is greater than the average height perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first output surface.

[0014] Advantageously, the first output surface has an average height of less than 10 mm perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the first position of the optical system, the first input surface is positioned facing the collector, and in the second position, the second input surface is positioned facing the collector.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotation axis of the optical system is transverse to the optical axis and is horizontal when the illumination device is in the operating position.

[0017] Advantageously, the optical components extend along the axis of rotation.

[0018] Advantageously, the rotation of the optical system between the first and second functions has an angular amplitude between 60° and 160°.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the projected beam in the first position of the optical system is an illumination beam, and the diffused beam in the second position of the optical system is a signal beam or illumination signal. In this case, the illumination signal is a beam with aesthetic illumination function, which can identify the vehicle model and / or brand under any circumstances.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the illumination device includes a plurality of light sources and a plurality of collectors having a plurality of reflective surfaces to form a plurality of reflected light beams superimposed together, and wherein the optical system is rotatable between a first position and a second position, in the first position the projection lens receiving at least a majority of the reflected light beams, and in the second position the additional portion receiving at least a majority of the reflected light beams.

[0021] Advantageously, each of the at least one light source, the at least one collector, and the at least one reflective surface is multiple, selectively forming multiple beams superimposed together. For example, multiple collectors, reflective surfaces, and light sources are positioned side by side. Advantageously, the first function of the optical system includes a focal line passing through the reflective surface, more advantageously through the rear edge of the reflective surface, or between the reflective surface and the respective light source.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in the second position of the optical system, the second function of the optical system is formed by light emitted from one or more auxiliary light sources to form a light beam.

[0023] The technical means of this invention are advantageous because they allow at least one additional lighting function to be incorporated into a lighting device without actually increasing volume requirements. The light source present in the device for the lighting function can be used for the additional function. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a lighting device according to the present invention, the device including an optical system;

[0025] Figure 2 When the optical system is in the first position Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the longitudinal section of the lighting device;

[0026] Figure 3 When the optical system is in the second position Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the longitudinal section of the lighting device. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figures 1 to 3 The figure illustrates an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] More specifically, Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the lighting device according to the present invention.

[0029] In this case, the lighting device 2 is selectively a lighting and signaling device, which will be described below. The lighting device 2 includes a housing 4, which itself may be composed of a series of components or parts. As can be seen, the housing 4 includes multiple optical cavities having light sources 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and reflective surfaces 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3. Each of the reflective surfaces 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3 associated with the light source forms a unit that can generate a light beam.

[0030] The illumination device also includes an optical system 10 capable of receiving and shaping the light beams in question. The optical system 10 includes an optical component 12 with dual functions: a first optical function of projection and a second optical function of light diffusion. For this purpose, the optical component 12 is configured to move in a manner that allows rotation about a rotational axis 14, thereby selectively activating one or the other of the first and second functions. The illumination device 2 includes a mechanism 16 for rotating the optical component 12 about the rotational axis 14. This mechanism may include an electric motor coupled to an angle return mechanism, which itself is coupled to the optical component.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the position of the optical component 12 shown in the figure, the second function of light diffusion is activated, which means that the light beam generated by the associated light source and reflective surface will be diffused to ensure the signal transmission function.

[0032] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagrams illustrating the first and second functions schematically and in longitudinal cross-sectional view, respectively. Figure 1 The lighting device. More specifically, these figures illustrate a single light source and a single reflective surface associated with said light source; it should be understood that they apply to each associated light source and reflective surface.

[0033] Figure 2 The figure shows the illumination device 2 when the optical device is in the first position, wherein the first optical function of projecting the beam is activated.

[0034] As can be seen, the optical component 12 includes a first portion 12.1 corresponding to a first function and a second portion 12.2 corresponding to a second function. The first portion 12.1 of the optical component 12 is activated when positioned facing the light emitted by the light source 6 and reflected by the reflective surface 8, while the second portion 12.2 is not activated when positioned at an interval from the light in question. In this case, each of the two portions has a generally elongated transverse section, which forms a bend with an angle of approximately 90°, and advantageously between 70° and 100°. In principle, these transverse sections have different geometries in consideration of their different optical functions.

[0035] The first portion 12.1 of the optical component 12 that ensures the first function forms a projection lens having an input surface 12.1.1 and an input surface 12.1.2. This lens may, in particular, be plano-convex or biconvex. The second portion 12.2 of the optical component 12 that ensures the second function further includes an input surface 12.2.1 and an output surface 12.2.2.

[0036] In other ways, according to the invention and as in the illustrated example, the first portion 12.1 is formed by a projection lens, while in this case, the second portion 12.2 is formed by additional components different from the projection lens.

[0037] Here, according to the invention, the light source 6 is advantageously of a semiconductor type, such as, in particular, a light-emitting diode. According to the described example, the light source 6 emits light in a principal direction perpendicular to the plane and the optical axis 18 within a half-space defined by the principal plane of the source. According to the invention, the principal direction of emission can be between 65° and 115° relative to the optical axis 18.

[0038] Collector 20 forms a support in the form of a shell or cap, with a reflective surface 8 applied to its inner surface. The reflective surface 8 advantageously has an elliptical or parabolic profile. Advantageously, it is a surface of revolution about an axis parallel to the optical axis. Alternatively, it can be a free surface, a swept surface, or an asymmetric surface. It may also comprise multiple sectors. The shell or cap-shaped collector 20 is advantageously made of a material with good heat resistance and, for example, of glass or a synthetic polymer (e.g., polycarbonate PC or polyetherimide PEI). The term "parabolic" generally applies to reflectors having a surface comprising a single focal point, i.e., a converging region of light, such that light emitted by a light source placed in this converging region is reflected off the surface and projected to a great distance. "Projected to a great distance" means that these rays do not converge toward an area at least 10 times the size of the reflector. In other words, the reflected light does not converge toward the converging region, or if they do converge, the converging region is located at a distance greater than or equal to 10 times the size of the reflector. Therefore, a parabolic surface may or may not have a parabolic portion. Reflectors with such surfaces are typically used alone to generate light beams. Alternatively, it can be used as a projection surface associated with an elliptical reflector. In this case, the light source of the parabolic reflector is the converging region of the light reflected from the elliptical reflector.

[0039] The light source 6 is positioned at the focal point of the reflective surface 8 such that its light rays are collected and reflected along the optical axis, forming a reflected beam (referred to as reflected rays). At least a portion of these reflected rays have a tilt angle α of 25° or less, preferably 10° or less, in a plane perpendicular to the axis, so as to be under so-called Gaussian conditions, thereby achieving normal refraction, i.e., the sharpness of the projected image. The light rays are advantageously reflected by the rear portion of the reflective surface 8.

[0040] The first portion 12.1 of the optical component 12 forming the projection lens has a focal point 12.1.3 located along the optical axis 18 at or behind the light source 6. In this case, the focal point 12.1.3 is located at the rear edge of the reflective surface 8, which is also the lower edge of the reflective surface. It should be noted that the focal point can also be located at the rear or front of the reflective surface 8, preferably nearby, particularly less than 10 mm, and preferably less than 5 mm.

[0041] If the reflecting surface 8 is elliptical, it has a second focal point located in front of the lens 12.1 and spaced apart from the optical axis 18. It should be noted that this focal point may also be located at the rear of the lens and / or on the optical axis, preferably near the lens, in order to reduce the width of the (light) beam at the lens's input surface.

[0042] In this case, the first part 12.1 described is configured to project at least most of the reflected beam into the projected beam that provides illumination.

[0043] Figure 3 The figure shows the illumination device 2 when the optical device is in the second position, wherein the second optical function of scattering the light beam is activated.

[0044] and Figure 2 In contrast, it can be observed that the optical component has rotated approximately 90° around its rotation axis 14, in this case counterclockwise, such that the first part 12.1 is deactivated and the second part 12.2 is activated. In this case, the input surface 12.2.1 of the second part 12.2 intersects the optical axis 18 and is positioned facing the reflecting surface 8 and the light source 6 to collect the light beam generated by them (also referred to as the reflected beam). At least one of the input surface 12.2.1 and the output surface 12.2.2 may have a rough or grainy surface, for example, to ensure light scattering. For example, the second part 12.2 is configured to project most of the reflected beam into a diffuse beam, in which case the diffuse beam provides a signal illumination function.

[0045] In this case, the distance between the input surface 12.12.1 of the second portion 12.2 of the optical component 12 and the reflective surface 8 may differ from that of the input surface 12.1.1 of the first portion 12.1 (when it is in the active position). This will not cause a problem because the purpose of the second function of the optical system is not to image the reflective surface 8 illuminated by the light source 6 as the first function. In this case, the second function includes diffusing light to ensure the signal transmission function. It should be noted that (when the function is activated, in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis) the input surface 12.2.1 of the second portion 12.2 is higher than the input surface 12.1.1 of the first portion 12.1, thus allowing it to collect additional light reflected by the reflective surface 8.

[0046] It should be noted that one or more auxiliary light sources may also be provided for the second function, that is, auxiliary light sources that do not function for the first function.

[0047] The second function described above could be, for example, a signaling function that is not needed when the vehicle is in motion. In particular, it could be a position light or lamp-type function, or it could be a lighting signal that is activated when the vehicle is parked or stopped for an extended period of time.

[0048] refer to Figure 1 The optical system 10 can be shared by multiple associated light sources, reflective surfaces, and collectors positioned side-by-side. In this case, the first function may not have a point focal point, but rather a focal line that passes through the rear portion of the reflective surface in question. The focal line in question need not be straight; in this case, it can be slightly curved.

Claims

1. A lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising: One or more light sources capable of emitting light (6); One or more collectors (20) having a reflective surface (8), said reflective surface or each reflective surface being configured to collect light rays, referred to as reflected light rays, emitted by said one or more light sources (6), and reflect said light rays along the optical axis (18) into a reflected beam; An optical system (10) includes a projection lens (12.1) that provides a first optical function by imaging a reflective surface (8) or a portion of each reflective surface (8) located in the total propagation direction of the beam onto the rear of a corresponding light source (6) or each corresponding light source (6) to project at least a majority of the reflected beam into a projected beam. The optical system (10) is characterized in that it includes an additional component (12.2) that is different from the projection lens and provides a second optical function, which provides diffusion of at least a majority of the beam reflected as a diffuse beam, and the optical system is rotatable about a rotation axis (14) between a first position where the first optical function is activated and a second position where the second optical function is activated.

2. The lighting device (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The additional component (12.2) is formed by one or more diffuse screens, which, when the optical system (10) is in the second position, cause at least a majority of the reflected light beam to pass through them, and the at least a majority of the reflected light beam is diffused after passing through the screen to form the diffused light beam.

3. The lighting device (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The projection lens (12.1) has a focusing area (12.1.3) located on the reflective surface of the respective collector or each respective collector at the rear edge of the reflective surface.

4. The lighting device (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The optical system (10) includes an optical component (12), which includes the projection lens and the additional component, and the illumination device (2) includes a mechanism (16) for rotating the optical component (12) about the rotation axis (14).

5. The lighting device (2) according to claim 4, wherein, The optical component (12) includes a first input surface corresponding to the projection lens (12.1). 12.1.1) and a first output surface (12.1.2) associated with the first input surface (12.1.1), and a second input surface (12.2.1) corresponding to the additional component (12.2) and a second output surface (12.2.2) associated with the second input surface (12.2.1), wherein the first input surface (12.1.1) and the second input surface (12.2.1) and / or the first output surface (12.1.2) and the second output surface (12.2.2) are angularly deviated about the axis of rotation (14) by an angle between 60° and 120°.

6. The lighting device (2) according to claim 5, wherein, In the first position of the optical system (10), the first input surface (12.1.1) is positioned facing the collector (20), and in the second position of the optical system (10), the second input surface (12.2.1) is positioned facing the collector (20).

7. The lighting device (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The rotation axis (14) of the optical system (10) is transverse to the optical axis (18) and is horizontal when the illumination device (2) is in the operating position.

8. The lighting device (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The projected beam in the first position of the optical system (10) is an illumination beam, and the diffused beam in the second position of the optical system (10) is a signal beam or an illumination signal.

9. The lighting device (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The lighting device includes a plurality of light sources (6) and a plurality of collectors (20), the collectors having a plurality of reflective surfaces (8) to form a plurality of reflected beams superimposed together, and wherein the optical system (10) is rotatable between a first position and a second position, in the first position the projection lens (12.1) receives at least most of the reflected beams, and in the second position the additional component (12.2) receives at least most of the reflected beams.

10. The lighting device (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, In the second position of the optical system (10), the second optical function of the optical system is formed by light emitted from one or more auxiliary light sources to form a beam.

Images