Optical module of lighting and / or signalling device of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Optical module (1; 1') of a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle, comprising a reflector associated with a light source, in particular comprising an LED, for reflecting light from that light source, that reflector being formed on a piece, in particular monolithic, namely made in one piece, provided with a cooling opening (50) for cooling air circulation.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical module of a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle.

[0002] It is known, for example from US Patents 2009 / 303,742 and WO Patents 2005 / 116,520, to create lighting devices in which the light source is mounted on a heat sink over which an airflow is directed, so that some of the heat produced by the light source is dissipated by the heat sink into the airflow. This is particularly true when the light source is a light-emitting diode (LED). High-performance lighting devices can be obtained in this way. However, such devices have drawbacks. They have complex structures and are therefore complicated to assemble. In addition, it is necessary to establish tolerances on numerous parts that must be assembled together. The dimensional chains of the individual parts are therefore also complex in these devices.

[0003] An optical module comprising the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known for example from document DE 10 2007 043961 A1.

[0004] The aim of the invention is to provide an optical module for a lighting and / or signaling device that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and improves upon known prior art optical modules. In particular, the invention proposes an optical module with a simple structure and simple dimension chains.

[0005] These objectives are achieved with an optical module according to claim 1.

[0006] According to an unclaimed embodiment, the optical module for a motor vehicle lighting and / or signaling device comprises a support, an optical lens, and a heat exchanger. The optical lens and the heat exchanger are fixed to said support, and the support connects the optical lens to the heat exchanger. Preferably, the support directly supports both the lens and the heat exchanger. This allows for a simple and easy-to-assemble optical module, with simple dimension chains for the various components.

[0007] The support may be intended to be mounted directly or indirectly on and inside the housing of the lighting and / or signaling device.

[0008] The support can also accommodate a fan and / or at least one light reflector and / or a bending tool and / or an air ducting system. Preferably, the support directly supports the fan and / or at least one light reflector and / or the bending tool and / or the air ducting system. This further simplifies the optical module and facilitates its assembly.

[0009] The support may include means for positioning the optical lens and / or the fan and / or at least one light reflector and / or the bending machine and / or the heat exchanger, these means cooperating with positioning means provided on the optical lens and / or on the fan and / or on at least one light reflector and / or on the bending machine and / or on the heat exchanger.

[0010] The optical module may include a first and a second light source intended to perform two distinct lighting and / or signaling functions. The first and second sources may together perform a high beam function, and the second source alone may perform a low beam function.

[0011] The optical module may include a light source intended to provide an anti-fog function.

[0012] The support can be mounted in rotation within a lighting and / or signaling device housing of a motor vehicle. Thus, it is possible to orient the axis of the optical module according to curves negotiated by the vehicle.

[0013] The optical module may include a base for attachment to the housing of the vehicle's lighting and / or signaling device, and comprising initial articulation means for securing the support to it so as to allow rotation of the support relative to the housing. For example, the support may include a tenon for engaging with an opening in the base, for example, one tenon at the top of the support and one below, the axis passing through these tenons corresponding to the axis of rotation of the module relative to the housing.

[0014] The base may include an operating mechanism for orienting the support relative to the housing. In one embodiment, the base may include a drive mechanism from which a drive shaft extends, cooperating with an opening in the module, preferably the support, so as to rotate the support. Alternatively, and as illustrated, the support may be indirectly connected to the base by an intermediate piece, for example, a frame. The support may then include mounting tabs attached to the frame. In this case, the frame includes means cooperating with the first articulation means of the base, for example, a tenon at the top and an opening at the bottom, the tenon rotating within the upper opening of the base and the opening receiving the drive shaft.

[0015] The optical lens can be positioned and fixed to the support in the front part of the latter and the heat exchanger can be positioned and fixed to the support below the latter.

[0016] The optical module may include a first and a second light source positioned and fixed on the heat exchanger.

[0017] The optical module may include a first reflector positioned relative to the support and fixed to the support, under the support, between the support and the heat exchanger.

[0018] The optical module may include a second reflector positioned relative to the support and fixed to the support, below the support and the heat exchanger.

[0019] The optical module may include a bending machine positioned and fixed on the support.

[0020] The optical module may include a fan positioned and fixed on the support, for example above the support and / or behind it.

[0021] The lighting and / or signaling device may include a housing in which the support is mounted.

[0022] This disclosure also relates to a motor vehicle including a lighting and / or signaling device as defined above.

[0023] The invention also relates, independently or in combination with the above, to an optical module for a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle, comprising a reflector associated with a light source, in particular comprising an LED, for reflecting light from this light source, this reflector being formed on a piece, in particular monolithic, namely made in one piece, provided with a cooling opening for cooling air circulation.

[0024] According to the invention, the module comprises a heat exchanger provided with one or more cooling fins extending at least partially into the cooling opening, said part on which the reflector is formed comprises a rear wall, in particular rounded, partially enveloping this or these fins.

[0025] According to the invention, the reflector comprises a wall, in particular a curved one, arranged to serve to guide the air exiting the cooling opening.

[0026] The module may include a support, an optical lens and a heat exchanger, and both the optical lens and the heat exchanger are supported by said support.

[0027] The support is advantageously made in one piece, thus being monolithic, obtained in particular by molding a plastic material.

[0028] If desired, the support includes a recess to at least partially accommodate a reflector.

[0029] In one example of an implementation of the invention, the module comprises first and second reflectors, in particular each associated with at least one dedicated light source, characterized by the fact that one of the reflectors forms with the support an enclosure receiving the other of the reflectors, allowing in particular to have a relatively compact module.

[0030] In one example of an implementation of the invention, the support includes at least one fixing arm, in particular two fixing arms, arranged to allow the fixing, in particular by gluing, of the lens, this or these arms extending in projection towards the front of the support, this or these arms preferably connecting to an annular portion of the support.

[0031] The lens advantageously comprises at least one edge, in particular two opposite edges, in particular substantially straight(s), this or these edges being arranged to be fixed on the arm(s) of the support.

[0032] The lens may include at least one fixing tab for fixing the lens to the support, this tab being formed in particular on the straight edge, this tab being able to cooperate in particular with one or more pins on the fixing bars of the support.

[0033] In one example of an implementation of the invention, at least one of the first and second reflectors is made in one piece.

[0034] The reflector may include two reflective surfaces, each associated with a light source.

[0035] This disclosure also relates to an optical module for a motor vehicle lighting and / or signaling device, specifically a headlight, comprising: a light source including at least one LED, a reflector arranged to reflect light from the light source, a bending machine placed in the path of light from the reflector and arranged to reflect light from the reflector, this bending machine preferably being made on a metal piece, preferably a monolithic piece.

[0036] This folding machine is preferably fixed in the module in a stationary manner relative to the light source.

[0037] Advantageously, the bending machine is provided with upper and lower reflective faces, preferably joining by forming a bevel with an acute angle, this angle being in particular less than 15°, or less than 5°, or less than 2° or even less than 1°. This allows in particular to obtain improved optical performance, in particular with regard to a break in the light beam.

[0038] In one implementation example, these faces of the folder are locally flat, and preferably these faces are not parallel to each other.

[0039] Advantageously the bending machine is formed on a monolithic piece, namely made in one piece, preferably in metal to ensure in particular better thermal resistance against the heat coming from the light source(s) of the device or from the sun.

[0040] If desired, the folder has a cutting edge, preferably with a step, to make a cut in the bundle.

[0041] In one implementation example, the bending machine has at least one machined reflective face.

[0042] If necessary, the bending machine is formed on a part positioned at a non-zero distance from the heat exchanger.

[0043] The folder may have front and rear edges, preferably substantially parallel, and in particular substantially straight, the reflective face(s) of the folder extending between these edges, which are in particular perpendicular to the optical axis of the module.

[0044] The folding machine advantageously includes at least one fixing lug, particularly a lateral one, arranged to allow it to be fixed to the support. In one embodiment of the invention, the folding machine includes two fixing lugs at opposite ends of the machine, these lugs being positioned, in particular, at the ends of the machine along the direction of the longest dimension.

[0045] The direction of the largest dimension of the folder is advantageously substantially perpendicular to an optical axis of the module.

[0046] The attached drawing represents, by way of example, two embodiments of an optical module of a motor vehicle according to the invention. There figure 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of an optical module according to the invention. figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the first embodiment of the optical module according to the invention. figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the first embodiment of the optical module according to the invention. The figure 4 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the optical module according to the invention. The Figure 5 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the optical module according to the invention.

[0047] A first embodiment of an optical module 1 lighting and / or signaling device is described below with reference to figures 1 to 3. In this example, the optical module of the lighting and / or signaling device is an optical module 1 with two functions: a dipped beam type lighting function, and a main beam type lighting function.

[0048] The optical module 1 mainly comprises a support 2, an optical lens 3, a fan 5, a heat exchanger, such as a radiator 4, a first reflector 6, a second reflector 7 and a bender 8.

[0049] The support includes means 30 for positioning and fixing the optical lens 3 on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and fixing means 31 provided on the optical lens 3. The optical lens is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the optical lens is supported directly by the support.

[0050] The support includes means 32 for positioning and securing the radiator 4 on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and securing means 33 provided on the radiator. The radiator is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the radiator is supported directly by the support.

[0051] The support includes means 34 for positioning and securing the fan 5 on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and securing means 35 provided on the fan. The fan is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the fan is supported directly by the support.

[0052] The support includes means 36 for positioning and securing the first reflector 6 on the support. These means 37 cooperate with positioning and securing means provided on the first reflector 6. Alternatively, the support may only have means for securing the first reflector 6 to the support. Positioning means may be provided on the first reflector to cooperate with positioning means on the radiator or on a first light source, so as to position the first reflector relative to the first light source. The first reflector is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the first reflector is supported directly by the support. Alternatively, the first reflector may be positioned on the radiator and supported by the radiator.

[0053] The support includes means 38 for positioning and securing the second reflector 7 on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and securing means 39 provided on the second reflector 7. Alternatively, the support may only have means for securing the second reflector 7 to the support. Positioning means may be provided on the second reflector to cooperate with positioning means on the radiator or on a second light source, so as to position the second reflector relative to the second light source. The second reflector is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the second reflector is supported directly by the support. Alternatively, the second reflector may be positioned on the radiator and supported by the radiator.

[0054] The support includes means for positioning and securing the folder 8 on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and securing means provided on the folder 8. Alternatively, the support may only include means for securing the folder 8 to the support. Positioning means may be provided on the folder to cooperate with positioning means on the radiator or the first light source, so as to position the folder relative to the first light source. The folder is thus supported by the support. Preferably, the folder is supported directly by the support. Alternatively, the folder may be positioned on the radiator and supported by the radiator.

[0055] The support includes means 38 for positioning and fixing an airflow guide 13 on the support. These means cooperate with positioning and fixing means 39 provided on the guide 13. Alternatively, the airflow guide can be integral with the second reflector, as on the figures 1 to 5 The air guide is thus supported by the bracket. Preferably, the guide is supported directly by the bracket.

[0056] Preferably, the first light source comprises a first LED mounted on a first printed circuit board 9 and a second LED mounted on a second printed circuit board 10. These printed circuit boards 9 and 10 are preferably positioned and fixed on the heat sink 4. The light beams emitted by the first source are reflected by a reflective surface 11 of the first reflector before being partially reflected by the bending machine 8 and deflected by the optical lens 3. These different elements constitute a first optical system for generating a low beam type cutoff light beam.Preferably, the reflective surface 11 has a first ellipsoidal portion and a second ellipsoidal portion, the first diode being located at least substantially at the first focus of the first ellipsoidal portion, the second diode being located at least substantially at the first focus of the second ellipsoidal portion, and the bending device being located at least substantially at the second foci of the first and second ellipsoidal portions. The bending device is preferably also located at the focus of the optical lens 3.

[0057] Preferably, the second light source comprises a third light-emitting diode (LED) mounted on a third printed circuit board 19. This printed circuit board 19 is preferably positioned and fixed on the heat sink 4. The light beams emitted by the second source are reflected by a reflective surface 12 of the second reflector 7 before being deflected by the optical lens 3. These various elements constitute a second optical system that generates a complementary portion of the light beam generated by the first optical system, such that the first and second beams together produce a high-beam type light beam. Preferably, the reflective surface 12 is ellipsoidal in shape. The third LED is located at least substantially at the first focal point of the reflective surface 12, and the focal point of the optical lens 3 is located at least substantially at the second focal point of the reflective surface 12.

[0058] Given the structure of the optical systems described above, it is clear that the precise positioning of the various components—light sources, reflectors, bending machine, and optical lens—relative to one another is crucial. Several solutions exist for achieving this. Specifically, one can position the lens relative to the support, the reflectors relative to the support, the light sources relative to the heat sink, and the heat sink relative to the support. In this example, the dimension chain positioning the light sources relative to the reflectors or relative to the optical lens passes through the heat sink and the support. Alternatively, one can position the lens relative to the support, the reflectors relative to the heat sink, the light sources relative to the heat sink, and the heat sink relative to the support.In this last example, the dimension chain positioning the light sources relative to the reflectors now only passes through the radiator.

[0059] Advantageously, in all variants, the different components of the optical systems are supported by the support indirectly or, preferably, directly.

[0060] The fan creates an airflow 22 flowing between fins 18 of the radiator and channeled by a guide 13 to optimize heat exchange between the air and the radiator.

[0061] Preferably, the various printed circuit boards carrying the LEDs are fixed to the heatsink and positioned relative to the heatsink. They are therefore indirectly supported by the bracket 2, the heatsink being fixed to the bracket.

[0062] The bracket also includes fastening means for attaching it to a structure of the motor vehicle. Preferably, these fastening means allow it to be attached within a housing for a lighting and / or signaling device, this housing also having means for attaching it to the structure of the motor vehicle. The bracket is preferably molded. For example, it is made of metal or plastic, particularly composite materials.

[0063] A second embodiment of the optical module according to the invention is described below with reference to Figures 4 and 5This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the structure of the support 2. In this second embodiment, the support 2 comprises first articulation means 2c which cooperate with second articulation means on a base 2b intended to be fixed within a housing of the lighting and / or signaling device. Thus, the support, and therefore the optical module, can be oriented relative to the housing. The base forms, for example, a frame within which the support is articulated. This articulation is achieved, for example, along a vertical axis, such as by a pivot joint. Therefore, a function for modifying the direction of the optical axis of the lighting and / or signaling device can be performed when the vehicle negotiates a curve. The base may also include a control mechanism, such as a geared motor, for controlling the orientation of the support and thus that of the optical module.

[0064] For example, the support may include, as a first means of articulation, a tenon (not shown), for example, one tenon at the top of the support and one tenon below, the axis passing through these tenons corresponding to the axis of rotation of the module relative to the housing. The base may include, as a second means of articulation, holes intended to cooperate with the tenons.

[0065] In one variant, the base 2b includes a drive mechanism from which a drive shaft 2d extends, cooperating with an opening in the module, preferably in the support 2, so as to rotate the support 2. Alternatively, and as illustrated, the support 2 can be indirectly connected to the base 2b by an intermediate piece (not shown for clarity), for example, a frame. The support can then include mounting tabs 2e attached to the frame. The frame then includes means cooperating with the second articulation means of the base, for example, a tenon at the top and an opening at the bottom, the tenon rotating in the upper opening 2c of the base and the opening receiving the drive shaft 2d.

[0066] Throughout this document, "supporting a component" refers to the action of transferring the forces exerted on the component to the vehicle's structure. These forces include, in particular, those exerted at a distance due to acceleration forces such as weight. Furthermore, a part that directly supports a component directly transfers the forces exerted on the component to the vehicle's structure; that is, there is no intermediate part transmitting the forces between the component and the supporting part. Alternatively, an intermediate part may be included if its sole function is that of an interface. In this latter case, despite the presence of the intermediate part, the supporting part is considered to directly support the component.

[0067] In the various embodiments, the optical module provides a first function as a low beam and a second function as a high beam. However, the optical module according to the invention can perform any other function in place of one or both of the first and second functions. The optical module according to the invention can also perform only a single lighting and / or signaling function, such as a fog light function.

[0068] Throughout this text, the term "at least substantially" is used with different adjectives means: " adjective " or "significantly" adjective ", For example, "at least substantially perpendicular" means "perpendicular" or "substantially perpendicular".

[0069] In the example described, support 2 is made in one piece, support 2 being a monolithic piece.

[0070] This support 2, for example, is made by molding in plastic material.

[0071] The second reflector 7 is formed on a single piece, in particular monolithic, i.e. made in one piece, provided with a cooling opening 50 for cooling air circulation, as illustrated in particular on the Figures 1 And 2 .

[0072] The heat exchanger 4 is provided with several cooling fins 51 extending opposite the cooling opening 50.

[0073] The reflector 7 has a curved wall 52 arranged to serve as a guide for the air exiting the cooling opening 50.

[0074] The support 2 has a recess 55 to receive the reflector 6, as can be seen on the figure 3 For example.

[0075] The reflector 7, together with the support 2, forms an enclosure 56 which houses the reflector 6, thus allowing for a relatively compact module (see figure 3 ).

[0076] The support 2 has two fixing arms 60 arranged to allow the fixing, in particular by gluing, of the lens 3, these arms 60 extending in projection towards the front of the support 2.

[0077] These arms connect to an annular portion 61 of support 2.

[0078] The lens 3 has two opposing straight edges 63 arranged to be fixed to the arms 60 of the support 2 (see figure 1 ).

[0079] The lens has, on each edge 63, a mounting tab 65 for attaching the lens 3 to the support 2, this tab 65 being able to cooperate with one or more pins 66 on the mounting arm 60 of the support (see figure 1 ).

[0080] Each of the first and second reflectors 6 and 7 is made from a single piece.

[0081] Reflector 6 has two reflective surfaces, each associated with a light source.

[0082] The bending machine 8 is made on a metal piece, preferably a monolithic piece.

[0083] The folder 8 is equipped with lower reflective faces 70 and upper reflective faces 71 (see figure 3 in particular), joining together by forming a bevel having an acute angle, this angle being in particular less than 15°, or less than 5°, or less than 2° or even less than 1°.

[0084] The bending machine 8 is formed on a monolithic piece, namely made in one piece, preferably in metal to ensure in particular better thermal resistance against the heat coming from the light source(s) of the device or from the sun.

[0085] The folder 8 has a cutting edge 74, with a step 75 (see figure 1 ).

[0086] The bending machine 8 is formed on a part positioned at a non-zero distance from the heat exchanger 4.

[0087] The folder 8 has front and rear edges 78, preferably substantially parallel, and in particular substantially straight, the reflective faces 70 and 71 of the folder 8 extending between these edges 78, which are in particular perpendicular to the optical axis x of the module.

Claims

1. Optical module (1; 1') for a lighting and / or signalling device of an automotive vehicle, comprising a reflector associated with a light source, in particular having an LED, in order to reflect light originating from this light source, this reflector being formed on a component provided with a cooling opening (50) for circulating cooling air, said module having a heat exchanger (4) provided with one or more cooling fins (51) extending at least partially into the cooling opening, said component on which the reflector is formed having a rear wall (13) partially surrounding these one or more fins (51), said module being characterized in that the reflector has a wall (52), notably domed, being designed to serve to guide the air leaving the cooling opening (50).

2. Module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said rear wall (13) is rounded.

3. Module according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a support (2), an optical lens (3) and a heat exchanger (4), characterized in that the optical lens (3) and the heat exchanger (4) are both carried by said support.

4. Module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support (2) is produced in one piece, thus being monolithic, obtained in particular by moulding a plastics material.

5. Module according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the support (2) has a recess (55) for at least partially receiving a reflector (6).

6. Module according to one of Claims 3 to 5, having first and second reflectors, in particular each associated with at least one dedicated light source, characterized in that one of the reflectors forms, with the support, an enclosure (56) receiving the other of the reflectors.

7. Module according to one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the support has at least one attachment arm (60), in particular two attachment arms, designed to allow the attachment, in particular by adhesive bonding, of the lens, these one or more arms projecting towards the front of the support, these one or more arms preferably being connected to an annular portion (61) of the support.

8. Module according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lens has at least one edge (63), in particular two opposite edges, which is / are in particular substantially rectilinear, these one or more edges being designed to be attached to the one or more arms of the support.

9. Module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the first and second reflectors is produced in a single piece.

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