LIGHT-SHAPED IMAGE OPTICAL UNIT FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

An optical unit (OU) equips a vehicle and comprises: - a light guide (LG) delivering, in a terminal section (TS) having a first chosen shape, photons from a first photon source (PS1) participating in a first photometric function, and - a first wall (P1) having a front face (FV1) in front of which the terminal section (TS) is installed, and forming a chosen angle with a second wall (P2) having a reflective face (RF) such that this terminal section (TS) is positioned opposite the reflective face (RF) so that the latter (RF) creates an image of the first chosen shape, having a second chosen shape, when the terminal section (TS) delivers the photons. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: OPTICAL UNIT WITH LIGHT-SHAPED IMAGE, FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to optical units which are intended to equip vehicles and which comprise at least one light guide which must participate in a photometric function. State of the art

[0002] Certain vehicles, generally of the automobile type, comprise at least one optical unit comprising at least one light guide capable of delivering, in an end part, photons which come from a photon source and which must participate in a photometric function.

[0003] Generally, the photometric function provided by the photons leaving the light guides is a signaling function, such as for example a daytime running light (or DRL) function.

[0004] Currently, when the photometric function is required to be provided according to a particular shape, it is necessary to use a light guide that has this particular shape in its entirety. When this shape is rectilinear or has a single, slight curvature, this does not affect the vertical size and weight of the optical unit. On the other hand, when the particular shape is complex (for example due to multiple curvatures) and / or closes at least partly on itself (for example to define a circle or a portion of a circle), the vertical size of the optical unit becomes significant and the electrical energy consumption, weight and cost of the latter are significantly increased (which also contributes to an increase in the vehicle's driving energy consumption).

[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] It proposes in particular for this purpose an optical unit, on the one hand, intended to equip a vehicle, and, on the other hand, comprising at least one light guide capable of delivering, in a terminal part having a first chosen shape, photons originating from a first photon source and having to participate in a first photometric function.

[0007] This optical block is characterized by the fact that it comprises a first wall having a front face in front of which the terminal part of the light guide is installed, and capable of making a chosen angle with a second wall having a reflective face so that the terminal part is placed opposite the reflective face so that the latter creates an image of the first chosen shape, having a second chosen shape, when the terminal part of the light guide delivers the photons.

[0008] Thanks to this luminous image which participates in the first photometric function with the terminal part of the light guide, a particular overall shape is available without it being necessary to provide an end part having this overall shape, which makes it possible to have a small vertical size of the light guide (and therefore of the optical block), and a reduced electrical consumption of the first photon source.

[0009] The optical unit according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0010] - the angle can be between 85° and 95°;

[0011] - the first and second chosen forms can be isomorphic;

[0012] - the first shape chosen can be a semicircle so that the first and second chosen shapes together define a circle having an axis parallel to a reflection zone of the second wall where the image of the first chosen shape is created;

[0013] - the front face of the first wall may have a black color;

[0014] - it can comprise, on the one hand, a box participating in the definition of a space housing the light guide and the first wall and comprising a third wall having an end portion located in front of the terminal portion of the light guide, and, on the other hand, a protective glass participating in the definition of this space, and installed in front of the terminal portion of the light guide while being fixedly secured to the end portion of the third wall;

[0015] - in the presence of the last option, the front part of the third wall can constitute the second wall;

[0016] - the first photometric function may be a daytime running light (or DRL) function;

[0017] - it may comprise at least one lens capable of transforming into a beam photons from a second photon source and having to participate in a second photometric function chosen from a high beam function and a low beam function.

[0018] The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, and comprising at least one optical unit of the type presented above.

[0019] For example, this vehicle may comprise a front part comprising each optical unit and a front hood comprising a front end extending forward beyond the terminal part of the light guide and defining a cap suitable for participating in the definition of a cast shadow darkening the reflection zone where the image of the first chosen shape is created. Brief description of the figures

[0020] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:

[0021] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view from the front side, a part of an example of a motor vehicle equipped with two examples of embodiments of an optical unit according to the invention, and

[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view in a vertical and long plane gitudinal, the left optical block of [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention

[0023] The invention aims in particular to propose an optical unit BO, intended to equip a vehicle V, and ensuring, in operation, at least one photometric function according to a particular shape defined in part by an image IF of a first chosen shape of a terminal part PT of a light guide GL.

[0024] It is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit BO is intended to equip a motor vehicle V, such as for example a car, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l]. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. Indeed, the optical unit BO can equip any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air), which must provide at least one photometric function and comprises at least one optical unit.

[0025] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the optical unit BO constitutes a front headlight (or projector) of a vehicle V. But it could constitute a front or rear light of a vehicle, for example.

[0026] In the foregoing and the following, the notion of "front" is defined in relation to the place where the photons participating in a photometric function exit, and the notion of "rear" is defined in relation to the place which is opposite to that where the photons participating in a photometric function exit. Consequently, the front face of an element is oriented towards the outside, while the rear face of this element is oriented towards the inside and opposite the front face.

[0027] In Figures 1 and 2, the direction X is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle V, which is substantially parallel to the lateral (or longitudinal) sides comprising the side doors, the direction Y is parallel to the transverse direction of the vehicle V and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the direction Z is parallel to the vertical direction of the vehicle V and perpendicular to the longitudinal directions X and transverse directions Y.

[0028] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a part of an example of a vehicle (here automobile) V equipped, here in a front part PVV, with two examples of embodiment of optical unit BO according to the invention. It is recalled that here the two optical units BO, right and left, are the two front projectors (or headlights).

[0029] It will be noted that the number of optical blocks BO which can equip a vehicle V can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0030] As illustrated at least partially in Figures 1 and 2, an optical block BO, according to the invention, notably comprises at least one light guide GL associated with at least one first photon source SP1, a first wall PI, as well as possibly a housing BB and a protective glass GP.

[0031] The possible BB housing participates, here with the possible GP protective glass, in the definition (or delimitation) of a space in which are installed at least the (each) light guide GL, the (each) first photon source SP1, and the first wall PL

[0032] The (each) light guide GL is arranged so as to deliver at its terminal part PT photons which come from the first associated photon source SP1 and which must participate in a first photometric function.

[0033] For example, this first photometric function may be a signaling function, and in particular a daytime running light (or DRL) function. But it could be a position light function, or a parking light function, or a reversing light function, or even a direction indicator (or flashing) function, for example.

[0034] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the terminal part PT of the (each) light guide GL has a first chosen shape. It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l] the first chosen shape is a semicircle. But a terminal part PT can have other first chosen shapes, more or less complex, such as for example shapes with multiple curvatures and / or closing at least partly on themselves.

[0035] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the first wall PI has a front face FV1 in front of which is installed the terminal part PT of the (each) light guide GL. In addition, this first wall PI is capable of being disoriented by making a chosen angle with a second wall P2 which has a reflective face FR. This disorientation of the chosen angle allows the terminal part PT (projecting on the front face FV1) to be placed opposite the reflective face FR, so that the latter (FR) creates an image IF of its first chosen shape, having a second chosen shape, when it (PT) delivers the photons participating in the first photometric function, as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0036] In other words, the reflective face FR here provides a mirror function intended to create an image IF of the first chosen shape which completes the latter (here below it) when the first photometric function is active. It will be understood that this image IF is luminous when the terminal part PT delivers photons, and therefore participates in the first photometric function with the terminal part PT. This is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to obtain a particular overall shape (resulting from the combination of the first and second chosen shapes) without it being necessary to provide a terminal part PT of light guide GL having this overall shape. This results in a small vertical footprint (along the vertical direction Z) of the light guide GL (and therefore of the optical block BO), and reduced electrical consumption of the first photon source SP1 compared to that which would be caused by the power supply of a light guide having a terminal part PT having the aforementioned particular overall shape.In addition, this small vertical size of the GL light guide combined with an undersizing of the first photon source SP1 allows a reduction in the weight of the optical block BO (which also contributes to a reduction in the driving energy consumption of the vehicle V) and the cost of the optical block BO.

[0037] It will be noted that the second wall P2 may, as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 2], be part of the optical unit BO and in this case it may be housed in the possible housing BO. But this is not obligatory. Indeed, the second wall P2 could be an element of the front part PVV of the vehicle V or of equipment installed in the front part PVV of the vehicle V, such as for example a sheet metal (possibly of the bodywork).

[0038] It will also be noted that the reflective nature of the reflective face FR of the second wall P2 may result from the metallic material from which the latter is made (P2) or from a surface treatment (for example a deposit of a reflective coating (metallic paint or layer of chrome, in particular) or of a reflective film).

[0039] For example, the angle of the disorientation between the first PI and second P2 walls can be between 85° and 95°. As an illustrative example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], this angle can be equal to 90°. But other angle values ​​can be used, because this depends on the particular overall shape that the image IF and the terminal part PT must form.

[0040] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], the first and second shapes chosen can be isomorphic (and therefore symmetrical by a reflection in a plane).

[0041] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.l], the first chosen shape may be a semicircle so that the first and second chosen shapes together define a particular overall shape of the circle type. In this case, the circle has an axis which is parallel to the reflection zone ZR of the second wall P2 where the image IF of the first chosen shape is created.

[0042] It will also be noted that it is preferable that the front face FV1 of the first wall PI has a black color, possibly matte. This makes it possible to make this front face FV1 invisible and to increase the contrast in the reflection zone ZR.

[0043] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.2], the first wall PI may be an electronic card on which the first photon source SP1 is installed. Also, for example, this electronic card PI may also include components and / or electronic circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of the first photon source SP1. Also, for example, the electronic card PI may be a printed circuit board of the PCB type (“Printed Circuit Board”).

[0044] Also for example, the first photon source SP1 may comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED), and preferably several. But as a variant the first photon source SP1 may comprise at least one laser diode or a gas laser or even at least one bulb (possibly xenon).

[0045] It will be noted that the choice of the first source of photons SP1 can depend on the first photometric function provided by the photons delivered by the (each) light guide GL.

[0046] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 2], when the optical block BO comprises a housing BB, the latter (BB) may comprise a third wall P3 having an end portion PE located in front of the terminal portion PT of the (each) light guide GL. In this case, the possible protective glass GP (which participates in the definition of the aforementioned space) may be installed in front of the terminal portion PT of the (each) light guide GL by being fixedly secured to the end portion PE of the third wall P3. This fixed securing may, for example, be done by gluing or welding and / or clipping.

[0047] It will be noted that the third wall P3 could, possibly, constitute the second wall P2. But this is not the case here because the second wall P2 is installed on an upper face of the third wall P3 of the BB housing.

[0048] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 and 2, the optical unit BO can also comprise at least one lens L capable of transforming into a beam photons which come from a second photon source SP2 and which must participate in a second photometric function chosen from a main beam function and a dipped beam function (or code). But the optical unit BO could only provide the first photometric function (and in this case it does not comprise a lens L).

[0049] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2 the (each) lens L is installed in the optical block BO at a vertical level which is lower than that where the light guide GL is installed. This makes it possible to give the impression that the second photometric function is realized inside (here) the luminous circle of the first photometric function.

[0050] For example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.2], the (each) second photon source SP2 can be installed on the electronic card PI. This makes it possible to simplify the architecture of the optical block BO and the electrical connections, while reducing the weight and cost of the optical block BO. But in a variant embodiment not illustrated, the (each) second photon source SP2 could be installed on its own electronic card.

[0051] Also for example, the second photon source SP2 may comprise at least one light-emitting diode (or LED). But as a variant the second photon source SP2 may comprise at least one laser diode or a gas laser or even at least one bulb (possibly xenon). It will be noted that the choice of the second photon source SP2 may depend on the second photometric function provided by the photons beamed by the lens L.

[0052] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2 the second wall P2 is installed in the optical block BO at a vertical level which is lower than that where the (each) light guide GL is installed, and also at that where the (each) lens L is installed. But an inverse arrangement could be envisaged. In this case, the second wall P2 is installed in the optical block BO at a vertical level which is higher than that where the (each) light guide GL is installed, and also at that where the (each) lens L is installed.

[0053] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1] the optical block BO comprises in its possible housing BB a support part PS to which the (each) light guide GL, the (each) lens L and the electronic card PL are fixedly secured. For example, this support part PS can be fixedly secured to the possible housing BB (and here to the third wall P3). This fixed securing can, for example, be done by clipping and / or screwing.

[0054] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1] each optical block BO, right or left, comprises two sub-parts placed one next to the other, substantially at the same level, and each comprising a light guide GL associated with a first photon source SP1 (to ensure a first photometric function) and a lens L associated with a second photon source SP2 (to ensure a second photometric function). As an illustrative example, the two sub-parts can ensure the same first photometric function but respectively two different second photometric functions (high beam and low beam) thanks to two second photon sources SP2 installed on the electronic card PL But each optical block BO could only comprise a light guide GL associated with a first photon source SP1 (to ensure the first photometric function) and a lens L associated with a second photon source SP2 (to ensure the second photometric function).

[0055] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 2, when the front part PVV of the vehicle V comprises the (each) optical unit BO and a front cover CV, the latter (CV) may comprise a front end EV which extends forward beyond the terminal part PT of the (each) light guide GL and which defines a cap. The latter is then suitable for participating in the definition of a cast shadow intended to darken the reflection zone ZR of the second wall P2 where the image IF of the first chosen shape is created. This makes it possible to better highlight the image IF.

Claims

Claims

1. Optical unit (BO) suitable for equipping a vehicle, and comprising at least one light guide (GL) suitable for delivering, in an end portion (PT) having a first chosen shape, photons from a first photon source (SP1) and having to participate in a first photometric function, characterized in that it comprises a first wall (PI) having a front face (FV1) in front of which said end portion (PT) is installed, and suitable for making a chosen angle with a second wall (P2) having a reflective face (FR) so that said end portion (PT) is placed opposite said reflective face (FR) so that the latter (FR) creates an image of said first chosen shape, having a second chosen shape, when said end portion (PT) delivers said photons.

2. Optical unit according to claim 1, characterized in that said angle is between 85° and 95°.

3. Optical unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said first and second chosen shapes are isomorphic.

4. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first chosen shape is a semicircle so that said first and second chosen shapes together define a circle having an axis parallel to a reflection zone (ZR) of said second wall (P2) where said image of the first chosen shape is created.

5. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises i) a housing (BB) participating in the definition of a space housing said light guide (GL) and said first wall (PI) and comprising a third wall (P3) having an end part (PE) located in front of said terminal part (PT) of the light guide (GL), and ii) a protective glass (GP) participating in the definition of said space, and installed in front of said terminal part (PT) of the light guide (GL) while being fixedly secured to said end part (PE) of the third wall (P3).

6. Optical unit according to claim 5, characterized in that said front part (PV) of the third wall (P3) constitutes said second wall (P2).

7. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first photometric function is a daytime running light function.

8. Optical unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one lens (L) capable of transforming photons from a second photon source (SP2) into a beam and having to participate in a second photometric function chosen from a high beam function and a low beam function.

9. Vehicle (V), characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (BO) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a front part (PVV) comprising i) each optical unit (BO) and ii) a front hood (CV) comprising a front end (EV) extending forwards beyond said terminal part (PT) of the light guide (GL) and defining a cap suitable for participating in the definition of a cast shadow darkening said reflection zone (ZR) where said image of the first chosen shape is created.

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