LIGHT-SHAPED IMAGE OPTICAL UNIT FOR A VEHICLE
The optical block design addresses the challenge of complex shapes by using a reflective face to create an image of a specific shape, reducing vertical footprint and energy consumption, while maintaining photometric functionality and lowering costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
- Filing Date
- 2023-08-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing optical blocks with complex shapes and self-closing geometries increase vertical dimensions, weight, electrical energy consumption, and cost, particularly when used for photometric functions like daytime running lights.
An optical block design featuring a light guide with a terminal part and a reflective face forming a chosen angle, creating an image of a specific shape without requiring the terminal part to have that shape, thereby reducing vertical footprint and electrical consumption.
Achieves a compact design with reduced weight and energy consumption while maintaining photometric functionality, without the need for complex terminal shapes, thus lowering manufacturing costs.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: LIGHT-SHAPED IMAGE OPTICAL BLOCK FOR A VEHICLE Technical field of the invention
[0001] The invention relates to optical blocks intended to equip vehicles and comprising at least one light guide intended to participate in a photometric function. State of the art
[0002] Some vehicles, generally of the automobile type, include at least one optical block comprising at least one light guide suitable for delivering, in a terminal part, photons which are produced from a photon source and which are intended to participate in a photometric function.
[0003] Generally, the photometric function provided by the photons exiting the light guides is a signaling function, such as a daytime running light (or DRL) function.
[0004] Currently, when the photometric function is required to conform to a specific shape, it is necessary to use a light guide that fully embodies this specific shape. When this shape is rectilinear or has a single, slight curvature, this does not negatively impact the vertical dimensions and weight of the optical unit. However, when the specific shape is complex (for example, due to multiple curvatures) and / or closes at least partially upon itself (for example, to define a circle or a portion of a circle), the vertical dimensions of the optical unit become significant, and its electrical energy consumption, weight, and cost are significantly increased (which also contributes to an increase in the vehicle's motor power consumption).
[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention
[0006] In particular, it proposes for this purpose an optical block, on the one hand, intended to equip a vehicle, and, on the other hand, comprising at least one light guide suitable for delivering, in a terminal part having a first chosen shape, photons from a first photon source and intended to participate in a first photometric function.
[0007] This optical block is characterized in that it comprises a first wall having a front face in front of which the terminal part of the light guide is installed, and adapted to form a chosen angle with a second wall having a reflective face such 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, we have a particular overall shape without having to provide a terminal part having this overall shape, which allows us to have a small vertical footprint of the light guide (and therefore of the optical block), and a reduced electrical consumption of the first photon source.
[0009] The optical block according to the invention may include other features 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 may include, on the one hand, a housing participating in the definition of a space housing the light guide and the first wall and comprising a third wall having an end part located in front of the terminal part 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 part of the light guide by being fixedly attached to the end part of the third wall;
[0015] - in the presence of the last option, the front part of the third wall can to form the second wall;
[0016] - the first photometric function can be a daytime running light (or DRL) function;
[0017] - it may comprise at least one lens suitable for transforming into a beam of photons from a second photon source and intended 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 block of the type presented above.
[0019] For example, this vehicle may include a front part comprising each optical block 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 area where the image of the first chosen shape is created. Brief description of the figures
[0020] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings (obtained using CAD / CAM (“Computer-Aided Design / Computer-Aided Manufacturing”)), 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 optical block embodiments according to the invention, and
[0022] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a cross-sectional view in a vertical plane and longitudinal, the left optical block of the [Fig.l]. Detailed description of the invention
[0023] The invention aims in particular to provide an optical block BO, intended to equip a vehicle V, and ensuring, in operation, at least one photometric function according to a particular form defined in part by an image IF of a first chosen form of a terminal part PT of a light guide GL.
[0024] In the following, by way of non-limiting example, the optical unit BO is considered to be intended for use in a motor vehicle V, such as a car, as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1]. However, the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. Indeed, the optical unit BO can be used in any vehicle (land, sea (or river), or air) that must perform at least one photometric function and comprises at least one optical unit.
[0025] Furthermore, in the following, by way of non-limiting example, the optical block BO is considered to constitute a front headlight (or projector) of a vehicle V. But it could constitute, for example, a front or rear light of a vehicle.
[0026] In the preceding and following text, the notion of "front" is defined with respect to the location where the photons participating in a photometric function emerge, and the notion of "back" is defined with respect to the location opposite to that where the photons participating in a photometric function emerge. Consequently, the front face of an element is oriented outwards, while the back face of that element is oriented inwards and opposite to 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 direction X and transverse direction Y.
[0028] Figure 1 schematically illustrates part of an example vehicle (here, a car) V equipped, here in a front PVV section, with two embodiment examples. of optical block BO according to the invention. It is recalled that here the two optical blocks BO, right and left, are the two front projectors (or headlights).
[0029] It should be noted that the number of optical blocks BO that 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, includes in particular at least one light guide GL associated with at least one first photon source SP1, a first wall PI, as well as optionally a housing BB and a protective glass GP.
[0031] The possible BB housing, together with the possible GP protective glass, contributes to defining (or delimiting) a space in which at least one (each) light guide GL, one (each) first photon source SP1, and one (each) wall PL are installed.
[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 can 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 turn signal (or indicator) function, for example.
[0034] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], the terminal portion PT of the (of each) light guide GL has a first chosen shape. It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the first chosen shape is a semicircle. However, a terminal portion PT can have other first chosen shapes, more or less complex, such as, for example, shapes with multiple curvatures and / or shapes that close at least partially on themselves.
[0035] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], the first wall PI has a front face FV1 in front of which the terminal part PT of the (of each) light guide GL is installed. In addition, this first wall PI is designed to be 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 (protruding on the front face FV1) to be positioned 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. 1].
[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 complements the latter (here below it) when the first photometric function is active. It will be understood that this IF image is bright when the terminal PT section emits photons, and thus participates in the first photometric function with the terminal PT section. This is particularly advantageous because it allows obtaining a specific overall shape (resulting from the combination of the first and second chosen shapes) without requiring a terminal PT section of the light guide GL with this overall shape. This results in a small vertical footprint (along the vertical Z direction) of the light guide GL (and therefore of the optical block BO), and reduced power consumption of the first photon source SP1 compared to that which would be required to power a light guide with a terminal PT section exhibiting the aforementioned specific overall shape.Furthermore, the small vertical footprint of the GL light guide combined with the undersized first photon source SP1 allows for a reduction in the weight of the BO optical block (which also contributes to a reduction in the vehicle's motor energy consumption) and the cost of the BO optical block.
[0037] It should be noted that the second wall P2 can, as illustrated (but not limited to) in [Fig. 2], be part of the optical unit BO and in this case it can be housed in the possible BO casing. However, this is not mandatory. Indeed, the second wall P2 could be an element of the front PVV section of the vehicle V or of equipment installed in the front PVV section of the vehicle V, such as, for example, a sheet metal panel (possibly from the bodywork).
[0038] It should also be noted that the reflective character of the reflective face FR of the second wall P2 can result from the metallic material in 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 a reflective film).
[0039] For example, the angle of disorientation between the first PI and second P2 walls can be between 85° and 95°. By way of illustration, and as shown non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], this angle can be equal to 90°. But other angle values can be used, as this depends on the particular overall shape that the image IF and the terminal part PT are to form.
[0040] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig.1], the first and second chosen shapes can be isomorphic (and therefore symmetrical by reflection in a plane).
[0041] Also, for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly in [Fig. 1], the first shape chosen can be a semicircle, so that the first and second shapes chosen together define a particular overall shape of the circle type. In this case, the circle has an axis that is parallel to the reflection zone ZR of the second wall P2 where the image IF of the first shape chosen is created.
[0042] It should also be noted that it is preferable for the front face FV1 of the first wall PI to be black, possibly matte. This makes the front face FV1 invisible and increases the contrast in the reflection zone ZR.
[0043] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], the first wall PI may be an electronic board on which the first photon source SP1 is installed. Also, for example, this electronic board PI may also include electronic components and / or circuit(s) for controlling the power supply and operation of the first photon source SP1. Also, for example, the electronic board PI may be a printed circuit board (PCB).
[0044] Also, for example, the first photon source SP1 may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED), and preferably several. But alternatively, the first photon source SP1 may include at least one laser diode or a gas laser or at least one bulb (possibly xenon).
[0045] It should be noted that the choice of the first photon source SP1 may depend on the first photometric function ensured by the photons delivered by the (each) light guide GL.
[0046] Also, for example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], when the optical block BO includes a housing BB, the latter (BB) may include 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 optional protective glass GP (which contributes to defining the aforementioned space) may be installed in front of the terminal portion PT of the (each) light guide GL by being fixedly attached to the end portion PE of the third wall P3. This fixed attachment may, for example, be achieved by bonding or welding and / or clipping.
[0047] It should 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, without limitation and at least partially, in Figures 1 and 2, the optical block BO may also include at least one lens L suitable for transforming into a beam photons originating from a second photon source SP2 and which must participate in a second photometric function chosen from a high beam function and a low beam function. However, the optical block BO could perform only the first photometric function (and in this case, it does not include a lens L).
[0049] It should be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 2, the (each) lens L is installed in the optical block BO at a vertical level which is smaller than the one where the GL light guide is installed. This gives the impression that the second photometric function is performed inside (here) the luminous circle of the first photometric function.
[0050] For example, and as illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 2], each second photon source SP2 can be installed on the electronic board PI. This simplifies the architecture of the optical block BO and the electrical connections, while reducing the weight and cost of the optical block BO. However, in an alternative embodiment not shown, each second photon source SP2 could be installed on its own electronic board.
[0051] Also, for example, the second photon source SP2 may include at least one light-emitting diode (LED). Alternatively, the second photon source SP2 may include at least one laser diode or a gas laser, or at least one bulb (possibly xenon). It should be noted that the choice of the second photon source SP2 may depend on the second photometric function performed by the photons beamed by the lens L.
[0052] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in Figures 1 and 2, the second wall P2 is installed in the optical block BO at a vertical level that is lower than that at which the (each) light guide GL is installed, and also lower than that at which the (each) lens L is installed. However, a reverse arrangement could be considered. In this case, the second wall P2 is installed in the optical block BO at a vertical level that is higher than that at which the (each) light guide GL is installed, and also higher than that at which the (each) lens L is installed.
[0053] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], the optical block BO includes, within its optional housing BB, a support piece PS to which the (each) light guide GL, the (each) lens L, and the electronic board PL are fixedly attached. For example, this support piece PS can be fixedly attached to the optional housing BB (and here to the third wall P3). This fixed attachment can, for example, be achieved by clipping and / or screwing.
[0054] It should also be noted that in the example illustrated, but not limited to, in [Fig. 1], each optical block BO, right or left, comprises two sub-parts placed side by side, substantially at the same level, each including a light guide GL associated with a first photon source SP1 (to perform a first photometric function) and a lens L associated with a second photon source SP2 (to perform a second photometric function). By way of illustration, the two sub-parts can perform 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 board PL. But each optical block BO could comprise only a light guide GL light 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 without limitation in Figures 1 and 2, when the front portion PVV of the vehicle V comprises the (each) optical unit BO and a front cowl CV, the latter (CV) may include a front end EV that extends forward beyond the terminal portion PT of the (each) light guide GL and defines a cap. This cap then contributes to defining 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 the image IF stand out more clearly.
Claims
Demands
1. Optical block (OB) suitable for equipping a vehicle, and comprising at least one light guide (LG) suitable for delivering, in a terminal part (TP) having a first chosen shape, photons from a first photon source (SP1) and intended 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 terminal part (TP) is installed, and suitable for making a chosen angle with a second wall (P2) having a reflective face (FR) such that said terminal part (TP) 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 terminal part (TP) delivers said photons,said first chosen shape being a semicircle such 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.
2. Optical block according to claim 1, characterized in that said angle is between 85° and 95°.
3. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 or 2, 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) by being fixedly attached to said end part (PE) of the third wall (P3).
4. Optical block according to claim 3, characterized in that said front part (PV) of the third wall (P3) constitutes said second wall (P2).
5. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first photometric function is a daytime running light function.
6. Optical block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises at least one lens (L) adapted to transform into a beam of photons from a second photon source (SP2) and intended to participate in a second photometric function chosen from a high beam function and a low beam function.
7. Vehicle (V), characterized in that it comprises at least one optical unit (OU) according to one of the preceding claims.
8. Vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a front part (PVV) comprising i) each optical block (BO) and ii) a front hood (CV) comprising a front end (EV) extending forward 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.