Light emitting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

A light emission module (1, 5, 7) for a motor vehicle, said module comprising at least one light emission assembly (2) capable of emitting light rays, and an optical system (4) placed on a specific optical axis (100, 500, 700) of the light emission module, across the light rays and configured to project a light beam, said at least one light emission assembly (2) being placed in the vicinity of an object focal plane of said optical system (4), characterized in that said optical system (4) forms an element (6) for closing said light emission module, and in that said light emission assembly (2) is mounted on a rotatable carrier (8) rotated by a specific drive system (10) independent of said optical system (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lighting and / or light-based signaling in the automotive industry, and more specifically, to a system for adjusting the position of a light-emitting module for a light-emitting device for a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The area of ​​lighting and / or light-based signaling in motor vehicles is limited by regulations requiring each motor vehicle to be equipped with lights that perform specific safety functions (and in particular, high beam headlights and low beam headlights). Low beam headlights allow the motor vehicle to be seen by other road users and allow the driver of the motor vehicle to see the road at a distance of 30 meters without dazzling other users in the road environment. High beam headlights emit a stronger beam of light, enabling the driver of the motor vehicle to see the road at a distance of at least 100 meters in nighttime conditions.

[0003] As is well known, low beam headlights and high beam headlights are generated by two light-emitting modules, each of which can include a substantially point light source (e.g., a light source of the type of light-emitting diode) and a collector (which includes a rotating reflective surface with an elliptical profile). Therefore, the light source is located at a first focal point of the reflective surface and is oriented in a manner that illuminates substantially in the direction of the surface. The light is reflected in a converging manner toward a second focal point of the reflective surface of the collector, the second focal point coinciding with the focal point of an optical system (such as a lens) of the light-emitting module configured to project the light beam reflected by the collector toward the road.

[0004] In particular, a light-emitting device is known, wherein a first light-emitting module is capable of generating low beam, and wherein a second light-emitting module is capable of generating a complementary beam that, in addition to low beam, also forms high beam.

[0005] In this scenario, the second light-emitting module can be specifically configured to generate a matrix beam that can be partially turned off or on to avoid glare for road users. Furthermore, the first light-emitting module, intended to generate low beams, can include two different light sources, meaning they are associated with different optical systems and have different focal lengths within the same light-emitting module.

[0006] In motor vehicles, the light-emitting modules that produce low beam and high beam headlights can be combined together into a single light-emitting device located at the front of the vehicle. Notably, this helps to create optical continuity when switching from low beam to high beam headlights. When the light-emitting device is installed on a motor vehicle, the orientation of each light-emitting module needs to be precisely adjusted to ensure that the beam projected by each module correctly illuminates the road according to regulations, and on the other hand, to ensure that the transition from one beam intensity to another is as smooth as possible.

[0007] For this purpose, various adjustment systems are known, including means for translating the entire module within the headlight, or means for controlling the entire light-emitting module and pivoting it in different directions of rotation (and particularly along a substantially horizontal axis of rotation perpendicular to the optical axis of the light-emitting device). Such adjustment systems allow each module to move as a whole, that is, the light source and associated optical system move within the means, the light source and associated optical system being shielded behind an outer lens enclosing a container in which the module is received.

[0008] However, this system for adjusting the light-emitting device is bulky and complex to use. The adjustments allowed by this system are all more complicated because the light-emitting modules within the same device consist of several different types of modules with different lighting functions.

[0009] Furthermore, the headlight design allows the module to move as a whole, housed within a casing closed by an outer lens, with the module positioned at a certain distance from the outer lens. However, automakers may wish to provide a headlight without an outer lens, meaning the headlight is not covered by an outer lens, and the optical system of each light-emitting module in the headlight is visible from outside the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In this context, according to a first aspect, the present invention aims to provide a light-emitting module for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light-emitting component and an optical system, wherein the at least one light-emitting component is capable of emitting light, the optical system is arranged on a specific optical axis of the light-emitting module, traverses the light, and is configured to project a light beam, and the at least one light-emitting component is arranged near the object-focal plane of the optical system.

[0011] According to the present invention, the light-emitting module is noteworthy in that the optical system forms a closed element of the light-emitting module, and the light-emitting component is mounted on a rotating support that is driven in a rotatable manner by a specific driving system independent of the optical system.

[0012] In other words, the present invention proposes a light-emitting module in which the position of a light-emitting component, and particularly the position of the light source constituting it, can be adjusted by rotational movement relative to the position of an optical system that also participates in forming a closing element of the light-emitting module, which, if necessary, is visible from outside the vehicle such that the closing element must remain stationary. Therefore, the position of the optical system can be fixed relative to a reference frame, which may in particular consist of a headlight structure or a vehicle structure in which headlights are positioned, and once this position has been secured, adjustment of the position of the light-emitting component (in particular the light source) relative to the optical system is permitted.

[0013] The applicant has been able to empirically verify that when it is desired to improve the attitude of the beam projected by the light-emitting module arranged in a headlight without an external lens, the translational movement of the entire light-emitting module within the device can be replaced by the rotational movement of the light source alone, and if a collector is required, the photometric reading has been determined, and the beam can be adjusted in a similar manner by rotating the light source independently of the optical system, provided that the optimal position of the rotation axis is found.

[0014] The light-emitting module should be understood to include at least a light-emitting component and an optical system arranged in the path of the rays emitted by the light-emitting component. Depending on the type of light-emitting module, i.e., a module configured to project low beams, a module configured to project high beams, or a complementary beam that can form high beams with low beams, the characteristics of the light-emitting component can vary.

[0015] A light emitting component includes at least one light source, and, if desired, the light emitting component may include a collector. The light emitting component may particularly include a semiconductor-type light source, and may consist of a light-emitting diode (LED) or multiple LEDs formed at the object-focal plane of the optical system.

[0016] As mentioned earlier, the light source can be associated with a collector in the light emitting assembly, the light source emitting its rays toward the collector, and the collector is configured to collimate or deflect the light emitted by the light source in the direction of the optical system. The optical system can then be configured to project an image onto the reflective surface of the collector. In other words, the image projected onto the road environment by the light-emitting device is a direct image of the collector, and the shape of the collector affects the image projected onto the road environment.

[0017] The module according to the invention may also have one or more of the features mentioned below, which may be used individually or in combination when permitted.

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, the light source and the collector are fixed on the same rotating support.

[0019] According to one feature of the invention, the light-emitting module is associated with a computing module configured to transmit control commands to the drive system. In the case of automatic adjustment, the computing module considers the position of the rotation axis of the rotating support to determine the desired rotation angle through calculation, and thus determines the corresponding amount of movement of the drive system. It should be understood that the computing module may be housed within a housing defining the light-emitting module, or the computing module may be arranged within the light-emitting device, wherein the light-emitting module is also housed within the light-emitting device, or the computing module may even be present in the motor vehicle at a distance from the light-emitting module, provided that it is configured to communicate with the drive system.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the drive system includes a stepper motor connected to a rotary support via a lever arm of the drive system. In other words, the position of the light emitting component is gradually adjusted via the rotary support by controlling the motor.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the motor and lever arm are housed within a housing, which, together with a closure element, helps to define a volume for accommodating the light-emitting module. In this way, protection can be provided for the motor and the entire drive system within the volume closed by the closure element.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the rotating support is rotatable about a rotation axis perpendicular to the optical axis and spaced a distance from the light-emitting component. In other words, the system for adjusting the light-emitting component relative to the optical system is specifically configured to allow adjustment of the orientation of the light-emitting device, i.e., the vertical orientation of the light beam emitted by the light-emitting device relative to the horizontal line.

[0023] According to one feature of the invention, the optimal position of the rotating support about its rotation axis is determined by calculation based on the mechanical characteristics of the drive system and / or the optical characteristics of the light-emitting module.

[0024] According to one feature of the invention, the rotation axis of the rotating support is located near the optical system. "Near" means that the distance between the rotation axis and the optical system, whether in contact or separated, is less than or equal to three times the maximum thickness of the optical system, particularly less than or equal to two times. The maximum thickness of the optical system is measured along the optical axis between the first surface of the optical system encountered by the light emitted from the light source and the last surface encountered by the light before leaving the light-emitting module. It corresponds to the maximum distance measured along the optical axis between these two surfaces when the entire optical system is traversed transversely through this axis.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, the rotation axis of the rotating support is arranged on the side of the optical system opposite to the light-emitting component.

[0026] According to one feature of the present invention, the light-emitting module may consist of modules configured to generate near light.

[0027] The light-emitting component may include two light sources laterally offset relative to each other, arranged to face a first optical system associated with a first light source and a second optical system associated with a second light source, respectively. The closing element is formed by the laterally juxtaposed arrangement of the first and second optical systems, and the two light sources are arranged on different focal planes relative to their associated optical systems. Notably, the two light sources are driven to rotate independently of the closing element about the same axis forming the rotation axis.

[0028] In the context of a bifocal (i.e., having two focal planes offset from each other) light-emitting module, the computational unit configured to calculate the optimal position of the rotation axis is parameterized using equations that consider only the optical characteristics of the module and are independent of the mechanical characteristics of the drive system. Therefore, it has been ensured, particularly through trigonometric calculations, that the position of the first rotation axis can be found such that during the rotation of the light-emitting assembly, the movement of one of the light sources is greater than the movement of the other, and these different movements allow for uniform adjustment of the two portions of the farlight formed by each light source.

[0029] The equation can be written as follows:

[0030] ,in:

[0031] -D is the distance along the optical axis between the light source and the optical system farthest from the light-emitting module along the rotation axis;

[0032] -F1 and F2 are the distances of each light source from the object focal plane, where F1 is the distance associated with the light source of the optical system closest to the light-emitting module;

[0033] -H1 and H2 are the theoretical adjustment heights for each light source, where H1 is the height associated with the light source of the optical system closest to the light-emitting module.

[0034] The collector of this light-emitting module can specifically consist of a reflector equipped with a reflective surface configured to deflect light emitted by the light source in the direction of the optical system. The reflector has an elliptical or parabolic shape; an elliptical reflector advantageously reduces the height of the optical system positioned on the trajectory of the reflected light, the optical system being, for example, composed of a projection lens.

[0035] The reflector can be configured to present an end edge with a specific profile near the light source, such as a stepped profile, which helps to give the projected image an appropriate profile and, in particular, an appropriate cutoff portion to achieve the desired optical function.

[0036] According to one feature of the invention, the light-emitting module may be composed of modules configured to generate a light beam complementary to the near beam to form a high beam.

[0037] The complementary portion of the beam formed by this module can be a matrix beam forming the upper portion of the beam, and the matrix cutting of the beam allows a band of the beam to be switched on or off to avoid dazzling the driver of another vehicle by switching on or off a light source.

[0038] The light emitting component may include multiple light sources arranged in a matrix, wherein each light source can be powered independently of the other light sources.

[0039] In the context of a light-emitting assembly with a light source matrix, the computing unit configured to calculate the optimal position of the rotation axis includes a storage memory containing a database obtained empirically and taking into account the mechanical characteristics of the drive system.

[0040] The collector of this light-emitting module includes a light-emitting assembly with a light source matrix. The collector of the light-emitting assembly may consist of a collimator through which light emitted from the powered matrix light source passes. The collimator is configured to guide the light toward a single optical system of the light-emitting module. As mentioned, the light-emitting assembly is arranged near the object-focal plane of the optical system, and more specifically, it is the output surface of the collimator, which is arranged on or approximately on the object-focal plane of the optical system.

[0041] According to the features of the invention, the rotating support includes a printed circuit board, the light source is fixed on the printed circuit board, and the collector is fixed on the printed circuit board if necessary.

[0042] According to one feature of the invention, the optical system comprises a projection lens. More specifically, in the context of a compact light-emitting device, the optical system may consist of a thin projection lens having a thickness, i.e., a dimension perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system, which may be less than 8.5 mm and, for example, on the order of 7 mm. To reduce the size of the light-emitting module and the size of the light-emitting device in which the light-emitting module can be integrated, the optical system is particularly arranged near the light source, and where appropriate, near the collector of the corresponding module. For example, when the module includes a collector and when the collector has an elliptical shape, the optical system may be inserted between the first focal point and the second focal point of the collector.

[0043] According to a second aspect, the present invention also relates to a light-emitting device for a motor vehicle, the light-emitting device comprising a housing and at least two light-emitting modules as just described above, wherein the light-emitting modules are housed in the housing.

[0044] In other words, the present invention relates to a light-emitting device for forming a motor vehicle headlight, the light-emitting device comprising a first light-emitting module, at least one light source of the first light-emitting module being rotatable independently of the optical system of the first light-emitting module, and the light-emitting device further comprising a second light-emitting module, at least one light source of the second light-emitting module being rotatable independently of the optical system of the second light-emitting module. Thus, within the same headlight, a first light-emitting module capable of producing low beam and a second module capable of producing high beam or a beam complementary to the low beam are arranged side-by-side to form high beam, and this is ensured by appropriate means specific to each module, for example, that the two beams can be uniformly adjusted when the vehicle leaves the factory.

[0045] According to one feature of the invention, the closing element of each light-emitting module participates in the closing of the housing of the light-emitting device, and the closing element of one light-emitting module is integrally formed with the closing element of another light-emitting module.

[0046] In other words, the light-emitting device or motor vehicle headlight has a volume enclosed by a closing window, and the components of each light-emitting module are arranged within this volume, with the optical system integrated into the closing window. Therefore, the closing window includes two integrated optical systems and a support portion capable of fixing the closing window to the housing.

[0047] More specifically, the closed window is at least partially transparent and is configured as an optical system integrating at least two light-emitting modules of a light-emitting device. By integrating these optical systems, the configuration of the closed window integrating these optical systems should be understood in the same way—that is, it is integrally manufactured with the optical systems—and the configuration of the closed window carrying these optical systems should also be understood in the same way—that is, the optical systems are attached to the closed window. Therefore, the closed window and the optical system can be made of the same material, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC), or the closed window can resemble a protective window and be made of a neutral material, such as glass or a synthetic polymer, such as polyetherimide (PEI), to carry the optical system, which itself may be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or polycarbonate (PC).

[0048] According to one feature of the invention, the optical system comprises a defined portion of a closed window, the defined portion having, for example, a convex surface facing the light source of a corresponding light-emitting module. In other words, the closed window may have an inner surface facing the interior of the housing, which is generally flat except for two regions formed by the optical system integrated within the closed window, the two regions each having a dome shape via their convex surfaces.

[0049] According to one feature of the invention, the first light-emitting module conforms to the above description and has two light sources respectively associated with the optical system (i.e., the bifocal system), and the second light-emitting module conforms to the above description and has a plurality of emission sources arranged in a matrix.

[0050] According to one feature of the invention, each light-emitting module has a rotation axis of at least one light source of the module, the rotation axis being arranged at a distance from the closing element, and for one light-emitting module and another light-emitting module, the rotation axis being arranged at different distances from the closing element.

[0051] According to one feature of the invention, in addition to the rotation drive system, the light-emitting module also includes a position stopping device that allows the position of the light-emitting component to be fixed once the light-emitting component has pivoted to the appropriate angle.

[0052] According to one feature of the invention, the position stopping device includes an actuating element that passes through the wall of the projection device. In this way, the position stopping device can be implemented from the outside of the housing, which defines the volume of the projection device in which the light-emitting module is arranged. Sealing of the light-emitting device is easy, requiring only a sealing at the channel area through the housing. Sealing elements can be provided around these channel areas, which are advantageously compressed when the light-emitting module is stopped in the appropriate position.

[0053] According to one feature of the invention, as previously described, the overall position of the light-emitting device can be adjusted by an adjustment device specifically designed for the light-emitting device, via possible independent drives for each light-emitting module arranged within it. Therefore, it is advantageous that, due to this staggered adjustment, the light source of each light-emitting module is adjusted independently on the one hand, and simultaneously by moving the housing that houses these light-emitting modules as a whole, to achieve optimal adjustment in several adjustment sequences at different locations. In particular, the position of each light-emitting component relative to each other can be adjusted at the manufacturer of the light-emitting device to ensure that the light beams projected by the first and second light-emitting modules are coherent in a given position of the light-emitting device, thereby adjusting the overall position of the light-emitting device when mounted on a vehicle.

[0054] According to one feature of the invention, the closed window comprises at least two portions for fixing, for example by gluing, to the housing of the light-emitting device, said fixing portions being optically neutral. Optically neutral means that rays passing through the relevant material are hardly deflected.

[0055] According to one feature of the invention, each optically neutral region of the closed window is arranged in a superimposed manner on the opaque wall of the housing. In this way, the housing of the light-emitting device and the protective window form a sealed space configured to protect the light-emitting module from the influence of the external environment of the vehicle. These opaque walls are particularly capable of at least partially absorbing external light emitted, such as by the sun or any artificial light source outside the vehicle, which can enter the internal volume of the light-emitting device.

[0056] The present invention also proposes a motor vehicle comprising at least one light-emitting device as described above formed on the front and / or rear of the motor vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the accompanying schematic diagrams, the following description, and also from several exemplary embodiments given by way of non-limiting indication, wherein:

[0058] Figure 1 The illustration shows a vehicle whose headlights include a light-emitting device according to one aspect of the invention.

[0059] Figure 2 It is according to one aspect of the invention and is particularly suitable for being equipped with Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle's light-emitting device, the light-emitting device having a housing that accommodates a first light-emitting module and a second light-emitting module, each light-emitting module being in a first configuration;

[0060] Figure 3 It is equivalent to Figure 2The schematic diagram shows that the first light-emitting module and the second light-emitting module housed in the housing are in a second configuration;

[0061] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 A perspective view of the first light-emitting module of the device, the first light-emitting module comprising two separate light-emitting components;

[0062] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 A perspective view of the second light-emitting module of the device, the second light-emitting module including at least one light source matrix component;

[0063] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the first light-emitting module, more specifically illustrating the device for rotating the first light-emitting module, wherein the position of the rotation axis is determined by calculation using equations taking into account the mechanical characteristics of the drive system;

[0064] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the light-emitting module, more specifically illustrating the device for rotating the second light-emitting module, wherein the position of the rotation axis is determined by an equation that considers only the optical characteristics of the module and is independent of the mechanical characteristics of the drive system.

[0065] First, it should be noted that although the accompanying drawings illustrate the implementation of the invention in detail, the drawings may be used to better define the invention if necessary. Detailed Implementation

[0066] As is customary, in this disclosure, the qualifier “longitudinal” applies to the direction in which the optical axis of at least one light-emitting module extends, and the qualifiers “lateral” and “vertical” apply to directions that are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and mutually perpendicular.

[0067] As a note, the present invention particularly relates to a light-emitting module 1 for a motor vehicle, the light-emitting module including at least one light-emitting component 2 and an optical system 4, the optical system 4 being arranged across the light emitted to project a light beam, wherein the optical system forms a closing element 6 of the light-emitting module 1, and the light-emitting component is mounted on a rotating support 8 driven in a rotatable manner by a specific drive system 10 independently of the optical system.

[0068] This light-emitting module 1 can be specifically arranged on the front 12 of the vehicle, in a headlight configured to project a beam of light onto the road environment on which vehicles are traveling, whether the beam is, for example, low beam or high beam.

[0069] More specifically, the light-emitting module 1 according to the invention can be implemented in the light-emitting device 14 of a headlamp without an external lens type, such as... Figure 1 The diagram is shown in the image below and described in detail.

[0070] A headlight without an external lens is such that, for at least one light-emitting module housed in the headlight, no optical element is arranged between the optical system 4 of the light-emitting module 1 and the path on which the light beam generated by the light-emitting module is projected, even if the optical element is optically neutral.

[0071] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The figure illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the light-emitting device 14 includes a housing 16 that accommodates a plurality of light-emitting modules 1, wherein the number is two.

[0072] The housing 16 includes a plurality of walls defining an open inner container 18 on an end face directly facing the road, the end face being closed by a closed window 20.

[0073] The walls of the housing can be opaque to absorb any light from outside the light-emitting device. Therefore, the light-emitting module 1 housed in the housing can be protected from the external environment of the vehicle by the assembly formed by the closed window 20 and the housing 16, especially from severe weather, dust accumulation, or sunlight.

[0074] More specifically, in the illustrated example, the housing 16 particularly includes a partially open front wall 22, wherein a first opening 24 is formed between the central strip 26 and the upper edge of the front wall covered by the closed window 20, and a second opening 28 is formed between the central strip 26 and the lower edge of the front wall covered by the closed window 20.

[0075] The closed window 20 integrates the optical system 4 of each light-emitting module 1, so that, as mentioned above, no optical elements are arranged between these optical systems and the road. More specifically, each optical system 4 forms both the closed element 6 of its respective light-emitting module 1 and, together with the optical system of another light-emitting module, participates in forming the closed window 20 in which a light-emitting device 14 housing at least two light-emitting modules 1 is formed.

[0076] In this integrated context, the closing window 20 can be made of the same material as the optical system 4, or it can be made of a second material different from the material used to manufacture the optical system, as long as the second material does not have an optical effect. The protective window 20 and / or the optical system 4 integrated into the protective window can be made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) from polycarbonate (PC). Each optical system integrated into the closing window forms part of a light-emitting module, and therefore these optical systems will be described in more detail below.

[0077] The closed window 20 also includes a fixing portion 30, which is designed to press against the inner surface of the front wall 22 around the openings 24, 26 formed in the front wall. Therefore, the closed window 20 forms a protective physical barrier between the light-emitting module and the external environment of the vehicle.

[0078] The light-emitting modules 1 are housed within the housing 16 in a manner that allows them to be rotatably adjusted within the internal container 18 defined by the housing 16 of the light-emitting device 14 and the closed window 20. Furthermore, it should be noted that the position of the light-emitting device relative to the vehicle structure can be adjusted as a whole, particularly by means of more conventional adjustment devices, thereby allowing movement according to, for example, the multi-axis rotational movement of the housing of the light-emitting device. More specifically, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As schematically illustrated, the housing 16 is attached to the structure 32 of the motor vehicle by at least one adjustable fixing member 34, which forms a conventional adjustment device as mentioned above.

[0079] Here, the adjustment of the position of the light-emitting modules is particularly significant in that the light-emitting component 2 of each light-emitting module 1 can pivot independently of the fixed position of the optical system 4 associated with each light-emitting component 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical system 4 is fixed relative to the vehicle reference frame and here fixed relative to the housing 16 of the light-emitting device 14, while contacting and being directly fixed to the front wall 22 of the housing of the light-emitting device. Conversely, the light-emitting component 2 is carried by the housing 16 of the light-emitting device via a rotating support 8, allowing the light-emitting component 2, and in particular the light source, to pivot relative to the vehicle reference frame and therefore relative to the optical system 4.

[0080] As mentioned below, the rotating support 8 thus participates in forming a system for adjusting the position of the associated light source, and a position stop device associated with the rotating support can be provided so that the position of the rotating support 8 can be fixed when the position of the light emitting assembly is adjusted. The rotating support 8 is specifically configured to include a pivoting member that participates in forming a rotation axis and is linked to a drive system 10 that tends to push the support to force it to pivot about the rotation axis.

[0081] In the illustrated example, each light-emitting module 1 includes a light-emitting component 2 on one hand, and an optical system 4 on the other hand is arranged in the path of the light rays and configured to form a modulated beam with these rays. The light-emitting component has a light source 36 and a collector 38. The light source is capable of emitting light, and the collector is configured to collimate or deflect the light emitted by the light source 36 along the optical axis 100 of the light-emitting module 1.

[0082] For each light-emitting module 1, the light-emitting component 2 is fixed to the rotating support 8, and is therefore the light source 36, and where applicable, the collector 38.

[0083] Each optical system 4 is specifically part of a light-emitting module 1, which is specifically associated with a light-emitting component 2, and the optical system is also part of a closed window 20, as mentioned above, which, together with the housing 16, defines a container shared by the two modules.

[0084] In the illustrated example, the light-emitting device 14 is configured to house two light-emitting modules 1 within its housing, and more specifically, a first light-emitting module 5 and a second light-emitting module 7. Here, the first light-emitting module 5 is configured to form a first beam corresponding to low-beam type adjustable lighting, and the second light-emitting module 7 is configured to form a second beam complementary to the first beam, such that the combination of these two beams can form a high-beam type adjustable beam.

[0085] Now refer to Figures 2 to 4 In a more specific description of the first light-emitting module 5, it should be understood that other forms of modules may be implemented, provided that, as mentioned above, at least the light-emitting components of the first light-emitting module are configured such that their position can be adjusted by rotation independent of the optical system of the light-emitting module.

[0086] Here, the light-emitting component 2 includes two semiconductor-type light sources 36a, 36b arranged on a printed circuit board 40 fixed to the rotating support 8, or more specifically, two sets of light sources.

[0087] The two sets of light sources 36a and 36b are laterally offset relative to each other, that is, they are offset in a lateral direction perpendicular to the optical axis 500 of the first light-emitting module 5, and are included in the main extension plane of the printed circuit board 40 so as to face one of the two optical systems 4a and 4b included in the first light-emitting module 5, respectively. The two optical systems 4a and 4b are also laterally offset relative to each other.

[0088] Here, the first light-emitting module 5 forms a bifocal system because the two optical systems 4a and 4b are aligned in a lateral direction perpendicular to the optical axis 500, while the two sets of light sources 36a and 36b are also longitudinally offset along the optical axis 500 in addition to the aforementioned lateral offset. The alignment of the optical systems 4a and 4b allows for the formation of a closing element 6 for the first light-emitting module, which extends substantially integrally perpendicular to the optical axis 500, and the longitudinal offset of the multiple sets of light sources 36a indicates that the first set is located at a first focal length F1 associated with the associated optical system 4a, and the second set is located at a second focal length F2 associated with the associated optical system 4b.

[0089] This arrangement allows for the generation of near beams with two portions, distinguished by their light concentration, thereby increasing, for example, the light concentration at the center and cutoff level of the beam projected by the first light-emitting module.

[0090] Fixing the two sets of light sources 36a and 36b to the same rotating support 8 allows all light sources 36 to be driven to rotate around the same first rotation axis 101 independently of the closing element 6.

[0091] Each light source 36 is configured to emit light in a half-space defined by the main elongated plane of the printed circuit board, particularly in the direction of the collector 38 associated with each light source.

[0092] Each collector 38 has a reflective inner surface configured to deflect light emitted by the light source 36 of the respective light-emitting module along the optical axis specific to each light-emitting module in the direction of the optical system 4. In this way, the image projected onto the road environment by the light-emitting modules consists of direct imaging from the collector 38.

[0093] Collector 38 is advantageously made of a material with good heat resistance, such as glass or synthetic polymers (such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyetherimide (PEI)).

[0094] In the first light-emitting module 5, each collector 38 has a generally elliptical shape, and each light source 36 is specifically arranged at the first focal point of its associated collector, such that deflected rays are guided toward the second focal point of the elliptical collector arranged on the optical axis 100. An optical system 4 is arranged on the optical axis 100 between the two focal points of the elliptical collector, extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the optical axis along the path of the deflected rays.

[0095] Here, the optical system 4 takes the form of a converging lens, the focal point of which is arranged near the collector 38. The optical system 4 of each light-emitting module can, in particular, consist of a thin projection lens (e.g., having a thickness on the order of 7 mm). It should be noted that this projection lens configuration is given here only as an example, and projection lenses with greater thickness and made into several layers can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0096] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen, the first light-emitting module 5 can pivot about a first rotation axis 101 perpendicular to the optical axis 500, so that the optical system 4 of the first light-emitting module 5 remains fixed. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram specifically shows the first position corresponding to the installation location ( Figure 2In the second position corresponding to the attitude adjustment position, and in the third position, and in the fourth position. Figure 3 The first light-emitting module 5 within the light-emitting device 14 of the vehicle has its optical axis 500 included in the main extension plane of the vehicle in a first position, which is substantially horizontal, and its optical axis 500 angularly offset about the first rotation axis 101 in a second position. More specifically, the light-emitting assembly 2 and the rotating support 8 on which the light-emitting assembly is fixed are rotatable about the first rotation axis 101.

[0097] The rotating support 8 of the first light-emitting module 5 includes a device for guiding rotation about the first rotation axis, which will be specifically referred to below. Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of the device will be described below, and the device is moved via a drive system 10. Here, the drive system includes a motor 44, the operation of which produces movement against the lever arm 46 of the rotating support. As a non-limiting example, the motor can be controlled by a computing module housed in the housing of the light-emitting device.

[0098] The rotation guide device is configured such that the first rotation axis 101 is formed at a distance from the light emitting component 2 of the first light-emitting module 5.

[0099] exist Figure 4 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figure, the rotating support 8 includes branches 48 extending longitudinally to the optical systems 4a, 4b on multiple sides of the light-emitting module, with free ends of these branches 48 located away from the light-emitting assembly 2. Each free end carries a pivot member 50, which participates in forming the pivot connection schematically shown in the figure. It should be understood that, without limiting the invention, the rotating support may carry both a convex member capable of engaging with an opening formed in the housing of the light-emitting module or in the wall of the housing of the light-emitting device, and a concave member capable of engaging with a lug present in the housing or the wall.

[0100] Furthermore, in cases where this is not shown, different exemplary embodiments can be envisioned, wherein the rotation guide is formed by a lug that forms a lateral protrusion of the rotation support at the horizontal or vertical position of the printed circuit board, the lug being capable of translation within a curved groove whose center of curvature is located on the rotation axis of the light emitting assembly.

[0101] In the context of the bifocal (i.e., having two focal planes offset from each other) light-emitting module mentioned above, the position of the first rotation axis 101 is determined by means of equations that consider only the optical characteristics of the first light-emitting module and are independent of the mechanical characteristics of the drive system 10. Therefore, in particular, by means of trigonometric calculations, the position of the first rotation axis 101 can be found such that during the rotation of the light-emitting assembly 2, the amount of movement of one set of light sources 4b is greater than the amount of movement of the other set of light sources 4a, and these different amounts of movement allow for uniform adjustment of the two parts of the far beam formed by each light source.

[0102] Special Reference Figure 6 The equation is as follows:

[0103] ,

[0104] D is the distance along the optical axis 500 between the first rotation axis 101 and the light source 36 furthest from the optical systems 4a, 4b of the light-emitting module. The structural data of the optical systems (such as distances F1, F2 from the object focal plane for each set of light sources 36a, 36b and their associated optical systems 4a, 4b) and desired adjustment data (such as vertical movement H1, H2 for each set of light sources, which are positive or negative relative to the optical axis) are integrated into this equation so that the distance D can be calculated and thus the correct positioning of the first rotation axis 101 can be determined. With the correct positioning of the rotation axis, it should be understood that this is a matter of calculating the position of the first rotation axis 101, around which the rotation support 8 will rotate and the first rotation axis will allow the light-emitting assembly 2 of the first light-emitting module 5 to pivot, wherein, with both sets of light sources pivoting simultaneously, the uniformity of the beam formed by the two beam portions emitted by each set of light sources and their associated optical systems is maintained.

[0105] For example, for a light-emitting module where the first focal length F1 is on the order of 65 mm and the second focal length F2 is on the order of 95 mm, the position of the rotation axis and the rotation angle of the rotation support to be applied to the first light-emitting module can be determined by this equation, so that the light source moves rotationally under the influence of the light beam, which is similar to the translational movement of the light source. For the theoretical adjustment heights H1 and H2 of each light source, where H1 is the height associated with the light source of the optical system closest to the light-emitting module, a distance D on the order of 112 mm is obtained, and the value of the rotation angle α on the order of 2.1° is derived using trigonometric methods.

[0106] Now refer to Figures 3 to 5 In a more specific description of the second light-emitting module 7, it should be understood that other forms of modules may be implemented, provided that, as mentioned above, at least the light-emitting components of the second light-emitting module are configured such that their position can be adjusted by rotation independent of the optical system of the light-emitting module.

[0107] The light-emitting component 2 of the second light-emitting module 7 may include multiple light sources 36 arranged in a matrix, wherein each light source can be powered independently of the others. In the illustrated embodiment, the light sources are arranged in two rows 52, one row above the other. Figure 5 As can be seen, the light source can be divided into two groups of light sources 36a and 36b, each group having a two-row matrix. Each light source can specifically consist of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be controlled independently of other light sources so that they can be switched on or off independently of the switching on of adjacent sources, and participate in forming light patterns (particularly in the form of bands) with the various parts of the beam, which are either switched on or off. The complementary portion of the beam formed by this module can be a matrix beam forming the upper portion of the beam, and the matrix cutting of the beam allows a band of the beam to be switched on or off to avoid dazzling the driver of another vehicle by switching on or off a source.

[0108] Each light source 36 is arranged on a printed circuit board 40, which is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis 700 of the second light-emitting module 7, and this printed circuit board participates in forming a rotating support 8 that drives the light-emitting assembly 2 to rotate. If desired, such as the printed circuit board of the first light-emitting module, the printed circuit board and the rotating support can be fixed to the body of the light-emitting module, thereby forming, for example, a heat sink configured to dissipate heat generated by the operation of the light source matrix.

[0109] Here, each light source 36 is configured to emit light in a half-space defined by the main elongated plane of the printed circuit board, particularly in the direction of the collector 38.

[0110] Here, collector 38 is in the form of a collimator, having an input surface and an output surface 54 through which all rays emitted by the light source pass, and the output surface forms an image obtained by adding various different emitted rays. This image may particularly include dark bands due to the extinction of this or such light source facing the input surface of the collector. The output surface 54 of collector 38 is arranged on or near the focal plane Pf of the optical system associated with the second light-emitting module. Collector 38 is advantageously made of a material with good heat resistance, such as glass or synthetic polymers (such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyetherimide (PEI)).

[0111] As described above, the optical system 4 of the second light-emitting module 7 includes a projection lens, which can be integrated into the closed window 20 shared by the two light-emitting modules 5 and 7. In the illustrated example, it should be noted that the additional lens 56 is located upstream of the main lens relative to the direction of light circulation.

[0112] like Figure 2and Figure 3 As seen in the diagram, and similar to that described for the first light-emitting module, the second light-emitting module 7 is pivotable about a second rotation axis 102 perpendicular to the optical axis, thereby keeping the optical system 4 of the second light-emitting module 7 fixed. More specifically, in this second light-emitting module 7, the light-emitting component 2 and the rotating support 8 on which the light-emitting component is fixed are rotatable about the second rotation axis 102. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the second rotation axis 102 is different from the first rotation axis 101, and more specifically, it is parallel to the first rotation axis and at a distance from the first rotation axis.

[0113] The rotating support 8 of the second light-emitting module 7 includes a device for guiding rotation about the second rotation axis, which will be specifically referred to below. Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of the device will be described below, and the device is moved via a drive system 10. Here, the drive system includes a motor 44, the operation of which produces movement against the lever arm 46 of the rotating support.

[0114] The rotation guide device is configured such that the second rotation axis 102 is formed at a distance from the light emitting component 2 of the second light-emitting module 7.

[0115] exist Figure 5 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figure, the rotating support 8 includes at least one branch 48 extending longitudinally along one side of the light-emitting module to the optical system, with the free end of the branch positioned at a distance from the light-emitting assembly. The at least one branch extends from a lever arm 46 on which a motor 44 of the drive system 10 can be actuated. More specifically, without limitation, the motor is a linear stepper motor.

[0116] In this scenario, where a light-emitting module has a single focusing optical system and a light-emitting component arranged on the single focal plane, the position of the second rotation axis 102 is determined by a collimator arranged facing the light source matrix, using a database of empirically obtained data that takes into account the mechanical characteristics of the drive system 10.

[0117] These mechanical characteristics can be one or more of the following values, namely, the angular accuracy of the stepper motor 44, the maximum travel distance of the output shaft of the stepper motor 44, and the length of the lever arm 46. Then, the distance of the second rotation axis 102 relative to the focal plane is defined as a function of these values ​​and the desired theoretical motion height in order to adjust the posture of the light-emitting module.

[0118] As previously stated, once the distance of the rotation axis extension of the focal plane of the second light-emitting module is determined, the rotation angle to be assigned to the second light-emitting module 7 can be derived using trigonometric methods, such that the adjustment of light emission is similar to the translational or rotational motion of the entire light-emitting module. Therefore, the second rotation angle β associated with the rotational motion of the light-emitting component of the second light-emitting module 7 can have a value equal to or different from the first rotation angle α associated with the rotational motion of the light-emitting component of the first light-emitting module 5. It should be understood that each light-emitting component of the light-emitting module is adjusted independently.

[0119] For each light-emitting module, the installation and positioning methods are equivalent. The rotation of the light-emitting component is independent of the optical system involved in forming the light-emitting module with the light-emitting component. The rotation of the light-emitting component occurs about a rotation axis formed at a distance from the light-emitting component.

[0120] In each of these cases, the movement of the light-emitting assembly must be understood as a specific movement of the light source and the associated collector (if applicable) relative to a fixed reference frame, which in particular includes the optical system. Thus, the optical system remains fixed during the pivoting of the light source. Therefore, it is necessary to find an advantageous position for the axis of rotation such that the pivoting of the light source allows most of the light emitted through the optical system to pass through.

[0121] The aforementioned position-stopping devices enable the fixation of the position of the light-emitting component after rotation about a defined axis of rotation. These position-stopping devices can be mechanical devices, and in particular include threaded holes formed in the housing of the light-emitting module or the housing of the light-emitting device, arcuate holes formed in the rotating support, and fastening screws that can be permanently retained in the threaded holes and tightened to a greater or lesser degree, or these position-stopping devices can be added when the desired position is achieved. The position-stopping devices may also include electronic devices for ensuring the stopping position of a motor configured to rotate the light-emitting module. In the case of mechanical devices, sealing members can advantageously be provided on the surface of the housing of the light-emitting module and / or on the surface of the housing of the light-emitting device.

[0122] By reading the foregoing, it should be understood that the present invention proposes a simplified and more compact light-emitting device for motor vehicles, the light-emitting device comprising at least two light-emitting modules housed in a housing of the device, the closed window of the light-emitting module being shared with the optical system of the module, and allowing the position of at least one of the light-emitting modules to be adjusted independently of at least one other light-emitting module, with the corresponding light source rotating independently of the optical system.

[0123] However, the invention is not limited to the devices and configurations described and illustrated herein, but extends to any equivalent devices or configurations, and any combination of technical operations of such devices. In particular, the number of light-emitting modules can be modified without negatively impacting the invention, provided that the light-emitting device ultimately achieves the same functionality as those described herein.

Claims

1. A light-emitting module for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light-emitting component (2) and an optical system (4), the at least one light-emitting component being capable of emitting light, the optical system being arranged on a specific optical axis (100, 500, 700) of the light-emitting module, traversing the light beam, and configured to project a light beam, the at least one light-emitting component (2) being arranged near the object-focal plane of the optical system (4), characterized in that, The optical system (4) forms the closed element (6) of the light-emitting module, and the light-emitting component (2) is mounted on a rotating support (8) driven by a specific driving system (10) in a rotatable manner, independent of the optical system (4); The rotating support (8) is rotatable about a rotation axis (101, 102) perpendicular to the optical axis (100, 500, 700) and away from the light emitting assembly (2). The rotation axis (101, 102) is located at the free end of a branch (48) of the rotating support (8) extending toward the optical system (4). The position of the rotation axis of the rotating support (8) is such that the distance between it and the optical system (4) is less than or equal to three times the maximum thickness of the optical system (4).

2. The light-emitting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light emitting assembly (2) includes two light sources (36a, 36b) that are laterally offset from each other and arranged to face a first optical system (4a) associated with the first light source and a second optical system (4b) associated with the second light source, respectively. The closing element (6) is formed by the laterally juxtaposed arrangement of the first and second optical systems. The two light sources are arranged on different focal planes relative to their associated optical systems. The light-emitting module is characterized in that the two light sources (36a, 36b) are driven to rotate about the same axis forming the rotation axis independently of the closing element (6).

3. The light-emitting module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-emitting component (2) includes a plurality of light sources (36) arranged in a matrix, each of which can be powered independently of the other light sources.

4. A motor vehicle light-emitting device (14) comprising a housing (16) and at least two light-emitting modules according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the light-emitting modules are housed in the housing.

5. The vehicle light-emitting device (14) according to claim 4, wherein, The closing element (6) of each light-emitting module participates in the closing of the housing (16), and the closing element of one light-emitting module is integrally formed with the closing element of another light-emitting module.

6. The motor vehicle light-emitting device (14) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The at least two light-emitting modules include a first light-emitting module and a second light-emitting module; In the first light-emitting module, the light-emitting component (2) includes two light sources (36a, 36b) that are laterally offset from each other and arranged to face a first optical system (4a) associated with the first light source and a second optical system (4b) associated with the second light source, respectively. The closing element (6) is formed by the laterally juxtaposed arrangement of the first and second optical systems. The two light sources are arranged on different focal planes relative to their associated optical systems. The light-emitting module is characterized in that the two light sources (36a, 36b) are driven to rotate about the same axis forming the rotation axis independently of the closing element (6). In the second light-emitting module, the light-emitting component (2) includes a plurality of light sources (36) arranged in a matrix, each of which can be powered independently of the other light sources.

7. The motor vehicle light-emitting device (14) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The at least two light-emitting modules include a first light-emitting module and a second light-emitting module; In the first light-emitting module, the light-emitting component (2) includes a plurality of light sources (36) arranged in a matrix, each of which can be powered independently of the other light sources, and in the second light-emitting module, the light-emitting component (2) includes two light sources (36a, 36b) that are laterally offset from each other and arranged to face a first optical system (4a) associated with the first light source and a second optical system (4b) associated with the second light source, respectively. The closing element (6) is formed by the lateral juxtaposition of the first and second optical systems. The two light sources are arranged on different focal planes relative to their associated optical systems. The light-emitting module is characterized in that the two light sources (36a, 36b) are driven to rotate about the same axis forming the rotation axis independently of the closing element (6).

8. The motor vehicle light-emitting device (14) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The at least two light-emitting modules include a first light-emitting module and a second light-emitting module; In each of the first and second light-emitting modules, the light-emitting assembly (2) includes two light sources (36a, 36b) that are laterally offset from each other and arranged to face a first optical system (4a) associated with the first light source and a second optical system (4b) associated with the second light source, respectively. The closing element (6) is formed by the laterally juxtaposed arrangement of the first and second optical systems. The two light sources are arranged on different focal planes relative to their associated optical systems. The light-emitting module is characterized in that the two light sources (36a, 36b) are driven to rotate independently of the closing element (6) about the same axis forming the rotation axis.

9. The motor vehicle light-emitting device (14) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The at least two light-emitting modules include a first light-emitting module and a second light-emitting module; In each of the first light-emitting module and the second light-emitting module, the light-emitting component (2) includes a plurality of light sources (36) arranged in a matrix, each of which can be powered independently of the other light sources.

10. The motor vehicle light-emitting device (14) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, Each light-emitting module has a rotation axis of at least one light source of the module, the rotation axis being arranged at a distance from the closing element (6), and is characterized in that, for one light-emitting module and another light-emitting module, the rotation axis (101, 102) is arranged at different distances from the closing element (6).

11. A motor vehicle comprising at least one light-emitting device (14) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, the light-emitting device being disposed on the front and / or rear of the motor vehicle.

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