MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHTING MODULE whose reflector surface is cut off by partially pelletized production

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting module (12; 20), comprising: a light source (14; 22) adapted to emit light rays; the light collector (16; 24), which has a reflective surface (16.2; 24.2) configured to reflect the light into a reflected light beam; an optical device (30) configured to be coupled to the reflective surface (16.2; 24.2) to project a reflected light beam into a light beam along the illumination module (12; 20), and an optical axis (18; 26); wherein the reflective surface (16.2; 16.2; 24.2) comprises a leading edge (16.2. 1; 24.2. 1) and comprising a leading edge (16.2. 1; 24.2. 1) of the granulation front region (16.2. 2; 24.2. 2) in the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of lighting, and more specifically to the technical field of automobile lighting. Background Art

[0002] The published patent document WO 2020 / 025171 A1 discloses an automotive lighting module, which basically includes an upwardly irradiated LED light source, a light collector having a reflective surface, the reflective surface having an elliptical profile, the elliptical profile being configured to collect the light emitted by the light source and reflect it toward a projection lens, the projection lens being configured to image the reflective surface illuminated by the light source. To this end, the projection lens includes a focal point located on or near the reflective surface, preferably near the rear edge of the reflective surface, in such a way that the rear edge is clearly imaged, thereby forming an upper cutoff. The illumination beam thus produced makes it possible to perform a low-beam type lighting function.

[0003] In this teaching, the projected luminescence image may also have a lower cutoff, which in principle is not as sharp as the upper cutoff, but produces potentially undesirable irregularities, in particular in case several luminescence images are superimposed, at least one of which is shorter towards the bottom. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to alleviate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art described above. More specifically, the object of the present invention is to propose a lighting module adapted to generate a lighting beam with a horizontal upper cut-off, and the downward luminous intensity and range of the lighting beam are controlled. For example, the object of the present invention is to propose a lighting module adapted to generate a lighting beam with a horizontal upper cut-off but without a clear horizontal lower cut-off, and / or a lighting beam with a horizontal upper cut-off but with a limited downward range.

[0005] The present invention relates to a lighting module for a motor vehicle, the lighting module comprising: a light source adapted to emit light; a light collector having a reflective surface configured to reflect the light into a reflected light beam; an optical device configured to project the reflected light beam into a projected light beam along the optical axis of the lighting module by imaging a portion of the reflective surface; it is noteworthy that the reflective surface comprises a front edge and a granulated front area comprising the front edge.

[0006] Advantageously, the grained front zone has a roughness R greater than or equal to 0.3 μm. a .

[0007] Advantageously, the optical means comprise a projection lens or a set of projection mirrors.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the grained front region extends from the front edge to the rear edge of the reflecting surface over only a portion of the reflecting surface.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the grained front region extends over at most 75% of the reflecting surface.

[0010] Advantageously, the optical means comprises a focal point located on the reflecting surface, preferably on a rear portion of said reflecting surface, more preferably still near a rear edge of said reflecting surface, for example at a distance of less than 10 mm.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the grained front region of the reflecting surface extends along the entire front edge.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the grained front area of ​​the reflecting surface corresponds to at least 50% of the reflecting surface.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light collector comprises a shield located directly in front of the front edge of the reflecting surface, said shield being configured to absorb light passing in front of the front edge and / or to reflect it out.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light source is configured to emit light in a main direction transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the optical axis, and the reflecting surface forms a cover with an opening pointing in the main direction.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reflecting surface has a parabolic or elliptical profile. Advantageously, the front edge forms part of the parabolic or elliptical profile.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the lighting module is in the mounted position on the motor vehicle, the front edge of the reflecting surface corresponds to the segment of the light beam projected at 25 m, at or above -4° in the vertical direction.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, when the lighting module is in the installed position on the motor vehicle, the projected light beam is limited in the horizontal and vertical directions and the illuminance generated at 25 m is less than 1 lux outside the area between -15° and +15° in the horizontal direction and between -4.5° and +1.5° in the vertical direction relative to the optical axis.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a lighting module for a motor vehicle, the lighting module comprising: a light source adapted to emit light; a light collector having a reflective surface configured to reflect the light into a reflected light beam; an optical device configured to project the reflected light beam into a projected light beam along the optical axis of the lighting module by imaging a portion of the reflective surface; it is noteworthy that the light collector comprises a shield located directly in front of the front edge of the reflective surface, the shield being configured to absorb a portion of the light reflected by the reflective surface at the front edge and / or reflect it out of the optical device.

[0019] Features described in detail with respect to the aforementioned lighting module for a motor vehicle also apply to the aforementioned lighting module for a motor vehicle and are disclosed together therewith.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, which includes: a main lighting module, which is configured to project a main light beam that extends horizontally and has a horizontal cutoff when the lighting device is in an installation position on the motor vehicle; and at least one additional lighting module, which is configured to project an additional light beam that is limited and centered in the horizontal direction and has a horizontal cutoff when the lighting device is in an installation position on the motor vehicle; it is worth noting that the at least one additional lighting module is a lighting module according to the present invention.

[0021] In particular, when projecting the main light beam and the additional light beam, the horizontal upper cut-off of the main lighting module is aligned with the horizontal upper cut-off of the additional lighting module.

[0022] The measures of the invention are advantageous because they make it possible to produce a light beam with an upper cutoff whose downward luminous intensity and range are controlled. These measures are particularly advantageous for one or more lighting modules that are added to a main lighting module with a horizontal upper cutoff. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] [ Figure 1 ] is a perspective view of a light emitting device according to the present invention;

[0024] [ Figure 2 ] is according to the present invention [ Figure 1 ] is a schematic diagram of a cross section of one of the two additional lighting modules of the light emitting device;

[0025] [ Figure 3 ]yes[ Figure 1 ] is a schematic diagram of a combined luminescent image of a luminescent device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the following description, concepts of relative position and orientation as represented by the terms "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "upper" and "lower" should be understood when the lighting device or module is in an operating position as shown in the figures.

[0027] [ Figure 1 ] is a schematic stereoscopic view of a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to the present invention.

[0028] The lighting device 2 is configured to generate a lighting beam with a horizontal cutoff, which corresponds to a regulated lighting function called low beam. The lighting device 2 includes a main lighting module 4, an additional lighting module 12 and an additional lighting module 20. The main lighting module 4 generates a horizontally extending lighting beam with a horizontal cutoff, which is usually called a "flat top". The lighting modules 12 and 20 generate horizontally and vertically limited lighting beams, which are usually called "kink 1" and "kink 2" respectively. The light beams projected by the additional lighting modules 12 and 20 are limited in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction, and on a screen at a distance of 25m, the illuminance generated is less than 1 lux outside the area between -15° and +15° in the horizontal direction and between -4.5° and +1.5° in the vertical direction relative to the optical axis. According to European regulations on such automotive lighting functions, the light beam projected from the additional lighting module 12 has a substantially straight horizontal cutoff, while the lighting beam from the additional lighting module 20 has an upper cutoff with a kink.

[0029] The main lighting module 4 basically comprises: light sources 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3; a light collector 8 having a wall 8.1; and reflective surfaces 8.2.1, 8.2.2 and 8.2.3, which are formed on the wall 8.1 and are configured to reflect the light emitted by the light sources 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 respectively towards the projection lens 30 into a reflected beam along the optical axis 10 of the main lighting module 4. In this case, the main lighting module 4 comprises three light sources and three corresponding reflective surfaces 8.2.1, 8.2.2 and 8.2.3, it should be understood that this number can vary, for example one, two or four. However, the wall 8.1 of the light collector 8 is advantageously integral. Each reflective surface has a substantially elliptical or parabolic profile, wherein the focus is located at the corresponding light source 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3. Each reflective surface forming the cover can be a surface of revolution around an axis parallel to the optical axis 10, or can be a surface close to such a surface of revolution, in particular a free-form surface obtained by digital calculation. The sub-beams reflected by each of these reflecting surfaces are projected by the projection lens 30 by imaging a part of these reflecting surfaces, preferably the rear edge, in such a way that a sharp horizontal cut-off is formed.

[0030] The additional lighting module 12 basically comprises a light source 14, a light collector 16 with a wall 16.1, and a reflective surface 16.2 formed on the wall 16.1 and configured to reflect the light emitted by the light source 14 towards a projection lens 30 into a reflected light beam along the optical axis 18 of said additional lighting module 12. Like the main lighting module, the reflective surface 16.2 forms a cover, preferably with an elliptical or parabolic profile, wherein the focus corresponds to the light source 14, and is preferably rotated around an axis parallel to the optical axis 18. Also like the main lighting module 4, the projection lens 30 projects the reflected light beam into a projection light beam by imaging a portion of the reflective surface 16.2, preferably a rear portion adjacent to the rear edge, in such a way that a sharp horizontal cut-off is formed.

[0031] The additional lighting module 20 basically comprises a light source 22, a light collector 24 with a wall 24.1, and a reflective surface 24.2 formed on the wall 24.1 and configured to reflect the light emitted by the light source 22 towards a projection lens 30 into a reflected light beam along the optical axis 26 of said additional lighting module 20. Like the main lighting module 4 and the additional lighting module 12, the reflective surface 24.2 forms a cover, preferably with an elliptical or parabolic profile, wherein the focus corresponds to the light source 22, and preferably rotated around an axis parallel to the optical axis 26. Also like the main lighting module 4 and the additional lighting module 12, the projection lens 30 projects the reflected light beam into a projection light beam by imaging a portion of the reflective surface 24.2, preferably a rear portion adjacent to the rear edge, in such a way that a sharp horizontal cut-off is formed. Unlike the cutoff of the projection beam from the additional lighting module 12 , the projection beam from the additional lighting module 20 has a kink at the horizontal cutoff, which is substantially centered on the optical axis of the lighting device, comparable to the optical axis 10 of the main lighting module 4 .

[0032] The projection lens 30 is common to the three lighting modules 4, 12 and 20. To this end, the projection lens comprises three different parts, each corresponding to a lens and respectively adapted to the lighting module in question. However, it will be understood that different projection lenses may be used.

[0033] Moreover, optical devices other than projection lenses can be used, in particular such as reflectors, for example a first plane reflector or a reflector with a curved and concave horizontal profile, which is adapted to return the reflected light toward the second reflector. This is configured to form an image of the illuminated reflective surface of the corresponding lighting module. For this purpose, the second reflector can have a concave parabolic vertical profile. This profile allows the illuminated reflective surface of the light collector of the lighting module to be magnified for imaging. The second reflector can have a convex horizontal profile, in particular when the first reflector has a concave horizontal profile. The first reflector and the second reflector that have just been described can be reversed.

[0034] exist[ Figure 1 ] schematically shows the images of the beams projected by each of the main lighting module 4 and the additional lighting modules 12 and 20 with profiles on two orthogonal axes (horizontal H and vertical V). As can be seen, each projected beam has a horizontal cutoff, and the beams projected by the additional lighting modules 12 and 20 are not only significantly narrower or limited in the horizontal direction, but also extend less vertically downwards. The purpose of these additional projected beams is to produce a greater luminous intensity at the center of the overall projected beam.

[0035] In order to limit the vertical range of the additional projection beam, the reflective surfaces 16.2 and 24.2 are truncated at their front ends. This shortening or truncation of the reflective surfaces 16.2 and 24.2 has the effect that their front edges are imaged with a certain sharpness, thereby causing a second cutoff (i.e., a lower cutoff). This cutoff is of course not as sharp as the upper cutoff, but has the disadvantage of causing undesirable irregularities in the light emission. In order to prevent such irregularities, the reflective surfaces have a texture on the front area including the front edge. Reference [ Figure 2 ]Describe these measures in detail.

[0036] [ Figure 2 ] is a schematic diagram of a cross section of one of the additional lighting modules 12 and 20.

[0037] The configuration of the light source 14 or 22, the light collector 16 or 24, and the projection lens 30 relative to the optical axis 18 or 26 can be seen. The reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2 formed on the wall 16.1 or 24.1 of the light collector 16 or 24 has an elliptical profile with two foci, wherein the first focal point is located at the light source 14 or 22, and the second focal point is located between the light collector 16 or 24 and the projection lens 30, on the projection lens, or in front of the projection lens. The projection lens 30 includes a focal point 30.1, which is located on or at least near the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2 so as to image at least a portion thereof. In [ Figure 1], the focus 30.1 of the projection lens 30 is located on the rear edge 16.2.3 or 24.2.3 of the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2, so that the rear edge is sharply imaged and a sharp horizontal upper cutoff is thus produced. Note that the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2 can have a parabolic profile with a focus corresponding to the light source and a reflected light beam propagation direction substantially along the optical axis 18 or 26. As mentioned above, the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2 forms a cover and, for this purpose, advantageously forms a surface of revolution around an axis parallel to the optical axis 18 or 26.

[0038] As can be seen, the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2 comprises a front edge 16.2.1 or 24.2.1, and a granulated front region 16.2.2 or 24.2.2 comprising the front edge in question. The granulated front region makes it possible to cause light diffusion of the light reflected by it and thus to produce a diffuse lower region in the projection beam. This diffuse lower region avoids the undesirable lower cutoff mentioned above, especially when it is located within a projection beam that is larger in at least the vertical direction, as is the case with the main projection beam. The granulated front region 16.2.2 or 24.2.2 advantageously extends along the entire front edge 16.2.1 or 24.2.1. The granulated front region extends backward from the front edge 16.2.1 or 24.2.1 over a portion of the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 30% of the contour of the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2. The grained front region 16.2.2 or 24.2.2 advantageously extends over at least 50% of the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2. "The grained front region 16.2.2 or 24.2.2 extends over a portion of the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2" means that the grained front region 16.2.2 or 24.2.2 extends over only a portion of the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2. In other words, the grained front region 16.2.2 or 24.2.2 extends over less than 100% of the contour of the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2. Advantageously, the grained front region extends over at most 75% of the contour of the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2. Therefore, the roughness of the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2 of the light collector 16, 24 differs between the grained front region of the reflective surface and the rear region including the rear edge of the reflective surface. Thus, the reflective surface 16.2, 24.2 can reflect the light emitted by the light source 14, 22 to form a projection beam, the rear non-granulated area in particular making it possible to produce a sharp upper part in the projection beam, and the granulated front area making it possible to diffuse the light reflected by it to form a diffuse lower part in the projection beam. The granulated front area 16.2.2 or 24.2.2 has a roughness R preferably greater than or equal to 0.3 μm and / or less than 1 μm. aThe grained front region may be obtained by sandblasting prior to depositing the metallized coating forming the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2.

[0039] The front edge 16.2.1 or 24.2.1 of the reflecting surface 16.2 or 24.2 is advantageously positioned in such a way as to limit the downward extent of the corresponding additional projection beam. In particular, one purpose of one or more additional projection beams is to provide increased luminous intensity in the central part of the overall projection beam. Therefore, UN (United Nations) or UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe) Regulation No. 149 (Uniform provisions concerning the approval of road lighting devices (luminaires) and systems for power-driven vehicles) specifies maximum luminous intensity values ​​in particular in segment 10, which extends between the following coordinates (-4.5°, -4°) and (2°, -4°) along the V and H axes passing through the optical axis at 25m of the overall projection beam. For vehicles of categories C, V and E, the maximum luminous intensity in segment 10 is 12,300 cd. This segment is [ Figure 2 ] is shown in the HV diagram on the right in FIG. It is therefore clear that shortening the reflective surface 16.2 or 24.2 by moving the front edge 16.2.1 or 24.2.1 rearwards has the effect of shortening the downward reach of the corresponding projected light beam.

[0040] As in [ Figure 2 ], the collector 16 or 24 comprises a front portion forming a shield 16.1.1 or 24.1.1. The shield is connected to the wall 16.1 or 24.1 and is advantageously formed integrally with the wall in question. Thus, the shield 16.1.1 or 24.1.1 is adjacent to the front edge 16.2.1 or 24.2.1 of the reflecting surface and is configured to intercept, by absorption and / or reflection, the light rays reflected by the reflecting surface 16.2 or 24.2 near the front edge 16.2.1 or 24.2.1, which rays, if not intercepted, would cause the corresponding projection beam to extend downwards. Note that the inner face of the shield 16.1.1 or 24.1.1 may be reflective or not, but it does not form part of the reflecting surface 16.2 or 24.2 having an overall geometric profile, in particular a parabolic or elliptical shape.

[0041] The three measures described above, namely (i) providing the reflecting surface with a grained front area, (ii) limiting the forward extent of the reflecting surface and (iii) providing a shield adjacent to the front edge of the reflecting surface, each have the effect of preventing the maximum luminous intensity value permitted in paragraph 10 of UNECE Regulation No. 149 from being exceeded. Advantageously, these measures are used in combination, but may also be used individually or in different combinations, namely (i) + (ii), (i) + (iii) or (ii) + (iii).

[0042] [ Figure 3 ]yes[ Figure 1 ], i.e. a combination of a main beam called "flat top" and two additional projection beams called "kink 1" and "kink 2". Segment 10 of UNECE Regulation No. 149 is shown. As can be seen, the specific luminous image of the additional projection beams is limited downwards in segment 10 so that the total luminous intensity produced by the combination of all projection beams does not exceed the maximum value allowed in segment 10 and also so that there is no excessively sharp horizontal cut-off.

Claims

1. A lighting module (12; 20) for a motor vehicle, the lighting module comprising: - a light source (14; 22) adapted to emit light; - a light collector (16; 24) having a reflective surface (16.2; 24.2) configured to reflect the light rays into a reflected light beam; - an optical device (30) configured to project the reflected light beam along the optical axis (18; 24.2) of the lighting module (12; 20) by imaging a portion of the reflecting surface (16.2; 24.2). 26) projection beam; It is characterized in that The reflective surface (16.2; 24.2) comprises a front edge (16.2.1; 24.2.1) and a grained front region (16.2.2; 24.2.2) comprising the front edge (16.2.1; 24.2.1).

2. A lighting module (12; 20) for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The grained front region (16.2.2; 24.2.2) has a roughness R greater than or equal to 0.3 μm. a .

3. The lighting module (12; 20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The granulation front area (16.2.2; 24.2.2) extends from said front edge (16.2.1; 24.2.1) to a rear edge of said reflecting surface (16.2; 24.2) over only a portion of said reflecting surface (16.2; 24.2).

4. The lighting module (12; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The granulation front area (16.2.2; 24.2.2) extends over at most 75% of said reflecting surface (16.2; 24.2).

5. The lighting module (12; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The optical device (30) comprises a focal point (30.1) which is located near the rear edge of the reflecting surface (16.2; 24.2), for example at a distance of less than 10 mm.

6. The lighting module (12; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The reflecting surface (16.2; The granulated front region (16.2.2; 24.2.2) of the embodiment of the present invention extends along the entire front edge (16.2.1; 24.2.1).

7. The lighting module (12; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The reflecting surface (16.2; The grained front area (16.2.2; 24.2.2) of the reflective surface (16.2; 24.2) corresponds to at least 50% of the reflective surface (16.2; 24.2).

8. The lighting module (12; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The concentrator (16; 24) comprises a shield (16.1.1; 24.1.1) located directly in front of the front edge (16.2.1; 24.2.1) of the reflective surface (16.2; 24.2), the shield being configured to absorb a portion of the light reflected by the reflective surface (16.2; 24.2) at the front edge (16.2.1; 24.2.1) and / or reflect it out of the optical device.

9. The lighting module (12; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The light source (14; 22) is configured to emit the light in a main direction transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the optical axis (18; 26), and the reflecting surface (16.2; 24.2) forms a cover with an opening pointing in the main direction.

10. The lighting module (12; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The reflecting surface (16.2; 24.2) has a parabolic or elliptical profile.

11. The lighting module (12; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: When the lighting module is in the installed position on the motor vehicle, the front edge (16.2.1; 24.2.1) corresponds to the segment of the projection of the light beam at 25 m and at or above -4° in the vertical direction.

12. The lighting module (12; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: When the lighting module is in the installed position on the motor vehicle, the projection light beam is limited in the horizontal and vertical directions, and the illuminance produced at 25m is less than 1 lux outside the area between -15° and +15° in the horizontal direction and between -4.5° and +1.5° in the vertical direction relative to the optical axis.

13. A lighting device (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a main lighting module (4) configured to project a main light beam extending horizontally and having a horizontal cut-off when the light-emitting device is in the mounted position on the motor vehicle; as well as at least one additional lighting module (12; 20) configured to project an additional light beam when the light emitting device is in the mounted position on the motor vehicle, the additional light beam being horizontally limited and centered and having a horizontal cutoff; Characterized in that the at least one additional lighting module is a lighting module (12; 20) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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