Lighting unit for lighting module of vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting unit (11) of a lighting module, comprising: a lighting subassembly comprising a first light source and a first light collector (15), a lighting subassembly comprising a second light source and a second light collector (16), an optical projection system (6) comprising an optical axis (17) parallel to a longitudinal direction (L), characterized in that the light collectors (15, 16) are arranged in parallel to the longitudinal direction (L). The optical projection system (6) comprises an optical line focal point (33), the first light collector (15) comprises a rear end edge (32) arranged near the optical line focal point (33) of the optical projection system # imgabs0 #, and the second light collector (16) comprises an object focal point (19) where the second light source (27) is located and an image focal point (18) at least partially coincident with the optical line focal point (33) of the optical projection system (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle lighting modules and in particular lighting and / or signalling modules and more particularly to a lighting unit incorporated into such a lighting module.

[0002] The field of luminous lighting for motor vehicles is subject to regulations that require that each motor vehicle be able to perform lighting functions that meet specific safety standards. More specifically, a motor vehicle is equipped with: one or more luminous modules dedicated to performing each of these functions within each of these modules; at least one light source powered to emit light that leaves the luminous module through a lens configured to form a lighting or signaling beam required by the regulations.

[0003] In particular for space reasons it is desirable to equip a motor vehicle with a plurality of lighting modules, each of which performs a lighting function, or advantageously performs at least two different lighting functions. Increasing the compactness of such lighting modules in particular makes it possible to limit manufacturing costs due to a reduction in electrical connections or raw materials.

[0004] However, making the lighting modules more compact must not negatively impact the effectiveness and / or uniformity of the beams produced by each of the lighting functions. For example, some beams must be projected to have a clear upper horizontal cut-off point and special attention needs to be paid to the construction of the corresponding lighting modules.

[0005] The invention makes it possible to combine the clarity of the light beam formed and the compactness of the light module by providing a light unit of a light module of a motor vehicle, the light unit comprising:

[0006] - a first light emitting subassembly, the first light emitting subassembly comprising at least one first light source configured to emit a plurality of first light rays and a first light collector configured to collect and reflect the first light rays emitted by the first light source,

[0007] - a second light emitting subassembly, the second light emitting subassembly comprising at least one second light source configured to emit a plurality of second light rays and a second light collector configured to collect and reflect the second light rays emitted by the second light source,

[0008] - an optical projection system configured to project a first light ray reflected by the first light collector and a second light ray reflected by the second light collector, the optical projection system comprising an optical axis parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0009] The light-emitting unit is noteworthy in that the first light collector and the second light collector are offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction, so that the first light collector is arranged between the second light collector and the optical projection system, and are offset relative to each other along the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and in that the optical projection system has an optical line focus parallel to or substantially parallel to the transverse direction, the first light collector includes a first rear edge arranged near the optical line focus of the optical projection system, the second light collector includes an object focus at which the second light source is located and an image focus that at least partially coincides with the optical line focus of the optical projection system.

[0010] For each light-emitting subassembly, the light source is enabled when implementing the lighting function or one of the lighting functions to which the light source is involved. Therefore, the light source mainly emits a plurality of light rays in the direction of the light collector. The light collector has a reflective surface facing the light source associated with it. In addition, the light collector has a shape that exhibits rotational symmetry (elliptical or parabolic) so as to reflect the light in the direction of the optical projection system, regardless of the point of incidence of the light on the reflective surface. For example, the light collector has a shape that exhibits rotational symmetry (elliptical or parabolic) centered on the optical axis of the optical projection system.

[0011] The reflected light then propagates to an optical projection system, in particular along a propagation direction that is primarily longitudinal, parallel to the optical axis of the optical projection system. The optical projection system projects the light so as to form a beam associated with a given lighting function.

[0012] The first light collector and the second light collector are offset relative to each other along this same longitudinal direction with a minimal offset, so that these light collectors take up as little space as possible in order to ensure the compactness of the lighting unit and the lighting module.

[0013] The longitudinal offset of the light collectors relative to each other is such that the first light collector is closer to the optical projection system than the second light collector. Thus, the rear edge of the first light collector corresponds to the section of the first light collector that is spatially closest to the second light collector.

[0014] The optical projection system has an optical line focus, rather than an optical spot focus. The optical line focus extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the transverse direction. Therefore, the optical line focus substantially extends along the rear end edge of the first light collector.

[0015] An optical line focus of the optical projection system is arranged close to a rear end edge of the first light collector, so that the optical projection system can project a light beam representing an image of the first light collector.

[0016] In addition, the image focus of the second light collector is also positioned near the rear edge of the first light collector and the optical line focus. Therefore, the image of the second light source formed by the reflection of the second light collector is located near the rear edge of the first light collector and the optical line focus of the optical projection system. Therefore, a uniform transition between the light beams formed by the first light-emitting subassembly and the second light-emitting subassembly can be formed by superimposing these light beams.

[0017] The image focus of the second light collector may be linear or curved, as long as it at least partially coincides with the optical line focus of the optical projection system.

[0018] The expression "partially coincident" is understood to mean that when the image focus of the second light collector is linear or curved, the focal line of the optical projection system and the focal line forming the image focus of the second light collector have at least one intersection point close to the second light collector. Furthermore, in a variant, the second light collector may have a plurality of discontinuous image focuses. In this case, each image focus of the second light collector intersects with a linear focal line of the optical projection system.

[0019] The positioning of the optical line focus of the optical projection system, the rear end edge of the first light collector, and the image focus of the second light collector relative to each other, which is specific to the present invention, ensures the separate generation of light beams generated by the first light-emitting subassembly and the second light-emitting subassembly, respectively, and makes it possible to ensure that the light beam is formed with a clear upper cut-off edge by imaging the rear end edge of the first light collector.

[0020] More particularly, the optical projection system of the light-emitting unit (which system is common to the two light-emitting subassemblies) thus helps to form an image of the reflective surface of the first collector and an image of the second light source, because the two collectors are positioned in the light-emitting unit and are positioned relative to each other so that the focal line of the optical projection system is set near the rear end edge of the first collector and this focal line at least partially coincides with the image focus of the second collector.

[0021] It will be appreciated from this arrangement that the two light collectors are longitudinally offset relative to each other such that the rear end edge of the first light collector is disposed close to the image focus of the second light collector.

[0022] Furthermore, the first light collector and the second light collector are offset relative to each other along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The offset along two directions, wherein the lateral offset is combined with the previous longitudinal offset, makes it possible to optimally perform two separate lighting functions, which in this case are respectively implemented by each of the light-emitting subassemblies incorporated in the light-emitting unit, while limiting the space required for this purpose within the light-emitting module by grouping the light-emitting subassemblies together in a single light-emitting unit.

[0024] The offset along the transverse direction makes it possible in particular to offset the first light collector so that the second light collector at least partially faces the optical projection system even if the first light collector is between the second light collector and the optical projection system. Just like the offset along the longitudinal direction, the offset along the transverse direction is minimal so that the lighting unit according to the invention takes up as little space as possible, the key point being the greatest possible compactness while maintaining an optimal lighting quality.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, the optical projection system is formed by a projection lens. The projection lens may be part of a projection unit combining a plurality of projection lenses, each of which is intrinsic to a lighting unit when the lighting module combines a plurality of lighting units.

[0026] According to one feature of the invention, the optical projection system is formed by a projection mirror.

[0027] According to one feature of the invention, the light collector is positioned relative to the optical projection system so that the rear edge of the first light collector is positioned between the optical projection system and the optical line focus of the optical projection system. In other words, the optical line focus is at the rear edge or is set back from the rear edge relative to the optical projection system. This positioning helps enhance the clarity of the image of the second light collector.

[0028] According to one feature of the invention, the optical line focus of the optical projection system is arranged at a distance less than or equal to 3 mm from the rear end edge of the first light collector.

[0029] This maximum distance of 3 mm between the optical line focus of the optical projection system and the rear end edge of the first light collector applies in the present context when the optical line focus is set back from the rear end edge of the first light collector relative to the optical projection system.

[0030] According to one feature of the present invention, the first light collector comprises at least two reflective cavities, each of which is offset relative to each other along the transverse direction. The two reflective cavities offset relative to each other along the transverse direction make it possible to extend the light beam of the first light-emitting subassembly along the transverse direction and increase the luminous intensity of the light beam of the first light-emitting subassembly. Each reflective cavity comprises a reflective surface, from which light specifically intended to interact with each of the reflective cavities is reflected, and the reflective cavity group of the light-emitting subassembly forms a light collector of the light-emitting subassembly.

[0031] Thus, the reflective cavities of the first light collector may be adjacent to each other or be at a distance from each other and thus offset from each other in the lateral direction.

[0032] It should be noted that in the case of a first light collector formed by multiple reflective cavities, as described above, the rear edge of the first light collector can consist of the rear edge of one of the cavities forming the first light collector, or if the cavities are adjacent, two consecutive rear edges.

[0033] According to one feature of the present invention, the reflective cavities of the first light collector are arranged on both sides of the second light collector along the lateral direction. In other words, the reflective cavities of the first light collector are spaced apart from each other so that the light output by the second light collector can propagate to the optical projection system by passing between the reflective cavities of the first light collector instead of being blocked by it. In particular, the first light collector includes at least one reflective cavity arranged on each side of the second light collector, and the reflective cavities are spaced apart so that the second light reflected by the second light collector can propagate to the optical projection system by passing between the reflective cavities. Despite the compactness of the first light-emitting subassembly and the light-emitting unit and the light-emitting module, this configuration makes it possible to implement the lighting function associated with the second light-emitting subassembly.

[0034] According to one feature of the present invention, the second light collector includes at least two reflective cavities, each of which is offset relative to each other along the lateral direction. Just like the reflective cavity of the first light collector, the second light collector can also have multiple reflective cavities, and if the reflective cavities of the second light collector are adjacent to each other along the lateral direction, the multiple reflective cavities allow the light beam output by the second light-emitting subassembly to extend along one or more directions (for example, the lateral direction). The multiple reflective cavities also make it possible to enhance the luminous intensity of the light beam output by the second light-emitting subassembly. The number and surface area of ​​the reflective cavities of the second light collector must make it possible to form a uniform light beam.

[0035] It should be noted that in the case of a second light collector formed by a plurality of reflective cavities, each reflective cavity may have an image focus different from the image focus of an adjacent reflective cavity of this second light collector, and in this context, the light-emitting unit according to the present invention is configured so that the optical line focus of the optical projection system forms an intersection with each of the image focuses of the reflective cavities forming the second light collector.

[0036] According to one feature of the present invention, the first light collector and the second light collector are offset relative to each other along a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction. This offset along the vertical direction makes it possible to create more space so that the second light collector can partially face the optical projection system, and the offset is along a direction different from the transverse direction.

[0037] According to one feature of the invention, the lighting module comprises a printed circuit board carrying all the light sources of the first and second light sources. This single printed circuit board thus carries at least the first and second light sources mentioned above. The printed circuit board is configured so that it is possible, for example, to control the functions of the light sources following a manual command made by a user of the vehicle and thus to switch one or the other of the light sources on or off. The use of only one printed circuit board for all the light sources makes it possible to reduce the space requirement of the lighting unit and therefore of the lighting module in which the lighting unit is incorporated. Furthermore, the use of a single printed circuit board makes it possible to limit the connections and assembly compared to the use of a plurality of printed circuit boards.

[0038] According to one feature of the invention, the printed circuit board has an inclination of between 5° and 15° relative to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. This inclination makes it possible to position the light source closer to its corresponding light collector. This then produces the reflection of a greater number of light rays and therefore improves the intensity of the light beam leaving the optical projection system.

[0039] According to one feature of the present invention, the first light-emitting subassembly is configured to cooperate with the optical projection system to generate a first light beam having a cutoff edge formed by imaging the rear end edge of the first light collector, and the second light-emitting subassembly is configured to cooperate with the optical projection system to generate a second light beam different from the first light beam, at least a portion of the second light beam being located above the cutoff edge. The cutoff edge forms an upper cutoff point in the first light beam. The second light beam can particularly have a greater intensity than the first light beam.

[0040] As described above, each light-emitting subassembly can perform its inherent lighting function. Therefore, multiple lighting functions can be performed by a single light-emitting unit and therefore within a single light-emitting module. In particular, in the context that has just been mentioned, the first light-emitting subassembly is capable of generating a light beam that corresponds to a low beam or a portion of a low beam, that is, has a clear cutoff edge that forms an upper cutoff point in the first light beam, and the light beam is particularly such that other road users are not dazzled; while the second light-emitting subassembly is capable of generating a light beam, at least a portion of which is located above the cutoff edge, and the light beam can, for example, be superimposed on the first light beam to form a high-beam type beam, or is an enhancement of the light beam at its center to form a high-beam type beam.

[0041] The invention also covers a motor vehicle lighting module comprising at least one lighting module as described above.

[0042] According to one feature of the present invention, the lighting module comprises at least a first lighting unit and a second lighting unit, wherein the first lighting unit is as described above. Therefore, the plurality of lighting units enables further multiplication of the lighting function within the same lighting module.

[0043] According to one feature of the present invention, the second lighting unit includes at least one additional lighting subassembly and an additional optical projection system. One or more additional lighting subassemblies can perform lighting functions different from the functions of the lighting subassemblies provided by the first lighting unit.

[0044] The additional projection system can be formed by an additional projection mirror or by an additional projection lens.

[0045] According to one feature of the invention, when the optical projection system of the first light-emitting unit is formed by a projection lens, the additional optical projection system may also be formed by a projection lens referred to as an additional projection lens. Where appropriate, the light-emitting module comprises a projection unit divided into a first part defining the projection lens of the first light-emitting unit and a second part defining the additional projection lens of the second light-emitting unit. In other words, the projection unit may be divided into a plurality of optical elements, including the projection lens of the first light-emitting unit and the additional projection lens of the second light-emitting unit, each of the optical elements being attached to its own light-emitting unit. The characteristics of each of the optical elements of the projection unit may vary depending on the purpose to be satisfied by the light beam formed by each of the light-emitting units.

[0046] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will also become apparent from the following description and from a number of exemplary embodiments given by way of non-limiting indication, with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

[0047] [ Figure 1 ] is a depiction of a lighting and signaling module incorporating a lighting module according to the invention,

[0048] [ Figure 2 ] shows a lighting module according to the invention in a stereoscopic view, which shows a projection lens, a printed circuit board, and a plurality of light collectors fastened to this printed circuit board,

[0049] [ Figure 3 ] shows a top view of a light emitting module according to the present invention,

[0050] [ Figure 4 ] is a light emitting unit according to the present invention incorporated in a light emitting module. Figure 3 , which shows by way of example the lines of light that can be reflected in a light-emitting unit according to the invention,

[0051] [ Figure 5 ] shows a light module according to a variant of the invention, showing a projection reflector.

[0052] Figure 1 1 is an overall view of a lighting module 10 according to the invention. The lighting module 10 can be incorporated, for example, into a motor vehicle (for example, into a headlight of a motor vehicle) to perform at least one lighting function when the vehicle is traveling. In this regard, the lighting module 10 can in particular be arranged at the front of the vehicle.

[0053] The light module 10 is housed in the hood 2 . The light module 10 is configured to perform a plurality of light functions or at least to contribute to the emission of a plurality of lighting functions onto the road. The light module ensures the emission and propagation of the light until the light passes through the projection unit 4 .

[0054] As will be described in detail below, the lighting module 10 includes a plurality of lighting units that perform one or more lighting functions, in particular, lighting units according to the present invention.

[0055] The projection unit 4 is divided into a plurality of parts 4a, 4b, 4c. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , each light unit of the light module 10 comprises a projection lens. Each portion 4a, 4b, 4c is then formed by a projection lens of a light unit of the light module. Alternatively, as will be referred to below Figure 5 As described in detail, each lighting unit of the lighting module 10 may comprise a projection reflector instead of a projection lens. Each part 4a, 4b, 4c of the optical projection unit 4 may then be formed by a projection reflector of a lighting unit of the lighting module.

[0056] The cover 2 is configured to at least partially accommodate the light emitting module 10. The cover 2 has an opening 7 covering the projection unit 4, and the light emitting module 10 is configured to guide the light emitted in the direction of the opening 7.

[0057] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The light emitting module 10 in FIG. 1 , wherein the mask 2 has been removed. The light emitting module 10 comprises at least one light emitting unit according to the present invention.

[0058] In particular, the lighting module 10 includes a plurality of lighting units 11. Each of the lighting units includes at least one light source, at least one light collector, and an optical projection system.

[0059] exist Figure 2 In the example of , as explained above, the optical projection system of each light emitting unit 11 is formed by a projection lens 6 , 22 , 25 . In this case, each projection lens 6 , 22 , 25 forms one of the parts 4 a , 4 b , 4 c of the projection unit 4 .

[0060] Alternatively, and as Figure 5 As shown, the optical projection system of each lighting unit 11 can be formed by projection mirrors 6', 22', 25'. Each projection mirror 6', 22', 25' then forms one of the parts 4a, 4b, 4c of the projection unit 4.

[0061] It will be noted that Figure 5 It is intended only to illustrate an embodiment variant of the lighting module 10 according to the invention, in which the optical projection unit of the lighting unit 11 is formed by a projection reflector. Figure 5 The light emitting module shown is Figures 1 to 4 The light emitting module 10 shown is identical. Figures 1 to 4 All features described apply mutatis mutandis to Figure 5 The lighting module shown is applicable to the projection reflector except that the features described for the projection lens are applicable to the projection reflector. In particular, the features related to the focal position of the projection lens are applicable to the focal position of the projection reflector.

[0062] More specifically, in Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the embodiment, the light emitting module 10 includes a first light emitting unit 11a, a second light emitting unit 11b and a third light emitting unit 11c. Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the figure, the three light emitting units 11 are defined by dotted lines to make it easier for readers to understand.

[0063] The first light-emitting unit 11a is a light-emitting unit 11 according to the present invention. This includes a first light-emitting subassembly 12 and a second light-emitting subassembly 13. Each light-emitting subassembly 12, 13 of the first light-emitting unit 11a includes a light source and a light collector. In addition, each of the light-emitting subassemblies 12, 13 at least partially performs its inherent lighting function within the light-emitting module 10. Therefore, the light-emitting module can perform multiple lighting functions while using a minimum space.

[0064] exist Figure 2 and Figure 5 , the light sources are not visible. These are connected to at least one printed circuit board 14. The lighting module 10 may comprise a single printed circuit board 14 carrying all the light sources and in particular the light sources of each lighting unit 11a, 11b, 11c, regardless of the number of light sources. Alternatively, the lighting module 10 may comprise as many printed circuit boards 14 as lighting units 11.

[0065] When the light sources are enabled to perform the lighting function in question, each of these light sources emits light in the direction of the light collector inherent to each of these light sources. The light collector or collectors have a reflective surface and shape such that the light is collected and reflected in the direction of the projection unit 4, which projects each of the light rays to form a beam corresponding to the lighting function or functions performed by the light module 10.

[0066] In order to project the light beam generated by the first light emitting subassembly 12 and / or the second light emitting subassembly 13, the first light emitting unit 11a comprises a projection lens 6 incorporated into the projection unit 4. Figure 2 , the projection lens 6 corresponds to the first part 4a of the projection unit 4. The projection lens 6 is arranged to face the light emitted by the first light emitting subassembly 12 and by the second light emitting subassembly 13. The projection lens 6 is configured to have an optical axis 17 extending along the longitudinal direction L. Figure 5 In the example in FIG. 4 , the first light emitting unit 11 a comprises a projection reflector 6 ′ which is integrated into the projection unit 4 .

[0067] The first light-emitting subassembly 12 of the first light-emitting unit 11a at least includes Figure 4 The first light source 26 and the first light collector 15 are visible in FIG. 1 , and the second light emitting subassembly 13 includes Figure 4 The second light source 27 and the second light collector 16 are visible in FIG. Each of the light collectors 15 and 16 has the function of collecting and reflecting the light emitted by its own light source. Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the first light collector 15 and the second light collector 16 exhibit an offset relative to each other at least along the longitudinal direction L, wherein the second light collector 16 is arranged behind the first light collector 15. In other words, the distance between the projection lens 6 (or the projection reflector 6') and the second light collector 16 is therefore greater than the distance between the projection lens 6 (or the projection reflector 6') and the first light collector 15. The first light collector 15 and the second light collector 16 are also offset relative to each other along a transverse direction T perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The offset along the transverse direction T ensures that all light rays associated with the first light emitting unit 11a propagate as far as the projection lens 6 (or the projection reflector 6') despite the offset between the first light collector 15 and the second light collector 16 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0068] Each light collector may be divided into one or more reflective cavities. Multiplying the number of reflective cavities within a single light collector and thus within a single light emitting subassembly helps, for example, to enhance the intensity and / or range of the light beam formed upon leaving the light emitting subassembly along one or more given directions.

[0069] exist Figure 2 and Figure 5, the first light collector 15 is divided into a first reflection cavity 15a, a second reflection cavity 15b and a third reflection cavity 15c. For its part, the second light collector 16 is divided into a first reflection cavity 16a, a second reflection cavity 16b and a third reflection cavity 16c. The reflection cavities 15a, 15b, 15c of the first light collector 15 are offset relative to each other along the transverse direction T. The same is true for the reflection cavities 16a, 16b, 16c of the second light collector 16, which are also offset relative to each other along the transverse direction T.

[0070] The three reflection cavities 16a, 16b, 16c of the second light concentrator 16 are in contact with and adjacent to each other, such that the second reflection cavity 16b is between the first reflection cavity 16a and the third reflection cavity 16c.

[0071] The three reflection cavities 15a, 15b, 15c of the first light collector 15 are arranged so that the second reflection cavity 15b and the third reflection cavity 15c are in contact with and adjacent to each other, and the first reflection cavity 15a is aligned with the second reflection cavity 15b and the third reflection cavity 15c along the longitudinal direction L, but is at a certain distance therefrom along the transverse direction T.

[0072] Therefore, the reflection cavities 15a, 15b, 15c of the first light collector 15 are positioned so that at least two of them are arranged on both sides of the second light collector 16 with respect to the transverse direction T. Figure 2 and Figure 5 In the embodiment, the second light collector 16, more particularly the reflection cavities 16a, 16b, 16c of the second light collector are arranged between the first reflection cavity 15a of the first light collector 15 and the group consisting of the second reflection cavity 15b and the third reflection cavity 15c. This arrangement makes it possible to improve the compactness of the first light emitting unit 11a while optimally performing all lighting functions of the first light emitting unit 11a.

[0073] Thus, each of the groups of reflective cavities forms a single light collector. Thus, each inherent reflective cavity in the light collector collects and reflects light intended to perform the same lighting function. To this end, the projection lens 6 (or projection reflector 6') (that is to say the first part 4a of the projection unit 4) faces all the reflective cavities of the light collector of the first light emitting unit 11a.

[0074] The reflective surface of each collector and in particular the reflective cavities 15a, 15b, 15c of the first collector 15 and 16a, 16b, 16c of the second collector 16 advantageously have a profile of the elliptical or parabolic type. According to a variant, these reflective surfaces form a surface of revolution around an axis parallel to the optical axis 17. This axis parallel to the optical axis 17 may in particular correspond to the optical axis of the collector.

[0075] As mentioned above, Figure 2 and Figure 5The light module 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes three light emitting units 11. Therefore, the second light emitting unit 11b and the third light emitting unit 11c also include one or more light emitting subassemblies, and the lighting functions generated by these light emitting subassemblies are different from or can be different from the lighting functions performed by the first light emitting subassembly 12 and the second light emitting subassembly 13 of the first light emitting unit 11a.

[0076] Therefore, it can be observed that the second lighting unit 11b comprises at least one additional lighting subassembly 20 provided with one or more additional light sources and provided with one or more additional light collectors 21, and Figure 2 The additional projection lens 22 in the example of Figure 5 The additional light-emitting subassemblies 20 each at least partially perform their inherent lighting function and are arranged to emit light and reflect the light to the corresponding second portion 4b of the projection unit 4. Figure 2 The additional projection lens 22 in the example or Figure 5 The additional projection reflector 22' in the example in FIG.

[0077] For its part, the third lighting unit 11c comprises an additional lighting subassembly 23 provided with an additional light source and an additional light collector 24, and Figure 2 The additional projection lens 25 in the example or Figure 5 The additional projection reflector 25' in the example in FIG. The light emitted and reflected by the additional light-emitting subassembly 23 is then directed to the third portion 4c corresponding to the projection unit 4. Figure 2 The additional projection lens 25 in the example of Figure 5 The additional projection reflector 25' in the example in the projection.

[0078] Figure 3 is a light emitting unit 11 according to the present invention (which corresponds to Figure 2 A top view of the first light emitting unit 11a).

[0079] As described above, the first light collector 15 and the second light collector 16 are arranged to be offset relative to each other both along the longitudinal direction L and along the transverse direction T. The offset along the transverse direction T makes it possible to offset the first light collector 15 on either side of the second light collector 16, which is set back from the first light collector 15 along the longitudinal direction L, so as not to hinder the light reflected by the second light collector 16 from propagating to the projection lens 6.

[0080] The projection lens 6 is configured to have an optical line focus 33 extending mainly along a transverse direction T perpendicular to the optical axis 17. In the example shown, the focal line formed by this optical line focus 33 has been depicted in a slightly curved manner, but it should be noted that this focal line may be straight without otherwise limiting the invention.

[0081] The optical line focus 33 is positioned such that the first light collector 15, more specifically the rear end edge 32 of the first light collector 15, is arranged between the projection lens 6 and its optical line focus 33. Preferably, the optical line focus 33 of the projection lens 6 is arranged at a distance less than or equal to 3 mm from the rear end edge 32 of the first light collector 15. The rear end edge 32 of the first light collector 15 is understood to be the rear end edge 32 delimiting one or more reflection cavities 15a, 15b, 15c. In the example shown, the point of the rear end edge 32 of the first light collector 15 which is furthest back from the projection lens 6 is arranged between the projection lens and the optical line focus 33.

[0082] It will be noted that the Figure 2 and Figure 3 The optical projection system formed by the projection lens 6 shown depicts the position of the optical line focus 33. It will be appreciated that the same characteristics apply to the optical projection system formed by the projection lens 6 as shown. Figure 5 The projection mirror 6' shown forms the focus of the optical line of the optical projection system.

[0083] The first light collector 15 includes an object focus, near which the first light source 26 is disposed, and an image focus, which is disposed near the optical projection system or downstream of the optical projection system in the direction in which light is emitted from the light emitting module 10 .

[0084] The second light collector 16 has an object focus, near which the corresponding light source (in this case, the second light source 27) is arranged, and an image focus 18. The object focus and the image focus 18 may be common to all the reflection cavities of the second light collector 16, or each reflection cavity 16a, 16b, 16c may have an object focus and an image focus 18a, 18b, 18c.

[0085] As mentioned for the focal line associated with the projection lens 6, the image focal points 18a, 18b, 18c of the reflection cavities 16a, 16b, 16c of the second light collector 16 may be straight (eg Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the image focus 18b associated with the second reflective cavity 16b of the second light collector 16 is at least partially curved (such as the image focus 18a, 18c of the first reflective cavity 16a and the third reflective cavity 16c of the second light collector 16). These image focuses are already Figure 3 In order to make them more particularly visible, the image foci 18a, 18b, 18c may alternatively be spot foci.

[0086] Light rays emitted by the light source associated with the second light collector and arranged near the object focus of the second light collector are reflected in the direction of the corresponding image focus by the reflective surface of the second light collector 16. According to the invention, in order to project a wide light beam generated by the second light-emitting subassembly 13, the image focus 18 or each of the image focuses 18a, 18b, 18c of the second light collector 16 at least partially coincides with the optical line focus 33 of the projection lens 6. This configuration thus makes it possible to combine clarity and compactness so that the light-emitting unit and therefore the light-emitting module achieve maximum light functionality while using a minimum of space.

[0087] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the light emitting unit 11 according to the present invention. Figure 2 The first light emitting unit 11a in. Figure 4 The cross section in Figure 3 In a plane IV-IV visible in the drawing and defined by the longitudinal direction L and a vertical direction V perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T. Figure 4 The cross section in FIG. 1 passes through the second reflection cavity 15b of the first light concentrator 15 and passes through the third reflection cavity 16c of the second light concentrator 16. Figure 3 Shown in.

[0088] Figure 4 The printed circuit board 14 and some of the light sources it carries can be seen. Figure 4 In particular, a first light source 26 disposed close to the first light collector 15 and a second light source 27 disposed close to the second light collector 16 as described above are shown.

[0089] Each of the light sources 26, 27 is activated when needed to implement the function associated with the light emitting subassembly in question. Activation and / or deactivation of one or the other of the light sources 26, 27 may be accomplished manually by the driver of the vehicle, or automatically, for example based on data measured by a light detector (not shown).

[0090] Figure 4 In particular, the light propagation of each of the light emitting subassemblies included in the first light emitting unit 11a is shown. The first light source 26 emits light through Figure 4 The first light rays 28 depicted by the solid lines in FIG. 2 propagate to the reflective surface of the first light collector 15 and are collected and reflected by said surface. The propagation of the reflected first light rays 28 takes place as far as the projection lens 6 which projects them so as to form a first light beam 29.

[0091] Similarly, the propagation of light in the second light-emitting subassembly of the first light-emitting unit 11a is also shown. The second light source 27 thus emits light through Figure 4The second light rays 30 depicted by the dashed lines in FIG. 1 are reflected by the reflective surface of the second light collector 16 and propagate to the projection lens 6 and form a second light beam 31 when leaving said lens.

[0092] The second light source 27 is arranged at the object focus of the reflective surface of the second light collector 16 so that the light emitted by it is collected and reflected in the direction of the corresponding image focus 18 along the optical axis 17. Figure 4 As shown by way of example for some light rays, the second light rays 30 converge towards this image focus 18 after having been reflected by the reflective surface of the second light collector 16. As described above, the image focus 18 advantageously coincides at least partially with the optical line focus 33, so that the light rays that have passed through the image focus 18 or are substantially in the vicinity of the image focus are projected to infinity by the projection lens 6. Figure 4 Orientation of the cross-sectional view in FIG. 1 , in which the image focus 18 and the optical line focus 33 are depicted in the form of light spots.

[0093] In addition to the offset between the first light concentrator 15 and the second light concentrator 16 along the longitudinal direction L, the second light concentrator is also offset relative to the first light concentrator 15 along the vertical direction V, the second light concentrator 16 being closer to the printed circuit board 14 than the first light concentrator 15. In addition to the offset between the first light concentrator 15 and the second light concentrator 16 along the transverse direction, this offset further improves the propagation of the reflected second light 30.

[0094] In the example shown, the printed circuit board 14 has an inclination relative to a plane defined by the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction. The printed circuit board 14 has an inclination angle 34 between 5° and 15° relative to the plane. This inclination makes it possible to orient the first light source 26 and the second light source 27 further towards the curved portion of the first light collector 15 and the second light collector 16, respectively, in order to promote the reflection of the light.

[0095] As in Figure 4 As can be seen in , the first light beam 29 generated by the first light-emitting subassembly is directed below the optical axis, that is to say towards the road. This is the light beam associated with the first lighting function, which needs to be precise and sharp, in particular at its upper cut-off edge formed by the imaging of the rear end edge 32. This first lighting function can in particular consist of a low beam intended to illuminate the road without otherwise blinding road users travelling towards the vehicle. Alternatively, this first lighting function can consist of a portion of the low beam having a horizontal upper cut-off point, for example, located below the horizontal. When the light-emitting unit 11 is oriented in the installation position, that is to say when the light module associated therewith is installed in the vehicle, the front end edge 32' of the first light collector 15, that is to say the edge closest to the projection lens 6, defines the lower part of the light image formed and projected onto the road, and the rear end edge 32 defines the upper part of said image.

[0096] The second light beam 31 generated by the second light-emitting subassembly is a light beam associated with a second lighting function, at least a portion of which is located above the cut-off edge of the first light beam 29. The second light beam 31 can, for example, be superimposed on the first light beam 29 so as to form a beam of high-beam type. Thus, this second lighting function consists of the upper part of a high-beam beam intended to illuminate the entire road far in front of the vehicle without the user being likely to be dazzled. Alternatively, the second light beam 31 can be an enhancement of the light beam, for example an enhancement at the center of this light beam, so as to form a beam of high-beam type. Thus, the second light beam 31 does not require as much contour definition as the lighting function performed by the first light beam 29.

[0097] As already described and illustrated, the positions of the collectors 15, 16 relative to each other and the position of the optical line focus 33 of the optical projection system relative to the rear end edge 32 of the first collector 15 and relative to the image focus 18 of the second collector 16 make it possible to provide a first light-emitting unit 11a according to the present invention, and a light-emitting module, which combines compactness and realizes a light beam with a clear cut-off point. The positioning of the optical line focus of the projection lens near the rear end edge of the first collector associated with the first lighting function makes it possible to form the cut-off edge of the light beam in a clear manner by imaging the rear end edge of the first collector 15. At the same time, the positioning of this optical line focus of the projection lens relative to the image focus 18 of the second collector 16 makes it possible to project an image of a light beam that can supplement the light beam with a cut-off edge so as to form the second lighting function.

[0098] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described and many modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0099] As has just been described, the present invention clearly achieves its stated purpose and makes it possible to provide a light unit of a light module, which combines multiple lighting functions in a compact manner as possible by combining several offsets between at least two light subassemblies of the light unit. Variants not described here can be implemented without departing from the context of the present invention, provided that, according to the present invention, these variants include a light unit according to the present invention.

Claims

1. A light-emitting unit (11) of a light-emitting module (10) of a motor vehicle, the light-emitting unit comprising: - a first light emitting subassembly (12), the first light emitting subassembly comprising at least one first light source (26) configured to emit a plurality of first light rays (28) and a first light collector (15) configured to collect and reflect the first light rays (28) emitted by the first light source (26), - a second light emitting subassembly (13), the second light emitting subassembly comprising at least one second light source (27) configured to emit a plurality of second light rays (30) and a second light collector (16) configured to collect and reflect the second light rays (30) emitted by the second light source (27), an optical projection system (6, 6') configured to project the first light ray (28) reflected by the first light concentrator (15) and the second light ray (30) reflected by the second light concentrator (16), the optical projection system (6, 6') comprising an optical axis (17) parallel to the longitudinal direction (L), Characterized in that the first light collector (15) and the second light collector (16) are offset relative to each other along the longitudinal direction (L) so that the first light collector (15) is arranged between the second light collector (16) and the optical projection system (6, 6'), and are offset relative to each other along a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), and wherein the optical projection system (6, 6') has an optical line focus (33) parallel to or substantially parallel to the transverse direction (T), the first light collector (15) includes a first rear edge (32) arranged near the optical line focus (33) of the optical projection system (6, 6'), and the second light collector (16) includes an object focus (19) at which the second light source (27) is located and an image focus (18) at least partially overlapping with the optical line focus (33) of the optical projection system (6, 6').

2. The light emitting unit (11) according to claim 1, wherein: The optical projection system (6) is formed by a projection lens.

3. The light emitting unit (11) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The light collector is positioned relative to the optical projection system such that a rear end edge (32) of the first light collector (15) is positioned between the optical projection system (6, 6') and the optical line focus (33) of the optical projection system.

4. The lighting unit (11) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The optical line focus (33) of the optical projection system (6, 6') is arranged at a distance less than or equal to 3 mm from the rear end edge (32) of the first light collector (15).

5. The lighting unit (11) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first light concentrator (15) comprises at least two reflective cavities (15a, 15b, 15c), each of the reflective cavities (15a, 15b, 15c) being offset relative to each other along the transverse direction (T).

6. The lighting unit (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The reflection cavities (15a, 15b, 15c) of the first light concentrator (15) are arranged on both sides of the second light concentrator (16) along the transverse direction (T).

7. The lighting unit (11) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The first light collector (15) has at least one reflection cavity (15a, 15b, 15c) arranged on each side of the second light collector (16), and the reflection cavities (15a, 15b, 15c) are spaced apart so that the second light reflected by the second light collector can be transmitted to the optical projection system by passing between the reflection cavities (15a, 15b, 15c).

8. The lighting unit (11) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second light concentrator (16) comprises at least two reflective cavities (16a, 16b, 16c), each of the reflective cavities (16a, 16b, 16c) being offset relative to each other along the transverse direction (T).

9. The lighting unit (11) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first light concentrator (15) and the second light concentrator (16) are offset relative to each other along a vertical direction (V) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) and the transverse direction (T).

10. The lighting unit (11) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a printed circuit board (14) carrying all of the light sources (26, 27).

11. The lighting unit (11) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first light-emitting subassembly (12) is configured to cooperate with the optical projection system to generate a first light beam (29), the first light beam having a cutoff edge formed by imaging the rear end edge (32) of the first light collector (15), and the second light-emitting subassembly (13) is configured to cooperate with the optical projection system to generate a second light beam (31) different from the first light beam (29), at least a portion of the second light beam being located above the cutoff edge.

12. A motor vehicle lighting module (10), the lighting module comprising at least a first lighting unit (11a) and a second lighting unit (11b), the first lighting unit (11a) being as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

13. The lighting module (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The second light-emitting unit (11b) comprises at least one additional light-emitting subassembly (20) and an additional optical projection system (22, 22').

14. The lighting module (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The optical projection system (6) is formed by a projection lens, and the additional optical projection system (22) is formed by a projection lens referred to as an additional projection lens, the lighting module comprising a projection unit (4), the projection unit being divided into a first part (4a) of the projection lens (6) defining the first lighting unit (11a) and a second part (4b) of the additional projection lens (22) defining the second lighting unit (11b).

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