Light-emitting unit for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting unit for a motor vehicle, comprising: a light source row (1) emitting light rays (1a); a support (6) on which the rows of light sources are arranged; a primary lens (2) having an optical axis (4) and a first incident surface (5); and a projection lens (3). The row of light sources comprises light sources that can be individually activated and aligned in a first direction (d1). The support forms an angle alpha with the optical axis other than 90 degrees. The first incident surface includes a planar upper portion (5a), a planar lower portion (5b), and a connecting portion (5c). The lower portion is offset relative to the upper portion with respect to the optical axis. The upper portion and the lower portion are connected by a connecting portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lighting, including signal transmission, and to the field of components involved therein, particularly optical components. The invention is particularly advantageously applicable to the field of motor vehicles. Specifically, the invention relates to a light-emitting unit for a motor vehicle, and to a light-emitting module for a motor vehicle comprising a plurality of light-emitting units. Background Technology

[0002] In the automotive industry, modules capable of emitting beams of light (also known as lighting and / or signaling functions) are known.

[0003] These modules must comply with applicable regulations and must also provide sufficient safety and comfort by emitting light in specific areas and excluding other areas that should be kept dark, while ensuring uniform lighting. In particular, when an area must be illuminated, it is necessary to prevent that area from including dark areas within it.

[0004] Manufacturers also face constraints related to reducing the size and shape of modules, particularly the need to tilt the support, which consists of electronic circuitry for holding and electrically connecting a set of electronic components (PCB, meaning printed circuit board) that carry the light source, in order to allow for satisfactory integration (especially in terms of design) into the vehicle.

[0005] To best achieve these different objectives, a technical solution has been proposed that is based on the positioning of the tilted support of the light source and the modification of the curvature of certain portions of the exit surface of the primary lens and the incident surface of the projection lens, so as to obtain a larger brightness distribution in the desired area.

[0006] However, this type of solution has drawbacks, particularly the fact that it does not allow for tilting relative to the vertical direction of the support for the light source, while simultaneously enabling the acquisition of a uniform beam and thus a very small volume and desired arrangement, while allowing for satisfactory beam generation, for example, in terms of imaging quality.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a module that can overcome all or some of the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0008] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that other advantages can be combined. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a light-emitting unit for a motor vehicle is provided, the unit comprising: - A row of light sources that emits light, the row of light sources including light sources aligned in a first direction, wherein each light source in the row of light sources is individually activatable. - Support member, on which the light source array is mounted, and - An optical system, comprising: • A primary lens, comprising an optical axis, a first incident surface, and an exit surface, and • The projection lens, through which these rays first pass the primary lens and then the projection lens. Wherein, the plane is perpendicular to the first direction and includes the optical axis, and

[0010] The light-emitting unit is noteworthy in that the support forms an angle different from 90° with the optical axis, and the first incident surface includes an upper planar portion, a lower planar portion, and a connecting portion. The lower portion is offset relative to the upper portion along the optical axis, and the upper portion and the lower portion are connected by the connecting portion.

[0011] It should be noted that the first incident surface is the incident surface of the light emitted by the light source.

[0012] In addition, the exit surface is the surface from which the light received by the first incident surface exits.

[0013] Therefore, due to the positioning of the support members tilted relative to the optical axis, the light-emitting unit according to the invention allows for a configuration that satisfies the arrangement and volume constraints. Furthermore, given that this tilt of the support members for the light source array is associated with the specific shape of the incident surface of the primary lens, the light-emitting unit according to the invention allows for illumination with sufficient uniformity (especially since there is no sharp boundary between the illuminated area and the less illuminated area (within the illuminated area)), which is consistent with... Figure 3 The illustrated projection is the opposite, indicating the location of areas with clear boundaries via a dashed box.

[0014] More specifically, the fact that the incident surface of the primary lens has an inclined connecting portion (relative to the upper portion and relative to the lower portion) creates a local deflection zone for the light rays, resulting in blurring in the projection of the light rays in question (the blurring occurs at the junction between the illuminated and less illuminated areas). Therefore, the positioning compensation of the inclined connecting portion has an effect related to the inclination of the support.

[0015] Specifically, the tilt of the support results in a difference (in terms of the produced illumination) between the light rays guided towards the top of the incident surface of the primary lens and the light rays guided towards the bottom of the incident surface of the primary lens. This difference is due to the fact that: 1) the light rays guided towards the top are greater than the light rays guided towards the bottom of the incident surface of the primary lens, and 2) the portion of the light rays from the bottom (of the incident surface of the primary lens) that exit from the light source is not located at the same distance from the focal point of the object side of the optical system comprising the primary lens and the projection lens. The difference discussed (in the projection area) is manifested by the clear boundary between the illuminated area and the less illuminated area (in the area to be illuminated) (the illuminated area is a result of light rays being guided towards the top of the primary lens, while the less illuminated area is a result of light rays being guided towards the bottom of the primary lens).

[0016] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a light-emitting module for a motor vehicle, the light-emitting module comprising a plurality of light-emitting units stacked in a second direction, the light-emitting units sharing the same support member, the second direction being perpendicular to the optical axis and the first direction.

[0017] Therefore, the light-emitting module according to the invention enables illumination characterized by greater luminous intensity (or brightness) and a wider illumination range (especially in height) compared to the case where the light-emitting module is composed of a single light-emitting unit.

[0018] On the other hand, there is a vehicle equipped with at least one unit and / or module, which is preferably used to emit light toward the front of the vehicle. At least one module may be located on the right side of the front of the vehicle, and at least one module may be located on the left side of the front of the vehicle. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The objectives, subject matter, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer through a detailed description of one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the following accompanying drawings:

[0020] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the light-emitting unit according to the present invention is shown, in which the incident surface of the primary lens can be seen.

[0021] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a light-emitting module according to the present invention is shown, in which the arrangement of the light-emitting units can be seen.

[0022] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3The diagram schematically illustrates the projection of complementary high beams in front of a vehicle when the incident surface of the primary lens is flat and the support is tilted relative to the optical axis such that the light rays are oriented towards the top of the incident surface of the primary lens rather than towards the bottom of the incident surface. Figure 3 The dashed box is used to indicate the location of the clear boundary area.

[0023] The accompanying drawings are provided by way of example and do not limit the invention. The drawings are schematic representations intended to aid in understanding the invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale for actual application. In particular, the orientation of light is schematic and does not represent reality. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Before proceeding with a detailed discussion of embodiments of the present invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively will be described below:

[0025] According to one example, the first incident surface 5 receives light rays 1a emitted by the light source array 1. In other words, the upper portion 5a, the lower portion 5b, and the connecting portion 5c of the plane receive light rays 1a emitted by the light source array 1.

[0026] According to one example, the upper portion 5a is offset along the optical axis 4 relative to the lower portion 5b in order to be closer to the exit surface 7.

[0027] According to one example, the upper portion 5a is offset along the optical axis 4 relative to the lower portion 5b so as to be further away from the exit surface 7.

[0028] Given that the purpose of positioning the connecting portion at an angle relative to the upper portion and relative to the lower portion is to create blurring in the projection of light rays that have already traversed this connecting portion, the desired technical effect will be achieved regardless of the positioning of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. Therefore, the upper portion can be positioned upstream (or downstream) of the lower portion along the optical axis.

[0029] According to one example, the support 6 is tilted relative to the optical axis 4, so that the light 1a is oriented towards the upper part 5a rather than towards the lower part 5b.

[0030] This configuration allows for a significant degree of illumination oriented toward the area above the road (behind the projection lens) to ensure good visibility at that location.

[0031] According to one example, the optical system 10 has a principal object-side focal point F, and the light sources of the light source row 1 are positioned relative to the optical axis 4 such that, in the plane p, the orthogonal projections of these light sources on the optical axis 4 intersect the optical axis 4 at the principal object-side focal point F.

[0032] Therefore, given that the light source array 1 is positioned at the object-side focal point F, the image of the light rays (from the light source array 1) of the optical system 10 will be at infinity. Thus, this configuration allows for the acquisition of a beam of light projected over a long distance from this light source array. Therefore, the beam of light from this array can be complementary high beam.

[0033] In one example, light source row 1 is traversed by optical axis 4.

[0034] According to one example, the angle α is greater than 90° and less than or equal to 120°, and the connecting part 5c is traversed by the optical axis 4.

[0035] Specifically, when the support 6 forms an angle α greater than 90° and less than or equal to 120° with the optical axis 4, the light rays from the upper portion of the emitting area of ​​each light source in row 1, and therefore the light rays guided at the top towards the incident surface of the primary lens, will reach the incident surface of the primary lens in such a way that the lowest portion reaches approximately at the optical axis 4. Therefore, the connecting portion 5c needs to be positioned at the optical axis 4 so that blurring can be produced at the junction between the illumination of the light rays guided at the top towards the incident surface of the primary lens and the illumination of the light rays guided at the bottom towards the incident surface of the primary lens. It is assumed that the emitting area of ​​each light source in row 1 is divided into two identical portions, one portion referred to as the "upper portion," which is located above the other portion referred to as the "lower portion."

[0036] According to one example, the angle α is greater than 120° and less than or equal to 135°, and the connecting portion 5c is offset relative to the optical axis 4 in order to reduce the size of the upper portion 5a.

[0037] Therefore, when the support 6 forms an angle α greater than 120° and less than or equal to 135° with the optical axis 4, the light rays from the upper portion of the emitting area of ​​each light source in row 1, and thus the light rays guided towards the top of the incident surface of the primary lens 2, will reach the area of ​​the incident surface of the primary lens positioned above the optical axis 4 at the lowest portion. Therefore, it is necessary to position the connecting portion 5c approximately at the lowest portion of the incident surface of the primary lens, where the light rays towards the top of the primary lens will be guided, so that blurring can occur at the junction between the illumination from the top of the incident surface of the primary lens and the illumination from the bottom of the incident surface of the primary lens.

[0038] According to one example, the optical system 10 has a focal length DF, and the length of the orthogonal projection of the connecting portion 5c on the optical axis 4 in the plane p is proportional to the focal length DF by applying a scaling factor between 0.02 and 0.03, preferably equal to 0.025.

[0039] Therefore, with this configuration, the greater the focal length of the optical system, the greater the component of the connecting portion 5c along the optical axis. In fact, this configuration is necessary because the larger the focal length of the optical system, including the primary lens and the projection lens, the more the light rays from the light source row (positioned at the object-side focal point of the optical system including the primary and projection lenses) will diverge (at the incident surface of the primary lens). Therefore, without adjusting the value of the component of the connecting portion 5c along the optical axis 4, the relative positions of the different portions of the light source row 1 with respect to the object-side focal point F will have a greater impact on the generated projection of light and thus a greater impact on the existence of a sharp boundary (or contrast line) between the illuminated and less illuminated areas (in the illuminated area).

[0040] According to one example, the upper portion 5a and the lower portion 5b are perpendicular to the optical axis 4.

[0041] According to one example, the first incident surface 5 has a contour in plane p that describes the sigmoid function.

[0042] According to one example, the exit surface 7 includes a first upper portion 7a having a first curvature 7ac along the plane p, a central portion 7b having a fifth curvature 7bc along the plane p, and a first lower portion 7c having a second curvature 7cc along the plane p, wherein the projection lens 3 includes a second incident surface 8, which includes a second upper portion 8a having a third curvature 8ac along the plane p and a second lower portion 8b having a fourth curvature 8bc along the plane p, wherein the first curvature 7ac is more convex than the fifth curvature 7bc and / or the second curvature 7cc is more convex than the fifth curvature 7bc and / or the fourth curvature 8bc is more convex than the third curvature 8ac.

[0043] Therefore, for light rays passing through the first upper portion 7a, the first lower portion 7c, and the second lower portion 8b, respectively, compared to light rays passing through the central portion 7b and the second upper portion 8a, these configurations allow for greater diffusion along a plane perpendicular to the first direction d1 and parallel to the optical axis 4 (and thus in the vertical direction). Thus, these configurations enable illumination with a desired range. When integrated into a light-emitting unit that generates a near-field beam, the curvature of the first upper portion 7a further allows for better recombination between the complementary high beam and the near-field beam.

[0044] According to one example, the light-emitting unit is configured to form or participate in the formation of segmented complementary high beams.

[0045] According to one example, the light source of each of the light source rows 1 of the light-emitting units 9a, 9b...9i is offset in the first direction d1 relative to the light source rows 1 of all other light-emitting units 9a, 9b...9i.

[0046] Therefore, this configuration allows for lateral offset (in the first direction d1) between segments formed by light-emitting units relative to segments formed by other light-emitting units forming the light-emitting module. The fact that the light sources of all light source rows 1 are offset relative to each other makes it possible to eliminate dark areas that may appear between the projections of segments generated by a set of light sources connected from this light source row, which results in increased spatial resolution because the final size of the segments can therefore be smaller.

[0047] Regarding the features set forth in this specification, terms relating to verticality, horizontality, or laterality (or even lateral direction) or their equivalents should be understood relative to the intended position of the light-emitting module in a vehicle. The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used in this specification; "vertical" refers to a direction having an orientation perpendicular to the view plane (corresponding to the height of the module), and "horizontal" refers to a direction having an orientation parallel to the view plane. These directions are considered under the operating conditions of the module in a vehicle. Thus, the vertical axis points in the same direction as the Earth's gravitational field, and the horizontal axis points in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field. The use of these terms does not imply that slight variations with respect to vertical and horizontal directions are excluded from the invention. For example, an inclination of approximately + or -10° relative to these directions is considered herein as a minor variation with respect to the two preferred directions. This inclination is, in principle, between -5° and +4° relative to the horizontal plane, and between -6° and +7.5° laterally.

[0048] In the context of this specification, the adjectives “lower” and “upper” and their equivalents (below, below, above, above) should be considered relative to the vertical direction (that is, the direction perpendicular to the first direction d1 and the optical axis 4). In the given context, in the vertical direction, the upper element is located above the lower element (but not necessarily in contact with or directly perpendicular to the lower element).

[0049] "Upper section (or part)" should be understood as the area located higher up than the "lower section (or part)". In this configuration, "central section (or part)" should be understood as the section located between the "upper section (or part)" and the "lower section (or part)".

[0050] In the context of an element being traversed by an axis, the term "traversed" should be understood as referring to the fact that the axis passes through the element in question.

[0051] In the context of this invention, and in the context of "the upper portion 5a and the lower portion 5b being planar," the term "planar" takes into account the fact that the upper portion 5a and / or the lower portion 5b may have variability in their planarity at their surfaces, which can reach values ​​up to 100 μm. This variability in planarity is non-uniform across the entire surface in question and may correspond to the formation of undulating rough structures on the surface in question and / or to hollow regions on the surface in question. This variability in planarity is measured relative to a reference plane. The reference planes for the upper portion 5a and the lower portion 5b correspond, respectively, to the planes forming the upper portion 5a and the lower portion 5b (if these portions are planar). Therefore, the upper portion 5a and / or the lower portion 5b can be characterized as "pseudo-planar."

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the light-emitting unit for a motor vehicle includes a light source array 1, a primary lens 2, a projection lens 3, and a support member 6. The light source array 1 emits light rays 1a. The light source array 1 includes light sources arranged in a straight line along a first direction d1. The light sources of the light source array 1 can be individually selected for activation. The primary lens 2 has an optical axis 4. The primary lens 2 has a first incident surface 5 and an exit surface 7. The first incident surface 5 is the incident surface of the light ray 1a emitted by the light source array 1. The light ray 1a is first transmitted through the primary lens 2 and then transmitted through the projection lens 3. The light source array 1 is fixed to the support member 6. The plane p is defined perpendicular to the first direction d1 and includes the optical axis 4. The optical system 10 includes the primary lens 2 and the projection lens 3.

[0053] The support member 6 is inclined relative to the optical axis 4, and therefore forms an angle α with the optical axis 4 that is not a right angle. Therefore, the support member 6 is not perpendicular to the optical axis 4. The first incident surface 5 includes an upper planar portion 5a, a lower planar portion 5b, and a connecting portion 5c. The upper portion 5a and the lower portion 5b are connected by the connecting portion 5c. The first incident surface 5, and more particularly each of the upper planar portion 5a, the lower planar portion 5b, and the connecting portion 5c, receives light rays 1a emitted by the light source array 1.

[0054] The lower portion 5b and the upper portion 5a are not located at the same position along the optical axis 4. If the optical axis 4 is considered as the scale axis, then the abscissa of the lower portion 5b is different from that of the upper portion 5a. Therefore, an angled junction appears at the connecting portion 5c on the incident surface of the primary lens.

[0055] A beam of light formed by light from light source row 1 is projected along optical axis 4.

[0056] The surface of the support member 6 that carries the light source can be planar. The light source is positioned on this surface of the support member 6, which can point towards the top of the light-emitting unit in the use position. The support member 6 can form an angle α of 100° with the optical axis 4. Preferably, the light source has an average emission direction oriented along the normal to the surface of the support member 6 that carries the light source.

[0057] The connecting portion 5c can be planar, concave, or convex. The connecting portion 5c can have planar and convex portions, or planar and concave portions, or convex and concave portions. The connecting portion 5c can have a planar portion followed by a convex portion, followed by a concave portion.

[0058] Light source row 1 can include 5 light sources.

[0059] The exit refractive interface of a projection lens can be convex. The radius of curvature of the exit refractive interface of a projection lens can be large, allowing the exit refractive interface of the projection lens to be like a plane.

[0060] The light-emitting unit can have a width of 20 mm (in the first direction d1). The length of the light source row 1 can be 5 mm (in the first direction d1). The focal length of the optical system consisting of the primary lens and the projection lens can be 10 mm.

[0061] The thickness of the primary lens can be 6.5 mm. The thickness of the projection lens can be 6 mm. The diameter of the projection lens can be 20 mm.

[0062] Light source row 1 includes only light sources that are aligned in direction d.

[0063] The light source array 1 can be positioned at a distance between 0.25 mm and 5 mm from the incident surface of the primary lens. Preferably, the light source array 1 can be positioned at a distance of 1.3 mm from the incident surface of the primary lens.

[0064] The light sources in light source row 1 can be enabled in groups, so that only some of the light sources in light source row 1 are enabled at a given time.

[0065] The primary lens allows light rays from the light source array to be shaped into a beam. The projection lens allows the light rays shaped by the primary lens to be projected.

[0066] At least one of the incident and exit surfaces of the projection lens may have undulations, particularly at the micrometer scale, on its surface. "Undulations, particularly at the micrometer scale" should be understood as referring to surface smoothness, especially the surface smoothness of the refractive interface, which includes a set of protruding elements, particularly at a depth of less than 600 μm. More specifically, such microstructures may protrude to a depth particularly less than 50 μm in the case of the exit surface, and to a depth particularly less than 600 μm in the case of the incident surface. Such microstructures may include concentric patterns. The patterns may be stripes or pits. The positioning of these undulations allows for uniform beam distribution.

[0067] The support member 6 can be in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB).

[0068] The light source in light source row 1 can be selectively turned on, thereby producing pixelated light sources.

[0069] This configuration enables adaptive driving beam (ADB) lighting. Specifically, the selective activation of the light source allows for varying beam configurations, thus adapting to different situations. Therefore, areas that should be illuminated will appear, and areas that should have their brightness reduced to avoid dazzling other road users and to meet regulatory constraints will also appear.

[0070] This discretization of light is also known as segmented beam. Therefore, a beam of light that projects an image consisting of beam segments (generated by switching on a set of light sources) is called a segmented beam, and each segment can be lit independently.

[0071] Therefore, not all emitting elements are necessarily active, i.e., emitting light simultaneously. This feature allows for modulation of the shape of the generated beam. If the light source is not enabled, its image will not be projected by the optical module. Thus, it forms a dark area in the total generated beam. Excluding the effects of coupling in the light source and stray light from the optics, the resulting gap is complete.

[0072] More specifically, ADB lighting improves nighttime driving conditions by allowing drivers to illuminate as much of the road they are traveling on as possible without dazzling other users. For this purpose, the resulting beam is formed by multiple juxtaposed segments that can be selectively and individually activated. Therefore, if a user is detected by the module, only the segment that is easy for the user to dazzle is switched off (the other segments remain on), thereby allowing for optimized road lighting.

[0073] The module according to the invention may include an enable unit for driving each light source, the unit being configured to generate at least one dark area forming a tunnel in the projected beam by deactivating a group of adjacent light sources, the drive unit being configured to determine the number of light sources in the group corresponding to the dark area depending on the width dimension of the light source.

[0074] The driving unit may include a computer program product (preferably stored in non-transitory memory) that includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, determine the light source to be enabled, particularly to obtain at least one dark area of ​​the defined region (in which the light source is not enabled) taking into account the variable area of ​​the image of the element.

[0075] The light source for the entire device can be a light-emitting diode, also commonly referred to as an LED.

[0076] Advantageously, the LEDs of the entire lighting module have a diameter of 0.5mm. 2 or 1mm 2 The launch area is 0.5mm. 2 LEDs with a certain emitting area can have a width and height of 0.76 mm. LEDs with a 1 mm emitting area... 2 An LED with a certain emission area can have a width and height of 1 mm. The size of the LED is directly related to the desired beam volume.

[0077] The distance between the centers of two consecutive LEDs in light source row 1 can be 1.025 mm. The spacing between two consecutive LEDs can be 25 μm.

[0078] Preferably, the primary lens and the projection lens are made of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), silicone, glass, or PC (polycarbonate).

[0079] According to a preferred example, the lower portion 5b may be upstream of the upper portion 5a along the optical axis 4. Advantageously, the lower portion 5b may be downstream of the upper portion 5a along the optical axis 4.

[0080] When the upper portion 5a is positioned upstream (along the optical axis 4) relative to the lower portion 5b, the performance is better than when the lower portion 5b is positioned upstream (along the optical axis 4) relative to the upper portion 5a.

[0081] The center of the exit surface of the primary lens (through which the optical axis 4 passes) serves as a reference point for the positional offset along the optical axis 4 between the lower portion 5b and the upper portion 5a. Therefore, when the upper portion 5a is positioned upstream (along the optical axis 4) relative to the lower portion 5b, the orthogonal projection of the upper portion 5a onto the optical axis 4 is closer to this center than the orthogonal projection of the lower portion 5b. Conversely, when the upper portion 5a is positioned downstream (along the optical axis 4) relative to the lower portion 5b, the orthogonal projection of the upper portion 5a onto the optical axis 4 is farther from this center than the orthogonal projection of the lower portion 5b.

[0082] Preferably, the support member 6 forms an angle α with the optical axis 4, so that the light ray 1a is guided towards the upper part 5a rather than towards the lower part 5b.

[0083] According to an advantageous example, the optical system 10 has a principal object-side focal point F. Preferably, the light sources of the light source row 1 are positioned relative to the optical axis 4 such that, in the plane p, the orthogonal projections of these light sources on the optical axis 4 intersect the optical axis 4 at the principal object-side focal point F. More specifically, in the plane p, it is precisely the center of the light source that is positioned along the optical axis 4 at the principal object-side focal point F.

[0084] According to one possibility, the light source row 1 is in contact with the optical axis 4. The light source row 1 can be transversely crossed by the optical axis 4 at the center of the light source located at the center of the light source row 1.

[0085] According to a preferred example, when the support member 6 forms an angle α with the optical axis 4 that is strictly greater than 90° (i.e., excluding the value of 90°) and less than or equal to 120°, the connecting portion 5c contacts the optical axis 4.

[0086] Preferably, when the support member 6 forms an angle α with the optical axis 4 that is strictly greater than 120° (i.e., excluding the value of 120°) and less than or equal to 135°, the connecting portion 5c is eccentric relative to the optical axis 4 so as to be positioned more towards the top of the light-emitting unit.

[0087] The connecting portion 5c can be offset relative to the optical axis so as to be positioned at the highest level at the limit between the first quarter and the second quarter of the first incident surface 5 (the first quarter corresponds to the highest quarter of the first incident surface 5, and the second quarter corresponds to the second highest quarter of the first incident surface 5).

[0088] Advantageously, the optical system 10 has a focal length DF. Preferably, the length of the orthogonal projection of the connecting portion 5c onto the optical axis 4 in plane p can be derived from the focal length DF by applying a scaling factor to the length of the orthogonal projection of the connecting portion 5c onto the optical axis 4 in plane p. This scaling factor can be between 0.02 and 0.03. Preferably, the scaling factor can be equal to 0.025.

[0089] According to a favorable example, the upper portion 5a and the lower portion 5b are orthogonally positioned relative to the optical axis 4.

[0090] Preferably, the first incident surface 5 has a profile in plane p that describes the sigmoid function.

[0091] More specifically, the first incident plane 5 describes a sigmoid function with the vertical and horizontal axes reversed. Therefore, the sigmoid function representing the first incident plane 5 (in reference frame (xOy)) undergoes a rotation of 90° in a trigonometric sense. The sigmoid function is defined by: f(x) = 1 / (1 + exp(-x)).

[0092] Preferably, the emission surface 7 includes a first upper portion 7a, a central portion 7b, and a first lower portion 7c.

[0093] Preferably, the intersection line between the first upper portion 7a and the plane p forms a curved line referred to as "first curvature 7ac". Advantageously, the intersection line between the central portion 7b and the plane p forms a curved line referred to as "fifth curvature 7bc". Preferably, the intersection line between the first lower portion 7c and the plane p forms a curved line referred to as "second curvature 7cc".

[0094] Advantageously, the projection lens 3 includes a second incident surface 8, which includes a second upper portion 8a and a second lower portion 8b. According to one possibility, the intersection of the second upper portion 8a and the plane p forms a curved line referred to as a "third curvature 8ac". Advantageously, the intersection of the second lower portion 8b and the plane p forms a curved line referred to as a "fourth curvature 8bc".

[0095] Preferably, the first curvature 7ac is more concave than the fifth curvature 7bc. Preferably, the second curvature 7cc is more concave than the fifth curvature 7bc. Advantageously, the fourth curvature 8bc is more concave than the third curvature 8ac.

[0096] According to a preferred example, the light-emitting unit is configured to form or participate in the formation of segmented complementary high beams.

[0097] The light-emitting unit may include a secondary light-emitting unit configured to generate a low-beam auxiliary beam. This type of beam crosses the horizon. The lower edge of this type of beam may be juxtaposed with the horizon at -0.57°. Alternatively, the lower edge of this type of beam may slightly overlap with the horizon at -0.57° to achieve good uniformity with the low-beam near-field beam and avoid dark areas in the final beam formed by the superposition of the low-beam auxiliary beam and the low-beam near-field beam. In particular, the low-beam auxiliary beam may form a shoulder of the low-beam cutoff line. This shoulder is also referred to as the angled portion or "knot" of the "low" beam.

[0098] The low beam typically has a first lateral zone (usually at the edge of the road) with a projection height slightly higher than that of a second lateral zone (usually at the center of the road). These two zones follow each other laterally, with bends or twists between them.

[0099] The light-emitting unit may include another secondary light-emitting unit configured to generate a near-field beam.

[0100] More specifically, the near-field beam of the low beam corresponds to the beam that can be considered as forming the base of the low beam. The near-field beam of the low beam is a broad beam whose highest part forms a horizontal upper cutoff line at 0° or lower, for example, at -0.57° below the horizon. The near-field beam of the low beam is a beam that is wider than the low beam auxiliary beam.

[0101] Furthermore, when the low beam assist beam is superimposed on the low beam near field beam, the lower edge of the segment forming the low beam assist beam can be juxtaposed with the horizontal upper cutoff line of the low beam near field beam.

[0102] The function of complementary high beams is to illuminate a large area in front of the vehicle, and also to provide illumination up to a considerable distance (typically up to about 200 meters). This beam is primarily positioned above the horizon due to its illumination function. It can, for example, have a slightly upward-sloping illumination axis. Specifically, it can be used to produce a “complementary” illumination function that forms part of a high beam that is partially complementary to the high beam produced by the low beam near-field beam. The complementary high beam seeks to illuminate solely or at least primarily above the horizon, while the low beam near-field beam (which may have the characteristics of the low beam) seeks to illuminate solely or at least primarily below the horizon. Thus, the complementary high beam can be the main component of the overall “high” beam and associated with another beam participating in the low beam. Therefore, the complementary high beam can be combined with the low beam near-field beam to form a unified high beam. The low beam near-field beam is typically projected laterally and relatively dispersed in front of the vehicle, primarily or completely below the horizon, and generally seeks to achieve good illumination distribution throughout the illuminated area.

[0103] In addition to the functions described above regarding adaptive beams, the light-emitting unit can also be used for other lighting functions. Therefore, a lighting matrix can be generated to selectively illuminate a portion of the space in front of the vehicle.

[0104] Preferably, the light-emitting module for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of light-emitting units 9a, 9b...9i. Each of the plurality of light-emitting units 9a, 9b...9i includes a separate light source row. The plurality of light-emitting units 9a, 9b...9i are positioned such that each light source row (of each of the plurality of light-emitting units) is fastened to the same support 6. The light-emitting units 9a, 9b...9i are positioned such that a first light-emitting unit 9a, 9b...9i and a second light-emitting unit 9a, 9b...9i adjacent to the same third light-emitting unit 9a, 9b...9i are positioned such that the first light-emitting unit 9a, 9b...9i is positioned above the third light-emitting unit 9a, 9b...9i, and the second light-emitting unit 9a, 9b...9i is positioned below the third light-emitting unit 9a, 9b...9i.

[0105] Therefore, due to this configuration, the light-emitting units that make up the light-emitting module are offset in the vertical direction and also in the horizontal direction.

[0106] Therefore, the fact that each light-emitting unit is configured to form or participate in forming segmented complementary high beams means that the light-emitting module is capable of forming or participating in forming segmented complementary high beams composed of all the segmented complementary high beams of each light-emitting unit constituting the light-emitting module. All the segmented complementary high beams of each light-emitting unit constituting the light-emitting module are partially superimposed in such a way that the resulting luminous intensity is greater and the illumination has a wider range (especially in height) compared to the case where the light-emitting module is composed of a single light-emitting unit. Given that the light source row 1 of each light-emitting unit constituting the light-emitting module is individually activatable (relative to the other light source rows 1 of the light-emitting module), and that the light source of each light source row 1 is individually activatable, the light-emitting module enables the generation of illumination composed of multiple juxtaposed light-emitting segments that can be selectively activated.

[0107] The light-emitting module can consist of 5 light-emitting units. Therefore, if each light-emitting unit has 5 light sources in its light source row 1, the light-emitting module includes 25 light sources.

[0108] The light-emitting module can have a height of 80 mm measured along an axis parallel to the direction of inclination of the support member 6. It is worth noting that when the light-emitting module includes 5 light-emitting units, the light-emitting module can have a height of 80 mm measured along an axis parallel to the direction of inclination of the support member 6.

[0109] Advantageously, the light source of each light-emitting unit (9a, 9b...9i) in its light source row 1 is translated relative to the light sources of the other light source rows of all light-emitting units in a first direction d1. Preferably, the translational movement in question can be equal to one-sixth of the distance between two consecutive light sources in the same light source row.

[0110] The distance between two consecutive light sources is measured between the center of one light source and the center of the other light source.

[0111] Therefore, in the case where five light-emitting units constitute a light-emitting module, a translational shift of one-sixth of the spacing between two consecutive light sources in the same light source row allows uniform illumination to be obtained in a direction parallel to the first direction d1, and thus eliminates dark areas that may appear between the projections of sections generated by a set of light sources connected from the light source row.

[0112] According to the invention, one or more light-emitting modules can be arranged in a housing enclosed by an outer lens to obtain one or more illumination and / or signal beams at the exit of the headlight. The headlight can also be complex and include multiple modules, which may further optionally share components.

[0113] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but extends to all embodiments covered by the present invention.

[0114] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Light source array 1a. Light rays 2. Primary lens 3. Projection lens 4. Optical axis 5. First incident surface 5a. Upper part 5b. Lower part 5c. Connection part 6. Support components 7. Exit surface 7a. First upper part 7ac. First curvature 7b. Central Branch 7bc. Fifth curvature 7c. First lower part 7cc. Second curvature 8. Second incident surface 8a. Second upper part 8ac. Third curvature 8b. Second lower part 8bc. Fourth curvature 9a, 9b...9i. Multiple light-emitting units 10. Optical System d2. Second direction d1. First direction F. Subject's focus DF. Focal length p. plane α. Angle.

Claims

1. A light-emitting unit for a motor vehicle, the light-emitting unit comprising: - A row of light sources (1) that emits light rays (1a), the row of light sources (1) comprising light sources aligned in a first direction (d1), wherein each light source in the row of light sources (1) is individually activatable. - Support member (6), the light source row (1) is disposed on the support member, and - Optical system (10), the optical system comprising: • Primary lens (2), the primary lens comprising an optical axis (4), a first incident surface (5), and an exit surface (7), and • Projection lens (3), the light ray (1a) first passes through the primary lens (2) and then through the projection lens (3), Wherein, the plane (p) is perpendicular to the first direction (d1) and includes the optical axis (4), and The feature is that the support member (6) forms an angle (α) different from 90° with the optical axis (4), and the first incident surface (5) includes an upper part (5a), a lower part (5b) and a connecting part (5c), the lower part (5b) being offset relative to the upper part (5a) along the optical axis (4), and the upper part (5a) and the lower part (5b) being connected by the connecting part (5c).

2. The light-emitting unit as described in the preceding claim, wherein, The first incident surface (5) receives the light rays (1a) emitted by the light source array (1).

3. The light-emitting unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper portion (5a) is offset relative to the lower portion (5b) along the optical axis (4) to be closer to the exit surface (7).

4. The light-emitting unit as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper portion (5a) is offset relative to the lower portion (5b) along the optical axis (4) to be further away from the exit surface (7).

5. The light-emitting unit as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The support (6) is tilted relative to the optical axis (4), so that the light ray (1a) is oriented more toward the upper portion (5a) than toward the lower portion (5b).

6. The light-emitting unit as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The optical system (10) has a principal object focal point (F), and the light sources of the light source row (1) are positioned relative to the optical axis (4) such that in the plane (p), the orthogonal projection of the light source on the optical axis (4) intersects the optical axis (4) at the principal object focal point (F).

7. The light-emitting unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The light source array (1) is traversed by the optical axis (4).

8. The light-emitting unit as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein, The angle (α) is greater than 90° and less than or equal to 120°, and the connecting portion (5c) is traversed by the optical axis (4).

9. The light-emitting unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The angle (α) is greater than 120° and less than or equal to 135°, and the connecting portion (5c) is offset relative to the optical axis (4) in order to reduce the size of the upper portion (5a).

10. The light-emitting unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The optical system (10) has a focal length (DF), and the length of the orthogonal projection of the connecting portion (5c) on the optical axis (4) in the plane (p) is proportional to the focal length (DF) by applying a scaling factor between 0.02 and 0.03, wherein the scaling factor is preferably equal to 0.

025.

11. The light-emitting unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The upper portion (5a) and the lower portion (5b) are perpendicular to the optical axis (4).

12. The light-emitting unit as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The exit surface (7) includes a first upper portion (7a) having a first curvature (7ac) along the plane (p), a central portion (7b) having a fifth curvature (7bc) along the plane (p), and a first lower portion (7c) having a second curvature (7cc) along the plane (p), wherein the projection lens (3) includes a second incident surface (8), the second incident surface including a second upper portion (8a) having a third curvature (8ac) along the plane (p) and a second lower portion (8b) having a fourth curvature (8bc) along the plane (p), wherein the first curvature (7ac) is more convex than the fifth curvature (7bc) and / or the second curvature (7cc) is more convex than the fifth curvature (7bc) and / or the fourth curvature (8bc) is more convex than the third curvature (8ac).

13. The light-emitting unit as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein the light-emitting unit is configured to form or participate in forming segmented complementary high beams.

14. A light-emitting module for a motor vehicle, the light-emitting module comprising a plurality of light-emitting units (9a, 9b...9i) as described in any one of the preceding claims, the light-emitting units (9a, 9b...9i) being stacked in a second direction (d2), the light-emitting units (9a, 9b...9i) sharing the same support member (6), the second direction (d2) being perpendicular to the optical axis (4) and the first direction (d1).

15. The light-emitting module as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein, The light source of each of the light-emitting units (9a, 9b...9i) is offset in the first direction (d1) relative to the light sources of all other light-emitting units (9a, 9b...9i) in the light source row (1).

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