Lighting module for motor vehicle
By reducing the number of components and optimizing the arrangement of the light collector and projection optics, the contradiction between the vertical appearance and optical efficiency of the vehicle's light-emitting module has been resolved, achieving low-cost and regulatory-compliant uniform illumination.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480048417.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-07-21
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-17
AI Technical Summary
While existing vehicle light-emitting modules achieve a vertical and slender appearance, they suffer from a large number of components, high cost, and low optical efficiency. In particular, the reuse of printed circuit boards increases costs, and the beam shape is difficult to meet regulatory requirements.
The light-emitting module design, which reduces the number of components, includes at least one first light collector and a projection optics device. The lateral edge of the light collector forms a specific angle with the support member. A portion of the projection optics device is located near the lateral edge of the light collector, forming a uniform beam cutoff line. It can share the support member to achieve vertical arrangement and improve optical efficiency through complementary light sources and light collectors.
This invention enables the creation of vertical and slender vehicle lighting devices that reduce production costs, improve optical efficiency and illumination uniformity, and meet regulatory requirements for beam shape.
Smart Images
Figure CN121548713A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of lighting technology for motor vehicles, and more specifically to light-emitting modules for motor vehicles. Background Technology
[0002] Typically, vehicle lighting systems consist of one or more light-emitting optical modules that perform different lighting functions, such as high beam and low beam.
[0003] Recently, motor vehicle manufacturers have shown interest in vertical lighting devices with a slender appearance. To satisfy this interest, it is known to stack several light-emitting modules, each of which includes part of a common lens for a reflective concentrator and a lamp assembly. This common lens allows imaging of the reflective surface of the concentrator to form a beam of light that performs the illumination function.
[0004] While this solution effectively allows for a vertical and slender appearance, it also increases the cost of the device because the components of the light-emitting modules cannot be shared. This is especially true for the printed circuit boards of these light-emitting modules, which represent a significant cost. Furthermore, due to the integration of each light-emitting module, this solution requires a large-sized lighting device.
[0005] One could envision pivoting the light-emitting modules 90° so that the printed circuit boards of these modules are arranged vertically and can therefore be formed from a single board. However, this solution would also require a pivoting reflective surface for the light-collecting device, which would make the shape of the light beam incompatible with regulatory requirements governing the lighting function or the functions they are intended to perform.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need to create a light-emitting module that enables the production of a motor vehicle lighting device that has a vertical and slender appearance, is reliable and compact, reduces the number of parts, and is able to perform the uniform, regulatory-required lighting function with good optical efficiency.
[0007] Therefore, the present invention addresses this background and seeks to overcome all the aforementioned disadvantages.
[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to make the use of light-emitting modules cheaper, while improving the efficiency and uniformity of illumination. Summary of the Invention
[0009] One subject of the present invention is a light-emitting module for a motor vehicle that is reliable and compact by reducing the number of parts, while enabling uniform illumination.
[0010] Another subject of the present invention is a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, which includes a light-emitting module according to the present invention.
[0011] To this end, a light-emitting module for a motor vehicle has been developed according to the present invention, the light-emitting module comprising: at least a first light source disposed on a first surface of a support member; at least a first light collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect light emitted by the first light source as a first beam; the first light collector having a first edge and a second so-called lateral edge adjacent to the first edge; the first light collector being arranged facing the support member of the first light source such that the first edge extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first surface of the support member, and the second so-called lateral edge extends in a plane forming an angle with the first surface of the support member; and at least one projection optics, a first portion of which is arranged to project the first beam as a first projection beam, the first projection beam being formed by an image of the reflective surface of the first light collector, and the first portion of the projection optics having a focusing area located near the second so-called lateral edge to enable projection of the first projection beam, the first projection beam having an upper cutoff line formed by the second so-called lateral edge.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the projection optics are in the form of a lens.
[0013] Preferably, the second so-called lateral edge is arranged such that the upper cutoff line has a substantially flat profile.
[0014] In another embodiment, the second so-called lateral edge is arranged such that the upper cutoff line has a kinked profile.
[0015] The support for the light-emitting module is arranged to be oriented in a vertical plane or in a plane at an angle to the optical axis of the light-emitting module.
[0016] This results in a vehicle light-emitting module that enables the generation of a uniform light beam with a limited number of components, thereby reducing the production cost of the light-emitting module.
[0017] Considering the fact that the projection optics image the lateral edge of the light collector, the light-emitting module can therefore be arranged vertically or tilted, and the support of the first light source of the light-emitting module is therefore vertical or tilted, while the shape of the projected beam, especially its cutoff line, is not altered or modified with respect to the illumination function that the projected beam must perform.
[0018] The light-emitting module can therefore be integrated into a lighting device with a vertical and slender appearance, which can perform the lighting functions required by regulations, while the support of this light-emitting module can be shared with other light-emitting modules of the lighting device.
[0019] The phrase "near the second edge" should be understood as meaning that the focal area of the first part of the projection optics is located in an area a few millimeters away from the second so-called lateral edge of the first light collector. For example, the focal area of the first part of the projection optics may be located less than 10 mm from the second so-called lateral edge of the first light collector.
[0020] In a particular embodiment, the first light source has a general emission direction that is substantially perpendicular to a first surface of the support, the first portion of the projection optics has an optical axis that is different from the general emission direction, and the first light collector is arranged to face the support in such a way that a second so-called lateral edge extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the general emission direction and the optical axis.
[0021] Advantageously, the first portion of the projection optics has a focusing area located on a second so-called lateral edge of the first light collector. Where appropriate, the focusing area may coincide with the junction of the first and second edges of the first light collector. The focusing area may be formed by a single focal point or by a set of focal points.
[0022] In a particular embodiment, the projection optics extend generally in a given main extension direction, and the first surface of the support extends generally in the same given main extension direction.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the light-emitting module includes a second light source disposed on a first surface of a support member and a second light collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect light emitted by the second light source as a second beam. The second light collector has a first edge and a second so-called lateral edge adjacent to the first edge. The second light collector is arranged to face the first surface of the support member such that the first edge of the second light collector extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first surface of the support member, and its second so-called lateral edge extends in a plane forming an angle with the first surface of the support member. The first and second light collectors each define a cavity and are arranged such that these cavities face each other. The second light source is disposed on the first surface of the support member, behind the first light source, and the first portion is arranged to project the second beam as a second projected beam. The second projected beam is formed by an image of the reflective surface of the second light collector and extends above the upper cutoff line of the first projected beam.
[0024] In a variant, the light-emitting module may include a second light source disposed on a first surface of a support, and a second light collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect light emitted by the second light source as a second beam. The second light collector has a first edge and a second so-called lateral edge adjacent to the first edge. The second light collector is arranged facing the first surface of the support such that the first edge of the second light collector extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first surface of the support, and its second so-called lateral edge extends in a plane forming an angle with the first surface of the support. The first and second light collectors each define a cavity and are arranged such that these cavities face each other. The second light source is disposed on the first surface of the support, behind the first light source. The projection optics include a second portion adjacent to the first portion and arranged to project the second beam as a second projected beam. The second projected beam is formed by an image of the reflective surface of the second light collector and extends above the upper cutoff line of the first projected beam. The second portion of the projection optics has a focusing area located near the second so-called lateral edge of the second light collector.
[0025] The first and second light sources can be selectively activated by the user.
[0026] The phrase "behind the first light source" should be understood as limiting the second light source to be positioned on the first surface of the support member, in a manner that is further away from the front edge of the support member than the first light source.
[0027] The phrase "front edge of the support" should be understood as the edge that defines the orientation of the support toward the projection optical device.
[0028] In a particular embodiment, a portion of the second so-called lateral edge of the second light collector engages the second so-called lateral edge of the first light collector.
[0029] Preferably, the first light source, the first light collector, and the first part of the projection optics are arranged such that all or part of the first projection beam participates in performing the near-beam illumination function, and the second light source, the second light collector, and the first part of the projection optics are arranged such that all or part of the second projection beam participates in performing the far-beam illumination function.
[0030] Advantageously, at least a portion of the first edge of the second condenser extends behind a portion of the first edge of the first condenser. Therefore, since the focal region of the first portion is located near the second so-called lateral edge of the first condenser, a portion of the second so-called lateral edge of the second condenser is located a certain distance behind this focal region to achieve defocusing. Consequently, the second projected beam includes a blurred lower portion that protrudes toward the upper cutoff line of the first projected beam, such that the overall beam formed by these first and second projected beams is substantially uniform.
[0031] It should be understood that the offset between the first light collector and the second light collector is not necessarily a complete offset. That is to say, the front edge of the first edge of the second light collector is not necessarily behind the rear edge of the first edge of the first light collector.
[0032] This is understood to mean that the leading edge of the first edge of the first light collector (defined as the edge of the first light collector closest to the projection optics) is further forward than the leading edge of the first edge of the second light collector (defined as the edge of the second light collector closest to the projection optics), in other words, closer to the projection optics. Therefore, only a portion of each light collector overlaps with the other.
[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the light-emitting module includes a deflector, and a second light source is arranged to face the deflector, which is arranged to deflect the light emitted by the second light source toward a second light collector.
[0034] In a particular embodiment, the deflector has a substantially parabolic shape.
[0035] Preferably, the deflector causes the light from the second light source to return towards the second light collector at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the first light collector, the second light collector, and the deflector are formed from the same component.
[0037] Therefore, reducing the number of components makes it possible to produce more compact and cheaper light-emitting modules.
[0038] In a particular embodiment, the second light collector is arranged to collect a portion of the light emitted by the first light source.
[0039] Therefore, a light-emitting module is obtained, wherein when only the first light source is turned on, the second light collector has an illuminated appearance, thereby enabling a light-emitting module with uniform illumination to be obtained.
[0040] Preferably, the light-emitting module includes a first complementary light source and a first complementary light collector. The first complementary light source is complementary to the first light source and is arranged on a second surface of the support opposite to the first surface. The first complementary light collector has a reflective surface, which is arranged to collect and reflect the light emitted by the first complementary light source, which is complementary to the first light source, as a first complementary beam complementary to the first beam.
[0041] In another embodiment, the light-emitting module includes a second complementary light source and a second complementary light collector. The second complementary light source is complementary to the second light source and is arranged on a second surface of the support opposite to the first surface. The second complementary light collector has a reflective surface that is arranged to collect and reflect the light emitted by the second complementary light source, which is complementary to the second light source, as a second complementary beam complementary to the second beam.
[0042] The term "complementary beam" should be understood as meaning that the complementary beam is complementary to another beam in order to perform the same light-emitting function, especially by having an upper cutoff line that is complementary to the upper cutoff line of the other beam, such as for the first complementary beam.
[0043] In a particular embodiment, the first complementary light collector has a first edge and a second so-called lateral edge adjacent to the first edge. The first complementary light collector is arranged facing a support such that the first edge extends in a plane substantially parallel to a second surface of the support, and the second so-called lateral edge extends in a plane forming an angle with the second surface of the support. A first portion of the projection optics is arranged to project the first complementary beam as a first complementary projection beam. The focal region of the first portion is located near the second so-called lateral edge of the first complementary light collector, such that the image of the first complementary light collector formed by the first portion of the projection optics has an upper cutoff line complementary to the upper cutoff line of the first projection beam. Therefore, the focal region of the first portion is located both near the second so-called lateral edge of the first light collector and near the second so-called lateral edge of the first complementary light collector.
[0044] In a variant, the projection optics includes a second portion adjacent to the first portion and arranged to project the first complementary beam as a first complementary projection beam, the first complementary projection beam being formed from an image of the reflective surface of the first complementary concentrator. The second portion of the projection optics has a focal region located near a second so-called lateral edge of the first complementary concentrator to enable projection of the first complementary projection beam, the first complementary projection beam having an upper cutoff line formed by the second so-called lateral edge of the first complementary concentrator, which is complementary to the upper cutoff line of the first projection beam. Therefore, the projection optics includes at least a first portion and a second portion, each having its own focal region. The focal region of the first portion of the projection optics is located near the second so-called lateral edge of the first concentrator, allowing a sharp upper cutoff line to be formed in the first projection beam, and the focal region of the second portion of the projection optics is located near the second so-called lateral edge of the first complementary concentrator, allowing a sharp upper cutoff line to be formed in the first complementary projection beam.
[0045] Preferably, the second so-called lateral edges of the first light collector and the first complementary light collector are coplanar.
[0046] Preferably, the cavity defined by the first light collector and the first complementary light collector faces each other.
[0047] The term "complementary upper cutoff line" should be understood as meaning that the cutoff line extends over all or at least 60%, 70%, or 80% of the lateral extent of the first complementary projected beam, and forms a single upper cutoff line with the upper cutoff line of the first projected beam in the beam formed by the combination of the first complementary projected beam and the first projected beam. The complementary upper cutoff line of the first complementary projected beam may, for example, include portions intended to align with and / or overlap with a portion of the upper cutoff line of the first projected beam. Therefore, the beam formed by the combination of the first complementary projected beam and the first projected beam can participate in the performance of the required illumination function, particularly the low beam illumination function, in wholly or partially. In this case, the single upper cutoff line of the beam (formed by the combination of the complementary upper cutoff line of the first complementary projected beam and the upper cutoff line of the first projected beam) may include a horizontal portion and an inclined portion conforming to ECE Regulation No. 123, which defines a required cutoff line having a horizontal portion positioned 0.57° below the horizontal line and an inclined portion inclined at 15° relative to the horizontal portion. In variations, the single upper cutoff line may include a single planar horizontal portion.
[0048] In a particular embodiment, the second complementary light collector has a first edge and a second so-called lateral edge adjacent to the first edge. The second complementary light collector is arranged facing the support such that the first edge extends in a plane substantially parallel to a second surface of the support, and the second so-called lateral edge extends in a plane forming an angle with the second surface of the support. A first portion of the projection optics is arranged to project the second complementary beam as a second complementary projection beam. The focal region of the first portion is located near the second so-called lateral edge of the second complementary light collector, such that the first portion of the projection optics can project an image of the second complementary light collector. Therefore, the focal region of the first portion is located both near the second so-called lateral edge of the second light collector and near the second so-called lateral edge of the second complementary light collector. Therefore, the second complementary projection beam corresponds to an image of the second complementary light collector.
[0049] In a variant, the projection optics includes a second portion adjacent to the first portion and arranged to project the second complementary beam as a second complementary projection beam. The second portion of the projection optics has a focal area located near a second so-called lateral edge of the second complementary light collector so as to be able to project an image of the reflective surface of the second complementary light collector, the second complementary projection beam corresponding to the image of the reflective surface of the second complementary light collector.
[0050] In addition, the second complementary projection beam is complementary to the second projection beam and extends above the upper cutoff line formed by the first projection beam (and, where appropriate, the first complementary projection beam).
[0051] Therefore, the projection optics includes at least a first part and a second part, each part having its own focal area. The focal area of the first part of the projection optics is located near the second so-called lateral edge of the second light collector, and the focal area of the second part of the projection optics is located near the second so-called lateral edge of the second complementary light collector.
[0052] Preferably, the second so-called lateral edges of the second light collector and the second complementary light collector are coplanar.
[0053] Preferably, the cavities defined by the second light collector and the second complementary light collector face each other.
[0054] In a particular embodiment, the light-emitting module includes a first light-emitting unit and a second light-emitting unit. The first light-emitting unit includes a first light source and a second light source, as well as a first light collector and a second light collector. The second light-emitting unit includes a first complementary light source and a second complementary light source, as well as a first complementary light collector and a second complementary light collector. One of the first unit and the second unit is disposed on each side of the support. The light-emitting module includes a housing that includes the first unit and the second unit enclosed by the projection optics and further includes an additional light-emitting unit. The additional light-emitting unit includes at least one additional light source. The additional light-emitting unit is arranged in the housing such that it emits light downstream of the first unit and the second unit, and such that a portion of the light emitted by the additional light-emitting unit is scattered by the housing toward the projection optics.
[0055] The term "the additional light-emitting unit emits light downstream of the first and second units" should be understood to mean that the additional unit is positioned in the housing closer to the projection optics than the first and second units.
[0056] In another embodiment, the light-emitting module includes a second light source disposed on a first surface of a support member and a second light collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect light emitted by the second light source as a second beam. The second light collector has a first edge and a second so-called lateral edge adjacent to the first edge. The second light collector is arranged facing the first surface of the support member such that the first edge of the second light collector extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first surface of the support member, and its second so-called lateral edge extends in a plane forming an angle with the first surface of the support member. The first and second light collectors each define a cavity and are arranged such that these cavities face each other. The second light source is disposed on the first surface of the support member behind the first light source, and the first portion is arranged to project the second beam as a second projected beam. The second projected beam is formed by an image of the reflective surface of the second light collector and extends above the upper cutoff line of the first projected beam. A portion of the second so-called lateral edge of the second light collector engages the second so-called lateral edge of the first light collector. The light-emitting module includes a first... A first complementary light source and a second complementary light source, and two complementary light collectors, the first complementary light source and the second complementary light source being complementary to the first light source and the second light source, respectively, and arranged on a second surface of the support opposite to the first surface. The two complementary light collectors have reflective surfaces arranged to collect and reflect the light emitted by the two complementary light sources as a first complementary beam and a second complementary beam, the first complementary beam and the second complementary beam being complementary to the first beam and the second beam, respectively. The complementary light collectors have a first edge and a second so-called lateral edge adjacent to the first edge. These complementary light collectors are arranged facing the support such that their first edge extends in a plane substantially parallel to the second surface of the support, and their second so-called lateral edge extends in a plane forming an angle with the second surface of the support. The first portion is arranged to project the first complementary beam and the second complementary beam as a first complementary projected beam and a second complementary projected beam, the first complementary projected beam and the second complementary projected beam being formed by images of the reflective surfaces of the two complementary light collectors, respectively.
[0057] Therefore, the first light source and the first complementary light source, the first light collector and the first complementary light collector, and the first part of the projection optics are arranged such that the first projection beam and the first complementary projection beam participate in performing the near-light intensity illumination function in whole or in part.
[0058] Similarly, the second light source and the second complementary light source, the second light collector and the second complementary light collector, and the first part of the projection optics are arranged such that the second projection beam and the second complementary projection beam participate in performing the far-beam luminous illumination function in whole or in part.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the first light collector, the second light collector, the first complementary light collector, and the second complementary light collector each have a quarter-parabola shape.
[0060] Preferably, the support includes a heat sink equipped with a plate that supports a first printed circuit board on one side and a second printed circuit board on the other side. The first printed circuit board defines a first surface on which the first light source is mounted, and the second printed circuit board defines a second surface on which the first complementary light source is mounted.
[0061] In another embodiment, the support includes a double-sided printed circuit board having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, with a first light source mounted on the first side and a first complementary light source mounted on the second side.
[0062] The present invention also relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, the lighting and / or signaling device comprising a light-emitting module according to the present invention.
[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting and / or signaling device of the motor vehicle includes at least two light-emitting modules according to the invention, which are preferably stacked vertically on top of each other.
[0064] Therefore, the present invention enables the acquisition of a plurality of stacked light-emitting modules, thereby enabling the acquisition of a vertical illumination and / or signaling device, thereby enabling the acquisition of vertical light characteristics.
[0065] Therefore, each stacked module includes its own associated projection optics. The illumination and / or signaling device can then include a single projection optical element formed by all the projection optics. Thus, this single projection optical element corresponds to the juxtaposition of these projection optics in each module. Each projection optic forms part of this single projection element.
[0066] Therefore, each projection optics associated with a module includes at least a portion associated with a specific focal area, thereby enabling imaging of the reflective surfaces of one or more light collectors of the associated module.
[0067] The lighting and / or signaling devices of motor vehicles also include control units capable of selectively controlling each light source.
[0068] This results in a vehicle light-emitting module that enables the generation of a uniform light beam with a limited number of components, thereby reducing the production cost of the light-emitting module. Attached Figure Description
[0069] Further advantages and features of the invention will now be described using purely illustrative examples that do not in any way limit the scope of the invention, and based on the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures are shown: [ Figure 1 [Illustrated] is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle comprising several modules according to the invention, the projection optics of which are shown in exploded form.
[0070] [ Figure 2 ]yes[ Figure 1 A schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the lighting and / or signaling device in the image, where the projection assembly and the heat sink plate have been removed.
[0071] [ Figure 3 [Illustrated side view of a light-emitting module according to an embodiment of the present invention]
[0072] [ Figure 4 ]yes[ Figure 3 A schematic representation of the front view of the light-emitting module in [ ].
[0073] [ Figure 5 ]yes[ Figure 1 A schematic representation of all light collectors of the light-emitting module in a separate stereoscopic rear view.
[0074] [ Figure 6 [This is according to another embodiment,] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a stereoscopic rear view of all light collectors of another light-emitting module in the image.
[0075] In the following description, unless otherwise stated, elements that are identical in structure or function and appear in different figures are given the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation
[0076] refer to[ Figure 1 ]to[ Figure 6 The present invention relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, the lighting and / or signaling device comprising a reliable and inexpensive light-emitting module 1 that allows for uniform illumination.
[0077] like[ Figure 1 The lighting and / or signaling device shown includes several light-emitting modules 1 arranged vertically above and below each other.
[0078] Different light-emitting modules 1 enable the generation of different light beams, which together perform different low-beam and high-beam illumination functions. For example, each light-emitting module can project several light beams, each beam performing a portion of the low-beam illumination function or a portion of the high-beam illumination function. If a light-emitting module projects a beam performing a portion of the low-beam illumination function, the module can project a beam having a light distribution distributed over a wide area and defined by a substantially flat upper cutoff line and / or a beam having a concentrated light distribution defined by a substantially sloping cutoff line. If a light-emitting module projects a beam performing a portion of the high-beam illumination function, the module can project a beam having a light distribution extending at least partially above the horizontal cutoff line of the low-beam illumination beam and concentrated in a restricted area and / or a beam having a light distribution extending at least partially above the horizontal cutoff line of the low-beam illumination beam and distributed over a large area. Therefore, the combination of light beams generated by these light-emitting modules advantageously enables the generation of both the regulatory-required low-beam illumination beam and the regulatory-required high-beam illumination beam.
[0079] exist[ Figure 1 In the example, the upper light-emitting module is arranged to selectively project a beam having a concentrated light distribution defined by a substantially sloping cutoff line and a beam having a light distribution that extends at least partially above the horizontal cutoff line of the near-beam illumination beam and is concentrated on a confined area. Other light-emitting modules are each arranged to selectively project a beam having a light distribution distributed over a wide area and defined by a substantially flat cutoff line and a beam having a light distribution that extends at least partially above the horizontal cutoff line of the near-beam illumination beam and is distributed over a large area.
[0080] One or more light beams emitted by these light-emitting modules 1 are projected onto the road through a projection optics 5 unique to each light-emitting module. The projection optics may include a single section with a single focal zone 8, or may include different sections, each with its own focal zone 8. In the described example, all projection optics 5 form a single projection optical component that extends substantially vertically.
[0081] Therefore, the lighting and / or signaling device includes a housing 12, the housing including [ Figures 3 to 6 All light-emitting modules 1 shown in the figure include a first light-emitting unit 10 and a second light-emitting unit 11, which are disposed on each side of the common support 3 and are enclosed by the projection optical device 5.
[0082] [ Figures 3 to 5 The illustration shows [ Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lower light-emitting module 1 of the lighting device shown in the figure. Therefore, the rest of the specification relates to [ Figure 3 ]to[ Figure 5 ], and involves [ Figure 1 and Figure 2 The lower light-emitting module 1 of the lighting device shown in the image should be understood to have a structure substantially similar to that of the middle light-emitting module 1. As described above, the module includes a first light-emitting unit 10 and a second light-emitting unit 11. The first light-emitting unit includes two light sources 21 and 22 and two light collectors 41 and 42. The second light-emitting unit includes two light sources 23 and 24 and two light collectors 43 and 44. These units share a single part of the projection optics 5.
[0083] More specifically, the first light-emitting unit 10 includes a first light source 21 and a second light source 22 arranged on the first surface 31 of the support member 3, and also includes a first light collector 41 and a second light collector 42.
[0084] In addition, the second unit 11 includes a first complementary light source 23 that is complementary to the first light source 21 and a second complementary light source 24 that is complementary to the second light source 22. The first complementary light source 23 and the second complementary light source 24 are arranged on the second surface 32 of the support member opposite to the first surface of the support member 3.
[0085] Similarly, the second light-emitting unit 11 includes a first complementary light collector 43 and a second complementary light collector 44.
[0086] In addition, the lighting and / or signaling device includes an additional light-emitting unit 13, which includes an additional light source 25. The additional light-emitting unit 13 is arranged in the housing 12 in such a way that the additional light-emitting unit 13 emits light downstream of the first light-emitting unit 10 and the second light-emitting unit 11.
[0087] A portion of the light emitted by the additional light-emitting unit 13 is scattered by the housing 12 toward the projection optics 5. Specifically, the inner wall of the housing 12 is designed to receive the light emitted by the additional light-emitting unit 13, for example, the inner wall of the housing is white or metallic.
[0088] More specifically, the additional light-emitting unit 13 includes at least one light guide 131 having a light incident surface 132 and a light emitting surface 133. The additional light source 25 is arranged facing the incident surface 132 of the light guide 131 and is arranged on a printed circuit board of an illumination system independent of the light-emitting module (not shown).
[0089] The light guide 131 is arranged such that at least a portion of its exit surface 133 is located downstream of the first light-emitting unit 10 and the second light-emitting unit 11, and more particularly in front of the support 3.
[0090] The light guide 131 includes an angled portion positioned between the light incident surface 132 and the light exit surface 133 of the light guide 131.
[0091] The housing 12 is formed by two complementary half-shells 121 and 122 fastened to each other. Each half-shell 121 and 122 includes at least one notch 123. The notches 123 of the half-shells 121 and 122 together form a receiving portion. When the half-shells 121 and 122 are assembled, a portion of the light guide 131 is accommodated in the receiving portion.
[0092] All light sources 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 can be selectively activated.
[0093] In the described example, light sources 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25 are light-emitting semiconductor chips, and more specifically, light-emitting diodes. The light sources 21, 22, 23, and 24 are arranged on the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of the support member 3.
[0094] Additionally, the support member 3 includes a heat sink 7 equipped with a plate 71 that supports a first printed circuit board on one side and a second printed circuit board on the other side. The first printed circuit board defines a first surface 31 on which the first light source 21 and the second light source 22 are mounted, and the second printed circuit board defines a second surface 32 on which the first complementary light source 23 and the second complementary light source 24 are mounted.
[0095] The first light source 21 and the second light source 22 have an overall emission direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface 31 of the support member 3.
[0096] Similarly, the first complementary light source 23 and the second complementary light source 24 have an overall emission direction that is substantially perpendicular to the second surface 32 of the support 3.
[0097] Furthermore, the first light collector 41 of the first light-emitting unit 10 has a first edge 411 and a second so-called lateral edge 412 adjacent to the first edge 411.
[0098] The first light collector 41 is arranged to face the support 3 of the first light source 21 in such a way that the first edge 411 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first surface 31 of the support 3, and the second so-called lateral edge 412 extends in a plane forming an angle with the first surface 31 of the support 3.
[0099] The first light collector 41 has a reflective surface that is arranged to collect and reflect the light emitted by the first light source 21 as a first beam.
[0100] The second light collector 42 of the first light-emitting unit 10 has a first edge 421 and a second so-called lateral edge 422 adjacent to the first edge 421.
[0101] In addition, the second light collector 42 is arranged to face the first surface 31 of the support member 3 in such a way that its first edge 421 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first surface 31 of the support member 3, and its second so-called lateral edge 422 extends in a plane forming an angle with the first surface 31 of the support member 3.
[0102] The second light collector 42 has a reflective surface that is arranged to collect and reflect the light emitted by the second light source 22 as a second beam.
[0103] The second light collector 42 is also arranged to collect a portion of the light emitted by the first light source 21. Specifically, the second light collector 42 is positioned near the first light source 21 such that when the first light source 21 is turned on, the first light source can partially illuminate the second light collector 42.
[0104] The first light collector 41 and the second light collector 42 each define a cavity and are arranged such that these cavities face each other.
[0105] The second light source 22 is arranged on the first surface 31 of the support member 3, behind the first light source 21.
[0106] The first complementary light collector 43 and the second complementary light collector 44 are each arranged to face the first complementary light source 23 and the second complementary light source 24.
[0107] Each of the first complementary light collector 43 and the second complementary light collector 44 has a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect light emitted by the first complementary light source 23 and the second complementary light source 24 as a beam complementary to the first beam and the second beam. The complementary light collectors 43 and 44 have first edges 431 and 441 and second so-called lateral edges 432 and 442 adjacent to their respective first edges 431 and 441.
[0108] The first complementary light collector 43 and the second complementary light collector 44 are arranged to face the second surface 32 of the support member 3, such that their first edges 431, 441 extend in a plane substantially parallel to the second surface 32 of the support member 3, and their second so-called lateral edges 432, 442 extend in a plane forming an angle with the second surface 32 of the support member 3.
[0109] The first complementary light collector 43 and the second complementary light collector 44 each define a cavity and are arranged such that these cavities face each other.
[0110] The second so-called lateral edges 411 and 431 of the first light collector 41 and the first complementary light collector 43 are coplanar, just as the second so-called lateral edges 421 and 441 of the second light collector 42 and the second complementary light collector 44 are coplanar.
[0111] The cavity defined by the first light collector 41 and the first complementary light collector 43 faces each other, just like the cavity defined by the second light collector 42 and the second complementary light collector 44.
[0112] like[ Figure 5 As shown, the projection optical device 5 includes a single part, which may also be referred to as the first part, which is arranged to project the first beam and the second beam as the first projection beam and the second projection beam, respectively.
[0113] Therefore, this part includes a single focusing area 8 and is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the first light collector 41, the image of the reflective surface of the first light collector 41 forming a first projected beam.
[0114] This portion of the projection optics 5 has a focusing area 8 located near the second so-called lateral edge 412 of the first light collector 41, such that the image of the first light collector 41 formed by the portion of the projection optics 5 has an upper cutoff line formed by the second so-called lateral edge 412.
[0115] This portion of the projection optics 5 is also arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the second light collector 42, which forms a second projection beam. The second projection beam extends above the upper cutoff line of the image of the first light collector 41 formed by the aforementioned portion.
[0116] Advantageously, the first edge 421 of the second light condenser 42 extends behind the first edge 411 of the first light condenser 41. Therefore, since the focal region 8 of this portion is located near the second so-called lateral edge 412 of the first light condenser 41, a portion of the second so-called lateral edge 422 of the second light condenser 42 is located a certain distance behind this focal region to achieve defocusing. Thus, the second projected beam includes a blurred lower portion that protrudes toward the upper cutoff line of the first projected beam, making the overall beam formed by these first and second projected beams substantially uniform.
[0117] Furthermore, the projection optics 5 extends generally in a given main extension direction, just as the first surface 31 of the support 3 extends generally in the same given main extension direction. Preferably, the main direction is vertical.
[0118] In addition, this part of the projection optical device 5 has an optical axis that is different from the overall emission direction of the first light source 21.
[0119] Furthermore, the first light collector 41 is arranged to face the first surface 31 of the support 3 in such a way that the second so-called lateral edge 412 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the plane defined by the overall emission direction and the optical axis.
[0120] This portion of the projection optics 5 is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the first complementary light collector 43, which forms the first complementary projection beam. Specifically, the focusing region 8 located near the second so-called lateral edge 412 of the first light collector 41 is also located near the second so-called lateral edge 432 of the first complementary light collector 43, such that the first complementary projection beam has a complementary upper cutoff line formed by the second so-called lateral edge 432 of the first complementary light collector 43. The complementary upper cutoff line of the image of the first complementary light collector 43 is complementary to the upper cutoff line of the image of the first light collector 41.
[0121] Furthermore, this portion of the projection optics 5 is also arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the second complementary light collector 44, which forms the second complementary projection beam. Specifically, the focusing area 8 of this portion is also located near the second so-called lateral edge 442 of the second complementary light collector 44, such that the second complementary projection beam extends above the upper cutoff line of the first complementary projection beam.
[0122] It should be noted that this part of the first light source 21, the first complementary light source 23, the first light collector 41, the first complementary light collector 43, and the projection optical device 5 is arranged such that the first projection beam and the first complementary projection beam participate in performing the near-light intensity illumination function in whole or in part.
[0123] Similarly, this part of the second light source 22, the second complementary light source 24, the second light collector 42, the second complementary light collector 44, and the projection optics 5 is arranged such that the second projection beam and the second complementary projection beam participate in performing the far-beam illumination function in whole or in part.
[0124] [ Figure 6 This illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the light-emitting module 1 according to the present invention, which corresponds to [ Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper light-emitting module 1 of the lighting device shown in [ ]. In this embodiment, the light collector is connected to the one described above, i.e., in [ ]. Figures 3 to 5 The light collectors described in the embodiments shown are the same as those described therein, and therefore will not be described again. In contrast, and with [ Figure 3 ]to[ Figure 5 Unlike the embodiments in the previous one, the light-emitting module 1 includes a projection optical device 5, which includes a portion unique to each light collector, and each portion of the projection optical device 5 is arranged to project the light beam formed by the light collector as a projection beam.
[0125] Therefore, the first part 51 is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the first light collector 41, and the image of the reflective surface of the first light collector 41 forms the first projected beam.
[0126] The first portion 51 of the projection optical device 5 has a focusing area 81 located on the second so-called lateral edge 412 of the first light collector 41, such that the image of the first light collector 41 formed by the first portion 51 of the projection optical device 5 has an upper cutoff line formed by the second so-called lateral edge 412.
[0127] The second portion 52 of the projection optics 5 is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the second light collector 42, which in turn forms a second projected beam. The second projected beam extends above the upper cutoff line of the first projected beam. The second portion 52 of the projection optics 5 has a focusing area 82 located on the second so-called lateral edge 422 of the first light collector 42.
[0128] The third portion 53 of the projection optics 5 is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the first complementary light collector 43, which forms a first complementary beam. The third portion 53 of the projection optics 5 has a focusing area 83 located on a second so-called lateral edge 432 of the first complementary light collector 43, such that the image of the first complementary light collector 43 formed by the third portion 53 of the projection optics 5 has an upper cutoff line complementary to the upper cutoff line of the image of the first light collector 41 formed by the first portion 51.
[0129] The fourth portion 54 of the projection optics 5 is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the second complementary light collector 44, which forms a second complementary beam. The fourth portion 54 of the projection optics 5 has a focusing area 84 located on the second so-called lateral edge 442 of the second complementary light collector 44. The second complementary projection beam extends above the upper cutoff line of the first projection beam and the first complementary projection beam.
[0130] It should be noted that, Figure 6 In the light-emitting module shown, the first light source 21, the first complementary light source 23, the first light collector 41, the first complementary light collector 43, the first part 51 and the third part 53 of the projection optical device 5 are arranged such that the first projection beam and the first complementary projection beam participate in performing the near-light intensity illumination function in whole or in part.
[0131] Similarly, the second light source 22, the second complementary light source 24, the second light collector 42, the second complementary light collector 44, the second part 52 and the fourth part 54 of the projection optical device 5 are arranged such that the second projection beam and the second complementary projection beam participate in performing the far-beam luminous illumination function in whole or in part.
[0132] Where appropriate, the focusing areas 81, 82, 83, 84 of the portions 51, 52, 53, 54 of the projection optical device 5 coincide with the junctions of the first edges 411, 421, 431, 441 and the second edges 412, 422, 432, 442 of all the light collectors 41, 42, 43, 44.
[0133] Therefore, the existence of different focal zones allows high-intensity beams to be projected onto a clearly defined projection area.
[0134] The first light collector 41 and the second light collector 42, as well as the first complementary light collector 43 and the second complementary light collector 44, each have a quarter-parabola shape.
[0135] also,[ Figures 3 to 5 All light-emitting modules 1 shown in the figure, specifically the first light-emitting unit 10, include a first deflector 6, which is disposed in the components forming both the first light collector 41 and the second light collector 42, and the second light source 22 is arranged to face the first deflector.
[0136] Similarly, the light-emitting module 1, specifically the second light-emitting unit 11, includes a second deflector (not shown), which is disposed in the components forming both the first complementary light collector 43 and the second complementary light collector 44, and the second complementary light source 24 is arranged to face the second deflector.
[0137] The first deflector 6 is arranged to deflect the light emitted by the second light source 22 toward the second light collector 42.
[0138] The second deflector (not shown) is arranged to deflect the light emitted by the second complementary light source 24 toward the second complementary light collector 44.
[0139] In addition, the deflector 6 has a basically parabolic shape.
[0140] The above description clearly explains how the present invention achieves its stated objective, namely, reducing the cost of producing light-emitting modules for motor vehicles while obtaining light-emitting modules with uniform illumination without pixelation of low beam and high beam brightness functions.
[0141] In no event is the invention limited to the embodiments specifically described herein, but extends particularly to all equivalent devices and any technically operable combinations thereof.
Claims
1. A light-emitting module (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - At least a first light source (21) is arranged on the first surface (31) of the support (3); - At least a first light collector (41) having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect light emitted by the first light source (21) as a first beam, the first light collector (41) having a first edge (411) and a second so-called lateral edge (412) adjacent to the first edge (411), the first light collector (41) being arranged to face the support (3) of the first light source (21) in such a way that the first edge (411) extends in a plane substantially parallel to a first surface (31) of the support (3), and the second so-called lateral edge (412) extends in a plane forming an angle with the first surface (31) of the support (3); as well as - At least one projection optics (5), a first portion of which is arranged to project the first beam as a first projection beam, the first projection beam being formed by an image of the reflective surface of the first light collector (41), and the first portion of the projection optics (5) having a focusing area (8) located near the second so-called lateral edge (412) so as to be able to project the first projection beam, the first projection beam having an upper cutoff line formed by the second so-called lateral edge (412).
2. The light-emitting module (1) as described in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The first light source (21) has an overall emission direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface (31) of the support (3), the first part of the projection optics (5) has an optical axis that is different from the overall emission direction, and the first light collector (41) is arranged to face the support (3) in such a way that the second so-called lateral edge (412) extends in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the overall emission direction and the optical axis.
3. The light-emitting module (1) as described in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The projection optics (5) extends generally in a given main extension direction, and the first surface (31) of the support (3) extends generally in the same given main extension direction.
4. The light-emitting module (1) as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The light-emitting module includes a second light source (22) disposed on a first surface (31) of the support member (3) and a second light collector (42). The second light collector has a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light emitted by the second light source (22) as a second beam. The second light collector (42) has a first edge (421) and a second so-called lateral edge (422) adjacent to the first edge (421). The second light collector (42) is arranged to face the first surface (31) of the support member (3) in such a way that the first edge (421) of the second light collector is substantially parallel to the first surface (31) of the support member (3). The second light source (21) extends in the plane of the support (3) and the second light source (42) extends in the plane at an angle to the first surface (31) of the support (3). The first light source (41) and the second light source (42) each define a cavity and are arranged such that these cavities face each other. The second source (22) is arranged on the first surface (31) of the support (3) behind the first light source (21). The first portion is arranged to project the second light beam as a second projected beam. The second projected beam is formed by an image of the reflective surface of the second light source (42) and extends above the upper cutoff line of the first projected beam.
5. The light-emitting module (1) as described in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The first light source (21), the first light collector (41), and the first part of the projection optical device (5) are arranged such that the first projection beam participates in performing the near-beam illumination function in whole or in part, and the second light source (22), the second light collector (42), and the first part of the projection optical device (5) are arranged such that the second projection beam participates in performing the far-beam illumination function in whole or in part.
6. The light-emitting module (1) as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The light-emitting module includes a deflector (6), the second light source (22) is arranged to face the deflector, and the deflector (6) is arranged to deflect the light emitted by the second light source (22) toward the second light collector (42).
7. The light-emitting module (1) as described in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The first light collector (41), the second light collector (42), and the deflector (6) are formed from the same component.
8. The light-emitting module (1) as described in any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The second light collector (42) is arranged to collect a portion of the light emitted by the first light source (21).
9. The light-emitting module (1) as described in any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The light-emitting module includes a first complementary light source (23) and a first complementary light collector (43). The first complementary light source is complementary to the first light source (21) and is arranged on a second surface (32) of the support (3) opposite to the first surface (31). The first complementary light collector has a reflective surface, which is arranged to collect and reflect the light emitted by the complementary light source (23) as a first complementary beam complementary to the first beam.
10. The light-emitting module (1) as described in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The complementary light collector (43) has a first edge (431) and a second so-called lateral edge (432) adjacent to the first edge (431). The complementary light collector (43) is arranged to face the support (3) such that the first edge (431) extends in a plane substantially parallel to the second surface (32) of the support (3), and the second so-called lateral edge (432) extends in a plane forming an angle with the second surface (32) of the support (3). A first portion of the projection optics (5) is arranged to project the complementary light beam as a complementary projection beam. The focusing area (8) of the first portion is located near the second so-called lateral edge of the complementary light collector (43), such that the image of the complementary light collector (43) formed by the first portion of the projection optics (5) has an upper cutoff line complementary to the upper cutoff line of the image of the first light collector (41) formed by the first portion.
11. The light-emitting module (1) as described in any one of claims 9 and 10, characterized in that, The first light collector (41) and the complementary light collector (43) each have a quarter-parabola shape.
12. The light-emitting module (1) as described in any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The support member (3) includes a heat sink (7) equipped with a plate (71) that supports a first printed circuit board on one side and a second printed circuit board on the other side. The first printed circuit board defines a first surface (31) on which the first light source (21) is mounted, and the second printed circuit board defines a second surface (32) on which the complementary light source (23) is mounted.
13. A lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a light-emitting module (1) as described in any of the preceding claims.
14. The lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle as described in the preceding claim, characterized in that, The lighting and / or signaling device includes at least two light-emitting modules (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least two light-emitting modules are preferably stacked vertically on top of each other.