Optical element for a lighting device of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical element (20) intended for a lighting module (2) of a motor vehicle, the optical element (20) comprising a light guide (22) comprising at least a first guide portion (24) which contributes to the formation of at least one first lighting function and a second guide portion (26) which contributes to the formation of a second lighting function, the first lighting function is different from the second lighting function, in which the first guide portion (24) and the second guide portion (26) open into an end portion of the light guide, and the junction between the first guide portion (24) and the second guide portion (26) forms a cut-off edge (36) that creates an upper limit of the first lighting function.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle-mounted lighting devices for motor vehicles. More specifically, this invention relates to an optical element in a lighting module that participates in performing two different lighting functions. This invention also relates to a lighting module including the optical element.

[0002] Motor vehicles are typically equipped with headlights located at the front of the vehicle. These headlights typically consist of a housing enclosed by a transparent wall through which one or more light beams pass. This housing contains at least one light-emitting module, which includes a light source and an optical system configured to shape the light generated by the light source to provide specific vehicle lighting and / or signal transmission services.

[0003] To make the equipment installed in vehicles more compact, light-emitting modules are increasingly capable of performing several light-emitting functions, such as two different lighting functions, such as low beam lighting and another high beam lighting function.

[0004] Such light-emitting modules need improvement. Specifically, the various components within these modules used to process light and achieve the desired light-emitting function are still too bulky.

[0005] In particular, the arrangement of the various components within these light-emitting modules requires significantly larger projection lenses, which limits how compact the light-emitting modules can be.

[0006] The present invention falls within this context and aims to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art, and in particular provides a reduced-size light-emitting module that utilizes optical elements to perform two different light-emitting functions. These optical elements are configured to allow for a reduction in the size of the projection lens.

[0007] Therefore, the main subject of the present invention is an optical element intended for mounting in a light-emitting module in a motor vehicle. The optical element includes a light guide, which includes at least a first guiding portion and a second guiding portion. The first guiding portion participates in forming a first light beam capable of performing at least a first light-emitting function, and the second guiding portion participates in forming a second light beam capable of performing at least a second light-emitting function, the first light-emitting function being different from the second light-emitting function. The first guiding portion and the second guiding portion extend to end portions of the light guide, and a cutoff edge is formed at the junction between the first guiding portion and the second guiding portion. The first light beam has an upper cutoff line formed by the cutoff edge.

[0008] The light-emitting module is designed to be housed in the headlights of motor vehicles. Notably, it allows for two distinct light-emitting functions (including a cut-off illumination function), or in other words, an illumination function where the resulting beam must be cut off to prevent glare to road users in front of the vehicle. The light guides within the optical elements allow light to be directed through them while simultaneously shaping the light passing through to achieve the desired light-emitting characteristics.

[0009] The first guide portion and the second guide portion lead to the end portion. It should be understood that the end portion is shared by the first guide portion and the second guide portion. Light rays passing through the first guide portion or the second guide portion exit from the guide portion to reach the end portion.

[0010] Optical elements are configured to participate in forming a first beam and a second beam, each of which participates in performing at least one of the different light-emitting functions. It should be understood that each of the first guide portion and the second guide portion is configured to participate in forming at least one beam when light passes through it. More specifically, the first guide portion participates in forming the first beam independently (in other words, without the second guide portion), and the first beam itself independently participates in performing the first light-emitting function. Therefore, this first light-emitting function is ensured by activating the light source associated with the first guide portion, such that light propagates only in the first guide portion and then in the end portion. This first light-emitting function can be an adjustable lighting function, in other words, an adjustable lighting function conforming to a photometric grid specified by regulations, and in particular, it can be a low-beam lighting function with a cutoff beam. For this purpose, the first beam has an upper cutoff line formed by blocking light within the optical element by means of a cutoff edge. This allows the height of the first light-emitting function formed by the first beam to be limited. This upper cutoff line prevents glare from other road users, especially those traveling in the opposite direction to the vehicle's forward direction.

[0011] According to one feature of the invention, the first guide portion can participate in performing a light-emitting function, particularly in regulating a light-emitting function, such as a high-beam illumination function, in combination with a second guide portion. Therefore, by activating a light source associated with the first guide portion and activating a light source associated with the second guide portion, light propagates in both the first and second guide portions, thereby meeting at the end portions, ensuring this high-beam illumination function. This high-beam illumination function is formed by a single beam consisting of a first beam having an upper cutoff line obtained via light propagating in the first guide portion and a second beam obtained via light propagating in the second guide portion. Alternatively, for example, the first and second beams can be combined to form a low-beam illumination function. For this purpose, the first beam forms the top portion of the low-beam illumination function by means of the upper cutoff line, particularly a narrow beam having an upper cutoff line with a kink, and the second beam forms the bottom portion of the low-beam illumination function, particularly a wide beam having a horizontal upper cutoff line.

[0012] The cutoff edge is located at the junction between the first guide portion and the second guide portion. It should be understood that the first guide portion is directly disposed on the first side of the cutoff edge, and the second guide portion is directly disposed on the second side of the cutoff edge, with the first side being the opposite of the second side.

[0013] According to one feature of the invention, the first guiding portion and the second guiding portion each include at least two reflective surfaces configured to perform total internal reflection of light arriving at the reflective surfaces. Specifically, the first guiding portion and the second guiding portion each include a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface.

[0014] These reflective surfaces are configured such that light arriving at the reflective surfaces is reflected by total internal reflection. More specifically, light emitted in each guide portion arrives at a reflective surface corresponding to the first reflective surface and is reflected toward another reflective surface corresponding to the second reflective surface, from which the light is again reflected toward the end portion of the optical element and the exit port. The reflective surfaces thus form surfaces that reflect light.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the optical element includes a recess that is opposite to the end portion and separates the first guide portion from the second guide portion.

[0016] According to one feature of the invention, the recess has an asymmetrical shape relative to the stop plane extending between the two guide portions.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the first guide portion is defined by two consecutive intersecting walls of the recess, the two consecutive intersecting walls including a stop wall that is different from the two reflective surfaces of the first guide portion.

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, the stop wall is inscribed within the stop plane.

[0019] According to one feature of the invention, the stop wall extends from the second reflective surface of the first guide portion, such that the stop wall is defined longitudinally by the second reflective surface and by the stop edge.

[0020] According to one feature of the invention, the cutoff edge is formed by one of the two reflective surfaces of the second guide portion and by the cutoff wall of the first guide portion.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the stop wall includes a reflective surface.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the optical element includes an exit surface through which light rays can exit the optical element, and a stop wall perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the exit surface. Where appropriate, the exit surface of the optical element may have curvature, particularly a convex shape, in which case it should be understood that the stop wall is primarily inscribed in a plane perpendicular to the main extending plane of the exit surface. It should be noted that "substantially perpendicular" allows for a possible slight inclination of the plane inscribed therein relative to this plane perpendicular to the exit surface.

[0023] According to one feature of the invention, the first guide portion and the second guide portion each have an incident end and an exit end, the joint of the exit end of the guide portion forms a cutoff edge, at least one collimator is placed at the incident end of the first guide portion, and at least one other collimator is placed at the incident end of the second guide portion.

[0024] According to one feature of the invention, the incident ends of the first guide portion and the second guide portion are in the same plane. The fact that the incident ends of the first guide portion and the second guide portion are arranged in the same plane makes it possible to accommodate the volume of the light-emitting module by preventing the light source from being arranged on both sides of the optical element.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, the plane containing the incident end of the first guide portion and the incident end of the second guide portion is parallel to the plane in which the exit surface mainly extends.

[0026] According to one feature of the invention, the first guide portion and the second guide portion are each inclined toward each other such that the distance between the exit ends of each of the guide portions is less than the distance between the incident ends of each of the guide portions.

[0027] According to one feature of the invention, the cut-off edge has a radius of curvature of less than 0.3 mm.

[0028] According to one feature of the invention, the cut-off edge has a radius of curvature of less than or equal to 0.1 mm.

[0029] According to one feature of the invention, the optical element is made of polymethyl methacrylate. Alternatively, and not exhaustively, the optical element may be made of polycarbonate. Alternatively, the optical element may be made of polymethacrylamide.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a light-emitting module comprising an optical element according to any one of the foregoing features, the light-emitting module comprising a projection lens and at least two light sources, at least one light source being arranged facing a first guide portion and at least one light source being arranged facing a second guide portion, each light source being configured to emit light into an associated guide portion of the optical element, the optical element being configured to guide light toward the projection lens.

[0031] According to one feature of the invention, the projection lens has an object focal point located at the cutoff edge of the optical element. The expression "at the cutoff edge" is intended to cover the fact that the object focal point of the projection lens is on or near the cutoff edge, at a distance of ±5 mm from the cutoff edge.

[0032] According to one feature of the invention, each light source of the light-emitting module is arranged on the same support.

[0033] According to one feature of the invention, the height of the projection lens is less than or equal to 45 mm, and the first and second guide portions are arranged vertically above each other, the height being measured parallel to this vertical direction. Notably, this size of the projection lens is made possible by the compactness of the optical element. Specifically, on the one hand, the light source is arranged on the same side of the optical element, and on the other hand, the corresponding tilt of each guide portion allows the volume of the optical element to be limited, and thus the size of the projection lens to be limited.

[0034] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will become clearer by referring to the accompanying schematic diagrams, reading the following description, and studying examples of embodiments given in a non-limiting manner, as illustrated in the drawings: [ Figure 1 [ ] is an overall view of the light-emitting module according to the present invention; [ Figure 2 ]yes Figure 1 The exploded view of the light-emitting module shown depicts the printed circuit board, the optical element according to the present invention, and the projection lens; [ Figure 3 ]yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the optical element shown; [ Figure 4 ]yes Figure 1 The light-emitting module shown is Figure 3 A cross-sectional view in the plane of the cross section, showing the rays that form the first luminous function; [ Figure 5 ]yes Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the light-emitting module shown illustrates the light rays that form the second light-emitting function; [ Figure 6 ]yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the optical element, in which the recess and collimator of the optical element can be seen.

[0035] The features, variations, and various embodiments of the present invention can be associated with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not mutually exclusive or compatible. In particular, it may be conceivable that variations of the invention may include only features selected and described below in isolation from other features, provided that such selection of features is sufficient to provide a technical advantage or to distinguish the invention from the prior art.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, elements shared by multiple drawings retain the same reference numerals.

[0037] In the following description, reference will be made to the orientation based on the longitudinal axis L, the vertical axis V, and the transverse axis T, as shown by... Figures 1 to 6 The trihedron shown is defined by L, V, and T.

[0038] Figure 1 A light-emitting module 2 according to the present invention is shown. This light-emitting module 2 is intended to be installed in a motor vehicle, and in the illustrated embodiment, provides illumination to the external environment located in front of the motor vehicle.

[0039] As in Figure 1 As can be seen, the light-emitting module 2 extends in the longitudinal main extension direction, that is, it extends parallel to the axis L. The light-emitting module 2 includes a projection lens 4 disposed at a first longitudinal end 6 of the light-emitting module 2, and at least one printed circuit board 8 disposed at a second longitudinal end 10 opposite to the first longitudinal end 6 of the light-emitting module 2. Figure 2 (See in the middle).

[0040] Printed circuit board 8 (will be combined) Figure 2 (Described in more detail) Protected by a housing 12, which forms the outer shell of the light-emitting module 2. One longitudinal end of this housing 12 at the second longitudinal end 10 covers at least a portion of the surface of the printed circuit board 8 facing the projection lens 4. The opposite end of the housing 12 at the first longitudinal end 6 is rigidly fixed to the projection lens 4. More specifically, the housing 12 allows the projection lens 4 to be held in a given position.

[0041] As described above, the light-emitting module 2 is designed to generate at least two light-emitting functions, and in this case, two adjustable lighting functions (adjustable in the sense that they correspond to various current standards). It should be understood that these two light-emitting functions may also participate solely in performing the adjustable lighting function, or in other words, these two light-emitting functions are not adjustable on their own, but need to be combined with other light-emitting functions to collectively form the adjustable lighting function. For this purpose, the printed circuit board includes a light source adapted to generate light directed toward the projection lens 4, the light being adapted to exit the light-emitting module 2 via the projection lens 4.

[0042] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded view of the light-emitting module 2 visible in the image. It should be noted that the attachment device, connector, and housing 12 are not shown here. Figure 2 As shown in the image.

[0043] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, the printed circuit board 8 includes multiple electronic components that participate together or individually in the operation of the light-emitting module 2. Notably, the printed circuit board includes a first light source 14 and a second light source 16. Each of these light sources 14 and 16 includes one or more light-emitting diodes 18 connected to one or more traces on the printed circuit board 8.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the light sources 14, 16 is designed to form a different light-emitting function. The first light source 14 is designed to form a first beam that participates in forming at least a first light-emitting function, which is a low-beam illumination function that enables the formation of low beam on an adjustable photometric grid. The second light source 16 is designed to form a second beam that participates in forming at least a second light-emitting function, which is a complementary high-beam illumination function that enables the formation of high beam on an adjustable photometric grid. The complementary high-beam illumination function, in combination with the low-beam illumination function, forms the high-beam function. It should be understood that the first light-emitting function and the second light-emitting function are two distinct light-emitting functions.

[0045] The first and / or second light-emitting functions can each be a lighting adjustment function. In the example mentioned of a high beam function obtained by combining two light-emitting functions formed by each of two beams respectively, the first light-emitting function is a lighting adjustment function, and the combination of the two light-emitting functions is another lighting adjustment function.

[0046] The light-emitting module 2 includes an optical element 20 (which will be combined with...) Figures 3 to 6 (Described in more detail), the optical element is arranged between the printed circuit board 8 and the projection lens 4. This optical element 20 is made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Alternatively, the optical element 20 may be made of polycarbonate (PC). Also alternatively, the optical element 20 may be made of polymethacrylamide (PMMI).

[0047] The light emitted by light sources 14 and 16 passes through optical element 20, then reaches projection lens 4 and leaves light-emitting module 2.

[0048] If combined Figure 4 and Figure 5 In more detail, light passing through optical element 20 enables the acquisition of a light-emitting function with desired characteristics. It should be understood that the light is deflected in an appropriate manner within optical element 20 to be guided toward the projection lens and to form its corresponding light-emitting function.

[0049] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the optical element 20 in the longitudinal and vertically extending cross-sectional planes is shown.

[0050] As in Figure 3 As can be seen, the optical element 20 includes a light guide 22, which includes a first guiding portion 24 and a second guiding portion 26. Each guiding portion 24, 26 extends between an incident end 28 where light enters and an exit end 30 where light exits. In the illustrated embodiment, light emitted by the first light source 14 enters the optical element 20 through the incident end 28 of the first guiding portion 24, while light emitted by the second light source 16 enters the optical element 20 through the incident end 28 of the second guiding portion 26.

[0051] As should be understood from the above description, the first guiding portion 24 associated with the first light source 14 participates in forming the first light-emitting function, and the second guiding portion 26 associated with the second light source 16 participates in forming the second light-emitting function.

[0052] The first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 extend to the end portion 32 of the light guide 22. This end portion 32 is longitudinally defined on one side by the exit end 30 of the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26, and on the other side by the exit surface 34 of the optical element 20.

[0053] More specifically, the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 meet to form the end portion 32 of the light guide 22. A cutoff edge 36 is formed at the junction of the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 at their exit ends 30. This cutoff edge 36 is necessary for forming a first luminous function with desired characteristics, particularly by forming a cutoff line for the first light beam. This cutoff line is visible on an adjustable photometric grid, which takes the form of a clear upper limit for the first luminous function.

[0054] The exit surface 34 of the optical element forms a surface through which light emitted independently through the first guide portion 24 and / or the second guide portion 26 passes and exits the optical element 20 to reach the projection lens 4.

[0055] The exit surface 34 extends primarily in a plane, which extends both vertically and laterally, such that light rays passing through the optical element 20 pass through the plane of the exit surface 34. It should be noted that the exit surface 34 of the optical element 20 may have a convex shape.

[0056] Contrary to the plane of the exit surface 34, the incident ends 28 of the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 are inscribed in the same plane parallel to the plane of the exit surface 34. Therefore, a light source intended to face the incident ends can be arranged on the same side of the optical element, allowing for volume optimization. Alternatively, the incident ends can be inscribed in different parallel planes, each parallel or slightly inclined relative to the plane of the exit surface.

[0057] Furthermore, the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 are inclined toward each other. It should be understood that, as described above, this inclination allows the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 to meet at their exit ends 30. Due to this inclination of the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26, the distance between the incident ends 28 of each of the guide portions 24, 26 is greater than the distance between the exit ends 30 of the guide portions 24, 26.

[0058] In this case, the transverse and longitudinal cutoff plane 50 extends between the two guide portions 4 and 6. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the optical element 20 is arranged in the light-emitting module such that the optical axis of the light-emitting module is inscribed in the cutoff plane 50. The cutoff plane divides the optical element into two different regions, namely an upper region and a lower region. The upper region includes a first guide portion, an upper portion of the end portion 32, and an upper portion of the emission surface 34. Similarly, the lower region includes a second guide portion, a lower portion of the end portion 32, and a lower portion of the emission surface 34.

[0059] The exit ends 30 of the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 are separated from each other by a cut-off edge 36 formed at the junction of the two guide portions.

[0060] The cutoff edge 36 extends almost horizontally, as particularly in Figure 6 As can be seen in the example shown, the cutoff edge essentially has a notch or kink at its center, which divides the cutoff edge into two parts that are vertically offset from each other. As will be described in detail below, this allows for the production of a stepped beam cutoff line. Of course, this is only one example of an embodiment of the cutoff edge 36, and in alternative embodiments, the cutoff edge may not have the notch or kink described.

[0061] More specifically, the cutoff edge 36 has curvature in the longitudinal vertical cross-sectional plane, with a radius of curvature less than 0.3 mm, preferably less than or equal to 0.1 mm. It should be understood that the curvature of the cutoff edge 36 is necessary for the part to be produced by injection molding, but the fact that it has the smallest possible radius of curvature makes it possible to obtain a flat edge along the cutoff edge 36.

[0062] Therefore, the distance between the exit ends 30 of the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 is at most 0.6 mm, which, as described above, is less than the distance between the incident ends 28 of the guide portions 24 and 26. The distance between the ends of the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26, as described above, is measured in the vertical direction and consists of the shortest segment at which the first guide portion 24 is joined to the second guide portion 26. Therefore, the distance between the incident ends 28 is measured between the portion of the incident end of the first portion closest to the cutoff plane 50 and the portion of the incident end of the second portion closest to the cutoff plane 50, and thus, the distance between the exit ends 30 is measured between the portion of the exit end of the first portion closest to the cutoff plane 50 and the portion of the exit end of the second portion closest to the cutoff plane 50.

[0063] As in Figure 6 As can be seen more clearly, the optical element 20 includes a recess 38 that separates the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26. This recess 38 is formed by a surface opposite to the exit surface 34 of the optical element 20, and therefore extends opposite to the end portion 32 of the light guide 22.

[0064] Optical element 20 is intended to be positioned facing printed circuit board 8, which forms a support for the first light source 14 and the second light source 16. The first light source 14 and the second light source 16 are arranged on the printed circuit board 8 in the same plane, parallel to the plane in which the incident ends 28 of the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 extend. It should be noted that, alternatively, without departing from the background of the invention, it may be provided that each light source associated with a guide portion is arranged on a printed circuit board dedicated to that light source and in a plane different from the plane in which the other light source extends, and these planes may each be inclined relative to the plane inscribed therein by the cutoff edge.

[0065] Furthermore, the light emitted by the first light source 14 and the light emitted by the second light source 16 enter the associated guide portions 24 and 26, and are presented parallel to each other by the collimator 40, especially in Figure 3 and Figure 6 As can be seen in the text.

[0066] Figure 4 (It is the light-emitting module 2 in) Figure 3 The cross-sectional view shown schematically depicts the propagation of light 42 emitted by the first light source 14 and passing through the optical element 20.

[0067] The first light source 14 emits multiple rays 42 collimated by multiple collimators 40, each collimator 40 being arranged longitudinally to face the light-emitting diodes 18 that participate in forming the first light source 14. (As in...) Figure 4 As can be seen, the pre-collimated light rays 42 enter the first guide section 24 substantially parallel to each other.

[0068] These rays 42 reach the first reflective surface 44 of the first guide portion 24, which is arranged longitudinally directly facing the collimator 40. The first reflective surface 44 forms the first wall of the optical element 20 at the incident end 28 of the first guide portion 24. The orientation of the first reflective surface is such that the incident angle of the rays 42 reaching the first reflective surface 44 produces total internal reflection of these rays 42.

[0069] The light 42 reflected by the first reflective surface 44 reaches the second reflective surface 46 of the first guide portion 24. This second reflective surface 46 of the first guide portion 24 forms a second wall of the first guide portion 24 opposite to the first wall formed by the first reflective surface 44. More specifically, the second reflective surface 46 forms a wall defining the first guide portion 24 and the recess 38.

[0070] Like the light rays 42 reaching the first reflecting surface 44, the light rays 42 reaching the second reflecting surface 46 are totally internally reflected. Most of these light rays 42 are reflected toward the exit surface 34 of the optical element 20. However, some light rays 42 are reflected toward the cutoff wall 48, which extends mainly longitudinally and laterally.

[0071] This stop wall 48 extends the second reflective surface 46, and is longitudinally defined by the second reflective surface 46 and the stop edge 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the light 42 reaching this stop wall 48 (including...) Figure 4 The visible cutoff light 42a) is reflected toward the exit surface 34 of the optical element 20, particularly in the upper portion of the exit surface. It should be noted that, in alternative embodiments of the invention, this cutoff wall 48 may have a coating that prevents light reflection.

[0072] Light rays 42 exiting the optical element 20 through the exit surface 34 reach the projection lens 4, which has an optical axis. Notably, this optical axis may be inscribed within the cutoff plane 50 passing through the cutoff edge 36 and the cutoff wall 48. Furthermore, the projection lens 4 has an object focal point located or substantially located on the cutoff edge 36 of the optical element 20. Alternatively, the cutoff wall 48 may be slightly inclined relative to the cutoff plane 50.

[0073] The light rays 42, already propagating in the optical element, tend to exit the projection lens below the cutoff plane 50, passing through the upper portion of the exit surface 34. It should be understood that the cutoff wall 48 allows for the blocking of light rays 42, particularly after the light has been reflected by the second reflective surface 46 of the first guide portion 24. Otherwise, these rays would form an upper portion of the first light-emitting function on the adjusting photometric grid that is too high for the near-beam illumination function.

[0074] The projection lens 4 has a height of 45 mm or less, in other words, a vertical dimension perpendicular to the optical axis and, in this case, perpendicular to the cutoff plane, which is at most 45 mm. This dimension of the projection lens 4 allows for a reduction in the volume of the light-emitting device, and is made possible, particularly by the vertical compactness of the optical element 20. Specifically, the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26 are respectively arranged such that the incident surfaces into each of the guide portions are arranged substantially vertically, wherein the associated light source is longitudinally offset relative to these incident surfaces opposite to the projection lens. The light source and associated collimator are located at the rear of the optical element 20, thus enlarging the light-emitting module along the longitudinal component parallel to the optical axis without affecting the vertical dimension, thereby optimizing the vertical compactness of the light-emitting module and the projection lens.

[0075] As described above, the light ray 42 constituting the first beam passing through the optical element 20 via the first guide portion 24 is intended to form a first luminous function, which is a low beam function. This first beam must have an upper cutoff line so that the first luminous function does not dazzle other road users. This upper cutoff line is generated by the cutoff edge 36 and the cutoff wall 48.

[0076] The fineness of the cutoff edge 36 allows for a very smooth upper cutoff line to be formed for the first beam, and the cutoff wall 48 blocks light that would otherwise be projected by the projection lens above the upper cutoff line of the first beam.

[0077] Figure 5 The light-emitting module 2 is shown with Figure 4 The same cross-sectional view as the one in the previous section. For example... Figure 5 As schematically shown, the first light source 14 and the second light source 16 emit beams 42 in the first guide portion 24 and the second guide portion 26, respectively.

[0078] As described above, the second light source 16 is intended to participate in forming a second light-emitting function. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the second light-emitting function participates in forming an adjustable lighting function (high beam function). Therefore, the second light-emitting function is a complementary high beam lighting function, allowing it to be combined with the first light-emitting function to form a high beam lighting function. This high beam lighting function is ensured by the combined light emission of the first light source 14 and the second light source 16; in other words, it is ensured by the combination of the first and second light-emitting functions. For this purpose, the light 42 emitted by the first light source 14 and the light 42 emitted by the second light source 16 simultaneously pass through the optical element 20 in such a way that they together form the high beam lighting function. It should be understood that the light 42 emitted by the second light source 16 is intended to supplement the first light-emitting function formed by the light 42 emitted by the first light source 14 to form the high beam lighting function.

[0079] It should be noted that, in a manner similar to that described above, the first and second light-emitting functions can be combined to form the low beam illumination function. For this purpose, the first light-emitting function can form the upper portion of the low beam illumination function on the adjustment grid by means of the upper cutoff line of the first beam. For example, the first beam can be a narrow beam with an upper cutoff line having a kink. The second light-emitting function can form the lower portion of the low beam illumination function on the adjustment grid. For example, the second beam can be a wide beam with a horizontal upper cutoff line and no kink.

[0080] Similar to the light emitted by the first light source 14, the light 42 emitted by the second light source 16 is collimated by a collimator 40, which is arranged to protrude from the incident surface of the second guide portion 26. It should be noted that, in order to facilitate... Figure 5 The clarity, especially regarding the lines representing light rays, is such that the light rays emitted by the second light source 16 are depicted with denser dashed lines compared to the dashed lines representing the light rays emitted by the first light source 14.

[0081] Light rays 42 emitted by the second light source 16 and collimated by the collimator 40 reach the third reflective surface 52 of the second guide portion 26, which is arranged to face the incident surface of the light rays and the collimator. Like the light rays 42 reaching the first reflective surface 44 and the second reflective surface 46, the light rays 42 reaching the third reflective surface 52 are totally internally reflected. More specifically, these light rays 42 reflected by the third reflective surface 52 are reflected toward a fourth reflective surface 54, which is arranged in the second guide portion 26 and defines both the second guide portion 26 and the recess 38.

[0082] The light rays 42 reaching the fourth reflecting surface 54 are again totally reflected, this time towards the exit surface 34 of the optical element 20, until they reach the projection lens 4. The tilt of the reflecting surface of the second guide portion guides the light rays emitted from the light source associated with the second guide portion 26 onto the entire exit surface 34, as particularly in Figure 5 It can be seen in the image.

[0083] Therefore, when the light source associated with the two guide sections is selectively activated, the light leaves the optical element on the entire surface of the exit surface 34, thereby allowing the projection lens 4 to project a wide beam of light without a horizontal cutoff line.

[0084] As should be noted, especially here Figure 5 In the second guide portion 26, the fourth reflective surface 54 extends to the cutoff edge 36. It should be understood that the cutoff edge 36 is defined on one side by the fourth reflective surface 54 and on the other side by the cutoff wall 48.

[0085] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the optical element 20 as seen from the rear, opposite to the exit surface. This view allows the collimator 40 and the recess 38 of the optical element 20 to be shown particularly clearly.

[0086] The recess 38 is a hollow portion formed in the material of the rear 200 of the optical element, which forms the incident surface of the first guide portion 24 and the incident surface of the second guide portion 26. The recess 38 has an asymmetrical shape on both sides of the aforementioned cutoff plane and is defined by at least one wall that also defines the first guide portion and at least one wall that defines the second guide portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the recess is defined by at least three walls, including a wall forming the second reflective surface, a cutoff wall, and a wall forming the fourth reflective surface.

[0087] As in Figure 6 As can be seen, the cutoff wall 48 is perpendicular to the plane of the incident surface 200, and the collimator 40 extends from this plane. (Reference) Figure 2 It is worth noting that, as described above, the printed circuit board 8 forms supports for the light-emitting diodes 18 of each light source 14, 16, with each light-emitting diode supported facing the collimator 40. In the example shown, the collimator and thus the light-emitting diodes are aligned for the first light source 14 and its associated first guide portion 24, while for the second light source 16 and its associated second guide portion 26, the collimators and the light-emitting diodes are patterned on several layers. This example arrangement does not limit the invention. It should be understood that the stop wall 48 is thus perpendicular to the plane of the light-emitting diode support. Of course, as described above, the stop wall 48 may have a slight inclination relative to the plane (which is perpendicular to the plane of the support).

[0088] As in Figure 6 As can be seen, the cutoff wall 48 may have a notch 56, which is designed to form a vertical offset on one side relative to the other cutoff line of the beam that produces the first luminous function at the upper cutoff line of the first beam.

[0089] The described invention undoubtedly achieves its objective and enables the provision of an optical element in the context of a light-emitting module intended for mounting in a motor vehicle and capable of producing two different light-emitting functions on the same illumination surface. This optical element is configured such that it can reduce the vertical volume of the light-emitting module, particularly the vertical volume of its projection lens. Furthermore, this structure allows the volume of the light-emitting module to be limited in a direction parallel to the forward direction of the vehicle equipped with the light-emitting module by means of reflection of light within the guiding portion of the light-emitting module.

Claims

1. An optical element (20) intended for mounting in a light-emitting module (2) in a motor vehicle, the optical element (20) comprising a light guide (22) including at least a first guiding portion (24) and a second guiding portion (26), the first guiding portion participating in forming a first light beam capable of performing at least a first light-emitting function, the second guiding portion participating in forming a second light beam capable of performing at least a second light-emitting function, the first light-emitting function being different from the second light-emitting function, the first guiding portion (24) and the second guiding portion (26) extending to an end portion (32) of the light guide (22), a junction between the first guiding portion (24) and the second guiding portion (26) forming a cutoff edge (36), the first light beam having an upper cutoff line formed by the cutoff edge (36).

2. The optical element (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first guide portion (24) and the second guide portion (26) each include at least two reflective surfaces (44, 46, 52, 54) configured to perform total internal reflection of light (42) arriving at the reflective surfaces (44, 46, 52, 54).

3. The optical element (20) as described in any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein, The optical element (20) includes a recess (38) opposite to the end portion (32) and separating the first guide portion (24) from the second guide portion (26).

4. The optical element (20) as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The first guide portion (24) is defined by two consecutive intersecting walls of the recess (38), the two consecutive intersecting walls including a stop wall (48) which is different from the two reflective surfaces (44, 46) of this first guide portion (24).

5. The optical element (20) as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The stop wall (48) is an extension of the second reflective surface (46) of the first guide portion (24), such that the stop wall (48) is longitudinally defined by the second reflective surface (46) and by the stop edge (36).

6. The optical element (20) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein, The cutoff edge (36) is formed by one of the two reflective surfaces (54) of the second guide portion (26) and the cutoff wall (48) of the first guide portion (24).

7. The optical element (20) as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The optical element (20) includes an exit surface (34) through which light rays (42) can exit the optical element (20), and the cut-off wall (48) is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the exit surface (34).

8. The optical element (20) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The first guide portion (24) and the second guide portion (26) each have an incident end (28) and an exit end (30), the joint of the exit end (30) of the guide portions (24, 26) forms the cut-off edge (36), at least one collimator (40) is placed at the incident end (28) of the first guide portion (24), and at least one other collimator (40) is placed at the incident end (28) of the second guide portion (26).

9. The optical element (20) as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The incident end (28) of the first guide portion (24) and the incident end (28) of the second guide portion (26) are in the same plane.

10. The optical element (20) as claimed in claims 7 and 9, wherein, The plane containing the incident end (28) of the first guide portion (24) and the incident end (28) of the second guide portion (26) is parallel to the plane that mainly extends from the exit surface (34).

11. The optical element (20) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The cut-off edge (36) has a radius of curvature of less than 0.3 mm.

12. A light-emitting module (2) comprising an optical element (20) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, the light-emitting module (2) comprising at least two light sources (14, 16) and a projection lens (4), at least one light source (14) being arranged facing the first guide portion (24) and at least one light source (16) being arranged facing the second guide portion (26), each light source (14, 16) being configured to emit light (42) into the associated guide portion (24, 26) of the optical element (20), the optical element (20) being configured to guide the light (42) toward the projection lens (4).

13. The light-emitting module (2) as described in claim 12, wherein, The projection lens (4) has an object focal point located at the cutoff edge (36) of the optical element (20).

14. The light-emitting module (2) as described in any one of claims 12 and 13, wherein, Each light source (14, 16) of the light-emitting module (2) is arranged on the same support.

15. The light-emitting module (2) as described in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein, The height of the projection lens (4) is less than or equal to 45 mm, and the first guide portion (24) and the second guide portion (26) are arranged vertically above each other, with the height measured parallel to this vertical direction.

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