LIGHTING MODULE WITH LIGHTING AND SIGNAL FUNCTIONS

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting and signaling, particularly for motor vehicles. More specifically, the invention concerns the integration of lighting and signaling modules into a motor vehicle.

[0002] Automotive vehicle lighting systems are generally capable of performing several lighting functions, including both lighting functions and signaling functions.

[0003] For this purpose, separate modules can be dedicated to their respective lighting functions. The proliferation of lighting and signaling functions on motor vehicles thus leads to an increase in the number of lighting modules. The space required to implement these functions is significant.

[0004] It is possible to implement several lighting functions within a single light module, including low beam (LB) and high beam (HB). However, such modules are not designed to integrate signaling functionalities. Furthermore, light sources dedicated to lighting and those dedicated to signaling generally use very different technologies and / or power outputs, making it difficult to combine these functions.

[0005] In particular, certain signaling functions can be achieved using a light guide. An example of such an embodiment is shown in EP patent 1,775,511 B. A light source injects a beam of light into a light guide, which projects it continuously along the longitudinal direction of the light guide. Such light guides enable the implementation of complex signaling functions with a single light source. The disclosure of US document 2014 / 056016 A1 is also relevant to understanding the invention.

[0006] However, it remains difficult to reduce the size of a lighting device for a motor vehicle, especially when lighting and signaling functions, using separate light sources, are required.

[0007] It is therefore desirable to offer a compact and economical light module that can perform both lighting and signaling functions.

[0008] The present invention improves the situation.

[0009] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle lighting module according to claim 1.

[0010] Sharing components between lighting and signaling functions advantageously reduces the total number of components in the lighting module, thus reducing the size and costs associated with the lighting module.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the reflector may include a first reflective surface capable of reflecting the first light beam and the optical system may include a projection lens configured to form an image of the first reflective surface when projecting the first light beam out of the light module.

[0012] Such an embodiment makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the first light beam, and thus to decrease the size of the optical system, thereby further improving the compactness of the light module.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the light guide may include an output face oriented towards the outside of the module and a reflection face capable of reflecting a part of the second light beam towards the output face; the common component may include a diffusing or reflective surface arranged opposite the reflection face of the light guide.

[0014] Thus, the common component contributes to the lighting function on the one hand, and improves the luminous efficiency associated with the signaling function on the other.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the common component may include a cavity shaped to receive the light guide.

[0016] Thus, the common component contributes to the lighting function on the one hand, and facilitates the assembly of components associated with the signaling function on the other.

[0017] In addition or as an alternative, the diffusing or reflective surface can be inside the cavity.

[0018] Thus, the common component contributes to the lighting function on the one hand, facilitates the assembly of components associated with the signaling function and improves the luminous efficiency of this function on the other hand.

[0019] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to perform complex signaling functions while reducing the size associated with the light module.

[0020] The common components are highly required components to fulfill the lighting function, and this embodiment thus limits the number of components in the lighting module.

[0021] The invention takes advantage of the fact that the reflector comprises several surfaces, including the internal surface which is generally used for the lighting function. An external surface can thus be used to improve the luminous efficiency of the signaling function.

[0022] Furthermore, the support for the first shared light source serves a supporting function in the lighting function and simultaneously improves the luminous efficacy of the signaling function. The support may include a heat sink, in which case it also cools the first light source.

[0023] As an alternative or in addition, the two light guides can be arranged on either side of the optical system of the first assembly.

[0024] The compactness of the light module is thus improved.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the reflector and / or support of the first light source is configured to allow a portion of the second light beam to reach the first assembly so that it illuminates the optical system.

[0026] For example, the second light source and the light guide are arranged so that said part of the second light beam can reach the first assembly directly, or by passing through the second light guide.

[0027] The reflector and / or support may include at least one through hole to allow the second beam of light to reach the first assembly.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the second assembly may further include at least one diffusing screen capable of diffusing at least part of the light beam guided by the light guide outwards from the light module.

[0029] Such a diffusing screen improves the homogeneity of the signaling beam from the first assembly.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings in which: [Fig 1 ] illustrates a set of components configured to perform a signaling function according to the invention; [ Fig 2 ] represents a cross-sectional view of a light module according to a first embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 3 ] represents a cross-sectional view of a light module according to a second embodiment of the invention; [ Fig 4 ] is a three-dimensional view of the light module according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0031] The description focuses on the features that distinguish the process or system from those known in the state of the art. The operation and fabrication of light-emitting diodes will not be described in detail since this is already known in the state of the art.

[0032] There figure 1 presents components of an assembly 100 configured to perform a signaling function according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] The assembly 100 includes an optical guide 110, or light guide, suitable for propagating, or guiding, a beam of light emitted by a light source 101. In the example of the figure 1 The optical guide 110 is straight. It is understood that the optical guide 110 can have other shapes, and may in particular include curves such as one or more portions of a circular arc.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the optical guide 110 has a circular cross-section. However, the invention also covers the case where the optical guide 110 has an elliptical, oval, square, or even any other geometric or non-geometric cross-section.

[0035] There are no restrictions on the material used for the 110 light guide. For example, it can be a transparent polymer, polycarbonate, or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).

[0036] The light guide 110 includes an entrance face 111, opposite which the light source 101 is positioned. There are no restrictions on the technology used for the light source, which may, for example, be a light-emitting diode (LED). The light guide 110 may also include an end face 114, which forms the end opposite the entrance face 111, and which may be without a light source.

[0037] Optionally, a light source can be provided at each end of the light guide 110.

[0038] The 110 light guide also has two main faces oriented longitudinally: an output face 113 of a portion of the light beam guided by the light guide 110. The output face 113 may be smooth and continuous, or may have grooves. The output face 113 is suitable for directing outwards from a light module in which the light guide 110 is mounted; a reflection face 112, which is reflective or diffusing, and which can direct a portion of the light beam from the source 101 towards the output face 113. The reflection face may include reflective elements such as prisms. The prisms may be placed side by side and ensure reflection of light rays having a non-zero angle of incidence with a longitudinal optical axis of the optical guide. No restrictions are attached to the shape of such prisms, which are not shown in the figure. figure 1 The shapes and sizes of the various prisms of the reflecting face 112 can also vary. According to another variant, the reflective elements of the reflecting face 112 can be reflective studs, such as regularly distributed hollows within the reflecting face 112, particularly during the molding of the part constituting the light guide 110. Examples of reflective elements are given in patent application publication number EP 1 605 201, and in European patent EP 1 434 000.

[0039] There figure 2 presents a cross-sectional view of a 200 light module according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0040] The cross-sectional view is a view in an XZ plane, where X corresponds approximately to an axis of propagation of the light rays coming from the light module, or optical axis, and Z is an approximately vertical direction.

[0041] The 200 light module comprises a first assembly 210 suitable for a lighting function and a second assembly 220 suitable for a signaling function. There are no restrictions on these functions. The lighting functions can include, in particular, low beam (LB) or high beam (HB) functions. The signaling functions can include a position light function, a turn signal function (TI for Turn Indicator), or a daytime running light (DRL for Daytime Running Light).

[0042] The first set 210 comprises a plurality of first components, such as, for example: a first light source 211 capable of generating a first beam of light, some of whose light rays are represented on the figure 2 The first light source 211 can emit light rays from the first beam into a half-space bounded by the principal plane of the source 211, and in a principal direction perpendicular to the plane of the source 211. The principal direction of emission can, for example, be between -40° and +40° with respect to an optical axis of the optical system 216 described below. There are no restrictions on the technology associated with the first light source 211, which can, in particular, be an LED source, which has the advantage of being compact and energy-efficient with good luminous efficacy. The first light source 211 can be placed on a printed circuit board 212.In this case, the printed circuit board 212 is one of the first components; a heat sink 213 capable of dissipating some of the heat generated by the first light source 211, in particular, the first light source 211 is positioned on the heat sink 213 directly or via the printed circuit board 212; a reflector 214 comprising a first reflective surface 218. The first reflective surface 218 may, in particular, be of revolution, with an elliptical profile, or shaped like a cap in a half-space delimited by a horizontal plane XY. The light source 211 is positioned near a first optical focus of the first surface 218. Such close positioning implies that the light source is at most a few millimeters from the first focus of the first surface 218, in particular at most one millimeter from the first focus of the first surface 218.The light rays from the first light source 211 are thus reflected convergently towards a second focus of the first surface 218; . a reflective surface called a bending surface 215, which may be flat with a cutting edge located near the second focal point of the first surface 218. The bending surface 215 ensures upward reflection of rays that do not pass precisely through the second focal point of the first surface 218; an optical system 216 capable of projecting the light rays reflected by the bending surface 215 or by the reflector 214 outside the light module 200. The optical system 216 may in particular include a projection lens, such as a thick lens, positioned so that a focal point 217 of the projection lens is located near the edge of the bending surface 215, or near the second focal point of the reflector 214. The optical system 216 may include other optical elements besides the projection lens, such as one or more mirrors.

[0043] The 215 folder is so named because it folds upwards from the projection lens the rays which would otherwise form an upper part of the lighting beam.

[0044] The first assembly according to the first embodiment may further include other initial components enabling the lighting function to be performed, which are not shown in the figure 2 .

[0045] The lighting module according to the invention further comprises a second assembly 220 capable of performing a signaling function. The second assembly 220 comprises a plurality of second components, such as, in particular: at least one second light source, such as light source 101 described with reference to the figure 1 The second light source is capable of emitting a second light beam; at least one light guide 110 is capable of guiding the second light beam from the second light source.

[0046] Two light guides, 110.1 and 110.2, were illustrated on the figure 2 , by way of illustration only. The invention also covers the case where a single light guide 110.1 or 110.2 is provided to perform the signaling function. Each of the light guides 110.1 and 110.2 is then associated with a second respective light source.

[0047] Optionally, the second assembly 220 may also include a diffusing screen 222.1 or 222.2 located opposite the exit face 113 of the light guide 110.1 or 110.2, and capable of diffusing a signaling beam outwards from the module 200. There are no restrictions attached to the diffusing screen 222.1 or 222.2, which may be made of plastic, with a pattern to diffuse light, a grain, or in an opalescent material.

[0048] According to the invention, the first assembly 210 and the second assembly 220 have at least one component in common. In other words, the plurality of first components and the plurality of second components have at least one component in common. The invention thus allows for the sharing of components between the lighting function and the signaling function, which advantageously reduces the size and cost associated with the light module 220.

[0049] For example, the common component(s) may include: only the reflector 214. The reflector 214 can be shaped to accommodate and facilitate the insertion and / or attachment of the light guide 110.1 into the light module 200. For this purpose, the reflector 214 may include a cavity in which the light guide 110.1 can be housed, as shown in the figure 2 The cavity may present two segments forming an angle, as in the figure 2 , may be rounded or may have any other shape facilitating the insertion / fixing of the light guide 110.1. Complementarily or alternatively, the reflector 214 may include a second reflective surface 221.1. The reflector 214 thus enables, in addition to its contribution to the lighting function in the first assembly 210, the fulfillment of a mechanical and / or optical function in the second assembly 220, thereby also contributing to the signaling function of the light module 200; a support for the first source 211 only, the support comprising the printed circuit board 212 and / or heat sink 213. As illustrated in the figure 2 The radiator 213 can be shaped to accommodate and facilitate the insertion and / or attachment of the light guide 110.2 into the light module 200. For this purpose, the radiator 213 may include a cavity in which the light guide 110.2 can be housed, as shown in the figure 2 The cavity may present two segments forming an angle, as in the figure 2 , can be rounded or have any other shape facilitating the insertion / fixing of the light guide 110.2. Alternatively, the radiator 213 can include a third reflective surface 221.2. In addition to its contribution to the lighting function in the first assembly 210, the radiator 213 thus fulfills a mechanical and / or optical function in the second assembly 220, thereby also contributing to the signaling function of the light module 200; the reflector 214 and the support for the first light source 211. This is the embodiment illustrated in the figure 2 , in which two components are common between the first set 210 and the second set 220.

[0050] It will be understood that the invention applies to other common components, as well as to a number greater than 2 common components.

[0051] The invention thus makes it possible, by sharing components between a lighting function and a signaling function, to reduce the total number of components, and therefore to reduce the size of the light module 200 as well as its cost.

[0052] Furthermore, it is possible to allow light leakage between the first assembly 210 and the second assembly 220. In particular, it can be advantageous for a portion of the second light beam, specifically light emitted by the second light sources and transmitted by the light guides 110.1, 110.2, to reach the first assembly 210 and illuminate the optical system 216. In this case, when the second assembly 220 performs the signaling function, the diffusing screen 222.1, 222.2 is illuminated, as is the optical system 216. The optical system 216 is thus illuminated independently of the activation of the lighting function emitted by the first assembly 210.

[0053] In order to allow light leakage from the second assembly 220 to the first assembly 210, through holes may be provided in the reflector 214 and / or in the radiator 213 near the light guides 110.1, 110.2.

[0054] This arrangement is particularly advantageous when the signaling function performed by the second 220 unit is activated during the day, notably for daytime running lights, and at night, notably for position lights. This results in a luminous signature for the 200 light module that is identical during the day, when only the signaling function is activated, and at night, when both the lighting and signaling functions are activated.

[0055] As illustrated on the figure 2 In the case where the second assembly 220 includes two light guides 110.1 and 110.2, the light guides can be arranged on either side of the optical system 216. Thus, the compactness of the light module 200 is improved.

[0056] There figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a 300 light module according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0057] The cross-section plan of the figure 3 is identical to that of the figure 2 The identical elements between the figures 2 And 3 are identified by the same numerical references.

[0058] The first set 310 according to the second embodiment may include: a reflector 314 described below, an optical system 316 described below; the first light source 211, the printed circuit board 212 and the radiator 213 as described above.

[0059] The reflector 314 according to the second embodiment may be shell-shaped or dome-shaped, comprising a first reflective surface 318 on the inner face of the reflector 314. The first reflective surface 318 advantageously has an elliptical or parabolic profile. It is advantageously a surface of revolution about an axis parallel to the optical axis. Alternatively, it may be a freeform surface, a swept surface, or an asymmetrical surface. It may also comprise several sectors. The term "parabolic type" generally applies to reflectors whose first reflective surface has a single focus, that is, a zone of convergence of light rays such that the light rays emitted by the first light source 211 located at this convergence zone are projected over a great distance after reflection from the first reflective surface 218.Projecting over a long distance means that these light rays do not converge towards an area located at least 10 times the dimensions of the reflector 314. In other words, the reflected rays do not converge towards a convergence zone, or if they do converge, this convergence zone is located at a distance greater than or equal to 10 times the dimensions of the reflector 314. A first parabolic surface 318 may therefore have parabolic portions or not. The reflector 314 with such a first surface 318 is generally used alone to create the first light beam.

[0060] Thus, the first assembly 310 does not include a folder 215 as in the first embodiment.

[0061] The first light source 211 is positioned at a focus of the first surface 318 so that the light rays of the first beam are collected and reflected along the optical axis. At least some of these reflected rays have angles of inclination in a vertical plane with respect to the optical axis that are less than or equal to 25°, preferably less than or equal to 10°, so as to be in so-called Gaussian conditions, allowing for stigmatism, that is, sharpness of the image projected by the optical system 316. Advantageously, these are the rays reflected from a rear part, to the left on the figure 3 , of the first surface 318.

[0062] The optical system 316 according to the second embodiment may include a projection lens, such as a plano-convex lens, that is, with a flat entrance face and a convex exit face. In this example, the focal length of the lens 316 is long, for example, greater than 60 mm. Furthermore, the height of the lens 316 is short, for example, less than 30 mm, or even less than 15 mm. This is facilitated by the shallow angle of the rays to be deviated. Thus, the lens 316 is said to be thin, for example, its thickness is less than 6 mm. The lens 316 has a focal point 317 which is located along the optical axis, at the level of the first source 211 or behind the first source 211. In this case, the focal point 317 is located at the level of the first surface 318.It should be noted that the focal point 317 may be located either behind or in front of the first surface 318, provided it is close to this first surface 318, preferably within 10 mm, and preferably within 5 mm. Thus, the optical system 316 is capable of forming an image of the first reflective surface 318.

[0063] The first surface 318, if it is elliptical, has a second focal point located in front of lens 316 and close to the optical axis. It should be noted that this focal point could also be located behind lens 316, provided it is close enough to the lens to reduce the beam width at the entrance face of lens 316.

[0064] The second embodiment thus offers the advantage of greater compactness compared to the first embodiment, particularly in the vertical direction. Indeed, due to the small thickness of the first light beam reaching lens 316, its vertical size can be reduced. It can therefore be between 5 and 30 mm, preferably less than 15 mm.

[0065] The second set 220 may be identical to that described with reference to the figure 2 , and may include at least one second light source 101 and at least one light guide 110. In the example of the figure 3 , the second set 220 includes two second light sources 101, two light guides 110.1 and 110.2, as well as two diffusing screens 222.1 and 222.2.

[0066] In order to further improve the compactness of the 300 light module, the first 310 assembly and the second 220 assembly include at least one component in common.

[0067] For example, common components may include: reflector 314 only. Reflector 314 can be shaped to accommodate and facilitate the insertion and / or attachment of light guide 110.1 into light module 300.

[0068] For this purpose, the reflector 314 may include a cavity in which the light guide 110.1 can be housed, as shown in the figure 3 The cavity may present two segments forming an angle, as in the figure 3 , can be rounded or can have any other shape facilitating the insertion / fixing of the light guide 110.1. Complementarily or alternatively, the reflector 314 can include a second reflective surface 321.1. The reflector 314 thus enables, in addition to its contribution to the lighting function in the first assembly 310, to fulfill a mechanical and / or optical function in the second assembly 220, thus also contributing to the signaling function of the light module 300; the support for the first source 211 only, the support including the printed circuit board 212 and / or heat sink 213, which remains unchanged from the first embodiment; the reflector 314 and the support for the first source 211. This is the embodiment illustrated in the figure 3 , in which two components are common between the first set 310 and the second set 220.

[0069] As with the first embodiment, light leakage can be provided between the first assembly 310 and the second assembly 220. In particular, the reflector 314 and / or the radiator 213 can be arranged so that part of the second light beam, and in particular the light emitted by the second light sources and transmitted by the light guides 110.1, 110.2 can reach the first assembly 210, and can exit the light module 300 by the optical system 316.

[0070] The collectors 214 and 314 according to the invention can advantageously be made of materials with good heat resistance, for example glass or synthetic polymers such as polycarbonate PC or polyetherimide PEI.

[0071] The second reflective surfaces 221.1, 221.2 and 321.1 can be formed by a mirror, a grained and / or patterned surface, or a white coating.

[0072] There figure 4 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a 300 light module according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[0073] The view shown is from the outside, looking down at the light module. The light module 300 shown includes a 222.2 diffusing screen opposite the second 110.2 light guide, which is hidden by the 222.2 diffusing screen. The 222.1 diffusing screen is not shown in order to make the first 110.1 light guide visible.

[0074] As depicted on the figure 4 The optical system 316 can be shared between several reflectors 314 of the light module 300. There are no restrictions on the number of reflectors 314 or their arrangement within the light module. The optical system 316 shown in the figure 4 It has a very small vertical dimension, and the 300 light module is compact while providing several lighting and signaling functions.

Claims

1. Light module (200; 300) of a motor vehicle comprising: - a first assembly (210; 310) configured to perform a lighting function, and comprising a plurality of first components, said first components comprising at least: a first light source (211) capable of emitting a first light beam; a support (212; 213) for the first light source (211); a reflector (214; 314) capable of reflecting the first light beam; and an optical system (216; 316) capable of projecting the reflected first light beam outside the light module; - a second assembly (220) configured to perform a signaling function, and comprising a plurality of second components, the plurality of second components comprising at least: two second light sources (101) capable of emitting a second light beam; two light guides (110.1; 110.2), each light guide being respectively associated with a second light source and configured to guide the second light beam; characterized in that the plurality of second components and the plurality of first components have at least two components in common, said at least two components in common being the reflector and the support of the first light source, and in that the reflector (214; 314) comprises a first reflective surface (218; 318) capable of reflecting the first light beam and a second reflective surface (221.1; 321.1) arranged facing one of the light guides (110.1) of the second assembly, and in that the support (212; 213) of the first light source (211) comprises a third reflective surface (221.2) facing the other light guide (110.2) of the second assembly.

2. Light module according to claim 1, wherein the reflector (314) comprises a first reflective surface (318) capable of reflecting the first light beam and wherein the optical system comprises a projection lens (316) configured to form an image of the first reflective surface when projecting the first light beam outside the light module.

3. Light module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide (110.1; 110.2) comprises an exit face (113) oriented towards the outside of the module and a reflection face (112) capable of reflecting a portion of the second light beam towards the exit face, wherein the common component comprises a diffusing or reflective surface (221.1; 221.2; 321.1) arranged facing the reflection face of the light guide.

4. Light module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the common component comprises a cavity shaped to receive the light guide (110.1; 110.2).

5. Light module according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the diffusing or reflective surface (221.1; 221.2; 321.1) is in said cavity.

6. Light module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two light guides (110.1; 110.2) are arranged on either side of the optical system (216; 316) of the first assembly.

7. Light module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reflector (214, 314) and / or the support (213) of the first light source is configured to allow a portion of the second light beam to reach the first assembly (210; 310) so as to illuminate the optical system (216; 316).

8. Light module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second assembly further comprises at least one diffusing screen (222.1; 222.2) capable of diffusing at least a portion of the light beam guided by the light guide (110.1; 110.2) towards the outside of the light module (200; 300).