Lighting device for lighting for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting module for the illumination and / or signaling of a motor vehicle, comprising first means (1) generating a first beam (F1) with a cutoff to form a dipped beam, and second means (2) generating at least two selectively activatable light segments (30) that form a second beam (F2) complementary to the first beam (F1) with a cutoff when activated simultaneously, to form a main beam. The second means (2) comprise at least one optical guide (10) incorporating a cutoff wall (20) provided with a reflective face (19) arranged opposite the first means (1). Said reflective face (19) forms a shield (8) providing at least a portion of the cutoff for the first beam (F1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle.

[0002] A motor vehicle is equipped with headlamps, or headlights, intended to illuminate the road in front of the vehicle, at night or in reduced light conditions. These headlamps can generally be used in two lighting modes: a first "high beam" mode and a second "low beam" mode. The "high beam" mode allows the road to be brightly illuminated far in front of the vehicle. The "low beam" mode provides more limited illumination of the road, but still offers good visibility, without dazzling other road users. These two lighting modes are complementary, and one switches from one to the other depending on traffic conditions. Switching from one mode to the other can be done manually, the driver deciding when to switch, or it can be done automatically, depending on the detection by appropriate means of conditions required for such a change of lighting mode.

[0003] For switching from "low beam" to "high beam", headlights are known in which a light module integrates a movable mechanical element, designed to participate in the formation of a particular beam at the request of the driver or the associated control system. Document DE 10 2006 042 749 discloses a lighting device for a vehicle headlight comprising an LED light source, an elliptical type reflector in a half-space with two foci. The LED source is placed at the first focus of the reflector close to the latter. The light emitted by the LED source is reflected by the reflector towards its second focus where a reflective surface called a folding surface is positioned. This reflective surface has an edge on the reflector side and an edge on the side opposite the reflector. These edges are called "cut-off edges".Part of the light beam reflected by the reflector hits the reflecting surface and is reflected at its angle of incidence on the surface. Another part of the light beam passes beyond the cut-off edge(s) and is not deflected by the reflecting surface. The cut-off edge thus defines a boundary between the reflected and therefore deflected part of the beam and the unreflected part. A lens is positioned behind the reflecting surface so that its focus corresponds to that of the elliptical reflector. The reflecting surface with its cut-off edge(s) is called a bending element because it bends or "bends" part of the beam to form a cut-off in the beam emitted by the lens. The bending element is movable along an axis parallel to the optical axis of the reflector. This mobility allows the "high beam" or "high beam" function and the "low beam" or "low beam" function to be performed.It is understandable that projectors of this type involve internal mechanics in the module which require great precision and which induce a significant manufacturing cost. Other devices are known from EP 2 390 561 A1, WO 2013 / 075157 A1, EP 1 500 869 A1, EP 2 159 481 A1.

[0004] Furthermore, there is a need in the automotive field to be able to illuminate the road ahead in "partial road lighting mode", namely to generate in a main beam one or more dark areas corresponding to the locations where there are oncoming vehicles or vehicles driving in front, so as to avoid dazzling other drivers while illuminating the road in its largest area. Such a function is called ADB (Adaptive Driving Beam in English) or "selective beam". Such an ADB function is intended to automatically detect a road user likely to be dazzled by a lighting beam emitted in main beam mode by a headlight, and to modify the contour of this lighting beam so as to create a shadow zone at the location where the detected user is located.The advantages of the ADB function are numerous: ease of use, better visibility compared to low beam mode, better reliability when changing modes, significantly reduced risk of glare, safer driving.

[0005] The invention falls within this dual context of the presence of a "selective beam" function on the one hand, and a complementarity of "low beam" and "high beam" mode on the other hand, the invention having the objective of proposing an optical device which improves existing devices, at least with regard to ease of assembly, cost and size, efficiency over time, and which offers lighting and / or signaling functions at least as efficient as previously.

[0006] The invention therefore relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle according to claim 1. In this device, first means are arranged to produce a first cut-off beam and second means are arranged to produce at least two selectively activatable light segments. The light segments form a second beam complementary to the first cut-off beam when they are activated simultaneously.

[0007] The light module is thus capable of producing either a dipped beam from the first cut-off beam generated by the first means, or a main beam from both the first cut-off beam and the second beam generated by the second means. In addition, such a main beam can be selective, as required, by activating and extinguishing the plurality of different light sources included in the second means.

[0008] According to the invention, attention is paid to the arrangement and mounting inside the light module of a member for performing the cut-off of the first beam. In particular, the member for performing the cut-off is integrated into an optical guide which comprises the second means and from which the light segments originate to form the second complementary beam, thereby limiting the size likely to disturb the escape of the light segments forming the second beam. It is more specifically proposed by the present invention to provide a reflective face on the surface of a wall of the light guiding members of the optical guide to form the cut-off member.

[0009] The guide members incorporate a cut-off wall provided with a reflective face arranged opposite the first means and which forms a cover carrying out at least part of the cut-off of the first beam.

[0010] The concept of a second beam complementary to the first cut-off beam is understood to mean in particular a second beam which extends mainly above the cut-off of the first beam, with the cut-off of the first beam being an upper cut-off, for example of the crossing type, and the second beam having a lower cut-off. It may be provided that the lower cut-off is superimposed on the upper cut-off so that the second beam is joined to the first beam, or it may be provided that the lower cut-off of the second beam extends below the upper cut-off of the first beam so that a lower part of the second beam covers an upper part of the first beam.

[0011] Thus, a stationary installation of a member for producing the cut-off with a reflective surface is achieved, by placing it on the surface of optical guides that comprise the second means, and a simplification of the structure of the light module both with regard to the number of mechanical parts that it comprises and with regard to the methods of installation of these mechanical parts, in particular the cover producing the cut-off of the first beam. And it is advantageously ensured that there is no escape of the light segments between the exit edge of the guide members and the cover.

[0012] The module comprises general means for controlling the implementation of the first cut-off beam and / or the second complementary beam. It is understood that the first beam can advantageously constitute a dipped beam, and that the combination of the second beam and the first beam can advantageously constitute a high beam.

[0013] According to various features of the invention, taken alone or in combination, it may be provided that the cut-off wall is for example arranged as a plate integrated with the guide members. According to the invention, all of the guide members and the cut-off wall form a single-piece assembly. The guide members and the cut-off wall are considered to be single-piece when their separation results in the destruction of one of the guides or the cut-off wall. In this case, it is understood that the guide members and the cut-off wall are the result of a single molding operation. The single-piece production, in a single piece, optimizes assembly operations, in particular by reducing the number of actions that one or more operators must perform in the prior art, and it makes it possible to minimize the risks of possible incorrect positioning of the guide members relative to the cover in the module due to the addition of manufacturing and assembly clearances.

[0014] Furthermore, the cut-off wall advantageously forms an intrinsic reinforcing member for the guide members, ensuring that they remain in shape. In addition, the cut-off wall can be used for mounting the optical guide inside the light module.

[0015] The light module has an optical axis and the longitudinal and transverse terms used subsequently are defined in relation to this optical axis. Longitudinal is understood to mean the direction extending along this optical axis, and transverse is understood to mean the direction perpendicular to the optical axis, and parallel to the cut-off of the first beam. Furthermore, the terms front and rear are defined in relation to the main path direction of the light rays in the module, from the light source to the module exit.

[0016] According to the invention, the reflecting face extends longitudinally from a front edge of the optical wall of the optical guide forming the cut-off edge of the first beam towards the rear. In this case, the reflecting face can extend perpendicular to a general extension plane of the output face of the guide members. Near the thickness of the reflecting face, the cut-off edge of the first beam and the output edge of the guide members are advantageously merged.

[0017] It is understood that according to optical and practical implementation considerations, the reflective face may indifferently cover in whole or in part a surface of the cut-off wall oriented towards the outside of the guide members in the direction of the first means. The reflective face extends transversely, potentially along a strip, for information purposes at least 5 mm wide in the direction of the first means, said strip extending along the cut-off edge of the first beam.

[0018] According to the invention, the cut-off wall is a wall of the guide members specifically dedicated to the formation of the cover. Where appropriate, the cut-off wall may be part of a plate extending mainly at a distance from the guide members, and it may be provided that the front portion of this plate is joined to a front part of the guide members, for example by being integral with this front part of the guide members.

[0019] The cut-off wall, which may in particular be generally flat, extends partially at a distance from at least one upper wall delimiting the path of the rays deflected in the guide members. This first reflection wall of the guide members is potentially flat or curved.

[0020] According to various characteristics not covered by the invention, it can be provided that the cut-off wall comprises a first flat part comprising the reflective face and a second part arranged as an extension of the first part of the cut-off wall, said second part forming the zone for guiding the light rays inside the guide members; the zone for guiding the light rays can be formed by an internal face of the cut-off wall opposite the reflective face, this reflective face being formed by an external face of the cut-off wall; the zone for guiding the light rays can be oriented along a general plane intersecting the plane of extension of the reflective face.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the module comprises a device for projecting the first beam and the second beam, this projection device being jointly associated with the first and second means, and the reflecting face is arranged substantially perpendicular to the focal plane and in the focal axis of the optical projection device.

[0022] The projection device may consist of a lens arranged longitudinally in front of the first and second means, or may have other arrangements with one or more lenses and / or one or more reflectors.

[0023] The reflective face is advantageously formed from a reflective coating provided on the guide members. Such a reflective coating is either added or injected onto an external face of the cut-off wall. For example, such a coating is produced from a metallization operation of the cut-off wall, such as aluminizing. Other techniques can be used to provide the reflective face on the surface of the cut-off wall at lower cost.

[0024] The second means comprise light sources respectively assigned to each of the guide members. An input face of the guide members receives the light respectively produced by the light sources of the second means, respectively arranged opposite the input face of the guide members.

[0025] According to a series of characteristics, the second means may comprise at least one reflector arranged between the light sources and the entry face of the guide members, each reflector being advantageously associated with one of the light sources to deflect the rays emitted towards the entry face of one of the guide members.

[0026] At least one light source of the first means and the light sources of the second means may advantageously be mounted on a common support, respectively on opposite faces of said common support.

[0027] It should be noted that the cut-off wall, in particular arranged in a plate, can advantageously constitute a member for mounting the guide members on a chassis of the light module housing the first means and the second means.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the cut-off wall extends at least partly overhanging the light guides when the light module is arranged in the motor vehicle headlight.

[0029] According to other characteristics relating to the first means, it can be provided that: the first means comprise in particular at least one light source and at least one reflector of the light produced by said at least one light source of the first means; said at least one reflector of the first means advantageously directs the light produced by said at least one light source of the first means, towards said lens for projecting the first beam and the second beam out of the light module; the reflector 7 may in particular be of the elliptical type and comprise two foci, an optical axis and a substantially elliptical internal reflecting surface; the light source emits the majority of its light energy towards the internal reflecting face, being arranged in the vicinity of the first focus of the reflector, and the first means are arranged so that the second focus of the reflector is included in, or at least in the vicinity of the focal plane of the optical projection device;according to the direction of propagation of the light produced by said at least one light source of the first means, the guide members and the reflective face of the rays which they carry are in particular interposed between, on the one hand the assembly comprising said at least one light source and said at least one reflector of the first means, and on the other hand said device for projecting the first beam and the second beam out of the light module; the light source of the first means is mounted on a generally flat support oriented parallel to the reflective face. This support may in particular be formed of a printed card on which is typically mounted at least one light-emitting diode forming the light source of the first means. Such a printed card further integrates the circuits for supplying electrical energy to said at least one light-emitting diode, as well as the control circuits causing its activation;said support of the light source of the first means and the reflecting face are arranged in coplanar planes. Said coplanar planes preferably extend along the focal axis of the lens, perpendicular to the focal plane of the lens. ;

[0030] It is advantageously provided that each of the light sources, the first means and the second means, is notably formed of at least one light-emitting diode, but it will be understood that other types of light sources could be used.

[0031] The general control means comprise a first control means selectively controlling on the one hand the projection of the first cut-off beam forming a dipped beam generated by a first sub-module, and on the other hand the projection of a beam forming a main beam generated jointly by said first sub-module generating the first cut-off beam and by a second sub-module generating the second beam complementary to the first cut-off beam.

[0032] These general control means may further comprise a second control means for selectively activating at least one light source from among a plurality of light sources of the second means, in order to control the selectivity of the main beam, i.e. the ability to obscure certain parts of the main beam beam so as not to dazzle other road users.

[0033] It may be provided that the first sub-module comprises in particular, at least said at least one light source of the first means, at least one reflector of the first means directing the light produced by the light source of the first means towards a projection device, and at least the reflective face provided on the surface of the cut-off wall integrated into the guide members which the second means comprise.

[0034] And it may be provided that the second sub-module comprises in particular a plurality of light sources of the second means, to which light sources of the second means are respectively assigned the guide members, at least one reflector possibly being interposed between the light sources of the second means and the guide members which are respectively assigned to them.

[0035] The first sub-module and the second sub-module are preferably arranged on either side of an installation plane oriented perpendicular to the focal plane of the projection device, in particular a lens, and along the focal axis of the lens.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the lighting device houses the light module via a chassis on which are jointly mounted at least the first sub-module, composing the first means, and the second sub-module composing the second means.

[0037] The guide members are equipped with a cradle for mounting the guide members on the chassis. The chassis also carries a first support for the light source of the first means and a second support for the plurality of light sources of the second means, it being understood that the first support and the second support may advantageously be comprised, or included, in the same common support integrating the circuits for supplying electrical energy and for controlling the selective activation of the light sources. Such a common support advantageously supports the light source of the first means on a first face and, on a second face opposite the first face, the light sources of the second means.

[0038] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below for information purposes, in relation to drawings of the attached plates in which: there figure 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a lighting and / or signaling device according to the present invention; figure 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a lighting and / or signaling device according to the present invention; figures 3 et 4 are illustrations of an example of the production of an optical guide equipping the lighting devices shown in the figures 1 et 2 , the optical guide being represented in perspective on the figure 3 and seen from below on the figure 4 ; and the figure 5 is composed of different diagrams (a) to (e), of which diagrams (a) and (b) illustrate in profile various respective examples of embodiment of an optical guide capable of equipping a lighting device in accordance with the present invention. Diagrams (c), (d) and (e) do not form part of the invention.

[0039] In order to simplify the reading of the description which will be made of the invention, the common elements represented in the different figures are respectively identified in the descriptions specific to these figures with the same reference numbers, without implying their individual representation in each of the figures.

[0040] In the following description, a longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientation will be adopted, without limitation, according to the orientation traditionally used in automobiles and indicated by the trihedron L, V, T shown in the figures.

[0041] It has been illustrated on the figures 1 et 2 two embodiments of a lighting and / or signaling module.

[0042] We will first describe the module illustrated in the figure 1 . A light module for lighting and / or signaling a motor vehicle comprises, according to the invention, first means 1 arranged to produce a first cut-off beam F1, second means 2 arranged to produce a second beam F2 complementary to the first cut-off beam, when the first means and the second means are activated simultaneously and an optical projection device 3 arranged on the path of these beams, at the output of the module.

[0043] An example of a projection device is illustrated in the figure. This is a lens 4 arranged longitudinally downstream of the first and second means. It is understood that the projection device may have other forms known elsewhere, and for example be made up of one or more lenses and / or one or more reflectors.

[0044] The module further comprises general means 5 for controlling the implementation of the first cut-off beam F1 and / or the second complementary beam F2. It is understood that the first beam F1 constitutes a dipped beam, and that the combination of the second beam F2 and the first beam F1 constitutes a main beam.

[0045] The projection device has a focal plane Pf, represented by dotted lines in some of the figures and the position of the different elements of the projection device is precisely determined to obtain reliable positioning of this focal plane. In particular, the first means 1 and the second means 2 are respectively distributed on either side of the focal axis A of the projection device 3 and more particularly of the lens 4. To specify if necessary, said focal axis A extends along the longitudinal direction of extension of the light module.

[0046] The first means and the second means are, in the orientation of the module illustrated in the figures, arranged one above the other, respectively forming a first sub-module and a second sub-module arranged in the same housing of the module, and each comprising at least one light source.

[0047] The first sub-module comprises at least one first light source 6, at least one first reflector 7 forming a means of optical deflection of the rays emitted by the first light source 6 and a cover 8 for cutting off these rays deflected towards the projection device 3.

[0048] The second sub-module comprises at least one second light source 9 and at least one optical guide 10 respectively directing the light generated by the at least one second light source 9 towards the projection device 3. As will be specified below, one or more second light sources may be provided and an optical guide 10 is provided for each of the second light sources. The optical guide(s) 10 are arranged to cooperate with the second light source(s) 9 so as to form images of these sources at the focal plane Pf of the optical projection device 3, so that these images can be projected by the projection device at the output of the module.

[0049] The general control means 5 comprise a first control means 11, for selectively controlling the production of the first beam F1 alone or of the two combined beams F1 and F2 according to the detected traffic conditions. Such a first control means 11 is in particular activated by a manual control member 12 operable by the driver of the vehicle and / or by at least one automatic control member 13. The activation of the automatic control member 13 conventionally depends on predefined parameters, such as in particular the detection of a third-party vehicle in the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0050] In the illustrated embodiment, three second light sources 9 are provided, in order to be able to play on the lighting of one or the other to produce a selective beam as will be described below. In this context, it may be provided that the second light sources 9 are two in number, or greater than three in number. However, it should be noted that in the invention as it will continue to be described, the production of a selective beam is not obligatory so that the second sub-module could comprise a single light source and a single associated light guide.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the optical guide consists of a plurality of light guide members 10 which have a section, in the focal plane Pf of the projection device 3, such that the images projected by the projection device at the output of the module are substantially segments whose association forms the second light beam F2. It is understood that each beam portion segment is obtained by the cooperation of a second light source 9 and an associated optical guide 10. Hereinafter, we will speak indifferently of optical guide or guide members.

[0052] In the case of a second sub-module producing a second selective beam, in fact comprising more than one light source, the general control means 5 also comprise a second control means 14, for selectively activating the various second light sources 9 of the second means 2, individually or in combination. Such a second control means 14 can for example be activated by a means 15 for detecting the presence of a user of the traffic lane who may be hindered by the main beam produced, such as the driver of a vehicle passing the vehicle equipped with at least one light module according to the invention.

[0053] As illustrated in the figure, the light sources 6 and 9, respectively assigned to the first means 1 generating the first beam F1 and to the second means 2 generating the second beam F2, are installed on a common mounting support 16 and 17 inside the lighting and / or signaling device.

[0054] The common support advantageously forms a means of thermal cooling of the light sources that it carries. The support here takes the form of a first printed card 16, on which is mounted a light-emitting diode forming the first light source 6, and of a second printed circuit board 17, forming a fallen edge extending the end of the first printed circuit board facing the optical projection device 3 and on which are mounted the light-emitting diodes forming the second light sources 9. These printed circuit boards integrate circuits for supplying electrical energy to the diodes as well as the control circuits causing their activation.

[0055] As seen on the figure 1 , the first light source 6 is overlooked by the first reflector 7, which is capable of deflecting the rays emitted by the source towards the projection device 3, and the cover 8 which ensures the cutting of the rays deflected by the first reflector 7 is arranged between the first reflector and the projection device.

[0056] The first reflector 7 is of the elliptical type. It comprises two foci, an optical axis and a substantially elliptical internal reflecting surface. The first light source 6 emits the majority of its light energy towards the internal reflecting face and it is arranged in the vicinity of the first focus of the first reflector 7. The entire first sub-module is arranged so that the second focus is included in the focal plane Pf of the optical projection device 3, it being understood that it could be, without departing from the context of the invention, substantially in the vicinity of this focal plane.

[0057] The cover 8 ensures at least in part the cutting of the rays deflected by the first reflector, so that the rays which could cut the optical axis A upstream of the focal plane Pf, and therefore exit the lens pointing upwards, are blocked, or cut, and that only rays allowing the production of a first beam F1 conforming to a dipped beam are directed towards the lens 4.

[0058] Advantageously, the cover 8 has a face 19, facing the side of the first sub-module, which is reflective. The rays which must intersect the optical axis A upstream of the focal plane Pf are then reflected, as can be illustrated by the bold line of the figure 1 , towards the lens 4, with an angle of incidence such that they exit the lens pointing downwards. This increases the photometric quantity without losing the quality of the non-dazzling beam of the dipped beam type.

[0059] According to the invention, this reflective face 19 of the cover 8 is the upper face of a cut-off wall 20 which the guide members 10 of the second means 2 intrinsically comprise. In this way, it is understood that the reflective face 19 is carried by the guide members 10 and oriented towards the outside of the latter, in the direction of the first means 1.

[0060] If the reflective face 19 can be provided over the entire longitudinal and / or transverse dimension (as illustrated in broken lines on the figure 1 ), it is understood that it can be arranged only along a strip 21 extending along a cutting edge 22 of the cutting wall 20, as illustrated in continuous lines this time on the figure 1 .

[0061] The strip 21 may in particular have a width, in the longitudinal direction parallel to the focal axis A of the projection device 3, of an indicative value of the order of 5 mm. It is quite obvious that such a width may be adapted and in particular increased to take into account the mounting clearances of the sub-modules and ensure the reflection of rays not coming exactly at the second focus of the reflector, or reduced to optimize the quantity of reflective material used.

[0062] The reflecting face 19 corresponds to the external face of an upper wall of the guide, so as to extend in a plane P1 substantially parallel to the horizontal plane comprising the focal axis A of the projection device 3.

[0063] The cut-off edge 22 extends lengthwise in the transverse direction, in the vicinity of the focal plane Pf. The cut-off edge 22 coincides, at the thickness close to the reflecting face, with an exit edge 23 of an exit face 24 of the guide members 10 through which the light segments forming the second beam F2 escape.

[0064] Even if this is not shown, it is understood that the cutting edge 22 of the cover 8 may have a curved profile, in particular by having a step shape substantially in the center of the cutting edge. The cutting edge is thus composed of two distinct parts vertically offset from each other, and an inclined plane, for example of 15° or 45°, then connects them to form said step.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiments, the output face 24 of the guide members 10 is generally oriented along a plane P2 substantially parallel to, or even and preferably coincident with, the focal plane Pf of the projection device 3. Said output face 24 is for example of a flat conformation, or alternatively for example still of a curved conformation with respect to the plane P2 of general extension of the output face 24 of the guide members 10.

[0066] The guide members 10 and the cut-off wall 20 advantageously form a single-piece assembly facilitating the precise, reliable and long-lasting positioning of the guide members 10, and consequently of the reflective face 19, inside the lighting and / or signaling module.

[0067] Such positioning can be easily achieved by a fixed and robust mounting, on a chassis of the light module, of the light guides 10 and consequently of the reflective face 19 forming the cover 8 performing the cut-off of the first beam F1. As illustrated, the guide members 10 integrating the cut-off wall 20 can be mounted on the chassis by means of a cradle 26 for supporting the guide members 10. As a variant, in isolation or in combination with the preceding arrangements, the mounting of the guide members 10 on the chassis can be carried out by means of the cut-off wall.

[0068] As seen on the figures 3 et 4 , the guide members 10 are arranged in a transverse series perpendicular to the emission axis of the rays at the output of the module, and they are arranged in a fan-shaped arrangement. Fan-shaped arrangement is understood to mean an arrangement according to which the respective downstream ends of the guide members, carrying the output faces 42, are glued against each other and the respective upstream ends, carrying the input faces 40, are spaced transversely from each other.

[0069] This fan-shaped arrangement is combined with the single-piece construction of the cut-off wall and the guide members. It is understood that the cut-off wall extends mainly, or at least it is connected to the guides, at the level of the respective downstream ends of the guide members.

[0070] THE figures 1 et 2 illustrate various respective examples of arrangement of the optical members composing the second means 2 generating the second beam F2.

[0071] There figure 2 differs from the first embodiment previously described with regard to the arrangement of the second sub-module, and in particular with regard to the presence of at least one reflector between a second light source 9 and the entry face 27 of an optical guide 10.

[0072] In fact, the second light sources 9 are mounted on the same support 18 as the first light source 6, respectively on one or other of the opposite faces of this common support, in particular formed from a printed circuit board as previously described.

[0073] The second sub-module therefore comprises at least one additional reflector 28 interposed between the second light sources 9 and the entry face 27 of the guide members 10 respectively assigned to the second light sources 9. As could be described in the first embodiment, it is possible to provide for a single second light source to emit rays in the direction of a single reflector so that the rays penetrate into a single optical guide 10, and advantageously a transverse series of second light sources, a transverse series of additional reflectors and a transverse series of guide members will be provided, with an optical guide associated with an additional reflector and a second light source.

[0074] The annex reflector 28 is of the elliptical type and it comprises two foci, an optical axis and a substantially elliptical internal reflecting surface. The second light source 9 associated with the annex reflector 28 emits the majority of its light energy towards the internal reflecting face and it is arranged in the vicinity of the first focus of the annex reflector. The entire second sub-module is arranged so that the second focus is substantially included in the plane of the entry face of the associated optical guide 10.

[0075] We will now describe in more detail the guide members 10, specific according to the invention in that they provide on the one hand the guidance of light for the production of a beam and in that they are integral with a cut-off wall 20 of another beam. We refer in particular to figures 3 et 4 in which the guide members 10 are respectively illustrated in perspective and in bottom view, and in figure 5 in which different variants of guide shapes are represented.

[0076] Each optical guide 10 has an input face 27 and an output face 24 so as to guide the light from the input face to the output face and it is made of a material allowing this propagation, of the polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), silicone or glass type. Each optical guide 10 further comprises an upper face 29 and a reflection face 30 which extend between the ends of the input face and the output face, the reflection face 30 being turned away from the cover while the upper face 29 is turned towards the cover 20.

[0077] On the figures 3 et 4 , the second light sources 9 (9a, 9b, 9c) are also shown as a reminder according to the embodiment of the lighting and / or signaling device shown in the figure 1 As illustrated, the second light sources 9 (9a, 9b, 9c) are respectively assigned to the different guide members 10 (10a, 10b, 10c) integral with the cut-off wall 20, with which cut-off wall 20 the guide members 10 form said single-piece assembly.

[0078] We will note more particularly on the figure 3 as well as on diagrams (b), (c) and (d) of the figure 5 , that the reflective face 19 is arranged in a strip 21, formed by a coating of the surface of the cut-off wall 20 oriented towards the outside of the guide members 10. As a reminder, said strip 21 extends along the cut-off edge 22 of the cut-off wall 20, substantially merged with the exit edge 23 of the exit face 24 of the guide members 10, in the transverse direction. As has been specified, a variant is possible and illustrated in diagram (a) of the figure 5 , in which the reflective face 19 is formed from a coating provided over the entire surface of the cut-off wall 20 facing towards the outside of the guide members 10.

[0079] Variations are also possible regarding the shape of the exit face. On the figures 3 et 4 , and on diagrams (a) and (d) of the figure 5 , the output face 24 of the guide members 10 is flat, being oriented perpendicular to the cutting wall 20, while in diagrams (b) and (c) of the figure 5 , the output face 24 of the guide members 10 is curved while being oriented in its general plane of extension perpendicular to the cutting wall 20.

[0080] It is understood that the convexity of the curved conformation of the exit face 24 of the guide members 10 is oriented towards the outside of the guide members 10, and that the curvature of said exit face 24 is adapted so as not to obstruct the passage of the first cut-off beam F1 towards the projection device 3 and in particular the lens 4, not shown in the diagrams of the figure 5 .

[0081] On the figure 3 and on diagrams (a) and (b) of the figure 5 , the guide has been shown according to a first series of alternative embodiments, in which it is provided that the cut-off wall 20 is formed by integrating a plate 20' with the guide members. The plate 20' extends in a horizontal plane under which, with reference to the vertical arrangement resulting from the installation of the light module in a vehicle headlight, the guide members extend. The plate 20' has a proximal end which is formed in the continuity of the proximal end of the guide members carrying the output faces, and a distal end which extends partially at a distance d from the upper face 29 of the guide members 10, and more specifically to the rear of the guide members 10 in their longitudinal direction. Said upper face 29 is a face of the guide members 10 which can participate in guiding the light rays towards the output face 24.It is understood that in this case, the cut-off wall 20 is specifically dedicated to the formation of the cache 8 providing the cut-off of the first beam F1.

[0082] In a second series of variant embodiments not covered by the invention, illustrated this time in diagrams (c), (d) and (e) of the figure 5 , the cut-off wall 20 is produced in the longitudinal continuity of the upper face 29 of the guide members 10. It can therefore be understood that the cut-off wall participates on the one hand, by its face external to the guides, in the formation of the cut-off of the first beam F1, and on the other hand, by its face internal to the guides, in the routing of the light rays through the guide members 10 and towards their exit face 24. It should be noted that such arrangements are independent of the flat conformation (visible in diagram (d)) or curved (visible in diagrams (c) or (e)) of the exit wall 24 of the guide members 10.

[0083] More particularly, the cut-off wall 20 may comprise a first planar part 31 comprising the reflective face 19 and which is extended towards the rear, in the longitudinal direction of the guide members 10, by a second part 32 making the connection with the upper face 29 of the guide. This second part 32 is in particular oriented along a general plane P3 intersecting the plane P1 of extension of the first part 31. It should be noted that the second part 32 of the cut-off wall 20 is potentially of planar conformation or of elliptical conformation whose concavity is oriented towards the interior of the guide members 10, such as in the illustrated embodiments.

[0084] It is clear from what has just been described that the integration of the cover in a wall integral with the guide members offers ease in producing the parts and that this no longer requires, as in the prior art, a curved shape of the upper face of the guide that is particularly pronounced due to the clearance angle that the cover placed above the guides had to have.

[0085] According to the invention, the upper face 29 may be substantially planar, as illustrated in diagrams (a) and (b) of the figure 5 , or it may have a slight curvature (diagrams (c) and (d)), it being noted that in all cases, the direct path of a light ray (illustrated in dotted lines in diagrams (a) to (d)) between the center of the entry face 27 and the exit edge 23 arranged substantially at the object focal point of the lens 4 is not hindered by the presence of this upper wall. This optimizes the transmission of these direct rays which make it possible to obtain a beam at the exit of the lens with high light intensity and with limited chromatic aberrations.

[0086] More specifically, it has been illustrated in diagram (e) of the figure 5 a form of optical guide which stands out more strongly from what may exist elsewhere. In particular, the upper face 29 has a substantially elliptical shape in a longitudinal and vertical section plane of the guide. In this variant embodiment, the elliptical shape of the upper face is such that a first focus is centered on the input face 27 of the optical guide and a second focus is centered on the output edge 23 of the output face 24. As has been specified previously, it is important to concentrate a maximum of rays at this output edge and it is notable that the ellipsoidal reflector shape of the upper face makes it possible to achieve this.

[0087] In this specific form of diagram (e), it can also be noted that the exit face is widened so as to extend vertically over a greater height below the cut-off edge, and that the reflection face 30 is flattened, so as to easily control the production of light rays over a significant height in the focal plane of the projection device and the resulting creation of large light segments, it being understood that it is appropriate, as previously described, for the majority of the rays to arrive on the exit face at the exit edge 23.

[0088] We will note on the different diagrams of the figure 5that the provisions of the present invention make it possible to arrange the cut-off edge 22 and the exit edge 23 in a merged manner, up to the thickness of the coating forming the reflective face 19 of the guide members 10. Such a coating, as produced by metallization of said surface of the cut-off wall 20 oriented towards the outside of the guide members 10, gives the structure of the cover 8 a very small thickness which has little or no influence on the arrangement according to which the cut-off edge 22 and the exit edge 23 are merged into the same edge of the guide members 10.

[0089] In this context, the cut-off edge 22 and the exit edge 23 can be rigorously positioned fixed inside the light module, extending perpendicularly along the focal plane Pf and in the focal axis A of the projection device 3 and in particular of the lens 4.

[0090] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set itself and in particular to propose a lighting device which makes it possible to combine in the same module the function of a non-dazzling main beam light with a dipped beam function.

Claims

1. Luminous device for an automotive vehicle comprising a luminous module, said luminous module comprising: - first means (1) arranged to produce a cutoff-containing first beam (F1) from at least a first light source (6) and - second means (2) arranged to form a second beam (F2) complementary to the cutoff-containing first beam (F1) when they are activated simultaneously, the second means (2) comprising a plurality of second light sources (9) and at least one optical guide (10) for forming the second complementary beam, the at least one optical guide (10) incorporating a cutoff-defining wall (20) provided with a reflective face (19) placed facing the first means (1), said reflective face (19) forming a shield (8) producing at least one portion of the cutoff of the first beam (F1); in which the second means (2) are arranged to produce at least two selectively activatable luminous segments (30) so as to form said second beam (F2) complementary to the cutoff-containing first beam (F1) when they are activated simultaneously, the at least one optical guide (10) comprising members for guiding conduction of light, from which the luminous segments originate, the guiding members and said cutoff-defining wall (20) forming an assembly of integral construction; each luminous segment of the complementary second beam being obtained via interaction of a second light source (9) with a guiding member (10) associated therewith so that an entrance face (27) of said guiding member (10) receives the light respectively emitted by said second light source (9), in which the reflective face (19) lies flush with an exit edge (23) of the guiding members (10), which is located on the border of the cutoff-defining wall (20), said exit edge (23) extending conjointly along the cutoff-defining wall (20) and along an exit face (24) of the guiding members (10), the reflective face (19) extending longitudinally from a front edge of the cutoff-defining wall of the at least one optical guide (10) forming a cutoff-defining edge (22) for the first beam (F1) rearwards, characterized in that the cutoff-defining wall (20) is a wall of at least one optical guide (10) specifically dedicated to the formation of the shield (8), and in that the cutoff-defining wall (20) lies partially at distance (d) from at least one upper wall (29) of the guiding members(10) .

2. Luminous device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutoff-defining wall (20) forms a plate (20') integrated into the guiding members (10).

3. Luminous device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a device for projecting the first beam (F1) and second beam (F2), this projecting device being associated conjointly with the first and second means, the reflective face (19) being placed substantially perpendicular to the focal plane (Pf) and on the focal axis (A) of said projecting device (3) .

4. Luminous device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutoff-defining wall (20) forms a member for mounting the one or more light guides (10) on a frame of the luminous module housing the first means (1) and second means (2).

5. Luminous device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device further comprises means for projecting the first beam and second beam, and general control means comprising a first control means that selectively controls, on the one hand, projection of the cutoff-containing first beam forming a low beam generated by a first sub-module, and, on the other hand, projection of a beam forming a high beam generated conjointly by said first sub-module generating the cutoff-containing first beam and by a second sub-module generator of the second beam complementary to the cutoff-containing first beam, the general control means further comprising a second control means for controlling selective activation of at least one of the second light sources of the second means, in order to control the selectivity of the high beam.

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