Light module for a lighting device of a motor vehicle

The light module uses a diffusing screen to compensate for brightness loss by diffusing neighboring light sources' images, maintaining visibility and avoiding bulkiness, addressing safety and space constraints in automotive lighting.

EP4264124B1Active Publication Date: 2025-08-27VALEO VISION SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2021839986
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-12-18
Filing Date
2021-12-16
Publication Date
2025-08-27
Estimated Expiration
2041-12-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing automotive light modules experience a loss of brightness when one light source is deactivated, leading to reduced visibility and potential safety issues, and increasing the number of light sources to mitigate this makes the module bulky and unsuitable for vehicle integration.

Method used

A light module with a diffusing screen interposed between the optical projection system and collector, allowing light beams from neighboring sources to compensate for the loss of brightness by diffusing and projecting an inverted 'T' shaped image.

Benefits of technology

Compensates for brightness loss by using neighboring light sources' images diffused through a diffusing screen, maintaining visibility and avoiding bulkiness, thus ensuring consistent lighting performance without increasing module size.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (32) for a lighting device (30) of a motor vehicle, comprising: a plurality of first light sources; at least a first collector (32.11) having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light sources into a light beam; and an optical projection system (34) arranged to project the light beam, the optical system (34) including a first portion (32.12) arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector (32.11), the module being characterised in that it comprises a first diffusing screen (321.1) disposed between said portion (32.12) of the optical projection system (34) and the collector (32.11).
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Description

Technical field.

[0001] The invention relates to the field of lighting and light signaling, more particularly in the automotive field.

[0002] The invention relates to the technical field of lighting and light signaling. State of the art.

[0003] In the field of automotive lighting, it is generally known to use light modules comprising a light source, a collector with a reflective surface and a lens-type optical system. This type of light module makes it possible to project an image of the collector onto the road. The projected image corresponds to a substantially rectangular quadrilateral shape. It is customary to use a plurality of collectors and a plurality of light sources whose light beams are all projected onto the same optical system. A plurality of images corresponding to the number of collectors used is projected onto the road, in the form of a segmented light beam. This segmented light beam is generally combined with another light beam, on which it is superimposed.

[0004] However, this type of light module presents a major drawback for drivers of automobiles incorporating these said modules. Indeed, when one of the light sources is deactivated, for example to implement a non-glare lighting function or a dynamic cornering lighting function, the image of the corresponding collector is not projected onto the road. This results in a loss of brightness, at the level of the superposition between this image and the other light beam. This loss of brightness can be annoying for the driver since lower brightness can reduce his ability to see what is happening on the road and therefore lead to a loss of reflexes. If one wishes to mitigate this loss of brightness, for example, by increasing the number of light sources, the light module becomes bulky and cannot fit into the reduced space allocated to it in a lighting device integrated into the motor vehicle.

[0005] A light module of a motor vehicle lighting device is disclosed in document EP 3708904 A.

[0006] An objective of the invention is to propose a light module which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art. Presentation of the invention.

[0007] The subject of the invention is a light module of a motor vehicle lighting device, comprising a plurality of first light sources, at least one first collector comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light sources into a light beam and an optical projection system arranged to project said light beam; the optical system comprising a first portion arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector. The light module is remarkable in that it comprises a first diffusing screen interposed between said portion of the optical projection system and the collector.

[0008] The light module can, for example, participate in the realization of a regulatory dipped-beam lighting function. The optical system can be a lens, arranged at the front of the device, comprising several portions. The optical system can also be a reflector or a combination of one or more reflectors and one or more lenses. It is the projection system that allows the projection of the light beams emitted by the light sources onto the road. The light collector is arranged in line with the light sources, so as to collect the light beam produced by the light sources and send it to the optical system, itself adapted to project the light beam onto the road. The collector is made in such a way that its shape is reproduced on the road the reflection of the light that is projected onto it.

[0009] The first diffusing screen may have a front face, oriented towards the side of the first portion of the optical projection system, and a rear face, oriented towards the collector of the second light module. The rear face is oriented towards the collector of the light module; it is this face that receives the light beams returned by said collector of the light module. The front face of the first screen is oriented towards said optical system, that is to say, it is this face that projects the image of the collector onto the optical projection system. The front and rear faces of the first screen comprise a succession of concavities and convexities respectively. Each of the front and rear faces is provided with a plurality of tori. The first screen may produce a light beam having an inverted “T” shape. The inverted “T” shape may be formed by the horizontal diffusion of the light beam by the diffusing screen.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible to compensate for the loss of brightness, due to the extinction of one of the light sources, at the level of the superposition of the image of the first collector projected onto the road from the rays likely to be emitted by this source and another light beam, using the images generated by the first collector from the rays emitted by the neighboring light sources and diffused by the first diffusing screen.

[0011] Advantageously, each first light source is selectively activatable, and the light module comprises a control unit arranged to selectively control each of the first light sources.

[0012] Preferably, each light source is composed of a selectively activatable light-emitting diode. In this example, the control unit is arranged to selectively activate one or more or all of each of the light sources, for example according to instructions received from a computer included in the motor vehicle in which the light module is installed.

[0013] Advantageously, the first collector comprises a plurality of sectors, each sector being arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by at least one of the first light sources with which it is associated, said first portion of the optical system being arranged to form an image of each sector. It is thus understood that each sector defines, on its own, a portion of the light beam emitted by one of the modules.

[0014] The plurality of sectors of the collector may be arranged transversely to one another. The sectors have, for example, a truncated parabolic profile or, alternatively, a truncated elliptical profile. According to one example, a single light source is associated with each sector of the collector, i.e. the light module comprises as many light sources as there are sectors in the collector. Where appropriate, the light sources extend transversely to an optical axis of the projection optical system. For example, in the collector, two adjacent sectors may have a common lateral edge.

[0015] Each sector of the collector has a rear edge and the first portion of the optical system has a focus line located in the vicinity of the rear edges of said sectors of the collector so that the image of each sector formed by this portion has an upper cut-off formed by the rear edge of this sector. In particular, the term focus line located in the vicinity of the rear edges of the sectors means a focus line located at a distance from said rear edges which is less than 10 mm.

[0016] Advantageously, each sector of the first collector has a rear edge, a front edge and two lateral edges, and in which said first portion of the optical system has a focus line located in the vicinity of the rear edges of said sectors so that the image of each sector formed by this first portion has an upper cut-off formed by the rear edge of this sector and two lateral cut-offs each formed by at least a part of one of the lateral edges of this sector.

[0017] The shape of the collector determines the shape of the beam projected onto the road. The fact that the collector has an upper cut-off formed by the rear edge of the sector allows a precise cut-off line to be given to the projected light beam. The upper cut-off and the side cut-offs allow a light beam to be defined that is adapted to the shape of the collector.

[0018] Advantageously, the first diffusing screen is arranged to horizontally diffuse only a lower part of the image of each sector of the first collector formed by the first portion of the optical system.

[0019] The diffusing screen allows the horizontal diffusion of the light beam by projecting the image of each sector, thus forming a projected image having an inverted "T" shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the first diffusing screen is interposed between the portion of the projection optical system and the collector.

[0020] Advantageously, the first diffusing screen is arranged to intercept and deflect only light rays emitted by each first light source and reflected by an upper part of the sector of the first collector associated with this first light source.

[0021] For example, the first screen has an upper rim projecting from the remainder of the screen toward the collector, the first screen being arranged so that the upper rim abuts an upper edge of the collector. The rim may have a sinusoidal shape similar to the front and rear faces of the diffusing screen and may coincide with the upper front edge of the collector of the second light module.

[0022] Advantageously, the first diffusing screen is arranged to horizontally diffuse the entire image of each sector of the first collector formed by the first portion of the optical system.

[0023] The first diffusing screen may extend between an upper portion of the first collector and the portion of the optical system which has a focal line located in the vicinity of the rear edges of said sectors of said collector.

[0024] Where appropriate, the first diffusing screen may be arranged to intercept and deflect only light rays emitted by each first light source and reflected by an upper part of the sector of the collector associated with this first light source.

[0025] Advantageously, the first screen has a rear face, oriented towards the first collector, and a front face, oriented towards the first portion of the optical projection system, and in which the rear face and / or the front face is provided with diffusing patterns making it possible to blur the contours of the image of the collector projected onto the road.

[0026] The diffusing screen has a front face and a rear face, the two faces are of identical shapes. The rear face is oriented towards the first collector, it is this face which receives the light beams returned by said first collector. The front face of the screen is oriented towards said first portion of the optical system, that is to say it is this face which projects the image of the collector onto the optical projection system. The front and rear faces of the diffusing screen comprise a succession of concavities and convexities respectively. Each of the front and rear faces is provided with a plurality of tori.

[0027] Advantageously, the first screen has an upper edge projecting from the rest of this screen towards the first collector, the first screen being arranged so that this upper edge adjoins an upper edge of the first collector.

[0028] The rim may have a sinusoidal shape similar to the front and rear faces of the diffusing screen and may coincide with the upper front edge of the light module collector.

[0029] Advantageously, the first collector comprises at least one lateral fixing wing arranged at one end of its reflective surface, and in which the first screen comprises at least one lateral fixing member arranged to cooperate with the lateral fixing wing of the first collector.

[0030] The lateral fixing wing of the module collector is, for example, a slot. The lateral fixing member of the first screen is, for example, a pin or a lug. The pin or the lug of the screen is inserted into the slot of the collector in order to hold the first screen in position in front of the collector of the light module.

[0031] Advantageously, the light module comprises a support plate on which the first screen and the first collector are mounted.

[0032] The light sources, the first screen and the first collector are mounted on a common support, said support being a plate of a heat sink. The heat sink may comprise fins in continuity with the plate.

[0033] Advantageously, the light module comprises a first diaphragm arranged between the first screen and the first portion of the optical projection device.

[0034] The first diaphragm is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection optical system.

[0035] Advantageously, the light module comprises a first sub-module comprising said plurality of first light sources, the first collector, the first diffusing screen and said first portion of the optical projection system, and in that it comprises a second sub-module comprising a plurality of second light sources, a second collector comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the second light sources into a light beam, a second portion of the optical projection system arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the second collector, a second diffusing screen interposed between said second portion of the optical projection system and the second collector.

[0036] The collector of the first submodule and the collector of the second submodule may have twelve sectors. For example, the first screen and the second screen extend the entire length of the collector of the first submodule and the collector of the second submodule.

[0037] Advantageously, the two sub-modules are adjacent on the same horizontal line. Where appropriate, the collector of the first sub-module and the collector of the second sub-module may in particular be arranged in continuity with each other. The front and rear faces of the screen of the second module may have a sinusoidal profile. Indeed, the front face has a concavity at the collectors of the first sub-module and the second sub-module and has a convexity at the junction of the collector of the first sub-module and the collector of the second sub-module, that is to say at the meeting of the first screen and the second screen.

[0038] Advantageously, the first collector and the second collector form a single piece, in that the first screen and the second screen form a single piece and in that the optical projection system forms a single piece.

[0039] Advantageously, the light module comprises a separating wall arranged between the first and second sub-modules.

[0040] The dividing wall may be arranged parallel to the optical axis of the projection optical system. Alternatively or cumulatively, each sub-module comprises a diaphragm arranged between the screen and the projection optical system. For example, the diaphragm of the first sub-module and the diaphragm of the second sub-module form a single part called a diaphragm. According to one example, the dividing wall and the diaphragm may form a single part.

[0041] Advantageously, the first sub-module is arranged so that the images of the sectors of the first collector formed by the first portion of the optical projection system are superimposed and / or interlaced with the images of the sectors of the second collector formed by the second portion of the optical projection system.

[0042] The space between two adjacent images formed by the first sub-module is filled by an image formed by the second sub-module, thus forming a projection of light beams to avoid loss of brightness.

[0043] The invention also relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a light module according to one of the preceding claims. Brief description of the figures.

[0044] Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention are now described with the aid of examples which are purely illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the appended drawings, drawings in which the various figures represent: [ Fig. 1 ] represents, schematically and partially, a front perspective view of a lighting device according to an embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] represents, schematically and partially, another front perspective view of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ], in which the optical projection system has been removed; [ Fig. 3 ] represents, schematically and partially, a perspective view from above of a first light module of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ] ; [ Fig. 4 ] represents, schematically and partially, a perspective view from above of a second light module of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ] ; [ Fig. 5 ] represents, schematically and partially, a perspective view from above of a third light module of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ] ; [ Fig. 6 ] represents, schematically and partially, a sectional view of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ] ; [ Fig. 7 ] represents, schematically and partially, a rear perspective view of the second light module of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ] ; [ Fig. 8 ] represents, in projection on a vertical screen, an example of a light beam emitted by the first light module of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ]. [ Fig. 9 ] represents, in projection on a vertical screen, an example of a light beam emitted by the second light module of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ]. [ Fig. 10 ] represents, in projection on a vertical screen, an example of a light beam emitted by the third light module of the lighting device of the [ Fig. 1 ].

[0045] In the following description, elements which are identical, by structure or by function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references. Description of the embodiments.

[0046] We have represented in [ Fig. 1 ] a lighting device 30 of a vehicle. This lighting device 30 will be described in connection with the [ Fig. 2 ], [ Fig. 3 ], [ Fig. 4 ], [ Fig. 5 ], [ Fig. 6 ] And [ Fig. 7 ] which each represent a view of a part of this lighting device 30, and in connection with the [ Fig. 8], [Fig. 9 ] And [ Fig. 10 ] which each represent an example of a light beam capable of being emitted by this lighting device 30.

[0047] The lighting device 30 comprises three light modules 31, 32, 33 and has on its front face an optical projection lens 34. The lens 34 is formed from a single part common to the plurality of light modules 31, 32, 33 making it possible to project the light beams emitted by the plurality of light sources onto the road.

[0048] As shown in [ Fig. 2 ], the first light module 31 is positioned above the second light module 32, itself being positioned above the third light module 33. The first light module 31 comprises a first sub-module 31.1, called the central sub-module, and a second and a third sub-module 31.2 and 31.3, called the lateral sub-modules, aligned horizontally, so as to be adjacent to each other. The second light module 32, according to one embodiment of the invention, comprises a first sub-module 32.1 and a second sub-module 32.2 aligned horizontally, so as to be adjacent to each other. The third light module 33 comprises a first sub-module 33.1 called the central sub-module, a second sub-module 33.2 and a third sub-module 33.3, called the lateral sub-modules aligned horizontally, so as to be adjacent to each other. In each of the light modules 31, 32, 33, two adjacent sub-modules have a common lateral edge.

[0049] Each of the light sub-modules 31.1, 31.2 and 31.3 comprises at least one light source (not shown in the figures), a collector respectively 31.11, 31.21 and 31.31, comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by said at least one light source into a light beam.

[0050] As shown in [ Fig. 3 ], the collector 31.11 is divided into five sectors, and the light sub-module 31.1 comprises five light sources, each associated with one of these sectors. In the collector 31.11, two adjacent sectors have a common lateral edge. In the example described, the plurality of sectors of the collector 31.11 are arranged transversely to each other. The sectors have a truncated parabolic profile, each defining a cavity in which the light source is arranged.

[0051] The collectors 31.21 and 31.31 each comprise a single sector, and the sub-modules 31.2 and 31.3 each comprise a single light source (not shown) associated with the collector 31.21 and 31.31 respectively.

[0052] Each sector of the collectors 31.11, 31.21 and 31.31 is arranged so that it collects the light beam emitted by the light source and reflects it towards the optical system 34. More precisely, each collector 31.11, 31.21 and 31.31 of a light sub-module 31.1, 31.2 and 31.3 reflects this light beam towards a portion of the optical system 34, respectively 31.12, 31.22 and 31.32, considered as part of said light sub-module 31.1, 31.2 and 31.3. This portion of lens 31.12, 31.22 and 31.32 has a focus line, respectively f11, f12 and 13, passing through the rear edge of the collector 31.11, 31.21 and 31.31, so that this portion of lens projects the image of this collector onto the road.

[0053] In the example described, the first central sub-module 31.1 is thus arranged to form a light beam having a substantially flat upper cut-off, represented in [ Fig. 8 ]. Each of the second and third lateral sub-modules 31.2 and 31.3 is arranged to form a light beam also having a substantially flat upper cut-off and having a horizontal extent and a maximum light intensity lower than those of the beam capable of being emitted by the first central sub-module 31.1. These two beams are for example intended to supplement the beam capable of being emitted by the first central sub-module 31.1 for performing functions such as motorway lighting or long-range lighting.

[0054] The collector 31.11 is arranged between the collectors 31.21 and 31.31. The collectors 31.11, 31.21 and 31.31 are formed by the same first part 311, forming a cover of the lighting device 30, as shown in [ Fig. 1 ].

[0055] The first light module 31 comprises a first heat sink 312. The first heat sink 312 comprises a plate 312.1 serving as a common support for the plurality of light sources of the first light module 31 and comprises a plurality of heat dissipation fins 312.2. The first heat sink 312 comprises on its upper face pins 312.3 intended to come into abutment in recesses 311.1 of the cover 311 and allowing the indexing of the collectors 31.11, 31.21 and 31.31 with respect to the light sources.

[0056] The plate 312.1 comprises a plurality of blocking members 312.4, each having the shape of a triangular prism arranged in line with each of the light sources of the first module 31. The blocking members 312.4 are preferably covers making it possible to prevent direct light, known as parasitic light, from the light sources from passing through the optical system 34.

[0057] The rear part of the cover 311, opposite the fixing zone of the optical system 34, has a recess, shown in [ Fig. 3 ], in which the fins 312.2 of the first heat sink 312 are arranged.

[0058] Each of the light sub-modules 32.1 and 32.2 comprises at least one light source (not shown in the figures), a collector 32.11 and 32.21 respectively, comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by said at least one light source into a light beam and a first and a second diffusing screen 321.1, 321.2 interposed between said collector 32.11 and 32.21 and the optical projection system 34.

[0059] The collectors 32.11 and 32.21 are divided into twelve sectors. The light sub-modules 32.1, 32.2 comprise twelve light sources (not shown), each associated with one of these sectors. In the collectors 32.11 and 32.21, two adjacent sectors have a common lateral edge. In the example described, the plurality of sectors of the collectors 32.11 and 32.21 are arranged transversely to each other. The sectors have a truncated parabolic profile, each defining a cavity in which the light source is arranged. Each sector of the collectors 32.11 and 32.21 is arranged so as to collect the light beam emitted by the plurality of light sources and to reflect said beam towards the optical system 34. More precisely, each collector 32.11 and 32.21 of the light sub-modules 32.1 and 32.2 reflects this light beam towards a portion of the optical system 34, respectively 32.12 and 32.22, considered as part of said light sub-module 32.1 and 32.2. This portion of lens 32.12 and 32.22 has a focus line, respectively f21 and f22, passing through the rear edge of the collectors 32.11 and 32.21, so that this portion of lens projects the image of these collectors onto the road.

[0060] The collectors 32.11 and 32.21 are in continuity with each other and form a second single part 323, as shown in [ Fig. 4 ].

[0061] The first diffusing screen 321.1 and the second diffusing screen 321.2 are arranged respectively in line with the collectors 32.11 and 32.21. The first and second screens 321.1 and 321.2 form a single part called screen 321. The first and second screens 321.1 and 321.2 have a front face 321.3, oriented towards the first and second portions of the optical projection system 34, and a rear face 321.4, oriented towards the collectors 32.11 and 32.21. The rear face 321.4 of the screen 321 being oriented towards the collectors 32.11 and 32.21, it is this face 321.4 which receives the light beams returned by said collectors 32.11 and 32.21. The front face 321.3 of the screen 321 is oriented towards said optical system 34, that is to say that it is this face 321.3 which projects the image of the collectors 32.11 and 32.21 onto the optical projection system 34. The front face 321.3 and rear face 321.4 comprise a succession of concavities and convexities respectively.Each of the front 321.3 and rear 321.4 faces are provided with a plurality of toroids. The screen 321 has an upper rim 321.5, projecting from the rest of said screen 321 towards the collectors 32.11 and 32.21, the screen 321 being arranged so that said rim 321.5 adjoins the upper edge of the collectors 32.11 and 32.21. The rim 321.5 has a sinusoidal shape similar to the front 321.3 and rear 321.4 faces and coincides with the upper front edge of each collector 32.11 and 32.21.

[0062] The second single part 323 comprises at least one lateral fixing wing 323.1 arranged at one end of its reflective surface, and the screen 321 comprises at least one lateral fixing member 321.6 arranged to cooperate with said lateral fixing wing 323.1 of the second single part 323. The lateral fixing wing 323.1 is a slot. The lateral fixing member 321.6 is a pin or a lug. The pin or the lug 321.6 is inserted into the slot 323.1 in order to hold the screen 321 in position in front of the collector 32.11 and 32.21.

[0063] In the example described, the first and second sub-modules 32.1 and 32.2 are thus arranged to form a plurality of light segments each having a shape substantially in the form of an inverted “T” having a horizontal extent. The screen 321 allows the horizontal diffusion of each light segment formed from the image of each sector, at its lower part, so as to obtain light segments having this said particular shape of an inverted “T”. When all the light sources of one of these sub-modules 32.1 and 32.2 are activated, the diffused lower portions of these light segments formed by this sub-module overlap to form a segmented light beam. The [ Fig. 9 ] represents a segmented light beam emitted by only one of these sub-modules, for example sub-module 32.1, when only 6 of the 12 light sources are activated.

[0064] The first sub-module 32.1 is arranged so that the images of the sectors of the first collector 32.11 formed by a first portion of the optical projection system 32.12 are superimposed with the images of the sectors of the second collector 32.21 of the second sub-module 32.2 formed by a second portion 32.22 of the optical projection system 34. For example, each image formed by the second sub-module 32.2 is superimposed with at least one of the images formed by the first sub-module 32.1, all of the images thus together forming a homogeneous light beam.

[0065] The second light module 32 comprises a second heat sink 322. Said second heat sink 322 comprises a plate 322.1 serving as a common support for the plurality of light sources of the second light module 32 and comprises a plurality of heat dissipation fins 322.2. The second heat sink 322 comprises on its upper face pins 322.4 intended to come into abutment in recesses 323.2 of the second single part 323 and allowing the indexing of the collectors 32.11 and 32.21 opposite the light sources.

[0066] The lower face of the second heat sink 322, opposite the face comprising the plurality of light sources, comprises a plurality of separating walls 322.3 forming a lateral edge common to two adjacent sub-modules of the third light module 33.

[0067] The second single part 323 has a sloping opening 323.3 opening onto the fins 322.2 of the second heat sink 322, as shown in [ Fig. 4 ]. The second single part 323 comprises fixing members 323.5 arranged at the right of said opening 323.3, intended to cooperate with a fan (not shown). The sloping opening makes it possible to direct the air flow towards the fan and thus improve heat dissipation. The opening 323.3 allows the dissipation of the heat produced by the light sources of the second module 32.

[0068] The lower face of the first heat sink 312, opposite the face comprising the plurality of light sources of the first module 31, comprises a diaphragm 312.5 arranged perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection optical system 34 and comprises a separation wall 312.6 of the first and second sub-modules of the second light module 32, as shown in [ Fig. 1 ] and to the [ Fig. 3 ]. The first heat sink 312, the partition wall 322.3 and the diaphragm 3125 form a single piece.

[0069] Each of the light sub-modules 33.1, 33.2 and 33.3 of the third module 33 comprises at least one light source (not shown in the figures), a collector respectively 33.11, 33.21 and 33.31, comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by said at least one light source into a light beam.

[0070] As shown in [ Fig. 5 ], the central collector 33.11 is divided into six sectors, and the light sub-module 33.1 comprises six light sources, each associated with one of these sectors. In the collector 33.11, two adjacent sectors have a common lateral edge. In the example described, the plurality of sectors of the collector 33.11 are arranged transversely to each other. The sectors have a truncated parabolic profile, each defining a cavity in which the light source is arranged.

[0071] The collectors 33.21 and 33.31 comprise six and eight sectors respectively, and the sub-modules 33.2 and 33.3 comprise six and eight light sources (not shown) respectively associated with the collector 33.21 and 33.31 respectively.

[0072] Each sector of the collectors 33.11, 33.21 and 33.31 is arranged so that it collects the light beam emitted by the light source and reflects it towards the optical system 34. More precisely, each collector 33.11, 33.21 and 33.31 of a light sub-module 33.1, 33.2 and 33.3 reflects this light beam towards a portion of the optical system 34, respectively 33.12, 33.22 and 33.32, considered as part of said light sub-module 33.1, 33.2 and 33.3. This portion of lens 33.12, 33.22 and 33.32 has a focus line, respectively f31, f32 and 33, passing through the rear edge of the collector 33.11, 33.21 and 33.31, so that this portion of lens projects the image of this collector onto the road.

[0073] In the example described, each of the first, second and third sub-modules 33.1, 33.2 and 33.3 is thus arranged to form a segmented light beam of which each segment is selectively controllable, represented in [ Fig. 10 ].

[0074] The collector 33.11 is arranged between the collectors 33.21 and 33.31. The collectors 33.11, 33.21 and 33.31 are formed by the same third part 330, forming a frame of the lighting device 30, as shown in [ Fig. 1 ] and in [ Fig. 5 ].

[0075] In the third module 33, two adjacent sub-modules have a common side edge 322.3, said side edge 322.3 forming a single piece with the second heat sink 323 as shown in [ fig. 5 ].

[0076] The collector cavity(ies) 31.11, 31.21 and 31.31 and the collector cavities 33.11, 33.21 and 33.31 are oriented in opposite directions and the collector cavity(ies) 31.11, 31.21 and 31.31 and the collector cavities 32.11 and 32.21 are oriented in identical directions.

[0077] The light sources of the second light module 32 are mounted on a first face of the second common support 322.1 and in that the light sources of the third light module 33 are mounted on a second face, opposite the first face, of the second common support 322.1.

[0078] The second single part 323 comprises two recesses 323.2 in which a pin 330.1 of the chassis 330 is housed to hold together said second single part 323 and said chassis 330.

[0079] The cover 311 and the frame 330 each comprise second fixing members 311.2, 330.1, respectively caps 311.2 and pins 330.1, shown in [ Fig. 2 ]. Said caps 311.2 and said pins 330.1 cooperate together to hold said cover 311 and said chassis 330 together. The second single part 323 and the chassis 330 each comprise first fixing members 323.4, 330.1, respectively caps 323.4 and pins 330.1, shown in [ Fig. 2 ]. Said caps 323.4 and said pins 330.1 cooperate together to hold together said second single part 323 and said chassis 330.

[0080] The front part of the cover 311 comprises a slot 3111 for fixing the optical system 34. The chassis 330 comprises a slot 330.2 capable of cooperating with the notch 340 of the optical system 34. The lens comprises at least one notch 340 cooperating with at least the slot 3111 of the housing.

[0081] The device therefore comprises the first light module 31 arranged to emit the first light beam with flat cut-off, the second light module 32 arranged to emit the second light beam extending at least partially above the first light beam and the third light module 33 arranged to emit the segmented light beam of which each segment is selectively controllable, the third light beam extending at least partially above the second light beam.

[0082] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set itself, namely to use a device making it possible to compensate for losses of brightness due to the extinction of one of the light sources, by proposing a light module of a motor vehicle lighting device comprising a diffusing screen.

[0083] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically effective combination of these means.

Claims

1. A light module (32) of a motor vehicle lighting device (30), comprising: a. a plurality of first light sources, b. at least one first collector (32.11) comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light sources into a light beam; c. an optical projection system (34) arranged to project said light beam; characterized in that the optical system (34) comprises a first portion (32.12) arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the collector (32.11); and in that the light module comprises a first diffusing screen (321.1) interposed between said portion (32.12) of the optical projection system (34) and the collector (32.11).

2. The light module as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first collector (32.11) comprises a plurality of sectors, each sector being arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by at least one of the first light sources with which it is associated, said first portion (32.12) of the optical system (34) being arranged to form an image of each sector.

3. The light module as claimed in the preceding claim, wherein each sector of the first collector (32.11) has a rear edge, a front edge and two lateral edges, and wherein said first portion (32.12) of the optical system (34) has a focal point line situated in the vicinity of the rear edges of said sectors so that the image of each sector formed by this first portion (32.12) has an upper cutoff formed by the rear edge of this sector and two lateral cutoffs each formed by at least a part of the one of the lateral edges of this sector.

4. The light module as claimed in one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first diffusing screen (321.1) is arranged to horizontally diffuse only a lower part of the image of each sector of the first collector (32.11) formed by the first portion (32.12 ) of the optical system (34).

5. The light module as claimed in one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the first diffusing screen (321.1) is arranged to horizontally diffuse the entire image of each sector of the first collector (32.11) formed by the first portion (32.12) of the optical system (34).

6. The light module as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first screen (321.1) has a rear face (321.4), oriented toward the first collector (32.11), and a front face (321.3), oriented toward the first portion (32.12) of the optical projection system (34), and wherein the rear face (321.4) and / or the front face (321.3) are / is provided with diffusing patterns.

7. The light module as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first screen (321.1) has an upper rim (321.5) projecting from the rest of this screen (321.1) toward the first collector (32.11), the first screen (321.1 ) being arranged so that this upper rim (321.5) adjoins an upper edge of the first collector (32.11).

8. The light module as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the first collector (32.11) comprises at least one lateral fixing wing (323.1) arranged at one end of its reflective surface, and wherein the first screen (321.1) comprises at least one lateral fixing member (321.6) arranged to cooperate with the lateral fixing wing (323.1) of the first collector (32.11).

9. The light module as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first diaphragm (312.5) arranged between the first screen (321.1) and the first portion (32.12) of the optical projection system (34).

10. The light module as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first submodule (32.1) comprising said plurality of first light sources, the first collector (32.11), the first diffusing screen (321.1) and said first portion (32.12) of the optical projection system (34), and in that it comprises a second submodule (32.2) comprising: a. a plurality of second light sources, b. a second collector (32.21) comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the second light sources into a light beam; c. a second portion (32.22) of the optical projection system (34) arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the second collector (32.21); d. a second diffusing screen (321.2) interposed between said second portion (32.22) of the optical projection system (34) and the second collector (32.21).

11. The light module as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that the first collector (32.11) and the second collector (32.21) form a single part, in that the first screen (321.1) and the second screen (321.2) form a single part (321), and in that the optical projection system (34) forms a single part.

12. A lighting device (30) of a motor vehicle, comprising a light module (32) as claimed in one of the preceding claims.

13. The lighting device (30) as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one other light module (31, 33) arranged to project another light beam having a flat upper cutoff, and in that the second light module (32) is arranged so that the light beam projected by the optical projection system (34) extends at least partially above the other light beam.

Citation Information

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