Lighting device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (i) comprising a housing and a cover lens (4) defining a cavity accommodating, on the one hand, at least two lighting modules (6, 8), a first lighting module (6) producing a first light beam and a second lighting module (8) producing a second light beam, and, on the other hand, a signalling device comprising a light source (18) and a light curtain (16) arranged between the lighting modules (6, 8) and the cover lens, the light curtain comprising micro-optical elements (30) which are configured to decouple rays emitted by the light source and direct them into a signalling beam outside the light curtain in the direction of the cover lens, the micro-optical elements comprising micro-optical elements of a first type (14) which are arranged opposite the first lighting module (6) and micro-optical elements of a second type (15) which are arranged opposite the second lighting module (8).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title of the invention: Luminous device for a motor vehicle

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of lighting devices, in particular for motor vehicles, and more particularly to lighting devices comprising at least one signaling device and one lighting device, intended to participate in the signaling and lighting functions of a vehicle.

[0004] Motor vehicles traveling on the road are equipped with lighting devices, or projectors, arranged on the front of the vehicle. These lighting devices implement both lighting functions, which aim to improve the visibility of the road scene for the driver of the vehicle, and signaling functions which aim to make the driver's driving actions visible and / or to make the vehicle visible to other road users, for example when the lighting functions are not implemented, particularly during the day. These lighting and signaling functions must comply with regulatory standards.

[0005] The signaling functions may consist of a daytime running light function, a position light function or even a function indicating the vehicle's change of direction, without this list being exhaustive.

[0006] The lighting functions that can be implemented within the lighting devices can, for example, be a dipped beam function or a main beam function.

[0007] Dipped headlights allow a motor vehicle to be seen by other road users and allow its driver to see the road properly up to 30 meters away, without dazzling other road users. High beam headlights emit light beams with a greater range so that the driver of the motor vehicle can see the road properly, at least 100 meters away in night conditions.

[0008] The main beams may be independent of the dipped beams, being generated by a projection of a light beam formed on the basis of light rays emitted by light sources specifically dedicated to the formation of these main beams, or they may be generated by a projection of a light beam complementary to that used to form the dipped beams, this complementary light beam being formed on the basis of light rays emitted by light sources arranged in a manner complementary to the light sources specifically dedicated to the formation of the dipped beams.

[0009] It is known, in a projector, to arrange different light modules in the center of the projector to perform the lighting functions, and one or more signaling functions are performed by signaling devices arranged on the periphery of the light modules. Thus, the lighting functions illuminate a central part of a lighting surface at the output of the projector while the signaling functions illuminate the periphery of this lighting surface.

[0010] For aesthetic and space-saving reasons in particular, automobile manufacturers wish to offer motor vehicles equipped with headlights in which the lighting and signaling functions are grouped together. The headlights comprise a housing and a closing glass forming a receiving area, on the one hand, of one or more light modules capable of generating the regulatory lighting functions via a portion of the closing glass, and on the other hand, of one or more signaling devices capable of generating a signaling function via the same portion of the closing glass or via a portion of the closing glass which is substantially the same.It should be noted that the lighting and signaling functions may illuminate the same surface of the closing glass or illuminate different surfaces, it being understood that it is desired that the illumination surfaces of the closing glass by one and the other of said functions are as merged as possible.

[0011] It is understood that a configuration such as that mentioned in the prior art does not make it possible to form a compact lighting device having a light signature such that the surface of the closing glass illuminated by the signaling function has at least one part common to the surface of the closing glass illuminated by the lighting function. The present invention falls within this context by proposing a lighting device for a motor vehicle comprising a housing closed by a closing glass, said housing being configured to house on the one hand a lighting device comprising at least two lighting modules among which a first lighting module is capable of generating a first lighting beam and a second lighting module is capable of generating a second lighting beam,the first lighting beam being different from the second lighting beam and the two lighting beams being directed towards the closing glass so as to contribute respectively to ensuring a first lighting function provided with an upper cut-off and a second lighting function without an upper cut-off via a first portion of said closing glass, and on the other hand a signaling device comprising at least one light source. According to the invention, the signaling device further comprises a light curtain arranged opposite the at least one light source so that the rays emitted by the at least one light source can propagate within it, and arranged between the lighting modules and the closing glass, said light curtain comprising micro-optics configured to decouple the rays emitted by the at least one light source and direct them into a signaling beam outside the light curtain,towards the closing glass so as to generate a signaling function via a second portion of the closing glass at least partly superimposed on the first portion of the closing glass, the micro-optics comprising two different types of micro-optics with micro-optics of a first type which are arranged in a first zone opposite the first lighting module so as to be in the path of the first lighting beam and with micro-optics of a second type which are arranged in a second zone opposite the second lighting module so as to be in the path of the second lighting beam.,

[0012] The lighting device according to the invention comprises at least two lighting modules configured respectively to perform a function of lighting the road scene facing the vehicle. In other words, the lighting device comprises at least one first lighting module configured to perform a first lighting function and at least one second lighting module configured to perform a second lighting function. The lighting device according to the invention also comprises a signaling device, a transparent part of which, formed by a light curtain, is arranged between the closing glass and the lighting modules, i.e. in front of the lighting modules. The first and second lighting beams therefore pass through the light curtain before reaching the closing glass.The signaling device is configured such that the light curtain acts as a light guide equipped with optical patterns, more particularly micro-optics, which ensure the extraction of the light propagating within the light guide to direct it towards the outside of the vehicle and perform the desired signaling function.

[0013] At least one lighting module and the signaling device are configured such that the corresponding lighting function and the signaling function are both emitted along an optical axis parallel to a median longitudinal axis of the vehicle and substantially parallel to the surface of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling.

[0014] Each optical, or micro-optical, pattern formed on the light curtain of the signaling device has an effect on at least one of the light rays emitted by the at least one light source of the signaling device and propagating within the light curtain, so that each optical pattern participates in the realization of the signaling function.

[0015] And these same patterns have distinct shapes, such that a portion of these optical patterns, arranged opposite a first lighting module participating in the performance of a first lighting function, has patterns of a first type so as not to hinder the performance of this first specific lighting function and such that a portion of these optical patterns, arranged opposite a second lighting module participating in the performance of a second lighting function, has patterns of a second type so as not to hinder the performance of this second specific lighting function.

[0016] According to an optional feature of the invention, the upper cut-off of the lighting function performed at least in part by the first lighting module comprises at least one horizontal and / or oblique portion. According to an optional feature of the invention, the light curtain is formed by a light guide in the form of a sheet.

[0017] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first lighting module contributes to the realization of a dipped beam function and the second lighting module contributes to the realization of a high beam function.

[0018] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the signaling device is configured to generate a signaling function of the direction indicator light, daytime running light or position light type.

[0019] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the micro-optics are formed on a first face of the light curtain, opposite the lighting modules.

[0020] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the micro-optics of the first type are configured to generate a diffusing effect on the rays generated by the first lighting module and on the rays propagating within the light curtain.

[0021] The micro-optics of the first type are configured to be diffusing. This diffusing effect still makes it possible to extract from the light curtain rays emitted by the light source of the signaling device and which propagate in the signaling device. It also makes it possible to avoid dazzling road users when the vehicle equipped with the lighting device according to the invention emits the first lighting function provided with an upper cut-off, such as a dipped beam type lighting function. Indeed, when the first light beam corresponding to the first lighting function passes through the light curtain and the micro-optics of the first type, these will also have a diffusing effect on the first light beam, which avoids sending a directional light above the upper cut-off of the first lighting function.

[0022] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the micro-optics of the first type respectively have a cone shape extending around an axis of revolution. According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the axis of revolution of at least one cone has an angle of inclination of between 25 and 70 0 relative to the main elongation plane of the first face of the light curtain. This angle of inclination can in particular be equal to 45 0 .

[0023] According to an optional feature of the invention, the micro-optics of the second type are configured to generate a directional effect on the rays generated by the second lighting module. Each micro-optic of the second type may in particular take the form of a prism. The flat faces of the prism allowing this directional effect are joined by an edge extending transversely, so as to give a vertical directional effect to the rays arriving on the prism with an essentially longitudinal direction.

[0024] This directional effect makes it possible to extract from the light curtain rays emitted by the light source of the signaling device and which propagate in the signaling device. It will be noted that the extraction of the rays emitted by the light source of the signaling device by the micro-optics with a directional effect is more effective than that carried out by the micro-optics with a diffusive effect. In addition, when the vehicle equipped with the lighting device according to the invention emits the second lighting function without an upper cut-off, such as a lighting function of the high beam type, even if the micro-optics of the second type with a directional effect impact the second lighting beam, the latter remains regulatory, and since the lighting function is without an upper cut-off, there is no risk of dazzling other road users.

[0025] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the micro-optics of the second type comprise hybrid micro-optics, each of which has a general prism shape, capable of generating said directional effect on the rays generated by the second lighting module, with cone portions arranged laterally to the prism.

[0026] These hybrid micro-optics form a particular embodiment of the second-type micro-optics and are consequently placed in the second zone opposite the second lighting module participating in generating the lighting function without cut-off, and where consequently the general prism shape cannot induce a risk of dazzling for road users. Furthermore, the presence of the cone portions at the lateral ends of the prism makes it possible to maintain homogeneity of the signaling function since they have the effect of diffusing the light rays which propagate within the light curtain, in coherence with the diffusing effect produced by the first-type micro-optics, exclusively conical, positioned in front of the first lighting module ensuring the first lighting function provided with a higher cut-off, such as a dipped beam type lighting function.

[0027] The configuration of the micro-optics is important. The types of micro-optics are an integral part of the signaling device and must allow the signaling function to be carried out without excessively disrupting the first and second lighting functions. They are therefore arranged according to the nature of the lighting module.

[0028] Micro-optics generating a diffusing effect, such as micro-optics having a cone shape, make it possible to distribute light in all directions. They thus make it possible on the one hand to extract a part of the rays emitted by the light source associated with the signaling device, and on the other hand, by being arranged opposite the first lighting module forming a beam with an upper cut-off such as a dipped beam, and thanks to their diffusing property, to send a negligible quantity of light above the upper cut-off of the first lighting beam compared to the limit imposed by regulatory constraints. This upper cut-off is notably defined in the regulations. It constitutes a limit beyond which little or no light must be sent in order not to dazzle other road users. It is therefore desirable not to send light beyond this limit.

[0029] Conversely, micro-optics generating a directional effect, such as prism-shaped micro-optics, allow light to be sent in a single direction. They will therefore allow a portion of the rays emitted by the light source associated with the signaling device to be extracted. The impact of these micro-optics on the second lighting function remains limited, in particular because the second lighting function does not have an upper cut-off, such as a high beam function. Indeed, in this case, the regulations do not define an area beyond which little or no light must be sent. Micro-optics generating a directional effect do not cause glare problems. They may have an impact on the range and / or the flow of the second lighting function, but they nevertheless allow the second lighting function to remain regulatory.

[0030] Furthermore, as explained above, by making it possible to extract more rays emitted by the light source of the signaling device than micro-optics generating a diffusing effect, micro-optics generating a directional effect make it possible to achieve the photometry necessary to perform the signaling function.

[0031] Indeed, if we only used micro-optics generating a diffusing effect over the entire surface of the light curtain, we would not achieve the regulatory photometry applicable to the signaling device. In other words, we would not be able to send enough light to the desired locations to ensure the signaling function.

[0032] On the other hand, if only micro-optics generating a directional effect over the entire surface of the light curtain were used, the first lighting function formed by a first lighting beam with a higher cut-off would be too disturbed by the micro-optics and would then no longer be regulatory. The directional micro-optics would send too much light above the upper cut-off.

[0033] This distribution of micro-optic types allows both the lighting device to perform a first lighting function with an upper cut-off, for example a dipped beam function, and a second lighting function without an upper cut-off, for example a main beam function, and the signaling device to perform a signaling function, each according to their applicable and respective regulations.

[0034] According to an optional feature of the invention, the signaling device comprises a plurality of light sources arranged opposite a section of the light curtain. These light sources are in particular arranged at regular intervals. Light intended to generate a signaling function is thus propagated homogeneously over the entire transverse dimension of the light curtain.

[0035] According to a feature of the invention, the signaling device comprises collimators arranged between the light sources and the light curtain. The collimators may in particular be an integral part of the light curtain so as to form a single plastic part and be arranged on one face of the light curtain opposite the light sources. The role of the collimators is to collect the light beams emitted by the light sources and transmit them within the light curtain in a beam of parallel or substantially parallel rays.

[0036] According to a characteristic of the invention, each lighting module of the lighting device comprises a light source and a reflector, the reflectors being arranged to reflect the beams emitted by the light sources towards the closing glass of the lighting device.

[0037] According to a characteristic of the invention, two first lighting modules are arranged on either side of a second lighting module and the micro-optics of the first type are arranged in two first distinct zones, arranged on either side of a second zone in which the micro-optics of the second type are arranged.

[0038] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description of a detailed embodiment which follows, given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0039] [Fig.i] schematically illustrates, in section, a lighting device according to the invention, this sectional view making visible in particular the arrangement of a light curtain of a signaling device between means forming a lighting module and a closing glass of a housing of the lighting device;

[0040] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a detail of figure i, to make visible the presence of micro-optics on one face of the light curtain opposite the lighting modules, [Fig.3] represents, in front view, a part of a lighting device conforming to the representation of figure i, in which are made visible in particular two lighting modules capable of contributing respectively to the realization of a dipped beam function and a main beam function, these modules being seen here through the transparent light curtain forming part of the signaling device arranged according to the invention opposite the lighting modules;

[0041] [Fig.q] illustrates, schematically, the light curtain of the signaling device, with a zone of micro-optics of the first type and a zone of micro-optics of the second type;

[0042] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a plurality of micro-optics of the first type, in the form of a cone;

[0043] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a plurality of hybrid type micro-optics;

[0044] [Fig.7] illustrates, schematically, an alternative embodiment of the light curtain of the light device, with two micro-optical zones of the first type arranged on either side of the micro-optical zone of the second type.

[0045] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.

[0046] As a reminder, the invention relates to a lighting device providing both lighting functions and a signaling function, via lighting and signaling beams projected through the same portion of closing glass of this lighting device. Such functionality is made possible in the lighting device according to the invention to the extent that a signaling device is arranged between the means implementing the lighting functions and the closing glass, and to the extent that appropriate optical patterns are formed on the signaling device to enable the signaling function to be generated without hindering the lighting function. Figure 1 is a schematic representation, seen in section, of a lighting device 1 according to the invention. The lighting device 1 is more particularly a projector intended to be integrated into a front face of a motor vehicle.The lighting device i is capable of implementing several lighting and signaling functions of the vehicle, via lighting modules including lighting modules and a signaling device.

[0047] The lighting device 1 comprises a housing 2 having an opening facing the front of the vehicle and which is closed by a closing glass 4. The housing 2 and the closing glass 4 define a receiving cavity sized to house the various lighting modules mentioned above.

[0048] More particularly, the housing 2 houses at least two lighting modules providing two distinct lighting functions, including a first lighting module, or dipped beam module 6, intended to provide a dipped beam function and a second lighting module, or main beam module 8, intended to provide a main beam function. This housing 2 also houses a signaling device 10, a transparent part of which is arranged between the lighting modules 6, 8 and the closing glass 4. It is understood that in FIG. 3, which is a view from outside the vehicle, the lighting modules 6, 8 are seen through the transparent closing glass 4 and the transparent part of the signaling device.

[0049] Each lighting module 6, 8 comprises a light source 12 and a means for guiding the light rays emitted by the light source, to direct these light rays towards the exit of the housing, that is to say here towards the closing glass 4.

[0050] The light source 12 is configured to emit light rays at a defined light intensity, suitable for performing the lighting function associated with its own lighting module. A light source 12 is thus distinguished, arranged opposite the dipped beam module 6, configured to emit rays enabling the production of a first lighting beam of the dipped beam type, and a light source 12 arranged opposite the main beam module 8, configured to emit rays enabling the production of a second lighting beam of the main beam type. The means for guiding the light rays is here formed by a reflector 14, the shape and size of which are defined to generate a beam of parallel, or substantially parallel, rays in the direction of the closing glass 4 to produce a lighting beam, of the main beam or dipped beam type.The reflector 14 is here a reflector with a parabolic portion, which is arranged in such a way that the corresponding light source 12 is arranged at the focus of this parabolic shape. In Figure 1, two rays Ri propagating towards the closing glass 4 are illustrated by way of example. It should be understood that these rays could just as easily be generated by the first lighting module 6 as by the second lighting module 8.

[0051] As mentioned, the signaling device 10 comprises a transparent part arranged between the lighting modules, and more particularly the reflectors 14 of the lighting modules, and the closing glass 4. This transparent part consists of a light curtain 16, which is formed by a light guide in the form of a sheet. The light curtain 16 has a sheet shape insofar as it has a small thickness compared to the two other dimensions defining its main elongation plane. As a non-limiting example of the invention, the light curtain 16 has a thickness of the order of approximately 5 mm.

[0052] It is notable that the previously mentioned rays Ri, emitted by one or other of the lighting modules 6, 8, are caused to pass through the light curtain 16.

[0053] The signaling device 10 further comprises one or more light sources 18 which are configured and dimensioned within the lighting device 1 to ensure the performance of the signaling function. The light sources 18 here consist of light-emitting diodes fixed on a printed circuit board 20. The light sources 18 can be configured to emit a single color, or to emit different colors according to the control instructions received appropriately by a control system of the signaling device. For example, the light source can emit white-colored light rays when the signaling function to be performed is a position light or daytime running light function and it can emit orange-colored light rays when the signaling function to be performed is a direction indicator function.

[0054] The printed circuit board 20 is positioned in the housing 2 so that the light sources 18 are arranged as close as possible to a slice of a light curtain 16, so that all, or at least a large majority, of the emitted light rays propagate within the light guide formed by the light curtain.

[0055] Collimators 22, visible in Figure 2, are here arranged between the light sources 18 and the light curtain 16 so as to respectively collect the signaling beams emitted by each of the light sources 18 and to transmit them within said light curtain 16 in a beam of parallel or substantially parallel rays. In this context, the light rays emitted by the light sources 18 and collimated propagate within the light guide formed by the light curtain 16 from the edge facing the light sources to the opposite edge.

[0056] The light curtain 16 has two main faces opposite each other, including a first face 24 which faces the lighting modules 6, 8 and a second opposite face 26 which faces the closing glass 4. This second face 26 forms an exit face for the light rays propagating within the light curtain.

[0057] In order to extract the light rays propagating within the light curtain, the first face 24 of the light curtain, as is more particularly visible in FIG. 2, comprises at least one extraction zone 28 equipped with optical patterns which have the role of decoupling the light rays within the light curtain beams, that is to say of deflecting the rays so that they impact the face opposite the optical patterns, that is to say the exit face, with an angle of incidence that they are caused to exit by refraction from the light curtain 16, in the direction of the closing glass 4, to generate the signaling function.

[0058] The optical patterns consist of reliefs formed on the first face, which may have several shapes as will be described below. In particular here, the reliefs form a depression in the material, of an appropriate shape, so as to be found across the path, within the light curtain, of the light rays emitted by the light sources.

[0059] As mentioned previously, it is notable that the previously mentioned rays Ri, emitted by one or other of the lighting modules 6, 8, are caused to pass through the light curtain 16. More particularly, as can be seen in FIG. 2, some of the rays Ri emitted by one or other of the lighting modules 6, 8 are caused to pass through the extraction zone 28 and its optical patterns.

[0060] In Figure 2, two distinct extraction zones have been made visible, arranged successively on the first face 24 of the light curtain 16, these extraction zones being thus distributed differently opposite the reflectors 14 of the lighting modules. It is notable that the portion of the first face 24 opposite the first lighting module may have one or more extraction zones at positions different from those present on another portion of the first face 24 opposite this time the second lighting module. Furthermore, it should be noted that the dimension of the extraction zones and in particular the depth to which they engage in the material of the light curtain is here exaggerated to make them visible in the figure. Whatever the thickness of the light curtain, the micro-optics may have a depth of between 0.05 and 0.6mm, the minimum dimension being considered for production constraints while the maximum dimension is considered for appearance constraints linked to injection. Micro-optics can in particular have a depth of around 0.15mm.

[0061] More particularly, in the illustrated example, the light curtain comprises two extraction zones with a first extraction zone closer to the light source than the second extraction zone, and the first extraction zone has a depth of the order of 0.1 mm while the second extraction zone has a depth of the order of 0.2 mm. This depth offset, with where appropriate a progressive depth between the two extraction zones, is recommended to maximize the efficiency of the second extraction zone.The optical patterns forming an extraction zone are micro-optics 30 configured to have an impact on the light rays propagating within the light curtain 16 to deflect them out of the light curtain in the direction of the closing glass 4, as is visible from the ray tracings R2 and so as not to hinder the propagation of the light rays coming from the lighting modules 6, 8 and participating in generating a lighting function, as is visible from the ray tracings Ri.

[0062] As mentioned previously, and as illustrated in Figure 3, the lighting modules 6, 8 are of two different types with at least one lighting module participating in generating a dipped beam lighting function and one lighting module participating in generating a main beam lighting function. In this context, according to the invention, the micro-optics 30 are divided into micro-optics of different types, depending on the lighting module opposite which they are directly opposite. The arrangement of the micro-optics illustrated in Figure 4 corresponds to the arrangement of the lighting modules illustrated in Figure 3, with two lighting modules 6, 8 arranged side by side in a transverse direction, and two zones 31, 32 of distinct micro-optics 30 arranged side by side in this same transverse direction.

[0063] More particularly, it is understood that the first zone 31 is composed of micro-optics of a first type 34, and it is arranged opposite the first lighting module 6, contributing to the realization of the dipped beam function. And the second zone 32 is composed of micro-optics of a second type 36, this second zone 32 being arranged opposite the second lighting module 8, contributing to the realization of the main beam function.

[0064] It is understood that each micro-optic participates in the realization of the signaling function by proposing a relief within the light curtain which aims to deflect out of the light curtain at least one of the light rays emitted by the at least one light source of the signaling device and that they have distinct shapes to be able to be positioned opposite one of the lighting modules, with the minimum effect on the lighting beam emitted by the corresponding module. The micro-optics of a first type 34 can take different shapes, since they are essentially diffusing to avoid dazzling road users when the vehicle equipped with the lighting device according to the invention emits a lighting function of the dipped beam type.The micro-optics of a first type 34 are thus configured to deflect the light rays coming from the lighting modules 6, 8 in very small proportions, generating at most a light intensity outside the initial trajectory of the light rays of the order of 1 Lux.

[0065] As an example illustrated in Figure 5, these micro-optics of a first type 34 respectively take the form of a cone, centered around an axis of revolution 35 whose orientation is defined relative to the main elongation plane of the light curtain and relative to a longitudinal and transverse plane in which the light rays coming from the lighting modules 6, 8 mainly extend.

[0066] The orientation of the cones is in particular a function of the optical axis of the lighting modules and the signaling device. Each cone extends around an axis of revolution which is here parallel to the direction of the optical axis of the lighting modules. And the axis of revolution is inclined relative to this optical axis, in a vertical plane perpendicular to the plane of elongation of the light curtain.

[0067] It should be noted that the angle of inclination of the axis of revolution of each cone has little or no impact on the lighting function, the angular modification in the propagation of the rays being negligible with regard to glare. However, this angle of inclination of each cone is limited to a value between 25 and 70 0 so as not to impact the homogeneity of the signaling function.

[0068] As a non-limiting example of the invention, the cones each have a radius of the order of 0.15 mm, measured in the plane of the entry face of the light curtain, and an axial depth, along the axis of revolution, also of the order of 0.15 mm.

[0069] In the first zone comprising these micro-optics of the first type, the cones may be spaced apart from each other by a value of 0.5 mm, this value being measured between two adjacent cones on the first face of the light curtain, between the center of one cone and the center of the other cone. The micro-optics of a second type 36 are essentially directional and may take the form of a prism, the flat faces of the prism ensuring the targeted deviation of the light rays emitted by one of the lighting modules. This deviation is essentially vertical, due to the longitudinal orientation of the light rays emitted by one of the lighting modules and the inclination of the face of the prism caused to be mainly crossed by these rays.It is thus advantageous that the micro-optics of a second type 36 are arranged in the second zone 32, opposite the second lighting module 8, namely the lighting module participating in the realization of a main beam type lighting function. The beam allowing the realization of this function has a wide range and high light intensity, so that it is only implemented when no road user is in front of the vehicle and the vertical offset is not a problem with respect to the regulations and does not hinder the realization of the main beam lighting function.

[0070] It is understood that the presence of diffusing micro-optics in the second zone 32, as is the case for the first zone 31, would be detrimental to the proper performance of the signaling function. This signaling function could have insufficient light intensity to be regulatory, due to light insufficiently extracted by the light curtain.

[0071] Similarly, the presence of directional micro-optics in the first zone 31, as is the case for the second zone 32, would be detrimental to the proper performance of the dipped beam lighting function, since the cut-off preventing other users from being dazzled would not be respected due to the vertical deviation of the rays.

[0072] Figure 6 illustrates a variant in the embodiment of the micro-optics 30, which may have a hybrid configuration, mixing the cone-type configuration and the prism-type configuration. The hybrid-type micro-optics 38 are in particular formed of a central portion in the form of a prism and lateral portions in the form of a cone portion. These hybrid-type micro-optics 38 are in particular intended to replace the micro-optics of a second type 36 in the second micro-optics zone 32, that is to say in the zone opposite the second lighting module 8. Indeed, the central portion of the micro-optics is the portion mainly impacted by the light rays emanating from the lighting modules and its prism shape takes on the shape of the micro-optics of the second type, so as not to hinder the performance of the lighting function and in particular so as to be able to extract sufficient light for the performance of the signaling function.

[0073] The sides of the micro-optics, in the form of cone portions, have an additional effect for the decoupling of the light rays propagating within the light curtain 16. The conical shape generates a reflection of the light rays in the direction of the opposite face with an angle of incidence different from that of the light rays reflected by the central portion, and it thus allows a better distribution of the rays on the exit face of the light curtain and a better homogeneity of the signaling function of the vehicle. Light rays of the signaling beam thus exit from the headlight with an inclination relative to the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the plane of elongation of the light curtain and this makes it possible to ensure better visibility of the signaling beam for an external observer who would be on the side of the vehicle.

[0074] Figure 6 illustrates a preferred embodiment for this variant, with cone portions which are arranged on either side of the prismatic central portion, in the transverse direction previously mentioned.

[0075] It follows from the above that the invention applies in particular to a projector comprising two separate lighting modules arranged side by side. But this arrangement is not limiting of the invention, since the same light curtain is arranged between the lighting modules and the output of the projector, and this light curtain comprises zones with different patterns between one zone and its adjacent zone, the patterns being a function of the lighting modules opposite which they are located.

[0076] Thus, by way of non-limiting example, Figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, illustrating more particularly the light curtain 10 specific to this alternative, namely a light curtain comprising two first zones 31 composed of micro-optics of the first type 14, arranged on either side of a second zone 32 composed of micro-optics of the second type 36 and / or micro-optics of the hybrid type 38. Of course, this configuration of light curtain with two first zones arranged on either side of a second zone is associated with a specific configuration of the lighting modules, with two first lighting modules participating in the production of a first lighting beam of the dipped beam type arranged on either side of a second lighting module participating in the production of a second lighting beam of the main beam type.

[0077] The above detailed description clearly illustrates that the present invention achieves the aims it set for itself, namely to propose a lighting device which makes it possible to generate a signaling function and two lighting functions in a homogeneous manner on the same portion of closing glass formed by an exit surface of a projector, this possibility being offered by the presence of a light curtain opposite the lighting modules so that the signaling function can be projected right in the center of the portion of closing glass and thus have a homogeneity which is not possible if this signaling function is generated at the periphery of this portion of closing glass. The light curtain is furthermore configured so as not to hinder the performance of either of the two lighting functions via beams of light rays brought to pass through the light curtain.

[0078] The present invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated here and it also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically effective combination of such means.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a housing (2) closed by a closing glass (4), said housing (2) being configured to house on the one hand a lighting device comprising at least two lighting modules (6, 8) among which a first lighting module (6) is capable of generating a first lighting beam and a second lighting module (8) is capable of generating a second lighting beam, the first lighting beam being different from the second lighting beam and the two lighting beams being directed towards the closing glass (4) so ​​as to contribute respectively to ensuring a first lighting function provided with an upper cut-off and a second lighting function without an upper cut-off via a first portion of said closing glass (4), and on the other hand a signaling device comprising at least one light source (18),characterized in that the signaling device further comprises a light curtain (16), arranged opposite the at least one light source (18) so that the rays emitted by the at least one light source (18) can propagate within it, and arranged between the lighting modules (6, 8) and the closing glass (4), said light curtain (16) comprising micro-optics (30) configured to decouple the rays emitted by the at least one light source (18) and direct them into a signaling beam outside the light curtain (16), in the direction of the closing glass (4) so ​​as to generate a signaling function via a second portion of the closing glass at least partly superimposed on the first portion of the closing glass (4),the micro-optics (30) comprising two different types of micro-optics (30) with micro-optics of a first type (34) which are arranged in a first zone (31) opposite the first lighting module (6) so as to be in the path of the first lighting beam and with micro-optics of a second type (36) which are arranged in a second zone (32) opposite the second lighting module (8) so as to be in the path of the second lighting beam., 2. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the light curtain is formed by a light guide in the form of a sheet. 3- Lighting device (i) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lighting module (6) contributes to the realization of a dipped beam function and in that the second lighting module (8) contributes to the realization of a main beam function.

4. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device is configured to generate a signaling function of the direction indicator light, daytime running light or position light type.

5. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the micro-optics are formed on a first face (24) of the light curtain, opposite the lighting modules (6, 8).

6. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the micro-optics of the first type (34) are configured to generate a diffusing effect on the rays generated by the first lighting module (6) and on the rays propagating within the light curtain.

7. Luminous device (1) for a motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the micro-optics of the first type (34) respectively have a cone shape extending around an axis of revolution.

8. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the micro-optics of the second type (36) are configured to generate a directional effect on the rays generated by the second lighting module.

9. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the micro-optics of the second type (36) comprise hybrid micro-optics (38), each of which has a general prism shape, capable of generating said directional effect on the rays generated by the second lighting module, with portions of cones arranged laterally to the prism. io. Lighting device (i) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device comprises a plurality of light sources (18) arranged opposite an edge of the light curtain (16). ii. Lighting device (i) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signaling device comprises collimators (22) arranged between the light sources (18) and the light curtain (16).

12. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each lighting module (6, 8) of the lighting device comprises a light source (12) and a reflector (14), the reflectors (14) being arranged to reflect the beams emitted by the light sources (12) towards the closing glass (4) of the lighting device (1).

13. Lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two first lighting modules (6) are arranged on either side of a second lighting module (8) and in that the micro-optics of the first type (34) are arranged in two first distinct zones (31a, 31b), arranged on either side of a second zone (32) in which the micro-optics of the second type (36) are arranged.

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