Lighting module configured to perform two lighting functions

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting module (1) configured to perform a first lighting function and a second lighting function which is distinct from the first lighting function, the lighting module (1) comprising a housing (18) within which at least one light-emitting assembly, one collimator (4) and one microlens array device (6) are accommodated, the light-emitting assembly (2) being configured to emit light rays in the direction of the array device (6) through the collimator (4) in order to perform either of the two lighting functions, the lighting module (1) comprising an actuator (20) which, when activated, causes the housing (18) to pivot when one of the two lighting functions is being switched to the other.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Title ■ Light module configured to perform two light functions

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of light modules intended to equip vehicles, and more particularly to such light modules being capable of generating a plurality of light functions.

[0004] Vehicles, and in particular motor vehicles, are commonly equipped with headlights that generate various lighting functions, which in particular allow for road lighting or signaling the vehicle to other users. Lighting corresponds, for example, to dipped beam or low beam functions, while signaling corresponds to daytime running light functions, known by the English acronym DRL for "Day Running Light", or, among other things, to position light functions or direction indicator lights.

[0005] Motor vehicles have increasingly compact headlights in which a single light module is capable of generating several light functions, including both a lighting function and a signaling function.

[0006] In this context, it is sought to emit light beams specific to each of the light functions generated by the module through the same lighting surface. In other words, in a search for visual homogeneity of the lighting of a vehicle, it is desired that an observer outside the vehicle sees the same illuminated surface whether it is a lighting function or a signaling function which is provided by the projector. The illuminated surface is thus identical day and night.

[0007] In some applications, the realization of a luminous function is enabled by the emission of light rays by a light source through a microlens matrix device, also known by the English acronym MLA for microlens array.

[0008] The microlens matrix devices of the prior art are however not suitable for the emission of two different light functions, and in particular for the emission of a lighting function and a signaling function. The present invention aims to overcome this drawback by proposing a light module in which the microlens matrix device is suitable for the production of two different light functions, and in particular for the emission of a lighting function and a signaling function.

[0009] The main subject of the present invention is thus a light module for a motor vehicle configured to perform a first light function and a second light function distinct from the first light function, the light module comprising a housing within which are received a light emission assembly, a collimator and a microlens matrix device, the light emission assembly being configured to emit light rays towards the matrix device through the collimator to alternately perform each of the two light functions, the light module comprising an actuator, activation of which causes the housing to pivot when switching from one of the light functions to the other.

[0010] The light module according to the invention is intended to equip a vehicle, for example a motor vehicle, with a view to producing a duality of light functions which are different from one another. Within this light module, light rays are generated by a light emission assembly which comprises at least one light source, for example a light-emitting diode, as well as connection elements necessary for connecting this light source. The light rays generated by the light emission assembly pass through a collimator before passing through a microlens matrix device. The light emission assembly, the collimator and the microlens matrix device are all three arranged within a housing, which is a housing which can contain other elements necessary for implementing the light functions.

[0011] The light module according to the invention allows the implementation of two distinct lighting functions, which must be carried out alternately by regulation. In other words, a first lighting function cannot be implemented while the other is being carried out.

[0012] The light module is capable of alternately performing these two light functions, while complying with the regulatory standards for light emission of each of the functions implemented, by performing a movement of the housing. This housing can be controlled by means of an actuator, or level corrector; more precisely, this actuator allows the housing to pivot. Such pivoting occurs when switching from the first light function to the second light function, or vice versa when switching from the second light function to the first light function. There are thus two distinct angular positions of the housing. The housing is in a first angular position for performing the first light function and in a second angular position for performing the second light function.The light module switches from the first light function to the second light function by pivoting the housing from the first angular position to the second angular position, and vice versa to switch from the second light function to the first light the actuator pivots the housing from the second angular position to the first angular position.

[0013] This light module thus allows the creation of two different light functions through the same illuminated surface of the motor vehicle.

[0014] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first light function is a signaling function, such as a daytime running light function, and the second light function is a lighting function, such as a dipped beam headlight function.

[0015] In other words, the implementation of the first lighting function, signaling function, results in the activation of daytime running lights or daytime running lights of the motor vehicle, while an implementation of the second lighting function, lighting function, results in the activation of dipped headlights of this vehicle, which are lights used at night, alternatively to the lights of the first lighting function.

[0016] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second light function is provided with an upper cut-off. Such an upper cut-off makes it possible to avoid dazzling road users who may come across the vehicle equipped with a light module according to the invention.

[0017] According to an optional feature of the invention, the microlens array device comprises an input microlens array, an output microlens array and a mask, the mask being disposed between the two microlens arrays.

[0018] The input microlens array corresponds to the portion of the microlens array device through which light rays enter this microlens array device, and similarly the output microlens array corresponds to its portion through which light rays leave it. Each of the input microlens array and the output microlens array comprises a plurality of microlenses, which are here converging lenses. Such microlenses have dimensions of the order of a millimeter.

[0019] The organization of the microlens array device is such that a given microlens of the input microlens array cooperates with a single microlens of the output microlens array. The shape of the microlenses is thus simplified and facilitates their manufacture. Here, it is understood that two microlenses "cooperate" when a light ray or a plurality of light rays having passed through a microlens of the input microlens array also pass through a microlens of the output microlens array.

[0020] The input microlens array receives the light rays before the output microlens array; it is understood that the input microlens array is arranged between the collimator and the output microlens array.

[0021] The mask is interposed between the input microlens array and the output microlens array. The mask can, for example, be used to delimit a boundary between this input microlens array and this output microlens array.

[0022] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the input microlens array has an image focal plane and the output microlens array has an object focal plane, this image focal plane and this object focal plane being substantially merged.

[0023] More precisely, each of the microlenses of the input microlens array has an image focal plane which is coincident with an object focal plane of the microlens of the output microlens array with which it cooperates.

[0024] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the image focal plane of the input microlens array and the object focal plane of the output microlens array are substantially merged with the mask.

[0025] By substantially confused, it should be understood that in theory, the focal planes are perpendicular to an optical axis of the microlens matrix device and are superimposed on the mask but that in reality, the focal planes can be juxtaposed with a slight offset from each other. This results in each of the image foci of the input microlenses being arranged on the mask, or substantially on the mask, and in the same way each of the object foci of the output microlenses being arranged on this mask, or substantially on this mask.

[0026] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the mask is opaque and has openings.

[0027] This mask is for example a glass slide embedded in the material of the matrix device and which is covered, on at least one of its faces which is arranged opposite one of the microlens matrices, with an opaque coating. The mask comprises openings, which correspond to cutouts in the opaque coating, which allow localized passage of the light rays formed from the input microlens matrix to the output microlens matrix.

[0028] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, each microlens of the input microlens array comprises an image focal plane, the light rays coming from the light emission assembly and participating in the first light function being focused on the image focal plane, at a first focusing point at a distance from the edges of the openings of the mask, and the light rays coming from the light emission assembly and participating in the second light function being focused on the image focal plane, at a second focusing point at the edge of an opening of the mask.

[0029] Each first focal point associated with the light rays participating in the first light function is arranged in one of the openings of the mask, at a distance from the edges of this opening.

[0030] Each second focal point associated with the light rays participating in the second light function is arranged on the edge of an opening, this edge being a cut-off edge.

[0031] The apertures are arranged in the mask so that there is, for each focal point associated with the light rays participating in the first or second light function, a given aperture; thus, there is a corresponding aperture for each input microlens.

[0032] For a given input microlens, the first focusing point associated with the light rays participating in the first light function is offset from the cut-off edge of its corresponding aperture according to the formula DC / fz > tan(10°), where DC corresponds to a distance between a point D which is the first focusing point associated with the light rays participating in the first light function and a point C which is the second focusing point associated with the light rays participating in the second light function, and where £2 corresponds to the focal length of the corresponding output microlens, i.e. here the distance between the mask and this corresponding output microlens.

[0033] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the light module comprises a control unit controlling the actuator.

[0034] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the light module comprises an additional actuator, activation of which causes movement of at least part of the light module within the housing, the control unit being configured to simultaneously control the actuator and the additional actuator.

[0035] The actuator pivoting the housing then corresponds to a first actuator, the additional actuator being a second actuator of the light module. The first actuator makes it possible to modify an angular position of the housing as a whole, while the second actuator makes it possible to modify a positioning of at least one element of the light module which is arranged in the housing. The control unit is capable of controlling the first actuator and the second actuator at the same time; as a result, it is possible to simultaneously carry out a modification of the angular position of the housing and a modification of the positioning of the element arranged inside the housing.

[0036] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the part of the light module corresponds to the microlens matrix device, the light emission assembly comprising a light source having a variable light intensity.

[0037] According to an optional feature of the invention, the microlens array device is configured to switch between a first angular position and a second angular position.

[0038] This is a first embodiment variant, in which the additional actuator is configured to modify the position of the microlens matrix device. This makes it possible to orient this microlens matrix device between a first angular position and a second angular position. In this first embodiment variant, the light module, and in particular the light emission assembly, comprises a single light source, which is of variable light intensity. The orientation of the microlens matrix device in the first angular position makes it possible to arrange it so that it receives light rays from the light source for the realization of the first light function, while its orientation in the second angular position makes it possible to arrange it so that it receives light rays for the realization of the second light function.

[0039] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the part of the light module corresponds to the light emission assembly.

[0040] According to an optional feature of the invention, the light emission assembly comprises a light source movable between a first position and a second position, the first position being associated with the first light function and the second position being associated with the second light function, the light source having a variable light intensity.

[0041] In this second embodiment, the light emission assembly comprises a light source which is a single light source. It is movable between the first position which allows the first light function to be performed and the second position which allows the second light function to be performed. Since the two light functions require different light intensities, the single light source has a variable light intensity to accommodate both light functions at the same time.

[0042] According to an optional feature of the invention, the light emission assembly comprises a first light source configured to perform the first light function and a second light source configured to perform the second light function.

[0043] In this embodiment, there are a plurality of light sources each adapted to perform one of the two light functions. The light sources can be selectively addressable, i.e. they can be activated independently of each other, for example by the control unit.

[0044] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the collimator has an object focal plane, the two light sources being arranged in this object focal plane.

[0045] The light sources are for example arranged such that one is arranged on one side of an optical axis and the other is arranged on another side of the optical axis of the light module which is in a main propagation direction of the light rays within the module. The two light sources can be arranged at the same distance from the collimator and equidistant from the optical axis.

[0046] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the two light sources are arranged on the same printed circuit board of the light emission assembly.

[0047] It is understood that the light emission assembly comprises both the light sources and the printed circuit board that carries them. Such an arrangement reduces the number of components required for the production of the light module and also facilitates its assembly, the light sources being easily able to be aligned in a plane substantially parallel to the collimator.

[0048] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the two light sources are arranged in two different vertical planes, respectively perpendicular to an optical axis of the light module, one of the light sources being closer to the microlens matrix device than the other light source.

[0049] The light sources are then at different distances from the collimator. The closest light source is the first light source, which is the one that advantageously allows the signaling function to be implemented.

[0050] According to an optional feature of the invention, the collimator has an object focal plane, the second light source being arranged in this object focal plane and the first light source being offset relative to this object focal plane.

[0051] One of the light sources is arranged in the object focal plane of the collimator while the other is arranged outside the object focal plane. More specifically, the light source performing the lighting function is arranged in the object focal plane while the light source performing the signaling function is offset relative thereto. In some embodiments, the first light source is closer to the collimator, i.e., it is arranged between the latter and its object focal plane. In other embodiments, the first light source is further away from the collimator, and the object focal plane of the collimator is then interposed between the first light source and the collimator.

[0052] According to an optional feature of the invention, the light module comprises an additional lens arranged between the first light source and the microlens matrix device. The interposition of an additional lens between the first light source and the microlens matrix device makes it possible to defocus it without modifying its positioning relative to the second light source; the two light sources can for example both be arranged in the object focal plane of the collimator. The additional lens is notably made of plastic.

[0053] In the context of a first light source corresponding to the implementation of a daytime running light function, which involves a regulatory beam that is more vertically extended than that associated with the dipped beam function in particular, it is advantageous to place a lens opposite the first light source, to promote the spreading of the beam.

[0054] According to an optional feature of the invention, the light sources have different light intensities.

[0055] In particular, the first light source has a reduced light intensity compared to the second light source.

[0056] According to an optional feature of the invention, the actuator is configured to pivot the housing by an angular offset of between 5° and 15°.

[0057] In other words, the transition from a first angular position of the housing to a second angular position of the housing, or vice versa, is achieved by pivoting the housing by an angle of between 5° and 15°. The actuator is thus configured to pivot the housing by at least 5°. Such a value distinguishes the actuator of the invention from conventional level correctors, which are sized to move a light module according to an angular deflection of at most 4°. Here, either the actuator is a different element from the vehicle level corrector and then operates according to distinct value ranges, or it corresponds to the level corrector which has been configured differently to allow a greater angular deflection in order to allow pivoting from 5° to 15°.

[0058] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle, comprising at least one light module as mentioned previously.

[0059] The invention further relates to a method of using a light module as discussed above, in which a detection of a transition from the first light function to the second light function causes the actuator to be activated to pivot the housing from a first angular position to a second angular position, and a detection of a transition from the second light function to the first light function causes the actuator to be activated to pivot the housing from the second angular position to the first angular position.

[0060] The pivoting of the housing is therefore the result of the detection, for example by a device associated with the control unit, of the transition from one of the light functions to the other.

[0061] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0062] [Fig. 1] illustrates, schematically, a light module capable of performing two light functions according to the invention, comprising a plurality of light sources, a collimator and a microlens matrix device, these elements being arranged in a housing, FIG. 1 further illustrating a detail of the microlens matrix device;

[0063] [Fig. 2] illustrates, schematically, another view of the light module of Figure 1, in which light rays participating in each of the two light functions are represented, the housing being in a neutral position;

[0064] [Fig. 3] illustrates, schematically, a part of the microlens matrix device of the light module of figure 1, this part of the microlens matrix device participating here in the realization of the first light function, the housing being in a first angular position;

[0065] [Fig. 4] illustrates, schematically, the part of the microlens matrix device illustrated in Figure 3 and participating here in the realization of the second luminous function, the housing being in a second angular position;

[0066] [Fig. 5] illustrates, schematically, a variant of the light module of figure 1, in which this light module comprises a single light source which is mobile;

[0067] [Fig. 6] illustrates, schematically, another variant of the light module of Figure 1, in which the light sources are offset relative to the collimator;

[0068] [Fig. 7] illustrates, schematically, another variant of the light module of Figure 1, in which a lens is interposed between one of the light sources and the collimator; [Fig. 8] illustrates, schematically, another variant of the light module of Figure 1, in which this light module comprises a single light source which is fixed, the microlens matrix device being able to tilt.

[0069] 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 prior art.

[0070] In the figures, elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0071] Figures 1 and 2 thus illustrate, schematically, a light module 1 according to the invention, such a light module 1 being for example intended to equip a vehicle such as a motor vehicle. This light module 1 is capable of performing alternatively, within the motor vehicle, a plurality of light functions, namely a first light function and a second light function different from the first light function.

[0072] The light functions provided by the light module 1, i.e. its first light function and its second light function, are respectively a signaling function and a lighting function. More particularly, the signaling function corresponds to a daytime running light function of the motor vehicle while the lighting function corresponds to a dipped beam headlight function of this vehicle. A transition from one to the other of these light functions within the light module 1 is carried out simultaneously with a pivoting, by means of an actuator 20, of a housing 18 within which the various optical components of the light module 1 are housed; such a mechanism will be described subsequently.

[0073] The light module 1 comprises a light emission assembly which is a means for emitting light rays. This light emission assembly comprises at least one light source 2. According to the embodiments shown, there is either a first light source 2A and a second light source 2B, or a single light source 2. The light source 2 takes the form of a light-emitting diode. It is configured to perform at least one light function within the light module 1, i.e. to emit light rays participating in at least one of the two light functions. In the presence of two light sources 2A, 2B, each is dedicated to performing one of the light functions among the first light function and the second light function, whereas in the case of a single light source 2, the latter provides both these first and second light functions.

[0074] The first light function and the second light function require different light powers. More particularly, the first light function, signaling function, requires a lower light power than the light power required by the second light function, lighting function. Therefore, when the light emission assembly comprises a single light source 2, the latter has a variable light intensity, and when the light emission assembly comprises both the first light source 2A dedicated to the first light function and the second light source 2B dedicated to the second light function, this light source 2B has a greater light intensity than the first light source 2A.

[0075] The light rays emanating from the light source 2, that is to say from the first light source, the second light source or the single light source, propagate within the light module 1 in a main propagation direction, in which an optical axis O of the light module 1 is inscribed. This optical axis O extends for example, in a neutral position of the housing 18 not moved by the actuator 20, in a horizontal direction substantially parallel to the ground on which the motor vehicle that the light module 1 is equipped with rests. In the presence of a first light source 2A and a second light source 2B, these are arranged on either side of the optical axis O in a vertical direction substantially perpendicular to the ground, with the first light source 2A below the optical axis O and the second light source 2B above it.In the presence of a single light source 2, this will for example be arranged on one side of the optical axis O, that is to say either below or above it.

[0076] The light module 1 comprises a collimator 4, which receives the light rays emitted by the light source 2. The collimator 4 thus has a first face facing the light source 2, which is a face through which the light rays enter, and a second face opposite it, through which the light rays exit. The collimator 4 is configured to deflect the light rays which pass through it, so as to form at the output a beam of light rays parallel to each other. In other words, the collimator 4 receives by its first face non-parallel light rays because they come from the light source 2, and it reorients them so that they leave it by its second face in a parallel manner.In the presence of two light sources 2A, 2B for example, the collimator 4 is configured to direct the light rays emitted by the first light source 2A into a first beam of parallel rays, which has a given inclination relative to the optical axis, and to direct the light rays emitted by the second light source 2B into a second beam of parallel rays, this second beam of parallel rays having an inclination relative to the optical axis which is different from the corresponding inclination of the first beam of parallel rays. As can be seen in the figures, the light rays participating in the first function form an ascending beam of rays at the output of the collimator 4, while the light rays participating in the second function form a descending beam of rays at the output of the collimator.

[0077] The light rays leaving the collimator 4 are directed towards a microlens matrix device 6 of the light module 1. In other words, the light rays generated by the light source 2 pass through the collimator 4 to reach this microlens matrix device 6. The microlens matrix device 6 comprises an input microlens matrix 8, an output microlens matrix 10 and a mask 12, these elements being particularly visible in FIG. 1.

[0078] The input microlens array 8 corresponds to an input face of the microlens array device 6 and the output microlens array 10 to an output face thereof. The mask 12 is arranged in the material of the microlens array device, between the input microlens array 8 and the output microlens array 10. In other words, within the microlens array device 6, the light rays pass in order through the input microlens array 8, the mask 12 and then the output microlens array 10.

[0079] Each of the input microlens array 8 and the output microlens array 10 comprises a plurality of microlenses; it is understood that there are a plurality of input microlenses and a plurality of output microlenses, a given input microlens being configured to cooperate with a given output microlens. A given input microlens is considered to cooperate with a given output microlens when the light rays entering the microlens array device 6 through this input microlens leave this microlens array device 6 through this output microlens, as is particularly illustrated in FIG. 1. The microlenses here are converging lenses.

[0080] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the input microlens array 8 and the output microlens array 10 are arranged relative to each other such that an image focal plane of the input microlens array 8 and an object focal plane of the output microlens array 10 are substantially coincident. The image focal plane of the input microlens array 8 and the object focal plane of the output microlens array 10 are for example arranged along the mask 12.

[0081] This mask 12, which is notably visible in FIG. 1, is opaque. Such opacity results for example from the covering of one of the faces of the mask 2 intended to be crossed by the light rays by a coating preventing their passage. In this opaque covering surface are provided openings 14, which allow the localized passage of the light rays through the mask. The mask 12 can for example be produced in such a way that each opening 14 is arranged in a light circulation channel, between a microlens of the input microlens array 8 and the corresponding microlens of the output microlens array 10, the openings 14 then each being opposite both a microlens of the input microlens array 8 and a microlens of the output microlens array 10.

[0082] Each opening 14 is delimited by an edge; it is understood that this edge corresponds to an interface between a portion of the opaque mask 12 which prevents the passage of light rays and a portion of the mask 12 which lets these light rays pass.

[0083] As mentioned above, the second function is a lighting function. More particularly, the lighting function here is a dipped beam function, provided with an upper cut-off, which makes it possible, when implementing the second lighting function, to avoid dazzling road users who are traveling in the opposite direction to the motor vehicle equipped with the light module 1 according to the invention. Such an upper cut-off is obtained by orienting the light rays participating in the second lighting function so that they arrive in a particular way on the mask 12. Thus, these light rays are directed towards one of the edges of an opening 14 of the mask 12, as illustrated in FIG. 1 or 4, this edge being more particularly designated as being a cut-off edge 16.More specifically, each microlens of the input microlens array 8 is configured such that the light rays participating in the second light function are focused by said input microlens at a second focusing point C, this second focusing point C being centered on the cut-off edge 16 of the opening 14 which is opposite the given microlens. Light rays associated with the second light function can then be blocked by the opaque coating of the mask 12 as soon as they are slightly defocused and present a risk of having an upward trajectory at the output of the matrix device.Such an arrangement of the second focal point C of each microlens of the input microlens matrix 8 makes it possible to obtain, at the output of the microlens matrix device 6, a light beam which is truncated in the upper part, this light beam corresponding to the second light function of the light module 1.

[0084] Conversely, a cut-off is not necessary when implementing the first light function, which corresponds to a signaling function. Therefore, a first focusing point D associated with the light rays participating in the first light function is, for each microlens of the input microlens array 8, eccentric relative to the edges of the openings 14 of the mask 12 and in particular relative to the cut-off edge 16 of these openings; it is understood that the first focusing points D of the microlenses of the input microlens array 8 are, for the light rays of the first light function, each arranged in one of the openings 14 of the mask 12 but at a distance from the edges thereof, as can be seen in FIG. 3.

[0085] More precisely, for a given microlens of the input microlens array 8, the first focusing point D associated with the light rays performing the first light function is offset from the cut-off edge 16 of the corresponding opening 14 of the mask 12 according to the mathematical formula DC / f2 > tan(10°), for which DC is the distance between point D, the first focusing point associated with the light rays participating in the first light function, and point C, the second focusing point associated with the light rays participating in the second light function, and for which £2 is the focal length of the corresponding microlens of the output microlens array 10. The focusing points C, D are illustrated in particular in Figures 3 and 4.

[0086] The distance between points D and C, or interfocal distance DC between the first focusing point associated with the light rays participating in the first light function on the one hand and the second focusing point associated with the light rays participating in the second light function on the other hand, is on the one hand conditioned by the need to have a projection extent corresponding to a regulatory beam for the signaling function, without the beam being cut by the cut-off edge, and therefore the need to separate point D from point C, and on the other hand conditioned by distances between different elements of the light module 1. This interfocal distance DC thus depends on the focal lengths of the collimator 4 and the microlenses of the input microlens matrix 8 as well as a distance between the two light sources 2A, 2B.Such an interfocal distance DC is more precisely expressed according to the formula DC = fiAB / fo, where fo is the focal length of the collimator 4, AB is the distance between the light sources 2A, 2B and fi is the focal length of the microlenses of the input microlens array 8.

[0087] It is therefore understood that within the light module 1, the organization of the light emission assembly, the collimator 4 and the microlens matrix device 6 relative to each other along the optical axis O is governed by the desired distance between the first focusing point associated with the light rays participating in the first light function and the second focusing point associated with the light rays participating in the second light function.

[0088] As mentioned above, the arrangement of the light emission assembly with respect to the optical axis O is such that there is either a light source 2 arranged on one side of the optical axis O, or two light sources 2A, 2B arranged on each side thereof. Due to this arrangement, at the output of the microlens matrix device 6, the light rays which participate in the first function form a beam of rays descending with respect to the optical axis O when the latter is substantially horizontal, while the light rays which participate in the second function form a beam of rays ascending with respect to the optical axis O. The descending beam of rays is illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 while the ascending beam of rays is shown in Figures 2 and 4.

[0089] In the neutral position of the housing 18 as illustrated in Figure 2, with the optical axis O substantially horizontal, such orientations of the beams are however not compatible with the regulatory standards of light emission for each of the two light functions and do not allow satisfactory implementation thereof, in particular because they do not allow sufficient signaling of the motor vehicle for the first light function and suitable lighting of the road for the second light function. The upward beam of rays is for example dazzling for road users, which causes discomfort and is contrary to the regulations.

[0090] A correct orientation of the light rays, that is to say an orientation which makes it possible to obtain both a signaling function and a lighting function which are compliant and satisfactory, corresponds to an orientation in which the beams of light rays of each of the light functions are, at the output of the microlens matrix device 6, substantially horizontal, that is to say substantially parallel to the ground on which the motor vehicle equipped with the light module 1 rests during the implementation of their associated light function.

[0091] This orientation of the beams of light rays is obtained by a mechanical movement of the housing 18 of the light module 1. This housing 18 is a housing within which the light emission assembly, the collimator 4 and the microlens matrix device 6 are arranged. The mechanical movement of the housing allows a pivoting of all of these elements, and therefore a tilting of the optical axis O. The housing 18 is shown schematically in the figures, so as to illustrate a positioning of the different elements that it receives in particular with respect to the optical axis O. Such a positioning is however not representative of the dimensions and distances between these different elements.

[0092] The mechanical movement of the housing 18 is governed by a control unit of the light module 1. This control unit is in particular capable of controlling the actuator 20 of the light module 1. The actuator 20 is thus configured to pivot the housing 18 when the light module 1 switches from one of the light functions to the other, that is to say when it alternates between the first light function and the second light function and vice versa. The actuator 20 is for example an actuating finger that can be moved in translation or even stretched or retracted, a stretching of this actuating finger causing a thrust on a portion of the housing which, mounted on a pivot connection P, performs a pivoting in a given direction of rotation, and conversely a retraction of this actuating finger can cause the housing to return to its initial position by a rotational movement in the opposite direction via the pivot connection P.The pivoting of the housing P is carried out here along an axis perpendicular to the optical axis O of the light module 1 and the vertical direction substantially perpendicular to the ground.

[0093] The pivoting of the housing 18 makes it possible to pivot the optical axis O and to tilt it differently relative to the horizontal, which makes it possible to ensure that the light rays associated with the first light function and the light rays associated with the second light function are alternately oriented in a regulatory manner when implementing their respective light functions. A correct orientation of the light rays associated with the first light function, that is to say an orientation in which they are at the exit of the microlens matrix device 6 substantially parallel to the ground, thus results from a first angular position of the housing 18. Similarly, a correct orientation of the light rays associated with the second light function, that is to say an orientation in which they are at the exit of the microlens matrix device 6 substantially parallel to the ground, results from a second angular position of the housing 18.The first angular position of the housing 18 is illustrated in Figure 3, which therefore corresponds to the first light function, and the second angular position of this housing 18 is shown in Figure 4, which corresponds to the second light function. The actuator 20 pivots the housing 18 from one of these angular positions to the other. The first angular position corresponds to a position in which the optical axis O, at the output of the light module, is away from the ground, as illustrated in Figure 3, while the second angular position corresponds to a position in which the optical axis O is folded back towards the ground, as visible in Figure 4.

[0094] In other words, when the control unit detects that a user of the motor vehicle equipped with the light module 1 according to the invention switches from the first light function to the second light function, or when the detection of such a switch occurs automatically, for example as a function of a change in external brightness, this control unit activates the actuator 20 so that it pivots the housing 18 from the first angular position to the second angular position. Similarly, when the user wishes to switch from the second light function to the first light function, or when such a switch is carried out automatically, the control unit activates the actuator 20 which causes the housing 18 to pivot from its second angular position to its first angular position.

[0095] An angular offset between the first angular position and the second angular position of the housing 18 is here of the order of 10°, with tolerances of plus or minus 1° depending on the dimensions of the light module 1. More generally, the angular offset is for example between 5 and 15°. For an angular offset of 10°, the actuator 20 can orient the housing 18 of the light module 1 by -5° relative to its neutral position, i.e. 5° in a first pivoting direction, or by +5° relative to this neutral position, i.e. 5° in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first direction.

[0096] When the actuator 20 is a level corrector of the motor vehicle equipped with the light module 1 according to the invention, this level corrector must be adapted to allow a greater angular offset than a level corrector of the prior art whose angular offset is generally limited to 4° to counter a possible overload of the motor vehicle.

[0097] Different embodiments of the light module 1 according to the invention will now be described. Unless otherwise stated, the characteristics mentioned in relation to one of the variants may apply, mutatis mutandis, to another variant provided that such an application is not incompatible.

[0098] In the variants illustrated in figures 1, 2, 6 and 7, the light module 1 is equipped with both the first light source 2A participating in the first light function and the second source 2B participating in the second light function, these two light sources 2A, 2B being of different light intensities as mentioned above. For the variants of figures 1, 2 and 7, the first light source 2A and the second light source 2B are arranged in the same focal plane. These light sources 2 are for example arranged in an object focal plane of the collimator 4, the first light source 2A then being on a first side of the optical axis O of the light module 1 and the second light source 22 being on a second side thereof.For this purpose, the first and second light sources 2A, 2B may in particular be mounted on the same printed circuit board of the light emission assembly, not illustrated here, such a printed circuit board then being mounted within the light module 1 so as to be arranged in a plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis O of this light module 1.

[0099] In Figure 7, the first light source 2A and the first source 2B are in the same focal plane but an additional lens 22 is arranged between one of the light sources 2A, 2B and the collimator 4. More specifically, this additional lens 22 is positioned between the first light source 2A and the collimator 4. Such positioning makes it possible to defocus the first light source 2A, so that a beam of light rays from this second light source 2A is more extensive at the output of the microlens matrix device 6. The additional lens 22, which is for example made of plastic, can be mounted on the printed circuit board of the light emission assembly which carries the two light sources 2A, 2B.

[0100] On the contrary, in the embodiment variant shown in Figure 6, the first light source 2A and the first source 2B are not arranged in the same focal plane. Here, the first light source 2A is arranged in a first vertical plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis O and the second light source 2B is arranged in a second vertical plane, parallel to the first vertical plane and distinct from it. In Figure 6, the arrangement of the light sources 2A, 2B is such that the first vertical plane in which the first light source 2A is located is closer to the collimator 4 than the first vertical plane in which the second light source 2B is located. It would also be possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to envisage embodiments in which the second vertical plane is further from the collimator 4 than the first vertical plane.One of these two vertical planes may also be substantially confused with the object focal plane of the collimator 4. In particular, the second vertical plane in which the second light source 2B is located may be the object focal plane of the collimator 4.

[0101] It is understood from the above that a defocusing of the first light source 2A, in order to obtain a larger spot of light formed within the framework of the first light function, can be obtained either by adding the additional lens 22 as is the case for the variant of FIG. 7, or by offsetting the first light source 2A relative to the second light source 2B along the optical axis O as is the case in the variant of FIG. 6. These two variants could further be combined to obtain an embodiment in which the light module 1 has a first light source 2A offset relative to a second light source 2B, an additional lens 22 being interposed between this first light source 2A and the collimator 4.

[0102] In the variants shown in Figures 5 and 8, the light module 1 is equipped with a single light source 2. In order for the light module 1 to be able to perform both the first light function and the second light function, a movement additional to the pivoting movement of the housing is necessary. As illustrated in Figure 5, this additional movement may be that of the light source 2. In this case, the light source 2 is movable, for example according to a translational movement T, between a first position which corresponds to the first light function and a second position which corresponds to the second light function. The first light function requiring a lower light intensity compared to the second light function, the light source 2 then has a variable light intensity allowing it to adapt to the prerequisites of each light function.

[0103] As shown in Figure 8, the additional movement can otherwise be that of the microlens matrix device 6, the light source 2 then being fixed within the housing 18. The light source is here of variable light intensity as explained previously. In this variant embodiment, the microlens matrix device 6 is mobile, here according to a tilting movement B; more precisely, this microlens matrix device 6 is configured to tilt between a first angular position, in which it is able to perform the first light function, and a second angular position, in which it is able to perform the second light function. A tilting angle of the microlens matrix device 6 is then added to the angular offset of the housing 18 operated by the actuator 20.In this variant, the implementation of one or other of the light functions corresponds initially to a tilting of the microlens matrix device 6, then in a second stage to a pivoting of the housing 18.

[0104] Whether for the movement of the light source 2 or for the tilting of the microlens matrix device 6, this additional movement is controlled by an additional actuator, the activation of which is added to that of the actuator 20 of the housing 18. The actuator 20 and the additional actuator can both be controlled by the control unit. Such control can in particular be carried out simultaneously, which makes it possible to coordinate the movements of the housing 18 on the one hand and of one or other of the light source 2 and the microlens matrix device 6 on the other hand.

[0105] The present invention thus provides a light module for a motor vehicle capable of performing two distinct light functions, including a night lighting function and a daytime signaling function, these two light functions resulting in light activation of the same area of ​​the motor vehicle both day and night.

[0106] 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. Light module (1) for a motor vehicle configured to perform a first light function and a second light function distinct from the first light function, the light module (1) comprising a housing (18) within which are received a light emission assembly, a collimator (4) and a microlens matrix device (6), the light emission assembly being configured to emit light rays towards the matrix device (6) through the collimator (4) to alternately perform each of the two light functions, the light module (1) comprising an actuator (20) activation of which causes the housing (18) to pivot when switching from one of the light functions to the other.

2. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first light function is a signaling function, such as a daytime running light function and the second light function is a lighting function, such as a dipped beam headlight function.

3. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the microlens matrix device (6) comprises an input microlens matrix (8), an output microlens matrix (10) and a mask (12), the mask (12) being arranged between the two microlens matrices (8, 10).

4. Light module (1) according to claim 3, in which the input microlens array (8) has an image focal plane and the output microlens array (10) has an object focal plane, this image focal plane and this object focal plane being substantially merged with the mask (12), the mask (12) being opaque and having openings (14).

5. Light module (1) according to claim 4, in which each microlens of the input microlens array (8) comprises an image focal plane, the light rays coming from the light emission assembly and participating in the first light function being focused on the image focal plane, at a first focusing point (D) at a distance from the edges of the openings of the mask, and the light rays coming from the light emission assembly and participating in the second light function being focused on the image focal plane, at a second focusing point (C) at the edge of an opening of the mask.

6. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a control unit driving the actuator (20).

7. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising an additional actuator, activation of which causes movement of at least part of the light module (1) within the housing (18), the control unit being configured to simultaneously control the actuator (20) and the additional actuator.

8. Light module (1) according to claim 7, wherein the part of the light module (1) corresponds to the microlens matrix device (6), the microlens matrix device (6) being configured to switch between a first angular position and a second angular position, the light emission assembly comprising a light source (2) having a variable light intensity.

9. Light module (1) according to claim 7, wherein the part of the light module (1) corresponds to the light emission assembly, the light emission assembly comprising a light source (2) movable between a first position and a second position, the first position being associated with the first light function and the second position being associated with the second light function, the light source (2) having a variable light intensity.

10. Light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light emitting assembly comprises a first light source (2A) configured to perform the first light function and a second light source (2B) configured to perform the second light function.

11. Light module (1) according to claim 10, in which the collimator (4) has an object focal plane, the two light sources (2A, 2B) being arranged in this object focal plane.

12. Light module (1) according to claim 10, wherein the two light sources (2A, 2B) are arranged in two different vertical planes, respectively perpendicular to an optical axis (O) of the light module (1), one of the light sources (2A, 2B) being closer to the microlens matrix device (6) than the other light source (2A, 2B).

13. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the collimator (4) has an object focal plane, the second light source (2B) being arranged in this object focal plane and the first light source (2A) being offset relative to this object focal plane.

14. Light module (1) according to one of claims 10 to 13, comprising an additional lens arranged between the first light source (2A) and the microlens matrix device (6).

15. Light module (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the light sources (2A, 2B) have different light intensities.

16. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuator (20) is configured to pivot the housing (18) by an angular offset of between 5 and 15°.

17. A method of using a light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein a detection of a transition from the first light function to the second light function causes the actuator (20) to be activated to pivot the housing (18) from a first angular position to a second angular position, and a detection of a transition from the second light function to the first light function causes the actuator (20) to be activated to pivot the housing (18) from the second angular position to the first angular position.

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