Light engine and lighting device for a motor vehicle provided with at least one light engine and a light guide

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a light engine (22) comprising: - at least one light source (220, 222) and at least one housing (226, 228), and - parallel or converging first and second outputs (230, 232) each arranged in the housing. Another aspect of the invention relates to a light device (200) comprising at least one light guide (24) and a light engine (22) according to the invention. The light guide comprises at least a first and a second segment (240, 250) each comprising only a connection portion (242, 252) extending as far as a point (I) of intersection with, respectively, the second segment (250) or the first segment (240, 250), and a lighting portion (244, 254). Each of the outputs of the light engine receives at least part of the connection portion of the first and second segments of the light guide.

Description

LIGHT ENGINE AND LIGHTING DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH AT LEAST ONE LIGHT ENGINE AND ONE LIGHT GUIDE TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automotive lighting.

[0002] The present invention relates more particularly to a light engine, a light device provided with at least one light engine and a light guide, and an assembly comprising a plurality of light devices.

[0003] The present invention finds a particular but non-limiting application in motor vehicles. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Generally, a motor vehicle is equipped with a plurality of lighting assemblies configured for lighting and signaling the motor vehicle. The lighting assemblies are most often located on the front and rear portions of the motor vehicle.

[0005] According to an example shown in , a front portion 10 of a motor vehicle comprises a bumper 12, a grille 14 and a lighting assembly 20 integrated into the grille 14. The lighting assembly 30 comprises two lighting devices 300 each comprising a light engine 32 connected to a light guide 34.

[0006] Each light engine 32 of the light device 300 comprises a light source 320 emitting light in the light guide 34. The light guide 34 is an optical part capable of guiding the light emitted by the light source 320 by total and successive internal reflections of the light, from an input zone to an output zone. The light guide 34 is for example in the form of a tubular element.

[0007] Each light engine 32 of the lighting assembly 20 is arranged at one end of the grille 14 in a transverse direction T of a VLT reference mark. The light guide 34 extends transversely in the grille 14 so as to illuminate the grille 14 of the vehicle.

[0008] As shown in , the light engine 32 includes an electronic support 324 on which the light source 320 is arranged, and a housing 326 including an output 330 of the light engine 32. As shown in , the light engine 32 may also include a collimator 334 arranged between the light source 320 and the housing 326.

[0009] The light guide 34 comprises a segment 340 delimited by a first end 240A connected to the light source 320 of the light engine 32 and a second end 340B located outside the light engine 32.

[0010] The segment 340 of the light guide 34 comprises two portions: a connecting portion 342, arranged inside the light engine 32 and extending from the first end 340A of the segment 340 to the outlet 330 of the light engine 32, and a lighting portion 344, arranged outside the light engine 32 and extending from the outlet 330 of the light engine 32 to the second end 340B of the segment 340.

[0011] The two light devices 300 of the lighting assembly 30 are arranged so that: the second ends 340B of the segments 340 are merged so as to form a single segment 340 in the form of a continuous line, and the lighting assembly 30 is symmetrical with respect to a plane P2 parallel to a plane VL of the VLT reference frame and passing through the second ends 240B of the segments 340 of the light guide 24.

[0012] The two light engines 32 of the lighting assembly 20 therefore make it possible to emit light into the segment 340 of the light guide 34 from the first end 340A to the second end 340B of the segment 340 of the light guide 34.

[0013] However, in the case of a substantially long light guide 34, for example having a length greater than 1 meter, the luminance value varies along the lighting portion 344 of the segment 340 of the light guide 34. Indeed, the luminance value decreases progressively from the first end 340A of the segment 340, that is to say at the point closest to the light source 320, towards the second end 340B of the segment 340, that is to say at the point furthest from the light source 320. Consequently, the production of light animations, such as for example a scrolling of the light along the lighting portion 344 of the segment 340 of the light guide 34, also causes phenomena of reduction of the luminance value of the light guide 34.Furthermore, in the case of a light guide 34 whose segment 340 has curved or angular portions, the luminance value varies heterogeneously so that a hot spot forms at the curved or angular portion, then the luminance value decreases downstream of the curved or angular portion of the segment 340 of the light guide 34.

[0014] Consequently, such a lighting device 300 does not make it possible to obtain a constant luminance value, or a constant luminous homogeneity, over the entire lighting portion 344 of the segment 340 of the light guide 34 in the case of a light guide 34 which is substantially long and / or has a non-rectilinear geometry and / or offers particular illumination.

[0015] The invention provides a solution to the problems mentioned above by proposing a light engine and a lighting device comprising at least one light engine and a light guide having a particular architecture.

[0016] A first aspect of the invention relates to a light engine comprising at least one light source, and at least one housing. The light engine comprises a first output and a second output, parallel or converging, and each arranged in the housing.

[0017] The light engine according to the invention makes it possible, thanks to the presence of two outputs, to simultaneously connect two segments of a light guide and therefore to emit light in these two segments.

[0018] Advantageously, the light engine comprises a first light source and a second light source, and each of the first and second outputs extends, respectively, to the first light source and to the second light source.

[0019] Advantageously, the first light source is arranged to emit light rays towards the first output and the second light source is arranged to emit light rays towards the second output.

[0020] For example, the first and second light sources of the light engine are each arranged, respectively, opposite the first output and the second output of the light engine.

[0021] Advantageously, each of the first and second outputs extends, respectively, to the first light source and to the second light source.

[0022] Advantageously, the light engine comprises two identical structures which are arranged side by side so that they are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry. Such a configuration of the light engine makes it possible to simplify the manufacturing process thereof since its manufacture only requires duplication of the identical elements in the two structures.

[0023] Advantageously, the identical structures are connected, or in particular are secured, to each other so as to form a single unit. Thus, gripping the light engine as a single unit is facilitated, and in particular when mounting the light engine in a lighting device or in a lighting assembly.

[0024] Advantageously, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, each identical structure of the light engine comprises: a light source, a light source support; a collimator arranged in front of the light source; a housing body in which is integrated a through light outlet intended to receive a connection portion of a segment of a light guide, said housing body being arranged so that the through outlet is opposite the outlet of the collimator.

[0025] Preferably, the light source is a light-emitting diode.

[0026] A second aspect of the invention relates to a light device comprising at least one light guide and a light engine according to the first aspect of the invention and according to which: the light guide comprises at least a first segment and a second segment, each comprising: a first end, a connecting portion extending from its first end to a point of intersection between the first and second segments, and a lighting portion extending from the point of intersection; each of the first and second outputs of the light engine receives respectively, at least a part of the connecting portion of the first and second segments of the light guide.

[0027] The lighting device according to the invention makes it possible, thanks to the presence of two outputs of the light engine, to reduce the length of each of the segments of the light guide, which makes it possible to reduce the lighting distance of each light engine and thus to obtain a constant value of the luminance along each lighting portion of the segments of the light guide, that is to say up to the point furthest from the light engine. In addition, such a lighting device makes it possible, thanks to the crossing of the connection portions of the segments of the light guide, to ensure the luminous continuity of the lighting portions of the first and second segments of the light guide at the first and second outputs of the light engine. The proposed lighting device also has the advantage of producing luminous animations in the first and second segments of the light guide by selectively and sequentially lighting the light sources associated with these segments.It is also possible to vary the light intensity of the light sources in order to show a difference in luminance between the different segments of the light guide, for example, always with the aim of creating a light animation.

[0028] Advantageously, when the light engine comprises two identical structures arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry, the first and second segments of the light guide are crossed so that the point of intersection between the first and second segments lies in the plane of symmetry of the light engine. In this way, the segments of the light guide are curved in the same way, which guarantees the same light transmission efficiency in these two segments and therefore homogeneous light transmission throughout the light guide.

[0029] Advantageously, the lighting portions of the first and second segments form a continuous line so as to ensure the geometric continuity of the lighting portions of the first and second segments of the light guide at their point of intersection.

[0030] Advantageously, the light device comprises a first and a second guide sheath for the first and second segments of the light guide, the first and second guide sheaths receiving, respectively, at least a part of the connection portion of the first and second segments of the light guide. Such a feature makes it possible to ensure the correct positioning of the connection portions of the first and second segments of the light guide.

[0031] Advantageously, each of the first and second guide sheaths is fitted at least partially and respectively in each of the first and second outputs of the light engine. In this way, the guide sheaths are held in position by their insertion into the outputs, which makes it possible to dispense with the fixing means for fixing the sheaths to the light engine.

[0032] For example, each guide sleeve extends from the first ends of the first and second segments of the light guide to the intersection point of the first and second segments of the light guide. Such a feature allows the light guide to be held in position over substantially the entire connecting portion of the first and second segments of the light guide.

[0033] Advantageously, each guide sheath is arranged between the first and second outputs of the light engine and the point of intersection of the first and second segments of the light guide. Such a feature allows each guide sheath to be arranged outside the light engine.

[0034] Preferably, the first and second guide sheaths are convergent. Such a characteristic makes it possible to ensure the correct positioning of the point of intersection of the first and second segments of the light guide.

[0035] Advantageously, the first and second guide sheaths have a rigidity greater than that of the light guide. Such a characteristic makes it possible both to ensure the guidance of the connecting portions of the first and second segments of the light guide by the first and second guide sheaths and to ensure the correct positioning of the point of intersection of the first and second segments of the light guide. Indeed, the rigidity of the guide sheaths imposes a limit on the crossing of the segments, that is to say the limit position beyond which the crossing of the segments is no longer possible. Generally speaking, the limit position is located approximately close to the free end of the guide sheaths. This crossing limit implies a limit in the way in which the segments are curved. In other words, the radius of curvature of the segments depends partly on the rigidity of the guide sheaths.This framed radius of curvature makes it possible to impose an inflection which ensures good propagation of light in the segments, particularly in the curved portion, in order to minimize the loss of light at this location.

[0036] Advantageously, each of the first and second guide sheaths is made of a semi-rigid plastic material such as silicone.

[0037] Preferably, the first and second guide sheaths are rigid so as to preserve their geometric shape.

[0038] Preferably, the light guide comprises at least one optical fiber.

[0039] Advantageously, the light guide comprises glass fibers or is made of plastic.

[0040] Advantageously, the light guide is modular, so it can easily be deformed to form curved or angular portions of the light guide. In other words, the light guide is flexible.

[0041] Preferably, the light engine is symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the light source of the light engine and passing through the point of intersection of the first and second segments of the light guide.

[0042] Advantageously, the first and second guide sheaths are symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the light source of the light engine and passing through the point of intersection of the first and second segments of the light guide.

[0043] Advantageously, the lighting device comprises an electronic control unit configured to selectively and sequentially control the first and second light sources.

[0044] A third aspect of the invention relates to a lighting assembly comprising two lighting devices according to the invention, and according to which the lighting portions of the second segments of the light guide are arranged opposite each other in the same plane.

[0045] The lighting assembly according to the invention makes it possible, thanks to the presence of two lighting devices, to obtain a substantially long light guide according to which the luminance value is constant along each lighting portion of the segments of the light guide, that is to say up to the point furthest from the light engine.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment of the lighting assembly, the lighting portions of the second segments of the light guide form a continuous line so as to ensure the luminous continuity of the lighting portions of the second segments of the light guide at their second end.

[0047] According to a variant of the previous embodiment of the lighting assembly, the lighting portions of the second segments of the light guide are aligned with each other so as to ensure the geometric continuity of the lighting portions of the second segments of the light guide at their second end.

[0048] According to another exemplary embodiment of the lighting assembly, the second ends of the second segments of the light guide are spaced apart from each other.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment of the lighting assembly, the second ends of the second segments of the light guide are merged so as to form a single second segment in the form of a continuous line extending from the first end of the first segment to the first end of the second segment.

[0050] Advantageously, the lighting assembly is symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the second ends of the second segments of the light guide.

[0051] The invention and its various applications will be better understood by reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0052] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the following description, illustrated by the figures in which: La, already described, is a perspective view from above of the front part of a motor vehicle equipped with a lighting assembly comprising two light devices according to the state of the art; La, already described, is a schematic view from above of a lighting assembly comprising two light devices according to the state of the art; La, is a schematic view from above of a lighting device according to a first embodiment of the invention. La, is a schematic view from above of a lighting device according to a second embodiment of the invention. La is a schematic view from above of a lighting assembly comprising two light devices according to the first embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] An exemplary embodiment of a light device according to the invention is described in detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings. This example illustrates the characteristics and advantages of the invention.

[0054] Unless otherwise specified, the same element appearing in different figures has a single reference.

[0055] For the understanding of the invention, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations will be adopted according to the reference V, L, T indicated in the figures whose longitudinal L and transverse T axes extend in a horizontal plane. The rear of the light device towards the front of the light device is oriented according to the longitudinal axis L of the VLT reference.

[0056] Figures 3 and 4 each show a light device 200 comprising a light engine 22 connected to a light guide 24. 1 illustrates a light device 200 according to a first embodiment and 1 illustrates a light device 200 according to a second embodiment.

[0057] Each light engine 22 of the light device 200, according to the first and second embodiments, comprises:a first and a second light source 220, 222 emitting light in the light guide 24,an electronic support 224 on which the first and second light sources 220, 222 are arranged,a first and a second housing 226, 228, or housing body, arranged, respectively, opposite the first and second light sources 220, 222, anda first and a second output 230, 232, parallel or converging, and arranged, respectively, in the first and second housing 226, 228 and opposite the first and second light sources 220, 222.

[0058] According to some embodiments of the light engine 22 of the light device 200, as shown in set 4, the light engine 22 includes first and second collimators 234, 236 arranged, respectively, between the first and second light sources 220, 222 and the first and second housings 226, 228.

[0059] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiments, each of the light engines 22 of the and of the comprises two identical structures 201 and 202, called first structures 201 and second structure 202. These structures are arranged side by side and are secured to each other so as to form a single block.

[0060] In other words, the two structures 201 and 202 of the light engine 22 are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry P1, that is to say that an element in one of the two structures finds its equivalent in the other structure and that the element and its correspondence are located on either side of the plane P1 on the same distance with respect to this plane P1. This symmetrical arrangement forms a standardized block which can be applied in different circumstances of use.

[0061] According to certain embodiments of the light engine 22 of the light device 200, not shown, the first and second housings 226, 228 are merged so as to form a single piece comprising the first and second outputs 230, 232 of the light engine 22.

[0062] Each of the structures 201 or 202 comprises: a light source 220 or 222; a light source support 224; a collimator 234 or 236 which is arranged in front of the light source; a housing or housing body 226 or 228 connected to the collimator and in which a through-light outlet 230, 232 is integrated, said housing body being arranged so that the through-light outlet is opposite the collimator outlet.

[0063] In the example described, the structures 201 and 202 being arranged side by side, they share the same support 224 for the light sources.

[0064] Advantageously, each of the first and second light sources 220, 222 is a light-emitting diode.

[0065] The light guide 24 is, for example, in the form of a tubular element whose section can have various shapes and / or whose size can vary along the light guide 24 in the transverse direction T.

[0066] The light guide 24 may comprise glass fibers, plastic fibers, or a set of at least one optical fiber encapsulated in a sheath. The glass fibers are, for example, overmolded at one end in a plastic material, or glued together at one end using an adhesive. The plastic fibers are, for example, made of a transparent plastic material such as polymethyl methacrylate acrylic (PMMA).

[0067] The light guide 24 is modular, that is to say a flexible part which deforms easily so as to modify its geometric shape and thus form different predetermined curved or angular portions between the first and second ends 240A, 250A of the light guide 24.

[0068] The light guide 24 comprises a first and a second segment 240, 250 each delimited by a first end 240A, 250A located in the light engine 22 and connected, respectively, to the first and second light sources 220, 222, and a second end 240B, 250B located outside the light engine 22.

[0069] The first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 are crossed so as to form an intersection point I of the first and second segments 240, 250, located near the first and second outputs 230, 232 of the light engine 22.

[0070] Advantageously, in the case where the light guide 24 has at least one curved or angular portion, the point of intersection I of the first and second segments 240, 250 is located at the level of the curvature or the angle of the light guide 24. Such a characteristic makes it possible to obtain a constant value of the luminance along each of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24, in particular at the level of the curved or angular portion of the light guide 24.

[0071] Advantageously, the light engine 22 of the light device 200 is symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry P1 which is perpendicular to the electronic support 224 of the light engine 22 and which passes through the point of intersection I of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24.

[0072] Each of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, comprises only two portions: a connecting portion 242, 252 extending from the first end 240A, 250A of the first and second segments 240, 250 to the intersection point I, and an illuminating portion 244, 254 extending from the intersection point I to the second end 240B, 250B of the first and second segments 240, 250.

[0073] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connecting portions 242, 252 of the first and second segments 240, 250 pass through, respectively, the first and second outputs 230, 232 of the light engine 22. In addition, the lighting portions 244, 254 of the first and second segments 240, 250 form a continuous line so as to ensure the geometric continuity of the lighting portions 244, 254 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24, at their point of intersection I.

[0074] The light device 200 according to the first embodiment shown in thecomprises a light engine 22 according to which the first and second outputs 230, 232 are parallel to each other. Each of the first and second outputs 230, 232 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical hole of main axis A1, A2 passing respectively through each of the first and second housings 226, 228. The first and second outputs 230, 232 are said to be parallel when the main axes A1 and A2 are parallel to each other.

[0075] In addition, the light device 200 according to this first embodiment comprises a first and a second guide sheath 26, 28 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24. The first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 receive, respectively, at least a part of the connection portion 242, 252 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 to ensure the correct positioning of the connection portions 242, 252 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 and the correct positioning of the intersection point I.

[0076] According to an example illustrated in 1, each guide sheath 26, 28 extends from the first ends 240A, 250A of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 to upstream of the intersection point I of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24. In this case, each of the first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 passes, respectively, through the first and second outputs 226, 228 of the light engine 22.

[0077] According to another example not shown, each guide sheath 26, 28 is arranged between the first and second outlets 230, 232 of the light engine 22 and upstream of the point of intersection I of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24. In this case, each of the first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 is arranged outside and downstream of the light engine 22.

[0078] The intersection point I of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 is not covered by the first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 so as to create a continuous light line formed by the lighting portions 244, 254 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 of the lighting device 200, that is to say extending from the second end 240B of the first segment 240 to the second end 250B of the second segment 250 of the light guide 24.

[0079] As shown in , the first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 are convergent. Advantageously, each of the first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 has a curvature whose concave side is oriented, respectively, towards the second guide sheath 28 or the first guide sheath 26.

[0080] Advantageously, the first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 are symmetrical with respect to the plane P1.

[0081] Advantageously, the first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 have a rigidity greater than that of the light guide 24, which makes it possible both to ensure the guidance of the connection portions 242, 252 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 by the first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 and to ensure the correct positioning of the point of intersection I of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24.

[0082] Each of the first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 is made of a semi-rigid plastic material such as silicone.

[0083] The first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 may also be rigid, i.e. non-deformable, so as to preserve their geometric shape.

[0084] The light device 200 according to the second embodiment shown in the figure comprises a light engine 22 according to which the first and second outputs 230, 232 are convergent. Each of the first and second outlets 230, 232 is in the form of a substantially cylindrical hole of main axis A1, A2 passing respectively through each of the first and second housings 226, 228. The outlets are convergent when the main axes P1 and P2 intersect at a point P located downstream of the first and second outlets 230, 232. In this embodiment, each of the first and second outlets 230, 232 of the light engine 22 extends upstream of the point of intersection I of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 to ensure the correct positioning of the connection portions 242, 252 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 and the correct positioning of the point of intersection I.In other words, the convergence of the outputs 230, 232 shapes the crossing of the segments in such a way as to ensure lossless propagation of light in the segments.

[0085] The intersection point I of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 is not covered by the first and second outputs 230, 232 of the light engine 22 so as to create a continuous light line formed by the lighting portions 244, 254 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 of the lighting device 200, i.e. extending from the second end 240B of the first segment 240 to the second end 250B of the second segment 250 of the light guide 24.

[0086] In the second embodiment of the light device 200, the first and second guide sheaths 26, 28 of the first embodiment are replaced, respectively, by the first and second converging outputs 230, 232 of the light engine 22.

[0087] The light device 200 according to a third embodiment, not shown, is a combination of the first and second embodiments of the light device 200. Therefore, such a light device 200 comprises a light engine 22 according to which the first and second outputs 230, 232 are convergent, in combination with a first and a second guide sheaths 26, 28 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24.

[0088] It is desirable to repeat the common point between the three embodiments described above. Indeed, the light engines proposed in the three embodiments all allow an intersection of the distinct, or separate, segments forming part of an element called a light guide. The intersection, also called crossing, of the segments is a state in which the segments, at a given point, here the intersection point I, overlap and in which for each of the segments, the light output receiving the segment in question and the second end of this segment are found on either side of the plane of symmetry P1. Described differently, the segment receiving light from the light source located to the right of the light engine, here the segment 240 and the source 220, will have its lighting portion 244 located to the left of the light engine. The terms "left" and "right" are defined for example with respect to figures 3 or 4.

[0089] The represents a lighting assembly 20 configured to be arranged in a front portion 10 of a motor vehicle, in particular in the grille 14 of the vehicle. The lighting assembly 20 comprises two lighting devices 200 according to the exemplary embodiment 30 illustrated in the. Of course, the lighting devices 200 illustrated in the can also be used as an alternative or in combination with the example illustrated in the.

[0090] Each light engine 22 of the lighting assembly 20 is arranged at one end of the grille 14 in a transverse direction T. The light guide 24 extends transversely in the grille 14 so as to illuminate the grille 14 of the vehicle.

[0091] As illustrated in the, the two light devices 200 of the lighting assembly 20 are arranged such that: the first segments 240 of the light guide 24 form lateral segments, and the second segments 250 of the light guide 24 form intermediate segments arranged between the first and second light engines 22, the second ends 240B of the first segments 240 of the light guide 24 form free ends each arranged near one of the ends of the grille 14 of the motor vehicle, the second ends 250B of the second segments 250 of the light guide 24 are connected to each other and arranged substantially in the center of the grille 14 of the motor vehicle in the transverse direction T, the lighting portions 244 of the first segments 240 of the light guide 24 extend transversely towards the end of the grille 14 of the motor vehicle,and the lighting portions 254 of the second segments 250 of the light guide 24 are arranged facing each other in the same plane parallel to the plane LT of the reference frame LVT.,

[0092] Illustrates a lighting assembly 20 comprising two lighting devices 200 according to the first embodiment of the invention. According to a variant not shown, the lighting assembly 20 comprises several lighting devices according to the first and second embodiments of the invention.

[0093] Each connecting portion 242, 252 of the first and second segments 250 of the light guide 24 does not provide illumination visible from outside the motor vehicle unlike the lighting portions 244, 254 which illuminate the grille 14 of the motor vehicle.

[0094] According to an exemplary embodiment of the lighting assembly 20 as illustrated in , the lighting portions 254 of the second segments 250 of the light guide 24 are aligned with each other and form a continuous line so as to create a continuous light line formed by the lighting portions 244, 254 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24 of the lighting assembly 20, that is to say extending from the second end 240B of the first segment 240 of one of the two lighting devices 200 to the second end 240B of the first segment 240 of the other of the two lighting devices 200.

[0095] According to another exemplary embodiment of the lighting assembly 20, not shown, the second ends of the second segments of the light guide are spaced transversely relative to each other.

[0096] Advantageously, the lighting assembly 20 is symmetrical with respect to a plane P2 parallel to the plane VL of the VLT reference mark and passing through the second ends 250B of the second segments 250 of the light guide 24.

[0097] According to a particular embodiment of the lighting assembly 20, as shown in , the second ends 250B of the second segments 250 of the two light devices 200 of the lighting assembly 20 are merged so as to form a single second segment 250 comprising a single lighting portion 252. Such a light guide 24 of the lighting assembly 20 comprises three distinct segments, i.e. two first segments 240 and a single second segment 250 which connects the first and second light engines 22 together. In this configuration, the emission of light in the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 can be controlled by each of the two light engines 22.

[0098] According to another embodiment of the lighting assembly 20, not shown, the second ends 250B of the second segments 250 of the two light devices 200 of the lighting assembly 20 form two distinct second segments 250 whose lighting portion 254 is independent of one another. Such a light guide 24 of the lighting assembly 20 comprises four distinct segments, i.e. two first segments 240 and two second segments 250 each connected to a single light engine 22. In this configuration, the emission of light in each of the two second segments 250 of the light guide 24 is controlled by a single light engine 22.

[0099] Such a lighting device 200 according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the distance to be illuminated by each of the first and second light sources 220, 222 and thus limit the phenomena of reduction in the luminance value of the light guide 24. In addition, such an architecture of the lighting device 200 makes it possible to control the emission of light from each of the first and second segments 240, 250 by a single light engine 22. Consequently, the production of light animations in the lighting portions 244, 254 of the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24, such as for example a selective and sequential lighting of the light sources 220, 222 associated with these first and second segments 240, 250, as well as the presence of curved or angular portions of the light guide 24 is possible while obtaining a constant luminance value along the light guide. 24.In addition, it is possible to vary the light intensity of the first and second light sources 220, 222 in order to create a difference in luminance between the first and second segments 240, 250 of the light guide 24.

Claims

Light engine (22) comprising at least one light source (220, 222) and at least one housing (226, 228), characterized in that it comprises a first output (230) and a second output (232), parallel or converging, and each arranged in the housing (226, 228). A light engine (22) according to claim 1, characterized in that:it comprises a first light source (220) and a second light source (222);the first light source (220) is arranged to emit light rays towards the first output (230); andthe second light source (222) is arranged to emit light rays towards the second output (232). Light engine (22) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that it comprises two identical structures (201, 202) which are arranged side by side so that they are symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry (P1). Light engine (22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the structures are connected to each other so as to form a single block. Light engine (22) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each structure (201) comprises: a light source (220, 222); a light source support (224); a collimator (234, 236) arranged in front of the light source; a housing body (226, 228) in which is integrated a through light outlet (230, 232) intended to receive a connection portion (242, 252) of a segment (240, 250) of a light guide (24), said housing body being arranged so that the through outlet is opposite the collimator outlet. A lighting device (200) characterized in that it comprises at least one light guide (24) and a light engine (22) according to one of claims 1 to 4 and according to which:the light guide (24) comprises at least a first segment (240) and a second segment (250) each comprising:a first end (240A, 250A),a connecting portion (242, 252) extending from its first end (240A, 250A) to a point of intersection (I) between the first and second segments (240, 250), anda lighting portion (244, 254) extending from the point of intersection (I),each of the first and second outputs (230, 232) of the light engine (22) receives, respectively, at least a part of the connecting portion (242, 252) of the first and second segments (240, 250) of the light guide (24). A light device (200) according to claim 6 in combination with one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the first and second segments (240, 250) of the light guide (24) are crossed so that the point of intersection (I) between the first and second segments (240, 250) lies in the plane of symmetry (P1) of the light engine (22). A lighting device (200) according to claim 3, characterized in that the lighting portions (244, 254) of the first and second segments (240, 250) form a continuous line. A light device (200) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that it comprises a first and a second guide sheath (26, 28) of the first and second segments (240, 250) of the light guide (24), the first and second guide sheaths (26, 28) receiving, respectively, at least a part of the connection portion (242, 252) of the first and second segments (240, 250) of the light guide (24). Lighting device (200) according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the first and second guide sheaths (26, 28) is fitted at least partially and respectively in each of the first and second outputs (226, 228) of the light engine (22). A light device (200) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first and second guide sheaths (26, 28) have a rigidity greater than that of the light guide 24. Luminous device (200) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the light guide (24) comprises at least one optical fiber. Luminous device (200) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the light guide (24) is modular. Lighting device (200) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that it further comprises an electronic control unit configured to selectively and sequentially control the first and second light sources (220, 222). Lighting assembly (20), characterized: in that it comprises two lighting devices (200) according to one of claims 3 to 9, and in that the lighting portions (254) of the second segments (250) of the light guide (24) are arranged opposite each other in the same plane. Lighting assembly (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that the lighting portions (254) of the second segments (250) of the light guide (24) are merged.

Images