Luminous device, particularly for a motor vehicle, with several light sources.

Abstract

Title of the invention: Luminous device, in particular for a motor vehicle, with several light sources. The present invention relates to a luminous device comprising an emission means (3) of at least two light functions comprising a plurality of light sources (32), the plurality of light sources (32) comprising a first set of light sources (32a) and a second set of light sources (32b), in which the first set of light sources (32a) and the second set of light sources (32b) are configured such that the light sources (32) of the same set of light sources (32a, 32b) are arranged with a constant and distinct center distance from one set of light sources to the other. (Figure 2)

Description

Title of the invention: Luminous device, in particular for a motor vehicle, with several light sources.

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting devices for motor vehicles, and it relates more particularly to the arrangement of light sources installed on a support such as a printed circuit board and providing several lighting functions within such lighting devices.

[0002] Motor vehicles traveling on the road and having to comply with regulatory standards are equipped with lighting devices within which are implemented both lighting functions, which aim to improve the visibility of the road scene for the driver of the vehicle, and signaling functions which aim to make the driver's driving actions visible and / or to make the vehicle visible to other road users when the lighting functions are not implemented, particularly during the day.

[0003] By way of example, the light devices can perform a plurality of signaling functions, among which, without this list being exhaustive, we can notably cite daytime running lights also known by the English acronym DRL for “Daytime Running Light”, flashing lights indicating a direction of change of trajectory of the motor vehicle or even “STOP” lights indicating to other road users the use of a braking control.

[0004] For various reasons, and in particular space requirements in the integration within the vehicle and / or aesthetics to ensure that the light functions are emitted from the same area, these light devices can, for some, be grouped within a single light module. These light functions are notably carried out nowadays by activating light-emitting diodes mounted on a printed circuit board. In the context of integration within the light module which has just been mentioned, it is known to use a single printed circuit board on which a plurality of light sources ensuring different light functions are distributed.

[0005] These different light functions involving different operations in terms of color, light intensity or even homogeneity of the light function, it should be noted that certain light sources, formed by these light-emitting diodes, may have different sizes, and in particular in thickness in a direction perpendicular to the plane in which the printed circuit board extends.

[0006] The lighting functions, and in particular signaling, provided within a light module can be implemented by the association of light sources, formed by light-emitting diodes, and collimators arranged on the path of the light rays emitted by the light sources and configured to form beams of parallel or substantially parallel rays directed towards an optical surface arranged at the output of the light module. The difference in size of the light sources can be reflected in the size of the collimators associated with the realization of this or that light function.

[0007] However, in order to ensure that the beams of rays are distributed over the entire extent of the optical surface regardless of the light function implemented, it is appropriate to mix the light sources to avoid all the light sources associated with a light function being arranged on one side of the printed circuit board and all the light sources associated with another light function being arranged on the other side of this board. As a result, the collimators are also mixed and arranged alternately, a collimator associated with the collection and formation of a beam specific to a light function being able to be interposed between two collimators associated with the collection and formation of beams specific to another light function.

[0008] In this context, with the same light module generating two distinct light functions by means of a plurality of light sources on the same support, which may in particular be a printed circuit board, and a plurality of associated collimators, it may be complicated to ensure optimal homogeneity of a light function, in particular when it uses light sources with lower light intensity, the spacing from one light source to the other made necessary to interpose light sources associated with the other light function being able to generate less illuminated zones, while ensuring optimal light intensity of the other light function. It is understood that these characteristics of intensity and homogeneity imply providing a regular arrangement of the light sources involved for the same function, without a center distance between two light sources which is too large for some of these functions.

[0009] The present invention falls within this context and it proposes in particular to provide a light device capable of generating at least two light functions as a function of the activation of such or such light sources and in which the homogeneity of a light function is improved without impacting the light intensity of another light function.

[0010] Thus, the present invention relates to a light device, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a means for emitting at least two light functions comprising a plurality of light sources arranged in a main elongation direction and configured to each generate a light beam. along a respective light emission axis, the plurality of light sources comprising a first set of light sources and a second set of light sources, the light sources of the same set of light sources being arranged with a constant center distance, the center distance between two light sources of the first set of light sources being of a different value from the center distance between two light sources of the second set of light sources.

[0011] The lighting device is intended to equip a motor vehicle. The lighting device is a lighting and / or signaling device, or an interior lighting device for a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. This lighting device is intended to emit at least two lighting functions. For example, this lighting device is intended to emit two signaling functions, i.e., lighting functions intended to transmit visual information, in particular to other road users. The lighting device may also be configured to emit two lighting functions, such as, for example, a low beam function, a high beam function, and / or a fog light function, or a signaling function and a lighting function. In another example, the lighting device is intended to emit two interior lighting functions for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, such as, for example, ambient lighting and a reading light.

[0012] Each light source generates a light beam along an optical axis of the light device. The optical axis corresponds to the general direction of the light beam emitted by the light device. Each light source has an angular opening around a light emission axis specific to the light source, and this angular opening contains the optical axis which may be distinct from the light emission axis.

[0013] According to an optional characteristic, the respective light emission axes of the light sources have the same direction.

[0014] The emission means comprises at least the plurality of light sources. Each of these light sources is part of a set of light sources specifically dedicated to performing a light function. In other words, the light sources forming part of the same first set are intended to be activated simultaneously to enable the performance of a defined light function, and the light sources forming part of another set are intended to be simultaneously activated independently of the light sources of the first set.

[0015] The emission means can thus be defined as comprising a first set of light sources for generating a light function and a second set of light sources for generating another light function. The light function associated with the first set of light sources is different from that associated with the second set of light sources, and the regulatory constraints associated with these light functions are not the same, in particular in terms of homogeneity of the light beam projected at the output of the light module equipped with the light device, i.e. through the optical surface, and in terms of light intensity. By regulatory constraint, we understand a constraint linked to the regulatory requirements in force, on the date of filing of this application, in at least one country, or group of countries.

[0016] The light sources of each of the sets of light sources are distributed in the light device with a constant center distance between two light sources of the same set, in particular to maintain homogeneity of the associated light function. This ensures, according to the invention, that each of the projected functions meets the homogeneity criterion to be respected. It should be noted that the “center distance”, that is to say the distance between two adjacent light sources of the same set of light sources ensuring the same light function, is measured between two points each representing a center of one of the adjacent light sources, for example a point through which the main emission axis of the light sources passes.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the invention, in addition to this constant center distance between the light sources of the same set, the center distance between two adjacent light sources of the first set of light sources is of a different value to the center distance between two adjacent light sources of the second set of light sources. More precisely, the center distance between two adjacent light sources of the first set of light sources is less than the center distance between two adjacent light sources of the second set of light sources. It is understood that the light sources of the first set of light sources are closer to each other than the light sources of the second set of light sources.Such a characteristic makes it possible to ensure optimal homogeneity of the light function associated with the first set of light sources in a context where the light intensity permitted by these light sources of the first set does not make it possible to make the beam homogeneous when the light sources are too far apart from each other.

[0018] The main elongation direction may, according to the invention, be rectilinear or extend along a curve, in particular to follow a curve of one or more supports on which the light sources are arranged.

[0019] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the emission means is formed jointly by at least one support, in particular a printed circuit board, and the plurality of light sources installed on this at least one support.

[0020] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the light sources of a same set of light sources are arranged on the same support, in particular a printed circuit board, of the emission means extending along the support in the main elongation direction. In particular, the light sources of the two sets of light sources can be arranged on the same support, such as the same printed circuit board.

[0021] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, along the main elongation direction, at least two adjacent light sources of the first set of light sources are offset relative to each other according to a component perpendicular to the main elongation direction.

[0022] According to an optional feature of the invention, the center distance between two adjacent light sources of at least one of the sets of light sources is measured along a direction intersecting the direction of main elongation of the sets of light sources. In other words, at least one set of light sources is configured so that two adjacent light sources of this set are never aligned parallel to the direction of main elongation.

[0023] According to an optional feature of the invention, the light sources form a first row of light sources, aligned along the main elongation direction and a second row of light sources, aligned along the main elongation direction. These first and second rows of light sources each comprise light sources from the first set of light sources and from the second set of light sources. This arrangement in two rows makes it possible in particular to bring two light sources of the first set closer together and to arrange them between two adjacent light sources of the second set and to maintain, along the main elongation direction, the constant center distance between the light sources of the first set of light sources and the constant center distance between the light sources of the second set of light sources.

[0024] According to an optional feature of the invention, the rows of light sources are arranged so that a surface band that covers each of the light sources of a row is partially superimposed on a surface band that covers each of the light sources of a row. By this notion of superposition, it should be understood that the surface band that passes through each of the light sources of the first row partially covers the surface band that passes through each of the light sources of the second row. Of course, the light sources are offset along the direction of main elongation so that the light sources do not overlap. In other words, the distance between a straight line passing through the center of the light sources of the first row and a straight line passing through the center of the light sources of the second row is in less than the dimension in a corresponding transverse direction, perpendicular to the direction of main elongation, of the light sources, more precisely than the sum of a first transverse dimension of a light source of the first row and a second transverse dimension of a light source of the second row, said dimensions being in a transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of main elongation and measured from the center of this source in the direction of the other row. It should be noted that the width of each surface band corresponds to that of the light sources of the associated row, measured in said transverse direction. Thus, the surface bands cover the light sources, without extending transversely beyond them.When the light sources in a row have different widths, the width of the strip may vary between the smallest and largest widths measured on the light sources. When collimators are arranged opposite the light sources according to the characteristics described below, the light strips are defined relative to said collimators, which they cover, instead of said light sources, and the dimensions are measured on said collimators. Thus, the characteristics described above in relation to the light sources apply similarly to the collimators.

[0025] According to an optional feature of the invention, the light sources of at least one of the sets of light sources are alternately arranged on each of the two rows of light sources. Such an arrangement of the light sources advantageously makes it possible to ensure a constant center distance between the light sources of a set of light sources on a printed circuit board of restricted size. Furthermore, such an arrangement makes it possible, on a printed circuit board of minimal size, to install a maximum number of light sources of the same set of light sources with a constant center distance.

[0026] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the thickness of the light sources of the first set of light sources is distinct from the thickness of the light sources of the second set of light sources. The thickness must be understood as the dimension of the light sources according to a component perpendicular to the plane in which the printed circuit board is inscribed.

[0027] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the light sources of the first set have an identical first thickness, and the light sources of the second set have an identical second thickness, the second thickness being different from the first thickness.

[0028] Here, and in the remainder of the description, it is appropriate to consider the thickness of a light source as a dimension measured in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the light emission axis of this light source. the case where the light source is fixed on a printed circuit board, this direction in which the thickness of this light source is measured can also be perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit board. This perpendicularity is to be considered locally, where the source is fixed on the printed circuit board.

[0029] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the thickness of the light sources of the first set of light sources is greater than the thickness of the light sources of the second set of light sources.

[0030] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the center distance between two adjacent light sources of the first set of light sources is smaller than the center distance between two adjacent light sources of the second set of light sources.

[0031] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, collimators are arranged opposite the light sources, each collimator being configured to generate a light beam centered on the optical axis.

[0032] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the collimators associated with the light sources of the first set of light sources have a grained surface. This surface is the light exit surface. The light exiting through this surface of the collimator can in particular be directed directly towards the optical surface of the light device. This grained surface advantageously makes it possible to increase the homogeneity of the light function associated with the first set of light sources.

[0033] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the collimators have different shapes depending on the set of light sources with which said collimators are associated. In other words, a collimator associated with a light source of one set of light sources has a different shape from that of a collimator associated with a light source of the other set of light sources. More particularly, the collimators associated with the same set of light sources all have identical shapes, and all these collimators are different from the collimators associated with the other set of light sources. It is notable that the difference in shape of the collimators from one set to another makes it possible to adapt the position of the collimators relative to the light sources with which they are associated, insofar as these light sources have different thicknesses from one set of light sources to another.

[0034] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the first set of light sources provides a first light signaling function with high homogeneity. This first light signaling function may in particular consist of a rear position light function of the vehicle, known by the English name of “Tail” lights, or just as well a function of front position or daytime running light function.

[0035] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the second set of light sources provides a second high-intensity signaling light function. This second signaling light, distinct from the signaling function formed by the first light function, may in particular consist of a direction indicator beam, generating interrupted light signals, or equally well of a beam of “fog” lights or a beam of “brake” lights indicating a braking situation of the vehicle.

[0036] According to an optional characteristic of the invention, the first set of light sources provides a first light signaling function having a first light intensity, the second set of light sources providing a second light signaling function having a second light intensity greater than the first light intensity.

[0037] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description which follows on the one hand, and several exemplary embodiments given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0038] [Fig-1] represents an exploded view of a light device capable of generating two distinct light functions by an emission means comprising a plurality of light sources arranged on a single printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] [Fig.2] schematically represents a portion of an emission means of the light device of [Fig.l], with a printed circuit board on which the light sources are distributed alternately between a first set of light sources and a second set of light sources, according to a configuration specific to the invention;

[0040] [Fig.3] represents a portion of the light device making visible, from the side, a portion of the printed circuit board visible in [Fig.2] and an optical element arranged opposite the printed circuit board and comprising a plurality of collimators respectively positioned opposite a light source of the printed circuit board;

[0041] [Fig.4] represents a sectional view of the emission means and of a light guide arranged opposite the emission means according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] It should first be noted that although the figures set out the invention in detail for its implementation, these figures can of course be used to better define the invention, where appropriate. It should also be noted that these figures only set out examples of embodiments of the invention.

[0043] The characteristics, 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 imagined 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 or to differentiate the invention from the state of the art.

[0044] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0045] [Fig.l] schematically represents, in an exploded and partial view, a light module intended to equip a motor vehicle and comprising at least one light device 1 according to the invention.

[0046] The light module comprises a housing 2 having an open face 21 facing the environment outside the vehicle when the light module is fitted to the motor vehicle. This housing 2 helps to delimit the light module and to provide a protective role for the various elements housed within this housing 2, and in particular all of the elements jointly forming the light device 1 within the meaning of the invention.

[0047] It can be noted in [Fig.l] that the light module is here configured to house several light devices and that the additional light device 1' which is here illustrated may or may not be in accordance with what will be described below concerning the light device 1.

[0048] The light device comprises at least one emission means 3 which, in the embodiment shown, is capable of generating two distinct light functions, an optical element 4 arranged opposite the emission means 3, an envelope 5 which surrounds at least the emission means and the optical element and which, if necessary, makes it possible to diffuse the light rays up to an optical surface 6 forming the exit surface of the light device and configured to close the open face 21 of the housing 2.

[0049] More specifically, the emission means 3 comprises a plurality of light sources 32 distributed into two sets of light sources, selectively activatable. These light sources 32 are distributed on a printed circuit board 31 so as to ensure the generation of two light functions which comply with regulatory conditions such as the homogeneity and the light intensity of the projected light beam. More particularly, and as will be described in more detail in connection with [Fig.2], these light sources are distributed into two rows in a particular arrangement.

[0050] As previously mentioned, [Fig.l] shows two maps of printed circuits, and only one will be described here as being part of the light device 1 according to the invention, but the two printed circuit boards could be configured as will be discussed. Similarly, what will be described for one optical element 4 could be applied to the other optical element associated with the additional light device 1'.

[0051] Each of the light sources 32 is capable of generating a plurality of light rays captured by the optical element 4. In the example illustrated, and as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the optical element 4 comprises a plurality of collimators 41, each of these collimators 41 being associated with a light source 32 present on the printed circuit board 31.

[0052] The arrangement of the optical element 4 in the housing is defined relative to the emission means 3, so that the collimators 41 come opposite the light sources 32 installed on the printed circuit board 31, with more precisely each collimator 41 which comes opposite an associated light source 32.

[0053] A collimator 41 is an element of the optical element 4 capable of collecting the light rays emitted by an associated light source 32 so as to form a beam whose light rays are parallel to each other within said beam. The beams emitted by the emission means 3, and whose light rays have been oriented by the collimators 41 of the optical element 4, propagate within the envelope 5, here taking the form of a white box and intended to diffuse and guide said beams to the optical surface 6.

[0054] The optical surface 6 forms a transparent face of the light device 1 at the level of the open face 21 of the housing 2, said light beams being able to exit the light device 1 through this optical surface 6.

[0055] [Fig. 2] represents a portion of the emission means 3 visible in [Fig. 1]. On this portion of the emission means 3, the plurality of light sources 32 installed on the printed circuit board comprises a first set of light sources 32a and a second set of light sources 32b. The first set of light sources 32a and the second set of light sources 32b are each capable of generating a light function of its own, such that the presence of these two selectively activatable sets makes it possible to generate light functions distinct from one another.

[0056] It should be noted that what is shown on the portion of the transmission means illustrated in [Fig.2] can be extended to the entirety of the transmission means 3 or on the contrary, without this being limiting of the invention, can only be applicable to a part of the transmission means.

[0057] More specifically, in the embodiment shown, the first set of light sources 32a is formed of light-emitting diodes, known as the English acronym "LED" for "light-emitting diode", of a first type, characterized by given dimensions and / or a light emission intensity, and / or a light emission color, specific to this type of light-emitting diodes. These light-emitting diodes are configured to jointly generate a first light function. This first light function is here a signaling function making it possible, in the embodiment shown, to form at the rear face of the motor vehicle a light, generally red in color, making it possible to indicate its presence to other road users, such as for example a "lantern" function.It should be noted that alternatively and without this being limiting of the invention, this first light function could be a signaling function making it possible to form at the front of the motor vehicle a white light also making it possible to indicate its presence to other road users, such as for example a "lantern" function or a daytime lighting function, also known by the acronym DRL for "Daytime Running Light" in English.

[0058] The second set of light sources 32b is formed of light-emitting diodes of a second type, which differ from the light-emitting diodes of the first type previously mentioned at least by their dimensions and / or their light emission intensity and / or their light emission color. These light-emitting diodes of the second set of light sources 32b are configured to generate a second light function. This second light function is here also a signaling function but distinct from the signaling function formed by the first light function. The second light function can make it possible to form light signals by interruption, commonly referred to as “flashing lights” making it possible to provide a visual indication to other road users as to a change of direction of the motor vehicle. The light sources are then configured to emit an amber-colored beam.It should be noted that alternatively, this second light function could consist of so-called "fog" lights or "brake" lights, the light sources then emitting a red beam.

[0059] It is understood from the above that the first light function generated by the first set of light sources 32a is a light function within which the light beam must be as homogeneous as possible to allow road users to clearly distinguish the motor vehicle. It is also understood that the second light function generated by the second set of light sources 32b is a light function requiring significant photometry to be perceived by road users.

[0060] As seen in [Fig.2], the first set of light sources 32a and the second set of light sources 32b are distributed alternately on the printed circuit board 31 of the emission means 3. More specifically, this alternating distribution is distinguished according to a main elongation direction X of the printed circuit board 31. This alternation is such that, in the embodiment shown, a light source 32 of the second set of light sources 32b is followed by two light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a to form a pattern which is repeated along the printed circuit board according to the main elongation direction.It should be noted that the number of light sources could be different since a logical sequence in the alternation between the light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a and the light sources 32 of the second set of light sources 32b is established according to the main elongation direction of the printed circuit board 31 and that it respects the two conditions which are on the one hand that the light sources of the same set are arranged with a constant center distance from one light source to the other and on the other hand that the center distance associated with the light sources of the first set, participating in generating the first light function, is of a value lower than the center distance associated with the light sources of the second set, participating in generating the second light function and capable of producing a greater light emission intention than that produced by the light sources of the first set.

[0061] As illustrated, the printed circuit board 31 comprises two rows of light sources 32 which overlap at least in part and within which the light sources of each type are distributed. More precisely, the light sources 32 are distributed on the printed circuit board 31 in such a way that these light sources form a first row of light sources 33a and a second row of light sources 33b. The light sources 32 are distributed alternately and successively on the first row of light sources 33a and on the second row of light sources 33b, each row of light sources 33a, 33b successively comprising light sources 32 according to the main elongation direction of the printed circuit board 31.

[0062] The rows overlap at least partially, to the extent that, as can be seen in [Fig. 2], the smallest surface band which encompasses each of the light sources of the first row 33a, and where appropriate the collimators associated with these light sources of the first row, and the smallest surface band which encompasses each of the light sources of the second row 33b, and where appropriate the collimators associated with these light sources of the second row, overlap. An elongation axis of the first row A1 and an elongation axis of the second row A2, which pass respectively through the center of the light sources of their respective rows, extend parallel to the direction of main elongation and at a distance d from each other. As can be seen in [Fig.2], we define a first transverse dimension Tl of a light source, or of a collimator, associated with the first row and a second transverse dimension T2 of a light source, or of a collimator, associated with the second row, as being the dimension in a transverse direction T perpendicular to the direction of main elongation measured from the center of this source or of this collimator in the direction of the other row. In this context, the distance d between the two rows is a value less than the sum of the transverse dimensions Tl, T2 which have just been mentioned.

[0063] [Fig. 2] makes particularly visible the characteristic of the invention according to which the sets of light sources 32a are distributed on the printed circuit board 31 in such a way that the center distance between each light source 32 of the same light set, that is to say ensuring the same light function, remains the same from one end of the printed circuit board to the other.

[0064] Thus, the first set of light sources 32a is configured such that the light sources 32 are arranged on the printed circuit board 31 with a constant center distance. In other words, each light source 32 of the first set of light sources 32a is equidistant from the two adjacent light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a. More specifically and in the embodiment shown, each light source 32 of the first set of light sources 32a has a first center distance 34 with an adjacent light source 32 that is constant for each light source 32.

[0065] Similarly, the light sources 32 of the second set of light sources 32b are arranged on the printed circuit board with a center distance noted, each light source of the second set being at a distance from a light source 32 of the second set of light sources 32b adjacent with a second center distance 35.

[0066] The first center distance 34 between two adjacent light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a is less than the second center distance 35 between two adjacent light sources 32 of the second set of light sources 32b.

[0067] The light sources 32 are distributed on the printed circuit board 31 such that the number of light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a is substantially twice the number of light sources 32 of the second set of light sources 32b.

[0068] The light sources are distributed from one row to another in such a way that the light sources of the second set are distributed, considering the direction of main elongation, alternately on one row then the other, and in such a way that the light sources of the first set are distributed, considering the main elongation direction, two by two alternately on one row then the other. Each light source of the second set of light sources 32b, arranged on a row, is framed along the main elongation direction by two light sources of the first set of light sources arranged on the other row.

[0069] Such an arrangement of the light sources 32 on the printed circuit board makes it possible to increase the number of light sources within the first set of light sources 32a while ensuring a constant center distance between them, so as to be able to ensure the formation of a signaling function having optimal homogeneity, while taking into account the presence of the light sources of the second set of light sources 32b and the need for a signaling function generated by this second set of light sources which is again optimal, the center distance associated with this second set of light sources being able to be greater due to the greater light emission intensity which compensates for the greater spacing.

[0070] [Fig. 3] represents a side view of the printed circuit board 31 and the optical element 4. As visible in this side view, the light sources 32 installed on the printed circuit board 31 are opposite collimators 41 of the optical element 4.

[0071] The light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a are, as mentioned previously, light-emitting diodes which are substantially round and whose thickness is, due to the light function that they are caused to generate, distinct from the thickness of the light sources 32 of the second set of light sources 32b. The thickness of the light sources is defined perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit board on which the light sources are arranged, in a direction which can be arbitrarily defined as vertical. More precisely, the light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a have a thickness greater than the thickness of the light sources 32 of the second set of light sources 32b. It should be noted that each light source 32 of the same set of light sources 32a, 32b has a similar size.

[0072] The collimators 41 associated with the first or second set of light sources 32a, 32b have a size defined as a function of the size of the associated light source 32, and in particular a vertical dimension defined to be as close as possible to the ray emission surface of the corresponding light source. In this way, as visible in [Fig. 3], the collimators 41 associated with the light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a have a larger vertical dimension than that of the collimators 41 associated with the light sources 32 of the second set of light sources 32b.

[0073] The output surface of the collimators 41, which participates in forming the output surface 40 of the optical element 4, may be different depending on the light to which the collimator corresponds. By way of non-limiting example, the output surface of the collimators 41 associated with the light sources of the first set of light sources 32a, is grained whereas the output surface of the collimators 41 associated with the light sources of the second set of light sources 32b is not. This graining, formed for example by slight bumps here not visible in [Fig. 3], of the surface of the collimators 41 associated with the first signaling function makes it possible in particular to accentuate the homogenization of the light beam generated by the first set of light sources 32a, by making this light beam more diffuse.

[0074] [Fig. 4] represents a sectional view of the optical element 4 and the emission means 3. In accordance with what has been seen in [Fig. 3], the light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a are thicker than the light sources 32 of the second set of light sources 32b and the vertical dimension of the corresponding collimators is affected.

[0075] Furthermore, the shape of the collimators 41 varies according to the associated light source 32. Indeed, in the embodiment shown, the collimators 41 associated with the light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a have an entry surface, directly opposite the light sources, of truncated shape. The complete shape of the collimators associated with the light sources 32 of the second set of light sources makes it possible in particular to limit the losses of light rays and to ensure that all of the rays emitted by the light sources 32 of the second set of light sources 32b are indeed directed towards the optical surface 6, in a context where the light sources 32 of the second set of light sources 32b are in a smaller number than that of the light sources 32 of the first set of light sources 32a.

[0076] The invention as just described achieves the aim it set itself by proposing a lighting device allowing the emission of two distinct lighting functions involving different lighting intensity characteristics, the lighting device having a particular arrangement of the light sources dedicated to each of these lighting functions to ensure optimal homogeneity of each of the beams projected to perform these lighting functions.

[0077] The invention cannot, however, be limited to the means and configurations exclusively described and illustrated, and also applies to any equivalent means or configurations and to any combination of such means or configurations.

Claims

Claims

1. A lighting device (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising means (3) for emitting at least two light functions comprising a plurality of light sources (32) arranged along a main elongation direction and configured to each generate a light beam along a respective light emission axis, the plurality of light sources (32) comprising a first set of light sources (32a) and a second set of light sources (32b), characterized in that the light sources (32) of the same set of light sources (32a, 32b) are arranged with a constant center distance, the center distance between two light sources (32) of the first set of light sources (32a) being of a different value from the center distance between two light sources (32) of the second set of light sources (32b), in which the light sources (32) form a first row (33a) of light sources (32),aligned along the main elongation direction and a second row (33b) of light sources (32), aligned along the main elongation direction, wherein the rows (33a, 33b) of light sources (32) are arranged such that a surface band which covers each of the light sources of a row is partially superimposed on a surface band which covers each of the light sources of a row, wherein the light sources (32) of at least one of the sets of light sources (32a, 32b) are alternately arranged on each of the two rows (33a, 33b) of light sources (32).,

2. A light device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, along the main elongation direction, at least two adjacent light sources (32) of the first set of light sources (32a) are offset relative to each other by a component perpendicular to the main elongation direction.

3. A light device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the thickness of the light sources (32) of the first set of light sources (32a) is distinct from the thickness of the light sources (32) of the second set of light sources (32b).

4. Luminous device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the thickness of the light sources (32) of the first set of light sources (32a) is greater than the thickness of the light sources (32) of the second set of light sources (32b).

5. A light device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the center distance between two adjacent light sources of the first set of light sources (32a) is smaller than the center distance between two adjacent light sources of the second set of light sources (32b).

6. A light device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein collimators (41) are arranged opposite the light sources (32), each collimator being configured to generate a light beam centered on the optical axis.

7. Luminous device (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the collimators (41) associated with the light sources (32) of the first set of light sources (32a) have a grained surface.

8. A light device (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the collimators (41) have different shapes depending on the set of light sources (32a, 32b) with which said collimators (41) are associated.

9. A light device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first set of light sources (32a) provides a first signaling light function having a first light intensity, the second set of light sources (32b) providing a second signaling light function having a second light intensity greater than the first light intensity.

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