Light module of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module 1 of a motor vehicle comprising at least a first light source 21 arranged on a first face 31 of a support 3, at least a first collector 41 having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the first light source 21 into a first light beam, the first collector 41 having a first edge 411 and a second edge, called transverse 412, adjacent to the first edge 411, the first collector 41 being arranged vis-à-vis the support 3 of the first light source 21 such that the first edge 411 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first face 31 of the support 3 and the second edge, called transverse 412, extends in a plane making an angle with the first face 31 of the support 3, and at least an optical projection device 5, a first portion of which is arranged to project said first light beam,said first portion being arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the first collector 41 and said first portion of the optical projection device 5 having a focal zone 8 located in the vicinity of the second edge, called transverse edge 412, so that the image of the first collector 41 formed by said first portion of the optical projection device 5 has an upper cut-off formed by the second edge, called transverse edge 412. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Lighting module for a motor vehicle technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of motor vehicle lighting, more particularly to the lighting modules of a motor vehicle. Prior art

[0002] Generally, vehicle lighting devices consist of one or more light optical modules that perform different lighting functions, such as high beam and low beam lighting functions.

[0003] Recently, motor vehicle manufacturers have expressed interest in vertical and slim-looking lighting devices. To meet this interest, it is known to stack several light modules, each light module comprising a reflective collector and a portion of a common lens of the light device allowing imaging of the reflective surface of the collector to form a light beam contributing to the performance of a lighting function.

[0004] While this solution does allow for a vertical and slim appearance, it does increase the cost of the device because the components of the light modules cannot be shared. This is particularly true of the printed circuit boards for these light modules, which represent a significant cost. Furthermore, this solution results in a larger overall size for the lighting system due to the integration of each individual light module.

[0005] It could be envisaged to rotate the light modules by 90° so that the printed circuit boards of these modules are arranged vertically and can thus be formed by a single board, but this solution would also involve rotating the reflective surfaces of the collectors which would make the shape of the light beams incompatible with the regulatory requirements governing the lighting function(s) which they are intended to perform.

[0006] There is therefore a need to create a light module enabling the realization of a lighting device for a motor vehicle with a vertical and slim appearance, which is reliable, compact, while reducing the number of parts, and capable of performing a regulatory, uniform lighting function with good optical efficiency.

[0007] The invention therefore falls within this context and seeks to resolve all of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0008] Thus, the invention seeks to make the use of a light module less expensive while improving the efficiency and uniformity of the lighting. Presentation of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to a reliable, compact light module for a motor vehicle, reducing the number of parts, while still being capable of achieving uniform lighting.

[0010] Another object of the invention relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising the light module according to the invention.

[0011] To this end, a light module for a motor vehicle has been developed according to the invention, comprising at least a first light source arranged on a first face of a support, at least a first collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the first light source into a first light beam, the first collector having a first edge and a second edge, called transverse, adjacent to the first edge, the first collector being arranged vis-à-vis the support of the first light source so that the first edge extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first face of the support and the second edge, called transverse, extends in a plane making an angle with the first face of the support, and at least an optical projection device, a first portion of which is arranged to project said first light beam into a first projected light beam.formed by an image of the reflective surface of the first collector and said first portion of the optical projection device having a focal zone located in the vicinity of the second edge, called transverse, so as to be able to project said first projected light beam, said first projected light beam having an upper cutoff formed by the second edge, called transverse.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the optical projection device is in the form of a lens.

[0013] Preferably, the second edge, called transverse, is arranged so that the upper cut has a substantially flat profile.

[0014] In another embodiment, the second edge, called transverse, is arranged so that the upper cut has a profile with a step.

[0015] The support for the light module is arranged so as to be oriented in a vertical plane or in a plane presenting an angle with the optical axis of the light module.

[0016] Thus, a vehicle light module is obtained that allows a uniform light beam to be produced, with a limited number of elements, consequently reducing the production cost of said light module.

[0017] Given that the optical projection device images a transverse edge of the collector, this light module can thus be arranged vertically or obliquely, the support of the first light source of the light module thus being vertical or oblique, without the shape of the projected light beam, and in particular its upper cutoff, being degraded or modified with regard to the lighting function. what must this projected beam of light accomplish?

[0018] The light module can thus be integrated into a vertical and slim lighting device, capable of performing a regulatory lighting function, while being able to share the support of this light module with the other light modules of this lighting device.

[0019] The expression "in the vicinity of the second edge" means that the focal zone of the first portion of the optical projection device is located within a few millimeters of the second, or transverse, edge of the first collector. For example, the focal zone of the first portion of the optical projection device may be located less than 10 mm from the second, or transverse, edge of the first collector.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the first light source has an overall emission direction substantially perpendicular to the first face of the support, said first portion of the optical projection device has an optical axis distinct from the overall emission direction and the first collector is arranged vis-à-vis the support so that the second edge, said transverse edge, extends in a plane substantially parallel with a plane defined by said overall emission direction and said optical axis.

[0021] Advantageously, said first portion of the optical projection device has a focal zone positioned on the second, or transverse, edge of the first collector. Where applicable, said focal zone may coincide with the point of junction of the first and second edges of the first collector. Said focal zone may be formed by a single focal point or by a set of focal points.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, the optical projection device extends globally along a given principal extension direction and the first face of the support extends globally along the same given principal extension direction.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the light module comprises a second light source arranged on the first face of the support and a second collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the second light source into a second light beam, the second collector having a first edge and a second edge, called transverse, adjacent to the first edge, the second collector is arranged with respect to the first face of the support such that its first edge extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first face of the support and its second edge, called transverse, extends in a plane making an angle with the first face of the support, the first and second collectors each defining a cavity and being arranged such that these cavities are opposite each other, said second source is arranged on the first face of the support behind the first light source,the first one, portion is arranged to project said second light beam into a second projected light beam formed by an image of the reflective surface of the second collector and extending over the upper cut of the first projected light beam.

[0024] Alternatively, the light module may include a second light source arranged on the first face of the support and a second collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the second light source into a second light beam, the second collector having a first edge and a second edge, called transverse, adjacent to the first edge, the second collector is arranged with respect to the first face of the support such that its first edge extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first face of the support and its second edge, called transverse, extends in a plane making an angle with the first face of the support, the first and second collectors each defining a cavity and being arranged so that these cavities are opposite each other, said second source is arranged on the first face of the support behind the first light source,the optical projection device comprising a second portion, adjacent to the first portion, and arranged to project said second light beam into a second projected light beam formed by an image of the reflective surface of the second collector and extending above the upper cut of the first projected light beam, said second portion of the optical projection device having a focal zone located in the vicinity of the second edge, called transverse, of the second collector.

[0025] The first and second light sources can be selectively activated by the user.

[0026] The expression "behind the first light source" means that the second light source is arranged on the first support face so as to be further from a front edge of the support than the first light source.

[0027] The expression "front edge of the support" means to define an edge of the support oriented towards the optical projection device.

[0028] In a particular embodiment, a part of the second edge, called transverse, of the second collector joins the second edge, called transverse, of the first collector.

[0029] Preferably, the first light source, the first collector and the first portion of the optical projection device are arranged so that the first projected light beam participates, totally or partially, in the realization of a photometric function of crossing-type illumination, and the second light source, the second collector and the first portion of the optical projection device are arranged so that the second projected light beam participates, wholly or partially, to the realization of a photometric function of road-type lighting.

[0030] Advantageously, at least a portion of the first edge of the second collector extends behind a portion of the first edge of the first collector. Thus, since the focal zone of the first portion is located near the second, or transverse, edge of the first collector, a portion of the second, or transverse, edge of the second collector is positioned behind this focal zone, so as to be defocused. The second projected light beam therefore has a blurred lower portion extending towards the upper cutoff of the first projected beam, so that the overall beam formed by these first and second projected light beams is substantially homogeneous.

[0031] It is understood that the offset between the first and second manifolds is not necessarily a complete offset, that is to say that the front edge of the first edge of the second manifold is not necessarily behind the rear edge of the first edge of the first manifold.

[0032] Thus, it is understood that the leading edge of the first edge of the first collector, defined as the edge of the first collector closest to the optical projection device, is further forward, in other words closer to the optical projection device, than the leading edge of the first edge of the second collector, defined as the edge of the second collector closest to the optical projection device. Consequently, only a portion of each collector overlaps.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the light module includes a deflector, opposite which the second light source is arranged, the deflector being arranged to deflect the light rays emitted by the second light source towards the second collector.

[0034] In a particular embodiment, the deflector is in a substantially parabolic shape.

[0035] Preferably, the deflector reflects the light rays from the second light source at an angle of approximately 90 degrees towards the second collector.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second collectors and the deflector are formed from the same part.

[0037] Thus, the number of parts is reduced, making it possible to produce a more compact and less expensive light module.

[0038] In a particular embodiment, the second collector is arranged so as to collect a portion of the light rays emitted by the first light source.

[0039] Consequently, a luminous module is obtained having an illuminated appearance of the second collector, when only the first light source is lit, which makes it possible to obtain a luminous module having uniform illumination.

[0040] Preferably, the light module includes a first light source complementary to the first light source arranged on a second face of the support opposite the first face and a first complementary collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the first complementary light source to the first light source into a first complementary light beam to the first light beam.

[0041] In another embodiment, the light module includes a second light source complementary to the second light source arranged on the second face of the support opposite the first face and a second complementary collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the second complementary light source to the second light source into a second complementary light beam to the second light beam.

[0042] The term “complementary light beam” means the fact that the latter complements another light beam to perform the same lighting function, in particular by presenting an upper cutoff complementary to the upper cutoff of that other light beam, as for example for the first complementary light beam.

[0043] In a particular embodiment, the first complementary collector has a first edge and a second edge, called transverse, adjacent to the first edge, the first complementary collector being arranged with respect to the support so that the first edge extends in a plane substantially parallel to the second face of the support and the second edge, called transverse, extends in a plane making an angle with the second face of the support, the first portion of the optical projection device is arranged to project said first complementary light beam into a first projected complementary light beam, the focal area of ​​the first portion being located in the vicinity of the second edge,said transverse edge of the first complementary collector, such that the image of the first complementary collector formed by said first portion of the optical projection device has an upper cutoff complementary to the upper cutoff of the first projected light beam. Thus, the focal zone of the first portion is located both in the vicinity of the second edge, called transverse, of the first collector and in the vicinity of the second edge, called transverse, of the first complementary collector.

[0044] Alternatively, the optical projection device comprises a second portion, adjacent to the first portion, arranged to project said first complementary light beam into a first projected complementary light beam, formed by an image of the reflective surface of the first complementary collector, and said second portion of the optical projection device having a focal area located in the vicinity of the second, or transverse, edge of the first complementary collector, so as to be able to project the said first projected complementary light beam, the said first projected complementary light beam having an upper cutoff formed by the second, or transverse, edge of the first complementary collector, this upper cutoff being complementary to the upper cutoff of the first projected light beam. Thus, the optical projection device comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, each portion having its own focal zone.The focal zone of the first portion of the optical projection device is located near the second edge, called the transverse edge, of the first collector, and allows a sharp upper cut to be formed in the first projected beam, and the focal zone of the second portion of the optical projection device is located near the second edge, called the transverse edge, of the first complementary collector, and allows a sharp upper cut to be formed in the first complementary projected beam.

[0045] Preferably, the second edges, called transverse edges of the first collector and first complementary collector are coplanar.

[0046] Preferably, the cavities defined by the first collector and the first complementary collector face each other.

[0047] The term "complementary upper cutoff" means a cutoff extending over all, or at least 60%, 70%, or 80%, of the transverse extent of the first projected complementary light beam and forming, together with the upper cutoff of the first projected light beam, a single upper cutoff in the light beam formed by the combination of the first projected complementary light beam and the first projected light beam. The complementary upper cutoff of the first projected complementary light beam may, for example, include a portion intended to be aligned and / or superimposed with a portion of the upper cutoff of the first projected light beam.The light beam formed by the combination of the first supplementary projected light beam and the first projected light beam may thus contribute, wholly or partially, to fulfilling a regulatory lighting function, in particular a dipping-type lighting function. In this case, the single upper cutoff of this beam, formed by the combination of the supplementary upper cutoff of the first supplementary projected light beam and the upper cutoff of the first projected light beam, may include a horizontal portion and an oblique portion conforming to ECE Regulation No. 123, which defines a regulatory cutoff having a horizontal portion located 0.57° below the horizon and an oblique portion inclined at 15° to the horizontal portion. Alternatively, the single upper cutoff may comprise a single flat horizontal portion.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the second complementary collector has a first edge and a second edge, called transverse, adjacent to the first edge, the second complementary collector being arranged with respect to the support so that the first edge extends in a plane substantially parallel to the second face of the support and the second edge, called transverse, extends in a plane making an angle with the second face of the support, the first portion of the optical projection device is arranged to project said second complementary light beam into a second projected complementary light beam, the focal area of ​​the first portion being located in the vicinity of the second edge, called transverse, of the second complementary collector so that said first portion of the optical projection device is able to project the image of the second complementary collector.Thus, the focal zone of the first portion is located both in the vicinity of the second edge, called the transverse edge, of the second collector and in the vicinity of the second edge, called the transverse edge, of the second complementary collector. The second projected complementary beam thus corresponds to the image of the second complementary collector.

[0049] Alternatively, the optical projection device includes a second portion, adjacent to the first portion, arranged to project said second complementary light beam into a second projected complementary light beam, said second portion of the optical projection device having a focal area located in the vicinity of the second edge, called transverse, of the second complementary collector so as to be able to project the image of the reflective surface of the second complementary collector, said second projected complementary light beam corresponding to the image of the reflective surface of the second complementary collector.

[0050] In addition, the second complementary beam projected is complementary to the second projected light beam and extends above the upper cut formed by the first projected light beam, and where applicable by the first complementary projected light beam.

[0051] Thus, the optical projection device comprises at least a first portion and a second portion, each portion having its own focal zone. The focal zone of the first portion of the optical projection device is located near the second edge, called the transverse edge, of the second collector, and the focal zone of the second portion of the optical projection device is located near the second edge, called the transverse edge, of the second complementary collector.

[0052] Preferably, the second edges, called transverse edges of the second collector and second complementary collector are coplanar.

[0053] Preferably, the cavities defined by the second collector and The second supplementary collectors face each other.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the light module comprises a first light unit including the first and second light sources as well as the first and second collectors and a second light unit including the first and second complementary light sources as well as the first and second complementary collectors, said first and second units are arranged on either side of the support, said light module comprises a housing including said first and second units closed by the optical projection device and also comprises an additional light unit having at least one additional light source, the additional light unit being arranged in the housing so that said additional light unit emits light downstream of the first and second units,and that a portion of the light emitted by the additional light unit is diffused by the housing towards the optical projection device.

[0055] The term "said additional light unit emits light downstream of the first and second units" means that the additional unit is positioned in the housing so as to be closer to the optical projection device than the first and second units.

[0056] In another embodiment, the light module comprises a second light source arranged on the first support face and a second collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the second light source into a second light beam, the second collector having a first edge and a second edge, called transverse, adjacent to the first edge, the second collector is arranged with respect to the first support face such that its first edge extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first support face and its second edge, called transverse, extends in a plane making an angle with the first support face, the first and second collectors each defining a cavity and being arranged so that these cavities are opposite each other, said second source is arranged on the first support face behind the first light source,the first portion is arranged to project said second light beam into a second projected light beam formed by an image of the reflective surface of the second collector and extending above the upper cut of the first projected light beam, a part of the second edge, called transverse, of the second collector joins the second edge, called transverse, of the first collector and said light module comprises a first and a second complementary light sources, respectively to the first and second light source arranged on a second face of the support opposite to the first and two complementary collectors, menta comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the two complementary light sources into a first and second light beam complementary to the first and second light beams respectively, said complementary collectors having a first edge and a second edge, called transverse, adjacent to the first edge, the complementary collectors being arranged opposite the support so that their first edges extend in a plane substantially parallel to the second face of the support and their second edges, called transverse, extend in a plane making an angle with the second face of the support,said first portion is arranged to project said first and second complementary light beams into a first and second projected complementary light beam formed respectively by the image of the reflective surfaces of the two first and second complementary collectors.

[0057] Thus, the first light source and the first complementary light source, the first collector and the first complementary collector and the first portion of the optical projection device are arranged so that the first projected light beam and the first projected complementary light beam participate, totally or partially, in the realization of a photometric function of crossing type lighting.

[0058] Similarly, the second light source and the second complementary light source, the second collector and the second complementary collector and the first portion of the optical projection device are arranged so that the second projected light beam and the second projected complementary light beam participate, totally or partially, in the realization of a photometric function of road-type lighting.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the first collector, the second collector, the first complementary collector, and the second complementary collector each have a quarter parabola shape.

[0060] Preferably, the support includes a heat sink equipped with a plate supporting on one side a first printed circuit board defining the first face on which the first light source is mounted and on the other side a second printed circuit board defining the second face on which the first complementary light source is mounted.

[0061] In another embodiment, the support comprises a double-sided printed circuit board having a first side on which the first light source is mounted and a second side opposite the first side, on which the first complementary light source is mounted.

[0062] The invention also relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising a light module according to the invention.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle comprises at least two light modules according to the invention, preferably superimposed one on top of the other vertically.

[0064] Thus, the invention makes it possible to obtain several superimposed light modules, which allows the obtaining of vertical lighting and / or signaling devices, which allows the obtaining of a vertical light signature.

[0065] Consequently, each superimposed module includes its own associated optical projection device. The lighting and / or signaling device can then comprise a single optical projection unit formed by all the optical projection devices. The single optical projection unit thus corresponds to the juxtaposition of the optical projection devices of each module. Each optical projection device forms a part of the single projection unit.

[0066] Thus, each optical projection device associated with a module includes at least one portion associated with a particular focal area, which makes it possible to image the reflective surfaces of the collector(s) of the associated module.

[0067] The lighting and / or signaling device of a motor vehicle also includes a control unit capable of selectively controlling each of the light sources.

[0068] Thus, a vehicle light module is obtained that produces a uniform light beam, with a limited number of elements, consequently reducing the production cost of said light module. Brief description of the figures

[0069] Other advantages and features of the present invention are now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures represent:

[0070] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of a device lighting and / or signalling of a motor vehicle comprising several modules according to the invention, the optical projection device of which is shown exploded.

[0071] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the device lighting and / or signaling of the [Fig.1], the projection device and the heat sink plate having been removed.

[0072] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a side view of a light module according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0073] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a front view of the light module of the [Fig.3].

[0074] [Fig.5] is a schematic perspective representation viewed from the rear of the set of collectors of a light module of the [Fig.1], taken in isolation.

[0075] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective representation seen from the rear of all the collectors of another light module of [Fig.1], taken in isolation, according to another embodiment.

[0076] In the following description, identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing on different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references. Description of the implementation methods

[0077] With reference to [Fig.1] to [Fig.6], the present invention relates to a lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle comprising a reliable and inexpensive light module 1 and enabling uniform lighting.

[0078] As illustrated by [Fig.1], the lighting and / or signaling device comprises several light modules 1 arranged one on top of the other vertically.

[0079] The various light modules 1 allow for the production of different light beams that simultaneously perform different low-beam and high-beam lighting functions. For example, each light module can project several light beams, each performing a portion of a low-beam lighting function or a portion of a high-beam lighting function. In the case where the light module projects light beams performing a portion of a low-beam lighting function, the light module can project a light beam with a wide, spread distribution delimited by a substantially flat upper cutoff and / or a light beam with a concentrated light distribution delimited by a substantially oblique cutoff.In cases where the light module projects light beams performing part of a road lighting function, the light module may project a light beam with a light distribution extending, at least partially, above the horizontal cutoff of a low-beam headlight beam, while being concentrated on a restricted area, and / or a light beam with a light distribution extending, at least partially, above the horizontal cutoff of a low-beam headlight beam, while being spread over a wide area. The combinations of light beams produced by these light modules thus advantageously allow for the creation of a regulatory low-beam headlight beam and a regulatory road lighting beam.

[0080] In the example of [Fig. 1], the upper light module is arranged to selectively project a light beam having a concentrated light distribution delimited by a substantially oblique cut as well as a light beam exhibiting a light distribution extending, at least partially, above the horizontal cutoff of a crossing-type lighting beam, while being concentrated on a restricted area. The other light modules are each arranged to selectively project a light beam exhibiting a light distribution spread over a wide width and delimited by a substantially flat cutoff, as well as a light beam exhibiting a light distribution extending, at least partially, above the horizontal cutoff of a crossing-type lighting beam, while being spread over a wide area.

[0081] The light beam(s) emitted by these light modules 1 are projected onto the road by means of an optical projection device 5 specific to each light module, which may comprise a single portion having a single focal zone 8 or may comprise different portions each having their own focal zone 8. The set of optical projection devices 5 forms, in the example described, a single optical projection piece extending substantially vertically.

[0082] Thus, the lighting and / or signaling device includes a housing 12 comprising all the light modules 1, illustrated in [Fig. 3 to 6], each light module 1 comprising a first light unit 10 and a second light unit 11 arranged on either side of a common support 3 and closed by the optical projection device 5.

[0083] The lower light module 1 of the lighting device illustrated in [Figs. 1 and 2] is shown in [Figs. 3 to 5]. Therefore, the remainder of the description refers to [Figs. 3] to [Figs. 5] and concerns this lower light module 1 of the lighting device illustrated in [Figs. 1 and 2], it being understood that the middle light module 1 of this lighting device has a substantially similar structure to this lower light module 1. As indicated above, this module comprises a first light unit 10, including two light sources 21 and 22, and two collectors 41 and 42, and a second light unit 11, including two light sources 23 and 24, and two collectors 43 and 44, these units sharing a single portion of the optical projection device 5.

[0084] More specifically, the first light unit 10 comprises a first light source 21, a second light source 22 arranged on a first face 31 of the support 3 and also a first and a second collector 41, 42.

[0085] Furthermore, the second unit 11 comprises a first complementary light source 23 to the first light source 21 and a second complementary light source 24 to the second light source 22, said first 23 and second 24 complementary light sources are arranged on a second face 32 of the support 3 opposite to the first face of the support.

[0086] Similarly, the second light unit 11 comprises a first and a second complementary collector 43, 44.

[0087] Furthermore, the lighting and / or signaling device includes an additional light unit 13 comprising an additional light source 25, the additional light unit 13 is arranged in the housing 12 so that said additional light unit 13 emits light downstream of the first 10 and second 11 light units.

[0088] Part of the light emitted by additional light unit 13 is diffused by the housing 12 towards the optical projection device 5. Indeed, the internal walls of the housing 12 are intended to receive light emitted by the additional light unit 13, for example the internal walls of the housing are white or metallic.

[0089] More specifically, the additional light unit 13 comprises at least one light guide 131 having a light inlet face 132 and a light outlet face 133. The additional light source 25 is arranged opposite the inlet face 132 of the light guide 131 and is mounted on a printed circuit board independent of the lighting system of the light module (not shown).

[0090] The light guide 131 is arranged so that at least a part of its exit face 133 is arranged downstream of the first 10 and second 11 light units, more particularly in front of the support 3.

[0091] The light guide 131 includes an angled portion positioned between the light inlet face 132 and the light outlet face 133 of the light guide 131.

[0092] The housing 12 is formed by two complementary half-shells 121, 122 fixed to each other, each half-shell 121, 122 having at least one recess 123, the recesses 123 of the half-shells 121, 122 together forming a receptacle in which part of the light guide 131 is housed when the half-shells 121, 122 are assembled.

[0093] All light sources 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 can be selectively activated.

[0094] In the example described, the light sources 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 are light-emitting semiconductor chips, and more specifically light-emitting diodes. These light sources 21, 22, 23 and 24 are arranged on a first 31 and a second face 32 of a support 3.

[0095] In addition, the support 3 includes a heat sink 7 equipped with a plate 71 supporting on one side a first printed circuit board defining the first face 31 on which the first 21 and the second 22 light sources are mounted and on the other side a second printed circuit board defining the second face 32 on which the first 23 and the second 24 complementary light sources are mounted.

[0096] The first 21 and the second 22 light sources have an overall emission direction substantially perpendicular to the first face 31 of the support 3.

[0097] Similarly, the first 23 and the second 24 complementary light sources have an overall emission direction substantially perpendicular to the second face 32 of the support 3.

[0098] Moreover, the first collector 41 of the first light unit 10 has a first edge 411 and a second edge, called transverse 412, adjacent to the first edge 411.

[0099] Said first collector 41 is arranged opposite the support 3 of the first light source 21, so that the first edge 411 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first face 31 of the support 3 and that the second edge, called transverse 412, extends in a plane making an angle with the first face 31 of the support 3.

[0100] The first collector 41 has a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the first light source 21 into a first light beam.

[0101] The second collector 42 of the first light unit 10 has a first edge 421 and a second edge, called transverse 422, adjacent to the first edge 421.

[0102] Furthermore, the second collector 42 is arranged with respect to the first face 31 of the support 3 so that its first edge 421 extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first face 31 of the support 3 and that its second edge, called transverse 422, extends in a plane making an angle with the first face 31 of the support 3.

[0103] The second collector 42 has a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the second light source 22 into a second light beam.

[0104] The second collector 42 is also arranged so as to collect part of the light rays emitted by the first light source 21. Indeed, the second collector 42 is arranged near the first light source 21, so that when the first light source 21 is switched on, it can partially illuminate the second collector 42.

[0105] The first 41 and second 42 collectors each define a cavity and are arranged so that these cavities are opposite each other.

[0106] The second light source 22 is arranged on the first face 31 of the support 3, behind the first light source 21.

[0107] The first and second complementary collectors 43, 44 are each arranged opposite the first 23 and second 24 complementary light sources.

[0108] Each of the first and second complementary collectors 43, 44 comprises a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the first 23 and second 24 complementary light sources into a beam complementary light to the first and second light beams, said complementary collectors 43, 44 have a first edge 431, 441 and a second edge, called transverse 432, 442 adjacent to their respective first edges 431, 441.

[0109] The first and second complementary collectors 43, 44 are arranged opposite the second face 32 of the support 3 so that their first edges 431, 441 extend in a plane substantially parallel to the second face 32 of the support 3 and their second edges, called transverse edges 432, 442, extend in a plane making an angle with the second face 32 of the support 3.

[0110] The first 43 and second 44 complementary collectors each define a cavity and are arranged so that these cavities are opposite each other.

[0111] The second edges, called transverse 411, 431 of the first collector 41 and first complementary collector 43 are coplanar, as are the second edges, called transverse 421, 441 of the second collector 42 and second complementary collector 44.

[0112] The cavities defined by the first collector 41 and first complementary collector 43 face each other, as do the cavities defined by the second collector 42 and second complementary collector 44.

[0113] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the optical projection device 5 comprises a single portion, which can also be called the first portion, arranged to project said first and second light beams, respectively into a first and second projected light beam.

[0114] Thus, the portion comprises a single focal area 8 and is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the first collector 41, the image of the reflective surface of the first collector 41 forming a first projected light beam.

[0115] The portion of the optical projection device 5 has a focal area 8 located in the vicinity of the second edge, called transverse 412 of the first collector 41 so that the image of the first collector 41 formed by said portion of the optical projection device 5 has a top cut formed by the second edge, called transverse 412.

[0116] The portion of the optical projection device 5 is also arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the second collector 42, the image of the reflective surface of the second collector 42 forming a second projected light beam. The second projected light beam extends above the upper cut of the image of the first collector 41 formed by said portion.

[0117] Advantageously, the first edge 421 of the second collector 42 extends behind the first edge 411 of the first collector 4L. Thus, the focal zone 8 of the portion being located in the vicinity of the second edge, called transverse edge 412, of the first collector 41, a part of the second edge, called transverse edge 422, of the second collector 42 is The second projected beam is located at a distance, behind this focal zone, so as to be out of focus. The second projected light beam thus has a blurred lower part, extending towards the upper cutoff of the first projected beam, so that the overall beam formed by these first and second projected light beams is substantially homogeneous.

[0118] Moreover, the optical projection device 5 extends globally along a given principal direction of extension, just as the first face 31 of the support 3 extends globally along the same given principal direction of extension. Preferably, the principal direction is the vertical direction.

[0119] In addition, the portion of the optical projection device 5 has an optical axis distinct from the overall emission direction of the first light source 21.

[0120] Furthermore, the first collector 41 is arranged with respect to the first face 31 of the support 3 so that the second edge, called transverse 412, extends in a plane substantially parallel with a plane defined by said global direction of emission and said optical axis.

[0121] The portion of the optical projection device 5 is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the first complementary collector 43, the image of the reflective surface of the first complementary collector 43 forming a first projected complementary light beam. Indeed, the focal zone 8, located in the vicinity of the second edge, called the transverse edge 412 of the first collector 41, and also located in the vicinity of the second edge, called the transverse edge 432 of the first complementary collector 43, so that the first projected complementary light beam has a complementary upper cutoff formed by said second edge, called the transverse edge 432 of the first complementary collector 43. The complementary upper cutoff of the image of the first complementary collector 43 is complementary to the upper cutoff of the image of the first collector 41

[0122] Furthermore, the portion of the optical projection device 5 is also arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the second complementary collector 44, the image of the reflective surface of the second complementary collector 44 forming a second projected complementary light beam. Indeed, the focal zone 8 of the portion is also located in the vicinity of the second edge, referred to as the transverse edge 442, of the second complementary collector 44, so that the second projected complementary light beam extends above the upper cutoff of the first projected complementary light beam.

[0123] It will be noted that the first light source 21, the first complementary light source 23, the first collector 41, the first complementary collector 43 and the portion of the optical projection device 5 are arranged so that the first projected light beam and the first complementary light beam projected by participate, totally or partially, in the realization of a photometric function of crossing type lighting.

[0124] Similarly, the second light source 22, the second complementary light source 24, the second collector 42, the second complementary collector 44 and the portion of the optical projection device 5 are arranged so that the second projected light beam and the second projected complementary light beam participate, totally or partially, in the realization of a photometric road lighting function.

[0125] Another embodiment of a light module 1 according to the invention is shown in [Fig. 6], corresponding to the upper light module 1 of the lighting device illustrated in [Figs. 1 and 2]. In this embodiment, the collectors are identical to those described previously, namely in the embodiment shown in [Figs. 3 to 5], so these collectors will not be described again. However, unlike the embodiment shown in [Figs. 3] to [Figs. 5], the light module 1 comprises an optical projection device 5 for the light module 1, including a portion specific to each collector, each portion of the optical projection device 5 being arranged to project the light beam formed by that collector into a projected light beam.

[0126] Thus, the first portion 51 is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the first collector 41, the image of the reflective surface of the first collector 41 forming the first projected light beam.

[0127] The first portion 51 of the optical projection device 5 has a focal area 81 located on the second edge, called transverse 412 of the first collector 41 so that the image of the first collector 41 formed by said first portion 51 of the optical projection device 5 has a top cut formed by the second edge, called transverse 412.

[0128] The second portion 52 of the optical projection device 5 is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the second collector 42, the image of the reflective surface of the second collector 42 forming the second projected light beam. The second projected light beam extends above the upper cutoff of the first projected light beam. The second portion 52 of the optical projection device 5 has a focal zone 82 located on the second edge, referred to as the transverse edge 422, of the first collector 42.

[0129] The third portion 53 of the optical projection device 5 is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the first complementary collector 43, the image of the reflective surface of the first complementary collector 43 forming the first complementary light beam. The third portion 53 of the optical projection device 5 has a focal area 83 located on the second edge, called transverse 432 of the first complementary collector 43 so that the image of the first complementary collector 43 formed by said third portion 53 of the optical projection device 5 has an upper cut complementary to the upper cut of the image of the first collector 41 formed by said first portion 51.

[0130] The fourth portion 54 of the optical projection device 5 is arranged to form an image of the reflective surface of the second complementary collector 44, the image of the reflective surface of the second complementary collector 44 forming the second complementary light beam. The fourth portion 54 of the optical projection device 5 has a focal area 84 located on the second edge, referred to as the transverse edge 442, of the second complementary collector 44. The second projected complementary light beam extends above the upper cutoff of the first projected light beam and the first projected complementary light beam.

[0131] It will be noted that in the light module illustrated in [Fig.6], the first light source 21, the first complementary light source 23, the first collector 41, the first complementary collector 43, the first portion 51 and the third portion 53 of the optical projection device 5 are arranged so that the first projected light beam and the first projected complementary light beam participate, totally or partially, in the realization of a photometric function of crossing type lighting.

[0132] Similarly, the second light source 22, the second complementary light source 24, the second collector 42, the second complementary collector 44, the second portion 52 and the fourth portion 54 of the optical projection device 5 are arranged so that the second projected light beam and the second projected complementary light beam participate, totally or partially, in the realization of a photometric function of road-type lighting.

[0133] Where appropriate, said focal areas 81, 82, 83, 84 of said portions 51, 52, 53, 54 of the optical projection device 5 are coincident with the point of junction of the first 411, 421, 431, 441 and second edges 412, 422, 432, 442 of the set of collectors 41, 42, 43, 44.

[0134] Thus, the presence of different focal zones allows the projection of a high-intensity light beam onto a well-defined projected area.

[0135] The first 41 and second 42 collectors, as well as the first 43 and second complementary collectors 44, each have a quarter parabola shape.

[0136] Moreover, the set of light modules 1 illustrated in [Figs. 3 to 5], and in particular the first light unit 10, comprises a first deflector 6, provided in a part forming both the first 41 and the second collector 42, opposite in which the second light source 22 is arranged.

[0137] Similarly, the light module 1, and in particular the second light unit 11, includes a second deflector (not shown), provided in a part forming both the first 43 and the second complementary collector 44, opposite which is arranged the second complementary light source 24.

[0138] The first deflector 6 is arranged to deflect the light rays emitted by the second light source 22 towards the second collector 42

[0139] The second deflector (not shown) is arranged to deflect the light rays emitted by the second complementary light source 24 towards the second complementary collector 44.

[0140] Moreover, the deflectors 6 are in substantially parabolic shape.

[0141] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set for itself, namely the reduction of the production cost of a light module of a motor vehicle, while obtaining a light module having homogeneous lighting, without pixelation of the photometric functions of the crossing and road type.

[0142] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically operative combination of these means.

Claims

Claims

1. Light module (1) of a motor vehicle comprising: - at least one first light source (21) arranged on a first face (31) of a support (3); - at least one first collector (41) comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the first light source (21) into a first light beam, the first collector (41) having a first edge (411) and a second edge, called transverse (412) adjacent to the first edge (411), the first collector (41) being arranged opposite the support (3) of the first light source (21) so that the first edge (411) extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first face (31) of the support (3) and the second edge, called transverse (412) extends in a plane forming an angle with the first face (31) of the support (3);and - at least one optical projection device (5) a first portion of which is arranged to project said first light beam into a first projected light beam, formed by an image of the reflective surface of the first collector (41) and said first portion of the optical projection device (5) having a focal zone (8) located in the vicinity of the second edge, called transverse (412) so as to be able to project said first projected light beam, said first projected light beam having an upper cut-off formed by the second edge, called transverse (412).;

2. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first light source (21) has an overall direction of emission substantially perpendicular to the first face (31) of the support (3), in that said first portion of the optical projection device (5) has an optical axis distinct from the overall direction of emission and in that the first collector (41) is arranged opposite the support (3) so that the second edge, called transverse (412) extends in a plane substantially parallel with a plane defined by said overall direction of emission and said optical axis.

3. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the optical projection device (5) extends generally in a given main direction of extension and in that the first face (31) of the support (3) extends generally in the same given main direction of extension.

4. Light module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a second light source (22) arranged on the first face (31) of the support (3) and a second collector (42) comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the second light source (22) into a second light beam, the second collector (42) having a first edge (421) and a second edge, called transverse (422) adjacent to the first edge (421), in that the second collector (42) is arranged opposite the first face (31) of the support (3) so that its first edge (421) extends in a plane substantially parallel to the first face (31) of the support (3) and that its second edge, called transverse (422) extends in a plane forming an angle with the first face (31) of the support (3),the first (41) and second (42) collectors each defining a cavity and being arranged so that these cavities are opposite each other, in that said second source (22) is arranged on the first face (31) of the support (3) behind the first light source (21), in that the first portion is arranged to project said second light beam into a second projected light beam formed by an image of the reflective surface of the second collector (42) and extending above the upper cut-off of the first projected light beam.,

5. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first light source (21), the first collector (41) and the first portion of the optical projection device (5) are arranged so that the first projected light beam participates, totally or partially, in the realization of a photometric lighting function of the dipped beam type and in that the second light source (22), the second collector (42) and the first portion of the optical projection device (5) are arranged so that the second projected light beam participates, totally or partially, in the realization of a photometric lighting function of the road type.

6. Light module (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that that it comprises a deflector (6), opposite which the second light source (22) is arranged, the deflector (6) being arranged to deflect the light rays emitted by the second light source (22) towards the second collector (42).

7. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first (41) and the second (42) collectors and the deflector (6) are formed by the same part.

8. Light module (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the second collector (42) is arranged so as to collect a portion of the light rays emitted by the first light source (21).

9. Light module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a first light source complementary (23) to the first light source (21) arranged on a second face (32) of the support (3) opposite the first face (31) and a first complementary collector (43) comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the complementary light source (23) into a first light beam complementary to the first light beam.

10. Light module (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the complementary collector (43) has a first edge (431) and a second edge, called transverse (432) adjacent to the first edge (431), the complementary collector (43) being arranged with respect to the support (3) so that the first edge (431) extends in a plane substantially parallel to the second face (32) of the support (3) and that the second edge, called transverse (432) extends in a plane forming an angle with the second face (32) of the support (3), in that the first portion of the optical projection device (5) is arranged to project said complementary light beam into a projected complementary light beam, the focal zone (8) of the first portion being located in the vicinity of the second edge,said transverse of the complementary collector (43) so that the image of the complementary collector (43) formed by said first portion of the optical projection device (5) has an upper cut-off complementary to the upper cut-off of the image of the first collector (41) formed by said first portion.,

11. Light module (1) according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the first collector (41) and the complementary collector (43) each have a quarter-parabola shape.

12. Light module 1 according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the support (3) comprises a heat sink (7) equipped with a plate (71) supporting on one side a first printed circuit board defining the first face (31) on which the first light source (21) is mounted and on the other side a second printed circuit board defining the second face (32) on which the complementary light source (23) is mounted.

13. Lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle, comprising a light module (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

14. Lighting and / or signaling device for a motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least two light modules (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, preferably superimposed on each other vertically.

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