Automotive Lighting Kit

Abstract

Lighting Assembly for Motor Vehicle The present invention relates to a lighting assembly (1) for signaling a motor vehicle (12), comprising a main lighting module (2) configured to perform at least part of a signaling function, characterized in that the lighting assembly (1) further comprises a supplementary lighting module (4) configured to perform said signaling function in combination with the main lighting module (2), the supplementary lighting module (4) having a luminous efficacy of at least 25%, the luminous efficacy of a lighting module being defined as the ratio between the luminous flux emitted within a regulatory window defined by a given opening angle in a first direction and a given opening angle in a second direction, and the overall luminous flux emitted at the output of said lighting module. (Figure 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Lighting assembly for motor vehicles

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicle light signaling, and it relates more particularly to a light assembly integrated within a vehicle and providing said vehicle light signaling.

[0002] A motor vehicle is equipped with one or more light assemblies dedicated to carrying out each of these signaling functions, both at the rear and at the front of the vehicle.

[0003] For example, it is known to use a lighting assembly arranged at the rear of the vehicle and capable of performing a signaling function, such as a rear light function to signal the vehicle's presence to other road users, or a rear turn signal function to indicate to other road users if, and where, the vehicle is going to turn. Such a lighting assembly can also be arranged at the front of the vehicle to provide a front turn signal, position light, or daytime running light function.

[0004] Each light assembly includes at least one light source, the activation of which enables the implementation of the signaling function, and a light beam output surface through which the light beam corresponding to the signaling function is visible.

[0005] Signaling functions are regulated by standards, which concern both the extent of the apparent output area when the signaling function is activated and the minimum luminous intensity at certain points on a photometric grid of the light beam projected onto the road. A signaling light assembly must therefore have a sufficiently large beam output area to reach the necessary apparent area, with an appropriate number of light sources to generate light beams over this entire output area, and the light sources must be powered with sufficient intensity so that the light beam output from said signaling light assembly is sufficiently intense at least for the points on the photometric grid.

[0006] It is common for a lighting assembly enabling the implementation of a signaling function to include diffusing means, arranged between the light source and the output surface, or at the output surface for example, which diffuse the light exiting the lighting assembly in order to obtain a homogeneous light beam. However, the presence of these diffusing means reduces the luminous efficacy of the lighting assembly. It is therefore necessary to increase the power of the light sources, to send a greater quantity of luminous flux to the input of the lighting assembly, in order to compensate for the losses due to The diffusion of light while maintaining a regulatory beam. The resulting electricity consumption is not in line with the energy reduction expectations of those in the automotive industry.

[0007] In this context, the present invention proposes a lighting system for motor vehicles comprising a main lighting module configured to perform at least part of a signaling function, characterized in that the lighting system further comprises a supplementary lighting module configured to perform said signaling function in combination with the main lighting module, the supplementary lighting module having a luminous efficiency of at least 25%, the luminous efficiency of a lighting module being defined as a ratio between a luminous flux emitted by this lighting module in a window defined by a given opening angle along a first direction and a given opening angle along a second direction, called the regulatory window, and the overall luminous flux emitted by the lighting module, at the output of said lighting module,

[0008] In the lighting assembly according to the invention, the presence of the complementary lighting module makes it possible to achieve light intensity values ​​for the points of the photometric grid associated with the signaling function, while limiting the overall energy consumption of the lighting assembly.

[0009] More particularly, in a lighting assembly according to the invention where the signaling function is ensured by the combined operation of the main lighting module and the supplementary lighting module, the energy consumption of the main lighting module can be limited by compensating for the loss of light intensity that results from this limitation by using the supplementary lighting module.

[0010] The main light module contributes to the signaling function primarily by ensuring a regulatory visible surface area, notably by presenting an output surface that extends over most of the signaling assembly. Therefore, the aesthetic requirements desired by the vehicle manufacturer are applied to the main light module and its output surface.

[0011] The apparent surface of a light module is defined as an illuminated surface visible in orthogonal projection along a reference axis of the light function in which the light beam emitted by the light module participates. In other words, the apparent surface of a light module is the projection, onto a plane perpendicular to the reference axis, or, where applicable, a plane perpendicular to a given observation direction, of the light output surface of that light module. The reference axis is defined in particular in the regulations according to the signaling function performed by said light module.

[0012] The supplementary light module has no aesthetic purpose and its sole purpose is to generate a complementary light beam whose luminous flux, when combined with the beam generated by the main light module, meets the standards and maintains a minimum luminous intensity at the points of the photometric grid. The supplementary light module is an auxiliary module, small in size compared to the rest of the signaling lighting system, and therefore may not have an output face with diffusing patterns, which notably allows it to have a higher luminous efficacy than the main light module. The small size of the supplementary light module compared to the size of the signaling lighting system allows for a complementary light beam concentrated on certain points of a photometric grid and does not detract from the overall luminous signature of the signaling lighting system.

[0013] The power supply of the additional light module implies additional electrical consumption, but this is largely compensated by the fact that it is not necessary in this context to supercharge the main light module, which essentially has a light signature function that can be achieved with a lower luminous flux.

[0014] In other words, a regulatory signaling function is ensured here, that is to say, one that respects both the minimum apparent surface area and the minimum luminous intensity values ​​of the different points of the regulatory photometric grid, by separating the signature and luminous efficacy functions into two distinct modules of the signaling lighting system. This separation of functions within the signaling lighting system, namely a luminous signature function provided by the main lighting module and a luminous efficacy function provided by the supplementary lighting module, makes it possible to generate a superpower of light sources only in the supplementary lighting module, which results in much lower energy consumption than when a single lighting module has to provide both the signature and luminous efficacy functions.

[0015] As mentioned, the luminous efficiency of a luminous module is defined as a ratio between, on the one hand, a luminous flux emitted in a regulatory window defined by a given opening angle along a first direction and a given opening angle along a second direction and, on the other hand, an overall luminous flux emitted at the output of the module.

[0016] Advantageously, the first direction is a horizontal direction and the second direction is a vertical direction. The horizontal and vertical directions are considered in particular when the lighting assembly is positioned in the vehicle, in its normal mounting position. For example, the vertical direction is a The direction is perpendicular to the ground on which the vehicle is located, and the horizontal direction is a direction parallel to the ground on which the vehicle is located, and transverse to the vehicle.

[0017] Advantageously, the opening angle of the regulatory window along the first horizontal direction is between + / -25° with respect to the central axis of the light beam emitted by the light module and the opening angle of the regulatory window along the second vertical direction is between + / - 15° with respect to the central axis of the light beam emitted by the light module.

[0018] Each light module is configured to emit a light beam contributing to a signaling function, this light beam having a central axis. Thus, the opening angles of the regulatory window along the first and second directions are considered with respect to the central axis of the light beam emitted by the light module.

[0019] It is then understood that the luminous efficiency of the complementary light module is calculated as the ratio between the flux emitted in a regulatory window between + / -25° with respect to the central axis of the light beam emitted by the complementary module along the horizontal direction, and between + / -15° with respect to the central axis of the light beam emitted by the complementary light module along the vertical direction, and the overall flux emitted by the complementary light module, at the output of the complementary light module.

[0020] A distinction is thus made between, on the one hand, the quantity of light used to regularize the luminous function associated with the module, that is to say, the quantity of light passing through the window of regulated dimensions, and on the other hand, the total quantity of light emitted by the module, which notably serves to generate the apparent surface area. Efficiency aims to specify a configuration of the luminous module such that it can ensure that a minimum portion of the emitted luminous flux propagates through the regulated window so that the luminous function associated with the luminous module complies with regulations.

[0021] Advantageously, the luminous efficacy of the supplementary light module is at least 25%. In other words, at least 25% of the luminous flux emitted by this supplementary light module is emitted within the regulatory window mentioned above. This high luminous efficacy can be achieved by a particular shape of the internal components of this supplementary light module, and in particular by means of guiding the light rays between the light source associated with this supplementary light module and its output surface, and / or by an output surface with a different appearance from the output surface of the main light module.

[0022] Preferably, the first direction is a direction parallel to the road on which the vehicle is traveling, in particular a horizontal direction, while the second direction is perpendicular to said road, in particular a vertical direction.

[0023] According to one feature of the invention, the supplementary lighting module can have a luminous efficacy of at least 40%. Achieving this luminous efficacy, which is more advantageous than the previously mentioned 25% luminous efficacy, is made possible in particular by a specific structure of the supplementary lighting module that generates less diffusion in order to concentrate the luminous flux more effectively within the regulatory window. The increased cost of manufacturing this supplementary lighting module to improve luminous efficacy is offset by its use on the vehicle, since the electrical power required to obtain the desired luminous intensity at the points of the photometric grid is even lower.

[0024] According to one feature of the invention, the main light module may have a luminous efficiency of less than 25%. Unlike the complementary light module, a high efficiency is not sought here, the objective being to prioritize the aesthetics of the apparent surface and the homogeneity of the light beam exiting this main light module.

[0025] According to a feature of the invention, the main light module may have a light efficiency of less than 15%.

[0026] According to one feature of the invention, the ratio between the luminous efficacy of the supplementary light module and the luminous efficacy of the main light module is at least 1.6. Such a ratio corresponds to the quotient of the luminous efficacy of the supplementary light module divided by the luminous efficacy of the main light module. For example, the luminous efficacy of the supplementary light module may be 40% while the luminous efficacy of the main light module may be 25%, the ratio being 1.6. Advantageously, the aim is to have a supplementary light module with a luminous efficacy greater than 40% and a main light module with a luminous efficacy less than 25%, so that the ratio is at least 1.6.

[0027] According to one feature of the invention, the main light module comprises diffusing means. The diffusing means ensure that light propagates in a plurality of directions intersecting the optical axis of the main light module, and they make the signaling beam emitted by the main light module homogeneous. The diffusing means may, for example, be a grain formed on an output surface of the main light module. In another example, the diffusing means may be a diffusing film disposed on the output surface, or even an opal material.

[0028] The presence of these diffusing means implies a decrease in the luminous efficiency of the main light module and the need for an input to compensate for the loss of luminous flux. According to the invention, instead of supercharging the light sources associated with this main light module, one or more light sources associated with a complementary light module are supplied separately. The complementary light module has a much better luminous efficiency, particularly due to the absence of diffusing means. The sole function of the complementary light module is to ensure the emission of a quantity of light rays beyond a given threshold, and not to ensure a homogeneous beam.

[0029] According to one feature of the invention, the complementary light module provides at least 50% of a light intensity of at least some of the points, preferably of all the points, of a regulatory photometric grid.

[0030] By way of example, for a lighting assembly located at the front of the vehicle and configured to function as a daytime running light, a central point of the photometric grid must correspond to a minimum illumination of 400 candela to be compliant with regulations. According to this example, the supplementary lighting module is configured to produce a light beam whose intensity at this central point is between 200 and 400 candela.

[0031] According to the same example, a point positioned on the grid at 20° along the first direction and 0° along the second direction must correspond to a minimum illumination of 100 candela, and the complementary light module is configured to produce a light beam whose intensity at this point is at least 50 candela.

[0032] According to another example, for a lighting assembly located at the rear of the vehicle and configured to perform a brake light function, the central point of the photometric grid must correspond to a minimum illumination of 50 candela to be compliant with regulations. In such a configuration, the supplementary lighting module is configured to produce a light beam whose intensity at this central point is at least 25 candela.

[0033] According to one feature of the invention, the apparent surface area of ​​the supplementary lighting module is less than 500 mm², preferably 300 mm². As mentioned previously, the apparent surface area of ​​a lighting module is defined as an illuminated surface visible in orthogonal projection. It corresponds to the surface observed by an observer from outside the vehicle, along an observation axis coinciding with the reference axis of the lighting function in which the supplementary lighting module participates.

[0034] It should be noted that the additional light module must remain discreet so as not to detract from the aesthetics of the main light module. The apparent surface area of ​​the additional light module is therefore determined to achieve a compromise. between the need for it to be as small as possible to maintain the homogeneity of the beam emitted by the light assembly and the need for it to be sufficient to generate an additional light beam of the required light intensity.

[0035] According to one feature of the invention, the complementary light module comprises at least one light source and at least one mask sized and positioned relative to the light source to define the apparent surface area and / or the beam angle of the beam emitted by the complementary module. The light source emits light rays under the effect of an electrical supply of a given intensity, the light rays propagating through the complementary light module until they exit the module in the form of a light beam. The mask primarily serves to delimit the apparent surface area at the output of the complementary light module and thus to define the beam angle of the light beam exiting the complementary light module. These parameters, namely the extent of the apparent surface area and / or the beam angle, may, for example, depend on the structure of the mask and / or its dimensions.The mask can, where appropriate, guide the light rays within the complementary light module to maximize the amount of light rays reaching the output surface of the complementary light module.

[0036] According to one feature of the invention, the supplementary light module comprises a sectored reflector sized and positioned relative to the light source to define the apparent surface area and / or the beam angle of the beam emitted by the supplementary light module. The sectored reflector directs the light rays emitted by the light source towards the output of the supplementary light module. Furthermore, the division into sectors limits light ray losses and thus improves the luminous efficiency of the supplementary light module.

[0037] According to one feature of the invention, the main light module has an apparent surface that is specific to the signaling function that said main light module helps to perform. The apparent surface of the main light module makes it possible to define the signature of the signaling light assembly, which can be specific to the vehicle in which the light assembly is installed.

[0038] By way of non-limiting examples of the invention, an apparent surface of the main light module of a light assembly is at least 5000 mm2 for a rear turn signal function, at least 2200 mm2 for a front turn signal function, and at least 2500 mm2 for a daytime running light function at the front of the vehicle.

[0039] According to one feature of the invention, the apparent surface area of ​​the main light module is greater than the apparent surface area of ​​the supplementary light module. It is the shape of the apparent surface area of ​​the main light module that defines the signature of the signaling lighting system. The apparent surface area of ​​the main light module is therefore larger than that of the supplementary light module, whose function is only to provide additional lighting. The apparent surface area of ​​the supplementary light module may be contained within the surface area of ​​the main light module or adjacent to it. The difference in the extent of the apparent surfaces makes the presence of the supplementary light module difficult to distinguish, thus avoiding any detriment to the aesthetic signature of the signaling lighting system.

[0040] According to one feature of the invention, a light beam projected from the output of the main light module exhibits variations in light intensity from one zone to another of the light beam that are at most 50%, preferably at most 30%. In other words, the entire light beam exiting the main light module is substantially homogeneous along the entire output surface. These variations in light intensity can be limited, in particular, by means of diffusing devices that ensure the homogeneity of the main light module.

[0041] According to one feature of the invention, the main light module and the supplementary light module are separated by a maximum distance of 75 mm. This complies with regulatory standards which require that different parts performing the same lighting function must be separated by a maximum of 75 mm.

[0042] Alternatively, the complementary light module can be integrated within the main light module in order to minimize the distinction between the light beams generated by each of the two light modules and to improve the perception of homogeneity of the overall signaling beam.

[0043] According to one feature of the invention, the signaling function implemented by the light assembly as just described can be a daytime running light, front or rear turn signal, front or rear position light, or brake light function.

[0044] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0045] [Fig-1] is a representation of a luminous assembly according to the invention,

[0046] [Fig.2] represents a variant of the lighting assembly according to the invention,

[0047] [Fig.3] represents a diagram of a complementary light module of the light assembly,

[0048] [Fig.4] represents an opening angle of a light beam emitted by the module Additional lighting for a vehicle.

[0049] Figure 1 represents a light assembly 1 according to the invention. Such a light assembly 1 can be integrated, for example, at the front or rear of a motor vehicle. The light assembly 1 is capable of providing a signaling function for said vehicle, for example, by functioning as a signal light, a brake light, or a turn signal, or even as a daytime running light if the light assembly 1 is specifically located at the front of the vehicle.

[0050] In order to perform at least one of these functions, the lighting assembly is equipped with a main lighting module 2 which is capable of projecting a light beam contributing to said signaling function. Depending on this function, the light beam from the main lighting module 2 can be continuous or sequential.

[0051] The main light module 2 may include an output face which, in the illustrated example, is divided into 3 segments and / or which may be arranged in any other signature pattern that may be specific to a model or brand of the vehicle. The main light module 2 also includes diffusing means (not shown). These diffusing means allow the light emitted by the main light module 2 to propagate in different directions, by splitting the beam in directions intersecting the optical axis associated with this main light module. The diffusing means thus contribute to forming a homogeneous light beam, improving the vehicle's aesthetics. The diffusing means may, for example, take the form of a textured surface on the output face, or a diffusing film or an opal material applied to the output face.

[0052] To perform the signaling function associated with the light assembly 1, the latter must comply with several standards, including a standard related to the luminous intensity of the beam produced by the light assembly 1, particularly with regard to visibility. The luminous intensity of the beam projected from the output of the main light module 2 must take into account luminous flux losses within the light assembly, due to light rays emitted by a light source in the main light module 2 that are not transmitted out of it to perform the aforementioned signaling function. Losses are also due to light scattering by diffusing means. Consequently, to meet the standards related to signaling functions, the main light module 2 must be supplied with a very high amount of energy.Depending on the size of the main light module 2, such a configuration can be extremely energy-intensive.

[0053] In order to limit such energy consumption, the lighting assembly 1 according to the invention includes a supplementary lighting module 4 arranged near the main lighting module 2. The supplementary lighting module 4 is configured to emit a beam of light participating in the implementation of the signaling function associated with the light assembly 1. In other words, the signaling function is ensured by the combination of the main light module 2 and the supplementary light module 4.

[0054] The supplementary light module 4 generates a light beam that complies with regulations and conforms to a regulatory photometric grid. The supplementary light module 4 therefore reduces the number of light sources in the main light module 2 and / or the energy required to supply the light sources in the main light module 2.

[0055] In this context, the main light module 2 primarily serves to ensure a uniform signature appearance of the light assembly 1 through its diffusing means, while the supplementary light module 4 has the sole function of ensuring compliance with the regulatory photometric grid. Thus, the light assembly 1 according to the invention performs the signaling function in accordance with vehicle-related regulations, and this via an energy input significantly lower than the consumption required to perform said signaling function using the main light module 2 alone.

[0056] Furthermore, the presence, positioning, and operation of the supplementary light module 4 are configured in such a way that they do not compromise the homogeneity and aesthetics of the main light module 2. In [Fig. 1], the supplementary light module 4 is juxtaposed to the main light module 2 at a distance not exceeding 75 mm. This distance is in accordance with regulatory standards which require that different parts performing the same lighting function be separated by a maximum of 75 mm.

[0057] The main light module 2 and the supplementary light module 4 have different luminous efficiencies, with the supplementary light module 4 having a higher luminous efficacy than the main light module 2. The luminous efficacy is expressed as a percentage and corresponds to a ratio between the luminous flux emitted within a regulatory window defined at an opening angle of + / -25° in a first direction, here horizontal, relative to the central axis of the light beam emitted by the supplementary light module 4, and + / -15° in a second direction, here vertical, relative to the central axis of the light beam emitted by the supplementary light module 4, and the overall luminous flux emitted at the output of said module. The supplementary light module 4 has a luminous efficacy greater than 25%, preferably greater than 40%.This means that at least 25%, preferably at least 40%, of the luminous flux at the output of the light module. complementary 4 is emitted in the regulatory window corresponding to this complementary light module.

[0058] The main light module 2 has a luminous efficiency of less than 25%, preferably less than 15%. This means that a maximum of 25%, preferably a maximum of 15%, of the luminous flux output from the main light module 2 is emitted within the regulatory window corresponding to that light module.

[0059] Advantageously, a ratio between the luminous efficiency of the supplementary light module 4 and the luminous efficiency of the main light module 2 is a minimum of 1.6. This ratio corresponds to the quotient of the luminous efficiency of the supplementary light module 4 by the luminous efficiency of the main light module 2. For example, the luminous efficiency of the supplementary light module 4 is advantageously 40% when the luminous efficiency of the main light module 2 is 25%.

[0060] Having two light modules with different efficiencies makes it possible to obtain a regulated overall light beam, ensuring the beam's extent with the main light module 2, which has a lower efficiency, and ensuring the creation of high-intensity light points, in compliance with the photometric grid, with the complementary light module 4, which has a higher efficiency. It is therefore not necessary to over-power the light sources of the main light module 2.

[0061] Each of the light modules has an apparent surface 5 which corresponds to an illuminated surface visible in orthogonal projection, for example on a surface perpendicular to the axis of the orthogonal projection. This orthogonal projection is made along a reference axis of the light function in which the beam emitted by the corresponding light module participates, the reference axis being defined in the regulations, for each signaling function that can be performed by the light module.

[0062] The main light module 2 comprises a first apparent surface 5a and the complementary light module 4 comprises a second apparent surface 5b.

[0063] By way of example, particularly in the context of a front-mounted lighting system on a vehicle, the apparent surface area 5 of the main light module 2, i.e., the first apparent surface area 5a, is at least 2000 mm², it being understood that this apparent surface area may vary depending on the signaling function implemented, while the apparent surface area 5 of the supplementary light module 4, i.e., the second apparent surface area 5b, is less than 500 mm², preferably less than 300 mm². Generally speaking, the apparent surface area 5 of the main light module 2, i.e., the first apparent surface area 5a, is greater than the apparent surface area 5 of the supplementary light module 4, i.e., the second apparent surface area 5b. This difference in apparent surface area 5 between the two modules contributes to maintaining the homogeneity of the lighting assembly 1. Indeed, the first apparent surface 5a ensures the visual signature of the lighting assembly 1, while the second apparent surface 5b, relating to the complementary lighting module 4, is an additional surface, which must not deteriorate the visual signature of the first apparent surface 5a.

[0064] Regardless of the position of the supplementary light module 4 relative to the main light module 2, the latter exhibits a homogeneity that may vary from one area to another, for example from one segment 3 to another, but without such variability exceeding 50%, preferably 30%, from one area to another. This variability is made possible in particular by the diffusing means mentioned above, which guarantee homogeneity over the entire first apparent surface 5a. By way of example, the diffusing means are configured so that the quantity of light rays exiting an area, for example a 100 mm² square, of the first apparent surface 5a of the main light module 2 is less than 50%, preferably 30%, different from the quantity of light rays exiting another area of ​​equivalent size of this first apparent surface 5a.

[0065] Figure 2 is a representation of a variant of the light assembly 1 according to the invention. The only difference with the light assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 is the positioning of the supplementary light module 4 relative to the main light module 2. In Figure 2, the supplementary light module 4 is contained within one of the segments 3 of the main light module 2 instead of being juxtaposed to it. This alternative positioning of the supplementary light module 4 does not affect any of the parameters and configurations described above. Therefore, reference should be made to the description of Figure 1 for all the structural and functional characteristics related to the light assembly 1.

[0066] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the side view of the supplementary light module 4. As previously mentioned, the supplementary light module includes a light source 6 capable of emitting light beams 7 when the signaling function associated with the light assembly needs to be implemented. The light source 6 can, for example, be a light-emitting diode connected to a printed circuit board 8.

[0067] The supplementary light module 4 may also include a sectored reflector 9. The sectored reflector 9 guides at least a portion of the light rays 7 towards an output surface, which corresponds to the apparent surface 5. The division into sectors also allows for the reflection of a maximum of the light rays 7 towards the apparent surface 5. The sectored reflector 9 therefore contributes to ensuring the high luminous efficiency of the supplementary light module 4.

[0068] The complementary light module 4 further includes a mask 10 which helps to delimit at least partially the apparent surface 5. The mask 10 can also have the function of selecting only a part of the light rays 7 converted into a light beam 11 while another part of the light rays 7 is stopped by the mask 10. The latter can also contribute to the luminous efficiency of the complementary light module 4.

[0069] The mask 10 can also allow the opening angle Y of the light beam emitted by the complementary light module 4 to be defined, corresponding to a delimitation centered around an optical axis X of the complementary light module 4, in particular by stopping part of the light rays emitted by the light source 6.

[0070] Figure 4 is a diagram viewed from above of the vehicle 12 equipped with any of the previously described variants of the lighting assembly 1 according to the invention. Figure 4 also illustrates the optical axis X and the beam angle Y. This beam angle Y is to be considered in a first direction, or a horizontal direction, illustrated in Figure 4, and in a second direction, or a vertical direction, illustrated in Figure 3.

[0071] The horizontal beam angle may be the same value as, or a different value than, the vertical beam angle. The horizontal beam angle, visible in [Fig. 4], may, for example, be 25° + / -10% on either side of the optical axis X, while the vertical beam angle, visible in [Fig. 3], may, for example, be 15° + / -10% on either side of this optical axis X. The beam angle Y is preferably less than this value of 25° + / -10%, the objective being that the light beam from the complementary light module 4 is focused on the points of the photometric grid while limiting its visibility to third parties.

[0072] In [Fig. 4], two observers are shown. A first observer 13 is positioned within the aperture angle Y. It is therefore able to see the light beam emitted by the complementary light module. A second observer 14 is positioned outside the aperture angle Y of the light beam from the complementary light module. The second observer has difficulty distinguishing the illuminating surface of the complementary light module, or even cannot see it at all. Only the light emitted by the main light module is visible from this observation angle.

[0073] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0074] The invention, as described above, achieves its intended purpose and makes it possible to propose a lighting system combining homogeneity and regulatory light intensity. Variants not described here could be implemented. without leaving the context of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they include a luminous assembly conforming to the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Light assembly (1) for signaling a motor vehicle (12) comprising a main light module (2) configured to perform at least part of a signaling function, characterized in that the light assembly (1) further comprises a supplementary light module (4) configured to perform said signaling function in combination with the main light module (2), the supplementary light module (4) having a luminous efficiency of at least 25%, the luminous efficiency of a light module being defined as a ratio between a luminous flux emitted by that light module in a window defined by a given opening angle along a first direction and a given opening angle along a second direction, called the regulatory window, and the overall luminous flux emitted by the light module at the output of said light module.

2. Light assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first direction is a horizontal direction and the second direction is a vertical direction, and wherein the opening angle of the regulatory window along the first horizontal direction is between + / -25° with respect to the central axis of the light beam emitted by the light module and the opening angle of the regulatory window along the second vertical direction is between + / - 15° with respect to the central axis of the light beam emitted by the light module.

3. Light assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the additional light module (4) has a light efficiency of at least 40%.

4. Light assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the main light module (2) has a light efficiency of less than 25%, preferably less than 15%.

5. Light assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the main light module (2) comprises diffusing means.

6. A light assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional light module (4) provides at least 50% of a luminous intensity of at least one part of the points, preferably of the set of points, of a regulatory grid.

7. Light assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an apparent area (5) of the additional light module (4) is less than 500 mm2, preferably less than 300 mm2.

8. Light assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supplementary light module (4) comprises at least one light source (6) and at least one mask (10) dimensioned and positioned relative to the light source (6) to define the apparent area (5) and / or the beam angle (Y) of the light beam emitted by the supplementary light module.

9. Light assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supplementary light module (4) comprises a sectorized reflector (9) dimensioned and positioned relative to the light source (6) to define the apparent area (5) and / or the opening angle (Y) of the light beam emitted by the supplementary light module.

10. Light assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparent surface (5) of the main light module (2) is greater than the apparent surface (5) of the supplementary light module (4).

11. Light assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a light beam (11) projected from the output of the main light module (2) exhibits variations in light intensity from one zone to another of the light beam (11) which are at most 50%, preferably at most 30%.

12. Light assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the main light module (2) and the supplementary light module (4) are separated by a maximum distance of 75 mm.

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