LIGHTING MODULE IMAGING THE ILLUMINATED SURFACE OF A COLLECTOR WITH A COVER FORMING A BREAKDOWN

Abstract

Illuminating module for illuminating the surface of a collector with a cover forming a break. Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102') configured to emit a light beam comprising: - a light source (4, 4.1', 4.2'; 104, 104.1', 104.2'); - a collector (10, 10'; 110, 110') with a reflective surface (10.1, 10.1.1', 10.1.2'; 110.1, 110.1.1', 110.1.2'), reflecting the light rays emitted by the source; - an optical projection device (12, 12'; 112, 112') for projecting the reflected light rays; characterized in that it comprises a cover (14, 14.1', 14.2' ; 114, 114.1', 114.2') located predominantly between the rear end (10.11 ; 110.11) and the front end (10.12 ; 110.12) of the reflective surface, and having a curved profile extending along a lower end (10.2 ; 110.2) of the reflective surface and having an upper edge (14.1, 14.1.1', 14.1.2' ; 114.1, 114.1.1', 114.1.2') cutting a lower area of ​​the emitted and / or reflected light rays and forming an upper cut of the emitted light beam. (Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 4).

Description

Title of the invention: Illumination module for imaging the illuminated surface of a collector with a cover forming a break technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of lighting, in particular for motor vehicles. Previous technique

[0002] French patent document FR 3 118 125 A1 discloses a lighting module for a motor vehicle, comprising a collector with a dome-shaped reflective surface that gathers light rays emitted by a light source and reflects them towards a projection lens having an object focal point located near a lower end of the reflective surface. This allows the lens to image the lower end in sharp focus, thus forming an upper cutoff of the projected light beam. To this end, this lower end may have a step to produce a step corresponding to the level of the horizontal upper cutoff.

[0003] The lighting module described above is advantageous due to its simplicity, compactness, and the quality of the projected light beam. However, it has the drawback that the lower end of the collector's reflective surface must be manufactured with high precision so that the upper horizontal cutoff of the beam produced by the module has the desired shape. This necessitates, for example, particular attention to the metallization of this lower end. Description of the invention

[0004] The invention aims to overcome at least one drawback of the aforementioned prior art. More particularly, the invention aims to provide a lighting module that images an illuminated reflective surface in such a way as to form a beam of light with a cutoff, and whose optical means for creating this cutoff are easier to implement.

[0005] The invention relates to a lighting module, particularly for motor vehicles, configured to emit a light beam along an optical axis, comprising: - at least one light source capable of emitting light rays; - a collector with at least one cap-shaped reflective surface, extending along the optical axis between a rear end and a front end, and capable of reflecting the emitted light rays along a principal direction; - an optical projection device capable of projecting reflected light rays to emit said beam of light.

[0006] The lighting module is notable in that it comprises at least one cover located predominantly, preferably at least 80%, between the rear end and the front end of the reflective surface, and having a curved profile extending along a lower end of at least one corresponding reflective surface and having an upper edge cutting a lower area of ​​the emitted and / or reflected light rays and forming at least in part an upper cut of said emitted light beam.

[0007] In the case where the lighting module has several reflective surfaces, it will be understood that the lighting module then includes at least one light source associated with each of the reflective surfaces, each reflective surface being capable of reflecting the light rays emitted by its associated light source along a principal direction. A cover is then arranged primarily between the rear and front ends of the reflective surface. In other words, a cover is associated with each of the reflective surfaces. Each cover has a curved profile extending along a lower end of the reflective surface to which it is associated.In addition, each cover also includes an upper edge cutting off a lower area of ​​the light rays reflected by its associated reflective surface, and said upper edge thus forming at least in part an upper cutoff of the light beam emitted by the lighting module.

[0008] Thus, according to the invention, it is the upper edge of the cover that forms an upper cut in the emitted light beam. The lower end of the reflective surface reflects the light rays from the light source but no longer needs to also form the upper cut in the projected light beam. The functions of reflection and cutting the emitted light beam have been separated and are therefore no longer performed by the same part. It is thus easier to manufacture the reflective surface of the collector, and the cut in the emitted light beam can be precisely achieved thanks to the upper edge of the cover.

[0009] Furthermore, since the shield follows the curvature of the reflective surface, it is possible to create the cut in the emitted light beam over a large part of its width, or even its entire width. Indeed, with a shield positioned transversely to the optical axis, the shield must remain close to the optical axis so as not to intercept the collector, and in particular its reflective surface. Only the central part of the upper cut in the emitted light beam can then be formed by the shield.

[0010] Finally, since the shape of the cutoff of the emitted light beam is determined by the shape of the upper edge of the cover, it is possible to easily adapt the lighting module so that it can produce different types of light beams, and that it This allows, for example, compliance with different applicable regulations. Indeed, it is necessary to change only the cover from one lighting module to another, rather than changing the entire manifold as in the prior art. Thus, it is easy to design a lighting module that forms a beam for right-hand drive vehicles and convert it into a lighting module that forms a beam for left-hand drive vehicles.

[0011] In the invention, the optical axis along which the light beam is emitted advantageously corresponds to the optical axis of the optical projection device. Advantageously, the optical axis passes through the upper edge of the shield.

[0012] It will be understood that the rear end of the reflective surface is located closer to said at least one light source than the front end of the reflective surface.

[0013] By the fact that the cover is "located predominantly, preferably at least 80%, between the rear and front ends of the reflective surface," it will be understood that, when projected onto a horizontal plane containing the optical axis, more than 50%, or more than 80% respectively, of the cover extends below the reflective surface. It is thus understood that the cover is primarily located below the reflective surface of the collector, although it is not excluded that a portion of the cover, particularly the extreme portions of the cover, may be located in front of the front end of the reflective surface along the direction of the optical axis.

[0014] Advantageously, the entire cover can extend between the rear and front ends of the reflective surface. The cover is then entirely located under the reflective surface of the collector along the direction of the optical axis.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lighting module comprises at least one screen located at the front, aligned with the direction of propagation of the reflected light rays, from at least one light source and configured to block emitted light rays directed forward. This screen blocks light rays emitted by the at least one light source forward, which are therefore not reflected by the reflective surface of the collector. These light rays can be called "direct light rays." Thus, the screen prevents direct light rays from reaching the optical projection device and creating stray light in the emitted light beam.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover is disposed in front of said at least one light source along the direction of the optical axis.

[0017] In particular, the cover and the screen can be formed from a single piece. This single piece makes it possible to both cut off the upper part of the emitted beam and to block the direct light rays emitted by said at least one light source. The lighting module is thus simplified because it consists of only one piece instead of two separate parts, namely the cover and the screen, while guaranteeing the same optical performance.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cover is disposed behind said at least one light source along the direction of the optical axis. The cover is then positioned between the rear end of the reflective surface and said at least one light source. This positioning is advantageous because, as the cover is disposed close to the rear end of the reflective surface, it makes it easy to position the object focal point of the projection optical device close to the cover, and in particular to the upper edge of the cover, and to the reflective surface of the collector, and in particular to the rear end of the reflective surface.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical projection device comprises an object focus, or an object focus line, located at a distance less than or equal to 15 mm from said at least one shield and from the rear end of at least one reflective surface, along the direction of the optical axis.

[0020] Preferably, the optical projection device includes an object focus, or an object focus line, located at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from said at least one mask and from the rear end of at least one reflective surface, along the direction of the optical axis.

[0021] By way of non-limiting example, the object focal point or the object focal line may be located at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from the intersection of said at least one reflective surface with the optical axis, along the direction of the optical axis. This example applies in particular when the collector has a single reflective surface.

[0022] In particular, the focal line extends transversely to the optical axis. It will be understood that when considering a point located on the focal line, and considering a straight line extending along the optical axis, that is to say parallel to the optical axis, then the point in question is located at a distance less than or equal to 15 mm, preferably 10 mm, from said at least one mask and from the rear end of the reflecting surface, along the direction of the optical axis. The focal line may be straight or curved.

[0023] Thus, it is possible that the object focus is located in front of the cover or behind the rear end of the reflective surface, along the direction of the optical axis, provided that it remains at a distance less than or equal to 15 mm, preferably 10 mm, from the rear end of the reflective surface and the cover.

[0024] The projection system then forms two images which are superimposed to form the projected light beam, namely the image of the reflective surface of the collector and the image of the upper edge of the shield. The term "the projection system forms the image of the reflective surface" means that the projection system It reproduces the light distribution on the reflective surface in the projected light beam. And, by "the projection system forms the image of the upper edge of the mask" we mean that the upper cutoff of the projected beam is formed by the upper edge of the mask.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the object focal point, or the object focal line, is located on or behind at least one shield, along the direction of the optical axis. Preferably, the object focal point or the object focal line is located on or behind the upper edge of at least one shield.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the object focus, or the object focus line, is located in front of the rear end of at least one reflective surface, preferably in front of at least one light source, along the direction of the optical axis.

[0027] Thus, the object focal point or object focal line can be located between the rear edge of the reflective surface and the mask, or even between the light source and the mask if the mask is positioned in front of the light source, along the direction of the optical axis. In this case, the optical projection device allows for the optimal formation of both the image of the reflective surface of the collector and the image of the upper edge of the mask.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said at least one shield is located at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from said at least one light source. The distance is considered in particular along the direction of the optical axis.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said at least one shield is located at a distance less than or equal to 4 mm from said at least one light source. The distance is considered in particular along the direction of the optical axis. This arrangement is particularly advantageous when the shield coincides with the screen. Indeed, by being positioned less than 4 mm from the light source, the single piece forming both the shield and the screen maximizes the amount of direct light rays intercepted.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the collector, and in particular the lower end of said at least one reflective surface, extends transversely to the optical axis, for example vertically, up to the height of said at least one light source. In other words, it is possible for the lower end of the collector, and in particular the lower end of said at least one reflective surface, to extend to the level of the light source, or of a support on which the light source is placed. Indeed, since the lower end of the collector or the reflective surface no longer forms the upper cutoff of the projected light beam, the shape of the lower end of the collector or the reflective surface does not need to be cut to present a step. This thus makes it possible to This maximizes the amount of light emitted by the light source and reflected by the collector and its reflective surface. Furthermore, it simplifies the manufacturing of both the collector and its reflective surface.

[0031] Advantageously, the lower end of the collector, and in particular the reflective surface of the collector, extends in a plane. Where appropriate, the lower end of the collector, and in particular the lower end of the collector, is positioned on the support of said at least one light source.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical projection device is a projection lens. Alternatively, the optical projection device comprises one or more projection mirror(s).

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the upper edge of at least one cover has a bump at the level of a central area of ​​said upper edge, corresponding to the optical axis, forming a bump in the upper cut of the emitted light beam.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the upper edge of at least one shield is straight along the curved profile of said at least one shield. The upper edge of the shield thus forms a horizontal upper cut in the emitted light beam.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, said at least one reflective surface comprises an optical axis forming an axis of symmetry of the reflective surface, the curved profile of the shield having a radius of curvature at the level of its intersection with the optical axis of the reflective surface less than or equal to 100 mm.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the profile of at least one shield extends along at least 50% of the lower end of at least one corresponding reflective surface. Preferably, the profile of at least one shield extends along at least 90% of the lower end of at least one corresponding reflective surface. Thus, the upper cutoff of the emitted light beam formed by the shield can extend over the entire width of the emitted light beam.

[0037] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one shield is located at a distance from the lower end of the corresponding reflective surface that decreases progressively from a central position corresponding to the optical axis to an extreme position on each side of said optical axis. Thus, the shield moves closer to the lower end of the reflective surface as one moves away from its center.

[0038] Alternatively, the distance between the cover and the lower end of the reflective surface could be constant.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the distance from at least one cover to the lower end of the corresponding reflective surface is non-zero at extreme positions. In other words, the extreme portions of the cover can be arranged at a distance from the lower edge of the reflective surface. In particular, the extreme portions of the cover can be arranged at distances from the lower edge of the reflective surface to the front edge of the reflective surface.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lighting module further comprises a mechanism configured to allow at least one cover to be replaced by another cover with a different upper edge.

[0041] The invention also relates to a lighting device, particularly for motor vehicles, comprising: - a first lighting module configured to form a first projected light beam with an upper cutoff; and - a second lighting module configured to form a second projected light beam with an upper cutoff, superimposed on the first light beam; in which the first lighting module and / or the second lighting module is according to the invention.

[0042] According to an advantageous mode, the upper cut of the first projected light beam formed by the first lighting module can be horizontal straight, and the upper cut of the second projected light beam formed by the second lighting module can be horizontal with a step.

[0043] Alternatively, the upper cutoff of the first projected light beam formed by the first lighting module can be horizontal straight, and the upper cutoff of the second projected light beam formed by the second lighting module can be horizontal straight.

[0044] Alternatively, the upper cutoff of the first projected light beam formed by the first lighting module can be horizontal with a step, and the upper cutoff of the second projected light beam formed by the second lighting module can be horizontal with a step.

[0045] The measures of the invention are advantageous in that they make it possible to produce a light beam with a clean cut-off at a lower cost and which can be modified according in particular to the regulations in force in the territory of destination of the module or lighting device. Brief description of the drawings

[0046] [Fig.1] is a cross-sectional and schematic view of a lighting module according to a first embodiment of the invention; [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a lighting device comprising two lighting modules arranged side by side, one of the two lighting modules corresponding to the lighting module illustrated in [Fig.1], and the other of the two lighting modules corresponding to a lighting module according to a variant of the first embodiment of the invention; [Fig.3] is a top view of the lighting device of [Fig.2]. [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional and schematic view of a lighting module according to a second embodiment of the invention; [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a lighting device comprising two lighting modules arranged side by side, one of the two lighting modules corresponding to the lighting module illustrated in [Fig.4], and the other of the two lighting modules corresponding to a lighting module according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention; [Fig.6] is a top view of the lighting device of [Fig.5]; [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of the light beams projected by the modules of the lighting device in Figures 2 and 3, and by the modules of the lighting device in Figures 5 and 6. Detailed description

[0047] In the following description, and more generally within the framework of the present invention, the notions of orientations such as "horizontal", "vertical", "lateral", "superior", "inferior", etc. are to be understood when the lighting module is in normal mounting and operational position, as illustrated in the figures.

[0048] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional and schematic view of a lighting module 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0049] The lighting module 2 is configured to emit a light beam along an optical axis 8 of the lighting module 2. The lighting module 2 comprises a light source 4, preferably of the LED type, arranged on a support 6 such as a printed circuit board. A finned heat exchanger-type cooler may be arranged on or integrated into the support 6, in particular on the face opposite to that supporting the light source 4. The light source 4 is configured to illuminate along a principal transverse direction, advantageously perpendicular, to the support 6 and to the optical axis 8 of the lighting module 2. The light source 4 is thus configured to illuminate essentially within a space delimited by the plane of the light source 4 and the support 6.

[0050] The lighting module 2 further comprises a collector 10 disposed above the light source 4, so as to collect the light rays emitted by said light source 4. The collector 10 comprises a reflective surface 10.1 in cap shape. The reflective surface 10.1 is delimited along the optical axis 8 between a rear end 10.11 and a front end 10.12. The rear end 10.11 is positioned closer to the light source 4 than the front end 10.12. The reflective surface 10.1 also has a lower end 10.2.

[0051] The collector 10, and in particular the lower end 10.2 of the reflective surface 10.1, extends transversely to the optical axis 8, here vertically, up to the height of the light source 4. In particular, the lower end 10.2 of the reflective surface extends up to the support 6 of the light source 4.

[0052] The reflective surface 10.1 is configured to reflect the light rays emitted by the light source 4 in a principal direction corresponding essentially to the optical axis 8 of the lighting module 2, towards an optical projection device 11 of the lighting module 2. The optical axis of the optical projection device 11 defines the optical axis 8 of the lighting module 2. In this case, the optical projection device 11 is a projection lens 12. The projection lens 12 comprises an entrance face 12.1 and an exit face 12.2 for the light rays. It should be noted that the optical projection device 11 can take forms other than a projection lens, such as, for example, an array of mirrors, at least one of which is non-planar, or a combination of one or more mirrors and one or more lenses.

[0053] The projection lens 12 allows the light rays reflected by the reflective surface 10.1 of the collector 10 to be projected. The light rays projected by the projection lens 12 then form the light beam emitted by the lighting module 2.

[0054] In the illustrated example, the lighting module 2 also includes a screen 15, located in front of the light source 4 along the direction of propagation of the reflected light rays, i.e. along the optical axis 8. This screen 15 is configured to block the light rays emitted by the light source 4 and directed towards the front of the lighting module 2, and which are therefore not reflected by the reflective surface 10.1. The screen 15 includes in particular a rear face 15.2. The light rays emitted forwards and encountering the rear face 15.2 of the screen 15 are blocked in particular by being absorbed, by means of an appropriate absorbing surface treatment, and / or reflected towards an optically neutral area, which may include a light absorption area.

[0055] The screen 15 is thus sized and positioned to intercept and block light rays, called "direct light rays", emitted forwards by the light source 4 and which, in the absence of said screen 15, could encounter the entrance face 12.1 of the projection lens 12 and degrade the emitted light beam.

[0056] The lighting module 2 further includes a cover 14. The cover 14 is disposed between the rear end 10.11 and the front end 10.12 of the reflective surface 10.1. In the illustrated example, the cover 14 is entirely disposed under the reflective surface 10.1, that is to say between the rear end 10.11 and the front end 10.12 of the reflective surface 10.1. However, it will be understood that it is possible to provide that a portion of the cover 14, in particular the extreme portions of the cover 14, is disposed in front of the front end 10.12 of the reflective surface 10.1 along the direction of the optical axis 8, without departing from the scope of the invention, provided that at least 50%, preferably at least 80% of the cover 14 is disposed between the rear end 10.11 and the front end 10.12 of the reflective surface 10.1.

[0057] The shield 14 has, in a horizontal plane, a curved profile extending along at least part of the lower end 10.2 of the reflective surface 10.1, this lower end 10.2 being itself curved. In particular, the reflective surface 10.1 includes an optical axis forming an axis of symmetry of the reflective surface 10.1, and the curved profile of the shield 14 has a radius of curvature at its intersection with the optical axis of the reflective surface that is less than or equal to 100 mm. In other words, the shield 14 must have a sufficiently high curvature, particularly at its center, in order to more easily follow the curvature of the lower end 10.2 of the reflective surface 10.1.

[0058] In this first embodiment illustrated in [Fig.1], the cover 14 is located at the rear of the light source 4, following the direction of propagation of the light rays reflected by the reflective surface 10.1, i.e. along the direction of the optical axis 8. As will be seen later, in particular with reference to [Fig.4], the cover can alternatively be located at the front of the light source 4, following the direction of propagation of the light rays reflected by the reflective surface 10.1, i.e. along the direction of the optical axis 8.

[0059] The shield 14 is also configured to block a lower area of ​​the light rays emitted by the light source 4 and directed towards the lower end 10.2 of the reflective surface 10.1. It can also block a lower area of ​​the light rays reflected by the reflective surface 10.1. For this purpose, the shield 14 extends vertically and has an upper edge 14.1 which delimits the lower area of ​​the light rays emitted by the light source 4 and the reflected light rays, and thus forms an upper cut of the light beam emitted by the lighting device 2.

[0060] According to a first example, the upper edge 14.1 of the cover 14 may have a bump at the level of a central area of ​​the upper edge 14.1, thus allowing the upper cut of the emitted light beam to be horizontal with a bump.

[0061] According to a second example, the upper edge 14.1 of the cover 14 can be straight all along the curved profile of the cover, thus making it possible to create a horizontal upper cutoff of the emitted light beam.

[0062] The projection lens 12 has an object focal point 12.3 located at a distance less than or equal to 15 mm from the mask 14, and at a distance less than or equal to 15 mm from the rear end 10.11 of the reflective surface 10.1. In [Fig.1], it can be observed in particular that the object focal point 12.3 is located at a distance less than or equal to 15 mm from the intersection 10.8 of the reflective surface 10.1 with the optical axis 8.

[0063] In the illustrated example, the object focal point 12.3 of the projection lens 12 is located in particular in front of the rear end 10.11 of the reflecting surface 10.1 and behind the mask 14, along the direction of the optical axis 8. In other words, the object focal point 12.3 of the projection lens 12 is located between the rear end 10.11 of the reflecting surface 10.1 and the mask 14. Such an intermediate position is advantageous in that the object focal point 12.3 is situated both near the reflecting surface 10.1 and near the upper edge 14.1 of the mask 14. Thus, the projection lens 12 can form both the image of the reflecting surface 10.1 and the image of the upper edge 14.1 of the mask 14 to form the emitted light beam. This maximizes the intensity of the emitted light beam and the sharpness of the upper cutoff of the emitted light beam. For example, object focal point 12.3 can also be located on the top edge 14.1 of cache 14.

[0064] Advantageously, the cover 14 is located at a distance from the light source 4 which is less than or equal to 10mm, or even less than 4mm.

[0065] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a lighting device 16 comprising the lighting module 2, the cross-sectional view of which is shown in [Fig. 1], and which has just been described, and which will be referred to as the first lighting module, and a second lighting module 2' according to a variant of the first embodiment of the invention. The first lighting module 2 and the second lighting module 2' are arranged side by side.

[0066] The second lighting module 2' differs from the first lighting module 2 in that it comprises two light sources, a collector 10' with two reflective surfaces, two screens and two covers.

[0067] More specifically, the second lighting module 2' comprises a first light source 4.1' and a second light source 4.2', a collector 10' with a first reflective surface 10.1.1' associated with the first light source 4.1' and a second reflective surface 10.1.2' associated with the second light source 4.2'. The second lighting module 2' also has a first screen 15.1' associated with the first light source 4.1' and a second screen 15.2' associated with the second light source 4.2'. It also includes a first cover 14.1' associated with the first light source 4.1' and the first reflective surface 10.1.1', and a second cover 14.2' associated with the second light source 4.2' and the second reflective surface 10.1.2'.

[0068] Like the first lighting module 2, the second lighting module 2' also includes a 12' projection lens. However, instead of presenting an object focus 12.3, the 12' projection lens presents an object focus line 12.3' which will be described in more detail with reference to [Fig.3].

[0069] The first lighting module 2 and the second lighting module 2' are both in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, since in each of these lighting modules 2, 2', the cover(s) 14, 14.1', 14.2' is located at the rear of the light source 4, 4.1', 4.2'.

[0070] The description that has been made of the arrangement and cooperation between the light source 4, the reflective surface 10.1, the screen 15 and the cover 14 of the first lighting module 2 also applies to the arrangement and cooperation between the first light source 4.1', the first reflective surface 10.1.1', the first screen 15.1' and the first cover 14.1' on the one hand, and to the arrangement and cooperation between the second light source 4.2', the second reflective surface 10.1.2', the second screen 15.2' and the second cover 14.1' on the other hand. In addition, thanks to its object focal line 12.3', the projection lens 12' can project the light rays reflected by each of the first and second reflective surfaces 10.1.1', 10.1.2' to emit the light beam projected by the second lighting module 2'.

[0071] In [Fig.2], on the first lighting module 2, the curved profile of the cover 14 and its extent along the lower end 10.2 of the reflective surface 10.1 can be observed. It can also be observed that the upper edge 14.1 of the cover 14 forms a bulge at a central area with respect to the optical axis 8. The upper edge 14.1 thus has a generally straight profile on either side of the optical axis 8, with, however, a vertical offset forming the bulge at the optical axis 8.

[0072] The profile of the mask 14 advantageously extends along at least 50%, preferably 90%, of the lower end 10.2 of the corresponding reflective surface 10.1. Also, the mask 14 can be located at a distance from the lower end 10.2 of the corresponding reflective surface 10.1 which decreases progressively from a central position corresponding to the optical axis 8 of the lighting device 2 to an extreme position on each side of said optical axis 8. In particular, the distance of the mask 14 to the lower end 10.2 of the reflective surface 10.1 is non-zero at the extreme positions of the mask 14.

[0073] On the second lighting module 2', the curved profile of the first and second masks 14.1' and 14.2' can also be observed, as well as their extent along the lower edges 10.2.1' and 10.2.2' of the reflective surfaces 10.1.1' and 10.1.2', respectively. It can also be observed that the upper edges 14.1.1' and 14.1.2' of the masks are generally straight, i.e., without a step, unlike the first lighting module 2.

[0074] The first lighting module 2 and the second lighting module 2' are advantageously arranged on either side of a main lighting axis 18 of the lighting device 16, so that their emitted light beams overlap, centered on the main lighting axis 18. The first lighting module 2 produces a light beam with a horizontal upper cutoff having a bump at the level of the main lighting axis 18, while the second lighting module 2' produces a wider light beam also with a horizontal upper cutoff, however generally straight unlike the light beam of the first lighting module 2. The superposition of these projected light beams can form a regulatory automotive lighting beam of the "code" type, also referred to by the English expression "low-beam".

[0075] It is understood that the shape of the upper cutoff of the light beam emitted by each module depends on the shape of the upper edge 14.1, 14.1.1', 14.1.2' of the cover 14, 14.1', 14.2'. Thus, alternatively, the first lighting module 2 could produce a light beam with a horizontal upper cutoff and / or the second lighting module 2' could produce a light beam with a horizontal upper cutoff having a bump.

[0076] Fig. 3 is a top view of the lighting device 16 of Fig. 2.

[0077] The first and second lighting modules 2, 2' can be observed there, arranged side by side and on either side of the main lighting axis 18 of the lighting device 16.

[0078] The positions of the light sources 4, 4.1' and 4.2', the masks 14, 14.1' and 14.2' and the object focus 12.3 as well as the object focus line 12.3' of the projection lenses 12 and 12' can also be observed there.

[0079] In the first lighting module 2, the object focal point 12.3 of the projection lens 12 is located, along the optical axis 8, at a distance of less than 15 mm from the cover 14 and the rear end 10.11 of the reflective surface 10.1. More particularly, the object focal point 12.3 of the projection lens 12 is located, along the optical axis 8, between the light source 4 and the rear end 10.11 of the reflective surface 10.1. In the illustrated example, the object focal point 12.3 is located on the cover 14.

[0080] In the second lighting module 2', the object focal line 12.3' extends transversely to the optical axis 8' and passes between each of the first and second masks 14.1' and 14.2' and the first and second associated light sources 4.1' and 4.2'. For this purpose, the projection lens 12' can have an essentially constant cross-section over at least part of its extent transverse to the optical axis 8'. This configuration allows a single projection lens 12' to project the light rays reflected by several reflective surfaces 10.1.1', 10.1.2' arranged side by side.

[0081] It can also be noted in figures 2 and 3 that the projection lenses 12, 12' of the first and second lighting modules 2, 2' are juxtaposed so as to form a single optical element, and that the exit face of this optical element, formed by the juxtaposition of the exit face 12.2 of these projection lenses 12, 12' is smooth and continuous.

[0082] Figure 4 illustrates a lighting module 102 according to a second embodiment of the invention, corresponding to an alternative to the first embodiment illustrated in particular in Figure 1. The reference numbers of the first embodiment are used to designate identical or corresponding elements, these numbers being increased by 100. Reference is also made to the description of these elements in the context of the first embodiment.

[0083] The lighting module 102 according to this second embodiment differs from the lighting module 2 according to the first embodiment in that the cover 114 is positioned in front of the light source 104 along the direction of the optical axis 108. Furthermore, in this example, the cover 114 is formed as a single piece with the screen 115. Thus, the cover 114 has a dual role. On the one hand, it blocks the direct light rays emitted by the light source 104. On the other hand, the cover 114, and more particularly its upper edge 114.1, forms an upper cut in the emitted light beam.

[0084] Indeed, the shield 114 blocks the light rays reflected by the reflective surface 110.1 near the lower end 110.2 of said reflective surface. Thus, the rays reflected by the reflective surface 110.1 at a distance from the lower end 110.2 and grazing the upper edge 114.1 of the shield 114 then form the upper cutoff of the emitted light beam. The shape and position of the shield 114 thus determine the upper cutoff of the emitted light beam.

[0085] The cover 114 is also well disposed between the rear end 110.11 and the front end 110.2 of the reflective surface 110.1. However, as with the first embodiment, it will be understood that it is possible to provide that a portion of the cover 114, in particular the extreme portions of the cover 114, be disposed in front of the front end 110.12 of the reflective surface 110.1 along the direction of the optical axis 108, without departing from the scope of the invention, provided that at least 50%, preferably at least 80% of the cover 114 is disposed between the rear end 110.11 and the front end 110.12 of the reflective surface 110.1.

[0086] In this second embodiment, the object focal point 112.3 is located at a distance less than or equal to 15 mm from the mask 114, and at a distance less than or equal to 15 mm from the rear end 110.11 of the reflective surface 110.1. In particular, the object focal point 112.3 of the projection lens 112 is disposed at the rear of the mask 114, and in front of the rear end 110.11 of the reflective surface 110.1, along the direction of the optical axis 108. In the illustrated example, the object focus 112.3 is more particularly located on the optical axis 108, at the level of the light source 104. Alternatively, the object focus 112.3 could be located on the upper edge 114.1 of the mask 114, or on the reflective surface 110.1.

[0087] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a lighting device 116 comprising the lighting module 102, the cross-sectional view of which is illustrated in [Fig.4], and which has just been described, and which will be called the first lighting module, and a second lighting module 102' according to a variant of the second embodiment of the invention.

[0088] The second lighting module 102' differs from the first lighting module 102 in that it comprises two light sources, a collector 110' with two reflective surfaces, two screens and two covers. The first lighting module 102 and the second lighting module 102' are both in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, since in each of these lighting modules 102, 102', the cover 114, 114.1', 114.2' is located in front of the light source 104, 104.1', 104.2', and more specifically, the cover 114, 114.1', 114.2' is formed in one piece with the screen 115, 115.1', ​​115.2'.

[0089] This second lighting module 102' according to a variant of the second embodiment, can also be considered as an alternative to the second lighting module 2' according to a variant of the first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The reference numbers of the variant of the first embodiment are used to designate identical or corresponding elements, these numbers being increased by 100. Reference is also made to the description of these elements in the context of the variant of the first embodiment.

[0090] The difference between the second lighting module 102' according to the variant of the second embodiment and the second lighting module 2' according to the variant of the first embodiment lies in the position of the cover. As previously explained, in the second embodiment, and therefore in the lighting module 102' according to the variant of the second embodiment, the first and second covers 114.1', 114.2' are arranged in front of the first light source 104.1', respectively of the second light source 104.2' along the direction of the optical axis 108', while in the first embodiment, and therefore in the second lighting module 102' according to the variant of the first embodiment, the first and second covers 14.1', 14.2' are arranged behind the first light source 4.1', respectively of the second light source 4.2' along the direction of the optical axis 8'.

[0091] In particular, the second lighting module 102' comprises a lens of projection 112' showing an object focus line 112.3'.

[0092] On [Fig.5], on the first lighting module 102, it can be observed in particular that the upper edge 114.1 of the cover 114 forms a bulge at the level of a central area with respect to the optical axis 108. The upper edge 114.1 thus presents a generally straight profile on either side of the optical axis 108, with however a vertical offset forming the bulge at the level of the optical axis 108.

[0093] On the second lighting module 102', it can be observed that the upper edges 114.1.1' and 114.1.2' of the covers are generally straight, that is to say without a step unlike the first lighting module 102.

[0094] Fig. 6 is a top view of the lighting device 116 of Fig. 5. The first and second lighting modules 102, 102' can be seen there, arranged side by side and on either side of the main lighting axis 118 of the lighting device 116.

[0095] It can be seen in particular that the cover 114 of the first lighting module 102 is arranged in front of the light source 104 along the direction of the optical axis 108, and that the first and second covers 114.1', 114.2' of the second lighting module 102' are arranged respectively in front of the first light source 104.1' and the second light source 104.2' along the direction of the optical axis 108'.

[0096] We can also see the position of the focus 112.3 of the first lighting module 102 and the position of the object focus line 112.3' of the second lighting module 102'.

[0097] It is also observed in figures 5 and 6 that the projection lenses 112, 112' of the first and second lighting modules 102, 102' are juxtaposed so as to form a single optical element, and that the exit face of this optical element, formed by the juxtaposition of the exit face of these projection lenses 112, 112' is smooth and continuous.

[0098] Figure 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the light images of the light beams produced by the lighting device 16 in Figures 2 and 3, or the light images of the light beams produced by the lighting device 116 in Figures 5 and 6. Indeed, the light images of the light beams produced by the lighting device 16 in Figures 2 and 3 are identical to the light images of the light beams produced by the lighting device 116 in Figures 5 and 6. The H axis corresponds to a horizontal axis and the V axis corresponds to a vertical axis. Their intersection corresponds to the principal lighting axis 18, 118 of the lighting device 16, 116.

[0099] The luminous image 20 is that of the light beam produced by the first lighting module 2, 102. We can observe the upper horizontal cut with a step, produced by the upper edge 14.1, 114.1 of the cover 14, 114 (figures 2 and 5).

[0100] The overlapping luminous images 22 and 24 are those of the light beams produced by the second lighting module 2', 102'. The luminous image 22 is produced by the second light source 4.2', 104.2' and the second reflective surface 10.1.2', 110.1.2', while the luminous image 24 is produced by the first light source 4.1' and the first reflective surface 10.1.1', 110.1.1'. We can observe the straight horizontal upper cuts, produced by the upper edges 14.1.1', 14.1.2' and 114.1.1', 114.1.2' of the first and second masks 14.1', 14.2' and 114.1', 114.2'.

[0101] In [Fig. 7], the cuts of the luminous images 20, 22 and 24 are shown at a distance from each other along the vertical direction, for clarity of presentation. In reality, these cuts may overlap, essentially along the H axis.

[0102] Generally, the cover(s) can be mounted movably or interchangeably to facilitate the configuration of the lighting device to comply with the regulations in force in the territory of destination of the lighting device in question. For example, European regulations stipulate a horizontal break with a raised edge for a low-beam type automotive lighting function, such as in [Fig. 4], whereas British regulations stipulate a horizontal break with a raised edge in the opposite direction to that of [Fig. 4] (with respect to the V-axis), taking into account the reversal of the driving side. Regulations in the United States of America, on the other hand, stipulate a straight horizontal break, i.e., without a raised edge, for this lighting function.A specific cover can then be developed and manufactured for each of these regulations, and the lighting system can be easily configured for the destination territory by selecting the appropriate cover.

[0103] In addition, it may be noted that the lighting device 16 illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 comprises only lighting modules according to the first embodiment, and that the lighting device 116 illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 comprises only lighting modules according to the second embodiment. However, it will be understood that it is also possible to combine, within the same lighting device, one or more lighting modules according to the first embodiment of the invention and one or more lighting modules according to the second embodiment of the invention, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102'), in particular for motor vehicles, configured to emit a light beam along an optical axis (8, 8'; 108, 108'), comprising: - at least one light source (4, 4.1', 4.2'; 104, 104.1', 104.2') capable of emitting light rays; - a collector (10, 10'; 110, 110') with at least one reflective surface (10.1, 10.1.1', 10.1.2'; 110.1, 110.1.1', 110.1.2') in the shape of a cap, extending along the optical axis between a rear end (10.11; 110.11) and a front end (10.12; 110.12), and capable of reflecting the emitted light rays along a principal direction; - an optical projection device (12, 12'; 112, 112') capable of projecting the reflected light rays to emit said light beam; characterized in that it comprises at least one cover (14, 14.1', 14.2' ; 114, 114.1', 114.2') located predominantly, preferably at least 80%, between the rear end (10.11 ; 110.11) and the front end (10.12; 110.12) of the reflective surface, and having a curved profile extending along a lower end (10.2; 110.2) of at least one corresponding reflective surface (10.1, 10.1.1', 10.1.2'; 110.1, 110.1.1', 110.1.2') and having an upper edge (14.1, 14.1.1', 14.1.2'; 114.1, 114.1.1', 114.1.2') cutting a lower area of ​​the emitted and / or reflected light rays and forming at least in part an upper cut of said emitted light beam.

2. Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102') according to claim 1, comprising at least one screen (15, 15.1', ​​15.2'; 115, 115.1', ​​115.2') located at the front, along a direction of propagation of reflected light rays, from at least one light source (4, 4.1', 4.2'; 104, 104.1', 104.2') and configured to block emitted light rays directed towards the front.

3. Lighting module (102; 102') according to claim 2, wherein the cover (114, 114.1', 114.2') and the screen (115, 115.1', ​​115.2') are formed from a single piece.

4. Lighting module (2, 2') according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover (14, 14.1', 14.2') is disposed behind said at least one light source (4, 4.1', 4.2') along the direction of the optical axis (8, S''»

5. o). Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102') according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, wherein the optical projection device (12, 12'; 112, 112') comprises an object focus (12.3), or an object focus line (112.3), located at a distance less than or equal to 15 mm from said at least one mask (14, 14.1', 14.2'; 114, 114.1', 114.2') and from the rear end of at least one reflective surface (10.1, 10.1.1', 10.1.2'; 110.1, 110.1.1', 110.1.2'), along the direction of the optical axis (8, 8'; 108, 108').

6. Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102') according to claim 5, wherein the object focus (12.3; 112.3), or the object focus line (12.3'; 112.3') is located on or behind at least one cover (14, 14.1', 14.2'; 114, 114.1', 114.2') along the direction of the optical axis (8, 8'; 108, 108').

7. Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102') according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the object focus (12.3; 112.3), or the object focus line (12.3'; 112.3'), is located in front of the rear end of at least one reflective surface (10.1, 10.1.1', 10.1.2'; 110.1, 110.1.1', 110.1.2'), preferably in front of at least one light source (4, 4.1', 4.2'; 104, 104.1', 104.2'), along the direction of the optical axis (8, 8'; 108, 108').

8. Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102') according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one cover (14, 14.1', 14.2'; 114, 114.1', 114.2') is located at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from said at least one light source (4, 4.1', 4.2'; 104, 104.1', 104.2').

9. Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102') according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the collector (10, 10'; 110, 110'), and in particular the lower end (10.2; 110.2) of at least one reflective surface (10.1, 10.1.1', 10.1.2'; 110.1, 110.1.1', 110.1.2') extends transversely to the optical axis up to the height of said at least one light source (4, 4.1', 4.2'; 104, 104.1', 104.2').

10. Lighting module (2; 102) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper edge (14.1; 114.1) of at least one cover (14; 114) has a bump at the level of a central area of ​​said upper edge, corresponding to the optical axis (8; 108), forming a bump in the upper cutoff of the emitted light beam.

11. Lighting module (2'; 102') according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper edge (14.1.1', 14.1.2'; 114.1.1', 114.1.2') of at least one cover (14.1', 14.2'; 114.1', 114.2') is straight along the curved profile of said at least one cover.

12. Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102') according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said at least one reflective surface (10.1, 10.1.1', 10.1.2'; 110.1, 110.1.1', 110.1.2') comprises an optical axis forming an axis of symmetry of the reflective surface, the curved profile of the shield (14, 14.1', 14.2'; 114, 114.1', 114.2') having a radius of curvature at its intersection with the optical axis of the reflective surface less than or equal to 100 mm.

13. Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102') according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one cover (14, 14.1', 14.2'; 114, 114.1', 114.2') is located at a distance from the lower end (10.2; 110.2) of the corresponding reflective surface (10.1, 10.1.1', 10.1.2'; 110.1, 110.1.1', 110.1.2') which decreases progressively from a central position corresponding to the optical axis (8, 8'; 108, 108') to an extremity position on each side of said optical axis.

14. Lighting module (2, 2'; 102; 102') according to claim 13, wherein the distance from at least one cover (14, 14.1', 14.2'; 114, 114.1', 114.2') to the lower end (10.2; 110.2) of the corresponding reflective surface (10.1, 10.1.1', 10.1.2'; 110.1, 110.1.1', 110.1.2') is non-zero at the extreme positions.

15. Lighting device (16; 116), in particular for motor vehicle, comprising: - a first lighting module (2; 102) configured to form a first projected light beam with an upper cutoff; and - a second lighting module (2; 102') configured to form a second projected light beam with an upper cutoff, superimposed on the first light beam; characterized in that the first lighting module (2; 102) and / or the second lighting module (2, 102') are according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images