A luminous device for motor vehicles, equipped with two light modules that perform road writing functions.

Abstract

Lighting device for motor vehicle equipped with two light modules performing road writing functions. The present invention relates to a lighting device for motor vehicle, comprising at least a first light module configured to participate in the performance of a first lighting function and at least a second light module configured to participate in the performance of a second lighting function, the first light module and the second light module being configured to project corresponding high-definition pixelated light beams (11, 12), characterized in that the first light module and the second light module are both configured to project their respective light beam (11, 12) such that, when each of the light beams (11, 12) is projected onto a vertical screen (13) opposite the lighting device, a horizontal median (110, 120) of each of said light beams (11,12) is located below a horizontal reference axis (15) at 0°V of said vertical screen (13). (figure 2),

Description

Title of the invention: Lighting device for motor vehicles equipped with two light modules performing road writing functions

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of motor vehicles and more particularly concerns a lighting device for such motor vehicles.

[0002] Lighting devices equip motor vehicles for the implementation of various means of lighting and / or signaling positioned for example at the front of the vehicle.

[0003] These lighting devices must have functional characteristics such that the light functions generated by these lighting devices meet regulatory requirements. Thus, various parameters must be controlled and compliant, in particular the emission power of these lighting devices in order to generate lighting that ensures sufficient visibility without obstructing the vision of third-party drivers.

[0004] It is known to have a motor vehicle equipped at the front with a lighting assembly comprising a pair of lighting devices arranged on each side of the front face of the vehicle and respectively configured so that the projection onto the road of a beam generated by one of the lighting devices combines with a beam generated by the other of the lighting devices to form an overall lighting beam complying with said regulatory constraints.

[0005] The plurality of lighting functions now implemented by a motor vehicle lighting system necessitates having several lighting modules within a lighting device, each module having its own specific role in performing or contributing to the performance of a lighting function. Thus, it is common to have a lighting system in which each lighting device comprises a first and a second lighting module, each first module performing the same lighting function and each second module performing a different lighting function. Furthermore, it is important to maintain a degree of versatility in the parameters of these lighting modules in order to diversify the lighting functions associated with them according to the need.

[0006] Recently, new so-called high-definition light modules have been integrated into lighting devices. In particular, these light modules include light sources and optical elements that allow a light beam to be projected. whose number of pixels is high enough to perform precise lighting functions.

[0007] By way of example, these light modules allow, for instance, the projection of a symbol or message onto the road in front of the vehicle and for the attention of the vehicle's driver. This symbol or message may, for example, indicate a speed limit or a potential hazard, so the light module associated with such a function must be capable of generating a high-definition light beam so that the message projected onto the ground is legible and understandable.

[0008] More and more lighting functions requiring high-definition lighting modules are being requested during the design of motor vehicles, and as a result, the demand to integrate two high-definition lighting modules within a single lighting device is becoming increasingly strong.

[0009] The present invention falls within this context and proposes a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising at least a first lighting module configured to participate in the realization of a first lighting function and at least a second lighting module configured to participate in the realization of a second lighting function, the first lighting module and the second lighting module being configured to project corresponding high-definition pixelated light beams, characterized in that the first lighting module and the second lighting module are both configured to project their respective light beams such that, when each of the light beams is projected onto a vertical screen opposite the lighting device, a horizontal median of each of said light beams is located below a horizontal reference axis at 0°V of said vertical screen.

[0010] The horizontal median of a light beam corresponds to a horizontal line, that is, parallel to the road, passing through the center of the light beam in question and also parallel to the horizontal reference axis at 0°V. This latter axis, in turn, corresponds to an axis extending parallel to the road and, more specifically, to an area of ​​the vertical screen onto which the light rays exiting the light modules arrive with a zero vertical inclination, that is, parallel to the road. Vertical inclination refers to the vertical tilt of the light beam generated by one of the light modules and not to a physical tilt of the light module itself in the vertical direction.

[0011] In this document, the term "horizontal or vertical inclination" associated with a light beam refers to its horizontal or vertical position on the vertical screen, and in particular with respect to the reference elements of the orthonormal frame of the vertical screen.

[0012] By "vertical screen," we mean a projection screen equipped with an orthonormal coordinate system, for example, located 25 meters from the light source. Generally, it is possible to represent a photometric grid made up of points placed on this screen. The photometric grid is provided with the values ​​of maximum and / or minimum luminous intensity or luminous flux, in accordance with regulations in the field of automotive lighting. The orthonormal coordinate system on the vertical screen comprises the horizontal reference axis and a vertical reference axis perpendicular to said horizontal axis. These two reference axes intersect at the origin of the coordinate system at 0°. The numbers indexed on this coordinate system have an angular unit expressed in degrees or "°".

[0013] Such a lighting device thus ensures the projection of two high-definition light beams oriented below the horizon line. In other words, each of the light modules is configured within their common lighting device to ensure a horizontal median of the light beams projected by these light modules below the horizontal reference axis so that said light beams can be oriented primarily towards the ground. This allows, for example, the implementation of associated lighting functions such as ground marking functions.

[0014] The lighting device can be installed at the front or rear of the vehicle, but it is more advantageous to position it at the front of the vehicle within a framework of road marking lighting. Each lighting module included in the lighting device is configured to implement a different lighting function in order to diversify the lighting functions of the lighting device as a whole.

[0015] The high definition of the light modules facilitates the implementation of road marking functions as previously mentioned. High definition is understood to mean that each second light module comprises a light source consisting of thousands of elementary light-emitting sources. Furthermore, each second light module is configured to emit a pixelated light beam containing at least 1000 pixels. A pixel in the pixelated light beam can correspond to a single elementary light-emitting source or to a group of elementary light-emitting sources.

[0016] As mentioned previously, each light beam is inclined so that its horizontal median lies below the horizontal reference axis, primarily aimed at the ground. It will be understood that these two light beams can be aimed at the ground with more or less pronounced vertical inclinations, provided that the horizontal median of each beam extends well below the horizontal reference axis. Thus, despite the vertical inclination of the projected light beams, they can perform other lighting functions. that of ground marking functions although said light beams are mainly directed towards the ground.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the first light module is configured to project a first light beam, the horizontal median of said first light beam being located between 1° and 3° below the horizontal reference axis. In other words, the first light beam associated with the first light module is projected at a vertical inclination such that the horizontal median of this first light beam projected onto a vertical screen opposite the light device is formed by light rays projected from the first light module at an angle of inclination between 1° and 3° between the light rays forming the horizontal median of the first light beam and the horizontal reference axis, from the point of emission in said first light module. Preferably, the horizontal median is located 1.5° below the horizontal reference axis.

[0018] According to one feature of the invention, the first light module is configured to project a first light beam such that an upper edge of said first light beam is located 1.5° + / - 1° above the horizontal reference axis. This is an alternative measurement of the orientation of the first light beam to the measurement of the position of the horizontal median relative to the horizontal reference axis.

[0019] The upper edge corresponds to the horizontal edge or a horizontal tangent of the highest portion of the light beam on the vertical screen. The upper edge preferably extends above the horizontal reference axis so that the light module projecting said first light beam can perform a lighting function other than a ground marking function.

[0020] The position of the upper edge relative to the horizontal reference axis is also an indicator of the vertical inclination value of the first light beam projected by the first light module. Thanks to this position of the upper edge of the first light beam above the horizontal reference axis, lighting functions other than a road writing function can be implemented, for example, an adaptive lighting function with pixels that are illuminated and switched off above the horizon line depending on the presence of third-party vehicles on the road and the risk of dazzling their drivers.

[0021] According to one feature of the invention, the second light module is configured to project a second light beam, the horizontal median of said second light beam being located between 5° and 7° below the horizontal reference axis. In other words, the second light beam associated with the second light module is projected at a vertical inclination such that the median horizontal of this second light beam projected onto a vertical screen opposite the light device is formed by light rays projected from the second light module with an angle of inclination between 5° and 7° with respect to the horizon line without vertical deviation between the light rays forming the horizontal median of the second light beam and the horizontal reference axis, and this from the point of emission in said second light module.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the second light module is configured to project a second light beam such that an upper edge of said second light beam is located 3° + / - 1° above the horizontal reference axis. This is an alternative measurement of the orientation of the second light beam to the measurement of the position of the horizontal median relative to the horizontal reference axis.

[0023] According to one feature of the invention, the upper edge of the first light beam projected by the first light module is located vertically below the upper edge of the second light beam projected by the second light module. It is understood that the vertical inclination of the first light beam projected by the first light module is different from that of the second light beam projected by the second light module. This allows each light module to be optimized so that they perform a different lighting function relative to the other, each vertical inclination being advantageous with respect to the lighting function provided.

[0024] According to one example, the first light beam is between 0.5° and 3° below the second light beam.

[0025] According to one feature of the invention, each light module comprises a light source and optical means configured to project the light beam of said light module from the light rays emitted by the light source. The optical means and / or the light source of the light modules are configured such that the light beam projected by one of the light modules has dimensions at least 1.5 times greater than the corresponding dimensions of the light beam of the other light module. The light source is connected to an electronic control board allowing it to be controlled manually or automatically within the vehicle, and emits light rays that can be processed by the optical means.These devices may, for example, include a collimator to modify the trajectory of the light rays so that they extend in the same direction, and / or a lens ensuring the convergence or divergence of the light rays in order to project said light beam.

[0026] In order to comply with software standards related to the lighting device, the dimensions of the light beam of each light module are advantageously proportional to each other. Such proportionality may differ depending on the associated light function, some light functions requiring a light beam with larger or, conversely, smaller dimensions.

[0027] According to one feature of the invention, the first light module and the second light module are configured to project respectively a first light beam and a second light beam such that said first and second light beams are projected onto the vertical screen, the second light beam having a horizontal angular field at least 1.5 times greater than the horizontal angular field of the first light beam.

[0028] Just as the two beams differ in their dimensions, they also differ in their horizontal angular field. The first light beam thus has a lower horizontal angular field than the second light beam. For example, the first horizontal angular field may be 12° while the second horizontal angular field may be 20°. The difference between the horizontal angular fields of the two beams may depend on the light function implemented by each of the light modules and, in particular, on the angular field required to implement said light function optimally.

[0029] By "horizontal angular field" (or the full name "horizontal angular field of view" in English) of a light beam, we mean the extent of this light beam along the vertical direction, expressed in angular degrees (°), measured on the vertical screen when the light beam is projected onto this screen.

[0030] According to one feature of the invention, the lighting device further comprises a third lighting module configured to project a third segmented light beam such that, when the third light beam is projected onto the vertical screen, a horizontal median of the third light beam is located between 2° and 3° above the horizontal reference axis. Unlike the first and second lighting modules, the third lighting module is not directed towards the ground, since the horizontal median of the third light beam it projects is above the horizontal reference axis.

[0031] The third light module is also configured to project a segmented light beam, which can participate in an upper portion of a cut-off light beam in complementarity with another light beam.

[0032] The third light beam is segmented, that is to say that the third light module comprises light segments which turn on and off to form a shadow zone at the level of an area where a third vehicle is detected.

[0033] In one embodiment, the third light module is configured to project a segmented light beam with a plurality of segments. These segments are arranged side by side, potentially with slight lateral overlap, so as to form a row of light segments that can be selectively and independently controlled. Regardless of the arrangement of the segments in the segmented beam, the number of segments in the segmented light beam can be on the order of ten or even one hundred.

[0034] According to one feature of the invention, the third light module is designed to perform an adaptive driving light function. This light function is called "Adaptive Driving Beam" (abbreviated as ADB). As mentioned previously, it is a light function that creates a shadow zone to avoid obstructing the visibility of third-party vehicles.

[0035] According to one feature of the invention, the first light module and / or the second light module are configured to generate a road-writing light function. By way of example, such a road-writing light function can display a symbol or message on the road for the driver's attention when the vehicle is in motion. Another example of a light function could be the projection of lines onto the road to help the driver maintain the correct trajectory on a road at night and / or when the actual road markings are difficult to see. Another example of a light function is a welcome sequence light function, during which a logo or symbol is projected temporarily when the vehicle is started. Other logos or messages can be projected, such as numerical data relating to the vehicle's speed or navigation data.

[0036] In the case where the two light modules each generate a road writing light function, this is a different light function for each module. In this context, the different inclination of one beam to the other is advantageous because it prevents two light beams performing different road writing functions from overlapping when projected simultaneously. Furthermore, it allows for the optimization of these functions by configuring one to be projected close to the vehicle, while the other road writing function is implemented at a greater distance from the vehicle, such as projecting a message for the driver when the vehicle is in motion.

[0037] The horizontal angular field also differs between the two road writing light functions: logo projection requires a lower angular field than ground line projection.

[0038] According to one feature of the invention, the first and second light modules are configured to also operate an adaptive driving light function. Alternatively, the light functions may be other than a road marking function. An example of such a light function could be a matrix lighting function, making it possible to avoid dazzling drivers of third-party vehicles, or an adaptive lighting function that allows the light beam to shift when the vehicle is turning to optimize road illumination. Thus, this light function can be performed by the aforementioned third light module and / or by at least one of the light modules from the first or second light module.

[0039] According to one feature of the invention, the lighting device comprises a housing, each light module being positioned within the housing, the first light module and the second light module being arranged symmetrically with respect to each other within the housing along a vertical or horizontal plane of symmetry.

[0040] The housing ensures the protection and mechanical retention of each light module. It can subsequently be positioned at the level of a front headlight or a rear light of the vehicle.

[0041] The first and second light modules can be adjacent by being positioned side by side horizontally or vertically. This arrangement depends on the mechanical dimensions of the housing, as the lighting device also includes additional light modules arranged within the housing, these latter being configured to generate or participate in one or more additional lighting functions.

[0042] According to one feature of the invention, the first light module and / or the second light module are configured to project their respective light beams such that the vertical median is located between 0° and 6° + / - 1° with respect to a vertical reference axis perpendicular to the horizontal reference axis. A horizontal tilt of the light beam projected by the first light module and / or the light beam projected by the second light module can also be implemented in order to orient said light beam so as to further optimize the associated lighting function. The horizontal orientation can, for example, allow the light beam to be centered with respect to the vehicle.

[0043] Advantageously, the light source of each of the first and second light modules is a monolithic electroluminescent light source. The electroluminescent source is a solid-state lighting source that comprises electroluminescent elements that use electroluminescence to emit light. In a known manner, Electroluminescence is an optical and electrical phenomenon in which a material emits light in response to an electric current passing through it, or to a strong electric field. This is distinct from light emission due to temperature (incandescence) or the action of chemicals (chemiluminescence). A monolithic electroluminescent light source comprises hundreds or thousands of electroluminescent elements that share the same layer of electroluminescent material and / or the same substrate. The electroluminescent elements can be arranged in a matrix with several columns and rows, also called a "monolithic matrix." The monolithic matrix is ​​therefore a grid of electroluminescent elements, or a grid of pixels. Each electroluminescent element in the matrix is ​​electrically independent of the others and emits light independently of the other elements in the matrix.Each element of the matrix is ​​controlled individually. Alternatively, the electroluminescent elements can be electrically grouped, for example by powering them using a parallel or series connection, in order to reduce the number of elements to be managed. To control the light source, it can be coupled with an electronic device capable of powering and controlling the elements of a monolithic matrix of electroluminescent elements.

[0044] This new family of monolithic electroluminescent light sources thus offers a large number of pixels, on the order of thousands of pixels, within a single envelope for increased compactness. It also simplifies the optical design of the light module compared to one using a micromirror array or DMD (digital micromirror device). Indeed, the DMD requires not only projection optics but also collimation optics to collimate the light rays from a light source, very often a light-emitting diode (LED). In a light module with the monolithic source, only the projection optics are necessary to perform direct imaging of this source.

[0045] The invention also covers a lighting assembly comprising at least a first lighting device and a second lighting device, each of them being a lighting device as described above, arranged on either side of a median longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0046] In other words, the lighting assembly is, for example, composed of two lighting devices constituting the vehicle's headlights or the vehicle's taillights. The median longitudinal axis is the median longitudinal axis of the vehicle equipped with the lighting assembly, parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal axis of travel. It separates the lighting devices in that one lighting device is located on one side of this median longitudinal axis and in that the other lighting device is positioned on the other side of this median longitudinal axis. In other words, the first lighting device and the second lighting device are, for example, positioned at the level of a left front headlight and a right front headlight of the vehicle.

[0047] In the case of a ground marking light function, a message or symbol, projected onto the ground so that the driver of the vehicle can become aware of it, is advantageously projected on the side of the vehicle where the driver is seated so that the latter can easily read said message or symbol.

[0048] According to one feature of the invention, the first light module of each lighting device is configured to generate a first light function identical to the other, the second light module of each lighting device being configured to generate a second light function identical to the other. The light beams of each light module generating the same light function can, for example, complement each other to implement said light function. In this case, the light beam of each light module forms a part of the pattern to be projected onto the road, such that the combination of the parts constitutes the complete pattern.

[0049] Alternatively, the light beams of each light module generating the same light function can be superimposed to save energy. Therefore, the light modules of each lighting device can, for example, be directed towards a particular point, for example, in the context of road markings, as close as possible to the driver's field of vision.

[0050] 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 by reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0051] [Fig-1] is an illustration of a vehicle comprising at least one lighting device according to the invention, here two lighting devices according to the invention, [Fig.1] illustrating an example of the realization of two distinct road marking functions;

[0052] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of light beams projected by a first light module and a second light module integrated within one of the light devices of [Fig.1],

[0053] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of light beams projected by the first light module, the second light module and a third light module integrated within one of the light devices of [Fig.1],

[0054] [Fig.4] is a side view of one of the light modules integrated within one of the lighting devices of the [Fig.1],

[0055] [Fig.5] represents a first example of the arrangement of the light modules within of a lighting device according to the invention,

[0056] [Fig.6] represents a second example of the arrangement of the light modules at within a lighting device according to the invention.

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 1 viewed from above, comprising a lighting assembly 2, itself comprising two lighting devices 3 according to the invention. The lighting assembly 2 is integrated into the vehicle 1, preferably at its front, as illustrated in Figure 1. The lighting assembly 2 extends on either side of a median longitudinal axis 4 dividing the vehicle 1 into two longitudinal portions. In other words, the lighting assembly 2 comprises a first lighting device 3a on the left side of the vehicle 1 and a second lighting device 3b on the right side of the vehicle 1, the lighting devices 3 being configured to perform different lighting functions projected onto the road near the vehicle, here at the front of the vehicle 1.

[0058] Each light device 3 is configured to provide a plurality of light functions, for example one or more light functions for lighting and / or signaling.

[0059] In particular, each lighting device 3 comprises at least a first lighting module 5 and a second lighting module 6, each configured to participate respectively in the realization of a first lighting function and a second lighting function. To this end, each lighting module 5, 6 is configured to project a high-definition light beam, the lighting functions associated with the lighting modules 5, 6 being performed in high definition. By high definition, it is understood that a resolution of the light beam emitted by each lighting module 5, 6 is at least 1000 pixels.

[0060] According to an example illustrated in [Fig. 1], the first light modules 5 of each light device 3, i.e. the first light module 5 of the first light device 3a and the first light module 5 of the second light device 3b, both participate in the same first light function 7 while the second light modules 6 of each light device 3 both participate in the same second light function 8. In other words, the combined action of said first light modules 5 can enable the implementation of a particular light function, while the combined action of said second light modules 6 can enable the implementation of another particular light function.

[0061] In this case, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], the first light function 7 and the second light function 8 are two so-called road writing light functions. The first light function 7 consists of projecting a beam of light onto the road so that a message 9 can be read directly on the road by the driver driving vehicle 1 and be warned of an event, for example a danger or a speed limit.

[0062] The second light function 8 is a light function for projecting virtual lines 10, allowing, for example, to guide the driver at night on a poorly lit and / or poorly marked road.

[0063] It is thus understood that the beams projected respectively by the first light module 5 of each light device 3 combine to form on the road the message 9 while the beams projected by each of the second light modules 6 form one of the virtual lines 10 projected on either side of the vehicle 1.

[0064] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], each different light function can be projected at a different distance from the vehicle. This distance depends on the vertical inclination of each light module 5, 6 generating said light function. It follows that the light beam projected by each first light module 5 has a different vertical inclination from the light beam projected by each second light module 6.

[0065] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the light beams 11, 12 emitted by each light module of a light device according to the invention and projected onto a vertical screen 13.

[0066] Each projection of the light beams 11, 12 onto the vertical screen 13 is schematically represented on [Fig.2] by a rectangle whose dimensions are a function of the parameters of each light module projecting said light beam 11, 12.

[0067] By way of example, a first light beam 11 can be projected by the first light module described above, while a second light beam 12 can be projected by the second light module described above. Each light beam 11, 12 is defined by its projection dimensions onto the vertical screen 13.

[0068] Each light beam 11, 12 is defined in particular by a horizontal median which corresponds to a horizontal line passing through the center of the light beam 11, 12 under consideration. The first light beam 11 is defined by a first horizontal median 110 while the second light beam 12 is defined by a second horizontal median 120.

[0069] A horizontal reference axis 15 at 0°V is also defined on the vertical screen 13 and corresponds to a horizontal axis extending parallel to the road on which the vehicle is traveling, and being perpendicular to the vertical screen 13. The horizontal reference axis 15 is considered to be at 0°V because it is the axis along which the light rays emitted by the light modules extend without inclination. vertical with respect to the horizon. Each horizontal median 110, 120 of the light beams 11, 12 is parallel to the horizontal reference axis 15.

[0070] The lighting device according to the invention is characterized in that the light beam 11, 12 projected by each light module is projected such that the horizontal median 110, 120 of each light beam 11, 12 lies below the horizontal reference axis 15 when said light beams 11, 12 are projected onto the vertical screen 13, as illustrated in [Fig. 2]. In other words, the light beams 11, 12 are directed and projected primarily towards the ground, which is advantageous in the case of implementing road writing lighting functions as described in [Fig. 1].

[0071] According to [Fig.2], the orientation of the light beams 11, 12 can also be determined by the angle at which an upper edge 111, 121 of each light beam 11, 12 extends from the horizontal reference axis 15. By upper edge 111, 121, it should be understood that this is the upper horizontal end of the light beams 11, 12 or a horizontal tangent to the highest portion of the light beams 11, 12. Each of the parameters mentioned above or subsequently are established taking into account that the distance between the vehicle and the vertical screen 13 is the same for each of the said parameters, for example 25m.

[0072] In [Fig.2], by way of example, the upper edge 111 of the first light beam 11 is located 1.5° above the horizontal reference axis 15. More generally, the upper edge 111 of the first light beam 11 relative to the horizontal reference axis 15 is 1.5° + / - 1° above the latter.

[0073] The upper edge 121 of the second light beam 12 has an angle of inclination of 3° with respect to the horizontal reference axis 15. More generally, the upper edge 121 of the second light beam 12 with respect to the horizontal reference axis 15 is located at 3° + / - 1° above the latter.

[0074] Advantageously, each light beam 11, 12 is configured so that the upper edge 111, 121 of each of them extends above the horizontal reference axis 15, ensuring that an upper section of each light beam lies above the horizontal reference axis 15, even though each light beam 11, 12 is primarily directed towards the ground. This allows for diversification of the lighting functions associated with each light module projecting one of the light beams 11, 12. Indeed, maintaining a section of each light beam 11, 12 above the horizontal reference axis 15 ensures the implementation of lighting functions other than road writing functions, for example, a matrix lighting function such as an adaptive lighting function.

[0075] Figure 2 also shows that the horizontal median 110, 120 of each light beam 11, 12 is at a different height from each other. On the [Fig. 2], the horizontal median 120 of the second light beam 12 is located vertically below the horizontal median 110 of the first light beam 11, meaning that the first light beam 11 is less inclined and directed towards the ground than the second light beam 12. For example, the horizontal median 120 of the second light beam 12 can be located between 0.5° and 3° below the horizontal median 110 of the first light beam 12. This difference in inclination is visible in [Fig. 2], with the horizontal median 110 of the first light beam 11 being closer to the horizontal reference axis 15 than the horizontal median 120 of the second light beam 12. The difference in vertical inclination between the light beams 11 and 12 allows at least one of the light modules to be adapted to a specific associated lighting function in order to optimize its operation relative to the other light module.Conversely, the difference in vertical inclination can guarantee a versatile vertical inclination, meaning that the first light beam 11 and / or the second light beam 12 have a vertical inclination suitable for several lighting functions, thus allowing the choice of which lighting function(s) to be implemented within the vehicle.

[0076] According to another feature illustrated in [Fig. 2], the dimensions of the first light beam 11 are proportional to the corresponding dimensions of the second light beam 12. According to the example illustrated in [Fig. 2], the light beams 11, 12 are rectangular, and the length and width of the second light beam 12 are respectively twice the length and width of the first light beam 11. Generally, one of the light beams 11, 12 has dimensions at least 1.5 times greater than the corresponding dimensions of the other light beam 11, 12. Such a configuration simplifies the control of two distinct high-definition light modules within the same device via a software component of the vehicle that manages said light modules.

[0077] The horizontal angular field of the first light beam 11 and the second light beam 12 also differ from each other. Generally, the second light beam (12) has a horizontal angular field at least 1.5 times greater than the horizontal angular field of the first light beam (11), for example 20° and 12° respectively.

[0078] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 2], the light beams 11, 12 are inclined vertically with respect to the horizontal reference axis 15 but are centered on a vertical reference axis 17 perpendicular to the horizontal reference axis 15. Alternatively, the light beams may be inclined at a horizontal angle of between 0° and 6° with respect to the vertical reference axis 17. This horizontal inclination can be implemented in either direction as needed, for example, to direct one or the other of the light beams 11, 12 towards the center of the vehicle or towards the outside of the vehicle. Furthermore, the light beams can be offset from the vertical reference axis 17° depending on the side on which the light modules generating these beams are located. For example, the light beams from the light modules in the lighting system on the left side of the vehicle are positioned towards the left of the vertical screen. Conversely, the light beams from the light modules in the lighting system on the right side of the vehicle are positioned towards the right of the vertical screen.Thus, the superposition of all the light beams projected by the right light device and by the left light device makes it possible to cover a resulting illumination field wider than that projected by each of these devices individually.

[0079] The vertical reference axis 17 can for example be an optical axis of one of the light modules, or the median longitudinal axis 4 illustrated in [Fig. 1].

[0080] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of light beams similar to that illustrated in Fig. 2, except that a third light beam 25 is shown, this third light beam 25 being projected by a third light module arranged within the light device.

[0081] This third light beam 25 is a segmented light beam, for example, configured to provide an upper portion of a dimming headlight beam. The segmentation of the third light beam enables an adaptive driving light function as previously mentioned, i.e., a light beam with segments that switch on and off to generate a shadow zone, thus avoiding obstructing the visibility of drivers of third vehicles. This lighting function can be implemented by the third light module if this is not the case for the first and / or second light modules.

[0082] To this end, the third light beam 25 is projected such that the horizontal median 250 of said third light beam 25 is advantageously located above the horizontal reference axis 15, preferably between 2° and 3° above the horizontal reference axis 15, for example 2.5°. Furthermore, the height of the third light beam 25 is defined such that the upper edge 251 of the third light beam is located between 5° and 7° above the horizontal reference axis. Here, the upper edge 251 is located at +6.5°V.

[0083] The third light beam 25 is a multi-element beam, but, as illustrated in [Fig.3], the third light beam 25 is not directed towards the ground unlike the first light beam 11 and the second light beam 12.

[0084] The rest of [Fig.3] being identical to what is illustrated in [Fig.2], reference will be made to the description of the latter concerning the common structural and functional details shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0085] Fig. 4 is a schematic side view representation of any of the light modules 5, 6 illustrating structural details thereof.

[0086] Each light module 5, 6 comprises at least one light source 18 configured to emit light beams when the lighting function associated with said light module 5, 6 is to be implemented, as well as optical means 19 configured to process the light beams in order to project the corresponding light beam 11, 12. Such optical means 19 may, for example, be a collimator and / or a lens. It is the optical means 19 that ensure the vertical inclination of the light beam 11, 12 at an angle of inclination 20 with respect to the horizontal reference axis 15, which corresponds to an angle between the horizontal median 110, 120 of the light beam 11, 12 and the horizontal reference axis 15. The optical means 19 of the various light modules 5, 6 are also responsible for the proportional difference between the dimensions of the corresponding projected light beams, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.

[0087] As illustrated generally in [Fig.4], the horizontal median 110 of the first light beam 11 can be located between 1° and 3° below the horizontal reference axis 15, for example 1.5°, and the horizontal median 120 of the second light beam 12 can be located between 5° and 7° below the horizontal reference axis 15, for example 6°. The diagram in [Fig.3] illustrates, however, a deliberately exaggerated angle and is not representative of the aforementioned values.

[0088] Figures 5 and 6 schematically represent a structure of the lighting device 3 as described above. In each figure, the first lighting module 5 and the second lighting module 6 are positioned differently relative to each other. The structure illustrated in [Fig. 6] also represents the third lighting module 26 mentioned in [Fig. 3].

[0089] The lighting device 3 comprises a housing 21 within which are arranged the first lighting module 5, the second lighting module 6, and additional lighting modules 22, each also emitting a light beam intended to perform a third lighting function. The housing 21 provides protection and mechanical support for all of these lighting modules.

[0090] The first light module 5 and the second light module 6 are fully arranged in the housing 21, including the light source and the optical means described above, as well as a possible mechanical support structure.

[0091] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the first light module 5 and the second light module 6 are adjacent to each other with respect to the other along a plane of symmetry. In [Fig. 4], the first light module 5 and the second light module 6 are adjacent to each other along a vertical plane of symmetry 23, while in [Fig. 5], the first light module 5 and the second light module 6 are adjacent to each other along a horizontal plane of symmetry 24. The choice of positioning of the first light module 5 and the second light module 6 may, for example, depend on the mechanical space available within the light device 3 and / or the housing 21. The efficiency of the light beams projected by the first light module 5 and by the second light module 6 may also differ depending on their spatial arrangement.

[0092] In [Fig. 6], the third light module 26 is shown in segmented form to illustrate the adaptive driving light function. Such a configuration can be implemented when neither the first light module 5 nor the second light module 6 is configured to provide such a light function.

[0093] The invention, as described above, achieves its intended purpose and provides a lighting device comprising at least two high-definition light modules, both emitting a beam of light directed primarily downwards. Variations not described here could be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention, provided that, in accordance with the invention, they include a lighting device conforming to the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A lighting device (3, 3a, 3b) for a motor vehicle (1), comprising at least one first lighting module (5) configured to participate in the performance of a first lighting function (7) and at least one second lighting module (6) configured to participate in the performance of a second lighting function (8), the first lighting module (5) and the second lighting module (6) being configured to project corresponding high-definition pixelated light beams (11, 12), characterized in that the first lighting module (5) and the second lighting module (6) are both configured to project their respective light beams (11, 12) such that, when each of the light beams (11, 12) is projected onto a vertical screen (13) opposite the lighting device (3, 3a, 3b), a horizontal median (110, 120) of each of said light beams (11, 12) lies below a horizontal reference axis (15) at 0°V of said vertical screen (13).

2. Light device (3, 3a, 3b) according to claim 1, wherein the first light module (5) is configured to project a first light beam (11), the horizontal median (110) of said first light beam (11) being located between 1° and 3° below the horizontal reference axis (15).

3. Light device (3, 3a, 3b) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first light module (5) is configured to project a first light beam (11) such that an upper edge (16) of said first light beam (11) is located at 1.5° + / - 1° above the horizontal reference axis (15).

4. A light device (3, 3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second light module (6) is configured to project a second light beam (12), the horizontal median (120) of said second light beam (12) being located between 5° and 7° below the horizontal reference axis (15).

5. A lighting device (3, 3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second lighting module (6) is configured to project a second light beam (12) such that an upper edge (16) of said second beam luminous (12) is located at 3° + / - 1° above the horizontal reference axis (15).

6. Light device (3, 3a, 3b) according to claims 3 and 5, wherein the upper edge (16) of the first light beam (11) projected by the first light module (5) is located vertically below the upper edge (16) of the second light beam (12) projected by the second light module (6).

7. A light device (3, 3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each light module (5, 6) comprises a light source (18) and optical means (19) configured to project the light beam (11, 12) of said light module (5, 6) from the light rays emitted by the light source (18), the optical means (19) and / or the light source (18) of the light modules (5, 6) being configured so that the light beam (11, 12) projected by one of the light modules (5, 6) has dimensions at least 1.5 times greater than corresponding dimensions of the light beam (11, 12) of the other light module (5, 6).

8. A light device (3, 3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first light module (5) and the second light module (6) are configured to project respectively a first light beam (11) and a second light beam (12) such that said first and second light beams (11, 12) are projected onto the vertical screen (13), the second light beam (12) having a horizontal angular field at least 1.5 times greater than the horizontal angular field of the first light beam (11).

9. A light device (3, 3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a third light module (26) configured to project a third segmented light beam (25) such that, when the third light beam (25) is projected onto the vertical screen (13), a horizontal median (250) of the third light beam (25) is located between 2° and 3° above the horizontal reference axis (15).

10. A light device (3, 3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first light module (5) and / or the second light module (6) are configured to generate a road writing light function.

11. Lighting device (3, 3a, 3b) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first lighting module (5) and the second lighting module (6) are configured to further operate an adaptive driving lighting function.

12. A lighting device (3, 3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing (21), each lighting module (5, 6) being positioned within the housing (21), the first lighting module (5) and the second lighting module (6) being arranged symmetrically with respect to each other within the housing (21) along a vertical (23) or horizontal (24) plane of symmetry.

13. A light device (3, 3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first light module (5) and / or the second light module (6) are configured to project their respective light beam (11, 12) so that the vertical median is located between 0° and 6° + / - 1° with respect to a vertical reference axis (17) perpendicular to the horizontal reference axis (15).

14. A lighting device (3, 3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source of each of the first and second light modules (5,6) is a monolithic electroluminescent light source.

15. Lighting assembly (2) comprising at least a first lighting device (3a) and a second lighting device (3b), each of them being a lighting device (3, 3a, 3b) according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged on either side of a median longitudinal axis (4) of the vehicle (1).

16. Light assembly (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first light module (5) of each light device (3, 3a, 3b) is configured to generate a first light function (7) identical to each other, the second light module (6) of each light device (3, 3a, 3b) being configured to generate a second light function (8) identical to each other.

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