Light module with a rectangular lens

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module (1) comprising: a light source (100.1) extending in a first plane (XY) and capable of emitting a light beam along an orthogonal third emission axis (Z) and a collector (100.2) comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the emitted light beam; a rectangular lens (101) extending substantially in a second plane (YZ), the rectangular lens (101) being arranged to project the light beam, said lens (101) being arranged to form on the road an image of the reflective surface of the collector (100.2), the light source (100.1) is rectangular and a first angle formed between the direction of extension of the light source (100.1) in the first plane with respect to the first axis is globally identical to a second angle formed between the direction of extension of the lens (101) in the second plane with respect to the third axis.Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Light module comprising a rectangular lens. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of light modules adapted for automobiles. State of the art

[0002] In the field of automotive lighting, it is generally known to use light modules comprising a light source, a collector with a reflective surface and a lens-type optical projection system imaging the reflective surface of the collector to project a beam of light onto the road.

[0003] In known light modules, the light source used is generally a roughly square LED, and the projection lens is rectangular with a small height. However, this type of light source can lead to luminous flux problems due to the shape of the lens. Indeed, since the light emitted at the edges of the light source is far from the center of the source, it follows a path that is very inclined relative to the optical axis of the lens. This highly inclined light is not necessarily captured by the lens, especially if the lens is rectangular. In the direction of the shorter dimension of the rectangle, less light will be captured than in the direction of the longer dimension. To compensate for the lack of luminous flux, it is known to place two square light sources side by side.However, this solution is not optimal because the edges of the light sources are then even further from the center of gravity of the two sources. This increases the angle of the light and further reduces the amount of light captured by the lens. Furthermore, the relative placement of the two sources, their orientation, and their separation will strongly influence the angle of the light and the amount of light captured by the lens.

[0004] The invention therefore falls within this context and seeks to resolve all of the aforementioned drawbacks. Thus, the invention aims to provide an efficient light module capable of producing a vertical or complex light signature using a rectangular lens. Presentation of the invention.

[0005] The invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle comprising: a) a light source extending substantially in a first plane defined by a first axis and a second axis (XY) perpendicular and capable of emitting a light beam along a third emission axis (Z) orthogonal to the first plane; b) a collector comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light beam emitted by said light source; (c) A rectangular lens extending substantially in a second plane (YZ) orthogonal to the first plane and defined by the second and third axes, the rectangular lens being arranged to project the light beam reflected by the collector, said lens being arranged to form on the road an image of the reflective surface of the collector. The light module is remarkable in that the light source is rectangular and in that a first angle formed between the direction of extension of the light source in the first plane with respect to the first axis is identical to a second angle formed between the direction of extension of the lens in the second plane with respect to the third axis, to within ±10°.

[0006] The light module is described in relation to a classical orthonormal plane (X, Y, Z) formed by a first plane (XY), a second plane (YZ), and a third plane (XZ) perpendicular to each other. The first X axis can be oriented towards the front of the module and in a direction of emission of the light beam. The second Y axis can be an axis transverse to the light module.

[0007] The "direction of extension of the light source" corresponds to the direction along which the longest side of the rectangular light source extends. The "direction of extension of the lens" corresponds to the direction along which the longest side of the rectangular lens extends.

[0008] The light module comprises a light source capable of emitting a beam of light in an emission direction along the third Z-axis. The light source is rectangular. By "rectangular light source," it is understood that the light source has a rectangular emitting area. As will be seen later, the light source may, for example, comprise a single rectangular emitting chip or two square emitting chips, separated by a distance of 50 pm or less, so as to form a rectangular emitting area. The fact that the emitting area of ​​the light source is rectangular maximizes the amount of emitted light transmitted by the rectangular lens.

[0009] The light module comprises a collector having a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light beam emitted by the light source. The reflected light beam is propagated along the first X-axis. The collector defines a cavity in which the light source is mounted. The light source is positioned directly above the collector, such that the reflective surface of the collector collects and reflects the light beam emitted by the light source.

[0010] The light source extends in the foreground (XY) plane. In particular, the light source includes a support that extends in the foreground. When mounting the light source in the light module, it is possible to choose the orientation of The light source is rotated around the third axis, Z. During the light source mounting process, it is therefore possible to adjust the initial angle formed between the light source's extension direction in the foreground and the first axis, X. Specifically, the orientation of the light source can be chosen based on the lens's orientation. Once the light source's orientation is selected, it is fixed in that orientation. It is then no longer possible to change the light source's orientation.

[0011] The light source can, for example, be a light source marketed under the name "Nichia" with reference NC2W121G-SC or under the name "Seoul semiconductor" with reference WICOP UHL SWW0US10C.

[0012] The light module includes a lens extending in the second plane (YZ). During the design of the light module, the orientation of the lens can be chosen. The lens orientation can be selected, in particular, according to the desired style of the light module. During assembly, the lens orientation is set by rotation around the first X-axis. Specifically, the second angle formed between the direction of the lens's extension in the second plane and the third axis can be selected. Once the desired lens orientation is achieved, it is fixed in that orientation. It is then no longer possible to change the lens orientation.

[0013] In a light module according to the invention, the orientation of the lens and the orientation of the light source are correlated; that is, the orientation of the lens influences the orientation of the light source and vice versa. Indeed, during the design of the light module, the orientation of the lens chosen, particularly for stylistic reasons, will influence the orientation of the light source. In particular, the orientation of the chosen lens determines the second angle. The first angle is then chosen to be identical, within ±10°, to the second angle. The orientation of the light source is thus established based on the chosen lens orientation. Thanks to this correlation between the orientation of the lens and the orientation of the light source, the quantity of light rays emitted by the light source and transmitted by the lens is maximized. The efficiency of the light module is thereby improved.

[0014] Thus, thanks to the invention, it is possible to obtain an efficient light module, regardless of the lens orientation, because by adapting the orientation of the light source to that of the lens, the efficiency of the light module is ensured. A complex, oblique, or vertical light signature can therefore be achieved without compromising the optical performance of the light module. It should be noted that the invention also makes it possible to maximize the module's efficiency when the lens is horizontal.

[0015] The lens is arranged to form an image of the collector's reflective surface on the road. The lens allows the light rays received by the reflective surface to be projected to infinity onto the road when the light module is positioned on a motor vehicle.

[0016] Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible to obtain an efficient light module capable of providing a light signature, for example, vertical or complex, using a rectangular lens. Therefore, by using a light source and a lens whose orientations are correlated, it is possible to use a rectangular lens providing a complex light signature.

[0017] Advantageously, the collector has an elliptical shape. In particular, the collector may have a first focal point at which the light source is positioned. Preferably, the collector may have a second focal point positioned near the lens, that is, within the lens or at a distance of less than 50 mm, preferably 30 mm, and even more preferably 10 mm in front of or behind the lens. This positioning of the second focal point limits the height of the light rays at the lens, thus maximizing the amount of light transmitted by the lens. Alternatively, the second focal point of the collector could be located in front of the lens, at a distance from the lens greater than 10 mm.

[0018] Advantageously, the collector has a parabolic shape. In particular, the collector has a first focus at which the light source is positioned.

[0019] Advantageously, the lens has a focal point located on the reflective surface of the collector, or in the vicinity of the reflective surface of the collector. Preferably, the lens has a focal point located in the vicinity of a rear area of ​​the collector. By "in the vicinity" is meant, for example, at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0020] Advantageously, the light source comprises a single rectangular emitting chip or two square emitting chips, separated by a distance of less than 50 pm. The light source could also comprise two rectangular emitting chips, separated by a distance of 50 pm or less.

[0021] Advantageously, the first and second angles are similar to within ±5°, or even ±1°. The first and second angles are then substantially identical. The orientation of the lens and the orientation of the light source are even more precisely matched, so that the amount of light rays emitted by the light source and transmitted by the lens is further increased. The light module is therefore even more efficient.

[0022] Advantageously, the first angle is between -89° and 0° and between 0° and +89°. The light source is then inclined with respect to the first X axis.

[0023] Advantageously, the second angle is between -89° and 0° and between 0° and +89°. The lens is then inclined with respect to the third Z-axis. In other words, the lens is not horizontal. The invention is particularly advantageous when the lens is not horizontal, as it is all the more beneficial to correlate its orientation with that of the light source in order to maximize the module's efficiency.

[0024] For example, the second angle may be equal to 45°. The lens is then oblique. According to another example, the second angle may be equal to 0°. The lens is then vertical.

[0025] Advantageously, the height-to-length ratio of the light source is less than or equal to 2:3, preferably less than or equal to 1:2. A height-to-length ratio of less than or equal to 2:3 means that the dimension of twice the length of the light source is greater than or equal to the dimension of three times the height of the light source. A height-to-length ratio of 1:2 means that the dimension of one time the length of the light source is greater than or equal to the dimension of twice the height. The length of the light source is taken along the direction of extension of the light source, and the height of the light source is taken along a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the light source, in the foreground.

[0026] Advantageously, the lens is a thin lens. It has a limited height. For example, the height-to-length ratio of the lens is less than or equal to 2:3, preferably less than or equal to 1:2, or even less than or equal to 1:5. A height-to-length ratio less than 2:3 means that the dimension of twice the length of the lens is greater than or equal to the dimension of three times the height of the lens. A height-to-length ratio less than or equal to 1:2 means that the dimension of one time the length of the lens is greater than or equal to the dimension of twice the height. A height-to-length ratio less than or equal to 1:5 means that the dimension of one time the length of the lens is greater than or equal to the dimension of five times the height.The length of the lens is measured along the direction of its extension, and the height of the lens is measured along a direction perpendicular to the direction of its extension, in the second plane. In this case, despite the limited height of the lens, the correlation of the orientations of the lens and the light source allows a maximum amount of light to be directed towards the lens.

[0027] In one embodiment, the height-to-length ratio of the lens may be substantially the same as, or less than, that of the light source. To maximize the efficiency of the light module, it is particularly advantageous to match the orientation of the source to that of the lens when the lens has a small height, i.e., a small height-to-length ratio, for example, less than 2:3, or even less than 1:2, or even less than 1:5. More specifically, when the lens has a height-to-length ratio When the length is smaller than the height-to-length ratio of the source, it becomes even more advantageous to have a lens orientation correlated with that of the light source to maximize the efficiency of the light module. Brief description of the figures.

[0028] Other advantages and features of the present invention are now described by means of purely illustrative and in no way limiting examples of the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, in which the various figures represent:

[0029] [Fig.la] schematically represents a perspective view of a light module according to a first embodiment.

[0030] [Fig. 1b] schematically represents a front view of the light module according to the first embodiment.

[0031] [Fig. le] schematically represents a top view of the collector of the light module according to the first embodiment.

[0032] [Fig.2a] schematically represents a perspective view of a light module according to a second embodiment.

[0033] [Fig.2b] schematically represents a front view of the light module according to the second embodiment.

[0034] [Fig.2c] schematically represents a top view of the module collector luminous according to the second embodiment.

[0035] [Fig.3a] schematically represents a perspective view of a light module according to a third embodiment.

[0036] [Fig.3b] schematically represents a front view of the light module according to the third embodiment.

[0037] [Fig.3c] schematically represents a top view of the module collector luminous according to the third embodiment.

[0038] In the following description, identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing on different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references. Description of a method of implementation.

[0039] Figures [1a], [2a], and [3a] show a perspective view of a light module 1 according to a first, second, and third embodiment, respectively. The light module 1 is also described in relation to Figures [1b], [2b], and [3b], which show a front view of this light module 1 according to the first, second, and third embodiments, respectively, and with Figures [1e], [2c], and [3c], which show a top view of a portion of this light module 1. respectively according to the first embodiment, the second embodiment and the third embodiment.

[0040] The light module 1 is described in a classical orthonormal plane X; Y; Z formed by a first plane XY, defined by a first axis X and a second axis Y, a second plane YZ, defined by the second axis Y and a third axis Z, and a third plane XZ, defined by the first axis X and the third axis Z. The first, second, and third planes, XY, YZ, XZ, are perpendicular to each other. The first axis X is oriented towards the front of the module 1 and in a direction of emission of a light beam between a collector 100.2 and a lens 101. The second axis Y and the third axis Z are orthogonal to each other and orthogonal to the first axis X.

[0041] In all three embodiments, the light module 1 for motor vehicle comprises a light source 100.1, a collector 100.2 and a lens 101.

[0042] The light source 100.1 extends substantially in the first XY plane. The light source 100.1 is capable of emitting a light beam along the third axis Z orthogonal to the first XY plane. The light source 100.1 can, in particular, be positioned on a support extending in the first XY plane.

[0043] The light source 100.1 is rectangular. In particular, in the illustrated example, the light source 100.1 comprises a single rectangular emitting chip. Alternatively, the light source could be formed by several rectangular and / or square emitting chips, provided that these emitting chips are spaced at a distance less than or equal to 50 pm. The support for the light source 100.1 may also be rectangular.

[0044] The light source 100.1 may have a height-to-length ratio less than or equal to 2:3, that is, the dimension of twice the length is greater than or equal to the dimension of three times the height. Advantageously, the height-to-length ratio may even be less than or equal to 1:2, that is, the dimension of one time the length is greater than or equal to the dimension of twice the height. The length of the light source 100.1 is taken along the direction of extension of the light source, and the height of the light source 100.1 is taken along a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the light source 100.1, in the first XY plane.

[0045] The collector 100.2 of the light module 1 has a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light beam emitted by the light source 100.1. The light beam reflected by the collector 100.2 is then propagated along the first axis X towards the lens 101.

[0046] The collector 100.2 defines a cavity in which the light source 100.1 is mounted. The light source 100.1 is positioned directly above the collector 100.2, so that that the reflective surface of the collector 100.2 collects and reflects the light beam emitted by the light source 100.1 towards the lens 101.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the collector 100.2 is elliptical. The first focus of the collector 100.2 is located at the light source 100.1, and the second focus of the collector 100.2 is located at the lens 101. The second focus of the collector 100.2 could also be located in front of or behind the lens 101, at a distance of 50 mm or less, in particular less than 30 mm, and preferably less than 10 mm from the lens 101. Thus, the height of the light beam at the lens 101 is minimized, which maximizes the amount of light rays passing through the lens 101. Alternatively, the collector 100.2 could be parabolic.

[0048] The lens 101 of the light module extends substantially in the second YZ plane. The light beam reflected by the reflective surface of the collector 100.2 is shaped and projected onto the road by the lens 101.

[0049] The lens 101 is arranged to form on the road an image of the reflective surface of the collector 100.2 of the light module 100. The lens 101 has a focus located in the vicinity of the reflective surface of the collector 100.2, that is to say at a distance less than or equal to 10 mm from the reflective surface of the collector 100.2.

[0050] The lens 101 is rectangular. It extends along an extension direction. The length of the lens 101 is taken along the extension direction of the lens, and the height of the lens is taken along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the lens, in the second plane YZ. The lens 101 may, for example, have a height-to-length ratio less than or equal to 2:3, that is, the dimension of twice the length is greater than or equal to the dimension of three times the height. Advantageously, the lens 101 may have a height-to-length ratio less than or equal to 1:2, or even less than or equal to 1:5, that is, the dimension of one times the length is greater than or equal to the dimension of twice the height, or even five times the height. Alternatively or cumulatively, the height-to-length ratio of the lens 101 may be substantially the same as that of the light source 100.1, or less than that of the light source 100.1.

[0051] In the light module according to the invention, the orientation of the lens 101 and the orientation of the light source 100.1 are correlated, that is to say that the choice of the orientation of the lens 101 influences the orientation of the light source 100.1 and vice versa during the design of the light module 1.

[0052] Indeed, when mounting the light source 100.1 in the light module 1, it is possible to orient the light source 100.1 by rotating it around the third axis Z. Similarly, when mounting the lens 101 in the light module 1, it is possible to orient the lens 101 by rotating it around the first X axis. It is thus possible to choose a particular orientation of the lens 101 of the light module to obtain a given style, and to position the light source 100.1 according to the orientation chosen for the lens 101. Thanks to this correlation, it is possible to guarantee good optical efficiency of the light module, whatever the orientation of the lens 101 chosen.

[0053] In particular, it is possible to define a first angle between the extension direction of the light source 100.1 and the first X axis in the first XY plane, and a second angle between the extension direction of the lens 101 and the third Z axis in the second YZ plane. According to the invention, the first angle is equal to the second angle to within ±10°, or even to within ±5°, or even to within ±1°.

[0054] Figures [Fig. 1a], [Fig. 1b], and [Fig. 1e] describe a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the lens is parallel to the second Y-axis in the second YZ plane. In other words, the extension direction of the lens is perpendicular to the third Z-axis in the second YZ plane. The lens is thus oriented horizontally. Consequently, the second angle formed between the extension direction of lens 101 in the second plane and the third Z-axis is 90°.

[0055] It can also be observed that the extension direction of the light source 100.1 is parallel to the second Y-axis, in the first XY plane. In other words, the extension direction of the light source 100.1 is perpendicular to the first X-axis, in the first XY plane. Thus, the first angle formed between the extension direction of the light source 100.1 in the first plane and the first X-axis is equal to 90°.

[0056] The orientation of the light source 100.1 is well correlated with the orientation of the lens 101.

[0057] Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c describe a second embodiment. In this second embodiment, the extension direction of lens 101 is inclined with respect to the third axis Z, in the second plane YZ. Lens 101 is thus oriented obliquely. In this example, the second angle formed between the extension direction of lens 101 in the second plane and the third axis Z is 45°.

[0058] It can also be observed that the extension direction of the light source 100.1 is inclined with respect to the first X axis, in the first XY plane. In this example, the first angle formed between the extension direction of the light source 100.1 in the first plane with respect to the first X axis is equal to 45°.

[0059] The orientation of the light source 100.1 is well correlated with the orientation of the lens 101.

[0060] Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c describe a third embodiment. In this embodiment, the extension direction of the lens is perpendicular to the second Y-axis in the second YZ plane. In other words, the extension direction of the lens is parallel to the third Z-axis in the second YZ plane. The lens is thus oriented vertically. Consequently, the second angle formed between the extension direction of lens 101 in the second YZ plane and the third Z-axis is 0°.

[0061] It can also be observed that the extension direction of the light source 100.1 is perpendicular to the second Y-axis in the first XY plane. In other words, the extension direction of the light source 100.1 is parallel to the first X-axis in the first XY plane. Thus, the first angle formed between the extension direction of the light source 100.1 in the first XY plane and the first X-axis is equal to 0°.

[0062] The orientation of the light source 100.1 is well correlated with the orientation of the lens 101.

[0063] The preceding description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives it has set for itself, namely to provide an efficient light module capable of providing a vertical or complex light signature using a rectangular lens.

[0064] In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically operative combination of these means.

Claims

Demands

1. A light module (1) for a motor vehicle comprising: a. a light source (100.1) extending substantially in a first plane defined by a first axis and a second axis (XY) that are perpendicular and capable of emitting a light beam along a third emission axis (Z) orthogonal to the first plane; b. a collector (100.2) comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light beam emitted by said light source (100.1); c. a rectangular lens (101) extending substantially in a second plane (YZ) orthogonal to the first plane and defined by the second and third axes, the rectangular lens (101) being arranged to project the light beam reflected by the collector (100.2), said lens (101) being arranged to form on the road an image of the reflective surface of the collector (100.2), characterized in that the light source (100.1) is rectangular and in that a first angle formed between the direction of extension of the light source (100.1) in the first plane with respect to the first axis is identical to a second angle formed between the direction of extension of the lens (101) in the second plane with respect to the third axis, to plus or minus 10°.

2. Light module (1) according to claim 1 in which the collector (100.2) has an elliptical shape.

3. Light module (1) according to claim 1 wherein the collector (100.2) has a parabolic shape.

4. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lens has a focus located on the reflective surface of the collector, or in the vicinity of the reflective surface of the collector, preferably in the vicinity of a rear area of ​​the collector.

5. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (100.1) comprises a single rectangular emitting chip or two square emitting chips, separated by a distance less than or equal to 50pm.

6. Light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first angle and the second angle are identical to plus or minus 5°, or even to plus or minus 1°.

7. Light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first angle is between -89° and 0° and between 0° and +89°

8. Light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second angle is between -89° and 0° and between 0° and +89°.

9. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a height-to-length ratio of the light source (100.1) is less than or equal to 2:3, preferably less than or equal to 1:

2.

10. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a height-to-length ratio of the lens (101) is less than or equal to 2:3, preferably less than or equal to 1:2, or even less than or equal to 1:

5.

11. Light module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height-to-length ratio of the lens (101) is substantially the same as or less than that of the light source (100.1).

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