Light-emitting module for motor vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a light emitting module for a motor vehicle, comprising a first light source and a second light source, a first concentrator having a first reflective surface configured to collect and reflect light rays emitted by the first light source, and a second concentrator having a second reflective surface configured to collect and reflect light rays emitted by the second light source, and an optical system configured to project the light rays coming from the first concentrator as a first light beam, the optical system being configured to form an image of the first reflective surface, the first reflective surface being configured such that the first light beam has an upper cutoff, and the optical system is also configured to project the light rays coming from the second concentrator as a second light beam, the optical system being configured to form an image of a second reflective surface, the second reflective surface being configured such that the second light beam extends at least partially above the upper cutoff, wherein the first concentrator and the second concentrator are formed by a single piece, the single piece comprising a light shield extending between the first and second concentrators.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting and signaling for motor vehicles, more particularly to a light emitting module adapted to perform at least two lighting or signaling functions. [Background technology]

[0002] In the area of ​​automotive lighting and signaling, there is currently a need for a light emitting module that can achieve at least two light emitting functions, such as a low beam function and a high beam function, in other words, the module should be able to emit at least two different light beams from the same light emitting surface.

[0003] Optical modules that meet this need by combining several light sources with several collectors are known. In these modules, an intermediate light blocking body or bender is arranged in the optical path of the light rays emitted by one of the light sources so as to define an upper cutoff in the light beam projected from these rays by the lens. However, such light-emitting modules have the disadvantage that the positioning of the light blocking body or bender requires high precision to ensure that the upper cutoff achieves the regulatory requirements of this light beam. This precision means that the projection lens must be thick due to its short focal length, which has the effect of increasing its weight and complicating its manufacture.

[0004] Patent document 1 (US2021010653) discloses the above-mentioned bifunctional module. The module comprises two light sources, each associated with a concentrator, combined with a projection lens. The projection lens is configured to form an illuminating image of the reflective surface of each concentrator when illuminated by the associated light source. While this solution effectively addresses the needs cited above by increasing the positioning tolerance of the module's elements, it requires that the projection lens be specially designed to image both reflective surfaces. Therefore, the lens of the module is essentially a multi-zoned lens, each optimized for one of the concentrators. This design may affect adaptability to achieve a specific aesthetic appearance and places strong constraints on the lens design.

[0005] In view of the above, there exists a need for a lighting module that can achieve at least two different lighting functions, has tolerances regarding the positioning of its elements relative to one another, and can be easily designed regardless of the aesthetic constraints required for the projection optical system. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 010653 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to meet this need.

[0008] To this end, the subject of the present invention is a. a first light source and a second light source; b. a first collector having a first reflective surface configured to collect and reflect light rays emitted by a first light source, and a second collector having a second reflective surface configured to collect and reflect light rays emitted by a second light source; c. an optical system configured to project light rays coming from a first collector as a first light beam, the optical system configured to form an image of a first reflective surface, the first reflective surface configured so that the first light beam has an upper cutoff; and the optical system also configured to project light rays coming from a second collector as a second light beam, the optical system configured to form an image of a second reflective surface, the second reflective surface configured so that the second light beam extends at least partially above the upper cutoff, a light emitting module for a motor vehicle, The light emitting module is such that the first concentrator and the second concentrator are formed by a single piece, and the single piece includes a light blocking body extending between the first concentrator and the second concentrator.

[0009] According to the present invention, each pair of first and second light sources and first and second collectors can produce a light beam, and each light beam can (alone or in combination with further light beams) perform a light-emitting function. Furthermore, because the collectors are formed on the same piece and separated from each other by a light shield, from the standpoint of the optical system, they may be viewed as a single reflective surface divided into two sections, each clearly dedicated to one of the light-emitting functions. Therefore, the same optical system can be used to project these beams, without having to divide the optical system into several sections, each dedicated to one of the collectors. Thus, the optical system can be freely designed to comply with required aesthetic constraints.

[0010] Advantageously, the first and second collectors each have the same orientation relative to the first and second light sources, i.e., each of the first and second collectors defines a cavity that forms the first and second reflecting surfaces, and the cavities face in the same direction.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first and second collectors, in particular each of them, is configured so that the light rays reflected by the rear part of the reflecting surface of said collector are parallel to the optical axis of the optical system or have an inclination angle of less than 25°, preferably less than 10°, relative to said axis in the vertical plane.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least the second light source, in particular each of the first and second light sources, is configured to emit light in a main direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical system or inclined at an angle of not more than 25° to the direction perpendicular to the optical axis. Advantageously, the first and second reflecting surfaces have an elliptical or parabolic profile. The surfaces are preferably surfaces of revolution of the profile. The rotation is about an axis that is advantageously parallel to the optical axis of the optical system. According to a variant, the reflecting surfaces are free-form, sweeping or asymmetrical surfaces. The surfaces may comprise multiple portions.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first reflecting surface has a rear edge, the optical system has a focal zone located near this rear edge (particularly at a distance of less than 10 mm), and the upper cutoff in the first light beam is defined by the rear edge of the first reflecting surface. The light blocking body thus extends rearward from the rear edge of the first reflecting surface toward the front edge of the second reflecting surface. According to this embodiment, the first and second reflecting surfaces are offset from one another along the optical axis of the optical system, and the second reflecting surface is located behind the first reflecting surface, taking into account this optical axis and the optical paths of the light rays reflected by each collector. For example, the focal zone can be a focal point or a focal line (a line formed by the focal points). Advantageously, the focal line can intersect with the rear edge. These features make it possible to create an upper cutoff in the first light beam while the module remains compact (particularly in terms of height) and easy to manufacture.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light blocking body generally extends in a plane (in particular a horizontal plane). Advantageously, the optical system has an optical axis contained in said plane. The first and second collectors are preferably located on either side of said plane and said optical axis. For example, the first collector may extend above the optical axis, and the second collector may extend below the optical axis and the first collector. According to these features, the image of the second reflecting surface of the first collector is inverted with respect to the optical axis relative to the image of the first reflecting surface. In other words, the second light beam extends (at least partially) above the upper cutoff of the first light beam.

[0015] According to one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the trailing edge has a step intended to form part of the upper cutoff, which extends along the entire length of the shade to the leading edge of the second reflecting surface. For example, the trailing edge may have a generally elliptical stepped profile, which projects rearward from the remainder of the trailing edge. In that case, the leading edge of the second reflecting surface may have a profile matching that of the first reflecting surface and may also have a step. A trailing edge of this type makes it possible to create a dipped beam with a curved upper cutoff (as may be required by certain regulations). As a variant, the trailing edge may have a generally continuous profile. A trailing edge of this type makes it possible to create a dipped beam with a flat upper cutoff (as may be required by other regulations).

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first and second light sources can be arranged on the same substrate and emit light rays in the same direction, which helps to reduce the cost of the light emitting module.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the light emitting module includes a third collector having a third reflecting surface configured to collect and reflect the light beams emitted by the first light source toward the first collector. In this case, the first and second light sources may be mounted on their own substrates, with the substrate of the first light source being oriented, for example, perpendicular to the substrate of the second light source. In other words, the first light source may be capable of emitting light beams in a direction different from the direction in which the second light source can emit light beams. This configuration allows for increasing the maximum intensity that the first light beam can achieve, thereby improving the optical performance of the light emitting module.

[0018] Advantageously, the third reflecting surface has an elliptical profile configured to focus light rays coming from a first focus to a second focus, the first focus being located on the first light source and the second focus being located on the focal zone of the optical system.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system is a lens having the same surface of incidence for the rays of the first light beam and for the rays of the second light beam, or alternatively, the optical system may comprise one or more lenses and / or one or more reflectors.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first light beam performs part or all of the low beam function and the second light beam performs part or all of the high beam function, for example, the upper cut-off of the first light beam may be completely flat or may comprise a first flat portion and a second flat portion vertically offset from the first flat portion, the two flat portions being separated by an inclined portion.

[0021] The subject of the invention is also a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a light-emitting module according to the invention.

[0022] The invention will be better understood and other advantages will appear on reading the detailed description of embodiments used as non-limiting examples and illustrated by the attached drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic representation of a light emitting module according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light-emitting module of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a concentrator in the lighting module of FIG. 1; [Figure 4A] 2 is a graphical representation of an illuminating image of a first light beam produced by the illumination module of FIG. 1; [Figure 4B] 2 is a graphical representation of the luminous image of the second light beam produced by the illumination module of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic representation of a light emitting module according to a second embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] In the following description, the concepts "upper" and "lower" should be understood to refer to the light emitting module when it is in its operational state (i.e., in an orientation corresponding to the orientation for which it is designed). Similarly, the concepts "front" and "rear" should be understood to refer to the general direction of light along the optical axis of the light emitting module when it is in its operational state.

[0025] 1 to 4B show a first embodiment of a light emitting module 1 according to the invention.

[0026] 1 is a schematic side view of a light emitting module and its working principle, while FIG. 2 is a perspective view of this module.

[0027] The light emitting module 1 comprises a first light source 2 and a second light source 3, each mounted on a substrate (not shown). The light sources 2 and 3 are advantageously semiconductor light sources, in particular light emitting diodes.

[0028] Each of the light sources 2 and 3 emits light rays within a half-space defined by the substrate on which it is mounted. In the example shown, the substrate of the first light source 2 is oriented perpendicular to the substrate of the second light source 2. Thus, the first light source 2 emits light rays backwards in a main direction parallel to the optical axis XX of the light-emitting module, while the second light source 3 emits light rays upwards in a main direction perpendicular to the optical axis XX. According to the invention, the main direction of light emission of the first light source 2 could be inclined at an angle of less than 25° with respect to a direction parallel to the optical axis XX, and the main direction of light emission of the second light source 3 could be inclined at an angle of less than 25° with respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis XX.

[0029] The light-emitting module 1 comprises a first collector 4 capable of reflecting light rays emitted by a first light source 2 to form a first light beam LB along an optical axis XX of the module 1, and a second collector 5 capable of reflecting light rays emitted by a second light source 3 to form a second light beam HB along the optical axis XX. The module 1 also comprises a lens 6 for projecting the beams LB and HB. According to the invention, the lens 6 may be replaced by any other projection optics, in particular one or more reflecting mirrors.

[0030] In order to redirect the light rays emitted by the first light source 2 towards the first collector 4, the module 1 comprises a third collector 7.

[0031] The third collector 7 comprises a shell- or cap-shaped support and a reflective surface 71 formed on the inner surface of the support. The shell- or cap-shaped collector is advantageously made of a material with good heat resistance, such as glass or a synthetic polymer compound such as polycarbonate (PC) or polyetherimide (PEI). The reflective surface 71 is advantageously made by a reflective coating, such as an aluminum or silver coating, applied to the support.

[0032] The reflective surface 71 has an elliptical profile and is thus configured to concentrate or focus the light rays coming from a first focal point 72, where the first light source 2 is located, onto a second focal point 73, which is located near the first collector 4. The reflective surface 71 is therefore configured to collect the light rays emitted by the first light source 2 and reflect them towards the first collector 4.

[0033] The first and second collectors 4 and 5 are formed on the same support having two cavities defining the first and second collectors 4 and 5, with reflective surfaces 41 and 51 formed on the inner surfaces of each cavity, respectively.

[0034] Advantageously, the reflecting surfaces 41 and 51 have an elliptical or parabolic profile. Advantageously, at least one of the reflecting surfaces is a surface of revolution about an axis parallel to the optical axis XX. Alternatively, the reflecting surface may be a free-form, swept or asymmetric surface. The reflecting surface may comprise multiple portions. Thus, each of the reflecting surfaces 41 and 51 is configured to collect and reflect towards the lens 6 the light rays emitted by the first light source 2 (and reflected by the third collector 7) and the light rays emitted by the second light source 3.

[0035] Furthermore, each of the first collector 4 and the second collector 5 is configured so that the light rays reflected by the rear portions of the reflecting surfaces 41, 51 are parallel to the optical axis XX or have an inclination angle to said axis XX in the vertical plane of less than 25°, preferably less than 10°.

[0036] The cavities formed by the reflecting surfaces 41 and 51 face in the same direction, in particular downward in the illustrated example. The reflecting surfaces 41 and 51 are thus offset from one another along the optical axis XX, with the second reflecting surface 51 being located behind the first reflecting surface 41. Furthermore, the first collector 4 extends above the optical axis XX, and the second collector 5 extends below the optical axis XX and the first collector 4.

[0037] The first and second collectors 4 and 5 are formed on the same single support, with a light blocking body 8 formed on the support and extending between the first collector 4 and the second collector 5.

[0038] The light blocking body 8 generally extends in a horizontal plane containing the optical axis XX between the trailing edge 42 of the first reflecting surface 41 and the leading edge 52 of the second collector 5. At the trailing edge 42 and the leading edge 52, the light blocking body 8 is joined to these reflecting surfaces 41 and 51.

[0039] The lens 6 has a focal line 61 (a line of focal points 61) passing near the trailing edge 42 of the first reflecting surface, on which the second focal point 73 of the third collector 7 is located. The lens 6 is thus configured to project the light rays coming from the first collector 4 as the first light beam LB (forming an image of the first reflecting surface 41). The trailing edge 42 therefore defines an upper cutoff LB1 in the image, and thus in the first light beam LB1.

[0040] The lens 6 is also configured to project the light rays coming from the second collector 5 as a second light beam LB (forming an image of the second reflecting surface 51). Given the rearward position of the second collector 5 compared to the location of the first collector 4 and the position of each focal point 61 of the lens 6, the second light beam HB extends at least partially above the cutoff LB1 of the first beam LB. Furthermore, since the light blocking body 8 extends generally in a horizontal plane located near or on the optical axis XX of the lens 6, both reflecting surfaces 41 and 51 form a single reflecting surface (from the perspective of the lens 6). This means that it is not necessary to specially design areas (i.e., entrance and / or exit surfaces) within the lens 6 dedicated to each collector 4 and 5. Instead, the lens 6 has the same entrance and exit surfaces for the first and second light beams LB and HB.

[0041] In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 3, the trailing edge 42 has an overall elliptical profile, but is formed with a step 43 projecting rearward from the remainder of the edge. The step 43 is intended to form part of the upper cutoff LB1. FIG. 4A shows the projection of the first light beam LB projected by the light-emitting module 1 onto a vertical screen installed at a distance of 25 m from the light-emitting module 1 when only the first light source 2 is lit. The upper cutoff LB1 has a first flat portion and a second flat portion vertically offset from the first flat portion, the two flat portions separated by an inclined portion. All of these portions are formed by the trailing edge 42, but the inclined portion is particularly formed by the step 43. The first light beam LB can therefore form part of a low beam function and can be completed with another light beam to form a full low beam function in accordance with European regulations. The other light beam has a larger divergence and has an upper cutoff intended to overlap with the lower flat portion of upper cutoff LB1.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, which shows a plan view of the supports forming the first concentrator 4, the second concentrator 5, and the shade 8, the step 43 extends from the trailing edge 42 on the shade 8 along the entire length of the shade 8 to the leading edge 52 of the second reflective surface 5. Thus, the leading edge 52 has a stepped 53 profile that matches the trailing edge 42 of the first reflective surface 51.

[0043] 4B shows the projection of the second light beam HB projected by the light-emitting module 1 when only the second light source 3 is turned on, onto a vertical screen placed at a distance of 25 m from the light-emitting module 1. The second light beam HB extends upward beyond the upper cut-off LB1 of the first light beam. The second light beam HB can therefore form part of the high beam function and can be completed with the low beam function (e.g., partially completed by the first light beam LB) to form a full low beam function in accordance with European regulations.

[0044] FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of a light emitting module 10 according to the invention.

[0045] The light emitting module 10 is similar to the light emitting module 1 of Figures 1 to 4, except that the first and second light sources 2, 3 are mounted on the same substrate and can emit light rays in the same direction, respectively. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no need for a third collector intended to redirect the light rays emitted by the first light source towards the first collector.

[0046] The present disclosure and illustrations should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. The present invention extends to all combinations, modifications, augmentations, and other embodiments within the true spirit and scope of the specification. In view of these various embodiments and variations thereof, it should be understood that various combinations of illumination and / or signaling light beams are possible in a given lighting module. In particular, the number of light sources and corresponding collectors is not limited to two. More light sources and more corresponding collectors are specifically contemplated. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the beam shapes and lighting functions that have been described. The trailing edge may have different profiles, such as a generally continuous profile. The lighting module may be designed to achieve segmented high beams, anti-glare high beams, or fog lights.

Claims

1. a. a first light source and a second light source; a first collector having a first reflective surface configured to collect and reflect light rays emitted by the first light source, and a second collector having a second reflective surface configured to collect and reflect light rays emitted by the second light source; an optical system configured to project light rays coming from the first collector as a first light beam, the optical system configured to form an image of the first reflective surface, the first reflective surface configured such that the first light beam has an upper cutoff, the optical system also configured to project light rays coming from the second collector as a second light beam, the optical system configured to form an image of the second reflective surface, the second reflective surface configured such that the second light beam extends at least partially above the upper cutoff, A light emitting module, wherein the first concentrator and the second concentrator are formed by a single piece, the single piece including a light blocking body extending between the first concentrator and the second concentrator.

2. 2. The light-emitting module of claim 1, wherein the first reflecting surface has a trailing edge, the optical system has a focal zone located near the trailing edge, the upper cutoff in the first light beam is defined by the trailing edge of the first reflecting surface, and the light-blocking body extends rearward from the trailing edge of the first reflecting surface toward the leading edge of the second reflecting surface.

3. The light emitting module of claim 2 , wherein the light blocking body extends generally in a plane.

4. 4. The light emitting module of claim 2, wherein the rear edge has a step intended to form part of the upper cut-off, the step extending along the entire length of the light blocking body to the front edge of the second reflecting surface.

5. 10. A light emitting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second light sources are arranged on the same substrate and are each capable of emitting light rays in the same direction.

6. 6. The light emitting module according to claim 1, further comprising a third collector having a third reflecting surface configured to collect light rays emitted by the first light source and reflect them towards the first collector.

7. The light-emitting module described in claim 5 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the third reflecting surface has an elliptical profile configured to focus light rays coming from a first focus to a second focus, the first focus being located on the first light source and the second focus being located on the focal region of the optical system.

8. 2. The light emitting module according to claim 1, wherein the optical system is a lens having the same incident surface for the rays of the first light beam and for the rays of the second light beam.

9. 10. A light emitting module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first light beam performs part or all of a low beam function and the second light beam performs part or all of a high beam function.

10. 10. A lighting device for a motor vehicle comprising a light emitting module according to any one of the preceding claims.

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