Lighting devices for motor vehicles

Abstract

Lighting device for motor vehicles The invention relates to an illumination device (1) comprising a housing and a cover lens (4), in the space defined by the housing and the cover lens (4) which accommodates, on the one hand, at least two illumination modules (6, 8) and, on the other hand, a signaling device comprising a light source (18) and a light curtain (16), wherein a first illumination module (6) generates a first light beam and a second illumination module (8) generates a second light beam, the light curtain being arranged between the illumination modules (6, 8) and the cover lens, the light curtain comprising a micro-optical element (30) configured to decouple the light rays emitted by the light source and direct them outside the light curtain towards the cover lens into a signal light beam, the micro-optical element comprising a micro-optical element (14) of a first type arranged opposite the first illumination module (6) and a micro-optical element (15) of a second type arranged opposite the second illumination module (8).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of light emitting devices, in particular for motor vehicles, and more particularly to a light emitting device comprising at least one signaling device and one lighting device, which light emitting device is intended to contribute to the signaling and lighting functions of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Motor vehicles traveling on roads are equipped with light-emitting devices, i.e., headlamps, located on the front of the vehicle. These lighting devices incorporate a lighting function intended to improve the visibility of road conditions to the driver of the vehicle when the lighting function is not in use, for example, especially during the daytime, and a signaling function intended to make the driver and / or the vehicle's driving actions visible to other road users. These lighting and signaling functions must comply with regulatory standards.

[0003] The signal function may consist of a daytime running light function, a position light function, or a vehicle turn signal function, although this list is not exhaustive.

[0004] The lighting function that may be implemented in the lighting device may be, for example, a low beam function or a high beam function.

[0005] Low beams make a motor vehicle visible to other road users and enable its driver to see the road adequately up to a distance of 30 metres without dazzling other users in the road scene. High beams emit a longer range beam of light that enables the driver of a motor vehicle to see the road adequately up to a distance of at least 100 metres under nighttime conditions.

[0006] The high beams may be independent of the low beams and may be generated by projecting a light beam formed on the basis of light rays emitted by a light source dedicated to forming these high beams, or they may be generated by projecting a light beam complementary to the light beam for forming the low beam, this complementary light beam being formed on the basis of light rays emitted by a light source arranged complementary to the light source dedicated to forming the low beam.

[0007] In headlamps, it is known to arrange several different light-emitting modules in the center of the headlamp to provide a lighting function, and one or more signaling functions are provided by signaling devices arranged on the periphery of the light-emitting modules, such that the lighting function illuminates the center of the lighting surface on the headlamp's output side, while the signaling function illuminates the periphery of this lighting surface.

[0008] Particularly for aesthetic and space reasons, automobile manufacturers desire to provide automobile vehicles equipped with headlamps in which lighting and signaling functions are grouped together. The headlamp includes an occluded outer lens and a housing that form a receiving zone for both one or more light-emitting modules capable of producing a regulatory lighting function via a portion of the occluded outer lens and for one or more signaling devices capable of producing a signaling function via the same portion of the occluded outer lens or via a substantially identical portion of the occluded outer lens. It should be noted that the lighting function and the signaling function may illuminate the same or different surfaces of the occluded outer lens, although it is understood that it is desirable for the surfaces of the occluded outer lens illuminated by either of these functions to overlap as much as possible.

[0009] It will be appreciated that the configurations mentioned in the prior art cannot be used to form a compact lighting device having a light signature in which the surface of the occluded outer lens illuminated by the signaling function shares at least a portion with the surface of the occluded outer lens illuminated by the lighting function.

[0010] The present invention relates to the above by proposing a lighting device for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing closed by a closed outer lens, the housing being configured on one side to accommodate a lighting device comprising at least two lighting modules, a first lighting module being capable of generating a first lighting beam and a second lighting module being capable of generating a second lighting beam, the first lighting beam being different from the second lighting beam, the two lighting beams being directed towards the closed outer lens to contribute, via a first part of the closed outer lens, respectively, to a first lighting function with an upper cut-off and a second lighting function without an upper cut-off, and on the other side to accommodate a signaling device comprising at least one light source. According to the invention, the signaling device further includes a light curtain, which is arranged facing the at least one light source so that light rays emitted by the at least one light source can propagate therethrough, and which is arranged between the lighting module and the occluded outer lens, and which includes micro-optics configured to extract light rays emitted by the at least one light source and direct them into a signal light beam outside the light curtain towards the occluded outer lens so as to generate a signal function via a second part of the occluded outer lens that at least partially overlaps with the first part of the occluded outer lens, and the micro-optics include two different types of micro-optics, where the first type of micro-optics is arranged in a first zone facing the first lighting module so as to be in the optical path of the first illumination light beam, and the second type of micro-optics is arranged in a second zone facing the second lighting module so as to be in the optical path of the second illumination light beam.

[0011] The lighting device according to the invention comprises at least two lighting modules configured to respectively provide a lighting function for a road condition ahead of the vehicle, in other words, the lighting device comprises at least one first lighting module configured to provide a first lighting function and at least one second lighting module configured to provide a second lighting function.

[0012] The light-emitting device according to the invention also comprises a signaling device, the transparent part of which is formed by a light curtain and is arranged between the occluding outer lens and the lighting module, i.e. in front of said lighting module. Thus, the first and second light beams pass through the light curtain before reaching the occluding outer lens. The signaling device is configured such that the light curtain acts as a light guide equipped with optical patterns, more specifically micro-optics, which extract the light propagating in the light guide and direct it towards the outside of the vehicle to provide the desired signaling function.

[0013] At least one lighting module and signaling device are configured so that both the corresponding lighting function and the corresponding signaling function are emitted along an optical axis that is parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle and substantially parallel to the surface of the road on which the vehicle is traveling.

[0014] Each optical pattern or micro-optical pattern formed on the light curtain of the signaling device affects at least one light ray emitted by at least one light source of the signaling device and propagating within the light curtain, thereby each optical pattern contributing to providing a signaling function.

[0015] These same patterns have different shapes, whereby some of these optical patterns arranged facing a first lighting module involved in providing a first lighting function have a first type of pattern so as not to interfere with the provision of this first specific lighting function, and some of these optical patterns arranged facing a second lighting module involved in providing a second lighting function present a second type of pattern so as not to interfere with the provision of the second specific lighting function.

[0016] According to an optional feature of the invention, the upper cut-off of the lighting function provided at least in part by the first lighting module comprises at least one horizontal and / or oblique portion.

[0017] According to an optional feature of the invention, the light curtain is formed by a sheet-shaped light guide.

[0018] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first lighting module contributes to providing a low beam function and the second lighting module contributes to providing a high beam function.

[0019] According to an optional feature of the invention, the signalling device is configured to generate a direction indicator signal function, a daytime running light signal function or a position light signal function.

[0020] According to an optional feature of the invention, the micro-optics are formed on a first surface of the light curtain facing the lighting module.

[0021] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first type of micro-optics is configured to create a diffusion effect on the light rays generated by the first illumination module and on the light rays propagating within the light curtain.

[0022] The first type of micro-optics is configured to be diffusing. This diffusing effect still allows the light beam emitted by the light source of the signaling device to be extracted from the light curtain and propagated in the signaling device. It also ensures that road users are not dazzled when a vehicle equipped with an inventive light-emitting device emits a first lighting function with an upper cutoff, such as a low beam lighting function. Indeed, when a first light beam corresponding to the first lighting function passes through the light curtain and the first type of micro-optics, they also have a diffusing effect on the first light beam, which prevents directional light from being transmitted beyond the upper cutoff of the first lighting function.

[0023] According to an optional feature of the invention, the micro-optics of the first type each have the shape of a cone extending about an axis of rotation.

[0024] According to an optional feature of the invention, the axis of rotation of at least one cone has an angle of inclination relative to the main plane of extension of the first surface of the light curtain of between 25° and 70°, which angle of inclination may in particular be 45°.

[0025] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second type of micro-optics is configured to generate a directional effect on the light rays generated by the second lighting module. Each second type of micro-optics may in particular take the form of a prism. The planes of the prisms that generate this directional effect are joined by edges that extend laterally, thereby imparting a vertical directional effect to light rays that reach the prism in a substantially vertical direction.

[0026] This directional effect allows the light rays emitted by the light source of the signaling device to be extracted from the light curtain and propagated in the signaling device. It should be noted that micro-optics with a directional effect are more efficient in extracting the light rays emitted by the light source of the signaling device than micro-optics with a diffusing effect. Furthermore, if a vehicle equipped with a light-emitting device according to the invention emits a second lighting function that does not have an upper cut-off, such as a high beam lighting function, even if the second type of micro-optics with a directional effect affects the second lighting flux, it remains in compliance with applicable regulations and does not dazzle other road users, as the lighting function does not have an upper cut-off.

[0027] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second type of micro-optics includes hybrid micro-optics, each of which has the overall shape of a prism and is capable of producing said directional effect on the light beam generated by the second lighting module, with a conical portion arranged on the side of the prism.

[0028] These hybrid micro-optics form a specific embodiment of the second type of micro-optics and are therefore arranged in a second zone facing a second lighting module responsible for producing a lighting function without a cut-off, whereby the overall shape of the prisms does not pose a risk of dazzling road users. Furthermore, the presence of conical sections at the side edges of the prisms is used to maintain uniformity of the signalling function, as they have the effect of diffusing the light rays propagating within the light curtain, matching the diffusion effect provided by the first type of micro-optics, all of which are conical in shape and arranged in front of the first lighting module providing a first lighting function with an upper cut-off, such as a low beam lighting function.

[0029] The configuration of the micro-optics is important. The type of micro-optics is an integral part of the signaling device and must allow the signaling function to be provided without unduly interfering with the primary and secondary lighting functions. Therefore, they are positioned taking into account the nature of the lighting module.

[0030] Micro-optics producing a diffusing effect, such as micro-optics with a conical shape, are used to distribute the light in all directions, thus making it possible to extract a portion of the light rays emitted by the light source associated with the signaling device, and by being placed facing the first lighting module forming a light beam with an upper cut-off, such as a low beam, and by having diffusing properties, they transmit a negligible amount of light above the upper cut-off of the first lighting beam, compared to the limits imposed by regulatory constraints.

[0031] This upper cutoff is specifically defined in regulations: it is the limit beyond which little or no light should be transmitted, to ensure that other road users are not dazzled. It is therefore desirable not to transmit light beyond this limit.

[0032] On the other hand, micro-optics that produce a directional effect, such as micro-optics with a prism shape, allow light to be transmitted in a single direction. They are therefore used to extract a portion of the light beam emitted by the light source associated with the signaling device. The impact of these micro-optics on the secondary lighting function remains limited, especially since the secondary lighting function does not have an upper cutoff, as in the high beam function. Indeed, in this case, regulations do not define areas into which little or no light should be transmitted. Therefore, micro-optics that produce a directional effect do not cause glare problems. They can affect the range and / or luminous flux of the secondary lighting function without affecting its regulatory compliance.

[0033] Furthermore, as explained above, micro-optics that produce a directional effect are used to achieve the photometry required to provide the signaling function by allowing more light rays emitted by the light source of the signaling device to be extracted than micro-optics that produce a diffusion effect.

[0034] In fact, if only micro-optics producing a diffusing effect were used on the entire surface of the light curtain, the photometric regulations applicable to signalling devices would not be met, i.e., not enough light would be directed to the desired location to provide the signalling function.

[0035] On the other hand, if only micro-optics producing a directional effect were used on the entire surface of the light curtain, the first illumination function formed by the first illumination beam with an upper cutoff would be excessively disturbed by the micro-optics and would no longer meet the regulations: the directional micro-optics would transmit too much light above the upper cutoff.

[0036] This distribution of micro-optics types enables a lighting device to provide a first lighting function having an upper cut-off, e.g., a low beam function, and a second lighting function having no upper cut-off, e.g., a high beam function, while enabling a signaling device to provide a signaling function, each in accordance with their respective applicable regulations.

[0037] According to an optional feature of the invention, the signaling device comprises a plurality of light sources arranged facing the edge of the light curtain.

[0038] These light sources are particularly arranged at regular intervals, and the light intended to generate the signal function is thus propagated uniformly over the entire lateral dimension of the light curtain.

[0039] According to one feature of the invention, the signaling device comprises a collimator arranged between the light source and the light curtain. The collimator may in particular form an integral part of the light curtain, forming a single plastic part, or may be arranged on one side of the light curtain facing the light source. The collimator is used to collect the light beams emitted by the light source and transmit them as a beam of parallel or substantially parallel light rays within the light curtain.

[0040] According to one feature of the invention, each lighting module of the lighting device comprises a light source and a reflector, the reflector being arranged to reflect the luminous flux emitted by the light source towards the occluding outer lens of the light emitting device.

[0041] According to one feature of the invention, two first lighting modules are arranged on either side of a second lighting module, and a first type of micro-optics is arranged in two distinct first zones, which are arranged on either side of a second zone in which a second type of micro-optics is arranged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from reading the description of detailed embodiments given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which: [Figure 1] [Figure 1] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light emitting device according to the invention, which cross-sectional view shows in particular the arrangement of the light curtain of the signaling device between the means forming the lighting module and the occluding outer lens of the housing of the light emitting device. [Figure 2] [Figure 2] is a schematic diagram of a detail of Figure 1, showing the micro-optics on one side of the light curtain facing the lighting module. [Figure 3] [Figure 3] is a front view of part of the light-emitting device according to the representation in Figure 1, showing in particular two lighting modules capable of contributing to the provision of low beam and high beam functions, respectively, which modules are shown here through a transparent light curtain forming part of a signaling device arranged facing the lighting modules according to the invention. [Figure 4] [Figure 4] is a schematic diagram of a light curtain of a signaling device with a zone of first type micro-optics and a zone of second type micro-optics. [Figure 5] [Figure 5] is a schematic diagram of a first type of micro-optics having multiple cone shapes. [Figure 6] [Figure 6] is a schematic diagram of multiple hybrid micro-optics. [Figure 7] [FIG. 7] is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a light curtain of a light-emitting device with two zones of a first type of micro-optics arranged on either side of a zone of a second type of micro-optics. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be associated with one another in various combinations, provided they are not mutually incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, it is possible to envisage variants of the invention that include only a selection of the features described below, isolated from the other features described, where this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or distinguish the invention from the prior art.

[0044] For clarity, the invention relates to a light-emitting device that provides both an illumination function and a signaling function by projecting an illumination light beam and a signaling light beam through the same part of the closed outer lens of the light-emitting device. This functionality can be realized insofar as a signaling device is arranged in the light-emitting device according to the invention between the means for performing the illumination function and the closed outer lens, so that a suitable optical pattern is formed in the signaling device that allows the signaling function to be generated without interfering with the illumination function.

[0045] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a light-emitting device 1 according to the invention. The light-emitting device 1 is more specifically a headlamp intended to be installed in the front of an automobile vehicle. The light-emitting device 1 can perform multiple lighting and signaling functions for the vehicle via a light-emitting module that includes a lighting module and a signaling device.

[0046] The lighting device 1 includes a housing 2 having an opening facing the front of the vehicle and closed by an occluding outer lens 4. The housing 2 and the occluding outer lens 4 define a receiving cavity dimensioned to accommodate the various lighting modules described above.

[0047] More specifically, the housing 2 houses at least two lighting modules that provide two different lighting functions, including a first or low beam module 6 intended to provide a low beam function, and a second or high beam module 8 intended to provide a high beam function. The housing 2 also houses a signaling device 10, the transparent portion of which is disposed between the lighting modules 6, 8 and the occluded outer lens 4. In Figure 3, which is a view from outside the vehicle, the lighting modules 6, 8 can be seen as being seen through the transparent occluded outer lens 4 and the transparent portion of the signaling device.

[0048] Each lighting module 6, 8 comprises a light source 12 and means for directing the light rays emitted by the light source so as to direct these light rays towards the output of the housing, i.e. in this case towards the occluding outer lens 4.

[0049] The light sources 12 are configured to emit light rays with a defined luminous intensity suitable for providing the lighting function associated with their associated lighting modules. Thus, the figure shows a light source 12 arranged facing the low beam module 6 and configured to emit light rays capable of generating a first low beam illumination bundle, and a light source 12 arranged facing the high beam module 8 and configured to emit light rays used to provide a second high beam illumination bundle.

[0050] The means for directing light rays are formed in this case by a reflector 14, the shape and dimensions of which are such that they generate a parallel or substantially parallel bundle of light rays towards the closed outer lens 4 to generate a high beam or a low beam illumination bundle. The reflector 14 is in this case a parabolic reflector, and the corresponding light source 12 is arranged at the focus of this parabolic shape. Figure 1 shows, by way of example, two light rays R1 propagating towards the closed outer lens 4. It should be understood that these light rays can equally be generated by the first illumination module 6 or by the second illumination module 8.

[0051] As mentioned above, the signaling device 10 includes a transparent part arranged between the lighting module, more specifically the reflector 14 of the lighting module, and the occluding outer lens 4. This transparent part consists of a light curtain 16 formed by a sheet-like light guide. The light curtain 16 is sheet-like in that its thickness is small compared to the other two dimensions that define its main plane of extension. As a non-limiting example of the invention, the light curtain 16 has a thickness of about 5 mm.

[0052] It is worth noting that the above-mentioned light rays R1 emitted by one or the other of the lighting modules 6, 8 are made to pass through the light curtain 16.

[0053] The signaling device 10 further comprises one or more light sources 18 configured and dimensioned to provide a signaling function within the light-emitting device 1. The light sources 18 in this case consist of light-emitting diodes mounted on a printed circuit board 20. The light sources 18 can be configured to emit a single color, or can be configured to emit different colors depending on control commands appropriately received by a control system of the signaling device. For example, the light source may emit a beam of white light if the signaling function to be performed is a position light or daytime running light function, or it may emit a beam of amber light if the signaling function to be provided is a turn signal function.

[0054] The printed circuit board 20 is positioned within the housing 2 so that the light source 18 is positioned as close as possible to the edge of the light curtain 16, so that all or at least the majority of the emitted light rays propagate within the light guide formed by the light curtain.

[0055] 2 is in this case arranged between the light sources 18 and the light curtain 16 and is arranged to collect the signal light beams emitted by each light source 18 respectively and to transmit them in a beam of parallel or substantially parallel light rays within said light curtain 16. In this context, the light beams emitted by the parallel light sources 18 propagate within the light guide formed by the light curtain 16 from the edge facing the light source to the opposite edge.

[0056] The light curtain 16 has two opposing major surfaces, including a first surface 24 facing the lighting modules 6, 8 and an opposite second surface 26 facing the occluding outer lens 4. This second surface 26 forms an output surface for the light rays propagating within the light curtain.

[0057] In order to extract the light rays propagating within the light curtain, as shown in more detail in Figure 2, the first surface 24 of the light curtain has at least one extraction zone 28 equipped with an optical pattern that is used to decouple, i.e. deflect, the light rays within the light curtain ray bundle so that they arrive at the surface opposite the optical pattern, i.e. the output surface, at an angle of incidence that causes them to exit the light curtain 16 by refraction towards the occluding outer lens 4, thereby generating a signal function.

[0058] The optical pattern consists of a relief formed on the first surface, which may have various shapes as described below, and in this particular case the relief forms a suitably shaped depression in the material, positioned to intersect the path, within the light curtain, of the light rays emitted by the light source.

[0059] It is worth noting that, as mentioned above, the light rays R1 emitted by one or the other of the lighting modules 6, 8 are made to pass through the light curtain 16. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, a portion of the light rays R1 emitted by one or the other of the lighting modules 6, 8 is made to pass through the extraction zone 28 and its optical pattern.

[0060] FIG. 2 shows two distinct extraction zones arranged consecutively on the first surface 24 of the light curtain 16, thus providing different distributions in front of the reflector 14 of the lighting module. It is worth noting that the portion of the first surface 24 facing the first lighting module may have one or more extraction zones at different locations than the remaining portion of the first surface 24, in this case, the portion facing the second lighting module. Furthermore, it should be noted that the dimensions of the extraction zones, particularly the depth to which they penetrate into the light curtain material, are exaggerated here to make them more visible. Regardless of the thickness of the light curtain, the depth of the microoptics is between 0.05 mm and 0.6 mm, with the minimum size determined by manufacturing constraints and the maximum size determined by aesthetic constraints related to the exit. The microoptics may have a depth on the order of approximately 0.15 mm.

[0061] More specifically, in the illustrated example, the light curtain includes two extraction zones, with the first extraction zone being closer to the light source than the second extraction zone, the first extraction zone having a depth on the order of about 0.1 mm, and the second extraction zone having a depth on the order of about 0.2 mm, where this depth offset is desirable to maximize the efficiency of the second extraction zone by providing a gradual depth between the two extraction zones, if desired.

[0062] The optical pattern forming the extraction zone is a micro-optics 30, configured to act on the light rays propagating within the light curtain 16 to deflect them out of the light curtain towards the occluding outer lens 4, as shown by the line representing the light ray R2, without interfering with the propagation of the light rays coming from the lighting modules 6, 8 involved in generating the lighting function, as shown by the line representing the light ray R1.

[0063] As mentioned above, as shown in Figure 3, there are two different types of lighting modules 6, 8, with at least one lighting module responsible for generating a low beam lighting function and one lighting module responsible for generating a high beam lighting function. In this context, according to the invention, the micro-optics 30 are divided into different types of micro-optics depending on the lighting module they directly face. The arrangement of the micro-optics shown in Figure 4 corresponds to the arrangement of the lighting modules shown in Figure 3, with two lighting modules 6, 8 arranged side by side in a lateral direction and two distinct zones 31, 32 of the micro-optics 30 arranged side by side in the same lateral direction.

[0064] More specifically, the first zone 31 is made up of micro-optics 34 of a first type, which are arranged facing the first lighting module 6, which contributes to providing the low beam function. The second zone 32 is made up of micro-optics 36 of a second type, which are arranged facing the second lighting module 8, which contributes to providing the high beam function.

[0065] It is understood that each micro-optic is involved in providing a signaling function by providing a relief within the light curtain intended to deflect at least one of the light rays emitted by at least one light source of the signaling device out of the light curtain, and they have a distinct shape so that they can be positioned facing one of the lighting modules so as to minimize their impact on the illumination light flux emitted by the corresponding module.

[0066] The first type of micro-optics 34 may take different forms, as long as they are substantially diffusive so as to ensure that they do not dazzle road users when a vehicle equipped with a lighting device according to the invention is emitting low beam lighting functions. The first type of micro-optics 34 are therefore configured to deflect the light rays coming from the lighting modules 6, 8 by a very small percentage, generating a luminous intensity outside the initial trajectory of the light rays of the order of 1 lux at most.

[0067] As an example, as shown in Figure 5, these first type micro-optics 34 each have the shape of a cone and are centered on an axis of rotation 35, which is oriented with respect to the main extension plane of the light curtain and with respect to the vertical and horizontal planes in which the light rays coming from the lighting modules 6, 8 mainly extend.

[0068] The orientation of the cones depends in particular on the optical axes of the signaling device and the lighting modules, each cone extending around an axis of rotation parallel to the direction of the optical axis of the lighting module in this case, said axis of rotation being inclined relative to this optical axis in a vertical plane perpendicular to the extension plane of the light curtain.

[0069] It should be noted that the tilt angle of the rotation axis of each cone has little or no effect on the illumination function, and the angular change in the propagation of the light rays is negligible in terms of glare. However, in order not to affect the uniformity of the signal function, this tilt angle of each cone is limited to values ​​between 25° and 70°.

[0070] As a non-limiting example of the invention, each cone has a radius measured in the plane of the input face of the light curtain on the order of about 0.15 mm, and an axial depth along the axis of rotation that is also on the order of about 0.15 mm.

[0071] In the first zone containing these first type of micro-optics, the cones may be spaced apart from one another by 0.5 mm, this value being measured between the center of one cone and the center of the other cone between two adjacent cones on the first surface of the light curtain.

[0072] The second type of micro-optics 36 are inherently directional and can take the form of a prism, the planar surface of which ensures a targeted deflection of the light rays emitted by one of the lighting modules. This deflection is essentially vertical, resulting from the longitudinal orientation of the light rays emitted by one of the lighting modules and the inclination of the prism surface through which these rays primarily pass. Therefore, the second type of micro-optics 36 are advantageously arranged in the second zone 32, facing the second lighting module 8, i.e., the lighting module responsible for providing the high beam lighting function. The light beam enabling this function to be provided is long-range and high-intensity, so that it is only performed when there are no road users in front of the vehicle, and a vertical offset does not pose a regulatory problem or prevent the provision of the high beam lighting function.

[0073] It will be appreciated that the presence of diffusing micro-optics in the second zone 32, such as those used in the first zone 31, is detrimental to the proper provision of a signaling function, which may have insufficient luminosity to ensure regulatory compliance due to insufficient light extracted by the light curtain.

[0074] Similarly, the presence of directional micro-optics in the first zone 31, such as those used in the second zone 32, is detrimental to the full provision of the low beam lighting function, since the vertical deflection of the light rays would prevent the cut-off required to ensure non-dazzling of other users from being respected.

[0075] 6 shows a variant embodiment of the microoptics 30, which may have a hybrid configuration, mixing a conical and a prismatic configuration. The hybrid microoptics 38 are formed in particular by a prismatic central section and side sections in the form of conical sections. These hybrid microoptics 38 are intended to replace the second type of microoptics 36, in particular in the second microoptics zone 32, i.e., in the zone facing the second lighting module 8. Indeed, the central section of the microoptics is the part that is mainly affected by the light rays emanating from the lighting module, and its prismatic shape takes on the shape of the second type of microoptics, thereby allowing the extraction of sufficient light, in particular to provide a signaling function, without interfering with the provision of the lighting function.

[0076] The side sections of the micro-optics in the form of conical sections have the additional effect of decoupling the light rays propagating within the light curtain 16. The conical shape produces reflection of the light rays towards the opposite surface at a different angle of incidence than the light rays reflected by the central section, which therefore ensures a better distribution of the light rays on the output surface of the light curtain and a better uniformity of the vehicle's signal function. The light rays of the signal light bundle therefore leave the headlamp at an inclination with respect to the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the extension plane of the light curtain, which improves the visibility of the signal light bundle to an external observer looking at the vehicle from the side.

[0077] FIG. 6 shows a preferred embodiment of this variant, which comprises conical sections arranged on either side of a prismatic central section in the above-mentioned lateral direction.

[0078] It follows from the above that the invention has particular application to headlamps comprising two separate lighting modules arranged side by side. However, this arrangement does not limit the invention, as long as a single light curtain is arranged between the lighting modules and the output of the headlamp, and this light curtain includes zones with different patterns between one zone and its adjacent zone, and these patterns depend on the lighting module they face.

[0079] Thus, by way of non-limiting example, Figure 7 shows a variant embodiment of the invention, and more particularly a light curtain 10 specific to this variant, namely the light curtain comprising a first zone 31, which is composed of first type micro-optics 14, arranged on either side of a second zone 32 composed of second type micro-optics 36 and / or hybrid micro-optics 38. Of course, this light curtain configuration with two first zones arranged on either side of a second zone is associated with a specific configuration of lighting modules, where two first lighting modules responsible for providing a first low beam lighting flux are arranged on either side of a second lighting module responsible for providing a second high beam lighting flux.

[0080] The above detailed description clearly shows that the invention achieves its stated objective, namely to propose a light-emitting device for uniformly generating a signaling function and two lighting functions in the same portion of the occluded outer lens formed by the output face of the headlamp; this can be done by the presence of a light curtain facing the lighting module, which allows the signaling function to be projected in the center of the portion of the occluded outer lens, achieving a degree of uniformity that cannot be achieved if this signaling function is generated at the periphery of this portion of the occluded outer lens. The light curtain is also configured in such a way that it does not interfere with the provision of either of the two lighting functions via the luminous flux of light rays that are made to pass through the light curtain.

[0081] However, the invention is not limited to the means and arrangements described and illustrated herein, but it extends to any equivalent means and arrangements and to any technically operable combinations of such means.

Claims

1. a housing (2) closed by a closed outer lens (4), the housing (2) configured to accommodate, on the one hand, a lighting device including at least two lighting modules (6, 8) and, on the other hand, a signaling device including at least one light source (18), a first lighting module (6) of the at least two lighting modules (6, 8) being capable of generating a first lighting beam and a second lighting module (8) being capable of generating a second lighting beam, the first lighting beam being different from the second lighting beam, the two lighting beams being directed towards the closed outer lens (4) to contribute, via a first portion of the closed outer lens (4), a first lighting function with an upper cut-off and a second lighting function without an upper cut-off, respectively; the signaling device further comprising a light curtain (16), the light curtain (16) being arranged facing the at least one light source (18) such that light rays emitted by the at least one light source (18) can propagate therethrough; and disposed between the illumination modules (6, 8) and the occluded outer lens (4), the light curtain (16) comprising micro-optics (30) configured to decouple light rays emitted by the at least one light source (18) and direct them into a signal light beam towards the occluded outer lens (4) outside the light curtain (16) so as to generate a signal function via a second part of the occluded outer lens (4) that at least partially overlaps with the first part of the occluded outer lens (4), the micro-optics (30) comprising two different types of micro-optics (30), the first type of micro-optics (34) being disposed in a first zone (31) facing the first illumination module (6) so as to be located in a path of the first illumination light beam, and the second type of micro-optics (36) being disposed in a second zone (32) facing the second illumination module (8) so as to be located in a path of the second illumination light beam. A light emitting device (1) for an automobile vehicle.

2. 2. A lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the light curtain is formed by a sheet-like light guide.

3. 10. A lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first lighting module (6) contributes to providing a low beam function and the second lighting module (8) contributes to providing a high beam function.

4. 10. A light emitting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signalling device is configured to generate a direction indicator signal function, a daytime running light signal function or a position light signal function.

5. 10. A lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the micro-optics are formed on a first side (24) of the light curtain facing the lighting modules (6, 8).

6. 10. A lighting device (1) for an automotive vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the first type of micro-optics (34) is configured to create a diffusion effect on the light rays generated by the first lighting module (6) and on the light rays propagating within the light curtain.

7. 7. A light-emitting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that the micro-optics (34) of the first type each have a conical shape extending about an axis of rotation.

8. 10. A lighting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the second type of micro-optics (36) is configured to create a directional effect on the light beam generated by the second lighting module (8).

9. The lighting device (1) for an automotive vehicle as described in claim 8, characterized in that the second type of micro-optics (36) includes hybrid micro-optics (38), each of which has an overall prism shape and is capable of generating the directional effect on the light beam generated by the second lighting module, and a plurality of conical sections are arranged on the sides of the prism.

10. 10. A light emitting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signalling device comprises a plurality of light sources (18) arranged facing the edge of the light curtain (16).

11. 10. A light emitting device (1) for a motor vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signalling device comprises a collimator (22) arranged between the light source (18) and the light curtain (16).

12. 10. A lighting device (1) for an automotive vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each lighting module (6, 8) of the lighting device comprises a light source (12) and a reflector (14), the reflector (14) being arranged to reflect the luminous flux emitted by the light source (12) towards the closed outer lens (4) of the lighting device (1).

13. 10. A lighting device (1) for an automotive vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two first lighting modules (6) are arranged on either side of the second lighting module (8), and the first type of micro-optics (34) are arranged in two mutually distinct first zones (31a, 31b) arranged on either side of a second zone (32) in which the second type of micro-optics (36) are arranged.

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