Light engine, and light-emitting device for an automobile having at least one light engine and one light guide.
The light engine with dual outlets and symmetric light sources addresses uneven luminance in long light guides by maintaining consistent brightness and enabling animations, enhancing automotive lighting uniformity and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- VALEO VISION SA
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Long light guides in automotive lighting systems experience varying luminance values along their length, leading to uneven illumination and potential hotspots, especially in curved or angled portions, resulting in inconsistent light emission uniformity.
A light engine with two outlets and light sources positioned symmetrically to emit light into two segments of a light guide, ensuring constant luminance by shortening the illumination distance and allowing for continuous light emission animation.
The solution maintains consistent brightness along the entire illuminated portion of the light guide, supports light emission animations, and ensures uniform light transmission even in curved or angled sections by using guide sleeves for precise positioning and rigidity.
Smart Images
Figure 2026516721000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automotive lighting.
[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a light engine, a light emitting device having at least one light engine and one light guide, and an assembly comprising a plurality of light emitting devices.
[0003] The present invention is particularly applicable to automobiles, but is not limited thereto.
Background Art
[0004] Generally, automobiles are equipped with a plurality of lighting assemblies configured for automotive lighting and signaling. The lighting assemblies are most often arranged at the front and rear of the automobile.
[0005] According to the example shown in FIG. 1, the front part 10 of the automobile includes a bumper 12, a radiator grille 14, and a lighting assembly 20 incorporated in the radiator grille. The lighting device 30 includes two light emitting devices 300 each having a light engine 32 connected to a light source 34.
[0006] Each light engine 32 of the light emitting device 300 includes a light source 320 that emits light into the light guide 34. The light guide 34 is an optical component that can guide the light emitted by the light source 320 from the incident zone to the exit zone by total internal reflection of continuous light. The light guide 34 is, for example, in the shape of a tubular element.
[0007] Each light engine 32 of the lighting assembly 20 is arranged at the end of the radiator grille 14 in the transverse direction T of the reference frame LVT. The light guide 34 extends transversely in the radiator grille 14 so as to illuminate the radiator grille of the vehicle.
[0008] As shown in Figure 2, the light engine 32 comprises an electronically mounted section 324 on which the light source 320 is located, and a housing 326 having an outlet 330 for the light engine 32. As shown in Figure 2, the light engine 32 may also include a collimator 334 positioned between the light source 320 and the housing 326.
[0009] The light guide 34 comprises a segment 340 defined by a first end 240A connected to the light source 320 of the light engine 32 and a second end 340B located outside the light engine 32.
[0010] Segment 340 of the light guide 34 is divided into two parts, namely, - A connecting portion 342 located inside the light engine 32, the connecting portion 342 extending from the first end 340A of the segment 340 to the outlet 330 of the light engine 32, - An illumination section 344 located outside the light engine 32, the illumination section 344 extending from the outlet 330 of the light engine 32 to the second end 340B of the light engine 32, It has.
[0011] The two light-emitting devices 300 of the lighting assembly 30 are - The second ends 340B of the segments 340 meet each other to form a continuous linear single segment 340, and - The lighting assembly 30 is symmetrical with respect to a plane P2 that is parallel to the plane VL of the reference frame LVT and passes through the second end 240B of the segment 340 of the light guide 24. It is positioned.
[0012] Therefore, the two light engines 32 of the lighting assembly 20 can emit light within the segment 340 of the light guide 34, from the first end 340A to the second end 340B of the segment 340 of the light guide 34.
[0013] However, in the case of a very long light guide 34, for example, having a length exceeding 1 meter, the luminance value changes along the illuminated portion 344 of the segment 340 of the light guide 34. Specifically, the luminance value gradually decreases from the first end 340A of the segment 340, i.e., the point closest to the light source 320, towards the second end 340B of the segment 340, i.e., the point furthest from the light source 320. As a result, performing an illumination animation, for example, by scrolling the light along the illuminated portion 344 of the segment 340 of the light guide 34, can also result in a decrease in the luminance value of the light guide 34. Furthermore, if the segment 340 of the light guide 34 has a curved or angled portion, a hotspot is formed in the curved or angled portion, and then the luminance value changes unevenly, decreasing downstream of the curved or angled portion of the segment 340 of the light guide 34.
[0014] Therefore, in such a light-emitting device 300, if the light guide 34 is very long and / or has a non-linear shape and / or provides specific illumination, it is not possible to obtain a constant luminance value, i.e., constant light emission uniformity, over the entire illuminated portion 344 of the segment 340 of the light guide 34. [Overview of the project]
[0015] The present invention provides a solution to the above-mentioned problems by providing a light engine having a specific structure, and a light-emitting device comprising at least one light engine and one light guide.
[0016] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a light engine comprising at least one light source and at least one housing. The light engine comprises a first and second outlet, which are parallel or converging, and which are respectively located in the housing.
[0017] The light engine according to the present invention, by having two outlets, can connect two segments of a light guide and simultaneously emit light from these two segments.
[0018] Advantageously, the light engine comprises a first light source and a second light source, with the first and second outlets each extending to the first and second light sources, respectively.
[0019] Advantageously, the first light source is arranged to emit light rays toward the first exit, and the second light source is arranged to emit light rays toward the second exit.
[0020] For example, the first and second light sources of the light engine are positioned opposite each other at the first and second outlets of the light engine, respectively.
[0021] Advantageously, the first and second exits each extend to the first and second light sources, respectively.
[0022] Advantageously, the light engine comprises two identical structures arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry. Such a configuration of the light engine can simplify the manufacturing process, insofar as its manufacture only requires the duplication of identical elements in the two structures.
[0023] Advantageously, identical structures are interconnected or, in particular, fixed to each other to form a single unit. This makes it easier to grasp the light engine as an integrated unit, especially when mounting the light engine to a light source or lighting assembly.
[0024] Advantageously, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each identical structure of the light engine is - Light source and, - Light source mounting section, - A collimator positioned in front of the light source, A housing body incorporating a light passage outlet intended to receive a connection portion of a segment of a light guide, the housing body being arranged such that the passage outlet faces the outlet of the collimator, comprising.
[0025] Preferably, the light source is a light emitting diode.
[0026] A second aspect of the present invention is a light emitting device comprising at least one light guide and one light engine according to the first aspect of the present invention, - the light guide comprising at least one first segment and one second segment, each segment comprising, 〇 a first end, 〇 a connection portion extending from the first end to an intersection of the first segment and the second segment, 〇 an illumination portion extending from the intersection, comprising, - each of the first outlet and the second outlet of the light engine receiving at least a part of the connection portion of each of the first segment and the second segment of the light guide.
[0027] The light-emitting device according to the present invention has two outlets for the light engine, which allows the length of each segment of the light guide to be shortened. As a result, the illumination distance of each light engine is shortened, and a constant brightness value can be obtained along each illuminated portion of the light guide segment, i.e., up to the point furthest from the light engine. Furthermore, in such an illumination device, continuous light is ensured at the first and second outlets of the light engine in the illuminated portions of the first and second segments of the light guide, as the connecting portions of the light guide segments intersect. The proposed light-emitting device also has the advantage of achieving light emission animation by selectively and continuously turning on the light sources associated with the first and second segments of the light guide. It is also possible to change the luminous intensity of the light sources that cause brightness differences between various segments of the light guide, for example, with the aim of achieving light emission animation.
[0028] Advantageously, if the light engine comprises two identical structures arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry, the first and second segments of the light guide intersect such that the intersection of the first and second segments lies on the plane of symmetry of the light engine. In this way, the segments of the light guide curve in the same manner, ensuring the same optical equalization efficiency in these two segments and, consequently, uniform light transmission throughout the entire light guide.
[0029] Advantageously, the illumination portions of the first and second segments form a continuous line, thereby ensuring the continuous geometry of the illumination portions of the first and second segments of the light guide at their intersection.
[0030] Advantageously, the light-emitting device comprises a first guide sleeve and a second guide sleeve for the first and second segments of the light guide, the first and second guide sleeves receiving at least a portion of the connecting portion of the first and second segments of the light guide, respectively. This feature ensures the correct positioning of the connecting portion of the first and second segments of the light guide.
[0031] Advantageously, each of the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve is at least partially fitted into each of the first and second outlets of the light engine. In this way, the guide sleeves are held in place by being inserted into the outlets, so that fastening means for securing the sleeves to the light engine can be omitted.
[0032] For example, each guide sleeve extends from the first ends of the first and second segments of the light guide to the intersection of the first and second segments. This feature allows the light guide to be held in place substantially over the entire connection between the first and second segments of the light guide.
[0033] Advantageously, each guide sleeve is positioned between the intersection of the first and second outlets of the light engine and the first and second segments of the light guide. This feature allows each guide sleeve to be positioned outside the light engine.
[0034] Preferably, the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve converge. This feature ensures the correct positioning of the intersection point of the first and second segments of the light guide.
[0035] Advantageously, the first and second guide sleeves have higher rigidity than the light guide. This feature allows the first and second guide sleeves to guide the connection between the first and second segments of the light guide, and ensures the correct positioning of the intersection of the first and second segments of the light guide. Specifically, the rigidity of the guide sleeves imposes limitations on segment intersection; that is, a limit position is created where the segments cannot intersect any further. Generally, this limit position is located approximately close to the free end of the guide sleeve. Limiting intersection means that the curvature of the segments is limited. In other words, the radius of curvature of the segments depends in part on the rigidity of the guide sleeves. This adjusted radius of curvature minimizes light loss at this position by imposing refraction within the segments, particularly in the curved portions, ensuring good light propagation.
[0036] Advantageously, each of the first and second guide sleeves is made from a semi-rigid plastic material such as silicone.
[0037] Preferably, the first guide sleeve and the second guide sleeve are rigid to maintain their geometric shapes.
[0038] Preferably, the light guide comprises at least one optical fiber.
[0039] Advantageously, light guides are made of fiberglass or plastic.
[0040] Advantageously, the light guide is adjustable, allowing it to be easily deformed to form curved or angled sections. In other words, the light guide is flexible.
[0041] Preferably, the light engine is symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the light source of the light engine and passing through the intersection of the first and second segments of the light guide.
[0042] Advantageously, the first and second guide sleeves are symmetrical with respect to a plane perpendicular to the light source of the light engine and passing through the intersection of the first and second segments of the light guide.
[0043] Advantageously, the light-emitting device includes an electronic control unit configured to selectively and continuously manage the first light source and the second light source.
[0044] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a lighting assembly comprising two light-emitting devices according to the present invention, wherein the lighting portions of the second segments of the light guides are arranged to face each other in the same plane.
[0045] The lighting assembly according to the present invention, by having two light-emitting devices, can provide an extremely long light guide in which the luminance value remains constant along each illuminated portion of the light guide segment, i.e., up to the point furthest from the light engine.
[0046] According to one exemplary embodiment of the lighting assembly, the illuminating portions of the first and second segments of the light guide form a continuous line, thereby ensuring continuous light at their second ends in the illuminating portion of the second segment of the light guide.
[0047] According to a variation of the above-described exemplary embodiment of the lighting assembly, the illuminating portions of the first and second segments of the light guide are aligned with respect to each other, thereby ensuring the continuous geometry of the illuminating portion of the second segment of the light guide at their second ends.
[0048] According to another exemplary embodiment of the lighting assembly, the second ends of the second segments of the light guide are spaced apart from each other.
[0049] According to one particular embodiment of the lighting assembly, the second end of the second segment of the light guide is matched to form an identical second segment that is in the shape of a continuous line extending from the first end of the first segment to the first end of the second segment.
[0050] Advantageously, the lighting assembly is symmetrical with respect to a plane passing through the second end of the second segment of the light guide.
[0051] The present invention and its various applications will be better understood by carefully examining the attached drawings while reading the following description.
[0052] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from reading the following description shown in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0053] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overhead perspective view of the front of an automobile having a lighting assembly with two conventional light-emitting devices, as previously described. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic view from above of a lighting assembly equipped with three conventional light-emitting devices, as previously described. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic view from above of a light-emitting device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic view from above of a light-emitting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic overhead view of a lighting assembly comprising two light-emitting devices according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0054] One exemplary embodiment of the light-emitting device according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This example illustrates the features and advantages of the present invention.
[0055] Unless otherwise specified, identical elements in different drawings shall be given a single reference numeral.
[0056] To understand the present invention, vertical, longitudinal, and transverse orientations are employed by the illustrated reference frames L, V, and T. Their longitudinal axis L and axial axis V extend in the horizontal plane. The orientation is along the longitudinal axis L of the reference frame LVT, from the rear of the light-emitting device toward the front of the light-emitting device.
[0057] Figures 3 and 4 show a light-emitting device 200 equipped with a light engine 22 connected to a light guide 24, respectively. Figure 3 shows the light-emitting device 200 according to the first embodiment, and Figure 4 shows the light-emitting device 200 according to the second embodiment.
[0058] Each light engine 22 of the light-emitting device 200 according to the first and second embodiments is: - A first light source 220 and a second light source 222 that emit light into the light guide 24, - The electronically mounted portion 224 on which the first light source 220 and the second light source 222 are arranged, - A first housing 226 or housing body and a second housing 228 or housing body are arranged facing each of the first light source 220 and the second light source 222, - First outlets 230 and second outlets 232 arranged parallel or converged within the first housing 226 and the second housing 228, the first outlets 230 and second outlets 232 facing the first light source 220 and the second light source 222, respectively, It is equipped with.
[0059] According to some embodiments of the light engine 22 of the light-emitting device 200 shown in Figures 3 and 4, the light engine 22 includes a first collimator 234 and a second collimator 236, respectively, positioned between the first light source 220 and the second light source 222 and the second housing 226 and the second housing 228.
[0060] Specifically, in the illustrated exemplary embodiments, each of the light engines 22 in Figures 3 and 4 comprises two identical structures 201 and 202, referred to as the first structure 201 and the second structure 202. These structures are arranged side by side and fixed to each other to form a single unit.
[0061] In other words, the two structures 201 and 202 of the light engine 22 are symmetrical with respect to the plane of symmetry P1. That is, a certain element in one of the two structures has an equivalent in the other structure, and that element and its corresponding element are located on each side of the plane of symmetry P1 and are equally spaced from this plane P1. This symmetrical arrangement forms a standard unit that can be applied to various usage situations.
[0062] According to some embodiments (not shown) of the light engine 22 of the light-emitting device 200, the first housing 226 and the second housing 228 are fitted together to form the same part comprising the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 of the light engine 22.
[0063] Each of structures 201 or 202 is: - Light source 220 or 222, - Light source mounting section 224, - Collimator 234 or 236 positioned in front of the light source, - A housing or housing body 226 or 228 connected to a collimator and incorporating optical path exits 230, 232, wherein the housing body is positioned so that the path exits face the exits of the collimator, It is equipped with.
[0064] In the illustrated example, structures 201 and 202 are arranged side by side, so the same mounting portion 224 is shared for the light source.
[0065] Advantageously, each of the first light source 220 and the second light source 222 is a light-emitting diode.
[0066] The light guide 24 is, for example, in the shape of a tubular element. The cross-section of the tubular element may have various shapes and / or its size may vary along the light guide 24 in the lateral direction T.
[0067] The light guide 24 may consist of an assembly of glass fiber, plastic fiber, or at least one optical fiber enclosed in a sheath. The glass fiber may, for example, have one end overmolded with a plastic material or be bonded with an adhesive. The plastic fiber may be made from a transparent plastic material such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
[0068] The light guide 24 is adjustable; that is, it is a flexible component that can be easily deformed to change its geometric shape. This allows for the formation of various predetermined curved portions or portions with different angles between the first end 240A and the second end 250A of the light guide 24.
[0069] The light guide 24 comprises a first segment 240 and a second segment 250. Each of these segments is defined by first ends 240A, 250A, which are located on the light engine 22 and connected to the first light source 220 and the second light source 222, respectively, and second ends 240B, 250B, which are located outside the light engine 22.
[0070] The first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 intersect such that an intersection point I is formed between the first segment 240 and the second segment 250. This intersection point is located near the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 of the light engine 22.
[0071] Advantageously, if the light guide 24 has at least one curved or angled portion, the intersection I of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 is located on the curve or angle of the light guide 24. This feature makes it possible to obtain a constant luminance value along each of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24, particularly in the curved or angled portion of the light guide 24.
[0072] Advantageously, the light engine 22 of the light-emitting device 200 is symmetric with respect to a plane of symmetry P1 that is perpendicular to the electronically mounted part 224 of the light engine 22 and passes through the intersection point I of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24.
[0073] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, each of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 consists of only two parts, namely, - Connecting portions 242, 252 extending from the first ends 240A, 250A of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 to intersection I, - Illumination sections 244, 254 extending from intersection I to the second ends 240B, 250B of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250, It is equipped with.
[0074] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the connecting portions 242 and 252 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 pass through the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 of the light engine 22, respectively. Furthermore, the illuminated portions 244 and 254 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 form a continuous line. This ensures the continuous geometry of the illuminated portions 244 and 254 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 at the intersection I.
[0075] The light-emitting device 200 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3 includes a light engine 22. In the light engine 22, the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 are parallel to each other. Each of the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The main axes A1 and A2 of the holes pass through the first housing 226 and the second housing 228, respectively. The first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 are said to be parallel if the main axes A1 and A2 are parallel to each other.
[0076] Furthermore, the light-emitting device 200 according to this first embodiment includes a first guide sleeve 26 and a second guide sleeve 28 for the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24. The first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 receive at least a portion of the connection portions 242 and 252 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24, thereby ensuring the correct positioning of the connection portions 242 and 252 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24, and the correct positioning of the intersection point I.
[0077] In the example shown in Figure 3, each guide sleeve 26, 28 extends from the first ends 240A, 250A of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 to the upstream of the intersection I of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24. In this example, the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 pass through the first outlet 226 and the second outlet 228 of the light engine 22, respectively.
[0078] In another example (not shown), each guide sleeve 26, 28 is positioned between the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 of the light engine 22 and upstream of the intersection I of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24. In this example, each of the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 is positioned outside and downstream of the light engine 22.
[0079] The intersection I of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 is not covered by the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28. This results in a continuous line of light formed by the illuminated portions 244 and 254 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 of the light-emitting device 200, namely, a continuous line of light extending from the second end 240B of the first segment 240 to the second end 250B of the second segment 250 of the light guide 24.
[0080] As shown in Figure 3, the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 converge. Advantageously, each of the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 has a curve such that the concave side is oriented toward the second guide sleeve 28 or the first guide sleeve 26, respectively.
[0081] Advantageously, the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 are symmetrical with respect to the plane P1.
[0082] Advantageously, the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 have higher rigidity than the light guide 24. This allows the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 to guide the connection portions 242 and 252 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24, and ensures the correct positioning of the intersection point I between the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24.
[0083] Each of the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 is made from a semi-rigid plastic material such as silicone.
[0084] The first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 may be rigid, i.e., immovable, in order to maintain their geometric shapes.
[0085] The light-emitting device 200 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 4 includes a light engine 22. In the light engine 22, a first outlet 230 and a second outlet 232 converge. Each of the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The main axes A1 and A2 of the holes pass through the first housing 226 and the second housing 228, respectively. The outlets converge when the main axes P1 and P2 intersect at point P located downstream of the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232. In this embodiment, each of the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 of the light engine 22 extends upstream of the intersection I of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24. The purpose of this is to ensure the correct positioning of the connection portions 242 and 252 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24, and the correct positioning of the intersection I. In other words, the convergence of exits 230 and 232 causes the segments to intersect in such a way that lossless propagation of light within the segments is ensured.
[0086] The intersection I of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 is not covered by the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 of the light engine 22. This results in a continuous line of light formed by the illuminated portions 244, 254 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 of the light emitter 200, namely, a continuous line of light extending from the second end 240B of the first segment 240 to the second end 250B of the second segment 250 of the light guide 24.
[0087] In the second embodiment of the light-emitting device 200, the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 of the first embodiment are replaced by a first outlet 230 and a second outlet 232 where the light engine 22 converges.
[0088] A third embodiment of the light-emitting device 200, not shown, is a combination of the first and second embodiments of the light-emitting device 200. Accordingly, such a light-emitting device 200 includes a light engine 22, into which the first outlet 230 and the second outlet 232 converge, in combination with the first guide sleeve 26 and the second guide sleeve 28 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24.
[0089] It is useful to reiterate the common points of the three embodiments described above. Specifically, in the light engines proposed in the three embodiments, separate, i.e., distinct segments that form part of an element called a light guide are able to cross. When segments cross (or intersect), it means that the segments overlap at an arbitrary point, in this example at intersection I, and for each segment, the light outlet that receives the segment and the second end of the segment are on opposite sides of the plane of symmetry P1. In other words, the segment that receives light from a light source located to the right of the light engine, in this example segment 240 and light source 220, will have its illuminated portion 244 on the left side of the light engine. The terms "left" and "right" are defined, for example, with respect to Figure 3 or Figure 4.
[0090] Figure 5 shows a lighting assembly 20 configured to be positioned in the front of the automobile 10, particularly in the vehicle's radiator grille 14. The lighting assembly 20 comprises two light-emitting devices 200 according to the exemplary embodiment 30 shown in Figure 3. Naturally, the light-emitting device 200 shown in Figure 4 can also be used in place of or in combination with the example shown in Figure 3.
[0091] Each light engine 22 of the lighting assembly 20 is positioned at one end of the radiator grille 14 in the lateral direction T. The light guide 24 extends laterally across the radiator grille 14 to illuminate the radiator grille 14 of the vehicle.
[0092] As shown in Figure 5, the two light-emitting devices 200 of the lighting assembly 20 are - The first segment 240 of the light guide 24 forms a lateral segment, and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 forms an intermediate segment positioned between the first light engine 22 and the second light engine 22. - The second end 240B of the first segment 240 of the light guide 24 forms a free end that is positioned close to one of the ends of the radiator grille 14 of the automobile. - The second end 250B of the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 is interconnected and positioned substantially in the center of the radiator grille 14 of the vehicle in the lateral direction T. - The illuminated portion 244 of the first segment 240 of the light guide 24 extends laterally to the end of the radiator grille 14 of the automobile, and - The illuminating portions 254 of the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 are arranged facing each other in the same plane parallel to the plane LT of the reference frame LVT. It will be placed.
[0093] Figure 5 shows a lighting assembly 20 comprising two light-emitting devices 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In a modified example (not shown), the lighting assembly 20 comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.
[0094] The connecting portions 242, 252 of the first and second segments 250 of the light guide 24 do not provide illumination visible from the outside of the vehicle, in contrast to the lighting portions 244, 254 that illuminate the radiator grille 14 of the vehicle.
[0095] According to the exemplary embodiment of the lighting assembly 20 shown in Figure 5, the illuminated portions 254 of the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 are aligned with each other and form a continuous line, thereby creating a continuous line of light formed by the illuminated portions 244, 254 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 of the lighting assembly, i.e., a continuous line of light extending from the second end 240B of the first segment 240 of one of the two light-emitting devices 200 to the second end 240B of the first segment 240 of the other of the two light-emitting devices 200.
[0096] According to another exemplary embodiment (not shown) of the lighting assembly 20, the second ends of the second segments of the light guide are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction.
[0097] Advantageously, the lighting assembly 20 is symmetrical with respect to a plane P2 parallel to the plane VL of the reference frame LVT and passing through the second end 250B of the second segment 250 of the light guide 24.
[0098] According to a particular embodiment of the lighting assembly 20, as shown in Figure 5, the second ends 250B of the second segments 250 of the two light-emitting devices 200 of the lighting assembly 20 are joined to form the same second segment having the same illuminating portion 252. Such a light guide 24 of the lighting assembly 20 comprises three distinct segments, namely two first segments 240 and a single second segment 250 interconnecting the first light engine 22 and the second light engine 22. In this configuration, the emission of light into the second segment 250 of the light guide 24 can be controlled by each of the two light engines 22.
[0099] According to another embodiment of the lighting assembly 20 (not shown), the second ends 250B of the second segments 250 of the two light-emitting devices 200 of the lighting assembly 20 form two separate second segments 250. Each of these illuminating portions 254 is independent of the others. Such a light guide 24 of the lighting assembly 20 comprises four separate segments, namely two first segments 240 and two second segments 250, each connected to a single light engine 22. In this configuration, the emission of light to each of the second segments 250 of the light guide 24 is controlled by a single light engine 22.
[0100] With the light-emitting device 200 according to the present invention, the effect of reducing the brightness value of the light guide 24 can be limited by shortening the distance that each of the first light source 220 and the second light source 222 should illuminate. Furthermore, with this configuration of the light-emitting device 200, the light emitted from each of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 can be controlled by the same light engine 22. This allows for the implementation of light emission animations in the illuminated portions 244 and 254 of the first segment 240 and the second segment 250 of the light guide 24, for example, selectively and sequentially turning on the light sources 220 and 222 associated with the first segment 240 and the second segment 250, and also allows for the presence of curved or angled portions in the light guide 24, while maintaining a constant brightness value along the light guide 24.
Claims
1. A light engine (22) comprising at least one light source (220, 222) and at least one housing (226, 228), A light engine (22) characterized by comprising a first outlet (230) and a second outlet (232) that are parallel or converged, the first outlet (230) and the second outlet (232) being respectively located in the housing (226, 228).
2. - The light engine (22) comprises a first light source (220) and a second light source (222), - The first light source (220) is arranged to emit light rays toward the first exit (230), - The second light source (222) is arranged to emit light rays toward the second exit (232), The light engine (22) according to feature 1.
3. A light engine (22) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising two identical structures (201, 202) arranged side by side symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry (P1).
4. The light engine (22) according to claim 3, characterized in that the structures are interconnected to form a single unit.
5. Each structure (201) is: - Light source (220, 222), - Light source mounting section (224), - Collimators (234, 236) positioned in front of the light source, - A housing body (226, 228) incorporating light passage exits (230, 232) intended to receive the connecting portions (242, 252) of the segments (240, 250) of a light guide (24), wherein the light passage exits are positioned to face the exit of the collimator, The light engine (22) according to claim 4, characterized by comprising the above.
6. A light-emitting device (200) comprising at least one light guide (24) and one light engine (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, - The light guide (24) comprises at least one first segment (240) and one second segment (250), Each segment is 〇First end (240A, 250A) and, 〇A connecting portion (242, 252) extending from the first end (240A, 250A) to the intersection (I) of the first segment (240) and the second segment (250), The device comprises: - A light-emitting device (200) wherein each of the first outlet (230) and the second outlet (232) of the light engine (22) receives at least a portion of the connecting portions (242, 252) of the first segment (240) and the second segment (250) of the light guide (24).
7. The first segment (240) and the second segment (250) of the light guide (24) intersect such that the intersection point (I) of the first segment (240) and the second segment (250) lies on the plane of symmetry (P1) of the light engine (22). A light-emitting device (200) according to claim 6, in combination with one of claims 3 to 5.
8. The light-emitting device (200) according to claim 3, characterized in that the illuminated portions (244, 254) of the first segment (240) and the second segment (250) form a continuous line.
9. The light-emitting device (200) according to claim 3 or 4, comprising a first guide sleeve (26) and a second guide sleeve (28) for the first segment (240) and the second segment (250) of the light guide (24), wherein the first guide sleeve (26) and the second guide sleeve (28) receive at least a portion of the connecting portions (242, 252) of the first segment (240) and the second segment (250) of the light guide (24).
10. The light-emitting device (200) according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the first guide sleeve (26) and the second guide sleeve (28) is at least partially fitted to each of the first outlet (226) and the second outlet (228) of the light engine (22).
11. The light-emitting device (200) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first guide sleeve (26) and the second guide sleeve (28) have higher rigidity than the light guide 24.
12. The light-emitting device (200) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the light guide (24) comprises at least one optical fiber.
13. The light-emitting device (200) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the light guide (24) is adjustable.
14. The light-emitting device (200) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, further comprising an electronic control unit configured to selectively and continuously manage the first light source (220) and the second light source (222).
15. Lighting assembly (20), - The lighting assembly (20) comprises two light-emitting devices (200) according to any of claims 3 to 9, - The illumination portions (254) of the second segment (250) of the light guide (24) are arranged to face each other in the same plane. A lighting assembly (20) characterized by the following:
16. The lighting assembly (20) according to claim 10, characterized in that the lighting portions (254) of the second segment (250) of the light guide (24) are aligned with each other.