Optical unit for a motor vehicle and light module comprising a plurality of stacked optical units

Abstract

The invention relates to an optical unit (8) for a motor vehicle, which optical unit comprises an optical part (30) comprising a light entrance face (21), a light exit face (22), and a body extending along an optical axis (28) of the optical part (30) between the light entrance face (21) and the light exit face (22), the body comprising a flat face (20) parallel to the optical axis (28) of the optical part (30), and a transverse face (24) contiguous to the flat face (20) so as to form a cut-off edge (20.1) passing through an object focal point (F) of the optical part (30), and a complementary optical part (32) with an optical axis (38) that is inclined with respect to the optical axis (28) of the optical part (30) and that passes through the object focal point (F) of the optical part (30) or the transverse face.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: OPTICAL UNIT FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND LIGHTING MODULE COMPRISING MULTIPLE SUPERIMPOSED OPTICAL UNITS

[0003] technical field

[0004]

[0001] The invention relates to the field of lighting and signaling for motor vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to an optical unit comprising an optical element with a cutting edge and forming a cavity for receiving a complementary optical element. The invention also relates to an optical system comprising such an optical unit, as well as a light module comprising several superimposed optical systems.

[0005] Previous technique

[0006] [2] The published patent document FR 2 858 042 A1 discloses an automotive lighting module producing a cutoff beam by means, essentially, of a light source illuminating perpendicularly to the optical axis, an elliptical collector reflecting the rays from the light source towards a focal point, a reflective surface with a cutoff edge for the rays reflected at said focal point, and a projection lens, thus forming a cutoff beam corresponding to an automotive lighting function known as "low beam". The reflective surface with the cutoff edge is made of a transparent optical material.This component features a spherical lower surface forming a diopter that receives light rays emitted by a second light source and reflected by a second elliptical collector. These rays form a beam of light that is added to the cutoff beam, providing a "road" lighting function for automobiles. The collector and projection lens can be replaced by a transparent optical component, which then no longer has a spherical lower surface forming an entry diopter for light rays emitted by a second light source. This variant also requires the application of a reflective coating to certain surfaces of the optical component because the angles of incidence of the light are such that total internal reflection is not possible everywhere it is needed.In summary, the lighting module in this teaching is rather bulky and not suitable for being replicated in several assemblies arranged side-by-side. [3] However, certain automotive body designs impose particular constraints on headlights and therefore on the lighting modules that constitute them, notably configurations where the headlight is elongated along a predominantly vertical main direction, with an outward and upward tilt, and a backward and upward tilt.

[0007] Description of the invention

[0008] [4] The invention aims to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. More particularly, the invention aims to provide a compact light unit that can be used in an optical system. According to the invention, the optical system can be replicated, so that several optical systems can be arranged in close succession along a predominantly vertical direction to form a light module.

[0009] [5] The invention relates to an optical unit for a motor vehicle, comprising

[0010] - an optical part made of transparent or translucent material, comprising a light inlet face intended to be positioned opposite a light source, a light outlet face, opposite the inlet face, and a body extending between the light inlet face and the light outlet face along an optical axis of the optical part; notable in that the body comprises a flat face parallel to the optical axis of the optical part and a face transverse to said optical axis and contiguous to the flat face so as to form a cutting edge passing through an object focus of the optical part, and a cavity suitable for receiving a complementary optical part with an optical axis inclined with respect to the optical axis of the optical part and passing through the object focus of said optical part or the transverse face.

[0011] [6] Thanks to the shape of the cut edge, formed by the intersection of the flat face and the transverse face, it is possible to free up space beneath the optical element so that a complementary optical element can be housed there. Thus, it is possible to implement at least part of a first lighting function, for example with a horizontal cut at the top, and at least part of a second lighting or signaling function using the complementary optical element. The shape of the optical element therefore allows for a compact optical unit, which can form at least part of a lighting function. Furthermore, as will be seen later, it is also possible to stack several optical units.

[0012] [7] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transverse face is a curved surface formed by a generatrix perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical part along a U-shaped profile whose opening is directed towards the exit face.

[0013] [8] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the body of the optical part comprises, along the optical axis of said optical part, a first portion of circular cross-section and diverging longitudinal cross-section, comprising the entrance face forming a hollow, a straight portion comprising the flat face and a portion of larger cross-section comprising the transverse face and the exit face forming a convex surface.

[0014] [9] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the body of the optical part comprises on at least one of two lateral faces at least one hollow and / or at least one boss forming means for fixing the optical part to a support.

[0015]

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical unit comprises the complementary optical part, the optical axis of said complementary optical part passing through the object focal point of the optical part or the transverse face and being inclined with respect to the optical axis of the optical part at an angle preferably between 10° and 30°. Thus, the optical unit can perform at least part of a first lighting function, for example with a top horizontal cutoff, using the optical part, and at least part of a second lighting or signaling function using the complementary optical part, while maintaining a limited footprint.

[0016]

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the complementary optical element comprises an image focus located at the object focus of the optical element. In particular, the complementary optical element may comprise an object focus configured to be occupied by a complementary light source. The image of the complementary light source formed by the complementary optical element is thus formed at the image focus of the complementary optical element, that is, at the object focus of the optical element. The optical element therefore allows both the projection of light from the optical element through its entrance face and the projection of light from the complementary optical element.

[0017]

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the transverse face is configured to receive light rays from the complementary optical part.

[0018]

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the complementary optical element comprises a lens or a collection element. A collection element is understood to be an optical element configured to receive and reflect light rays emitted by a complementary light source associated with the complementary optical element in a convergent manner. Thus, the light rays exiting the collection element are convergent. For example, the collection element can direct the light rays emitted by a complementary light source associated with the complementary optical element toward the image focus of the complementary optical element.

[0019]

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical part and the complementary optical part are made of material.

[0020]

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the complementary optical element comprises a portion located above the optical axis of the optical element. Thus, a portion of the light emitted by a complementary light source is directed into the optical element, above the flat face, thereby improving the projected light beam. In particular, if the complementary optical element emits a complementary light beam that supplements the light beam emitted by the optical element, thereby contributing to the same lighting function, then the homogeneity of the overall light beam resulting from the superposition of the complementary light beam and the light beam emitted by the optical element is improved. Furthermore, the efficiency of the complementary optical element is enhanced. In other words, this maximizes the luminous flux from the complementary light source that is projected into the complementary light beam.

[0021]

[0016] The invention also relates to an optical system for a motor vehicle.

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system comprises:

[0023] - an optical unit according to the invention, and in particular devoid of the complementary optical part; - a light source arranged opposite the entrance face of the optical part;

[0024] - a plate supporting the light source.

[0025]

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system for motor vehicles comprises

[0026] - an optical unit according to the invention provided with a complementary optical part;

[0027] - a light source positioned opposite the entrance face of the optical part;

[0028] - at least one additional light source associated with the additional optical component;

[0029] - a plate supporting the light source and said at least one additional light source.

[0030]

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system comprises several complementary light sources distributed transversely to the optical axis of said complementary optical element and individually activatable so as to laterally modulate a light beam produced by these complementary light sources. In particular, each complementary light source can form a selectively activatable light segment within the produced light beam, the light segments being juxtaposed. By selectively activating the complementary light sources, it is possible to selectively turn on or off each of the segments thus forming the produced light beam.

[0031]

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the complementary light source(s) are arranged at the object focal point of the complementary optical part. Thus, when the image focal point of the complementary optical part is arranged on the object focal point of the optical part, the image of each of the complementary light sources is formed at the object focal point of the optical part.

[0032]

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system is configured to produce, with the optical part only, all or part of a top horizontal cutoff lighting beam, for example a crossover beam.

[0033]

[0021] For example, the optical system can be configured to produce, with the optical part only, a lighting beam whose geometric shape and light distribution correspond to that of a dipped beam, but whose luminous intensity is too low to reach the luminous intensity of a dipped beam required by the regulations in force.

[0034]

[0022] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical system is configured to produce, with the complementary optical part only, all or part of a lighting beam without upper horizontal cutoff, such as a complementary road beam, or a signaling beam.

[0035]

[0023] For example, the optical system can be configured to produce, with the additional optical component only, a lighting beam whose geometric shape and light distribution correspond to those of a supplementary high beam, but whose luminous intensity is too low to reach the luminous intensity of a supplementary high beam required by current regulations. A supplementary high beam is defined as a beam which, when combined with a low beam, forms a high beam.

[0036]

[0024] The signaling beam can be, for example, a daytime running light, a change of direction indicator light, a position light.

[0037]

[0025] The invention also relates to a light module for a motor vehicle, comprising several optical systems according to the invention, arranged one above the other along a predominantly vertical main direction when the module is in the normal mounting position on the motor vehicle; the plates of the optical systems forming a single plate called the common plate and extending along the main direction.

[0038]

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light module further comprises a support extending along the main direction and laterally on either side of the optical units and the common plate, and engaging with the optical parts of said optical units and said plate.

[0039]

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the optical systems are configured to produce together, using only the optical components, a beam of light with a horizontal cutoff. In particular, the beam of light with a horizontal cutoff is a standard beam with a horizontal cutoff, such as a dipped beam.

[0040]

[0028] The superposition of optical systems is therefore particularly advantageous when the individual optical components of the optical systems do not allow for obtaining a lighting beam with a regulatory upper horizontal cutoff. Indeed, thanks to the superposition of the optical systems, and thus thanks to the superposition of the light beams formed by the optical components of the optical systems, it is possible to obtain a lighting beam with a regulatory upper horizontal cutoff.

[0041]

[0029] It will be understood that this example does not exclude the possibility that the optical component of each optical system, considered individually, could produce a lighting beam with a regulatory upper horizontal cutoff. The superposition of the optical systems then makes it possible to increase the intensity of the final beam formed.

[0042]

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, when the light module comprises several optical systems with a complementary optical component, the complementary optical systems are configured to produce together, with the complementary optical components only, a lighting beam without an upper horizontal cutoff or a signaling beam. In particular, the lighting beam without an upper horizontal cutoff may be a regulatory lighting beam without an upper horizontal cutoff, such as a supplementary road beam.

[0043]

[0031] The superposition of optical systems is therefore particularly advantageous when the complementary optical components of the optical systems, taken individually, do not allow for obtaining a lighting beam without a regulatory upper horizontal cutoff. Indeed, thanks to the superposition of the optical systems, and thus thanks to the superposition of the light beams formed by the complementary optical components of the optical systems, it is possible to obtain a lighting beam without a regulatory upper horizontal cutoff. In particular, when the lighting beam without an upper horizontal cutoff is a supplementary high beam, it will be understood that the supplementary high beam is considered regulatory if, when combined with a regulatory low beam, it forms a regulatory high beam.

[0044]

[0032] The signaling beam may be, for example, a daytime running light, a turn signal, or a position light.

[0033] It will be understood that this example does not preclude the possibility that the complementary optical component of each optical system, considered individually, may allow for obtaining a lighting beam without the required upper horizontal cutoff. The superposition of the optical systems then makes it possible to increase the intensity of the final beam formed.

[0045]

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, when several optical systems of the light module comprise several light sources distributed transversely to the optical axis of said complementary optical element and individually activatable so as to laterally modulate a light beam produced by these complementary light sources, the complementary light sources associated with the complementary optical element of each of said several optical systems are offset transversely with respect to the complementary light sources of at least one other of said several optical systems. Since each complementary source makes it possible to create a segment in the light beam formed, this arrangement of the complementary light sources of the different optical systems makes it possible to interlace the segments produced by one light system with the segments produced by the other light systems.

[0046]

[0035] The measures of the invention are advantageous in that they make it possible to create a compact optical unit capable of producing, alone or in combination with other identical or similar optical units, a compliant horizontal cutoff beam. In particular, this optical unit can be combined with other identical or similar optical units by superimposing them along a predominantly vertical principal direction. The position of the light-entry face of the optical element, at the rear of said optical element, is advantageous in that it allows for the provision of light sources from several identical or similar superimposed optical systems on the same mounting plate, thus advantageously extending along the predominantly vertical principal direction.In other words, the optical unit according to the invention can advantageously be combined with other identical or similar optical units, particularly to create a light module extending along a predominantly vertical direction. Furthermore, the optical unit according to the invention may include a complementary optical component producing a supplementary light beam exiting, for example, from the upper half of the output face. This supplementary beam can complement the upper horizontal cutoff beam formed by the optical component of the optical unit to produce an uncutoff light beam. Alternatively, the supplementary light beam formed by the complementary optical component can also be a signaling beam.

[0047] Brief description of the drawings

[0048]

[0036] [Fig 1 ] Figure 1 is a front view of a motor vehicle projector;

[0049] [Fig 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the projector of Figure 1, where however the transparent glass and the housing, visible in Figure 1, are removed, showing a light module according to the invention comprising a plurality of optical systems according to the invention;

[0050] [Fig 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the functional surfaces of an optical unit of an optical system of the light module of Figure 2, according to the invention;

[0051] [Fig 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an optical system comprising an optical unit according to a first variant;

[0052] [Fig 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an optical system comprising an optical unit according to a second variant;

[0053] [Fig 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an optical system comprising an optical unit according to a third variant;

[0054] [Fig 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example realization of the optical unit of Figure 3;

[0055] [Fig 8] Figure 8 is a view from another perspective of the optical unit of Figure 7.

[0056] Detailed description

[0057]

[0037] In the description that follows, the notions of relative position, as expressed in particular by the terms "front", "rear", "lateral", "superior", "inferior", are to be understood according to a principal direction of propagation of light along an optical axis of the device in question, when the latter is in normal and operational mounting position on the motor vehicle, as illustrated in figures 1 to 6.

[0058]

[0038] Figure 1 is a front view of a headlight 2 for a motor vehicle.

[0039] The headlight 2 comprises a lens 4 with, essentially, side walls 4.1, preferably opaque, and a front wall 4.2 with a transparent window. The headlight 2 also comprises a housing having an opening closed by the lens 4. A light module 12 is disposed within the volume delimited by the housing and the lens 4. As will be seen in more detail later, the light module 12 comprises optical systems that include optical units 8 and a common plate 14', notably visible in Figure 2. The lens 4 thus forms a cover over the light module 12, and more particularly over the optical systems and the optical units 8, disposed within the headlight 2.

[0059]

[0040] It can be observed that the projector 2, more specifically the lens 4, extends along a principal direction 6 that is predominantly vertical, although in this case it is inclined upwards and laterally outwards at an angle α with respect to the vertical. This angle α can be between 20° and 40°, and in particular it can be on the order of 30°. In this case, the projector 2 is a left-hand projector of the motor vehicle, meaning that its inclination α is indeed upwards and outwards, laterally to the vehicle in question, when the projector is mounted on the vehicle in its normal mounting position.

[0060]

[0041] Figure 2 is a side view of the projector 2 of Figure 1, where however the glass 4 and the housing have been removed, revealing the interior of the projector 2. A light module 12 comprising several optical systems 3 superimposed one above the other along the main direction 6 can thus be observed.

[0061]

[0042] Each optical system 3 comprises at least one optical unit 8 and a light source associated with the optical unit 8 (not visible in Figure 2). In Figure 2, several optical systems can be seen, and in particular, several optical units 8, in this case five, arranged one above the other along the principal direction 6, which in this case has an upward and backward inclination of an angle [3. This angle can be between 10° and 30°, and in particular be on the order of 20°.

[0062]

[0043] Each of the optical units 8 is oriented along an axis parallel to the optical axis 10 of the Ilumineux12 module.

[0063]

[0044] The light module 12 also includes a common plate 14' supporting the light sources, and where applicable the complementary (non-visible) light sources of the various optical systems 3. As will be seen later, each optical system has a plate 14. The plates 14 of the optical systems 3 form a single plate corresponding to the common plate 14'. The common plate 14' extends along the principal direction 6.

[0064]

[0045] The light module 12 also includes a heat sink 16 disposed against the common plate 14', in this case against a face of the common plate 14' opposite to that supporting the light sources, and where applicable the complementary light sources, and configured to dissipate the heat produced by the light sources in question.

[0065]

[0046] The light module 12 may also include a support 17, schematically represented, for the optical units 8. This support engages with the common plate 14' and the heat sink 16, so as to ensure a fixed and precise positioning of each of the optical units 8 relative to the plate 14 and, consequently, of each other. The support 17 also ensures the correct positioning of the light sources and any additional light sources of the optical systems 8 relative to the optical units 8.

[0066]

[0047] Figure 3 is a perspective view of one of the optical units 8 of the light module 12 of Figure 2 and of a light source 26 associated with the optical unit 8. The optical unit 8 comprises an optical part 30. In this figure, only functional faces or surfaces of the optical part 30 are shown.

[0067]

[0048] The functional faces or surfaces in question of the optical part 30 include a flat face 20 extending parallel to the optical axis 28 of the optical part, a transverse face 24 extending transversely to the optical axis 28 and contiguous to the flat face 20, as well as a cutting edge 20.1 formed by the intersection of the flat face 20 and the transverse face 24.

[0068]

[0049] The functional surfaces of the optical part also include an inlet face 21 through which the light rays emitted by the light source 26 enter the optical part 30, an outlet face 22 through which the light rays transmitted by the optical part 30 exit the optical part 30 and an elliptical surface 18 allowing the rays emitted by the light source 26 to be reflected within the optical part 30.

[0050] The elliptical surface 18 is a reflecting surface for the rays emitted by the light source 26, so as to make these emitted light rays converge towards an object focus F of the optical part 30, this object focus F of the optical part 30 being located on the cutting edge 20.1.

[0069]

[0051] The flat face 20, comprising the cutting edge 20.1 and is located directly behind said cutting edge 20.1. It serves as a "bender" for the light rays that are incident on this face near the cutting edge 20.1.

[0070]

[0052] The exit face 22 is curved so as to form a light beam exit diopter capable of refracting the light beams in order to project them along an optical axis 28 of the optical part 30.

[0071]

[0053] The flat face 20 and the transverse face 24 form a cavity arranged under the flat or "folding" face 20 and directly behind the transverse face 24.

[0072]

[0054] As illustrated in particular in Figures 4 to 6, and according to a first, second, and third variant respectively, the light unit 8 may also include, in addition to the optical element 30, a complementary optical element 32, 132, 232. The cavity can then receive the complementary optical element 32, 132, 232. When a complementary optical element 32, 132, 232 is positioned in the cavity, the transverse face 24 then forms an entrance diopter for light rays coming from the complementary optical element 32, 132, 232. The transverse face 24 can thus also be called the complementary entrance face. Examples of complementary optical elements 32, 132, 232 are illustrated in Figures 4 to 6.

[0073]

[0055] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an optical system 3 comprising an optical unit 8 according to a first variant.

[0074]

[0056] This optical system 3 comprises an optical unit 8, as well as a plate 14 on which are arranged light sources 26 and complementary light sources 34.

[0075]

[0057] The optical unit 8 comprises the optical part 30 of Figure 3 and a complementary optical part 32. Thus, this first variant of the optical unit 8 differs from the optical unit 8 illustrated in Figure 3 only by the addition of the complementary optical part 32.

[0058] In Figure 4, the entire optical part 30 is shown in cross-section, and not just its functional faces or surfaces. The optical part 30 is made of a transparent or translucent material, preferably in one piece. It can be seen that the optical part 30 does indeed comprise the functional faces or surfaces 18, 20, 22, and 24, as illustrated in Figure 3 and described in detail above.

[0076]

[0059] The light entry face 21 of the optical part 30 is arranged opposite the light source 26, so as to allow a majority of the light rays emitted by this light source 26 to propagate in the transparent or translucent material of the optical part 30. The principal axis of emission of these light rays, represented by the center line, is perpendicular to the plate 14 which is itself inclined at an angle [3] with respect to the vertical, as detailed above in relation to Figure 2. This principal axis of emission is therefore inclined at the same angle [3] with respect to the optical axis 28 of the optical part 30, provided of course that this optical axis 28 is perpendicular to the vertical, that is to say, horizontal.In other words, the main emission axis is oriented along the optical axis 28 of the optical part 30 with a possible upward and forward tilt, this possible tilt being able to correspond to the angle p and being able to take values ​​within the range of the angle p in question.

[0077]

[0060] The elliptical surface 18 forms a total reflection surface, reflecting the rays emitted by the light source 26 towards an object focus F of the optical part 30, located on the cutting edge 20.1. For this purpose, the light source 26 is located at a first focus of the profile of the elliptical surface 18, and the second focus of the profile of the elliptical surface 18 coincides with the object focus F of the optical part 30.

[0078]

[0061] The exit face 22 is curved to refract the rays passing through it along the optical axis 28 of the optical part 30. This exit surface 22 is advantageously convex.

[0079]

[0062] A first light ray is represented by a solid line. Its path can be observed, namely a refraction when passing through the diopter formed by the entrance face 21, followed by a reflection on the elliptical surface 18, then passing along the cutting edge 20.1 and being incident on a lower part of the diopter formed by the exit face 22, where it is refracted in a direction generally parallel to the optical axis 28 of the optical part 30.

[0063] A second light ray is represented by a dashed line. It can be observed that after reflection on the elliptical surface 18, it is incident on the flat or "folding" face 20, near the cutting edge 20.1, where it is reflected, advantageously by total reflection, towards an upper part of the diopter formed by the exit face 22, where it is refracted along a direction generally parallel to the optical axis 28 of the optical part 30.In the absence of the flat or "bending" face 20, this ray would have struck a lower portion of the diopter formed by the exit face 22, at an angle of incidence such that it would have been refracted upwards relative to the optical axis 28 of the optical component 30, thus forming the upper part of a light beam without a horizontal cutoff. The flat or "bending" face 20, with its cutting edge 20.1, therefore provides a horizontal upper cutoff of the light beam thus produced. This light beam, either alone or in combination with the light beams corresponding to other optical systems of the light module, can constitute automotive lighting known as "low beam" (also commonly referred to as "low beam").

[0080]

[0064] It is observed that the cavity formed by the flat or "folding" face 20 and the complementary entrance face 24 receives the complementary optical piece 32. The complementary optical piece 32 comprises an optical axis 38 inclined with respect to the optical axis 28 of the optical piece 30. In addition, the optical axis 38 of the complementary optical piece 32 passes through the object focal point F of said optical piece 30. Alternatively, the optical axis 38 of the complementary optical piece 32 could pass below the object focal point F, on the transverse face 24.

[0081]

[0065] In this first embodiment, the complementary optical element 32 comprises a lens 36. The optical axis 38 of the lens 36 passes through the object focal point F of the optical element 30. The complementary optical element 32 is associated with the complementary light source 34. The complementary optical element 32 is configured to form an image of the complementary light source 34 at the re-entry point on the complementary entrance face 24, namely, for example, at the object focal point F of the optical element 30. The lens 36 may be a biconvex lens with an object focal point located at the light source 34 and an image focal point located at or below the object focal point F of the optical element 30.

[0066] Two light rays emitted by the complementary light source 34 are shown as solid lines. It can be observed that they enter the optical element 30 through the complementary entrance face 24, at the level of or directly below the object focal point F of the optical element 30.These rays can undergo refraction as they pass through the diopter formed by the complementary entrance face 24. They then propagate towards the upper part of the exit face 22, to be refracted there in directions generally parallel to the optical axis 28 of the optical part 30. These rays can then be directed to form a beam of light.

[0082]

[0067] This light beam can, for example, complement the horizontally cutoff light beam produced by the light source 26 and the optical component 30, as described above. For example, this light beam can correspond to all or part of a supplementary high beam function. The combination of these two light beams can then form all or part of a so-called "high beam" automotive lighting function. Alternatively, the light beam can form all or part of a signaling function such as a daytime running light function, a turn signal function, or a position light function.

[0083]

[0068] The inclination of the complementary optical part 32, more precisely of its optical axis 38, with respect to the optical axis 28 of the optical part 30 is of an angle y which can be greater than or equal to 10° and / or less than or equal to 30°.

[0084]

[0069] The area where light rays from the complementary optical element 32 enter the complementary entrance surface 24 is illustrated as being at the cutoff edge 20.1, that is, at the intersection of the complementary entrance face 24 with the flat or "folding" face 20, for the sake of simplicity and clarity. In reality, this area is advantageously located below and near the cutoff edge 20.1. By "near" is meant a distance of up to a few millimeters, for example, up to 5 mm.

[0085]

[0070] The upper part of the exit face 22 is traversed by a part of the rays emitted by the light source 26, namely those reflected by the flat or "folding" face 20, and also by the rays emitted by the complementary optical part 32. It will therefore be understood that the area of ​​light entry by the complementary optical part 32 as well as the inclination y of said complementary optical part 32 with respect to the optical part 30 will depend on the optical geometry of the optical part 30, in particular of the exit face 22.

[0086]

[0071] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an optical system 3 comprising an optical unit 8 according to a second variant.

[0087]

[0072] The optical unit 8 according to this second variant differs from the optical unit 8 according to the first variant described in Figure 4, only by the shape of the complementary optical part 132. It is understood that the optical unit 8 according to the second variant differs from the optical unit 8 illustrated in Figure 3 only by the addition of the complementary optical part 132.

[0088]

[0073] In particular, the optical part 30 of the light unit 8 is identical to that of Figures 3 and 4. Reference is made to the corresponding description of Figures 3 and 4.

[0089]

[0074] The complementary optical component 132 differs from that shown in Figure 4. The reference numerals in Figure 4 are used to designate identical or corresponding elements, although these numbers are increased by 100 when they refer to the complementary light source(s) 134 and the complementary optical component 132 or to one of its features. Reference is made to the description of these elements in relation to Figure 4.

[0090]

[0075] The complementary optical piece 132 is distinct from the complementary optical piece 32 of Figure 4, essentially in that the lens 36 is replaced by a collection element 136 specifically configured to converge the light rays emitted by the complementary light source 134 towards the complementary entrance face 24, at or below the object focus F of the optical piece 30, similarly to the complementary optical piece 32 of Figure 4. In particular, the collection element 136 may include an object focus at which the complementary light source 134 is positioned and an image focus coinciding with the object focus F of the optical piece 30.

[0091]

[0076] The description made in relation to the orientation of the lens 36 and its optical axis 38 also applies to the orientation of the collection element 136 and its optical axis 138.

[0092]

[0077] It will be understood that the complementary optical piece can take various forms as long as it makes the rays emitted by the complementary light source converge towards the complementary entrance face 24, at the level of or below the object focus F of the optical piece 30.

[0093]

[0078] The complementary optical element 132 can also be associated with several complementary light sources 134 distributed transversely to the optical axis 28 of the optical element 30, in this case horizontally, and configured to be activated individually in order to modulate transversely the extent of the complementary lighting beam thus produced. Such a function is commonly referred to as a matrix lighting function.

[0094]

[0079] The combination of several optical systems 3, including this complementary optical element 132 and this plurality of complementary light sources 134, makes it possible to modulate the extent of the complementary lighting beam. The number of these complementary light sources 134 associated with a complementary optical element 132 can be greater than or equal to 2 and / or less than or equal to 4.

[0095]

[0080] It may be advantageous to offset these several complementary light sources 134 associated with the various complementary optical components 132 of the optical systems 3 transversely relative to each other, so as to form an interlaced lighting matrix. This offset between the complementary light sources 134 of one optical system and another is less than the distance between two directly adjacent complementary light sources 134 of the optical systems 3.

[0096]

[0081] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an optical system comprising an optical unit 8 according to a third variant.

[0097]

[0082] The optical unit 8 according to this third variant differs from the optical units 8 according to the first variant and according to the second variant only by the shape of the complementary optical part 232. It is understood that the optical unit 8 according to the third variant differs from the optical unit 8 illustrated in figure 3 only by the addition of the complementary optical part 232.

[0098]

[0083] In particular, the optical component 30 of the light unit 8 is identical to that shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5. Reference is made to the corresponding description in Figures 3 to 5.

[0084] The complementary optical component 232 is different from that shown in Figures 4 and 5. The reference numerals in Figure 4 are used to designate identical or corresponding elements, these numbers being increased by 200 when they refer to the complementary light source(s) 234 and the complementary optical component 232 or to one of its features. Reference is made to the description of these elements in relation to Figures 4 and 5.

[0099]

[0085] The complementary optical piece 232 is a component 236, and differs from that of Figure 5, essentially in that it is formed from material with the optical piece 30. The complementary optical piece 232 is configured to converge the light rays emitted by the complementary light source 234 towards the complementary entrance face 24, at or below the object focal point F of the optical piece 30. In particular, the complementary optical piece 232 may include an object focal point at which the complementary light source 234 is positioned and an image focal point coinciding with the object focal point F of the optical piece 30.

[0100]

[0086] The optical axis 238 of the complementary optical part is inclined with respect to the optical axis 28 of the optical part 30, and passes through the object focus F of the optical part 30. Alternatively, it could pass through the transverse face 24 of the optical part.

[0101]

[0087] The complementary optical piece 232 has a portion located above the optical axis 28 of the optical piece 30. Thus, a portion of the light emitted by the complementary light source 234 is directed into the optical piece 30, above the flat face 20, thereby improving the light beam projected by the optical piece 30. In particular, the light ray R1 emitted by the complementary light source 234 can be observed being reflected by a lateral wall of the complementary optical piece 232 located above the optical axis 28 of the optical piece 30. The light ray R1 is then directed towards the focal point F before being projected onto the road.

[0102]

[0088] Just like the complementary optical element 132 illustrated in Figure 5, the complementary optical element 232 illustrated in Figure 6 can be associated with several complementary light sources 234 distributed transversely to the optical axis 28 of the optical element 30, in this case horizontally, and configured to be activated individually in order to modulate transversely the extent of the complementary lighting beam thus produced. Such a function is commonly referred to as a matrix lighting function.

[0103]

[0089] Combining several optical systems comprising this complementary optical element 232 and this plurality of complementary light sources 234 allows the extent of the complementary lighting beam to be modulated. The number of these complementary light sources 234 associated with a complementary optical element 232 can be greater than or equal to 2 and / or less than or equal to 4.

[0104]

[0090] It may be advantageous to offset these several complementary light sources 234 associated with the various complementary optical components 232 of the optical systems 3 transversely relative to one another, so as to form an interlaced lighting matrix. This offset between the complementary light sources of one optical system to another is less than the distance between two directly adjacent complementary light sources 234 of the optical systems 3.

[0105]

[0091] It is also possible to combine several optical systems, some of which include the complementary optical part 232 of Figure 5 and others include the complementary optical part 132 of Figure 6.

[0106]

[0092] Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of an example embodiment of the optical part 30 of one of the optical units 8 of the light module of Figure 2, and of the optical part of Figure 3.

[0107]

[0093] It can be observed that the optical part 30 has a significantly more complex shape than that shown schematically in figures 3 to 6.

[0108]

[0094] The light entrance face 21 is clearly visible. It can form a cavity, namely with an essentially circular lateral surface and a generally flat background surface, thus forming two distinct diopters, one for rays emitted essentially laterally to the main axis of light emission of the light source and the other for rays emitted in directions predominantly along said main axis of light emission.

[0109]

[0095] The flat or "folding" face 20 is clearly visible. In this case, it forms a recess relative to a lower rear surface of the optical part 30. The cutting edge 20.1 at the boundary between the flat or "folding" face 20 and the transverse face 24 is also clearly visible. It should be noted that only the central part of this edge actually forms the cutting edge, given that the elliptical surface 18 converges the vast majority of the rays towards the object focal point F located on said cutting edge 20.1 and on the optical axis of the optical part.

[0110]

[0096] The optical part 30 may further include protrusions or bosses 42, 44 and 46 serving as engagement parts with the support 17 mentioned above in relation to figure 2.

Claims

DEMANDS [Claim 1.] Optical unit (8) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - an optical part (30) made of transparent or translucent material, comprising a light inlet face (21) intended to be disposed opposite a light source (26), a light outlet face (22), opposite the light inlet face (21), and a body extending between the light inlet face (21) and the light outlet face (22) along an optical axis (28) of the optical part (30); characterized in that the body comprises a flat face (20), parallel to the optical axis (28) of the optical part (30) and a transverse face (24) to said optical axis (28) and contiguous to the flat face (20) so as to form a cutting edge (20).1) passing through an object focus (F) of the optical part (30), and a cavity suitable for receiving a complementary optical part (32; 132; 232) with an optical axis (38; 138; 238) inclined with respect to the optical axis (28) of the optical part (30) and passing through the object focus (F) of said optical part (30) or the transverse face (24). [Claim 2.] Optical unit (8) for motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the transverse face (24) is a curved surface formed by a generatrix perpendicular to the optical axis (28) of the optical part (30) following a U-shaped profile whose opening is directed towards the output face. [Claim 3.] Optical unit (8) for motor vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, comprising the complementary optical part (32; 132; 232), the optical axis (38; 138; 238) of said complementary optical part (32; 132; 232) passing through the object focus (F) of the optical part (30) or the transverse face (24) and being inclined with respect to the optical axis (28) of the optical part (30) at an angle (y) preferably between 10° and 30°. [Claim 4.] Optical unit (8) for a motor vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the complementary optical part (32; 132; 232) comprises an image focus located at the object focus (F) of the optical part [Claim 5.] Optical unit (8) for motor vehicle, according to any one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the complementary optical part (32; 132; 232) comprises a lens (36) or a collection element (136; 236). [Claim 6.] Optical unit (8) for motor vehicle, according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the optical part (30) and the complementary optical part (232) are made of material. [Claim 7.] Optical unit (8) for motor vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the complementary optical part comprises a portion situated above the optical axis (28) of the optical part (30). [Claim 8.] Optical system for a motor vehicle comprising: - an optical unit (8) according to any one of claims 1 to 2; - a light source (26) arranged opposite the entrance face of the optical part (30); - a plate (14) supporting the light source (26). [Claim 9.] Optical system for a motor vehicle comprising: - an optical unit (8) according to any one of claims 3 to 7; - a light source (26) arranged opposite the entrance face of the optical part (30); - at least one additional light source (34; 134; 234) associated with the additional optical part (32; 132; 232); - a plate (14) supporting the light source (26) and said at least one additional light source (34; 134; 234). [Claim 10.] Optical system for motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, comprising several complementary light sources (34; 134; 234) distributed transversely to the optical axis (38; 138; 238) of said complementary optical part (32; 132; 232) and individually activatable so as to be able to laterally modulate a light beam produced by these complementary light sources (34; 134; 234). [Claim 11.] A light module (12) for a motor vehicle comprising several optical systems, each optical system being, according to any one of claims 8 to 10, arranged one above the other along a principal direction (6) that is predominantly vertical when the module is in normal mounting position on the motor vehicle; the plates (14) of the optical systems forming a single plate called common plate (14') and extending along the main direction (6). [Claim 12.] A light module (12) for a motor vehicle according to claim 11, further comprising: - a support (17) extending along the main direction (6) and laterally on either side of the optical units (8) and the common plate (14'), and engaging with the optical parts (30) of said optical units and said plate (14). [Claim 13.] Light module (12) for motor vehicle, according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the optical systems are configured to produce together, with the optical parts (30) only, a regulatory upper horizontal cutoff lighting beam, such as a dipped beam. [Claim 14.] Light module (12) for motor vehicle according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein several of the optical systems are according to claim 9 or 10, and wherein the optical systems are configured to produce together, with the complementary optical parts (32; 132; 232) only, a lighting beam without upper horizontal cutoff, such as a complementary road beam, or a signaling beam. [Claim 15.] Light module (12) for motor vehicle, according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein several of the optical systems are according to claim 10, the complementary light sources (34; 134; 234) associated with the complementary optical part (32; 132; 232) of each of said several optical systems are offset transversely with respect to the complementary light sources (34; 134; 234) associated with the complementary optical part (32; 132; 232) of at least one other of said several optical systems.

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