Lighting module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lighting module (1) for a motor vehicle, which lighting module comprises a first light unit (5) configured to carry out a function of providing regulatory lighting with a cut-off, and a second light unit (7) configured to carry out a function of providing additional lighting that is additional to the function of providing regulatory lighting with a cut-off, the lighting module (1) comprising a support (2) common to the first light unit (5) and to the second light unit (7), characterised in that a first light assembly (13) of the first light unit comprises a first collector (41) positioned facing a first face (33) of the support (2), and a first light source (43) arranged on the first face (33), a second light assembly (17) of the second light unit comprising a second collector (29) positioned facing the first face (33), and a second light source (31) arranged on the first face, the second collector (29) being hyperbolic.

Description

Light module for motor vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of lighting devices, and more particularly those intended to equip a motor vehicle.

[0002] Lighting devices are generally equipped with one or more light modules to generate various lighting functions, such as regulatory road lighting functions, for example a cut-off lighting function also called "low beam" or "dipped beam", which illuminates the road scene by ensuring that a portion of the beam is cut off so as not to dazzle other road users and in particular drivers of vehicles coming from the opposite direction, and a continuous lighting function, also called "high beam", which illuminates the road scene further and more intensely than the dipped beam when no risk of dazzling another road user is identified.

[0003] To achieve this, the headlights of motor vehicles are equipped with light units designed to perform these two regulatory lighting functions. They may include a first light unit and a second light unit, each configured to project respectively a first beam of light that can perform or contribute to performing the function of interrupted lighting, and a second beam of light that can perform or contribute to performing the function of continuous lighting, and more specifically, can complement the first beam of light to perform this continuous lighting function.

[0004] In certain configurations, these light units each include at least one light source configured to emit light beams, and a collector associated with the light source to collect and direct said light beams towards an optical element capable of projecting said first or second light beam. The light sources are connected to one or more substrates, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs), for electrical power and control.

[0005] Typically, the collector of the first light unit is positioned on the printed circuit board, opposite the side where the light source is located, to allow the first light beam to be emitted based on the light rays emitted by the light source. The collector of the second light unit is generally positioned in the opposite orientation to that of the first light unit's collector, so that the second light beam projected by the second light unit complements the first light beam projected by the first light unit, thus achieving the required uninterrupted lighting function.

[0006] In prior art, this arrangement may require the use of two printed circuit boards. The collector of the first light unit can also be placed on one side of a circuit board, and that of the second light unit is then placed on the opposite side of this circuit board so as to be positioned symmetrically to the collector of the first light unit with respect to the plane of the circuit board. These arrangements thus lead to complex and expensive light modules that require significant technical resources, such as a separate circuit board for each light unit. Furthermore, these light modules are particularly bulky, since the arrangement of the collectors necessitates sufficient space between the circuit board and a light module housing on each side of the circuit board.

[0007] In some prior art modules, to simplify assembly using a single printed circuit board, a reflector is inserted between the collector and the optical element of the second light unit. The second light beam emitted by the collector is directed towards this reflector, which redirects the second beam back to the optical element, reversing it. This allows the collector of the second light unit to be positioned on the same side of the printed circuit board as the collector of the first light unit, thus facilitating the use of a single printed circuit board. However, this solution requires an additional reflector, which complicates the assembly of the light module and increases its cost.

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome certain drawbacks of the prior art by providing a lighting module that allows the collector of the first and second light units to be positioned on the same side of the PCB, without the need for additional technologies such as the reflector described above. This results in a lighting module that is particularly simple to assemble and less expensive than those of the prior art.

[0009] Thus, the present invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle lighting device comprising a first light unit configured to perform or participate in performing a regulatory switching lighting function and a second light unit configured to perform a complementary lighting function to the regulatory switching lighting function, the first light unit comprising a first light assembly configured to emit a first light beam towards a first optical element capable of projecting said first light beam into a first projected light beam, the second light unit comprising a second light assembly configured to emit a second light beam towards a second optical element capable of projecting said second light beam into a second projected light beam,said luminous module comprising a support common to the first luminous unit and the second luminous unit, characterized in that the common support is provided with a first face and a second face opposite said first face, the first luminous assembly comprising a first collector positioned opposite the first face of the support and a first light source disposed on the first face of the support, the second luminous assembly comprising a second collector positioned opposite the first face of the support and a second light source disposed on the first face of the support, the second collector being of the hyperbolic type.

[0010] It is understood that the first optical element and the second optical element are distinct from one another. In other words, the first optical element is configured to receive light from the first collector in order to project the first projected light beam, but not light from the second collector, or if it receives any, it does so marginally, and this light does not contribute to the generation of the first projected light beam. Similarly, the second optical element is configured to receive light from the second collector in order to project the second projected light beam, but not light from the first collector, or if it receives any, it does so marginally, and this light does not contribute to the generation of the second projected light beam.

[0011] Furthermore, it is understood that each of the first and second collectors directly receives light from the first and second light sources respectively, and directs it directly to the first and second optical elements respectively. Thus, the light rays emitted by each light source undergo a single reflection between said light source and its corresponding optical element.

[0012] The first light unit is therefore used for the regulatory switching lighting function. It can perform this function alone, or other light units can also contribute to this function. For example, a third light unit could project a third beam of light, intended to combine with the first projected beam of light to achieve the regulatory switching lighting function.

[0013] It should be understood that by regulatory switching function, we mean a switching function that is compatible with at least one regulation at the filing date of this patent application.

[0014] The second light unit, meanwhile, is used for supplementary lighting. In other words, when the second beam of light projected by this second light unit is combined with the first beam of light projected by the first light unit, it provides the required lighting without interruption. Other light units can also contribute to this supplementary function; for example, a fourth light unit projecting a fourth beam of light, which would be combined with the first, second, and third beams to provide the required lighting without interruption.

[0015] Here again, by regulatory lighting function without interruption, we mean a lighting function without interruption that is compatible with at least one regulation at the date of filing of this patent application.

[0016] The first optical element and the second optical element can be reflectors or lenses and, in particular, by way of non-limiting example, parabolic type reflectors.

[0017] Light sources are configured to emit light rays, and can therefore be light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0018] The first collector and the second collector allow the first and second light beams to be emitted respectively towards their associated optical element, by capturing the light rays emitted by the light sources and redirecting them.

[0019] The common medium is configured to provide power and / or control the light sources. For this purpose, the medium can be, for example, a printed circuit board.

[0020] The first collector and the second collector are arranged opposite their respective light sources, and as these are placed on the same face of the support (the first face), the two collectors are thus oriented towards this same face, which allows the use of a single support for the two light units, making the light module less expensive, less bulky and simpler to design.

[0021] In order to allow the placement of the second collector on the same face of the support as the first collector while allowing the creation of two complementary beams to form a regulatory beam without interruption, the invention uses one or more second collectors of the hyperbolic type.

[0022] The term "hyperbolic" here refers to one or more collectors whose reflective surface has two foci, that is, two areas of convergence for light rays such that the light rays emitted by a light source placed at one of the two convergence areas converge, after reflection on the collector's reflective surface, towards the second of the two convergence areas. These two convergence areas are located close to the collector's surface, that is, within a volume less than 10 times, and in particular less than 5 times, the dimensions of the reflector. It is noteworthy that in a hyperbolic collector, the second convergence area is a virtual convergence area, located on the opposite side of the collector's reflective surface from the first convergence area where the light source is positioned.A collector with a hyperbolic surface may or may not have hyperbolic portions. A collector with such a surface is generally combined, to create a light beam, with an optical element forming a projection optic, such as a parabolic lens or reflector.

[0023] In general, throughout this discussion, and regardless of the type of surface, a convergence zone is simplistically considered to be equivalent to a focus or focal point. In other words, a focus or focal point designates a convergence zone.

[0024] Due to the hyperbolic shape of the collector, a specific distribution of the second light beam emitted by the second collector towards the second optical element can be generated. This is achieved by lengthening the focal length and consequently modifying the inclination of the rays reflected by the surface of the second collector relative to the focal length, as well as the inclination of the rays reflected by the first collector, for example, an elliptical one, associated with the creation of the first light beam. In this way, the second optical element can project the second light beam into a projection area offset from the projection area of ​​the cutoff beam, without the need, as in the prior art, to reverse the direction of light propagation by a back-to-back arrangement of the collectors on either side of a printed circuit board.

[0025] In addition, the use of a second hyperbolic type collector makes it possible to obtain a projected image of the second projected light beam with blurred contours, so that this projected image combines harmoniously with the projected image of the first projected light beam, in order to achieve the function of uninterrupted lighting.

[0026] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first optical element and / or the second optical element is a projection lens and / or a reflector.

[0027] In the case of a reflector, the first light beam emitted by the first collector and the second light beam emitted by the second collector are reflected by the first and second optical elements, respectively. Conversely, in the case of a lens, the first and second emitted light beams pass through the first and second optical elements, respectively. It is also possible for the first optical element to be a reflector and the second optical element a lens, or vice versa, in which case the light beam is reflected by the optical element or passes through it, respectively.

[0028] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first optical element and / or the second optical element is a parabolic type reflector.

[0029] The use of a parabolic optical element makes it possible, in particular, to project the light beam emitted by the first collector or the second collector to infinity.

[0030] The term "parabolic" generally applies to reflectors whose surface has a single focal point, that is, a zone of convergence for light rays such that light rays emitted by a light source placed at this convergence zone are projected over a great distance after reflection from the surface. Projected over a great distance means that these light rays do not converge to a zone located less than 10 times the dimensions of the reflector. In other words, the reflected rays do not converge to a convergence zone, or if they do converge, this convergence zone is located at a distance greater than or equal to 10 times the dimensions of the reflector. Thus, the projection is made at infinity. A parabolic surface may or may not have parabolic sections. A reflector with such a surface is used here as a projection surface associated with a collector.

[0031] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first optical element is a parabolic type reflector and includes an object focal point positioned in the vicinity of a rear edge of the first collector.

[0032] We will refer to the previously given definition of the parabolic type of an optical element and in particular of the long-distance projection of a light beam when light rays first pass through the object focal point.

[0033] By being positioned near the rear edge of the first collector, the object focal point of the first optical element ensures a sharp cutoff of the first projected light beam. "Near" the rear edge here means that the object focal point of the first optical element is located less than 10 mm from the rear edge of the first collector.

[0034] This configuration therefore creates a clear boundary between an area lit and an area not lit by the first projected beam of light, which is particularly suitable for the function of regulatory lighting with cut-off.

[0035] According to an optional feature of the invention, the rear edge of the first collector has a step. The first projected light beam then includes a raised section corresponding to the projected image of the step. This raised section is required by certain regulations between the left and right sides of the beam's cutoff point, thus optimizing the illumination area while preventing glare for road users traveling in the opposite direction to the vehicle equipped with the light module.

[0036] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first collector is of the elliptical type.

[0037] The term "elliptical" generally applies to reflectors whose reflective surface has two foci, that is, two areas of convergence for light rays such that light rays emitted by a light source located at one of the two convergence areas converge, after reflection on the reflective surface, towards the other convergence area. These two foci are real, meaning they are both located on the same side of the reflective surface. These two foci are located close to the surface, that is, within a volume less than 10 times, and in particular less than 5 times, the dimensions of the reflector. An elliptical surface may therefore have elliptical portions or not.A reflector with such a surface area is here associated, to create a beam of light, with an optical element forming a projection optic, such as a lens or a parabolic type reflector.

[0038] The use of an elliptical primary collector, combined with positioning the focal point of the first optical element at the rear edge of the collector, allows for the projection of a first beam of light with a particularly sharp cutoff, thus meeting the regulatory lighting requirements for dimming. An elliptical collector is also advantageous because it allows for efficient recovery of the luminous flux emitted by the associated light source.

[0039] According to an optional feature of the invention, the first collector comprises a first focus and a second focus, the first light source being positioned at the first focus of the first collector and the second focus being arranged between the first collector and the first optical element.

[0040] The first focus is an area such that, when light rays pass through this area before being reflected by the first collector, each light ray is redirected so as to pass through the second focus.

[0041] In this context, the rays emitted by the first light source are therefore reflected by the first collector to form the first light beam emitted by the first collector, and the rays of this first light beam then pass through the second focus before reaching the first optical element.

[0042] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second collector comprises a first reflective surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the second collector comprising a real object focus disposed opposite the first surface and a virtual image focus disposed opposite the second surface.

[0043] The real object focus of the hyperbolic type collector is an area such that, when light rays pass through this area before being reflected by the hyperbolic type collector, each ray is redirected, opposite the virtual image focus, along a direction passing through the virtual image focus and the point on the reflective face of the collector where the reflection of said ray occurs.

[0044] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second light source is positioned at the actual object focus of the second collector.

[0045] The light rays emitted by the first light source are thus redirected by the second collector to form the second emitted light beam, so that the rays of this second light beam follow the direction defined by the virtual image focus and the point of reflection on the second collector.

[0046] According to an optional feature of the invention, the second optical element is a parabolic type reflector and includes an object focal point positioned at the virtual image focus of the second collector.

[0047] As mentioned previously, the object focal point of the second optical element is an area such that light rays passing through this area are projected over a great distance after reflection on the surface.

[0048] By placing this second focal point at the virtual image focus of the second collector, the second optical element makes it possible to project the light rays of the second light beam emitted by the second collector over a great distance in order to form the second projected light beam.

[0049] Furthermore, by positioning this second focal point in this way, rather than on an edge of the second collector, it is possible to generate a distribution of the second projected light beam that complements the first projected light beam, thus achieving the regulatory lighting function without interruption and without requiring the second light beam to be reversed. This distribution also results in a projected image of the second projected light beam with blurred edges, so that the second projected light beam blends seamlessly with the first projected light beam to ensure the aforementioned regulatory lighting function without interruption.

[0050] It should be noted that the location of the focal point at the virtual image focus is a theoretical characteristic, and therefore, due to manufacturing constraints of the optical elements, collectors, and assembly requirements, a slight offset may occur without departing from the scope of the invention. In this respect, the focal points are to be considered as convergence zones as previously described.

[0051] According to an optional feature of the invention, a first focal length separates the first optical element from the object focal point of the first optical element and a second focal length separates the second optical element from the object focal point of the second optical element, the second focal length being greater than the first focal length.

[0052] This difference in focal lengths is due to the hyperbolic shape of the second collector, which allows the object focal point of the second optical element to be positioned at the virtual image focus of the second collector.

[0053] It is then possible to have a second collector positioned closer to the second optical element than if the second collector were of the elliptical or parabolic type, which allows for a more compact light module in a context where there is a long focal length, which allows the combination of beams with the necessary blur.

[0054] According to an optional feature of the invention, the light module further comprises a third light unit capable of projecting a third light beam, intended to combine with the first projected light beam to perform the regulatory switching lighting function, and / or a fourth light unit capable of projecting a fourth light beam intended to combine with the second projected light beam to perform the complementary lighting function of the regulatory switching lighting function.

[0055] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the attached schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0056] schematically illustrates a general view of a light module according to the present invention;

[0057] schematically illustrates a profile view of a second light unit of the light module as described in the;

[0058] schematically illustrates a profile view of a first light unit of the light module as described in the;

[0059] illustrates a projection of a cutoff light beam when the light module as described in performs a regulatory cutoff lighting function on a screen placed opposite said light module;

[0060] illustrates a projection of a continuous beam of light projected onto the screen when the light module as described in performs a regulatory lighting function without interruption.

[0061] The features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention may be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage and / or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0062] Laillust schematically illustrates a general view of a light module 1 according to the present invention.

[0063] The lighting module 1 is designed for use within a lighting system of a motor vehicle. This lighting module 1 is configured to perform both a regulatory lighting function with a cutoff and a regulatory lighting function without a cutoff.

[0064] The regulated dimming function is also called "dipped beam". This regulated dimming function is ensured by the projection, by at least one light unit of the light module 1, of a light beam including a sharp cutoff, limiting its vertical range to avoid dazzling other road users.

[0065] The continuous, uninterrupted lighting function is also called a "high beam." This continuous, uninterrupted lighting function is achieved by projecting, from at least one light unit of the light module 1, a continuous, high-intensity beam. This at least one light unit is specifically configured to project a beam with a shape complementary to that of the interrupted beam; the simultaneous projection of these two beams generates an overall beam capable of implementing the continuous function.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, the light module 1 comprises a plurality of light units 3, in particular four light units 3: a first light unit 5, a second light unit 7, a third light unit 9 and a fourth light unit 11. It should be noted, however, that the light module 1 according to the invention can also be implemented with only two light units 3, for example only the first light unit 5 and the second light unit 7.

[0067] The first light unit 5, the second light unit 7, the third light unit 9, and the fourth light unit 11 are at least partially arranged on a support 2 designed to provide power and / or instructions to the light units 3, so that each of the light units 3 can project a beam of light. By way of non-limiting example, the support 2 may be a printed circuit board (also called a PCB).

[0068] The first light unit 5 is specifically configured to perform or participate in performing the regulatory switching lighting function. Indeed, it should be noted that when the light module 1 comprises only the first light unit 5 and the second light unit 7, the first light unit 5 alone performs the regulatory switching lighting function. However, when the light module 1 includes other light units 3 in addition to the first light unit 5 and the second light unit 7, the first light unit 5 can participate in the regulatory switching lighting function with the assistance of other light units 3.

[0069] In order to perform or participate in the cut-off lighting function, the first light unit 5 comprises a first light assembly 13 and a first optical element 15. The first light assembly 13 is configured to emit a first light beam, which has a sharp cut-off whose shape is representative of the shape of the cut-off that is desired to be given to the cut-off beam projected by the light module 1. The first optical element 15 is designed to project this first cut-off light beam, emitted by the first light assembly 13.

[0070] To project the first light beam, the first optical element 15 can be configured either to reflect it or to be traversed by said first light beam. By way of non-limiting example, the first optical element 15 can be an optical lens, in which case the first light beam passes through it, or a reflector, which in this case reflects the first light beam, as illustrated in the figure.

[0071] The first light assembly 13, configured to emit the first light beam, includes a first collector and a first light source, which will be detailed in particular in the description of the.

[0072] The second light unit 7 is configured to perform a complementary lighting function to the regulatory lighting function with cut-off formed by the first light unit 5, which allows the regulatory lighting function to be performed without cut-off.

[0073] The second light unit 7 thus comprises a second light assembly 17 configured to emit a second light beam composed of diverging rays and a second optical element 19 designed to make the diverging rays of the second light beam emitted by the second light assembly 17 parallel so that the second light beam is projected to infinity.

[0074] This second projected light beam is intended to complement the first projected light beam, so that when the second and first projected light beams are emitted simultaneously, they enable or contribute to enabling the continuous regulatory lighting function. More specifically, when the light module 1 comprises only the first light unit 5 and the second light unit 7, the first and second light units 5 together ensure the continuous regulatory lighting function through the combination of the first and second projected light beams.It should be noted, however, that when the light module 1 includes other light units 3 in addition to the first light unit 5 and the second light unit 7, these other light units 3 can also participate in the realization of the regulatory lighting function without interruption.

[0075] The second optical element 19 can, similarly to the first optical element 15, be configured either to reflect the second light beam emitted by the second light assembly 17, or to be traversed by said second light beam emitted by the second light assembly 17 and thus be, for example, an optical lens or a reflector. Furthermore, the second light assembly 17 also comprises a collector, here a second collector, and a light source, here a second light source, in order to emit the second light beam, which will be detailed in particular in the description of the.

[0076] When present in the light module, the third light unit 9 comprises a third light assembly 21, configured to emit a third light beam, and a third optical element 23, configured to project this light beam with a cutoff. The third projected light beam is intended to complement the first projected light beam, so that when the third projected light beam is combined with the first projected light beam, this enables the regulatory cutoff lighting function to be achieved.

[0077] The third optical element 23 can also be an optical lens, in which case the third emitted light beam passes through it, or a reflector, which, in this case, reflects the third emitted light beam. Furthermore, the third light assembly 21 comprises at least one collector and at least one light source that enables the emission of the third light beam.

[0078] When present in the light module 1, the fourth light unit 11 is configured to provide supplementary lighting to the standard dimming lighting function, thus contributing to achieving the standard undimmed lighting function. More specifically, the fourth light unit 11 comprises a fourth light assembly 25, configured to emit a fourth undimmed light beam, and a fourth optical element 27, configured to project the fourth light beam. This projected fourth light beam is intended to be combined with the first projected light beam, the second projected light beam, and the third projected light beam to achieve the standard undimmed lighting function.

[0079] To project the fourth light beam, the fourth optical element 27 can be an optical lens or a reflector. Furthermore, to form the fourth light beam, the fourth light assembly 25 comprises at least one collector, preferably of the hyperbolic type, and at least one light source.

[0080] Each of the light units 5, 7, 9, 11 mentioned previously can include one or more collectors, each associated with a light source.

[0081] In summary of the above, the third light unit 9 and the fourth light unit 11 are optional here and the light module 1 includes at least the first light unit 5 and the second light unit 7.

[0082] When the light module 1 comprises only the first light unit 5 and the second light unit 7, the first light unit 5 alone performs the regulatory lighting function with interruption thanks to the first light beam projected by its first optical element 15. For the regulatory lighting function without interruption, the first light unit 5 cooperates with the second light unit 7, combining the first projected light beam and the second projected light beam to accomplish this lighting function without interruption.

[0083] When the light module 1 comprises, as in the illustrated embodiment, four light units 3, the first light unit 5 and the third light unit 9 cooperate to perform the regulated dimming lighting function by combining the first and third projected light beams. To perform the regulated lighting function without dimming, the first light unit 5, the second light unit 7, the third light unit 9, and the fourth light unit 11 cooperate by combining the first, second, third, and fourth projected light beams.

[0084] As will be described in more detail below with reference to figures 2 and 3 in particular, the two main light units, namely the first light unit 5 and the second light unit 7, are arranged on the same face of the support 2, here the printed circuit board, and differ from each other at least by the shape of their collector, this difference in the shape of the collector allowing to generate complementary beams for the realization of a lighting function without interruption even though the first light unit 5 and the second light unit 7 are arranged on the same side of the support 2.

[0085] The illustration schematically shows a side view of the second light unit 7 of the light module 1 as described in the.

[0086] As mentioned previously, the second light unit 7 includes the second light assembly 17 and the second optical element 19, and this second light assembly 17 includes a second collector 29 and a second light source 31.

[0087] More specifically, the second light source 31 is configured to emit a multitude of light rays R7 propagating in all directions. For this purpose, the second light source 31 can be a light-emitting diode (also called a "light-emitting diode" in English, abbreviated as LED).

[0088] It should be noted that the second light source 31 is positioned on a first face 33 of the support 2, this first face 33 being opposite a second face 35 of the support 2.

[0089] The second collector 29 is configured to collect these R7 rays emitted by the second light source 31 and direct them towards the second optical element 19, emitting the second light beam 2FE. To this end, the second collector 29 is a reflector, capable of reflecting the R7 rays emitted by the second light source 31.

[0090] The second collector 29 comprises a first surface 37 having reflective properties and a second surface 39 opposite this first surface 37. The first surface 37 is arranged opposite the second light source 31, so that the light rays R7 emitted by this second light source 31 are reflected by the first reflective surface 37 towards the second optical element 19. More precisely, the light rays R7 each undergo a single reflection by the first reflective surface 37, and are then directed directly towards the second optical element 19.

[0091] In this invention, the second collector 29 is hyperbolic, such that it comprises a real object focus OR positioned opposite the first surface 37 of the second collector 29 and a virtual image focus OV, which is an imaginary focal point positioned opposite the second surface 39 of the collector. The real object focus OR is thus located inside the curvature of the second collector 29, and the virtual image focus OV is located outside the curvature of the second collector 29.

[0092] The second light source 31 is placed on the focus inside the curvature of the second collector 29, that is to say on the real object focus OR of the second collector 29.

[0093] The light rays R7 emitted by the second light source 31 are then reflected on the first surface 37 of the second collector 29 and the construction of this first hyperbolic type surface 37 then directs the reflected rays towards the second optical element 19, along a direction D defined by the position of the virtual image focus OV and by points of the first surface 37 where the rays emitted by the second light source 31 are reflected so as to form the second emitted light beam 2FE.

[0094] In other words, the light rays R7 emitted by the second light source 31, when this second light source 31 is arranged at the real object focus OR, are reflected on the second collector 29 as if they came from the virtual image focus OV.

[0095] The second optical element 19 is, in this embodiment, a reflector, and more particularly a parabolic reflector, although other types of reflectors may also be used. This second optical element 19 includes an object focal point DO.

[0096] This object focal point DO of the second optical element 19 corresponds to a region from which light rays, originating from this region, are projected to infinity by the second optical element 19 when reflected by it. It should be noted that when the second optical element 19 is a lens, the light rays will also be projected to infinity when they pass through this lens.

[0097] The second optical element 19 is positioned relative to the second collector 29 so that its object focal point DO is positioned at the virtual image focus OV of the second collector 29, thus ensuring that the object focal point DO of the second optical element 19 coincides with the virtual image focus OV. This allows the rays reflected by the second collector 29 to be parallel, forming the second projected light beam 2FP and producing an image projected by the second optical element 19, which exhibits a distribution typical of a standard, uninterrupted lighting function, as illustrated in the figure.

[0098] It should be noted that a focal length, referred to here as the "second focal length 2DF" for simplicity, is shown on the diagram. This second focal length 2DF corresponds to the distance between the second optical element 19 and its object focal point DO.

[0099] The illustration schematically shows a side view of the first light unit 5 of the light module 1 as described in the.

[0100] The first light unit 5 thus includes the first light assembly 13 and the first optical element 15, the first light assembly 13 including a first collector 41 and a first light source 43.

[0101] Similar to the second light source 31 of the second light unit 7, the first light source 43 is configured to emit a multitude of light rays R5 propagating in all directions, and can, for this purpose, be a light-emitting diode.

[0102] The first light source 43 is positioned on the first face 33 of the support 2, that is, on the same face of the support 2 as the second light source 31. The first collector 41 is configured to collect the light rays R5 and, after reflection of the light rays R5, emit the first emitted light beam 1FE towards the first optical element 15. To this end, the first collector 41 is a reflector capable of reflecting the light rays R5 emitted by the first light source 43. It is thus positioned opposite the first light source 43 and therefore opposite the first face 33 of the support 2. More precisely, the light rays R5 each undergo a single reflection by the first collector 41, and are then directed directly towards the first optical element 15.

[0103] The first collector 41 is configured to emit a first light beam 1FE, which can be imaged by the first optical element 15 to form a first projected light beam 1FP with a cutoff. It may, in particular, have a cutoff edge on which this first optical element 15 is focused, as will be described below. In this context, the first collector 41 may have, for example, a parabolic or elliptical shape. In this embodiment, the first collector 41 is more specifically elliptical and includes a first focal point PF and a second focal point DF. This first focal point PF and this second focal point DF are zones such that, when rays pass through one of these zones and are reflected by the first collector 41, said rays then pass through the other zone.

[0104] In this embodiment, the first light source 43 is placed at the first focus PF, so that the light rays R5 emitted by the first light source 43 are reflected by the first collector 41 and returned to pass through the second focus DF before reaching the first optical element 15. The second focus DF is therefore arranged between the first collector 41 and the first optical element 15.

[0105] The first optical element 15 is also, in this embodiment, a reflector, and more precisely a parabolic reflector. It thus includes an object focal point PO. This object focal point PO of the first optical element 15 corresponds to a region from which, when rays originate and are reflected by the first optical element 15, said rays are projected to infinity.

[0106] The first optical element 15 is arranged relative to the first collector 41 so that its object focal point PO is positioned at a rear edge 45 of the first collector 41. By having the object focal point PO of the first optical element 15 positioned at the rear edge 45, the cutoff of the first projected light beam 1FP has a shape equivalent to that of the rear edge 45 of the first collector 41 and is therefore clearly visible in the first projected light beam 1FP as projected by the first optical element 15. It follows that, thanks to this, the first projected light beam 1FP makes it possible to obtain an image having a distribution conforming to a regulatory lighting function with a cutoff, as will be seen in the description of the.

[0107] It should be noted that the rear edge 45 is chosen so that it is as close as possible to the point of emission of the light rays R5, that is to say as close as possible to the first light source 43.

[0108] The rear edge may also have a particular cut-out, and in particular a step 46 visible on the, in order to give the cut of the first projected light beam 1FP a shape including a step which is particularly visible in the.

[0109] A focal length, here called the "first focal length 1DF," is shown on the diagram. It corresponds to the distance between the first optical element 15 and its object focal point PO. It should be noted that this first focal length 1DF is shorter than the second focal length 2DF previously defined. This is because the use of a second hyperbolic collector 29 allows the virtual image focus OV of the second collector 29 to be used to position the focus of the second optical element 19, thus enabling a long focal length even when the second collector 29 is relatively close to the first optical element 19. This allows the first collector 41 and the second collector 29 to be installed opposite the same face of the support 2.

[0110] This illustrates a schematic projection of the interrupted light beam 47 when the light module 1 performs its regulatory interrupted lighting function on a screen positioned perpendicular to the direction of projection of the light beam by the light module. The screen is positioned at a considerable distance from the light module 1, for example, a distance of 25m.

[0111] As mentioned previously, to achieve this dimming lighting function, the first projected light beam 1FP is combined with the third projected light beam in this embodiment. This combination constitutes the dimming light beam used to provide the regulatory dimming lighting function.

[0112] The screen has a vertical axis 49 and a horizontal axis 51, the latter being perpendicular to the vertical axis 49. The projection of the cutoff light beam 47 can be virtually divided by the screen according to its position relative to the vertical axis 49 and the horizontal axis 51. This projection of the cutoff light beam 47 thus comprises a lower part 53, which in the nominal position of the cutoff light beam represented on the screen corresponds to the part of the projection of the cutoff light beam 47 located mainly below the horizontal axis 51, and an upper part 55, which in this same nominal position corresponds to the part of the projection of the cutoff light beam 47 located mainly above this horizontal axis 51.

[0113] The upper portion 55 of the beam projection with the cutoff 47 provides a clear boundary, formalized by a well-defined cutoff line 57, between an illuminated area and a dark area of ​​the road, preventing glare for oncoming drivers. It should be noted that the upper portion 55 of the beam projection with the cutoff 47 includes a raised section 58 which ensures that oncoming drivers on one side of the road are not dazzled and simultaneously increases the illumination range for the side of the road where there are no oncoming drivers.

[0114] The lower part 53 of the projection of the cutoff light beam 47 is the part of the projection of the cutoff light beam 47 which must be wide enough to cover a large extent of the road to be illuminated.

[0115] In this embodiment, the upper part 55 of the projection of the cutoff light beam 47 is formed by a projected image 56 of the first projected light beam 1FP. The projected image 56 is delimited on the lower side by the thick dashed curve, and on the upper side by the solid line located between the ends of the preceding curve and including the step 58. The projected image 56 is therefore generated by the first light unit 5. Thus, the step 58 corresponds to the projected image of the step 46 of the rear edge 45 of the first collector 41 of this first light unit 5.

[0116] The lower portion 53 of the projection of the cutoff light beam 47 is formed by a projected image 60 of the third projected light beam. The projected image 60 is delimited on the upper side by the solid horizontal upper portion located to the left of the vertical axis 49 and its horizontal extension in fine dashes to the right of this axis, and on the lower right and left by the remainder of the solid contour. The projected image 60 is therefore generated by the third light unit 9. It should be noted that, since this lower portion 53 of the projection of the cutoff light beam 47 must be sufficiently large and bright, the third light unit 9 can comprise a plurality of collectors and a plurality of light sources.

[0117] As can be seen on the figure, the projected images 56 and 60 partially overlap in an intermediate part of the cutoff light beam 47. This allows a harmonious combination of the two images to form the beam.

[0118] It should be noted that it is conceivable, without leaving the context of the invention, that the lower part 53 and the upper part 55 are made solely by the first light unit 5.

[0119] Laillustrate a schematic projection of the uninterrupted light beam 59 projected onto a screen similar to that of lalorse the light module 1 performs its regulatory lighting function without interruption.

[0120] To achieve this uninterrupted lighting function, the first projected light beam (1FP), the second projected light beam (2FP), the third projected light beam, and the fourth projected light beam are combined. This combination constitutes the uninterrupted light beam that ensures the regulatory uninterrupted lighting function.

[0121] The projection of the uninterrupted light beam 59 can also be virtually divided by the screen according to its position relative to the vertical 49 and horizontal 51 axes. This projection of the uninterrupted light beam 59 thus comprises a lower portion 61, which in the nominal position of the uninterrupted light beam represented on the to the portion of the projection of the uninterrupted light beam 59 located mainly below the horizontal axis 51, and an upper portion 63, which in this same nominal position corresponds to the portion of the projection of the uninterrupted light beam 59 located mainly above this horizontal axis 51.

[0122] It should be noted that here this uninterrupted projection of the light beam 59 results from the combination of the projected images of the first projected light beam 1FP, the second projected light beam 2FP, the third projected light beam, and the fourth projected light beam. It thus corresponds to the projection 47 defined previously, with the addition of a projected image 65 of the second projected light beam 2FP and a projected image 67 of the fourth projected light beam.

[0123] The second projected light beam 2FP is projected relatively centered on the screen, that is, relatively centered with respect to the intersection of the horizontal axis 51 and the vertical axis 49, to provide optimal illumination in the middle of the road, i.e., with high brightness at the center of the screen. The projected image 65 by the second light unit 7 has a high intensity and no sharp edge, but rather blurred contours, because the object focal point DO of the second optical element 19 is located at the image object focal point OV of the second collector 29. This high intensity and blurred edge allow the projected image 65 of the second projected light beam 2FP to blend harmoniously with the projection of the cutoff light beam 47, masking the cutoff line 57.

[0124] The fourth light unit 11, comprising at least one collector and at least one light source, produces a projected image 67 of the fourth projected light beam which extends widthwise along the horizontal axis 51. This makes it possible to obtain a wide image, thus providing wide high beams to illuminate the road.

[0125] Finally, it should be noted that at least one collector of the fourth light unit 11 can be of hyperbolic type, as in the second light unit 7. This configuration also allows obtaining a fourth diffuse projected light beam in order to have a projected image 67 of the fourth projected light beam with diffuse contours, which makes the cut line 57 of the projection of the cut light beam 47 in the projection of the uncut light beam 59 less sharp and less visible.

[0126] The present invention achieves its objective by providing a lighting module comprising a first light unit equipped with a first collector and a second light unit equipped with a second hyperbolic collector. The second and first collectors are arranged opposite each other on the same face of a common support, which respectively carries a first light source for the first light unit and a second light source for the second light unit. This lighting module provides both a regulated switching function and a regulated continuous switching function, using a single support, thus resulting in a simple and inexpensive lighting module.

[0127] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein, but extends to any equivalent means and configurations, as well as any technically feasible combination of such means. In particular, the number of light units is not limited to the examples described. Thus, the regulatory switching lighting function can be formed by a light beam generated by a single light unit, or by the superposition of light beams generated by two or more light units. Similarly, the supplementary lighting function of the regulatory switching lighting function can be formed by a light beam generated by a single light unit, or by the superposition of light beams generated by two or more light units.

Claims

Light module (1) for a motor vehicle lighting device comprising a first light unit (5) configured to perform or participate in performing a regulatory switching lighting function and a second light unit (7) configured to perform a complementary lighting function to the regulatory switching lighting function, the first light unit (5) comprising a first light assembly (13) configured to emit a first light beam (1FE) towards a first optical element (15) capable of projecting said first light beam into a first projected light beam (1FP), the second light unit (7) comprising a second light assembly (17) configured to emit a second light beam (2FE) towards a second optical element (19) capable of projecting said second light beam into a second projected light beam (2FP),said luminous module (1) comprising a support (2) common to the first luminous unit (5) and the second luminous unit (7), characterized in that the common support (2) is provided with a first face (33) and a second face (35) opposite said first face (33), the first luminous assembly (13) comprising a first collector (41) positioned opposite the first face (33) of the support (2) and a first luminous source (43) disposed on the first face (33) of the support (2), the second luminous assembly (17) comprising a second collector (29) positioned opposite the first face (33) of the support (2) and a second luminous source (31) disposed on the first face (33) of the support (2), the second collector (29) being of the hyperbolic type. Light module (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first optical element (15) and / or the second optical element (19) is a projection lens and / or a reflector. Light module (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first optical element (15) is a parabolic type reflector and wherein the first optical element (15) includes an object focal point (PO) positioned in the vicinity of a rear edge (45) of the first collector (41). Light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first collector (41) is of the elliptical type. Light module (1) according to claim 4, in which the first collector (41) comprises a first focus (PF) and a second focus (DF), the first light source (43) being positioned at the first focus (PF) of the first collector (41) and the second focus (DF) being disposed between the first collector (41) and the first optical element (15). Light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second collector (29) comprises a first reflective surface (37) and a second surface (39) opposite the first surface (37), the second collector (29) comprising a real object focus (OR) disposed opposite the first surface (37) and a virtual image focus (OV) disposed opposite the second surface (39). Light module (1) according to claim 6, in which the second light source (31) is positioned at the actual object focus (OR) of the second collector (29). Light module (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, in combination with claim 2, wherein the second optical element (19) is a parabolic type reflector and wherein the second optical element (19) includes an object focal point (DO) positioned at the virtual image focus (OV) of the second collector (29). Light module (1) according to at least claim 3 and at least claim 8, wherein a first focal length (1DF) separates the first optical element (15) from the object focal point (PO) of the first optical element (15) and a second focal length (2DF) separates the second optical element (19) from the object focal point (DO) of the second optical element (19), the second focal length (2DF) being greater than the first focal length (1DF). Light module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a third light unit capable of projecting a third light beam, intended to combine with the first projected light beam (1FP) to perform the regulatory switching lighting function, and / or a fourth light unit capable of projecting a fourth light beam intended to combine with the second projected light beam (2FP) in order to perform the complementary lighting function of the regulatory switching lighting function.

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