WO2023006673A1

WO2023006673A1 - Light module for vehicle headlight

Info

Publication number: WO2023006673A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/070809
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yves Gromfeld; Sylvain Prime
Original assignee: Valeo Vision
Priority date: 2021-07-30
Filing date: 2022-07-25
Publication date: 2023-02-02
Also published as: FR3125858A1; FR3125858B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a light module for a motor vehicle, comprising at least a first row (10) of light sources that is configured to produce a first output beam (1), and a second row (20) of light sources that is configured to produce a second output beam (2), characterised in that the light sources of the first row (10) and of the second row (20) are light-emitting diodes with a maximised emissive portion, and in that said light module comprises a primary optical element (30) configured to receive the light rays from the sources of the first row (10) and of the second row (20), the primary optical element (30) being configured to produce an internal reflection of the light rays from the sources of at least one of the first row (10) and the second row (20).

Description

[Title established by ISA under Rule 37.2] VEHICLE HEADLIGHT LIGHT MODULE

The present invention relates to the field of lighting and/or signaling and the organs, in particular optical, which participate therein. It finds a particularly advantageous application in the field of motor vehicles. In particular, it relates to a light module for a motor vehicle, and to a lighting and/or signaling device equipped with such a module.

STATE OF THE ART

In the automobile sector, devices capable of emitting light beams, also called lighting and/or signaling functions, are known, generally complying with regulations.

Recently, technologies have been developed to produce a segmented beam, also called pixelated, to perform advanced lighting functions. This is particularly the case for a lighting function of the "complementary road" type generally based on a plurality of lighting units each comprising a light-emitting diode, diodes which can be controlled individually. This beam can, in particular, be used to complete the lighting of a dipped type beam, to globally form a road type lighting. The segmented beam can also be part of a "dipped" type lighting beam. In particular, the segmented beam then forms, for example, in code mode, the angled portion, also called “kink”, of the “code” beam. In addition, the segmented beam guarantees the maximum value of the dipped beam illuminance (Emax) at a place complying with the regulations while giving a long reach to the overall dipped beam. In "road" mode, all the diodes can be activated.

The beam resulting from different beam segments from each of the diodes is projected by means of a projection optical system comprising several lenses. For example, a complementary beam can be produced, associated with a base beam totally or at least mainly projected below a horizontal cut-off line of the type used for the dipped beam function, the complementary beam being added to the base beam so as to complete it above the cut line; advantageously, this complementary beam is adaptive to switch on or off certain parts of the overall projected beam, for example for anti-dazzle functions. The acronym ADB (for Adaptive Driving Beam) is used for this type of function.

In the present description, a segmented beam is a beam whose projection forms an image composed of beam segments, each segment being able to be lit independently. A pixelated light source can be used to form these segments. Such a source comprises a plurality of selectively activatable emissive elements. The emissive elements are typically placed next to each other on a support, with a certain pitch.

Patent publication FR 3077362 A1 discloses a light module for a motor vehicle which comprises rows of light sources in the form of light-emitting diodes and optical means making it possible to optically process the rays coming from the diodes in order to construct automotive lighting beams in an adaptive manner. Light-emitting diodes have a light-emitting part proper and an optical housing surrounding the light-emitting part's exit face, this housing forming a first optical element on the path of the rays. By construction, the light-emitting diodes used according to this prior art are therefore relatively spaced from each other, given their housing, which makes it quite easy to provide a volume effect to the overall beam. But the optical means associated with the diodes, according to such a technical solution, nevertheless involve considerable complexity in order to avoid edge effects between the unit beams emitted by each diode; indeed, without subsequent optical processing, the projected pixels would be separated from each other by dark edges due to the significant pitch of their implantation on their support.

An object of the present invention is in particular to propose a solution to this problem, by authorizing an alternative as regards the association of light sources and optical means.

The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that other benefits may be incorporated.

SUMMARY

To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a light module for a motor vehicle is provided, comprising at least a first row of light sources configured to produce a first output beam, and a second row of light sources configured to produce a second beam output, characterized in that the light sources of the first row and of the second row are light-emitting diodes with a maximized emissive part, and in that it comprises a primary optical element configured to receive the light rays from the sources of the first row and the second row, the primary optical element being configured to produce an internal reflection of the light rays from the sources of at least one of the first row and the second row.

Thus, advantage is taken of this type of light source so as to arrange these sources very close to each other (typically with a space of less than 50 microns, or even less than 25 microns). It is possible to image directly at these sources; however, the efficiency of the optical system is maintained and shaping, in particular vertical, of the pixels is carried out via the primary optical element which is an element common to the sources.

According to an advantageous possibility, the optical element has a simplified light ray entry face, for example without requiring the use of patterns such as those of microlenses. Furthermore, a single optical element is used for several rows of sources. In this way, we do away with primary optics of complex shape such as light guides.

Optionally, the primary optical element has an entry face for the light rays and a reflection face configured to produce the internal reflection, the entry face and the reflection face forming a ruled surface having parallel generatrices. This ruled surface can also include at least one output face of the primary optical element. Such a surface may correspond to a shape obtained by extrusion, in particular regular extrusion. This modality can be applied on at least one of the entrance face and the reflection face. The previous indications can also be valid for the exit face.

Thanks to this arrangement, the primary optical element can be simplified, avoiding complex surfaces as much as possible. In particular, the ruled surface forms a portion of cylindrical volume, in the sense that this portion is generated by the circulation of a generatrix perpendicular to a bearing line. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier line may be parallel to the first row of light sources and/or to the second row of light sources. For example, the manufacture can be simplified, in particular by conventional molding techniques.

Another aspect relates to a motor vehicle lighting and/or signaling device equipped with at least one module as described above.

Another aspect relates to a motor vehicle equipped with at least one module and/or such a device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge better from the detailed description of an embodiment of the latter which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

There shows a first embodiment in longitudinal section view.

There shows a perspective view of the first embodiment according to this example.

There shows another perspective view of the first embodiment according to this example.

There shows an illustration of a light ray path for a first beam according to this example.

There represents an example of isocandela curves (that is to say having the same light intensity) of an overall projection comprising a first cut-off type beam combined with a near-field beam, according to this example.

There shows a light ray path illustration for a second beam according to this example.

There represents an example of isocandela curves, of a projection of a second beam, still according to this first example.

There shows a second embodiment in longitudinal section view.

There represents an illustration of a path of light rays for a first beam, according to this second example.

There represents an example of isocandela curves (that is to say having the same light intensity) of a projection of a first cut-off type beam, according to this example.

There shows an illustration of a light ray path of a second beam, according to this example.

There represents an example of isocandela curves, of a projection of a second beam and a first beam, according to this example.

The drawings are given by way of examples and do not limit the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily scaled to practical applications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

l’élément optique primaire 30 est disposé en aval et à proximité immédiate de la première rangée 10 de sources lumineuses et de la deuxième rangée 20 de sources lumineuses ; en d’autres termes, aucun autre élément n’est situé entre l’élément optique primaire 30 et les deux rangées de sources lumineuses ; ici, les termes « amont », « aval » sont définis par rapport à la direction de propagation des rayons lumineux dans le module lumineux ;
l’élément optique primaire 30 présente une face d’entrée 31, 32 des rayons lumineux et une face de réflexion 33 configurée pour produire la réflexion interne, la face d’entrée 31, 32 et la face de réflexion 33 formant une surface réglée ayant des génératrices parallèles ;
à titre d’exemple, la face d’entrée 31, 32 et la face de réflexion forment une surface réglée avec des génératrices qui sont parallèles entre elles dans une direction y perpendiculaire à l’axe optique x du module lumineux ; la direction y peut être la direction selon laquelle s’étendent les première et deuxième rangées de sources lumineuses ;
l’élément optique primaire présente une face de sortie 34 de rayons lumineux, la face de sortie 34, la face d’entrée 31, 32 et la face de réflexion 33 formant une surface réglée ayant des génératrices parallèles ; à titre d’exemple, les génératrices sont parallèles entre elles dans une direction y perpendiculaire à l’axe optique x du module lumineux ; la direction y peut être la direction selon laquelle s’étendent les première et deuxième rangées de sources lumineuses ;
le module lumineux comprend en outre une optique de projection 40 présentant un foyer (considéré dans l’axe optique du module) ou un plan focal situé au niveau des sources d’au moins l’une parmi la première rangée 10 et la deuxième rangée 20 ; ainsi, les sources lumineuses des première et deuxième rangées sont imagées directement par l’optique de projection ;
l’élément optique primaire 30 est configuré pour produire une réflexion interne des rayons lumineux des sources de la deuxième rangée 20 et pour transmettre directement les rayons lumineux des sources de la première rangée 10 ;
la face de réflexion 33 présente un profil en portion d’une ellipse dont un foyer est situé au niveau de la deuxième rangée 20 de sources ;
l’élément optique primaire 30 est configuré pour produire une réflexion interne des rayons lumineux des sources de la première rangée 10 et la deuxième rangée 20 ;
la face de réflexion comprend une première portion convexe 331 de réflexion des rayons lumineux de la première rangée 10 et une deuxième portion convexe 332, différente de la première portion 331, de réflexion des rayons lumineux de la deuxième rangée 20 ;
la première portion 331 et la deuxième portion 332 présentent des profils différents chacun en portion d’une ellipse dont un foyer est situé au niveau, respectivement, de la première rangée 10 et de la deuxième rangée 20 ;
la face de réflexion 33 comprend une troisième portion 333 suivant la première portion 331 et la deuxième portion 332 selon une direction d’un axe optique x de l’élément optique primaire 30, la troisième portion étant concave 333 ;
la première rangée 10 et la deuxième rangée 20 sont portées par un support plan incliné relativement à un plan perpendiculaire à un axe optique x de l’élément optique primaire 30 ;
l’élément optique 30 comprend une face de sortie 34 de rayons lumineux dont une partie 341 présente des motifs curvilignes convexes ;
la face de sortie 34 présente un profil curviligne convexe ;
au moins l’un parmi le premier faisceau 1 et le deuxième faisceau 2 forme ou participe à former un faisceau résultant choisi parmi : un faisceau de coupure de feu de croisement, un faisceau de complément route.
le dispositif selon l’invention peut comprendre au moins deux modules juxtaposés suivant une direction de juxtaposition des sources de la première et de la deuxième rangée ; cette direction est de préférence perpendiculaire à une direction d’axe optique x.

Before starting a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional characteristics are set out below which may possibly be used in combination or alternatively:

the primary optical element 30 is arranged downstream and in the immediate vicinity of the first row 10 of light sources and of the second row 20 of light sources; in other words, no other element is located between the primary optical element 30 and the two rows of light sources; here, the terms “upstream”, “downstream” are defined with respect to the direction of propagation of the light rays in the light module;
the primary optical element 30 has an entrance face 31, 32 for the light rays and a reflection face 33 configured to produce the internal reflection, the entrance face 31, 32 and the reflection face 33 forming a ruled surface having parallel generators;
by way of example, the input face 31, 32 and the reflection face form a ruled surface with generatrices which are parallel to each other in a direction y perpendicular to the optical axis x of the light module; the direction y may be the direction along which the first and second rows of light sources extend;
the primary optical element has an output face 34 for light rays, the output face 34, the input face 31, 32 and the reflection face 33 forming a ruled surface having parallel generatrices; by way of example, the generatrices are parallel to one another in a direction y perpendicular to the optical axis x of the light module; the direction y may be the direction along which the first and second rows of light sources extend;
the light module further comprises projection optics 40 having a focal point (considered in the optical axis of the module) or a focal plane located at the level of the sources of at least one of the first row 10 and the second row 20 ; thus, the light sources of the first and second rows are imaged directly by the projection optics;
the primary optical element 30 is configured to produce an internal reflection of the light rays from the sources of the second row 20 and to directly transmit the light rays from the sources of the first row 10;
the reflection face 33 has a profile in portion of an ellipse, one focal point of which is located at the level of the second row 20 of sources;
the primary optical element 30 is configured to produce an internal reflection of the light rays from the sources of the first row 10 and the second row 20;
the reflection face comprises a first convex portion 331 for reflecting the light rays of the first row 10 and a second convex portion 332, different from the first portion 331, for reflecting the light rays of the second row 20;
the first portion 331 and the second portion 332 each have different profiles as a portion of an ellipse, one focal point of which is located at the level, respectively, of the first row 10 and of the second row 20;
the reflection face 33 comprises a third portion 333 following the first portion 331 and the second portion 332 along a direction of an optical axis x of the primary optical element 30, the third portion being concave 333;
the first row 10 and the second row 20 are carried by a plane support inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to an optical axis x of the primary optical element 30;
the optical element 30 comprises an output face 34 of light rays, a part 341 of which has convex curvilinear patterns;
the exit face 34 has a convex curvilinear profile;
at least one of the first beam 1 and the second beam 2 forms or participates in forming a resulting beam chosen from: a dipped beam cut-off beam, an additional main beam.
the device according to the invention may comprise at least two modules juxtaposed along a direction of juxtaposition of the sources of the first and of the second row; this direction is preferably perpendicular to an optical axis direction x.

In the characteristics set out below, terms relating to verticality, horizontality and transversality (or lateral direction), or their equivalents, are understood to be in relation to the position in which the lighting system is intended. to be mounted in a vehicle. The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used in the present description to designate directions, following an orientation perpendicular to the plane of the horizon for the term "vertical" (which corresponds to the height of the systems), and following an orientation parallel to the plane of the horizon for the term "horizontal". They are to be considered in the operating conditions of the device in a vehicle. The use of these words does not mean that slight variations around the vertical and horizontal directions are excluded from the invention. For example, an inclination relative to these directions of the order of + or – 10° is considered here as a minor variation around the two preferred directions. With respect to the horizontal plane, the inclination is in principle between -5° and +4° and it is between -6° and +7.5° laterally. Moreover, the adjectives "lower" and "higher" are to be taken in relation to the vertical direction; in the same context, an upper element will be located above (but not necessarily in contact, nor directly to the right) of a lower element, following the vertical direction.

Motor vehicle headlamps may be provided with one or more light modules arranged in a box closed by a glass so as to obtain one or more lighting and/or signaling beams at the exit of the headlamp. A module of the invention can equip a vehicle, and, preferably, the latter is also equipped with at least one other module for the projection of at least one other beam. A projector can also be complex and combine several modules which can, moreover, possibly share components.

The invention can take part in a main beam function which has the function of illuminating the scene facing the vehicle over a wide area, but also over a substantial distance, typically about two hundred meters. This light beam, due to its lighting function, is located mainly above the horizon line. It may have a slightly upward illumination optical axis, for example. In particular, it can be used to generate a lighting function of the "complementary" type which forms a portion of a main beam complementary to that produced by a near-field beam, the road complement seeking in whole or at least mainly to illuminate above the horizon line while the near field beam (which may have the specificities of a dipped beam) seeks to illuminate entirely or at least mainly below the horizon line. The road complement can therefore be a main part of the overall "road" bundle and be associated with another bundle participating in the code.

The module proposed here can also be used to produce all or part of the components of the near field beam. For example, a beam emitted by the module can be used to form a base portion of the near-field beam (i.e. typically a relatively laterally spread projection at the front of the vehicle, mostly or totally below the line d horizon, generally looking for a good distribution of illumination over the entire illuminated area). It is also possible to produce another part of a near-field beam, and in particular a cut-off beam; in fact, the beams of the dipped beam type which typically have a first lateral zone (normally on the edge of the roadway side) projecting at a slightly higher height than in a second lateral zone (normally on the middle of the roadway side), these two zones following laterally with the presence of a bend or bend between them. The first lateral zone thus comprises a bent portion, or “kink” in English, and gives the range to the global cut-off beam.

In one embodiment, one of the beams projected by the module is a cut-off beam and another beam projected by the module is a complementary driving beam. In another embodiment, one of the beams is a cut-off beam and another beam is a spread beam serving as the basis for a near-field beam (typically a dipped beam or dipped beam).

The device can also be used to form other lighting functions via or apart from those described above, in relation to the adaptive beams.

It will be noted that each row of sources can be controlled so as to activate them selectively. This means that all the emissive elements are not necessarily simultaneously active, i.e. emissive of light. This function allows you to modulate the shape of the rendered beam. If a light source is not activated, its image, as projected by the optical device, will be zero. It then forms an illumination void in the resulting global beam. This vacuum relates to the phenomena of coupling at the level of the source and the effects of stray light from near optics.

The sources are preferably part of a light-generating system which preferably comprises a support, one face of which carries selectively activatable sources, based on the technology of semiconductor emissive elements, among which are light-emitting diodes LED, as detailed below.

The system according to the invention may comprise a unit for controlling the activation of each of the sources, configured to produce at least one dark zone forming a tunnel in a projected beam by deactivating a group of adjacent sources, the unit for control being configured to determine the number of sources of the group corresponding to the dark zone according to the width dimension of the sources.

The driver unit may include a computer program product, preferably stored in non-transitory memory, wherein the computer program product includes instructions which, when executed by a processor, determine the sources to be activated, in particular to obtain at least one dark zone (in which the sources are not activated) of a determined surface taking into account the variable surface of the images of the elements.

The conventional sources currently used in the automotive field are light-emitting diodes, also commonly called LEDs, individually encapsulated in a casing; the light-emissive portion of the diode is covered by at least one light-transmissive layer, for example made of transparent polymer material. Depending on the shape given to the transmissive layer, it can serve as primary optics from the generation of light in the diode. Thus, such an LED forms a complex assembly combining an emissive part and an optical part. Moreover, when these LEDs are arranged next to each other, the emissive parts of the adjacent LEDs are relatively far from each other, which requires an optical projection designed not to image this spacing between the LEDs.

The present invention uses electroluminescent light sources with a maximized emissive part.

In particular, these sources can be equipped with at least one chip using semiconductor technology and capable of emitting light. Furthermore, the term light source here means a set of at least one elementary source capable of producing a flux leading to the generation at the output of the module of the invention at least one light beam.

Here, the source used is delimited laterally by several circumferential walls which extend along the growth axis of the diode and by a terminal face. The terminal face, in this case, comprises an emissive part through which light is emitted when the diode is biased.

The emissive part is typically either a layer, which can be called an active layer, in which the generation of photons takes place by electron-hole recombinations, or, which is more common in particular for white light, a conversion layer provided with fillers, such as phosphorus particles, making it possible to re-emit photons produced in the active layer in a wavelength band suited to the application.

The light source according to the invention is equipped with a maximized emissive part. Indeed, according to the present invention, the emissive part is exposed to the end face of the source and occupies at least 90% of the surface of said end face, preferably 98% and even more preferably 100% of the surface. In the latter case, the emissive part then forms the light exit face of the source.

A maximized emissive part can be an emissive part exposed to the surface of the source, in the sense that it is not coated with any optically active portion (in particular the absence of lenses or filters) or active with a point of photonic view (in particular absence of light re-emission layers, for example by luminescence, in particular by luminescent particles).

In an advantageous mode, the end face of the source is of rectangular section, which is typical for LED chips. Thus, the emissive part also has a rectangular section whose size is slightly smaller than that of the exit face. In particular, the length of one of the sides of the emissive part is less than the length of one of the sides of the end source face by a value of between 10 micrometers and 40 micrometers. In other words, the distance between an edge of the terminal face and an edge of the emissive part can be between 5 micrometers to 20 micrometers.

In the case of light-emitting sources in individual packaging, also called LED chips, the maximized size of the emissive part translates into a reduction in the size of the case surrounding the light-emitting diode. Indeed, the package may include edges which cover the circumferential walls of the diode. By having the emissive part occupying almost all, or even all, of the terminal face of the diode, these edges can be configured so that they have a very small thickness, for example of the order of a few micrometers. Thus, the case surrounding the light-emitting diode is almost the same size as this diode. The package size protrudes only a few micrometers from the diode terminal face.

It is possible in particular to use such sources marketed under the brand name Luxeon NEO Exact® by the company Lumileds®.

Another example of light sources with a maximized emissive part: the light sources comprise at least two rows of sources on a common substrate. This arrangement of elements can result from growth on the substrate from which they respectively grew, or from any other production method, for example by transferring elements by transfer techniques. Different arrangements of light-emitting elements can meet this definition of monolithic matrix, provided that the light-emitting elements have one of their main dimensions of elongation substantially perpendicular to a common substrate and that the transverse spacing between the pixels, formed by one or more light-emitting elements grouped together electrically, is small in comparison with the spacings imposed in known arrangements of generally flat square chips soldered on a printed circuit board.

In other words, this is a monolithic light-emitting source which is divided into several individual segments. The individual segments are separated by a thin wall, made for example of silicone. The thickness of this thin wall is between 10 micrometers to 25 micrometers. It is possible in particular to use such sources marketed under the brand name PixCell® by the company Samsung®.

Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to obtain smaller spacing steps between the sources, typically less than 50 μm, preferably less than 25 μm.

Defined otherwise, light emitting sources with maximized emissive part are light emitting sources with the emissive part dimensioned so that when two light emitting sources of the same type are placed side by side in direct contact, the distance between the corresponding emissive parts is less than 50 μm, and preferably less than 25 μm.

There shows a first embodiment of the invention. The path of the light rays takes place, in the illustration, from left to right from two

rows

10,20 of light sources of the type indicated above. As also reflected in Figures 2A and 2B, the

rows

10,20 each comprise a plurality of light sources juxtaposed along an alignment direction advantageously oriented perpendicular to an optical axis x of the optical system of the module, visible at the . The optical axis x can be oriented substantially horizontally. Moreover, in the illustration, the optical axis X is common to the primary optics 30 and to the projection optics 40. The primary optics has an optical axis which is here the axis of general direction of the light beam emerging from the primary optics and around which said beam is distributed.

The number of sources of each row is not limiting and it can be different from a first row 10 to the other row 20. Of course, the module can include other rows.

The first row 10 and the second row 20 are advantageously located in the same plane, and preferably on the same support. In one embodiment, this plane is inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis x. Thus, the first row 10 is further back than the second row 20, along the optical axis x. For example, the angle formed between the optical axis and this plane, in the counterclockwise direction, can be less than 80°, and preferably less than 70°. The rows of sources are superimposed in this plane. Here, the second row 20 is arranged above the first row 10 in the vertical direction.

Advantageously, the rows of sources are centered on a dimension in length (schematized under the reference y at the ), perpendicular to the optical axis x, of a primary optical element 30. The latter preferably directly receives the light emitted by the sources of

rows

10,20. This means that there are no intermediate optical components between the sources and the primary optical element 30, and in particular no optics linked to the sources.

The primary optical element 30 is configured to produce at least vertical spreading of the light.

The primary optical element 30 is in the form of an elongated member. It is a one-piece piece, and advantageously came from a single material. It may thus have the shape of a bar. It can be a glass member or a polymeric material suitable for an optical application, such as polycarbonate. It can be made by molding.

The rows of

sources

10,20 are arranged so as to direct light rays towards an input face of the primary optical element 30. In the example of the , the entrance face comprises two portions. A first zone 31 is configured to receive, preferably exclusively or at least mainly, the rays emitted by the first row of sources 10 and entering the primary optical element. In the case of this figure, by way of indication, zone 31 is flat, and can be directed perpendicularly to the optical axis x.

The input face also comprises in this example a second zone 32 which is configured to receive, preferably exclusively or at least mainly, the rays emitted by the second row of sources 20 and entering the primary optical element 30. In the illustration of the , zone 32 forms a non-zero angle with zone 31 and can, for example, form an upper wall of optical element 30.

Another portion of the wall of the optical element 30 provides total internal reflection of at least some of the light rays entering the element 30. For this purpose, a reflection face 33 is provided; it is advantageously located in the lower part of the optical element 30. The reflection face 33 can be configured geometrically to produce the internal reflection of the rays, or be coated with a reflective coating.

The optical element 30 further comprises an exit face 34 for the light rays. In the example represented, this output face is perpendicular to the optical axis x. In a non-limiting way, it can comprise patterns configured to homogenize the light of at least one of the emitted beams. This homogenization can be carried out vertically and/or horizontally. In the case corresponding to the and at the , a part 341 of the output face 34 indeed comprises juxtaposed patterns along the length dimension of the primary optical element 30. The patterns each have a curved profile along a section plane (typically horizontal) parallel to that formed by the optical axis x and the length dimension of the primary optical element 30. This configuration allows horizontal spreading. In addition or alternatively, the patterns of part 341 may have a curved profile along a cutting plane (typically vertical) perpendicular to that defined by the optical axis x and the length dimension of the primary optical element 30. This other configuration allows vertical spreading. When the two spreading directions are combined, the double curvature of the patterns gives them the shape of a portion of a torus.

The patterns can occupy for example between 20 and 30% of a dimension in height of the exit face 34. As shown, the zone 341 can start from the upper end of the exit face 34 and extend downwards . In fact, thus positioned, the zone 341 could correspond to a near field beam portion (either a base spread beam, or a cut-off beam) which deserves significant spreading.

The example provided shows an output face 34 that is generally planar, but, depending on the beam forming needs, it may have a curvature, and in particular a convex curvilinear shape following at least one of the two planes previously indicated for the curved profiles of the part 341 patterned.

Advantageously, to simplify the manufacture and reduce the cost price of the primary optical element 30, all or part of its walls can be made so that it is a ruled surface having parallel generatrices; these generatrices follow each other in a direction so as to define the length of the primary optical element 30, said direction being perpendicular to the optical axis x, and, here, preferably horizontally.

In other words, these parts of the wall of the element 30 form an outline in the form of a portion of a cylinder, in the mathematical sense of the term, that is to say produced by the displacement of a generatrix along a bearing line. Optionally, the entire optical element 30 has such a geometric configuration. In such a case, the optical element 30 is geometrically a cylinder, and in this case it has a constant section perpendicular to its length. Disregarding the presence of the patterns on the portion 341, the embodiment of the figure illustrates this possibility.

There additionally shows an example of downstream optical processing via projection optics 40, here in the form of a biconvex lens for the example. Of course, other optical elements can follow the primary optical element 30, in particular a train of lenses. In the case represented, the output optics, here the optics 40, produces an inversion of the image of the beams.

There provides an example of generation of a first light beam 1 in the context of the previously described module. It is noted there that the first row 10 of light sources is active (which does not necessarily mean that all the sources of row 10 are on). The light enters the primary optical element through the first zone 31 of the input face and propagates to directly reach the output face 34.

In this case, it is sought to produce a first beam 1 intended to be directed mainly or entirely below the horizon line, in particular to participate in a near field beam, for example to form a beam of cut. In this context, relative to the optical axis x, the module is configured so that the light is emitted by an upper portion of the exit face 34. In particular, the exit face 34 can be divided into two portions along its height. , and the first beam can occupy the upper half. Optionally, to prevent light emission in a lower part of the exit face 34, a masking device can limit the exit zone of the first beam 1.

There gives an example of line curves of the same light intensity, also called isocandela curves, which can be obtained by the simultaneous projection of the first beam 1 as shown in the previous figure and a near-field spread beam 5 (also called in English "flat" beam for flat or spread beam) here produced by another device. This simultaneous projection provides a near field beam of the dipped beam or dipped beam type. The first beam 1 makes it possible in particular to define a cutoff zone at the top of the global beam, around the horizon line. The spread beam mainly produces the underlying part, with a larger angular aperture.

There gives an example of the path of light rays during the activation of the second row 20 of light sources (here again, it is not systematic that all the light sources of this row are active). This time, in this example, it is the second zone 32 of the entrance face which is favored to constitute the entrance diopter of the rays. And, unlike the first beam, the second beam 2 produced by the emission of light involves total internal reflection, on the reflection face 33.

Preferably, the portion of the exit face 34 through which the emission takes place is complementary to the emission portion of the first beam 1. In the present case, it is therefore in a lower half of the face output 34 that the second beam 2 is emitted.

There gives an illustration of the combination of such a second beam 2 with the first beam indicated above and a spread beam (thus, in this case, the second beam 2 has been added to the case shown in ). This time, thanks to the second beam 2, a large portion of the overall beam is directed above the horizon line, so as to form a driving beam. In this context, beam 2 appears as a road complement beam.

In the previously detailed illustrations, the first beam is the subject of a direct transmission inside the primary optical element 30 and the second beam 2 undergoes an intermediate reflection. This situation is not exclusive and the following figures show another possibility with internal reflection for the two

beams

1, 2.

To the , as before, two

rows

10,20 of light sources are present, and are preferably carried by a common plane. As before, also, the input face comprises two

zones

31,32 each mainly dedicated respectively to

rows

10,20. Preferably, for the two sources to effectively impact the reflection face 33, the inclination of the support plane of the

rows

10, 20 relative to the optical axis x is greater than previously; the angle formed may be less than 20° and, optionally, the plane is parallel to the optical axis x.

Advantageously, the reflection face 33 comprises two portions each dedicated to the reflection of light from a

row

10,20. The first row 10 being located furthest behind the primary optical element 30, it is associated with a first portion 331 of the reflection face 33. The profile of this portion 331 is curvilinear convex. Preferably, portion 331 has a profile in the form of a portion of an ellipse, this ellipse being such that the center of the sources of row 10 is on one of its focal points.

A second portion 332 of the reflection face 33 follows the first portion 331 to effectively reflect the light coming from the second row 20 in the direction of the exit face 34. The second portion is advantageously convex curvilinear, with a curvature different from that of the first portion 331. As for the portion 331, it may be an elliptical profile, one of the focal points of which is located at the level of the center of the second row 20.

Generally according to the invention, the primary optical element 30 is configured so that a so-called effective part of the light emitted by the sources leaves through the exit face 34 to generate a beam, and possibly so that a so-called lost part of the light emitted by the sources is directed so as not to interfere with the definition of the beams.

In this context, the has, at the level of the reflection face 33, a third portion 333 deliberately curved in contrast to the first portion 331 of the second portion 332 so as to limit the effective reflection of the beams towards the front of the reflection face 33 .

There gives a representation of the light ray path from the first row 10 to constitute a first beam 1. Unlike the case of the , the rays undergo internal reflection in the primary optical element 30, on the first portion 331.

There provides a representation of isocandela curves of such a first beam forming part here of a cut-off beam, of which a bent portion is apparent to the right. For example, at the specified point towards the center of its curves, the maximum illumination may be 43,400 candelas. Thus, when the first beam is projected at the same time with a near field spread beam (“flat” beam), the light intensity of the dipped beam type beam obtained from this simultaneous projection is reinforced, in particular, on the part center of said beam in order to comply with the regulations.

There provides an example of projection of a second beam 2 with the internal reflection on the second portion 332 of the reflection face 33. Preferably, the definition of the zone of effective rays coming from the row 20 is carried out in the sector of the portion 332 thanks to a point of inflection at the junction between the first portion 331 and the second portion 332, and another point of inflection between the second portion 332 and the third portion 333.

There gives a representation of isocandela curves of such a second beam 2 in combination with the first beam illustrated on the . The second beam 2 is provided here as an additional road beam, which can be seen to be mainly directed above the horizon line.

The selective extinction of a light source of the second row 20 forms a shadow zone in the projected beam where there is possibly a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction and/or a vehicle which is ahead in the same direction of traffic (previous vehicle).

The indications provided for the first embodiment corresponding to FIGS. 1 to 4B can be applied mutatis mutandis to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 7B according to any technically compatible combinations. In particular, the exit face 34 can, also in the second embodiment, comprise a patterned part 341.

A module has previously been described in various embodiments. A more complex device can be formed comprising a plurality of such modules. In particular, it is possible to form pairs of modules, preferably by juxtaposing them in a direction parallel to the optical axis x (the modules then having parallel optical axes). Optionally, juxtaposed modules can be grouped together in a single device housing, and possibly share common mechanical support elements.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments in accordance with its spirit.

Claims

Light module for a motor vehicle, comprising at least a first row (10) of light sources configured to produce a first output beam (1), and a second row (20) of light sources configured to produce a second output beam (2 ), characterized in that the light sources of the first row (10) and of the second row (20) are electroluminescent sources with a maximized emissive part, and in that it comprises a primary optical element (30) configured to receive the light rays from the sources of the first row (10) and the second row (20), the primary optical element (30) being configured to produce an internal reflection of the light rays from the sources of at least one of the first row (10) and second row (20).
Module according to the preceding claim, in which the primary optical element (30) has an input face (31, 32) for the light rays and a reflection face (33) configured to produce the internal reflection, the input face (31, 32) and the reflection face (33) forming a ruled surface having parallel generatrices.
Module according to the preceding claim, in which the primary optical element (30) has an output face (34) of light rays, the output face, the input face (31, 32) and the reflection face (33 ) forming a ruled surface having parallel generatrices.
Module according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the primary optical element (30) is arranged downstream of and in close proximity to the first row (10) of light sources and the second row (20) of light sources.
Module according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the light module further comprises projection optics (40) having a focal point or a focal plane located at the level of the sources of at least one of the first row (10 ) and the second row (20).
Module according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the primary optical element (30) is configured to produce an internal reflection of the light rays from the sources of the second row (20) and to directly transmit the light rays from the sources of the first row (10).
Module according to the preceding claim, in which the reflection face (33) has a profile in a portion of an ellipse, one focal point of which is located at the level of the second row of sources (20).
Module according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the primary optical element (30) is configured to produce an internal reflection of the light rays from the sources of the first row (10) and the second row (20).
Module according to the preceding claim in combination with claim 2, in which the reflection face (33) comprises a first convex portion (331) for reflecting the light rays of the first row (10) and a second convex portion (332), different from the first portion (331), of reflection of the light rays of the second row (20).
Module according to the preceding claim, in which the first portion (331) and the second portion (332) each have different profiles as a portion of an ellipse, one focal point of which is located at the level, respectively, of the first row (10) and second row (20).
Module according to one of the two preceding claims, in which the reflection face (33) comprises a third portion (333) following the first portion (331) and the second portion (332) along a direction of an optical axis (x ) of the primary optical element (30), the third portion (333) being concave.
Module according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first row (10) and the second row (20) are carried by a plane support inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to an optical axis (x) of the primary optical element ( 30).
Module according to one of the preceding claims, in which the optical element (30) comprises an output face (34) of light rays, a part (341) of which has convex curvilinear patterns.
Module according to one of the preceding claims, in which the exit face (34) has a convex curvilinear profile.
Module according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one of the first beam (1) and the second beam (2) forms or participates in forming a resultant beam chosen from: a dipped headlight beam , an additional road harness.
Motor vehicle lighting and/or signaling device fitted with at least one module according to any one of the preceding claims.
Device according to the preceding claim, comprising at least two modules juxtaposed in a direction of juxtaposition of the sources of the first row (10) and of the second row (20).