EP4285051A1

EP4285051A1 - Motor vehicle device for lighting the road

Info

Publication number: EP4285051A1
Application number: EP22702279.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sylvain Giraud
Original assignee: Valeo Vision SAS
Current assignee: Valeo Vision SAS
Priority date: 2021-01-29
Filing date: 2022-01-28
Publication date: 2023-12-06
Also published as: CN116868002A; US20240110682A1; FR3119440B1; FR3119440A1; WO2022162180A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a lighting device (30) comprising light modules (30.1, 30.2) adjacent to one another in a transverse direction (Y) of the device (30), each module (30.1, 30.2) comprising a light source (30.10, 30.20) emitting a light beam and a collector (30.11, 30.21) having a reflective surface; a lens (31) which is common to the modules (30.1. 30.2) and is designed to project the light beam reflected by the collector (30.11, 30.21), said lens (31) forming, on the road, an image of the reflective surface of the collector (30.11, 30.21). According to the invention, the lighting device (30) comprises a plurality of printed circuits, each of which supports at least the source (30.10, 30.20) of at least one of the modules (30.1, 30.2); the printed circuits are staggered in the device (30) in planes running parallel to each other; and the common lens (31) extends in a transverse direction (Y) so as to be substantially inclined relative to said planes.

Description

Title of the invention: Device for illuminating the road of a motor vehicle

Technical area.

The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle.

The invention relates to the technical field of lighting devices for motor vehicles and more particularly staged projection devices.

State of the art.

In the field of automotive lighting, it is generally known to use lighting devices comprising a plurality of light modules each comprising a light source, a collector with a reflecting surface, the device comprising an optical system of lens-like projection common to the plurality of light modules, the common lens imaging each of the reflective surfaces of the collectors to form a light beam having an upper cut-off. The type of lens used has a focal zone usually placed at the level of the rear edges of the collectors, so that the upper cutoff of the light beam formed from the images of the reflective surfaces of the collectors by the lens is produced by these rear edges. This type of device makes it possible in particular to use thin lenses, having a large focal length, in order to produce lighting devices whose aesthetic appearance can be complex.

[0004] On the other hand, this type of device makes it necessary to multiply the number of modules in order to obtain sufficient illumination of the road. This constraint can be problematic when a lighting device is sought having a vertically inclined lens, that is to say an inclination by rotation around an optical axis of the device, with respect to the orientation of the lighting device, in particular insofar as the light source of each light module must necessarily uniformly illuminate the reflective surface of the collector and the common lens must collect all the light beam reflected by this collector while imaging the reflective surface.

[0005] An object of the invention is to propose a lighting device making it possible to produce a light beam from the projection of the images of the reflective surfaces of the collectors of a plurality of light modules by the same lens, whatever the vertical tilt of the lens.

Presentation of the invention.

[0006] The subject of the invention is a device for lighting the road of a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of light modules arranged adjacent to each other in a transverse direction of the lighting device, each light module comprising a light source capable of emitting a light beam and a collector comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light beam emitted by said light source; a lens common to the plurality of light modules, arranged to project the light beam reflected by the collector of each light module, said common lens being arranged to form on the road an image of the reflective surface of the collector of each light module.

According to the invention, the device comprises a plurality of printed circuits, each printed circuit supporting at least the light source of at least one of the light modules; the printed circuits are arranged in the lighting device in a stepped manner extending in planes substantially parallel to each other and the common lens extending in a transverse direction while being substantially inclined with respect to these planes.

[0008] Each light source can be arranged opposite the collector, so that the reflective surface of said collector collects and reflects the light beam emitted by said corresponding light source. Thus, each light module is arranged to emit said light beam emitted by its light source, and reflected by its collector, towards said common lens in an overall direction of emission. This overall emission direction preferably corresponds to the direction of the optical axis of the lighting device. If necessary, the light modules are arranged so that said global emission directions are parallel to each other, and said common lens extends in the transverse direction substantially perpendicular to these global emission directions, and if necessary, substantially perpendicular to the direction of the optical axis of the lighting device.

[0009] Each light source is advantageously of the semiconductor type, in this case an electroluminescence diode.

[0010] In one embodiment, the lighting device herein is an overall lighting module which comprises the plurality of light modules and which is intended to be mounted in a headlamp.

[0011] Preferably, the printed circuits are stepped in a vertical direction, perpendicular to the planes in which the printed circuits extend. Preferably, the planes in which the printed circuits extend extend at least in the transverse direction. Advantageously, the planes in which the printed circuits extend extend in the transverse direction and in a longitudinal direction, the longitudinal direction being perpendicular to the transverse direction and to the vertical direction. Preferably, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the overall emission direction or else to the direction of the optical axis of the lighting device.

[0012] Advantageously, the printed circuits are arranged in a stepped manner so as to be transversely adjacent. Each printed circuit is arranged to support at least one light source.

[0013] Still advantageously, each light module is associated with a projection lens intended to form on the road an image of the reflective surface of the collector of the light module with which it is associated, and the common lens comprises the projection lenses of each module. Thus, the common lens is formed at least in part by the juxtaposition of the projection lenses of each light module.

[0014]According to a variant, a light module can comprise several light sources, several collectors each comprising a reflecting surface, each collector being associated with at least one light source, and a single projection lens, the projection lens of the light module being intended to form on the road an image of the reflective surface of each collector of the light module.

[0015] Advantageously, the projection lens of each light module comprises an inner face, arranged opposite the collector or collectors, intended to receive the light beam reflected by the collector of the corresponding light module, and an outer face, opposite the inner face, and through which the light beam is intended to be sent onto the road. The common lens then comprises an internal face arranged opposite the collectors and comprising the internal face of each light module and an external face, opposite to the internal face, and comprising the external face of the projection lens of each module luminous.

[0016] For example, the external face of the common lens is continuous. Thus, when the common lens is observed from the side of its output face, it appears that the common lens forms only a single lens.

[0017] Preferably, the internal face of the common lens is discontinuous, the internal face of each light module being joined discontinuously to each other. Thus, the internal face of the projection lens of each light module is dedicated to this light module and makes it possible to shape the light beam reflected by the collector or collectors of the light module. The common lens thus makes it possible to independently shape the light beam reflected from each light module.

[0018] Advantageously, the term “common lens” means projection optics produced in a single piece.

[0019] Thanks to the invention, it is thus possible to carry out light functions allowing uniform lighting without loss of luminosity while using a lens having a strong vertical inclination, for example an inclination obtained by rotation of the lens around the optical axis of the lighting device, making it possible to adapt to the aesthetics of the motor vehicle comprising the lighting device.

[0020] Advantageously, the projection lenses of each light module are juxtaposed in a direction of juxtaposition. The direction of juxtaposition of the projection lenses of the light modules is inclined with respect to the transverse direction. In this example, the inclination of the common lens is defined by the inclination of the juxtaposition direction.

Advantageously, the collector of each light module has a rear edge and the common lens has a focal zone located in the vicinity of the rear edges of the collectors of the light modules so that the image of each collector formed by the common lens has an upper cutoff formed by the trailing edge of this collector. In particular, the term “focal zone located in the vicinity of the rear edges of the collectors” means a focal zone located at a distance from said rear edges which is less than 10 mm.

Advantageously, the projection lens of each light module has a focal zone located near the rear edge of the collector of this light module, so that the image of the collector formed by the projection lens of each light module has a upper cut formed by the rear edge of this manifold. In particular, the term “focal zone located in the vicinity of the rear edges of the collectors” means a focal zone located at a distance from said rear edges which is less than 10 mm.

[0023] In particular, the focal zone of the common lens can be formed by the focal zone of each projection lens. For example, the focal zone of the common lens has several stepped focal zones, each focal zone corresponding to the focal zone of one of the light modules. The image of each collector formed by the common lens can be formed by superimposing the images of the collectors formed by the projection lenses of the light modules.

[0024] In general, the focal zone of a projection lens can be a focal point, also called focus, for example when the light module with which the lens is associated comprises a single collector, or can be a focal line , also called line of focus, for example when the light module with which the lens is associated comprises a plurality of collectors.

For each section of the common lens by a plane substantially orthogonal to said planes substantially parallel to each other, the common lens has a height. This height corresponds to the actual height of the common lens. By actual height is meant the height that the common lens has when it is integrated into the lighting device.

According to one example, the projection lens of each light module is formed by a portion of a lens. For example, the lens portion forming the projection lens is a lower portion of the lens, located below the center of the lens or an upper portion of the lens, located above the center of the lens.

[0027] Preferably, the common lens has a central plane separating it, over its entire length along said transverse direction, into two portions of substantially identical height. In other words, the common lens has a central plane passing through the center of the height of the common lens over its entire length along said transverse direction.

Preferably, the collector of each light module is arranged to focus said light beam emitted by the light source of this light module at a point on this central plane.

[0029] Preferably, said height can be substantially constant over the entire length of the common lens along said transverse direction.

[0030] Preferably, each collector comprises a secondary focus arranged substantially on the central plane, the primary focus being at the level of the light source.

[0031] Advantageously, the common lens is arranged to project each light beam reflected by its collector, in an overall direction of projection, the rear edge of the collector of at least one of the light modules being offset with respect to said central plane according to a third direction perpendicular to the overall direction of projection and to the transverse direction.

[0032] In particular, each projection lens is arranged to project the light beam reflected by the collector of its light module in an overall direction of projection, the rear edge of the collector of at least one of the light modules being offset by relative to said central plane in a third direction perpendicular to the overall direction of projection and to the transverse direction.

For example, the third direction corresponds to the vertical direction, perpendicular to the planes in which the printed circuits extend.

For example, for each section of the common lens by a plane substantially orthogonal to said planes substantially parallel to each other, the light beam reflected by the reflective surface of the collector can pass through the center of the height of the common lens in this section .

For example, the focal zone of at least one light module is offset, in a plane substantially orthogonal to said planes substantially parallel to each other, with respect to the center of the height of the common lens.

Advantageously, for each light module, the distance between the central plane and the rear edge of the collector of this light module, measured along the third direction, is less than the height of the common lens in line with this light module. The height of the common lens is also measured along the third direction.

[0037] For example, the distance between the central plane and the rear edge of the manifold along the third direction can be determined in a section plane extending along the overall direction of projection, said section plane being substantially orthogonal to said planes substantially parallels between them. Said distance is measured, in the third direction, between the point representing the rear edge of the collector and a central line which results from the intersection between the cutting plane and the central plane.

Advantageously, at least one printed circuit supports the light source of at least two light modules. Where applicable, the common lens extends, in line with these light modules, in the transverse direction while being substantially inclined with respect to the plane in which this printed circuit extends at an angle of less than 10°. If necessary, the light modules can thus be arranged on a transverse line so as to be adjacent at least two by two.

[0039] Advantageously, at least one printed circuit supports the light source of at least two light modules. If necessary, the projection lenses of each of these two light modules are juxtaposed in a direction of juxtaposition substantially inclined with respect to the transverse direction at an angle of less than 10°. The common lens comprising the projection lenses of the light modules is then inclined relative to the transverse direction at an angle of less than 10°.

According to this example, said printed circuit supporting the light source of at least two light modules can be associated with at least two projection lenses. This embodiment thus makes it possible to group together several light modules on the same printed circuit, which thus ensures that the collectors of these modules are correctly aligned with said common lens.

[0041] Advantageously, at least one printed circuit only supports the light source of a single light module. Where appropriate, the common lens extends, in line with this light module, in the transverse direction while being substantially inclined with respect to the plane this printed circuit extends at an angle greater than 10°.

In this embodiment, said printed circuit supporting only the light source of a single light module is associated with a single projection lens. This embodiment thus allows the common lens to be tilted by juxtaposing the projection lenses of each light module in an inclined direction of juxtaposition, by associating a single light module with a printed circuit.

Advantageously, the collector of each light module has, in a section by a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane in which extends the printed circuit supporting the light source of this light module, a substantially elliptical profile, and in a section by a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which extends the printed circuit supporting the light source of this light module, a substantially elliptical profile. Alternatively, the collector of each light module may have, in a section by a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which extends the printed circuit supporting the light source of this light module, a substantially parabolic profile. As a further variant, the collector of each light module can be a collector with a free surface (also called free-form or free-shape).

Advantageously, the collectors have a truncated parabolic profile each defining a cavity in which the light source and the printed circuit are arranged.

Advantageously, the overall light beam formed by the projection, by the common lens, of the light beams reflected by the collectors of each of the light modules forms a wide light beam with a horizontal upper cutoff (called fiat in English), or a narrow light beam with a horizontal upper cut with a jump (called kink in English) or a regulatory crossing type light beam.

Brief description of figures.

[0046] Other advantages and characteristics of the present invention are now described in using only illustrative examples and in no way limiting the scope of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings, drawings in which the various figures represent:

[0047] [Fig. 1] schematically and partially represents a top view of the lighting device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0048] [Fig. 2] schematically and partially represents a front view of the lighting device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0049] [Fig. 3] schematically and partially represents a front view of the lighting device according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0050] [Fig. 4] schematically and partially represents a sectional view along the axis A-A' of the lighting device according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2.

[0051] [Fig. 5] schematically and partially represents a sectional view along the axis B-B' of the lighting device according to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 2.

In the following description, the identical elements, by structure or by function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

Description of embodiments.

[0053] There is shown in [Fig. 1] a lighting device 30 of a motor vehicle according to one embodiment of the invention. This lighting device 30 will be described in connection with [Fig. 2], [Fig. 3], [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5], in particular, [Fig. 2], described in a front view, an embodiment of the invention and [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5], respectively describe a section along the A-A' axis and along the B-B' axis of said embodiment. The [Fig. 3], described in a front view, another embodiment of the invention.

In these figures, there is shown an orthogonal marker associated with the lighting device 30. This marker is composed of three axes X, Y and Z being called, here, respectively longitudinal axis X, transverse axis Y and vertical axis Z .

The lighting device 30 comprises a plurality of light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 and has on its front face a common lens 31, common to the plurality of light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4. The number of light modules represented is not limiting. The lighting device may comprise two or three light modules, or more than four light modules.

The light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 are arranged adjacent to each other in a transverse direction of the lighting device 30. Each of the light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.4 comprises two light sources 30.10, 30.10' 30.20, 30.20', 30.40, 30.40' each emitting a light beam and two collectors 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.41, 30.41' each comprising a reflective surface. Each collector 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.41, 30.41' is associated with at least one light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.40, 30.40' and the reflecting surface of each collector 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.41, 30.41' is arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.40, 30.40' to which he is associated.

The light module 30.3 differs from other light modules in that it comprises a single light source 30.30 emitting a light beam and a single collector 30.31, associated with the light source 30.30 and comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light rays emitted by the light source 30.30.

The overall light beam formed by the projection, by the common lens 31, of the light beams reflected by the collectors 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of each of the light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 forms a wide light beam with a horizontal upper cutoff (called fiat in English), or a narrow light beam with a horizontal upper cutoff with a jump (called a kink in English) or a regulatory crossing type light beam.

Each of the collectors 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' has a truncated parabolic profile each defining a cavity in which is arranged the light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40'.

Each collector 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' is arranged so that it collects the light beam emitted by the light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40 , 30.40' associated with it and that it reflects it towards the common lens 31 in an overall emission direction extending here along the longitudinal axis X. In particular, each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 comprises a projection lens 31.1,

31.2, 31.3, 31.4 intended to form on the road an image of the reflective surface of the collectors 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of the light module 30.1, 30.2,

30.3, 30.4 with which it is associated, and the common lens 31 is formed by the juxtaposition of the projection lenses 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 of the light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4.

In the context of the invention, the number of light sources and collectors present in each light module can vary. According to an alternative, illustrated by the light module 30.3, a light module can comprise a single light source and a single collector associated with a single projection lens. According to another alternative, illustrated by the light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.4, a light module can comprise two light sources and two collectors associated with a single projection lens. According to yet another alternative, a light module can comprise more than two light sources and/or more than two collectors, associated with a single projection lens. Each light module is thus defined by its projection lens, and comprises the collector or collectors whose image of the reflecting surface is formed by the projection lens, as well as the light sources associated with these collectors.

Each collector 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 has a rear edge 34 so that the image of each collector 30.11, 30.11' , 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' formed by the projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 with which it is associated, and therefore by the common lens 31, has an upper cut formed by the rear edge 34 of each said manifold 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41'.

[0063] Each light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40' can be arranged in line with the collector 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' with which it is associated, so that the reflective surface of said collector collects and reflects the light beam emitted by said corresponding light source. Thus, each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 is arranged to emit said light beams emitted by its light sources, and reflected by its collectors, towards said common lens 31 in an overall direction of emission parallel to each other. This overall emission direction corresponds to the direction of the optical axis of the lighting device.

The common lens 31 is arranged to project the light beams emitted by each light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40' from each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 and reflected by the manifolds 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21',

30.31, 30.41, 30.41' depending on the global projection direction. In particular, each projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 is arranged to project the light beams emitted by each light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40' of the light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3 , 30.4 with which it is associated, and reflected by the collectors 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of this light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 according to the overall direction of projection.

The projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 comprises an internal face 31.11, 31.21, 31.31, 31.41 arranged opposite the collector(s) 30.11, 30.11 ', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of light module 30.1, 30.2,

30.3, 30.4. Each internal face 31.11, 31.21, 31.31, 31.41 is intended to receive the light beam reflected by the collector 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of the corresponding light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4. The projection lens 31.1, 31.2,

31.3, 31.4 of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 also has an outer face, opposite the inner face 31.11, 31.21, 31.31, 31.41, and through which the light beam is intended to be sent onto the road.

The common lens 31 then comprises an internal face 31a arranged opposite the collectors 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' and comprising the internal face

31.11, 31.21, 31.31, 31.41 of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 and an outer face 31b, opposite the inner face 31a, and comprising the outer face of the projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4. The outer face 31b of the common lens 31 is continuous. Thus, when the common lens 31 is observed from the side of its external face 31b, it appears that the common lens 31 forms only one lens.

The internal face 31a of the common lens 31 is discontinuous, the internal face 31.11, 31.21,

31.31, 31.41 of the projection lenses 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 being discontinuously joined together. Thus, the inner side

31.11, 31.21, 31.31, 31.41 of the projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 is dedicated to this light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 and makes it possible to shape the light beam reflected by the collector(s) 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41 , 30.41' from light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4. The common lens 31 thus makes it possible to independently shape the light beam reflected from each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4.

The common lens 31 has a focal zone represented here in FIG. 1 by a line of focus 33 situated in the vicinity of the rear edges of the collectors 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41', said line hearth 33 being located at a distance from the rear edges of said manifolds 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of less than 10 mm.

More specifically, the projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 has a focal zone 33.1, 33.2, 33.3, 33.4 located near the rear edge 34 of the collectors 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of this light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 so that the image of the collector 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.41, 30.41, 30.41, 30.41, 30.41, 30.41, 30.41, 30.41 'formed by the projection lens 31.1, 31.2,

31.3, 31.4 of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 has an upper cut formed by the rear edge 34 of these collectors 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41'. In particular, the term “focal zone located in the vicinity of the rear edges of the collectors” means a focal zone located at a distance from said rear edges which is less than 10 mm. The focal zone 33.1, 33.2, 33.3, 33.4 of the projection lenses 31.1,

31.2, 31.3, 31.4 can be a focal line or a focal point.

The focal zone 33 of the common lens 31 is then formed by the focal zone 33.1, 33.2,

33.3, 33.4 of each projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4. It thus has several stepped focal zones 33.1, 33.2, 33.3, 33.4 each corresponding to the focal zone 33.1, 33.2, 33.3, 33.4 of one of the light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4. The line of focus 33 represented in FIG. 1 corresponds to the line joining the focal zones 33.1,

33.2, 33.3, 33.4 of each projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 when they are projected in a horizontal plane defined by the transverse and longitudinal directions, corresponding to the plane of representation of figure 1.

The lighting device 30 also comprises printed circuits, each printed circuit supporting at least the light source of at least one of the light modules. The printed circuits are arranged in line with the cavities in which the light sources 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40' are arranged.

According to one embodiment shown in Figure 2, the light sources 30.10, 30.10 ', 30.20, 30.20' of the light modules 30.1, 30.2 are arranged on the same printed circuit 30.1222, and the light sources 30.30, 30.40, 30.40 ' light modules

30.3, 30.4 are arranged on the same printed circuit 30.3242. Each printed circuit 30.1222, 30.3242 thus supports the light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40' of two light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 and is associated with two projection lenses 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4. The light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 can thus be arranged on a transverse line so as to be adjacent at least two by two. Said printed circuit 30.1222, 30.3242 supporting the light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40' of at least two light modules can be associated with at least two projection lenses 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 . This embodiment thus makes it possible to group several light modules together on the same printed circuit, which thus ensures that the collectors of these light modules are correctly aligned with said common lens 31.

According to another embodiment shown in Figure 3, the light sources 30.10, 30.10 ', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40 'of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 are each arranged on a single printed circuit 30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42. In other words, the light sources 30.10, 30.10' of the light module 30.1 are arranged on the printed circuit 30.12, the light sources 30.20, 30.20' of the light module 30.2 are arranged on the printed circuit 30.22, the light source 30.30 of the light module 30.3 is arranged on the printed circuit 30.32 and the light sources 30.40, 30.40' of the light module 30.4 are arranged on the printed circuit 30.42.

Each printed circuit 30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42 only supports the light source of a single light module, and is associated with a single projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4.

In each of these embodiments, the printed circuits 30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42, 30.1222, 30.3242 are arranged adjacent transversely and in a stepped manner, each printed circuit extending in a plane P, and said planes being parallel between them and hereinafter called substantially parallel planes P. In the example illustrated, the printed circuits 30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42, 30.1222, 30.3242 are stepped in the vertical direction. This vertical direction is perpendicular to said substantially parallel planes P.

[0077] With reference to [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5], in a section through a plane substantially orthogonal to said planes P substantially parallel to each other, the common lens 31 has a height h. This height corresponds to the real height of the common lens 31. Indeed, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the projection lenses 31.1, 31.4 forming the common lens 31 correspond to lens portions. These lenses have been shown in dotted lines, and the portions of these lenses corresponding to the projection lenses 31.1, 31.4 have been shown in solid lines. The lenses from which the projection lenses 31.1, 31.4 originate are centered on the longitudinal axis L passing through the focal zone 33.1, 33.4. The same configuration applies to light modules 30.2, 30.3, and in particular to projection lenses 31.2, 31.3.

A central plane 32 separates the common lens 31, over its entire length along said transverse direction Y, into two portions of substantially identical height. The height h of the common lens 31 is substantially constant over the entire length of the common lens 31 along the transverse direction. [0079] The collector 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of each light module

30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 comprises a primary focus at the level of the light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40' and a secondary focus arranged substantially on the central plane 32. The collector 30.11, 30.11 ', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 focuses the light beam emitted by the associated light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40' , at a point of this central plane 32. More precisely, the collector 30.11, 30.11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 focuses the light beam emitted by the light source 30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40' associated on the central plane 32, at the level of the projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 of the light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 . In the example illustrated, the light beam is focused in the central plane 32, at the center of the projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4. Alternatively, it could be focused in the central plane 32, on the internal face 31.11, 31.21, 31.31, 31.41 of the projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4.

The common lens 31 extends in a transverse direction Y substantially perpendicular to the overall direction of emission of the light beams, being substantially inclined with respect to the planes containing the printed circuits 30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42, 30.1222, 30.3242. Each projection lens 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 forming the common lens 31 passes through a plane substantially orthogonal to the substantially parallel planes P comprising the printed circuits 30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42, 30.1222, 30.3242. The projection lenses 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 of each light module 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 are juxtaposed along a juxtaposition direction. The direction of juxtaposition of the projection lenses 31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4 of the light modules 30.1,

30.2, 30.3, 30.4 is inclined with respect to the transverse direction. In this example, the inclination of the common lens 31 is defined by the inclination of the direction of juxtaposition.

In FIG. 3, the inclination of the common lens 31 is greater than in the embodiment described in [Fig. 2], [Fig. 4] and [Fig. 5], which leads to a subdivision of the printed circuits 30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42. The subdivision is necessary to respect the offset between each light module and the corresponding common lens 31.

The common lens 31 extends in the horizontal direction Y while being substantially inclined with respect to the light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 and in particular with respect to the line on which these light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3 are arranged. , 30.4.

In Figure 2, it can thus be seen that the light module 30.1 is arranged above the central plane 32 of the common lens 31 and the module 30.4 is arranged below the central plane 32 of the common lens 31. Here, the offset of the light modules 30.1 and 30.4 relative to the central plane 32 is exaggerated for the visual representation in Figures 4 and 5. It is understood that the light modules 30.2, 30.3 are also offset relative to the central plane 32. Specifically, Figure 4 shows the sectional view of the lighting device along a sectional plane passing through the axis AA 'shown in Figure 2. This sectional plane extends parallel to the overall direction of projection X being substantially orthogonal to the parallel planes P. In this sectional view, the point representing the rear edge 34 of the light module 30.1 is offset with respect to a central line which results from the intersection between the cutting plane and the central plane 32 along the vertical axis Z. Here, the rear edge 34 is located above the center line. This offset is characterized by the distance d measured along the vertical axis Z between the rear edge 34 and the central line. The focal zone 33.1 of the projection lens 31.1 associated with the light module 30.1 is thus offset with respect to the central line.

Similarly, Figure 5 shows a sectional view of the lighting device along a section plane passing through the axis B-B 'shown in Figure 2. In Figure 5, there is also a shift between the rear edge 34 and the central line forming part of the central plane 32 along the vertical axis Z. This offset is also characterized by the distance d measured between the rear edge 34 of the light module 30.4 and the central line. Here, the trailing edge of light module 30.4 is below the center line. The focal zone 33.4 of the projection lens 31.4 associated with the light module 30.4 is thus offset with respect to the central line.

In both cases, the distance d is less than the height h of the lens measured along the vertical axis Z.

In Figure 3, the light modules 30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4 are also offset from the central plane 32 of the common lens. The description of the positioning of the collectors with respect to the common lens in connection with figures 4 and 5 also applies to the collectors and to the common lens of the light modules of figure 3.

The foregoing description clearly explains how the invention makes it possible to achieve the objectives that it has set itself, namely to carry out light functions allowing uniform lighting without loss of brightness while using a lens having a strong inclination. vertical adapted to the aesthetics of the motor vehicle comprising the lighting device. For this, the invention proposes to use a plurality of printed circuits supporting at least one light source, arranged in a stepped manner extending in planes substantially parallel to each other, and a common lens extending in a transverse direction substantially inclined with respect to these planes.

In any event, the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments specifically described in this document, and extends in particular to all equivalent means and to any technically effective combination of these means.

Claims

[Claim 1] Device for illuminating (30) the road of a motor vehicle, comprising: a. a plurality of light modules (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) arranged adjacent to each other in a transverse direction (Y) of the lighting device (30), each light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) comprising a light source (30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40') capable of emitting a light beam and a collector (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41') comprising a reflective surface arranged to collect and reflect the light beam emitted by said light source (30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40'); b. a common lens (31) to the plurality of light modules (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4), arranged to project the light beam reflected by the collector (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41 ') of each light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4), said common lens (31) being arranged to form on the road an image of the reflective surface of the collector (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31 , 30.41, 30.41') of each light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4); characterized in that it comprises a plurality of printed circuits (30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42; 30.1222, 30.3242), each printed circuit (30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42; 30.1222, 30.3242) supporting at least the light source (30.10 , 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40') of at least one of the light modules (30.1,

30.2, 30.3, 30.4); the printed circuits (30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42; 30.1222, 30.3242) are arranged in the lighting device (30) in a stepped manner extending in planes (P) substantially parallel to each other and the common lens (31 ) extending in the transverse direction (Y) being substantially inclined with respect to these planes.

[Claim 2] Lighting device (30) for the road of a motor vehicle according to claim 1, in which each light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) is associated with a projection lens (31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4) intended to form on the road an image of the reflective surface of the collector of the light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) with which it is associated, and the common lens comprises the projection lenses (31.1, 31.2, 31.3 , 31.4) of each module (30.1, 30.2,

30.3, 30.4).

[Claim 3] Motor vehicle road illumination device (30) according to Claim 2, in which the projection lenses (31.1, 31.2, 31.3, 31.4) of each light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) are juxtaposed in a direction of juxtaposition inclined with respect to the transverse direction.

[Claim 4] Motor vehicle road lighting device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the collector (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' ) of each light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) has a rear edge (34) and in which the common lens (31) has a focal zone (33) located in the vicinity of the rear edges of the collectors (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41' ) of the light modules (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) so that the image of each collector (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41') formed by the common lens (31) has an upper cut formed by the rear edge (34) of this manifold (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41').

[Claim 5] Lighting device (30) for the road of a motor vehicle according to one of the preceding claims, in which the common lens (31) has a central plane (32) separating it, over its entire length along the transverse direction (Y), in two portions of substantially identical height, and in which the collector (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41') of each light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3 , 30.4) is arranged to focus said light beam emitted by the light source (30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40') of this light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) at a point of this central plane (32).

[Claim 6] Lighting device (30) for the road of a motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, in which the common lens (31) is arranged to project each light beam reflected by its collector (30.11, 30, 11' , 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41'), in an overall direction of projection (X), and in which the rear edge (34) of the collector (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41') of at least one of the light modules (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) is offset from said central plane (32) in a third direction (Z) perpendicular to the overall direction of projection (X ) and the transverse direction (Y).

[Claim 7] Lighting device (30) for the road of a motor vehicle according to the preceding claim, in which, for each light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4), the distance (d) between the central plane (32) and the rear edge (34) of the collector (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41') of this light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4), measured according to the third direction (Z), is lower than the height (h) of the common lens (31) to the right of this light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4).

[Claim 8] Lighting device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one printed circuit (30.1222, 30.3242) supports the light source (30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40') of at least two light modules (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4); and in which the common lens (31) extends, in line with these light modules (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4), in the transverse direction (Y) while being substantially inclined with respect to the plane in which this printed circuit (30.1222, 30.3242) at an angle of less than 10°. [Claim 9] Lighting device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which at least one printed circuit (30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42) supports only the light source (30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20' , 30.30, 30.40, 30.40') of a single light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4); and in which the common lens (31) extends, in line with this light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4), in the transverse direction (Y) while being substantially inclined with respect to the plane in which this printed circuit (30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42) at an angle greater than 10°.

[Claim 10] Motor vehicle road lighting device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the collector (30.11, 30, 11', 30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41 ') of each light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) present, in a section by a plane substantially orthogonal to the plane in which extends the printed circuit supporting the light source (30.10, 30.10',

30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40') of this luminous module (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4), an elliptical profile, and in a section by a plane substantially parallel to the plane in which the printed circuit extends ( 30.12, 30.22, 30.32, 30.42; 30.1222, 30.3242) supporting the light source (30.10, 30.10', 30.20, 30.20', 30.30, 30.40, 30.40') of this light module (30.1, 30.2, 30.4, 30.4), a profile substantially elliptical.

[Claim 11] Lighting device (30) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the overall light beam formed by the projection, by the common lens (31), of the light beams reflected by the collectors (30.11, 30, 11',

30.21, 30.21', 30.31, 30.41, 30.41') of each of the light modules (30.1, 30.2, 30.3, 30.4) forms a wide light beam with a horizontal upper cutoff, or a narrow light beam with a horizontal upper cutoff with a projection or a regulatory crossing type light beam.

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