FR3103878A1 - CONNECTION BETWEEN ZONES OF A CUT-OFF LIGHT MODULE REFLECTOR - Google Patents

Abstract

CONNECTION BETWEEN ZONES OF A CUT-OFF LIGHT MODULE REFLECTOR The invention relates to a light module (101), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source (104) capable of emitting light rays; a reflection surface (102.2) intended to be covered with a varnish and configured to reflect the light rays so as to form a light beam with higher cut-off, said reflection surface comprising a first zone (102.2.4, 102.2.6) extending longitudinally and configured to form a top-cut light image and a second zone (102.2.3, 102.2.5) and a third zone (102.2.5, 102.2.7) extending longitudinally along the first zone (102.2.4, 102.2.6), respectively on either side of said first zone, where the reflection surface (102.2) has a transverse profile forming a downward step from the first zone (102.2.4, 102.2.6 ) to each of the second (102.2.3, 102.2.5) and third (102.2.5, 102.2.7) zones. (Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1)

Description

CONNECTION BETWEEN ZONES OF A SWITCHING LIGHT MODULE REFLECTOR

The invention relates to the field of lighting, more particularly lighting for motor vehicles.

The published patent document EP2309172A1 discloses a light headlamp for a motor vehicle, comprising a light module capable of producing a light beam with horizontal cut-off, corresponding to the lighting function commonly called "code" in French, or even "low beam" in French. English. To do this, the module comprises a reflecting surface of the parabolic type comprising several zones capable, from the light emitted by the light source towards the reflecting surface, of forming different specific light images and overlapping to form the light beam. To this end, the central zone which is in intersection with the optical axis and the light emission axis of the light source is configured to form a light image with horizontal cut-off, while the lateral zones and adjacent to the zone central form a bright image with an oblique cut. Extra-lateral zones, adjacent to the lateral zones themselves adjacent to the central zone form a diffuse light image, more extensive than the cut-off images. Such a configuration makes it possible to form several specific light images with a single module, more particularly a single light source and a single reflective surface. This has the advantage of compactness. However, this configuration imposes certain geometric constraints on the narrow central zone in order to be able to form the horizontal cut-off light image, which then imposes significant variations in radius of curvature for the adjacent lateral zones. Furthermore, the sharpness of the oblique cutoff of the oblique cutoff light image may prove to be deficient, essentially in that the inclination of the cutoff is ensured by a configuration particular to the lateral zones of the reflecting surface, both at the level of the radius of curvature in a longitudinal plane than of the radius of curvature in a transverse plane.

The published patent document FR3074261A1 relates to a lighting device reflector, having several longitudinal zones or facets, and addresses a problem of modifying the profile of the reflector following the application of a varnish, in particular at the junctions between the areas or facets. This document provides for a lateral edge joining one of the zones or facets with another zone or facet to be inclined with respect to the optical axis. However, this solution only partially overcomes the problem of variation in geometry after application of the varnish.

The published patent document FR3035704A1 also relates to a lighting device reflector, having several longitudinal zones or facets. It also addresses the problem of depositing varnish before applying a metallized layer, in particular at the level of the junctions between the zones or facets. It provides for forming a groove along the junction so that the varnish conforms to the profile of the reflector, in particular in the direct vicinity of the junction. This solution only applies to junctions with a V cross section.

The aim of the invention is to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the aforementioned state of the art. More particularly, the aim of the invention is to overcome the problem of variation in the geometric profile of a reflector after application of a varnish, when the reflector has several adjacent longitudinal zones.

The subject of the invention is a light module, in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a light source capable of emitting light rays; a reflecting surface intended to be coated with a varnish and configured to reflect the light rays so as to form a light beam with an upper cut-off, said reflecting surface comprising a first region extending longitudinally and configured to form a light image at upper cut and a second zone and a third zone extending longitudinally along the first zone, respectively on either side of said first zone; remarkable in that the reflection surface has a transverse profile forming a downward step from the first zone towards each of the second and third zones.

The notion of "downward" in the concept of "downward march" means in a direction perpendicular to the reflection surface, in a direction opposite to said surface.

Advantageously, the first zone is in a central position. By central position, we mean that the zone is crossed by the optical axis of the light module.

Advantageously, the reflection surface forms a cap whose longitudinal profile can be parabolic or elliptical.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the downward running profile extends over more than 70% of the longitudinal extent of the first zone.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the descending steps has a height greater than 0.5mm and/or less than 2.5mm.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of the descending steps is formed by an exterior corner and an interior corner adjacent to said exterior corner, each of said corners forming an angle of between 80° and 100°.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the upper cutoff of the light image with upper cutoff formed by the first zone of the reflecting surface has an inclination of an angle β with respect to a horizontal direction, said first zone having edges lateral forming an inclination at an angle γ with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the optical axis, and |β-γ|≤10°. Advantageously, the angle γ is measured between the vertical plane in question and a projection of the lateral edges along the optical axis on a plane perpendicular to said axis.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the angle β is between 15° and 45° and/or the angle γ is greater than or equal to 5°.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reflecting surface comprises a fourth zone extending longitudinally along one of the second and third zones, said fourth zone having side edges parallel to the optical axis and the reflection surface has a transverse profile forming a descending step from said one of the second and third zones towards the fourth zone.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one of the second and third zones has an outer lateral edge parallel to the optical axis, the light image of said at least one of the second and third zones has a horizontal upper cut, and the fourth area is configured to form a light image with no upper cutoff.

According to an advantageous mode of the invention, the fourth zone is configured to form a light image with an upper horizontal cutoff.

According to an advantageous mode of the invention, the second zone and the third zone are configured to form one or more light images without an upper cutoff.

According to an advantageous mode of the invention, the reflecting surface comprises a fifth zone extending longitudinally along the other of the second and third zones, said fifth zone being configured to form a light image without an upper cutoff.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light source is of the semiconductor type with a flat illuminating surface, said illuminating surface having a front edge inclined at an angle α with respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and in the plane of said illuminating surface.

According to an advantageous mode of the invention, the angle α is greater than or equal to 10° and/or less than or equal to 45°.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first zone of the reflecting surface, forming the inclined upper cutoff of the light image with upper cutoff, is directly above the light source.

According to an advantageous mode of the invention, the reflection surface is on a reflector made of thermosetting material.

The measurements of the invention are interesting in that they make it possible to deal with the geometric and optical disturbances caused by the varnish on the junctions between longitudinal zones of a reflector. Providing a downward running profile at the junctions allows the inside corner to be shaded from the light beam produced by the light source. This thus makes it possible to only involve the portion of varnish with a thickness decreasing at the level of the outer corner, given that this portion has a greater radius of curvature, laterally spreading the luminous image produced. The fact of combining an inclination by an angle γ of at least one of the two edges of a zone, said at least one edge having such a downward step, with a configuration of said zone to form an image with an inclined upper cut-off, is interesting because it makes it possible to solve the problem of spreading of the image in that the spreading then takes place along said cut.

is a perspective view of a reflector with longitudinal zones;

is a II-II sectional view of the reflector of Figure 1;

is a III-III sectional view of the reflector of Figure 1;

is a representation of a reflector zone, with edges aligned with the optical axis and in downward profile, and producing a tilt-cut image;

is a representation of a reflector zone, with edges sloping with respect to the optical axis and with a descending profile, and producing a sloping cut-off image;

is a representation of a reflector zone, with edges aligned with the optical axis and with a V profile, and producing a horizontal cut-off image;

is a representation of a reflector zone, with edges aligned with the optical axis and in downward profile, and producing a horizontal cut-off image;

is a representation of a light module according to a first embodiment of the invention;

is an IX-IX sectional view of the reflector of the light module of Figure 8;

is a representation of a light module according to a second embodiment of the invention;

is an XI-XI sectional view of the reflector of the light module of Figure 10.

detailed description

In this document and in particular in the following description, the notions "front" and "rear" are to be understood according to the main direction of propagation of the light beam along the optical axis. Also, the notion of "longitudinal" is understood along the optical axis of the light module. Consequently, the notion of "transverse" means perpendicular to the optical axis of the light module. Also, the notions "horizontal" and "vertical" mean when the light module is in the normal mounting position, as shown in the figures. The notion of upper cut-off, horizontal or inclined, of a light beam corresponds to an abrupt variation in light intensity, forming a clear boundary allowing in particular an adjustment of the light beam. By abrupt variation in luminous intensity, we mean a variation of the logarithm, in base 10, of the luminous intensity for an angular variation of 0.1° in a direction perpendicular to the cut-off which is greater than or equal to 0.13. The notion of absence of upper cut-off, horizontal or inclined, corresponds to a variation as defined above less than or equal to 0.1; preferably less than or equal to 0.05.

Figure 1 illustrates in perspective a reflector with longitudinal zones, potentially according to the state of the art. The reflector 2 comprises a generally extended substrate 2.1 with a reflection surface 2.2 on one of the faces of said substrate. The reflection surface 2.2 has a generally parabolic profile with several zones 2.2.1-2.2.5 adjacent to each other extending longitudinally. A light source 4 is arranged opposite the reflective surface surface 2.2 so that said light source illuminates said reflective surface. The light source 4 is located at the focal point of the parabolic profile of the reflection surface 2.2. Each of the zones 2.2.1-2.2.5 produces a specific light image so that the combination of these light images produces a desired light beam, such as for example a lighting beam with a horizontal upper cut-off, possibly with a projection at a central part of the cut. To this end, each of the zones 2.2.1-2.2.5 has a specific geometry, so that the junctions between the zones form local geometric variations.

The substrate 2.1 of the reflector 2 is made of plastic material, such as thermoplastic in particular. After injection molding, the reflection surface 2.2 must be covered with a metallized layer in order to give it reflective properties. For this purpose, a varnish-based coating is first deposited directly on the substrate. This varnish is necessary to achieve a satisfactory surface condition, i.e. with reduced roughness compared to that of the raw substrate, i.e. without coating.

Figures 2 and 3 are two views along sections II-II and III-III of the reflector in Figure 1, illustrating two types of local geometric variation at the junction between two adjacent zones, and more particularly the effect of the aforementioned varnish.

Figure 2 shows the profile of the reflective surface between adjacent areas 2.2.3 and 2.2.4 (Figure 1). A layer of varnish 6 is present on the reflection surface 2.2, in this case on the areas 2.2.3 and 2.2.4 shown. It can be observed that the reflection surface 2.2 forms a step between the zones 2.2.3 2.2.4. As indicated previously, this local geometric variation is due to the fact that zones 2.2.3 and 2.2.4 have distinct geometries. It can be observed that the varnish 6 has a non-constant thickness at the step. This variation is mainly due to surface tension and gravity phenomena present during the application of the varnish in the liquid phase. Going from zone 2.2.3 to zone 2.2.4 we can observe that the thickness of the varnish gradually decreases to the inside corner of the step. In the inside corner of the step, the outer surface of the varnish forms a greater radius of curvature than that of the corner in question, at the level of the bare substrate 2.1. The thickness of the varnish remains reduced on the rising face of the step up to the outside corner and then gradually increases in zone 2.2.4 as you move away from the step. It can also be observed that the outer surface of the varnish at the level of the outer corner has a radius of curvature greater than that of the corner in question, at the level of the bare substrate 2.1.

Figure 3 shows the profile of the reflective surface between adjacent areas 2.2.4 and 2.2.5 (Figure 1). The layer of varnish 6 mentioned above is present on the reflection surface 2.2, in this case on the areas 2.2.4 and 2.2.5 shown. The reflection surface 2.2 here forms at the junction between the zones 2.2.4 and 2.2.5 a groove due to a slope inversion of the profile. Going from zone 2.2.4 to zone 2.2.5, we can observe that the thickness of the varnish gradually decreases to the groove and then gradually increases again. It can be observed that the outer surface of the varnish has at the level of the groove a radius of curvature greater than that of the reflection surface 2.2 on the bare substrate 2.1.

Figure 4 illustrates the effects of the varnish coating on the descending junctions of a reflective region forming a slanted top-cut image. To this end, FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of reflector 2 similar to that of FIG. 1 and whose reflection surface 2.2 comprises a longitudinal zone with two side edges forming descending steps. By descending step, we mean that the transverse profile of the reflection surface forms a descending step, or even a descending step, moving away transversely from the zone in question towards the adjacent zone. The notion of descent is to be considered starting from the reflection surface when the latter is directed upwards (as illustrated in FIG. 1). Figure 4 also illustrates the light image produced by the area in question, on a frame of reference with a horizontal axis H and a vertical axis V. The intersection of these axes corresponds to the optical axis. The luminous image in continuous line is the theoretical image, that is to say without disturbing effect linked to the variations in thickness of the varnish as described above in relation to FIG. 2. The luminous images in broken line correspond to the images resulting from the disturbing effect linked to the variations in thickness of the varnish. Referring to the description of Figure 2, the outer surface of the varnish has at the upper corner of the step a greater radius of curvature than that of the reflection surface on the bare substrate. This means that the light rays incident on the lateral edges of the zone will be deflected more laterally, causing a horizontal spreading and, therefore, a horizontal displacement of the inclined upper cut-off.

The inclined upper cutoff presents an inclination β with respect to the horizontal (H). This inclination is obtained by an inclination α of the light source 4 with respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and horizontal. The inclinations α and β can be identical but not necessarily while remaining close, for example with a maximum difference of 5°. The geometry of the reflection zone can indeed be sized to compensate for a difference between the inclinations α and β.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4 except that the two side edges of the reflection zone are inclined at an angle γ with respect to the optical axis, more precisely with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the optical axis. Figure 5 is a top view where the side edges of the zones are projected onto a horizontal plane parallel to the optical axis, and thus shows the angle γ in this plane. The angle γ is actually between a vertical plane parallel to the optical axis and the projection of the side edges on a plane perpendicular to said axis. This inclination γ is close to the inclination α of the light source and therefore also to the inclination β of the upper cut-off. It can be observed that the shift of the light images is along the direction of the upper cutoff. This phenomenon is due to the fact that the two lateral edges of the reflection zone are close to an orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the light source 4. Indeed, the inclined upper cutoff is produced by an image of the front edge of the light source. The transverse profile of the two lateral edges, having larger radii of curvature than on the bare substrate, will spread the light, in particular the light rays coming from the front edge of the light source. This spreading will then take place in a direction perpendicular to the two side edges, namely the direction of the front edge of the light source or at least a direction close to that of said front edge. Simulations and tests have shown that a difference of a maximum of 10° between the angle of inclination γ and the angles of inclination α and β (which are potentially equal) does not substantially affect the horizontal position of the cutoff superior.

It follows from FIGS. 4 and 5 that the fact of providing a longitudinal zone with an inclined upper cut-off of a zone reflector with lateral edges inclined in the direction corresponding to the inclination of the cut-off makes it possible not to modify the horizontal position of the inclined cut despite the variations in varnish thickness mentioned above.

Figure 6 illustrates the effects of varnish coating on the groove junctions of a reflective region forming an image with a horizontal top cutoff. Referring to the description of Figure 3, the outer surface of the varnish at the groove has a greater radius of curvature than that of the reflection surface on the bare substrate. The profile of the outer surface of the varnish at the level of the groove, however, remains essentially parallel to that of the reflection surface on the bare substrate. Also, the thickness of the varnish gradually decreases to the groove. This means that the external surface of the varnish presents at the level of the groove a longitudinal profile which is offset with respect to the theoretical profile, namely that of the surface of reflection on the bare substrate added to the nominal thickness of varnish. This shift causes a defocusing of the light rays causing an upward deformation of the upper cut-off, as shown by the broken line on the light image represented on the horizontal H and vertical V axes.

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 except that the two lateral edges of the reflection zone have junctions that no longer form a groove but indeed form a downward step. Referring to the description of Figure 2 and also of Figure 4, the outer surface of the varnish at the outer corner of the step has a greater radius of curvature than that of the reflection surface on the bare substrate. This means that the rays incident at the outside corner of the step will be reflected more laterally and thus spread the light image without modifying the upper horizontal cut-off.

It follows from FIGS. 6 and 7 that the fact of providing at a longitudinal zone with a horizontal upper cut-off of a reflector with zones of the lateral edges with junctions in descending direction makes it possible not to modify the vertical position of the cut-off despite the variations of varnish thickness mentioned above.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a light module with a zoned reflector, of the type of that of Figure 1, according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 is a schematic representation, top view, of the module as well as a schematic representation of the light images produced by the different zones. Figure 9 is an IX-IX sectional view of the reflector of Figure 8.

The light module 101 comprises a reflector 102 with a substrate 102.1 made of plastic material, generally extended and advantageously forming a cap. The substrate 102.1 comprises a hollow face forming a reflection surface 102.2. This reflection surface 102.2 is intended to be covered with a smoothing varnish and then with a metallic coating in order to make it reflective. The reflective surface 102.2 has a generally parabolic longitudinal profile and includes areas 102.2.1-102.2.7 extending longitudinally and laterally adjacent to each other. Each of the zones 102.2.1-102.2.7 has a specific geometry, such that the junctions between the zones form local geometric variations.

The light module 101 comprises a light source 104, in this case of the semiconductor type such as in particular an electroluminescence diode, with a rectangular illuminating surface with an edge with 104.1 and a rear edge 104.2. These two edges are advantageously parallel. The illuminating surface has a main axis parallel to the front edge 104.1. It can be observed that this main axis and therefore the front edge 104.1 are inclined at an angle α with respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis.

Zone 102.2.4 of reflection surface 102.2 is in a central position in that it is crossed by the optical axis. This area is configured to form a bright image with a slanted top cutoff. This image is visible on the representation of light images with the horizontal axis H and the vertical axis H. The intersection of these axes corresponds to the optical axis of the light module. The luminous image with a tilted upper cutoff is identifiable by the hatching identical to that of zone 102.2.3. The inclined upper cut is inclined at an angle β with respect to the horizontal H, this angle being advantageously equal to α. The light image in question is mainly lateral to the vertical axis V, in this case to the right of said axis. For this purpose, the inclined upper cut-off is secant, at least approximately, at the intersection of the horizontal axis H and the vertical axis V. The position of the light image in question to the right of the vertical axis V corresponds to a cut-off lighting function for left-hand drive, it being understood that the image in question may be located to the left of said axis. Zone 102.2.4 has two lateral edges inclined at an angle γ with respect to the optical axis. The remarks relating to this angle made previously in relation to figure 5 apply to figure 8.

Zones 102.2.3 and 102.2.5 are adjacent to zone 102.2.4 forming the image with an inclined upper cut-off, on either side laterally of said zone. These two zones 102.2.3 and 102.2.5 have outer edges, laterally, parallel to the optical axis. They therefore have generally triangular shapes, possibly truncated. These two areas 102.2.3 and 102.2.5, together with areas 102.2.1, 102.2.2 and 102.2.7, are configured to form a light image with no upper cutoff and laterally extended. This luminous image can be identified by the hatching identical to that on the areas in question. We can observe that the upper part of this luminous image is below and at a distance from the horizontal axis H.

Area 102.2.6 is adjacent to Area 102.2.5, laterally outside of said area. This area produces a bright, horizontal top-cut image. It is identifiable with the representation of the luminous images with the horizontal axis H and the vertical axis H by hatching identical to those of the zone in question. It can be observed that the upper horizontal cutoff is essentially at the level of the horizontal axis H. Advantageously, the light image in question is offset laterally opposite the light image with inclined upper cutoff, so that these two light images, in combination, ensure the upper part of a horizontal upper cut-off lighting function with a jump (commonly referred to by the Anglo-Saxon term “kink”). The configuration shown is for left-hand drive, it being understood that an inverted configuration for right-hand drive is possible.

FIG. 9 is a view in section IX-IX of the reflector 102 of FIG. 8. The transverse profile of the reflection surface 102.2 can be observed, in particular the junctions between the zones.

The zone 102.2.4 producing the luminous image with an oblique upper cut-off has lateral edges forming steps descending laterally towards the directly adjacent zones, namely the zones 102.2.3 and 102.2.5. With reference to FIG. 5 and the associated description, the combination of the descending steps and the inclination of an angle γ of the side edges with respect to the optical axis allows the optical disturbances produced by the varnish at the level of the junctions with the adjacent areas not to substantially alter the position of the slanted upper cutoff.

Zone 102.2.6 producing the horizontal top-cut light image is directly adjacent to zone 102.2.5. Also the zone 102.2.7 participating in producing the laterally extended light image and without upper cut is directly adjacent to the zone 102.2.6. The junctions between zone 102.2.5 and zone 102.2.6 as well as between zone 102.2.6 and zone 102.2.7 also form descending steps (outwards laterally). With reference to FIG. 7 and the associated description, the presence at the outer lateral edge of the zone 102.2.6 allows the optical disturbances produced by the varnish at the level of the junction with the adjacent zone 102.2.7 not to modify substantially the position of the upper horizontal cut. As for the inner side edge of area 102.2.6, i.e. adjacent to area 102.2.5, the inside corner of the descending step is located in the shadow of the light rays from the light source , meaning that the geometric variations caused by the varnish at this point have no impact on the luminous image produced.

Areas 102.2.1, 102.2.2, 102.2.3, 102.5 and 102.2.7 together form the laterally extended light image with no upper cutoff. The junctions between these zones, more specifically from zone 102.2.3 to zone 102.2.1, and from zone 102.2.5 to zone 102.2.6 in this case form descending steps. With reference to Figures 4 and 6, the optical disturbances produced by the varnish at these junctions will laterally shift the light image produced, which is acceptable. With reference to figure 6 and the associated description, it should be noted that these junctions do not necessarily have to form descending steps, they can for example form grooves, in which case the image produced will be offset vertically, which is also acceptable. given the fact that this image does not have an upper cut-off and that it is advantageously at a distance below the horizontal axis H (FIG. 8).

In general, it should be noted that the fact of providing junctions in descending step, that is to say laterally from the optical axis towards the outside, makes it possible to put the interior corner of each step in the shadow of the light beam produced by the light source and, therefore, to avoid multiple reflections, that is to say on the mounting face of the step in second reflection.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a zone reflector, of the type of that of Figure 1, according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 is a schematic representation, seen from above, of the module as well as a schematic representation of the light images produced by the different zones. FIG. 11 is a sectional view XI-XI of the reflector of FIG. 10. The reference signs of the first embodiment are used to designate identical or corresponding elements, these numbers being however increased by 100. reference to the description of these elements.

Similar to the first embodiment, the central zone 202.2.3 of the reflection surface is configured to produce a light image with an inclined upper cut-off and has side edges inclined at an angle γ with respect to the optical axis. The remarks relating to this angle made previously in relation to figure 5 apply to figure 10.

Unlike the first embodiment, the reflection surface 202.2 comprises two zones 202.2.2 and 202.24 producing a light image with a horizontal upper cutoff, these two zones being directly adjacent to the central zone 202.2.3.

Similar to the first embodiment, the reflective surface 202.2 includes outer (lateral) areas to form a laterally extended light image with no upper cutoff, namely areas 202.2.1 and 202.2.5.

In FIG. 11 being a sectional view IX-IX of the reflector 202 of FIG. 10, it can be observed that, similar to the first embodiment, the zone 202.2.3 producing the light image with an oblique upper cut-off has lateral edges forming steps descending laterally to the directly adjacent areas, namely areas 202.2.2 and 202.2.4. Still similarly to the first embodiment, the combination of the descending steps and the inclination of an angle γ of the side edges with respect to the optical axis allows the optical disturbances produced by the varnish at the level of the junctions with the adjacent zones of do not substantially alter the position of the inclined upper cutoff.

Zones 202.2.2 and 202.2.4 producing the horizontal top-cut light image are directly adjacent to central zone 102.2.3 and outer zones 202.2.1 and 202.2.5. The presence of descending steps between the central zone 202.2.3 and the adjacent zones 202.2.2 and 202.2.4 has the effect of placing the interior corner of each of the steps in the shadow of the light beam produced by the light source. Thus variations in the thickness of the varnish at these junctions have no impact on the light image produced. As regards the external junctions, that is to say with the external zones 202.2.1 and 202.2.5, they are in the form of a downward step, meaning that the progressive reduction in thickness of the varnish towards the external corner of each of these steps will spread out the light image somewhat without changing the vertical position of the upper horizontal cutoff.

Generally, the descending step(s) have a height greater than 0.5mm and/or less than 2.5mm. Each of the inner and outer corners advantageously forms an angle of between 80° and 100°.

The two embodiments described above are given by way of examples, it being extended that a large number of other configurations in accordance with the invention are possible.

Claims (15)

Light module (101; 201), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising:
- a light source (104; 204) capable of emitting light rays;
- a reflection surface (102.2; 202.2) intended to be covered with a varnish and configured to reflect the light rays so as to form a light beam with an upper cut-off, said reflection surface comprising a first zone (102.2.4, 102.2 .6; 202.2.2, 202.2.3, 202.2.4) extending longitudinally and configured to form an upper cutoff light image and a second region (102.2.3, 102.2.5; 202.2.2) and a third region (102.2.5, 102.2.7; 202.2.4) extending longitudinally along the first zone (102.2.4, 102.2.6; 202.2.2, 202.2.3, 202.2.4), respectively on either side and d other of said first zone;
characterized in that
the reflection surface (102.2; 202.2) has a transverse profile forming a downward step from the first zone (102.2.4, 102.2.6; 202.2.2, 202.2.3, 202.2.4) towards each of the second (102.2.3 , 102.2.5; 202.2.2) and third (102.2.5, 102.2.7; 202.2.4) zones. Light module (101; 201) according to claim 1, characterized in that the downward running profile extends over more than 70% of the longitudinal extent of the first zone (102.2.4, 102.2.6; 202.2.2 , 202.2.3, 202.2.4). Light module (101; 201) according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that each of the descending steps has a height greater than 0.5mm and/or less than 2.5mm. Light module (101; 201) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the descending steps is formed by an exterior corner and an interior corner adjacent to said exterior corner, each of said corners forming an angle between 80° and 100°. Light module (101; 201) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the upper cutoff of the upper cutoff light image formed by the first region (102.2.4; 202.2.3) of the reflecting surface (102.2; 202.2) has an inclination of an angle β with respect to a horizontal direction (H), said first zone having lateral edges forming an inclination of an angle γ with respect to a vertical plane parallel to the optical axis , and or . Light module (101; 201) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the angle β is between 15° and 45° and the angle γ is greater than or equal to 5°. Light module (101; 201) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the reflecting surface (102.2; 202.2) comprises a fourth zone (102.2.2, 102.2.6; 202.2.1, 202.2.5) extending longitudinally along one of the second (102.2.3, 102.2.5; 202.2.2) and third (102.2.5, 102.2.7; 202.2.4) zones, said fourth zone having side edges parallel to the optical axis and the reflection surface has a transverse profile forming a downward step from said one of the second and third zones towards the fourth zone. light module (201); according to one of Claims 5 and 6, and according to Claim 7, characterized in that at least one of the second (202.2.2) and third (202.2.4) zones has an outer lateral edge parallel to the optical axis , the light image of said at least one of the second and third zones has a horizontal top cutoff, and the fourth zone (202.2.1, 202.2.5) is configured to form a light image without a top cutoff. Light module (101) according to one of Claims 5 and 6, and according to Claim 7, characterized in that the fourth zone (102.2.6) is configured to form a light image with a horizontal upper cut-off. Light module (101) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the second zone (102.2.3, 102.2.5) and the third zone (102.2.5, 102.2.7) are configured to form one or more light images without interruption superior. Light module (101; 201) according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the reflecting surface (102.2; 202.2) comprises a fifth zone (102.2.2; 202.2.5, 202.2.1) extending longitudinally along the other (102.2.3; 202.2.4, 202.2.2) of the second and third regions, said fifth region being configured to form a light image without an upper cutoff. Light module (101; 201) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the light source (104; 204) is of the semiconductor type with a flat illuminating surface, the said illuminating surface having a front edge (104.1 204.1) inclined at an angle α with respect to a direction perpendicular to the optical axis and in the plane of said illuminating surface. Light module (101; 201) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the angle α is greater than or equal to 10° and/or less than or equal to 45°. Light module (101; 201) according to one of Claims 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11, and according to one of Claims 12 and 13, characterized in that the first zone (102.2.4; 202.2. 3) of the reflective surface (102.2; 202.2) is directly above the light source (104; 204). Light module (101; 201) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the reflection surface (102.2; 202.2) is on a reflector (101; 202) made of thermosetting material.