FR3142530A1 - Lighting device for motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a light device (1) for a vehicle (2) comprising: - a housing (10) with an open front face (10.1), - a primary light source (11) configured to emit primary light rays (r1 ), - a collector (12) configured to generate from said primary light rays (r1) a first light beam (Fx1) in the direction of an optical output element (13), - said optical output element (13) arranged on said front face (10.1), characterized in that: - said light device (1) comprises an optical module (14) arranged inside said housing (10) and configured to generate a second light beam (Fx2) in the direction of said optical output element (13), - said optical output element (13) is configured to transmit a global light beam (F1) formed by said first light beam (Fx1) and said second light beam (Fx2) towards the outside of said vehicle (2). Figure for abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Lighting device for motor vehicle

The present invention relates to a lighting device for a vehicle. It finds a particular but non-limiting application in motor vehicles.

In the field of motor vehicles, a vehicle lighting device well known to those skilled in the art comprises:
- a case with an open front,
- at least one light source configured to emit light rays which reflect on at least one collector,
- said at least one collector configured to generate, from said light rays, a light beam in the direction of an optical output element,
- said at least one optical output element comprising a plurality of optical sub-elements and configured to transmit said light beam towards the outside of said vehicle.

A disadvantage of this prior state of the art cited is that the light beam transmitted by the different optical output sub-elements has the consequence of having an inhomogeneous appearance of the light seen by an observer from outside the vehicle.

In this context, the present invention aims to propose a lighting device for a vehicle which proposes to resolve the mentioned drawback.

To this end, the invention proposes a lighting device for a vehicle, said lighting device comprising:
- a case with an open front,
- at least one primary light source configured to emit primary light rays which reflect on at least one collector,
- said at least one collector configured to generate a first light beam from said primary light rays and direct it towards at least one optical output element,
- said at least optical output element arranged on said front face of said housing,
characterized in that:
- said light device further comprises an optical module configured to generate a second light beam in the direction of said at least one optical output element, said optical module being arranged inside said housing,
and in that :
- said at least one optical output element is configured to generate an overall light beam formed by said first light beam and said second light beam and transmit it to the outside of said vehicle.

Thus, as we will see in detail later, the fact of having the second light beam in addition to the first light beam will make it possible to have a homogeneous appearance of the light transmitted by the light device.

According to non-limiting embodiments, said light device may also include one or more additional characteristics taken alone or in all technically possible combinations, among the following.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said optical module is a cylindrical or planar light guide.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one optical output element is a lens.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said housing comprises a lower part and an upper part and said optical module is arranged on said lower part.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said light device further comprises at least one secondary light source configured to generate secondary light rays which cooperate with said optical module so as to generate said second light beam.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one optical output element comprises optical sub-elements.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said housing comprises a lower part and an upper part, and at least one of the lower or upper faces comprises partitions for separating said optical sub-elements from said optical output element.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said light device comprises a plurality of primary light sources associated with each of the optical sub-elements of said optical output element.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one secondary light source is configured to be activated during the day when said at least one primary light source is deactivated so that said optical module generates said second light beam.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one secondary light source is configured to be activated at night when said at least one primary light source is activated so that said optical module generates said second light beam.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, said light device is a lighting and/or signaling device.

According to a non-limiting embodiment, the primary light source is a semiconductor light source. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the secondary light source is a semiconductor light source. According to a non-limiting embodiment, the semiconductor light source is part of a light-emitting diode or a laser diode.

The invention and its various applications will be better understood on reading the following description and examining the accompanying figures:

is a schematic top profile view of a light device comprising a primary light source, at least one collector associated with said primary light source, an optical module with which a secondary light source is associated, and an optical output element , according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention,

is a rear view of the optical output element of the light device of the , said output element comprising optical sub-elements, according to a non-limiting embodiment,

is a perspective view of the light device of the , according to a first non-limiting embodiment,

is a perspective view of the light device of the , according to a second non-limiting embodiment,

is a front view of a vehicle with headlights comprising a night light signature obtained by means of the light device of the ,

is a front view of a vehicle with headlights comprising a daytime light signature obtained by means of the light device of the .

Identical elements, by structure or function, appearing in different figures retain, unless otherwise specified, the same references.

The lighting device 1 for vehicle 2 according to the invention is described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle 2 is a motor vehicle. By motor vehicle we mean any type of motorized vehicle. This embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description. In the remainder of the description, the vehicle 2 is thus otherwise called motor vehicle 2. The motor vehicle 2 has a longitudinal axis Ox called vehicle axis Ox. In a non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 is a lighting device to which signaling can be added to make it a lighting and signaling device. In non-limiting alternative embodiments, the light device 1 is a front headlight.

As illustrated on the , the light device 1 includes:
- a box 10,
- at least one primary light source 11,
- at least one collector 12 associated with said at least one light source 11,
- at least one optical output element 13,
- an optical module 14.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 further comprises at least one secondary light source 15 associated with said optical module 14.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 comprises:
- a single primary light source 11,
- a single collector 12 associated with said at least one light source 11,
- a single optical output element 13.

This non-limiting embodiment is taken as a non-limiting example in the remainder of the description.

The elements of the light device 1 are described in detail below.

As illustrated on the , the box 10 includes:
- a front face 10.1 which is open,
- a rear face 10.2 which is closed,
- a lower part 10.3,
- an upper part 10.4.

The housing 10 is configured to receive the primary light source 11, the optical module 14 and said at least one associated secondary light source 15.

In a first non-limiting embodiment illustrated on the , the housing 10 does not have partitions 100.

In a second non-limiting alternative embodiment, at least one of the lower parts 10.3 or upper parts 10.4 of the housing 10 comprises partitions 100 for separating optical sub-elements 130 (illustrated on the ) of the optical output element 13. In a non-limiting embodiment, the partitions 100 are distributed equidistantly. As illustrated in the non-limiting example of the , the two lower parts 10.3 and upper 10.4 comprise such partitions 100. In this case, it will be noted that the optical output element 13 and the optical module 14 are placed in front of these partitions 100. The partitions 100 in fact prevent the light coming from a primary light source 11 associated with an optical sub-element 130 does not pass through the adjacent optical sub-element. The partitions 100 thus prevent light leaks from one optical sub-element 130 to another optical sub-element 130. Thus, the partitions 100 make it possible to locally diffuse the light coming from the optical module 14.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary light source 11 is a semiconductor light source. In a non-limiting embodiment, the semiconductor light source is part of a light-emitting diode or a laser diode. By light-emitting diode, we mean any type of light-emitting diode, whether in non-limiting examples of LEDs (“Light Emitting Diode” in English), OLEDs (“Organic LED” in English), AMOLEDs (“Active-Matrix”). -Organic LED” in English), or even FOLED (“Flexible OLED” in English). It is the same for the secondary light source(s) 15.

As illustrated on the , the primary light source 11 is configured to emit primary light rays r1, otherwise called light rays r1; which will arrive on the collector 12 and be reflected on it. In a non-limiting embodiment, the primary light source 11 is arranged on an electronic support 16, such as in a non-limiting example a PCBA card (“Printed Circuit Board Assembly”).

The collector 12 comprises a support in the form of a shell or cap, and a reflective surface (not shown) on the interior face of the support, the reflective surface comprising an elliptical or parabolic type profile.

The collector 12 is configured to collect the primary light rays r1 and generate from said light rays r1 a first light beam Fx1 and direct it towards the optical output element 13. The primary light rays r1 reflecting on said surface reflective of the collector 12. When there is a plurality of collectors 12, all of the collectors 12 form a so-called multi-cavity reflector. The first light beam Fx1 together with the second light beam Fx2 (described later) will form a global light beam F1 of the light device 1. The first light beam Fx1 makes it possible to carry out a photometric lighting function f1 and the second light beam Fx2 allows to perform at night part of a photometric signaling function f2 (if it exists) and during the day part of a daytime photometric function f3 (daytime lighting), otherwise called DRL “Daytime Running Light” in English.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the overall light beam F1 is a segmented light beam. We can thus turn off certain segments so as not to dazzle a vehicle arriving in front of said motor vehicle 2 for example. In this case, the reflecting surface of the collector 12 has several vertical sectors.

In a first non-limiting embodiment, the first light beam Fx1 is a high beam, i.e. it does not have any cutoff.

In a second non-limiting embodiment, the first light beam Fx1 is a code beam (otherwise called low beam), namely it has an inclined cut-off and a flat cut-off. The flat cut and the inclined cut delimit the upper part of the respective portion of the first light beam Fx1. It thus has two parts, including a first portion (not illustrated) which is an inclined cut called “kink” in English including in particular an inclined part; and a second portion (not shown) which is a flat cut called “Flat” in English. In a non-limiting embodiment, the inclined cutoff comprises an inclined part and a flat part forming an angle between them.

In a non-limiting alternative embodiment of the first non-limiting embodiment and the second non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 is a light of very low height between 5 and 7 millimeters. In this case, in a non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the , the output optical element 13 comprises optical sub-elements 130 adjacent to each other which each produce a part of the first light beam Fx1. The latter is composed of a wide sub-beam produced from several optical sub-elements 130.1 illustrated on the and several sub-range beams, produced from sub-optical elements illustrated in 130.2 on the . The optical sub-elements 130.1 and 130.2 are called “spots” in English. Such an optical output element 13 is called a “line lens” in English. The different optical sub-elements 130 thus do not project light in the same way at the same location. The light emitted is thus more or less intense.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the optical output element 13 is a projection lens, otherwise called a lens. It is a converging projection lens which projects the image of the reflecting surface to infinity. In non-limiting embodiments, the projection lens is plano-convex or convex-convex or a meniscus.

As illustrated on the , the optical output element 13 is arranged on the front face 10.1 of the housing 10. The optical output element 13 is configured to generate the overall light beam F1 and transmit it to the outside of the motor vehicle 2 relatively according to the vehicle axis Ox, said overall light beam F1 being formed by the first light beam Fx1 and the second light beam Fx2.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the output optical element 13 comprises a plurality of optical sub-elements 130 which make it possible to perform different sub-functions such as a wide sub-beam and range sub-beams. In this case, in a non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 comprises a plurality of primary light sources 11 associated with each of the optical sub-elements 130 of said optical output element 13.

It will be noted that when the overall light beam F1 presents a first light beam Fx1 composed of two portions, in a non-limiting embodiment, the light device 1 comprises two optical output elements 13, one of which is associated with the first portion of said first light beam Fx1 and the other is associated with the second portion of said first light beam Fx1. It will be noted that in this case, in a non-limiting embodiment, the two optical output elements 13 have the same common longitudinal axis perpendicular to the vehicle axis Ox. This makes it possible to create a code beam. The first portion represents the inclined cut called “kink”. It is otherwise called inclined cutoff or cutoff. The second portion represents the so-called “flat” cut. It is otherwise called flat cut or cutoff. In this case, in a non-limiting embodiment, a collector 12 is used to produce the first portion ("kink") of the first light beam Fx1 and three collectors 12 are used to produce the second portion ("Flat") of the first light beam Fx1.

As illustrated on the , the optical module 14 is configured to generate a second light beam Fx2 in the direction of said optical output element 13. Said second light beam Fx2 thus forms with the first light beam Fx1 the overall light beam F1 of the light device 1.

To generate the second light beam Fx2, the optical module 14 is associated with at least one secondary light source 15. In a first non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the , it is associated with a single secondary light source 15. In a second non-limiting embodiment, it is associated with two secondary light sources 15. The optical module 14 comprises at least one end facing which a light source secondary 15 is arranged. Thus, in the non-limiting example of the , a single secondary light source 15 is arranged opposite one of the ends of the optical module 14. Thus, in the non-limiting example of the , two secondary light sources 15 are arranged opposite each of the ends of the optical module 14. They are thus arranged on either side of the optical module 14. The secondary light source(s) 15 are configured to emit light rays secondary r2 (illustrated in Figures 3 and 4) which cooperate with the optical module 14 so as to generate the second light beam Fx2. The secondary light rays r2 enter the optical module 14 through one of its ends and pass through the optical module 14 so as to generate the second light beam Fx2.

The optical module 14 is arranged inside the housing 10. In a non-limiting embodiment, it is arranged on the lower part 10.3 of the housing 10. This avoids placing it in front of the primary light source 11. Consequently, it does not interfere with the first light beam generated by the collector 12. Furthermore, there is no need to increase the volume of the housing 10 since there is space in the lower part 10.3 to place the optical module 14.

In non-limiting embodiments, the optical module 14 is a cylindrical light guide or a planar light guide. It is thus otherwise called light guide 14. In the non-limiting example of the , it is cylindrical. As illustrated on the , when it is arranged on the lower part 10.3 of the housing 10, the light guide 14 is arranged below with respect to the output optical element 13 and with respect to the primary light source 11. As illustrated on Figures 3 and 4, the light guide 14 extends all along the optical output element 13 so that its second light beam Fx2 can be distributed over the entire length of the optical output element 13. The light guide 14 is thus configured to illuminate the optical output element 13. It will be noted that the light guide 14 is visible through the optical output element 13.

It will be noted that the light guide 14 illuminates in the direction of the optical output element 13 and does not illuminate in the direction of the collector 12 and the second light beam Fx2 is oriented in the direction of the optical output element 13 and is not oriented towards the collector 12.

In non-limiting embodiments, the optical module 14 is fixed to the housing 10 by bolting, welding or screwing.

In a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one secondary light source 15 is configured to be activated during the day when the primary light source 11 is deactivated so that the optical module 14 generates said second light beam Fx2. Thus, the optical module 14 illuminates the optical output element 13 during the day while the primary light source 11 is turned off. It is thus visible through the optical output element 13 and it illuminates it.

In a non-limiting embodiment, said at least one secondary light source 15 is configured to be activated at night when said at least one primary light source 11 is activated so that said optical module 14 generates said second light beam.

Thus, the optical module 14 illuminates the optical output element 13 also at night. It is visible through the optical output element 13 and it illuminates it. Thus, when the main light source 11 is turned on when the motor vehicle 2 is driving at night, the same appearance is obtained for the light signature as when the motor vehicle 2 is driving during the day, namely when the main light source 11 is off. and that the daytime running lights called DRL lights are on. Note that the light signature is characteristic of a manufacturer or model.

There illustrates a night light signature (in the shape of an inclined V) of the motor vehicle 2. It can be seen that the first light beam Fx1 makes it possible to carry out the photometric lighting function f1, the second light beam Fx2 makes it possible to carry out part of the photometric signaling function f2, while, in a non-limiting embodiment, the other part of the photometric signaling function f2 is produced by a third light beam Fx3 generated by a complementary light module not illustrated to complete the light signature of night. There illustrates a daytime light signature (in the shape of an inclined V) of the motor vehicle 2. It can be seen that there is no first light beam Fx1, and that the second light beam Fx2 makes it possible to carry out part of the function daytime photometric f3, while, in a non-limiting embodiment, the other part of the daytime photometric function f3 is carried out by the third light beam Fx3 generated the complementary light module not illustrated to complete the daytime light signature.

Furthermore, this makes it possible to improve the homogeneity of the light emitted by the light device 1, namely of the overall light beam F1. Thus, we obtain an equi-luminance whatever the angle of view at which an observer (illustrated by an eye on the ) is positioned to observe the light device 1 from outside the motor vehicle 2. Such equi-luminance corresponds to homogeneity of the light emitted which is requested by automobile manufacturers. Thus, particularly in the case of a "line" light, the light emitted by the light device 1 is no longer heterogeneous, but homogeneous, whether we place ourselves in front of the light beam Fx or on the sides and whatever either the viewing angle, whether vertical or horizontal. We no longer see more or less intense points of light due to the “spot” sub-beams described previously.

Of course the description of the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and to the field described above. Thus, in another non-limiting embodiment, the optical output element(s) 12 are mirrors instead of projection lenses. Thus, when there are a plurality of collectors 12 and a plurality of primary light sources 11, each collector 12 is associated with a primary light source 11 and is configured to collect and direct its respective primary light rays r1 so as to generate the first light beam Fx1 and direct it towards the optical output element(s) 13 or towards the optical sub-elements 130 of the optical output element 13.

Thus, the invention described has in particular the following advantages:
- at night, it makes it possible to give a homogeneous appearance to the light device 1 from the point of view of an external observer, and
- during the day, it allows the light device 1 to contribute to the daytime light signature which is similar to the nighttime light signature,
- it makes it possible to integrate the optical module 14 into a pre-existing light device 1 at a lower cost, and thus not to increase the volume of the resulting light device 1,
- it makes it possible to homogenize the external appearance of the lighting device 1 day and night thanks to the optical module 14 which is visible directly from the exterior of the vehicle 2,
- it allows you to obtain the same light signature day and night

Claims (11)

Lighting device (1) for vehicle (2), said lighting device (1) comprising:
- a box (10) with an open front face (10.1),
- at least one primary light source (11) configured to emit primary light rays (r1) which reflect on at least one collector (12),
- said at least one collector (12) configured to generate from said primary light rays (r1) a first light beam (Fx1) and direct it towards at least one optical output element (13),
- said at least optical output element (13) arranged on said front face (10.1) of said housing (10),
characterized in that:
- said light device (1) further comprises an optical module (14) configured to generate a second light beam (Fx2) in the direction of said at least one optical output element (13), said optical module (14) being arranged at the inside said housing (10),
and in that :
- said at least one optical output element (13) is configured to generate a global light beam (F1) formed by said first light beam (Fx1) and said second light beam (Fx2) and transmit it to the outside of said vehicle ( 2). Light device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said optical module (14) is a cylindrical or planar light guide. Light device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one optical output element (13) is a lens. Light device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said housing (10) comprises a lower part (10.3) and an upper part (10.4) and said optical module (14) is arranged on said lower part (10.3 ). Light device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said light device (1) further comprises at least one secondary light source (15) configured to generate secondary light rays (r2) which cooperate with said module optical (14) so as to generate said second light beam (Fx2). Light device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one output optical element (13) comprises optical sub-elements (130). Light device (1) according to claim 6, wherein said housing (10) comprises a lower part (10.3) and an upper part (10.4), and at least one of the lower (10.3) or upper (10.4) parts comprises partitions (100) for separating said optical sub-elements (130) from said output optical element (13). Light device (1) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein said light device (1) comprises a plurality of primary light sources (11) associated with each of the optical sub-elements (130) of said output optical element ( 13). Light device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said at least one secondary light source (15) is configured to be activated during the day when said at least one primary light source (11) is deactivated so that said optical module (14) generates said second light beam (Fx2). Light device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one secondary light source (15) is configured to be activated at night when said at least one primary light source (11) is activated so that said optical module (14) generates said second light beam (Fx2). Light device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said light device (1) is a lighting device or a lighting and signaling device.